State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 2 Preface

What is a supplementary SoE Report?

A local SoE report provides a summary of the attributes of the local environment and the human impacts on that environment. The Comprehensive SoE report is undertaken every 4 years and provides information on changes over that period. It also provides a public record of the activities of government, industry and the community in protecting and restoring the environment. Context of this report

The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework has seen fundamental changes to the legislation surrounding the strategic direction of Local Government in NSW. Council is involved in the development of a regional SoE initiative in partnership with the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and a number of state government agencies. This initiative will see a regional report developed at the end of each Council term based upon agreed regional indicators and the integration of these reports with the Catchment Action Plan targets and the state of the catchment reports.

This report will be the last SoE prepared for the Council. In 2012 a regional SoE will be developed. Sources of information

Information for the report is derived from data gathered from local, regional, state and national sources. The report has been prepared with information from Council officers, Council records, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, government departments and community contributions. Community consultation

The preparation of this report has included input and data from Council’s continuing cooperation with a number of community organisations; Bellinger Landcare Inc and Bellingen Transition Towns. Additionally guidance has been sought from Council’s Environment Advisory Committee. Layout of this report

This report addresses the eight environmental sectors of land, air, water, biodiversity, waste, noise, Aboriginal heritage and non-Aboriginal heritage. It provides, for each sector, a statement outlining the condition of the sector and provides an illustrative indicator of comparison with the equivalent statement in the last SoE report. This allows for ongoing comparison in future years.

Additionally each chapter is divided into sections, with each section having a final “Response” component.

• The pressures on the environment are identified

• The current state of the environment is described. Where available a trend for the past 4 years is indicated based on information sought from previous SoE’s

• Response - gives an overview of the environmental projects or planning that has taken place during the reporting period. These projects may be Council, community or other government initiatives.

• Gaps in data - data that is currently not available, but which could assist in measuring responses to pressures.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 1 Each section is provided with an illustrative condition indicator:

Condition: STEADY IMPROVING DECLINING

Additionally the confidence in data presentation is also indicated. Confidence ratings are recorded for all indices:

Green - Confident, supported by data

Blue - Fairly confident result (based on expert opinion)

Yellow - not confident / best guess

Red - no information / not assessed

The report will give some indication as to the strategic relevance and usefulness of the indicator. This will provide readers some background information as to how the Council may address some of the issues within the forthcoming Community Strategic Planning process.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 2 Index

Preface 1 What is a supplementary SoE report? 1 Context of this report 1 Sources of information 1 Community consultation 1 Layout of this report 1 Chapter 1: Land 5 1.1. Acid sulfate soils (pressure) 6 1.2. Erosion (pressure) 6 1.3. The coastal zone - erosion and sea level rise (pressure) 7 1.4. Primary production (pressure) 8 1.5. Industrial uses (pressure) 9 1.6. Transport and services (pressure) 9 1.7. Tourism (pressure) 10 1.8. State forests (pressure) 11 1.9. Parks and reserves (indicator) 12 1.10. Wilderness (indicator) 12 1.11. Contamination (pressure) 13 1.12. Land-use changes and changing markets (pressure) 13 1.13. Illegal land-use (pressure) 14 1.15 Gaps in existing data 14 Chapter 2: Aquatic systems/water 15 2.1. River health - contamination (indicator) 16 2.2. River health (indicator) 17 2.3. Fisheries (indicator) 18 2.4. Riparian and aquatic vegetation (indicator) 19 2.5. Herbicide use near waterways (pressure) 20 2.6. Urban and residential development (pressure) 21 2.7. Surface and ground water quality and quantity (indicator) 22 2.8. Water extraction - surface and ground water (pressure) 23 2.9. Point source discharges (pressure) 24 2.10. Floods (pressure) 24 2.11. Marine habitats (indicator) 26 2.12. Gaps in existing data 26 Chapter 3: Air quality 27 3.1. Climate change (pressure) 27 3.2. Industrial emissions (pressure) 29 3.3. Smoke from hazard reduction burning and bush fires (pressure) 29 3.4. Smoke from domestic fires (pressure) 29 3.5. Pollution from motor vehicles (pressure) 30 3.6. Odour (indicator) 30 3.7 Gaps in existing data 30

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 3 Chapter 4: Biodiversity 31 4.1. Threatened species, populations, endangered ecological communities (indicator) 31 4.2. Weeds (pressure) 32 4.3. Bush fire 33 4.4. Gaps in existing data 33 Chapter 5: Waste 34 5.1. Landfill availability 34 5.2. Hazardous waste 34 5.3. Littering and rubbish dumping 35 5.4 Waste metal and oil 35 5.5 Gaps in existing data 35 Chapter 6: Noise 36 6.1. Commercial, industrial and entertainment venue noise 36 6.2. Increasing activities 36 6.3 Animals 37 6.3. Gaps in existing data 37 Chapter 7: Aboriginal heritage 38 7.1. Number and nature of heritage sites, structures and landscapes (state) 38 7.2. Places of aboriginal significance (state) 39 7.3. Gaps in existing data 39 Chapter 8: Non-Aboriginal heritage 40 8.1. Heritage items and conservation areas 40 8.2. Gaps in existing data 42

Appendix 1: Parks and reserves designated as community land 43

Appendix 2: Legal and regulatory obligations of council 46

Appendix 3: Resources 47 Chapter 1: 47 Chapter 2: 48 Chapter 3: 49 Chapter 4: 49 Chapter 5: 49 Chapter 6: 49 Chapter 7: 49 Chapter 8: 49

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 4 Chapter 1: Land

1.1. Acid sulfate soils 1.2. Erosion 1.3. The coastal zone - erosion and sea level rise 1.4. Primary production 1.5. Industrial uses 1.6. Transport and services 1.7. Tourism 1.8. State forests 1.9. Parks and reserves 1.10. Wilderness 1.11. Contamination 1.12. Land-use changes and changing markets 1.13. Illegal land-use 1.15 Gaps in existing data

Figure 1: Bellingen Shire LGA Area

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 5 CONDITION 1.1. Acid sulfate soils (pressure)

STEADY On the basis of predictive maps prepared by the Department of Land and Water Conservation (now NSW Office of Environment and Heritage), approx 5103 ha of land potentially contains Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS).

There has been no change in the area potentially affected by ASS.

Bellingen Shire does not contain any ASS hotspots*.

*NB: ASS hotspots are identified by Office of Environment and Heritage as areas where previous land management both contributed to and could have lead to further severe soil and water acidification, poor water quality, reduction in agricultural productivity, loss of estuarine habitat and degraded vegetation and wildlife. They are the sites that are worst affected by acid sulfate soils (state wide), and have the highest priority for remedial action. Comprehensive information on ASS hotspots can be found at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/acidsulfatesoil/remediation.htm.

Response

At present, works on land likely to contain ASS require development consent from the Council under the provisions of Bellingen Local Environmental Plan 2010. This does not affect the ongoing use of land, often for agricultural uses, which may expose acid sulfate soil to oxidation.

Potential Acid Sulfate Soils are identified on 149 Planning Certificates.

1.2. Erosion (pressure)

CONDITION Riverbank erosion The impact of riverbank erosion is the loss of valuable agricultural land and the destruction of natural channel DECLINING control provided by riverbank vegetation. The destabilisation of riverbanks can lead to stream channel changes and movements, which can further destroy vegetation. It can also change river morphology by increasing the width of the stream, resulting in shallowing of pools and changes in meander patterns. Sedimentation resulting from erosion impacts water quality through releasing suspended sediment and nutrients which can smother aquatic habitat and lead to eutrophication, aquatic weed infestations and algal blooms.

Boating has been implicated in shoreline erosion events. Similarly removal of riparian vegetation leads to bank instability which can result in increased bank scour and mass failure.

Trend since last SoE? There is no data available in relation to the amount of erosion that has occurred over the past 4 years. Notwithstanding this the Shire has been declared as a natural disaster zone eight times since October 2004 for flood or storm events with significant losses of soil from riparian zones apparent on each of these occasions. Total annual rainfall for 2009 has been recorded as 3372mm, the highest total since records commenced in 1900.

Estuary Management Plan (EMP) Strategy 5.1 of the EMP has seen the undertaking of an estuary erosion survey in 2009.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 6 Response

This survey has indicated that the Bellinger Kalang catchment has experienced a net reduction in large floods since 1977/78. A snap shot survey of bank erosion taken in June 2009 reveals that 60.3 km of banks surveyed in the Bellinger Estuary, 54% are stable, 32% have minor erosion and the remainder have moderate to extreme erosion.

The report identifies 28 sites of erosion significance which have been prioritised into high and moderate priority for stabilisation works.

A boating use survey was completed over the 2009/2010 period to identify boat use numbers and patterns. The results have been compared with the Erosion survey and subsequent recommendations have been made to NSW Maritime to change boating regulations in the estuary. The chief concern is boat wash related erosion upstream from Pacific Highway bridge on the Bellinger River. No formal response has been provided by NSW Maritime as yet.

Stormwater Plans Council engaged a consultant to revise its Bellingen and Urunga stormwater management plans in 2010. The draft plan provides recommendations on a number of sites both in Bellingen and Urunga that would be suitable for stormwater quality improvement devices. Additionally, the plan provides water sensitive urban design guidelines for new developments to minimise erosion and stormwater quality issues. The final plan will be presented to Council for consideration in 2012.

CONDITION 1.3. The coastal zone - erosion and sea level rise (pressure)

STEADY The Bellingen LGA is affected by shoreline erosion to varying degrees. However, the release of beachfront land has been limited in the Bellingen LGA due to much of the beachfront land being in Crown ownership. A wide vegetated coastal buffer provides significant resilience against coastal erosion during storm events. Response

NSW Coastal Policy Council must consider the NSW Coastal Policy - A Sustainable Future for the NSW Coast. This policy has as its central focus the ecologically sustainable development of the NSW coastline and addresses the need to reconcile the rapid population growth currently being experienced in coastal areas with the need to conserve what remains of valuable ecosystems. Council has engaged a consultant to undertake a Hazard and Processes study to measure the impacts on the coastal zone. The results of this study will be used to inform the development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan which is programmed for commencement in 2012.

Local Adaptation Pathway Program More specifically the future impact of sea level rise is being addressed by a Local Adaptation Pathway Program which will map results of sea level rise, temperature and precipitation for 2030, 2050 and 2070 for presentation to the community for consideration as part of the Community Strategic Planning process. The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy was adopted by Council in 2011.

Bellingen Local Environmental Plan 2010 BLEP 2010 has introduced new Waterway zones that use the Highest Astronomical Tide level (as defined by the extent of Estuarine Macrophyte Communities) as the as the basis for the zone boundary. This provides an additional level of protection for communities such as salt marshes and restricts development within this area. This will in some measure restrict future losses in areas at potential risk from erosion and sea level rise.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 7 Bellingen Coastal Processes and Hazards Definition Study Council has commissioned the Bellingen Coastal Processes and Hazards Definition Study which describes the coastal processes occurring in the Bellingen LGA and the extent of coastal hazards arising from these processes. This includes documentation of the coastal processes such as regional geology and geomorphology, wave climate and variability, water levels, climate change projections and the interaction of these resulting in longshore and cross shore sediment transport to shape the coastline evident today. This report is expected to be adopted by Council in early 2012.

