Environmental Management and Compliance Levy Report PURPOSE: To report the expenditure funded by the Environmental Levy for the financial year ending 26 June 2015. DATE: 3 December 2015 Table of Contents SPECIAL NOTES ......................................................................................................................... 3 COMMENTARY ............................................................................................................................ 4 BACKGROUND TO THE LEVY .................................................................................................... 4 SUMMARY OF PERIOD ENDING 26 JUNE 2015 ........................................................................ 5 Service 1.1.1.1 - Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Operating) ............................................................ 5 Service 1.1.1.1 - 100 Percent Green Power .................................................................................. 5 Service 1.1.1.1 - Brisbane City Council - Carbon Offsets .............................................................. 5 Service 1.1.2.1 - Integrated Environmental Management .............................................................. 5 Service 1.3.2.1- Conservation Reserves Management ................................................................. 6 Service 1.3.2.1 - Natural Areas Risk Management ........................................................................ 6 Service 1.3.3.2 - Biodiversity Planning .......................................................................................... 6 Service 1.3.3.1 - Community Conservation Partnerships .............................................................. 7 Service 1.6.2.1 - Creek Filtration System Trials ............................................................................ 8 Service 1.6.2.1 - Local Waterway Health Assessment and Evaluation .......................................... 8 Service 1.6.2.1 - Waterway Human Health and Safety Site Monitoring ......................................... 8 Service 1.6.2.1 - Waterways Health Enhancement (Schedule) ..................................................... 9 Service 1.6.2.1 - Improve Ecological Health and Liveability of Waterways .................................... 9 Stormwater Quality Improvement Device (SQID) Maintenance ..................................................... 9 Erosion & Sediment Control - Residential Building Sites ............................................................... 9 Erosion Sediment and Control - Development Sites ..................................................................... 9 Stormwater and waterway policy, planning, technical studies and management ......................... 10 Service 1.8.1.1 - Reduce Pollution .............................................................................................. 10 Service 1.8.2.1 - Closed Landfill Management ............................................................................ 10 Service 1.8.2.1 - Restoration for Recreation ............................................................................... 10 Service 1.8.3.1 - Environmental Licensing and Compliance ........................................................ 11 GRAPH Actual Expenditure for 2014/15 ..................................................................................... 12 OPERATING STATEMENT ........................................................................................................ 13 2 SPECIAL NOTES This is a Special Purpose Financial Report. The report is prepared in order to report the progress of works and activities carried out to protect and enhance the natural environment, to comply with the Environmental Protection Act regulations, and the expenditure of funds raised by the Environment Management and Compliance Levy. The report is for presentation to the Environment Parks and Sustainability Committee. Amounts used in this report have been extracted from the SAP System. 3 COMMENTARY BACKGROUND TO THE LEVY The Environment Management and Compliance Levy assists Council by covering some of the costs associated with: (a) The protection and enhancement of the natural environment through activities undertaken by Council including: monitoring and enforcement of compliance by others with environmental and planning legislation; managing of environmental programs and initiatives; and remediation of environmental problems. Examples - protection of air quality, waterways, sediment control, landfill issues and effluent discharge. (b) The meeting of Council's obligations under the Environment Protection Act 1994 Additional funds will be contributed by Council from General Rates (from recurrent and capital funds) to effectively deliver the Environmental Management and Compliance Program each year. 4 SUMMARY OF PERIOD ENDING 26 JUNE 2015 For the period ending 26 June 2015, the Levy has raised $36.331m (net of remissions $0.660m). Environment Management and Compliance Levy expenditure for the period totaled $36.680m. The shortfall of revenue over expenditure of $349k was met from Council’s General Revenue. Expenditure is accounted for across the following