State of Environment Report 2007-08 - Wollongong City Council

Map of Wollongong City CouncilLocal Government AreaHelensburghStanwell ParkWombarraAustinmerThirroulWoononaMount OusleyBellambiMount KeiraMount KemblaFigtreeUnanderraBerkeleyFairy MeadowNorth WollongongWollongongPort KemblaDaptoYallahLakeIllawarraWindangWarillaWarrawong

Land (murum) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Land (murum)Land (murum)Current state and pressuresLand features in terms of the regionaltopography, geology and soils, havedetermined the nature of urbandevelopment in the Wollongong LocalGovernment Area (LGA). The LGA covers71,400ha in a narrow coastal stripstretching from Helensburgh in the north,to Windang, 30km to the south. The LGA hastwo major Local Environmental Plans(LEPs); the Wollongong LEP 1990 and theWollongong City Centre LEP 2007. Land usezones within the Wollongong LGA and theirpercentage areas are shown in Tables 1and 2.Urban development is concentrated within arelatively narrow coastal strip between theTasman Sea and the Illawarra Escarpment.The proportion of urban land increasestoward the southern half of the LGA, withlimited development and developmentpotential in the northern suburbs. Thedemand for new dwellings in Wollongonghas increased over time due to a declininghousehold occupancy rate and immigration.During 2007-08, a total of 352 residentiallots were created in the Wollongong LGA.Major responsesDraft Wollongong Local Environmental Plan2009Since the adoption of the Wollongong LEP in1990, there has been a significant change incommunity attitudes and expectations,including environmental awareness andaccountabilities about development in theWollongong LGA. In November 2004,Council resolved to commence preparing adraft LEP to replace the LEP 1990. The draftWollongong LEP 2009 was prepared by:● Translating the provisions of theWollongong LEP 1990 and WollongongCity Centre LEP 2007 into the requiredformat of the standard LEP instrument.● Incorporating planning recommendationsof a number of studies including theWollongong Housing Study (2005),Wollongong Employment Land Study(2005), Wollongong Retail Centre Study(2004), Planning People Places - OpenSpace, Recreation and CommunityFacilities Strategic Framework, IllawarraEscarpment Strategic Management Plan(2005) and Illawarra Escarpment LandUse Provision (2007), Port of Port KemblaLand Use Strategy (2007), HelensburghLand Capacity Analysis (2006), DarkesForest Review of Deferred Lands (2007),Kanahooka Road 6(b) Lands Study(2007), Illawarra Coal Mines HeritageStudy (2006) and various floodplain strategies and estuarymanagement plans.● Incorporating rezoning proposals reviewed by theAdministrators and suggestions made by Statutory Authorities.● The draft LEP was endorsed by Council in June 2008 andsubmitted to the Department of Planning for review andcertification prior to exhibition.Wollongong Development Contributions Plan (Section 94A)The Wollongong Section 94A Contributions Plan came into effect inJune 2006. In adopting the plan, all existing Section 94 Plans, withthe exception of Horsley, have been repealed. The Section 94A Planrequires the payment of contributions based on the value of adevelopment. The contributions allow Council to construct orprovide public infrastructure, amenities and services required.During 2007-08, Council reviewed, exhibited and adopted anupdated Plan incorporating minor amendments and an updatedworks schedule.Blue MileRedevelopment of the city foreshore was identified in theRevitalising Wollongong City Centre Plan (2006) as one of eightstrategic civic improvement projects for the revitalisation andgrowth of the city.The Blue Mile is a multi-million dollar staged plan to revitaliseinfrastructure, recreation and tourism experiences in the cityforeshore area stretching from City Beach in the south to StuartPark in the north. The master plan addresses public facilities,beaches and open space, parks and playgrounds, recreationfacilities, footpaths, cafes and restaurants, tourism and othercommercial opportunities, pedestrian and traffic movement andcar parking issues.The Blue Mile Master Plan process led to the development of adraft City Foreshore Plan of Management. The Blue Mile MasterPlan was adopted by Council in November 2007. The WollongongCity Foreshore Plan of Management was adopted by Council inJanuary 2008.Works in Belmore Basin/Brighton Lawn Reserve were considereda priority due to the impending failure of the coastal protectionworks, public risk and the degraded nature of the Brighton LawnENVIRONMENTAL 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08INDICATORSNumber of DAs received 2,643 2,139 2,040 2,236Number of complyingdevelopments received(inc Private Certifiers)999 528 438 361Number of DAs determined 2,680 2,312 2,191 2,093Number of complyingdevelopments determined(inc Private Certifiers)984 525 436 355Number of constructioncertificates issued (incPrivate Certifiers)Number of complyingdevelopments(inc Private Certifiers)1,802 1,579 1,057 1,466549 524 431 354Number of lots produced 475 216 346 352DA - Development ApplicationsWollongong City Council 05

