2020-01-13 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   13 JANUARY 2020




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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                               13 JANUARY 2020

           COUNCIL POLICY - ENVIRONMENT LEVY

           Similar to the acquisition of Environmentally Significant Land program, potential VCA properties will
           be   assessed   on  their biodiversity attributes, regional ecosystem   attributes, connectivity,
           consolidation, species protection, and rehabilitation opportunities. VCAs that are proposed for land
           that is identified in Council’s Conservation Land Guideline will receive the highest priority. VCAs that
           contribute to Strategic Biodiversity Corridors will also be considered favourably.
           Council has established an Environment Levy Working Group (ELWG) to consider, review and make
           recommendations on new Voluntary Conservation Agreements.
           Land for Wildlife (Lf—W) 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 programs, 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.,

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