north sydney council · 2015-11-11 · north sydney council council chambers 12 november 2015 i...

NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL

Council Chambers 12 November 2015

I wish to inform you that a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP will be held in the Ros Crichton Pavilion, North Sydney at 7.15pm on Monday 23 November 2015 when your attendance is requested. Your attention is directed to the accompanying statement of the business proposed to be transacted at such meeting. WARWICK WINN GENERAL MANAGER

BUSINESS 1. Minutes

Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Meeting held on 27 April 2015. (Circulated)

Environment Reference Group – 23/11/15 Page No 2

2. E01: 2015 NSW Landcare Award – Building Bridges to Boorowa

Report of Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator For the past 16 years, North Sydney Council has partnered with Boorowa Council and Boorowa Community Landcare to facilitate an annual volunteer tree planting trip to the southwest NSW Township. The project has achieved remarkable results over the past 16 years with over 50,000 locally native trees, shrubs and groundcovers planted by more than 400 volunteers in specially prepared wildlife corridors. The benefits to local and migratory wildlife (including the endangered Superb Parrot) are tangible, as volunteers note increasing species diversity with each passing year. In 2014, Council celebrated the 15th Anniversary of this unique urban/rural partnership project by re-signing the Memorandum of Understanding. The Bushland Management Team marked the occasion with a special 16-page edition of the Bushcare Newsletter incorporating stories and interviews with farmers, volunteers and Council staff (past and present) involved in the program. Additionally, a pictorial history of the program was exhibited in Council Chambers and in a vacant shop-front in Boorowa’s main street. In early 2015, the Bushland Management Team, along with Boorowa Community Landcare, prepared a submission for the NSW Landcare Awards under the “Government Partnerships with Landcare” category. The winners were announced in September at the 2015 State Landcare Conference, hosted in Orange. North Sydney Council was one of three winners in this category. Subsequently the unique partnership was featured both on ABC Local Radio (in Orange) and ABC Radio National. North Sydney’s 2015 NSW Landcare Award is located in the display cabinet outside Council Chambers. Recommending: 1. THAT the 2015 NSW Landcare Award – Building Bridges to Boorowa report be received.

3. E02: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update

Report of Michelle Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability This report provides the Environment Reference Group with an update on the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability’s recent activity and visitor numbers. In just over four years since opening, the Coal Loader has welcomed over 120,000 people to the site through a variety of events and activities. The Coal Loader Café is now open and work on the much-awaited Green Roof on the Coal Loader platform has commenced. Recommending: 1. THAT the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update report be received.

4. E03: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

Report of Gabrielle Lewis, Environmental Waste Education Officer


This report outlines the results of the bi-annual residential Electronic Waste (e-waste) recycling collection services program conducted from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2015 Recommending: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received.

5. E04: Green Events Program Update

Report of Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer The Green Events program is a program of sustainability workshops and events offered free to the North Sydney community. The program focuses on current themes and issues in sustainability and is designed to engage, encourage and foster behaviour change in North Sydney residents by giving them the knowledge and skills to act. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and evaluation of the Green Events program from Jan-June 2015. Recommending: 1. THAT the Green Events Program report be received.

6. E05: greeNSchools Grant Program 2015

Report of Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer The greeNSchools Grant Program is a North Sydney Council initiative funded through Council’s Environment Levy which supports local primary and secondary schools and early learning centres to develop, implement and celebrate environmental programs and activities. As part of the program, schools in the North Sydney LGA are eligible to be awarded grants of up to $3000 for a wide range of projects including both educational activities and on-ground works. A maximum of $12,000.00 per financial year has been allocated for this grant project. Applications opened at the start of February this year and closed on May 1st. This report provides an overview of the initiatives funded through the greeNSchools program in 2015. This project is funded through Council’s Environment Levy and is allocated for in the 2015/16 budget. Recommending: 1. THAT the greeNSchools Grant Program report be received.

7. E06: Harvest North Sydney 2015

Report of Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer The Harvest North Sydney project is a community sustainable food project that took place from July to September 2015. Residents from the North Sydney local government area participated in the project which resulted in 20 new food gardens being established in North Sydney, six of which were communal apartment vegetable gardens and one verge garden. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and evaluation of the 2015 Harvest North Sydney program.


This project is funded through Council’s Environment Levy. The project budget was $10,000 with most of this going towards facilitator costs, staff time and some materials. Project participants funded the establishment of their gardens. Recommending: 1. THAT the Harvest North Sydney Program report be received.

8. E07: My Green Apartment Program

Report of Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer The My Green Apartment program is a North Sydney Council initiative funded through Council’s Environment Levy which aims to support apartment owners, strata and building managers to ‘make the switch’ to more efficient common space lighting. This year the program will be run in partnership with Willoughby City Council. As part of the program, up to ten apartment blocks in the North Sydney LGA will be selected to work with an independent lighting expert who will assist them to navigate the technical aspects of the upgrade. Further program details are being finalised and it is expected the program will commence in December, 2015 and be completed by February, 2017 with applications set to open soon. This project is funded through Councils Environmental Levy. $10,000 has been allocated to the project in the 2015/16 budget. Recommending: 1. THAT the My Green Apartment Program report be received.

9. E08: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer The Community Recycling Centre Report was considered at the 18 May, 2015 Council meeting where it was resolved that the matter be deferred to a discussion between Councillors, the General Manager and relevant staff at a briefing held on 19 May, 2015. At the briefing it was agreed that North Sydney Council should be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the CRC for and on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. The proposal that North Sydney Council operate the CRC was put to a subsequent GMAC meeting without opposition from the other NSROC General Managers. At the 22 June, 2015 North Sydney Council meeting, it was resolved that Council, in partnership with the NSROC alliance, establish a Community Recycling Centre based in Artarmon and that North Sydney Council be responsible for the management and operation of the facility. Following assessments of the suitability of several proposed sites, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. Subject to approval of a Development Application for Change of Use for the site, a three year lease with a commencement date of 1 February 2016 is expected to be signed. The Deed of Agreement – Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre was signed by the general managers of the alliance councils on 29 October, 2015.


It is recommended that North Sydney Council, in conjunction with the alliance, proceed with undertaking the relevant WHS risk assessment for the safe operation of the CRC and that Council prepare and submit the Development Application for Change of Use. The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget from 2015/16 to 30th June 2017 are outlined within the report. Recommending: 1. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be received.

10. E09: Update on Sustainable Business Programs

Report of Cecilia Kemp, Sustainable Business Co-ordinator Three sustainable business programs are offered by North Sydney Council to the local business community. These programs support the North Sydney Council Delivery Program 2013/14 - 2016/17. CitySwitch, the Better Business Partnership and Environmental Upgrade Agreements are distinct and target different business types. This report provides and update on recent progress of these programs. The sustainable business programs are funded through Council’s environment levy. Recommending: 1. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received.

11. E10: Water and Energy Management Programs update

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer This report provides an update on the 2015-16 implementation of Council’s Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020 since its adoption on 22 June 2015. As this is the first year of the new plan, there is a strong focus on improved monitoring, feasibility studies and detailed assessments to inform the plan’s implementation in future years. In addition, real savings are already being seen through the implementation of a number of early projects. The water and energy programs discussed in this report are funded through Council’s Environment Levy. Recommending: 1. THAT the Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs report be received.

General Business 12.1. Request for update on progress with -

a. E-waste diversion, including collection statistics; b. location and development of proposed NSROC waste facility. (Phil Worrall)

12.2. Request for informal report on conduct (procedure and tenor) of EIS for established and proposed synthetic turf installations. (Phil Worrall)

DECISION OF 3664th

HELD ON 18 MAY 2015 COUNCIL MEETING

156. OSE01:

Report of Peter Massey, Manager Environmental Services

Environment Reference Group - Minutes 27 April 2015

This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 27 April 2015

Recommending:

, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information.

1. THAT the NSW Container Deposit Scheme report be received. 2. THAT the Earth Hour 2015 Festival Evaluation report be received. 3. THAT Council’s Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Niki Carey be congratulated on her efforts during the Earth Hour 2015 Festival. 4. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) report be received. 5. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received. 6. THAT the matter be referred to the dog-dropping education campaign and extended to include good ownership and behaviour for dog owners, and their obligations about where dogs can be kept on- and off-leash.

RESOLVED: 1. THAT the NSW Container Deposit Scheme report be received. 2. THAT the Earth Hour 2015 Festival Evaluation report be received. 3. THAT Council’s Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Niki Carey be congratulated on her efforts during the Earth Hour 2015 Festival. 4. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) report be received. 5. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received. 6. THAT the matter be referred to the dog-dropping education campaign and extended to include good ownership and behaviour for dog owners, specifically around playgrounds, and their obligations about where dogs can be kept on- and off-leash.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Beregi and seconded by Councillor Barbour.

Voting was as follows: For/Against 8/0

Councillor Yes No Councillor Yes No Gibson Y Barbour Y Reymond Y Morris Y Clare Y Burke Absent Baker Y Marchandeau Y Carr Absent Bevan Absent Beregi Y

ITEM OSE01 REPORTS 18/05/15

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager Attachments:

1. Minutes 27 April 2015

SUBJECT: Environment Reference Group - Minutes 27 April 2015

AUTHOR: Peter Massey, Manager Environmental Services

ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference

Group held on 27 April 2015, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for

information.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Nil

RECOMMENDATION:

1. THAT the NSW Container Deposit Scheme report be received.

2. THAT the Earth Hour 2015 Festival Evaluation report be received.

3. THAT Council’s Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Niki Carey be congratulated

on her efforts during the Earth Hour 2015 Festival.

4. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) report be received.

5. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be

received.

6. THAT the matter be referred to the dog-dropping education campaign and extended to

include good ownership and behaviour for dog owners, and their obligations about where

dogs can be kept on- and off-leash.

Report of Peter Massey, Manager Environmental Services

Re: Environment Reference Group - Minutes 27 April 2015

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM

The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows:

Direction: 5. Our Civic Leadership

Outcome: 5.3 Council is ethical, open, accountable and transparent in its decision

making

BACKGROUND

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Principles and Practices:

53.6 - The minutes of a Reference Group or Working Group meeting can only be confirmed

and adopted by resolution of that Reference Group or Working Group, passed at a subsequent

meeting of that Group. A motion or discussion in respect of the Minutes shall not be in order

except as to their accuracy as a record of proceedings. Minutes may not be amended to reflect

second thoughts on a resolution - changes may only be made if the accuracy of the resolution

is found to be at fault; as per clause 19.2 of this Code.

53.7 - A report on the proceedings of Reference Group or Working Group meetings are to be

submitted to the next available meeting of Council for endorsement, including all

recommendations. Any Councillor may be the mover or seconder of a motion to confirm the

proceedings of a Reference Group or Working Group meeting.

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS

Community engagement will be undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community

Engagement Protocol.