CONDITION 1.4. Primary production (pressure)

STEADY Agriculture The prolonged drought affecting a large part of NSW also had some impact on the north coast during 2007/2008. However, dry seasonal conditions during the middle of 2007 were followed by above average rainfall and wet conditions in late 2007 and into early 2008. A number of severe storms occurred on the north coast during 2007/2008 causing serious crop and financial losses. The second half of 2008 was dominated generally by favourable seasonal condition. Rainfall was adequate or typical for the season with warm to hot conditions occurring around the end of the year with the approaching summer period.

Severe weather conditions and flooding in 2009 as described in 1.2 above is likely to have had serious short term and longer term impact on the local environment as well as individual agricultural enterprises.

In the current reporting period, close to average rainfall and climate conditions have prevailed. One minor flood (7.8m, June 14th 2011, bank overtopping) resulted in some damage to flood plain related primary production, in particular horticulture.

Timber Production Forestry is a major primary industry within the Shire on both private and Crown land and includes both native and plantation production. Areas of State forests are in close proximity to urban and rural residential areas throughout the valley.

In addition to Forest NSW plantations, there is a small but increasing number of private timber plantations being established within the Shire, both of hardwood and softwood (rainforest) species. These plantations have primarily been established with the high-value cabinet timber market in mind. Response

Rural conflict The Bellingen Local Environmental Plan (BLEP) 2010 has refined policy and zone boundaries in rural areas having regard to the recommendations of the Mid North Coast Farmland Mapping Project undertaken by the State Government. This has resulted in certain additional areas of rural land, (identified as having high productive value) being provided with a higher level of protection from potentially incompatible activities such as tourism developments.

Planning controls contained in BLEP 2010 provide for separation of incompatible land uses and consideration of impacts when considering development applications. An attachment has been produced which is distributed with section 149 Planning Certificates. The attachment is intended to alert potential purchasers to some of the issues associated with living in a rural area.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Southern Cross University in partnership with the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority have produced a handbook, Living and Working in Rural Areas 2007. The handbook is a practical reference containing tools, resources and checklists aimed at reducing and avoiding rural land use conflict and pressures on key natural resource assets on the NSW North Coast. It is available to be downloaded on the DPI website.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 8 In conjunction with the release of the handbook a database has been established as a monitoring, evaluation and reporting tool. This allows councils, Planners and other Natural Resource Management organisations standardised measurement of land use conflict on key natural resources and environmental assets including native vegetation, agricultural land, geological resources, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural resources, and an opportunity to share effective strategies.

The adoption of the Bellinger and Kalang Healthy Rivers plans see actions that are focussed on agriculture in terms of improving the impacts of agricultural pursuits on water quality. The Bellinger River Estuary Action Plan completed in June 2011 provides further direction at a property scale to implement best practice management of riparian and wetland features on agricultural lands.

CONDITION 1.5. Industrial uses (pressure)

STEADY There is a limited amount of manufacturing industry within the Shire. The light and rural industries that have evolved complement primary production within the Shire. Examples include sawmills and timber processing, potato processing and packing and metal fabrication with other smaller specialised businesses servicing the local community. There is a small industrial estate at Raleigh and a cluster of industrial uses at Dorrigo. The Norco milk processing and packaging plant is a significant undertaking and has links back to the initial development of the Shire. It is the only one of three milk and/or butter factories within the Shire still in operation. Response

Council undertook an Industrial Land Strategy in 2002. This strategy identified the need for additional industrial land; the suitability of sites currently zoned for industrial uses and assessed new sites, if a need was demonstrated. The strategy also addresses the types of industry that are likely to be attracted to the Shire.

The Industrial Lands Strategy was adopted on 22 July 2003. Since the adoption of the Strategy Council has implemented most of the recommendations of the strategy (including rezoning areas for industrial use) however it has become apparent that this strategy needs revisiting given the continually changing economic environment and the reluctance of certain landholders to proceed with rezoning their land. Council has adopted a five year Economic Development and Tourism Plan and one of the principal recommendations was to investigate zoning of new employment lands. Council has now commenced an Employment Lands Strategy that seeks to locate suitable land for the development of desired industry sectors and it is anticipated that this will be finalized in early 2012.

CONDITION 1.6. Transport and services (pressure)

STEADY The Pacific Highway is the major road link through the Shire. Major construction to dual lane status has been completed at Pine Creek just within the Local Government Area. Waterfall Way forms the main road link to the tablelands and the New England Highway. The North Coast Railway Line passes through the Shire close to the coast with a station at Urunga and a bulk material siding at Yellow Rock. The Coffs Harbour Regional Airport located within Coffs Harbour City Local Government Area is the closest air transport facility to the Shire.

Cars are the primary means of transport within the Shire. This high reliance on the private car for transport is at odds with attempts at reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gases. It is also at odds with Bellingen’s social structure which comprises an ageing population and lower household incomes.

There are some minor cycleways throughout the urban areas of the Bellingen Shire.

The poor public transport available in the Shire was cited by many throughout the community within Council’s Social Plan 2010-2015 consultations, as the thing they liked least about living in the Shire. Enhanced public transport within the Shire and to and from Coffs Harbour was something that many people thought Council should lobby for. Enhanced public transport was thought to potentially have environmental benefits, provide

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 9 better access to health services, increase social connectedness and reduce travel costs. Following are some typical comments about public transport in the Bellingen Shire:

“It is very poor for an environmentally friendly town such as Bellingen to have such a sub-standard bus service.”

“With the greenhouse effect and tightening economic conditions, public transport is a continuing necessity.

[Source: Inca Consulting Report “What Does the Community Think?” 2009] Response

Council prepared a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Bike Plan in 2006. The objectives of the project were to review the current pedestrian and cyclist needs in the Bellingen Shire and to provide a consistent standard of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists within these areas. It is planned for the PAMP and Bike Plan to be reviewed in the 2011/2012 year.

Through the implementation of the PAMP and Bicycle Plan, it is hoped that pedestrian and cyclist activity will increase and thereby improve the amenity for all local residents and visitors to the Shire. In this regard, Council has adopted a range of Developer Contribution Plans that will now act to obtain funding, via the development process, for the construction of identified bike paths and other pedestrian friendly facilities.

With assistance provided through the NSW Coastline Cycleway Grants Program, a formal cycleway will be constructed from Urunga to the Hungry Head Beach in the 2011/2012 year.

Within the Social Plan 2010-2015 there are actions which may address somewhat the issues associated with Transport. Additionally Council has identified within its “Our Living Coast” Urban Sustainability Project a need for transport issues to be addressed and the Our Living Coast team will launch a local car pool website in early 2012.

Local bus operator, Busways has implemented a six-month trial commuter service and increased number of day-time services, operating between Bellingen and Coffs Harbour.

CONDITION 1.7. Tourism (pressure)

IMPROVING Bellingen Shire forms part of the official Mid North Coast tourism region (the largest tourism economy in regional NSW and fifth largest in Australia). The Shire is also currently establishing a formal partnership with neighbouring LGA’s for the purposes of promoting its experiences under a united ‘Coffs Coast’ brand. In addition, Bellingen Shire Council is formalising its partnership with the local tourism industries to centralise the management of tourism within the Shire.

Size of the Local Tourism Economy A comparison of statistics for (and up to) 2006 and 2007:

Indicator 2006 2007 VISITORS Day 134,000 139,000 Overnight 85,000 87,000 (including international) TOTAL 219,000 226,000 NIGHTS 267,000 299,000

Note: Information for Mid North Coast NSW is year to September 2006 (source: Tourism NSW/NVS). Information for Bellingen Shire is annual derived from time series 1998-2006 (source: CTA) - confidence limits should be noted.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 10 Response

Green Star Accommodation An increasing number of accommodation facilities in the shire (3) are now certified as green star environmentally friendly and assessed as such. These are properties that have earned this accreditation based on assessment criteria falling under the following headings:

• Energy Efficiency

• Waste Minimisation and Management

• Water Minimisation • Guest Education

The Standards used were developed by AAA Tourism in partnership with GREEN GLOBE - the internationally recognised performance improvement program for the tourism industry.

While tourism grows within the region there is no true indication of the effect of the industry on the natural environment. From a social and economic perspective the shire is fortunate to have visitor numbers increasing.

CONDITION 1.8. State forests (pressure)

STEADY The following table provides information from NSW State Forests for the 2007/2008 reporting period.

North East Region prepared 07.10.08 FOREST MANAGEMENT ZONES (FMZ) Note: State Forests areas are now sourced from FNSW Legal State Forest Estate dataset LGA 1 2 3A 3B 4 5 6 7 8 Other Total BELLINGEN 15 5944 3786 71 11485 8028 287 99 4449 42 34207

Explanation: FMZ 1: Special Protection (Flora Reserves), total conservation FMZ 2: Special Management, full protection FMZ 3A: Harvesting excluded for protection purposes FMZ 3B: Harvesting permitted by special prescription FMZ 4: General Management, native forest, harvesting permitted FMZ 5: Hardwood Plantations, harvesting permitted FMZ 6: Softwood Plantations, harvesting permitted FMZ 7: Non forestry use (cleared or special use) FMZ 8: Areas for further assessment

Source: Forest NSW 2007 Response

In September 2000 Forests NSW released a new Native Forest Management System and draft Ecologically Sustainable Management Plans for areas of NSW where Forest Agreements have been completed. Bellingen is one such area. The draft Ecological Sustainable Management Plan for the Lower North east Region, which covers the Bellingen Local Government Area became operational on 1 July 2004.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 11 CONDITION 1.9. Parks and reserves (indicator)

IMPROVING Bellingen Shire Council owns numerous reserves and is the Reserve Trust Manager for several Crown reserves. Land which has been identified for structured sporting and/or passive recreational activities is classified as “community land” under the Local Government Act 1993.

The total area of community land is 44.6 hectares. The total area of Crown Reserves in the Bellingen LGA is 317.3 hectares. Of the total area of community land, approximately 32 hectares is used for structured sporting, passive, and active recreational activities and is regularly maintained.

Other Council owned land Council owns several commercial properties. These are managed for commercial gain. Other Council properties are developed for libraries, community centres and halls. Response

Parks and reserves Council manages and maintains numerous reserves. Council needs to balance maintenance costs with the expectations of users. For example, the use of chemicals is minimised, but chemical control has proved necessary to remove burrs from sporting fields to allow their use.

A routine maintenance program is followed, with additional works undertaken as required, for example more frequent servicing of rubbish bins during holiday periods.

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to prepare a Plan of Management (PoM) for the management of any community land. Section 36 (Chapter 6, Part 2, Division 2) of the Act sets out what is to be included within a PoM. In the current reporting period Council has commissioned the preparation PoM’s for Bielsdown Park, Arthur Keoughs Reserve and Bellingen Island Integrated Reserves. These PoM’s are expected to be adopted by Council in early 2012.

Bellingen Shire Open Space and Community Facilities Study 2010 The above-mentioned study, completed in August 2010, has undertaken a strategic review of all of Councils’ open space assets and recommends a range of actions to improve management of existing areas as well as provide a clear direction for future acquisition of land by Council.

CONDITION 1.10. Wilderness (indicator)

STEADY That part of the Identified and Declared New England Wilderness that is within New England National Park is managed by the OEH for its wilderness values.

That part of the Identified Wilderness that is on private land is subject to Council controls. It is generally located within Zone No E3 - Environmental Management under the provisions of Bellingen Local Environmental Plan 2010. Council will consider any proposal to undertake development of that land in light of its wilderness values.

