CITY OF BELMONT ENVIRONMENT PLAN 2010-15 · Water Quality Improvement Plan, funded by the Swan River Trust. Received $219,598 in grant funding for environmental restoration projects,

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CITY OF BELMONT

ENVIRONMENT PLAN

2010-15

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Environment Plan Endorsement

Prepared by:

Parks & Environment Department Environment Section

Authorised by Director:

Ric Lutey

Commitment by CEO:

Stuart Cole

Date Finalised:

2 June 2010

Date Last Revised:

2 April 2014

Date Adopted by Council:

22 June 2010

Revised Plan Adopted by Council:

FRONT COVER

Banksia menziesii (Firewood Banksia) and Willie Wagtail taken at Tomato Lake, Kewdale.

Photos courtesy of Lynne Simmonds.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS ......................................................................................... 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 5

PART I .............................................................................................................................. 6

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 6

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENT PLAN ........................................................................ 6

LINKS TO THE CITY OF BELMONT’S STRATEGIC COMMUNITY PLAN 2012-2032 ........................................................................................................................ 7

PREVIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS ................................................................................ 8

2010-11 .................................................................................................................. 8

2011-12 .................................................................................................................. 8

2012-13 .................................................................................................................. 9

2013-14 ................................................................................................................ 10

KEY STAKEHOLDERS FOR THE CITY OF BELMONT ........................................ 11

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE .............................................. 12

Standing Committee (Environmental) ...................................................................................... 12

Responsible Business Units ..................................................................................................... 12

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ..................................................... 13

Environmental Enhancement Policy ........................................................................................ 14

PART II ........................................................................................................................... 17

1. WATER MANAGEMENT ............................................................................... 17

2. AIR QUALITY & NOISE ................................................................................. 22

3. THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................... 24

4. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................... 26

5. CLIMATE CHANGE ....................................................................................... 29

6. WASTE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................... 32

7. COMMUNITY AWARENESS ......................................................................... 34

8. CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................ 36

APPENDIX 1 – ACRONYMS

APPENDIX 2 – NATURAL AREAS

APPENDIX 3 – STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP COLLATED SUMMARY OF ANSWERS

APPENDIX 4 – STORMWATER CATCHMENTS

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ACKNOWLEGEMENTS The City of Belmont would like to thank all those involved in the development of the Environment Plan 2010-15. Of special mention are attendees of the Stakeholder Workshop held in December 2009, and those who provided written submissions during the public consultation period. In addition, the valuable contribution made by internal staff, Councillors and members of the Standing Committee (Environmental) is recognised.

Aerial photograph of the Swan River showing Garvey Park and Ron Courtney Island.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City’s ‘Environmental Enhancement Policy’ (Policy NB3) outlines Council’s commitment to the development, implementation and continual review of an Environment Plan. The Environment Plan for 2010-15 is the main strategic document directing environmental management of the City of Belmont, until the end of 2014-15. The Environment Plan has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including City of Belmont staff, Councillors and members of the Standing Committee (Environmental), as well as representatives from external organisations and members of the general community. The focus of the Environment Plan is to proactively develop objectives and actions that will result in enhancement of the natural environment. While the Environment Section has primary responsibility for coordinating environmental management, a range of internal departments are responsible for implementing actions contained in the Environment Plan. In this respect, the Environment Plan is an organisation-wide document. Part I of the Environment Plan provides an introduction and background information on:

Scope of the Environment Plan

Links to the City of Belmont’s Strategic Community Plan

Previous Achievements

Key Stakeholders

Environmental Management System and Structure. Part II outlines key current and emerging environmental issues facing the City of Belmont community and Council. Objectives, indicators and actions (ongoing and new) have been identified for each of the following chapters:

Water Management

Air Quality & Noise

The Built Environment

The Natural Environment

Climate Change

Waste Management

Community Awareness

Corporate Philosophy. Each new action has been assigned a timeframe, responsible officer and an estimated budget cost. Timeframes have been classified as immediate (to be completed by 2010-11) short term (2011-12), medium term (2012-13 to 2013-14) or long term (2014-15). A summary of the estimated costs for each financial year is presented in the table below. This does not include ‘ongoing actions’, maintenance or capital renewal/ upgrade projects which are included in existing budgets. A significant but unquantified cost is related to officer time, which involves not only the activities of Environment Section staff, but also those identified as responsible officers.

Timeframe Year Estimated Cost

Immediate 2010-11 $31,342

Short term 2011-12 $72,632

Medium term 2012-13 2013-14

$23,918 $127,860

Long term 2014-15 $30,000

TOTAL $285,752

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PART I INTRODUCTION The City of Belmont is located 5 kilometres east of the Perth Central Business District to which it is connected by Great Eastern Highway and the Graham Farmer Freeway. The City encompasses a total land area of 40 square kilometres, including significant river foreshore areas. Suburbs include Ascot, Belmont, Cloverdale, Kewdale, Perth Airport, Redcliffe and Rivervale. European settlement of the Belmont area dates from 1831, with land used mainly for farming. Horse racing was established in the late 1840s, and market gardening in the 1880s and 1890s. Significant development occurred in the post-war years, with the population peaking in the early 1970s at 32,000. The population at the most recent 2006 census was 30,639. Predictions of future population change undertaken by forecast.id indicate an average 1.5% increase per year between 2010-15, or an increase from 33,702 to 36,376 residents. Today the City of Belmont is home to Perth Airport, Kewdale Freight Terminal, the horse racing industry, significant commercial and industrial activities, extensive residential areas and many parks and recreation reserves. As a result, the City of Belmont is a significant centre of employment as well as offering relaxed lifestyle opportunities not readily available in other inner-metropolitan localities. Unique natural features located within the City of Belmont include the Swan River foreshore, Bush Forever sites at Perth Airport and Ascot Waters, drainage systems and natural areas such as Signal Hill bushland, Tomato Lake and Garvey Park. In addition, the positioning of the City as a gateway to Perth and the combination of residential, commercial and industrial land uses located in close proximity to the natural environment are significant considerations in environmental management.

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENT PLAN The City of Belmont Environment Plan is the main strategic document directing environmental management by the City over the next five years, until the end of 2014-15. Environmental management encompasses a wide range of activities, as outlined in the definition of ‘environment’ below:

‘The space in which the day to day activities of the City and its community function. It includes the natural aspects of air, water, land, biodiversity, flora, fauna, the human beings that act upon and interact with these elements and the social & cultural values that are directly associated with the natural environmental aspects.’

The focus of the Environment Plan is to proactively develop objectives and actions that will result in enhancement of the natural environment. These are targeted both at Council operations and the City of Belmont residential and business community. The Environment Plan also includes actions to minimise the risk of environmental impacts arising from Council activities, businesses and the community.

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The following plans and strategies relevant to environmental management are subsidiary to the Environment Plan, and are referred to throughout the document:

Groundwater Use Strategy

Local Biodiversity Strategy

Greenhouse Action Plan

Local Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan

Wetlands and Waterways Buffer Zones Plan

Environmental Maintenance Plan and Schedules.

