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NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL

Council Chambers 3 November 2016

I wish to inform you that a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP will be held in the Ros Crichton Pavilion, North Sydney at 7.15pm on 14 November 2016 when your attendance is requested. Your attention is directed to the accompanying statement of the business proposed to be transacted at such meeting. ROSS MCCREANOR ACTING GENERAL MANAGER

BUSINESS 1. Minutes

Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Meeting held on 30 May 2016. (Circulated)

Environment Reference Group – 14/11/16 Page No 2

2. E01: NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More Funding Initiative 2017-2021 Extension Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer In February, 2013, the NSW State Government announced the waste and resource recovery initiative titled Waste Less, Recycle More for NSW (“WLRM”). The initiative comprised a funding package of $465.7m over a five year period. Waste Less, Recycle More was introduced in part to replace the council funding program known as Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payment (WaSIP). On 14 October, 2016, the Minister for the Environment, Mark Speakman, announced that Waste Less, Recycle More funding will be extended from 2017 to 2021. Total funding to be provided under the extension will amount to $337.0m. The 2017 – 2021 funding package includes:- • $70.0m for councils’ waste and resource recovery projects • $57.0m for household problem waste programs, including $37.0m for

community recycling centre collections and processing • $30.0m for litter reduction and prevention programs • $88.5m for waste, recycling and organics infrastructure programs • $65.0m for illegal dumping and waste enforcement programs Recommending: 1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More funding initiative 2017-2021 extension be received.

3. E02: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (“NSROC”) was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre (“CRC”). Following the consideration of a report on community recycling centres and subsequent discussions, including those with councillors, staff and GMAC, it was agreed to establish a Community Recycling Centre (“CRC”) to service the Northern Sydney region. The CRC was to be located in the Artarmon industrial precinct and North Sydney Council would assume responsibility for the day to day management and operation of the facility for and on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. The Deed of Agreement – Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre (“Deed”) was signed by the general managers of the alliance councils on 29 October 2015. Under the terms of the Deed of Agreement, a Committee of Management was formed to oversee the administration and implementation of the Deed. Following assessments of the suitability of several proposed sites, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. North Sydney Council submitted a Development Application for Change of Use (“DA”) for the site, which was approved by Willoughby Council at its 11 April 2016 council meeting. A condition of the Development Consent required the undertaking of rectification works for a fire safety upgrade as part of the issuance of a Construction Certificate. North Sydney Council applied for a Construction Certificate in September 2016. Negotiations are ongoing with the


landlord regarding the extent of rectification works required prior to the issuance of an Occupation Certificate. In the interim, in order to secure the site for the CRC, GMAC agreed that the lease should be signed. A three year lease with a commencement date of 22 February 2016 was signed but rental payment accruals commenced as from 1 August 2016. The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget from 2015/16 to 30 June 2017 are outlined within the report. Recommending: 1. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received.

4. E03: NSW Container Deposit Scheme

Report of Bo Karaula, Waste Management Co-ordinator The State Government recently passed the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Amendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Bill 2016. The Scheme will commence 1 July 2017. It will enable the community to return empty eligible beverage containers between 150ml and three litres, to collection points for a 10-cent refund. Containers that are excluded from the scheme include those generally consumed at home that are over one litre capacity such as plain milk, wine and fruit juice. The location of container drop-off points is yet to be determined. Collection points could be in the form of single reverse vending machines and/or a small cage managed by volunteer groups at public facilities, or part of service stations, shopping centres or waste transfer stations. Containers placed in council run kerbside collection schemes will still garner a 10-cent refund to Councils that own the commodities. The scheme will be delivered through two roles, both of which will be appointed by the Minister. These will include a single scheme co-ordinator and network operator/s. Recommending: 1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received.

5. E04: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services

Program Report of Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison Officer This report outlines the results of the biannual residential e-waste recycling collection services conducted from Monday 12 September to Friday 16 September 2016. Recommending: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received.

6. E05: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update

Report of Michelle Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability


This report provides the Environment Reference Group with an update on the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability’s recent activity and visitor numbers. In just over five years since opening, the Coal Loader has welcomed over 153,000 people to the site through a variety of events and activities. 2016 has seen significant progress on the fourth and final stage of the Coal Loader refurbishment, the green roof project, with completion expected within the next few months. Recommending: 1. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability be received.

7. E06: Water and Energy Management Programs update

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer This report provides a 6 monthly update on the 2016-17 implementation of Council’s Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020. Improved monitoring, feasibility studies and detailed assessments have now been conducted and the focus has shifted towards implementation which is already demonstrating real savings, particularly at North Sydney Olympic Pool. The water and energy programs discussed in this report are funded through a combination of Council’s Environment Levy and property maintenance budget. The Guidelines have been considered in the preparation of this report and are not applicable. Recommending: 1. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs be received.

DECISION OF 3681st

HELD ON 14 JUNE 2016 COUNCIL MEETING

218. OSE06:

Report of David McQuade, Governance Co-Ordinator

Environment Reference Group - 30 May 2016

This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 30 May 2016

Recommending:

, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information.

1. THAT Council prepare a report to rectify pollution traps prioritising traps according to the findings of the audit conducted by Optimal Stormwater. 2. THAT the report on the Green Events Program be received. 3. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received. 4. THAT Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs report be received. 5. THAT Council seeks to enhance the Native Havens Program by joining Macquarie University’s Habitat Stepping Stones. 6. THAT the Sustainable Procurement Practices report be received. 7. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be received. 8. THAT the Fridge Buy Back report be received. 9. THAT Council continues to promote the Fridge Buy Back program. 10. THAT Claire Hanley be thanked for her contribution to the Environment Reference Group. 11. THAT Council staff be thanked for Berrys Bay works. 12. THAT Council staff be thanked for the Cash for Can scheme.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Bevan and seconded by Councillor Baker.

Voting was as follows: For/Against 8/0

Councillor Yes No Councillor Yes No

Gibson Y Beregi Y Reymond Y Barbour Y Clare Y Morris Absent Baker Y Marchandeau Absent Carr Y Bevan Y

RESOLVED: 1. THAT Council prepare a report to rectify pollution traps prioritising traps according to the findings of the audit conducted by Optimal Stormwater. 2. THAT the report on the Green Events Program be received. 3. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received. 4. THAT Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs report be received. 5. THAT Council seeks to enhance the Native Havens Program by joining Macquarie University’s Habitat Stepping Stones. 6. THAT the Sustainable Procurement Practices report be received. 7. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be received. 8. THAT the Fridge Buy Back report be received. 9. THAT Council continues to promote the Fridge Buy Back program.

10. THAT Claire Hanley be thanked for her contribution to the Environment Reference Group. 11. THAT Council staff be thanked for Berrys Bay works. 12. THAT Council staff be thanked for the Cash for Can scheme.

ITEM OSE06 REPORTS 14/06/16

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager Attachments:

1. Minutes 30 May 2016 SUBJECT: Environment Reference Group - 30 May 2016 AUTHOR: David McQuade, Governance Co-Ordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 30 May 2016, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT 1. THAT Council prepare a report to rectify pollution traps prioritising traps according to the findings of the audit conducted by Optimal Stormwater. 2. THAT the report on the Green Events Program be received. 3. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received. 4. THAT Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs report be received. 5. THAT Council seeks to enhance the Native Havens Program by joining Macquarie University’s Habitat Stepping Stones. 6. THAT the Sustainable Procurement Practices report be received. 7. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be received. 8. THAT the Fridge Buy Back report be received. 9. THAT Council continues to promote the Fridge Buy Back program. 10. THAT Claire Hanley be thanked for her contribution to the Environment Reference Group. 11. THAT Council staff be thanked for Berrys Bay works. 12. THAT Council staff be thanked for the Cash for Can scheme.

Report of David McQuade, Governance Co-Ordinator Re: Environment Reference Group - 30 May 2016

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 5. Our Civic Leadership Outcome: 5.3 Council is ethical, open, accountable and transparent in its decision

making BACKGROUND In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Principles and Practices: 53.6 - The minutes of a Reference Group or Working Group meeting can only be confirmed and adopted by resolution of that Reference Group or Working Group, passed at a subsequent meeting of that Group. A motion or discussion in respect of the Minutes shall not be in order except as to their accuracy as a record of proceedings. Minutes may not be amended to reflect second thoughts on a resolution - changes may only be made if the accuracy of the resolution is found to be at fault; as per clause 19.2 of this Code. 53.7 - A report on the proceedings of Reference Group or Working Group meetings are to be submitted to the next available meeting of Council for endorsement, including all recommendations. Any Councillor may be the mover or seconder of a motion to confirm the proceedings of a Reference Group or Working Group meeting. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications are of a minor nature and as such did not warrant a detailed assessment. DETAIL This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Environment Reference Group held on 30 May 2016, for Council endorsement. The minutes are attached for information.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L S E R V I C E S R E F E R E N C E G R O U P

Minute Book Page No 1

This is Page No 1 of the Minutes of the Environment Reference Group Meeting held on

Monday, 30 May 2016.

MINUTES: ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP MEETING HELD IN THE

ROS CRICHTON PAVILION ON MONDAY, 30 MAY 2016 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Councillor Baker in the Chair, Councillors Marchandeau and Reymond.

