ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY REPORT 2014 - 2015
About the Environmental Levy The Ku-ring-gai Council Environmental Levy is a five per cent levy on rates used to fund much-needed work on our bushland, waterways and urban environment and to support the community to live and work more sustainably. The Levy commenced in 2005 and will continue until 2019. It raises around $2.6 million per year, and has attracted more than $9 million in matching federal and state grants since the Levy began. This report details the achievements of the Levy in the 2014/15 financial year.
Bush regeneration at South Turramurra
2014 WINNER
For excellence in local government
FURTHER READING
kmc.nsw.gov.au/elevy
KU-RING-GAI COUNCIL 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072 P 02 9424 0000 | E kmc@kmc.nsw.gov.au | W kmc.nsw.gov.au
Cover image: Volunteers with the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden Bushcare group
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS Council acknowledges the Guringai people as the Traditional Owners of the land of which the Ku-ring-gai local government area is a part, and pays its respects to their Elders, past and present.
Message from the Mayor I am delighted to be able to present a compelling case for the continuation of Ku-ring-gai’s Environmental Levy. Since its introduction ten years ago, the Levy has funded a huge range of environmental projects and activities, many of which rely on a partnership approach with our community for their success. Since 2005, large-scale conservation, regeneration of bushland, water and energy reduction projects have been created and implemented to the value of more than $30 million. The Levy funds staff with specialist skills in a range of disciplines who are able to provide expert guidance. The result is both capacity building of the Ku-ring-gai community to act on local and national environmental issues and enhancement of Council’s overall service delivery. Importantly, Council has advised the governments of China, Korea and France and the United Nations Economic and Social Development Program for the Asia Pacific region on its climate change adaptation planning model. Our Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has publicly pledged to make Sydney a cooler and greener place by increasing the tree canopy and the quality of this city’s natural environment. We believe that Ku-ring-gai has a hugely important role to play in this pledge, given that we are known as Sydney’s ‘green heart’. Community passion for seeing Ku-ring-gai’s natural environment protected and nurtured is what residents consistently say they are prepared to pay for. With Sydney’s population expanding rapidly in coming decades, it is vital that the Levy continues to help Ku-ring-gai’s green heart keep beating. I commend this report to you and look forward to a favourable response.
Cheryl Szatow, Mayor
Bushland behind Golden Jubilee Field, North Wahroonga
A snapshot of environmental Levy achievements 2014/15
99ha
20.6ha
OF BIOBANKED LAND, PROTECTED IN PERPETUITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AT ROFE PARK, SHELDON FOREST AND COMENARRA CREEK RESERVE
OF LAND PROTECTED AT BROWNS FOREST AND THE KU-RING-GAI FLYING FOX RESERVE THROUGH CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS
3,888
RESIDENTS ENGAGED IN OUR EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
a few more facts... $9m
Additional state and federal government funding won for Levy projects since 2005
15
58kW
SOLAR POWER INSTALLED
$ $ $
$50k
SMALL GRANTS AWARDED TO 16 COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
$2.6m
RAISED BY THE LEVY EVERY YEAR
Total stormwater harvesting systems installed in Ku-ring-gai since 2005
1
NEW STORMWATER HARVESTING COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR AULUBA OVAL
10%
Reduction in water consumption across Council assets between 2010 and 2014
36ha
OF BUSH REGENERATION IN THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS 16 SITES ADDITIONAL TO COUNCIL’S OPERATIONAL WORK PLAN
112
Total kilowatts of solar PV capacity across all Council buildings since 2011
130
NATIVE STINGLESS BEE HIVES DISTRIBUTED
$700k
Total small grants awarded to community environmental initiatives since 2005
Key themes The programs and activities funded by the Levy address the key themes of biodiversity; community engagement and education; energy, water and catchments; and sustainable transport. These are based on the objectives listed in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2030:
N1 - APPRECIATING KU-RING-GAI’S UNIQUE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT A community empowered with knowledge, learning and information that benefits the environment.
N2 - NATURAL AREAS Our bushland is rich with native flora and fauna.
