Hills 2026 growing our future state of the environment Report 2008 - 2009 Community vision Our Performance Snapshot

we spent quality of life measures trend actions/targets achieved

n People who agree there are opportunities to have a ‘real say’ on issues Our $12,985,000 that affect their lives 28 n Community satisfaction with Council’s financial management approach proactively leading our community n Community satisfaction with Council’s preparation for future changes 94 community by considering new innovative ways of working with in the Shire groups and organisations to achieve outcomes that n Community satisfaction with Council’s professional conduct 12 benefit the community as a whole and developing and n Council staff satisfied with working at The Hills Shire Council direction implementing a very clear plan for the future”. 0 n Community satisfaction with Council provided services Community Vision Proactive leadership creating vibrant n Community satisfaction with ovals and sporting facilities O ur P erforman c e S napsho t communities balancing urban growth 18 protecting our environment and building a $34,831,000 n Community satisfaction with parks and gardens modern local economy. n Community satisfaction with lighting of public areas creating vibrant communities 90 n Community satisfaction with emergency services reporting on our future by enhancing our unique local spirit and encouraging n Community satisfaction with provision of community events high levels of volunteering, involvement in sports, 5 This SoE Report responds to the Hills 2026 n Community satisfaction with support for volunteer organisations community strategic direction, and fits within the connection with neighbours and family. n 2 ‘Protected Environment’ theme. Community satisfaction with access to services and facilities for older people n Community satisfaction with access to services and facilities for young people Target Key > 110% of the target n Community satisfaction with traffic and parking enforcement 16 100% – 109% of the target $30,378,000 n Community satisfaction with footpaths and cycleways 50% - 99% of the target balancing urban growth n Community satisfaction with residential road surfaces 39 < 50% of the target by managing growth provide infrastructure and urban n Community satisfaction with low density housing development and rural land to bring economic vitality, more jobs n Community satisfaction with medium density housing development 11 Quality of Life and additional revenue to fund and support community n Community satisfaction with streetscapes indicators Key development activities. 1 n Community satisfaction with heritage buildings – protection Up Down stable

Community Values $18,704,000 n Community satisfaction with air quality 5 Our community’s aspirations for the Hills protecting the environment n Community satisfaction with management of noise pollution Shire local area are described by the following n Community satisfaction with preservation of open space and sensitive community values: 26 by monitoring and managing environmental areas future impacts on our natural n Community satisfaction with preservation of plants and animals in ty Su ibili sta ity Leade 2 ss inabil rsh ce ip their natural habitat c N environment to ensure our Shire A a it t spir u ity r n Community satisfaction with bushland regeneration and weed control un a continues to have clean air, water 0 l m m b o e n C a and food towards the future. Community satisfaction with water quality u t y I n no va t io n

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3 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Who we are how we plan and report

A new way of reporting The State of the Environment (SoE) Report forms part n ‘The Shire is green and pollution free’ of Council’s Annual Report, and has been prepared n ‘I can feel close to nature’ in accordance with the requirements of the Local Who we are n ‘Our natural resources are used wisely’ Government Act 1993. This is the first year for these documents to report on the Hills 2026 community The SoE is divided into these 3 outcomes areas, and Australia strategic direction. This SoE provides a report under the each SoE sector is reported under the relevant outcome Hills 2026 ‘Protected Environment’ theme. area. New South Wales

The SoE Report enables Council to monitor and H o w e plan and repor t Sydney SoE Indicators Melbourne The Hills Shire is located in Sydney’s report on the state of the environment and actions North West. implemented to protect the environment. This Indicators have been selected to provide key information is useful to Council and the Community to information on environmental performance for each track performance over time, and enables us to identify SoE sector. This is the first year we have started to farms. The Hills Shire area was proclaimed a History key areas for future action. incorporate some of the Global Reporting Initiative Darug Aborigines (also spelt Dharug, Daruk, Shire on 6 March 1906. A temporary Council (GRI) indicators, which are used globally to report on Dharuk) inhabited the Shire until the early was put in place before the first Council Councils must report on the state of the environment sustainability. These can be identified by the use of GRI“ ” elections later that year. The temporary 1800s. in the local (and regional, where relevant) area, followed by the GRI indicator number (eg GRI EN4). The first European visitors to the Hills area Council had their first meeting on 16 June addressing the following sectors: land; air; water; were members of an expedition led by 1906 at Matthew Pearce’s property on biodiversity; waste; noise; Aboriginal heritage; and non- The indicator results are located at the beginning of Governor Philip from Parramatta in April Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills. Aboriginal heritage. each sector and includes the sustainability trend for 1791. The group was in search of a new On 8 December 1906 the first elected Council each indicator. The trend is generally based on the area for settlement and farming to support took office and Councillor Bruce Purser was How to read this report average of the 3 previous report figures. what was then a struggling colony in Sydney. elected as the first President of the Shire of The Castle Hill area had been selected as a Baulkham Hills. Hills 2026 Key Themes Sustainability Trend Key Government Farm settlement for convicts. Over the years, the Council Chamber has There are 5 Hills 2026 Key Themes, however this moved to cater for increases in population Towards Sustainability In 1794, William Joyce, a pardoned convict, document only reports on the ‘Protected Environment’ was granted the first parcel of land in and the need for more services and Hills 2026 theme. Baulkham Hills. infrastructure. Council moved to its present Trend Stable Others began to follow, stocking their land location on Showground Road, Castle Hill in Hills 2026 Protected Environment 1982. Away from Sustainability with cattle and sheep and clearing bushland Community Outcomes to plant crops of wheat and maize. The Hills In 2006 The Hills Shire celebrated its District began to thrive with more settlers centenary and has seen many changes in the There are 3 Protected Environment Community No trend able to be identified moving to the area and establishing viable past 100 years. Outcomes, and these are: New indicator

The Hills Shire Today South Wales with a population of proposed North West Metro Link and 170,965 (as of June 2008) a 2.9% North West growth centre – a major Today, The Hills Shire is a dynamic, increase on the previous year. The growth area for the Sydney basin. diverse and vibrant community, Our community direction...... 2 Shire’s population is projected to Two thirds of the Shire is rural land with a blend of sophisticated urban reach 256,450 by 2031. Our performance snapshot...... 3 areas and rural communities. The some of which is used for farming and other agricultural industries. contents Who we are...... 4 community’s diverse needs are catered for through 288 community Demographics How we plan and report...... 5 buildings, five libraries, hundreds The 2006 Census reveals that Employment Our shire is green and pollution free...... 6 of reserves, 88 hectares of forestry 30% of The Hills Shire residents Council employs 604 full time - Air quality and climate change...... 8 land, 313 hectares of National were born overseas, and 21.8% equivalent staff in a range of Parks land, 60 primary schools, 24 were from a non-English speaking - Water consumption and waterways...... 16 professions with 2086 residents high schools and Council’s six child background. Other than English, the working in a voluntary capacity - Noise...... 22 care facilities. There are 23,000 languages most frequently spoken in areas such as tourism, library - Land...... 25 businesses in the Shire. The world- are Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, class Norwest Business Park has service, bushcare, childcare, Korean and Italian. I can feel close to nature...... 32 an estimated 17,000 employees community halls, cemetery, Rural working in different businesses Fire Service, SES and events. - Biodiversity...... 34 Geography within the park, including many who - Heritage...... 44 have their Australia Corporate Head The Hills Shire occupies an area of Road Network Offices within the BusinessP ark. 380 square kilometres stretching Our natural resources are used wisely...... 46 from Oatlands in the south to The Hills Shire Council maintains - Waste management...... 48 Wisemans Ferry in the north. The 904km of sealed roads and 25km Population Shire is centrally located in Sydney’s of unsealed roads. The State References...... 51 Government is responsible for a The Hills Shire has matured into one North West, adjacent to the M2 Appendix...... 52 of the fastest growing areas in New Hills and M7 Motorways and the further 122km of the road network.

4 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 5 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 protected environment

Protected Environment Our shire is green and O ur shire is green and pollu t ion free pollution free

n Continue to lead climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions produced from Council and the Community n Monitor and maintain the natural qualities of the Shire’s waterways networks to ensure pollution is minimised. n Monitor and reduce the impacts of Air pollution. n Protect the health of our residents. - Air quality & climate change - water consumption & waterways - Noise - Land

7 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 air quality & climate change

CLIMATE CHANGE animals) and transport (Department of Climate Change 2008). Australia generates only 1.5% of total global Human induced Climate Change is becoming widely greenhouse gas emissions, however, we are one of recognised and understood as being one of the major the world’s biggest polluters on a per capita basis, challenges facing us now and into the future. This so it is essential we play our part in the global effort Air quality and climate change accelerated awareness by the general public is due in (Department of Climate Change 2009a). S ustainability Indicators part to the severe droughts that we have been facing, the widely publicised ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ by Al Council’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Gore and ‘The Stern Review’ by British economist, Sir Sustainability Council owns and operates numerous facilities, Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Nicholas Stern which identified costs associated with Trend streetlighting and a substantial fleet. These activities action and inaction on climate change. Total direct^ and indirect# Greenhouse Gas Emissions N/A 15867 16865 17618 all emit greenhouse gas emissions through the use from Council (CO2-e tonnes) (GRI EN16) Over the centuries, the Earth has heated and cooled. of electricity, gas, and fuel. It is imperative that we

The Earth’s orbit, volcanic activity and ocean currents monitor our greenhouse gas emissions and work air q uali t y & c lima e hange Direct^ energy consumption by primary energy N/A 33086 34580 34403 are some of the causes of our changing climate over towards reducing our impact as an organisation. source by Council (GJ) (GRI EN3) the centuries. The Earth’s climate is not static; it has We have engaged a consultant to collate our energy always changed. However, the majority of scientists consumption and greenhouse gas emission data for Indirect# energy consumption by primary energy N/A 46570 49155 51266 all over the world agree that it is the increased rate some years now. Table 1 and figure 2 identify our source by Council (GJ) (GRI EN4) in which the climate has changed since the Industrial consumption and emissions for this reporting period, Revolution that is the issue. This rapid change in Number of Energy Savings Action Plan actions N/A N/A N/A 0 and for the previous 2 periods. climate has never occurred on record of the Earth’s implemented history. It is believed to be the increased greenhouse Length of additional footpaths constructed (km) N/A N/A N/A 6 gases emitted from human activity that are causing the Earth’s atmosphere to warm and lead to a changing climate that we are seeing (Holper and Torok 2008). Total length of Footpaths in the Shire (km) N/A N/A N/A 313 The main greenhouse gases generated by human activity are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide. They are generally produced by burning fossil Length of additional bicycle tracks constructed (km) N/A N/A N/A 0.35 fuels (coal, oil or gas) and using the energy that is created when they are burnt, farming, land clearing and logging, breakdown of food and plant wastes Total length of Off-Road Bicycle Pathways (km) N/A N/A N/A 361 and sewerage and also some industrial processes like (Bitumen, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Earth or Unformed)* making cement and aluminium. Total length of On-Road Bicycle Facilities (km) N/A N/A N/A 224 Australia produced 825.9 million tonnes of greenhouse (includes motorways)* gas emissions in 2007 (Department of Climate Change 2009b). Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions come Percentage of sessions that air pollution index is in the 2.7 3.8 1.4 2.5 primarily (75.4%) from the energy sector, which poor-hazardous range (%) encompasses fuel combustion (electricity, gas, petrol etc) and fugitive emissions from fuels. Electricity Number of air pollution complaints received by Council 151 114 137 85 is the main contributor because we rely heavily on burning coal for power. The second largest proportion Figure 1: The Greenhouse Effect and the Enhanced of emissions comes agriculture, primarily from enteric Greenhouse Effect Number of air pollution complaints to DECC N/A 14 9 5 fermentation (methane produced from ruminant (http://www.climatechange.gov.au/climate-change/science/greenhouse-effect.aspx) Environment Line Table 1: Council’s Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions by sector 2006/07 to 2008/09 Number of Notices and Orders, fines, Court N/A N/A N/A 0 Reporting Attendance Notices issued for air pollution 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 Period Greenhouse Energy Greenhouse Energy Greenhouse Energy Corporate Gas Emissions Consumption Gas Emissions Consumption Gas Emissions Consumption ^ Direct – energy produced inside organisational boundaries (such as gas) Sector (CO2e tonnes) (GJ) (CO2e tonnes) (GJ) (CO2e tonnes) (GJ) # Indirect – energy produced outside organisational boundaries (such as electricity) Streetlighting 8753 29727 8235 27967 7639 26166 * This indicator has been reported in previous years, however the figure has been reviewed for accuracy and has Electricity 6342 21539 6239 21188 5967 20404 since been updated. Gas 155 2343 157 2376 118 2,273

Unleaded 787 10907 985 14188 1104 15,903 Diesel 1422 18941 1198 17199 1039 14,910 Biodiesel 131 1791 51 817 0 0 LPG 28 421 34 523 38 586

TOTAL 17618 85669 16899 84258 15905 80242

8 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 9 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 air quality & climate change

The Australian Conservation Foundation (2007) have Table 2: Method taken by The Hills Shire residents produced a report and atlas on NSW’s consumption to travel to work during 2006 patterns, which includes not only direct energy and Travel to water consumption, such as the fuel to run our cars Sydney work method Percentage and the electricity and water we use in our homes, Number comparison (includes multi- of total (%) but also includes the indirect consumption such as (%) what is required to produce and transport our goods mode journeys) and services. For The Hills Shire, it indicates that our Train 3,811 4.6 12.3 greenhouse pollution is 20.54 tonnes per person per air q uali t y & c lima e hange Bus 4,080 4.9 5.4 year which is higher than the State average (19.31 tonnes) and the National average (18.9 tonnes), with Tram or Ferry 12 0 0.3 Figure 2: Comparison of greenhouse gas the production and transport of our food being the Taxi 102 0.1 0.3 emissions (CO2e tonnes) across each Corporate major contributor (Figure 4). sector 2006/07 to 2008/09 Car - as driver 54,041 64.9 53.7 Car - as 4,043 4.9 5.3 Analysis of this data indicates that Council’s n Energy Consumption passenger consumption and emissions continue to increase. Energy consumption from electricity and gas is the Truck 1,046 1.3 1.3 The major sectors continue to be streetlighting and major contributor to residential, commercial and Motorbike 316 0.4 0.5 electricity for buildings. Council has implemented industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, some measures to reduce its emissions, and these are Council is unable to obtain accurate information on the Bicycle 161 0.2 0.6 detailed under mitigation action section of this report. energy consumption (electricity and gas) from any of Walked only 1,159 1.4 4.2 For a developing Shire, it is a challenge for us to reduce these sectors within the Local Government Area. This Other 543 0.7 0.9 our consumption and emissions whilst still meeting the is due to the fact that there are multiple companies needs of our community. supplying energy, and so there is no central location to Worked at 4,584 5.5 3.9 capture and provide this information. However, the CCP home data (figure 3) estimated that in 1996 the community Did not go to 7,958 9.6 9.5 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions (including residential, industrial and commercial) work It is difficult to quantify the amount of greenhouse emitted 1,154,342 CO2e tonnes from electricity, gas Not stated 1,359 1.6 1.9 and production. It is likely that this figure has increased gas emissions from The Hills Shire Community, due to Total 83,215 100.0 100.0 the lack of data available. Under the Cities for Climate significantly since this time, due to population increases Protection (CCP) program, Council obtained local data in the LGA. that was estimated and provided by ICLEI. The latest Further analysis into the location in which The Hills emissions data profile was for 1996 and is presented n Transport Shire residents travel to work, based on Ministry of below in graph form. It identifies that the major Transport data (Ministry of Transport 2008) reveals that contributors of community emissions are industrial (37%) The Hills Shire is well-known for its lack of public there is a significant percentage of the workforce that and residential (26%) sectors. The industrial, residential transport resulting in high car dependency, traffic work within The Hills (29%), followed by Parramatta and commercial sectors only include sources such as congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. Statistics (11%), Sydney City (10%) and Blacktown (8%). The electricity and gas for buildings and production, and provided by the 2006 Census indicate that 93% of The remainder of the Sydney Basin locations equate to 34% excludes waste and transport which are their own sector. Hills Shire residents have at least one motor vehicle. of all trips, and there were several quite lengthy trips This is far higher than the Greater Sydney (78%) and extending beyond the Sydney Basin which equated Waste Western Sydney (82%). The amount of cars in the Shire Commercial to 8% including the central and mid-north coasts and 5% is also reflecting the rapid urban growth in the area, beyond. 13% with the total fleet increasing by 7,146 vehicles from Transport 2001 to 2006. 19% Table 2 provides Census data on the method The Hills n Waste Shire residents use to travel to work, as available on The remaining contributor to a resident’s greenhouse the id© website (www.id.com.au). It indicates that, by gas emissions is from the waste generated and how it is far, the main method used to travel to work is to drive managed. Council provides a 3-bin waste management a car being 64.9% of the total. The usage of the train system for residents of the Shire. This service is discussed is only 4.6% for The Hills, and 12.3% for Sydney, and in detail under the ‘Waste’ chapter. 1.4% of The Hills residents walked only whereas 4.2% Figure 4: Consumption data for The Hills Shire of Sydney walked only. In The Hills, it seems that there Residential Industrial residents (ACF 2007) were a number who work at home, with 5.5% of our 26% 37% total, and 3.9% for Sydney.

