2016-06-07 - Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

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COUNCIL POLICY - ENVIRONMENT LEVY POLICY
 FUNDING PRINCIPLES
 Management of EL funds shall be subject to the following principles.
 1.   Acquisition of Environmentally Significant Land
 a) | Funds can be expended on acquisition of environmentally significant lands. These funds can
      be used for:
      (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.

 b)   Council may seek to maximise opportunities for purchasing lands utilising external funding
      where appropriate.
 c)   The Levy revenue may not be used to acquire land for parks where the primary purpose is
      recreation.
 d)   Any acquisition and disposal of land will be carried out in accordance with the Local
      Government Act 2009.
 e) _ Initiatives able to be undertaken after the land is acquired with Levy funds include but are not
      limited to:
      (i) | The excision and sale of portions of acquired land that are deemed unsuitable for the
            purpose of the Levy and the considered future use will not adversely impact upon the
            identified values of the balance area.
      (ii) | On-selling an acquired site to a purchaser who undertakes a statutory covenant (or
            other statutory mechanism) that is registered on the land title (in accordance with the
            Land Title Act 1994) and expressly protects and manages the conservation values of
            the property.
      (ili) The agistment, hiring, leasing, renting or selling any part, portion or product derived
            from acquired land including any built structures and any agricultural or natural
            resources generated within, on or under the property provided that these activities do
            not conflict with the ecological and waterway protection and management of the
            property and is consistent with other principles contained in this Policy.
f)    Recurrent land management operational costs related to Council owned land should not be
      funded from the Levy, apart from land acquired with the Environment Levy.

 2.   Funding for Voluntary Conservation Agreements
 a)   Costs of surveying the covenant.
 b)   Costs associated with developing the agreement.
 c)   A potential rate contribution when all outcomes of the Environment Management Plan are
      met.

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