2016-06-07 - Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                           7 JUNE 2016



4                        AMENDMENTS TO ENVIRONMENT LEVY POLICY
DOCUMENT INFORM AT ION




Author                               Manager Planning and Environment, Kerri Coyle
                                     Planning & Infrastructure Department

Index                                ECM/ Subject/ Environment Levy

Attachments                          1.    Amended Environment Levy Policy


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Manager Planning and Environment to the Planning &
Environment Committee Meeting dated 7 June 2016 and adopt the amended Environment Levy
Policy as set out in Attachment 1 to the report.


REPORT
This report considers the funding principles associated with the Environment Levy Policy and
provides recommendations to Council regarding the expenditure of funds to support the
maintenance of acquired lands with the levy.
1.                       Background
The Environment Levy Policy was adopted by Council on the 15 January 2015. The purpose of
the Environment Levy is to raise funds to conserve and/or improve biodiversity in the Noosa
shire. The key aims of the levy are to:
                       Protect environmentally significant land through acquisition;
                       Support the Voluntary Conservation Agreement program where such involvement adds to
                         the protection/enhancement of biodiversity in the Noosa Shire and/or promotes or
                         enhances biodiversity and wildlife corridors; and
                       Allow for the provision of funding to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Trust so that Noosa
                         Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd may undertake projects that are in keeping with the
                         purpose of the Levy.
The Environment Levy generates approximately $1.8M per annum. This levy is apportioned
across the above 3 programmes in accordance with Council’s annual budget review and
programme priorities. In respect to the acquisition of environmentally significant land, the
Environment Levy Policy states the funds can be used for acquisition of lands and
(i)                      Assessment of land under consideration for purchase through the Levy.
(ii)                     The purchase costs of acquiring parcels of land including any associated consultancy, legal
                         fees, transfer fees and background assessments.
(iii)                    Engaging third parties to act on Council’s behalf in the negotiation and acquisition of priority
                         properties.
(iv)                     The immediate establishment costs associated with acquired parcels of land including but
                         not limited to management planning, fencing, weed management and fire management



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