Key Focus Areas

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New England Sustainability Strategy

KEY FOCUS AREAS

February 2011

this project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its

and with support from


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TABLE OF C ONTENTS

Overview......................................................................3NESS Strategy Matrix...............................................5

High Country Regeneration............................7Priority & Current Initiatives..............................12Key Performance & Progress Indicators..14

New Energy.............................................................15Priority & Current Initiatives..............................18Key Performance & Progress Indicators..20

Enterprising Economy.......................................21

Priority & Current Initiatives..............................23Key Performance & Progress Indicators..25

Culture Creatives.................................................26Priorities & Current Initiatives...........................29Key Performance & Progress Indicators..31

Social Inclusion & Wellbeing.........................32Priorities & Current Initiatives...........................36Key Performance & Progress Indicators..39

YOUNG ....................................................................40Priorities & Current Initiatives...........................41Key Performance & Progress Indicators..42

Wild Flowers Bloom.............................................43Priorities & Current Initiatives...........................44Key Performance & Progress Indicators..45

Existing Plans, Priorities, Strategies.............46Strategy Matrix.........................................................47Acronyms..................................................................49Illustration Index....................................................50

www.ness.wikidot.com NESS is an initiative ofPage 2 of 50


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O VERVIEWSeven Key Focus Areas are central to the New England's shift to sustainability ~the business of biodiversity, new energy, a diversified and innovative economy,culture creatives, social inclusion and wellbeing, youth leading and continuing toexplore wild ideas that may bloom.

This document provides full details for each focus area and is to be readtogether with the Final New England Sustainability Strategy (NESS) which providesdetails of all the parts that make up the full Strategy.

The Key Focus Areas areas reflect common themes throughout the variousstreams of work for NESS, and have been integrated with nearly two dozen other major strategic plans.

Strategy Matrixes on the following pages give a snapshot of the emphasis givento each Key Focus Area during each NESS process. Similar Matrixes are at theend of this section summarises the other major strategic plans that wereintegrated with NESS. These summarises are explained as follows:

The NESS Strategy Matrix on page 6 summarises the various streams of work in the development of NESS, with the number of dots reflecting howstrongly each focus area was reflected in that particular process;

The Matrix on page 46 is similarly designed, with the number of dotsreflecting how strongly each focus area was reflected in other existingstrategies and plans that have been analysed and integrated with NESS.Full details for this analysis is summarised in a separate reference document.

Each Key Focus Area also details the numerous initiatives ~ aspirational, active

and planned ~ grouped into clusters to highlight common areas of priority for investment and collaboration.

Successful sustainability initiatives will reflect 'sweet spots' that integrate anddeliver outcomes across multiple key focus areas, with the ultimate goal being toaddress all areas simultaneously, the elusive essence of sustainability.



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KEY FOCUS AREASTo be clear ~ thriving, creative cultural initiatives will ultimately only be sustainableif they also are inclusive, enhance wellbeing, utilise new energy, diversity the

economy and regenerate biodiversity. This is a very high bar, though it is anintergenerational journey being navigated. In the immediate term a more realisticgoal would be at least to maintain and not further degrade the other key focusareas.

So too the regeneration of biodiversity will only be sustainable to the degree itenhances social inclusive, wellbeing, a diversified economic base and so on.The complexity is obvious... and bristling with creative opportunity.

Significant synergies exist across different clusters of initiatives within the key focusareas. For example, Social Inclusion and Wellbeing includes opportunities for exporting professional health services ~ mainstream and complementary ~ andclear scope for Enterprising Economy outcomes. Further, there is clear recongitionof the positive wellbeing opportunities through outdoor recreating, retreats andeducation which align well with the High Country Regeneration.

The various NESS network services, forums, workshops and communication willperform a useful function in enhancing the integration, collaboration and

prioritisation of resources to these 'sweet spots of sustainability'.

Measurement of current sustainability, performance and progress over time, is apriority for the next stage of work, NESS 3.

An initial framework of indicators has been established ~ the SustainabilitySpeedo & Scorecard ~ and relevant indicators are included with each Key FocusArea detailed below.

Collection, aggregation and analysis of this data is required, and is linked with theagreements of various stakeholders ~ through the Sustainability Charter andIntegration Model ~ to contribute information to this collective whole of regionreporting and performance assessment model.

Finally, the priority next steps for each Key Focus Area are detailed in NewEngland Sustainability Strategy document in the Implementation section, referredto as NESS 3.



