SUPPLEMENTARY STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF BLUE MOUNTAINS

Managing Our Heritage, Waste and Noise

2006-2007

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Katoomba Office Mon – Fri 8:30am to 5pm Postal Address 2-6 Civic Place Locked Bag No 1005 Katoomba NSW 2780 Katoomba NSW 2780

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Telephone Lower Mountains (02) 4723 5000 (Local Call Cost) Upper Mountains (02) 4780 5000

Fax (02) 4780 5555

2 Why report on the state of the environment? Many communities locally and globally now recognise that humans and their activities impact on the state of their immediate environment and their natural surroundings. These human activities place pressure on our natural environment and therefore require a response, so that we can maintain and enhance the natural assets on which our quality of life depends. Monitoring and reporting on the state of the environment over time increases our understanding of these pressures and their impacts, which enables us to respond more appropriately and effectively.

Reporting on the state of the environment ensures that important information is made available to those people and organisations whose activities impact on the environment positively or negatively. Local councils have an important responsibility and are required under the Local Government Act to prepare State of the Environment Reports and to show in their Management Plans and Annual Reports how they, as stewards of their local communities, are addressing the issues raised in the State of the Environment Reports.

Comprehensive State of Environment reports are required every four years, with supplementary reports providing updates in the intervening years. The following table outlines Reports that are now available and those Reports that are planned for the next few years.

Reporting Type of Report Available Year 2003-2004 Comprehensive Now available 2004-2005 Supplementary Looking After Our Water Now available 2005-5006 Supplementary Looking After Our Biodiversity, Land and Atmosphere Now available 2006-2007 Supplementary Managing Our Heritage, Waste and Noise Dec 2007 2007-2008 Comprehensive Dec 2008

Who can use the State of the Environment Reports? Individuals and communities, councils, government agencies and industry can all gain access and use the reports. That is, all the people and organisations whose activities impact on the environment positively or negatively can use this report to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions.

3 About this Report This supplementary Report focuses on our Heritage, Waste and Noise. Each area is presented as outlined in the table below.

What are our heritage resources (Asset description)? Section 1 – Heritage What are the pressures on heritage (Pressure)? What is the current state of heritage (State)? Making a difference (Response). Trend data.

Section 2 – Waste What is waste? What are the impacts of waste? What are the key management issues in relation to waste? Making a difference (Response). Trend data.

Section 3 – Noise What is noise? What are the impacts of noise? What are the key management issues in relation to noise? Making a difference (Response). Trend data.

Please refer to the comprehensive 2003-2004 State of Environment Report, particularly the Technical Appendix, for more detailed information on Heritage, Waste and Noise.

Increasing our understanding Towards a more sustainable Blue Mountains In July 2003 Blue Mountains City Council adopted the community endorsed 25-year Vision for the City of Blue Mountains. The 25-year Vision and Map for Action present a way forward for the City that aligns with the values of Blue Mountains people and an increasing world-wide recognition of the need for us to live more sustainably.

Understanding trends over time State of the Environment monitoring and reporting in the Blue Mountains is now a key component of tracking our progress in achieving our 25-year City Vision of becoming a more sustainable City (also known as State of City monitoring and reporting). State of City monitoring and reporting aims to build understanding not just about environmental trends, but also social and economic trends (pressure and response) that potentially might influence the condition (or state) of our City over time. The selected trends in this Report begin to tell some of the story about what’s happening to the environment in our City.

Using indicators State of the Environment reports require councils to identify and apply appropriate environmental indicators where the state – pressure - response model has been used. The model has some acknowledged shortcomings, such as, the implied cycle of cause and effect is simplistic and often there is not clear evidence linking pressures with changes in environmental

4 state or condition. In addition, it is not always easy to categorise indicators as they may reflect aspects of ‘pressure’, ‘state’ or ‘response’ depending on the way the issue is approached.

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Contents

Acknowledgements...... 7

SECTION 1 HERITAGE

Managing our heritage ...... 8 What is heritage? ...... 8 Why is heritage important? ...... 9 What are the pressures on heritage? ...... 9 What is the current state of heritage in our region...... 9

Making a Difference ...... 14

Increasing our understanding ...... 20

SECTION 2 WASTE

Managing our waste ...... 21 What is waste? ...... 21 What are the impacts of waste?...... 22 What are the key management issues related to waste? ...... 22

Making a Difference ...... 23

Increasing our understanding ...... 26

SECTION 3 NOISE

Managing our noise ...... 28 What is noise? ...... 28 What are the impacts of noise?...... 28 What are the key management issues in relation to noise?...... 28

Making a Difference ...... 29

Increasing our understanding ...... 31

SECTION 4 ALERT

The Paradox of Success: Reducing Waste to Landfill...... 32

Bibliography ...... 37

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Acknowledgements

In recent community surveys, our community identified that the environment is of greatest importance to Blue Mountains people. We acknowledge the commitment of those people who for years have dedicated their time and effort to looking after the Blue Mountains environment and we thank those who are making choices to live more sustainably every day.

We also thank those who have contributed to this report.

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SECTION 1 MANAGING OUR HERITAGE

Our Heritage

What is heritage?

Heritage is those places, objects, religions, customs and cultures that have aesthetic, natural, spiritual, historic or social significance for present or future generations. Heritage links our past, present and future and reflects the values we put on the Blue Mountains as our place (BMCC Cultural Strategy, 2006-2016).

Heritage can involve: • Aboriginal heritage – places, landscapes, items, stories, memories and elders • Natural heritage – ecosystems, landscapes, landmarks, water features, parks, gardens and trees • Built heritage – buildings, towns, civil infrastructure, factories and mines • Movable heritage – objects that people collect of artistic, technological or natural origin • Documentary heritage – books, maps, photographs, images • Local histories – spoken, written, visual • The Arts • Intangible heritage – beliefs, celebrations, customs and usages

Indigenous heritage The Aboriginal heritage of the Blue Mountains include pre-European cultural sites such as campsites, stone tool workshops, grinding grooves, travel routes, art sites, ceremonial areas, scarred and marked trees, and artefact scatters. In addition, Aboriginal people place cultural and religious importance to landscape features such as rocky outcrops, hills and valleys, as well as areas important for their natural values such as the existence of particular plants or animals used for food, medicine or production. The Aboriginal cultural values of the Blue Mountains includes post-European sites such as areas, houses and institutions which have contemporary cultural significance to Aboriginal people. The Greater Blue Mountains Area is the country of the Darug, Gundungurra, Darkinjung and Wiradjuri people, who continue to affirm their kinship with this land. For example, Darug art can be seen at Red Hands Cave in Blue Mountains National Park near Glenbrook. The Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Blue Mountains is the living heritage of the local Aboriginal communities, who see its conservation, protection and management as vital to their ongoing cultural ties to their region.

European heritage European heritage listings identify areas, landscapes, places, sites, buildings, works and relics that give us a sense of the past and patterns of change through time. The term “Heritage significance” as it relates to European or historic heritage refers to the assessed value of an item. The four criteria used to assess heritage significance are: 1 Historical significance; 2 Aesthetic significance; 3 Social significance; and 4 Technical /research significance.

The degree of significance also has regard for the ‘representativeness’ and ‘rarity’ and ‘intactness’ of an item. These values are not mutually exclusive and often are a combination

8 Section 1 – Managing Our Heritage of values.

Why is heritage important?

The notion of sense of place and identity in the Blue Mountains is directly related to its distinctive natural and cultural heritage. Heritage provides an opportunity to reflect on the history and culture that are unique to a geographical region or object. Heritage places a value on those things and places that are regarded as being special to people that live or have lived in that region, bringing together a community cohesiveness and identity. Heritage provides a link to the work and way of life of earlier generations, helps us to understand who we are today and shapes what we will hand on to future generations.

What are the pressures on heritage?

The pressures that affect our Aboriginal, natural and historic heritage include: 1 Urban development, including road works and road realignment, land clearing, unsympathetic alterations and additions, adjacent development etc; 2 Lack of knowledge, appreciation and recognition; 3 Fire and natural weathering; 4 Vandalism and destruction of sites (including graffiti); 5 Neglect of heritage items; 6 Smoke and fumes from vehicle emissions; 7 Tourism and recreational activities; 8 Restrictions on Aboriginal people to practice their rituals and ceremonies; and 9 Inadequate resources to respond to threats to heritage items or to conduct heritage assessments.