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

The sustainability implications are of a minor nature and as such did not warrant a detailed

assessment.

DETAIL

This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference

Group held on 27 April 2015, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for

information.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L S E R V I C E S R E F E R E N C E G R O U P

Minute Book Page No 1

This is Page No 1 of the Minutes of the Environment Reference Group Meeting held on Monday, 27 April 2015.

MINUTES: ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP MEETING HELD IN THE

ROS CRICHTON PAVILION ON MONDAY, 27 APRIL AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Councillor Baker in the Chair, Councillor Bevan and Councillor Reymond.

Staff: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services

Peter Massey, Manager Environmental Services Shari Amery, Governance Officer (Minutes)

Citizen Members: Claire Hanley, Louise Byrne, Bruce Handmer, Susette

Dixon.

Apologies were received from Mayor Jilly Gibson, Councillor Beregi, Councillor Clare, Warwick Winn (General Manager), Keryn Hassall, Anne Edwards and Philip Worrall.

At the commencement of business (7.18pm) Councillors present were - Councillor Baker in the Chair and Councillors Bevan and Reymond.

ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD 1. General Business

1.1. “Gardening Australia” TV segment filmed at Coal Loader The television segment was presented to the Reference Group. Council’s Director Open Space and Environmental Service provided the following information:

• Fly-through plans for the tunnels and final stages of the Coal Loader development are available on Council’s website. The fly-through was created to seek State and Federal funding.

• The next tender to go out is for completion of all proposed works for the

Coal Loader site.

• The underground chambers will be stabilised and made safe for various future uses/opportunities.

ATTACHMENT TO OSE01 - 18/05/15 Page 3

ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP – 27/04/15 Page No 2


• Council has also been advocating for a ferry stop at the Coal Loader. The wharf will cost a substantial amount to replace/repair. The wharf is in the care of the RMS.

Bruce Handmer thanked Council staff for their efforts at the Coal Loader.

ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 2. Minutes

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 November 2014, copies of which had been previously circulated, were taken as read and confirmed.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Reymond and seconded by B. Handmer. Voting was unanimous.

3. E01: NSW Container Deposit Scheme

Report of Bo Karaula, Executive Environmental Health Surveyor This report summarises the latest developments for a Container Deposit Scheme in NSW as proposed by the State Government. Recommending: 1. THAT the NSW Container Deposit Scheme report be received. Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the NSW Container Deposit Scheme report be received. The Motion was moved by Councillor Bevan and seconded by B. Handmer. Voting was unanimous.

4. E02: Earth Hour 2015 Festival Evaluation

Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator To provide an update on the recent Earth Hour celebrations at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. Recommending: 1. THAT the Earth Hour 2015 Festival Evaluation report be received. Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the Earth Hour 2015 Festival Evaluation report be received. 2. THAT Council’s Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator Niki Carey be congratulated on her efforts during the Earth Hour 2015 Festival. The Motion was moved by C. Hanley and seconded by Councillor Reymond. Voting was unanimous.

5. E03: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC)

Joshua Hayden, Waste Management Officer




Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) has been successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre (CRC). A Community Recycling Centre is a permanent drop-off facility for the community to recycle or safely and easily dispose of household problem waste which cannot be disposed of in household bins. The Centre will be established in alliance with Willoughby City Council, Hunter’s Hill Council, Lane Cove Council and City of Ryde Council. Recommending: 1. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) report be received.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) report be received. The Motion was moved by L. Byrne and seconded by C. Hanley. Voting was unanimous.

6. E04: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

Gabrielle Lewis, Environmental Waste Education Officer This report outlines the results of the annual residential Electronic Waste (e-waste) recycling collection services program conducted from Monday 23 March to Friday 27 March 2015. Recommending: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received.

Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received. The Motion was moved by B Handmer and seconded by L. Byrne. Voting was unanimous.

7. General Business

7.1. “Gardening Australia” TV segment filmed at Coal Loader (Previously dealt with see Minute No 1) 7.2. Dogs off-lead (Bruce Handmer)

There has been an increase in dog droppings in certain areas due to animals being off-lead. There are frequently animals kept off-lead at the parkland at bottom of Blues Point Road. There is a lack of signage at Waverton Park and other areas. There is also a concern about dogs attacking people. Council has conducted communications with dog-walking professionals, and the campaign will now be extended to dog owners.




Resolved to recommend: 1. THAT the matter be referred to the dog-dropping education campaign and extended to include good ownership and behaviour for dog owners, and their obligations about where dogs can be kept on- and off-leash.

The Motion was moved by B. Handmer and seconded by C. Hanley.

Voting was unanimous.

7.3. Air and noise pollution from the Greenwich Oil Terminal. (Bruce Handmer)

Bruce raised the issue of ships making excessive noise on the Harbour, particularly in the early morning on a school night, that is louder than trains or other traffic. The ships also emit large amounts of smoke. Operational issues must be referred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Environment Protection licence is publically available and complaints can be made directly to the EPA hotline.

The Meeting concluded at 8.04pm. ____________________________ __________________________ CHAIRPERSON GENERAL MANAGER



Environment Reference Group Report E01 - 23rd November 2015

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: 2015 NSW Landcare Award – Building Bridges to Boorowa AUTHOR: Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: For the past 16 years, North Sydney Council has partnered with Boorowa Council and Boorowa Community Landcare to facilitate an annual volunteer tree planting trip to the southwest NSW Township. The project has achieved remarkable results over the past 16 years with over 50,000 locally native trees, shrubs and groundcovers planted by more than 400 volunteers in specially prepared wildlife corridors. The benefits to local and migratory wildlife (including the endangered Superb Parrot) are tangible, as volunteers note increasing species diversity with each passing year. In 2014, Council celebrated the 15th Anniversary of this unique urban/rural partnership project by re-signing the Memorandum of Understanding. The Bushland Management Team marked the occasion with a special 16-page edition of the Bushcare Newsletter incorporating stories and interviews with farmers, volunteers and Council staff (past and present) involved in the program. Additionally, a pictorial history of the program was exhibited in Council Chambers and in a vacant shop-front in Boorowa’s main street. In early 2015, the Bushland Management Team, along with Boorowa Community Landcare, prepared a submission for the NSW Landcare Awards under the “Government Partnerships with Landcare” category. The winners were announced in September at the 2015 State Landcare Conference, hosted in Orange. North Sydney Council was one of three winners in this category. Subsequently the unique partnership was featured both on ABC Local Radio (in Orange) and ABC Radio National. North Sydney’s 2015 NSW Landcare Award is located in the display cabinet outside Council Chambers. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the 2015 NSW Landcare Award – Building Bridges to Boorowa report be received.

Report of Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator Re: 2015 NSW Landcare Award – Building Bridges to Boorowa

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.1 Protected, enhanced and rehabilitated native vegetation communities and

ecosystems 4.5 Lifelong learning and volunteering is encouraged BACKGROUND Building Bridges to Boorowa is a successful urban/rural partnership program that has become an annual event for North Sydney Council since September 2000. Bushcare volunteers from North Sydney have been working alongside Landcare volunteers from Boorowa in planting local trees, shrubs and groundcovers that create wildlife corridors and address environmental degradation such as erosion and salinity. Plantings have also served to increase the coverage and improve the quality of habitat for endangered species such as the Superb Parrot. Over the past 16 years, more than 400 volunteers have planted in excess of 50,000 plants throughout the Boorowa District and combined with ongoing efforts by the Boorowa Community Landcare Group, have contributed to tangible landscape-scale improvement to the district’s natural environment. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: Environment Habitat restoration, threatened species recovery, minimising negative

impacts of erosion, salinity and historical land clearing Social Urban/rural community partnerships; education; increased

environmental values; increased understanding and appreciation of urban/rural issues

Economic Environmental investment in preserving ecosystem services and improving land management practices which in-turn improve both the sustainability and productivity of NSW environment

Governance Nil


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DETAIL The ‘Building Bridges to Boorowa’ program is unique in an otherwise expansive and diverse world of Bushcare/Landcare environmental initiatives. The importance of this urban/rural partnership and its persistent success over the past sixteen years is testament to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of participants, partners and stakeholders alike. Whilst the program has contributed to real, landscape-scale improvements to the ecosystems and environmental sustainability of Boorowa, it has also resulted in the building of personal relationships and a mutual understanding of the challenges that face people living in urban and rural environments. 2014 marked the 15th anniversary of North Sydney Council’s partnership with Boorowa Council and Boorowa Community Landcare Group. To commemorate this milestone, the Mayors of North Sydney and Boorowa Council were joined by the Chair of Boorowa Community Landcare Group on a property in Boorowa for a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony. Flanked by more than forty North Sydney volunteers and Boorowa locals, the sunset ceremony held in a tree-lined paddock encapsulated many of the environmental benefits this program achieves. The opportunity to seek wider recognition of the partnership and its achievements came in early 2015 when NSW Landcare called for award nominations as part of the upcoming State Landcare Conference. Subsequently, the Bushland Management Team’s Andrew Scott and Boorowa Community Landcare Group’s Heather McLeod prepared an award submission under the “Government Partnerships with Landcare” category. Input on the award submission was sought from various stakeholders involved in the partnership project including Bushcare volunteers, landholders and staff. The NSW Landcare Conference was held in early September in Orange, (NSW). The judging panel received over 70 award nominations across 9 categories. However, only 26 winners were announced, three of which were within the “Government Partnerships with Landcare” category. Council’s Building Bridges to Boorowa program was successful in obtaining a 2015 NSW State Landcare Award. Unfortunately, of the three category winners, we were not selected to represent NSW at the National Landcare Conference in 2016. The main motivation for seeking a NSW Landcare Award was to promote the successful North Sydney-Boorowa partnership over a broader platform and to encourage other organisations, both rural and urban, to replicate it by developing their own environmental partnerships in other parts of NSW. The award generated much interest at the conference and numerous contacts were made with interested organisation representatives. Furthermore, Council’s Bushcare Officer and Boorowa’s Landcare Coordinator were interviewed on ABC Local Radio (Orange). Shortly after the Conference, another forty North Sydney Bushcare volunteers made the journey to Boorowa for our annual tree planting weekend. Despite planting more than 4,200 plants over two and a half days, the group also found time to be featured on ABC Radio National’s Off Track program. Presenter and producer, Dr Ann Jones joined us in Boorowa


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on one of the planting properties to record both volunteers in action and to interview a number of the people involved. The finished program, which can be listened to online at https://radio.abc.net.au/programitem/pgga6d8PX6?play=true is engaging and a highly positive reflection of the partnerships fundamental and enduring success. Feedback collected from this year’s planting weekend participants was once again very supportive and encouraging. In answer to the question “what is the importance of Council providing this and similar programs to increase community awareness, skills and commitment to the environment” 22 out of 25 respondents stated “very high” with the remaining three nominating “high” importance. Similarly, 92% of the respondents rated Council’s staff and organisation of the weekend as “excellent”. Council’s Landcare award has been placed in the display cabinet outside the Chambers. It is recommended that the report be received.