Figure 3: Community Greenhouse Gas emission profile (based on 1996 data from ICLEI)

10 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 11 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 air quality & climate change

Council does not provide a waste management service (ESAP) that has been approved by the DECC, but not for commercial and industrial premises, therefore adopted by Council. We hope to review the ESAP and we are unable to provide the figure on amount of incorporate the actions identified by the buildings greenhouse gas emissions from this sector. energy efficiency assessments, which are more accurate Cycleway in Crestwood Reserve. Communitity Environment Centre Annangrove. and provide more cost-effective actions. This revised ESAP will need to be adopted by Council and approved Climate Change Mitigation Action by DECC. n North-West Sector Demand Management Fund It is also important that residents are aware of what n Cities for Climate Protection Integral Energy has established the ‘North-West Sector infrastructure is available to them. air q uali t y & c lima e hange The Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program n Biodiesel Demand Management Fund (NWDSM)’ as part of their This is the first time we have reported on footpaths in coordinated by ICLEI, of which Council has been a Council has increased its consumption of biodiesel, condition of consent to construct further infrastructure the SoE Report and the figures provide for bicycle tracks member since 1999, has had its Federal Government resulting in less consumption of diesel and therefore in the North-West. The aim of the Fund is to facilitate have been reviewed and updated. funding ceased. This means that ICLEI no longer less greenhouse gas emissions. This has expanded the initiatives within specific suburbs ofT he Hills and provides support for implementation of milestones and use of biodiesel to approximately 90% of the heavy Blacktown local government areas (LGAs) that achieve monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. n vehicle fleet and plant.T he biodiesel used is a B20 blend savings in peak demand. The Hills Shire Council forms Public Transport Council will, however, continue to monitor and report (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) and uses waste cooking oil, part of the Committee in developing projects under North West Metro (rail) on greenhouse gas emissions, and implement actions this fund. There are several components to this fund rather than other (potentially) non-sustainable sources On 11 November 2008, the NSW Government published to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The guiding including, schools energy efficiency, residential energy such as palm oil. The use of biodiesel during this in the 2008-09 Mini Budget the indefinite deferral of document that was used for the CCP program, entitled efficiency, and a large-scale energy efficiency awareness reporting period has saved 4 CO2e tonnes. the North West Metro Project. Instead, announcing ‘Local Action Plan’ is becoming quite outdated, and so campaign. it will be necessary for Council to review this document allocation of funding for the Sydney Metro system to During the reporting period, there were 4 schools within and produce a more current document to guide climate n Streetlighting be constructed over two stages from Rozelle to Central change mitigation action. NWDSM area and in The Hills Shire which received (Stage 1) and Central to Westmead (Stage 2). At its meeting of the 27 March 2007, Council resolved to: energy assessments, being: Kellyville Public School; During the reporting period, there have been various ‘1. Council adopt the 42 watt compact fluorescent stret Rouse Hill Public School; William Clarke College; and climate change mitigation (greenhouse gas reduction) lighting fixture as the standard for local roads for all Crestwood High School. In addition, residential energy North West Transitway measures implemented for both Council and our future subdivision development. assessments commenced within the period. These The North-West Transitway (T-Way) is a $524 million Community. assessments involve an expert carrying out a thorough 2. Council instruct Integral Energy to use the 42 watt investment project in public transport and is part of a assessment of the current energy use at the premises plan to deliver a modern, integrated public transport compact fluorescent street lighting fixture as the and then providing a detailed action plan of ways that n Buildings Energy Efficiency Assessments network for north-west Sydney. standard replacement for all future upgrades or energy can be reduced. As can be seen in table 1 and figure 2, Council maintenance on existing local roads. The T-Way was completed in March 2006 to provide a Buildings are a major contributor to our greenhouse 3. The Group Manager – Services Delivery prepare a direct, high frequency bus only link between Parramatta gas emissions. During the reporting period, Council report to Council outlining an implementation schedule n Community Environment Centre – Sustainable and Rouse Hill. A 7km section from Blacktown to engaged an energy consultant to conduct Level 1 for the conversion to 42 watt compact fluorescent Home Demonstration Site grant Parklea was completed in November 2007, however an extension from Parklea to Castle Hill has not been energy assessments of 4 larger consuming sites, being: street lighting for the Baulkham Hills Shire. Council was successful in obtaining a grant under the Administration Building; Castle Grand Community undertaken. The implementation of this resolution is still underway NSW Government’s Public Facilities Program to retrofit Centre and Library; Waves Aquatic Centre; and The Hills primarily due to lengthy negotiations being held with the Community Environment Centre at Annangrove Park Centre. These Level 1 assessments were in accordance Integral Energy. to become a sustainable home demonstration site. This n BASIX with Australian Standard AS3598:2000, and involved a grant was for $49,650 and will involve the installation rapid assessment of energy efficiency opportunities at Energy Australia have agreed to a maintenance program of a 2kwh solar photovoltaic system, solar hot water In July 2004, the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) these sites to provide an indication as to the potential that replaces the 80 watt mercury vapour street lights system, efficient windows, reflective tint, adjustable was introduced by the Department of Infrastructure, projects and associated costs and savings. with 42 watt compact fluorescent lights in the Carlingford louvres and solid doors. These measures will reduce Planning and Natural Resources. BASIX is a compulsory area. In addition, all new street lighting infrastructure will requirement for all new dwellings in New South Wales The results from these assessments led to Council the greenhouse gas emissions from this site. There now use the 42 watt fitting. and aims to increase the sustainability of all residential proceeding to conduct Level 2 energy assessments of will be interpretive signage installed to highlight each developments including dwellings and alterations and eight of Council’s larger consuming sites. This included With regard to the changeover of all remaining 80 watt feature and a workshop program and site tours will be additions. Residential develoment must save up to the four sites which received the level 1 assessment mercury vapour street lights, Integral Energy replied to delivered to provide hands-on and practical ways for 40% less potable water, produce up to 40% fewer to provide further detail and confidence into the Council correspondence with an offer requiring extensive the community to reduce their own greenhouse gas greenhouse gas emissions than the average home, and feasibility of the identified projects. The additional capital outlay to implement an accelerated replacement emissions. meet the Thermal Comfort requirements applicable for four sites chosen were: Operations Centre; Castle Hill program. At a meeting in January 2009 Integral Energy the proposal. The BASIX Energy target varies according Showground; Balcombe Heights Buildings; and Dural advised that IPART had requested a re-determination to building type and location and the BASIX Water Library and Recreation Centre. of rates that were set out to Council in Integral’s letter n Bicycle Tracks and Footpaths of 12 April 2008. The re-determination in accordance target incorporates regional variations such as soil These assessments were still in the process of being Council has a program in place to expand the bicycle with IPART’s request was submitted at the end of type, climate, rainfall and evaporation rates. completed by the end of this reporting period. tracks and footpath networks across the Shire, to January 2009. IPART have handed down their decision increase accessibility for residents to walk and cycle. The NSW Government has conducted a study into the and so Integral Energy have been able to provide their It is important that adequate infrastructure is built in verified water savings achieved from BASIX. According n Energy Savings Action Plan costings. Council will now need to seek further funding suitable locations that is convenient, safe and suitable to their report, of the 834 new BASIX-applicable homes opportunities to implement the accelerated replacement for residents to utilise so that they do ride or walk sampled, they achieved an average of 40.5% reduction Council has produced an Energy Savings Action Plan of energy efficient streetlights. to their destination rather than using their vehicle. in water consumption.

12 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 13 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 air quality & climate change

Climate Change Adaptation 100% The majority of scientists concur that there will be unavoidable impacts from climate change, even if we 80% cease our greenhouse gas emissions now. There will be variations in the impacts felt across the globe, but some ‘common’ impacts include sea level rise, increased 60% investigates the matter to determine if it is a legitimate and endeavour to engage the community in the temperatures, more intense heatwaves, lengthy complaint. If it is, then it generally involves working development of an appropriate Climate Change

drought periods, and intense storm events. These have with the alleged polluter to reduce the pollution from Adaptation Action Plan for The Hills. This plan should air q uali t y & c lima e hange the potential to greatly impact on society, biodiversity 40% continuing. In most instances, this is sufficient. Council set clear actions required for the entire Shire to and the environment, and the economy. can also take regulatory action under the Protection of effectively adapt to the likely impacts of climate Due to Local Government’s close connection with the Environment Operations Act, such as the issuing change. This document should be flexible to allow for 20% local communities, it plays a key role in assisting of notices, orders, fines or Court Attendance Notices. the integration of new developments in research and communities in adapting to the likely impacts of climate During the reporting period, no regulatory action was policy. taken for air pollution. change. This is through such mechanisms as land-use 0% 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 planning; biodiversity conservation, environmental n Mitigation and Adaptation – Community planning and protection; social planning; emergency 200+ (hazardous) 2 0 2 0 FUTURE STRATEGIES management; environmental health protection; and 150-199 (very poor) 0 0 4 1 Council plays an important role in providing the community with the knowledge and tools to reduce community education and empowerment. 100-149 (poor) 7 5 8 9 their greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to climate 67-99 (fair) Climate Change This can prove difficult given the lack of information 58 53 69 56 change. This includes residents, schools, business and on likely localised or regional climate change impacts. 34-66 (good) 277 264 254 267 n Mitigation – Council industry. Western Sydney Council’s, including The Hills, are 0-33 (very good) 21 44 28 32 Council’s current action plan for reducing greenhouse looking at ways in which we can obtain reliable, With climate change becoming more of a priority, gas emissions, entitled ‘Local Action Plan’ is now quite scientific information on the likely climate change Council should increase the way in which we assist Figure 5: Breakdown in the percentage of sessions outdated and so it is important that this be reviewed impacts on this region. This will enable Council’s to the community in reducing their own emissions and and daily count of RAQI ranges for Sydney and updated to better reflect the current technologies then make informed decisions about how we can best adapting to the impacts of climate change. This should north-west region from 2005/06 to 2008/09. and options available to reduce greenhouse gas adapt to these impacts. This includes investigating be through the provision of consultation opportunities, emissions and the contribution to climate change from grant funding and external funding sources to assist in workshops, forums, incentives and tools to increase the Whilst motor vehicles have not been the major cause both Council and our Community. It should address obtaining this information. community’s ability to reduce their own emissions and of air quality exceedences, they are still a major all areas of emissions, with particular attention to the adapt to climate change impacts. contributor to air pollution. They are the major emitter major contributors. The development of such a plan Council should also continue to lobby the State Air quality of NOx (71.1%) and Volatile Organic Compounds should include various Council staff, Councillors, the (VOCs) (38.4%) which when mixed with heat and community and other appropriate agencies to ensure Government with respect to the provision of public transport, particularly the North-West rail and The Department of Environment and Climate Change sunlight create ozone, which has major human that it meets the needs of the various stakeholders and Transitway. And ensure that where we are responsible (DECC) conduct air quality monitoring throughout New health implications. Another major emitter of VOCs that they feel ownership over the guiding document. are domestic and commercial aerosols and solvents for the design and provision of public transport, that it South Wales. The results are reported as Regional Air This Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan would need (15.6%). Motor vehicles also emit carbon monoxide, is convenient, appropriate and safe. Quality Index (RAQI) and are presented across a range to focus on Council’s own greenhouse gas emissions, however the levels are reducing due to fuel and vehicle of 6 indexes from Very Good to Hazardous. The RAQI particularly through focussing on the major emitters of standards imposed by Commonwealth Government is based on the results of 6 criteria pollutants being buildings, streetlighting and fleet. This should involve (Department of Environment and Climate Change Air Quality ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur the implementation of actions obtained from the 2006). dioxide, visibility and particles (PM10). Results are Buildings Energy Efficiency Assessments and Energy Council’s current response to air pollution is to react published on DECC’s website and are accessible by the Savings Actions. Due to the payback on many of these to complaints once they arise. There is scope for us to public (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/air). investments, Council could reinvest the savings in analyse the data that we have to enable us to identify Air Pollution Complaints hot spots, key sources and trends in air pollution. The The Hills Shire falls within the Sydney North-West region, further energy savings actions. Both Council and DECC receive complaints relating to possession of this data could enable us to develop a with monitoring stations at Richmond, Vineyard, St Marys Council should continue to seek funding opportunities air pollution. These relate to a variety of sources of targetted, proactive campaign that aims to reduce the and Prospect. The 2008/09 results for Sydney North- to implement the accelerated replacement of air pollution including odours (mainly from industry), incidents of air pollution from occurring in the first West are presented below and are compared to previous streetlights to the energy efficient options. instance. years results. Based on the previous 3 year average of spray painting, dust, vehicle fumes and wood smoke. There are also opportunities in reducing the emissions results in the Poor to Hazardous range (exceedences), Amalgamation of all complaints reveals that there Whilst air quality in the North-West is quite stable, of the Council fleet, through the purchase of more the North-West air quality has remained quite stable. The has been a reduction in the number of air pollution there are still actions that Local Government can fuel-efficient vehicles, the use of more efficient fuels, cause of the 9 exceedences were particles caused from complaints made, indicating that we are trending implement to improve air quality. Opportunities and reducing the kilometres travelled by the fleet bushfire, particles from a dust storm, and one event of toward sustainability. exist around further educational campaigns relating (where possible). ozone during high temperatures. to domestic wood-fire heater use and aerosols and solvents, ascertaining the methods used by agricultural Action to Address Air Pollution premises to burn off, and also transport planning to n Adaptation – Council n Regulatory Action reduce use of motor vehicles. Council should continue to pursue the various Council and DECC responds to complaints relating to avenues to fund Climate Change Adaptation research, air pollution. For Council related issues, Council firstly

14 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 15 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Water consumption and waterways

WATER CONSUMPTION

Water consumption Council n Potable Water Council has around 220 potable water meters across and waterways the entire Local Government Area, for all buildings, parks and temporary works. During the 2008/09 reporting period, Council consumed 191,441kL of Sustainability Indicators potable water. This is an increase of 9508kL from the Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Sustainability previous 3 year average, and 38,670kL increase from

Trend the previous year’s consumption. This is perhaps due w a t er c onsump ion and ays to the lifting of water restrictions. Figure 7: THS average potable water consumption Total water consumption by Council (kL) 201,695 191,331 152,770 191,441 per property type, compared to Sydney averages (GRI EN8) (2005/06 to 2008/09) Total potable water consumption for the 16,669,311 15,162,446 13,823,436 14,622,993 Community entire Shire (kL) n Potable Water n Water licences The Department of Water and Energy issue licences for Number of Sydney Water water 4,537 7,900 6,015 3,626 Sydney Water provide Council with data on potable water consumed by all metered premises in The Hills the extraction and use of both groundwater and surface conservation programs undertaken by water. During the reporting period, there were 124 THS residents Shire LGA. During 2008/09, water consumption in The Hills Shire was 14,622,993kL. This is an increase surface water licences which were permitted to extract Number of water licences held N/A N/A N/A 486 of 799,557kL from the previous year’s consumption, 4363kL of water from local rivers/creeks, and there but is a decrease of 595,405kL from the average were 362 groundwater licences. These licences provide consumption over the previous three years. an alternative water source, however they can have Number of Water Savings Action Plan N/A N/A N/A 1 negative impacts on the local enviornment by reducing actions implemented natural environment flows and water availability. Number of businesses participating in N/A N/A N/A 2 the ‘A Sustainable World in the Hills’ WATER SAVINGS ACTIONS Business Program. Council Number of on-site sewage systems 60 44 89 179 approved for installation and operation n Water Savings Action Plan

Number of greywater treatment systems N/A N/A N/A 1 Council is required to prepare a Water Savings approved Action Plan (WSAP) to identify our top ten energy consuming sites, and identify cost effective actions Number of creeks tested that meet N/A N/A 0 N/A to reduce water consumption from the sites. Council Australian Quality standards for submitted its WSAP and received Ministerial approval in secondary recreation contact in at least December 2008. During the reporting period, Council Property type implemented 1 WSAP action, being a retrofit of all 75% of samples F igure 6: THS total potable water consumption for toilets in the Administration Building from 12 litre each property type (2005/06 to 2008/09) Number of water Pollution complaints 129 123 93 129 single flush to 3/4.5 litre 4-star rated dual-flush toilets. received by Council This is anticipated to save 500kL of potable water each year and $1587 in annual water consumption costs. Total number and total volume of N/A N/A N/A 0 The data also reveals that the average consumption significant spills per house has increased by 8kL per house per year. n Reverse Osmosis system and water collection The average consumption per flat/unit has decreased tanks at Waves Number of Notices and Orders, fines, N/A N/A N/A 18 by 1kL per flat/unit per year. The average consumption Council installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system CANs, issued for water pollution per commercial, industrial and ‘other’ premises have and water collection tanks to a capacity of 160kL at all increased by 51, 116 and 23kL per property, Waves Aquatic Centre, to capture, treat and reuse Water Pollution complaints to DECC 84 14 12 8 respectively. The Hills Shire premises are above the the backwash water from the swimming pool. The Environment Line Sydney average for houses, commercial and industrial backwashing takes place at least once per week and properties, but below the Sydney average for flats/ Number of Waterways Management N/A N/A N/A 24 prior to the RO system was sending approximately units and ‘other’ (Figure 7). actions implemented 70,000L of water to the sewer in summer and 30,000L to the sewer in winter. The RO system now captures Amount of funds spent on Waterways N/A N/A N/A $1,272,234 and treats this backwash water with approximately Management 75% of the water being reused in the swimming pool. It is ancipated that this system will save approximately 1,800,000L (1,800kL) of potable water each year.