Many of these pressures are difficult to quantify in a general sense across the City, as they may affect some heritage sites more than others.

What is the current state of heritage in our region?

In 2005, across the Blue Mountains there were 8 natural places, and 53 historic places listed on the Register of the National Estate, 28 listings on the State Heritage Register and over 700 sites of local significance listed in Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2005 (LEP 2005) and Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 1991 (LEP 1991). This is expected to rise to over 1,000 heritage sites following amendments to LEP The 2003 heritage amendments to the 2005, the upcoming review of LEP 1991 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 have improved the determination of nominations for the National protection of Commonwealth-owned Estate and State Heritage Register. heritage assets, clarified the responsibilities of the different levels of government, and The prime responsibility for the protection of created a new mechanism for recognising heritage places of outstanding value to the Aboriginal relics and sites in NSW and the nation. maintenance of the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) rests with the The lack of data remains a chronic problem Department of Environment, Conservation and for reporting on Australia’s heritage, and Climate Change (DECC). The AHIMS is a database of the condition of many aspects of its heritage recorded Aboriginal sites across all of NSW. There is unknown. are 400 Aboriginal sites recorded in AHIMS for the (From Australia State of the Environment 2006 At A Glance ) Blue Mountains. It is important to note that the register is not exhaustive as it only lists recorded sites and there is an extensive area of the local government area that has not been surveyed. The most common sites recorded are axe-grinding grooves, open campsites, shelter with art, shelter with deposit and rock engravings.

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The condition of the heritage places listed on various registers vary enormously across the local government area and at this stage only information on the condition of heritage walking tracks has been compiled. For the other sites, only initial statements of the physical characteristics of an individual item or building have been compiled. This is recognised as an important issue to be addressed to ensure the condition of heritage buildings or places is monitored.

The listed heritage items and heritage conservation areas include public buildings and private houses, urban and rural conservation areas, industrial complexes, churches and schools, cemeteries, parks and gardens, significant trees, archaeological sites, memorials, lookouts, walking tracks and areas of scenic and scientific value. The 89 places in the Blue Mountains that have been included on various heritage registers are listed below.

Heritage sites of state / national significance in the Blue Mountains HERITAGE ITEM SOURCE Asgard Mine and Coke Oven 1 Victoria Falls Rd, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Bell Railway Residence 2 Main Western railway, Bell, NSW NSW Heritage Register Blackheath Memorial Park 3 Park Av, Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate Blackheath Railway Station group 4 Main Western railway, Blackheath, NSW NSW Heritage Register Blackheath Railway Station Group 5 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate Blue Mist Garden 6 26 Sublime Point Rd, Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Blue Mountains Walking tracks 7 Blue Mountains National Park, Blackheath, NSW NSW Heritage Register Briarcliffe 8 Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook, NSW Register of the National Estate Buckland Convalescent Home & Garden 9 39 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood, NSW NSW Heritage Register Carrington Hotel 10 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, NSW NSW Heritage Register Carrington Hotel 11 15-47 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Central Leura Urban Conservation Area 12 Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Cheppen Garden 13 2 Kensett Av, Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Christ Church Anglican Church 14 345-347 Great Western Hwy, Springwood, NSW NSW Heritage Register Darjeeling 15 2 Chambers Rd, Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Davisville 16 63-67 Falls Road, Wentworth Falls, NSW NSW Heritage Register Eurama 17 Sir Henrys Pde, Faulconbridge, NSW National Heritage List Eurama 18 Sir Henrys Pde, Faulconbridge, NSW Register of the National Estate

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HERITAGE ITEM SOURCE Everglades 19 37 - 49 Everglades Ave, Leura, NSW NSW Heritage Register Everglades Gardens 20 37-49 Everglades Av, Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Explorers Tree 21 386 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Faulconbridge House 22 2 Sir Henrys Pde, Faulconbridge, NSW Register of the National Estate Frazer Memorial Presbyterian Church 23 Macquarie Rd, Springwood, NSW Register of the National Estate Glenbrook Railway Residence 24 Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook, NSW NSW Heritage Register Govetts Leap Lookout Geological Site 25 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate House 26 8 Wascoe St, Glenbrook, NSW Register of the National Estate Hydro Majestic Hotel 27 52-88 Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath, NSW Register of the National Estate Imperial Hotel Park 28 Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Indigenous Place 29 Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate Indigenous Place 30 Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Indigenous Place 31 Blaxland, NSW Register of the National Estate Indigenous Place 32 Wentworth Falls, NSW Register of the National Estate Jamison Valley Northern Section 33 Cliff Dr, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Katoomba Courthouse and Police Station 34 Civic Pl, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Katoomba Post Office (former) 35 59-61 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, NSW NSW Heritage Register Katoomba Railway Station and yard group 36 Main Western railway, Katoomba, NSW NSW Heritage Register Katoomba Railway Station and Yard Group 37 Goldsmith Pl, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Katoomba Western Escarpment 38 Cliff Dr, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Knapsack Viaduct 39 Old Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook, NSW Register of the National Estate Lake Medlow Dam 40 Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate

Lapstone Hill Railway and Landscape Area Register of the National Estate 41 Lapstone, NSW

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HERITAGE ITEM SOURCE Lawson Railway Station group 42 Main Western railway, Lawson, NSW NSW Heritage Register Lennox Bridge 43 Mitchells Pass, Glenbrook, NSW NSW Heritage Register Lilianfels 44 10-16 Panorama Drive, Katoomba, NSW NSW Heritage Register Lilianfels, Outbuildings and Garden 45 14 Panorama Dr, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Medlow Bath Railway Station group 46 Main Western railway, Medlow Bath, NSW NSW Heritage Register Medlow Bath Reservoir 47 Delmonte Avenue, Medlow Bath, NSW NSW Heritage Register Medlow Bath Station Group 48 Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath, NSW Register of the National Estate Mitchell Memorial 49 Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount Boyce Area 50 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount St Marys College and Convent 51 10-14 Civic Place, Katoomba, NSW NSW Heritage Register Mount Tomah Road Cuttings 52 Bells Rd, Mount Tomah via Bilpin, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount Victoria Post Office and Stables (former) 53 Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount Victoria Railway Station group 54 Main Western railway, Mount Victoria, NSW NSW Heritage Register Mount Victoria Urban Conservation Area 55 Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount Wilson Conservation Area 56 Mount Wilson Rd, Mount Wilson, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount York Conservation Precinct 57 Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Mount York Obelisk 58 Mount York Rd, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Mt Victoria Railway Station Group 59 Station St, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Nalawa Residence 60 289 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate Nooroo Garden 61 11-15 Church La, Mount Wilson, NSW Register of the National Estate Norman Lindsay Gallery 62 14-20 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge, NSW NSW Heritage Register Norman Lindsay Gallery Museum and Garden 63 14 Norman Lindsay Cr, Faulconbridge, NSW Register of the National Estate

Prime Ministers Corridor of Oaks and Surrounds Register of the National Estate 64 Sir Henrys Pde, Faulconbridge, NSW