Left to right: Roz Gibson (Boorowa Community Landcare); Heather McMath (North Sydney Bushcare);

Heather McLeod (Boorowa Community Landcare); Gareth Debney & Andrew Scott (North Sydney Council)


Environment Reference Group Report E02 23 November 2015

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update AUTHOR: Michelle Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report provides the Environment Reference Group with an update on the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability’s recent activity and visitor numbers. In just over four years since opening, the Coal Loader has welcomed over 120,000 people to the site through a variety of events and activities. The Coal Loader Café is now open and work on the much-awaited Green Roof on the Coal Loader platform has commenced. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update report be received.

Report of Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Re: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.1 Community is connected BACKGROUND The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability was opened in July 2011 and has attracted over 120,000 visitors to the site during opening hours, since that date. The 2014/15 financial year featured a number of key events such as Earth Hour, Shakespeare on the Green’s performances of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, four Coal Loader Artisans Markets, Sustainable House Day, the opening of the Coal Loader Café. In addition, the site has been a hub of activity with educational activities and workshops and has seen the commencement of the Coal Loader Green Roof Project. This report provides an update on the success of those events plus a general update about visitation to the Coal Loader. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications were considered and reported on during the initiation phase of this project. DETAIL Visitor Numbers The Coal Loader was opened in July 2011. Graph 1 below shows the gradual rise in the popularity of the site, with 16,255 visitors in the first year, 22,353 in the second year, 33,474 in the third year and 40,923 during the fourth year. The opening of the Coal Loader café in March 2015 has seen a further spike in numbers, with an increase in casual visitors to the site. As of mid October 2015, a total of 121,296 have visited the site during opening hours (with many more visiting after hours).


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Recent entries in the Coal Loader Comments Book include:

“Absolutely beautiful example of what can be accomplished on such sites. Will be back!” (Paul, Brisbane)

“So fantastic! Well done, North Sydney for your efforts to educate our kids about the value of food, the planet and our indigenous heritage. Adelaide needs more of this. Fantastic!” (Christine, S.A)

“I love everything especially the garden and the bush walk. The garden was so great with the smell of lemon. I love that you put the date of the peas. I want to come here again” (Jessie, 7)

“The Coal Loader is a truly amazing and valuable resource – we locals are so very fortunate to have this beautiful and dynamic place AND Earth Hour at the Coal Loader was superb. We were a group of 10 and each one of us agreed it was a very enjoyable experience – we all plan on returning with more friends and family next year” (Lyn, Wollstonecraft)

The table below and Graph 2 breaks down the total visitor numbers into reasons for visiting the site (casual visitor, attending Council workshop or event, venue booking or education outreach (schools, TAFE, universities and guided tours). Large events such as the Coal Loader Artisans Market and the North Sydney Art Prize boost the numbers of ‘Council workshop or event’ significantly. These events bring people to the site that may not otherwise attend to volunteer, to learn about sustainable living or undertake a guided tour.

2011/201216,255

2012/201322,353

2013/201433,474

2014/201540,923

Graph 1: Coal Loader Total Visitors First 4 Years


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Financial Year

Casual Visitors*

Council Workshops &

Events Bookings

Education Outreach ‐

schools, TAFE, universities, guided tours

Total Visitors

2011/2012 6,182 5,876 3,443 754 16,255

2012/2013 7,540 9,024 4,786 1,003 22,353

2013/2014 8,150 18,502 5,514 1,308 33,474

2014/2015 9,250 24,420 5,542 1,711 40,923

6,182

5,876

3,443

754

7,540

9,024

4,786

1,003

8,150

18,502

5,514

1,308

9,250

24,420

5,542

1,711

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Casual Visitors* Council Workshops & Events

Bookings Education Outreach ‐schools, TAFE,

universities, guided tours

Graph 2: Coal Loader Visitors by Purpose ‐ First 4 Years

2011/2012

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015


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Highlights of the 2014/15 Financial Year: Coal Loader Features on ABC Gardening Australia The Coal Loader was featured on the ABC’s Gardening Australia television program on 28 March 2015. Filming took place over three days in November 2014 with Council officers David Banbury and Michelle Johnston involved in filming. Costa, a well-known and respected Landscape Architect concluded the episode with the following statement: “It's so inspiring to see local communities transforming historical structures such as this, into places of education and recreation. To me, this project is of international significance and I really look forward to watching its progress.” The episode can be viewed at http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/video/video_index_March2015.htm

Four More Coal Loader Artisans Markets The Artisans Market has grown from strength to strength, becoming well known and recommended amongst the market industry. Each market has been booked out with stallholders keen to secure a stall space. Markets are held quarterly, on the last Sunday of each season. This avoids clashes with other local markets and the premier hand-made market held in Canberra several times a year. Markets regularly attract several thousand visitors and feature around 70 stalls each. Dates for upcoming markets are:

29 November 2015

28 February 2016

29 May 2016

28 August 2016

27 November 2016 The Artisans Markets featured on a Chinese television program promoting interesting locations to visit in Sydney. See http://en.cncnews.cn/Global_Visitor/v_show/49301_9.shtml


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North Sydney Art Prize The biennial North Sydney Art Prize was held at the Coal Loader over 16 days in March 2015. 332 entries were received and 92 works (99 finalists) including works on paper, photography, sculpture, installation, new media and site specific works were exhibited across the grounds of the Coal Loader and in the historic dwellings, including the Caretakers Cottage, Artist Studio, Workshop and Mess Hall. An estimated 8000 people attended the event. Shakespeare on the Green In November 2014, Shakespeare on the Green staged “Much Ado About Nothing” for a three week season at the Coal Loader. The production opened on Friday 7 November and closed Sunday 23 November. A total of nine performances saw 881 people attend the show. Due to the demands of voluntarily organising each season, Shakespeare on the Green have decided to do the production every 2 years and will be applying to use the Coal Loader again in 2016. Earth Hour On 28 March, the Earth Hour Festival at the Coal Loader was MC’d by Costa Georgiadis, host of Gardening Australia. It consisted of a twilight picnic, the screening of the ABC Gardening Australia episode that was filmed at the coal loader late last year, the documentary 'Project Wild Thing', a Bat talk and spotlight tour. During Earth Hour itself, lights were switched off and African drummers and fire dancers entertained the crowd. A free sample cookbook developed by WWF for Earth Hour was also distributed as part of this year’s theme: celebrating and committing to protect our great Aussie food and farmers who are at the frontline of climate change. The event attracted a crowd of more than 400, 75% from the North Sydney LGA, including many who hadn’t been to the Coal Loader before. 50% hadn’t attended a Council run sustainability workshop before and will now receive Council’s sustainability e-newsletter. Education Outreach The Coal Loader is an educational hub for people of all ages and stages. The 2014/15 financial year saw guided educational activities for 3581 people aged 3 to 93. This included 1711 people taking part in 40 guided tours, school excursions, university or TAFE visits and a further 1870 people attending Council’s 54 environmental workshops. Tables 2 and 3 provide further detail.


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Table 2 – Schools, TAFES, Universities and Guided Tours in 2014/15 Financial Year

Date Event Attendees

Jul‐14 Guided Tour ‐ TOFS 26

Guided Tour ‐ First Friday Friends Group 16

Guided Tour ‐ Sydney Women’s Int'l Club 24

Guided Tour ‐ Riverview Jesuit Conference 14

Guided Tour ‐ Macquarie Hospital Henley Unit 12

UNSW Architecture Students second year 128

Aug‐14 UNSW Architecture Students second year 128

Guided Tour ‐ Midweek Walkers 18

School Excursion - St Mary's Primary 60

School Excursion ‐ Puddleducks Kindergarten 19

North Sydney TAFE Early Childhood students 17

Sep‐14 UNSW Architecture Students second year 128

Guided tour ‐ North Sydney Tafe ESL 25

Guided tour ‐ Central Coast caravan group 22

Schools Environment Network Meeting 17

Oct‐14 Guided Tour ‐ Walkers and Talkers 15

ACU Student Research Presentations 48

North Sydney Demonstration School yr 4‐6 60

North Sydney TAFE Early Childhood students 21

Guided Tour ‐ Liverpool Council staff 12

Nov‐14 Outdoor Education Group ‐ MLC Burwood Year 9 120

North Sydney Demonstration School yr K‐2 60

Guided Tour ‐ Spinal Cord Injuries Group 25

SCEGGS Redlands Year 8 120

Outdoor Education Group ‐ Kings School 18

Dec‐14 St Aloysius 40

Guided Tour ‐ Lane Cove Menes Group 20

Feb‐15 Guided Tour ‐ Crows Nest TAFE Early Childhood students 48

Mar‐15 Guided Tour ‐ North Sydney TAFE Early Childhood students 20

Guided Tour ‐ Crows Nest TAFE Early Childhood students 20

Guided Tour ‐ Holroyd Probus group 20

Apr‐15 Field of Mars Enviro Education Centre ‐ Microbat Project Day 90

Macquarie University 20

Shore School Environmental Leaders guided tour 6

May‐15 Loreto Year 10 Geography ‐ self guided excursion 130

Guided Tour ‐ HammondAtHome carers group 14

Guided Tour ‐ DARTS 6

Jun‐15 Guided Tour ‐ HMAS Waterhen 22

Guided Tour ‐ Narrabeen Lakes Garden Club 18

OzGreen Youth Leading the World Congress 3 days 60

MEGT ‐ Early childhood students 24


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Table 3 – Council Workshops held at the Coal Loader during 2014/15 Financial Year