16 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 17 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Water consumption and waterways

Community attended. At the end of the reporting period, only 2 businesses had signed up to the ASWITH project, n Sydney Water water conservation programs committing to implementing sustainability within their Participation rates in Sydney Water’s water conservation business. Council’s Environmental Health Reverse Osmosis installed at Waves Water storage tanks being installed at Waves Aquatic Centre. Officers conducting water quality Aquatic Centre. programs have decreased by approximately 40% from Collaboration agreements have been also formed with monitoring in a local creek. the previous year. There has been an increase in the the Department of Environment and Climate Change number of participants of the ‘Love your Garden’ and and Sydney Water, to offer links to existing, new and toilet retrofit programs, but all other programs have developing resources to businesses alongside Council’s Government (General) Regulation. WATERWAYS seen a significant reduction in participation (Figure 8). ASWITH project. Council’s Project Officer has been The use of the treated wastewater on-site provides Water Quality working closely with the project officers from these residents with their own alternate/additional water agencies to establish and facilitate links with the local supply for use on lawn and garden areas. However, n Council business community. it is important that these systems are installed and Council conducts water quality monitoring of the w a t er c onsump ion and ays operating correctly to ensure that they do not become local waterways. This involves testing and collecting a source of water pollution. Untreated or partly treated samples from 17 sites in the Hawkesbury-Nepean and n Water for Life Education Program wastewater is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, faecal Parramatta River Catchments. The creeks monitored The Hills Shire Council was awarded a $10,000 grant coliforms, E.coli and salts which can have detrimental include Excelsior, Hunts, Darling Mills, Quarry, from the Department of Water and Energy’s - ‘Water for environmental, social and economic impacts on our Toongabbie, Elizabeth Macarthur, Cattai, Strangers, Life Education Program’, to undertake a Water Efficiency local waterways. During the reporting period, Council Caddies, Second Ponds Creeks and the drainage basin Engagement and Education Program within the local Officers approved the installation and operation of 179 off Rowallan Avenue, Castle Hill. Hills Shire area. on-site sewage management systems in The Hills Shire. Each site has been carefully chosen to monitor the The program aimed to motivate, engage and inform the With an increase in community focus on conserving environmental impacts of residential, commercial and local community of the importance of water efficiency, water, there has been an increase in enquiries from industrial development within The Hills Shire. As the Figure 8: Number of Sydney Water water water recycling and stormwater harvesting. Council residents for the reuse of greywater, which is the water Shire continues to develop, the location of sites may conservation programs undertaken by THS highlighted it’s own water efficiency and recycling from the washing machines, laundry tubs, showers, change in order to reflect the nature and extent of residents from 2005/06 to 2008/09 projects and programs, and promoted the importance of hand basins and baths. Greywater reuse can take place human activity. wise water use by members of the local community. in various forms: The following parameters are tested: dissolved This program involved bus shelter advertising, bus - Manual Bucketing – approval not required oxygen; temperature; pH; E.coli; total nitrogen; total n Business Sustainability – ‘A Sustainable World advertising, poster displays, workshops, local media phosphorus; biological oxygen demand and total in the Hills’ Greywater may be collected from the washing campaigns and displays on the Council noticeboard and machine, shower or bath tub in a bucket and then used suspended solids. Caddies Creek is also tested for Council has been delivering LCD screens in the Council foyer. immediately to irrigate gardens and lawns. The water heavy metals as it is located downstream of a former a business sustainability must not be stored. landfill site. project funded through At the present time, we compare our results to the grant funding from n Community Environment Centre –Waterwise - G reywater Diversion Device – approval not required if Australian New Zealand Environment Conservation Environmental Trust, Gardening Demonstration Site and Workshop conditions are followed Council’s (ANZECC) Guidelines for Recreational called ‘A Sustainable World Residents participated in the Waterwise Gardening This device receives greywater from the bathroom and Water Quality (2000). These guidelines are the most in the Hills’ (ASWITH). workshop delivered as part of the Community laundry and diverts the water to a subsurface irrigation commonly used for water quality monitoring programs This project involves Environment Centre’s (CEC) Living Sustainably area by means of a hand activated valve or switch. The with standards given to the type of waterway and its the employment of a Workshop Series. This workshop also involved a tour system does not store greywater and diverts the water relevant use (eg: recreational use and aesthetics, Project Officer to work of the Waterwise Garden Demonstration Site, located to the sewer when not being used. primary industries, aquatic ecosystems and drinking with local businesses to at the rear of the CEC. During the reporting period, - G reywater Treatment System – approval to install and water). These Guidelines are designed to be used in improve their sustainability additional plants were planted in the Garden and a small operate required monitoring ambient water quality, providing ‘trigger performance. This includes group of dedicated volunteers continued to assist with values’ or acceptable levels for various water quality water consumption, These systems store, treat and disinfect the water the maintenance of the Waterwise Garden. Interpretive indicators. energy consumption and signage is to be developed and installed at the Garden before being used in spray or subsurface irrigation, greenhouse gas emissions, so that residents can visit the garden at any time to toilet flushing or in the laundry. In sewered areas, the During the reporting period, Council was unable to waste management, learn about Waterwise Gardening. system will have an overflow to the sewer. Only those conduct sufficient water quality sampling due to staffing pollution, sustainable systems that have NSW Health accreditation may be resource constraints. supply chains, and staff installed. n engagement. On-site Sewage Management Systems and During the reporting period only 1 Greywater Treatment Greywater Systems n Community It initially targetted the Branding for Council’s ‘A Sustainable System was approved for the installation and operation. World in the Hills’ business sustain- The Streamwatch program is coordinated by Sydney food industry, but due to ability program Large areas of the Shire are not serviced by the the low participation rates, reticulated public sewer of Sydney Water. These Water and encourages schools, community groups was broadened to include premises utilise an on-site sewage management system. and other organisations to protect local environments businesses from all sectors and localities throughout the The installation and operation of the system must be by becoming involved in monitoring the health of local Hills area. Extensive promotion and marketing has approved by Council. Council’s Environmental Health our waterways. The Streamwatch groups test sites taken place, including a Business Breakfast and Expo Officers inspect the systems to determine compliance within the Hawkesbury-Nepean and Parramatta River to which approximately 200 business representatives with performance standards established by the Local Catchments, and include Banksia, Blue Gum, Cattai, Hunts, Little Cattai, Darling Mills, O’Hara’s, Pyes,

18 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 19 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Water consumption and waterways

Seville, Rifle Range and Toongabbie Creeks. We are There was $1,272,234 spent on Waterways Management process of inspecting and issuing approvals to install unable to easily capture and analyse Streamwatch during 2008/09, with 24 actions being completed. The and operate on-site sewage management systems. results, so we have not included them in this report. major project accomplishments during the period, were: Council could perhaps conduct greater community Streamwatch results are available from their website awareness around the reuse of greywater. www.streamwatch.org.au. n Completion of detailed design, review of With respect to water pollution, Council has data on the environmental factors (REF) and construction location, type and source of water pollution complaints. Analysis of this data could prove useful in designing Water Pollution specification for the McClymonts Road Fish Passage project. Tenders have been called, and construction and delivering a targetted, proactive campaign to n Water Pollution Complaints to Council will be undertaken in the 2009/10 financial year. reduce the incidents or at least the severity of water During the reporting period, Council received 129 pollution. Council Officers responsible for responding n Detailed designs and REF for stream rehabilitation complaints relating to water pollution. This is an to spills should ensure that they keep their spill kits projects were completed for Brickfield Creek, increase of 36 from last year. This also includes the fully equipped and that they are sufficiently trained to Oatlands, Harry Carr Reserve, Baulkham Hills, and w a t er c onsump ion and ays reporting of significant spill events. During the reporting respond to spills. The spill procedure shall be reviewed Richard Webb Reserve, West Pennant Hills. period there were no significant spills in the LGA. over time to ensure that it remains current and n Completion of the airborne laser scanning (ALS) effective. survey and aerial photography contract, delivering a As noted in this report, Council’s water quality n Regulatory Action by Council Council wide corporate asset. monitoring program currently compares the results Council responds to water pollution complaints in n Preparation of the Integrated Stormwater to ANZECC Guidelines. There have been discussions various ways. This can include working in partnership Management section of the adopted Development within Council about the appropriateness of doing this, with the potential polluter to reduce the incidence Control Plan (DCP) for the North Kellyville land and whether there are other ways in which we should or likelihood of water pollution occurring. In serious release precinct. compare and report our results. There is also scope to instances, Council issues Notices, Orders, fines, and liase with other agencies who monitor water quality, Court Attendance Notices to cease the water pollution such as Streamwatch, to enable greater collaboration from occurring and to have the pollution incident FUTURE STRATEGIES and sharing of data amongst the various bodies monitoring water quality. cleaned up. During the reporting period, Council carried Council should continue to identify and implement out such regulatory action on 18 occasions. measures to reduce its own water consumption. This The Waterways Team will continue to deliver their includes the implementation of WSAP actions and schedule of works to improve the waterways of the Shire. The key programs scheduled for the future n Water Pollution complaints to DECC Environment identification of additional funding sources to enable include: Line more actions to be implemented. The DECC also receives calls to their ‘Environment Line’ Council does not have a policy or guideline in place to from customers reporting water pollution incidents. set a water efficiency standard for new or retrofitting n Preparation of an Asset Management Plan for the During the reporting period, DECC received 8 calls of buildings, or parks projects. The development and Council’s constructed stormwater system, including to their Environment Line for which DECC were the adoption of such a policy or guideline would be ideal to the valuation of the stormwater system asset base. Appropriate Regulatory Authority (ARA). This is an ensure that all new buildings or retrofits of buildings and parks projects incorporate relevant water efficiency (and n Continuing the mapping of Council’s natural increase of 4 from last reporting period, but is a waterway assets. decrease of 29 from the average of the previous 3 other sustainability) principles into the design from the years. concept stage. This ranges from using recycled/reusing n Managing Council’s Dam Surveillance contract, water, selection of fittings and fixtures, landscaping and ensuring compliance with Council’s statutory so on. obligations. WATERWAYS MANAGEMENT The majority of Council’s facilities and parks are not n Improving Council’s understanding of flood prone Council’s Waterways Team has reponsibilities for the regularly visited by Council staff, and so we rely on land across the Shire. following key areas of business: members of the public to report incidents when water is being wasted. An action to complement the above n Natural waterways assets to the urban bushland actions would be to install signage at the various There is also scope for the Waterways and Sustainability interface; facilities and parks to encourage members of the public Teams to work together to deliver community education n Constructed stormwater system assets; to advise Council when they observe wastage of water about the importance of protecting our local waterways occuring. and catchments. n Floodplain risk management; and Council also plays an important role in assisting and n Strategic planning for stormwater management. encouraging our residents and customers to reduce The Waterways Capital Works Program was funded their own water consumption. Council should continue mainly through income derived from the Stormwater to deliver workshops, forums and other educational Management Service Charge. Council levied the charge and promotional activities that enhance the capacity as a result of changes made to the Local Government for the community to reduce water consumption. This Act by State Government, which was to pay for the includes continuing the delivery of ASWITH and also implementation of waterways type projects focused referring residents to the various programs offering on water quantity, water quality and recycling/reuse services, grants and rebates for the implementation of initiatives. water efficiency measures. It also includes the ongoing

20 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 noise

Noise noise

Sustainability Indicators Table 3: Breakdown in noise complaints to Council from 05/06 to 08/09

Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Sustainability Noise Type 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Trend Trend Barking Dogs 344 399 433 415 Number of noise complaints received by Council 730 724 786 799

Music 64 43 41 43

Number of noise pollution complaints to DECC 10 12 3 10 Environment Line Domestic air conditioners 83 52 62 41

Number of noise complaints to The Hills Local Area 1359 1214 1158 1028 House Alarms 27 18 24 25 Command, NSW Police Swimming Pool Pumps 15 40 19 36 Number of Notices and Orders, fines, CANs, issued N/A N/A N/A 6 for noise pollution Vehicles including trail bikes 58 30 50 52

Waste Collection NA 10 4 12

Other 139 132 153 155

NOISE POLLUTION Noise Complaints To External Agencies Total 730 724 786 799 Noise is part of everyday living and unfortunately, noise n Complaints to DECC levels in the Shire are on the rise. This is mainly due The DECC also receive noise pollution complaints. * P lease Note: Total complaint figures have been adjusted to reflect the discontinuation of Industrial & building to increasing residential development, increasing dog During the reporting period, DECC received 10 works including construction and breach of consent. ownership, industry, and traffic. Council aims to address complaints to their Environment Line relating to noise noise complaints within the Shire through attempts pollution within the The Hills Shire Local Government to mediate noise issues and ensuring that control Area, which is a steady trend based on the average of measures are both practical and equitable for all. the previous three years. cannot be resolved through non-regulatory means, ways to alleviate noise nuisances. These publications Noise Complaints To Council n The Hills Local Area Command, NSW Police or if the pollution is significant, Council can issue a are currently available upon request, and at stalls Prevention Notice or a Noise Abatement Direction to the and events that Council attends throughout the year. Council receives complaints relating to noise pollution. Most after hours disturbances are referred to the NSW offender. During the reporting period, Council issued This information could also be made available on the Table 3 details the breakdown in complaints for Police Service. During the reporting period, there were 5 Notices/Directions and 1 fine for noise pollution. Council’s website. Council also collates data relating to each noise type. The trend has moved away from 1028 complaints to The Hills Local Area Command. This Council’s Compliance Team also uses their powers under noise complaints, including location and noise source. sustainability with an increase in noise complaints being is a reduction of 130 from last reporting period, and a the Companion Animals Act 1998 to respond to barking Analysis of this data would enable Council to identify received by Council. During the reporting period, Council reduction of 216 for the average of the past 3 reporting dog complaints. the key locations and pollution sources, to develop a received 799 complaints relating to noise pollution, with periods. the major source being barking dogs. targetted education and awareness campaign. Council should continue to work to reduce the incidents The high number of barking dog complaints is FUTURE STRATEGIES considered to be attributed to the high dog ownership Action To Alleviate Noise Pollution of barking dog complaints, by educating dog owners The Hills Shire Council will continue to respond to on how to manage their dogs and their environment, within the Shire (30304 microchipped dogs in 2008/09), n Regulatory Action neighbourhood environmental noise complaints, in addition to the longer working hours of residents to reduce the prevalence of barking. Information Council responds to noise complaints through a variety however there is scope to improve the proactive with dogs being left at home alone for lengthy periods is provided on Council’s website, which includes of means including education and enforcement. Councils measures to reduce the noise pollution from occuring of time. Council responds to complaints in a timely techniques for reducing dog barking. Council’s Animal Environmental Health Team investigates and actions in the first instance. There are various noise related manner and provides educational materials and advice Control Officers also provide education and information noise complaints in accordance with the Protection of publications available to the public, containing details to dog owners on how to better manage their dog’s to the community at various stalls and community the Environment Operations Act 1997. If the matter on the legislative requirements relating to noise and environment and daily exercise needs. events throughout the year. Council should continue to

22 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 23 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 noise

Land L and

look at ways in which we can educate dog owners on Sustainability Indicators controlling dog barking. Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Sustainability Development applications are also assessed for Trend their potential to cause noise nuisances to the Number of subdivision applications approved 745 990 816 624 community. Council may require the applicant to amend their proposal or apply conditions on the approval to address any potential issues that might occur from the development. Council should continue Number of Development Applications and Construction 3583 3043 2540 2403 to ensure that appropriate considerations are given Certificates approved to the likely noise impacts from development, and apply appropriate amendments or conditions to Number of complaints relating to inadequate erosion 724 759 856 827 address issues right at the very early stages of the and sediment controls, landfill containing waste, development. rubbish dumped on public land, contaminated land, Council has in the past, conducted environmental unauthorised land use activities requiring consent. reviews of industrial premises to address likely causes Number of Notices and Orders, fines, CANs, issued N/A N/A N/A 104 of pollution, including noise. Given the resource for other illegal land use issues (inadequate erosion constraints within Council, this program is not and sediment controls, landfill containing waste, being widely implemented. There is potential, given rubbish dumped on public land, contaminated land, increased resources, to increase the implementation unauthorised land use activities requiring consent.) of this program across the Shire. Number of Council initiated court action relating to 1 6 24 2 To date, there is no data available on the background illegal land use issues noise levels across the Shire. It is anticipated that local background noise is creeping higher and higher, given increased development particularly in our urban Number of land pollution complaints to DECC N/A N/A N/A 5 areas. A background noise monitoring program could Environment Line be established in key areas, however this would depend on the resources available. Number of RID Squad investigations completed 50 88 213 236