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HERITAGE ITEM SOURCE RAAF Base - Officers Mess 65 29 Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook, NSW Commonwealth Heritage List RAAF Base - Officers Mess 66 29 Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook, NSW National Heritage List Railway Gatehouse 67 110 & 112 Green Parade, Valley Heights, NSW NSW Heritage Register Railway Station 68 Great Western Hwy, Springwood, NSW Register of the National Estate Saskatoon Garden 69 14 Watkins Rd, Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate Sir Henry Parkes Grave and Cemetery 70 Sir Henrys Pde, Faulconbridge, NSW Register of the National Estate Sorensens Nursery Garden 71 8-10 Herbert St, Leura, NSW Register of the National Estate South Wentworth Falls 72 Wentworth Falls, NSW Register of the National Estate Springwood Railway Station group 73 Main Western railway, Springwood, NSW NSW Heritage Register TB Sanitarium Chalets 74 214-228 Tableland Rd, Wentworth Falls, NSW Register of the National Estate The Gardens 75 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath, NSW Register of the National Estate The Horseshoe Bridge 76 Mitchells Pass Rd, Glenbrook, NSW Register of the National Estate The Paragon Cafe 77 63-67 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate The Turkish Bath 78 68-78 The Avenue, Mount Wilson, NSW Register of the National Estate Toll Bar House (former) 79 Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW Register of the National Estate Track 80 Coxs River Arms, Lake Burragorang, Warragamba Dam, NSW Heritage Register NSW Valley Heights Railway Station and Locomotive Depot 81 NSW Heritage Register Main Western railway, Valley Heights, NSW Varuna 82 141 Cascade St, Katoomba, NSW Register of the National Estate Weatherboard Inn Archaeological Site 83 1-15 Matcham Avenue, Wentworth Falls, NSW NSW Heritage Register Woodford Academy 84 90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford, NSW NSW Heritage Register Woodford Academy (former) 85 Great Western Hwy, Woodford, NSW Register of the National Estate Wynstay Estate 86 68-78 The Avenue, Mount Wilson, NSW NSW Heritage Register Wynstay Garden 87 17 Smiths Rd, Mount Wilson, NSW Register of the National Estate

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HERITAGE ITEM SOURCE Wynstay Group 88 68-78 The Avenue, Mount Wilson, NSW Register of the National Estate Yengo Garden 89 11-19 Queens Av, Mount Wilson, NSW Register of the National Estate SOURCE: (http://www.heritage.gov.au/ahpi/index.html)

Walking tracks or sections of track managed by Council, that have been recognised as having potential for nomination as being of State Heritage significance, are listed below.

Walking tracks of heritage significance

ITEM NAME LOCATION

Florabella Pass Warrimoo & Blaxland

Jamison Creek Corridoor/Darwins Walk Wentworth Falls

Prince Henry Cliff Walk Katoomba/Leura

O'Sullivan's Road Katoomba

Lawsons Long Alley Mt Victoria

Lockyers Road Mt Victoria

Berghofers Pass Mt Victoria

Mount Victoria Escarpment Complex Mt Victoria

Mt York Roads Complex Mt Victoria

Cox's Road Complex Faulconbridge to Mt York

Parkes Garden Tracks Complex Faulconbridge

These tracks have been included in Tracks into History - Conservation Management Plan for Walking Tracks of State Heritage Significance in the Blue Mountains , prepared by DECC (National Parks Blue Mountains Region).

Making a Difference

Response from community groups / organisations

Aboriginal Community Aboriginal people have a longstanding, close and ongoing attachment to the Blue Mountains. Descendants of the traditional owners of the country, the Darug and Gundungurra people, are looking at ways to recognise and maintain places of Aboriginal cultural significance and to revive important cultural practices. In 2005 four Indigenous places in the city were listed on the Register of the National Estate, representing 1.8% of places listed in the state. Visit the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Community website on www.aboriginalbluemountains.com.au

Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre The Centre offers indigenous people of the Blue Mountains a chance to come together and take part in Koori culture, a place to teach indigenous children their culture and be proud of it, and offers indigenous people a chance to become aware of their culture and 40,000+ year history.

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It also aims to play a big part in the reconciliation process.

The Gully In 2002, the area known as The Gully in Katoomba was recognised as an Aboriginal Place by way of government gazettal through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act . The declaration recognises the significance of The Gully to Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Gully Traditional Owners have a close relationship to the area called The Gully. The Gully has continued to be respected by local Aboriginal people as a place with which they have a deep connection.

An archaeological study has been completed to fully document the Aboriginal values within the Gully.

Historical Societies The Blue Mountains has 4 historical societies affiliated with the Royal Australian Historical Society, and another 3 Historical Societies also operate in the city. The duplication of societies across the City while reflecting the geographical spread and historical development of the communities means that coordination of activities is challenging. The Council has recently supported the formation of an umbrella group: the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations with the aim of fostering collaboration and coordination of resources and raising community awareness of heritage.

Response from Blue Mountains City Council

Cultural Strategy The Cultural Strategy 2006 – 2016 provides a 10 year cultural planning framework in response to the 25 Year Vision and Map for Action towards a More Sustainable Blue Mountains 2000-2025 . It has been prepared in recognition of the different Federal, State and Regional cultural planning, policies and agreements, and follows the Cultural Planning Guidelines for Local Government released in 2004 by NSW Department of Local Government and Ministry for the Arts. This Strategy identifies cultural strengths and advantages of the Blue Mountains, along with aspirations of the local community and visitors. Outcome 1 of the Strategy is that “the unique sense of place and history of the Blue Mountains continues to underpin the character and identity of our towns and communities for present and future generations” (BMCC, Cultural Strategy 2006-2016).

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study The 2004-2005 Blue Mountains City Council Management Plan identified a need to undertake a City-wide Aboriginal Heritage Assessment. The study aims to provide better information on the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Blue Mountains to better inform strategic planning, improve assessment of developments which may impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage and improve management of Council owned/managed land where Aboriginal cultural heritage maybe present. Initial planning was conducted in 2004, with the Study commencing in 2005 and then completed in early 2007. The Study represents a major collaborative effort and was conducted in consultation with local Aboriginal communities, and in partnership with key agencies and organisations such as Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change.

Review of Heritage Register The Council is continuing work to review the Heritage Register applying to the land subject to LEP 1991. Information has been gathered for heritage items in the LEP 1991 area in accordance with the State Heritage Inventory Program, and is consistent with the methods and assessment of heritage items already completed in the LEP 2005 areas.

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The gazettal of LEP 2005 in October 2005 finalised the heritage review for most of the urban areas of the Blue Mountains. An amendment to LEP 2005, which is currently in progress, is incorporating the findings of the review into the core village areas of Blaxland, Springwood, Hazelbrook and parts of Lawson. Incorporation of the LEP 1991 areas will commence with the review of LEP 1991, which is currently in its formative stages.

Urban Development Heritage Impact Statements for European Heritage is required when a development or action is likely to have an impact on the heritage of a site. This is one response to prevent pressures like development, impacting on our heritage properties. The general requirement for a development application that is to impact on a European heritage item or heritage conservation area is an assessment of the potential impact on the known heritage significance of the item or area. A site analysis should confirm the established heritage significance of the property and should document the impact of the proposal on that significance, identifying appropriate strategies / measures to mitigate the impact.

For Aboriginal heritage that may be impacted by a proposed development, consultation with Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and local Aboriginal communities may be required. Consent to Destroy Aboriginal Heritage from DECC may then be required, after appropriate impact assessment.

Additional Items and Areas Proposed for Heritage Protection within the City Draft Amendment 1 to LEP 2005 responds to heritage assessments commissioned by the Council on five general areas that were not included within LEP 2005 at the time of its public exhibition in October 2002. This was because the relevant heritage studies were not completed in time. Amendment 1 includes: the core village area of Hazelbrook; the core village area of Springwood; the core village area of Blaxland; the core village area of Lawson; and certain land associated with upgrading of the Great Western Highway through Lawson village (generally extending from Ferguson Avenue at Hazelbrook through to Ridge Street at Lawson). This includes the Lawson Community Hall (Mechanics Institute) and Lawson Town Centre. The assessments were carried out in accordance with the manual "Assessing Heritage Significance", which is published by the NSW Heritage Office. This is consistent with the approach taken to heritage assessments for other items and areas throughout the City. Upon gazettal of the Draft Amendment, the listed items and conservation areas will be subject to the heritage conservation provisions already contained within LEP 2005.

Walking Tracks Since 2005 the Council has run a walking track program which undertakes maintenance, restoration and repair work on Council’s walking track systems, the majority of which are of local or state significance (also refer to the section Response through the Environmental Levy Program below). The Council’s walking track team and other field staff, have received training in traditional construction techniques using stone in step construction, drainage work and dry stone walling.