Date Event Attendees

Jul‐14 Workshop ‐ Natural Cleaning 18

Workshop ‐ Natural Skin Care 23

Workshop ‐ Water Tanks in Small Spaces 20

Aug‐14 Workshop ‐ Wormfarms 20

Workshop ‐ Energy 7

Workshop ‐ Wicking Beds 5

Workshop ‐ Crochet with Waste 20

Sep‐14 Workshop ‐ Introduction to Bushcare 5

Workshop ‐ Weaving with Nature 18

Film Night ‐ Forest Lodge Eco House x 2 19

Workshop ‐ Composting 15

Workshop ‐ Balcony Gardening 4

Workshop ‐ Organic Pest and Disease Control 8

Workshop ‐ Under the Sea 36

Workshop ‐ Insektus 43

Workshop ‐ Wildlife Sculptures 21

Workshop ‐ Animal Stencil Making 16

Oct‐14 Workshop ‐ Something Wild 74

Workshop ‐ Mini Beasts in Your Compost 20

Event ‐ Mental Health Awareness Exhibition Launch 120

Event ‐ Mental Health Awareness Exhibition 80

Workshop ‐ Mental Health Awareness 28

Workshop ‐ Worm Farming 15

Workshop ‐ Backyard Chickens 20

Nov‐14 Workshop ‐ Composting 21

Workshop ‐ Wildlife Watch Walk & Talk 6

Workshop ‐ Clothes Swap 70

Workshop ‐ Balcony Gardens 22

Workshop ‐ Weaving with Nature 14

Dec‐14 Workshop ‐ Worm Farming 20

Workshop ‐ Eco Friendly Xmas 12

Jan‐15 Workshop ‐ Scaly Animal Show 69

Workshop ‐ Under the Sea 68

Workshop ‐ Solar Car Making 18

Workshop ‐ Water bug Show 43

Workshop ‐ Children's Theatre waste theme 30

Workshop ‐ musical instruments from waste 37

Workshop ‐ Solar Boat Making 18

Workshop ‐ Ocean Art 22

Feb‐15 Workshop ‐ Worm Farming & Bokashi 20

Mar‐15 Event ‐ Earth Hour 400

Event ‐ Microbat Talk and Walk 40

Workshop ‐ Harvest North Sydney 20

Workshop ‐ Introduction to Bushcare 20

Apr‐15 Workshop ‐ Mynah Trap Building 20

Workshop ‐ No Dig Gardens 20


Workshop ‐ Seed Saving 20

May‐15 Workshop ‐ Edible Gardens 20


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Workshop ‐ Herb Spiral 20

Workshop ‐ Worm Farms 20

Event ‐ Green Apartments Forum 65

Jun‐15 Workshop ‐ Solar Panels 20



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Coal Loader Café The Coal Loader Café officially opened in March 2015, with opening hours 7am to 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The café has gradually built up a regular clientele and as of October 2015, estimates it receives approximately 50 customers per day on weekdays and 100 per day on weekends, bringing around 350 extra people to the site each week. Coal Loader Platform Green Roof Tenders have been invited from contractors for the construction of The Coal Loader Platform, Waverton Adaptive Reuse Greenroof Project. This last stage of the redevelopment of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability -a major milestone of the Waverton Peninsula Strategic Master Plan - will see the creation of one of Sydney’s largest publicly accessible green roof spaces on the old coal-loading platform. The concrete and sandstone platform structure is one hectare in size (which would fit seven Olympic-sized swimming pools side by side along its length) and when complete will be a multi-purpose recreational space with spectacular views of the harbour. Tender submissions closed on 4 November 2015. More information on the Green Roof Project, including a 3D flyover, can be found at www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/The_Coal_Loader/Coal_Loader_Platform_Green-roof_Project


Environment Reference Group Report E03 23 November 2015

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program AUTHOR: Gabrielle Lewis, Environmental Waste Education Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report outlines the results of the bi-annual residential Electronic Waste (e-waste) recycling collection services program conducted from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2015 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received.

Report of Gabrielle Lewis, Environmental Waste Education Officer Re: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: Environmental sustainability Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources BACKGROUND Prior to introduction of a dedicated e-waste collection service, Council’s fortnightly general household clean-up service collected e-waste items which ultimately went to landfill. Following concerns with toxic substances leaking into the ecosystem and valuable resources being lost when landfilled, Council resolved at the November 2014 meeting to ban e-waste from the household clean-up and introduce a dedicated bi-annual e-waste collection service. This new collection service was to be a booking service with Council’s current collection contractors collecting the material from kerbside and delivering it to a dedicated processing facility. An extensive education information program was undertaken to ensure residents were fully informed of the changes to take place from 18 May 2015. The information included Mosman Daily ads for three months, the North Sydney News, Council’s internal News Scene, large banners throughout the Council area, posters on all Council notice boards, Council’s phone message system and web home page, two letter box drops of leaflets, as well as pull-up banners at the Coal Loader, Library and the Council. The Council’s waste contractors were also provided with information to ensure the public were well informed. The first dedicated e-waste collection took place in May 2015. The second collection service was provided to residents from 14 September to 18 September 2015. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications:


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QBL Pillar Implications Environment North Sydney e-waste collection service has been able to play a role in

diverting e-waste from landfill, therefore reducing potential harm to the environment

Social The continued participation of the e-waste collection over time confirms the collection has helped to highlight community awareness of the effect e-waste has on the environment.

Economic The costings had been established with the initial e-waste collection and is funded from Council’s Domestic Waste Management budget.

Governance Council by providing the e-waste collection service has helped change community attitudes and behaviour towards environmental issues and also provide residents the opportunity to actively participate in reducing waste to landfill

DETAIL The e-waste recycling collection service that was held from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2015 was the second one for 2015, which was due to a resolution passed by the Council in November 2014 that a second service be provided. As in previous years, the collection service was conducted using the resources of the existing infrastructure provided by United Resource Management (URM) as used for the fortnightly general household cleanup. Residents were required to pre-book as per the usual procedures - either through the customer call centre or waste hotline. The collection was undertaken on the same day that residents had their waste and recycling collected. The collection was conducted on a zone by zone basis from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2015 and was publicly advertised. As with prior collections, a number of residents rang to book well past the booking cut off time - 7pm Sunday, 13 September 2015. Non-booked items were also left out for collection. To ensure that no non-booked or late presented e-waste items was not left on the kerbside, URM collection crews undertook additional collections on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September 2015. The collected material was transported for recovery to MRI e-cycle solutions at Smithfield, NSW. MRI was selected to provide the recycling service. This organisation is ISO14001 accredited and has been accredited by the EPA under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (established in November 2011, commenced in May 2012). MRI provided the e-waste processing service to Council free of charge. The scheme is funded by the television and computer industry and regulated by the Commonwealth Government. The materials recovered and processed were:

Batteries Cable LV Computers Laptops


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Televisions Mobile Phones Printers Tapes/CD/Memory cards LCD screens Plastic Glass

The table below is a graph of the kilograms collected and processed since the initial 2006 collection

E-WASTE RECYCLING COLLECTION

Promotion

The collection was promoted through: Letterbox drop of flyers to all households in the Council area. Distribution points included the Community Centres, Stanton Library and Council’s

Customer Service Centre. Advertisements placed in the local papers for five weeks leading up to the collection. Posters displayed in all Council Bulletin Boards. Information on Council’s Web Homepage was provided.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Mar‐15 Sep‐15

E‐Waste Recycling Collection

Kilograms Collected Kilograms Processed


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A ‘voice over’ publicizing the collection was provided on URM’s Call Centre Waste Hotline telephone on-hold message services.

Information on Council’s own phone message service. Costs Collection and transportation: URM costs of $18,428 were for the collection and transportation, the vehicle usage and

two employees for eight to nine hours per day over seven days. Letterbox drop flyers distribution $5,742, advertising in the Mosman Daily for six weeks

$4,712.00, printing (l/box flyers) $1,961.00

Total cost of the service $30,843.00 Results

There were a total of 938 bookings. An additional 50 residents missed the cut off date but still requested a collection. These additional 50 bookings, plus approximately 100 residents that had not made a booking but had left their material on the kerbside, had their material collected after the 18 September 2015 cut off date. In total 14,252kgs was collected for recycling, of which 8,385kg was acceptable material under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme and 5,490kgs was other material not accepted under the scheme; this included materials with an electric cord (toasters, heaters, fans) household and lead acid batteries and mobile phones. Of the total 14,252 kgs collected 2.6% (approximately 377kg) went to landfill; this consisted of rubber, wood and other soiled material which was deemed unsuitable for recycling. Along with the March collection, the total e-waste collected for the year is 24,787kgs which is an excellent result. Conclusion The role Council plays in encouraging residents to change attitudes and behaviour is an important one. The e-waste collection has proved to be a worthwhile program, which residents eagerly utilize, as evidenced by the number of residents participating. Introducing a second dedicated collection has proved to be successful and a service the Council should continue to provide. The cost of delivering two collections in 2015- 2016 has been included in the Domestic Waste Management budget for 2015-2016.


Environment Reference Group Report E04 - 23 November 2015

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Green Events Program Update AUTHOR: Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Green Events program is a program of sustainability workshops and events offered free to the North Sydney community. The program focuses on current themes and issues in sustainability and is designed to engage, encourage and foster behaviour change in North Sydney residents by giving them the knowledge and skills to act. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and evaluation of the Green Events program from Jan-June 2015. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the Green Events Program be received

Report of Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer Re: Green Events Program

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural

resources BACKGROUND North Sydney Council’s Green Events program aims to promote, encourage and foster sustainable behaviour change within the North Sydney community by offering residents a program of free, sustainability themed events and workshops. Workshop topics are chosen based on their capability toward achieving Council targets highlighted in Council plans, whilst also being based on feedback garnered from the community through evaluation surveys. Workshops are grouped under sustainability themes including energy, water, sustainable food, upcycling and general sustainability. The Green Events program has been ongoing since 2008 and has increased in popularity substantially since its commencement. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. Feedback from workshop evaluation forms help Council refine its existing workshops and identify new topics and focus areas. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment No impact on Council energy consumption. Benefit in North Sydney

LGA from attendees implementing energy saving actions and technologies.

No impact on Council water consumption. Benefit in North Sydney LGA from attendees implementing water saving actions and technologies.

No impact on Council green waste generated. Benefit in North Sydney LGA from attendees implementing advice and waste saving technologies (such a compost bins, worm farms etc).


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Social Workshops on sustainable transport are designed to increase public participation in these modes of transport.

The Sustainable Living Workshop series encourages the North Sydney community to live more sustainably and healthily. Workshops on growing your own food, gardening, sustainable transport, composting and energy and water saving promote well being.

The workshop series encourages accessibility of open space for such things as community gardens.

Economic There are no economic implications. Governance There are no governance implications. DETAIL In the 6 months between January and June 2015, Council’s Green Events program ran 13 workshops with a total of 286 participants (see Table 1). In addition to this, 2 events were held, Earth Hour and the Green Apartments Forum, which attracted a further 403 participants (see table 1). Workshops included in the program were grouped into themes including energy, water, sustainable food, up-cycling, and general sustainability (see Table 2). The program is promoted primarily through the Green Events e-newsletter that is sent monthly to 1693 subscribers, and through Councils website. In addition the program is promoted through Council’s community noticeboard program, bi-annually in the North Sydney News publication, Council’s and the Coal Loader’s Facebook pages and through ad hoc paid advertisements in the Mosman Daily. Evaluation Following each workshop an online evaluation through survey monkey is sent to all participants. The survey includes questions on demographics, workshop satisfaction, participant motivation, suggestions for improvements and general comments. Based on the completed surveys there were a number of trends identified. With reference to participant demographics, age range, gender, and housing type were recorded. The 35-49 age group recorded the highest attendance and there appears to be good distribution in the 50-59 and 60-69 age groups also. This has changed from past evaluations where the older age groups were more dominant. Females are the dominant gender attending workshops accounting for approx 83% of participants. This is consistent with past evaluations of workshop attendance. Housing type saw an increase in attendees living in apartments (59.7%). With reference to communication methods, the majority of respondents, approx 45%, heard about the workshops through the green events e-newsletters followed by the Council website (33%) and the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability (27%). Satisfaction levels for the workshops and motivation levels of participants following the workshop were rated as excellent and high respectively, with all respondents being highly motivated to make sustainable changes in their lives as a result of the workshops. In addition,


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levels of understanding among respondents were found to be significantly improved after the workshops. With regard to the number of times respondents participate in the Green Events Program, approx 50% said they participate 1-3 times per year and 32% were people who attend more than 3 events a year. Approx 18% identified themselves as first timers in the program, which is higher than past evaluations indicating that the Green Events program is reaching new audiences. Included in the evaluation survey are questions that require open-ended answers. Such questions allow us to gain further insight into the participants’ feelings toward the Green Events Program, and their ideas on how we could improve workshops and suggestions for future topics. Overall, the respondents are overwhelming positive about the program. Below is a selection of responses that were chosen as being the most relevant. Q. How will you use the new information and skills?