DEVELOPMENT AND LAND-USE in conjunction with the development of the Draft Local Strategy. These strategies inform and influence the final While many residents are concerned about the growing Local Strategy, as well as inform the drafting of specific density of housing in the Shire, increasing urban sections of The Hills Local Environmental Plan (LEP) sprawl and the associated use of more and more land 2010 and Development Control Plans (DCPs). for housing and urban infrastructure is damaging to the local environment. Council has developed a Draft Local Strategy and Directions to guide future urban The strategy work includes the following projects: development in the Shire that blends with our natural n Residential Direction environment. n Environment and Leisure Direction (completed) n Rural Lands Strategy Draft Local Strategy n Waterways Direction n Employment Lands Direction During the reporting period, Council commenced the first annual review of the Draft Local Strategy. n Centres Direction Council has also undertaken a suite of strategy work n Integrated Transport Direction (under preparation)

25 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 land

Table 4: Type and number of subdivision applications approved during 2008/09

A review of the implementation of actions from dwellings in sustainable residential neighbourhoods land the Directions has highlighted a number of key through a mix of housing types. The area will also Application Type Numbers achievements including: cater for schools, public open space, local retailing and Residential 341 commercial services, and employment in business and n Part C Section 3 Baulkham Hills DCP reviewed and Rural 17 amended to strengthen existing and new controls light industrial sectors. Provision is made for a future Commercial 53 to ensure quality residential development of rail corridor and station at the existing bus transit-way streetscape and character. station along Old Windsor Road within the proposed Industrial 162 area of land known as the Transit Centre Development Public Reserve 5 n Incorporation of Waterways Direction objectives into Site. North Kellyville DCP and Baulkham Hills Town Centre Temporary Public Road 1 DCP. Private Road 2 n n N orth Kellyville Precinct Release Area Consideration of multiple environmental parameters Residue 33 and their relationships at site-specific, local and The North Kellyville Precinct Release Area consists regional scale in development assessment and of 707 hectares. It is bounded to the west by Road Widening 3 project planning and design. Smalls Creek, to the east by Cattai Creek and to Open Space 6 the south by Samantha Riley Drive, Kellyville. The Trunk Drainage 1 Precinct is currently characterised by rural residential Release Areas development and some small scale agricultural uses TOTAL 624 n R ouse Hill Regional Centre such as market gardens, commercial flower growing and poultry farming. The Rouse Hill Regional Centre (RHRC), when Development Applications completed, will have over 200,000m2 of retail and The North Kellyville Precinct is located within the North commercial floor space, 1800 dwellings, educational West Growth Centre and is a ‘first release precinct’ Applications for building approvals, including development facilities, open space networks and a transport due to its proximity to existing urban development applications and construction certificates, have continued interchange. The development of the RHRC is expected and infrastructure. The planning for North Kellyville to decline over this reporting period. It is likely that to take 10 to 15 years to complete. commenced in 2007 and has been carried out by the this fall in applications is contributed to by the financial Department of Planning in conjunction with Council. downturn, general increase in the cost of living and The Town Centre (retail and commercial area) was Gazettal of the North Kellyville Precinct (Sydney Region the timeframe for the release of new urban areas. It is officially opened in March 2008. The Town Centre Growth Centres SEPP) occurred on 19 December 2008. envisaged that the number of applications will begin to includes around 220 shops, cafes and restaurants and increase as the financial downturn subsides and more The Precinct Plan provides for 5,100 dwellings and a cinema. The Town Centre also includes Council’s land is released for urban development. library and community centre. The library is a one- has been planned to accommodate a population of stop-shop providing a full range of Council services approximately 15,500 people. The Precinct features a local town centre as well as two neighbourhood including payment of rates, animal registration, hall Changing Land-Use and room bookings, application lodgement and general centres, 43 hectares of open space including two Urban development, particularly on the urban-rural fringe information about Council services. sporting fields, a multi purpose community centre and more than 20km of walking and cycle paths, and a results in changing land-use and zonings. It is envisaged Works in the Southern Residential Precinct (adjacent primary school. that there will be changes in the amount of rural land to Sanctuary Drive) have continued with a number available as it is rezoned for urban expansion, particularly Sydney Water has recently commenced construction of of dwellings completed and more under construction. in the north-west growth areas. The 2008/09 zoning the North West Growth Centres First Release Precincts Subdivision approvals and works are also continuing. data indicates that rural land currently comprises 74.7% Package 1 Work Construction to provide new water Works on the refurbishment of Mungerie House have of the land use within the Shire, residential zonings related (sewer, potable and recycled water) services. also commenced and are due for completion in late comprises 13.6%, the Sydney Region Growth Centres Construction of Package 1 is scheduled for completion 2009. area comprises 1.8%, environmental related zonings in early 2011 and involves installing a sewer pipe along comprise 4.8%, special uses are 3.5%, and business and Smalls Creek and potable and recycled water mains in light industry comprise 1.4% (Table 5). n B almoral Road Release Area Hezlett Road from Withers to Samantha Riley Drive. Council has also conducted analysis of the 2008 aerial The Balmoral Road Release Area consists of data, with regard to the amount of land utilised for approximately 400 hectares and is located within the Subdivision Applications orchards, vineyards and large crops, and market gardens, vicinity of Burns and Balmoral Roads, Kellyville. The intensive small crop cultivation and flower cultivation. This land is generally bounded by Old Windsor Road to the The number of subdivision applications approved has data has been compared to the 2005 figures to determine west, residential and trunk drainage land to the north, continued to decrease during this reporting period. It whether these land-uses are increasing or decreasing. Windsor Road to the east and the Norwest Business is likely that this is due to the staged release of new The data indicates that for orchards, vineyards and large Park and Bella Vista residential area to the south. development areas. It is envisaged that this number crops in 2008, there was a total 157.745 hectares of land Since the land was rezoned in 2006, development will increase when new release areas are subdivided utilised for this purpose, which is a decrease of 2.47% of applications for subdivision of residential land have for development. The following table identifies the type land used for this purpose. However there were 22 more been approved by Council to provide for around 200 and number of subdivision applications approved in the properties than in 2005. For market gardens, intensive new allotments. reporting period. small crop cultivation and flower cultivation, there was The release area enables the provision of 6,000 an increase of 108 properties carrying out this type of activity, with an increase of 10.43% in the area utilised for this purpose, totalling 558.096 hectares. 26 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 land

Table 5: Amount and percentage of land within each zoning category in the Shire during 2008/09 EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY land

Zoning Area (ha) Percentage Extractive industries within the Shire are regulated by the Environmental Planning & Assessment (EP&A) Act, 1979, Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 9 – Extractive Industries, Local Environmental Plan 2005 and Sydney Region Growth Centres SEPP 712 1.777% Development Control Plan Part D Section 6. Both Council and the Minister for Planning are consent authorities for Rural 1 (a) Zone 3210 8.010% extractive industries within the Shire, with the Minister for Planning determining State Significant development in the Shire. The performance of extractive operations in the Shire is detailed twice yearly in a status report to Rural 1 (b) Zone 20264 50.569% Council, a summary of which is outlined below in relation to consents issued by Council. Rural 1 (c) Zone 6262 15.628% Rural 1 (d) Zone 201 0.501% Table 6: Status Report of Extractive Industries in the Shire Employment Area 10 (a) (Business Park) Zone 181 0.451% Operator Location Comment Residential 2 (a) Zone 880 2.195% PF FORMATION Off Crown road access, Old The operations are progressing Residential 2 (a1) Zone 95 0.237% Northern Road Maroota, including satisfactorily. On-going inspections Residential 2 (a2) Zone 376 0.938% land surrounding the Maroota will be undertaken to monitor Residential 2 (a3) Zone 342 0.853% Trigonometrical Reserve compliance with conditions of consent. Residential 2 (a4) (Town Centre) Zone 49 0.123% DIXON SANDS Off Crown road access, Old Northern The operations are progressing Residential 2 (b) Zone 3108 7.757% Road, Maroota satisfactorily. On-going inspections Residential 2(b1) Zone 175 0.436% will be undertaken to monitor Residential 2 (c) (Tourist Village) Zone 34 0.086% compliance with conditions of consent. Residential 2 (d) (Protected) Zone 381 0.952% KENTHURST SANDSTONE Pitt Town Road, Kenthurst Earthworks have been completed Residential 2 (e) Zone 4 0.010% QUARRIES and revegetation works have Business 3 (a) (Retail) Zone 116 0.289% commenced. This matter will be Business 3 (b) (Commercial) Zone 45 0.112% further reviewed. Light Industry 4 (b) Zone 327 0.816% AUSTRALIAN SANDSTONE Halcrows Road, Glenorie The operations are progressing MERCHANTS satisfactorily. On-going inspections Special Uses 5 (a) (Existing and Proposed) Zone 808 2.017% will be undertaken to monitor Special Uses 5 (b) (Existing and Proposed Roads) Zone 585 1.460% compliance with conditions of Special Uses 5 (c) (Trunk Drainage and Conservation) Zone 45 0.112% consent. Open Space 6 (a) (Existing and Proposed Public Recreation) Zone 1053 2.628% POSITIVE EARTHMOVING Smallwood Road, Glenorie The operations are progressing satisfactorily. On-going inspections Open Space 6 (b) (Private Recreation) Zone 114 0.284% will be undertaken to monitor Environmental Protection 7 (a) (Wetlands) Zone 130 0.325% compliance with conditions of consent. National Parks and Nature Reserves 8 (a) Zone 576 1.439% NEPEAN QUARRIES Wisemans Ferry Road, Cattai The operations are progressing TOTAL 40073 100.000% satisfactorily. On-going inspections will be undertaken to monitor SALINITY compliance with conditions of consent. Salinity is a major issue not just for rural local government areas but also for urban areas. Council is a member of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council’s (WSROC) Salinity Working Group, which developed the Western Sydney Salinity Code of Practice which was endorsed by the WSROC Board at its meeting on 20 February COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION 2003 and was amended in January 2004. The Hills Shire Council adopted a salinity policy at its meeting of 15 October 2003, committing Council to: n Complaints to Council 1. Take a proactive role in increasing community awareness of salinity and its impact through the preparation of Council’s receives complaints relating to land pollution and illegal land use, including lack of adequate erosion appropriate information; and sediment control, landfill containing waste, rubbish dumped on public land, contaminated land, breach of development consent, and unauthorised land use activities requiring consent. During the reporting period, Council 2. Ensure salinity issues are considered when planning for new release areas and rural areas, and in the received 827 land related complaints. These are detailed in figure 9. Complaints relating to unauthorised land-use assessment of development, building and subdivision matters; and activities have continued to increase, and the rubbish dumped on public land has decreased from the previous 3. Carry out assessments on new development in accordance with the WSROC ‘Western Sydney Salinity Code of reporting period but based on the previous 3 year period has increased. Council also initiated court action on 2 Practice’ occasions for land. This is the first year that we have also included the complaints for contaminated land.

28 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 29 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 land

FUTURE STRATEGIES land Council should continue to review and implement the actions from the Draft Local Strategy, to guide sustainability in strategic land-use planning. Council is not in a position to limit urban development as it has been directed by State Government to accommodate substantial development within this region. It is important that we plan for sustainable regions encompassing urban consolidation around appropriate infrastructure, including public transport. Where possible, Council should work to protect agricultural land in the Shire, as it provides Sydney with substantial food resources. Salinity is an issue for parts of the Shire, and so development assessment should consider the impacts of salinity on development and vice versa. Appropriate Figure 9: Complaints received by Council relating considerations and conditions should be applied to to land-use development that occurs in these areas. Council should also deliver education and awareness to the community in the high risk zones, as per the Western Sydney n Regulatory Action by Council Salinity Code of Practice and Council’s resolution. Council is able to take regulatory action under various There is also scope for Council to carry out greater pieces of legislation, including the Protection of the awareness and education relating to land pollution and Environment Operations Act and Environmental unauthorised land-use activities, in order to reduce the Planning and Assessment Act. During the reporting incidents from occuring in the first place. And Council period, there were 104 fines issued relating land should continue its involvement in the RID Squad as a pollution and land use. These included 38 for litter, 35 method to control illegal dumping, which is a significant for not complying with development consent, 19 for issue for The Hills, given the vast amount of bushland development without consent, 11 for placing signage and secluded areas for people to dump their rubbish. on road without approval, and 1 for illegal dumping by There are currently tipping charges for disposing a corporation. of waste to landfill, which is perhaps a contributor to rubbish dumping as people try to avoid paying n Complaints to DECC the tipping charge. Council does offer 2 free on-call clean ups to The Hills residents and is implementing The DECC also receives complaints relating to land initiatives to increase the amount of waste that can pollution, and during the reporting period they received be collected and recycled. However, dumping still 5 complaints. This is the first year we have reported continues to be a major issue. There is limited scope to these figures. reduce tipping charges and it is likely that this will go up in future due to carbon trading. This may result in an increase in rubbish dumping. n RID Squad The Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad was established in 1999 to combat illegal dumping in Western Sydney. The RID Squad is a joint project of Blacktown, Liverpool, Fairfield, Penrith, Bankstown, The Hills, Hawkesbury and Holroyd Councils, along with DECC. During the reporting period, the RID Squad investigated 236 matters. The major response was the referral of 72 matters to Council for clean up, followed by 50 where the waste was removed and did not require further action. There were 22 Clean Up Notices issued, 16 Verbal Clean Up Directions issued and 10 infringement notices issued.

30 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Protected environment

Protected Environment I can feel close to nature I can feel close to nature

n Facilitate the protection and enhancement of the Shire’s biodiversity n Facilitate community contribution to environmental protection n Manage the rehabilitation of local bushland and protect local flora and fauna n Ensure environmentally sustainable development practices are implemented - biodiversity - heritage , eter R idgeway) Acacia pubescens

33 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Castle H ill. ( P I mage: Biodiversity

Biodiversity Analysis of an aerial survey conducted in 2006 reveals under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, and Sustainability Indicators that, in 2006 there was 23,938 hectares of structural recent research into the ecology of the region. vegetation across the Shire, which represents 61% of Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Sustainability As the Biodiversity Mapping Project draws gradually the total land area in the Shire. Comparison to the last Trend toward completion, Council faces the challenge of dataset analysis conducted on 1999 data, indicates the second stage of the Biodiversity Conservation Area of vegetation cover in the Shire (ha) N/A N/A 23,937.724 23,937.724 we have had a loss of 583 hectares of structural ha^ ha^ Plan. This will involve consideration of threatening vegetation. This is considered quite a significant processes, and the determination of strategic Number of Threatened fauna species* 36 38 38 38 * amount of vegetation and habitat loss. This is an

actions to ensure biodiversity conservation. A key biodiversity average of 83 hectares of vegetation each year. Of the outcome of the project will be the incorporation of structural vegetation present, approximately 94% is in recommendations into Councils Local Environmental Number of Threatened flora species* 23 24 24 22 * private ownership. Plan for 2010. Private bushland in The Hills Shire Council contains greater biodiversity for both plant and animal species Number of Threatened Ecological Communities* N/A 10 10 11 * than any National Park in the Greater Sydney Region – THREATENED SPECIES that is, more animal and plant species than the entire There are two Acts of Parliament applicable to The Number of Threatened Populations* 4 4 4 2 * Blue Mountains National Park, or the combination Hills Shire which list and provide for the conservation of Ku-ring-gai Chase and Royal National Parks. At of Threatened biodiversity. The Commonwealth present, a total of 1473 native plant species & 337 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Number of IUCN Red List species in the Shire (GRI N/A N/A N/A 12 native vertebrate species have been confirmed in the Act (1999) (EPBC Act) lists and protects biodiversity EN15) Shire. which is considered to be Threatened at the National Number of Priorities Action Statement actions N/A N/A N/A 32 level and the NSW Threatened Species Conservation contributed to by Council Act (1995) (TSC Act) deals with biodiversity BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION considered to be Threatened in New South Wales. Area of land conserved through private formal N/A N/A N/A 187 PLANNING Within both of these Acts, “biodiversity” is recognised conservation agreements (ha) The Hills Shire Council began work toward a at the level of species and ecological community. The TSC Act also recognises biodiversity at the population Total funding spent on Bushland Management $621,406 $829,582 $549,608 $600,292 comprehensive Biodiversity Conservation Plan in (including grants) early 2008. The first stage of the Plan comprised a level. Biodiversity Mapping Project, which directed efforts The Hills Shire contains biodiversity listed under both Total hours of Bushcare volunteer participation on site 3088.85 7132.5 6373 7696.9 toward mapping biodiversity (including flora, fauna and the EPBC and TSC Acts, represented by species, communities) across the shire, and the determination populations and ecological communities. The of the status of each biodiversity unit. Number of registered bushcare groups 22 30 17 23 Biodiversity Conservation Planning has expanded The vast bulk of work on the Biodiversity Mapping our knowledge on the known species occuring in the Project has now been completed, with a total of more Shire. The following table identifies the number of Number of feral animals known to occur in the Shire N/A N/A N/A 251 than 50,000 biodiversity records collated in Councils threatened species known to occur as at 2008/09. ‘e-QUOLL’ database. These were collected from a There have been, and will continue to be some range of sources, including: changes in the numbers, as our knowledge on what Number of fox baiting sessions conducted on public 1 2 2 2 is known to occur in the Shire continues to develop n Academic and Government biodiversity databases land through the Biodiversity Conservation Plan, the listing n Community Records of species change, and as species become extinct Number of rabbit baiting sessions conducted on public N/A N/A 20 19 n or are no longer threatened within extinction. The land Environmental Assessments for Development Applications detailed list of Threatened Biodiversity can be found in the appendix. Number of private properties participating in rabbit N/A N/A N/A 86 n Flora & Fauna survey by Councils Flora & Fauna baiting programs Projects Officer, the community, and ecological Number of complaints relating to illegal N/A N/A N/A 11 contractors Table 7: Numbers of Threatened Species known underscrubbing/ landclearing/tree removal Records were ‘cleaned’ for accuracy using newly to occur in the Shire as at 2008/09, as listed developed software and through field verification of under the EPBC and TSC Acts Number of Notices and Orders, fines, ANC s, issued for N/A N/A N/A 3 illegal underscrubbing/landclearing/tree removal suspect records. Draft species distribution maps have Threatened fauna 38 now been completed for almost all Threatened flora Number of Biodiversity related complaints to DECCW N/A N/A N/A 6 and fauna species in the Shire. Threatened flora 22 Environment Line A comprehensive overhaul of Councils ecological Threatened populations 2 Area of Community Land under Council’s care and N/A N/A N/A 1265.54 communities mapping is presently underway, with Threatened Ecological 11 control (ha) vegetation data obtained for over 100 new sites Communities (adding to an existing database of 190 sites).