Dry stone wall training site - protection of significant Restoration of stone stair case Picnic Point tree and natural surrounding, Mount York Precinct Springwood 16 Section 1 – Managing Our Heritage

Training in Cultural Heritage Management A training program was run for Council staff. Staff received training in legal responsibilities, identification and management of cultural heritage items and introduction to conservation planning. Further training is planned for 2008 for field staff focusing on maintenance of heritage items, particularly historic roads.

Conservation Planning Heritage Conservation has been incorporated into a number of site planning projects including the development of the Plan of Management for Knapsack Park and Mount York Reserve. Detailed heritage conservation planning is underway for Mitchells Pass in Lapstone with a Conservation Management Plan currently being developed. A Conservation Management Strategy is also being developed for the Mount York heritage precinct and associated historic roads including Cox’s Road, Lawsons Long Alley, Lockyers line of Road and Berghofers Pass.

Response from State and Federal Governments

In NSW the principle laws which deal with heritage are the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Heritage Act 1977 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The National Parks and Wildlife Act provides statutory protection for all Aboriginal objects and places in NSW. Areas are gazetted as Aboriginal places if the Minister is satisfied that there is enough evidence to show the area is, or was, of special significance to Aboriginal culture. The Heritage Act protects the State's natural and cultural heritage. Aboriginal and non Aboriginal places or objects that are recognised as having high cultural value are listed on the State Heritage Register.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act provides protection by considering impacts on heritage in land use and planning decisions. For example, planning instruments allow particular uses for land and specify constraints. Heritage is a value which is assessed when determining land use and Section 90 of the Act requires that impacts to heritage be identified before development approval is granted.

Response through Partnerships

World Heritage During the reporting year, the Council The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area … continued to be involved in a number of the relates an extraordinary story of Australia's antiquity, major projects conducted by National Parks its diversity of life and its superlative beauty. This is the story of the evolution of Australia's unique eucalypt and Wildlife Service relating to World vegetation and its associated communities, plants and Heritage management, planning and animals. The area does not contain mountains in the promotion such as the Mapping Country conventional sense but is described as a deeply incised Project. sandstone plateau rising from less than 100 metres above sea level to 1300 metres at the highest point. There are basalt outcrops on the higher ridges. This Mapping Country plateau is thought to have enabled the survival of a rich The Council and DECC have engaged the diversity of plant and animal life by providing a refuge Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute to from climatic changes during recent geological history. It is particularly noted for its wide and balanced undertake a project called Mapping representation of eucalypt habitats from wet and dry Country. This involves consultation and sclerophyll, mallee heathlands, as well as localised mapping to identify areas of significance for swamps, wetlands, and grassland. Ninety-one species of Aboriginal people and to develop eucalypts (thirteen percent of the global total) occur in the Greater Blue Mountains Area. Twelve of these are appropriate protocols and mechanisms for believed to occur only in the Sydney sandstone region. protection of these areas. The early findings (From the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage of this project indicate that the Blue Inscription, 2000) http://www.deh.gov.au/heritage/worldheritage/sites/blue/

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Mountains will in time be recognised as a premier region for Aboriginal rock art.

Celebrating indigenous cultures The Council joined with the community in celebrating National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2007. NAIDOC Week celebrates the continuation of Indigenous cultures and included a primary schools art exhibition, the annual flag raising ceremony, a street march and a community celebration featuring Aboriginal cultural activities.

Aboriginal Community Development The Council has been working with a range of Aboriginal Community Organisations to assist in the building of effective and positive relationships with the local Aboriginal community.

A major focus of the Council’s work with the Aboriginal Community has been The Gully. Council meets regularly with the Gully Traditional Owners Inc. (GTO) to progress issues in relation to The Gully. Council supported the Gully Traditional Owners (GTO) in holding a commemorative event on the 26 May 2007 marking the 50 th Anniversary of the removal of Aboriginal people from The Gully. The Council has resolved to put in place a Cultural Heritage Display in The Gully and is currently working to implement this with the GTO. The Council is also working in conjunction with the GTO to look at the management options for The Gully.

The Council has assisted and supported the development of the Marra Mob, a group of local Indigenous artists. This work has been progressed through funding under the Cultural Partnerships Program. Council has supported the Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre in the development of a number of grant applications. This includes the successful funding through the NSW Attorney General’s Department of a project focussing on young people at risk.

The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Katoomba Library and Civic Centre Project The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Katoomba Library and Civic Centre Project is well underway signalled by the appointment, in January 2007, of the Centre Director, to lead the Cultural Centre Project Team and by the establishment of the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Katoomba Library Advisory Committee. A Library Technical Advisory panel has been established to guide the design development of the new Katoomba Library, co-located on the site, currently referred to as the Parke Street Development site in the Katoomba Town Centre. The Library will be relocated from the Civic Centre to the Cultural Centre site and the Civic Centre will also be upgraded.

2006-2007 marked the commencement of the approvals and pre-construction design development phase. The detailed schematic design and design development review phases were finalised between August 2006 and April 2007 and the development application preparation phase was completed.

This landmark project will provide a new civic, cultural and commercial heart to Katoomba and the Blue Mountains when completed within four years. The Cultural Centre will form a cultural hub for the whole Blue Mountains, providing opportunities for the viewing and appreciation of art and for education and interpretation of our cultural heritage, social history and our spectacular World Heritage environment. Council has also decided to build a new library for Katoomba as part of the development and to upgrade the existing Civic Centre on Katoomba Street.

The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre’s core facilities are the City’s regional art gallery-the City Art Gallery and a World Heritage Interpretive Centre and the co-located Katoomba Library. The

18 Section 1 – Managing Our Heritage design for the Cultural Centre includes: a substantial exhibition space to support quality major local and touring exhibitions; an interpretive space to house a state of the art interpretive exhibition about the world heritage listed environment, history and cultural heritage of the Blue Mountains; a multipurpose workshop space for education and art programs as well as a gallery shop, café and meeting places The Cultural Centre foyer will provide space for a cultural information facility so that visitors can access knowledge of the Blue Mountains cultural experience and get information about activities, cultural venues and attractions throughout the mountains. In conjunction with outdoor courtyards it will also provide a venue for functions. The Centre will have strong linkages through the Civic Centre and a significant public art programme to link the cultural facilities with the fabric of the town and to give further tangible expression of the Blue Mountains as the Inaugural City of the Arts.

The $32m project has been supported by a State government grant of $6.9 million towards the cultural precinct costs, inclusive of $1m toward the Library/Civic Centre development. Council’s capital allocation of $7.1 million towards the development includes $3 million for the new library, $1.1 million for the Civic Centre and $3 million towards capital costs, the linkages to Katoomba Street, the public art and furniture and fixtures to be incorporated into the Centre. The cultural facilities occupy the podium level of the development site with the supermarket, speciality and retail and two levels of carparking below.

The project is managed by the Project Control Group comprising the representatives of the Minister, the local member, the NSW Department of Regional Services and Development, Council and the Developer, Coles Group Ltd.

The development provides a balance between the community desire for a Cultural Centre, providing a regional art gallery and interpretive centre; a new Library and the commercial requirements of the developer. The mixed use development was a requirement of the funding of the project.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Cultural Centre to be built in Katoomba.

This is not an exhaustive list of responses taking place in the local area to address heritage. Many other programs are being undertaken by various agencies including the: 1 Department of Environment and Climate Change (www.environment.nsw.gov.au) 2 Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (www.bmwhi.org.au) 3 National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.au)

Response through the Environmental Levy Program 2005-2006 was the first year of the Environmental Levy Program - a 10-year remediation and restoration program. In recognition of the significant pressures on the unique Blue Mountains

19 Section 1 – Managing Our Heritage environment, Council introduced an Environmental Levy, which will raise an additional $1.2 million dollars annually through rate payments. The following table summarises the 2005-2007 projects addressing heritage issues.