I am going to apply to join the community garden as I don't have any land I can use to cultivate herbs and vegs...apart from a few pots. I will apply this passion and knowledge in the community garden!

Look at installing solar panels for hot water and power, and in any event, look at switching to get electricity from 100% green sources with retail supplier. Also measure energy usage.

Gave me some easy wins to start and some longer term things to think about. I have started making myself a crochet rag rug with all the bits of leftover fabric I

have lying around the house from sewing clothes. Already gardening without chemicals, but could improve health of garden and

productivity by improving soil preparation and increasing biodiversity in garden to encourage good bugs/pollinators.

My husband and I will make more informed decisions when building our own house and we have great information at our fingertips to continue further research.

Replant garden; start companion planting and crop rotation. Start composting.

Q. What did you like best about the event? The facilitator was excellent - he knew his stuff and was a very good presenter. Structured presentation, good information and information sources Presenter was brilliant, explained all we needed to know and much more. I thought all speakers were very good. They were succinct, they kept right on the topic,

they were very open to questions, they provided practical information. It was fantastic to attend a workshop targeted at apartments.

Lots of opportunities to interact with the facilitator and to deepen knowledge and understanding through question and answers.

The house owner's generosity in sharing her experience and information with us and letting us come through her house.

Good information and resources provided after the event

Q. Other comments Thanks for your great work. I'm bringing the rest of the family to have a look at the

centre.


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Loved it - well done to all of you. Had such a fascinating day and walked away with so much inspiration :-)

Keep the workshops coming!! Great stuff. Thanks very much for organising these kinds of events and following up for feedback

and further info (e.g, availability of Power Mates at library). We need all the help we can get in easily accessible and comprehensible manner.

Keep up the good work. All the classes at the Coal Loader have been great and this was the best so far. Thanks so much.

Excellent workshop, thanks to all the staff involved! Keep up the talks/workshops, fantastic resource for the community. You are all doing

a fabulous job! A very well organised event and my family felt very welcomed. Well done. Thanks to council for these courses. Keep up the great work


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Appendix Table 1. No of workshops and participants in the program Table 2. Sustainability Themes and Workshop Topics

Period No of Workshops No of Participants Average per workshop

Green Events Jan‐June 2015

13 286 22

Other (EarthHour and Green Apartments Forum)

2 403

Themes No of workshops Breakdown of workshops

Sustainable Food 3 Organic Pest and Disease Control; Seed Saving; Edible Gardens in Small Spaces

Energy 1 Solar Panels

Up cycling 2 Crochet with Waste; Junk Jewellery

General Sustainability

5 Natural Cleaning; Natural SkinCare; North Sydney Eco House; Solar Car Making; Fun Boast Making

Water 2 Water Sensitive Urban Garden Design; Water Cycle



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: greeNSchools Grant Program 2015 AUTHOR: Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The greeNSchools Grant Program is a North Sydney Council initiative funded through Council’s Environment Levy which supports local primary and secondary schools and early learning centers to develop, implement and celebrate environmental programs and activities. As part of the program, schools in the North Sydney LGA are eligible to be awarded grants of up to $3000 for a wide range of projects including both educational activities and on-ground works. A maximum of $12,000.00 per financial year has been allocated for this grant project. Applications opened at the start of February this year and closed on May 1st. This report provides an overview of the initiatives funded through the greeNSchools program in 2015. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project is funded through Council’s Environment Levy and is allocated for in the 2015/16 budget. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the greeNSchools Grant Program report be received.

Report of Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer Re: greeNSchools Grant Program 2015

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the North Sydney Council Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural

resources 1.1 Protected, enhanced and rehabilitated native vegetation communities and

ecosystems BACKGROUND This financial year, North Sydney Girls High School, Loretto Kirribilli, Redlands Pre-School and Guthrie Child Care Centre were awarded greeNSchool grants to deliver various sustainability initiatives at their school. The successful schools submitted grant applications which were diverse and addressed a wide range of environmental issues and activities. The four successful schools created initiatives which obtained greeNSchools grant funding based on the following criteria: 1. There is a proven need and tangible benefits for funding allocation in relation to one or more of the greeNSchool program objectives. 2. Project activities will ensure student learning through the curriculum. 3. The project implements the school environmental education / management plan. 4. The project makes a contribution to a sustainable school community in the North Sydney Local Government Area. 5. It has been demonstrated that the project is able to be implemented and reporting completed in the available timeframe. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment The grant projects discussed will contribute to enhanced

environmental quality by building local capacity to undertake actions that reduce their impact on the environment

Social The grant projects discussed will facilitate stronger communities, build capacity to network with others and provide social opportunities for a diverse range of community members

Economic The projects discussed enable local communities to reduce their reliance on fossil fuel related products and activities


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Governance The projects discussed highlight Councils commitment to sustainability and positions Council as a leader in addressing environmental issues

DETAIL Below is a brief overview of the four successful projects, the majority of which are currently under way. Final reports are to be submitted by 4 December 2015. Redlands Pre-School – Edible Garden and Indigenous Relaxation Forest Redlands teaching staff have worked closely with the students and parents to create a playground space that includes a school vegetable garden and an indigenous forest for children to explore. The edible garden and forest will be used as sensory space as well as a more reflective area where students can relax, complete calm and quiet activities with friends and sit amongst a natural green space. The project area will also be utilised to educate students about sustainable food production. It is anticipated that the garden will be used to teach the students about where food comes from, how to grow, harvest and cook their own food. The creation of an indigenous forest will ensure children develop knowledge and understanding about the traditional owners of the land on which the preschools stands. Project outcomes

Develop a space to undertake activities that addresses preschool age appropriate environmental sustainability issues

Creation of long lasting learning experiences through student participation in designing and creating their own sustainable environment

Provide opportunities for students to teach others how to grow their own food and contribute to a healthy environment

Create teaching resources that can be used within the preschool and the community to encourage sustainable practices within the preschool and in the student’s homes


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Part of the edible garden and indigenous relaxation forest at Redlands Pre-School. Loretto Kirribilli – Source Segregation Recycling Program Loretto students, teachers and facility manager are working together to set up a co-mingled recycling program across the entire school. The project will recycle bottles, aluminium cans, cardboard and paper and significantly reduce the amount of waste entering landfill. It is estimated that the waste diverted from landfill will be equivalent to a large skip bin each day once the program has been completed. Previous recycling systems at Loretto involved minimal recycling of cardboard and paper. The student environment council, in conjunction with the teaching staff, identified further opportunities to increase the amount of recyclables and reduce the amount of waste from entering landfill. The students are actively responsible in the program rollout, including assisting with signage, on ground support, litter checks, waste education and monitoring and evaluation of the recycling stream. Project outcomes

Greater understanding of the waste stream at Loretto and the sustainability benefits from diverting waste from landfill

Provide opportunities for students to teach others how to reduce their waste stream at home and in their community


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Financial savings (after payback) from reduced waste fees by increasing the recycling stream and by reducing the general waste stream

Creation of long lasting learning experiences through student participation in designing and delivering their own sustainability project

North Sydney Girls High School The North Sydney Girls’ greenhouse project is aimed at providing more opportunities for the incorporation of plant based activities and environmental education in the curriculum across the school. Students will be able to experience more practical tasks concerned with the maintenance of gardens as well as having more opportunities to actively participate in school based environmental activities. The students will use their grant to build a greenhouse that will support their science, food tech and environmental education classes. The students and teachers prefer to grow their own plants each year to learn about collecting seeds, raising seedlings, and increase their plant-based understanding and activities in class. Project outcomes

Create additional opportunities for hands on learning using the greenhouse as a resource for all plant based classroom activities

Incorporate food waste concepts to support the greenhouse by re-introducing a compost and worm farm waste disposal system

Provide opportunities for students from the gardening club to teach others how to grow and harvest their own herbs and vegetables

Grow and incorporate natives in the school grounds to foster a greater understanding of the importance of indigenous species

Guthrie Child Care Centre Guthrie is in the process of building a community garden for the 55 families that regularly attend the centre each day to enjoy. The educators, children and parents were determined to build a garden that allowed them to work together and learn more about growing their own food. Families are encouraged to participate and help maintain the garden with the children to foster a sense of community with each other. The teachers have also incorporated a range of daily environmental tasks the children are required to complete each day to support the garden. This includes composting and worm farming, harvesting the liquid fertilizer and regular maintenance of the garden. Project outcomes

Develop opportunities for children under six years of age to learn about the

environment in a fun and social way Develop stronger community connections by including the parents in the design and

implementation of the community garden

Introduce food waste concepts in class and provide practical opportunities such as worm farming and composting to facilitate greater understanding of these issues

Provide opportunities for students to learn more about growing their own food and creating a healthy environment


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Costa Georgiadis from ABC’s Gardening Australia assists the children with their greeNSchool grant at Guthrie Child Care Centre. (Photo Credit – Mosman Daily)



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Harvest North Sydney 2015 AUTHOR: Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Harvest North Sydney project is a community sustainable food project that took place from July to September 2015. Residents from the North Sydney local government area participated in the project which resulted in 20 new food gardens being established in North Sydney, 6 of which were communal apartment vegetable gardens and 1 verge garden. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and evaluation of the 2015 Harvest North Sydney program. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project is funded through Council’s Environment Levy. The project budget was $10,000 with most of this going towards facilitator costs, staff time and some materials. Project participants funded the establishment of their gardens. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Harvest North Sydney Program report be received.

Report of Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer Re: Harvest North Sydney 2015

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.1 Community is connected BACKGROUND The Harvest North Sydney project is a community sustainable food project that provides North Sydney residents with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required to set up their own food gardens and increase their understanding of sustainable food. 20 participants are chosen each year based on their commitment to build food gardens and become community champions by showcasing their project to others, inspiring them to join the sustainable food movement. The objectives of the project are:

1. To increase community engagement and community capacity in growing their own food;

2. To increase local food production and consumption. Sustainable food has been highlighted as a key activity in Council’s plans and funding has been made available to address this topic through the North Sydney Environment Levy. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment The environmental implications of the proposed project are as follows:

Reduction in organic waste by participants implementing advice and waste saving technologies;

Increase in production and consumption of local food; Increase in biodiversity of the LGA through garden establishment; Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for participants; Reduction in food miles for participants.