Staff: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environment

Peter Massey, Manager Environmental Services

Jonathan Higlett, Manager Engineering Infrastructure

Niki Carey, Senior Sustainability Programs Coordinator

David McQuade, Governance Coordinator (Minutes)

Citizen Members: Keryn Hassall

Bruce Handmer

Anne Edwards

Louise Byrne

Phillip Worrall

Visitors: Murray Powell, Optimal Stormwater

Apologies were received from The Mayor, Councillor Gibson, Councillors Barbour,

Beregi, Bevan, Carr, Clare, Morris, Marilyn Hanson and Susette Dixon.

At the commencement of business (7.15pm) Councillors present were - Councillor

Baker in the Chair, Councillors Marchandeau and Reymond.

1. Suspension of Standing Orders

A Motion was moved by Councillor Baker and seconded by Ms Byrne that Standing

Orders be suspended at 7.20pm for Murray Powell of Optimal Stormwater to deliver

Stormwater Pollution presentation to the Reference Group.

A Motion was moved by Ms Byrne and seconded by Mr Handmer.

Resolved to recommend:

1. THAT Council prepare a report to rectify pollution traps prioritising traps

according to the findings of the audit conducted by Optimal Stormwater.

Voting was unanimous.

2. Minutes

ATTACHMENT TO OSE06 - 14/06/16 Page 3

ENVIRONMENT REFERENCE GROUP – 30/05/16 Page No 2



The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 23 November 2015, copies of which

had been previously circulated, were taken as read and confirmed.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Marchandeau and seconded by Mr Handmer.


3. E01: Green Events Program Update

Report of Danielle Birkbeck, Sustainability Education Officer

The Green Events program is a program of sustainability workshops and events

offered free to the North Sydney community. The program focuses on current themes

and issues in sustainability and is designed to engage, encourage and foster behaviour

change in North Sydney residents by giving them the knowledge and skills to act.

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and evaluation of the Green

Events program from July - December 2015.

Recommending:

1. THAT the report on the Green Events Program be received.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Reymond and seconded by Ms Edwards.


1. THAT the report on the Green Events Program be received.


4. E02: Update on Sustainable Business Programs

Report of Cecilia Kemp, Sustainable Business Co-ordinator

Three sustainable business programs are offered by North Sydney Council to the local

business community. These programs support the North Sydney Council Delivery

Program 2013/14 - 2016/17. CitySwitch, the Better Business Partnership and

Environmental Upgrade Agreements are distinct and target different business types.

This report provides and update on recent progress of these programs.

The sustainable business programs are funded through Council‟s environment levy.

Recommending:

1. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Reymond and seconded by Councillor

Marchandeau.


1. THAT the Update on Sustainable Business Programs report be received.


5. E03: Water and Energy Management Programs Update

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer

This report provides an update on the 2015-16 implementation of Council‟s

Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020 since its adoption on 22

June 2015. As this is the first year of the new plan, there is a strong focus on

improved monitoring, feasibility studies and detailed assessments to inform the plan‟s





implementation in future years. In addition, real savings are already being seen

through the implementation of a number of early projects.

The water and energy programs discussed in this report are funded through Council‟s

Environment Levy.

The Guidelines have been considered in the preparation of this report and are not

applicable.

Recommending:

1. THAT Council‟s Water and Energy Management Programs report be received.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Marchandeau and seconded by Ms Hassall.


1. THAT Council‟s Water and Energy Management Programs report be received.


6. E04: Habitat Stepping Stones Program

Report of Gareth Debney, Bushland Management Coordinator

Habitat Stepping Stones is an innovative online resource developed by Macquarie

University with funding from the NSW Environmental Trust. The smart-device

compatible web resource compliments Council‟s „Native Havens‟ residential habitat

gardens program in a number of ways. Habitat Stepping Stones provides participating

residents with access to detailed plant species profiles tailored to their local area as

well as information on how to create - and where to source - other important habitat

features such as watering points and shelters (i.e. nest boxes).

In addition to the above online tools, Native Havens participants that register in the

program receive an information kit and discounted rates from local provenance

plant/habitat material suppliers.

To date this program has been adopted by six Sydney Councils with a further four in

the process of joining up. Habitat Stepping Stones presents an opportunity for North

Sydney Council to expand the support it offers to Native Havens participants whilst

also benefiting from a new and alternative avenue for promoting the value of these

programs and attracting new participants.

The initial set-up cost of Habitat Stepping Stones is $3,820 and the ongoing annual

subscription is $2,200. This represents good value for money when compared to the

cost that would be involved in Council developing its own online resource with the

same level of detail and user friendliness. Furthermore, Native Havens Participants

can gain an understanding that the efforts they make in their own home garden form

part of a Sydney-wide program that is actually connecting habitats across a landscape

scale.

It is recommended that Council seeks to enhance the Native Havens Program by

joining Macquarie University‟s Habitat Stepping Stones.

Funding for this project is included in the adopted 2015/16 budget.

Recommending:

1. THAT Council seeks to enhance the Native Havens Program by joining Macquarie

University‟s Habitat Stepping Stones.

The Motion was moved by Ms Edwards and seconded by Councillor Marchandeau.


1. THAT Council seeks to enhance the Native Havens Program by joining Macquarie

University‟s Habitat Stepping Stones.






7. E05: Sustainable Procurement Practices

Report of Niki Carey, Senior Sustainable Programs Coordinator

This report updates the reference group on some significant recent progress in the

integration of green purchasing into Council‟s procurement practices, particularly

through the tendering process.

Recommending:

1. THAT the Sustainable Procurement Practices report be received.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Reymond and seconded by Ms Hassall.


1. THAT the Sustainable Procurement Practices report be received.


8. E06: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer

Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) was successful in

obtaining funding from the NSW EPA‟s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to

establish a Community Recycling Centre (CRC). North Sydney Council considered

the matter at the 18 May 2015 Council meeting. Subsequent to the meeting, it was

agreed that North Sydney Council would be responsible for the day to day

management and operation of the CRC for and on behalf of the participating NSROC

Member Councils.

The proposal that North Sydney Council operate the CRC was put to a GMAC

meeting without opposition from the other NSROC General Managers. At the 22 June

2015 North Sydney Council meeting, it was resolved that Council, in partnership with

the NSROC alliance, establish a CRC based in Artarmon and that North Sydney

Council be responsible for the management and operation of the facility. The Deed of

Agreement – Northern Sydney CRC (Deed) was signed by the General Managers of

the alliance Councils on 29 October 2015. Further, under the terms of the Deed of

Agreement, a Committee of Management was formed to oversee the administration

and implementation of the Deed.

Following assessments of the suitability of several proposed sites, a Heads of

Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. North Sydney Council

submitted a Development Application for Change of Use (DA) for the site, which was

approved by Willoughby Council at its 11 April 2016 Council meeting. A three year

lease with a commencement date of 22 February 2016 is expected to be signed.

In parallel to preparing and submitting the DA, Council engaged a consultant to

review and prepare the relevant WHS risk assessment for the safe operation of the

CRC. Appropriate Safe Work Method Statements and a Risk Matrix have been

finalised. The consultant has also prepared a training manual for future use.

The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget from 2015/16

to 30th June 2017 are outlined within the report.

Recommending:

1. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be

received.

The Motion was moved by Mr Handmer and seconded by Mr Worrall.


1. THAT the Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update report be

received.






9. E07: Fridge Buy Back Program

Report of Niki Carey, Senior Sustainable Programs Coordinator

This report provides and update on Council‟s involvement in the NSW Government‟s

Energy Savings Scheme operated Fridge Buyback scheme.

Recommending:

1. THAT the Fridge Buy Back report be received.

2. THAT Council continues to promote the Fridge Buy Back program.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Reymond and seconded by Councillor Ms

Hassall.


1. THAT the Fridge Buy Back report be received.

2. THAT Council continues to promote the Fridge Buy Back program.


10. General Business

10.1 Resignation of Claire Hanley

A Motion was moved by Councillor Baker and seconded by Ms Edwards


1. THAT Claire Hanley be thanked for her contribution to the Environment

Reference Group.


10.2 Berrys Bay Marina Development

A Motion was moved by Mr Handmer and seconded by Councillor Marchandeau


1. THAT Council staff be thanked for the work done to access and then refuse the

Berrys Bay Marina Development.


10.3 Cash for Can Scheme

A Motion was moved by Mr Worrall and seconded by Mr Handmer


1. THAT Council staff be thanked for the Cash for Can scheme.


Note: General Business items were voted on “en globo”.





The Meeting concluded at 8.20pm.

____________________________ __________________________

CHAIRPERSON ACTING GENERAL MANAGER



Environment Reference Group Report E01 - 14 November 2016

Attachments: 1. Waste Less Recycle More 2017-21 Brochure

SUBJECT: NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More funding initiative 2017-2021 extension AUTHOR: Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In February, 2013, the NSW State Government announced the waste and resource recovery initiative titled Waste Less, Recycle More for NSW (“WLRM”). The initiative comprised a funding package of $465.7m over a five year period. Waste Less, Recycle More was introduced in part to replace the council funding program known as Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payment (WaSIP). On 14 October, 2016, the Minister for the Environment, Mark Speakman, announced that Waste Less, Recycle More funding will be extended from 2017 to 2021. Total funding to be provided under the extension will amount to $337.0m. The 2017 – 2021 funding package includes:-

• $70.0m for councils’ waste and resource recovery projects • $57.0m for household problem waste programs, including $37.0m for community

recycling centre collections and processing • $30.0m for litter reduction and prevention programs • $88.5m for waste, recycling and organics infrastructure programs • $65.0m for illegal dumping and waste enforcement programs

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More funding initiative 2017-2021 extension be received.

