Minutes/Actions Environment & Waterways Alliance Meeting Wednesday 15 February, 2016 – Forbes Inn, Forbes

Present Brooke Kirkman – Environment & Waterways Lynton Auld – Alliance Marg Applebee – Central West Lachlan Landcare Carl Tippler – CT Environmental Melissa Schrader – Central West Local Land Cassie Liney – Mid-Western Regional Council Services Catriona Jennings – Dubbo Regional Council Michael Chambers – Council Deborah Taylor – Bathurst Regional Council Maryanne Smith – Orange City Council Dom Nowlan – Central West Local Land Services Mick Callan – Central Tablelands Local Land Cherie Hughes – Central West Local Land Services Services David Waddell – Orange City Council (Chair) Nina Hooper – Central West Local Land Services Joel Little – Bathurst Regional Council Warwick Doulman – Cabonne Shire Council Apologies Andrew Cosier – Dubbo Regional Council Kate Alberry – Shire Council Andrew Francis – Parkes Shire Council Kayla Volker – Council Anna Stapleton – Bathurst Shire Council Kent Boyd – Parkes Shire Council Ashley Wielinga – Council Kerrie Murphy – Council Bernard Drum – Bathurst Regional Council Kevin Nelligan – Cowra Shire Council Brendan Hayes – Council Kevin Tighe – Council Bruce Christie – Central Tablelands Local Land Liz Davis – Central Tablelands Local Land Services Services Mark Riley – Dubbo Regional Council Chris Cannard – Oberon Shire Council Maryanne Stephens – Warren Shire Council Chris McCulloch – Central Tablelands Local Land Matthew Cock – Council Services Melissa Ward – Narromine Shire Council Chris Schumacher – Melissa Watkins – Dubbo Regional Council Damon Cupitt – Lithgow Shire Council Michael Glenn – Orange City Council Danielle Littlewood – Central West Local Land Michael McFadden – Orange City Council Services Mick Bell – Narromine Shire Council David Dwyer – Dubbo Regional Council Murray Wood – Dubbo Regional Council David Sherley – Bathurst Regional Council Nik Henry – Central West Local Land Services Debbie Archer – Dubbo Regional Council Paul Bennett – Council Donna Galvin – Cabonne Shire Council Paul Cashell – Lithgow City Council Grant Baker – Council Rachel Young – Bathurst Regional Council Harold Sutton – Warrumbungle Shire Council Robert Jehu – Warrumbungle Shire Council Heather Nicholls – Cabonne Shire Council Rolly Lawford – Council Ian Shepherd – Central Tablelands Local Land Roger Smith – Orange City Council Services Russell Deans – Bathurst Regional Council Jon Francis – Orange City Council Sherilyn Hanrahan – Lithgow City Council James Cleasby – Warren Shire Council Stevie Armstrong – Bathurst Regional Council Joshua Devitt – CSU Bathurst Wayne Beatty – Orange City Council Julie Prout – Gilgandra Shire Council Wayne Gailey – Orange City Council

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Presenters Joel Little – Contamination Central Update Brooke Kirkman – Alliance Project Support Officer Report and Update Melissa Schrader – Central West Local Land Services Relationships and Planning Mick Callan – Central Tablelands Local Land Services Update Cherie Hughes – Central West Local Land Services Update Nina Hooper – Central West Local Land Services - Barking Owl Project Carl Tippler – Riparian Assessment Tool and Iconic Species Development Maryanne Smith – Waratahs Wetland Project

Copies of most guest speaker presentations can be found on the Alliance website: http://www.cwcewa.com.au/presentations

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Chair Facilitator David Waddell Brooke Kirkman

