2022-09-06 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   6 SEPTEMBER 2022




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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                          6 SEPTEMBER 2022

               1.0. Welcome by Chair
               Mayor Clare Stewart acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land and thanked the community
               for efforts during the polystyrene disaster.
               1.1.   Round table introductions

              2.0.    Polystyrene Event Outline

               2.1.   Chronology of Pollution Events — Presentation by CEO NSC
               Discussion:
               The polystyrene debris on Eastern Beaches in March 2022 year was an unprecedented
               environmental disaster. Impacts could have been reduced with a more efficient environmental
               disaster response and clear roles and responsibilities. There are useful lessons arising from this
               event that can help building disaster management capabilities for future events.
               There are long-term impacts from polystyrene on wildlife and food chain contamination, as the
               polystyrene will probably never be fully removed from the sand and dunes system.
               Prompt removal of pontoons from surf and polystyrene debris containment is best practice to
               reduce pollutant dispersal.
               The large pontoons posed a safety risk to swimmers and surfers.
               Better use of ocean current simulators to predict flood debris movement across the region
               may be able to provide an early warning system for future events.
               NSC acknowledged the importance of the event and the likelihood of more frequent major weather
               events of this type in the future due to climate change.
               Local and state governments need to learn, adapt, and work toward a more resilient community,
               explore best practices for employing and developing new problem-solving technologies, and work
               closely with community groups and volunteers during major events like this one.

              Minutes - Polystyrene Round Table - 21 July 2022                                      Page 3

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