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NESS S TRATEGY M ATRIX



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HIGH COUNTRYREGENERATION~ the business of biodiversity ~

Regeneration and sustainable use and development of the New England'snationally unique high country has come through more strongly than any other strategy as the highest priority for sustainability.

This is an holistic integration of economics, culture and nature ~ including eco-tourism, outdoor education, agribusiness, carbon and bio-banking, recreational

facilities, food production and the fundamental imperative to heal, restore andregenerate the very web of life that is so interwoven with our own quality andsecurity of life and livelihood.

A large scale region-wide regeneration strategy will deliver social, environmentaland economic value by increasing the land fertility and productivity (such as for agri-business, scientific research and outdoor education) and landscape values(such as for eco-tourism and providing the place and backdrop for a lush livingenvironment), plus clear benefits for biodiversity.

...the New England provides a diversity of landscape,climate, ways of living & experiences...

Waterfall Way Eco-Tourism Initiative

The High Country Regeneration

Strategy builds upon strong existingcapacity and a demonstrated track record in integrated landmanagement, wildlife corridors, habitatand riparian regeneration with realisticpotential for the Region to besustainable as well as climate andcarbon neutral.


Illustration 1: Engineered Woodland (SNELCC)


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KEY FOCUS AREASRegeneration of the region will provide significant advantages in facingchallenges such as Climate Change with a key outcome being a much more

resilient and adaptable farmland and landscape.Achieving this requires a significant increase of the Region's existing capacitythrough innovative financing models such as carbon trading and biodiversity-banking.

The recent success of the High Country Urban Biodiversity (HiCUB) initiativedemonstrates the potential for significant financial resources being madeavailable for strategic region-wide regeneration work that successfully network consortia of stakeholders from across the region.

18 million years ago the Ebor volcano erupted; its core, the Crescent, still sits highin the Bellinger Valley among rolling spurs that seem to flow down to the far offcoast. Subsequent uplift, tilting and millions of years of erosion have created thespectacular, deep gorge country within the New England Tablelands that windsits way to the Dorrigo escarpment.

This country contains some of the key holdings in Central East Rainforest Reserves


Illustration 2: Number of Recorded Threatened Species by LGA (July,2009)Source: Wildlife Atlas, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2009

(www.wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)


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KEY FOCUS AREASof Australia (CERRA), remnants of ancient beech forests, wet coastal rainforests aswell as temperate and dry rainforest. It has been home to the Diprotodon (giant

Wombat) and has seen 5 custodian Aboriginal Nations inhabit and walk the areafor more than 50,000 years.

Less than 200 years ago the first explorers, cedar cutters and sheep graziersarrived. It is home now to koalas, platypus, a huge variety of bird species and thethreatened yellow-footed rock wallaby.

The New England Tablelands bio-region is botanically significant due to its highdiversity of plant species and also a high level of endemism. For instance, more

than 70 species of Eucalyptus occur on the tablelands, about a third of whichare endemic or near endemic to the bio-region. Thirty of these species are listedas endangered, 39 are listed as vulnerable and one species, Euphrasia arguta, ispresently considered extinct.

There are some 38 National Parks and Wildlife reserves that comprise nearly one-fifth of the region, some 318,823 hectares of land.

The Region is significant for wildlife too. It supports a considerable proportion of

the endangered regent honeyeater population in woodland fragments. This isespecially important since numbers of grassland and ground-feedinginsectivorous birds have declined in the bio-region, mainly due to changes withagriculture (eg. land clearing and habitat fragmentation).

While these changes are far from unique to the New England, they underline thestrategic significance of current initiatives such as the High Country UrbanBiodiversity Project (HiCUB), work by local stakeholders including Landcare,Citizens Wildlife Corridors, Catchment Management Authorites and The Armidale

Tree Group, and integrated reporting such as the Southern New England State ofEnvironment Report.

Of the 92 species of fauna in the region, 18 are listed as endangered, 72 arelisted as vulnerable and a number ofspecies are considered extinct (NSW NPWS 2001).

Upland wetlands of the New England Tableland ~ such as Little Llangothlin



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KEY FOCUS AREASLagoon, Mother of Ducks Lagoon and Dangars Lagoon Nature Reserve ~ arenow listed under the Threatened Species Act as endangered ecological

communities. There are more than 30 natural lagoons and swamp depressionsincluding one RAMSAR wetland and six nationally significantwetlands. Only three Upland Wetlands are fully or partially within conservationreserves namely, Billy Bung and Little Llangothlin in the Little Llangothlin NatureReserve and part of Mother of Ducks Lagoon in the Mother of Ducks LagoonNature Reserve.

