2015-05-26 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    26 MAY 2015


EXECUTIVE OFFICE REPORTS
11   LIVING SMART EVALUATION 2015

Author           Sustainability Project Officer, Emma Menzies,
                 Executive Office

Index            ECM/ Subject/ 21.31 Sustainability (19907352)

Attachments      Nil


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Living Smart Program was initiated by the Noosa Council in 2004 with the aim of promoting
sustainable living and building practices within the Noosa community. Following amalgamation in
2008, the program was continued by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in partnership with
the Moreton Bay Regional Council with each Council contributing to the costs of running the
program. From 1 January 2014 the new Noosa Council continued to be associated with the
program in the short term by making a financial contribution to the cost of operating the combined
website up until 30 June 2014. This was then extended until 30 June 2015. This report identifies
two options for Council’s consideration including: continuing the program, or discontinuing the
program.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Sustainability Project Officer to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 26 May 2015 and agree to discontinue Council’s involvement in the
Living Smart Program, as outlined in Option A in the report.


REPORT
The purpose of this report is to inform Council about the Living Smart Program and to provide
some options for Council’s consideration regarding its future involvement in the program. A
review of the program was undertaken in July 2014 and a further update has been undertaken.

In 2004 the former Noosa Council (Environmental Services) developed the Living Smart program
to promote sustainable living and building practices within the residential sector of the Noosa
community. This consisted of a website promoting a database of sustainable products and
services. It also involved an awards ceremony, known as the “Glossies,” recognising sustainable
building practices.

                       In late 2006, Noosa and Caboolture Shire Councils extended the program
                       by developing a third component called Living Smart Homes, which was
                       an online household program covering sustainable practices in water,
                       waste, energy and transport. Residents were encouraged to work through
                       a number of modules and were then publically recognised by obtaining a
                       “leaf” for their Living Smart Homes sign and signifying that participants
                       have ‘achieved sustainability’ for their home in that key area.

Following amalgamation in 2008, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Councils continued
delivery of the Living Smart program and collaborated to facilitate the regionalisation of the
program across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay areas.



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