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Social The social implications of the proposed project are as follows:

The project will increase community connections for participants;

The project will increase community engagement with issue of sustainable food;

The project will encourage the North Sydney community to live more sustainably and healthily;

The project may encourage accessibility of open space for such things as community gardens;

The project will support local producers. Economic By growing more of their own food, participants will save money. Governance Nil DETAIL The Harvest North Sydney project engaged 20 residents from the North Sydney Council local government area from July - September 2015. The participants were taken through a 7 week structured program of seed to table workshops, a farm tour to the Macarthur District and access to produce market tours and farmers talks, all with the aim of teaching them how to grow their own food and subsequently showcase their learning’s to others. Participation in the project was through an application process, open only to people who lived or worked in North Sydney and who had the ability to set up a food garden within the North Sydney LGA. Applications were assessed on responses to key questions including ‘what do you hope to achieve with the knowledge and skills gained in the project’ and ‘how do you propose to showcase the project to others’. The project was delivered through a combination of lecture style and hands on workshops, guided tours, online learning and social media. A face book group was established and used for group communication, whilst also enabling participants to upload photos and discuss issues between workshops.

The workshops were facilitated by an external contractor, Toni Salter, also known as “The Veggie Lady”. Toni has been employed by Council as a facilitator for the Green Events program for the last 5 years and has successfully facilitated the past 2 years of the Harvest North Sydney project. Each workshop was 3hrs in length and was held on Saturday afternoons at the Genia McCaffery Centre for Sustainability. The long timeframe allowed for the project to cover much of the growing season and for participants to experience problems, successes and losses whilst allowing time for questions to generate for the facilitator. Following the workshops, participants were given an additional month to work in their gardens and spend their time sharing their efforts with the wider community. A final presentation and celebration was then held on Sat 26 Sept 2015, and was attended by Mayor Jilly Gibson, where participants presented back to the group with their gardening projects. The project has been selected as a finalist in the 2015 Local Government Excellence in the Environment Awards in the Communication, Education and Empowerment Category, which will be presented by Local Government NSW on 1 December 2015.


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Evaluation A pre and post survey was designed to establish participant’s knowledge, skills and understanding before and after the Harvest North Sydney project. Changes between the two surveys were then quantified to determine the success of the project. In addition, the post survey included questions on project showcasing including how many people they engaged and how they showcased their projects. The following results were recorded:

Over 400 people were made aware of the project through participant showcasing methods.

Showcasing methods included face to face discussion, social media updates, workshops held for neighbours, flyers in communal areas of apartment blocks, shared knowledge at community group meetings and work.

20 new food gardens have been established in North Sydney including 1 verge garden and 6 communal vegetable gardens in apartment blocks.

Local food production increased by 90% among participants. Local food consumption increased by 90% among participants. There was no change in composting rates among participants from the commencement

of project as 65% were already composting before the program; however there was a 40% increase in worm farming rates among participants from the commencement of project. This is indicative of more participants living in apartment buildings.

There was an increase in knowledge around sustainable food from limited and below average before the program to above average and excellent after the program.

Gardening knowledge has substantially increased from mostly average and below (70%) before the program to above average and excellent (90%) after the program.

Gardening skill level has increased from mostly average and below (70%) before the program to above average and excellent (80%) after the program.

Gardening confidence went from slightly confident and below (77.7%) before the program to mostly confident and above (91.7%) after the program.

In addition, a 3 minute video has been made to, record and share the lessons learnt from, the project. The video contains interviews with both past and present Harvest participants, the facilitator and Council project.

Participant Feedback

Harvest North Sydney was absolutely fantastic! I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. The Coal Loader is an amazing venue - it was such a pleasure to have our sessions there. Toni is wonderful and certainly knows her stuff. The whole program seemed extremely well-resourced and I really admire North Sydney Council for its dedication to what was such a magnificent and useful program.

Fantastic, fantastic course - keep up the amazing work! I can't emphasis enough how useful this course has been for me as I can now apply my knowledge around sustainable food and gardening in my life in a practical way, with real produce to show for it! I will be encouraging my friends, family and work colleagues to also apply sustainable food practices. Thank you Danielle, Toni and North Sydney Council!


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This was an excellent course, I would do it again and would recommend to my friends

and neighbours

Thanks for the opportunity and I am looking forward to learn more and pass on the knowledge!

Danielle is fabulous and a true credit to North Sydney Council. She was very helpful

and a great organiser. (Thank you Danielle!)

I think this was a great initiative from North Sydney Council and well organised and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate

I thought it was very well thought out and provided

I now grow my own veggies on my front verandah and feel a huge sense of

accomplishment at watching them grow and eating them!

The community atmosphere provided me lots of encouragement and friendly advices.

Terrific course and would love to do it again. Wish there was a graduates group afterwards. Will definitely recommend it to others.

Group photo at the final celebration event with Mayor Jilly Gibson.


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Workshop Lessons 1 – Making your own soil

Workshop Lessons 2 – Soil Testing


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Workshop Lessons 3 – Harvest participant teaching other group members about sprouting

Farm Tour – Mamre House, Macarthur District


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Farm Tour – Visit to Facilitators Home Backyard Garden

Harvest participant Margaret Rozali’s garden at end of the project.


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Harvest participant, Lara Emery’s garden at end of the project.



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: My Green Apartment Program AUTHOR: Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The My Green Apartment program is a North Sydney Council initiative funded through Council’s Environment Levy which aims to support apartment owners, strata and building managers to ‘make the switch’ to more efficient common space lighting. This year the program will be run in partnership with Willoughby City Council. As part of the program, up to ten apartment blocks in the North Sydney LGA will be selected to work with an independent lighting expert who will assist them to navigate the technical aspects of the upgrade. Further program details are being finalised and it is expected the program will commence in December, 2015 and be completed by February, 2017 with applications set to open soon. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project is funded through Councils Environmental Levy. $10,000 has been allocated to the project in the 2015/16 budget. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the My Green Apartment Program report be received.

Report of Jordan Moy, Sustainability Education Officer Re: My Green Apartment Program 2015/16/17

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 2. Our Built Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 2.2 Improved mix of land use and quality development through design

excellence BACKGROUND North Sydney Council has implemented a number of approaches in developing a My Green Apartment program. Sustainable Living in Apartments forums held in 2009 were met with a positive and enthusiastic response from local residents. The seminars focused on lighting retrofit and behavioural change information to assist Owners Corporations to reduce their common space lighting usage. Unfortunately, few apartments reached implementation stage due to the significant technical and procurement barriers involved in lighting upgrades. In response, the My Green Apartment was developed in 2010 to provide one apartment block the opportunity for energy, water and waste assessments conducted within individual apartments and the common areas in addition to Council, dollar for dollar funding to implement sustainable technology retrofits. More forums were helps in 2011 and in 2013, Council ran a revised version of the My Green Apartment program with ten residential apartment blocks. This program built on the learnings from the previous program and forums and included hands on assistance from a lighting expert to advise on technical considerations and assist with the physical roll out of the lighting upgrades. Energy prices peaked heavily at the time and community understanding of the environmental and cost benefits that lighting upgrades could have on an apartment's overall efficiency was increasing. Participation in the program was high and eight residential apartment blocks completed the program. The lighting consultant equipped the participants to make informed decisions on upgrading to energy efficient lighting and the technical expertise to assist with the lighting installation. The projected common space lighting energy savings from the apartments that participated in this program were up to 69%. The 2015/16 program will model the previous program with additional improvements aimed to maximise the energy savings per apartment building and to ensure the program remains on time, on budget and engages as many apartment buildings in energy saving actions as possible. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement will be undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol.


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SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment The project will contribute to enhanced environmental quality by

building local capacity to undertake actions that reduce their impact on the environment

Social The project will facilitate stronger communities, build capacity to network with others and provide social opportunities for a diverse range of community members

Economic The project will enable local communities to reduce their reliance on fossil fuel related products and activities

Governance The project highlights Council’s commitment to sustainability and positions Council as a leader in addressing environmental issues

DETAIL The program seeks to provide assistance to strata groups, body corporates, owners and tenants, in the upgrade of lighting infrastructure. Some of the identified risks and difficulties in the previous program have included:

Quality of luminaires often does not meet the needs of the project or the claims made by suppliers

Compliance with standards, compulsory and advisory, is often ignored or incorrectly addressed by suppliers and installers

Limited expertise in these areas as the strata or body corporate is often represented by people from many walks of life with a huge variety of experience and skill sets

The cost of expert advice and a variety of levels of quality of that advice Installers often are relied upon to deliver technical solutions where their expertise lies

in different areas The projects often take large amounts of time to complete as the decision makers are

often removed from the people carrying out the investigations

The following program outline seeks to address the risks and difficulties and build on the program objectives in a carefully planned and considered staged approach. Project Stages Stakeholders involved Estimated


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Stage 1 - Community engagement and workshop (December, 2015) A community workshop will be held to attract suitable applicants to the Green Apartment program. It is vital that potential participants understand the program, their program responsibilities and the program requirements. A lighting consultant will help facilitate the workshop, streamline suitable applicants and provide a template for common space lighting energy solutions for low to medium rise apartments (under 12 storeys) and large apartments (12 storeys and above). Streamlining the applicants will help ensure Council can focus their support on applicants who are able to achieve the largest energy savings relative to the allocated Council funding and resources while also supporting smaller apartments interested in reducing their energy usage. Stage 2 - Develop approved supplier list (February, 2015) Lighting suppliers interested in participating in the My Green Apartment program will go through a review process to ensure their products are able to meet the program requirements. A lighting consultant will work closely with each supplier to ensure they understand the objectives of the program and their products comply and meet the quality claims made by each supplier. This process will help ensure suppliers are able to meet our program objectives and tailor their product solutions to the My Green Apartment program requirements. Stage 3 - Program Training (March, 2016) Lighting training is an essential component of the program and helps to empower participants to make informed decisions about their apartments’ lighting needs. The training includes basic lighting information including lighting types, lighting solutions and cost/benefit analysis. A walk through audit with a lighting consultant will also assist them to understand

timeline

Stage 1 – Community engagement workshop Councils, Strata, Energy Consultant, Green Strata,

OEH

December, 2015

Stage 2 - Develop approved supplier documentation

Councils and Energy Consultant

February, 2016

Stage 3 – Program training, data collection and site visits

Councils, Strata, Energy Consultant, Green Strata,

OEH

March-April, 2016

Stage 4 – Project management Councils, Energy

Consultant, Suppliers, Installers

May-December

2016

Stage 5 – Post program evaluation

Councils, Energy Consultant, Suppliers,

Installers

February, 2017


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their own apartment lighting requirements and enable them to manage and monitor lighting solutions for this. Stage 4 - Project Management (May-December, 2016) Stage 4 will aim to address some of the difficulties experienced in the previous program by providing a structure to assist participants with the lighting procurement, installation and liaison with suppliers and installers. Council will play a lead role in the project management stage and will work closely with each apartment tower to ensure cost and time targets are met. Additional benefits can be achieved through economy of scale – suppliers and installers agglomerating products and services at a reduced cost for bulk lighting upgrades. Participants will also be provided with networking opportunities to share their lighting upgrade experiences with others participants in the program. Stage 5 - Post Program Evaluation (February, 2017) Once installation has been completed, the lighting consultant, in conjunction with each participating apartment building will undertake a review of the lighting upgrades and the performance of installed solutions. The consultant will also provide a report that will include a statistical analysis of the energy and carbon savings achieved through the upgrades. This report will be used to inform future My Green Apartment programs and to provide evidence on the actual energy savings achieved and to produce case studies to distribute to the North Sydney community.