services and associated projects: Service 1.1.1.1 - Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Operating) The expenditure on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction for 2014/15 was $842k. Revenue received was $37k. This primarily supported salary costs for the Energy and Carbon Team as well as facilitating the Energy Information Management Service (EIMS). EIMS is both an electricity bill validation service and an environmental reporting platform that stores all of Council’s energy use data and is used to support energy and emissions reporting. Revenue received of $37k was associated with Energex rebate payments. Service 1.1.1.1 - 100 Percent Green Power The expenditure on the Green Power Initiative project for 2014/15 was $4.823m. Council purchased 100% of its electricity from accredited renewable electricity generators. These generators supply electricity from wind, solar, biomass and hydro sources. The GreenPower renewable energy supply is additional to the mandatory obligation under the Federal Government Renewable Energy Target Legislation. During the 2014/15 financial year approximately 105,200 Megawatt Hours of Electricity was sourced from renewable technology. This avoided the creation of approximately 85,212 tonnes scope 2 emissions of CO2e. Service 1.1.1.1 - Brisbane City Council - Carbon Offsets The expenditure on the Brisbane City Council - Carbon Offsets project for 2014/15 was $31k. Council negated the carbon emissions from its vehicle fleet, bus fleet, ferries and stationary energy use by purchasing carbon offsets. In 2014/15 approximately 116,000 carbon offsets were surrendered. $31k was spent in 2014/15 to top up Councils reserve of carbon offsets. Service 1.1.2.1 - Integrated Environmental Management The expenditure on the Integrated Environmental Management for 2014/15 was $689k. Work undertaken in this program covers: Maintaining Council's Environmental Management System to manage environmental risks arising from Council activities and to provide opportunities for further improvement; Developing policies, operational procedures and guidelines across Council to deliver reductions in the environmental risks of Council’s activities and operations, to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. 5 Service 1.3.2.1- Conservation Reserves Management The expenditure on Conservation Reserves Management in 2014/15 was $10.705m. Revenue received was $142k. Work undertaken in this program cover a range of activities ensuring management of Brisbane’s bushland assets to enhance biodiversity outcomes and resident safety and delivers the following outcomes: Natural Areas are safe for visitors and staff and do not present unacceptable risk to neighbouring properties or assets (includes fire risk); Natural Areas are presented in a clean condition, reasonably free of litter, pests, weeds and vermin and suited to the expected public use of the area; Council assets in natural areas are maintained and preserved; The natural environment is maintained so that adverse environmental impacts are minimised; Visitors and residents are provided with opportunities to gain greater appreciation of natural areas and made aware of how to contribute to management of them; Vegetation management is strategically planned and implemented; Customer service is responsive and in accordance with Council policies and practices. Service 1.3.2.1 - Natural Areas Risk Management The expenditure on the Natural Areas Risk Management project for 2014/15 was $603k. This is a program of works identifies and addresses risks and hazards in Council’s Conservation Reserves portfolio. Council has acquired a significant area of land (more than 8000 hectares) across the city for the purposes of biodiversity and conservation. Many parcels of land have had previous uses including farming and quarrying or have been subject to unregulated activities such as illegal dumping. This program seeks to identify risks and hazards though audits and undertakes remedial actions to address hazards such as: Removal of hazardous material left from previous activities e.g. farm chemicals; To secure areas that propose a risk to land managers and the community such as mine shafts or quarry faces; Removal of dumped waste including asbestos; Rehabilitate contaminated land. Council purchased 63 Graham Road Carseldine in 2014/15 to protect the Carseldine Mud Springs which is listed on the Heritage Overlay in City Plan 2014. Service 1.3.3.2 - Biodiversity Planning The expenditure on Biodiversity Planning for 2014/15 was $1.089m. Expenditure is accounted for across the following areas: Brisbane City Plan 2014 Revised the City Plan 2014 Biodiversity area overlay mapping to inform future planning scheme amendments. 