They provide important habitat for migratory birds and are representative ofshallow, temporary upland lagoons and are considered to be in good condition,

despite urban and agricultural development in recent centuries and the incursionof feral species. It is estimated that some 70% of sites have been lost throughdraining or damming (Bell 2000; Benson and Ashby 2000; Brock et al. 1999).

Many water birds utilise these, including ducks, ibis, egrets and even the whitebreasted sea eagle along with vulnerable and rare species including the comb-crested jacana and blue billed duck.

Firewood felling and collection road reserves, including travelling stock routes, has

been identified as unsustainable by the Armidale Branch of National ParksAssociation of NSW and the Northern NSW Groups of Birds Australia.

This links with one of the most serious public health issues of the region, namelypoor air quality caused by wood smoke pollution in the main urban areas ofArmidale.

While the very priority of High Country Regeneration reflects the degraded anddepleted state of biodiversity, the region is at the same time a stand out for its

remarkable natural assets and environmental capacity.

... the New England provides the possibility of having a perfect mix and combination of first class nature, culture, historic experiences, local food and wine, with accommodation in natural settings and activities through incredibly diverse landscapes and natural environments... all within in a distance of around 200km.



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KEY FOCUS AREASThis has proven to be a very strong selling proposition for the region...


It is an attractive place for for youth and young families to make a livelihood asmuch as it is for older couples seeking a semi-retirement option. Like many partsof regional Australia it is home to a significant number of Aboriginal people and aremarkable cultural diversity particularly due to the presence of the University ofNew England.

The liveability of the region is reflected in the breadth of biodiversity initiativestaking place and detailed below, which also include: a focus on how to respect

and live with and within nature; being conscious of the entire waste cycle ~ fromrethinking the need for resource use through to reducing, reusing and recycling ~regional food systems; natural burials; and, creating natural shading for walking,outdoor recreation and healthier, more energy efficient urban living.



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P RIORITY & C URRENT I NITIATIVES

Local Food Bowl producers networks, CommunityGardens, Farmers Markets, on-line ordering systems.local boutique slaughterhouse (multi-species), homefood gardens, bush tucker, implement food & wineinitiatives into overall marketing

Habitat Restoration for endangered species (eg. ironbark for regent honeyeaters), Mother of DucksLagoon, preserved TSRs, private land, wildlifecorridors, woodlands, use multi-purpose species,review/develop planning policy & provisions in LEPs &DCPs for species migration corridors, grasslands, Planta Tree for every Armadalian, use multi-purposespecies, Dumaresq Creek, Malpas water quality,Urban Sub-Catchment Plan, HiCUB

Conservation Agreements , create governmentfunding to support biodiversity, Adopts fullyecologically sustainable development, Bush FireService Level Agreements

Urban Streetscapes & Corridors , plantings consideringshade & aesthetics for walking corridors & bike ways,short easy walking tracks, locus for multiple uses suchas canoeing, hiking, horse trails, cultural, adventure &wilderness experiences, cycling tours

Retain & Attract new Business Enterprises in nichehigh value agribusiness (fish farming, heliculture,aquaponics using smart closed loop water technologies), Aquaculture, Campaign, SoftwoodPlantation, Wool Mill, Nursery, Assist landholders withsignificant native tree cover to manage resource sothat commercial harvesting will be permitted,identify & prioritise land claims with economicdevelopment potential to strengthen land holdingsinto a productive asset base

Sustainable Practices , survey agricultural practices(eg. Organic, Biodynamic), training for landmanagers for maintenance of planted projects, usemulch & bio-control rather than chemicals

Nature-Based Tourism , nature reserves for greynomads & outdoor classrooms, voyages of discovery,history pilgrimages, bird-routes, gardens, deciduous

trees, land axis & land art, improve parks & openspaces (Alma, The Glen, Poster), promote outdoor activities, Improve access to National Parks & OpenSpaces, Establish Walking Trails (art, heritage), Weir &river beautification (Walcha), Sky Walk (flying fox),Support Waterfall Way Track

Eco-Banking , carbon sink (trees, soil, native pastures),assess plantings for hotter climate, assess & upgradewater reserves for predicted storm events &

depletion of ground water, plant to absorb carbonnear highways, review of current flood studies &modelling, , develop understanding of MurrayDarling Basin