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update AUTHOR: Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Community Recycling Centre Report was considered at the 18 May, 2015 Council meeting where it was resolved that the matter be deferred to a discussion between Councillors, the General Manager and relevant staff at a briefing held on 19 May, 2015. At the briefing it was agreed that North Sydney Council should be responsible for the day to day management and operation of the CRC for and on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. The proposal that North Sydney Council operate the CRC was put to a subsequent GMAC meeting without opposition from the other NSROC General Managers. At the 22 June, 2015 North Sydney Council meeting, it was resolved that Council, in partnership with the NSROC alliance, establish a Community Recycling Centre based in Artarmon and that North Sydney Council be responsible for the management and operation of the facility. Following assessments of the suitability of several proposed sites, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. Subject to approval of a Development Application for Change of Use for the site, a three year lease with a commencement date of 1 February 2016 is expected to be signed. The Deed of Agreement – Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre was signed by the general managers of the alliance councils on 29 October, 2015. It is recommended that North Sydney Council, in conjunction with the alliance, proceed with undertaking the relevant WHS risk assessment for the safe operation of the CRC and that Council prepare and submit the Development Application for Change of Use. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget from 2015/16 to 30th June 2017 are outlined within the report. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be received.

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Re: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services BACKGROUND Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre (CRC). The primary objective of the CRC is to facilitate the safe disposal of wastes that would be hazardous to the environment and to public health. It is an endorsed project in the Northern Sydney Regional Waste Strategy. Wastes targeted by the CRC include leftover or unwanted paints, domestic gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, motor and cooking oils, lead acid car batteries, household batteries, electronic waste (E-waste), fluorescent tubes and globes, and smoke detectors. The program also aims to increase community awareness of good recycling and disposal practices for household problem wastes and to provide a sustainable solution for managing them. The CRC will be established in Artarmon in alliance with the councils of Willoughby, Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and City of Ryde. Following suitability assessments on several sites within the Willoughby LGA, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. Subject to approval of a Development Application for Change of Use for the site, a three year lease with a commencement date of 1 February 2016 is expected to be signed. The general managers of the respective alliance councils have signed a Deed of Agreement - Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre. Under the terms of the Deed, North Sydney Council will be responsible for the day to day operation and management of the facility. In order to support the safe disposal of CRC materials, North Sydney Council is required to ensure processes and procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of customers and staff at the facility, and for managing the impact of the facility on the environment, including procedures for the safe handling of materials, and the appropriate emergency response. As part of a safety management system, Council will engage a suitably qualified WHS consultant to develop and document safe working procedures, including the preparation of a Risk Assessment Matrix, and, if necessary, to provide appropriate training to staff in its implementation to ensure the facility meets the requirements of WorkCover at an operational level. Further, to assist in the safe handling of hazardous materials to be accepted at the CRC, a Dangerous Goods assessment has been prepared by ABSG. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required.


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SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment Reduction of hazardous materials going to landfill which could cause

harm to human health and the environment if they are not disposed of correctly.

Social Council’s commitment to its residents for waste minimisation. Education and communication of Council’s waste services.

Economic To be funded by the Domestic Waste Management budget and NSW EPA grant funding.

Governance Participation in a structure for a regional waste management service which includes a Deed of Agreement and a NSC Committee of Management representative.

DETAIL Community Recycling Centre’s (CRCs) are one of the endorsed projects in the Northern Sydney Regional Waste Strategy. Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) has been successful in obtaining funding of approximately $150,000 from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative. This funding is to be used for the establishment of a CRC which will be based at Artarmon on behalf of five councils: Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Ryde and Willoughby. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will meet the establishment costs of the CRC and, until at least 30 June 2017, the collection and disposal charges of seven of the nine designated problem wastes which must be accepted at the facility; all day to day operational costs will be shared by the alliance councils based on the relative number of households in each respective LGA. The costs associated with the disposal or recycling of motor oils and lead acid car batteries will also be borne by the alliance councils and not by the EPA. Site Investigations With a view to selecting a suitable site within reasonable proximity to all alliance councils, and to signing a Heads of Agreement, a number of locations in the Artarmon Industrial area were shortlisted and inspected with a senior technical officer from the EPA and its appointed collection contractor, ToxFree. It was recommended by NSROC to GMAC that the partner Councils pursue a Heads of Agreement with a primary location. A secondary location was kept as an alternative, in addition to monitoring for any other suitable sites which may come onto the market in Artarmon. Following suitability assessments, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. Subject to approval of a Development Application for Change of Use for the site, a three year lease with a commencement date of 1 February 2016 is expected to be signed.

Development Application


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GMAC originally agreed that Willoughby Council would be the applicant for the Development Application; however, under the terms of the Deed, North Sydney Council, as the CRC’s agreed operator, will submit the DA on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. A consultant has been engaged to prepare the DA. In parallel to submitting the DA, and to assist in the preparation of a risk assessment matrix and to ensure the facility complies with the relevant WHS legislation and North Sydney Council’s WHS policies and procedures, a suitably qualified WHS consultant will be engaged. Further, a Dangerous Goods assessment has been prepared by ABSG to assist in ensuring the safe temporary storage of the hazardous wastes to be accepted at the CRC. Financial All operational costs of the CRC, including overheads, will be funded by the Domestic Waste Management budget. The figures shown in Table 1 are calculated from North Sydney Council’s percentage of households across the five LGAs. As the operating authority of the CRC, North Sydney Council needs to be certain that all five alliance councils will meet their financial obligations; hence, the Deed of Agreement has been drawn up and signed by the general managers. All five councils will need to commit to funding the CRC for the term of the lease which will be for three years with an additional three year extension option. Table 1: Breakdown of costs

Location: 8 Waltham Road, Artarmon

Cost to NSC - Est. 2015/16 (EPA covers collection & disposal)

$43,572

Cost to NSC - Ongoing to June 2017 (EPA covers collection & disposal)

$106,282

Additional EPA Funding The EPA will provide additional funding to support the functioning of the CRC. The most valuable is funding for the collection and disposal of the seven problem wastes through the EPA’s contractor. Secondly, the EPA will provide NSROC with up to $15,000 for signage associated with the CRC. Thirdly, the EPA will provide each Council with $10,000 each year for two years for education and communication activities related to the CRC.

Governance Arrangements Under the Deed of Agreement, North Sydney Council is responsible for the day to day management of the CRC; however, prior approval of the Committee of Management, made up of representatives nominated by each Council with weighted voting based on the proportional number of households, is required for the engagement of staff or contractors necessary for the efficient operation of the CRC. The Committee of Management is also responsible for controlling and administering the processes set out in the Deed of Agreement, the ongoing operations of the CRC and the lease of the facility.


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Grant Application Deed of Agreement In order to accept the grant funding, NSROC must sign a deed of agreement with the NSW Environmental Trust which is administering the grant on behalf of the EPA.



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Update on Sustainable Business Programs AUTHOR: Cecilia Kemp, Sustainable Business Co-ordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Three sustainable business programs are offered by North Sydney Council to the local business community. These programs support the North Sydney Council Delivery Program 2013/14 - 2016/17. CitySwitch, the Better Business Partnership and Environmental Upgrade Agreements are distinct and target different business types. This report provides and update on recent progress of these programs. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The sustainable business programs are funded through Council’s environment levy. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received.

Report of Cecilia Kemp, Sustainable Business Co-ordinator Re: Update on Sustainable Business programs

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources Direction: 2. Our Built Environment Outcome: 2.5 Sustainable transport is encouraged Direction: 3. Our Economic Vitality Outcome: 3.1 Diverse, strong, sustainable and vibrant local economy BACKGROUND CitySwitch Green Office focuses on office tenants. The program is a national program with program managers based at the participating local councils. The program is supported by a national team based at the City of Sydney. Key metrics of the program include the amount of energy saved by participating companies in their tenancies. The Better Business Partnership (BBP) is a program for businesses based in the North Sydney, Willoughby and Kur-ring-gai LGAs. Whilst CitySwitch focuses on energy, the BBP program takes a broader approach and includes assistance to reduce energy, water and waste consumption, whilst also benchmarking community support, sustainable purchasing, sustainable transport and staff support. BBP is open to all types of businesses. An Environmental Upgrade Agreement is a loan mechanism which can be accessed by owners of non-strata commercial and light industrial buildings. The lending occurs by a finance provider for energy, water and other environmental improvements, and the loans are repaid through the local council rates charge. In commercial buildings, the cost of the upgrades may then be partly recouped from tenants, provided they are offset by reductions in energy and water bills. This report is an update of the three programs. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications were considered and reported on during the initiation phase of this project.