Agenda Item 1 Welcome

• Meeting was opened at 10.00am • Acknowledgement was made of the Traditional Owners of the Land and their Elders past and present • Introduction of participants • Introduction to the meeting and outline of the content • WHS considerations for the meeting • Actions from last meeting discussed • MOUs still outstanding from Forbes, Lachlan, Warren, Orange and Oberon. ACTION • It was noted that Warren Shire no longer completes State of the Environment reporting. • Cultural Heritage training to be offered to the Alliance group once training format finalised by Mick Callan. ACTION • Alliance to lobby State Government regarding reinstating the Stormwater Trust funding. Partner with Splash and Stormwater NSW. ACTION • David Waddell made note of importance of upcoming Climate Change Funding. An opportunity not to be missed. • Investigate potential projects for NSW Environmental Trust Education Grants. ACTION • Deborah Taylor noted that the General Manager of Bathurst Regional Council feels that the new cost structure of the Alliance appears unfair for the larger Councils. This is based on smaller Councils that argued against council amalgamations based on having suitable capacity to continue as stand-alone organisations. • Alliance membership of Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) has been finalised. AABR resources are available on the Alliance website: http://www.cwcewa.com.au/australian-association-of-bush-regenerators

Agenda Item 2 Contamination Central Joel Little Update • Joel provided an update on the Contamination Central project noting the great work that Craig Flemming achieved in his time in the Contamination Central Project Officer role. • Resources are now available to the 18 Councils involved in the project including a desktop flip chart for Council Officers dealing with contaminated lands issues. These resources are to be included on the Alliance website. ACTION • Case studies and fact sheets will be made available and will be shared on the Alliance website. ACTION • Joel noted how valuable this project has been given that for many staff within Councils they would have had no prior dealings with contaminated lands issues prior to working in their current roles.

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• 7 Councils have already adopted the contaminated lands policy produced as part of the project with some Councils choosing to make localised amendments, while others chose to adopt the policy without changes. • Funding needs to be finalised by 30 June 2016. • Melissa Schrader noted that the Alliance has great power to seek external funding even if the projects are beyond the scope/experience of the core Alliance members. • David Waddell noted that the Alliance should be seeking significant grant funded projects such as this on an annual basis. Stop chasing individual grants when partnerships can be more productive – climate change funding as an example. ACTION

Agenda Item 3 Alliance Project Support Brooke Kirkman Officer Update • Project Officer Reports are now complete and will be updated to the Alliance website: http://www.cwcewa.com.au/project-support-officer-reports • The engagement on the Alliance Facebook page has dropped in comparison to the previous reporting period, although total page ‘likes’ are continuing to trend upwards. Brooke noted that this is an important community engagement tool and is also used as one of the tools to communicate media releases, training events and grant funding to Alliance members. Brooke is now scheduling time each week to manage the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Water.Quality.Alliance • The Alliance website has links to the website of each member Council: http://www.cwcewa.com.au/about-us/. Each Council should reciprocate by including a section on their website stating that they are a member of the Alliance with a link to the Alliance website. ACTION • Joel Little mentioned that Bathurst Regional Council staff had undertaken training around managing negative comments on social media. While it was noted that this has not been an issue to date for the Alliance Facebook page, it has the potential to come up in the future. Joel offered to forward through relevant information. ACTION • Brooke discussed the update of the Alliance 5 Year Plan and the associated audit survey that was sent out. This has not had a great response, yet is critical to providing information regarding to Strategies and Actions from the 5 Year Plan. All member Councils to complete the survey. ACTION • Lynton Auld raised the question of what other Councils do in regards to managing littering noting that Dubbo Regional Council has ongoing litter issues but do not issues PINs. Discussion revolved around resourcing and the value of issuing fines where applicable as this often sends a message to the broader community. • Cassie Liney suggested that training around enforcement, littering etc. may be valuable. ACTION • Cassie also suggested that training or workshops in line with Alliance meetings be held on a subsequent day to encourage and enable other council staff to participate. ACTION • Maryanne Smith suggested that the littering issue could be a focus of the upcoming Environmental Trust Education grants. ACTION

