2019-02-21 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA                                                     21 FEBRUARY 2019


7   FURTHER REPORT - ENVIRONMENT GRANTS POLICY
    Committee Recommendation
    Moved:           Cr Jackson
    Seconded:        Cr Pardon
    That Council note the report by the Environmental Services Manager to the Planning &
    Environment Committee meeting dated 12 February 2019 and the further report to the General
    Committee meeting dated 18 February 2019 and:
    A.   Adopt the Environment Grants Policy as set out in Attachment 1 to the report to the
         General Committee meeting dated 18 February 2019 with the addition of the following
         words:
         “CONDITIONS OF FUNDING
         All successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding deed of agreement with
         Council and acquit funds within the allocated timeframes. The timeframes and acquittal
         requirements are outlined in the supporting Grant Guidelines for the specific funding
         program. Successful applicants will be required to actively and publicly acknowledge
         Council’s support.”
    B.   Approve Interim Evaluation Criteria for the next round (February 2019) of Environment
         Grants only, based on relevant Strategic Outcomes of the Biodiversity and Waterways,
         Wetlands and Coasts themes in the Draft Environment Strategy, listed below;
              Ecological linkages and connecting habitat areas are improved and rehabilitated
                to increase landscape connectivity and species resilience.
              Community conservation partnerships on public and private land are developed to
                deliver successful biodiversity conservation outcomes.
              Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as fauna and flora species, are
                protected from significant human impacts.
              Invasive pest species are managed strategically to reduce impacts on native
                species and habitats, fisheries, recreation and tourism values.
              Water quality, riparian areas and catchment health is protected and improved by
                partnering with landholders and stakeholders to actively manage and rehabilitate
                priority stream reaches.
              Aquatic biodiversity is improved through the preservation and enhancement of
                diverse instream, riparian and wetland habitats.
              Point source and diffuse pollution is identified and effectively managed to reduce
                impacts on waterways, wetlands and coasts.
              Waterways, wetlands and coastal environments are protected, managed and
                maintained in their natural state and are enhanced to support healthy and diverse
                ecosystems.
              The quality and quantity of groundwater, surface water and wastewater discharge
                is optimised to minimise impacts to receiving waters, aquatic ecosystems and
                human health.
    C.   As a result of the introduction of a new separate Environment Grants Program and Policy,
         Council approve the amendments required to the Community Grants Policy as detailed
         in Attachment 2 to the report to the General Committee meeting dated 18 February 2019;
         and
    D.   Authorise the CEO to make any required minor amendments to the Policies prior to
         publication.
                                                                                         Carried.

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