6 Natural Area Management Planning Declared six Council-owned natural areas – Kuraby, Hawkesbury Road, Blunder Creek Reserve, Mt Petrie Road, Pooh Corner, and Wacol bushlands - as nature refuges under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 Completed the Bushfire Risk Management Plan for Council-managed natural areas Commenced a city-wide vegetation mapping project with the Queensland Herbarium to provide contemporary information about Brisbane’s vegetation. Threatened Species Mapped locations for priority wildlife movement solutions to inform future road upgrade project. Neighborhood Planning Provided advice on biodiversity provisions for incorporation into the development of Neighbourhood Plan. Strategic Advice Provided strategic advice on major development applications to support the timely assessment of applications and ensure the conservation of significant biodiversity assets. Provided strategic advice to support the application of new Queensland Government environmental offsets legislation. Service 1.3.3.1 - Community Conservation Partnerships The expenditure on Community Conservation Partnerships project 2014/15 was $2.602m. Revenue received was $431k. Expenditure is accounted for across the following areas: Wildlife Conservation Partnerships Program Wildlife Conservation Partnerships Program (WCPP) provides a cost effective mechanism for protecting and sustainably managing strategically important bushlands, wetlands and wildlife corridors in the city through partnerships with private land owners. Through WCPP a culture of stewardship for nature is developed with participating land owners and their neighbours, enhancing community development and delivering improved land management through a structured program addressing erosion control and the threats of weeds, fire and pests. In 2014/15 Council partnered with 649 landowners to protect and manage 2056 ha of bushland. Creek Catchment Rangers This project relates to the community based catchment group activities for all of the City’s major water catchments. Activities enhance the primary objectives of building capacity and goodwill within the catchment groups, providing support for their activities through provision of information, advice, funding and networks and undertaking on ground rehabilitation projects in association with the community. Habitat Brisbane This project relates to promoting community involvement in bush land and habitat regeneration to support Brisbane Vision 2031: 40% of mainland Brisbane will be natural habitat. This is facilitated through: 7 Fostering recognition of our diverse fauna, flora and ecosystems through community participation; Provides an opportunity for community involvement in the protection and restoration of bushland habitat on Council land; Fosters local communities’ sense of place, and awareness of values, threats and management of bushland. The program supports 128 formal Habitat Brisbane groups across the city on 460ha. Service 1.6.2.1 - Creek Filtration System Trials The expenditure on Creek Filtration System Trials project for 2014/15 was $509k. Revenue received was $500. Under the Lord Mayor’s Cleaner Waterways initiative, the creek filtration project is part of a commitment to maintain the health and resilience of priority waterways through waterway health maintenance, rehabilitation and enhancement works including a four-year trial of six filtration systems in three of Brisbane’s waterway systems: 2 @ Oxley Creek (South), 2 @ Kedron Brook (North) and 2 @ Norman Creek (East). In 2014/15 the last two systems were designed and constructed at Mayfly Creek (Oxley Creek #2), A.K.A. Englefield Rd, Oxley and Strathmere Place, Upper Kedron (Kedron Brook #2). Service 1.6.2.1 - Local Waterway Health Assessment and Evaluation The expenditure on the Local Waterway Health Assessment and Evaluation project for 2014/15 was $439k. A number of projects progressed in 2014-15 which deliver the following: Assessment and interpretation of city-wide water quality data against the Water Quality Objectives (Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009) Reduce sediment and nutrients entering Moreton Bay Improve understanding of aquatic asset values of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay Reduction in the load of key stormwater pollutants entering the City's waterways Improve investment decision making for on-ground works to build resilience of waterways, the river and bay to the impacts of urbanisation, climate change including increased rainfall and flood risk. Service 1.6.2.1 - Waterway Human Health and Safety Site Monitoring The expenditure on Waterway Human Health and Safety Site Monitoring project for 2014/15 was $80k. Under the Public Health Act 2005, local governments are responsible for the management of public health risk, including in regard to recreational waters that have the potential to be hazardous to human health. By monitoring water quality at waterway recreation access points and advising the community of the potential resultant risks to health, Council meets its obligations under this Act. In 2014/15 the city-wide recreational water quality monitoring program included: Monitoring of water quality (physio-chemical properties and enterococci bacteria concentration) at 11 locations in the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay and selected creeks. 