Manage Weeds & Eradicate Pests , Schools SafePets Out There

Waste to Resource , Northern Inland Regional WasteNetwork, Waste Management, Social Enterprises (eg.waste & composting), Recycle commercial waste,user pays landfill, Total recycling of organic &agricultural waste - biomass, methane, soilconditioners, fertilisers - solutions for new wastesources (eg. light bulbs), home & school educationon pollution, reduce waste production (eg.Packaging), Environmental Protection Plan for underground petroleum storage, Investigate optionsfor waste disposal in Tingha, Ben Lomond & Ebor

Restore Fresh Water Systems , businesses capturingown water (like Costa Tomatoes), water tanks, water use efficiency & recycling, revegetate waterways &riparian zones, strategic response to run off issues,build redundancy into water systems, non chemicalpurification of water supply, more effective use ofgrey & storm water, expand existing irrigation farmsystem, regular monitoring & safety reviews of water supply dams, assess feasibility of a water grid, lowflow water heads, water reclamation & recyclingsystem for irrigation, truck washing purposes,roadwork & other non-potable



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KEY FOCUS AREASLand for Development , industrial, stop mining onproductive agricultural lands or near natural water sources, review research into co-existence of mining

& agriculture, review regulation of land managementpractices for primary producers and biodiversity, link drought assistance to good land management,buffer zones around industry

Showcases , regenerative case studies, Interpretivesignage, PDA devices to detail stories, distinct flora,fauna, features, promote Keep Australia Beautiful

campaign, Environmental Network of stakeholders& landholders, Expand Timber Expo



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K EY P ERFORMANCE & P ROGRESS I NDICATORS

Biodiversity rates of land clearance, (area of veg/community/ tree cover),condition of vegetation, species (ecosystem) richness/loss, threatened species /communities numbers, health riparian ecosystems (data sources NVIS. Bird Atlas assurrogate measure), Conservation Agreements

Soil & Sustainable Agriculture ground cover, biota health compaction /organic matter fertility nutrient import/export (quantity & type), no. oflandholders (ha) adapting regenerative practices, rotational grazing, rehydration,soil carbon etc, numbers of organic registered farmers, $ spent on fertiliser (BOS),nutrient loss through effluent (Local Govt) & Agricultural production, change inland-use (BOS) & Feral animals & weed awareness (survey). Other data sources:ground cover - AussieGress, soil carbon & biota health expert advice), sustainableagricultural practices survey

Water ground water recharge, time for rain to river (catchment retention), water use efficiency, natural flow of rivers (hydrological data DECCW), water qualityindicators (at points (DECCW, Local council advice), macro-invertebrates (UNE,Streamwatch)

Land-Use remediation work (ha), area of productive agric. land, peri-urbangrowth (note BOS is looking for things to measure)



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NEW ENERGY~ clean, renewable & sustainable energy & fuel ~

A vision is emerging for the New England to generate its own energy needslocally, with real potential to produce a surplus, becoming a net exporter ofrenewable energy and creating a new industry base.

Creating, using, storing and managing new energy is arguably the mostchallenging of the technical shifts required for the New England to become a

sustainable region.

Transport and energy (stationary electricity, liquid and solid fuels) were prioritychallenges identified in almost every plan, workshop and strategy.

Peak oil, peak minerals, energy affordability including issues of social justice arejust some of the challenges driving the shift to new energy. These are inseparablefrom issues of air quality, water security, soil health, climate change andcompeting land use.


Illustration 3: Launch, New England Community Wind Farm Initiative (2010)


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KEY FOCUS AREASEnergy was ranked as the electorate's second highest priority, with concerns over increasing electricity prices being the single issue

receiving the most number of written responses within the electorate survey.

The linked issue of roads and transport was ranked the 3 rd highest priority .

2010 Northern Tablelands Electorate Survey~ The shape of the future

The New England has significant natural potential in the realm of new energy to

move beyond increasingly scarce and costly (financial, social and environmental)fossil fuels. The region has noted capacity for solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro, waste toenergy and perhaps even geothermal.

Both new technologies ~ such as co-generation, tri-generation or combined-heat-and-power ~ and new techniques ~ such as community-owned power companies ~ are identified as important.

Some $10-20Bn of investment into commercial renewable energy projects is

anticipated in coming decades, and the Region's identification as a RenewableEnergy Precinct by the NSW Government is one reflection of this significantpotential.