LINKS TO THE CITY OF BELMONT’S STRATEGIC COMMUNITY PLAN 2012-2032 The Strategic Community Plan sets the direction that Council will take, and Management will follow in the City of Belmont over the next twenty years. It establishes objectives, strategies to achieve them, and measurable performance indicators to enable Council and the Community to review progress. The City’s Vision Statement is as follows: “City of Belmont - City of Opportunity: The City of Belmont will be home to a diverse and harmonious community, thriving from the opportunities of our unique, riverside City.” To be successful, outcomes must be achieved for:

The residential community (Social Belmont)

The City’s business community (Business Belmont)

The natural environment (Natural Belmont)

The man-made physical structure and layout of the City (Built Belmont). These four areas of achievement make up the Key Result Areas (KRA) of the Strategic Community Plan and each KRA interacts with others. Activities identified within the ‘Natural Belmont’ KRA include:

Environmental education

Environmental management

Parks and public open space

Pollution management

River foreshore management

TravelSmart

Water and energy efficiency Implementation of the City’s Environment Plan directly assists in achieving several objectives of the City of Belmont’s Strategic Community Plan 2012-2032 under ‘Natural Belmont’.

Protect and enhance our natural environment;

Enhance the City’s environmental sustainability through the efficient use of natural resources.

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PREVIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS The key achievements to date of the City of Belmont Environment Plan 2010-15 are outlined below. 2010-11

The City of Belmont achieved the WA Local Government industry benchmark in the 2010 Catalyse Customer Perceptions Survey, in the category of ‘conservation and environmental management’.

Recognition as a Waterwise Council by the Water Corporation and the Department of Water, with support from ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability.

Implementation of a Perth Solar City Demonstration Project at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre- Solar Pool Heating and Efficient Lighting Technology, with $68,000 funding received through the Australian Government’s Solar Cities Program. This resulted in a 19% reduction in gas consumption for the centre in 2010-11 compared to baseline levels.

Recipient of the Excellence in Local Biodiversity Management award of the 2010 Local Government Biodiversity Conservation Awards, for the progressive revegetation of local natural areas.

Recipient of the Department of Transport’s TravelSmart Schools Award for a TravelSmart Program with Redcliffe Primary School and received a highly commended award for a TravelSmart Workplace Plan.

The City of Belmont and Perth Region Natural Resource Management (NRM) conducted 266 environmental audits of small to medium enterprises within Belmont, Kewdale and Redcliffe. The Perth Region NRM audits were undertaken as part of the Canning Plain Water Quality Improvement Plan, funded by the Swan River Trust.

Received $219,598 in grant funding for environmental restoration projects, through the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank Program, State NRM Program–Community Grants and Lotterywest.

An estimated 275 volunteers contributed 595 hours towards tree planting, weeding and clean-up days, with creation of one hectare of new revegetation areas and 81 metres of foreshore protected. Over 18,000 local, native seedlings were planted at Centenary Park, Daddow Road, Freshwater Lake, Garvey Park, Hassett Street bushland and Tomato Lake.

A new interpretive bushland named Jida Bidi (Noongar for ‘small bird path’) was established at Tomato Lake in partnership with Two Rivers Catchment Group.

Strategic and Operational Groundwater Use Management teams were formed to assist with management of the City’s groundwater resources and irrigation systems at Centenary Park, Forster Park and Miles Park were upgraded and parks hydrozoned.

Water audits were conducted at the Civic Centre and Operations Centre with several retrofits implemented.

2011-12

The City of Belmont achieved the WA Local Government industry benchmark in the 2011 Catalyse Customer Perceptions Survey, in the categories of ‘conservation and environmental management’ and ‘efforts to maintain and enhance the River (its setting, amenity, value and biodiversity)’.

Awarded WA winner of the 2011 Parks and Leisure Awards in the category of Open Space for ‘Upgrade of Centenary Park’.

Staff Travel Survey results showed an 11% reduction in solo car trips between the 2007 and 2011 surveys, from 77% to 66%.

City of Belmont TravelSmart Plan 2012-17 adopted by Council in April 2012.

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Nutrient investigation completed for the Ascot ‘Residential and Stables’ area by Murdoch University.

Implementation of foreshore stabilisation works at Garvey Park- ‘Section 4’, with 200 metres of foreshore protected and 2,500m2 revegetated.

Establishment of 14,000 seedlings and 500 sedge strips at Freshwater Lake, Garvey Park, Signal Hill, Hill 60 and Willow Park.

Irrigation systems were upgraded and hydrozoning implemented at Wicca Park, Willow Park and Monier Park, resulting in a reduction in irrigated turf of 2,227m2.

Revision of Signal Hill Bushland Management Plan completed, involving a stakeholder workshop and review of revised management actions by the Standing Committee (Environmental).

Waterwise demonstration street verges were established on Abernethy Road adjacent to Forster Park and Belgravia Street adjacent to Miles Park, and a waterwise median on Abernethy Road between Kew Street and Fulham Street.

Received $333,405 funding towards foreshore projects through the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank Program.

Volunteers from local schools, businesses, catchment groups and the general community contributed 573 hours at tree planting, weeding and clean-up days.

116 environmental audits conducted of business premises to improve practices and reduce discharges of pollutants. Compliance in relation to wash down facilities (a major source of discharges) improved from 14% at the time of initial audit, to 72% at the most recent audit.

2012-13


Groundwater Use Strategy adopted by Council on 23 October 2012.

Implementation of foreshore stabilisation works, with 124 linear metres protected at Ascot Racecourse foreshore and temporary stabilisation of 80 linear metres at Hill 60. Sedge strips and natural logs were installed along 115m foreshore at Gould Reserve.

Irrigation systems were upgraded at Middleton Park and Redcliffe Park, resulting in a reduction in irrigated turf of 16,250m2 through establishment of hydrozones and ecozones.

Received $130,006 funding through the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank Program and Water Quality Improvement Plan and an Environmental Community Grant.

Establishment of 18,500 tubestock and 760 sedge strips at Smythe Lake, Garvey Park, Gould Reserve, Hilton Grove, Hill 60 and Ascot Racecourse foreshore.

Energy audits completed of the Civic Centre, Ruth Faulkner Public Library, Senior Citizens Centre and Youth and Family Services Centre.

Foreshore stabilisation concept plan developed for “The Esplanade”, from Ford Street to Forbes Street, Ascot.

Long term foreshore stabilisation concept and detailed design plans developed for Hill 60 foreshore (Lot 809).

Coastal engineering erosion assessment and concept development completed for 85A and 87A Fauntleroy Ave.

Street Tree Plan adopted by Council on 26 February 2013.

Local Bike Plan adopted by Council in June 2013.

The City of Belmont was presented with the award for the ‘Plan’ category in recognition

of the Belmont TravelSmart Plan 2012-2017, at the 2012 TravelSmart Workplace

Awards.