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Re: Waste Less, Recycle More for NSW

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services BACKGROUND In February, 2013, the NSW State Government announced the Waste Less, Recycle More for NSW, a waste and resource recovery initiative. The initiative comprised a funding package of $465.7m to be provided over a five year period, commencing in 2012-2013. Waste Less, Recycle More was introduced, in part, to replace the Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payment (WaSIP) council funding program. On 14 October, 2016, the Minister for the Environment, Mark Speakman, announced that Waste Less, Recycle More funding was to be extended from 2017 to 2021. Total funding to be provided under the extension package will amount to $337m. Funding available under the 2017 -2021 grants include:-

• $70.0m for local government waste and resource recovery programs • $57.0m for household problem waste programs, including $37.0m for community

recycling centre collections and processing • $30.0m for litter reduction and prevention programs • $88.5m for waste, recycling and organic infrastructure programs • $65.0m for illegal dumping and waste enforcement programs • $22.5m for business recycling programs • $4.0m for Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities programs.

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT This report deals with State Government Legislation/Policy which may have a substantial effect on sustainability. This report is for information purposes only; a sustainability assessment was not undertaken. QBL Pillar Implications Environment • The government has extended the WLRM funding to promote a

cleaner environment and improve waste management practices • The funding is consistent with the government’s waste and recycling

targets

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Re: Waste Less, Recycle More for NSW

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Social • A cleaner environment encourages the community to implement and maintain safe waste management programs which encourages everyone to “do the right thing”.

Economic • Since 2012/13, the NSW Government has committed $802m to waste and resource management

• Funding will be provided to implement best practice waste disposal and resource recovery methods

Governance • The NSW EPA will oversee funding programs DETAIL The $337m funding announced brings the total funding provided by the state government to $802m since 2012-2013. However, the 2017 -2021 funding package is a decline of 27% from the initial WLRM package. Major changes in funding include:-

• Non-contested funding for councils, the Better Waste and Recycling Fund (“BWRF”), has declined by 44% ($39.0m from $70.0m). The BWRF is primarily used by councils that pay waste levies to fund waste recycling initiatives such as improvements to kerbside collection services and community engagement programs.

• Funding for regional coordination and strategy for the Greater Sydney Region has been reduced by 50% ($4.5m from $9.0m).

• Funding for community recycling centre (“CRC”) collections and processing has been cut from $47.7m to $37.0m, a decline of 22%; however, processing costs for paint collected at community recycling centres will be substantially lower if the EPA contracts this service to PaintBack, a Federal Government sponsored product stewardship scheme whereby every litre of eligible paint sold in Australia incorporates a 15 cent levy to be used for the safe treatment of waste paint.

• Funding for illegal dumping prevention and enforcement has been increased by 12% to $65.0m; the majority of this funding ($52.0m) will be allocated for compliance programs.

• In order to achieve the government’s target of reducing litter volume by 2020 by 40%, funding for litter reduction programs has been increased by 50% to $30.0m.

Despite the reduction in outright funding, the WLRM initiative still provides opportunities for councils to improve waste and resource recovery management practices. Continued funding for CRC collection and processing will provide support for the Northern Sydney CRC currently being established by the NSROC Alliance of five participating councils. Further, the provision of funding under the BWRF will enable North Sydney Council to consider the introduction of waste practices such as a new waste bin rollout which would be consistent with the EPA’s best practice.

Waste Less, Recycle MoreA $337 million grants and funding initiative 2017–2021 extension

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© 2016 State of NSW Published by the NSW Environment Protection Authority on behalf of NSW Goverment Environment Protection Authority, 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000. PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard). Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests)Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, general environmental enquiries, and publications requests)Fax: (02) 9995 5999. TTY users: phone 133 677 then ask for 131 555Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 131 555Email: [email protected]: www.epa.nsw.gov.auReport pollution and environmental incidentsEnvironment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] also www.epa.nsw.gov.auEPA2016/0538ISBN: 978-1-76039-480-6October 2016

Front cover photo creditsTop: Global Renewables UR-3R waste facility recovering materials for recycling. Photo: UR-3RBottom 1: Painting the bins at Bourke. Photo: NSW EPABottom 2: Waverley Council bins at Bondi Beach. Photo: NSW EPABottom 3: Waste paint cans at a community recycling centre. Photo: NSW EPABottom 4: The Circulate project is diverting plastic from landfill in the Hunter. Photo: Green Tulip

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Minister’s message

The NSW population is expected to grow to 9.9 million people by 2036 and the amount of waste generated in NSW in 20 years is expected to be 159 per cent higher than in 2002. The challenge is to manage this population growth so that the community and environment are protected. The NSW waste and resource recovery sector is key to achieving this.

NSW has set ambitious waste and recycling targets. To achieve these targets, we need to invest in innovative business approaches and to stimulate investment in new processing technologies and capacity across NSW.

I am thrilled to announce this $337 million NSW Government investment in waste and recycling services that will continue to transform the waste sector and to deliver economic and environmental benefits for NSW.

As part of the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in this sector, more than $802 million has been committed over nine years through waste and resource recovery work led by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

This brings the NSW Government’s total commitment to the waste and recycling sector to more than $802 million over nine years.

We have already achieved so much through our initial EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, with more than 822 projects across the state that are expected to process more than 2.2 million tonnes of waste and create 845 jobs.

I am confident that this second phase will deliver even more improvements.

With support and assistance from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, NSW’s waste and resource recovery industry provides an essential service to the community to manage its waste effectively, to maximise its economic benefit and to mitigate the social and environmental impacts.

Funding for litter and illegal dumping initiatives has been increased to help achieve the Premier’s priority of a reduction in litter volume by 40 % by 2020. Litter funding will also contribute to the rollout of the Container Deposit Scheme in 2017.

Funding has also been renewed to stimulate new and enhanced waste and recycling infrastructure across the organics, household problem waste, recycling innovation and business recycling streams.

Opportunities will be available for small community groups, not for profits, local councils and businesses, to ensure that waste and recycling innovation is rolled out across our communities - from investment in local park infrastructure through to improved recycling plants.

By creating an innovative and robust waste and recycling sector, we can establish best-practice systems and empower local communities to create and maintain clean environments and reduce landfill.

I look forward to the rollout of the next phase of our Waste Less, Recycle More initiative.

Mark Speakman Minister for the Environment

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A snapshot of funding and available grants 2017–2021Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Program $70 million over 4 years• $5 million for regional landfill consolidation and environmental

improvements, in partnership with the Environmental Trust• $39 million for the Better Waste and Recycling Fund• $4.5 million for regional coordination and strategy for the

Greater Sydney Region• $8 million for funding voluntary regional waste groups • $4 million to empower Aboriginal communities in

waste management• $9.5 million for education and support

Illegal Dumping Prevention and Waste Enforcement Fund $65 million over 4 years• $3 million for clean up and prevention• $9 million to create and support Regional Illegal Dumping

(RID) squads and RID online• $1 million for the Aboriginal land clean-up and prevention

program• $52 million for proactive enforcement compliance programs

Household Problem Waste $57 million over 4 years• $3 million for community recycling centre infrastructure grants,

in partnership with the Environmental Trust• $37 million for community recycling centre receptacles and

processing• $9 million for household chemical collection and processing• $8 million for education, training and support for problem

waste collection

Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Fund $48 million over 4 years• $8 million for resource recovery expansion and

enhancement grants• $25 million for major resource recovery infrastructure grants,

in partnership with the Environmental Trust• $14.5 million for auditing, education and support• $0.5 million for weighbridges

The Circulate project is diverting plastic from landfill in the Hunter. Photo: Green Tulip

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Organics Infrastructure Fund and Program $35.5 million over 4 years• $4.5 million for organics market development including

$3 million in grants• $7 million for food waste avoidance, including $1.6 million in

Love Food Hate Waste grants• $14 million for organics infrastructure grants, in partnership

with the Environmental Trust• $10 million for local government organics collection grants,

in partnership with the Environmental Trust

Litter Prevention and Enforcement Fund $30 million over 4 years• $1.5 million for community litter grants• $4 million for local government litter grants• Litter prevention programs, including the Hey Tosser! campaign

Business Recycling Program $22.5 million over 4 years• $12.5 million Bin Trim grants and small scale equipment

rebates• $5 million for industrial ecology networks in the commercial

and industrial and construction and demolition sectors throughout NSW

• $5 million for other business initiatives

Recycling Innovation Fund $5 million over 4 years• $5 million for Recycling Innovation Fund grants, in partnership

with the Environmental Trust

Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities programs $4 million over 4 years• $4 million for the education and coordination activities of the

Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authority (HACA)

Waverley Council bins at Bondi Beach. Photo: NSW EPA

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Introduction The NSW Government is transforming the waste and recycling sector, delivering economic and environmental benefits in NSW. Under the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, 822 projects have received $292.3 million in funding.These projects are expected to process over 2.2 million tonnes of waste and to create 845 jobs.

The NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2014–21 was released in 2014 and sets targets to:

• reduce the rate of waste generation per capita• increase recycling rates across all waste streams• increase the proportion of waste diverted from landfill to 75%• establish drop-off facilities for managing problem household

wastes.

The investment in infrastructure, services and education from the NSW Government Waste Less, Recycle More initiative has made significant progress towards these targets. However, increasing population and economic growth in NSW have also led to increasing waste generation. To meet these targets, additional investment is required.