The development of expertise through planning and deployment of these newenergies has real potential to provide the basis for the formation of new regionaland export industry.

The New Energy Strategy has three core dimensions (depicted in the illustrationon the following page):1. the shift to clean, renewable and sustainable energies and fuels;2. greatly increasing the efficiency with which energy is used (such as moving

Beyond BASIX to significantly enhanced building codes or new mass transportsystems); and,

3. reduced energy dependence by reconsidering decisions which have energyfootprints, determining whether or not they are required in the first instance.



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Illustration 4: Sustainable Energy Continuum


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Sustainable & Renewable Energy , self-sufficiency inenergy & water to remain an appealing &competitive place, create a solar identity byinitiating solar panels on roofs along main street(Bundarra), Farming the Sun , capture methane gasfrom landfill to reduce carbon based electricity,Aged care energy efficiency initiatives (Uralla &Guyra), Uralla Roof Top spaces power initiative, agedcare upgrade with solar energy (Guyra), renewableenergy education & information campaign,Sustainability Advantage Program (Armidale), work on wind industry strategy with SNEVA & NEWGA,businesses and local organisations own solar energy,generate own electricity, use bio-diesel, bio-dieselproduction, solar & wind generation, using carbonmarkets, promote & support genuine Green Power& expand its availability, combined heat & power tri-gen for Hospital, community owned renewablepower company, diversify sources - solar, wind,geothermal, gas, biomass, bulk purchase ofrenewable systems for homes, alternative fuels for vehicle fleets, renewable stand-alone power, reducereliance on fossil fuels,

substitute renewable energy & conserve, pilotcommunity wind & solar power generators, TaxiService (Walcha)

Public & Community Transport , regional publictransport systems, solar cars, invest in walk ways, lowto zero emission transport corridors, Inland Rail Link,commercial fleets to low/zero emission, cycleways torail & intercity buses, public transport using existinginfrastructure more efficiently walking paths, bike-trains, intercity buses, air travel competition, better regional transport & importance of access toSydney/Brisbane, more regional air services (egArmidale-Brisbane) & more competition, better coordinate access to transport services, supportinland Melbourne - Brisbane rail, cycle & pedestriantrails (under highway, eg. Queen Street), improvereliability of regional air transport services, better bustransport & taxi service to train (Walcha), consider cost & benefits of longer runway, reopen & developrail lines for both passenger & freight, fuel efficientaircraft, coordinate off-track transport betweenaccommodation & major access points (eg. BushLimo), car pooling, walkways, bike paths & racks atbus stops, bus service Guyra-Armidale, reintroducerail services, sustainable transport (eg. bikes, electric),community bike system with racks, plug-in points for

electric bikes (work, mall), green car spaces for hybrids, transport infrastructure (rail, road, air) tomajor markets, public transport with regenerativebraking, comprehensive bicycle pathway system for solar powered & light weight transport systems &vehicles, increase use of non carbon fuels intransport, adequate regional transport systemsto reduce fossil fuel use, sustainable regionaltransport bike, rail, bus, walkways, better coordinate& promote buses, establish cycle ways within &between communities

Energy Stakeholder Network , Community CitizensClimate Change Committees, Establish New EnglandRenewable Energy Precinct Advisory Committee,Rural Greenhouse Gas Abatement Research Centre,establish an Energy Task Group, establish long-termcommitment to local energy, carbon & biodiversitytrading



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KEY FOCUS AREASEfficiency , community education round energyefficiency, water & energy building efficiency - lowcarbon place, community education program on

efficiency & climate change, investigate innovativecommunity water & energy, demonstrate simpleeasy sustainable practices to save on electricity,simple things like putting more clothes on rather thanextra heating, turn off fans & computers, retrofitting,Walking School Bus, create a highly visibledemonstration building, home & school educationon power saving, retrofit buildings, educationprogram to encourage energy efficiency &increased ESD features in building design to reducereliance on power supply

