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2019-06-11 P&E Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 2 - Environment Strategy Implementation Plan
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11 June 2019
Item 7 - ATTACHMENT 2
Noosa Environment
Strategy 2019
Implementation Plan
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Section 2
Introduction
This document forms part of the Environment Strategy. It Council has a number of roles in the implementation of the
provides a clear commitment and set of implementation Noosa Environment Strategy:
actions for delivering the planning and policy outcomes of
»» Partner– developing formal and informal
the strategy.
relationships and alliances and working with
The Implementation Plan establishes an integrated and others to achieve common goals
targeted approach to delivery through identifying: »» Provider – offering a range of services, support,
infrastructure and facilities to individuals and
• a planning framework to support implementation groups
• a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework on »» Planner – proactively planning for services and
the progress and success of the strategy infrastructure, which respond to current and future
• significant implementation actions for the first 3 years needs and requirements
of the Strategy. »» Advocate– raising the awareness of State and
Federal governments and other stakeholders of
The plan identifies how Council seeks to contribute to
the issues and needs of residents and businesses,
achieving the outcomes and targets in the strategy, as
as well as initiating or supporting campaigns and
well as opportunities for others to partner with Council in
programs for positive change
achieving excellence in environmental management and
sustainability. »» Regulator – providing governance and regulatory
controls such as local laws and health and
The Implementation Plan recognises that everyone in the planning controls
community has a shared responsibility as stewards of the »» Educator - raising community awareness and
environment and that there are benefits in utilising the promoting behavioural change
collective knowledge and skills available through productive
»» Leader – leading by example through adopting
and enduring partnerships. This includes partnerships
best practice and taking up new technologies and
with community groups, traditional owners (Kabi Kabi),
techniques
universities, research institutes, other management
agencies, and environmental organisations. »» Researcher – undertaking the collection, analysis
and dissemination of quantitative and qualitative
The Environment Strategy is expected to be a 10 year data to inform evidence-based planning, priority
document, with annual progress reporting throughout that setting, decision-making and evaluation
time. The strategy and plan will be reviewed periodically to »» Funder – providing grants, funding and/
retain their currency and relevance. or subsidies to local groups and agencies to
research, undertake project and/or progress and
develop services, programs and infrastructure for
individuals and groups.
»» Enabler – supporting and encouraging the
community to make positive change and take
action
2
Section 3
Planning framework
The Environment Strategy is set within a broader policy The Environment Strategy also sits alongside the Social
framework as illustrated below. Strategy, Local Economic Plan, Transport Strategy and
Noosa Planning Scheme, which comprise Council’s key
It is guided at the higher level by Council’s Corporate strategic policy documents.
Plan, Sustainability Principles and Environment and
Sustainable Living Policy, as well applicable international, The Environment Strategy also provides the overarching
Commonwealth and State legislation and policy. policy direction for detailed environment-related plans,
policies and guidelines, as well as a number of new plans
that are to be developed.
3
Section 4
Noosa Council Environmental plans
The table below describes the purpose of current and planned environment-related plans that will support the delivery of the
Environment Strategy.
Plan Purpose Status Timeframe
Zero Emissions Provides a decision making framework and identifies key actions for Completed 2016 Review 2019/20
Organisational Strategy achieving Council’s zero emissions target by 2026.
Waste Reduction and Identifies specific actions for garden waste and composting, waste Completed 2016 Review 2020/21
Recycling Plan reduction, landfill diversion, community education and other local
government activities.
Flood Management Plan Provides for a coordinated approach to flood management and Completed 2016 Review 2019/20
identifies specific actions for improving flood resources, planning and
policy and disaster management.
Koala Conservation Plan Identifies specific management objectives and actions to help conserve Completed 2016 Review 2020/21
and protect koala populations and habitat in Noosa Shire.
Biosecurity Plan (Pest Establishes priorities and actions to address the impacts of biosecurity Completed 2015 Review 2019/20
Management Plan) threats, such as weeds and pest animals, in Noosa Shire.