Successfully meeting these targets in 2021 would result in an estimated additional 1,590 jobs in the NSW economy; energy savings equivalent to the energy usage of 1.49 million households each year; water savings equivalent to 5,392 Olympic swimming pools each year and greenhouse gas benefits equivalent to removing 530,971 cars from the road each year.

The NSW Government’s decision to extend the EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative guarantees $337 million in funding for 2017–21. In addition to creating an innovative and robust waste and recycling sector, the NSW Government is also focused on empowering local communities to create and maintain clean environments.

The NSW Government is serious about reducing litter. On 14 September 2015, the Premier personally committed to reduce the volume of litter in NSW by 40% by 2020. Achieving this ambitious target will need sustained behaviour change across the community.

The introduction of a container deposit scheme from 1 July 2017 will play a key role, targeting drink containers which make up 44% of the litter volume in NSW. A container deposit scheme is however only one part of a broader and soon to be released NSW Litter Prevention Strategy that will have a renewed focus on education and public awareness. The extension of funding for 2017–21 will build on the work undertaken to date through the first phase of the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, including the successful Hey Tosser! campaign, capacity building of enforcement officers within the EPA and local councils, empowerment of the community and partnerships with key stakeholders.

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Cracking down on illegal activity in the waste sector also remains a NSW Government priority. Illegal dumping is a crime that can cause serious harm to the environment and human health. The cost of such action is borne by the community, local councils and legitimate operators in the industry. Strong and proactive enforcement action is required to protect both the environment and the significant NSW Government investment in a world class and innovative waste and recycling sector.

The continuation of the EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative to 2021 makes it clear that the NSW Government is committed to a clean and healthy environment.

Painting the bins at Bourke. Photo: NSW EPA

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Key elements of the Waste and Recycling Infrastructure package

Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery ProgramUnder Waste Less, Recycle More (WLRM), the Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Program has led to increased collaboration between councils and improved waste and resource recovery outcomes in communities.

Since 2013, 14 regional waste strategies have been developed, 850 projects have been funded by the Better Waste and Recycling Fund, 31 landfills in regional NSW have been closed with a further 63 receiving funding for improvements, and pilot programs have commenced with Aboriginal communities in western NSW.

The extension of the Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Program for 2017–21 will provide $70 million to local communities to increase recycling and reduce illegal dumping and littering.

The new, comprehensive package will be rolled out by the EPA. It includes:

• $39 million allocated over four years for councils that pay waste levies to support local waste and recycling initiatives

• $4.5 million for regional waste groups in the metropolitan levy area to fund regional coordinators, infrastructure planning and delivery of regional waste strategies and action plans (2017–21)

• $8 million for regional waste groups in rural and regional NSW to fund regional coordinators and programs, and the delivery of regional waste avoidance and recovery strategies and action plans (2017–21)

• $5 million to support regional and rural local councils with landfill consolidation and closure, the building and upgrading of transfer stations, and environmental improvements to small landfills servicing rural communities

• $4 million for a new program for sustainable waste management in discrete Aboriginal communities across NSW

• $9.5 million for a NSW recycling campaign, bin audits, training, support and capacity building for local councils.

Illegal Dumping Clean up, Prevention and Enforcement FundCombating illegal dumping is a key priority for the NSW Government and local communities. The EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative has funded the successful Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad partnership with 41 local councils. The RID Squad model is a funding and operational partnership between the EPA and councils to identify and prosecute small scale dumping.

Under the next phase of WLRM, $65 million over 4 years is allocated to the Illegal Dumping, Clean-up, Prevention and Waste Enforcement Fund to fund:

Providing multi-unit dwellings with plastics recycling options in inner-west Sydney. Photo: Canterbury-Bankstown Council

$70 million over 4 years


Illegally dumped waste on Gandangara LALC land. Photo: NSW EPA

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Global Renewables UR-3R waste facility recovering materials for recycling. Photo: UR-3R

Community recycling centre in Deniliquin Photo: John Craig

• the RID Squad• local clean up and prevention programs targeting illegal dumping

hot spots • Aboriginal land illegal dumping clean up and prevention

programs• waste licensing and tracking operations• RIDOnline, the public illegal dumping reporting portal and state

wide database• proactive enforcement campaigns targeting rogue waste

operators.

Household Problem Waste ProgramThe Household Problem Waste Program will continue to be enhanced and build upon the successes so far. To date, 101 community recycling centres that provide a solution for the disposal of problem waste have been funded to the value of $12 million. The Chemical CleanOut program has also safely collected 7,300 tonnes of chemical waste from 170,682 NSW households and continues to grow annually by more than 10%.

The extension of $57 million to the Household Problem Waste Program for 2017–21 will continue to support the ongoing implementation of the Chemical CleanOut and Community Recycling Centre programs.

The priorities include:

• ensuring residents who live in multi-unit dwellings have ready access to a service to dispose of problem waste

• filling location gaps where communities in NSW do not have access to a community recycling centre

• maintaining the high level of operational standards from existing community recycling centres

• continuing to support program partners to deliver communication and education initiatives around the safe disposal of household problem waste.

Waste and Recycling Infrastructure FundThe Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Fund has already funded over $85 million in projects, leveraging an additional $158.4 million in investment from the waste industry in new and expanded infrastructure. This has led to an additional 1 million tonnes of recycling capacity per year.

The extension of the Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Fund with investment by the NSW Government of $48 million in 2017–21 will provide on-going targeted support to councils, households, business, industry, not for profit organisations and charities to increase resource recovery, and to continue to build and upgrade the essential infrastructure and services needed across NSW.

The priorities include:

• recovery of recyclables from sorted and unsorted waste from business and households



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• reuse, recycling and reprocessing of recyclable materials such as plastics, timber, paper, cardboard, food and consumer packaging

• processing and stabilisation of residual business and household waste.

Organics Infrastructure Fund and Program Food and garden waste remains the largest proportion of waste going to landfill from both homes and business in NSW. The successful diversion and reuse of the organics stream is critical to achieving the target to divert 75% of all waste from landfill by 2021. More than 70% of NSW households now have access to a green lid bin service and infrastructure investment is delivering the capacity to process this additional supply.

The Organics Infrastructure Fund is managed by the EPA and will continue to take a multi-pronged approach to increase organics diversion and recycling through:

• avoidance education through Love Food Hate Waste• increasing capacity for surplus food donation and distribution• continuing expansion of organics collections services for homes

and business• ongoing investment in processing infrastructure, from large

scale facilities to small scale equipment• supporting opportunities to improve product quality• developing markets for the recycled product.

Litter Prevention and Enforcement Fund The 2017–21 extension of WLRM includes a $30 million Litter Prevention and Enforcement Fund that will fund litter prevention, enhance community engagement in litter reduction, support the implementation of the NSW container deposit scheme (CDS) and improve community infrastructure and enforcement programs.

The EPA’s Litter Prevention Strategy will underpin this funding and is built around the following key elements:

• rewarding responsible behaviour – through the CDS targeting drink containers

• education and community engagement – through a consistent state-wide litter campaign, Hey Tosser!, adaptable for local use

• infrastructure and clean up of litter hotspots – through $5.5 million in grants to local councils and community groups that fund better bins and effective clean up

• regulation and enforcement - through training of local council officers and through the new EPA online portal for community reporting of littering from motor vehicles

• monitoring and evaluation – through local, state-wide and targeted measurement and then evaluating the effectiveness of programs based on evidence. Roadside litter.

Photo: NSW EPA


Love Food Hate Waste Photo: NSW EPA

$35.5 million over 4 years

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Paint manufacturer Derivan is saving thousands of dollars by recycling cardboard after a Bin Trim assessment. Photo: NSW EPA

Business Recycling ProgramThe Business Recycling Program will build on significant efficiencies gained by working with tens of thousands of NSW businesses to achieve positive waste and recycling outcomes throughout Waste Less, Recycle More.

The Bin Trim Business Grants Program has already facilitated waste assessments for 15,730 small and medium-sized businesses in NSW, with an average increase in the recycling rate of 13%.

The $22.5 million Business Recycling Fund will continue to support the commercial and industrial sector to increase waste avoidance and resource recovery, and achieve the NSW waste and recycling targets.

The Business Recycling Program is managed by the EPA. Priorities include:

• funding to support business recycling through a variety of advisory services and programs

• support for small-scale recycling infrastructure in NSW businesses

• expanding the NSW EPA’s industrial ecology program, ‘Circulate’, to support medium to large enterprises achieve improved environmental practice.

Recycling Innovation FundThe Recycling Innovation Fund has already allocated $15 million to over 23 projects that are creating new recycling infrastructure solutions, establishing or expanding recycling material markets through research and development and also increasing the efficiency of recycling facilities for specific targeted wastes.

An additional $5 million over 4 years will provide opportunities for industry, councils, not-for-profit organisations and charities through contestable grant funding to further develop projects that provide innovative solutions to targeted waste types in NSW and include infrastructure and research.

Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities programsHACA works to improve the management, monitoring and response to asbestos issues in NSW. The NSW Government will invest $4 million to assist in the development of coordinated prevention and education programs.

Further InformationThe additional funding will be available through grants funding after 1 July 2017. For more information on how to apply for funding or grants, and for details on eligibility, contact the Waste and Resource Branch on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au.