N3 - NATURAL WATERWAYS Our natural waterways and riparian areas are enhanced and protected.
N4 - CLIMATE CHANGE A community addressing and responding to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
N5 - SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT A community progressively reducing its consumption of resources and leading in recycling and reuse.
Key achievements from 2014/15 Browns Forest, St Ives
BIODIVERSITY Fencing to protect endangered ecological communities in Pymble
Protecting threatened species and ecological communities The Levy funded bushland regeneration and protection works on more than 58 hectares of threatened ecological communities (EEC) which provide habitat for numerous threatened plant and animal species. This included an area of coastal upland swamp in St Ives, which was recently listed as a threatened ecological community under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Threatened ecological communities are protected under federal or state legislation and Council has six of these communities which we are required to protect. The regeneration and protection works program included the following management activities: ■ Weeding, which creates an environment where more native species can thrive ■ Ecological burning, which allows dormant native seeds to germinate and increases the plant diversity of the area ■ Fencing, which keeps the fragile new plants free from the potentially destructive activities of dogs, wallabies and rabbits.
Protective fences and upgraded tracks
Hazard reduction and ecological burns
Two reserves were protected by a total of 480 lineal metres of post-fire fences in 2014/15. These reserves were St Ives Showground and Slade Ave/Seven Little Australians Park. Protective fences help keep fragile new plants free from the potentially destructive activities of dogs, wallabies and rabbits.
Approximately 42,700m2 of natural bushland areas had weeding works undertaken either before or after ecological or hazard reduction burns in 2014/15. Ecological burns are an important management tactic to encourage dormant native seeds to germinate, thus increasing the plant diversity of the area.
In addition, 340m of walking tracks were upgraded at the STEP track in South Turramurra to improve accessibility and safety, including 158 boxed steps, 11 water bars and a 15m boardwalk.
Fire trail maintenance
Protecting landscapes A Levy sponsored program to develop fauna monitoring across our reserves and look at impacts on fauna associated with ecological burning. A fauna survey was conducted in spring 2015 at Ku-ring-gai’s biobanking site. This will form a baseline and inform the development of a broader monitoring program, focussing on: 1. Species presence, diversity and abundance. 2. How animals utilise resources post burn. 3. The movement of species across these sites. 4. Management actions to reduce or mitigate impacts. Council also contributed Levy funds to the creation of a biobanking site (see case study).
Keeping fire trails adequately maintained is essential for emergency services to rapidly access bushfires; but they are also used as service control lines for burning operations and access for bushland maintenance. In addition these trails are enjoyed by many in the community as a recreational resource. During 2014/15, Levy funds were used to add value to the operational program in four major fire trail replenishment projects and to safeguard strategic access points between: ■ Daly Avenue and Lister Street, North Wahroonga ■ Samuel King Oval and Gwydir Avenue, North Turramurra ■ Stonecrop Road and Gwydir Avenue, North Turramurra ■ Bedford Avenue and Waipori Street, North Turramurra.
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Laughing all the way to the Biobank – biodiversity case study
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These protected sites are important habitats for a number of native, and threatened species including the Red-crowned Toadlet, Powerful Owl, Little Bentwing Bat, Eastern Bentwing-bat, Eastern Freetail-bat, Eastern False Pipistrelle, Yellowbellied Sheathtail-bat, Grey-headed Flying Fox, a threatened population of Gang-gang Cockatoo and threatened ecological communities such as Blue Gum High Forest and Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest. A monitoring program is now underway to assess the abundance and distribution of species present in these areas, their movements and how management actions such as ecological burning affect fauna.
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The three sites form part of a three kilometre long urban bushland corridor that stretches from the Pacific Highway in Pymble to Lane Cove National Park in South Turramurra. As well as weeding
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In 2014, Ku-ring-gai Council secured the long term future of Rofe Park, Sheldon Forest
MANAGING THE BIOBANK
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BIOBANKING IN KU-RING-GAI
Environment and Heritage (OEH). The biobanking assessment and credit purchase was funded through a NSW Environmental Trust grant. All credits were purchased and retired with the Environmental Trust grant and with a $469,000 contribution from Council (paid over a threeyear period). This amount from Council includes $157,500 of Environmental Levy funds representing the existing sevenyear commitment of $22,500 annually for protection and regeneration of these reserves.
programs, feral animal control, fire management techniques and rubbish removal, Council will continue to manage the tracks and trails so the local community can continue to enjoy bush walks and bird watching.