Bushland Reserve Establishes a prioritisation approach and identifies priority Bushland Underway To be completed
Strategic Plan Reserves for coordinated ecological restoration management, based on 2019/20, review every
key principles and values. 5 years
Bushland Reserve Fire Identifies and sets priority actions for Bushland Reserves requiring fire Underway To be completed
Management Plan mitigation activities to address community and ecological risks. 2019/20, review every
5 years
Climate Change Provides a coordinated approach to adapting to climate change Underway To be completed
Adaptation Plan challenges across different sectors including biodiversity, coastal 2019/20, review every
hazards, agriculture, commerce, built environment, health and 4 years
emergency management.
Noosa River Plan Provides a catchment-wide approach to management of land-based Underway To be completed
and on-river activities which are designed to reduce major threats to the 2019/20, review every
environmental values and associated community benefits of the river 5 years
system.
Biodiversity Conservation Identifies achievements, gaps and opportunities for biodiversity Scoping Review every 5 years
Plan conservation and sets out key conservation priorities and actions for commenced
managing biodiversity, threatened species and ecosystems.
Coastal Management Establishes a framework for managing coastal resources including for Not commenced Review every 5 years
Plan erosion management, public use of beaches and coastal reserves,
dune access and encroachments, bushland reserve management,
beach cleaning, and channel control.
4
Section 5
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
The success of the Environment Strategy will be measured Council will monitor and evaluate the Environment Strategy
and monitored using targets identified for each Strategy. and its implementation in two ways:
The targets and baseline measures are outlined in the
tables on the following pages. The results of this monitoring • Annual reporting on the progress of specific
will inform annual reporting back to the community on implementation actions associated with the
Council’s progress. Environment Strategy
• Biennial reporting against the 12 targets identified in
the Environment Strategy, to measure the success of
the Strategy’s implementation.
5
Section 6
Theme 1 - Biodiversity
Goal: By 2030 the condition and extent of our natural ecosystems has improved.
Target Baseline How we will measure progress
Strategy 1.1 Protect and enhance existing ecosystems, vegetation networks and habitats
By 2030, there is no net loss In 2016, the Noosa Biodiversity Assessment Every 5 years updated regional ecosystem mapping will be
of ecosystem values across Report mapped the extent and abundance used to identify changes in the number and extent of regional
the shire, and the condition of the 61 regional ecosystems (RE) types ecosystems.
of Council’s priority bushland occurring within Noosa Shire.
reserves are enhanced. BioCondition Benchmarks for Regional Ecosystem Condition
The Department of Environment & Science Assessment will be undertaken every 5 years for Noosa
has completed BioCondition Benchmarks for regional ecosystems.
Regional Ecosystem Condition Assessment for
south-east Queensland. BOAs will be undertaken every 5 years across priority
Council managed Bushland Reserves and for VCA/LfW
Bushland operational assessments (BOAs) landholders and verified against shire-wide BioCondition
will be undertaken, where they do not already Assessments.
exist, across priority Council-managed
restoration initiatives and as identified in the
Bushland Reserve Strategic Management
Plan.
Strategy 1.2: Expand vegetation networks and habitat
By 2030, half of all land in the 36.5% of land within Noosa Shire is currently Every 2 years GIS tenure mapping and data from private
Noosa Shire is managed for its managed for its environmental values on property programs will identify the percentage of land
environmental values. public and private land, through National managed or protected for its environmental values.
Park, Conservation Area, Council bushland
reserve, Land for Wildlife, or private property
conservation covenants.
Strategy 1.3: Improve long-term survival for threatened species and ecological communities
By 2030, populations of key A baseline is to be developed for 6-8 key A key threatened species list is already being developed and
threatened indicator species threatened species based on: will be workshopped and finalised in 2019
remain viable.
• Representativeness across biological families
A longitudinal study of key threatened species will be
• Representativeness across ecosystems undertaken over 10 years
• Iconic value to the Noosa community
• Availability of existing data and records
Depending on the species selected, there
may already be existing data, however a new
baseline for some species will be required.