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Redcliffe Primary was awarded the ‘TravelSmart School of the Year’ for the third year

running at the TravelSmart to School End of Year Showcase, hosted by the WA

Department of Transport.

116 environmental audits conducted of business premises to improve practices and

reduce discharges of pollutants. Compliance in relation to wash down facilities improved

from 21% at the time of initial audit, to 64% at the most recent audit.

210 Kewdale businesses were visited as part of the Swan River Trust’s Canning Plain

Water Quality Improvement Plan, resulting in many switching to phosphate-free industrial

detergents and degreasers.

The replacement of the recirculating pump at Ascot Freshwater Lake in August 2012

resulted in 66% reduction in electricity consumption, equivalent to an annual cost saving

of nearly $11,000 based on off-peak use.

Volunteers from local schools, businesses, catchment groups and the general

community contributed 418 hours at tree planting and weeding days.

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Implementation of foreshore stabilisation works, with 70 linear metres protected at Ascot Racecourse foreshore/ Gould Reserve.

Revegetation with 1650 tubestock as part of Carbon Plus, 1900 tubestock at Ascot Racecourse foreshore, 1500 at Norlin Park and 3350 tubestock as part of the Ascot/ Rivervale foreshore ecological linkage project.

Lighting retrofit undertaken in Faulkner Park, with replacement of 52 x150 watt metal halide lights with 35 x 62 watt and 17 x 41 watt high efficiency LEDs.

Acid Sulfate Soils investigation, waste classification assessment and development of detailed designs completed for Garvey Park Foreshore- Section 3.

Belmont Foreshore Precinct Plan developed in partnership with the Swan River Trust and WA Planning Commission, with involvement of a Community Reference Group.

Detailed design plans, construction drawings and technical specifications developed for zones 5- 7 of ‘The Esplanade’ foreshore stabilisation, from east of the central jetty area to Redcliffe Bridge. Community consultation was completed for the entire concept plan, from Ford Street.

Environmental assessment completed for lake redesign options for Faulkner Park lakes.

Global slope stability analysis completed for Hill 60 foreshore.

Installation of a solar pre-heat system for changeroom showers at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre, with $58,510 funding received through the Local Government Energy Efficiency Program.

Review of climate change risk assessment and Local Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan completed.

Received $220,000 funding through the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank Program and $13,347 through a State NRM Program- Community Grant towards foreshore stabilisation and revegetation projects.

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KEY STAKEHOLDERS FOR THE CITY OF BELMONT Developing partnerships with external stakeholders is critical if the City of Belmont wishes to be successful in the area of environmental management, as environmental issues do not recognise Local Government boundaries. Involvement in cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership projects facilitates information and knowledge transfer, as well as creating the potential for cost and resource sharing. The development of a new Environment Plan was assessed against the City’s Consultation Plan, resulting in the ‘involve’ method of consultation being utilised. Characteristics of the ‘involve’ method of consultation include:

Stakeholders have a reasonable level of understanding of the issues

Wide range of stakeholders involved

City expects to alter initial proposal following consultation

Stakeholders are required to provide input to ensure the proposal is reasonable

Requires the completion of one of each of the following tools; inform (advertising, website, newsletters), consult (call for public submissions) and involve (workshops & forums) .

Targeted consultation was undertaken via a Stakeholder Workshop held on 3 December 2009. 35 stakeholders attended, with representatives from a range of organisations. Responses from the Stakeholder Workshop were collated (refer to Appendix 3), with common themes utilised in determining the environmental issues included in Part II of this Environment Plan, and in development of relevant objectives and actions. Some of the key stakeholders identified for environmental management in the City of Belmont include:

Local businesses, including Perth Airport and Perth Racing

State Government departments, including the Department of Environment Regulation, Department of Parks & Wildlife, Department of Planning, WAPC, Swan River Trust, Water Corporation, Main Roads

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC)

Neighbouring Local Governments

Environmental and ‘Friends Of’ groups, including Perth Region NRM, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare and Two Rivers Catchment Group

Local Indigenous communities

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)

International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)

Registered environmental volunteers and general community members.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE Standing Committee (Environmental) The Standing Committee (Environmental) plays a central role in integrating environmental management into the core business of the City of Belmont and serves as the direct reporting link to Council. The broad purpose of the Committee is to consider and recommend to Council on matters of strategic importance and relevance to the City of Belmont in relation to the environment, public land and streetscapes. In particular, monitoring the progress with and undertaking the review of the Environment Plan. The Committee comprises five Councillors: the Mayor (ex officio) or Deputy Mayor plus one representative from each of the four wards of the City. Ward representatives are elected by the Council. The Presiding Member (Chair) is elected by the Committee. Responsible Business Units

The Parks and Environment Department within the Technical Services Division has primary responsibility for coordinating environmental management within the City. The Environmental Section has overall responsibility for the City’s Environmental Management System, including the Environment Plan and environmental policies, as well as environmental restoration projects, the maintenance of natural areas and organisation of environmental events and education programs.

Specialised functions in relation to environmental management are also handled by other departments within the City, as shown below. Examples of the types of activities undertaken by these departments are also listed.

Planning Services (environmental planning, land use planning and development control);

Technical Services (drainage and stormwater management);

Health and Ranger Services (inspection of stables premises, waste management, regulatory officers, setting conditions on development eg. wash down bays, spray painting booths, oil/water separators);

Works (called in by Emergency Services to respond to major spills, installation of Stormwater Pollutant Traps, vehicle fleet and plant);

Parks (management of groundwater for irrigation, turf reduction, use of local native species in landscaping); and

Building Services (energy/water use in Council buildings, assessing Building Licence Applications).

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The City of Belmont developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) in 2006, certified to the AS/NZ: ISO 14001: 2004 standard. The Environmental Management System is used to develop and implement an environmental policy, set objectives and targets, manage environmental aspects and impacts and comply with environmental legal requirements. The overall aim is to support environmental protection and the prevention of pollution in balance with socio-economic needs. The standard follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, as depicted in the diagram below. The City’s Business Management System Manual documents how the requirements of the ISO 14001 Standard are addressed in practice. Components of the City’s EMS include an Environmental Enhancement Policy, Environmental Risk Register and this Environment Plan. Monitoring and reporting of progress of Environment Plan implementation is conducted via the Standing Committee (Environmental), with progress updates provided quarterly. Audits of the system are conducted twice annually, consisting of annual internal and external audits. Review and continual improvement occurs through annual review of environmental policies, the Environmental Risk Register and the Environment Plan.

Management Review

Continual Improvement

Checking

Environmental Policy

Planning

Implementation and Operation

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Environmental Enhancement Policy

The City of Belmont has developed an Environmental Enhancement Policy to guide its business decisions and operational activities. This policy outlines Council’s commitment to the development, implementation and continual review of an Environment Plan.