8 Provision of community access to monitoring results. Informing and advising the public of potential health risks present at recreational waterway locations. Work in conjunction with the Healthy Waterways Partnership and adjacent local governments to participate in the development of a regional monitoring program. Service 1.6.2.1 - Waterways Health Enhancement (Schedule) The expenditure on Waterways Health Enhancement projects for 2014/15 was $2,789k. A number of projects progressed in 2014/15 contributing to the following outcomes: Reduced sediment & nutrients into and increase ecological and water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay Reduced sediment which is a hazard to seagrass beds of Moreton Bay Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay Reduction in the load of key stormwater pollutants entering the City's waterways Improve resilience of waterways, the river and bay to the impacts of urbanisation, climate change including increased rainfall and flood risk. Service 1.6.2.1 - Improve Ecological Health and Liveability of Waterways The expenditure on Improve Ecological Health and Liveability of Waterways for 2014/15 was $3.946m. Revenue received was $645k. Expenditure is accounted for across the following areas: Stormwater Quality Improvement Device (SQID) Maintenance The expenditure on SQID Maintenance for 2014/15 was $1.449m. This activity focuses specifically on the maintenance, rehabilitation and cleansing of SQID’s. Activities include device maintenance, silt clearing, rubbish and vegetation removal from SQID’s and trash racks in gullies to ensure pollutants do not enter waterways, the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay. Erosion & Sediment Control - Residential Building Sites The expenditure on this project for 2014/15 was $750k. Revenue received was $483k. This project is an ongoing service to minimise sediment discharge from residential building sites that adversely impact on critical infrastructure including roads, stormwater drains and waterways. The service provides site-based industry education and compliance inspections of building works and enforcement where appropriate. Compliance is measured against current best practice erosion and sediment control standards. Erosion Sediment and Control - Development Sites The expenditure on the Erosion Sediment and Control - Development Sites for 2014/15 was $487k. Revenue received $161k. 9 This project is an ongoing service to minimise sediment discharge from development sites that adversely impact on critical infrastructure including roads, stormwater drains and waterways. The service provides site-based industry education and compliance inspections of development works and enforcement where appropriate. Compliance is measured against current best practice erosion and sediment control standards. Stormwater and waterway policy, planning, technical studies and management The expenditure on this project for 2014/15 was $1.260m. Revenue received was $1k. This project focuses on planning, policy and management to ensure delivery of stormwater services in accordance with environmental, social and economic goals in Council’s WaterSmart Strategy for the city. Service 1.8.1.1 - Reduce Pollution The expenditure on Reduce Pollution for 2014/15 was $882k. Expenditure is accounted for across the following areas: Providing specialist scientific air quality, noise management and dangerous goods advice and support to assist with the assessment of complex development applications and to enable delivery of Council wide programs and projects. Producing industry environmental guides to provide advice to industry on reducing pollution. Coordinating the implementation of the Brisbane Clean Air Strategy. Service 1.8.2.1 - Closed Landfill Management The expenditure on Closed Landfill Management projects for 2014/15 was $4.344m. Revenue received was $25k. The closed landfill maintenance program ensures that all BCC-owned closed landfills are maintained under a risk-based prioritisation system that aims to establish BCC compliance with its Duty of Care under the Environmental Protection Act. The maintenance program included: Landfill gas extraction and flaring from four sites; Groundwater and surface water discharge monitoring; Leachate collection and disposal system installation and maintenance; Site condition audits and environmental risk assessments; Landfill cap maintenance; On-site emergency works; Contaminated site investigations; Provision of technical advice to internal and external stakeholders. Service 1.8.2.1 - Restoration for Recreation The expenditure on Restoration for Recreation Schedule for 2014/15 was $2.745m. Expenditure is accounted for across the following sites: 10 Cemetery Rd, Upper Kedron (Upper Kedron Recreation Reserve) – construction of a landfill gas interception system. Granada St, Wynnum (Elanora Park) – re-profiling, removal of waste and remediation of the coastal foreshore area. Lorward Ave, Bardon (Purtell Park) – Stage 2 leachate system installation and connection to sewer. Acacia Rd, Karawatha (Karawatha Forest park) – Stage 1 installation of leachate collection system, connection to sewer, and design of Stage 2 capping of top plateau. Bacton Rd, Chandler – contaminated land remediation for establishment of new community parkland and playground. Riverside Drive, West End (Riverside Drive Parkland) – commencement of stage 2 contaminated site investigations. Heroes Ave, Taringa (Jack Cook Park) - Commencement of the landfill compaction, recapping and sportsfield rehabilitation, stormwater drainage works. Various sites – installation of leachate monitoring telemetry systems. Service 1.8.3.1 - Environmental Licensing and Compliance The expenditure on Environmental Licensing and Compliance for 2014/15 was $1,518k. Revenue received was $675k. Expenditure is accounted for across the following areas: 240 risk-based environmental audits of licensed industries and permit activities Risk-based investigation of 1,670 complaints and pollution incidents Enforcement and prosecution of offences. 