Strategic Offset Policy and Biodiversity Offset Guidelines

Frank Wilkie42:08

Brings us to consideration of committee recommendations 11.1.1, planning applications decided by delegated authority. 11.1.2, Peregian Digital Hub tenancy agreement. 11.1.3, biosecurity surveillance program. 11.1.4, General Committee recommendations en bloc. Happy to move. Moved by Councillor Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Phillips. All in favour? Carried. Yes. Thank you. Councillor Finzel. Yes. Thank you. Item 12. Ordinary Meeting reports. Strategic offset policy and biodiversity offset guidelines. We have Director Rawlings here. Well, prepare for five minutes while I get more information in, it's a six-foot long trip across the chain. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Rachel. Would you like to give us an overview of the report, please?

The biodiversity offsets policy framework applies to two main types of biodiversity offsets. Firstly, offsets. Generated by Noosa Council activities as required by state and commonwealth legislation and secondly offsets proposals from third party agencies seeking to deliver biodiversity offsets within Noosa Shire. Biodiversity offsets are already required under a range of commonwealth and state legislative frameworks and are increasingly associated with Council infrastructure projects and third party development proposals. While Council is already involved in biodiversity offsets, there is no overarching policy or government governance framework that establishes consistent principles, decision making. Criteria and delivery expectations for offset proposals. In the absence of a formal framework, offset opportunities have historically been considered on a case by basis, resulting in ad hoc approach to assessment, negotiation and implementation. While this approach has enabled Council to individual proposals, it does not provide clear guidance on how offset should align with Council's broader environmental objectives, nor does it ensure consistent outcomes for the community. The proposed biodiversity offset framework comprises our offset policy, and guidelines. It provides a transparent and consistent approach to offset management across the organisation. It provides clear principles for decision making, defines governance and accountability arrangements, and ensures biodiversity offsets contribute to broader, strategic outcomes, including Council's commitment to achieving a no net loss of ecosystem values and improving ecological resilience across the Shire. Importantly, the framework creates an opportunity to maximise benefit from offset investments. Without a policy, offset funding and environmental investment generated from unavoidable impacts within Noosa may be directed outside of the Shire or towards isolated projects. That do not contribute towards broader conservation priorities. The proposed framework provides a mechanism to strategically direct investment towards locally identified environmental priorities. Helping maintain or retain environmental and economic and community benefits within Noosa, wherever practical. This in turn provides opportunities for local employment and support environmental contractors, consultants and community conservation initiatives. The framework most importantly, reduces legal, financial and reputational risks by ensuring offsets are managed consistently, transparently and in accordance with contemporary best practice and overarching regulation and the permit approvals. This provides greater certainty for the community and external agencies seeking to partner with Council in the delivery of biodiversity offsets. There is significant benefit for getting this policy in place promptly as there are several projects and proposed offsets within Council's capital work suite already, in addition to requests from third-party agencies, for example, TMR and our Beckmans Road project, to use Council sites for offsets. We need a clear internal governance framework to manage offset projects and delivery in Noosa, and seek Council support of the recommendations contained within the report.