It should be noted that there has been a significant new addition to New England National Park as the result of the acquisition, by OEH, of a large area of land at the upper extent of Darkwood Road, Brinerville.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 12 CONDITION 1.11. Contamination (pressure)

STEADY Number of contaminated sites, nature of contamination and remediation

• 7 sites under investigation • 5 cattle tick dip sites • 2 landfills designated Unhealthy Building Land • 1 site proposed to be designated Unhealthy Building Land. • 1 “significant risk of harm” site

Urunga antimony processing site A seriously contaminated site has been identified at Urunga, Portions 138 and 169 Parish of Newry. Contamination also affects adjacent Crown Land and a SEPP 14 wetland. The site was previously used for antimony ore processing, since abandoned without rehabilitation of the site. OEH have undertaken an investigation of the site and researched remediation options. Response

General Council maintains records of properties known to be affected by contamination.

Council must consider the requirements of the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 and State Environmental Planning Policy 55 - Remediation of Land in assessing proposed changes to the use of land.

CONDITION 1.12. Land-use changes and changing markets (pressure)

STEADY The size of rural holdings in an area is a reflection on the degree of fragmentation and is also an indicator of potential rural land use conflicts. One matter to be considered is the differences between holdings and individual lots. In an area such as Bellingen Shire, there are a number of large holdings that are made up of a number of smaller lots. These are mainly agricultural uses and not the rural residential uses which are nearly all in single ownership. Response

Regionally important agricultural land The Department of Planning completed the Mid-North Coast Farmland Mapping Project in 2008. This project identified and thereby aims to help protect the region’s most significant agricultural land. It identifies regionally significant farmland in the local government areas of Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Clarence Valley. This mapping has been used to support Council’s plan and policy making and has been incorporated into Bellingen LEP 2010.

Growth Management Strategy Council considered a report at its Ordinary Meeting held on the 12 June 2007 detailing the Department of Planning’s conditional endorsement of the Strategy and subsequent staff recommendations for amendments to the Strategy.

The majority of the recommendations in the Strategy have been implemented as part of the introduction of BLEP 2010 which commenced operation on the 6th of August 2010.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 13 CONDITION 1.13. Illegal land-use (pressure)

STEADY The unauthorised use of land can have a wide range of potential impacts depending on the nature of the use. The unauthorised nature of such uses means that the normal assessment and monitoring processes put into place by authorities such as Council, DLWC and EPA have been avoided. For this reason, the use may be carried out otherwise than in accordance with normal accepted practices. Response

Each year, a small number of illegal activities are reported to and investigated by the Council. No register has been kept as to the nature of these activities. Unauthorised building work or non-compliance with conditions of development consent are the most common types of activities investigated.

Bellingen Shire Council employs planners and building surveyors who are available to respond to some incidents of illegal land use however with the introduction of BLEP 2010, Council no longer is the appropriate regulatory authority for the investigation of clearing complaints in non-urban zones. This is now regulated by the OEH under the provisions of the Native Vegetation Act 2003.

1.15 Gaps in existing data

Number and /or area of contaminated sites, nature of contamination and remediation No comprehensive investigation of the Shire has been made to provide a number of contaminated sites. Due to the difficulty and cost of undertaking such an investigation, none is proposed in the foreseeable future. Investigations of sites are made on an as-needs basis.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 14 Chapter 2: Aquatic systems/water

2.1. River health - contamination 2.2. River health 2.3. Fisheries 2.4. Riparian and aquatic vegetation 2.5. Herbicide use near waterways 2.6. Urban and residential development 2.7. Surface and ground water quality and quantity 2.8. Water extraction - surface and ground water 2.9. Point source discharges 2.10. Floods 2.11. Marine habitats 2.12. Gaps in existing data

Figure 2: Bellinger River erosion control works (Photo - A Rickert)

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 15 CONDITION 2.1. River health - contamination (indicator)

STEADY The Kalang River remains closed to oyster harvesting since advice from the NSW Food Authority (NSWFA) in August 2008. The river closure was a result of NSWFA investigations that identified the presence of Noro Virus in the Kalang River.

Ongoing investigations and dye testing have indicated that the likely sources of contamination of the river are the numerous old and poorly maintained on-site sewage management systems located in close proximity to the Kalang River Response

The Kalang River Working Group was formed by the NSW Government to address the closure of the Kalang River.

The Working Group comprises representatives from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Food Authority, Bellingen Shire Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), NSW Health, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), NSW Department of Water and Energy, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) and Kalang River Oyster Growers Association.

The Group has brought the key parties to the one table, and is coordinating the efforts of industry, Council and agencies to effectively resolve the problem. These include:

• identifying the sources of the contamination • sampling shellfish from the Kalang River to determine the extent of the contamination, and • implementing an Action Plan to remediate identified potential pollution sources.

The most important response has been Council’s adoption of the Kalang River Water Quality Improvement Plan in July 2011. The Plan provides a schedule of tasks to be implemented in order to improve the Kalang River’s water quality. The key tasks include:

• the extension of the main sewer line on Newry Island to 42 residential properties, replacing 42 existing On- site Sewage Management Systems (OSMS) • remediation of OSMS associated with holiday cabins in Atherton Drive, Urunga • connection of the Urunga Scout Hall to the main sewer line • further testing and remediation of sewage systems associated with caravan parks in Urunga • testing and remediation of other identified high risk OSMS associated with residential properties adjacent to the Kalang River.

Figure 3: Oyster leases in close proximity to cattle enterprises can cause potential contamination issues. Source: Bellingen River Health Plan, 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 16 CONDITION 2.2. River health (indicator)

STEADY There are a number of pressures that impact upon river health. In addition to the issues raised in the section above the Bellinger and Kalang River Health Plans which were adopted in 2009 are designed to address the main issues including: agricultural practices; onsite sewerage management systems; riparian and wetland management; boating, tourism and recreational impacts; stormwater and building construction; and wastewater treatment plants. Response

Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EcoHealth) Council has implemented a pilot Ecohealth Program for the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers. The EcoHealth Program outlines a framework for the development of a catchment-based aquatic health monitoring program in the Northern Rivers region that will provide consistency in monitoring and reporting, and establish the partnerships required for local and regional dissemination of outcomes. This project brings together major stakeholders in the coastal management of Northern NSW; State agencies (NRCMA, OEH, DWE, DPI Fisheries), Local Council (Bellingen) and University Researchers (UNE) to develop, refine, report and promote a standardised estuarine health assessment tool for the Bellinger/Kalang system.

The technical report which summarises Ecohealth data from October 2009 until September 2010 was finalised in February 2011. The 1st report card from the Ecohealth Program was released in July 2011. Results indicate that river health is generally fair to good. The major physio-chemical water quality issues arise through stagnation in the mid-estuarine sections of the rivers and show poor results for the Spickets Creek tributary. Riparian vegetation is generally poor throughout the catchments. Aquatic biological indicators suggest that the macroinvertebrate and fish communities decline with altitude. The Ecohealth Report card results were disseminated to all rate payers in the Bellingen Shire August 2011.

Figure 4: Bellinger River, Mylestom (Photo - Gethin Coles)

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 17 Boat Use Assessment This survey has gathered observational and interview data about boat use patterns on the Bellinger-Kalang Estuary. Information from this study and the Estuaries Erosion Study (2010) will be used to facilitate a community awareness program, to inform Council planning decisions and to inform and make recommendations to NSW Maritime about conflicting boat uses that are creating adverse impacts on the estuary. A workshop and recommendations were provided to NSW Maritime in February 2011, however Council has not received any formal response from NSW Maritime as yet. Expectantly in the longer term this will result in changes to boating rules, regulations and boat user behaviour on the estuary which will lead to improvements in river health. This project is joint funded between Australian Government Coastcare, OEH and Bellingen Council.

OSMS Overloading This study investigated and addressed the potential impacts of holiday overloading of onsite sewerage management systems (OSMS) on both private and publicly managed facilities with a significant risk to waterways. The aim of this project was to inform and educate land managers (both private and public) potentially implicated by holiday OSMS overloading on the condition, maintenance requirements and likely impacts to receiving environments. This project was closely aligned with the OSMS inspection program which is currently being undertaken to ensure appropriate management of OSMS in Bellingen Shire. This project is jointly funded between Australian Government Coastcare, OEH and Bellingen Council.

Healthy Rivers Program This program addresses issues associated with climate change on estuarine riparian management, wetland management and fluvial processes (e.g. erosion, channel movement) resulting from flood events. A variety of delivery mechanisms have been utilised in order to increase awareness and capacity across a broader cross section of the community. Aspects of this strategy will be specifically targeted toward particular reaches of the Rivers which are considered to be high priority according to recovery potential, proximity to ecologically significant areas and landholder willingness to participate, experiment and advocate to the community.

The Bellinger Estuary Action Plan was completed in June 2011 and aims to help landholders to establish and prioritise a set of goals for protecting and rehabilitating their riparian zone. Additionally, the plan serves as a platform document to help access public funds to undertake river bank restoration and protection works (through grants and incentive schemes). The plan details property scale site action plans providing a property summary, rehabilitation strategy and financial work plan for respective sites between Bellingen and Mylestom. This project is joint funded between Australian Government Coastcare, OEH, NRCMA and Bellingen Council.

CONDITION 2.3. Fisheries (indicator)

STEADY Protected and threatened species of fish To date there are seven fish species that are declared threatened: Grey Nurse Shark, Green Sawfish, Great White Shark, Black Cod, Eastern Freshwater Cod, Purple Spotted Gudgeon and the Southern Bluefin Tuna.

Pest fish species Introduced pest species can disadvantage native species in marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats. These effects may occur because of predation, competition, hybridisation, disease or by destruction of habitat.

Pest species for the Bellinger Catchment are Eastern Gambusia and Goldfish.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 18 Response

Commercial catch From 31 October 2002 all commercial catch was prohibited in the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers. This is legislated in the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2002 - Reg 8a.

Bellinger Ecohealth Monitoring Project - Freshwater Fish Freshwater fish sampling undertaken by NSW Fisheries at 18 sites (Bellinger and Kalang Rivers) between November 2009 and March 2010 reported 18 native freshwater fish species present and only one alien fish species (Eastern Mosquitofish). Results from the fish survey are further summarised in the table below:

Figure 5: Freshwater fish survey results (source: Bellingen Ecohealth Report Card, 2011)

CONDITION 2.4. Riparian and aquatic vegetation (indicator)

STEADY

Figure 6: Good quality riparian vegetation on the upper Bellinger River. Source: Bellingen River Health Plan, 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 19 Through catchment surveys it was identified that healthy riparian habitats were generally confined to public lands, such as State Forest and National Park, though there are some privately owned good examples of vegetation scattered throughout the catchments.

The Ecohealth Program conducted riparian surveys at five sites on the Bellinger River and five sites on the Kalang River. This survey utilised the Subtropical Rapid Assessment of Riparian Condition method (Ryder et. al., 2010). Average riparian condition scores were 7.14/10 and 5.26/10 for the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers respectively. The riparian vegetation condition sub-index scored consistently lower averaging 5.76/10 and 5.02/10 for the respective river systems. Major disturbances identified to the riparian zone that have reduced riparian condition scores are, weeds, simplified canopy structure, and minimal riparian habitat in the form of organic litter and woody debris. Poor bank condition as evidenced by undercutting and bank slumping were consistent issues in all tributaries, and may provide a link to increased suspended sediment loads recorded from these systems. Response

Estuary Action Plans The Bellinger River Estuary Action Plan (Reach Plan) was completed in June 2011, with 53 properties involved in site planning, spanning more than 30km of river frontage between Bellingen and Mylestom. Each site plan aims to help the landholder to establish and prioritise a set of goals for protecting and rehabilitating their riparian zone (river bank). Additionally, the plan serves as a platform document to assist the landholder to access public funds to undertake river bank restoration and protection works (e.g. incentive programs detailed below). Council has applied for further funding to complete a plan of the same nature for the Kalang River estuary. This planning initiative is a partnership approach between NRCMA, OEH, Bellingen Council and local landholders.