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Biobanking is a scheme that provides an opportunity for ongoing financial support towards the management of conservation land. For Council it further strengthens the protection of natural areas by registering the biobanking agreement on title. In a biobanking assessment, land is valued in terms of ‘ecosystem credits’ and ‘species credits’ which are available for purchase at a price that ensures long-term funding for site management. The money received for the credits is banked with annual payments provided in perpetuity for management of the biobanking site. Or as one of our staff put it, ‘the biobanking agreement means the management of the area is secure. It’s like gold’.
and Comenarra Creek Reserve by entering into a biobanking agreement with the NSW Office of
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WHAT IS BIOBANKING?
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Additional Council and Environmental Levy contribution Hectares of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest
Known threatened fauna species at the site
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Hectares of critically endangered Blue Gum High Forest
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5 Average annual payment to Ku-ring-gai Council for biobanking site management for the first 20 years of this in perpetuity agreement.
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$120k
Endangered population (Gang-gang Cockatoo)
BIODIVERSITY
$469k
$1.6m
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Information boards installed to raise awareness about the biobanking site
NSW Environmental Trust grant paid, in addition to comprehensive fieldwork, assessments and reporting completed to create this biobanking site.
Known threatened flora species at the site
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION
Communications Levy funded sustainability programs are promoted through a myriad of ways by Council including electronic media, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and displays in the customer service centre. Events and programs are highly valued by the community as demonstrated by the number of participants.
Community sustainability programs In 2014/15 Council:
Environmental and sustainability events program
Climate Wise Communities and bushfire education
The Levy contributes funds that support a wide range of environmental and sustainability events which are popular and well-attended by the community. In 2014/15 Council held 37 events, for 1,570 participants. These included:
Council coordinated Bush Neighbours, Bushfire Street Meet and other bushfire awareness events at 12 sites which engaged 195 residents.
TALKS: ■ An introduction to Bushcare ■ Sydney’s reptiles and reptile rescue
■ Delivered three Water Smart events to a total of 71 attendees while 21 households received rebates for installing rainwater tanks which combined have a total capacity of 103,980 litres.
■ Native plant identification
■ Delivered five Energy Smart Savers events, attracting 148 attendees. In addition, 23 households participated in Council’s Energy Smart Savers – a home energy monitoring device program; while 50 households received rebates for replacing old inefficient pool pumps with highly efficient new pumps.
■ Ticks
■ Delivered a Building Sustainable Homes workshop to a total of 26 participants as part of Council’s Smart Homes initiative, and launched a comprehensive online guide for home builders and renovators.
■ Sydney’s solitary bees ■ Urban mosquitoes ■ Greening Australia ■ How smart are fish
Community environmental projects In addition to revitalising West Pymble Community Garden (as an alternative to the extremely popular Turramurra Lookout Community Garden which has more than 70 regular volunteers), Council awarded 16 small grants with a total value of more than $50,000 towards community environmental initiatives. The recipients and projects are detailed below.
ROUND 16 SMALL GRANT RECIPIENTS
■ Sustainable investment and superannuation
Troon Place Streetcare Group Geary’s Way Bushcare Group
■ Conservation genetics for bush regenerators
Michelle’s Daycare
Vegetable and Herb Garden
■ The (not so) secret life of parrots
Macquarie University
Do Bass use ladders
■ Pool to pond conversions
Gaia Guide Association
Mobile field guides to the local native flora and fauna of Ku-ring-gai
STEP Inc
Repair to the STEP track
■ An Aboriginal heritage walk
Ku-ring-gai Bushcare Association
Weed Awareness Display
■ A tour of sites for understanding fire in an urban context
ARIES
Greening Ku-ring-gai’s rooftops
■ Marine photography ■ Reducing pool energy bills
WALKS:
Wandering Trad Removal Bank stabilisation
■ Ran a successful Compost Revolution program, with 59 compost bins and 29 worm farms purchased by Ku-ringgai residents, and 471 residents completing at least one of the composting or worm-farming tutorials on the website.