$22.5 million over 4 years


Supporting innovation in mattress recycling. Photo: Evolving Images P/L NSW EPA



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update AUTHOR: Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (“NSROC”) was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre (“CRC”). Following the consideration of a report on community recycling centres and subsequent discussions, including those with councillors, staff and GMAC, it was agreed to establish a Community Recycling Centre (“CRC”) to service the Northern Sydney region. The CRC was to be located in the Artarmon industrial precinct and North Sydney Council would assume responsibility for the day to day management and operation of the facility for and on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. The Deed of Agreement – Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre (“Deed”) was signed by the general managers of the alliance councils on 29 October 2015. Under the terms of the Deed of Agreement, a Committee of Management was formed to oversee the administration and implementation of the Deed. Following assessments of the suitability of several proposed sites, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. North Sydney Council submitted a Development Application for Change of Use (“DA”) for the site, which was approved by Willoughby Council at its 11 April 2016 council meeting. A condition of the Development Consent required the undertaking of rectification works for a fire safety upgrade as part of the issuance of a Construction Certificate. North Sydney Council applied for a Construction Certificate in September 2016. Negotiations are ongoing with the landlord regarding the extent of rectification works required prior to the issuance of an Occupation Certificate. In the interim, in order to secure the site for the CRC, GMAC agreed that the lease should be signed. A three year lease with a commencement date of 22 February 2016 was signed but rental payment accruals commenced as from 1 August 2016. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The financial implications on the Domestic Waste Management budget from 2015/16 to 30 June 2017 are outlined within the report.

Report of Bohdan Stechiwskyj, Waste Management Officer Re: Participation in Community Recycling Centre (CRC) - Update

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RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the updated report on the Community Recycling Centre be received.


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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services

BACKGROUND Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils was successful in obtaining funding from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative to establish a Community Recycling Centre. The primary objective of the CRC is to facilitate the safe disposal of household wastes that would be hazardous to the environment and to public health. It is an endorsed project in the Northern Sydney Regional Waste Strategy. Wastes targeted by the CRC include leftover or unwanted paints, domestic gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, motor and cooking oils, lead acid car batteries, household batteries, electronic waste (“E-waste”), fluorescent tubes and globes, and smoke detectors. The program also aims to increase community awareness of good recycling and disposal practices for household problem wastes and to provide a sustainable solution for managing them. The CRC will be established in Artarmon in alliance with the councils of Willoughby, Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and City of Ryde. The general managers of the respective alliance councils have signed a Deed of Agreement - Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre (“Deed”) underpinning the development of the CRC and guaranteeing its financing for the initial term of the lease on the site. A Committee of Management has been established to oversee the implementation and administration of the Deed. Following suitability assessments on several sites within the Willoughby LGA, a Heads of Agreement was signed for 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. At its council meeting on 11 April, 2016, Willoughby City Council approved the DA. A condition of consent required rectification works in order to meet fire safety regulations. North Sydney Council applied for a Construction Certificate in September noting the necessary rectification works highlighted in a fire safety report prepared by consultants engaged for that purpose. Negotiations with the landlord are ongoing regarding the rectification works necessary to ensure the site becomes compliant. In order to secure the site, GMAC agreed to sign the lease. Although the commencement date of the lease was 22 February 2016, rental payments did not commence to accrue until 1 August, 2016. Under the terms of the Deed, North Sydney Council is responsible for the day to day operation and management of the facility. In order to support the safe disposal of CRC materials, North Sydney Council is required to ensure processes and procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of customers and staff at the facility, and for managing the impact of the facility on the environment, including procedures for the safe handling of materials, and the appropriate emergency response.


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CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • Reduction of hazardous materials going to landfill which could cause

harm to human health and the environment if they are not disposed of correctly.

Social • Council’s commitment to its residents for waste minimisation. • Education and communication of Council’s waste services.

Economic • To be funded by the Domestic Waste Management budget and NSW EPA grant funding.

Governance • Participation in a structure for a regional waste management service which includes a Deed of Agreement and a NSC Committee of Management representative.

DETAIL Community Recycling Centres are one of the endorsed projects in the Northern Sydney Regional Waste Strategy. Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils was successful in obtaining funding of approximately $150,000 from the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative. This funding is to be used for the establishment of a CRC which will be based at Artarmon on behalf of five councils: Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Ryde and Willoughby. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will meet the establishment costs of the CRC and, until at least 30 June 2017, the collection and disposal charges of seven of the nine designated problem wastes which must be accepted at the facility; all other day to day operational costs will be shared by the alliance councils based on the relative number of households in each respective LGA. The costs associated with the disposal or recycling of motor oils and lead acid car batteries will also be borne by the alliance councils and not by the EPA. Initial discussions with suitably qualified recyclers have indicated that the collection and recycling of used motor oils and lead acid batteries will be cost neutral. Additionally, discussions with an e-waste recycler suggest that the collection and processing of all e-waste collected on site will also be cost neutral to the facility. On 14 October, 2016, the NSW Government announced an extension of the Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative. Under the extension package, the EPA will provide a further $37.0m over 4 years to fund community recycling centre collections and processing. It is, therefore, anticipated that the collection and disposal costs of the seven designated wastes collected at the CRC will continue to be borne by the EPA.


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Site Investigations Following an extensive search of the Artarmon Industry area for a suitable site, a Heads of Agreement was signed with the owner of 8 Waltham Street, Artarmon. It was agreed to by GMAC that in order to secure the site for the establishment of the CRC a lease be signed despite ongoing negotiations regarding rectification works for the issuance of a Construction Certificate. The term of the lease is for a period of three years commencing 22 February, 2016; the lease affords the Alliance an extension option of a further three years. Lease payments will accrue as from 1 August, 2016. Development Application Under the terms of the Deed, North Sydney Council, as the CRC’s agreed operator, submitted the DA on behalf of the participating NSROC Member Councils. At its 11 April, 2016 council meeting, Willoughby City Council approved the DA and issued a Notice of Determination on 15 April, 2016. A condition of consent required the site to upgrade its fire safety measures. A fire safety consultant was engaged to prepare a report on the measures necessary to upgrade the site. In accordance with the measures highlighted in the fire safety report, North Sydney Council submitted a Construction Certificate application which incorporated necessary rectification works required to be undertaken before an Occupation Certificate could be issued. Negotiations with the landlord are ongoing regarding the noted rectification works. Financial The EPA will provide approximately $150,000 grant funding for the establishment for the CRC. The grant funding will cover capital expenditure such as the purchase of a forklift, provision of computers and iPads, the cost of preparing the internal layout (floor painting and bollards), PPE equipment, emergency spill equipment and adjustments to the roller doors. All operational costs of the CRC, including overheads, will be funded by the Domestic Waste Management budget. North Sydney Council has commenced the hiring process for two full time employees; a supervisor and a support person. Additionally, a rotating relief roster of council staff will be prepared to cover short term absences. Under the terms of the Deed, the five councils have committed to funding the CRC for the initial term of the lease. Councils are expected to fund their share of the CRC’s operating expenses from their respective Domestic Waste Management Charges. The tables below show the respective estimated costs for each council for both a full year’s operation and for the remainder of 2016/17 (based on the assumption that the CRC may be operational as from November, 2016). Costs are allocated in accordance with the Deed and are based on the proportion of households within the respective council’s LGA relative to the total number of households within the alliance.


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Percentage Amount at Commencement of Deed - Full Year Allocation Participating NSROC

Member Council 2012-13 Number

of Households Percentage

Amount Estimated Annual Cost

Allocation Hunter's Hill 5,012 4.2% $24,162.93 Lane Cove 12,832 10.7% $61,863.28 North Sydney 33,099 27.7% $159,570.82 Ryde 40,315 33.8% $194,359.27 Willoughby 28,183 23.6% $135,870.70 Total 119,441 100.0% $575,827.00

Percentage Amount at Commencement of Deed – November 2016 to June 2017 Participating NSROC

Member Council 2012-13 Number

of Households Percentage

Amount Estimated Annual Cost

Allocation Hunter's Hill 5,012 4.2% $18,836.16 Lane Cove 12,832 10.7% $48,225.38 North Sydney 33,099 27.7% $124,393.08 Ryde 40,315 33.8% $151,512.34 Willoughby 28,183 23.6% $105,917.70 Total 119,441 100.0% $448,884.67

Additional EPA Funding The EPA will provide additional funding to support the functioning of the CRC. The most valuable is funding for the collection and disposal of the seven problem wastes through the EPA’s contractor. The EPA will also provide NSROC with up to $15,000 for signage associated with the CRC will provide each Council with $10,000 each year for two years for education and communication activities related to the CRC. Governance Arrangements Under the Deed of Agreement, North Sydney Council, subject to reference to the Committee of Management on key contractor engagement decisions, is responsible for the day to day management of the CRC. The Committee of Management is also responsible for controlling and administering the processes set out in the Deed of Agreement, the ongoing operations of the CRC and the lease of the facility.


Environment Reference Group

Report E03 - 14 November 2016

Attachments: 1. NSROC Submission on Draft Waste and Resource

Recovery Amendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Bill 2016 and Regulatory Framework Discussion

Paper SUBJECT: NSW Container Deposit Scheme AUTHOR: Bo Karaula, Waste Management Co-ordinator ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The State Government recently passed the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Amendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Bill 2016. The Scheme will commence 1 July 2017. It will enable the community to return empty eligible beverage containers between 150ml and three litres, to collection points for a 10-cent refund. Containers that are excluded from the scheme include those generally consumed at home that are over one litre capacity such as plain milk, wine and fruit juice. The location of container drop-off points is yet to be determined. Collection points could be in the form of single reverse vending machines and/or a small cage managed by volunteer groups at public facilities, or part of service stations, shopping centres or waste transfer stations. Containers placed in council run kerbside collection schemes will still garner a 10-cent refund to Councils that own the commodities. The scheme will be delivered through two roles, both of which will be appointed by the Minister. These will include a single scheme co-ordinator and network operator/s. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the NSW Government Container Deposit Scheme be received.

