Pittwater Council Annual Report - Pittwater Council - NSW ...

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Section 2 - Statutory StatementsEnvironmental Programs Summary - cont.Council recently reviewed the DCP and at its meeting on 15 June 2009 resolved to adopt amendments(known as amendment 5) to the Pittwater 21 DCP. The amended DCP came into force on 6 July 2009. TheP21 DCP Review has:• Streamlined and simplified development approval processes• Made controls easier to understand and applications easier to lodge• Removed unnecessary and unjustified requirements• Ensured that the appropriate development controls and conditions are in place• Ensured consistency with the latest planning legislative changes• Introduced sustainability, climate change provisions, and cumulative impacts• Introduced biodiversity principles to development and land use, and• Integrated actions from the Careel Bay Master PlanCareel Bay Environmental Grant WorksThe Careel Bay Wetlands are of a high conservation significance as they contain a wide variety of habitatscrucial in supporting a diversity of local fauna including species such as the endangered Bushstone Curlew.Migratory and local wading birds such as the Eastern Curlew also use the Saltmarsh, Swamp Oak Woodlandand mudflat areas. Careel Bay is a rich habitat for fishes and marine invertebrates. Sea Horses and Pipefisheslive in the abundant sea grasses.Three major environmental works are currently planned or underwayin Careel Bay, including salt marsh rehabilitation, foreshore restoration and Casuarina Forest restoration.Wetland Restoration Project at Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong ReserveIn 2008/09 restoration works were undertaken within the Warriewood-Ingleside Escarpment, adjoiningIrrawong Reserve and Warriewood Wetlands with $90,000 funding awarded to Pittwater Council from theNSW Environment Trust’s Environment Restoration and Rehabilitation Program. The focus of this work hasbeen Mullet Creek which runs through all three reserves and into Narrabeen Lagoon. Restoration worksincluded restoring native wetland vegetation, protecting the biodiversity of the significant plant communitiesand maximising the wetlands’ natural functions through a staged program to remove woody weeds.Estuary Management Plan for PittwaterA draft Pittwater Estuary Management Plan was developed and a management committee established tooversee the further development of this plan. This comprehensive plan is the last of a three stage projectfunded by the state government and Pittwater Council. The plan will guide future works in and on the shoresof the Estuary.ii) AtmosphereThe atmosphere surrounding the earth consists of a complex balance of gases and particles that supportlife by providing air to breathe, filtering harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and maintaining a suitabletemperature. However, there are substances in the air which may impair the health of humans, plants andanimals, reduce visibility or upset the temperature balance. While these substances, including greenhousegases (GHGs) and some pollutants such as dust occur naturally, human based activity (such as burningfossil fuels) has rapidly increased the amount of these substances in our atmosphere, resulting in negativeimpacts to urban air quality and changes to our earth’s climate system. In particular, increases in greenhousegases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, have contributed to global warming.SHOROC has identified urban air quality and greenhouse gas emissions as the two dominant atmosphericissues in the region. Indicators have been selected to measure and monitor these issues and activities thatcontribute to them.Regional condition of our atmosphereAtmospheric quality of the SHOROC region is largely typical of Sydney, however being a coastal region, theair quality of the region benefits from the ocean breezes, which clear pollutants from the area by dispersingthem out to sea or further inland.Air quality in the SHOROC region varies considerably depending on natural events such as windy days,bushfires and also human activities such as the use of vehicles, wood heaters and the burning of otherfossil fuels. Poor local air quality is generally associated with highly urbanised or industrialised areas wherevehicle use, heating and production is high, whereas better air quality is generally associated with openspace, coastal and bushland areas. Air quality also varies locally, depending on adjoining land uses, andeven varies within the home or workplace. Air quality can also impact on human health, and as such a highvalue is placed on being surrounded by clean, fresh air.Regional response to Atmospheric IssuesAtmospheric issues were addressed as part of the SHOROC SoE community consultation meeting held on6 August 2009. Participants were asked to identify priority issues of concern relating to Atmosphere, and towork together to make recommendations for addressing these issues (listed over).34
Section 2 - Statutory StatementsEnvironmental Programs Summary - cont.IssueHigh level of emissions fromhigh motor vehicle usageCarbon emissions associatedwith the transportation offoodLarge ecological footprintassociated with currentlifestyles and behavioursLack of awareness aboutthe significant connectionbetween protecting andenhancing natural greenenvironments and good airqualityRecommendation• Reduce emissions and promote alternative forms of transport• Recognise and reduce food miles (through permaculture / home vegetablegardens)• Live locally (sports, schools employment), produce locally (permaculture)• Raise awareness that healthy natural green environments maintain airqualityiii) Water‘Water’ refers to the marine environment, beaches, bays, harbour, lagoons, creeks, wetlands, groundwater,dams, wastewater, greywater, stormwater, and potable water.The SHOROC region is characterised by a diverse array of natural water assets, which provide a vitalecosystem for aquatic and intertidal biodiversity. These assets are highly valued for their aesthetics andrecreational opportunities. The SHOROC region lies within the Sydney Water service area for water andwaste water services.Regional water conditionWater is one of the SHOROC region’s most important natural resources for environmental, social andeconomic reasons. As one of our life sources, good quality water is a daily necessity for our community. Theregion’s water resources are enjoyed and highly valued by locals and visitors alike. Good water quality isalso essential for ecosystem health.Pittwater Programs - AtmosphereReducing emissions from the FleetPittwater has completed its program of replacing its light commercial vehicles with more fuel efficient andcleaner burning diesel and LPG vehicles.• Trials are currently being conducted on an additive that will significantly reduce oil consumption andimprove fuel consumption by the addition of additives to the heavy commercial vehicles.• The percentage of four cylinder vehicles in the fleet has also increased from 41% last financial yearto 51% at the end of 08/09.• In addition, 25% of six cylinder vehicles are now run as dedicated LPG vehicles.The condition of SHOROC’s natural waterways is generally affected by pollutants such as sewer overflowsand urban stormwater runoff carrying pollutants including heavy metals, pesticides, fertilisers, sediments,rubbish and weeds.Continued drought conditions and changing weather patterns have caused a reduction in rainfall over theSydney catchment area. This has resulted in lower dam levels and the need for water conservation measuresto assist in reducing water consumption and ensuring that there continues to be enough water to meetour own water needs as well as the needs of future generations.Regional response to water issuesWater issues were addressed as part of the SHOROC SoE community consultation meeting held on 6 August2009. Participants were asked to identify priority issues of concern relating to water, and to work togetherto make recommendations for addressing these issues. The priority water issues and recommendationsidentified are provided over the page.35
Page 1: Pittwater Council Annual Report2008
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Land Use & Development StrategyTown
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