6
Section 7
Theme 2 - Waterlands, Wetlands and Coasts
Goal: By 2030 waterways, wetlands and coasts are healthy, resilient to change and valued
by the community.
Target Baseline How we will measure progress
Strategy 2.1 Maintain and improve the health of waterways, wetlands and catchments
By 2030, the Noosa River and In 2018, the Noosa River catchment achieved Council will continue to support and participate in the annual
Mary River sub-catchments an A- (excellent condition) assessment rating Healthy Land & Water monitoring program.
within Noosa Shire achieve for ecosystem health under the Healthy Land
an A rating (or equivalent) for and Water monitoring program. Mary River sub-catchment:
their environmental health.
A baseline for the Mary River sub-catchments 1. A baseline and report card will be developed in 2020
within Noosa Shire is to be developed, similar 2. The Mary River sub-catchment report card will be
to the Healthy Land and Water monitoring regularly reviewed
framework.
Strategy 2.2: Protect and enhance coastal environments and vegetated buffers to
coastal foreshores
By 2030, maintain the extent Existing mapping of vegetation extent of Review mapping of vegetation extent of coastal foreshores
of vegetated buffers and coastal foreshores. every 2 years.
improve diversity of coastal
ecosystems Reef surveys have been undertaken on Surveys of reef biodiversity every 5 years
nearshore reefs in 2010 and 2011.
Every 5 years updated regional ecosystem mapping will be
In 2016, the Noosa Biodiversity Assessment used to identify changes in the number and extent of coastal
Report mapped the extent and abundance of regional ecosystems.
regional ecosystems.
Strategy 2.3: Manage waterways and coasts to protect environmental values while
enabling sustainable public access, recreation and commercial use
By 2030, Noosa has a A baseline will be developed, similar to work A biennial survey of recreational fishers and catch times will
sustainable fishing industry undertaken elsewhere in Queensland, for the be conducted.
and increased opportunity for numbers of hours taken for recreational fishers
recreational fishing. to catch a legal-sized fish.
7
Section 8
Theme 3 - Sustainable living
Goal: By 2030 the Noosa community is living more sustainably and is carbon neutral
Target Baseline How we will measure progress
Strategy 3.1: Reduce waste to landfill
By 2030, all green waste and A total of 14,317 tonnes of green waste and Waste to landfill audits will continue to be conducted every
food waste is diverted from food waste was collected and diverted from year for the different waste streams.
landfill. landfill.
Intermittent audits of red-top bins will be conducted to
An audit of waste collected in domestic red monitor green and food waste.
topped bins in 2018 showed that on average
these bins contained 17% green waste and
29% food waste.
Strategy 3.2: Encourage incorporation of more sustainable building elements
By 2030, sustainable building A survey to be developed for residential, Biennial survey to be developed for residential properties.
outcomes are delivered commercial and industrial properties. The
through regulation, education baseline is to be developed, and may include:
and showcasing best practice
• Number of houses registered to participate
design.
in the annual Sustainable House Day in
Noosa Shire
• Number of houses with 3 star water
efficiency fittings (from Unity Water)
• Number of residential, commercial and
industrial buildings and businesses with
rooftop solar panels
• Number of homes with water tanks,
composting, and water reuse and recycling
systems (via resident survey).
Strategy 3.3: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices
By 2030, 80% of all grazing A baseline is to be developed using the ABCD Every 5 years grazing land condition will be assessed.
land achieves best practice framework and classification for grazing lands.
management for agriculture. LIDAR imagery will be undertaken over the same areas as
2008 and 2015 LIDAR imagery (Light the 2008 and 2015 images during the term of this strategy.
Detection & Ranging) identified levels of rural
lands and sediment lost to erosion over this
period.
88
Section 9
Theme 4 - Climate change adaptation and resilience
Goal: By 2030 the resilience of the Noosa community and environment has increased.