Report of Bo Karaula, Waste Management Co-ordinator Re: Container Deposit Scheme

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services

BACKGROUND North Sydney Council have been strong advocates for a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) and have lobbied the State Government for many years calling for extended producer responsibility through the introduction of an industry funded system to assist with reduction in litter and improved resource recovery of beverage containers. To highlight the litter problem, in 2014 around 160 million beverage containers were littered across NSW- making up nearly half the volume of litter in the state. It is envisaged that the CDS will help to meet the State’s litter reduction target of 40% by 2020 (based on the 2013/14 litter volume). In addition to the environmental and social benefits, other benefits would include financial savings in waste disposal. It should also create more opportunities for increased recycling. Following extensive stakeholder consultation during the planning phase, the government released a draft bill and framework discussion paper for a 28 day public consultation period. NSROC provided a submission in consultation with member Councils including North Sydney. Refer to the attached for details. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT This report deals with State Government Legislation/Policy which may have a substantial effect on sustainability. This report is for information purposes only; a sustainability assessment was not undertaken. QBL Pillar Implications Environment • To promote a cleaner environment and improve waste management

practices • Reduction of litter in waterways and waste going to landfill

Report of Bo Karaula, Waste Management Co-ordinator Re: Container Deposit Scheme

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Social • A cleaner environment encourages the community to implement and maintain safe waste management programs which incentives everyone to “do the right thing”.

• Opens up opportunities for financially supporting additional recovery by charities, social enterprise or community groups

Economic • Financial savings in litter disposal Governance • The NSW Government will oversee the management of the scheme

DETAIL The CDS will require beverage suppliers to add the cost of the refund to the price of the eligible container plus any additional approved costs associated with administering the scheme. The scheme will be delivered through two roles, both of which will be appointed by the Minister. These will include a single scheme coordinator responsible for ensuring that statewide access and recovery targets are achieved and that refunds are paid for any eligible containers that are returned to a redemption point. In addition network operator/s will directly run or contract for a network of collection points. The location of redemption points (container drop off points) is yet to be determined but will be based on the proposals put forward by the network operator in its bid. A range of solutions will be canvassed, from depots to reverse vending machines placed in high volume public places in convenient locations such as petrol stations, local shopping centres. Councils may also choose to operate collection points in public places. There is still more work to do in developing the regulations and guidelines, including the processing refund protocol that relates to how containers arising through kerbside systems are dealt with. For example, in North Sydney’s current arrangement, the ownership of the containers collected at the kerbside is vested with URM so any accrued benefit will most likely belong to URM.

NSROC Submission on draft Waste and Resource Recovery Amendment (Container Deposit Scheme) Bill 2016 and Regulatory Framework Discussion Paper

NSROC appreciates the opportunity to comment on the draft legislation and framework discussion paper. It is clear that the proposed scheme has already been altered from what was discussed in the planning stages in response to feedback from a range of stakeholders and it is hoped that the EPA will continue to consider amendments to further improve the scheme.

NSROC supports the intention to reduce litter through the CDS and is also supportive of the opportunity it creates for increased recycling. However, it is noted that kerbside recycling already successfully handles a wide range of eligible containers and it is important that the CDS does not erode that successful program. Nonetheless, containers in kerbside collections should be included in the scheme because otherwise the scheme would be unnecessarily complex.

This submission reflects the headings in the Regulatory Framework Discussion Paper.

Scheme Structure

The proposed legislation establishes a clear separation in roles between the Scheme Coordinator and Network Operators. This is supported because it helps avoid the risk of monopolistic behaviours but still creates an incentive for efficiency. With this arrangement, it is considered that ownership of containers sits better with Network Operators than with the Scheme Coordinator. The latter’s focus can then remain on data and targets rather than involvement in handling materials. It will also avoid the need for aggregation of containers after processing by the Network Operator which would otherwise be an unnecessary additional step.

The current draft legislation will not require waste processing facilities to significantly upgrade their plants to sort by container type rather than material type. This is supported because it avoids both unnecessary infrastructure upgrades and the challenge of quantifying what percentages of any upgrades are necessitated by the scheme.

In most cases, the effect of the refund will be to significantly increase the value of the waste container, but not necessarily its value after its final redemption, although aggregating clean material will reduce contamination and increase the value of the product. Nonetheless, the value of the material as a resource should be incorporated into the scheme to help reduce the overall costs. However, given the variable nature of resource prices over time, it is not clear that the current legislation will create a sufficiently competitive market to achieve that aim.

The scheme is at risk of fraudulent operations at a number of levels and reducing that risk is critical in the scheme design. Verification that containers are within the scheme, have only been redeemed once and are directed to recycling is critical. The proposed structure seeks to ensure that most verification is undertaken for commercial self interest which should ensure a rigorous process provided the anticipated compliance and auditing roles by an independent authority such as the EPA remains.

While all containers can cause environmental damage, broken glass represents a significant injury risk in littered areas. Its fragility and weight also make it a more difficult material to bale and transport than other scheme containers. For these reasons NSROC would support an increased handling fee for glass because its removal from the litter stream has both environmental and safety benefits.

Obligations on Suppliers

NSROC considers that the proposed timeframe to fully implement such a complex scheme by July 2017 is too short. The scheme is aiming for a long term environmental benefit and it is important that the need for early implementation does not prejudice the success of the scheme in the longer term. There are several factors supporting a delay in implementation. The proposal by NSW appears to have galvanised the Queensland state government into action, with an announced intention of having a CDS there by July 2018. Although there will be considerable benefits in handling cross border arbitrage once both schemes are in place, it would be unwise to delay progress in NSW until the Queensland scheme is ready. Another factor is that beverage suppliers have advised that it could take up to two years to use the existing stock of eligible beverage containers which does not have the refund mark.

While the CDS should have a significant impact in reducing containers entering the litter stream, it will do nothing for existing containers littering the environment. NSROC would support a time delay in the requirement for refund marks on containers and a time delay before collection point operators can refuse to pay refunds on unmarked containers which are otherwise eligible. A delay of six months would provide an incentive for the collection of suitable containers from the litter stream as well as preventing the risk of new container littering in that period.

The short timeframe for implementation will also make it very challenging to establish collection points with the appropriate planning approvals. It is noted that changes are proposed to the SEPP for exempt and complying development to include collection points and that the EPA intends to write the guidance criteria that would allow collection points to be treated as exempt and complying development. However it will be critical to involve local government in that process because of the wide possible range of locations and facilities which could act as collection points. Although that process is largely independent of the adoption of the legislation, it will have a significant impact on network operators and others intending to establish collection points. Accordingly negotiations with local government planners should be commenced immediately.

NSROC would support a six month delay in the commencement of the CDS until 1 January 2018 to provide additional time for its establishment. But whatever start date is selected, the first six months should be a period where unmarked containers can be redeemed.

Interaction with kerbside collection services.

It is noted that existing contractual arrangements for kerbside recycling typically pre-date the CDS and that the scheme potentially creates a significant windfall gain when containers are redeemed. This impact is unlikely to continue once new processing contracts are negotiated provided a competitive market exists. The current proposal to require a sharing between the operators of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and councils of that windfall gain is supported, but NSROC seeks an

additional amendment to ensure that the obligation to share with council rests with the owner of the containers. For five of our seven councils, the owner of the contents of the recycling bin is the collection contractor and the councils do not have a contract with the MRF. Moreover, these councils do not control where the collection contractor sends the material for processing. Under the amendment proposed by NSROC, the MRF operator would still receive the refund but would need to show evidence of an agreed sharing between the council and the collection operator before the payments were transferred. There should be no significant increase in cost for the collection contractor, so it should not be necessary to apply any handling fee, but the MRF may need to be empowered to cover its additional costs by reducing the refund amount to be shared by the collection contractor and the council.

The use of audits, rather than actual counting of containers, is supported for the kerbside stream, but such audits should be undertaken at the kerbside bin to ensure that whole glass containers are included. Representative audits of similar loads should also be undertaken on entry and exit of glass material at the MRF because of the difficulty in identifying non scheme material in glass fragments.

Other matters covered by the regulatory framework

Coverage/Access and Recovery target

The government’s aim to provide a state-wide scheme which reduces littering is supported, but it is acknowledged that the majority of containers are sold and consumed in metropolitan areas. However, it is also likely that some of the littering in regional areas is generated by residents of metropolitan areas visiting that region. The recovery target should reflect this fact and must be set sufficiently high (or by region) to ensure that the targets cannot be simply met by recycling containers in metropolitan areas. In the absence of better data, a recovery target based on that achieved in South Australia should be set for the first year of the scheme.

Becoming a Network Operator or a Collection Point operator will be a significant commercial decision and greater profits are likely to be made in metropolitan areas, although this will also be where most competition occurs. In many regional areas there may be limited interest from organisations able to provide a state-wide network in establishing readily accessible collection points because of the comparative costs of establishment. The Regulations should permit flexibility to allow network operators to provide coverage of a region rather than only state wide.

An additional benefit of the existing schemes in South Australia and the Northern Territory is the opportunities created for not for profit organisations and individuals in disadvantaged situations. The NSW scheme should also seek to allow a wide range of groups and individuals to participate.

