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Our Environment » |
Fast Tracking Sustainability |
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Index
What Sustainability projects are proposed in 2007-2008? Council has developed a range of projects from the Sustainability Action Plan to undertake in 2007 -2008.. The Natural Environment Upper Stringybark Creek Erosion Stabilisation Works Stream bank erosion in both Upper Stringybark Creek and Lower Stringybark Creek is accelerating. Local rain events over the last decade have changed becoming low frequent/high intense events. With little riparian vegetation remaining, sections of the stream bank are becoming undercut and bank instability is accelerating. The Upper Stringybark Creek Reserve is located in Blue Gum High Forest and is listed as and Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Specifically the project will address: prioritising key erosion hotspots; devising individual projects to stabilise the creek line through recognised stream bank stabilisation practices and revegetation of the riparian buffer with native species to assist in soil stability. This project will supplement the current bush regeneration work in this area and Batten Reserve. Lower Stringybark Creek Erosion Stabilisation Works The objective of the project is to stabilise the stream bank area surrounding the outlet of a major stormwater drain that discharges into the southern arm of Stringybark Creek. This is required because stream bank erosion surrounding the outlet drain is accelerating and the remaining stream bank is becoming undercut and unstable. Appropriate engineering erosion controls and bush regeneration methods will ensure that peak discharges will be managed. It will also stabilise a fragile area of Batten Reserve which is known for erosion issues. In addition, stabilising the stream bank will also save a number of trees that are threatening to fall due to the undercutting of the bank. Rehabilitate or reinstate riparian buffers The objective of this project is to re-establish riparian vegetation to a number of key spots in Lane Cove. Riparian vegetation contributes to stream health and improved water quality. It is one of the essential elements of stream bank stabilization and provides added habitat values to the surrounding bushland area. The project would encompass: identifying areas that require the establishment of lower covering riparian vegetation; undertaking necessary weed control, and planting of indigenous stock that is suited to riparian environments. These plants would be sourced from Council’s Community Plant Nursery. Conduct macro invertebrate monitoring Council would participate in a regional macro invertebrate survey of the creeks in the Northern Sydney area. The objective of the project is to provide information on the health of the creeks and streams in Lane Cove. This information can then be used to establish priorities towards improving the biodiversity of the natural environment. Through additional funding Council would be able to increase this level of monitoring. Promote Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program The promotion of wildlife habitat areas on private land relieves the pressures placed on core bushland parks and reserves. This project will help residents gain a better understanding of the benefits of bringing native plants and animals into their backyard. It will also provide Council with an opportunity to develop and strengthen existing wildlife corridors linking isolated areas of bushland. Council’s Community Plant Nursery will supply a quota of plants to all participating residents. This project will be Stage 1 of seven year program. Bush Regeneration – eastern side of Gore Creek Gore Creek Reserve is becoming dominated by an aggressive South American weed, Pithecoctenium cynanchoide. This weed is choking the indigenous vegetation and spreading at an alarming pace. Historically funding for this work has not been obtained as it was recognised that a ‘one off’ injection of funds would not be sufficient to eradicate this weed due to the large size of the infestation. With additional funding the entire area will be tackled. It is expected the project will take several years, with primary weed control and revegetation with indigenous plant stock to occur in the first year. Feral Animal Control
Noxious Weeds Strategy A local noxious weeds strategy will be developed to help reduce infestation of both public and private land. The strategy will include an educational component for residents involving identification and correct disposal. It will also allow for the training of Council staff to assist the Bush Regeneration Crews implement correct weed management practices. Guidelines with clear recommendations will also be developed.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building Community Sustainability Workshop Series A regular neighbourhood workshop series would be held to promote sustainable living through community education. GreenHome workshops will help residents reduce their environmental impact by making simple changes at home, from saving energy and water to cutting down on waste. |