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• Joel Little noted the value of the NSW EPA Illegal Dumping Handbook. This resource should be shared through the Alliance website. ACTION • Brooke noted the planning is in place to host a Living Waterways and Resilient Cities Workshop in partnership with Splash and Water NSW. This opportunity will be available to up to 8 Councils with a maximum participation of 8 staff members from each Councils across various departments. This was originally scheduled for 11 May but has been postponed. An alternate event will be held on 11 May following the next Alliance meeting on 10 May in Orange. • Brooke noted the successful grant application prepared by the Splash project officer for Dubbo Regional Council. This project is funded by Local Government NSW through the Building Resilience to Climate Change program and will see an increase in tree canopy cover by 300% in the Dubbo CBD medical precinct with diverted stormwater to provide irrigation. Data from a previous CRC for Water Sensitive Cities project around the heat island effect was used to justify the grant funding. • Lynton also noted the Dubbo Botanic Gardens on the Myall St side has a series of half buried skip bins as a trial. • David Waddell suggested that successful grant applications should be shared on the Alliance website as a resource for member Councils. ACTION

Agenda Item 4 CWLLS Relationships and Melissa Schrader Planning • Melissa Schrader ran a workshop session in order to get a better understanding of what Alliance member Councils require from Local Land Services and additionally, to assist in clarifying what members want from the Alliance over the next 12 months. The outcomes of this workshop will be collated and aligned with the Alliance 5 Year Plan prior to being distributed. ACTION • It was discussed that the power and leverage of the Alliance could be used to gain large project funds to be used across region. Keeping in mind economy of scale based on Council size, capacity etc when sharing combined bids. • Sticky notes were given to the group to outline what is hoped to be achieved over the next six months. The group mentioned an LLS briefing to Councils would help raise the Alliance profile within Councils. ACTION • The group mentioned the Alliance was recognised by staff, although not Councillors, it was suggested we revisit an e-newsletter in line with a communications strategy and send to Councillors also. ACTION • Lynton Auld discussed the potential for Local Land Services to host a Town Hall style meeting to assess Council candidate’s environmental credentials in the lead up to Council elections. Deborah Taylor noted that Greening Bathurst host an event such as this in Bathurst, but that it doesn’t necessarily engage the wider community when hosted by a green group. Melissa Schrader noted that this would be outside of the scope of Local Land Services to be involved in political processes. • It was suggested a combined Biodiversity project may be a good one in line with Climate Change Funding. Central West and Central Tablelands LLS have regional reports including

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Climate mapping that would be a valuable tool for Councils and will be shared on the Alliance website. ACTION • The group asked about Biodiversity Legislation and Mel and Nina expressed that they could arrange David Warburton to attend the next Alliance meeting to provide and update. ACTION • In regards to training, Mel requested that preferences be identified, so LLS are aware and this can be added to their agenda. • Points of discussion from the session were around, Weeds, Crown Lands, Dumping, Capacity Building. • The dumping discussion moved to the subject of surveillance cameras, it was mentioned that training around this may be beneficial and Maryanne mentioned the session on cameras within the Wildlife Induction training was a beneficial one and a possibility. • Going forward it was suggested a 12mth work plan be developed identifying who other potential partners are.

Peri Urban Project • Project is aimed at small landholders who pose a significant Biosecurity risk. Educational workshops to take place across the region. Project fits well with the Alliance and LLS are looking at sphere of influence and collaboration. Brooke suggested these workshops could be a good platform for sharing ‘Dumping’ messaging discussed earlier. Workshops being held in Dubbo, Forbes and Coonabarabran at this stage and councils will be contacted regarding participation.

Agenda Item 5 Central West Local Land Cherie Hughes Services Update • Cherie provided an update on Central West Local Land Services noting that the recruitment process for a new General Manager is currently underway. CWLLS have been working to implement a Systems Thinking approach to delivery of their business. • Most new Senior Executive roles have been filled and board elections were coming up soon with three positions available and four Minister appointed directors still yet to be decided. • Weed consultation period is now open and submissions can be made via LLS Open and information packages will be sent out to Councils.