There is a link between the scheme recovery targets and the costs of establishing and implementing the scheme. There is also a balance to be struck between the increase in the purchase price of eligible beverages and the recovery target. The beverage industry has consistently argued that drinks purchases are sensitive to price changes. The Scheme Operator will need to ensure that the increased price of the beverages is sufficient to cover redemptions and the scheme operating costs at all levels while taking into account the possible impact on sales. Although some windfall gains may be made by beverage manufacturers/retailers initially, the cost of refunds for existing littered containers in the first six months will reduce the likelihood of excessive profits from increased prices.

Recovery targets may need to ramp up over time to ensure that the aim of reduced littering of containers is sustained. A independent review and audit mechanism should be incorporated into the scheme to allow variations to the CDS over time.


Environment Reference Group

Report E04 14 November 2016

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program AUTHOR: Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report outlines the results of the biannual residential e-waste recycling collection services conducted from Monday 12 September to Friday 16 September 2016. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program report be received.

Report of Emmaline Callaghan, Waste Services Customer Liaison Officer Re: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Services Program

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural resources

BACKGROUND A portion of the material collected in Council’s fortnightly general household cleanup service is electronic waste, which ultimately goes to landfill. E-waste includes electronic equipment for example televisions, mobile phones, computers and computer equipment such as key boards and printers. Environmental concerns of toxic substances leaking into the ecosystem when landfilled and valuable resources being lost in the process, prompted Council to introduce the initial e-waste collection service in 2006. Due to the fact that North Sydney Council no longer accepts e-waste in the general household clean up service, an additional collection of e-waste material has been scheduled - a total of two e-waste collections per year. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • North Sydney e-waste collection service has been able to play a role in

diverting e-waste from landfill, therefore reducing potential harm to the environment

Social • The continued participation of the e-waste collection over time confirms the collection has helped to highlight community awareness of the effect e-waste has on the environment

Economic • The costings had been established with the initial e-waste collection and is funded from Council’s Domestic Waste Management budget

Governance • Council’s e-waste collection service has helped change community attitudes and behaviour towards environmental issues and also provides residents the opportunity to actively participate in reducing waste to landfill


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DETAIL The biannual e-waste recycling collection service was held from Monday 12 September to Friday 16 September 2016 and was publicly advertised for a six week period prior to the collection week. As in previous years, the collection service was conducted using the resources of the existing infrastructure provided by United Resource Management (URM) as for the fortnightly general household cleanup. Residents were required to pre-book as per the usual procedures - either through the customer call centre or the waste hotline. The collection was undertaken on the same day that residents had their waste and recycling collected. The collection was conducted on a zone by zone basis from Monday 12 September to Friday 16 September 2016 and was publicly advertised to run from Monday to Friday. Non-booked items were also left out for collection. To ensure that no non booked or late presented e-waste items were not left on the kerbside, URM collection crew undertook additional collections on Monday 19 September and Tuesday 20 September. The collected material was transported for recovery to MRI E-Cycle Solutions in Smithfield. They are accredited under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCR Scheme), and were selected to provide the processing service. The NTCR Scheme, which commenced in May 2012, provides a recycling e-waste service, for the general public to take their un-wanted e-waste to designated drop off centres free of charge. The NTCR Scheme is funded by the television and computer industry and regulated by the Commonwealth Government. Promotion The Councils collection service was promoted through: • Letterbox drop of flyers to all households in the Council area. • Distribution points included the Community Centres, Stanton Library and Council’s

Customer Service Centre. • Advertisements placed in the local papers for six weeks leading up to the collection. • Posters displayed in all Council Bulletin Boards. • Information on Council’s Web Homepage Costs URM costs of $17,795.55 for the collection and transport included two employees and the vehicle for 8 to 9 hours per day hours per day over seven days. Printing of promotional leaflets by Graphitype Printing Services was $1,686.30 including GST and the distribution of the leaflets for letterbox drop by Distribution and Display was $5742.00 inclusive of GST. Advertising in the local newspaper for six weeks was $4833.00. Total cost for the e-waste service $30,056.85


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Results There were a total of 918 bookings and approximately 250 non-booked e-waste presentations, which were also collected and are included in the results. The number of bookings has remained relatively unchanged over the last two years. The total amount collected was 5,385kg. There was a waste component of 335kg, disposed to landfill that represents 6.2% of the total collected. In comparison to the last two collections in September 2015 and March 2016, the total kilograms collected has decreased significantly. This result is expected as households have disposed of old e-waste over time. Anecdotally, heavy old cathode ray tube TVs have been disposed of over time and now make up a smaller percentage per weight of the collection.

The e-waste collection is made up of co-reg and non co-reg material. Co-reg material refers to items collected that fall under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Non co-reg material refers to all other items collected. Non co-reg material decreased in the latest e-waste collection and the majority of non-co-reg material was classified as general waste, a total of 335kg.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

Sep '15 Mar '16 Sep '16

E-Waste Collected

Co-Reg Material Kg Non Co-Reg Material Kg Total Kg


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Conclusion Council has an important role to play in encouraging residents to dispose of their waste correctly. The e-waste collection has been, and continues to be a valuable program in helping residents dispose of hazardous e-waste correctly. Due to the fact that e-waste is no longer acceptable as part of the general household clean up, the biannual e-waste collection service is an important supplementary waste service. The cost of delivering the two collections in 2016-17 has been included in the Domestic Waste Management budget for 2016-17.

0100020003000400050006000700080009000

10000

Sep '15 Mar '16 Sep '16

Co-Reg Material Collected

TVs/Monitors Kg Computers/Peripherals Kg

51%

20%

15%

12%

2%

Non Co-Reg Material Collected September 2016

Waste UPS Batteries - Li Ion Phone - Fixed line Packaging


Environment Reference Group Report E05 14 November 2016

Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update AUTHOR: Michelle Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report provides the Environment Reference Group with an update on the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability’s recent activity and visitor numbers. In just over five years since opening, the Coal Loader has welcomed over 153,000 people to the site through a variety of events and activities. 2016 has seen significant progress on the fourth and final stage of the Coal Loader refurbishment, the green roof project, with completion expected within the next few months. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on the activities at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability be received.

Report of Michelle Johnston, Coordinator, Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Re: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability Update

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 4.1 Community is connected

BACKGROUND The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability was opened in July 2011 and has attracted over 153,000 visitors to the site during opening hours, since that date. The 2015/16 financial year featured a number of key events such as Earth Hour, four Coal Loader Artisans Markets, Sustainable House Day and dozens of Green Living Workshops. In addition, the site has been a hub of activity with educational activities and workshops and has seen the commencement of the Coal Loader Green Roof Project. This report provides an update on the success of those events plus a general update about visitation to the Coal Loader. CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement is not required. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications were considered and reported on during the initiation phase of this project. QBL Pillar Implications Environment • N/A Social • N/A Economic • N/A Governance • N/A

DETAIL Visitor Numbers The Coal Loader was opened in July 2011. Graph 1 below shows the gradual rise in the popularity of the site, with a slight decrease in 2016. Two key events did not take place in 2015/16 which will have affected this number, namely the North Sydney Council Art Prize (a biannual event) and Shakespeare on the Green (as they have decided to hold their performances every two years instead of every year). Construction noise and disruption to the site with the building of the green roof have affected room bookings, guided tours and school excursions.


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As of mid-October 2016, a total of 153,429 people have visited the site during opening hours (with many more visiting after hours).

The table below and Graph 2 breaks down the total visitor numbers into reasons for visiting the site (casual visitor, attending Council workshop or event, venue booking or education outreach (schools, TAFE, universities and guided tours). Large events such as the Coal Loader Artisans Market and Earth Hour bring people to the site that may not otherwise attend to volunteer, to learn about sustainable living or undertake a guided tour.

Financial Year

Casual Visitors*

Council Workshops & Events

Bookings

Education Outreach -

schools, TAFE,

universities, guided tours

Total Visitors

2011/2012 6,182 5,876 3,443 754 16,255 2012/2013 7,540 9,024 4,786 1,003 22,353 2013/2014 8,150 18,502 5,514 1,308 33,474 2014/2015 9,250 24,420 5,542 1,711 40,923 2015/2016 10,000 16,554 4,836 1,524 32,914

16,255

22,353

33,474

40,923

32,914

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016

Coal Loader Visitors 2011 to 2016


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Coal Loader Artisans Markets

The Coal Loader Artisans Market has gained a firm following in the community with large crowds and keen competition from stallholders applying for a space. The four markets in the 2015/16 financial year drew 14,600 people to the Coal Loader.

• 27 November 2016 • 26 February 2017 • 28 May 2017 • 27 August 2017 • 26 November 2017

Artist-in-Residence Program Local emerging artist Alma Studholme has been the 2016 Artist-in-Residence at the Coal Loader. Each month Alma has presented a Studio Open Day and Artist Talk and has also presented 2 half-day community art workshops. She also participates in every Artisans Coal Loader Market, demonstrating her craft and championing the studio program. The Artist-in-Residence program is coordinated by Council’s Community Development team, with the Coal Loader studio assisted by OSE staff.