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Environmental Risk Register The City has completed an environmental risk assessment based on the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Risk Management (AS/NZ ISO 31000). The risk assessment considers the environmental aspects of Council activities, and their potential impacts to air, land, surface water, groundwater, the community, fauna and flora. The Environmental Risk Register includes:

Identification of environmental aspects (activities that can result in an environmental impact) and environmental impacts

Documentation of current controls in place that prevent adverse environmental impacts from occurring

An assessment of the consequence and likelihood of each impact occurring, to determine an overall risk rating

Identification of future controls that will be implemented to further manage the ‘extreme’ and ‘high’ risks identified.

Risks to Council operations associated with the predicted impacts of climate change have also been evaluated and included in the Risk Register. The level of risk is evaluated as per the following tables: Qualitative Measures of Consequence

LEVEL DESCRIPTION ENVIRONMENTAL

1 Insignificant No environmental damage

2 Minor Minor instances of environmental damage that could be reversed

3 Moderate Isolated but significant instances of environmental damage that might be reversed with intensive efforts

4 Major Severe loss of environmental amenity and a danger of continuing environmental damage

5 Catastrophic Major widespread loss of environmental amenity and progressive, irrecoverable environmental damage

Qualitative Measures of Likelihood

LEVEL DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES FREQUENCY

A Almost Certain

Expected to occur in most circumstances More than once per year

B Likely Will probably occur in most circumstances At least once per year

C Possible Should occur at some time At least once in three years.

D Unlikely Could occur at some time At least once in ten years

E Rare May occur, only in exceptional circumstances

Less than once in fifteen years.

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RISK MATRIX – LEVEL OF RISK

LIKELIHOOD INSIGNIFICANT 1

MINOR 2

MODERATE 3

MAJOR 4

CATASTROPHIC 5

A – Almost Certain High High Extreme Extreme Extreme

B – Likely Moderate High High Extreme Extreme

C – Possible Low Moderate High Extreme Extreme

D – Unlikely Low Low Moderate High Extreme

E- Rare Low Low Moderate High High

The Environmental Risk Register is captured in the City’s RMSS risk management software and is reviewed on an annual basis.

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PART II

1. WATER MANAGEMENT

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eeffffiicciieenntt uussee ooff nnaattuurraall rreessoouurrcceess..””

The City’s involvement in water management relates to water conservation and efficient use of scheme and groundwater, as well as water quality protection of groundwater, lakes, wetlands and the Swan and Canning River systems.

There are five main stormwater catchments within the City of Belmont (see Appendix 4 for a map of the stormwater systems). Mills St Drain in Kewdale is part of the larger Canning Plains catchment, which flows south-east to the Canning River. The remaining catchments; Perth Airport North and South, Central Belmont and South Belmont Main Drains all flow north-west into the Swan River. The City also manages smaller, local stormwater systems; of particular note are the Ascot stables catchments. The majority of the Perth Airports catchments are managed by Perth Airport Pty Ltd.

South Belmont Main Drain and Mills St Drain have been identified as priority catchments for nutrient reduction under the Swan River Trust’s Healthy Rivers Action Plan. The City’s stormwater drainage systems consist of numerous compensating basins and wetlands, some of which are maintained by the City with stormwater used for irrigation. Many of these are developed as passive recreation reserves, with capability for nutrient retention and stripping by macrophytes and other fringing vegetation. The City of Belmont currently monitors stormwater in the South Belmont Main Drain, Central Belmont Main Drain and the Ascot stables catchments. The Ascot Stables area has been monitored since 1999 and South Belmont Main Drain since 2001. In 2005 the City commenced regular monitoring at Ascot Racecourse lakes and Central Belmont Main Drain. In addition to considering water quality, the City also seeks to improve water efficiency and achieve water conservation for use of both scheme water and groundwater.

Objectives:

• To protect surface and groundwater water quality and manage stormwater run off

• To promote water conservation and efficiency and ensure sustainable use of groundwater

Swan River foreshore

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This occurs primarily through involvement in the ICLEI Water Campaign, Waterwise Council Program and implementation of the City’s Groundwater Use Strategy. The City’s scheme water use is primarily associated with Council buildings and facilities, such as Belmont Oasis, aged care facilities, Civic Centre, Library and Operations Centre. The majority of irrigation for Public Open Space is sourced from groundwater or stormwater, with a superficial groundwater licence allocation of 7500 kL per hectare of Public Open Space, per year. ICLEI Water Campaign The City of Belmont first joined the ICLEI Water Campaign in 2004 and progressed through the milestones which included:

Milestone 1: completion of an inventory of water consumption and a water quality practices gap analysis

Milestone 2: setting goals to improve water management

Milestone 3: development of a Local Action Plan

Milestone 4: implementation of the Local Action Plan

Milestone 5: completion of a second inventory and reporting on progress.

A re-inventory was completed for Council and community scheme water consumption for 2009-10. Between 2000-01 and 2009-10, residential usage (per property) decreased by 11.5% while non-residential usage (per property) decreased by 55.6%. Community consumption for 2009-10 was 108 kilolitres per capita, which is already below the Water Corporation’s goal of reducing per person water use to 125 kilolitres per year by 2030, as outlined in the Water Forever: Towards Climate Resilience Report. City of Belmont’s corporate scheme water consumption was reduced by 41.1% since 1999-00, slightly behind the City’s target of a 45% reduction by 2010-11. This volume of water savings (49,076 kilolitres) in annual consumption is equivalent to 20 Olympic swimming pools per year. In 2010 the City of Belmont was awarded completion of the ICLEI Water Campaign with the finalisation of Milestone 5. The following revised goals have been set for scheme and groundwater consumption:

Corporate scheme water : Maintain Corporate scheme water consumption at or below 2009-10 levels by 2014-15

Community scheme water: Maintain residential water consumption at or below 125 kL per capita by 2014-15

Corporate groundwater: Manage groundwater abstraction to remain within the City’s total licensed allocation for the duration of the licence.

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Waterwise Council Program In 2011 the City was recognised as a Waterwise Council by the Water Corporation and the Department of Water, with support from ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability. To achieve Waterwise Council status, the City was required to meet a range of criteria relating to water efficiency and conservation, including:

Reviewing the Council’s water consumption to identify high water users.

Audit high water users to identify savings and efficiency options.

Develop policies which focus on implementing and promoting water sensitive urban design principles.

Review the irrigation practices on Council grounds and public open space and include hydrozoning upgrades and turf maintenance practices which assist in water efficiency.

Groundwater Use Strategy The Groundwater Use Strategy was adopted by Council on 23 October 2012 and outlines the City’s water footprint, current challenges, improvements and current practices, future challenges and security and identity future strategies for implementation and monitoring and review. Current practices implemented relating to groundwater use management include:

Irrigate the City’s active and passive reserves with groundwater or stormwater, where practical.

Hold regular meetings of Groundwater Use Strategic and Operational Teams to manage the use of the City’s groundwater resources, utilising the Groundwater Use Management (GUM) Software package.