Land (murum) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Land (murum)Table 1 Land use zones within the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 1990ZONES AREA IN HECTARES % ofCITY AREASubtotalTotal1. Non Urban 4,106 5.7502. Residential(a1) Special Low Density(a) Low Density(b) Medium Density(c) High Density3. Business(a) General Business(b) Neighbourhood Business(c) Commercial Business(d) Research anddevelopment4. Industrial(a) Light Industrial(b) Heavy Industrial(c) Extractive Industry5. Special Uses(a) Named Special Use(b) Railway(c) Main Road6. Open Space(a) Public Recreation(b) Private Recreation(c) Tourism7. Environmental Protection(a) Special(b) Conservation(c) Residential(c1) Rural Residential(d) Hacking River8. Conservation(a) National Parks(b) State Recreation Area9. Reservations for Use(a ) Named Special Use(b) Main Road(c) Local Road(d) Open Space2194,4661,3301-98185829-5331,3331221,0485491,1771,6895388237,4464,423464831,5555,4957311391076,016----203----1,988---2,774---2,309---43,971-----5,568--157----8.426----0.286----2.784---3.885---3.234---61.584-----7.798--0.220----Deferred 623 0.873Unzoned 3,289 4.606Total Area for WollongongLocal Environmental Plan 199071,004 ha 99.445%reserve. Work commenced on BrightonLawn Reserve during late June 2008. Theworks include replacement of the failedcoastal protection works and upgrade of theBrighton Lawn Reserve with promenades,regraded connecting pathways, cycleways,improved lighting, park furniture andlandscaping.Crown Street MallSignificant effort was made to reach a finaldecision on the future of the Crown StreetMall, the Keira Street Transit Mall and otherpublic transport and pedestrianimprovements across the city centre.Investigations, designs and coordinationworks with other agencies, (including theRoads and Traffic Authority, Ministry ofTransport and Department of Planning)completed during 2007-08 will enableresolution and the staged implementationof the strategy to commence in late 2008-09.West Dapto Land Release AreaIn September 2003, Council resolved torecommence the investigations into theWest Dapto Release Area (WDRA) throughthe preparation of an LEP. The study areahas an area of 4,700ha.A draft West Dapto Master Plan, draft LEP,draft DCP and background studies wereexhibited from 26 September 2007 to 30May 2008. One hundred and fortysubmissions were received from thecommunity, landholders, businesses andgovernment authorities. Council engagedthe NSW Growth Centres Commission toreview key aspects of the West Daptoproposal and the issues raised insubmissions, which will occur in 2008-09.The West Dapto Transport Link (WDTL) willprovide access to the future developmentareas within the WDRA and an alternativeaccess for Horsley to reduce the short termisolation of the suburb during flood eventsas well as alleviating traffic congestion onBong Bong Road. Negotiations have beenunderway with affected land owners for theacquisition of the required land toaccommodate the WDTL. Council hascommenced preparation of designs for thewestern section of Fairwater Drivecontained within the existing road corridorand the Reed Creek Bridge.Development Control PlansA consolidated Development Control Plan isbeing prepared and will be known as theWollongong Development Control Plan 2009(WDCP 2009). Council is currently reviewingand amalgamating a number of existingDCPs, as well as creating new policies for06 Wollongong City Council

Land (murum) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Land (murum)inclusion into the WDCP 2009, withcompletion anticipated for the end of thenext financial year.Illawarra EscarpmentOne of the recommendations of theIllawarra Escarpment Commission ofInquiry was the preparation of anIllawarra Escarpment StrategicManagement Plan (IESMP). FollowingMinisterial endorsement in 2006, Councilengaged consultants to prepare a reviewof land use in the escarpment.The Illawarra Escarpment Land UseReview Strategy (IELURS) examined landuse on the escarpment in accordance withsustainability objectives defined in theIESMP. The IELURS was informed by anIndigenous and non-Indigenous HeritageStudy and a Visual Quality Analysis. TheIELURS, along with its recommendedamendments to the draft Wollongong LEP2007, was presented to Council forendorsement in August 2007. The draftWollongong Development Control Plan2009 was also amended based on therecommendations arising from theIELURS.Council is working with state governmentagencies on the implementation of theIESMP through a working group consistingof members from the Department ofClimate Change, Southern RiversCatchment Management Authority and theDepartment of Lands. The objectives ofthe group include the attraction andadministration of funds for implementingon-ground works on the IllawarraEscarpment. Council is currentlydeveloping a Vertebrate Pest ManagementPolicy to help guide the management ofvertebrate pests on the IllawarraEscarpment and coastal plain.Community LandUnder the Local Government Act 1993,Council is required to categorise allcommunity land into five categories: park,sportsground, general community use,cultural significance and natural areas.There are 538 sites categorised as naturalareas, which are further divided into anadditional five sub-categories: bushland,wetland, escarpment, foreshore andwatercourse. Council has approximately784 sites of community land, coveringapproximately 2,350ha. These sites ofcommunity land include Council ownedand managed land. Council also manages174 areas of Crown Reserves.In accordance with the requirements ofthe Local Government Act 1993, theGeneric Plan of Management for theCommunity Land of Wollongong City Council was adopted in March2007. This includes land categorised as park, sportsground,general community use and natural areas, unless they are coveredunder a site specific plan of management. This generic plan coversover 95% of Council’s community land.Site specific plans of management are required for approximately5% of community land across the Wollongong LGA. To date, Councilhas adopted the following site specific plans of management:Wollongong City Foreshore - covering Stuart Park, North Beach,City Beach, Osborne Park, Belmore Basin and Lang Park; BeatonPark; Bald Hill; Andrew Lysaght Park; Wollongong Botanic Garden- including Gleniffer Brae; Judbooley Parade, Windang; andColedale Beach Reserve. Site specific plans of management arebeing prepared for Stanwell Park and Sublime Point.Floodplain Management PlansCouncil is preparing floodplain management plans for all majorcatchments in the Wollongong LGA. Each plan will assess floodimpacts on the floodplain and creek environments, as well asidentify structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures tominimise these impacts. Council has completed a Plan forTowradgi, Minnegang, Allans and Hewitts creeks (incorporatingSlacky, Tramway, Woodlands and Thomas Gibson creeks). Workcarried out to implement these plans has included: one voluntarypurchase of a property in the Allans Creek catchment; twovoluntary purchases of properties in the Fairy Creek catchment;investigation of upgrading the culverts at Tramway and Woodlandscreeks, upgrading the culvert under the northern distributor atCorrimal; and upgrading the spillway at the detention basin atBarina Park, Minnegang Creek. Preparation of the Cabbage Tree/Fairy Creek, Mullet Creek and Lake Illawarra FloodplainManagement plans are also underway.Table 2 Land use zones within the Wollongong City Centre Local Environmental Plan 2007ZONESAREA INHECTARES% of CITYAREATotalR1 General residential 127 0.178B3 Commercial core 62 0.087B4 Mixed use 41 0.057B6 Enterprise corridor 29 0.041IN4 Working waterfront 3 0.004SP1 Special activities - hospitals and19 0.027medical research and developmentSP2 Infrastructure 20 0.028SP3 Tourist 7 0.010RE1 Public recreation 73 0.102RE2 Private recreation 15 0.021Total Area for Wollongong City CentreLocal Environmental Plan 2007396 ha 0.555%Grand Total for Wollongong LocalGovernment Area71,400 ha 100%Wollongong City Council 07