Agenda Item 6 Central Tablelands Local Mick Callan Land Services Update • Mick provided an update on Central Tablelands Local Land Services noting that the recruitment process for a new General Manager is currently underway. • Idea of Alliance providing grants to members to attend conferences or training events was raised, however most people felt that this is for Councils to provide to their own staff. • Issue of the Alliance having a 5 Year Plan, 3 year membership agreements and Councils on 4 year terms was raised with no time for discussion. To be carried over to next meeting. ACTION • The CTLLS Local Government project is to be audited. This will likely result in projects and incentive funding for Councils being rolled out differently in the future.

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• State of the Environment Reporting agreements and Alliance Membership agreements have not been finalised by all Councils. ACTION • Alliance Chair and Deputy Chair positions to be decided at the next meeting in accordance with the Alliance Terms of Reference. ACTION • Local Land Services staff required to complete business cases to continue involvement with the Splash network and CRC for Water Sensitive Cities.

Agenda Item 8 Barking Owl Project Nina Hooper • The barking owl project originates from Catchment Action Funding and is supported by Central West Local Land Services Local Government funding and aims to collaborate with Warrumbungle Shire Council. Matt Lane is heading up the project which is based around improving habitat of the owl, including its prey. The project will include on ground works, hollow augmentation and community education to ensure ownership of protecting this species. • Workshops will be arranged for late May as to not interfere with breeding cycles. It is expected a spotlight tour will be incorporated into the workshop.

Agenda Item 9 CT Environmental Carl Tippler • Presentation made to the group around waterway assessments, monitoring and reporting including aquatic, terrestrial and social domains. Carl and his team have developed an Application which allows them to quickly and comprehensively assess waterways. In addition, quick calculations can be made to assess which course of action would be most effective to produce the desired environmental outcome. Records and reports are clear and detailed ensuring accurate re-assessment and comparison can be made in the future. • CT Environmental managed a project in conjunction with the Parramatta River Catchment Group with an aim to make the Parramatta River swimmable again by 2025. They decided to use an innovative framework based on community outcomes. They engaged the community asking what they valued about the river. Environmental outcomes were then decided upon by again engaging the community to identify iconic species of the Parramatta River. Outcomes were then aligned with the species and targeted areas and species were selected and environmental outcomes and plans made around each. • Carls presentation will be shared via the Members Section of the Alliance website

Agenda Item 10 Waratah Wetlands Maryanne Smith • Maryanne presented on Orange City Councils Waratah Wetlands project. The wetlands are located adjacent to a new development, which includes a shopping complex off the Northern Distributor. New roads have been added to the development with linkages across from the wetland to sporting fields via the new residential estate which incorporates stormwater detention basins. The site has a lot of heritage for Orange and Maryanne and the team have incorporated environmental priorities into this development ensuring these assets are maintained. • Weed control and plantings are planned for the near future with hope to engage the community with these activities.

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Agenda Item 11 Other Business • Next meeting to be held in Orange on Wednesday 10 May followed by training planned for 11 May. • It was expressed by Lynton Auld and Maryanne Smith that the Restore, Regenerate, Revegetate conference in Armidale was a fantastic experience with a diverse group of presenters and attendees.

Next Meeting – Wednesday 10 May 2017, venue TBC in Orange, NSW

The meeting closed at 3:00pm

Key Actions/Agreements from this meeting Key Action/Agreement Responsibility Priority Status Due By/Notes ACTION: Project Support Officer Brooke High March 2017 Report to be shared and uploaded Kirkman to Website ACTION: Follow up MOU’s from Mick Callan High March 2017 Forbes, Lachlan, Warren, Orange and Oberon ACTION: Cultural Heritage Training Mick Callan Medium April 2017 to be offered once format finalised

