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

Section 2 - Statutory StatementsEnvironmental Programs Summary - cont.Other minor changes include:• the removal of the level of significance column from Schedule 9,• deletion of Clause 32(8)- “Demolition of item of State significance”, and• deletion of the definition of “local heritage significance”The alterations mean that the LEP does not differentiate whether a heritage item is of local or Statesignificance. A separate process exists for the protection of State heritage items under the Heritage Act1977.Currawong- Minister’s Refusal of Development Application (Part 3A)On April 28 2009, the Minister for Planning refused an application from Eco-Villages Australia Pty Ltdfor a 28 lot subdivision at Currawong Beach comprising 25 lots for low density residential use, 1 lot forenvironmental conservation, 1 lot for private open space and 1 lot for public open space.Currawong has been listed as a State Heritage item on the NSW State Heritage Register (www.heritage.nsw.gov.au) by the NSW Department of Planning in the government gazette (no. 71 pg 2229) on the 12May 2009.A copy of the Minister’s Instrument of Determination and the Director-General’s assessment report onthe project is available on the Department’s website, under the “Major Projects Register” section (www.planning.nsw.gov.au).Weaving Words with WisdomCouncil facilitated this event as part of this year’s Guringai Festival. Over 30 people attended and learnt howto weave with native Lomandra, heard about local bush foods and tasted dip made from Warrigal Greens.Heritage Advisor ServiceCouncil has continued with its heritage advisory service, with the services of an expert heritage architectavailable to owners of heritage properties. His expertise was also used extensively by Council in theassessment of development applications which affected heritage properties.vii) Towards SustainabilityThere are many definitions of the word ‘sustainability’ but it essentially means being able to meet theneeds of the present without depleting resources or harming natural cycles for future generations. Planningfor environmental sustainability provides a framework which links economic, social, environmental andgovernance matters with natural resource management. It is essential because a healthy environmentunderpins a productive economy and a healthy society.The awareness and action of the community are vital in achieving sustainable outcomes. The SHOROCmember Councils are increasingly providing a facilitation role in organising and involving their organisationsas well as the community and businesses in environmental programs for sustainability. Under the LocalGovernment Act (1993) Councils are required to consider the principles of sustainability in decision makingprocesses. Each council has adopted a number of means to ensure council operations are moving towardssustainability. Each year, councils prepare a Management Plan that identifies what they will do over the nextfour years in terms of social, economic and environmental outcomes.Pittwater Programs - SustainabilityClimate Change Policy AdoptedOver recent years both the community and Council have identified the need for increased action andcommitment in responding to the challenges of climate change. In consultation with the community, Councildeveloped a Climate Change Policy which was adopted on 6 April 2009. The policy statement expressesa range of policy positions, including accepting that our climate is currently being modified by humanactivities at a rate unprecedented in human history. The policy acknowledges the important role of localgovernment in abating emissions, managing climate change impacts and promoting community climateaction at the local level. The policy commits Council to building on greenhouse gas abatement initiativesalready in progress within Council’s operations, and working in partnership with the community to respondto the challenges posed by climate change. The policy commits Council to incorporating consideration ofclimate change and its potential impacts into every aspect of Council’s operations.‘Going Solar’ Community Education Program launchedIn June last year, solar panels with a capacity of 1,435 watts were installed on the Coastal EnvironmentCentre as part of an upgrade towards development of a sustainability demonstration site for community42