Climate Change Green Fleet – 100% CO2 abatement for Council’s Fleet The aim of this project is to offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operation of Council’s passenger fleet. Greenfleet on behalf of Council will plant 17 trees (per vehicle) that will not only absorb the fleet’s greenhouse emissions, but will also help to tackle salinity, improve water quality and provide essential habitat for native species. This project assists Council in meeting key goals stated in the Sustainability Action Plan and the Cities for Climate Protection Program. This new project will also build on Council’s Green Vehicle Policy which encourages the use of smaller cars and demonstrates Council’s commitment to responding to Climate Change. Utilise 100% Green Power for Council’s Administration Centre Electricity consumption is a major contributor to Council’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. By purchasing Green Power electricity, which is derived from renewable sources such as wind, solar and small scale hydro generators, Council will significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The independent organisation Green Electricity Watch allow you to make an informed decision about GreenPower by ranking all GreenPower products in each state. This ranking shows you which products generate power from the best renewable sources. Go to their website to view the latest list www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au/ Installation of energy efficient hot water services in Council facilities Council’s use of energy and the requirement to identify potential energy savings is listed as critical in the Sustainability Action Plan. An effective means of addressing these issues at community facilities is to replace large hot water tanks with energy efficient heat pump tanks. The project would include an analysis of energy consumption both prior to and post installation. Reduce energy consumption in Community facilities Council has committed to addressing climate change by working through the Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCP). The next step of this program is a comprehensive energy audit of key community facilities. This will highlight energy wastage and identify future actions to save energy. A key outcome will be the development of a Local Action Plan which will guide Council in reducing energy consumption. Council has adopted a 50 percent greenhouse gas emission reduction target by 2017. (when compared to year 2000 emission levels). Residential energy and water efficiency programs As part of Council’s involvement in the CCP Program, Council is committed to reducing the community’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2017. (when compared to year 2000 emission levels). With the Sustainability Levy, Council plans to roll out a number of initiatives which will help residents improve their energy and water efficiency levels in the home. For example, residents will be able to apply for a comprehensive energy and water retro-fitting service. This will involve the replacement of inefficient light bulbs, shower heads and tap fittings. Water Conservation and Management Installation of rainwater tanks at Council Facilities Rainwater tanks have already been installed at Council’s Civic Centre and Community Nursery. With the additional Sustainability Levy funds, other key facilities would be connected. For example, Long Day Care Centres would reduce their water consumption by connecting rainwater tanks to washing machines and toilets. At parks and ovals rainwater tanks would be used for watering and toilet facilities. Community Bulk Water Tank Purchasing Scheme The community would be encouraged to reduce water consumption through a bulk water tank purchasing scheme. Council’s ability to purchase in bulk and to contract a competitive supplier to install tanks would ensure significant financial savings. In addition, this streamlined process would hopefully further encourage residents to reduce water consumption and in doing so, respond to the ongoing challenges of climate change. Implement Water Saving Devices at Council Facilities Reducing water consumption is in line with Council’s Water Saving Action Plan and the Sustainability Action Plan. A variety of water saving measures would be implemented, for example flow reduction valves and AAA rated shower heads have already been fitted. With additional funds other water saving devices such as dual flush cisterns and solenoid flush systems would be installed. These devices will not only save water but also help to increase awareness of water saving options. Sustainable Local Economy Develop Retail Sustainability Strategy Lane Cove ALIVE has developed the following vision statement: “A community committed to sustainability.” To support this vision a Village Sustainability Plan will be developed, consisting of two sub-projects: Village Structure Plan and Retail Strategy – Shop Locally Project. The Village Structure Plan will provide a framework to guide future development of the Village through consideration of key elements such as land use, linkages, built form and infrastructure with the aim of improving the area’s attraction, atmosphere, operation and overall sustainability in an integrated manner. This aim is listed as critical in Council’s Sustainability Plan: ‘Maintain Lane Cove’s Village atmosphere and diverse suburban centres.’ The aim of the Retail Marketing Plan will be to brand the Village and attract appropriate new businesses to Lane Cove. It will involve gathering by means of survey and other appropriate consultation methods, baseline information about the businesses in Lane Cove. This ‘business map’ will assist in growing partnership opportunities with local businesses to promote shop local campaigns. Village Graffiti Reduction Program Unfortunately Lane Cove like so many areas of Sydney has a graffiti problem. In order to combat this Council will instigate a graffiti reduction program. A Clean Up team will be given authorisation from Council and property owners for the immediate removal of graffiti and repainting of affected areas. Creating a cleaner Village will help create a greater sense of pride for all the community.
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