Target Baseline How we will measure progress
Strategy 4.1 Reduce emissions and resource consumption
Noosa Council operations In 2018, Council’s operational carbon footprint Council will continue to calculate its operational carbon
and service activities, and the was approximately 50,000 CO2 tonnes per footprint annually which includes calculating emissions from
Noosa community as a whole, annum. fuel, refrigerants, electricity, fugitive emissions from the
will reach zero net emissions landfill, and emissions embedded in the goods and services
by 2026 The Noosa Shire annual community emissions purchased and used by Council.
have been calculated in 2018 as 500,000 CO2
tonnes per annum. Community emissions will be calculated every three years.
Strategy 4.2: Increase community resilience and capacity to adapt to climate change
By 2030, community A baseline is to be developed of current Biennial survey to be developed for residential, commercial
awareness, planning and understanding of the future climate change and industrial properties.
preparedness for natural impacts and community preparedness and
hazards and climate change actions related to these.
is increased.
Strategy 4.3: Manage the natural environment in a way that improves resilience
to climate change
Ecosystem health of wetlands In 2018, mapped riparian buffers, as identified Mapping of vegetation buffers will be reviewed every three
and riparian areas is in the Noosa Planning Scheme, had vegetation years.
improved. coverage of 41.8%.
A baseline will be developed to measure
ecosystem health of coastal wetlands.
9
Section 10
Implementation Action Plan
Council undertakes many actions every day that will • They will lead to outcomes across multiple strategic
contribute to achieving the outcomes of the Environment areas of the Environment Strategy
Strategy. Care for our environment is integrated into our
• The community have identified them as priorities
work in many ways, just as it is in the community more
during the various consultation phases of the
broadly.
Environment Strategy.
This implementation plan describes some key actions Further actions and initiatives will continue to be
Council has a role in along with partners, community developed with various partners throughout the life of
and other stakeholders over the next three years to this Implementation Action Plan, and the Environment
make progress towards the outcomes and targets Strategy.
outlined in the Environment Strategy. It does not
encompass all environment-related actions, and the Implementation actions will be reviewed and updated
various documents identified in the Planning Framework annually to remain current and a new Implementation
will also have many relevant actions. Action Plan developed every 3 years for the life of the
Environment Strategy. Funding for initiatives is subject
The actions listed in the following plan have been to Council’s annual budgetary considerations.
chosen because:
• They are not typically business as usual and
represent a new or recent commitment
Activity/project Council's role Strategies New initative/ Year
ongoing work
Implement an Environment Grants program to support Funder, enabler 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, New initiative 1,2,3
community projects and programs that lead to implementation 2.2, 3.3, 4.3
of the Environment Strategy.
Implement an Environment & Sustainability Roundtable to Partner, planner, All New initative 1,2,3
provide a mechanism for local community groups, government leader
stakeholders and experts to have input into the development of
Council policy.
Support community environmental and sustainable Partner, enabler All Existing program 1,2,3
development networks and forums to build partnerships to
drive the implementation of the Environment Strategy.
Undertake monitoring programs required for evaluating Provider, All New initative 1,2,3
and reporting on the success of the implementation of the researcher
Environment Strategy.
10
Section 11
Biodiversity
Activity/project Council’s role Strategies New initiative/ Year
ongoing work
Protect and enhance existing ecosystems, vegetation networks and habitats
Undertake environmental restoration activities throughout Provider 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, Existing program 1,2,3
Council’s conservation reserves. Prepare Bushland 2.2, 4.3
Operational Assessments (BOAs) for Council reserves to
monitor the success of work.
Reduce the threat of priority biosecurity risks, such as pest Partner, educator, 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, Existing program 1,2,3
plants and animals, on Council land and support private provider, regulator 4.3
landholders to do the same.
Implement rehabilitation programs of former forestry areas in Partner, funder 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 New initiative 1,2,3
the Yurol and Ringtail State Forests, in preparation for the land
to be transferred to National Park.
Expand vegetation networks and habitat
Support private landholders to achieve environmental Partner, enabler, 1.2 Existing program 1,2,3
outcomes on their property through an expanded Land for educator, funder expanded
Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreement Program.