Vegetation mapping is due for completion before ^ Based on aerial survey and analysis conducted in 2006. Resource constraints have limited the analysis of the recent aerial data that was November 2009, and will better reflect the ecological obtained in 2008. diversity in the Shire, the definitions of communities * The Biodiversity Conservation Planning has enabled Council to improve the accuracy of information that we have on the number of Threatened Species within the LGA, which has resulted in the changes in the numbers of Threatened Species. An explanation of this can be found under the ‘Threatened Species’ section below. 35 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Biodiversity

The following explanations provide clarification as to Migratory Birds Extinctions And Extinction Rate why the numbers have changed, and provide reasoning The following birds are listed under international Substantial evidence indicates that 23 species of for the sustainability trends identified: treaties (CAMBA or JAMBA) and considered Regionally vertebrate animal and 6 species of native plant were n T hreatened fauna – the number has remained Significant by the Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey driven to extinction in the Shire between European the same, although 3 species (Green and Golden (UBBS) by DECC. occupation and 1995 when the Threatened Species Bell Frog, Bush Stone-curlew and Superb Fuit-Dove) Conservation Act (‘TSC Act’) was gazetted. This have been removed as they are presumed extinct Table 9: Migratory birds known to visit the Shire represents 8% of the original vertebrate fauna, and

within the Shire, with no records since 1977 and 0.5% of the original flora. biodiversity no significant area of habitat remaining. And 3 ommon Name Scientific Name CAMBA_ Since 1995, and despite Threatened Species legislation, additional species (Comb-crested Jacana, Diamond JAMBA an absolute minimum of 3 species of vertebrate and Firetail and Speckled Warbler) have been added to Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus C,J one plant have become extinct as demonstrated by the list, as recent survey work has discovered that Great Egret Ardea alba J,C substantial survey. Further species of vertebrate are they occur in the Shire. Hence a downward trend. Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus J,C likely to be locally extinct, however these species can n T hreatened flora- the number has reduced by be difficult to detect and may survive in low densities. 2, due to the presumed extinction of Amperea Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii J,C Of the 64 species of native mammal present at xiphoclada var. pedicellata and Syzigium White-bellied Haliaeetus leucogaster C European occupation, only 48 remained by 1995. paniculatum from the Shire. Hence a downward Sea-Eagle During the short period of 1995-2009, a minimum trend. White-throated Hirundapus caudacutus C,J three species of native mammal were driven to n T hreatened populations – have decreased by Needletail extinction in the Shire – a rate 5 times greater than the 2, as survey work indicates that these populations Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus C average rate under European occupation. actually do not occur in the Shire (despite listings). The minimum estimation of the present rate of Hence the down trend. mammalian extinction indicates that the majority of n T hreatened Ecological Communities – have IUCN Red List Species native mammals will be extinct in the Shire within increased in number by 1, due to the splitting of Table 10: IUCN Red List Species known to occur 70 years if the present rate of bushland clearing Sydney Freshwater Wetlands and/or Freshwater in the Shire continues. Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains into two separate communities. Hence the steady trend, as it wasn’t STATUS: LEAST CONCERN: up nor down. Population Trend Species Increasing Wallabia bicolor Rare Or Threatened Australian Plants (Swamp Wallaby) (Rotaps) Stable Chalinolobus gouldii (Gould’s Wattled Bat) The following locally occurring flora are considered Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAPs; Briggs Nyctophilus bifax & Leigh 2003). (Eastern Long-eared Bat) Tachyglossus aculeatus (Short-beaked Echidna) Table 8: Rare or Threatened Australian Plants in the Shire Vespadelus darlingtoni (Large Forest Bat) Common Scientific Name ROTAP Vespadelus troughtoni Name Status (Eastern Cave Bat) Native Abrophyllum ornans V3 Unknown Myotis adversus Hydrangea (Large-footed Myotis) Watershield Brasenia schreberi 3RC-+ Ornithorhynchus anatinus Callistemon shiressii 3RC- (Platypus) Lasiopetalum joyceae 2RC- Rhinolophus megaphyllus Lomandra brevis 2RC- (Eastern Horseshoe Bat) Lomandra fluviatilis 3RC- Scotorepens orion (Eastern Broad-nosed Bat) Platysace clelandii 2RCa Decreasing Nyctophilus gouldi (Gould’s Long-eared Bat) Petaurus norfolcensis (Squirrel Glider) Above: Tawny Frogmouth, Broadwater. (Peter Ridgeway) Right: Leucopogon fietcherii, Kenthurst. (Peter Ridgeway)

36 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Biodiversity

Threatened Species Action By Council Council is required to report on the action that it takes with respect to the applicable NSW Threat Abatement Plans (TAP) and Recovery Plans (RP). The DECC has developed a Priorities Action Statement (PAS) which encompasses TAP and RP actions, as well as additional actions required to ultimately recover species from being threatened with extinction and avoid species going extinct. This PAS identifies key actions and ranks them according to priority.T he list of high and medium PAS actions applicable to The Hills Shire are located in the Appendix of this document. During the reporting period, Council contributed to 32 PAS actions allocated to Council, of which 15 were high, 14 medium and 3 low priority actions. These actions which Council contributed to, are: biodiversity Table 11: NSW Priorities Action Statement actions implemented by Council during 2008/09

Priority Threatened Species Action High Acacia bynoeana Public authorities undertaking road; trail; or easement maintenance activities in potential habitat are to ensure that planning and maintenance staff are aware of the species and that processes are in place to avoid impacting upon it. Koala (Peter Ridgeway). Hibbertia superans, Kellyville (Peter Ridgeway). High Acacia gordonii Carry out targeted surveys in potential habitat; particularly freehold lands and Crown land that may be alienated. Med Epacris purpurascens var. Monitor impact of fire on populations to inform DECC/ RFS/ local High Ancistrachne maidenii Undertake surveys of potential habitat. purpurascens government planning. Med Epacris purpurascens var. Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. High Asterolasia elegans Carry out targeted surveys in potential habitat; particularly freehold purpurascens lands and Crown land that may be alienated. Med Eucalyptus spp. Cattai Conduct surveys within predicted habitat; to identify new sites and High Blue Gum High Forest Undertake priority weed control works. confirm tenure.

High Blue Gum High Forest Undertake rehabilitation/restoration and/or regeneration actions at Med Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Identify important foraging range and key habitat components for identified priority sites. this species. High Blue Gum High Forest Implement appropriate fire management practices. Med Freshwater wetlands on Collate existing information on vegetation mapping and associated coastal floodplains of the data for this EEC and identify gaps in knowledge. Conduct targeted High Darwinia biflora Identify and survey potential habitat. NSW North Coast; Sydney field surveys and ground truthing to fill data gaps and clarify Basin and South East condition of remnants. High Grevillea parviflora subsp. Public authorities undertaking road; trail or easement maintenance Corner bioregions supplicans activities in potential habitat to survey thoroughly for the species prior to commencing works and to implement measures to avoid Med Grevillea parviflora subsp. Identify; map and survey potential habitat; particularly private impacting upon any populations found. supplicans land in the Arcadia - Glenorie region; Maroota crown lands and in Marramarra NR. High Persoonia hirsuta Carry out targeted surveys in potential habitat; particularly freehold lands; Crown land that may be alienated and council-managed Med Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. Conduct surveys in likely habitat; particularly in the Yango and lands. fletcheri Lower Grose districts; and in the Basin Reserve. High Persoonia hirsuta Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. Med Micromyrtus blakelyi Conduct surveys; particularly in utilities easements and their access trails. High Shale Sandstone Transition Manage; to best practice standards; areas of EECs which have Forest in the Sydney Basin conservation as a primary objective; or where conservation Med Ninox strenua Encourage private landholders to undertake management options to Bioregion is compatible. Priorities are to be based on DEC conservation conserve and/or actively manage forest owl habitat. significance assessment. Med Petaurus australis Community awareness. High Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Manage; to best practice standards; areas of EECs which have Med River-Flat Eucalypt Forest Collate existing information on vegetation mapping and associated Forest conservation as a primary objective; or where conservation on Coastal Floodplains data for this EEC and identify gaps in knowledge. Conduct targeted is compatible. Priorities are to be based on DEC conservation of the NSW North Coast; field surveys and ground truthing to fill data gaps and clarify significance assessment. Sydney Basin and South condition of remnants. High Tetratheca glandulosa [habitat assessment] Identify and map priority sites for protection East Corner bioregions and management. Med Tyto novaehollandiae Encourage private landholders to undertake management options to High Zieria involucrata Conduct targeted surveys in potential habitat. conserve and/or actively manage forest owl habitat.

Med Calyptorhynchus lathami Assist landholders who wish to enter into voluntary conservation Low Dillwynia tenuifolia Identify and survey potential habitat to detect new populations. agreements at key sites. Low Epacris purpurascens var. Identify and survey potential habitat to detect new populations. Med Dillwynia tenuifolia - Conduct a targeted survey in likely habitat; to determine the full purpurascens endangered population extent of the population. Low Tetratheca glandulosa Identify; map and survey potential habitat. Baulkham Hills

38 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 39 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Biodiversity

Private Conservation Agreements FIRE MANAGEMENT Fox Very High Abundant predator in In response to the extremely low proportion of Council installs Asset Protection Zones (APZ’s) along fringing and core bushland bushland formally reserved in the Shire, a number of bushland/urban boundaries. These APZ’s can vary, areas. Highly successful private landowners in the Shire have approached the depending on each site, but priorities for removal of predator known locally to Department of Environment, Climate Water & the Arts fuel are firstly weeds, then dead material and lastly, prey on Eastern Pygmy (DECWA) and listed their properties as Wildlife Refuges. living native plants. During the reporting period, Council Possum and other rare fauna. There are three established Wildlife Refuges in the created 5.87km of additional APZs, and maintained Shire, covering a total of 11 private properties. These a total of 18.3km of APZs along the Council bushland Feral Moderate Moderately abundant in biodiversity comprise a total area of 187 ha of reserved bushland. reserves/urban interface. There were also 22.5km of Deer Maraylya and surrounding Threatened species and communities protected in fire trails maintained by Council. (various suburbs. Effects on native these areas include Shale-Sandstone Transition Forest, sp.) flora/fauna unknown. Coastal River-flatEucalypt Forest, Yellow-bellied Glider, Powerful Owl and Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora. FERAL ANIMALS In The Hills Shire Council area, there are 227 Council Action A further 2 properties have applied for Wildlife Refuges naturalised exotic flora species, and 24 naturalised and Conservation Covenants during the 2008-09 period n Foxes exotic fauna species. The high priority exotic fauna are: with support by The Hills Shire Council. These are In 2001, Council joined the Sydney North Regional Fox expected to be gazetted by early 2010. Table 12: High priority exotic fauna species in the Baiting program. The aim of the program is to protect Hills Shire A much greater number (~100) of landowners in the native wildlife, including threatened species, from fox predation. It is coordinated between 15 different land Shire have adopted informal ‘Wildlife Refuges’ on their Common Severity Notes management agenices including Local Councils, National properties. Many properties have installed wildlife- Name protection signage and undertaken bush regeneration at Parks, and the Livestock Health and Pest Authority. personal cost. Common Moderately Restricted to suburban or During the reporting period, Council conducted 2 baiting Myna High rural agricultural areas. programs carried out in select Council reserves, with Known to dispossess native 11 baits being taken. This is a decrease of 17 in the BUSHLAND MANAGEMENT bird species. number of baits taken from last reporting period, which is likely to indicate that the fox baiting program is Council conducts bushland management works within Feral Dog Moderate Common in fringing and having success at reducing fox numbers. Council Reserves. During the reporting period, Council core bushland areas. Poor spent $600,292 on Bushland Maintenance. This includes predator on larger fauna, n Rabbits particularly wallabys. contractors and Council staff conducting bushland Council also conducts rabbit baiting in Council Reserves. regeneration works, the Great North Walk, and creation Cat Very High Rarely seen but abundant During the reporting period, there were 2 rabbit baiting and maintenance of Asset Protection Zones on the predator in fringing and programs conducted, totalling 19 sessions across interface of Council Reserves and residential properties. core bushland areas. Council Reserves. This funding comes from both Council allocation and Highly successful predator also grants. This amount is a $50,684 increase on the on small vertebrate amount spent on bushland management last reporting including numerous Community Action period, but is a decrease of $66,573 for the average Threatened species. n amount spent over the last 3 reporting periods. Rabbits House Moderate Typically restricted to For the first time, Council conducted a coordinated Mouse disturbed bushland, rabbit baiting program for landowners across the however found in Bushcare Volunteer Program Shire. We encouraged interested participants to seek undisturbed core bushland participation from neighbouring properties, to increase Council coordinates a successful Bushcare Volunteer areas of the northern Shire. the likely success of the program. The program was Program, which involves a significant number of Effect on native species coordinated by Council under the direction of the community volunteers who dedicate their time to carry unknown but of concern. out bushcare activities within Council Reserves. This Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority (were Rabbit High Known locally to browse on includes weeding, erosion control and revegetation. This the Rural Lands Protection Board). There were 152 a number of Threatened is an important contribution made by those members properties interested in participating, and of those, flora. Restricted to fringing of the community, to protecting our biodiversity. 86 went through to conducting the baiting on their bushland and agricultural During the reporting period, there were 652 registered properties. areas. Bushcare volunteers, who conducted 7697 volunteer n Deer Black Rat Moderate Typically restricted to hours of Bushcare work. This is an increase of 1324 Council received concerns regarding feral deer in the disturbed bushland, hours from last reporting period, and an increase of Maraylya area. Council conducted some investigation however found in 2165 hours on the average hours over the previous into the requirements around controlling feral deer undisturbed core bushland three reporting periods. which revealed that the most effective method of deer areas of the northern control is through shooting. The NSW Game Council, Shire. Effect on native who are the body issuing licences for deer control, species unknown but of provide a free service for landowners, where licenced concern.