Incentive programs Within the Upper North Coast region, a number of initiatives target the rehabilitation of riparian zones. However, the number of projects is still minute compared to the overall length of streams requiring rehabilitation. Stakeholders involved in these rehabilitation activities generally rely on various Local, State and Federal schemes to obtain funding for at least some of the rehabilitation (e.g. Healthy Rivers Program- section 2.2.).

CONDITION 2.5. Herbicide use near waterways (pressure)

STEADY Herbicides and other pesticides have the potential to impact on aquatic systems. The EPA has drafted a guidance note “Guidance for the use of herbicides near water”. Key principles include the proportion of alternative control methods, principles for applying herbicides to prevent water pollution, recommended record keeping and notification procedures if pollution does occur. Response

Council applies the EPA-guidelines for herbicide use near waterways.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 20 CONDITION 2.6. Urban and residential development (pressure)

STEADY Sewerage Council has three sewerage treatment plants (STP) at Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga. These service approximately 2700 or 49% of rateable properties within the LGA.

Onsite Sewerage Management Systems Council did not keep a register for the number of on-site sewage management systems approved in the past. Work is nearing completion to establish such a register.

% of population using On-site Sewage Management Systems (OSMS)

• Estimated 2800 OSMS (30/06/11) • Given a total of 5500 rateable properties in the Shire, this equates to 51% of all properties using OSMS

Response

Sewerage Three sewerage treatment plants were upgraded. Variable speed drives and electronic controllers were installed, reducing consumption and eliminating sudden power drains on the grid. This also reduced energy use. Variable speed drives with oxygen sensors were installed at the Urunga STP to reduce power consumption.

Sewage overflows Smoke testing to eliminate illegal connections and reduce infiltration was carried out in 2009. Since then all condition 4 and 5 manholes have been repaired or replaced to reduce infiltration.

OSMS inspection program Council has employed a full time OSMS Inspector and part time administration officer to undertake a systematic inspection regime of all OSMS within the shire on a cost recovery basis. In excess of 320 routine program inspections have been conducted over the reporting period. Owing to the landscape characteristics of Newry Island, Council has approved the provision of sewerage infrastructure to replace OSMS systems in the Newry Island precinct.

Figure 7: OSMS system at a public hall in the Shire. Source: Bellingen River Health Plan, 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 21 CONDITION 2.7. Surface and ground water quality and quantity (indicator)

DECLINING River Water Sampling Human faecal contamination was not identified in any of the faecal sterol samples from tests in 2007/2008. Additional microbial source tracking analysis conducted in 2010/2011 at 7 sites in the Bellinger/Kalang catchments indicated variable risk of both human and ruminant based faecal contaminants. High risk animal based contamination was recorded at sites at Darkwood, Keoghs Reserve, Marx Hill and Mylestom throughout the sampling period, while high risk human based contamination was recorded only at Marx Hill on one occasion. It is considered that diffuse inputs such as birds, native animals and even decaying plant material generally comprised the bulk of contamination measured during wet and dry weather.

Council Water Sampling Program • Regular sampling of reticulated water • Intermittent sampling of river water • Sampling of water for pollution incidents • Swimming Water Quality Program commenced October 2006. All sampling sites complied other than the Bellingen Wharf area which failed on 30% of occasions. The Bellingen Wharf area failures are considered to be as a result of Central Business District stormwater runoff.

EcoHealth Monitoring Program (Ecohealth) Surface water quality monitoring of key physiochemical and biological indicators was undertaken in 2009/2010 as part of the Ecohealth Program. The technical report which was released in February 2011 highlights the following key findings:

- The Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (ANZECC) trigger values for pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and turbidity were exceeded at some sites during the study. - Tributaries in both catchments had higher turbidity that the main stem of each river, suggesting these systems may be a source of suspended material. Spicketts Creek was particularly noteworthy as a freshwater site that exceeded the trigger values for nitrogen, phosphorus, DO and turbidity. - In the main stem of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, turbidity consistently increases in the upper estuarine reaches suggesting the residence time for transported material is increased as the gradient, and therefore flow is reduced. However, the direct measurement of total suspended solids shows a clear increase in concentration of suspended material with distance downstream, and is most pronounced in the Bellinger River. This increase in suspended material may result from longitudinal transport, tidal exchange and resuspension, and planktonic organisms. - Dissolved oxygen concentrations were consistently lower than the trigger values in estuarine habitats. Temperature stratification was not evident in any site during the study, resulting in low benthic DO concentrations arising from tidal exchange indicating no persistent negative ecological impacts arising from reduced DO concentrations. - Calculation of nutrient loads entering the estuary of each river system revealed the Bellinger River supplies a disproportionate amount of N (460 tonnes/year), P (86 tonnes/year) and suspended solids (4320 tonnes/year) compared to the Kalang River. These differences arise from the higher discharge in the Bellinger River rather than higher concentrations. - The highest loads of N, P and suspended sediment were associated with high discharge levels, suggesting flood flows contribute substantial volumes of sediments to downstream reaches.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 22 Response

River Health Plans The development of the river health plans for both the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers gives some structure for addressing the main issues that impact upon river health. The implementation of these plans in conjunction with the Estuary Management Plan will see some measurable improvements in the health of the river systems within the valley.

Estuary Action Plans The Bellinger River Estuary Action Plan (Reach Plan) was completed in June 2011, with 53 properties involved in site planning, spanning more than 30km of river frontage between Bellingen and Mylestom. Each site plan aims to help the landholder to establish and prioritise a set of goals for protecting and rehabilitating their riparian zone (river bank). A healthy riparian zone will in turn improve river water quality. Council has applied for further funding to complete a plan of the same nature for the Kalang River estuary. This planning initiative is a partnership approach between NRCMA, OEH, Bellingen Council and local landholders.

BLEP 2010 BLEP 2010 includes a range of development control provisions that seek to minimise the impact of urban development on aquatic environments. In particular, Clause 7.4 (Water) aims to maintain the hydrological functions of riparian land waterways and aquifers and stipulates a range of matters that must be addressed as part of the development approval process. The designation of waterway zones has also provided greater restriction on the range of developments that are permissible in these areas.

CONDITION 2.8. Water extraction - surface and ground water (pressure)

STEADY Water extraction for Council reticulated water supply Bellingen Shire Council operates two water supply schemes: the Dorrigo scheme and the Lower Bellinger Scheme; the latter serving Bellingen, Urunga, Repton, Newry Island, Raleigh and Mylestom.

The Dorrigo Scheme draws water from the Bielsdown River. If the flow in the Bielsdown is below 20 megalitres/day then water is drawn from the weir on Rocky Creek. Upgrading of the Dorrigo Scheme was completed in 1994.

The Lower Bellinger Scheme draws water from a well and 3 bores in the gravel beds adjoining the Bellinger River just upstream of Bellingen.

Water supply Water consumption for the Lower Bellinger water supply scheme for the year 2008/2009 was 980 megalitres, which is well below the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Licence allocation of 1,350 megalitres. An increase in water allocation has been agreed on by Department of Water and Energy (DWE) subject to Council completing an Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan.

Water consumption for the Dorrigo scheme for the year 2008/2009 was 157 megalitres, out of an annual licence allocation of 300 megalitres.

Low flow extraction restrictions have applied to the Dorrigo Bielsdown licence since 1993.

Demand management Reducing demand means less extraction.

Demand Management Strategies - education via news releases and Development Control Plan No.13. Council has implemented demand management incorporating user pays pricing. Council has also sought to educate and encourage the community to reduce wasteful use of water; reduce wastage in the Council system; and investigate the use of effluent to replace potable water for appropriate uses. Council requires all new dwellings to have dual flush toilets and to fit water saving devices.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 23 CONDITION 2.9. Point source discharges (pressure)

STEADY EPA licensed premises EPA provides a summary of all current Environment Protection Licences - currently there are 11 licences issued within the Shire - 7 of these are Council licences. The remaining 4 licences are for businesses that have been established within the Shire for an extended period (eg Norco, Thora Sawmilling). Response

The following activity proposed by Council’s Management Plan will have a positive impact on the environment:

- Effluent resource scheme under development at Dorrigo

CONDITION 2.10. Floods (pressure)

DECLINING

Figure 8: Bellinger River in flood. Source: Bellingen River Health Plan, 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 24 Areas at specific risk include Urunga, Newry Island and Yellow Rock.

URUNGA: Parts of Urunga including Crescent St, Morgo St, Bellingen St and Atherton Dr suffered inundation in March 2009. Houses in Atherton Dr, Bellingen St, Crescent St and Morgo St were isolated in the flood event making evacuation difficult.

Localised flooding can occur in Urunga during heavy rainfall over the town. This typically sees water pond upstream of the Morgo St road embankment in a low point at the intersection of Newry St and Bonville St between the Ambulance Station and the Bowling Club.

NEWRY ISLAND: Most of the land on the island is considered flood prone. Flooding of the bridge into Newry Island commences at around 2.5m on the Urunga gauge. Evacuations of Newry Island must be completed before this height is reached on the Urunga gauge.

YELLOW ROCK: The worst affected areas would be residences in Marina Cres, Vernon Cres and Yellow Rock Rd and commercial property along the Pacific Hwy. Evacuations to Urunga must be completed before the Pacific Highway between Yellow Rock and Urunga is closed at approximately 2.4 metres on the Urunga gauge.

Rural properties along Yellow Rock Rd are also prone to flooding.

BELINGER KEYS AND MYLESTOM: Most land in these communities is prone to flooding; however the communities are affected only during severe floods. Mylestom can become isolated requiring resupply of essential goods. Response

Flood studies and flood mapping have been completed for the Upper Bellinger, Upper Kalang and Dorrigo. Flood extents for the 2009 major floods will be mapped in the coming year. Council has undertaken data gathering for the March 31 flood to identify levels for use to calibrate future flood models. Council has received a grant to undertake a concept and detail design development for the Urunga CBD following the March 2009 Flood event. In partnership with OEH and NSW Road and Traffic Authority, Council is currently undertaking an inundation mapping project for the Bellinger and Kalang River estuaries. Expected completion for this study is mid-2012.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 25 CONDITION 2.11. Marine habitats (indicator)

IMPROVING Comparison Table

Estuary Total Area 2000 2000 2006/2007 2006/2007 General (km²) Seagrass Percentage Seagrass Percentage Trend area (km²) of Seagrass area (km²) of Seagrass Nambucca 7.74 0.220 2.8 0.626 8  by 2.8X Hastings 17.3 1.1 6.3 1.458 8.4  by 1.3X Maclean 18.2 1.1 6 0.957 5  by 0.15X Tweed 30 0.3 1 0.806 2.6  by 2.7X Richmond 19 0.19 1 0.32 1.68  by 0.6X Bellinger 6.8 0.06 0.9 0.133 1.95  by 2.2X Hawkesbury 100 0.5 0.5 0.381 0.38  by 0.15X

The Bellinger Kalang Processes Study identified only 0.029 km² of seagrass in the Bellinger in 2003, the reduction was possibly due to the flood events of 2001 and 2003. Taking this into consideration the area of seagrass in the Bellinger has increased by 4.5 times the area in 3-4 years.