Water (naitnun) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Water (naitnun)Water (naitnun)Current state and pressuresWater quality in the streams, coastal lagoons and wetlands in theWollongong LGA requires improvement because it generallydoes not meet the water quality guidelines for the protection ofaquatic ecosystems and primary and secondary recreation. Themain pressures on water quality include sewerage overflows,urban runoff, on-site sewage management systems, rural runoff,industrial point source discharges, and illegal dumping and litter.During 2007-08, Council received a total of 207 water pollutioncomplaints from the community, with the majority relating to onsitesewage management systems and runoff from sediment andwastewater from residential premises.In accordance with the sewage treatment system licenses, SydneyWater has to advise the Department of Environment and ClimateChange (DECC) of any dry weather sewage overflows. Sydney Waterreported four dry weather overflows during 2007-08.Major responsesEstuary Management PlansCouncil endorsed the Estuary Management Plan for Fairy, Towradgiand Hewitts/Tramway creeks in December 2005. During 2007-08,the following actions were taken to implement the plan:● A boat ramp and viewing platform were constructed at TowradgiCreek, making a valuable addition to the recreational facilitiesavailable to the community in the Towradgi and East Corrimalarea. For years model boat enthusiasts have used the barebank to launch their boats. The Corrimal Surf Life Saving Clubalso used the area for launching their boat and surf life savingtraining. These activities were causing gradual erosion of thecreek bank, threatening water quality in the lagoon. Constructionof the facility allows the use of the creek for these activities,whilst protecting it and the surrounding environment fromfurther degradation. The boat ramp is intended for launching ofnon-motorised craft only.● Council is conducting a foreshore pollutant audit of Towradgiand Fairy creeks. Poor water quality isa critical issue for these creeks whoseestuaries are located in highly urbanisedareas. Stormwater can enter the creeksthrough several sources and currentlythere is no information on the quality ofthese inputs. The purpose of this projectis to obtain information on the quality ofstormwater flows to Fairy and Towradgicreeks and use this information toformulate potential remediation optionsto improve water quality.● Assessment of water quality requires theavailability of benchmarks or guidelinesagainst which a water body can beassessed for a particular use. Guidelineshave been developed by ANZECC andARMCANZ (ANZECC 2000) for variouswater uses such as protection of aquaticecosystems and recreation. Many ofthe water bodies in Wollongong oftenfail to meet the ANZECC guidelines forprotection of aquatic ecosystems inmoderately disturbed areas. However,these guidelines do not have specificprovisions for estuaries which are onlyintermittently open to the ocean, nor arethey applicable to water courses locatedin highly developed areas. For thesesituations, ANZECC (2000) recommendsthat localised guidelines are developed.During 2007-08, Council has commenceda project aimed at localising the ANZECC(2000) guidelines so that they can be08 Wollongong City Council

Biodiversity (kembla) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Biodiversity (kembla)Biodiversity (kembla)Current state and pressuresBiodiversity is a term used to describe the variety of living things,including plants, animals and micro-organisms, the geneticmaterial contained within these organisms, and the ecosystems inwhich they live. Biodiversity is adversely affected by the spread ofurban development as it disturbs natural areas and leads toincreased pollution of air, land and water from human activities.Within the Wollongong LGA, approximately 7.8 percent of the totalarea is zoned for conservation.The Wollongong LGA has many rare flora and fauna species. Thearea contains 18 endangered plant communities (Table 3).The LGA also contains three threatened plant populations: Lespedezajuncea subsp. sericea (shrub), Chorizema parviflorum (shrub) andCallitris endlicheri (tree). In addition, 30 threatened plant species and73 threatened animal species listed under the Threatened SpeciesConservation Act have been recorded in the area.During 2007-08, Southern Sydney Sheltered Forest on TransitionalSandstone Soils in the Sydney Basin Bioregion was listed asendangered. This plant community can be found near Helensburgh.Dominant trees in the vegetation community include Sydney RedGum, Sydney Peppermint and Blackbutt.Major responsesBushcare ProgramCouncil’s Bushcare program aims to preserve and maintainrepresentative ecological communities and enhance the conditionof degraded natural ecosystems. The program provides anopportunity for the community to assist in resolving environmentalproblems and is a key part of Council’s Natural Area ManagementStrategy.The Bushcare program has 50 groups and during 2007-08, thesevolunteers contributed a total of 24,558 hours toward the restorationof natural areas and planted 28,335 native plants. A total ofapproximately $38,400 was received as grants from externalgovernment agencies to assist some of these Bushcare groups.Bush Regeneration ContractorsDuring 2007-08, commercial bush regeneration contractorsconducted bush restoration work at 49 sites across the LGA. Workundertaken included weed removal, eroding banks stabilisationand planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses. These projectsaim to restore remnants of several threatened communities,riparian vegetation and habitat for threatened flora and faunaspecies. Detailed vegetation management plans were alsoprepared for the headland vegetationbehind Sharkys Beach - Austinmer/Coledale, Brooks Creek - Dapto/Kanahooka, and Cabbage Tree Creek nearthe Innovation Campus at Fairy Meadow.This work was undertaken as part of theBiodiversity program funded by Council’sEnvironment Fund.Tree Management OrdersCouncil’s Tree Management Order allowsCouncil to make proper assessment of theenvironmental importance and viability oftrees before they are pruned, removed ordamaged in any way. During 2007-08,Council received 2,124 applications of which92% were granted approval for eitherpruning or removing vegetation. Clearing ofvegetation is an illegal activity and during2007-08, 79 breaches of the TreeManagement Order were investigated and32 penalty infringement notices issued.Asset Protection ZonesBushfires can pose a threat to biodiversityin the Wollongong LGA. Since 2003, Councilhas been establishing asset protectionzones (APZs) at Council owned land alongthe urban-bushland interface.Establishment of APZs has followed astrategic approach based on the level ofbushfire risk at all sites. During 2007-08,Council continued to maintain existingAPZ’s through a combination of the FiReadycommunity volunteer work, Council crewsand contractors. Two part-time FiReadyofficers work with the volunteers to carryout two hour monthly work days within theAPZ’s, undertaking weed removal,removing ground and elevated fuel, andreplanting with native endemic specieswhere appropriate.Companion Animal ManagementCouncil currently has 12 off-leash areas fordogs ranging from Perkins Beach -Windang and Riley Park - Unanderra in theENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Number of threatened plant species 30 30 30 30Number of threatened animal species 73 73 73 73Number of threatened populations 3 3 3 73Number of endangered ecological communities 14 17 17 18Tree management orders approved 1,904 1,873 1,883 1,954Hours worked by bushcare groups 19,298 25,514 23,872 24,558Number of dogs registered 16,037 12,073 13,644 15,451Number of cats registered* 2,814 3,239 3,626 4,154* Cats were not required to be registered prior to 1 July 1999.Wollongong City Council 11