ENVIRONME ENVIRONMEN OBJECTIVE ACTIONS ASSET NT LEVY T LEVY PROGRAM PROJECT Bushland Walking Reserve Track and To expand Council’s Walking track restoration Walking Management Lookouts walking track works have been tracks and Management maintenance and undertaken at: associated restoration program. 2005-2006 infrastructu - Assessment of track Picnic Point, Sassafras re infrastructure and Gully Reserve, condition Springwood - Development and Glenbrook Lagoon installation of Cataract Falls, South walking track signage Lawson for track grade Bluff Lookout, Glenbrook - Direction and safety information 2006-2007 - Signage for approx 7 Katoomba Cascades reserves per year Knapsack bridge - Drainage cleaning Mt York and repair on various Darwin’s Walk, Jamison tracks Creek Repair to approx. 7 reserve tracks/yr. Some of the activities include bridge repair, replace steps and stepping stones and repair fencing.

Increasing our understanding

Selected time series data (trends) for our heritage

What are we monitoring 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2006/07

62 sites either listed or indicative listing

Number of state (32 Nationally 60 sites 60 sites 60 sites and nationally Significant either either either significant Heritage Items listed or listed or listed or heritage items 32 with a further 62 89 indicativ indicativ indicativ (as listed on 30 sites have an e listing e listing e listing various heritage indicative listing

registers) subject to further assessment to ratify their status.)

20 Section 2 Managing Our Waste

SECTION 2 MANAGING OUR WASTE

Our Waste

What is waste? Put simply, waste is what people throw away because they no longer need it or want it. Waste is generally defined as any product or substance that has no further use for the person or organisation that generated it, and which is, or will be, discarded (ABS, 2006).

Solid Waste Generation Solid waste generated within the Blue Mountains originates from the following sources: 1. Domestic: comprises general household waste and garden organics (including waste from the Council’s kerbside collections and waste taken directly to landfills by residents); 2. Municipal: includes waste from the Council’s construction and maintenance activities (roadwork, maintenance of parks and reserves etc) and street and park litter bins; 3. Building and demolition waste; and 4. General commercial and industrial: mostly from small businesses, restaurants, shopping centres, land clearing or green waste etc.

Hazardous Wastes Asbestos Small but regular amounts of this hazardous material are generated from renovations of older properties. Prolonged exposure to asbestos dust and fibres can cause scarring of lung tissues and lung cancer. Council accepts asbestos for disposal at the Blaxland and Katoomba landfills. As asbestos is classified as special waste, there are strict requirements for its handling and transport (Work cover Authority) and final disposal (Council). Over the reporting period 579 tonnes of asbestos was disposed of at landfill in the Blue Mountains.

Household Hazardous Chemicals This type of waste includes chemicals such as pesticides, paints, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals and hobby chemicals. The Council holds Household Hazardous Chemical Collections on four occasions at the Waste Management Facilities each year.

Sewerage Treatment Plant Sludge Sydney Water treats about 1,300 million litres of wastewater daily at its sewage treatment plants (STPs) located in the Sydney, Illawarra and the Blue Mountain regions. Treatment plants in the Blue Mountains are located at Mt Victoria, Blackheath and Winmalee. The liquid and solids are separated during the treatment process. After processing, the treated liquid (effluent) is released into receiving waters or is recycled. The treated solids (biosolids) are transported from the STP for beneficial use. Sydney Water currently produces two types of biosolids. These are dewatered biosolids and lime amended biosolids - lime is added after initial dewatering and further processed. Biosolids also contain plant essential trace elements and small amounts of other chemicals. All biosolids produced by Sydney Water have undergone a treatment process to reduce levels of pathogens, vector (insect and vermin) attractants and odours within the product. Biosolids can be used as soil conditioners and fertilisers in areas such as agriculture, forestry, composting and land rehabilitation.

Liquid waste There are currently approximately 620 domestic and 30 commercial premises throughout the City that rely on a pump-out septic tank arrangement for their effluent disposal. These premises are located where, due to the unavailability of sewer mains, or for other site-specific

21 Section 2 Managing Our Waste reasons, a normal sewerage service cannot be provided. To remove effluent from these properties, the Council provides a septic tank effluent removal service under a contract with Sydney Water. During 2006-2007, approximately 45,157,157 domestic litres and 4,701,735 commercial litres of effluent were collected by this service. The effluent is transported to Sewage Treatment Plant s for treatment and disposal.

What are the impacts of waste? Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to provide waste collection services to all domestic properties in the City and offers a choice of 140 or 240 litre bins for this. In addition, Council provides a weekly 240 litre kerbside waste collection service to approximately 325 non-rateable properties in the Blue Mountains; a weekly 110 litre residential kerbside recycling service, an annual domestic ‘bulky waste’ service (for larger waste items); a twice yearly domestic kerbside chipping service for branches and garden pruning which are too large to compost and four household hazardous chemical collection services at the Waste Management Facilities each year.

Waste Management Facilities The various sources and types of waste mentioned above are the reason the Council’s landfills and waste management facilities are required. Treating waste and burying waste in landfill has the potential to impact on bushland and other aspects of the environment.

The Council is responsible for two active waste management facilities (WMFs) at Blaxland and Katoomba and two dormant waste disposal depots at Blackheath and Lawson. Waste management facilities can result in environmental impacts such as noise, odours, windblown litter, methane gas emissions, groundwater contamination, and erosion, sedimentation and weed infestation of adjacent waterways. Closed landfill sites can pose similar environmental risks and land instability.

Household Chemicals Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, paints, cleaning products, oils, car batteries and pharmaceuticals are common household chemicals. Irresponsible disposal of such chemicals can cause acute and devastating impacts upon the natural environment, particularly contamination of aquatic systems, land and ingestion by animals.

What are the key management issues related to waste? Traditional methods of waste disposal have proved to be unsustainable. Since 1995 waste management in the Blue Mountains has focussed on resource management, community participation and individual responsibility and materials reuse. The amount of waste has been increasing, although the rate of increase has slowed significantly. Plastic bag facts • Australians use 3.92 billion plastic shopping bags The NSW Government enacted the Waste per year • Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 Nearly half a million plastic bags are collected on Clean Up Australia Day each year (WARR Act), replacing the Waste • Minimisation and Management Act 1995, and Its take only 4 grocery shopping trips for an average Australian family to accumulate 60 plastic shopping it reinforces the importance of waste bags avoidance as the primary goal. The WARR • Plastic bags are produced from polymers derived Act required the development of a Waste from petroleum. The amount of petroleum used to Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy make a plastic bag would drive a car about 11 which was published in 2003. metres This Strategy identifies four outcome areas: • In 2005, Australians used 192 high density 1 Preventing and avoiding waste polyethylene (HDPE) bags per capita 2 Increased recovery and use of • Only 14% of HDPE plastic carry bags are returned to secondary resources the supermarket for recycling (from Australia’s Environment Issues and Trends 2006, ABS )

22 Section 2 Managing Our Waste

3 Reducing toxic substances in products and materials 4 Reducing litter and illegal dumping

Council is responsible for two active (Blaxland and Katoomba) and two dormant (Blackheath and Lawson) Waste Management Facilities (WMFs). The operation of the two active WMFs is contracted to Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd under the supervision of Council's Environmental Management Branch. Normal domestic, commercial and asbestos wastes (the latter by special arrangement) are accepted at the WMFs. Special, liquid, and hazardous wastes are not accepted at the WMFs (except during the household hazardous chemical collection services).

Council controls access to the WMFs and charges are based on waste weight. The disposal fees range from $7.00 for a car boot load to $77.00 per tonne of mixed waste for anything greater than 100 kilograms. There are other charges for green waste and most recyclable materials are free, to encourage separation of the materials for recovery. The charges reflect the substantial costs (both operational and regulatory) that are associated with the operation of a WMF.

The operation of each depot is managed by the Environmental Management Branch to ensure that adverse environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated, as required in the licence to operate the site. Independent, quarterly monitoring activities include the sampling of air for dust and gases, surface water and groundwater (on the site and up and down stream of the site) and monitoring for noise and litter. The results of these quarterly tests are sent to Council, Thiess and the Department of Environment and Climate Change (the regulatory authority that issues the licences).

Making a difference Response from households Trend data presented below indicates that the number of people going to the WMFs has decreased greatly. The Council’s Waste and Resources Team associate the trend with the kerbside chipping program, the bulky waste collection program and improvements to the recycling service which has reduced the need for many residents to go to the “tip.” The trend indicates that many residents have adopted waste avoidance and resource recovery habits.