■ Edible weeds and foraging walks
■ An introductory bushwalk for Mandarin-speaking residents
■ Conducted garden and/or home sustainability advice visits to 34 homes.
Buller St Residents Group Reclaim Buller Creek
■ A Middle Harbour bushwalk
Warragul Rd Bushcare Group
Weed removal at Rofe Park
Community environmental programs
■ Growing vegetables
Friends of the Rifleway
Restoration of the Rifleway
In 2014/15 Council: ■ Grew the Wild Things program to approximately 540 volunteers who actively support native fauna in their backyards and local areas. As part of this program, Council distributed 130 beehives and helped convert three pools to ponds. ■ Supported more than 700 members of the Bushcare, Streetcare and Parkcare programs, and installed 30 Streetcare and 10 Parkcare signs to raise awareness about the programs. ■ Coordinated a successful National Tree Day planting with 98 people participating at Loyal Henry Park in Roseville.
WORKSHOPS: ■ Making kombucha
Normac Streetcare Group Weed removal
■ Making hand-made gifts
ARIES
Supporting Ku-ring-gai’s Habitat Stepping Stones
■ Propagating native plants
Minnamurra Streetcare Group
Vine control
Quarry Creek Bushcare
Weed control
■ Keeping chickens ■ Basic upholstery
OTHER EVENTS: ■ A Bushcare end-of-year lunch for volunteers ■ A National Ride to Work day breakfast ■ A National Tree Day event ■ A welcome bus tour for new residents.
Better Business Partnership Better Business Partnership is a joint council initiative of North Sydney, Willoughby and Ku-ring-gai and has been developed to engage, assist and support local businesses in sustainable behaviours. In 2014/15 the Levy-supported initiative helped a total of 113 businesses to reduce their environmental impacts and associated expenditure.
Pool pumps rebate program inspires energy savings – a community engagement case study Council targets power-hungry pool pumps in innovative community energy pilot
20% to 30%
Total number of inefficient pool pumps replaced during the pilot
Average number of years it takes for the new pool pump to pay for itself with savings
2.4
WHY POOL PUMPS? Swimming pool pumps can be incredibly energy-intensive, often accounting for about a third of total household energy use. With more than half of Ku-ring-gai’s 30,700 detached homes estimated to have a swimming pool, inefficient pool pumps are a prime opportunity to reduce residents’ electricity use and carbon footprint, while also saving them money on running costs.
50
Estimated number of households in Ku-ring-gai with a pool
18,000
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION
Pool pump contribution to total household energy consumption of an average household with a pool
HOW THE REBATE WORKS The pool pump rebate program is a unique scheme that Council piloted in May-June 2015. Residents were offered a Levy-funded rebate for replacing their old or inefficient pool pump with a pump rated 7-star and above by the Australian Government’s Energy Rating System (www.EnergyRating.gov.au). Pumps rated under the system are highly efficient in circulating water in pools, therefore use less energy and significantly reduce running costs. We believe that people are often unaware of the huge impact an inefficient pool pump can have on their energy bills. Offering a financial incentive is a practical way to draw attention to the problem as well as promote the solution.
Expected number of megawatthours (MWh) of electricity saved per annum across the pilot program
94.42
>100
Number of tonnes of CO2equivalent saved annually as a result of the pilot program*
*www.ess.nsw.gov.au/Common_questions/Energy_savings_certificates
ENERGY
The following projects received Levy funding during 2014/15 to help meet Council’s commitment of 20% energy reduction by 2020, relative to 2000 levels.
Real time energy snap-shot Council has developed the ability to capture 24-hour real-time energy consumption by collecting data from digital meters. This means anomalies can be identified more easily and inefficiencies reduced. Energy studies were initiated at high-consumption sites including Council’s Bridge Street and Suakin Street depot buildings.