Reduce water requirements for turf through modification of fertiliser applications, application of liquid wetting agents and trialling soil amendments.

Contribute to the UWA Turf Research Projects, including ‘Effectively using a water allocation to manage turfgrass’ to identify the quality and condition of turf at various rates of irrigation.

Upgrade at least two irrigation systems per year incorporating hydrozones, as per Asset Management Plans.

Create passive reserves and landscaped areas with waterwise plant species that have a low water requirement.

Reduce the amount of irrigated turf area throughout the City and replace with local native plants with low water requirements.

Submit an annual groundwater monitoring report to the Department of Water, outlining monthly groundwater abstraction, twice annual depth to groundwater and annual major chemical analysis of bores drawing >20,000 kilolitres per year.

Investigate the feasibility of increased stormwater harvesting and aquifer recharge to offset groundwater allocations from the Department of Water, eg within the airport.

New actions being undertaken in relation to groundwater management are outlined within the Groundwater Use Strategy. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following additional activities and projects to progress towards achieving water management objectives:

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Work with the Swan River Trust through the Drainage Nutrient Intervention Program to retrofit drainage systems and sumps within the City.

Encourage schools to participate in the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Schools program.

Implement regular stormwater monitoring of nutrient and contaminant levels.

Install Stormwater Pollutant Traps at strategic locations to improve quality of water entering the Swan River, and ensure regular cleaning/eduction.

Minimise occurrence and severity of algal bloom outbreaks in major water bodies by ensuring aerators are operational and applying products that reduce nutrient availability.

Work with Perth Region NRM, SERCUL, Two Rivers Catchment Group and other relevant authorities to implement the Canning Plain Catchment Management Plan.

Conduct an annual water reinventory for scheme water consumption in Council buildings and facilities and investigate changes in annual water use of >15% for each facility.

Continue to participate in the Water Campaign by reporting annually to ICLEI on water actions implemented. Investigate new water efficient technology when replacing existing assets such as cisterns and taps.

Conduct leaf tissue analysis prior to fertilising of active reserves, and use slow release, phosphorus free fertilisers near waterways.

Respond to water quality issues such as unauthorised discharges, disposal of liquid waste and erosion/sedimentation, utilising the Dust and Liquid Waste Local Law 2007, Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 and Health Local Law 2002.

Ensure only slow release fertiliser is used within 15 metres of waterways.

Conduct monthly analysis of nutrient concentrations in leachate from lysimeters installed within Public Open Space locations.

New Actions:

Action Responsible Officer

Timeframe for implementation

Estimated Budget Cost

1.1 Conduct a water audit of one high scheme water consuming site per year and implement 50% of recommendations.

Environmental Officer

Immediate

2010-11 to 2013-14

Officer time & Consultant costs= $8,778

1.2 Investigate options for securing a long term irrigation water source for Ascot Waters, based on outcomes of the contamination investigation into Lot 5 (Ascot Waters Compensation Basin).

Manager Parks & Environment

Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

Stormwater pollutant trap at Coolgardie Ave

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1.3 Review the Health (Stables Premises) Local Laws, researching ‘best practice’ requirements to ensure protection of ground and surface water quality.

Manager Health & Ranger Services

Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

1.4 Obtain ‘as constructed’ digital designs for stormwater drainage upon completion of the Great Eastern Highway and Tonkin Highway upgrades, and incorporate into the City’s Intramaps system.

Manager Works (Great Eastern Highway)

Manager Design & Assets (Tonkin Highway)

Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

1.5 Implement the Buffer Zones Plan, for creation of 3m wide vegetated buffer zones between turf and waterways.

Environmental Officer, with relevant Parks/ Environment Supervisor

As per Buffer Zones Plan

$16,200 between

2010-11 to 2014-15

1.6 Conduct a performance review of water actions implemented between 2010 and 2015 and report to ICLEI.


Long Term 2014-15

Officer time

Indicators: • Number of annual stormwater monitoring events • Number of Stormwater Pollutant Traps installed • m2 of buffer zones created • Number of cisterns/taps replaced with water efficient alternatives • m2 turf replaced with local, native species • Number of greywater systems and rainwater tanks (>2500L capacity) approved

within the City of Belmont annually • Number of water quality issues addressed- enforcement of local laws/

Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 • Corporate scheme water consumption (kL) • Groundwater abstraction for irrigation (kL)

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2. AIR QUALITY & NOISE

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““PPrrootteecctt aanndd eennhhaannccee oouurr nnaattuurraall eennvviirroonnmmeenntt”” Air Quality Air quality continues to be a key environmental concern for the community, with the potential to affect human health and the environment. Perth experiences occasional episodes of poor air quality, primarily photochemical smog in summer and particle haze in winter. Major sources of pollution are motor vehicles and aircraft, domestic sources (principally wood heaters), industry and fire hazard reduction burns. The Department of Environment Regulation is the responsible authority for the management of air quality in Western Australia, implementing an extensive Air Quality Management program. The City’s role in protection of air quality involves responding to complaints regarding dust, visible smoke and odour, implementation of measures through land use planning and development control process and consideration of air quality in purchasing of Council’s vehicle fleet and plant. Noise Obtrusive and unwanted noise is as much a consequence of late 20th Century urban life as noise generated through poorly planned and ill-considered land use. The majority of noise complaints the City receives relates to situations, such as amplified music on residential properties, early morning construction noise with occasional complaints generated by industrial land uses. The City’s Environmental Health Officers administer the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, which aims to protect the community from unnecessary noise while letting others carry out their business and social activities. It is also the City’s responsibility to assess the likely impact of noise through the Local Planning Scheme and development approval process.

Aircraft noise is a matter largely out of the City’s control, as the Perth Airport is subject to Federal legislation through the Airports Act 1996. However, issues relating to noise and the future development of the airport are of major concern to the City which is actively involved in the operations of the Perth Airport Municipalities Group (PAMG) and the Australian Mayoral Aviation Council (AMAC), and is represented on the Perth Airport’s Noise Management Strategy Committee.

Through these bodies Council seeks to influence the long term planning and development of the Airport with a view to reducing the impact of aircraft noise on the community.

Objective:

• To respond to air quality and noise issues within the City

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The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving air quality and noise objectives:

Respond to noise and air quality issues such as dust, odour and visible smoke, utilising the Dust and Liquid Waste Local Law 2007, Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004, Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and Health Local Law 2002.

Through the Perth Airports Aircraft Noise Management Consultative Committee, work with Perth Airport Pty Ltd to minimise the impact of aircraft noise.

Place conditions on large greenfield subdivision applications to require a dust management plan.

Encourage redevelopment of neighbourhoods that encourage walking or cycling, through the Local Planning Scheme.

Ensure WAPC's Statement of Planning Policy 'Landuse planning in the vicinity of Perth Airport' is applied in development applications.

Implement the City of Belmont TravelSmart Plan to encourage active transport, car pooling and public transport, thereby reducing sole occupant vehicle transport.