11 GRAPH Actual Expenditure for 2014/15 12 OPERATING STATEMENT For the year ended 26 June 2015 Environment Management and Compliance Actuals 2014/15 $'000 Revenue Rates and Utility Charges (net of remissions) Total Revenue 36,331 36,331 Expenditure Conservation Reserves Management Core 100 Per cent Green Power Closed Landfill Maintenance Improve Ecological Health and Liveability of Waterways Waterways Health Enhancement Restoration for Recreation (Landfill Remediation Projects) Community Conservation Partnerships Biodiversity Planning Core Reduce Pollution Core Environmental Licensing and Compliance Core Greenhouse Gas Reduction Integrated Environmental Management Natural Areas Risk Management Creek Filtration System Trials Local Waterway Health Assessment and Evaluation Erosion Sediment and Control - Development Sites Waterways Human Health and Safety Site Monitoring Brisbane City Council - Carbon Offsets Total Expenditure 10,563 4,823 4,319 2,975 2,789 2,745 2,171 1,089 882 843 805 689 603 508 439 326 80 31 36,680 Over expenditure against levy funds raised 349 13 Brisbane City Council Environment Management and Compliance Levy Report As at 26 June 2015 Project Name Conservation Reserves Management Core Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C C C C 10,705 HR - Labour costs, training, PPE Fire (includes monitoring and planning, response to wildfire, standby, fire break maintenance and construction, planned burns, equipment purchases and maintenance, community awareness) Infrastructure Equipment (purchase and maintenance) Track and Asset improvements and maintenance (boardwalks, bridges, fences, signs, visitor facilities, road and car park, recreational facilities, toilets) Vandalism and graffiti repairs Cleansing (toilets, BBQ’s etc) and rubbish removal (including illegal dumping) Green Asset Vegetation Management Tree maintenance Noxious Weed management Erosion Control Tree planting and after care Environmental control Landscaping & maintenance – open space (e.g. picnic areas) Compliance WH&S Fire and Rescue Service Act, BCC Bushland Fire Management policy and Guideline Australian Standards Provide enjoyable and safe visitor experience Outdoor Recreation Strategy Qld Nature Conservation Act 1992 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International importance Council’s 2026 green and biodiverse city Wipe out Weeds projects Environmental compliance eg fire ants C Interpretive activities/Community projects Visitor Centre management- labour and services Security HB support Volunteer programs Planning and Design Encroachment removal Education and Enforcement patrols – illegal activities (e.g. trailbikes, 4WD, off-leash dogs) 14 Visitors and neighbours are provided with opportunities to gain greater appreciation of natural areas and made aware of how to contribute to management of them Provide enjoyable and safe visitor experience Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Other memorials Trail Care program Mt Coot-tha C Less Revenue Received CONSERVATION RESERVES MANAGEMENT CORE Project Name 100% Green Power Landfill Maintenance Engage the community in caring for natural areas. Outdoor recreation strategy 142 $10,563 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 100% GREEN POWER Project Name Compliance 4,823 Council reduces its Carbon footprint by 85,212 tonnes by buying electricity from renewable energy sources. The GreenPower was certified by NSW Department of Energy, Utilities & Sustainability GreenPower Manager. Compliance This reduction in emissions is a significant step towards Council's 2026 target of carbon neutrality. $4,823 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 4,344 The maintenance program included: Compliance Compliance with general environmental duty; Compliance with landfill gas extraction and flaring Environmental from four sites groundwater and surface water Protection Act 1994. discharge monitoring leachate collection and disposal system installation and maintenance site condition audits and environmental risk assessments landfill cap maintenance on-site emergency works provision of technical advice to internal and external stakeholders contaminated site investigations Less Revenue Received LANDFILL MAINTENANCE 25 $4,319 15 Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Compliance SQID Maintenance C 1,449 Cleaning and maintenance of Stormwater quality improvement devices to reduce the load of key stormwater pollutants entering the City's waterways Reduce stormwater pollutants, sediment and nutrients into and