Capital projects Energy efficiency upgrades, including draught-proofing and the upgrade of lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, were undertaken at a number of Council sites, including the Thomas Carlyle Childcare Centre, East Roseville Community Centre, West Pymble Community Centre and West Lindfield Community Centre.
Sustainable energy boost for Ku-ring-gai Art Centre - energy case study Energy efficiency initiatives reduce CO² emissions by 47%
POWERING DOWN Ku-ring-gai Council has a greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 20% by 2020, based on year 2000 levels. The target has been chosen to align with latest climate change science, and ensures we are doing our fair share towards working for a safe climate. A 2012 audit of Council-owned buildings identified Ku-ring-gai Art Centre as a high energy user and suggested a number of energy efficiency initiatives that could reduce power consumption at the Centre.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES Levy funds were used in a number of ways to transform the Centre. A total of 47 solar panels were installed on the roof which now produce 13,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, and draught proofing measures were undertaken to stop air leaking out during the cold and warm times of the year. Energy efficient LED lighting was also installed and hot water pipes insulated.
THE RESULTS? The works were undertaken between 2013/14 and by 2014/15 the results were in. The following results were achieved: ■ $10k reduction in annual electricity bill (since 2012) ■ 45% reduction in annual electricity usage (since 2012) ■ 47% reduction in annual CO2 emissions (since 2012)
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS The significant success of these energy reduction initiatives has had the additional benefit of engaging staff at the centre in more sustainable behaviours. More LED lights have been installed and the use of other energy intensive equipment such as kilns is being reviewed. The energy initiatives have made a big difference in the way everyone at the Centre thinks about their energy use.
LESSONS LEARNED The three major lessons from the project are: 1. Good design is critically important in solar panel installation 2. LED lighting is now commercially mature and is cheaper than fluorescent lighting 3. Regularly maintaining equipment is vital for optimal energy performance
ENERGY Solar panels installed at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre Roseville
During 2014/15, several high-profile water quality and stormwater reuse projects were delivered.
WATER AND CATCHMENTS
Stormwater and sewer mining A total of 74,000L of water was reused at 19 stormwater harvesting, groundwater leachate sites and sewer mining sites during 2014/15. Council also installed a 250,000L water tank at the new housing subdivision between Chisolm Road and Barwon Avenue in South Turramurra to be pumped for reuse at Auluba Ovals sports field (see case study). Stormwater harvesting and sewer mining decrease potable water usage and reduce impacts of erosion and sedimentation on receiving waterways.
Erosion control and biofilter gardens The following erosion control projects were implemented to slow stormwater at the end of pipe at the bushland interface and help sediment and impurities settle out of the water before entering the creek system. Biofilter gardens are designed to further facilitate this. ■ End of pipe construction works at Warragul Road Upper (25m), and at Lower with a biofilter garden (35m). ■ Minnamurra Road Lane Cove River bank stabilisation works (150m). ■ Two biofilter gardens were installed at Alan Small Oval car park. ■ Council has maintained and monitored the 18 biofilter gardens constructed using Levy funds thus far.
Water monitoring During the 2014/15 period Council: ■ Maintained and monitored 11 automated monitoring devices on stormwater storage and irrigation sites. Monitoring water reuse and efficiency of water use enables Council to effectively manage sports fields while limiting impacts on surrounding bushland. ■ Tested the water quality at 16 creeks in both spring and autumn. Testing riparian areas for water quality enables Council to maintain healthy
The wetland area and sediment basin at Barwon Avenue, South Turramurra
Stormwater recycling at Auluba Oval - water case study Water sensitive design benefits local community and ecosystems
THE OPPORTUNITY When the development of a new housing subdivision between Chisolm Street and Barwon Avenue in South Turramurra was proposed, Council embraced the opportunity to capture stormwater from the newly created hard surfaces for reuse on the nearby Auluba Oval sports fields.
development along with excess water overflows from the existing drainage network into the tank. This water is then pumped into an existing water storage facility at Auluba Oval where it is used to irrigate the playing fields. A large percentage of the irrigated water is then recaptured through the oval’s existing drainage system for further reuse.