Response from businesses

Many “skip bin” companies have begun sorting their waste loads before delivering to the WMF (removing recyclable materials) – this has had a substantial impact on the amount of materials being handled by the WMF. In addition, most land clearing companies now have mobile chippers and find other users for their “waste.”

Response from schools The Keep Australia Beautiful Council has developed a primary school waste education program entitled Waste Watchers. This program teaches primary children about waste issues, how to recycle, what happens to the recycled materials and basic composting, mulching and worm farming. Council sponsors the program for three weeks each year and participation rates are extremely high. Each year more schools request the program than can be scheduled. In 2006- 2007 approximately 14 schools participated.

Response from community groups / organisations Clean Up Australia Day The residents of the Blue Mountains are active participants in the Clean Up Australia Day. In

23 Section 2 Managing Our Waste

2007, the event attracted the involvement of over 250 volunteers and school children from 18 schools. Further to this, many residents conduct their own local clean up in the street or neighbourhood, out of concern for their local environs.

Earth Works The Council held a total of 9 Earth Works courses in Blaxland, Mt Riverview, Springwood, Lawson, Katoomba and Blackheath. Almost 190 residents participated in the courses with 85 completing all five workshops to receive a free compost bin. The courses cover waste avoidance, recycling, composting, worm farming, no dig gardening, eco gardening and green cleaning and a Earth Works course in action tour of the Katoomba Waste Management Facility.

Response from Blue Mountains City Council Household Services From households, Council collected 23,327 tonnes of garbage, 6,555 tonnes of recycling and provided 14,126 kerbside chipping services, chipping 34,793 m 3 (5,810 tonnes) of material.

Other Waste and Recycling Services A total of 69,367 tonnes of material was delivered to the Blaxland and Katoomba Waste Management Facilities. Of this, a total of 46,291 tonnes of waste was buried in landfill (including the household garbage noted above). There has been a considerable reduction in the amounts landfilled over the past years. The amount landfilled in 2006-2007 is 26.7% less when compared with the amount landfilled in 2003-2004. The diversion of waste from landfill included 6,882 tonnes of green waste recycled and 1,151 tonnes of metals recycled.

GreenHome Day Event In November, the Earth Works program partnered with the Australian Conservation Foundation for the GreenHome Day event for all previous participants of Earth Works. More than 50 people participated in workshops on Energy Saving, Food and Gardening, Sustainable Transport and Water. Overall, the participants gave the day a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Household Hazardous Chemical Collections These collections were held at the Waste Management Facilities during August (Blaxland), November (Katoomba), February (Blaxland) and May (Katoomba). A total of 886 residents used the service, dropping off 33.69 tonnes of hazardous materials to be recycled or disposed of safely.

E-Waste E-waste is electronic waste (televisions, E-waste (electrical and electronic waste) computers, monitors, keyboards, VCRs, Each year we buy over 2.4 million PCs and more than 1 million televisions. As we become more dependent scanners, photocopiers, facsimile machines on electronic products to make life more convenient, etc). the stockpile of used, obsolete products grows. It is estimated that there are currently around nine Obsolete electronic equipment is a growing million computers, five million printers and two million scanners in households and businesses across waste stream. This technology is continually Australia, and all of these will be replaced, most advancing and so products are becoming within the next couple of years. E-waste in Australia obsolete sooner and faster. Many of these is growing at over three times the rate of general products contain valuable resources that could municipal waste. be recovered, as well as hazardous materials From Australia’s Environment Issues and Trends 2006 that have the potential to create environmental problems in landfill.

24 Section 2 Managing Our Waste

The Council investigated the possibility of providing an e-waste collection or drop-off service but found that it would be very expensive. At the same time the State and Federal Governments were considering regulatory action to ensure that industries and manufacturers take responsibility (financial and / or logistical) for e-waste recycling. Given these factors, in January 2006 the Council resolved to make our two Waste Management Facilities available for any government or industry funded e-waste collection program that becomes available in the future. In this way, the Blue Mountains would not be undermining the work that State and Federal Governments were doing with industry and the financial burden for e-waste recycling would not be placed on the Blue Mountains community. Further details can be found in the Council report of 31 January 2006, which can be downloaded from Council’s website.

Waste and Resources Reference Group In October, the Council adopted the establishment of a Waste and Resources Reference Group (WARRG) and its Terms of Reference. The objectives of the WARRG are to: 1. Ensure community views regarding waste and resources issues are canvassed and conveyed to Council; 2. Act as a central point of communication between Council and the community regarding waste and resources issues; and 3. Promote and involve the community in the planning, development and implementation of waste and resources initiatives. During June, membership of the inaugural WARRG was formally adopted. Membership includes representatives from each Ward, from businesses, schools, youth, an environment group and Waste Management Facility users.

Recycling and Garbage Service Participation Surveys A survey was conducted during July – August and again in February to determine the participation in the household garbage and recycling collection services. Results showed that over 80% of properties participate in the recycling service, with 53% of properties using it every week. In comparison, 75% of properties use their garbage services every week.

Katoomba Waste Management Facility (KWMF) Upgrade The proposed upgrade of the KWMF includes a range of improvements at the site including improved resource recovery facilities, a new transfer station and the closure of the existing landfill. During the reporting period the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed upgrade of the KWMF was completed. The EIS includes studies and assessment of issues such as; land use, air quality, ecology, traffic, noise, hydrology, heritage etc. The EIS was submitted with a Land Use Application for the proposed upgrade in February.

Blaxland Waste Management Facility (BWMF) Contract development (including a legal and probity review) was completed and tendered for the development of a new 1,000,000 cubic metre cell and to operate the BWMF. The contract was let in June. This contract includes significant environmental protection works and design, construction and operation elements for the new landfill cell and new infrastructure for recycling and reuse activities.

Eco Bins Eco bins have been offered on an optional basis for residential properties since July 2005. This includes the use of a smaller 140 litre wheelie bin garbage service and a discounted compost bin – all for a discount on rates. More than 2,400 mini bins were in use by June 2007.

Waste to Art Competition and Exhibition The inaugural Waste 2 Art Competition and Exhibition was held in April. Artists were invited to enter a piece made from recycled materials. There were 57 artworks received from 47 entrants. During the six day exhibition, an estimated 800 people visited to view the artworks. The Award Night was attended by 80 people who saw the winners presented with prizes by the

25 Section 2 Managing Our Waste

Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The winning artworks in each category then travelled to Dubbo for the regional exhibition and competition. One of the Blue Mountains entries was awarded a Highly Commended.

Response through the Environmental Levy Program 2005-2006 was the first year of the Environmental Levy Program - a 10-year remediation and restoration program. In recognition of the significant pressures on the unique Blue Mountains environment, Council introduced an Environmental Levy, which will raise an additional $1.2 million dollars annually through rate payments. The following table summarises 2005-2007 projects addressing waste issues.

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT OBJECTIVE ACTIONS ASSET LEVY LEVY PROJECT PROGRAM Closure and Lawson Waste Site remediation of • Environmental Land / Remediation Management the former waste monitoring water Natural area of former Facility management facility quality (surface & Lawson and Remediation at Lawson is required ground water) and Blackheath Project to ensure that the monitoring of slope Waste landfill is non- movement Management polluting, that the • Preparation of Facilities landfill slope is stable contract documents and does not cause for the design and significant construction required environmental harm for remediation of the or loss of amenity former Lawson waste and to comply with disposal depot EPA requirements. including requirements relating to Environment Protection Authority and development consent. • Commenced the Tender process for design and construction of remediation works at the dormant Lawson Landfill Site. Tenders were received with a recommendation report prepared for Council.

