2019-01-14 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                    14 JANUARY 2019


Under the Local Government Regulation 2012,
A local government may give a grant to a community organisation only—
      (a) if the local government is satisfied—
            o   (i) the grant will be used for a purpose that is in the public interest; and [s 195] Local
                Government Regulation 2012 Chapter 5 Financial planning and accountability Part
                6 Spending Page 136 Current as at 1 December 2013
            o   (ii) the community organisation meets the criteria stated in the local government’s
                community grants policy; and
      (b) in a way that is consistent with the local government’s community grants policy.
It is anticipated that subject to Council’s decision, funding for the Partnership arrangement and
next phases of the Oyster Reef Restoration Project could be provided in accordance with the Local
Government Regulation. In this instance specific procurement for suppliers, equipment, materials
etc. will be managed by The Nature Conservancy, with Council’s procurement principles reflected
in a partnership agreement through which the funding is provided.

Risks & Opportunities
The offer of this funding with matched Council’s investment for this project is a very rare opportunity
alongside a partner organisation with an excellent track record of attaining and leveraging further
funding for major projects. TNC is also an experienced and globally-respected project manager,
with specific experience in oyster reef restoration projects. The Nature Conservancy have
requested an indication of support for this proposal or otherwise by Council by the end of January
2019.
The partnership opportunity presented through this proposal is a significant one, one that opens
up immense opportunity for Council and the community. The focus of this partnership on the next
phases of the oyster reef project and the staged approach being taken will provide an opportunity
for Council to establish a constructive and robust strong working relationship with TNC.
The prioritisation of the next phase of the oyster reef project of this partnership proposal provides
a greater opportunity to better engage with and involve local recreational and commercial
fisherman as part of a second and third stage of the oyster reef project, who were not heavily
engaged in the first stage of the project. Early community engagement is proposed to build support
and understanding of the proposed next phases of the project and also provide for volunteering
opportunities.
In terms of risks and considerations this proposal is being considered in isolation of other
environmental actions and their benefits, and there is an opportunity cost to spending $1.2 million
on this project compared with other environmental initiatives. There are many other initiatives (such
as biodiversity improvements, climate change resilience, zero net emissions and strategic land
purchases etc.) that this project has not been strategically assessed against for such equivalent
funding. Council has not yet completed its Environment Strategy which would provide the overall
strategic framework for such an assessment, however there is no doubt that this partnership
opportunity and oyster reef project aligns with the core areas of focus specifically the area of
Waterways, Wetlands and Coast in the draft Environment Strategy.
In the draft Environment Strategy under the Key Focus Area of Waterways, Wetlands & Coasts,
the first Priority is Maintain and improve the health of waterways, wetlands and catchments. The
Bring Back the Fish program is highlighted in the Strategy as an example of what can be achieved
in improving aquatic health through the creation of partnerships with multiple stakeholders.
Also in this Key Focus Area, the following Strategic Outcomes have been identified;
     Aquatic biodiversity is improved through the preservation and enhancement of diverse
       instream, riparian and wetland habitats.


                                                                                          Page 21 of 40