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Coal Loader Café The Coal Loader Café officially opened in March 2015, with opening hours 7am to 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The café has continued to grow and draw people to the site. The café is currently undertaking its first customer satisfaction survey. Coal Loader Platform Green Roof Construction of the Coal Loader green roof project began in February 2016 and is due for completion in February 2017. The green roof project will include

• community ‘urban harvest’ plots (vegetables, fruit trees, aquaculture) irrigated by recycled stormwater

• performance space • extensive seating and viewing areas as well as heritage interpretation of the original coal

loading operations • up to 250,000 litres of collected stormwater will be filtered through ‘raingardens’

established in the old coal loading chutes and stored in one of the old tunnels beneath the platform.

• Skylights will be created over the existing pedestrian tunnel.

When complete the platform will provide opportunities as an ‘outdoor classroom’ in keeping with the hands on learning philosophy of the Centre for Sustainability. A range of smart technologies and sensors will be installed to monitor key environmental parameters and this information will be fed back to a website portal, allowing remote interaction, research and analysis by schools, universities and other interested groups. Council has been working closely with Macquarie University in a collaborative partnership to develop a Living Lab (a collaboration of different initiatives and learning opportunities) which spans the whole Coal Loader site. A large consultation workshop was conducted in October 2016 with representatives from across many sectors and organisations to brainstorm ideas and innovation for the platform and rest of the site. More information on the Green Roof Project, including a 3D flyover, can be found at

www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/The_Coal_Loader/Coal_Loader_Platform_Green-roof_Project

http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/The_Coal_Loader/Coal_Loader_Platform_Green-roof_Project

http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/The_Coal_Loader/Coal_Loader_Platform_Green-roof_Project


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Council Workshops and Events Between July 2015 and October 2016, Council has hosted 88 workshops or events with 19,935 participants. Green Living Workshops are held at least weekly and cover various topics including waste, energy, water, food production. School holiday activities are held every September and January school holiday period and are always booked out. Community Development hold occasional events at the Coal Loader such as this year’s Creative Communities Forum.

Date Council Workshop or Event Attendees

Jul-15 Workshop - Natural Skincare 25 Course - Harvest North Sydney x 7 weeks running 60 Workshop - Preserving 24

Aug-15 Course - Harvest North Sydney x 7 weeks running 80 Event - Green Movie Night : A Modern Build 41 Workshop - Chutney from Rescued Produce 20 Workshop - Composting 8 Event - Coal Loader Artisans Market 3500 Workshop - Edible Gardens 28

Sep-15 Workshop - Organic Pest and Disease Control 31 Workshop - Waterwise Gardening 10 Workshop – Worm farming 13 Workshop - Living With Less 23 Course - Harvest North Sydney x 7 weeks running 20 Event - Sustainable House Day Tours 38

Event - Green Movie Night : Tiny House Documentary 19

School Holiday Activity - Mini Beasts 40 School Holiday Activity - Night Stalk & Walk 25 School Holiday Activity - Bush Art 16 School Holiday Activity - Spider Show 30 School Holiday Activity - Bush Collage 21


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Oct-15 Event - Green Movie Night : Edible Cities 21

Workshop - Keeping Native Bees 60 Workshop - Waterwise Gardening 20 Workshop - Introduction to Bushcare 12 Workshop - Natural Cleaning 25 Workshop - Backyard chickens 20 Workshop - Herb Spiral 23

Nov-15 Workshop - Introduction to Wildlife Watch 12 Workshop - Clothes Swap 80 Workshop - Balcony Gardening 20 Workshop - Composting 10 Event - Coal Loader Artisans Market 3500

Dec-15 Workshop - worm farming 20 Workshop - No Dig Gardening 20

Jan-16 School Holiday Activity - Under the Sea Show 42 School Holiday Activity - Spotlight Walk & Talk 27 School Holiday Activity - Ocean Craft Making 20 School Holiday Activity - Frogs & Tadpole class 37 School Holiday Activity - Water Bug Hunt 40 School Holiday Activity - Eaton Gorge Theatre Co. 34

Feb-16 Workshop - Small Space Organic Gardening 34 Green Movie Night: Just Eat It 45 Workshop - Natural Skincare 23 Workshop – Worm farming 25 Event - Coal Loader Artisans Market 3800 Workshop - Chat to Council's Energy Expert 12

Mar-16 Workshop - worm farming 25 Workshop - Composting 15 Workshop - Smart Homes Energy Efficiency 11 Workshop - Loving Leftovers 20 Event - Earth Hour 223 Workshop - Fermenting 28

Apr-16 Workshop - No Dig Garden 25 Workshop - Organic Pest and Disease Control 24 Workshop - Seasonal Gardening 32 Workshop - Curtain and Pelmet Making 13 Workshop - Waterwise Gardening 23 Workshop - Growing in Shady Spaces 25 Event - Creative Communities Forum 80

May-16 Workshop - Natural Cleaning 18 Workshop - Living With Less 33 Workshop - Repair Café, Timber Furniture 15 Event - Coal Loader Artisans Market 3800


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Jun-16 Workshop - Balcony Gardening 35

Workshop - Preserving 25 Workshop - Herb Spiral 30

Earth Hour, March 2016 Sustainable House Day, September 2016

Harvest North Sydney Participants Natural Fabric Dying Workshop



Attachments: Nil

SUBJECT: Water and Energy Management Programs update AUTHOR: Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer ENDORSED BY: Rob Emerson, Director Open Space and Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report provides a 6 monthly update on the 2016-17 implementation of Council’s Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020. Improved monitoring, feasibility studies and detailed assessments have now been conducted and the focus has shifted towards implementation which is already demonstrating real savings, particularly at North Sydney Olympic Pool. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The water and energy programs discussed in this report are funded through a combination of Council’s Environment Levy and property maintenance budget.

The Guidelines have been considered in the preparation of this report and are not applicable. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the report on Council’s Water and Energy Management Programs be received.

Report of Ian Garradd, Sustainability Project Officer Re: Water and Energy Management Programs update

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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM

The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Improved environmental footprint an responsible use of natural resources 2.1 Infrastructure, assets and facilities that meet community needs BACKGROUND The Environment Reference Group received a report on 30 May 2016 providing update of the first 12 months of implementation of Council's Greenhouse Action and Water Management\ Plan 2015-2020 following its adoption by Council on 22 June 2015. The plan continues to be implemented, funded largely through Council’s Environment Levy.

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment • These projects will help reduce Council's energy consumption.

• They will help Council Quantify improvements in the energy efficiency.

• These projects will help reduce Council's mains water consumption. • These projects will help reduce the community water and energy

consumption. Social • These projects will help improve the quality of Council infrastructure,

buildings, parks and spaces, including community and recreational spaces.

• These projects will enhance understanding of ways to improve home comfort while reducing energy and other resource use -by example and community workshops.

Economic • These projects will help Council better understand long term operational and maintenance costs associated with water and energy conservation technologies.

• These projects will quantify energy and water savings that will directly contribute to Council's income.


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Governance • These projects will play an important role in helping Council to deliver on several of its goals and objectives in the "Our Living Environment" direction of Council's Community Strategic Plan, including: 1.4.1.2 Demonstrate sustainable business practices in Council’s own activities, including improved environmental performance of existing buildings 1.4.1.2.1 Implement Water Management Plan 1.4.1.3 Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions 1.4.1.3.1 Implement Greenhouse Action Plan

DETAIL In pursuit of Council’s aims to address its Greenhouse Action and Water Management Plan 2015-2020, a range of initiatives have been introduced and / or implemented in the last 6 months as summarized below: North Sydney Olympic Pool (NSOP) Energy Savings:

• NSOP is Council’s largest single user of gas and electricity, amounting to almost half of Council’s energy purchases. Council recently engaged consultants to conduct an energy audit of the pool. The audit was funded by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). It evaluated the pool's overall energy consumption, illustrates current energy use and identifies and outlines potential areas of energy and cost savings.

• The report makes recommendations around the following: 1. Changes to the cogeneration system controls to better utilize electricity and thermal load 2. Changes to the Building Management System (BMS) to optimise heating of the indoor pool hall 3. Sensors to be installed on doors and louvers of the indoor pool hall to stop the HVAC system when the doors are open 4. Installation of a Power Factor Correction device 5. Implementation of peak demand control 6. Lighting upgrade of outdoor floodlights, office areas, and 50m pool change rooms

• Implementation of the six recommendations is expected to deliver: o ongoing annual savings of $35,334 o 75 MWh of electricity savings annually o 382 GJ of gas savings annually o 4.1% reduction of annual site energy consumption annually o 60 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reductions annually

• The estimated capital cost to implement these opportunities is $75,955, with a simple

payback of 2 years and net present value of $181,514. These initiatives will be funded through a combination of Council’s Environment Levy and property maintenance budget.

• The report also makes energy savings recommendations for consideration for the pool redevelopment.


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Other Current Projects: • Cammeray Dam Stormwater Harvesting and Recycling System – Works on water

filtration, purification and optimisation of the system are soon to commence. • Coal Loader Centre of Sustainability energy efficiency upgrade – A 30% energy

saving, and improved thermal comfort compared to last year have been realised through works to date. This has been achieved though sealing the building envelope and optimising the heating controls. Planned replacement of vented light fittings and removing malfunctioning venting systems will achieve further savings and comfort benefits.

• Stanton Library – development of business case to improve thermal comfort while reducing energy costs.

Recently Implemented Projects: • Hot water heat-pumps have been installed at Cunningham pavilion in St Leonards

Park to reduce both greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and electricity consumption, as well as reduce electricity network charges, by reducing peak loads.

• Long-term water leaks identified and repaired at Council Chambers. • Energy and water savings of 8000 litres of water per week have been realised since

replacing 13 shower heads at North Sydney Olympic Pool.

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