Biodiversity (kembla) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Biodiversity (kembla)south of the LGA, to Proud Park - Helensburgh and Sharkys Beach- Austinmer in the north. During 2007-08, Council continuedworking to increase the number of companion animals that aremicrochipped and lifetime registered. As of June 2008, a total of19,605 companion animals (15,451 dogs and 4,154 cats) have beenregistered in the Wollongong LGA. In addition, a further 11,494animals (7,620 dogs and 3,874 cats) have been microchipped butare not registered.Management of Pest AnimalsAn ongoing management issue is the management of pest animalssuch as deer, rabbits and Indian Myna birds. Council coordinates aPest Management Committee that has representatives fromCouncil, Rural Lands Protection Board, Department ofEnvironment and Climate Change, Sydney Catchment Authority,major escarpment landholders and the Game Council. Council iscurrently preparing a Pest Management Plan which is anticipatedto be completed during 2008-09. During2007-08, rabbit control programs wereundertaken at some sites across the LGA.Management of Noxious WeedsThe Illawarra District Noxious WeedsAuthority has continued to develop andimplement an active noxious weed controlprogram throughout the Wollongong LGA in2007-08, consolidating the work of previousyears. Activities undertaken included:treatment of weeds on private and Councillands; property, nursery and aquaria outletinspections; inspections of MacquarieRivulet and Mullet Creek; educationactivities; and aerial spraying of bitou bush.Table 3 Endangered Ecological Communities in the Wollongong LGAENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITYBangalay Sand Forest *SUBURBSBellambi, Fairy Meadow, North Wollongong, Primbee, Windang.Coastal Saltmarsh*Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains *Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodand *Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest*Littoral Rainforest *#O’Hares Creek Shale Forest *River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains *Robertson Basalt Tall Open-Forest *Shale-Sandstone Transition Forest *#Southern Highlands Shale Woodlands *Southern Sydney Sheltered Forest on TransitionalSandstone Soils *Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest *Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains *Sydney Freshwater Wetlands*Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone #Themeda Grassland on Seacliffs andCoastal Headlands *Turpentine-Ironbark Forest #Berkeley, Haywards Bay, Kanahooka, Koonawarra, Lake Heights, Yallah.Berkeley, Bulli, Cleveland, Haywards Bay, Horsley, Kanahooka, KemblaGrange, Marshall Mount, Russell Vale, Thirroul, Unanderra, Warrawong,Woonona, Yallah.Avondale, Bellambi, Berkeley, Cleveland, Cordeaux Heights, Corrimal,Dapto, Dombarton, East Corrimal, Farmborough Heights, Figtree,Gwynneville, Haywards Bay, Horsley, Huntley, Keiraville, Kembla Grange,Koonawarra, Marshall Mount, Mount Kembla, Penrose, Spring Hill,Towradgi, Unanderra, West Wollongong, Wollongong, Wongawilli, Yallah.Austinmer, Avondale, Balgownie, Berkeley, Bulli, Cataract, Clifton, Coledale,Cordeaux, Cordeaux Heights, Corrimal, Cringila, Dapto, Dombarton,Farmborough Heights, Figtree, Huntley, Kembla Grange, Kembla Heights,Koonawarra, Lake Heights, Marshall Mount, Mount Keira, Mount Kembla,Scarborough,Tarrawanna, Thirroul, Wombarra, Wongawilli, Yallah.Austinmer, Clifton, Coalcliff, Coledale, Otford, Primbee, Scarborough,Stanwell Park, Stanwell Tops, Windang, Wombarra.Cataract, Darkes Forest, Maddens Plains, Woronora Dam.Dombarton, Marshall Mount, Yallah.Avon.Avon, Cataract, Cordeaux.Avon.* Listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.# Listed under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.Coalcliff, Helensburgh, Lilyvale, Maddens Plains, Otford, Stanwell Tops,Woronora Dam.Avondale, Bellambi, Berkeley, Brownsville, Bulli, Dapto, East Corrimal,Fairy Meadow, Haywards Bay, Huntley, Kanahooka, Kembla Grange, KemblaHeights, Koonawarra, Lake Heights, North Wollongong, Port Kembla,Primbee, Spring Hill, Stanwell Park, Thirroul, Towradgi, Warrawong,Windang, Wollongong, Woonona, Yallah.Bellambi, Bulli, East Corrimal, Fairy Meadow, Haywards Bay, NorthWollongong, Primbee, Towradgi, West Wollongong, Windang, Wollongong,Woonona, Yallah.Port Kembla, Primbee.Avon, Bulli, Cataract, Cordeaux, Darkes Forest, Helensburgh, Huntley,Maddens Plains, Woronora Dam, Dombarton, Stanwell Tops.Austinmer, Clifton, Coalcliff, Coledale, Otford, Stanwell Park, Stanwell Tops,Wombarra.Cataract.12 Wollongong City Council

Air (mirrir) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Air (mirrir)Air (mirrir)Current state and pressuresAir quality across Wollongong is highlyvariable, but in recent years the air qualitystandards have rarely been exceededat regional monitoring stations. Thevariability in air quality is primarily relatedto domestic and industrial emissionsin conjunction with prevailing weatherconditions.During 2007-08, Council received 109pollution complaints with commercial andindustrial being the largest component ofCouncil’s air related complaints (Fig. 1).DECC monitors air quality at sites inWollongong, Kembla Grange and AlbionPark. During 2008, DECC updated theold Regional Pollution Index. The newRegional Air Quality Index is based onozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,nitrogen dioxide, particles and visibility.The following categorisation scheme isused to calculate how the air quality indexrelates to NSW air quality standards:0-33 very good, 34-66 good, 67-99 fair,100-149 poor, 150-199 very poor and 200+hazardous. During 2007-08, air quality wasvery good - fair 99% of the year (Table 4).Major responsesCouncil is responsible for theenvironmental regulation of small tomedium sized industrial and commercialpremises under NSW environmentallegislation. In its role as regulator,Council is implementing an IndustrialAssessment Program for industrialpremises in the Wollongong LGA. The aimof the program is to work closely withthe Wollongong industrial community toensure compliance with environmentallegislation and assess and advisebusinesses on best management practicesto reduce operating costs and improveenvironmental performance. During 2007-08, 123 industrial audits were undertaken.DECC has an ongoing pollution reductionprogram to improve air quality due todischarges from scheduled industrialpremises such as the Port Kemblasteelworks and the Corrimal and Coalcliff cokeworks. The mainmethod that DECC uses to ensure reductions in air pollution arepollution reduction programs (PRPs). In 2007-08, four air relatedPRPs were negotiated with scheduled industries.An Energy Saving Action Plan was completed by Council during2007-08. Council will be progressively implementing actions fromthis plan to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The Illawarra Sustainability Roadmap was adopted by Council in May2008. The Illawarra Sustainability Action Plan is now being developedand will outline specific strategies and actions to further embed theconsideration of Sustainability into Council’s planning and reportingprocesses and operations over the next five years.Table 4 Regional Air Quality Index between 2004-05 and 2007-08Regional AirQuality IndexFigure 1 Air pollution complaints received by Council between 2004-05 and 2007-08Number of Complaints140120100806040200NUMBER OF DAYS DURING THE YEAR2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Very good 51 39 38 67Good 273 285 259 263Fair 36 39 51 32Poor 5 1 14 3Very poor 0 1 2 1Hazardous 0 0 1 02004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08ResidentialCommercialBackyard Burning/Open BurningSolid Fuel HeatersIndustrialENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Number of air pollution complaints received by Council 132 84 93 109Number of poor Regional Air Quality Index values (100-149) 5 1 14 3Number of very poor Regional Air Quality Index values (150-199) 0 1 2 1Number of hazardous Regional Air Quality Index values (>200) 0 0 1 0Wollongong City Council 13