Select Council fleet vehicles to ensure the average star rating in the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide is ≥2.5 for the commercial fleet and ≥3 for the non-commercial fleet, taking into account the ‘air pollution’ rating to minimise particulate emissions.

Advocate for noise insulation funding, following advice provided by the Aircraft Noise Management Consultative Committee.

Indicators: • Number of noise & air quality issues addressed- enforcement of relevant

Regulations and Local Laws • Number of meetings of Aircraft Noise Management Consultative Committee

attended • Average ‘air pollution’ rating of Council vehicle fleet as per the Green Vehicle

Guide

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3. THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

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The City recognises the importance of ensuring that adequate provision for key environmental issues is made in the land use planning and development control process. In this way, the City can minimise the environmental impacts of the built environment. The City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 15 is supported by an Environmental Planning Strategy, which brings together key influencing factors impacting on the planning arena within the City. This Strategy examines the current statutory context and associated actions in regard to the environment and identifies the key environmental planning issues facing the City. Also included in detail within the Strategy is a list of recommended actions in relation to environmental planning. The City must respond appropriately to the predicted population growth of 1.5% per year between 2010- 2015, and associated increase in population density. While this represents challenges such as fragmentation of natural areas and loss of biodiversity, there is also the potential to encourage development around specific nodes, resulting in positive outcomes such as uptake of TravelSmart behaviour. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving built environment objectives:

Refer relevant development applications to the Environment Section for comment, and set conditions and/or include footnotes to minimise environmental impacts of development.

Provide copies of ‘Grow Local Plants’ and ‘Maintaining and caring for your street verge’ brochures to grouped dwelling applicants to encourage the establishment of local, native plants.

Objective:

• To ensure the impact of future development on the environment is considered through land use planning and development control

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Incorporate water sensitive urban design principles and best practice management initiatives into developments.

Conduct annual review of standard environmental planning conditions.

Ensure the Environmental Planning and Public Open Space strategies underpinning the new Local Planning Scheme are considered in all development.

Ensure adequate Erosion and Sediment Control and assessment of Acid Sulfate Soils risk is undertaken for Council construction works.

Prevent removal and/or damage to street trees when conducting Council construction works through modification of design, and use of air spading.

Promote Green Building Standards to businesses.

Schedule installation of street trees in new developments to occur after building construction has been completed, to avoid issues with removal/damage.

Ensure the risk of exposure of actual or potential Acid Sulfate Soils is considered for all developments and apply conditions for further investigation and remediation if required.

Participate as a member of the Gateway WA Urban Design and Sustainability Group, with a particular focus on drainage, environment and aesthetics.

Ensure use and management of the Belmont foreshore and development interface with the Parks and Recreation reserve is consistent with the adopted Belmont Foreshore Precinct Plan.

New Actions




3.1 Develop an Urban Forest Strategy to manage the City’s green infrastructure which incorporates a Street Tree Plan, Significant Tree Register and policy for dealing with unauthorised damage to street trees.

Manager Parks & Environment

Long Term

2014-15

$30,000

3.2 Identify locations and measure available space in drainage reserves for tree planting to increase canopy.


Long Term

2014- 15 Officer time

Indicators: • Number of Development Applications referred to Environment Section for comment • Number of trees protected through Significant Trees Register • Number of trees protected through air spading • Number of construction works requiring erosion/ sediment control and Acid Sulfate

Soil measures • % business audited as part of the Business Environmental Assessment Project

with compliant wash down facilities • Number of 5 green star or above buildings in City of Belmont rated through

National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) or Green Building Council of Australia.

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4. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

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The City of Belmont covers an area of 4000 ha, of which approximately 10% natural vegetation remains. The majority of this is part of the 629 hectare Bush Forever Site 386- ‘Perth Airport and surrounding bushland’, which also extends into the City of Swan and Shire of Kalamunda. As Perth Airport is governed by Federal planning and environmental legislation, Bush Forever (a State planning initiative) does not apply. Perth Airport has designated 310 hectares of environmentally significant vegetation within Conservation Precincts, 75 hectares of which is located within the City of Belmont in Conservation Precinct 5. 21 ha of Swan River saltmarsh is protected as a Bush Forever site 313 at Ascot Waters and 70 hectares is considered locally significant remnant vegetation.

Locally significant remnant vegetation is scattered throughout the City in small (<5 ha) isolated fragments in public open space reserves zoned Parks and Recreation, such as Garvey Park, Signal Hill, Tomato Lake, Dod Reserve and some wetland compensating basins. The Swan River foreshore is a significant biodiversity corridor within Belmont. Many drainage reserves have been zoned as ‘Parks & Recreation’ with an ancillary drainage purpose. Through licensing arrangements with the Water Corporation, the City has taken over management of various drainage reserves and stormwater compensating basins and undertaken ecological restoration to enhance biodiversity values throughout the City. Some examples include the Coolgardie living stream project at Garvey Park and stormwater basins at Tomato Lake and Centenary Park. The City will endeavour to continue to rehabilitate pockets of remnant bushland that have been reserved and restore ecological and biodiversity values to the Swan River foreshore, wetlands and compensating basins under its management. For a map showing natural areas maintained by the City please refer to Appendix 2. Our partnerships with SERCUL and Two Rivers Catchment Group and our reliance on our valued volunteers, will continue to ensure that natural resource management projects and restoration works continue on the ground. Whilst Airport land is beyond the direct statutory control of the City of Belmont, Council will continue to work closely with Perth Airport Pty Ltd to encourage that any future land use planning is not undertaken to the detriment of significant natural features. The City of Belmont is a member of the Perth Airport Environmental Consultative Group, which meets several times each year to discuss environmental issues and land use planning issues across Airport land.

Objective:

• To protect, manage and enhance the biodiversity values of the natural environment

Coolgardie Living Stream

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Bush Forever sites and local significant vegetation within the City of Belmont. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving natural environment objectives:

Implement management actions for natural areas, as per the Environmental Maintenance Plan and reserve management plans.

Implement revegetation and foreshore restoration activities to protect, enhance and expand existing natural areas.

Continue partnerships with SERCUL, Two Rivers Catchment Group, Perth Airport and environmental volunteers, including ongoing attendance at relevant meetings.

Participate in the implementation of the Swan River Concept & Management Plan being coordinated by the EMRC.

Limit use of herbicides near waterways to those recommended as safe for frogs and aquatic life.

Conduct periodic reassessment of reserves using the Natural Area Assessment Template to monitor condition.

Support ‘Friends Of’ Groups of natural areas by providing equipment, advice and additional resources, as appropriate.

Implement the Local Biodiversity Strategy, developed in partnership with the Town of Bassendean and City of Bayswater.

Work with the Swan River Trust in developing and implementing a ‘River Protection Strategy’ for the Swan and Canning River System.

Undertake an annual foreshore condition assessment to determine progression of erosion and identify priority areas for future stabilisation and environmental restoration activities.