Going Beyond BASIX , building smart sustainablehousing (water tanks, skylights, solar panels,awareness of colours for heat), retrofit houses &

commercial buildings, improve sustainabilityrequirements for local buildings, upgrade BASIXenergy efficient standards in new developments &existing houses, solar hot water & water tanks in allhomes, passive heating & cooling for homes, targetreplacing electric hot water systems, address trendof building large unaffordable houses too costly torun & maintain, new homes to be constructed usingsustainable energy efficient practices with solar passive design being mandatory

eServices

Feasibility Studies to establish viable renewableenergy sources, feasibility study of algae for bio-fuel,ensure wind farms are balanced & assess vs other energy forms, test site for technology, holistic systemdesign all elements having multi-functions,Interactive Grid, support R&D, investigate options for alternative energy generation to essentialcommunity infrastructure, explore feasibility & interestof community energy cooperatives, audit & create aregion-wide transport strategy & guide, developtransport strategy including promoting walking &bike riding, explore & promote opportunities for emerging renewable energy & recycling sectors,investigate possible natural gas pipeline (Armidale),investigate feasibility of grid connected solar panelsfor public halls and buildings

Lobby NSW government to expand solar schoolsprogram, Government rebates & incentives for renewable energy, power saving light bulbs, lesselectricity use, simplify rebate system for domesticrenewable energy products, lobby for fair returns for feed in tariff, higher low income household rebatesfor electricity in cold climate areas, lobby to removefossil fuel subsidies, lobby to maintain & improve railinfrastructure, review vehicle fleets, policy for fuelefficient 4 cylinder vehicles or diesel for utilities &larger wagons, do not build any more coal-firedpower stations, phase out existing ones over thelong-term, no new coal mines, interest free loans for purchase & installation, remove GST on approveditems, apply quota & cost levels to energy use,incentives for low/zero emission cars, advocate toelectricity supply companies to develop emergencyresponse plans, NSW Government invest moredividends into upgrading & maintaining power infrastructure rather than slugging households

Measure carbon footprint per capita, transport audit,energy audits, energy meters, audit the carbonfootprint of the community & region, quarterly PlanetFootprint reports on water & electricity usage



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Energy Consumption - changes in regional, place communities residential &industry sector energy consumption levels (Country Energy)

Energy efficiency measures uptake

Renewables uptake solar & wind, biofuels capabilities vs transmission capabilities& line losses

Stationary & transport use of fossil fuels to bio-fuels, estimates kms travelled,survey changes in travel, numbers of registered vehicles

Carbon footprint & greenhouse gas emission changesNote gaps identified included embodied energy

Other measures identified but not defined included the development andadoption of new technologies (innovation), resource use and footprints draw-

downs on future generations.

In fact,measurement ofthe Region'senergy footprint,and its transition tosustainability, is astrategic initiative

in itself since todate so much ofour energy use isnot measured, or at least notmeasuredmeaningfully or strategically.



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ENTERPRISINGECONOMY~ diversity, innovation & integration ~

The New England is already home to world class agri-business, education,research and professional services. This business and economic base provides arelatively high level of sustainability together with eco-tourism (including wineries)and culture-based tourism.

The core of the Enterprising Economy Strategy however is to diversify the businessbase, through innovation such as niche, value-adding, attracting tree changers

and retirees and integration such as creating complimentary clusters ofcapabilities, services and products.

This diversification has been widely identified as central to the financial &economic sustainability of the region, particularly due to vulnerability in the eventof any UNE downturn, downsizing or amalgamation.

There are enterprise priorities within other strategies too: High CountryRegeneration nature-based business and enterprise, such as agri-business & eco-tourism; New Energy transport and infrastructure; Health and Wellbeing serviceindustry opportunities; and YOUNG youth specific initiatives centred on opportunities for work and livelihood.


Illustration 5: Regional Development Northern Inland Development Plan(2010 2015)


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Tourism is one of the few areas where you get to spend peoples best days with you! Those days that they work hard all year to have, thats

what we get to share. Susanne Button



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Strategy & Networks ~ Local Economic & Employment Strategy, Forestry Plantation Strategy (Walcha), JobSummits with key stakeholders, Councils & Businesses, NiSBN, online communication strategy for tourism,marketing & economic development, business, economic & financial stakeholders network, ReinvigorateBusiness Houses Group, hub network for enabling downstream regional effects, establish partnerships &Heads of Agreement with regional organisations, commence forums for EDOs, RTOs & Arts NW to exchangeideas & collaboration, map existing businesses, business networking events, quarterly Service ManagersForums, moving beyond relying on volunteerism to paid jobs, striving for better commercial & retail buildingstyle & design, socially & environmentally aware industry, Create new Tourism Organisation

