2014-06-17 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   17 JUNE 2014




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INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   17 JUNE 2014

STRATEGIC POLICY —- ENVIRONMENT LEVY

   ¢   acquisition, protection and management of environmentally significant land;

   ¢   effective environmental partnerships with a range of community and government stakeholders;
   ¢   community environmental engagement and support programs; and
   ¢   anincreased level of community awareness and engagement with regard to environmental
       issues.

POLICY SCOPE
The policy:
   ¢   provides direction for the allocation of funds and management of Environment Levy programs,
       projects and initiatives that complement council’s core environmental activities; and
   ¢   applies to all council endorsed projects, programs, initiatives, that are funded or supported,
       wholly or partly with revenue from the Environment Levy;

POLICY STATEMENT
The Sunshine Coast Council recognises the protection and enhancement of the environment as a
priority in creating a sustainable region.
The Environment Levy Program provides an important funding source for projects, not considered to be
core council business, associated with the implementation of council's environmental strategies/plans.
These directly address the protection and enhancement of the Sunshine Coast environment, specifically
biodiversity, waterways and coastal foreshores.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
This policy is guided by the following principles:
   e   Effective, open and accountable program delivery;
   e   Protection, conservation, enhancement and effective and responsive management of the
       Sunshine Coast environment; and
   ¢   Working in partnership with the community.
ALLOCATION OF ENVIRONMENT LEVY REVENUE TO THE ENVIRONMENT LEVY PROGRAM

1. Environment Levy Program
The Environment Levy Program (the Program) consists of a range of projects and activities that deliver
strategic and effective outcomes that protect and enhance the health of the Sunshine Coast
environment, specifically biodiversity, waterways and coastal foreshores.
A 4-year Program is developed and reviewed annually, in consultation with Council, preceding budget
preparations. The development of the Program, including annual revisions based on priorities and
emerging needs and available funding is prepared. The annual Program including proposed funding
allocations is presented to Council for consideration and endorsement during budget preparation
meetings annually.
2. Environment Levy Funding Themes
Environment Levy revenue is allocated to funding themes which are determined by council. The three
primary themes are:
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