Waste | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008WasteWasteCurrent state and pressuresCouncil is committed to reducing waste going into landfill. Thedomestic waste collection services consist of weekly garbageservices, fortnightly recycling and green waste services and anannual clean up. Residents have a price incentive to use smallcapacity garbage bins, with approximately 95% of households usingthe 80 litre or 120 litre garbage bin instead of the 240 litre bin.During 2007-08, 37,867 tonnes of domestic waste went into landfill,which was a slight increase from 2006-07. Approximately 2,235tonnes of material were collected from the annual householdclean up. A chemical clean up was held at Bellambi in May 2008,where 7,724 kg of material were collected from 187 residents. Themajority of material collected was either water based paint (42%),oil based paint (19%) or oils (17%).Major responsesCouncil is responsible for domestic and commercial solid wastemanagement, while DECC regulates waste from scheduledindustrial premises. Through environmental education programsand recycling initiatives, Council is aiming to increase the amountof waste recycled. During 2007-08, 17,060 tonnes of waste wererecycled, an increase of 11.5% compared to 2006-07.Dumping of waste and littering is a severe problem in theWollongong LGA. Council has a regular clean up program forthese sites to prevent an accumulation of rubbish. The collectionof rubbish from ‘black spots’ was targeted throughout 2007-08through the efforts of people associated with the NSW Departmentof Probation and Parole Services. Participants collectedapproximately 67 tonnes of litter over the year. The Rise and Shineprogram has been running for over 22years and continues to encourage thecommunity to undertake environmentalprojects within the LGA. Over the last year,118 community groups including schoolsand bushcare groups removed 45 tonnesof rubbish. Participants of the CorrectiveServices Community Partnership programcollected approximately 288 cubic metresof wind blown litter from the Whytes GullyTip. Clean Up Australia Day activities,coordinated by Council staff involvedapproximately 1,200 people collectingover 31 tonnes of rubbish throughoutWollongong. Council also investigated 415abandoned vehicles.Council, in conjunction with other membersof the Southern Councils Group, isinvestigating the feasibility of installinga regional alternative waste technologyfacility, which will further reduce thevolume of waste to landfill for each of themember councils. Decisions have not yetbeen made as to the locations or numberof facilities required to service all of thecouncils. During 2007-08, a number ofstudies were conducted to facilitate theprocess, including a transport study andcarbon footprint assessment of the wastefacilities.Waste EducationDuring 2007-08, Council ran various wasteeducation programs. At Glengarry Cottagethere were 4,034 participants in educationsessions, comprising 88 school groups and258 community groups. Activities includedwaste-wise workshops, tours of thelandfill site, education sessions coveringcomposting, worm farming, and practicalmeasures to achieve sustainability in thehome. Other waste education activitiesincluded production of waste informationkits, promotions for composting andworm farming, community workshops,national recycling week and national wastecampaigns. As part of a School WasteEducation program, 2,000 students at 13schools were visited. The schools programresulted in a 21 tonne reduction in waste tolandfill over the last year.ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Amount of waste to landfill (tonnes)* 99,469 104,148 102,399 103,012Amount of domestic waste (tonnes) 35,754 36,313 36,937 37,867Amount of waste recycled (tonnes) 15,957 15,852 15,937 17,060Number of abandoned vehicles 489 514 473 415*Figures differ from previous SOE Reports to include waste to landfill at Helensburgh as well as at Whytes Gully waste disposal depots.14 Wollongong City Council

Noise (kaman) | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Noise (kaman)Noise (kaman)Current state and pressuresThe majority of noise affecting thecommunity comes from individualincidents affecting individuals rather thanthe broader environment. A number ofpressures exist that may impact on thebroader noise environment, like increasesin housing density, because the smallerthe block, the higher the noise levelexperienced at adjoining premises.The number of noise complaints receivedby Council increased slightly in 2007-08,compared with the previous year. During2007-08, Council received a total of 662complaints regarding noise. Over twothirds of these complaints concernedbarking dogs (Fig. 2). Although Council hasongoing education and managementprograms to address this issue,management of barking dogs is ultimatelythe responsibility of their owners. Othernoise complaints related to the operationof tools and amplified sound equipment.Major responsesCouncil is one of the primary authoritiesdealing with noise generated fromnon-scheduled industrial and commercialpremises, as well as community noise. Thepolice also play a major role in resolvingoffensive noise complaints, while DECC isresponsible for controlling noise fromlarge-scale, scheduled industrialpremises.Certain domestic noise sources are part ofeveryday living. To balance the socialneeds of the community with the impact ofnoise from these domestic sources,Council generally allows the use of certainTable 5 Hours of restricted use of certain equipmentNOISE SOURCETIME RESTRICTIONSPower tools and equipment 8pm to 7am on weekdays and(powered garden tools, Saturday.chainsaws, gas or air 8pm to 8am on Sunday and Publiccompressors, swimming pool Holidays.pumps).Musical instruments and 12 midnight to 8am every day.sound equipment (radios,TVs, computer games).Air conditioners.10pm to 7am on weekdays.10pm to 8am on weekends andPublic Holidays.Motor vehicles (except when 8pm to 7am on weekdays.entering or leaving the 8pm to 8am on weekends andpremises).Public Holidays.Refrigeration units fitted tomotor vehicles.Figure 2 Number of noise complaints received by CouncilNumber of Complaints70060050040030020010008pm to 7am on weekdays.8pm to 8am on weekends andPublic Holidays.2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Barking Dogs Transport Commercial/IndustrialBirds/AnimalsDomesticdomestic noise causing articles and activities, subject to them beingused within acceptable times. Table 5 adopted from the NSW DECDealing with Neighbourhood Noise Manual (2004), indicates thehours of restricted use for certain equipment.Council is the consent authority for all development within theWollongong LGA. Prior to approving a development application,Council considers the environmental noise implications of thedevelopment.DECC has an ongoing program to reduce noise from scheduledindustrial premises. The main method that DECC uses to ensurereductions in noise are pollution reduction programs (PRPs). In2007-08, three noise related PRPs were negotiated with scheduledindustries.ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Noise complaints received by Council 660 572 632 662Wollongong City Council 15