Recent trends for saltmarshes: Overall area appears to be increasing - the 2000 National Land and Water Audit identified a saltmarsh area of 0.03 km² (0.4% Estuary Area). In 2006 that area had increased by 4.7 times to 0.143 km²

Recent trends for Mangrove Coverage: The 2000 National Land and Water Audit identified a mangrove area: 0.85 km² (13% of estuary area) this increased to 1.172 km² in 2006. Response

Coastline and Estuary Management Interpretive signage panels have been placed at boat ramps to increase the awareness of boat users of the function and importance of seagrasses in the ecosystem. Significant seagrass beds have also been mapped and delineated with buoys on the river to alert boat users of the location of these sites. Riparian vegetation demonstration sites have been established to illustrate the role of riparian vegetation (especially in the estuarine reaches) in combating erosion.

2.12. Gaps in existing data

The following lists the major areas where improvements in information on riparian vegetation are required for future reporting purposes.

• Property scale data on: the riparian species present, the structural diversity of the riparian zone, the extent of the riparian zone compared to the natural state, the connectivity of the riparian zone, the degree of weed infestations and the health of existing native vegetation and exotics for the freshwater Bellinger and significant stretches of the Kalang catchment.

• Number, location and type of point source discharges - type and volume of discharge and any prosecutions.

Future reports will provide clear data and trends.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 26 Chapter 3: Air Quality

3.1. Climate change 3.2. Industrial emissions 3.3. Smoke from hazard reduction burning and bush fires 3.4. Smoke from domestic fires 3.5. Pollution from motor vehicles 3.6. Odour 3.7 Gaps in existing data

CONDITION 3.1. Climate change (pressure)

DECLINING Climate change requires Council to consider the following matters:

• Energy Efficiency • Energy Alternatives • Reduced resource use; and • The implications of failure to act

The Kyoto Protocol was signed by the Australian Government in the reporting period 2007/2008 and the recent passing of the Carbon Tax legislation provides a clear signal from the federal government on the need for action on climate change.

Council

Planet Footprint manages Council’s energy use data. The following information was collated from the 2010/2011 Bellingen Shire Council Planet Footprint reports:

1. Energy consumption 2010/2011 was lower than the previous year, on a trend of steady decreases. 2. Energy costs only went down slightly (- $16,000) in 2010/2011 which is a good result because electricity prices have gone up. For most regional NSW councils, cost per kWh went up 6% compared to 2009/2010 and cost per KWh went up 21% in the last 5 years. 3. Council’s energy consumption, costs and emissions are lower than the average of other country councils with similar climate.

Fleet (Fuel)

32.2% Street Lighting 13.8% Waste 0.323%

Energy 53.7%

Figure 9: Council emissions by sector for financial year 2010/2011

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 27

Figure 10: Total Annual GHG Emissions from all sources for 2010/2011

Community

A recent ecological footprint survey of Shire residents found that 23% of respondents derived 20% or more of their electricity from renewable sources; 27% of participating households have solar panels installed or ordered and 34% of households have solar hot water installed or ordered with 62% limiting air conditioning use to “a few very hot days”.

Residential rebate uptake (number of residences) as of 30 September 2011 Rainwater Hot Water Ceiling Washing Total Tank System Insulation Machine Bellingen 233 976 106 156 1500 Nambucca 340 1010 149 144 1753

Office of Environment and Heritage, Residential Rebate Program, 2011 Available online: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/rebates/110620LGARebateStatsSept.pdf

Response

Council

Bellingen Emission Reduction Plan Bellingen Council was originally signed up to the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program, but since the CCP lost federal funding in June 2009, Council has elected to continue with the Bellingen Emission Reduction Plan (BERP) which is based on the milestone approach of the CCP. The BERP is made up of the following phases:

Phase 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Audit for Council and the Community Phase 2 Adoption of Emission Reduction Target Phase 3 Climate Change Action Plan - Planning Phase 4 Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation Phase 5 Monitoring and Verification

The results of those phases completed so far are included below.

Phase 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Audit for Council and the Community An emissions audit was conducted as part of the Cities for Climate Protection program (CCP).

Phase 2 Adoption of Emission Reduction Target Phase 2 of the BERP is to adopt an Emission Reduction Target for both the Community and Council. The emission reduction target will be used as a means to measure the progress of the BERP and also to help drive the other phases of the program.

On the 16 December 2009, Council adopted an emission reduction target of 40% on 1990 levels by 2020 for Councils operations. Council also resolved to support a community target of one earth living (using ecological footprint analysis) by 2015.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 28 Phase 3 Climate Change Action Plan - Planning The preparation of a Climate Change Action Plan for Council is currently underway.

Phase 4 Climate Change Action Plan - Implementation Council is continuously implementing actions to reduce its emissions; however actions associated with the BERP will be undertaken once Phase 3 of the program is complete.

Phase 5 Monitoring and Verification Council is continuously monitoring it’s emissions. Formal reporting of Council’s emissions will commence as part of Phase 5, and then at least every two years following.

Projects

Streetlight Upgrade The current upgrade of street lights to more efficient lighting technology will reduce Council’s carbon footprint by 2000T per year, equivalent to taking 45 cars off the road.

Solar installations A 10kW system has been installed on the Neighbourhood Centre and a 5kW system on the library roof. The youth centre will be home to a 3kW system upon completion of construction.

Community

A number of community groups within the Shire are actively working with residents to reduce their carbon footprints and Council supports a community goal of achieving a ‘one planet’ ecological footprint.

CONDITION 3.2. Industrial emissions (pressure)

STEADY Number, location and type of point source discharges Unknown at this time.

Natural Pollutant Inventory (NPI) The NPI holds data reported by larger industrial facilities, and aggregated emission data for smaller facilities and mobile and non-industrial sources collected by participating jurisdictions. See www.npi.gov.au for more information.

CONDITION 3.3. Smoke from hazard reduction burning and bush fires (pressure)

STEADY Air quality is good throughout the Shire. When bush fires or hazard reduction burning are underway however, smoke nuisance can occur across large areas of the Shire. Significant levels of reporting occurred throughout the 2007/2008 reporting period, however due to the lack of conditions conducive to wildfires this has been reduced in 2010/2011. A recent hazard reduction burn that resulted in significant haze and smoke in Bellingen did not result in complaints.

CONDITION 3.4. Smoke from domestic fires (pressure)

IMPROVING Air quality is generally good throughout the Shire with temperature inversions rare and smoke from domestic fires requiring limited response from Council. Response

The introduction of the “No Burn” Policy in 2007 continues to exhibit high success in complaint reduction.

Council investigates all complaints in relation to domestic smoke.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 29 CONDITION 3.5. Pollution from motor vehicles (pressure)

STEADY Small rural local authorities rarely encounter air pollution from vehicles. Due to the relatively small number of motor vehicles in comparison to the size of the air shed, no monitoring of general air quality in relation to vehicle emission is conducted. Response

Council have revised it’s vehicle policy with the aim of reducing the number and size of vehicles in its fleet. The policy has resulted in the replacement of all 6 cylinder vehicles from the light vehicle fleet with 4 cylinder vehicles such as the Hyundai i30 .

The changes made as a result of the revised policy will result in savings of over 20,000kgs of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum which is the equivalent of taking five average Australian cars of the road permanently.

CONDITION 3.6. Odour (indicator)

IMPROVING Air pollution complaints to Council Historically Council has received isolated complaints regarding odours from flying foxes at Bellingen Island. There were none received in the past year. A small number of complaints in relation to agricultural and industrial odours were received. Response

Council follows up all inquiries/complaints that it receives and undertakes the appropriate action to each.

3.7. Gaps in existing data

There are currently no identified gaps in existing data.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 30 Chapter 4: Biodiversity

4.1. Threatened species, populations, endangered ecological communities 4.2. Weeds 4.3. Bush fire 4.4. Gaps in existing data

Figure 11: Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) - Bellinger Valley

CONDITION 4.1. Threatened species, populations, endangered ecological communities STEADY (indicator)

Threatened Fauna The local government area contains a large number of threatened fauna species (species listed as either endangered or vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act). The NPWS Wildlife Atlas has threatened species recorded within this area, including endangered species and vulnerable species.

Threatened Flora The local government area contains a large number of threatened flora species (as defined by species listed as either endangered or vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act). The NPWS Wildlife Atlas has threatened species recorded within this area, including species considered endangered and vulnerable.

The escarpment in the hinterland of the local government area is a significant area containing many rare and threatened flora species, many of which are endemic to the local area.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 31 Endangered Ecological Communities

An ecological community may become threatened if it:

1. Undergoes a very large to moderate reduction in its geographic distribution; 2. Is geographically restricted and under pressure from a threatening process; or 3. Undergoes a very large to moderate reduction in ecological functioning.

The ecological functioning of an ecological community involves the processes that transfer energy and materials within that system. These include nutrient, oxygen and water cycles and flows. A reduction in this functioning may be indicated by any of the following:

1. change in community structure, 2. change in species composition, 3. disruption of ecological processes, 4. invasion and establishment of exotic species, 5. degradation of habitat, or 6. fragmentation of habitat.

A loss in ecological functioning or geographic distribution may occur for many reasons including pastoral and agricultural development, urban and infrastructure development, changed and inappropriate fire regimes, and other biotic or abiotic changes. For these reasons many ecological communities have been cleared or degraded to such an extent that only a small amount of their original area resembles or functions in its natural state. Response

Within the Bellingen Local Environmental Plan 2010 native vegetation removal in non-urban zones is no longer a matter for Council. However, as part of the introduction of BLEP 2010 Council took the opportunity to use information supplied by the State Government on Biodiversity Conservation Lands to review the suitability of certain zonings throughout the Shire and to use this mapping as a trigger for more detailed investigation of development applications in these areas. This resulted in Council rezoning numerous portions of vegetated land (previously zoned agricultural) as E3 Environmental Management where they provided a link between conservation reserves. It also resulted in the inclusion of Clause 7.5 (Biodiversity) in the LEP that aims to maintain terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity via the development consent process.

When EEC’s could be accurately identified, these were given the most restrictive zoning possible for private land in BLEP 2010 ie: E2 - Environmental Conservation.

CONDITION 4.2. Weeds (pressure)

STEADY Bellingen Shire contains three topographic areas - the coastal zone, valley and mountain plateau - with differing climatic conditions. This range provides scope for a broad range of weed species. The Bellingen LGA has a high annual rainfall and experiences warm temperatures, which provides perfect conditions for extensive weed growth. Response

Environmental weeds A significant proportion of Bellingen Shire residents are aware of the detrimental impacts of Environmental Weeds to the local environment. Requests for information of environmental weed identification and control are consistent. This information is provided by Council and local Landcare groups.

There are a number of environmental weeds becoming noxious and two species significant for the north coast Madeira Vine and Cat’s Claw Creeper have been nominated as a Weed of National Significance, as a result of greater awareness and concern.

Noxious Weeds As a Local Control Authority, BSC implements the requirements of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, by managing

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 32 weeds on public land, and engaging with landowners to manage weeds on private land.

Several Noxious Weeds Policies provide the basis for the effective and integrated management of noxious weeds declared in the Shire. These policies have been reviewed to incorporate the Weeds Action Plan activities.

New Incursion Management Council is party to a regional Weeds Action Program with Nambucca, Coffs Harbour, Clarence and Far North Coast Weeds which has set regional outcomes on a wide range of weed inspection and control activities. The focus of this Weeds Action Plan (WAP) is the inspection and treatment of high risk pathways and high risk sites. Councils Invasive Plants Officer is delivering these outcomes within the LGA.