Innovation ~ Support innovative technologies &service industries, Northern Inland Innovation Awards,shared spaces for cultivating new businesses, green

business clusters, help businesses be competitive in aclimate changed world, apprenticeships & innovativeemployment & agencies for people of other cultures,workshops on value-adding niche enterprises,commercialise expertise, develop innovativeinternational links business people partnerships spin-offs, assess fast growing markets outside the regionfor products / services, develop several new highgrowth business selling into large markets outside theregion, accreditation to open up internationalmarkets

Increase Local Economy & Marketing ~ website linksto local producers & suppliers, Shop Localcampaign, redevelop websites into one or more

functional website/s, develop online ticketing & sales,reduce economic leakages, showcase Aboriginalbusinesses & employees to demonstrate that dreamscan become reality, Buy Local Campaigns & UseLocal Tradies, Upgrade & promote Guyra Book business profiles, Survey Guyra Tradies to see whatthey want, establish clearing house for Guyra tradeservices, create an opportunity to purchase itemsfrom the waste management centre

Relocation ~ Emphasis on family place & lifestyle toattract new enterprises , attract 'tree changers' torelocate to region, retain families in Walcha whileworking away in mining jobs nearby

Events ~ Calender of themed events, Craft & ArtMarkets, Sustainable Living Expo, Local food & wineAutumn Festival, Create new Annual Festival (Trout,Motorbike, Music, Sheep & Fine Wool, Art, AlternateFarming) ~ Day Tours, Family Friendly, Group TourismPackages



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KEY FOCUS AREASGovernment ~ investment in regional infrastructure,promote available grants & programs, increasedattention to road surface & bridge condition, $1%

Sustainability Levy (Local Government), createsustainable business growth by identifying barriers,infrastructure, land-use & planning needs, additionaldevelopment land & another cafe & diversified MainStreet business (Guyra), quality affordableinfrastructure & asset sustainability, quality water,waste, sewerage, energy & ICT services, maintainArmidale role as sub-regional centre, reviewregulation government red tape hinderingagriculture, industrial zone & incentives (especiallymedium & light), decentralise governmentdepartments, Rapid Response Teams for closures,downsizing Infrastructure to attract industry, lobbygovernment for innovation & diversification (buildingnon- agricultural business), eg. establishing ansoftware development industry

Tourism (Culture, Heritage, Nature) ~ Investigatemajor tourism infrastructure including a 1,000 seatperforming arts & conference centre, 4-5 star hotel &

eco luxury resort & day spa (Armidale), seek fundingfor redevelopment of Armidale Visitor InformationCentre, Waterfall Way Eco-Tourism Initiative andnetwork as a social enterprise to rehabilitate &extend tracks & become a platform supportingdiverse walking, nature based, eco-tourism & uniqueregional Australian experiences; from super-finemerino grazing country to hidden, lush valleyretreats, Network of Hosts, Themed Packages,Establish Backpacker Accommodation (Walcha),Create new Tourism Organisation, Work withRegional Tourism, New Accommodation (Walcha),Coordinated Information Portal, link smaller ruralplaces, shared booking & visitor management system(fees, advertising & commissions on bookings),promote rail excursions & telling the Story of HighCountry, more emphasis on eco-tourism & usecultural assets (eg. NERAM), packaging & marketingGuyra assets for tourism (snow chasers, mountainbikes, walks, eco-tourism, rail trails), multi-purposecaf information, provisioning centres & eco-lodges), integrated guiding, transport &accommodation packages

New Enterprises ~ Develop & attract new sustainableenterprises to the region - supply chains, textiles,clothing, diversify with new enterprises - higher skills,employment, Agribusiness Supermarket, universalbroadband, investigate installation of free WiFi for town CBDs, Film New England North West, usebroadband to attract new enterprises, attract newbusinesses to an environmental business hub, harnessadvanced technologies, Skilled Migration Program,agricultural activities which are less water intensive,Food & Wine Project, support new industries, carbontrading, bio-banking, solar energy enterprise spin-offs

(eg. Costas Tomatoes), build on retirement town -attract elderly people & flow-on health services &employment, housing development, attractmanufacturing & value-adding industries to regionaltowns, seek venture capital & micro credit for business start-ups

Exporting Education ~ Quarterly meetings witheducation sector to seek educational income,outdoor Educational Tourism environmental &cultural, environmental CRCs, education, health &wellbeing business skills & workshops in planning,marketing & strategic alliances, promote school /TVET Community Learning Resource Centres,Feasibility Study for UNE Rural Dental Program,Commercialise regionality expertise (UNE), Consider potential of UNE electronic-education arm,international sustainability, Address regional skillshortages (survey, new courses, professional

development), facilitate & encourage 'work experience' programs, Federal funding for QuickSmart , Sustainability Touring Seminars to farms,enterprise, involving Landcare, Councillors, landprotection managers & professional bodies & schools,develop an entry level training program for agriculture, mining & construction, communityinitiated strategies to provide Aboriginal communitymembers with skills, experience, entrepreneurialcapacity & resources to engage more actively inlocal economies