ACTION: Lobby State Government to Brooke Medium Ongoing re-instate Stormwater Trust Kirkman Mick Callan All ACTION: Keep in mind ideas for All High Ongoing Climate Change Funding opportunities for the Alliance (A joint Biodiversity project suggested) ACTION: Investigate potential All High April 2017 projects for NSW Environmental Trust Education Grants. (Suggested Littering could be a focus) ACTION: Add Contamination Brooke High March 2017 Central resources to Alliance Kirkman Website ACTION: Contamination Central Brooke Low As Available Case Studies and Fact Sheets added Kirkman to Alliance website as made available ACTION: Each Council to include a All High April 2017 section on individual websites indicating Alliance Membership with a link to the Alliance Website ACTION: Joel Little to forward Joel Little Low May 2017 relevant information with regards to social media training ACTION: All outstanding Audit All High March 2017

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Surveys to be completed and returned to Brooke ACTION: Training around Litter Brooke Medium May 2017 issues to be investigated Kirkman ACTION: Share NSW Illegal Brooke Medium May 2017 Dumping Handbook on Alliance Kirkman Website ACTION: Successful grant ALL Ongoing Ongoing applications to be shared on the Member Section of Alliance website ACTION: Actions from CWLLS Brooke High March 2017 planning session to be collated and Kirkman aligned with Alliance 5 year Plan ACTION: CWLLS were requested to Brooke High March 2017 brief Councils on Alliance role to Kirkman/Mel raise Alliance profile Schrader ACTION: Possibility of revisiting Brooke Medium May 2017 ENewsletter and include Councillors Kirkman on distribution list to increase engagement ACTION: Climate Change reports Brooke Medium When available from CW and CTLLS to be shared on Kirkman Alliance Website ACTION: LLS to engage David Brooke High March 2017 Warburton to present at next Kirkman meeting regarding Biodiversity Legislation update ACTION: Discussion around Mick Callan Low May 2017 alignment of terms around plan, agreements and Council terms to be discussed at next meeting ACTION: State of the Environment Mick Callan High March 2017 agreements and Alliance Memberships have not been finalised by all Council ACTION: Alliance Chair and Deputy Mick Callan High April/May 2017 Chair positions to be decided at the next meeting in accordance with Alliance Terms of Reference ACTION: Suggested that training Brooke Medium Ongoing arranged in conjunction with Kirkman Alliance meetings be held on a subsequent day

Key Actions/Agreements from the previous meeting Key Action/Agreement Responsibility Priority Status Due By/Notes ACTION: Project Support Officer Brooke High Complete December 2016 Report to be shared and uploaded Kirkman to Website ACTION: More promotion of All High Ongoing Ongoing

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Website needed, Member Councils to use Website and Facebook to remain engaged ACTION: Update of 5 Year Plan and Brooke High Complete December 2016 Audit Survey to be sent out Kirkman

ACTION: Cultural Heritage training Mick Callan Medium Ongoing February 2016 to be investigated and offered ACTION: Training suggestions All High Ongoing January 2016 requested ACTION: Lobby State Government to Brooke High Ongoing January 2016 re-instate Stormwater Trust Kirkman Mick Callan All

ACTION: Make a collaborative Brooke High Ongoing December 2016 application for the EnviroTrust Kirkman education program Mick Callan All ACTION: Clause added to draft LLS Diana Kureen High Complete December 2016 MOU clarifying no added expenses charged if amalgamations go ahead. Include reference to CPI increases and note agreements are for 3 years with an annual fee ACTION: Updated weeds list to be Tim Nalder Medium Complete January 2016 shared, Blackberry to be added to Cherie Hughes list ACTION: Alliance to pursue weeds Brooke Medium TBA January 2016 issues with view that Alliance feels Kirkman strongly that Regional Management of weeds not be lost to State level ACTION: Free Cert III training to be Brooke High Funding November 2016 offered to all Member Councils and Kirkman Revoked Central West and Central Mick Callan Tablelands LLS staff ACTION: Complete AABR Brooke High Complete December 2016 membership Kirkman ACTION: Orange City Council David Waddell Medium Complete January 2016 Climate Change Report to be shared ACTION: Mick Requested feedback ALL High Ongoing December 2016 on 3 Key Reportable items for presentation at the quarterly board meetings

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