2016-06-07 - Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     7 JUNE 2016


2.    Management of Environmental Levy Acquired Land
Since 1996, 32 parcels of land covering 1500ha, have been purchased with the Environment
Levy, with 6 of these parcels dedicated as national park. The acquisition of environmentally
significant land is part of a wider strategy for landscape protection and
preservation/enhancement of biodiversity in Noosa Shire.
However, weed invasions, various land use encroachments, inappropriate recreation use and
feral animals all impact on the environmental values of these reserves. Ongoing management in
the form of weed and pest control as well as fire-trail maintenance is required to protect these
values now and for future generations. Generally, funding of these activities has occurred from
general rates although historically funding for these purposes has been limited. Consequently in
some instances significant works is required to be undertaken and is necessary if the biodiversity
values of these reserves are to be maintained and enhanced in the future.
The levy is not currently used for operational matters, but it would be reasonable to allocate
some of the levy funds towards on-going maintenance costs of land acquired with the
environment levy. This would be consistent with the overall intent of the levy to conserve and/or
improve biodiversity in Noosa Shire. Funding for this purpose may be allocated to the
management of these lands in accordance with Council’s annual budget review and approved
Management Plans for individual reserves, including a fully costed maintenance programme.


Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting, 15 January 2015, Item 6, Page 18
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the General Committee
Meeting dated 12 January 2015 and
A.    Adopt the Noosa Environment Levy Policy as set out in Attachment 1;
B.    Endorse the development of an Environment Levy Guideline to guide the implementation of
      the Environment Levy Policy;
C.    Endorse the development of Strategic Biodiversity Corridor maps to assist with the
      implementation of the Environmental Levy; and
D.    Endorse the formation of an Environment Levy Working Group consisting of the Council
      staff identified in the report minus the Coordinator Financial Services but including
      Councillor Wellington.


Finance & Risk
Costs will be drawn annually from accumulated Environment Levy Funds, subject to budgetary
processes.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil
Internal Consultation
Civil Operations




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