increase the environmental performance of drains, waterways and Moreton Bay. Erosion & sediment control – Residential Sites C 750 Site-based industry education and compliance inspections of building works and enforcement where appropriate Average compliance per site is greater than 75% (exceeded for 2014-15) Stormwater and waterway policy, planning, technical studies and management C 1,260 Planning, policy and management to ensure delivery of stormwater services in accordance with environmental, social and economic goals in Council’s WaterSmart Strategy for the city. Delivery of new City Plan 2014 content (delivered) Less Revenue Received IMPROVE ECOLOGICAL HEALTH AND LIVEABILITY OF WATERWAYS CORE Project Name Allara Place, Eight Mile Plains 484 $2,975 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 14/15 1) $'000 C 310 Scour protection of stormwater outlets, weed removal and revegetation, enhancement of habitat and reconnecting low flow to original reach. 16 Compliance Reduce sediment and nutrients into and enhance ecological values and increase water quality of Brisbane's waterways, River and Moreton Bay. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. Glenefer Street, Runcorn C 231 Delavan Street, Wishart C 230 Dixon Street, Ashgrove C 209 Shand Street, Stafford U 155 The Boulevard, Chermside C 90 Morley Street Coorparoo Park, Coorparoo C 0 Scour protection of pedestrian bridge and stormwater outlet. Weed removal revegetation along waterway at Brady Park Bush land Improved water quality and habitat via increased shading through canopy trees and removal of excess sediment in the habitat pool. Reduce pollutant load into local waterway and enhance ecological values and increase water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. Revegetate the riparian zone and Reduce sediment and stabilise eroded creek banks for nutrients into and Bulimba Creek system. Stabilise increase ecological and severely eroded stormwater outlet water quality of near Fulton St and protect mature Brisbane's waterways gum tree at risk of being and Moreton Bay. undermined. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. Bank stabilisation for water quality Reduce sediment and outcomes, improved aesthetics and nutrients into and habitat value. increase ecological and water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. To stabilise the severe bank erosion Reduce sediment and on the waterway, manage safety nutrients into and risks to park users, improve the increase ecological and aesthetic value of the site, as well as water quality of to provide habitat for native fauna. Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. Improve water quality treatment and Reduce sediment and frog breeding in the existing ponded nutrients into and area, weed management and increase ecological and improved maintenance access. water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. Co-funding to achieve WaterSmart Reduce sediment and outcomes as part of Morley St, nutrients into and Coorparoo bridge works. increase ecological and water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. 17 Queensland Road, Darra U 281 Investigation, Feasibility and Design of Waterway Enhancement Projects C 545 Various Locations Citywide Preassessment, Planning, Prioritisation and Communication C 263 Rehabilitation and maintenance C 475 WATERWAYS HEALTH ENHANCEMENT Project Name Restoration for Recreation Bank stabilisation works and Reduce sediment and revegetation along waterway to nutrients into and improve water quality and aesthetics. increase ecological and water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Investigation, prioritisation and Reduce sediment and design of future projects including nutrients into and obtaining and /or renewing increase ecological environmental permits for 2014/15 values and water and 2015/16 projects. quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. This ensures environmental compliance and quality assurance. Forward planning activities to ensure Planning works to the projects are implemented in the reduce sediment and most cost effective way using the nutrients into and latest WaterSmart initiatives to increase the achieve high quality outcomes. environmental performance of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay Rehabilitation and restoration of Reduce sediment and riparian habitat along Brisbane nutrients into and waterways where Council have increase ecological created the environment through habitat values and number of projects in recent years. water quality of This activity includes maintenance of Brisbane's waterways recently constructed waterway and Moreton Bay. enhancement projects to ensure their functionality and ensure the planted vegetation is sufficiently established before being placed on a regular maintenance regime. $2,789 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 2,745 Upper Kedron Rec Reserve C Elanora Park Stage 1 O Purtell Park C Karawatha Forest Park C Bacton Rd C Riverside Drive U Jack Cook Park 18 Compliance Compliance with general environmental duty; Compliance with Environmental Protection Act 1994. Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 U LANDFILL REMEDIATION Project Name Wildlife Conservation Partnerships Program including Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreements Leachate Telemetry Systems $2,745 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 14/15 1) $'000 C Funded together with Habitat Brisbane and Creek Catchment Rangers 2,602 Habitat Brisbane Compliance C 610 property visits were made and additional Community Conservation Assistance funding revisits. 36 new member registrations Coordinated on-ground work on 81 partner properties as part of the Community Conservation Assistance funding (continuing from 2013/14 round & 49 new projects for 2014/15). Compliance Increase awareness and establish partnerships with private land owners to sustainably manage and restore habitat on private property in order to achieve the Vision 2026. 93% partners felt their knowledge of bushland restoration techniques had improved. 96% partners were satisfied or highly satisfied with the program. HR - Labour costs, training, PPE WH&S Community projects Habitat Brisbane Group support include: Planning and design Liaison with other Council projects Volunteer training and education Volunteer activity days Vegetation Management Tree maintenance Noxious Weed management Erosion Control Tree planting and after care Environmental control Australian Standards Provide enjoyable and safe volunteer experience. Qld Nature Conservation Act 1992 Environmental compliances, eg fire ants. Council’s 2026 green and biodiverse city Wipe out Weeds projects 128 Habitat Brisbane Groups 19 Volunteers are Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 14/15 1) $'000 registered in the program Focus on on-site training, delivering 27 onsite and 5 citywide training events for HB groups. Provided over 25,443native plants Supplied 1197 m3 of mulch for HB sites. Coordinated 22 Community Conservation Assistance funded projects on HB sites (12 continuing from 2013/14 round & 15 new projects for 2014/15). Creek Catchment Rangers 100% of Habitat Brisbane groups felt the program had contributed to their knowledge and skills to implement best practice bush regeneration 97.4% partners were satisfied or highly satisfied with the program. Through the Creek Catchment Group Capacity Building Project, the program continues to deliver capacity building through Volunteering Queensland to deliver targeted training programs to address the identified needs of the City’s catchment groups and build their capacity in areas such as governance, volunteer recruitment and developing strategic partnerships. C Catchment Officers actively support groups through regular attendance at meetings – 17 committee meeting attendance and 101 face to face meetings with groups. Supported groups to obtain funding. 9 successful BCC Environment Grant funding totalling $69,399 9 successful CCA funding totalling $166,363 Coordinated on-ground work on 24 projects on Council land as part of the Community Conservation Assistance funding. Less Revenue Received COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS 431 $2,171 20 Compliance provided with opportunities to gain greater appreciation of natural areas and made aware of how to contribute to management of them. Engage the community in caring for natural areas. Increase the environmental performance of Brisbane’s waterways and Moreton Bay. Project Name Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 O Less Revenue Received GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION CORE Project Name Environmental Licensing and Compliance Core Biodiversity Planning Core Energy Information Management Service provides electricity bill validation for Council. Associated environmental reporting platform allows Council to track and report its energy use and carbon emissions. Not applicable 37 $805 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C Less Revenue Received ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSING AND COMPLIANCE CORE Project Name 842 Compliance 1,518 Compliance Key activities carried out under this Compliant service include: 240 risk-based environmental audits of licensed industries and permit activities Risk-based investigation of 1,670 complaints and pollution incidents Enforcement and prosecution of offences. 675 $843 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 1,089 Brisbane City Plan 2014 Revised City Plan 2014 biodiversity area overlay mapping to inform future planning scheme amendments. Natural Area Management Planning Declared six Council-owned natural areas as nature refuges, completed the Bushfire Risk Management Plan for natural areas and commenced a city-wide vegetation mapping project. Threatened Species Mapped priority wildlife movement 21 Compliance These actions meet the goals endorsed in the South East Queensland Regional Plan, City Plan, Neighbourhood Plans and Brisbane Vision 2031. Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Compliance solutions locations to inform road projects. Neighbourhood Planning Incorporated provisions for biodiversity conservation in Neighbourhood Plans. Strategic Advice Provided advice for major development applications to support the timely assessment of applications and supported the implementation of environmental offsets. BIODIVERSITY PLANNING CORE Project Name Reduce Pollution Core $1,089 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C REDUCE POLLUTION CORE Project Name Integrated Environmental Management 882 Compliance Work undertaken in this program Compliant covers: o Providing specialist scientific air quality, noise management and dangerous goods advice and support to assist with the assessment of complex development applications and to enable delivery of Council wide programs and projects. o Producing industry environmental guides to provide advice to industry on reducing pollution. o Coordinating the implementation of the Brisbane Clean Air Strategy. $882 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 O 689 Compliance Work undertaken in this program Compliant covers: maintaining Council's Environmental Management System to manage environmental risks arising from Council activities and to provide opportunities for further improvement; 22 Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Compliance developing policies, operational procedures and guidelines across Council to deliver reductions in the environmental risks of Council’s activities and operations, to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Project Name $689 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Natural Areas Risk Management C 95 Carseldine Mud Springs C 508 NATURAL AREAS RISK MANAGEMENT Project Name Creek Filtration System Trials Compliance Projects at Program of works Gold Creek Reserve (Mt Coot-tha complete Forest) Whites Hill Reserve Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve Were completed to ensure safety of the community and reduce hazards in the reserves. Purchase of 63 Graham Road City Plan 2014 Carseldine to protect the Carseldine Mud Springs which is listed on the Heritage Overlay in City Plan 2014. $603 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 509 Two sites constructed in 2014/15 at: Mayfly Creek (Oxley Creek #2), A.K.A. Englefield Rd, Oxley Strathmere Place, Upper Kedron (Kedron Brook #2). The works will improve waterway health and enhance the amenity values of adjacent parklands. This waterway enhancement work will contribute to protect the high ecological values within the waterway corridor. This project engages the local community and includes permanent signage to educate the community about waterway health activities they can participate in. 23 Compliance Reduce sediment and nutrients into and increase ecological and water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Less Revenue Received CREEK FILTRATION SYSTEM TRIALS Project Name Local Waterway Health Assessment and Evaluation Compliance 0.5 $508 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 439 Monitoring 48 local waterway health assessment sites for water quality (e.g. physio-chemical, metals, chlorophyll-a), fish and aquatic asset surveys across the city. Compliance Assessment and interpretation of the water quality data against the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 Water Quality Objectives. Rectification and revegetation of a constructed wetland. LOCAL WATERWAY HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION Project Name Erosion & sediment control – Development Sites Less Revenue Received EROSION SEDIMENT AND CONTROL – DEVELOPMENT SITES Reduce sediment and nutrients and increase water quality of Brisbane's waterways and Moreton Bay. Improve habitat values of Brisbane's Waterways and Moreton Bay. $439 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 C 487 Site-based industry education and compliance inspections of development sites and enforcement where appropriate. 161 $326 24 Compliance Average compliance per site is greater than 75% (exceeded for 2014-15) Project Name Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Waterways Human Health & Safety Site Monitoring C WATERWAYS HUMAN HEALTH & SAFETY SITE MONITORING Project Name 80 Management of public health risk in regard to recreational waters that have the potential to be hazardous to human health in accordance with the Public Health Act 2005. $80 Project Expenditure Performance Status to date (Note 1) 14/15 $'000 Brisbane City Council - Carbon Offsets U 31 BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL – CARBON OFFSETS $31 TOTAL FUNDED PROJECTS $36,680 Note 1 Project Status: In 2014/15 the city-wide recreational water quality monitoring program included: Monitoring of water quality (physio-chemical properties and enterococci bacteria concentration) at 11 locations in the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay and selected creeks. Provision of community access to monitoring results. Informing and advising the public of potential health risks present at recreational waterway locations. Work in conjunction with the Healthy Waterways Partnership and adjacent local governments to participate in the development of a regional monitoring program. Compliance Complete C Underway U Council negated emissions from its activities by around 116,000 tonnes by purchasing and surrendering carbon offsets. On-going O 25 Compliance Not applicable