Consult with the City’s Aboriginal Reference Committee and South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council on foreshore projects involving registered Aboriginal Heritage sites.

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New Actions




4.1 Implement foreshore stabilisation works at Garvey Park, Ascot Racecourse foreshore and other priority sites for erosion control.

Coordinator Environment

Subject to sourcing of external funding

4.2 Develop a detailed bushland restoration plan for Signal Hill bushland that sets out plant numbers, species and techniques for revegetation of informal tracks and other degraded areas.

Environmental Supervisor

Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

4.3 Undertake a review of land of high environmental value not currently owned or managed by the City with a view to establishing appropriate management arrangements with the current governmental owner/agency.


Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

Banksia menziesii (right) and Chelodina oblonga- long necked tortoise (left)

Indicators: • m2 of new biodiversity areas created • Number of tubestock planted • Length of foreshore protected • Hectares of natural areas maintained

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5. CLIMATE CHANGE

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eeffffiicciieenntt uussee ooff nnaattuurraall rreessoouurrcceess””

Human-induced climate change is recognised as a key environmental issue facing the City of Belmont now and into the future, with Council a signatory to the WALGA Local Government Climate Change Declaration. Scientific modelling indicates that the south west of Western Australia, including the City of Belmont will continue to be hard hit by forecast reductions in rainfall, increased temperatures and further reductions in surface and groundwater resources. In addition, the Australian Government’s Clean Energy legislation may present potential risks and opportunities to the City when it comes into effect as of 1 July 2012. The City considers actions for both climate change mitigation; reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of Council operations, and climate change adaptation. In the past the City of Belmont has been involved in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Program, having achieved Milestones 1-5. With dissolution of this program in 2009, the City has commenced participation with the EMRC’s ACER (Achieving Carbon Emissions Reduction) program to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Under the ACER program, the City joined the WALGA Emissions Reporting Platform hosted by Greensense Consulting. Council operations resulting in the generation of greenhouse gas emissions include energy use associated with Council buildings, streetlights and water pumping, emissions from Council vehicle fleet and plant, as well as the breakdown of waste resulting in methane generation. From 2005 to 2012 the City was involved on an annual basis with the Carbon Neutral Program to offset carbon dioxide emissions from the City’s light vehicle fleet. In 2012, Council resolved to instead set aside a designated carbon sequestration planting site as an alternative to involvement in the Carbon Neutral Program. This was due to new advice regarding the ineligibility of public land for the lodgement of carbon rights or carbon covenants, and subsequent inability to refer to Carbon Neutral trees as offsets. This program is a great opportunity for Council staff to be involved in a corporate tree planting day within the City.

Objectives:

• To promote the efficient use of energy and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

• To plan and implement measures to ‘future proof’ against the predicted impacts of climate change

Solar PV system on the roof of Ruth Faulkner Public Library

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To respond to the predicted impacts of climate change, the City is working with the EMRC to develop and implement regional and local ‘Future Proofing’ Climate Change Adaptation Action Plans. Implementation of these plans will ensure that the City is well positioned to respond to the predicted impacts of climate change. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving our climate change objectives:

Purchase 25% renewable energy for the top five highest electricity consuming sites, and reinvest the equivalent value of purchasing an additional 25% renewable energy for these sites into renewable power generation or energy efficiency upgrades.

Conduct an annual re-inventory of greenhouse gas emissions arising from Council operations.

Investigate new energy efficient technology when replacing assets such as park and decorative lighting, internal lighting, HVAC systems and pumps.

Participate in the ACER (Achieving Carbon Emissions Reduction), Perth Solar City and Future Proofing programmes being coordinated by the EMRC.

Implement the City of Belmont Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Set aside a designated carbon sequestration ‘Carbon Plus’ planting site annually, with the number of trees established to sequester the equivalent amount of carbon generated annually as a result of the City’s light vehicle fleet emissions.

Implement the City of Belmont TravelSmart Plan to encourage active transport, car pooling and public transport by residents, workers and visitors to, from, and within the City, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transport.

Contribute towards development of a coordinated foreshore trails network through involvement in the Swan Canning Riverpark Trails Master Plan.

Select Council fleet vehicles to ensure the average star rating in the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide is ≥2.5 for the commercial fleet and ≥3 for the non-commercial fleet, taking into account the ‘greenhouse’ rating to minimise CO2 emissions.

Participate in the WALGA Emissions Reporting Platform hosted by Greensense Consulting.

Monitor performance of solar PV systems at Ruth Faulkner Public Library and solar pool heating and hot water technology at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.

New Actions




5.1 Compile a report outlining performance of renewable power generation and effectiveness of energy efficiency upgrades implemented since 2005.


Long Term 2014-15

Officer time

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Indicators: • Number of new energy efficient products installed ie. lights,

pumps etc. • Gas usage (GJ) at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre • Energy generated (kWh) by solar PV systems from all Council

buildings • Corporate greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e) • Annual electricity consumption at the top five consuming sites,

including the Civic Centre and Operations Centre (kWh per capita)

• Average ‘greenhouse’ rating of Council vehicle fleet as per the Green Vehicle Guide

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6. WASTE MANAGEMENT

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Waste management is an important consideration, with an anticipated growing population within the City of Belmont. The amount of space available for landfill is limited, and waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas, when breaking down. In addition, valuable resources can be lost in the disposal of waste to landfill, increasing demand on natural resources. The City of Belmont promotes the 4Rs of waste management; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover to the community and internally to Council staff.

REDUCE is to limit the amount of waste you create in the first place. This includes buying products with less packaging.

REUSE means to use something again that you would normally throw away (eg. Glass jar for food or plastic bags for bin liners.)

RECYCLE means the product goes through a mechanical process to change its form. This is only recommended when reducing and reusing are not possible.

RECOVER is to convert waste into resources (such as electricity, heat, compost and fuel) through thermal and biological means. Resource Recovery occurs after reduce, reuse and recycle have been attempted.

The City of Belmont community disposes of 16,000 tonnes of waste and over 1300 tonnes of recyclable material every year. Domestic waste accounts for 12,000 tonnes whilst the remainder is collected in blue bulk bins. This equates to a per capita rate of 492 kg of waste to landfill/resident per year. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving waste management objectives:

Work with the EMRC and waste service provider to develop new methods of reducing waste to landfill.

Provide a service for community disposal of asbestos, whitegoods, car batteries, motor oil, plate glass, mattresses/bed bases and other specified waste at the Operations Centre on designated days.

Provide information and facilities to assist staff and the community to reduce, re-use and recycle.

Recycle Council’s waste materials including organic waste, mobile phones, ink cartridges, paper, cardboard, fluorescent lights, batteries, roadbase and scrap metal.

Provide collection facilities for the EMRC dry cell battery and light globe recycling, and Planet Ark’s mobile phone recycling.