Heritage | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008HeritageHeritageCurrent state and pressuresThe cultural heritage of Wollongong is as rich and diverse as thecommunity that created it. Wollongong City Council has primaryresponsibility for the management of heritage sites in Wollongong.Aboriginal heritage sites occur throughout the Wollongong LGA. Anydevelopment on land, involving tree clearing or changes to thetopography has the potential to destroy evidence of an archaeologicalsite. Council requires the assessment of Aboriginal heritage as partof rezoning proposals and development applications where there isthe likely potential for Aboriginal sites. Aboriginal heritage ismanaged by the NSW Department of Environment and ClimateChange.Development places pressure on European and contemporaryheritage. Older housing has been regularly replaced by new housing.Additionally, Government urban consolidation policies encouragemedium and higher density housing in areas close to public transportconnections. These areas are also the location of Wollongong’searliest settlement, which generally occurred around the railwaystations.The West Dapto Release Area is still under investigation. BetweenSeptember 2007 and May 2008, Council exhibited the draft plans forthe West Dapto Release Area which included the proposedconservation of heritage items and incorporating additional items inthe heritage schedule. Submissions received during the exhibitionare being reviewed by Council and the NSWGrowth Centres Commission.Major responsesHeritage Planning170 development applications were referredto Council’s Heritage Officer. These referralsensure that development does not havedetrimental impacts on heritage items andthat heritage matters are fully considered inassessing development applications.Council is in the process of revising its LocalEnvironmental Plan. As part of this process,the heritage list and heritage clauses havebeen reviewed and updated. The draftWollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009has been endorsed by Council for exhibitionand is currently with the Department ofPlanning awaiting certification. The revisedplan is expected to be exhibited in late 2008.Council is reviewing its HeritageDevelopment Control Plan as part of thepreparation of a draft consolidatedDevelopment Control Plan.City Plan Heritage Pty Ltd was engaged toreview five of the eight HeritageENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08Number of heritage sites listed in Wollongong LEP 1990 and the Wollongong City Centre LEP 2007Sites of Local Significance 348 311 353 353Sites of Regional Significance 165 178 130 130Sites of State Significance 37 41 43 4316 Wollongong City Council

Heritage | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008HeritageConservation Areas within the City. Theirrecommendations will be incorporated intothe draft Wollongong Development ControlPlan 2009.European HeritageCouncil partnered with the MigrationHeritage Project Inc. and the MigrationHeritage Centre to engage MeredithWalker, Louise Thom and Glynis Cumminsto complete a study into Wollongong’sMigrant Heritage. The report, titled‘Wollongong’s Migrant Heritage PlacesStudy 2007’ provides a valuable resourceand provides the only major study of ourCity’s important migrant heritage.The last surviving section of sandstonekerb and guttering in the Wollongong CBDhas been conserved and relaid near thecorner of Market Street and CorrimalStreet in Wollongong following a threatfrom new development and essential roadworks.A strategic review of three volunteermanaged museums coordinated by Councilwas completed in March 2007. Thisincluded a strategic and business plan foreach museum. During the last year, Councilhas been working to implement the plan.One recommendation was the developmentof a heritage trail at Bulli, to profile theheritage precinct, with signage to bedeveloped to support the trail. The initialstage of this project (research sites andsources of information) was completed.Council has also established a Museums,Libraries and Heritage Working Groupacross the LGA, with representationextended to the Chairperson of theSouthern Highlands and Illawarra Chapterof Museums Australia.Council partnered with Museums andGalleries NSW to co-deliver the annualmuseum Standards Program to sixWollongong and three regional volunteerrun museums. The Standards Programobjectives were to increase themanagement capacity of volunteermanaged museums to fulfil their role in thecommunity, and to assist with managingtangible and intangible heritage, includingthe heritage buildings they occupy.Council resumed managementresponsibility for the Bulli Miner’s Cottage,a historic house and property in theheritage precinct of Bulli. The futuremanagement of the property is underreview.Aboriginal HeritageWork continued on the ‘Aboriginal Heritage Study: IllawarraEscarpment’. Australian Museum Business Services was engaged tocomplete the study. The study will provide insight into the Aboriginalheritage values of the Escarpment and will ensure Aboriginal heritageis a strong consideration of future management of this important area.Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer organisedcultural awareness training for Council employees, provided advicerelating to Aboriginal issues for Council projects and developmentapplications received by Council and convened the AboriginalReference Group.The Illawarra Aboriginal Community Based Working group continuedwith a number of programs relating to the environment, community,employment, justice and education.The Aboriginal Community Development Officer facilitated andsupported Council’s input into Reconciliation Week and NationalAboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC)Week. Many events were run throughout the Illawarra to celebrateNAIDOC week during July 2007. Council offered support and financialassistance to organisations involved in staging these activities.The Merrigong Environmental Sculpture ‘The Six Daughters of theWest Wind’ was launched in December 2007. The sculptures aresituated on the top of Mount Keira and depict the local Aboriginal storyof ‘Oolaboolawoo’, his six daughters and how the five islands off ourcoast and Mt Keira were created. The site where the sculpture issituated is sacred for women and is said to have once been a place ofmassacre. The principle artists were Alison Page and Tina Lee. Thefollowing local artists were also involved: Lorraine Brown, NarelleThomas, Jodie Stewart, Val Law, Alison Day, Phyllis Stewart, BonnyFoley-Brennan, Lila Lawrence and Debbie Hamstead-Callaghan.As part of Council’s rollout of foreshore improvements throughout theCity, Council has completed a range of Aboriginal cultural heritageassessments and archaeological studies. These studies have coveredmuch of the ‘Blue Mile’ precinct as well as locations includingTowradgi Park and have ensured that Council’s works programs haveresponded appropriately to the City’s rich Aboriginal heritage.Wollongong City Council 17