40 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Biodiversity

shooters visit the property and prepare and implement Actions included improving habitat in the school for birds During the reporting period, there were 6 complaints Priorities Action Statement. Council also plays a role in an Action Plan that addresses issues around safety (plants, nestboxes, bird baths) as well as using resources received by DECC. Several of these figures could be assisting private landowners in protecting biodiversity, and effectiveness. Council wrote to residents in the more sustainably such as implementing better waste matters that were reported to DECC by Council. Where through supporting them in establishing conservation Maraylya area, advising them of the service if they management (composting, worm farming, recycling). a complaint has come to Council and there has been agreements, providing education on the importance of wished to take action. a significant impact on threatened species, Council conserving biodiversity, and perhaps providing funding can refer the matter to DECC for action. Unauthorised and advice on best practice management techniques. activities (which includes landclearing, illegal fill etc) A key issue is illegal land clearing. It is difficult for COMMUNITY EDUCATION contributed significantly to biodiversity loss in the Shire

Council to police as we rely heavily on residents biodiversity n Birds as Indicators during the 2008/09 period. GPS mapping of known reporting illegal activity and in many instances it cases of bushland removal demonstrated that >10 ha Nine schools participated in the Birds as Indicators goes unreported. There are mechanisms with which of Endangered Ecological Communities (particularly Council can determine and investigate cases of illegal of Sustainability program from March to December Shale Sandstone Transition Forest and Cumberland 2008. Students conducted bird surveys in the school landclearing, and so resources could be directed to Plain Woodland) were destroyed by unauthorised investigating these cases. To compliment this action, grounds and entered the data on the website http:// bushland clearing. birdsinbackyards.net Council could also be more proactive in conducting an In addition, a large number of Threatened plants were awareness campaign on the regulations surrounding Small insect-eating (insectivorous) birds have been destroyed through unauthorised clearing, bushrock land clearing and the possible regulatory action that most affected by urbanisation in Australia. Only 15% removal, and unauthorised fill dumping. S tockpiled can be taken. of all the species commonly found in cities weigh less vegetation provided minimum numbers of the than 15g. This contrasts with birds in native bushland, Council’s Bushcare program is a successful program Threatened plants destroyed by such activities, which which engages the community in protecting biodiversity. where around 40% weigh less than 15g. were: As natural habitats continue to be cleared, water This program should continue, with potential for it to becomes scarce, and animals are required to move in Figure 11: Bird habitat preference - urban lovers Micromyrtus blakelyi > 4 plants expand into key significant areas which require bushland management works. Council should continue to support response to climate change, developing human urban Kunzea rupestris > 20 plants landscapes that are more suitable for wildlife becomes and show appreciation for these volunteers, and aim to even more important. Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora > 8 plants increase the number of volunteers and the hours spent conducting Bushcare activities. There is also scope for Darwinia biflora > 10 plants Council to assist with private bush regeneration works through the Landcare program, coordinated by the These figures comprise a significant proportion of the Catchment Management Authorities. wild populations of these species. Fire management is a complex issue with regard to biodiversity and sustainability. Much of Australia’s COMMUNITY AND OPERATIONAL LAND vegetation requires some form of fire for regeneration and survival. However, in most instances, appropriate Council owns and manages Community Land, which fire regimes required for different vegetation types includes bushland reserves and parks. During the are not implemented, which can have a detrimental reporting period Council was in the care and control of impact on vegetation. This is also quite a contraversial 1265.54 hectares of Community Land. topic, however, should be discussed with the relevant Council owns various Operational Lands and many stakeholders to determine the most appropriate means of which contain areas of biodiversity, ranging in of achieving beneficial environmental (biodiversity), Figure 12: Bird habitat preference - urban haters ‘conservation value’. During the reporting period, social and economic outcomes. there was no development work in any of Council’s Feral animal control should continue for both public and COMPLAINTS AND REGULATION Operational Land holdings. However, there are nine private land, however it should be more coordinated projects under consideration. This will be reported on with greater numbers of participants in key areas. Figure 10: Compostion of birds for forested and n Complaints to Council in future reports. There is potential to conduct survey work into the urban habitats Council receives complaints relating to illegal effectiveness of these programs in reducing feral animal Data collected from each school was presented in two landclearing, which includes underscrubbing. During the populations. There is also potential to implement control graphs; one showing the presence of urban loving birds reporting period, Council received only 11 complaints FUTURE STRATEGIES programs for other key feral animals. and one showing urban hating birds. Urban haters regarding illegal landclearing/underscrubbing. This does A key action for the future, is for Council to continue to There is aerial data available on the vegetation cover include small insectivorous birds such as; Superb Fairy- not necessarily mean that there were only 11 incidents of develop and implement the Biodiversity Conservation as at 2008, however limited resources have meant that wrens, Golden Whistlers and Spotted Pardalotes. Urban illegal landclearing; it is likely that many are unreported. Plan which will identify threatening processes and this data hasn’t been analysed to determine losses in loving birds include Noisy Minors, Australian Ravens and Council can take regulatory action and issue Notices, identify key strategic actions that are required to vegetation. It would be beneficial for Council to allocate Rainbow Lorikeets. Each school was allocated an iconic Orders, fines and CourtA ttendance Notices to deal with conserve biodiversity. A major action is the integration resources to enable this data to be analysed to provide bird to watch to be linked to the School Environmental these issues. Of the 11 complaints for illegal landclearing, of the biodiversity conservation map into the Local key information on vegetation change in the Shire. Management Plan. The focus of the SEMP is for the 3 Court Attendance Notices were issued. Environmental Plan 2010. The actions detailed below school community to manage the school grounds, And finally, as Council looks to develop Operational n Complaints referred to DECC may form part of the Biodiversity Conservation Plan. manage the use of resources (water, waste, energy) Land containing significant biodiversity, we should Council should continue to work at recovering species and to link that to the curriculum. The schools in this The Department of Environment and Climate Change look at options to maintain or improve biodiversity from the threat of extinction, and this should be done project all took action as a result of their observations. (DECC) also receive complaints relating to biodiversity. conservation, and play a lead role in environmentally by implementing the actions identified in the NSW sensitive development.

42 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 43 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 heritage

Heritage

Sustainability Indicators

NATURAL HERITAGE heritage Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Sustainability The natural heritage of The Hills Shire is diverse and Trend beautiful. The geological and biological history of this area has influenced what we see here today. What we Number of Aboriginal Heritage awareness events 4 3 3 2 do today will influence the extent and condition of our held natural assets for generations to come. It is important that we find and embrace our personal connections Number of proposals submitted and approved for 51 65 71 112 to our natural heritage and ensure that it is cherished heritage conservation works and conserved.

Number of applications to Heritage Assistance 11 17 16 15 Fund received FUTURE STRATEGIES Council should continue to build partnerships and Number of Heritage related complaints to DECCW n/a n/a n/a 0 communications with the Aboriginal Community. We Environment Line should ensure that they are adequately consulted with when there is potential for activities to impact on items or places of Aboriginal Heritage significance. An on-going priority is to ensure any redevelopment of heritage items is subject to proper assessment and occurs in a sympathetic manner which does not detract from their identified significance. The maintenance of heritage items and preventing ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Non-Aboriginal Heritage them from being subject to neglect, vandalism and fire damage continues to be a major issue facing At the 2006 Census, 438 Indigenous persons Heritage Assistance Fund the Shire’s heritage. Unfortunately where an item is lived within The Hills Shire LGA (0.3% of the total A total of fifteen (15) applications were received not listed in the State Heritage Register, there are population). This is an increase if 66 Indigenous seeking funding under the 2008/2009 Fund. currently limited legal obligations placed on owners of persons since the last Census (2001). Eleven (11) applications have completed works to heritage items. a high standard with Council contributing a total The conservation of timber, rural outbuildings Naidoc Week Celebration of $19,726.50 in heritage assistance funding. Two associated with heritage items has also been (2) applications withdrew from the fund as they identified as a future priority. These buildings are n Flag Raising Ceremony & Smoking Ceremony were unable to complete projects and two (2) were not always subject to the same level of maintenance In recent years The Hills Shire Council, in partnership unsuccessful. as historic residence and are more susceptible with the Darug Corporation have hosted flag raising The Heritage Assistance Fund continues to provide an to structural deterioration. However, many are and smoking ceremonies. The ceremonies attracts important incentive and mechanism to achieve the considered to be highly significant providing people form all levels of Government and from all conservation of the Shire’s heritage for the benefit of important physical evidence of the Shire’s agricultural areas of the Shire. The Ceremonies are held at Arthur the individual owners and the wider community. past. Whitling park, an important area for the Darug people, It is imperative that Council and the community and are conducted by Darug Aboriginal Elders. continue to engage and embrace the diversity of Heritage Assessments heritage that we have – Aboriginal, non- Aboriginal n Story Time Council officers carried out 112 heritage assessments and natural. Education, awareness and partnerships for development applications, for the reporting period, are key to ensuring that we all connect and value our Most recently Council’s Community Services Team where a proposed development incorporated a heritage heritage. and Castle Hill Library in partnership with the Darug item or was in the immediate vicinity of a heritage item. Corporation have taken a new approach to educating This was an increase of 41 from the previous year. the public on indigenous issues with the advent of story time. Story time is held in Castle Hill Library and Heritage is clearly an important issue for residents in facilitated by a Local Daurug storyteller and Elder Uncle the Shire with numerous requests received on a weekly Wesley Marne. basis relating to a wide range of heritage issues.

44 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Protected Environment

Protected Environment Our natural resources are O ur natural resources are used wisely used wisely

n Reduce commercial and residential waste through effective resource recovery n Build community awareness and support for recycling and reuse

- waste management

47 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 Waste Campaign image for Council’s M anagement S ervice. waste management

Council provides the option for residents with larger families to have a 240 litre garbage bin for an Waste management additional fee. Alternatively, as an incentive to assist residents maintain their garbage component within the 140 litre bin, we offer a second recycling and/ Sustainability Indicators or garden organics bin free of charge. 3.54% of the community have opted for a large bin and 4.61% Indicator 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Sustainability

have an additional recycling and/or garden organics waste management Trend bin. Amount of household garbage and clean up waste 48646 54828 43378 41690 collected (tonnes) n On-Call Kerbside Clean Up

Average amount of waste generated per household 17.89 19.81 14.61 14.36 Two on-call kerbside clean ups are provided for per week (kg) each household every year. The service is very popular with almost 20,000 clean ups requested in 2008/2009. Amount of recyclable material collected (tonnes) 14444 17777 18996 18585

n Household Chemical Clean Out Council participates in the CleanOut program Amount of recyclables generated per household N/A N/A N/A 6.83 sponsored by the Department of Environment and per week (kg) Climate Change and the NSW Environmental Trust. 1,607 residents attended the event held at Council’s Amount of garden organic material collected 345 365 14318 17702 Administration Centre Car Park in 2008. 52.44 (tonnes) tonnes of chemical waste was collected and water- based paint was the most common item disposed of.

Amount of garden organic material generated per N/A N/A N/A 7.29 household per week (kg) RECYCLING 18,585 tonnes of recyclable materials were collected in 2008/09 equivalent to 6.83kg produced per Greenhouse gas emissions saved from recycling N/A N/A N/A 7219 household per week. This is a reduction of 411 and garden organics services (co e tonnes) 2 tonnes on the previous year. However, Hills residents are recycling more than the NSW average of 5.34kg Contamination rates in the recycling stream (%) 5.5 5.88 5.73 5.4 per household per week. The recycling materials are taken to Visy Recycling at Smithfield for sorting before being sold on the commodity market.

n DrumMuster Council worked in partnership with Hornsby Shire Council to provide residents, local schools and local golf courses in the rural areas of both Councils the opportunity to recycle old drums through the Waste continues to be an issue of concern, given the GARBAGE DrumMuster Program. 388 drums were collected in increasing population and our increasing consumption total. In 2008/2009 Council disposed of 41,690 tonnes of which ultimately leads to waste generation. Waste can household garbage and clean up waste equivalent to impact on our local environment and also contributes 14.36kg of waste generated per household per week. to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change n Fridge Buyback This is a reduction of 1,688 tonnes on last year. For through methane generation at landfills. the majority of residents living in the Shire a three-bin Council encourages residents to participate in the Maintaining and protecting the environment remains waste service is provided: 140 litre garbage (collected Fridge Buyback program. The program supported at the forefront of our initiatives to ensure our natural weekly); 240 litre co-mingled recycling (collected by the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund resources are widely used. In the reporting period fortnightly); 240 litre garden organics (collected and local councils aims to reduce greenhouse gas Council spent $16.197M on the delivery of the domestic fortnightly). The garbage is taken to the Clyde Transfer emissions, and recycle the metals from working garbage and recycling service and we continue to Terminal before being railed to Woodlawn for landfill second hand fridges at least 10 years old and recover resources to meet community expectations. disposal. The landfill is owned and operated by Veolia larger than 250 litres in size. Since the programs Environmental Solutions. inception in 2006/2007, 807 refrigerators have been collected. This equates to a saving of 6,722 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and an estimated 72.9 48 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 waste management

tonnes of metals being recycled. WASTE EDUCATION References The community education strategy in 2008/2009 aimed n Australian Conservation Foundation 2007, n Electronic Waste to build community awareness and support for recycling and reuse and the development and implementation of Consumption Atlas. Online: http://www.acfonline. In October 2008 Council hosted an E-Waste event a sustainable community education program regarding org.au/consumptionatlas/ Accessed 26 October heavily supported by Infoactiv on behalf of Apple. The waste avoidance and minimisation. 2009. event was conducted over a weekend with 536 vehicles delivering approximately 30 tonnes of electronic 104 waste education activities were conducted equipment for recycling. The most recovered item was throughout the reporting period including participation n Department of Climate Change 2008, AUSTRALIA: re f erence CRT monitors followed by televisions. The E-waste was in National Recycling Week, International Composting National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Total, Carbon recycled by Sims E-Recycling. Awareness Week, Hills Home & Lifestyle Expo, Keep Dioxide Equivalent Emissions, 2007, Kyoto Australia Beautiful Week, World Environment Day, Accounting. Online: http://ageis.climatechange. Rouse Hill Town Centre Environment Expo and Council’s gov.au/ Accessed 28 October 2009. GARDEN ORGANICS G’Day Day activities. In 08/09 17,702 tonnes of garden organic materials Reverse Garbage conducted various re-usable n Department of Climate Change 2009a, What were reprocessed into mulch and compost equivalent workshops for children aged between 3-12 years of age is Climate Change? Online: http://www. to 7.29kg of material created per household per week. with many parents joining in the fun. climatechange.gov.au/en/climate-change.aspx The material is taken to WSN Environmental Solutions Keep Australia Beautiful (NSW) visited 17 local schools Accessed online 19 October 2009. at Eastern Creek. This service is very popular, with 89% addressing 1945 children about the importance of of residents presenting their garden organics bin for ‘Water Welfare’. The KAB ‘Waste Watchers’ program is collection. Contamination rates also remain low, with a delivered annually into our local schools. n Department of Climate Change 2009b, Australia’s material recovery rate of 89.8%. National Greenhouse Accounts: National Inventory Compost, Worm Farm & No Dig Garden demonstrations Report 2007 Volume 1. Online: http://www. and workshops were hosted for local residents and climatechange.gov.au/~/media/publications/ n Free Mulching Service schools throughout the year. These were well supported greenhouse-acctg/national-inventory-report-vol-1- by the community with many residents taking up the part-a.ashx. Accessed 17 November 2009. Council hosts a monthly mulching service for residents challenge to try home composting. to dispose of bulky pruned trees and shrubs. Residents are required to take home mulch for re-use on the Local newspaper articles, flyers and outdoor media n Department of Environment and Climate Change garden. The excess mulch is used on Council’s parks campaigns were used to promote events and provide 2006, NSW State of the Environment Report 2006. and gardens. feedback to the community on recycling efforts. Online: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/soe/ soe2006/chapter3/chp_3.3.htm#3.3.40 Accessed WASTE AUDIT FUTURE STRATEGIES 28 October 2009. Council conducts an annual waste audit of the three- There are various programs and activities that Council bin system and on-call kerbside clean up service. can initiate, to improve domestic waste management n Harper, P. and Torok, S. 1998, Climate Change: Contamination in the recycling stream was 5.4% which and the reduction of waste to landfill. It is envisaged what can you do about it. Pan Macmillan Australia, is slightly lower than the last year. Contamination in the that a number of focus groups will be undertaken Sydney. garden organics stream was under 1%. 37.9% of the in future to address the consumption and waste contents of the garbage stream was made up of food generation concerns of residents, to allow for the and kitchen waste. The three largest components of the development of targeted education campaigns and n Ministry of Transport 2008, 2006 Transport Data clean ups, by volume, were vegetation, timber furniture services. Centre Journey To Work Summary Tables by Local Government Area (GMA). Online: http:// and mattresses. There are opportunities surrounding public place www.transport.nsw.gov.au/tdc/publications.html recycling to enable people to embrace recycling when Accessed 26 October 2009. away from home, and recover the recyclable materials CONTAMINATION MANAGEMENT which are placed in garbage bins. Council has prepared a Contamination Management Council must also consider the next waste management Strategy in collaboration with all contract parties to contract which will come into force in 2012. It is provide reinforcement and support for households envisaged that a taskforce will be established to look that ‘Do the Right Bin’ and participate pro-actively in at potential alternative waste technology solutions for source separation. This is coupled with identification, Council beyond 2012. investigation and intervention in households that are non-complying. The objective of the strategy is to deliver sustainable behaviour in households that supports source separation of targeted materials and separate collections.