26 Section 2 Managing Our Waste

Increasing our understanding

Selected time series data (trends) for our waste

What are we monitoring 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Amount of waste to landfill at WMF’s 61,393 58,029 65,749 63,115 56,123 51,761 46,291 (tonnes /yr) Amount of recycling diverted from 3,130 3,430 2,005 2,179 1,982 2,097 1,638 WMF landfill (tonnes / yr) Amount of greenwaste diverted from 9,782 14,486 10,098 11,130 9,416 8,077 6,882 WMF landfill (tonnes /yr) Amount of clean fill diverted from WMF 28,894 23,747 38,819 28,888 61,363 37,450 14,556 landfill (tonnes /yr) Number participants in 31 29 45 67 47 220 190 Earth Works courses WMFs = Waste Management Facilities

Note: The data presented in the table relates to waste handled through the Waste Management Facilities (WMFs) and is not inclusive of the kerbside chipping operations or household recycling collections.

27 Section 3 Managing Noise

SECTION 3 MANAGING NOISE

What is noise? Noise pollution encompasses both sound and vibration and is defined in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) as 'the emission of offensive noise, which means noise that by reason of its level, nature, character or quality, or the time at which it is made, or any other circumstances, is harmful (or is likely to be harmful) to or interferes unreasonably (or is likely to interfere unreasonably) with the comfort or repose of a person outside the premises from which the noise is emitted'.

There are a range of noise sources in the Blue Mountains: 1 Roadside noise - roadside noise constitutes one of the most significant forms of noise pollution in the City, providing a constant ‘drone’ of traffic. Noise levels at properties alongside the Great Western Highway (GWH) have steadily risen with increasing traffic volumes and heavy traffic movements, road widening, and higher speeds. There is night-time noise of vehicle movement and the noise of cargo / freight trains in addition to passenger trains. 2 Intermittent or intrusive noises - examples of these include the ‘screeching’ of brakes, the use of engine brakes on heavy vehicles and acceleration noise at traffic lights. 3 The rail line through the Blue Mountains is the main transport corridor between Sydney and western NSW. It also provides commuter transport for many Mountains residents and visitors. In 2006-2007, there were about 5,928 passenger train and 10,140 freight train movements through the City. The vast majority of these services are electric, however, diesel engines are used for most freight movements and some passenger services. On average, there are 300 train movements in the City per week. 4 Noise from barking dogs in residential areas is a concern to the community and is the most common type of noise complaint to Council. As at 30 June 2007, there were 11,859 dogs identified on the Companion Animals Database that reside in the Blue Mountains. 5 Domestic air conditioners and swimming pool pump motors are another source of noise complaints. 6 Complaints concerning the noise from machinery on commercial/industrial premises are occasionally made. Complaints are more frequent in cases where commercial operations are closely surrounded by residences. This is often the case in small neighbourhood shopping centres which make use of external refrigeration equipment. 7 Events at sporting grounds and the use of trail bikes with inadequate mufflers can cause localised noise pollution.

What are the impacts of noise?

Noise is a type of pollution that has direct physiological and psychological effects on people. Noise can have a range of impacts from minor annoyance to more serious damage to hearing. Some researchers now believe that deafness in elderly people is not just a process of ageing and that it can be largely attributed to long-term bombardment of the ears by loud noise. When this occurs, irreversible physiological changes to the hearing mechanism of the ear can result. In less severe cases noise can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, emotional stress and neighbourhood disputes. Roadside and rail noise can cause impacts on sensitive land uses including residential areas, schools, hospitals and parks.

What are the key management issues related to noise?

The Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2000 restricts the times in which domestic activities can be undertaken in a residential setting (details are presented below). Community comment is currently being sought for the proposed

28 Section 3 Managing Noise

Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2007 . The existing Protection of the Environment (Noise Control) Regulation 2000 will become defunct on the 1 September 2007.

Local councils are largely responsible for managing noise issues (in collaboration with the Police) under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Noise abatement issues are generally handled by local councils, the Police, the Department of Environment and Climate Change and/or the specialised authorities such as the Roads and Traffic Authority, Ports Corporation, Waterways Authority and the Airservices Authority.

The main source of noise in the Mountains is from transport. It is difficult to reduce noise impacts along the Great Western Highway due to a combination of three factors: the Highway is generally at the same elevation as residences; closeness of properties to the Highway; and the need to maintain private vehicle access (RTA & BMCC, 1992). Measures can be taken, however, to effectively reduce the impact of road noise. They include landscaped earth mounds, acoustic fences and noise insulation of homes. Possible solutions for the long term reduction of vehicle noise include the sympathetic design of homes to withstand traffic noise, the promotion of smoother traffic flows, and design modifications to vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles (RTA & BMCC, 1992).

An increase in commercial development in certain areas within the City has the potential to increase background noise levels. This effect is known as the ‘creeping background noise’. This event (depending on its severity) can give rise to detrimental effects on the acoustic amenity of the area and possibly cause health problems through a reduction in the quality of sleep.

Making a Difference

Response from Blue Mountains City Council

When investigating and acting on noise complaints, Council normally seeks their resolution by negotiation. The Noise Control Regulations and Companion Animals Act 1998 contain provisions relating to barking dogs, used by the Council from time-to-time, which allow notices to be served on the occupier of the premises at which the dog(s) is kept. The Council is responsible under environmental planning legislation for dealing with the potential impacts of noise from a planning perspective in assessing a development application for a new building or additions as well as the granting of an approval for some activities. Noise- generating activities undertaken by public authorities such as the Council, the Roads and Traffic Authority, the State Rail Authority and Sydney Water are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment and Climate Change (DECC).

The Council is provided with a range of enforcement options including the service of a Noise Control Notice, Noise Abatement Direction, Prevention Notice, and / or Compliance Cost Notice. Non-compliance may lead to legal action being instituted or a penalty infringement notice being issued. The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 in addition to providing enforcement tools to Council and the DECC also enables an individual to seek a Noise Abatement Order from the local court.

Response from other agencies

The Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2000, sets out restricted times of operation for domestic activities that should not be heard in a neighbour's home. The following table is taken from the DECC brochure Dealing with Neighbourhood Noise available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise .

29 Section 3 Managing Noise

Noise Source on Residential Time Restrictions Contact Premises (Noise should not be audible in a habitable room during these times) Power tools and equipment 8pm-7am on weekdays and Local Council or (powered garden tools, e.g lawn Saturdays Police mowers and leaf blowers; electric or pneumatic tools; chainsaws or 8pm-8am on Sundays and public circular saws; gas or air holidays compressors; swimming pool or spa pumps) Musical instruments and sound 12 midnight to 8am everyday Local Council or equipment (radios, TVs, tape Police recorders, record or compact disc players, public address systems, computer games) Air conditioners 10pm-7am on weekdays Local Council

8pm-8am on weekends and public holidays Motor vehicles (except when 8pm-7am on weekdays Local Council or entering or leaving residential Police premises) 8pm-8am on weekends and public holidays Refrigeration units fitted to motor 8pm-7am on weekdays Local Council or vehicles Police 8pm-8am on weekends and public holidays Noise from Burglar or Car Alarms It is an offence for a building Local Council or intruder alarm to be heard in Police other homes unless it stops ringing within 5 minutes (or within 10 minutes if installed before 1 December 1997). It is an offence for a car alarm to make noise unrelated to an accident or break-in for more than 45 seconds (or more than 90 seconds for a car manufactured before 1 September 1997). Noise from pubs and clubs 12 midnight to 8 am everyday Local council or (amplified music) Police Note: This information is taken from DECC brochure and website available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au . The Council cannot ensure that this information is current and reference should be made to the original information source.

30 Section 3 Managing Noise

Increasing our understanding

Selected time series data (trends) for noise What are we 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 monitoring Noise complaints 16 24 16 16 27 24 received by Council - Rooster Noise complaints 2 1 2 4 7 2 received by Council - Birds Noise complaints 274 410 448 424 561 536 received by Council - Dog Noise complaints 103 96 66 101 148 117 received by Council – Other (includes residential machinery, music, vehicle noise) Noise complaints 395 531 532 545 743 679 received by Council - Total

31 Section 4 Alert The Paradox of Success Reducing Waste to Landfill

SECTION 4 ALERT

This section highlights and discusses emerging issues in relation to our natural, built or social assets.

The Paradox of Success: Reducing Waste to Landfill Reducing the volume of waste going to landfill has been a primary goal for Council over a number of years. This was most recently re-focused when the following Objective was included in the 2004-2008 Management Plan under the Principal Activity “Looking After Environment”: “To reduce the amount of waste going to landfill through waste minimisation, resource recovery, recycling and educational awareness initiatives.”