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QBL Pillar Implications Environment This project has the capacity to deliver the following;

Reduction in community energy and water consumption Increase in renewable energy use Increase in recycled water and stormwater use Promotion of sustainability principles Increase in use of recycled materials and decrease in waste to landfill Reduction in stormwater runoff

Social Contribution to reducing the carbon pollution footprint of North Sydney’s community

Expanding the reach of environmental awareness to those who work and reside in North Sydney

EUAs provide for and encourage green transport solutions for the working population in North Sydney

Economic Cost effective mechanisms to encourage resource conservation and upgrading of buildings in the North Sydney LGA

Increase in investment in the North Sydney CBD Governance These programs enhance the delivery of existing programs within the 2020

Strategic Plan. DETAIL CitySwitch Green Office CitySwitch celebrated its 10th year in North Sydney at a function in June 2015, attended by the Mayor and General Manager along with 40 guests. The program has gone from being a program offered by three Councils to a national program, and this year it was decided by the National Steering Committee that the scope of the program would be expanded from focusing on reducing energy to include the management of water, waste, carbon neutrality, renewables and indoor environment quality. The additional sustainability “modules” will be developed and rolled out gradually over a number of years, and current signatories (program members) can opt in to each module as it becomes available. One of the founding requirements of the program is that the signatories complete an annual report in October ever year. These reports give the program management team the indicators that we need to report on the success of the program. The reports are also the foundation for the CitySwitch Annual Awards held in November. Signatories nominate themselves and projects that they have completed during the calendar year. The reporting has just closed but initial numbers reflect the following: The national reporting target of 50% by Net Lettable Area of signatories was exceeded with 48 valid Awards submissions and 305 NABERS ratings. In North Sydney 15 of the local 30 signatories completed their reporting with three strong Award submissions. These three companies have been selected as finalists in the 2015 NSW CitySwitch awards. The organisations are:


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Aurecon (Neutral Bay) – finalists for NSW Tenancy of the Year (>2000m2) WT Sustainability (North Sydney) – finalist for NSW Tenancy of the Year (<2000m2) Norman, Disney & Young (North Sydney) – finalists for Partnership of the Year

The statistics from the reporting will be compiled and reported on in a Councillor Bulletin in December. Going forward the national co-ordination team has appointed an expert consultant to undertake a review of a CitySwitch evaluation completed last year. The results of this year’s reporting will be used to enhance and improve reporting for subsequent years. To address non-compliance of the program, such as not reporting, the North Sydney CitySwitch Program Manager has reviewed the membership of some organisations. A number of program participants have failed to comply with the very basic requirements originally agreed to in the program commitment agreement. These companies have been put on notice and their level of engagement will be re-evaluated in December to decide which companies will be excluded from the program. Better Business Partnership (BBP) BBP is a program financed jointly by North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby Councils. The program has a proven track record in working with local businesses on improving their resource consumption and encouraging sound social responsibility practices through community and staff support. BBP are a team of four based in Chatswood, with each council area having an allocated partnership officer. These partnership officers canvass local businesses for program participation. Once a business joins the program an audit of their practices is undertaken. The audit covers energy use, water use, waste, sustainable transport and purchasing policies, community and staff support. If a certain level of performance is achieved in these categories the new business will be rewarded with a badge, which can be displayed publically to show their achievement. The next step of the program is for the business to participate in one of the Saver Services – waste, water and/or energy. The Saver Services are more in depth audits that encourage monitoring, implementing changes and verifying the impact of changes made. Since the last Environmental Reference Group meeting the BBP has been successful in securing grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the work that BBP do to reduce waste amongst member businesses. The $300,000 will be spent on additional waste audits (Bin Trim) in each of the participating Council areas. The North Sydney partnership officer role has been vacant since August but a new officer will start at on 9 November. Her job will involve recruiting more participants from the North Sydney LGA, as well as undertaking appraisals and saver audits. As of October the total number of North Sydney businesses participating is 163.


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Since the last Environmental Reference Group meeting the Better Business Awards were held at The Concourse, Chatswood. The gala hosted over 250 guests and was MC’d by Indira Naidoo. The key note speaker Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia. North Sydney was well represented amongst the winners;

McNair Ingenuity Research (Crows Nest) won the Accessibility Award, with Luna Park (McMahons Pint) being the Runner Up

EC Sustainable (North Sydney) won the Sustainable Transport Award, with WT Sustainability (North Sydney) being the Runner Up

The Kirribilli Markets was Runner Up for the Waste Saver Award Throughout October and November BBP co-ordinated three, full day workshops on resource efficiency. The Better Business Resource Efficiency Courses were presented by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, and funded by North Sydney, Willoughby, Ku-ring-gai and Mosman Councils. The courses were hosted at the Northern Sydney Institute at St Leonards. The three courses were well received and provided excellent in depth information on Resource Efficiency Basics, Building the Business Case for Efficiency and Implementing Resource Efficient Technology. Environmental Upgrade Agreement Program North Sydney Council adopted the Environmental Upgrade Agreement policy in 2012, which stipulated that Council agree to be party to any Environmental Upgrade Agreements that may be used in the North Sydney LGA. The agreement is the contract for a loan mechanism termed “Environmental Upgrade Finance”. The product is regulated by the State Government but the lending occurs from the private sector. To date there have been no EUAs signed in North Sydney but three local projects have been flagged to Council as potential EUAs. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) have undertaken a rigorous review of the mechanism and how it has been promoted to date. Changes that have occurred are that the OEH provide an EUA Coordinator to assist in the development and closing of agreements. The OEH have also reviewed the actual contract and have been able to condense the legal documents, which they hope will reduce the legal fees associated with the process. Further, OEH have developed a guide on how to finance renewable energy projects and EUAs are proposed as means to do so. It is still early days for the adoption of EUAs as an alternative financing mechanism in building upgrades but the State Government remain committed to promoting and developing the mechanism. Summary The three sustainable business programs in North Sydney target different sectors in the business community who wish to improve the environmental performance of their building.


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With the appointment of a Business Engagement Officer and the development of Council’s Economic Development Strategy we hope that the programs will be promoted to an even larger group of local businesses.



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Water and Energy Management Programs update AUTHOR: Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report provides an update on the 2015-16 implementation of Council’s Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020 since its adoption on 22 June 2015. As this is the first year of the new plan, there is a strong focus on improved monitoring, feasibility studies and detailed assessments to inform the plan’s implementation in future years. In addition, real savings are already being seen through the implementation of a number of early projects. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The water and energy programs discussed in this report are funded through Council’s Environment Levy.

RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs be noted.

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer Re: Water and Energy Management Programs update

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 2.1 Infrastructure, assets and facilities that meet community needs BACKGROUND The Environment Reference Group received a report on 2 June 2014 providing an overview of the development process of Council's Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020. The group also provided input into its development through a 2 hour workshop on 12 July 2014 as well as an online survey and discussion at its meeting on 8 September 2014. Following public consultation, the North Sydney Council Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015 -2020 was adopted by Council on 22 June 2015. The plan is now being implemented, funded largely through Council’s Environment Levy. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment These projects will help reduce Council's energy consumption.

They will help Council Quantify improvements in the energy efficiency.

These projects will help reduce Council's mains water consumption. These projects will help reduce the community water and energy

consumption. Social These projects will help improve the quality of Council infrastructure,

buildings, parks and spaces, including community and recreational spaces.

These projects will enhance understanding of ways to improve home comfort while reducing energy and other resource use -by example and community workshops.

Economic These projects will help Council better understand long term operational and maintenance costs associated with water and energy conservation technologies.

These projects will quantify energy and water savings that will directly contribute to Council's income.


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Governance These projects will play an important role in helping Council to deliver on several of its goals and objectives in the "Our Living Environment" direction of Council's Community Strategic Plan, including: 1.4.1.2 Demonstrate sustainable business practices in Council’s own activities, including improved environmental performance of existing buildings 1.4.1.2.1 Implement Water Management Plan 1.4.1.3 Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions 1.4.1.3.1 Implement Greenhouse Action Plan

DETAIL Council engaged a new Sustainability Project Officer on 1 July 2015 to oversee the implementation of its Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020. A summary of recently implemented, current and planned projects is outlined below.

Recently implemented projects

New renewable energy generation During October 2015, a new 7 kW solar PV system was commissioned at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, which is expected to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by around 3.1 tons of CO2 annually, and save in the order of $3100 per year. Current Projects

Coal Loader Centre of Sustainability - Energy efficiency upgrade Council recently engaged sustainable design consultants (Envirotecture) to advise on opportunities to improve energy efficiency and user comfort within the Centre, given that opportunities for energy efficiency have changed since the design and opening of the facility. Thermal modeling has been conducted using the standard nationally accredited ‘NatHERS’ (National Home Energy Rating Scheme) software, to identify the priorities for energy efficiency upgrades. While reporting has not yet been completed, early indications are that upgrade priorities relate to sealing the building fabric, an upgrade of the northern entry door, and possibly further insulation and window upgrades. Decisions about the likely work will be based around balancing energy cost savings, and community educational benefits. Information panels will be installed at the Centre to explain any changes.

Rainwater monitoring upgrades

Rainwater collection and use is a major aspect of Council’s strategy of conservation of potable water. As such, upgrades to system operation and monitoring is being conducted, with the desired results anticipated being greater utilization of rainwater and more accurate quantification of potable water savings.


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NSROC Renewable Energy Masterplan project

Council is participating in the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Council’s (NSROC’s) working group on renewable energy generation. The University of Technology - Institute of Sustainable Futures, is the consultant organization considering opportunities for sharing renewable energy between large generation sites and large electricity consuming sites. Non Council-owned buildings with large roof areas, yet relatively low onsite consumption, have the potential to share onsite solar electricity generation with Council owned assets where electricity consumption exceeds the amount of renewable energy that could be generated on that site. For consideration are both ‘private network’ wires (non- grid) - where a privately owned cable is installed between generation and consumption sites, and ‘virtual net metering’ - where generation is shared using the existing grid wires (but at a reduced network charge). While technically feasible, regulatory and monopoly - owned network charge hurdles need to be overcome to be feasible.\ Planned Projects

Cunningham Pavilion, Bon Andrews Oval

Opportunities have been identified at the design stage to improve energy efficiency, at the soon to be commenced upgrade of the Pavilion. It is proposed that instead of using electric resistance hot water systems, more efficient and cost effective electric hot water heat- pumps should be used. The revised proposal indicates that energy cost savings are likely to be approximately $8900, and 9 tons of Greenhouse Gas (CO2) mitigation per annum. (As approximately 62% of NSC’s electricity consumption is being offset by GreenPower™, the net GHG mitigation is less than if Council only purchased the standard grid electricity.)

North Sydney Community Centre

Council is currently considering replacement of continuous-electric and gas-storage hot water systems with more cost and energy efficient heat pumps, as the existing units are near the end of their service life. Planned Projects for the remainder of 2015-2016

Feasibility Study to reduce water consumption in parks and reserves

Parks and reserves constitute the highest water consumption for Council. As such, a study will be conducted to seek opportunities for reducing their potable water usage.

Optimise Cammeray Dam stormwater system

Increasing stormwater collection and storage for the Cammeray Dam, and seek to optimise the use of stormwater.

Implementation of water audit recommendations

A plan is being developed to implement a range of water efficiency upgrades for Council facilities.

Voltage Power Optimisation (VPO)


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Council is working with authorised NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) consultants in its consideration and specification of equipment designed to reduce grid voltage to optimum levels to ensure maximum equipment lifetime and efficiency.

Public Lighting Improvements

Implementation of energy efficient LED lighting upgrades to replace 50% of Council owned public space lighting before 2020 will commence this year.

Guidelines for increased resource efficiency of Council properties

Guidelines will be prepared to ensure all Council facility upgrades, and new structures are compliant with best practice resource efficiency.

north sydney council · 2015-11-11 · north sydney council council chambers 12 november 2015 i...

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