WATER SENSITIVE DESIGN
THE BENEFITS
The new housing project was going to include a large amount of hard, impervious surfaces which would result in increased stormwater run-off, negatively impacting local bushland and the Lane Cove River. With the protection of waterways and catchments a priority of the Environmental Levy, funding was dedicated to include a variety of water sensitive features in the new development.
The stormwater harvesting recycling site will significantly reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate local sports fields. Meters are being installed to measure how much water is being collected and used. It will also reduce peak flows in the Council drainage network which ultimately drain into the Lane Cove River.
THE PROJECT A 250,000L stormwater collection tank was installed underground next to a large wetland area in the centre of the housing development. When it rains, run-off from the new
The project has resulted in a beautiful wetland for local residents and wildlife to enjoy. The project demonstrates how water sensitive features can be integrated for the benefit of both local communities and ecosystems. The Auluba Oval project was a joint development between the NSW Office of Strategic Lands and Ku-ring-gai Council.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT National Ride to Work Day event, Gordon Recreational Reserve, 15 October 2014
Through the Ku-ring-gai Integrated Transport Strategy, Ku-ring-gai Council in partnership with all levels of government, community and other stakeholders, aims to put in place best practice transport planning. Each year Council rolls out recommendations from the Bicycle Plan 2012 and Integrated Transport Policy 2011. The Bicycle Plan aims to shift the high number of short car trips to cycling and walking. A network of shared pathways aligned to bus and train stops also encourage greater public transport use and contribute to a healthier community.
THE ROSEVILLE CYCLE ROUTE Planning work continued on a new section of the Roseville cycle route, extending the existing route and connecting it to Warringah local government area. The on-road/mixed traffic route has been designed to take cyclists along relatively low traffic volume local roads (although some sections of the route pass through shared pedestrian/bicycle paths) to avoid busy roads and intersections.
RIDE TO WORK DAY More than 30 cyclists braved torrential wind and rain in October 2014 in celebration of Ride to Work Day. It was the first time Ku-ring-gai Council had supported this national event, which included technical support from a local shop supplier and breakfast at Gordon Recreational Reserve. Cycling is increasing dramatically in central Sydney, having soared 132 per cent over the last four years, according to Bicycle NSW, and Ku-ring-gai is keen to mirror this trend. With an ever expanding cycling network in the area, Council will run future Ride to Work events and hopefully encourage more people to get on their bikes.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
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STEP Track South Turramurra
GRANTS RECEIVED External funds add considerable value to our programs. They usually have an in-kind portion which is provided by the Levy program. Grants received during 2014/15 include: ■ Environmental Trust – Fencing at Ku-ring-gai Flying Fox Reserve: $78,000 ■ Local Land services – Erosion control at stormwater outlets at Sheldon Forest and Rofe Park: $50,000 ■ Linking Landscapes – Biobanking project: $1.6 million ■ Saving our Species – Genoplesium Wildflower Garden: $25,000 ■ Crown Lands – post-fire work at Warrimoo: $40,000 ■ Rural Fire Service – fire trail embankment erosion control and surface upgrade: $397,329 ■ Community building partnerships – solar hot water systems on Council community facilities: $14,800
EXPENDITURE REBATES GIVEN TO COMMUNITY Energy and Water Smart programs provide opportunities for residents to gain financial support to build a more sustainable home. In 2014/15 Council granted the following rebates: ■ Smart Units $26,400 ■ Water Smart $12,096 ■ Pool pumps $26,400
SMALL GRANT PROGRAM Levy-funded small grants are awarded to community members who wish to undertake works to improve the environment. Typically they include landscaping, weed control or native animal habitat creation. In 2014/15 small grants totalling more than $50,000 were given to the community.
The pie chart shows the Levy funding distribution over the seven programs. The total spent during 2014/15 was $1,992,000 from a budget of $2,736,000. Unspent budget of $1,455,000 was carried over to 2015/16. Environmental Levy Expenditure 2014/15
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