Reducing Waste During the year immediately prior to the commencement of the current Management Plan (2003-2004), Council buried 63,115 tonnes of waste material at its landfills. Utilising a range of activities including improved kerbside services, education and Compaction equipment working at the Blaxland Waste promotion, pricing strategies and the Management Facility increased recovery of resources from delivered materials Council has been able to reduce the volume of waste buried to 46,291 tonnes during 2006-2007. This represents a reduction of 26.7% (16,824 tonnes) during the 3-year period.

The following chart provides a 7-year snapshot of the amount of waste landfilled at Council’s Blaxland and Katoomba Waste Management Facilities (WMFs):

Waste Landfilled Over Time

Waste volume at commencement of the 70,000 current 4-year Management Plan 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 Tonnes 20,000 10,000 0 2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 Period

The amount of waste landfilled from 2000-2001 to 2006-2007 Over the same time period there has been a substantial reduction in the number of people going to the WMFs. During 2003/2004 there were 117,224 vehicles accessing both WMFs. This

32 Section 4 Alert The Paradox of Success Reducing Waste to Landfill reduced to 87,969 vehicles in 2006-2007. The reduction (29,255 vehicles) represents almost a 25% reduction in visitation over 3 years. The following chart identifies the 7-year visitation trend from 2000/2001:

WMF Visitation Over Time

Visitation at commencement of the 140,000 current 4-year Management Plan 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000

Number 40,000 20,000 0 2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 Period

The number of people visiting the WMF from 2000-2001 to 2006-2007 It is believed that the kerbside chipping program, the bulky waste collection program and improvements to the recycling service have reduced the need for many residents to go to the “tip.” There is also evidence that many WMF users have adopted waste avoidance and minimisation habits. Several of the “skip bin” companies are now sorting their waste loads. Where previously those companies used to transport waste directly from their customers to the landfills, they have added a new step in the process: they return the material to their depots and sort through it, removing materials, such as metals, that can be on-sold. Most land clearing companies now have mobile chippers and have developed markets or outlets for their chipped material, previously thought of as waste.

Council’s operational teams have Processed tree waste ready for transport offsite for further processing. adopted waste recycling programs, diverting construction and maintenance wastes such as tree waste, asphalt, concrete and mixed soil from landfill disposal. This has saved waste disposal costs and the material is processed to create useful products. The change in approach has supported their efforts to introduce sustainable operating practices. They have also attracted some of the material historically delivered to landfill from residential and commercial sources by charging substantially lower “gate” fees.

Wood waste; either delivered separately or recovered from the Pricing strategies have been landfill face, awaiting processing. introduced to penalise those that deliver mixed wastes. This has been very successful with most regular users of the WMFs now

33 Section 4 Alert The Paradox of Success Reducing Waste to Landfill delivering separated loads that can be effectively reprocessed into useful resources, rather than being landfilled.

The following chart identifies the change over the past 7 years in the volume of mixed wastes (includes mixed commercial/industrial, mixed soil/organic and mixed building/demolition) delivered to the WMFs. It clearly shows that this waste stream peaked in 2003-2004 (31,218 tonnes). Since that time there has been a 39.5% reduction (12,335 tonnes) in this stream down to 18,883 tonnes:

Waste Disposal Over Time 35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000 Tonnes Waste volumes at commencement of 10,000 the current 4-year Management Plan

5,000

0 2000/2001 2003/2004 2006/2007 Period

Other Mixed Waste

The volume of mixed wastes (includes mixed commercial/industrial, mixed soil/organic and mixed building/demolition) delivered to the WMFs

Council has been placing a very strong emphasis on education with a clear message to all residents about the services and options available to reduce waste. The campaign included the development of an annual service directory which is delivered to every residence. This education campaign has been highly successful with the waste coming from residential customers on the decline. This is clearly illustrated in the following chart which shows how waste from domestic sources has reduced over the last 7 years.

34 Section 4 Alert The Paradox of Success Reducing Waste to Landfill

Waste Disposal Over Time 35,000

30,000

25,000 Waste volumes at commencement of 20,000 the current 4-year Management Plan

15,000 Tonnes 10,000

5,000

0 2000/2001 2003/2004 2006/2007 Period

Domestic Sourced Waste (includes kerbside collection and direct haul)

Waste from domestic sources (including kerbside collection and direct haul) During the 3-year period since the commencement of the current Management Plan domestic waste disposed to landfill has reduced by 4,802 tonnes (15.19% reduction). In addition the residential chipping service has seen the return of valuable organic material directly to residents to use in their gardens, diverting some wastes that used to go to landfill. Furthermore, the bulky waste collection has resulted in the recovery of approximately 40% of the material placed out for collection.

Impacts on WMF Income As can be seen from the discussion above, the reduction in waste delivered to the WMFs is substantial. Unfortunately, this very positive trend is having a dramatic impact on the income at both the Katoomba and Blaxland WMFs. The total 3-year reduction in waste landfilled (16,824 tonnes) equates to an income reduction of approximately $1,278,000 in the 2006-2007 financial year.

Council’s Waste Management Facilities (WMFs) operate on business principles with the cost of operating the sites funded by access (gate) fees and reserves created from planned surpluses in previous years. The sites must pay for themselves to ensure that there are no financial impacts on the general rate income of Council. The greatest costs of operating Council’s WMFs are not related to the volume of material processed. Rather, the greatest costs relate to the infrastructure and other operating overheads such as: 1 debt servicing for capital infrastructure (including engineered landfill cells, resource recovery facilities, leachate management systems and other structures); 2 gatehouse management; 3 plant and equipment; and 4 sufficient staff for safe and effective site management at all times.

These costs must be met each month. This difference between income and operating costs can be met by making changes to the operating overheads and/or increasing access (gate) fees.

35 Section 4 Alert The Paradox of Success Reducing Waste to Landfill

The financial impacts of waste reduction are likely to be critical in the short-term; however the longer-term outlook is more positive given that waste reduction will result in the extension of landfill life.

This will become more positive as the value of airspace (available landfill space) continues to increase in the future (by becoming scarcer). Saving airspace, by reducing waste, is critical because without airspace it would cost close to $200 a tonne to have our waste buried outside the Blue Mountains. The longer that we can prolong the life of our landfill, through waste reduction, the longer this benefit can last.

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Bibliography

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006, Australia’s Environment Issues and Trends 2006, 4613.0

Australian Heritage Directory, October 2007. Heritage Register searched for the Blue Mountains LGA Website: http://heritage.gov.au/ahpi/index.html

Blue Mountains Aboriginal Community www.aboriginalbluemountains.com.au

Blue Mountains City Council, Annual Report 2006-2007 DRAFT

Blue Mountains City Council, State of Environment Report 2003-2004 and Technical Appendix

Blue Mountains City Council, State of Environment Reports 1994-1995, 1995-1996 and 1999- 2000

Blue Mountains City Council, Blue Mountains Cultural Strategy 2006 – 2016 Commonwealth of Australia, 1996, State of the Environment Australia 1996 , Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra

Department of Environment and Climate Change 2006, Who Cares about the Environment in 2006? A survey of NSW people’s environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours www.environment.nsw.gov.au/whocares

Department of Environment and Heritage, 2006, Australia State of the Environment 2006 At a Glance, www.deh.gov.au/soe/2006

National Parks Blue Mountains Region ‘Tracks into History: Conservation Management Plan for Walking track of State Heritage Significance in the Blue Mountains’. Accessed from the website: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/illawarra_escarpment_tracks_draft_masterplan.p df

Sydney Water, October 2007 Biosolids, Sydney Water Website: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/EnsuringTheFuture/Biosolids/

The Environment Protection Agency, 2003, Regional Nature Conservation Strategy for South East Queensland 2001-2006

The Environment Protection Authority, 2003, NSW State of Environment Report 2003 , Department of Environment and Conservation

The Roads and Traffic Authority and Blue Mountains City Council, (1992) The Great Western Highway Management Plan: A Guide for Future Action .

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