Identify priority land parcels that enhance landscape Planner, provider 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, Existing program As needed
connectivity and seek to have them managed for 4.1
environmental outcomes, either through direct purchase by
Council, or utilising other appropriate protective mechanisms.
Undertake an urban environmental education program to Partner, funder 1.2, 1.3 New initiative 2,3
improve environmental outcomes for urban wildlife in strategic
locations.
Improve long-term survival for threatened species and ecological communities
Undertake detailed biodiversity assessments across different Partner, researcher, 1.1, 1.3 New initiative 3
Broad Vegetation Groups, with a view to understanding and funder
monitoring the health of biodiversity across the Shire.
Scope and undertake monitoring programs on populations of Partner, researcher, 1.1, 1.3 New initiative 2,3
6-8 key representative threatened species, to mitigate against funder
local extinctions.
Implement propagation programs that grow threatened plant Partner, researcher, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 New initiative 1,2
species and result in new populations at appropriate, low-risk provider, funder
locations.
Undertake targeted wild dog control in key Koala Habitat Partner, provider 1.1, 1.3 Existing program 1,2 existing
Areas as identified in Koala Threat Mapping. with potential program,
expansion potential
expansion
Year 3
11
Section 12
Waterways, wetlands and coasts
Activity/project Council’s role Strategies New initiative/ Year
ongoing work
Maintain & improve the health of waterways, wetlands & catchments
Develop an integrated water monitoring network for Council, Partner, enabler, 2.1, 2.2, 4.3 New initiative, Existing 2,3
community and other agencies, including event monitoring of funder program expanded
sediments, nutrients and litter for Noosa and Mary Catchments,
and a Mary River sub-catchment baseline and report card.
Improve the water quality and biodiversity of the Noosa River by Partner, provider, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, New initiative 1,2,3
restoring aquatic habitats, such as oyster reefs, and improving leader, researcher, 4.3
riparian vegetation. funder
Investigate and implement best practice solutions to reverse the Partner, planner, 1.1, 2.1, 2.3 New initiative 1,2,3
decline of benthic biodiversity and primary production in the lower advocate,
Noosa Estuary. researcher, funder
Enhance Integrated Catchment Management of the Noosa River Partner, enabler, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, New initiative, Existing 1,2,3
and Mary River sub-catchments, with a focus on improving funder 2.1, 2.2, 3.3, program expanded
land use, wetland and riparian management practices through 4.3
landholder engagement on on-ground rehabilitation programs.
Implement a septic system inspection program in high priority Researcher, 2.1, 4.3 New initiative 2,3
areas (such as Noosa North Shore) to better understand the regulator
impact of these systems on the quality of surface water and
groundwater systems.
Protect and enhance coastal environments and vegetated buffers to coastal foreshores
Investigate the need and appropriateness of statutory Partner, 2.2, 2.3, 4.3 New initiative 2,3
mechanisms to protect Noosa’s coastal and marine waters, researcher,
including the lower reaches of the Noosa River. advocate
Implement an Eastern Beaches dune rehabilitation program to Partner, funder 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, New initiative, 1,2,3
improve the condition, species diversity and stability of dune 4.3 enhancing an existing
ecosystems and enhance resilience to climate change. program
Manage waterways and coasts to protect environmental values while enabling sustainable public access,
recreation and commercial use
Work with stakeholders to review current fishing practises Provider, advocate, 1.1, 2.3, 4.3 New initiative 1,2
and achieve sustainable recreational and commercial fishing funder
outcomes in the Noosa River.
Undertake a stormwater quality improvement program, that Provider, 2.1, 2.2, 4.3 New initiative 3
includes an audit of stormwater quality improvement devices, researcher
analysing current infrastructure, current best practice and options
to improve infrastructure as it is due for replacement.
Work in partnership with a range of stakeholders including Partner, educator, 2.1, 2.2 New initiative 1,2,3
Kabi Kabi to provide an on-river presence to deliver a range of regulator, enabler,
environmental and education programs, and support compliance funder
with regulations on the Noosa River.
