2019-06-28 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA   28 JUNE 2019




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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                                 28 JUNE 2019

  COUNCIL POLICY - ENVIRONMENT LEVY

  Council has established an Environment Levy Working Group (ELWG) to consider, review and make
  recommendations on new Voluntary Conservation Agreements.
  Land for Wildlife (LFW) is a voluntary environmental partnerships program that supports private
  landholders in improving environmental values on their land. This may be done through provision of
  advice, training, networking opportunities and incentives. Land for Wildlife is a nationally recognised
  program and an important introductory program that can lead to future Voluntary Conservation
  Agreements and higher levels of protection.
  Participants in the Land for Wildlife Program must have a genuine commitment to improving the
  values of their property. They must also meet the criteria established for inclusion in the Land for
  Wildlife program. The Conservation Land Guideline will be used to prioritise the properties added to
  the Land for Wildlife program.
  The Private Land Conservation Partnerships Guideline will guide the implementation of the VCA and
  LfW program, including the types and quantity of financial support available.

  3.    Environmental Grants Program
  Council may make provision of funding via an Environment Grants Program administered by Council.
  Grants will be for collaborative community-based initiatives, capacity building and/or research
  projects. Environmental Levy funds may be allocated to these purposes where grant projects are in
  keeping with the purpose of the Levy.
  The Levy amount to be allocated to an Environment Grants program will be determined by Council
  as part of the annual budget process.
  It is expected that projects and initiatives awarded grant funding will be for projects that align with
  existing Noosa Council strategies, policies and plans and will have tangible and measurable
  outcomes.
  The Environment Grants Policy and relevant guidelines will outline the details of the program, such
  as eligibility, how funds are allocated and how applications will be assessed.

  4.    Environmental Projects
  The Levy may fund significant environmental projects or programs that are aligned with key Council
  strategies and plans. Projects will be closely aligned with the Noosa Environment Strategy, and
  contribute toward achieving the strategic outcomes and/or targets identified in the strategy.
  Examples of projects funded could include significant, high-priority environmental restoration
  projects, environmental partnerships with other organisations (Such as research), or implementation
  of programs from key Council strategies (such as the River Plan).
  Projects will have significant positive environmental outcomes, and be in-keeping with the purpose
  of the levy. Community partnership projects and projects that are able to leverage further funding
  will be prioritised.
  Significant environmental projects to be funded from the Environment Levy will be approved by
  Council, either as part of the annual budget process, or with a decision of a Council meeting.

  5.    Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
  Council may choose to allocate a proportion of the Levy funds to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve
  Foundation to support its management and administrative arrangements.,
  The Funding Deed between Noosa Council and the NBRF will guide the parameters under which
  Council may consider this funding.

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