As part of the Weeds Action Plan, BSC has purchased new mapping equipment and software to assist in the collation of ‘distribution and abundance’ weed data. This will provide Council with data to support condition indicators.

CONDITION 4.3. Bush fire

STEADY The Bellingen LGA is considered to be an area of moderate bush fire risk, dependent upon seasonal conditions. The area experiences a relatively mild fire climate due to high summer rainfall, high elevation and distribution of moist forest types.

The Coffs/Bellingen Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC) oversees risk management, hazard reduction, community education and investigation and enforcement. The Bellingen BFMC consists of representatives of major land management agencies, Bellingen Shire Council, volunteer brigade members, fire fighting authorities and community representatives.

State Government regulation Due to community concerns as a result of serious fires in and around Sydney in Dec 2001/Jan 2002, the State Government made significant legislative changes aimed at ensuring the better protection of the community and environment in times of fire. Response

Fire prevention and management

Council is a member of the BFMC and reports on activities that are being undertaken by Council to manage fire within the Shire. These reports include details on Asset Protection Zones and Hazard Reduction activities. This information is also recorded on Bushfire Risk Information Management System (BRIMS).

Bushfire Risk Management Plans and Operations Plans The BFMC has developed an Operations Plan and a revised bushfire risk management Plan. The bushfire risk management plan has identified assets at risk from wildfire and identified treatments to address these risks.

Additionally precinct plans for Mylestom and Fernmount have been developed. Asset Protection Zones (APZs) and Strategic Fire Advantage Zones (SFAZs) have been developed for the Shire and programs for maintaining these zones have been put in place. These include both mechanical and fire for hazard reduction in the zones. Council has been fortunate enough to receive funding from the NSW Rural Fire Service to assist in developing and maintaining these zones.

4.4. Gaps in existing data

Number and distribution of endangered and threatened species, populations and ecological communities (as specified in the TSC Act)

Because of the nature of the Shire, it is possible that threatened species may occur on almost any land within the Shire. Areas with native vegetation are almost certain to be used by threatened species at one time or another.

Threatened species data is currently being collated on a site by site basis dependant on works, with Part 5 assessments and Review of Environmental factors completed where appropriate.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 33 Chapter 5: Waste

5.1. Landfill availability 5.2. Hazardous waste 5.3. Littering and rubbish dumping 5.4 Waste metal and oil 5.5 Gaps in existing data

CONDITION 5.1. Landfill availability

IMPROVING Total Waste Landfill Received Tonnes (2010/2011) Raleigh Waste Management and Recycling Centre 2169 Dorrigo Waste Management and Recycling Centre 601

In 2009/2010 Financial year the following tonnages of waste were collected from kerbside collections provided by Council’s waste contractor on behalf of the Bellingen Shire:

Greenwaste: 1426.68 tonnes. This material was conveyed to the Alternative Waste Treatment (AWT) facility located at Coffs Harbour for conversion into compost.

Recycling: 1214.82 tonnes. This material was conveyed to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Coffs Harbour for sorting and recycling.

Household Waste: 862.59 tonnes. This material was conveyed to the AWT facility located at Coffs Harbour for conversion into compost

Total: 3504.09 tonnes. Response

Regional Resource Recovery Facility The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Coffs Harbour has been fully commissioned, and has resulted in significant reduction of recyclable waste going to landfill.

Bulky Goods Collection Coffs Coast Waste Service also provides two Bulky Goods collection services each year. A maximum of three cubic metres of material is permitted from each household.

CONDITION 5.2. Hazardous waste

STEADY Chemical and hazardous substances are transported through the Shire daily by road and rail. In the event of a tanker crash or other accident, environmental damage could occur. In the last reporting year Raleigh Waste Management and Recycling Centre received asbestos-based waste that was buried in a dedicated section of the Centre in the prescribed manner. Other hazardous or contaminated wastes that are brought in are separately placed in a dedicated area and are removed by qualified contractors on a regular basis.

For the reporting period 2010/2011, 10.0 tonnes of hazardous waste were removed from the Waste depots.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 34 CONDITION 5.3. Littering and rubbish dumping

STEADY Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index (NLI) is Australia’s only national annual quantitative measure of what litter occurs where and in what volume, based on counts taken twice a year at 983 sites across Australia. The average number of items across all sites surveyed in the 2010/2011 National Litter Index was 61 per 1,000m², while the average estimated volume was 6.49 litres per 1,000m². These figures represent a decrease in the number of items and volume on the previous year (66 items and 7.55 litres per 1000m²).

Illegal rubbish dumping is not prevalent in the Bellingen Shire Council area. Rubbish dumping reports are investigated by Council’s Ranger. A low number of incidents were reported in the 2010/2011 year.

5.4. Waste metal and oil

264 tonnes of scrap metal were removed from councils waste depots for recycling. 8000 litres of waste oil were collected and removed for recycling.

5.5. Gaps in existing data

There are currently no identified gaps in existing data.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 35 Chapter 6: Noise

6.1. Commercial, industrial and entertainment venue noise 6.2. Increasing activities 6.3 Animals 6.3. Gaps in existing data

CONDITION 6.1. Commercial, industrial and entertainment venue noise

STEADY Commercial - 3 complaints were received over the 2010/2011 reporting period

Industrial - 6 complaints were received over the 2010/2011 reporting period

Entertainment - 8 complaints were received over the 2010/2011 reporting period

Response

Where possible buffer distances, time and noise limits are placed on new development proposals.

An area of attention over the reporting period has been entertainment venues. Revised conditions were applied to one particular premise.

Control of licensed premises is the responsibility of NSW Communities. One particular venue has had noise amelioration measures placed upon it within the reporting period.

One promotion group has been advised of noise considerations to be placed at any future local event.

One Crown Land Committee has been advised of significant numbers of noise complaints stemming from one concert activity.

CONDITION 6.2. Increasing activities

STEADY Development activities Significant levels of enquiries were received regarding development commencement times. One complaint was received.

Solar pumps, pool pumps, spas, sound equipment One complaint was received within the reporting period.

Agricultural Activity 3 complaints were received within the reporting period regarding planes and helicopters.

No complaints were received regarding tractor activity.

1 complaint was received regarding early morning activity.

Noisy Motor Bikes/Vehicles 5 complaints were received during the reporting period.

Other 4 complaints were received during the reporting period.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 36 CONDITION 6.3. Animals

IMPROVING 35 roaming dog complaints were received during the reporting period.

4 noisy rooster complaints were received during the reporting period.

Response

Warning letters were issued where appropriate regarding the complaints.

17 Penalty Infringement Notices were issued regarding the complaints.

6.4. Gaps in existing data

A centralised customer enquiry system would enhance data collection and strategy outcomes, and is currently being considered.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 37 Chapter 7: Aboriginal heritage

7.1. Number and nature of heritage sites, structures and landscapes (state) 7.2. Places of aboriginal significance (state) 7.3. Gaps in existing data

CONDITION 7.1. Number and nature of heritage sites, structures and landscapes (state)

IMPROVING Both the Dorrigo plateau and the Bellinger Valley come within the territory of the Gumbaynggir people. The best surviving reminders of the pre-European world are within National Parks. There are also sites of special significance to the Aboriginal people.

There are some sites in the Shire that became significant to Aboriginal people after white contact.

The Aboriginal Mission cemetery at Yellow Rock is the only such mission site that Council has record of in the Shire and is highly significant.

Council developed and adopted a Statement of Reconciliation in 2009.

A recent development during the reporting period was the commencement of Indigenous Cultural Landscape Mapping for the Shire. Consultants engaged by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority are undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Landscape Mapping Project, on behalf of Council, for the Shire. An inception meeting was held December 2010 and consultation with the Aboriginal Community has been occurring throughout the report period. It is anticipated that the final report will be received during the next reporting period.

Number and nature of Aboriginal sites There are 25 Aboriginal sites within the Shire, within these 25 sites 61 site features are found.

Site Feature Number Aboriginal Ceremony and Dreaming 8 Aboriginal Resource and Gathering 1 Art (Pigment or Engraved) 1 Artefact 21 Burial 2 Ceremonial Ring (Stone or Earth) 7 Earth Mound 4 Potential Archaeological Deposit (PAD) 8 Shell 4 Stone Arrangement 2 Modified Tree (Carved or Scarred) 3 Total 61

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 38 CONDITION 7.2. Places of Aboriginal significance (state)

STEADY Many sites of Aboriginal significance have been identified in the Bellingen Bush Fire District as part of the Bush Fire Risk Management Planning project. The Aboriginal sites map identifies areas of known concentrations of Aboriginal sites and also models likely concentrations of sites.

Response

Native title A claim by the Gumbaynggir people is being negotiated over the Coastal area between Wenonah Headland and Urunga.

Aboriginal land claims The Department of Lands keeps a register. There are 6 Aboriginal Land Claims granted in the Bellingen LGA.

Council received notification from the Department of Lands of some 57 Aboriginal Land Claims over Crown Land during the last reporting period. The Department of Lands is investigating the claims.

7.3. Gaps in existing data

Once completed, the detailed Aboriginal Cultural Landscape Mapping may be used by Council to improve existing notification protocols and to improve awareness of cultural heritage issues in the consideration of planning proposals (rezonings), development applications and Council civil works. The inclusion of the mapping information into Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) will require amendments to that document in the future.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 39 Chapter 8: Non-Aboriginal heritage

8.1. Heritage items and conservation areas 8.2. Gaps in existing data

Figure 12: Bellingen Court House - Heritage Item CONDITION 8.1. Heritage items and conservation areas

STEADY Identification in LEP Significant heritage items have been identified in the Local Environmental Plan. The most significant sites generally relate to the early settlement of the Bellingen area and include farm homesteads, dairy buildings, timber mill remains and workers cottages, a number of early dwellings within the townships, and cemeteries and other ruins.

Those items identified as being of heritage significance in the Bellingen Heritage Study 1992 have now been incorporated into the Local Environmental Plan.

State Significant Items The Shire also contains a number of Items listed on the State Heritage Inventory (these items are also included in the LEP.

Heritage items of state and regional environmental significance Bellingen Court House Bellingen Police Station and Residence Hammond and Wheatley Emporium Heritage items of Regional Environmental significance Hotel Dorrigo Former Fernmount Police Station Source: North Coast Regional Environmental Plan

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 40 Heritage Inventory The original inventory was completed in 1992. A review of Built and Archaeological items was completed in late 2007 and Landscape items were updated in December 2008. Of those items found on the Inventory, 355 heritage items where included in Bellingen LEP 2010, Council staff are currently editing the database of the Inventory. Once finalised the Shire Heritage Inventory will be publicly available via the Council website.