50 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

APPENDIX I – Threatened Species and Actions for The Hills Shire Table 14: Threatened flora species known in The Hills Shire Common Name Scientific Name EPBC TSC ROTAP UBBS Table 13: Threatened fauna species known in The Hills Shire Bynoe’s Wattle Acacia bynoeana V E1 3VC- V1 Common Name Scientific Name EPBC TSC Acacia gordonii E1 E1 2K V1 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor E1 E1 Downy Wattle Acacia pubescens V V 3VCa V1 Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia E1 E1 Ancistrachne maidenii V Eastern Pygmy Possum Cercartetus nanus E1 Asterolasia elegans E1 E1 2ECa V1 a pp endix Cumberland Plain Land Snail Meridolum corneovirens E1 Darwinia biflora V V 2VCa V1 Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus E1 V Dillwynia tenuifolia V V 2RCa Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus V V Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens V V 2KC- V1 Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii V V Eucalyptus sp. Cattai E1 Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus V V Grevillea parviflora subsp parviflora V Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis V Grevillea parviflora subsp. supplicans E1 Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus V Hibbertia superans E1 Barking Owl Ninox connivens V Kunzea rupestris V V 2VCa V1 Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis V Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri E1 2RG- V1 Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae V Deane’s Paperbark Melaleuca deanei V V V1 Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus V Micromyrtus blakelyi V V 2VCi V1 Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum V Olearia cordata V V 2VCi V1 Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami V Hairy Geebung Persoonia hirsuta E1 E1 3KCi V1 Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis V Persoonia mollis subsp. maxima E1 E1 V1 Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis V Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora V V Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura V Tetratheca glandulosa V V 2VC- V1 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata V Zieria involucrata V E1 2VCa V1 Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern subspecies) Melithreptus gularis gularis V

Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceane V Table 15: Threatened Populations known within The Hills Shire Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis V Endangered Population Large-footed Myotis Myotis adversus V Dillwynia tenuifolia in the Baulkham Hills LGA Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella V Darwinia fascicularis ssp. oligantha in the Baulkham Hills and Hornsby Local Government Areas Powerful Owl Ninox strenua V Osprey Pandion haliaetus V Table 16: Endangered Ecological Communities known with The Hills Shire Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster V Ecological Community Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis V Blue Gum High Forest Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris V Cumberland Plain Woodland Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii V Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa V Shale-Sandstone Transition Forest Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa V Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea V River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus saggitatus V Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus V Sydney Freshwater Wetlands Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata V Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest Koala Phascolarctos cinereus V Western Sydney Dry Rainforest Maroota Sands Swamp Forest

52 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 53 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

Table 17: NSW Priorities Action Statement - High Priority Actions for The Hills Shire Council Blue Gum High Forest Undertake priority weed control works. Scientific name Priority actions Blue Gum High Forest Undertake rehabilitation/restoration and/or regeneration actions at identified priority Acacia bynoeana Increase the level of legislative protection for sites through land-use planning sites. mechanisms and conservation agreements. Retain vegetative linkages between sites Botaurus poiciloptilus Identify priority breeding wetlands and determine threatening processes at eac where possible. h site in order to target management actions. Initial emphasis should be targeted at Acacia bynoeana Public authorities undertaking road; trail; or easement maintenance activities in Macquarie Marshes; Lowbidgee; Lachlan and Menindee Lakes. potential habitat are to ensure that planning and maintenance staff are aware of the

Calyptorhynchus Identify and map key breeding and foraging habitat; similar to the mapping done by a pp endix species and that processes are in place to avoid impacting upon it. lathami Robinson (2004) at St Georges Basin. Acacia gordonii Advise and liaise with private land managers to facilitate the preparation and Cumberland Plain Develop and implement a coordinated program for removal of African Olive acrross all implementation of site management plans that address threatening processes. Woodland tenures. Acacia gordonii Assess the relative conservation significance of sites to determine recovery priorities. Cumberland Plain Local Govt prepare plans of management in accordance with the Local Government Acacia gordonii Carry out targeted surveys in potential habitat; particularly freehold lands and Crown Woodland Act for reserves containing EECs; which have conservation as a primary objective; or land that may be alienated. where conservation is compatible. Acacia gordonii Incorporate best knowledge regarding appropriate fire regime into land management Cumberland Plain Manage; to best practice standards; areas of EECs which have conservation as a practices. Woodland primary objective; or where conservation is compatible. Priorities are to be based on DEC conservation significance assessment. Acacia gordonii Prepare and implement site management plans for sites that are located on public land outside the NPWS estate. Darwinia biflora Ensure easement maintenance activities will not affect survival of populations. Acacia gordonii Seek to increase the level of legislative protection for sites through land-use planning Darwinia biflora Identify and survey potential habitat. mechanisms and conservation agreements. Darwinia biflora Negotiate with public authorities to increase legislative protection for high priority sites Acacia pubescens Liaise with private landholders to increase legislative protection (of identified priority on public land. sites) through land use planning mechanisms or conservation agreements. Darwinia biflora Provide advice and assistance to private landholders; to identify actual and potential Acacia pubescens Negotiate with public authorities to implement threat and habitat management threats and negotiate the implementation of on-ground works to address threats. programs (eg Plans of Management) on public lands identified as being high priority sites. Darwinia biflora Threat and habitat management programs will be implemented by public authorities Acacia pubescens Negotiate with public authorities to increase legislative protection (of identified priority on public lands. sites) through land use planning mechanisms or conservation agreements. Darwinia fascicularis Assess and map threats acting on sites. Ancistrachne maidenii Undertake surveys of potential habitat. subsp. Oligantha - Asterolasia elegans Assess the relative conservation significance of sites to determine recovery priorities. endangered population Asterolasia elegans Carry out targeted surveys in potential habitat; particularly freehold lands and Crown Darwinia fascicularis Increase protection status of sites. land that may be alienated. subsp. Oligantha - Asterolasia elegans Fence sites and exclude livestock and/or feral animals; where required; incl. along endangered population Laughtondale Gully Road (Hornsby LGA). Darwinia fascicularis Prepare and implement Plan of Managements for sites. Asterolasia elegans Prepare and implement site management plans for sites that are located on public subsp. Oligantha - land outside the NPWS estate. endangered population Blue Gum High Forest Develop criteria and targets for threat management actions. Darwinia fascicularis Restrict and control access to sites especially from vehicles and goats. subsp. Oligantha - Blue Gum High Forest Identify and map priority sites for protection of BGHF remnants. endangered population Blue Gum High Forest Prioritise threat management actions. Dasyurus maculatus Habitat requirements of Spotted-tailed Quolls to be adequately conserved within Blue Gum High Forest Control and regulate access and land use via fencing and signage. environmental planning instruments and through other legislative protection Blue Gum High Forest Coordinate detailed review and assessment (tenure/zoning/ownership/threats) of mechanisms; including property vegetation plans. mapped BGHF remnants; incorporating new remnants. Epacris purpurascens Liaise with land managers to encourage the preparation of site management plans and Blue Gum High Forest Implement appropriate fire management practices. var. purpurascens the implementation of appropriate threat abatement measures; such as weed control/ bush regeneration; site protection (fencing/signage) and fire management. Blue Gum High Forest Liaise and support landholders to secure protection and active management of priority BGHF sites. Grevillea parviflora Ensure that sites on crown land are appropriately classified and managed. subsp. supplicans Blue Gum High Forest Liaise with landholders to prepare site specific Plans of Management. Grevillea parviflora Incorporate site specific threat abatement measures for the species into Plans of Blue Gum High Forest Notify land owners/managers of presence of BGHF and discuss implications for use subsp. supplicans Management for sites in council or crown reserves. and management. Grevillea parviflora Negotiate with the managers of freehold sites to prepare and implement site Blue Gum High Forest Undertake priority stormwater and erosion control works. subsp. supplicans management plans that address threatening processes.

54 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 55 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

Grevillea parviflora Provide map of known occurrences to Rural Fire Service and seek inclusion of Persoonia hirsuta Develop and implement site-awareness and protection procedures for use by land subsp. supplicans mitigative measures on Bush Fire Risk Management Plan(s); risk register and/or owners/managers and public utilities and their contractors when undertaking road; operation map(s). trail; or easement maintenance. Grevillea parviflora Public authorities undertaking road; trail or easement maintenance activities in Persoonia hirsuta Incorporate best knowledge regarding appropriate fire regime into land management subsp. supplicans potential habitat to survey thoroughly for the species prior to commencing works and practices. to implement measures to avoid impacting upon any populations found. Persoonia hirsuta Prepare and implement site management plans for sites that are located on public Grevillea parviflora Restrict access to sites; where necessary. land outside the NPWS estate. a pp endix subsp. supplicans Persoonia hirsuta Restrict vehicular and pedestrian access to sites; where necessary. Grevillea parviflora Seek to increase the level of legislative protection for sites on freehold land through Persoonia hirsuta Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. subsp. supplicans land-use planning mechanisms and conservation agreements. Petaurus australis Co-ordinate the implementation of the actions outlined in the recovery plan. Hibbertia superans Ensure agencies undertaking ridgetop or easement maintenance activities in its habitat are aware of the species and that thorough surveys are undertaken before Petaurus australis Consider identification; protection and management of regionally significant habitat. carrying out activities in its habitat. Petaurus australis Consider identification; protection and management of species habitat in planning Hibbertia superans Negotiate with Council to prepare and implement site management statements to instruments. address threats for sites on Council land and roadsides. Petaurus australis Consider species in reserve management and planning to protect and enhance habitat Hibbertia superans Negotiate with landholders to increase protection status of sites outside conservation and connection corridors. reserves; through land use planning mechanisms or conservation agreements. Petaurus australis Liaise with agencies and utility providers with respect to potential impacts of Kunzea rupestris Negotiate with BHSC to prepare and implement site management statements to habitat isolation through linear clearing for infrastructural works such as roads and address threats on Council reserves and roads. powerlines. Kunzea rupestris Negotiate with Dept of Lands to increase protection of sites on Crown land; Pseudophryne australis Develop best practice management strategies that buffer and protect important particularly those in west of range in Baulkham Hills LGA. headwater/ridge top breeding sites from changes to water flow; flow regimes and water quality changes. Kunzea rupestris Negotiate with sand mining companies to reduce threats posed by mining activities. River-Flat Eucalypt Where this EEC occurs in western Sydney; implement relevant PAS actions identified Lathamus discolor Coordinate volunteer surveys at known and potential Swift Parrot sites on private and Forest on Coastal for Cumberland Plain Woodland. public land. Floodplains of the NSW Lathamus discolor Identify and map the extent and quality of Swift Parrot foraging and roosting habitat North Coast; Sydney on private and public land. Basin and South East Lathamus discolor Protect; manage and restore Swift Parrot habitat on private land through conservation Corner bioregions agreements; management agreements and incentive payments. Shale Sandstone Local Govt prepare plans of management in accordance with the Local Government Maroota Sands Swamp Negotiate with adjacent landholders (where they are impacting on site) to create Transition Forest in the Act for reserves containing EECs; which have conservation as a primary objective; or Forest buffers and implement management actions to reduce edge effects. Sydney Basin Bioregion where conservation is compatible. Maroota Sands Swamp Negotiate with Dept of Lands to prepare and implement site management statement Shale Sandstone Manage; to best practice standards; areas of EECs which have conservation as a Forest to address threats; particularly weed invasion. Transition Forest in the primary objective; or where conservation is compatible. Priorities are to be based on Sydney Basin Bioregion DEC conservation significance assessment. Maroota Sands Swamp Negotiate with relevant authorities to address threats due to stormwater runoff and Forest hydrological changes from e.g. water extraction; sand mining; market gardening. Sydney Turpentine- Local Govt prepare plans of management in accordance with the Local Government Ironbark Forest Act for reserves containing EECs; which have conservation as a primary objective; or Melaleuca deanei Seek to increase the level of legislative protection for sites through land-use planning where conservation is compatible. mechanisms and conservation agreements. Retain or; where lost; re-establish vegetative linkages between sites where possible. Sydney Turpentine- Manage; to best practice standards; areas of EECs which have conservation as a Ironbark Forest primary objective; or where conservation is compatible. Priorities are to be based on Melanodryas cucullata Identify key habitats or areas on a regional basis for protection and enhanced DEC conservation significance assessment. cucullata management through incentives. Tetratheca glandulosa Identify and map priority sites for protection and management. Melanodryas cucullata Implement sympathetic habitat mangement in conservation reserves; council reserves cucullata and crown reserves where the species occurs. Tetratheca glandulosa Encourage community awareness and involvement in threat management works. Ninox strenua Prepare environmental impact assessment guidelines to assist consent and Tetratheca glandulosa Increase the level of legislative protection of high priority sites through land-use determining authorities and environmental consultants to assess impacts of planning mechanisms and conservation agreements. developments on the Powerful Owl. Tetratheca glandulosa Prepare & implement site-specificPOM s for high priority sites. Persoonia hirsuta Advise and liaise with private land managers to facilitate the preparation and Tetratheca glandulosa Prepare and implement fire management guidelines. implementation of site management plans that address threatening processes. Tetratheca glandulosa Undertake identified prority threat management works including weed control; restrict access; stormwater management works and slashing under power lines. Persoonia hirsuta Assess the relative conservation significance of sites to determine recovery priorities. Tyto novaehollandiae Prepare environmental impact assessment guidelines to assist consent and Persoonia hirsuta Carry out targeted surveys in potential habitat; particularly freehold lands; Crown land determining authorities and environmental consultants to assess impacts of that may be alienated and council-managed lands. developments on the Masked Owl.

56 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 57 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

Tyto tenebricosa Encourage private landholders to undertake management options to conserve and/or Acacia gordonii Review classification of Crown land where sites occur to ensure appropriate actively manage forest owl habitat. classification and management for nature conservation. Tyto tenebricosa Monitor and report on effectiveness of concurrence and licence conditions previously Acacia gordonii Undertake management-focused ecological studies; including fire frequency applied to reduce impacts of development on Sooty owls and their habitats; requirements. by recording conditions; picking case studies and checking owl presence post Acacia gordonii Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. development. Acacia pubescens DECC to be advised of decisions that affect species by relevant consent and Tyto tenebricosa Prepare environmental impact assessment guidelines to assist consent and

determining authorities. a pp endix determining authorities and environmental consultants to assess impacts of developments on the Sooty Owl. Acacia pubescens Encourage community involvement in the recovery of species; particularly in the implementation of threat and habitat management programs. Western Sydney Dry Manage; to best practice standards; areas of EECs which have conservation as a Rainforest in the primary objective; or where conservation is compatible. Priorities are to be based on Acacia pubescens Provide advice and assistance to private landholders; to identify actual and Sydney Basin Bioregion DEC conservation significance assessment. potential threats and to negotiate the implementation of on ground works to reduce threats. Western Sydney Dry Prepare plans of management in accordance with the Local Government Act for Rainforest in the reserves containing EECs; which have conservation as a primary objective; or where Ancistrachne maidenii Develop actions for protection and management once surveys of potential Sydney Basin Bioregion conservation is compatible. habitat are completed. Zieria involucrata Advise private landholders of species and negotiate to increase protection. Ancistrachne maidenii Ensure staff undertaking track and roadside maintenance activities are aware of species; its habitat and habitat requirements. Zieria involucrata Advise public authorities of species on their land. Asterolasia elegans Advise and liaise with private land managers to facilitate the preparation and Zieria involucrata Assist landholders to apply for funding for site management statements. implementation of site management plans that address threatening processes. Zieria involucrata Conduct targeted surveys in potential habitat. Asterolasia elegans Complete priority State/National recovery plan in accordance with contractual Zieria involucrata Coordinate surveys of known sites to assess size; characteristics; conservation status obligation between DEC and DEH; by June 2007. and threats. Asterolasia elegans Develop and implement site-awareness and protection procedures for use Zieria involucrata Incorporate recovery objectives into reserve fire management strategies. by land owners/managers and public utilities and their contractors when Zieria involucrata Liaise with public authorities and LALC regarding preparation and implementation of undertaking road; trail; or easement maintenance. site management statements on Crown Land. Asterolasia elegans Ensure that council-managed land on which sites occur are appropriately Zieria involucrata Prepare site management statements for freehold land. classified and managed for conservation. Zieria involucrata Prepare site management statements for sites on DEC estate or sites subject to VCA. Asterolasia elegans Reserve Fire Management Strategy to include operational guidelines to protect this species from fire. Asterolasia elegans Restrict vehicular and pedestrian access to sites; where necessary; incl. along Laughtondale Gully Road (Hornsby LGA). Asterolasia elegans Retain or re-establish vegetative linkages between sites. Table 18: NSW Priorities Action Statement - Medium Priority Actions for The Hills Shire Council Asterolasia elegans Review classification of Crown land where sites occur to ensure appropriate Scientific name Priority actions classification and management for nature conservation. Acacia bynoeana Ensure that sites on crown land are appropriately managed for conservation of Asterolasia elegans Seek to increase the level of legislative protection for sites through land-use species. planning mechanisms and conservation agreements. . . Acacia bynoeana Incorporate appropriate fire regime into land management practices. Asterolasia elegans Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required; incl. along Acacia bynoeana Incorporate site specific threat abatement measures for the species into Plan Laughtondale Gully Road (Hornsby LGA). of Management for sites in council or crown reserves. Blue Gum High Forest Develop and implement a BGHF community education; awareness and Acacia bynoeana Liaise with private and public land managers to facilitate the preparation and involvement campaign. implementation of management plans that address threatening processes. Blue Gum High Forest Develop and implement a threat management monitoring program. Acacia bynoeana Restrict access to sites; where necessary. Blue Gum High Forest Development and implementation of best practice management guidelines for Acacia bynoeana Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. BGHF remnants. Acacia gordonii Develop and implement site-awareness and protection procedures for use Blue Gum High Forest Development and implementation of EIA guidelines. by land owners/managers and public utilities and their contractors when Blue Gum High Forest Finalise the multi-EEC recovery plan as a State priority in accordance with undertaking road; trail; or easement maintenance. contractual obligations with DEH; by July 2007. Acacia gordonii Ensure that council-managed land on which sites occur are appropriately Blue Gum High Forest Investigate planning and incentives programs to promote and encourage classified and managed for conservation. protection and management of BGHF; particularly on private land. Acacia gordonii Fence sites and exclude livestock and/or feral animals; where required. Calyptorhynchus lathami Assist landholders who wish to enter into voluntary conservation agreements Acacia gordonii Restrict vehicular and pedestrian access to sites; where necessary. at key sites.