Sustainability | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008SustainabilitySustainabilityA major focus of sustainability is to minimise resourceconsumption, including energy, water, land, biological and mineraldependency and their associated environmental damage.Although Council is currently achieving a variety of sustainabilityoutcomes, a greater level of coordination is required to ensure amore streamlined, cohesive and efficient approach. Sustainability,like any initiative, needs a quality framework and risk managementapproach to consistently implement Council’s mission, values andprinciples.Council has been investigating the concept of the triple bottom line,which involves separating the complexities of life into three areasTable 6 Council Sustainability Performance IndicatorsCOUNCILIndicator 2001-02 2006-07 2007-08Revenue Rates andannual charges(% of totalincome)$82,370,000(60.1%)Rates andannual charges(% of totalincome)$107,285,000(62.1%)Rates andannual charges(% of totalincome)$116,231,000(65.4%)Total Incomefrom continuingoperations$137,130,000Total Incomefrom continuingoperations$172,649,000Total Incomefrom continuingoperations$177,723,000Water use (kL) 424,869+# 331,141# 349,030 *HUMAN CAPITALLTIFR 34.5 24.3 24.5Councilvolunteers(TosserSquad)21 52 52NATURAL CAPITALNatural arearestorationBotanicGarden plantdistributionStormwaterreuse (kL)0^ No. of sites - 49No. of nativesplanted - 20,637m 2 weeded- 153,884No. of sites - 49No. of nativesplanted -14,594m 2 weeded-180,91345,900 56,206 65,9870^ ~35,000 ~35,000Legend: + These figures do not include the water consumption from the WollongongSurf Leisure Resort, as the premises are not operated by Wollongong City Council;# This data is sourced from Sydney Water Corporation; ^ no restoration orstormwater reuse projects were completed prior to 2002-03; LTIFR - lost time injuryfrequency rate i.e. number of lost-time injuries per million hours worked;kL - kilolitres; m 2 - square metres.which form the foundation of our society -environment, society and economy. Anotherway of considering these three areas is toseparate them based on the resource‘capital’ - built, human and natural.Indicators have been chosen to assist inassessing where Council as anorganisation, and the community, areheaded in terms of sustainability.For the Council indicators, the most positiveresults occur in the natural capital sector(Table 6). The number of natural arearestoration projects has increased since2001-02 due to funding from theEnvironment Fund and additional fundingfrom external grants. Wollongong BotanicGarden plant distribution has increasedsignificantly (over 43 percent) since 2001-02to provide for increased Greenplan sales,increased plantings at Bushcare sites andadditional natural area restoration projects.Community Indicators showed positivetrends across the built, human and naturalcapital sectors (Table 7). Waterconsumption has continued to decrease,bushcare volunteer hours increased, as didthe number of plants purchased by thecommunity as part of Greenplan andnumbers of native plants installed bybushcare. The amount of waste to landfillincreased slightly during 2007-08, but stillremained considerably lower than during2001-02.Sustainable IllawarraDuring 2007-08, substantial planning anddesign of the regional three yearSustainable Illawarra project wasundertaken, culminating in a June 2008public launch which included a six monthrolling program of activities, corporatepartners, a regional ‘super challenge’ forresidents and an interactive website. TheIllawarra Sustainability Roadmap, whichprovides a sustainability planning andreporting framework, was adopted byKiama, Shellharbour and Wollongongcouncils in May 2008. The second stage ofthe project is the Sustainability Action Plan.This will outline specific strategies andactions to be considered as part of eachcouncil’s planning and reporting processesand operations over the next five years. Thisplan is currently being developed andshould be completed by December 2008.Sustainability in the WorkplaceThe Sustainability in the Workplaceprogram aims to improve theenvironmental, social and economic18 Wollongong City Council

Sustainability | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008Sustainabilityperformance of small to mediumenterprises and in doing so promote andcontribute to a sustainable future. Duringthe year, the INBusiness Energy Saversproject managed in conjunction withIntegral Energy was completed. The WaterEfficiency in Hospitality program isnearing completion, with the nineparticipating businesses having completedtheir action plans and implementingactions. The Saving Water in AsianRestaurants program has been verysuccessful, with 16 traditional wok stovesbeing replaced with waterless wok stovesat five restaurants in the LGA. On average,businesses reduced their waterconsumption by 86%, with two businessesreducing their consumption by 94%. Thisequates to a reduction in waterconsumption by 5,500kL annually andannual total cost savings of $14,330 for theparticipating businesses.The Sustainable Advantage program is aDepartment of Environment and ClimateChange initiative, managed by Council forWollongong businesses. The project aimsto reduce greenhouse gas emissions, savewater and energy and minimise waste.During the year, 12 businessesparticipated in resource efficiency, vision,commitment and planning modules andare demonstrating significant economic,environmental and social benefits.Business Treading Lightly ProgramThe Business Treading Lightly program ismanaged by the Southern Council’s Group.Wollongong City Council staff providesupport and advice as required. Theprogram was in the initial planning phaseduring 2007-08, with a specific focus onhospitality and aged care sectors acrossthe region to occur during 2008-09.Table 7 Community Sustainability Performance IndicatorsCOMMUNITYIndicator 2001-02 2006-07 2007-08Waste to landfill123,638 102,339 103,012(tonnes)Water use (kL) 21,522,130# 17,349,918# 16,591,599#HUMAN CAPITALBushcare volunteerhoursNumber of BushcaresitesNATURAL CAPITALNumber of plantspurchased by thecommunity as part ofcommunity GreenplanprogramNumber of nativesplanted (Bushcare)7,354 23,872 24,55836 50 5019,875 26,425 32,01316,919 26,668 28,335# This data is sourced from Sydney Water Corporation, kL - kilolitres.Table 8 Total water consumption in the Wollongong LGA by sector (kilolitres)DATE INDUSTRIAL I RESIDENTIAL R COMMERCIAL C OTHER USES # TOTALCONSUMPTION2004-05 2,100,833 12,792,751 1,801,268 2,377,771 19,072,6232005-06 2,060,463 12,775,579 1,744,195 2,114,011 18,694,2482006-07 2,155,372 12,321,808 1,860,505 1,044,196 17,349,1812007-08 1,791,555 11,911,289 1,896,246 992,509 16,591,599Information based on Sydney Water consumption records. Does not include tank water users.I Industrial includes industrial strata units and industrial premises.R Residential includes co-owned houses, dual occupancy, flats, and single dwellings.C Commercial includes clubs, commercial strata units, commercial premises, farms, hotels, market gardens, nurseries, orchards, poultry farms, andprimary producers.# Other Uses include baby health centres, cancelled ratings, church property, ratings, strata mixed developments, miscellaneous nonresidential,land, private hospitals, public cemeteries, public charities, public libraries, public reserves, residential/commercial mixeddevelopment, residential/industrial mixed development, standpipes, strata units, university/private school.Wollongong City Council 19