Register of the National Estate

Historic items in National Estate Locality Legal status Bellingen Conservation Area Bellingen Indicative place Bellingen Courthouse, Hyde St Bellingen Indicative place Bellingen River (North Arm), Valley-Raleigh Rd Bellingen Indicative place Chemist Shop, 69-71 Hyde St Bellingen Registered (21-03-1978) Commercial Emporium Bellingen Registered (21-03-1978) Federal Hotel, 79-81 Hyde St Bellingen Registered (21-03-1978) George Hewitt Arboretum, Watson St Bellingen Indicative place Headmasters Residence (former) Hyde St Bellingen Indicative place Hyde Street Group, 69-89 Hyde St Bellingen Registered (21-03-1978) Ladies Hairdresser Building (former), 87-89 Hyde St Bellingen Registered (21-03-1978) Newsagency, 83 Hyde St Bellingen Registered (21-03-1978) Police Station, Hyde St Bellingen Indicative place School (former), Hyde St Bellingen Indicative place School Buildings Group, Hyde St Bellingen Indicative place

Listed historic items in National Estate

Natural items in National Estate Locality Legal status Bellingen Island Reserve, Dowle Street Bellingen Indicative place Dorrigo National Park (1986 boundary), Dome Road Dorrigo Indicative place Promised Land Escarpment and Never Never Creek Bellingen Indicative place Wenonah Ornithological Area, Pacific Highway Urunga Indicative place New England National Park (1989 boundary) Thora Indicative place Upper Bellingen Valley, Thora Road Bellingen Indicative place Muldiva Nature Reserve Bostobrick Registered (14-05-1991) Upper Nymboida River Nature Reserve Proposal Bostobrick Indicative place Bielsdown State Forest Dorrigo Indicative place Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves Dorrigo Declared property and (New England Group)(*) Indicative place Southern Clarence River Tributaries Catchments Dorrigo Indicative place New England National Park Dorrigo Registered (21-03-1978)

Listed natural items in National Estate

Note: * the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (New England Group) are listed at the National Heritage List and at the World Heritage List (source www.ahc.gov.au/register)

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 41 National trust registered Properties may be classified by the National Trust. Part of the Bellinger Valley is listed as a landscape conservation area.

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (formerly Central eastern rainforest reserves of Australia) Listed under the World Heritage Criteria for natural heritage. Inscribed 1986 and extended 1994 for their outstanding natural universal values:

• as an outstanding example representing major stages of the earth’s evolutionary history; • as an outstanding example representing significant ongoing geological processes and biological evolution; and • containing important and significant habitats for the in situ conservation of biological diversity

Total area of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia: 366 507 ha (59 223 ha in Qld, 307 284 ha in NSW).

Response

Planning Controls Council continues to maintain planning controls that aim to protect and preserve our community’s heritage.

The Bellingen Shire Development Control Plan was adopted in August 2010. Chapter 7 - Signage and Footpath Trading replaces the previous DCP No. 18 - Advertising Structures and Signs within the Bellingen Conservation Area and on Heritage Items. The new DCP continues to apply to all land within the Bellingen Conservation Area as defined under LEP 2010 and to all land containing Heritage Items as identified under BLEP 2010.

The Bellingen LEP 2010 gazetted in August 2010 contains approximately 355 heritage items, sourced from the original Bellingen Heritage Study 1992. Clause 5.10 of Bellingen LEP 2010 outlines Council’s controls in relation to items of heritage significance and also the Bellingen Conservation Area.

Local Heritage Assistance Fund Council, with the assistance of the New South Wales Heritage Council offers financial assistance for the conservation of heritage buildings within the Bellingen Shire Council area.

8.2. Gaps in existing data

Completion of the updating of the Heritage Inventory database is required. Once finalised the Shire Heritage Inventory will be publicly available via the Council website.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 42 Appendix 1: Parks and reserves designated as community land

Updated October 2009

LOCATION NAME DESCRIPTION Plan No AREA (Sq M) CATEGORY REMARKS Bellingen Connell Park Corner Prince/Hyde Streets Lots 34/35 66 119600 Passive and Management DP 255479, Lot 37 DP 264523 Active plan Bellingen Doepel Park River end of Doepel Street Lot 1 DP 75 1640 Passive 802576 Bellingen Dowle Dowle Street Lot 7 DP 877059 Riverside 109 19700 Passive Street Reserve. Bellingen Dowle From Dowle Street to Bellinger River 72 4610 Passive Street (3 blocks east of River Place) Lot 29 DP Reserve 261442 Bellingen Endeavour Endeavour Drive Lot 143 DP 794163 and 60 13080 Passive Drive Lot 140/141 DP 794163 Reserve Bellingen Hewitt Park Off Robert Street Lot 1 DP 247564 74 4602 Passive Bellingen Jubilee Park North Bank Road Lot 8,8A and 9 DP 41 2206.8 Passive 23405 Bellingen Lane-way Adjacent to Uniting Church Hall, Church 137 114 Passive Street, Lot D DP 13229 Bellingen McNally McNally Street Lot 10 DP 259899 73 1377 Passive Reserve Bellingen McNally McNally Street Lot 21 DP 880200 111 1009 Passive Street Bellingen Part of Short Street Lane previous site Bellingen 57 4047 Passive Part of Jarrett Jarrett Park Sewerage Treatment Works. Lots 8 and Park 9 Sec 3 Bellingen Recreation At rear of Raymond Close and fronting 65 22630 Passive Reserve part of creek through Valley Rose Estate Lot 117 DP 792911 Bellingen Riverside Either side of Bellingen Bridge on North 56 4148 Passive Reserve Bank of Bellinger River Lots 2 and 3 Sec D DP 8086 Bellingen Robert Braithwaite Ave Lot 18 DP 29146 and Lot 42 4167 Passive and Management Wolfe 7 DP 29146 Active plan Bellingen Piggott Park Lovell St Lot1 DP 531085 Passive and 2908 Active Bellingen Robert Street, Lot 30 DP 247564 140 92 Passive Drainage reserve Bellingen Off Robert Street to William Street End 138 341 Passive of Briner Street, Lot 1 DP 336411 Bellingen Valley Rose George Hewitt Close Lot 122 DP 789528 59 4570 Passive Reserve Bellingen Walkway Valley View Drive Lot 136 DP 789528 61 102.5 Walkway Bellingen Walkway End of Sara Place Lot 27 DP 773332 62 138 Walkway Bellingen Walkway Halpin Street Lot 28 DP 773332 63 90 Walkway Bellingen Walkway Raymond Close, Valley Rose Estate Lot 64 138 Walkway 116 DP 792911 Bellingen Walkway Dillon Close, Valley Rose Estate (Between 67 138.5 Walkway Lots 2/3 Dillon Cl) Lot 39 DP 264523 Bellingen Walkway Funda Close, Valley Rose Estate Lots 52 68 424.3 Walkway and 53 DP 714379 Bellingen Walkway Between Memorial Hall and CBA Hyde 70 105.3 Walkway Street Lot 4 DP 719138 Bellingen Walkway Dowle Street Lot 6 DP 877059 110 303.4 Walkway Bellingen William Street, Lot 37 DP 244075 141 57 Passive

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 43 LOCATION NAME DESCRIPTION Plan No AREA (Sq M) CATEGORY REMARKS Brierfield McEwan's Brierfield Road and Kalang Road Lot 105 105 5001 Passive Reserve DP 845310 Darkwood Darkwood on Bellinger River Lot 41 DP 621392 92 383.2 Passive Dorrigo Bielsdown Bean Street Port 204 45 929.5 Passive Creek Dorrigo Coronation Hickory Street Part lot 3 sec 10 and Lot 44 2707 Passive Park 2 sec 10 Dorrigo Dorrigo Dorrigo Water Reservoir, Lot 1 DP 186 2885 Passive Water 833933 Reservoir Dorrigo Elm Street North Dorrigo Road 47 152 Passive Reserve Dorrigo Summit Summit Close 48 965.1 Passive Close Dorrigo Tennis Corner Hickory and Cedar Streets Lots 108 16200 Passive and Courts and 1,2 and 3 DP 758357 Active Swimming Pool Dorrigo Tibs Tree Lower Bielsdown Road Lot 8 DP 716228 46 10010 Passive Reserve Dorrigo Walmsley's Walmsley's Lookout Maynard's Plains Rd 58 4047 Passive Lookout Portion 70 Ph Bligh Fernmount Fernmount Baker Street Fernmount Lot 3 DP 98 398 Passive 819453 Fernmount Reserve Tyson Street Lot 23 DP 881492 112 1115 Passive adjacent to Fernmount Cemetery Gleniffer Arthur On Never Never River with access of 54 4170 Passive Keough Promised Land Lot 52 DP 589109 Park Gleniffer Broken Access from Promised Land Road Lot 53 53 4059 Passive Ridge Public DP 589109 Reserve Gleniffer Capararo's Reserve on river off Promised Land Loop 51 3075 Passive Reserve Rd at Walsh's Bridge Lot 11, DP 805052 Gleniffer Earl Preston Reserve surrounding Public Hall and 52 23760 Passive Public Church. Lot 1, DP 568240 (Previous Por Reserve 8) Mylestom Foreshore Mylestom Drive Village side of Mylestom 49 1202 Passive Reserve railway bridge Lot 3 DP 608616 North Cedar Court, Lot 28 DP 86280 123 173 Passive Bellingen North Elliott Close Reserve adjacent to Children's Centre 96 7919 Passive Bellingen Elliott Close Bellingen. Lot 13 DP 810455 North Elliot Close Elliot Close, Lot 735 DP 854019 184 3362 Passive Bellingen North McCristal Drive, Lot 7 DP 855516 152 2127 Passive Bellingen North McCristal Drive, Lot 37 DP 1038143 114 5899 Passive Bellingen North Off McCristal Drive, Lot 76 DP 1056322 116 1444 Passive Bellingen North Ringwood Ringwood Place Lot 38 DP 252940 93 2536 Passive Bellingen Place North Tamarind Tamarind Drive Lot 11 DP 252938 94 8540 Passive Bellingen Drive North Tamarind Tamarind Drive Lot 13 DP 252938 95 1561 Passive Bellingen Drive

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 44 LOCATION NAME DESCRIPTION Plan No AREA (Sq M) CATEGORY REMARKS North Walkway Between Sunset Ridge and Sky Place 101 401.7 Walkway Bellingen Lot 72 DP 826433 North Walkway Walkway from Lyon St and Casuarina 103 291.6 Walkway Bellingen Ave Lot 8 DP 827439 North Walkway Walkway. End of cul-de-sac of Hobson 104 298.5 Walkway Bellingen Place Lot 109 DP 842673 North Walkway Walkway. End of cul-de-sac of Casuarina 107 106.7 Walkway Bellingen Ave Lot 16 DP 845628 Repton Manarm Mylestom Drive Reserve on bank of 50 7505 Passive Creek Man Arm Creek Por 316 and Lot 1042, Reserve DP 566198 Thora Main Road 76 at Thora, Lot 14 DP 148 1357 Passive 264514 Urunga Bellinger Along Pacific Highway, Bellinger Keys 76 590.5 Passive Keys Estate Lot 15 DP 263166 Urunga Bellinger Along South Arm Bellinger River 77 5882 Passive Keys Bellinger Keys Estate Lot 16 DP 263166 Urunga Bellinger Burrawong Pde Bellinger Keys Estate 90 2133 Passive Keys Lot 103 DP 793468 Riverside reserve Urunga Burrawong Pde, Lot 21 DP 1049458 115 17950 passive Urunga Bellinger Rosedale Drive Bellinger Keys Estate 102 2450.2 Passive Keys Lots 30 and 31 DP 826543 Riverside Reserve. Urunga Harmony Harmony Glen off Hungry Head Road 88 25400 Passive Glen Lot 29 DP 806173 Urunga Harmony Harmony Glen off Hungry Head Road 89 251.9 Water Glen Lot 28 DP 806173 Reservoir Urunga Maramba Yellow Rock Road and backs onto 81 4489.6 Passive Park railway line Lot 25 DP 243295 Urunga Marina End of Marina Crescent fronting Kalang 85 1921 Passive Crescent River Lot 18 DP 263304 Urunga Pacific Pacific Highway opposite side of 78 4546 Passive Highway Brigalow Caravan Park thin strip of land near shop on Highway Lot 2 DP 604508 Urunga Pacific Edge of Highway between Gundamain, 80 588.5 Passive Hiighway Honey Place and Bellinger Keys Estate Lots 5/6 DP 248171 Urunga South Arm South Arm Road, Lot 3 DP 813786 146 2855 Passive Road Urunga South Arm South Arm Road, Lot 21 DP 813283 147 253 Passive Road Urunga South Arm On Kalang River off South Arm Road Lot 106 4858 Passive Road 33 DP 847318 Riverside Reserve. Urunga Stan Miles Newry Island Lot 15 DP 241258 83 6557.3 Passive Reserve Urunga Walkway Off Burrawong Pde to Bellinger River 86 202 Walkway Lot 83 DP 263599 Urunga Melaleuca Drive, Lot 6 DP 1036284 113 17800 Passive Urunga Walkway off Myall Court Lot 84 DP 263599 87 103.3 Walkway Urunga Yellow Rock Junction Yellow Rock Rd and railway line 82 2592 Passive Lot 185 DP 242788 Urunga Yellow Rock Vernon Crescent Lot 16 DP 217512 84 1492 Passive Urunga Yellow Rock 20 Elizabeth Drive, Yellow Rock Urunga 79 48.22 Passive North Lot 40 DP 262072 Valery Valery Road, Lot 11 DP 1021140 153 9041 Passive TOTAL 448923.62 (44.9 ha)

Note: Besides the ones mentioned in the table, the council has two parcels of land with bushfire sheds (total area 1950 sq metres) and eleven parcels of land with pumpstations for water or sewerage (total area 77025 sq metres).