Acacia gordonii Retain or re-establish vegetative linkages between sites.

58 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 59 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

Calyptorhynchus lathami Encourage the restoration of foraging habitat that has been cleared or Epacris purpurascens var. Monitor known populations so that potential local extinctions are detected degraded by previous impacts. purpurascens before they occur and mechanisms can be put in place to reverse trends. Calyptorhynchus lathami Provide incentives for landholders to fence and manage key sites. Epacris purpurascens var. Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. Cumberland Plain Woodland Public authorities will promote management agreements to landholders purpurascens through their ongoing land use planning activities. Eucalyptus spp. Cattai Conduct surveys within predicted habitat; to identify new sites and confirm Darwinia biflora Advice will be provided to consent and planning authorities so that informed tenure.

environmental assessment and planning decisions can be made. Eucalyptus spp. Cattai Liaise with Govt agencies (BHSC; RFS; RTA etc) to ensure appropriate a pp endix Darwinia biflora DECC advised of any consents or approvals which affect species. management of Crown lands. Darwinia biflora Encourage community involvement; particularly in the implementation of Eucalyptus spp. Cattai Liaise with private landowners regarding land management for the protection threat and habitat management programs and monitoring programs. populations. Darwinia fascicularis subsp. Develop and implement a threat management monitoring program fo all sites. Eucalyptus spp. Cattai Prepare environmental impact assessment guidelines and provide to Baulkham Oligantha - endangered Hills Shire Council. population Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Develop and promote State-wide bat awareness programs for schools; CMAs; Darwinia fascicularis subsp. Ensure sites are considered and protected in future development assessment landholders and industry groups etc. Oligantha - endangered and planning matters. Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Identify important foraging range and key habitat components for this species. population Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Identify the effects of fragmentation in a range of fragmented landscapes e.g. Darwinia fascicularis subsp. Notify and educate landholders with regards to location; site management cleared Tableland landscapes. For example genetic isolation; movement and Oligantha - endangered implications and opportunities for conservation. persistence across a range of fragment sizes. population Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Prepare EIA guidelines which address the retention of hollow bearing trees Darwinia fascicularis subsp. Undertake potential habitat survey and confirm known sites. maintaining diversity of age groups; species diversity; structural diversity. Give Oligantha - endangered priority to largest hollow bearing trees. population Freshwater wetlands on coastal Collate existing information on vegetation mapping and associated data for Dasyurus maculatus At sections of roads where Spotted-tailed Quolls are frequently killed; floodplains of the NSW North this EEC and identify gaps in knowledge. Conduct targeted field surveys and incorporate methods to reduce the numbers of animals killed. Assess the Coast; Sydney Basin and South ground truthing to fill data gaps and clarify condition effectiveness of different mitigation methods. East Corner bioregions of remnants. Dasyurus maculatus Conduct field and community surveys for the Spotted-tailed Quoll in areas Freshwater wetlands on coastal Identify and prioritise other specific threats and undertake appropriate where its distribution is poorly known. Areas identified for large-scale urban floodplains of the NSW North on-ground site management strategies where required. development (i.e. Far north coast; Hunter) and coastal reserves should be the Coast; Sydney Basin and South highest priority. East Corner bioregions Dasyurus maculatus Erect signs in areas where road kills are common to alert drivers to the Freshwater wetlands on coastal Liaise with community to improve recognition of values and encourage presence of Spotted-tailed Quolls. floodplains of the NSW North landholder participation in site management including weed control. Dasyurus maculatus Identify sections of roads where Spotted-tailed Quolls are frequently killed on Coast; Sydney Basin and South roads. Conduct a media campaign to ask for public records of road kills and East Corner bioregions use data held by the relevant government agencies. Freshwater wetlands on coastal Prepare identification and impact assessment guidelines and distribute to Dillwynia tenuifolia Ensure plans of management for national parks; community lands and other floodplains of the NSW North consent and determining authorities. public lands include appropriate actions for species’ protection; such as weed Coast; Sydney Basin and South and animal control and fire management. East Corner bioregions Dillwynia tenuifolia Identify priority sites on private land; to encourage the preparation of site Freshwater wetlands on coastal Undertake weed control for Bitou Bush and Boneseed at priority sites in management plans and the implementation of appropriate threat abatement floodplains of the NSW North accordance with the approved Threat Abatement Plan and associated PAS measures; such as weed and animal control and fire management. Coast; Sydney Basin and South actions. East Corner bioregions Dillwynia tenuifolia - Conduct a targeted survey in likely habitat; to determine the full extent of the endangered population population. Freshwater wetlands on coastal Use mechanisms such as Voluntary Conservation Agreements to promote the Baulkham Hills floodplains of the NSW North protection; particularly from threats such as grazing; of this EEC on private Coast; Sydney Basin and South land. Dillwynia tenuifolia - Liaise with road managers regarding roadside maintenance; to ensure furture East Corner bioregions endangered population slashing and road-widening does not adversely impact on the population. Baulkham Hills Grevillea parviflora subsp. Identify; map and survey potential habitat; particularly private land in the supplicans Arcadia - Glenorie region; Maroota crown lands and in Marramarra NR. Epacris purpurascens var. Identify priority sites for formal habitat protection and seek to implement Grevillea parviflora subsp. Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. purpurascens measures such as JMAs or VCAs. supplicans Epacris purpurascens var. Monitor impact of fire on populations to inform DECC/ RFS/ local government purpurascens planning.

60 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 61 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

Hibbertia superans Liaise with Department of Education and Training to prepare and implement Ninox connivens Develop and distribute the Barking Owl information package. This will contain a site management statement to address threats at Samuel Gilbert Public the species profile; environment assessment guidelines and prescriptions to School. minimise potential impacts. Hibbertia superans Liaise with Sydney Water to prepare and implement a site management Ninox strenua Encourage CMAs to invest in actions that actively manage and/or conserve statement to address threats at Castle Hill STP. large forest owl habitat as part of their Catchment Action Plans. Hibbertia superans Undertake surveys in potential habitat; particularly in Crescent Reach Res and Ninox strenua Encourage private landholders to undertake management options to conserve Marramarra NP. and/or actively manage forest owl habitat. a pp endix Kunzea rupestris Monitor impact of fire on populations to inform DECC/ RFS/ local government Ninox strenua Monitor and report on effectiveness of concurrence and licence conditions planning. previously applied to reduce impacts of development on Powerful Owls and Kunzea rupestris Negotiate with Dept of Lands to prepare and implement site management their habitats; by recording conditions; picking case studies and checking owl statements to address threats at sites on Crown Land. presence post development. Kunzea rupestris Negotiate with private landholders to increase protection of sites through land Ninox strenua Provide up to date and accurate large forest owl and habitat information in the use planning mechanisms or conservation agreements; for sites on private PVP Developer - Threatened Species Tool’. land; particularly those in the west of the species’ range in Baulkham Hills Ninox strenua Provide up to date information and data for the Biobanking assessment LGA. methodology. Kunzea rupestris Negotiate with public agencies to restrict access to sites. Ninox strenua Use records of concurrence and licence conditions to develop a set of Lathamus discolor Conduct Swift Parrot habitat research on both private and public land. prescriptive guidelines that may be used to mitigate the impacts of developments on the Powerful Owl outside conservation reserves and State Lathamus discolor Enhance habitat for Swift Parrots by planting suitable tree species to forests. complement natural regeneration or to enhance remnants (refer to species profile for regionally specific habitat information). Olearia cordata Liaise with private landholders to increase site protection and management for conservation. Lathamus discolor Reduce the incidence of Swift Parrot collisions by raising community awareness of the threat of man-made hazards (including windows/glass panes and high Persoonia hirsuta Collect seed for NSW Seedbank. Develop collection program in collaboration wire-mesh fences) in the vicinity of suitable habitat. with BGT - multiple provenances. Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. Conduct surveys in likely habitat; particularly in the Yango and Lower Grose Persoonia hirsuta Ensure that council-managed land on which sites occur are appropriately fletcheri districts; and in the Basin Reserve. classified and managed for conservation. Maroota Sands Swamp Forest Carry out biological and ecological studies; particularly in regard to fire and Persoonia hirsuta Fence sites and exclude livestock and/or feral animals; where required. disturbance responses. Persoonia hirsuta Retain or re-establish vegetation and fauna movement linkages between sites. Maroota Sands Swamp Forest Increase protection status of Crown reserves on which community occurs. Persoonia hirsuta Review classification of Crown land where sites occur to ensure appropriate Melaleuca deanei Ensure that sites on crown land are appropriately classified and managed. classification and management for nature conservation. Melaleuca deanei Fence sites and exclude livestock and/or feral animals; where required. Persoonia hirsuta Seek to increase the level of legislative protection for sites through land-use planning mechanisms and conservation agreements. Melaleuca deanei Incorporate appropriate fire regime into land management practices. Petaurus australis Community awareness. Melaleuca deanei Liaise with private and public land managers to facilitate the preparation and implementation of management plans that address threatening processes. Petaurus australis Stakeholder awareness of species habitat requirements; ecology and management. Melaleuca deanei Prepare and implement management plans for sites that are located on public land outside the NPWS estate. Pimelea curviflora var. Conduct weed management; particularly at populations near land used for curviflora agriculture. Melaleuca deanei Public authorities and landowners undertaking road; trail; or easement maintenance activities in potential habitat are to ensure that planning and Pimelea curviflora var. Liaise with State and local government land managers to ensure maintenance staff are aware of the species and that processes are in place to curviflora implementation of appropriate measures. avoid impacting upon it. Pimelea curviflora var. Prepare and implement a population and threat management monitoring Melaleuca deanei Restrict vehicular and pedestrian access to sites; where necessary. curviflora program for high priority sites. Pimelea curviflora var. Prepare and implement site specific management plans for high priority sites. Melaleuca deanei Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required. curviflora Meridolum corneovirens Implement appropriate fire regimes (ones that allow build up of grass and Predation by the Plague Minnow Prepare environment assessment advice for Local Government regarding litter layers). (Gambusia holbrooki) activities that may result in human induced dispersal of Gambusia. Meridolum corneovirens Implement weed control at sites where necessary. Pseudophryne australis Develop best practice habitat management strategies that reduce bushrock removal from important habitat areas. Meridolum corneovirens Install structures (where necessary) to prevent accidental slashing and River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Collate existing information on vegetation mapping and associated data for removal of plant debris. Coastal Floodplains of the NSW this EEC and identify gaps in knowledge. Conduct targeted field surveys and North Coast; Sydney Basin and ground truthing to fill data gaps and clarify condition of remnants. Micromyrtus blakelyi Conduct surveys; particularly in utilities easements and their access trails. South East Corner bioregions

62 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 63 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 appendix

River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Enhance the capacity of persons involved in the assessment of impacts on this Tyto novaehollandiae Estimate amount of mapped modelled habitat for Masked Owls that is occupied Coastal Floodplains of the NSW EEC to ensure the best informed decisions are made. (based on proportion of sample sites with owls in them). Use this to further North Coast; Sydney Basin and estimate number of owl territories within different land tenures (based on South East Corner bioregions home range data). River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Prepare identification and impact assessment guidelines and distribute to Tyto novaehollandiae Implement a regional monitoring program. This will be undertaken once owl Coastal Floodplains of the NSW consent and determining authorities. habitat models have been refined; validated and sampling strategy developed. North Coast; Sydney Basin and Tyto novaehollandiae Investigate and pursue the cooperative involvement of other agencies; South East Corner bioregions researchers and the community in the implementation of the regional a pp endix River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Use mechanisms such as Voluntary Conservation Agreements to promote the monitoring program. Coastal Floodplains of the NSW protection of this EEC on private land. Tyto novaehollandiae Investigate the implementation of the forestry threatened species licence owl North Coast; Sydney Basin and prescriptions by carrying out proactive audits targeting these prescriptions and South East Corner bioregions through IFOA monitoring and reporting. Swamp oak floodplain forest of Collate existing information on vegetation mapping and associated data for Tyto novaehollandiae Monitor and report on effectiveness of concurrence and licence conditions the NSW North Coast; Sydney this EEC and identify gaps in knowledge. Conduct targeted field surveys and previously applied to reduce impacts of development on Masked Owls and Basin and South East Corner ground truthing to fill data gaps and clarify condition of remnants. their habitats; by recording conditions; picking case studies and checking owl bioregions presence post development. Swamp oak floodplain forest of Identify and prioritise other specific threats and undertake appropriate Tyto novaehollandiae Provide up to date and accurate large forest owl and habitat information in the the NSW North Coast; Sydney on-ground site management strategies where required. PVP Developer - Threatened Species Tool’. Basin and South East Corner bioregions Tyto novaehollandiae Use records of concurrence and licence conditions to develop a set of prescriptive guidelines that may be used to mitigate the impacts of Swamp oak floodplain forest of Prepare identification and impact assessment guidelines and distribute to developments on the Masked Owl outside conservation reserves and State the NSW North Coast; Sydney consent and determining authorities. forests. Basin and South East Corner bioregions Tyto tenebricosa Carry out post harvest surveys in locations where Sooty Owls were detected prior to logging to determine if they are continuing to occupy the habitat. Swamp oak floodplain forest of Undertake weed control for Bitou Bush and Boneseed at priority sites in the NSW North Coast; Sydney accordance with the approved Threat Abatement Plan and associated PAS Tyto tenebricosa Provide up to date information and data for the Biobanking assessment Basin and South East Corner actions. methodology. bioregions Zieria involucrata Review Crown land reservation status of sites to afford environmental Swamp oak floodplain forest of Use mechanisms such as Voluntary Conservation Agreements to promote the protection. the NSW North Coast; Sydney protection of this EEC on private land. Basin and South East Corner bioregions Tetratheca glandulosa Develop guidelines addressing threat management issues e.g.. fire; minimisation of disturbance along road verges/easements/tracks; pollination/ seed set. Tetratheca glandulosa Encourage research into population dynamics including life cycle; reproductive biology and seed bank characteristics. Tetratheca glandulosa Monitor impact of fire on populations to inform DECC/ RFS/ local government planning. Tetratheca glandulosa Prepare & implement a population and threat management monitoring program. Tetratheca glandulosa Undertake works to maintain or improve habitat connectivity between and between populations. Tyto novaehollandiae Develop a sampling methodology stratified across different land tenures and disturbance histories; as well as a set of standardised regional monitoring protocols. Tyto novaehollandiae Encourage CMAs to invest in actions that actively manage and/or conserve large forest owl habitat as part of their Catchment Action Plans. Tyto novaehollandiae Encourage private landholders to undertake management options to conserve and/or actively manage forest owl habitat.

64 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 65 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009 waste

Community Vision

A vision is a picture of where we would like to be A vision is a picture of where we would like to be in the future. The following vision was developed in in the future. The following vision was developed in partnership with the local community. partnership with the local community. Proactive leadership creating vibrant communities Proactive leadership creating vibrant communities balancing urban growth protecting our environment balancing urban growth protecting our environment and building a modern local economy. and building a modern local economy. Our community vision has been articulated as five Our community vision has been articulated as five themes that form a framework for moving towards the themes that form a framework for moving towards the the Hills Shire Council future: future: A vision is a picture of where we would like to state of the environment Report 2008-2009 A vision is a picture of where we would like to be be in the future. The following vision was developed in partnership with the local community. in the future. The following vision was developedEmail: [email protected] in partnership with the local community. Phone: (02) 9843Proactive 0555 leadership creating vibrant communities balancing urban growth protecting our environment Proactive leadership creating vibrant communitiesThe Hills Shire Council and building a modern local economy. balancing urban growth protecting our environmentPO Box 75 Castle Hill NSW 1765 and building a modern local economy. www.thehills.nsw.gov.auOur community vision has been articulated as five Our community vision has been articulated as five themes that form a framework for moving towards the themes that form a framework for moving towards the future: future: A vision is a picture of where we would like to be fndowihfgjla in the future. The following vision was developed in gmipreqgjioqe partnership with the local community. Proactive leadership creating vibrant communities balancing urban growth protecting our environment and building a modern local economy. Our community vision has been articulated as five themes that form a framework for moving towards the future: A vision is a picture of where we would like to be in the future. The following vision was developed in partnership with the local community. Proactive leadership creating vibrant communities balancing urban growth protecting our environment and building a modern local economy. Our community vision has been articulated as five themes that form a framework for moving towards the future:

66 The Hills Shire Council state of the environment Report 2008/2009