Sustainability | State of the Environment Report 2007-2008SustainabilityCommunity Education and EventsCouncil has undertaken various community education programsand events aimed at sustainability. These included the Rise andShine Campaign, Clean Up Australia Day, the Eco-Citizens programand World Environment Day. Waste and sustainability educationsessions were also held at Glengarry Cottage and were attended byschool and community groups. A schools program commenced inJune 2008. Ten schools have been selected to work with Council inan interactive program to reduce their ecological footprint. As partof the program, students will review the waste, water and energyusage at their school, calculate their ecological footprint anddevelop an environmental management plan to improve thesustainability of the school.Wollongong’s Greenhouse Park is a former builder’s tip undergoingrevegetation and redevelopment into an environmental educationresource focusing on climate change, tree planting and localbiodiversity. During the year, 280 students participated inenvironmental activities at the park and Conservation VolunteersAustralia undertook bush restoration work at the site. Theinstallation of a ‘green’ toilet and solar panels on site providesfurther educational opportunities, along with the existing windturbine and outdoor teaching facility.The Botanic Garden Discovery Centre plays a key role in promotingenvironmental awareness in the Wollongong LGA. During 2007-08,15,857 people took part in Discovery Centre programs. Theprograms focus on biodiversity and sustainability issues and aretargeted at a range of demographics from local schools to adults.Environmental Management SystemCouncil is committed to the development and progressiveimplementation of a comprehensive Environmental ManagementSystem (EMS). The EMS will be based on the International ISO14001 Standard, which provides a framework for the identificationand appropriate management of environmental issues. During2007-08, the project team has worked across Council Divisionsdeveloping a consistent approach on environmental managementfor Council projects, audited specific projects to ensureenvironmental compliance with appropriate environmentalsafeguards, established a preliminary Legal Register containingCouncil’s regulatory requirements and an Environmental AspectsRegister listing Council’s significant environmental risks. Councilhas also prepared documents in line with the ISO 14001 standard.Water and Energy Savings Action PlansWater and Energy Savings Action plans have been prepared andadopted by Council during the year. These plans will beimplemented and regularly monitored across Council’s operationson an ongoing basis. The top ten water using sites were found to be:Russell Vale Golf Club, Beaton Park, Administration Building,Wollongong Botanic Garden, Bulli Beach Tourist Park, WindangBeach Tourist Park, Corrimal Pool and Community Centre,Unanderra Pool, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park and Dapto Pool.Together these sites account for 36.8% of Council’s water use. Thetop 12 energy using sites, owned and operated by Council, werefound to be: Administration Building, Beaton Park, DaptoRibbonwood Centre, Corrimal Olympic Pool, Whytes Gully Landfill,Dapto Olympic Pool, Town Hall, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park, BulliBeach Tourist Park, Crown Street Mall, Central Works Depot andCorrimal Community Centre. Together these sites account forapproximately 76% of all energy used byCouncil.Water ConsumptionTotal consumption of water in theWollongong LGA has shown a gradualdecrease over the last few years (Table 8).During 2007-08, residential usageaccounted for approximately 71% of wateruse in the Wollongong LGA, whilecommercial and industrial accounted for22% of water use. Industrial waterdecreased during 2007-08 due to anincrease in the use of recycled water inindustrial processes.Climate ChangeDuring 2008, Council received a $50,000grant from the Federal Department ofClimate Change, Local AdaptationPathways Program. Council will beconducting climate change risk planningworkshops and developing an adaptationplan to address risks generated by climatechange.JJ Kelly Park Recycled Water ProjectCouncil has commenced a Water SensitiveUrban Design and Sustainability project atJJ Kelly Park, Wollongong. This project isbeing funded by Council, Southern RiversCatchment Management Authority and agrant from the NSW Environmental Trust.The project includes the use of recycledwater for irrigation of sporting fields,installation of rainwater tanks to collectwater for flushing toilets, use of solar hotwater systems to reduce greenhouse gasemissions, and the restoration of theriparian zone along Gurungaty Waterway toimprove biodiversity and protect an area ofsaltmarsh.By implementing alternative water andenergy sources for the clubhouses, therunning costs for the sporting clubs will bereduced, improving their financial viabilityand keeping registration costs down,thereby helping to ensure access to theseclubs for the community.During 2007-08, rainwater tanks have beeninstalled at Coniston Soccer and Vikingsclubhouses, a solar hot water system isnow operational at Coniston Soccerclubhouse, and the recycled water supplyline to JJ Kelly Park and Greenhouse Parkhas been installed. Riparian restorationworks were also undertaken along thewatercourse. Approximately 2,300 nativeplants were installed and weed removalwas undertaken across 6,200m 2 .20 Wollongong City Council

WCC Marketing © 33690.11.08 P4519This document is printed on Cyclus Print Matt 200gsm (cover) andCyclus Print Matt 115gsm (inside pages). This paper is 100% recycledfrom waste paper collected from consumers. No environmentallydamaging chemicals are used for its bleaching. All by-products arerecycled to create fertiliser, cement and energy.

The City of WollongongThe SOE Report provides the community withinformation about the key issues affecting the qualityof our local environment. Each of the chapterswithin the report contain descriptions of the majorpressures on the environment and the variousresponses made to address these pressures byCouncil, other government agencies, industry andthe community.This SOE report also contains a section detailing theresults of implementation of Council’s EnvironmentFund.A variety of environmental indicators are presentedwithin each chapter to help provide a trend analysis.This will help Council monitor the effectiveness ofthe actions to improve the environment and identifyareas where further action is required.