Objective:

• To minimise the amount of waste disposed to landfill and promote the 4Rs of reduce, reuse, recycle and recover

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Use the City’s street tree prunings as mulch for landscaping and environmental restoration projects.

Respond to issues of littering and illegal dumping.

Continue MOU with Housing Industry Association and respond to illegal dumping on building sites

Indicators: • Annual tonnages of green waste recycled(bulk bins) • Annual tonnages of asbestos, oil( volumes), metals &vehicle batteries, collected

for correct disposal/ recycling • Annual tonnages recycled domestic waste • Annual tonnages of waste to landfill, recyclables and green waste from the City’s

Operations Centre • Annual kg of mobile phones, ink cartridges, domestic batteries & fluorescent light

tubes recycled at Civic Centre

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7. COMMUNITY AWARENESS

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““PPrrootteecctt aanndd eennhhaannccee oouurr nnaattuurraall eennvviirroonnmmeenntt””




The ability to influence the residential and business community is recognised as a significant strength of Local Government in achieving positive environmental outcomes. The City follows the principles of community-based social marketing to achieve behaviour change in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability. Of key concern for the future is the anticipated increase in demand for water, energy, waste and transport associated with a growing population. The impact of activities of the community on water quality of the Swan River, drainage network and groundwater are also important considerations.

The City aims to increase the level of community appreciation for natural areas, support for environmental projects and involvement in biodiversity protection and enhancement activities. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving our community awareness objectives:

Recognise local businesses for significant environmental achievements through the annual City of Belmont Business Environmental Awards and Business Environmental Assessment Project recognition programme.

Participate in the ‘switch your thinking!’ programme and Perth Solar City to promote benefits of energy reduction to the community.

Improve environmental practices of small- medium sized enterprises through the Business Environmental Assessment Project.

Undertake targeted environmental assessments of businesses located within catchment areas contributing towards high nutrient/non-nutrient contaminant levels identified through the City’s Stormwater Monitoring Programme.

Objectives:

• To increase community awareness (residents and businesses) of environmental issues and encourage participation in environmental enhancement programs

• To minimise the risk of pollution incidence arising from businesses and the community

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Encourage residents to adopt fertilise-wise and waterwise gardening practices by organising garden demonstrations and workshops and providing information at community events.

Organise environmental events to promote values of the natural environment and increase volunteer involvement in natural area activities.

Encourage water and energy efficiency of residents and businesses through community information sessions.

Erect information signage in areas of environmental significance to raise awareness and promote community appreciation of the local environment.

Provide regular updates in the City’s newsletters; Belmont Business Talk and Belmont Bulletin to promote environmental and sustainability programmes, initiatives and events.

Implement the City of Belmont TravelSmart Plan to encourage active transport, car pooling and public transport by businesses, residents and the general community.

Develop and upgrade environmental education material aimed at the community including fact sheets and the City of Belmont website.

New Actions




7.1 Promote the Business Environmental Assessment Project database to other Local Government authorities.

Environmental Officer Light Industry

Medium Term

2013-14 and Long Term 2014-15

Officer time

7.2 Consider participation in the ‘Switched on Business’ programme or equivalent, to encourage water and energy efficiency of local businesses.


Long Term

2014-15

Officer time (to investigate costs)

7.3 Develop an education and engagement programme for residents of ‘The Springs’ regarding environmental and sustainability issues.

Coordinator Environment, TravelSmart Officer

Long Term

2014-15

Officer time and participation in EMRC’s

Sustainability and Environmental Education Program

Indicators: • Number of community workshops/ seminars / events held • Number of participants in community workshops/ seminars • Number of environmental volunteer hours • Number of assessments completed as part of the Business Environmental

Assessment Project. • % compliance of businesses assessed as part of the Business Environmental

Assessment Project. • Uptake of the Rewards for Residents & Businesses program • Number of schools participating in ‘Green Lights for Schools’ fundraiser

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8. CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY

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““PPrrootteecctt aanndd eennhhaannccee oouurr nnaattuurraall eennvviirroonnmmeenntt””



eeffffiicciieenntt uussee ooff nnaattuurraall rreessoouurrcceess”” The City’s corporate philosophy towards environmental management relates to City of Belmont operations and activities as well as Council decision making. It is important that the City demonstrates leadership to the community by implementing environmental ‘best practice’ wherever possible. Also of importance is establishing policies and procedures to minimise the risk of environmental impacts arising from Council operations. Corporate philosophy is closely related to all environmental issues identified in Part II of the Environment Plan, including; water management, air quality and noise, built environment, natural environment, climate change and waste management. It is important that the City’s environmental policies and procedures are clearly communicated to Councillors, Council staff and contractors, and that they are followed. Encouraging Council staff to suggest improvements and ensuring relevant officers are involved in any changes to procedures is essential, as it draws on a wide range of knowledge and experience from different areas of expertise. The City of Belmont is currently involved in the following activities and projects to progress toward achieving the corporate philosophy objective:

Raise Councillor and staff awareness of environmental issues and initiatives.

Encourage City of Belmont staff to participate in environmental events.

Continue with the ‘Switched On Staff’ sustainability education programme for City of Belmont employees.

Promote the City’s Environmental Management System, environmental policies, environmental incident reporting and Environment Plan to staff.

Conduct an annual internal audit of the Environmental Management System.

Undertake an annual review of the City of Belmont Environment Plan, environmental policies and Environmental Risk Register.

Provide regular progress reports to the Standing Committee (Environmental) on implementation of the Environment Plan.

Objective:

• To integrate environmental considerations into core business activities

City of Belmont corporate planting day

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Apply for grant funding to facilitate implementation of environmental capital works and other activities.

Participate as a member of the C21 group of Councils to lobby for increased funding and support for management of the Swan River foreshore and water quality.

Advocate for funding opportunities for the effective management of erosion along the Swan River foreshore.

Conduct an annual audit of the Operations Centre to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 and Controlled Waste Regulations 2004.

Maintain Green Stamp accreditation of the City of Belmont’s Operations Centre.

Maintain the ISO 14001 certification of the City of Belmont’s Environmental Management System.

New Actions




8.1 Incorporate ecologically sensitive design (ESD) features into the new Faulkner Park multi purpose community facility.

Manager Property & Economic Development

Long Term

2014-15

Within existing budgets

8.2 Conduct a review of existing council policies and identify potential incorporation of environmental considerations.


Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

8.3 Develop a new Environment Plan for 2015-20.


Long Term

2014-15

Officer time

Indicators: • Number of staff participating in corporate planting day • $ value of grants received for environmental activities • Green Stamp certification maintained • ISO 14001 certification maintained • Percentage of staff using TravelSmart modes to commute to and from work • Percentage of Councillors using TravelSmart modes to commute to and from

Council meetings • Number of business trips undertaken by staff using TravelSmart modes

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CITY OF BELMONT ENVIRONMENT PLAN 2010-15 · Water Quality Improvement Plan, funded by the Swan River Trust. Received $219,598 in grant funding for environmental restoration projects,

Documents