12
Section 13
Sustainable living
Activity/project Council’s role Strategies New initiative/ Year
ongoing work
Reduce waste to landfill
Work with other agencies on a Regional Waste Strategy to Partner, planner 3.1, 4.1 New initiative 1,2,3
develop broader regional solutions to local waste management
problems.
Improve rates of commercial recycling and green waste Partner, provider, 3.1, 4.1 New initiative 2,3
diversion through implementation of bulk green waste bins educator, regulator
and targeted education and behaviour change programs for
commercial users.
Develop a waste education centre at the Noosa Landfill Partner, provider, 3.1, 3.2 New initiative 1,2
Resource Recovery Centre, to support waste and sustainability educator
education programs for school-aged children and the broader
community.
Continue to increase the different types of recycling services Provider, advocate, 3.1 Enhancing existing 1,2,3
available to Noosa residents. leader, enabler program
Provide waste and sustainability education programs to Educator, provider, 3.1, 3.2 Enhancing existing 1,2,3
improve the understanding of waste management and enabler program
sustainability in the Noosa community.
Encourage incorporation of more sustainable building elements
Advocate for mandating minimum energy efficiency and Advocate, planner 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 New initiative 1,2
renewable energy generation to all new development in the
shire, including domestic residences.
Advance the idea of a Noosa Sustainability Institute to Partner, leader, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, New initiative 1,2,3
establish a coordinated approach to research and activity enabler 4.1, 4.2
occurring in our community towards sustainability.
Adopt sustainable agricultural practices
Support the community to connect a circular economy for Partner, enabler, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, Enhancing existing 2,3
organic waste through enhanced connectivity between advocate, funder 4.2 program
providers and end users.
Support on-ground actions with landholders that improve Partner, educator, 1.2, 3.3, 4.2, New initiative 1,2,3
environmental, economic and social outcomes on rural enabler, funder 4.3
properties throughout Noosa while contributing to long-term
sustainability of rural landscapes in the Shire.
13
Section 14
Climate change adaptation & resilience
Activity / project Council’s role Strategies New initiative/ Year
ongoing work
Reduce emissions and resource consumption
Identify potential areas for carbon sequestration in the Noosa Partner, educator, 1.2, 3.3, 4.1, New initiative 2,3
Shire and support landholders to take advantage of available enabler 4.3
opportunities.
Investigate emission reduction opportunities at Noosa landfill for Provider, planner, 3.1, 4.1 New initiative 1,2
reducing the creation of methane-based emissions. leader
Implement energy efficiencies throughout Council-owned facilities Provider, leader, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 Existing program 1,2,3
and operations, such as the installation of solar PV systems and funder expanded
use of lower-emission transport options.
Investigate Noosa Council’s future emission offset possibilities, Researcher, 4.1, 4.3 New initiative 2
identifying the options with the most environmental, social and funder
economic co-benefits.
Increase community resilience and capacity to adapt to climate change
Investigate, and implement if appropriate, a solar bulk-buy scheme Provider, partner, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 New initiative 1,2
for Noosa residents, to provide quality solar at affordable rates. funder
Work with community partners to scope, develop and implement Partner, educator, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 New initiative 2,3
a community education program aimed at increasing the adoption leader
of sustainable building elements and preparedness of residents to
adapt to climate change impacts.
Encourage and facilitate the use of electric vehicles by establishing Enabler, provider, 4.1, 4.2 Existing program 1,2,3
a network of electric vehicle charging points throughout the Noosa leader, funder expanded
Shire
Undertake a socio-economic impact assessment from flooding and Provider, 4.2, 4.3 New initiative 2
inundation of foreshore areas, including projected impacts on public researcher,
infrastructure, private assets and commercial activities in the lower planner
Noosa River.
Manage the natural environment in a way that improves resilience to climate change
Improve understanding and monitor changes in groundwater and Provider, 2.1, 4.2, 4.3 New initiative 1
wetlands and the potential impacts of climate change on their researcher
health, through the development of a groundwater and coastal
vulnerability assessment and monitoring tool.
14