2014-06-17 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   17 JUNE 2014




                                                     Page 68 of 86

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     17 JUNE 2014

STRATEGIC POLICY —- ENVIRONMENT LEVY

a)  Acquisition of environmentally significant land
    Acquisition of environmentally significant lands are part of a strategic approach to assist in the future
    protection and enhancement of the region’s biodiversity values and ecological processes by:
        ¢  protecting and expanding our ecological conservation areas.
    Determining which properties will be acquired shall be achieved by compiling a regional acquisition
    list which will be guided by council's Biodiversity Strategy and considering other proposals in their
    own right.
    In identifying properties for acquisition, existing biodiversity values, management and planning
    considerations, level of risk and threat and existing and future opportunities are considered.
b)  Major projects
    Delivery of major on ground rehabilitation projects and regional planning, management and research
    projects which inform the implementation of council's environmental strategies/plans to:
        ¢  provide viable and resilient ecosystems that maintain biodiversity values; and
        *  provide healthy waterways and foreshores.
    The identification of suitable projects is determined by the Integrated Environment Team which is
    guided by council’s environmental strategies/plans and considers a project's alignment with policies
    and plans, its environmental, economic and social benefits and financial implications.
c)  Community engagement and support
    To build stronger and effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders involved in the protection
    and enhancement of the Sunshine Coast environment.        Funding is distributed to support the
    ongoing delivery of environmental partnership, grant, assistance and engagement programs and
    projects which:
        ¢  value and support community organisations, landowners and volunteers across the region;
           and
        *  support community initiatives through appropriate provision of information, expertise and
           resources.

Historical operational expenses
    Environment Levy revenue is also allocated to operational expenses which were historically funded
    by the Environment Levy. Under this arrangement allocated revenue is being transitioned out of the
    Program which will cease in 2017/18 as per council resolution (SM10/029).
MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENT LEVY REVENUE ALLOCATIONS AND PROGRAM

The management of Environment Levy revenue allocations and the Program is guided by the following
principles. Further details on the implementation of the Program are provided in the associated
Environment Levy Policy Guideline.
Environment Levy revenue and reserve management
    e  The annual Environment Levy charge per rateable property is reviewed and determined by
       council annually as part of adopting its annual revenue statement;
    e  A four-year program of projects and activities is developed and supported by project
       management plans which outline expenditure and deliverables for each project;
   e   All revenue collected from the Environment Levy is allocated to council endorsed projects and
       programs associated with the Environment Levy funding themes;
   e   All revenue collected including any revenue raised through approved Environment Levy business
       activities is held and accounted for separately from Council's general revenue;

Sunshine Coast Regional Council                                                    Page 3 of 7
                                                                                          Page 68 of 86