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 45 Appendix 2: Legal and Regulatory Obligations of Council

Land Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 Commons Management Act 1989 Crown Lands Act 1989 Dangerous Goods Act 1975 Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Environmental planning instruments including State Environmental Planning Policies Local Government Act 1993 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 Water Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 Coastal Protection Act 1979 Fisheries Management Act 1994 Local Government Act 1993 Water Act 1912 Pesticide Act 1999 Air Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Local Government Act 1993 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Clean Air (Plant and Equipment) Reg. 1997 Biodiversity Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Environmental Planning instruments including State Environmental Planning Policies Local Government Act 1993 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Native Vegetation Act 2003 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 Pesticide Act 1999 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Waste Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985 Local Government Act 1993 Local Government (Approvals) Reg. 1999 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Reg. 1996 Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 Noise Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Reg. 2000 Aboriginal Heritage Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Heritage Act 1977 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Non-Aboriginal Heritage Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Heritage Act 1977

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 46 Appendix 3: Resources

(Note: Where a reference appears in a Chapter it may have appeared elsewhere throughout the Resource Appendix but has been deleted to avoid duplication) Chapter 1:

• SEPP 71 - Coastal Protection - a copy of the legislation can be found at www.austlii.edu.au. Additional information regarding the SEPP can be found at www.planning.nsw.gov.au. • Regional Agribusiness Strategy - Australia’s Holiday Coast Discussion Paper. Contact grant.burrows@ business.nsw.gov.au • Floodplain Management Manual, NSW Government 2001 • Please Bin Your Butts - a comprehensive research study into cigarette butt litter. McGregor Marketing on behalf of Keep Australia Beautiful National Association 1998. • www.npws.nsw.gov.au • www.forest.nsw.gov.au • www.canrii.nsw.gov.au • www.abs.gov.au • Bellingen Native Vegetation Management Strategy - Bellingen Shire Council • Acid Sulfate Soil Manual • Byron rural settlement strategy • Incentives for sustainable land management - community cost sharing to conserve biodiversity on private lands - a guide for local government. Environment Australia Biodiversity Group. Bateson, P (2000) • Soil Landscapes of the Dorrigo 1:100 000 Sheet. • Land Capability maps (1:100 000): Soil Conservation Service. • Steep Land maps and Prescribed Streams lists: Soil Conservation Service. • Soil Conservation 1986 - Reconnaissance Urban Capability Study, South Urunga. • Potential Acid Sulfate Soil maps. Soil Conservation Service. • New England National Park; Draft Plan of Management, 1988. Bongil Bongil, Bellinger River, Dorrigo, and new parks - NPWS • Bushfire management plans for NPs -NPWS • Dorrigo National Park Buffer Zone Draft Development Control Plan No. 5 - protection of scenic value of the escarpment. Bellingen Shire Council • Bellingen Shire Environmental Study 1984 - shows ‘escarpment protection’ as part of ‘proposed scenic protection’ on Areas of Environmental Significance map. Bellingen Shire Council • CMA maps (1:25 000) indicates state forests, national parks and some other crown lands. • New England Wilderness Area: National Parks and Wildlife Service Forestry maps (1:125 000). • Bellingen Shire Environmental Study, 1984 map (1:100 000) indicating national park, nature reserves, and a wildlife refuge. Bellingen Shire Council • Map and co-ordinates of Dip Sites (1:25 000) (P19.6). • Vacant Crown Land Index and Crown Reserves Register indicate property reference and ownership. • Cattle Tick Dip Sites - five (5) listed in the Council area. • Brochure Sediment and Erosion Control on Building Sites is used as the standard for any building works. Bellingen Shire Council • Department of Land and Water Conservation mapping of potential acid sulfate soils 1:25,000 topographic maps - produced in 1996. • Aerial photography of the whole Shire. Most recent is: - Dorrigo NSW 3658 1:25,000 21.3.89 - Dorrigo NSW 3675 1:25,000 28.8.89 - Macksville NSW 4035 1:25,000 14.9.91 - Private runs purchased by Council May 2000 - most of the seaboard and valley at a scale of 1:15 000. • Noxious Weed Management Plan - Bellingen Shire Council August 2000 • Coastal Council study of dogs and 4WDs on beaches can be found at www.coastalcouncil.nsw.gov.au • Tourism Trends in New South Wales, Holiday Coast Regional Biannual Profile Year end December 1999 (Tourism New South Wales) and Bureau of Tourism Research International Visitor Survey 1998 and 1999

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 47 Chapter 2: • www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au • www.hrc.nsw.gov.au • www.nratlas.nsw.gov.au • www.epa.nsw.gov.au • www.ema.gov.au • Surface water sampling program results - Bellingen Shire Council • Conservation of Threatened Fish Species and Aquatic Biodiversity and the booklet NSW Fisheries Policy and Guidelines Aquatic Habitat Management and Fish Conservation 1998. Both of these are published by NSW Fisheries • Bellingen Urban Stormwater Management Plan April 2000 RDM • Urunga Urban Stormwater Management Plan April 2000 RDM • Independent inquiry into the Clarence River System Final report November 1999 by the Healthy Rivers Commission of NSW • Central Urunga Flood Study June 1999 de Groot and Benson P/L • Predictive maps for effluent disposal • Tracing Faecal Pollution using Sterol Biomarkers and Microbial Faecal Indicators in the Bellingen River and Tributaries, NSW. R Leeming, CSIRO July 2000. • Bellinger and Kalang River Morphological Study, 1985 - estimates erosion rates, and channel movements for next 100 years. • Control of Stormwater Pollution from Land Developments: Department of Water Resources. • Control of Erosion and Extraction/ Bellinger River: Department Water Resources Interim Management Plan. • Lower Bellinger River Flood Study,1991: Public Works Department (most current study available). • Bellingen River Channel Stability and Gravel Resources, 1989: Water Resources. • Flood Profiles - “Lower Bellingen River Flood Study, 1989”: Public Works. • NSW State Rivers and Estuaries Policy: Water Resources. • Water Quality Database information collected from selected sampling points on the Bellinger River since 1991, including monitoring of bacteriological, chemical and physical attributes. • A study of Riparian Vegetation in the Bellinger Catchment (1994): location of survey sites, species lists, and recommendations: The Department of Water Resources. • Computer Database Information on streams, groundwater bores, floodplain boundaries, and water quality: Water Resources. • Historical hydrographic surveys and flooding information for the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, in the form of raw data and reports, available from Manly Hydraulics Laboratory: Public Works. • Floodplain Data available on GIS Database from Department of Urban Affairs and Planning at the discretion of Public Works. • Sand and Gravel Permit Locations database information: Water Resources. • Trends in River Stability - surveys of cross-sections of riverbed after significant flooding: Water Resources. • Draft Water Supply Investigation Report: Public Works. • Reservoir and Pump Stations locations (1:100,000). • Lower Bellingen Water Supply, 1993 - maps and figures of reservoirs, pump stations, boreholes; transmissivity contour plan of aquifer; monitoring and productivity wells; potential suitable dam sites. • Dorrigo Water Supply Reticulation Strategy Study, 1987. • Dorrigo Water Supply 1992. • Dorrigo Water Supply Augmentation Water Quality Report, 1991 (water sample results from 1988). • C.M.A. topographical maps - 1:25,000 and Orthophoto maps - 1:4,000 indicating river, stream and creek systems. • Maps showing drainage and flood patterns of the catchment: Bellingen Shire Environmental Study, 1984. • Lower Bellingen Floodplain Study 1981 maps. • Bellingen and Kalang Rivers Morphological Study - Erosion Hazard Map, 1985. • NSW North Coast Water Habitats Study Reports 1-4. NPWS for the Northern Rivers Water Management Committee, 2001 • R.J. Williams, G. West, D. Morrison and R.G. Creese, (2006), “Estuarine Resources of New South Wales”, prepared for the Comprehensive Coastal Assessment (DoP) by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens.

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 48 Chapter 3: • LG Organisation Footprint Greenhouse BGN 2011Q2 • Planet Footprint - Quarterly Performance Briefing (11th October 2011)

Chapter 4: • www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. • Threatened Species Conservation Act 1997. A link to this legislation can be found at www.austlii.edu.au • www.forest.nsw.gov.au • www.northcoastweeds.org.au • www.deh.gov.au • www.npi.gov.au • List of Noxious Weeds - Bellingen Shire Council • List of Environmental Weeds - Bellingen Shire Council • The Condition and Management of Native Vegetation on Farms on the NSW North Coast as assessed during North Coast Fencing Incentive Program 1999-2002, Ross Macleay, Greening Australia NSW (Dorrigo), 2002. • Recovery Plan for Bellinger River Emydura Emydura macquarii (Bellinger River form) -NPWS. • Biodiversity Planning Guide for NSW Local Government , NPWS 2001 • Koala Management Plan SF NSW North East Region, May 2000 • Setting The Scene - The Native Vegetation of NSW - a background paper of the Native Vegetation Advisory Council of NSW June 1999 • Noxious Weed Management Plan - Bellingen Shire Council August 2000 • Flora of NSW. Harden • Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. NSW NPWS 2000.

Chapter 5: • Information from Midcoast Waste Services.

Chapter 6: • Data obtained from Council’s data management system

Chapter 7: • www.decc.nsw.gov.au • Advice from DECC regarding Integrated Development Assessment Process • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the Integrated Development Assessment Process - Information For Local Councils AND Information for Applicants - 1st July 1998 NPWS • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Standards and Guidelines Kit - NPWS 1998 • Northern Aboriginal Heritage Unit of the DEC based at Coffs Harbour. This unit comprises Aboriginal Sites Officers, Aboriginal Heritage Officers and Archaeologists. • Communication with the Co-Ordinator

Chapter 8: • National Trust: www.nationaltrust.org.au • Register of the National Estate: www.ahc.gov.au/register • NSW Heritage Office: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au • Bellingen Conservation Area Management Guidelines - Prepared for Bellingen Council by Jo-Anne Bain, Regional Heritage Coordinator, N.S.W. Department of Urban Affairs and Planning. • North Coast Regional Environmental Plan 1988

State of the Environment Report 2010/2011 49