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Diverse Economy & Business ~ building on our Strengths & AssetsBusiness start-ups and numbers in region, workforce participation ratesRegional gross value of productionSustainable Businesses -meeting a set of sustainable criteria (eg NISBN) andnumbers of new sustainable enterprises attracted into RegionBusiness output per unit of inputs of energy, carbon, water

Other measures identifiedbut not defined included

development and adoptionof new technologies(innovation), resource useand footprints draw-downson future generations.


Illustration 6: evME Launch, Armidale


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CULTURECREATIVES~ leading & learning for sustainability ~

The cultural dimensions of sustainability are reflected more strongly than anyother strategy or attribute in the vision created at the 'foundation' 2008 PublicForum.

At the deepest level this strategy is about nurturing the values and beliefs whichare aligned with sustainability principles, however this may over simply the greatbreadth to this strategy which: considers culture across generations and time ~ from ancient first Australians,

the Ainawan, to modern global inter-connectedness; is about a culture of learning and growing in capability, adapting and

evolving together; includes taking and sharing leadership, inclusive decision-marking processes,

better working together in partnership and collaboration; considers changing to enhance the richness of life ~ our wealth of spirit ~

while seeking to retain our unique and special identity; and, promotes and uses our strengths and assets to build upon and create new

opportunities.

The ancient story and significance of the New England area for the Anaiwanpeople includes it being a meeting place of higher knowledge. This storylineremains relevant still today, for the Region is distinguished for its learning andinnovation.

These qualities come with a strength of vision: perhaps due to the perspectivegained from the high altitude and big sky, or perhaps being equally spaced


Illustration 7: The Armidale Waldorf School


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KEY FOCUS AREASbetween Sydney and Brisbane affords the community space for its ownuniqueness to flourish.

Progressing sustainability like major change of any purpose requiresleadership, innovation, courage and commitment. This is new territory for humanity and our community, especially considering the nature and scale ofmodern life and lifestyles, population sizes and complexity.

Such pioneering endeavours are characteristic of the communities of the NewEngland: with world class agricultural products and innovative wool-biodiversity

breakthroughs, Australia's first regional University, Australia's first hydro-electricscheme and a willingness to self-determine directions perhaps best reflectedpolitically in having both independent State and Federal Members of Parliament.

Anecdotally the 'cultural creatives' are becoming more visible. Mainstreaminclusions are tree changers and sustainability shifters, however more widely thisgroup includes novel boutique businesses, of which the local and slow foodnetworks are just one example together with heliculture, digital learningcompanies and youth media enterprises.

Increasing the involvement of the community in decision making processes isespecially key. Such 'participatory decision making' has been noted as a highlystrategic way to increase trust and social capital, which in turn are thefoundations for a friendly, inclusive and safe community. It is also key to improveownership of decisions while building sustainability knowledge and experience atthe same time.


Illustration 8: Branding ~ Armidale EvoCities Initiative


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KEY FOCUS AREASThe New England is a place where nature, communities and economies meet. Asa centre of learning and leadership it is well equipped to take leadership on

sustainability.

There is an abundance of more traditional cultural assets too, with significantnatural heritage areas, historic towns and buildings, centres of culture and artcan all be found and combined with authentic local ways of living and receivingthe visitors.

There is a social warmth that comes along with the characteristic cool climate, afriendliness and willingness to share the best of this place and lifestyle.

A story is growing for the people and places of the New England about

connection ~ between the different places throughout the region,connection to the landscape and nature, connection with people and lifestyles, local through to global, connection with art, culture and history and connection with self, through the journey of life.



Illustration 9: Number of Sites Recorded on Aboriginal HeritageInformation Management System in 2004 and 2009 by LGA (Source:

NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change)


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P RIORITIES & C URRENT I NITIATIVES

Outdoor Learning Places and classrooms to discover distinct environments, geomorphology & culturalhistories ~ for students, adults & visitors, communitysustainability workshops & social events, UNE todevelop sustainability programs, peer to peer learning programs & research institutes, informationon how to achieve change, school education for sustainability, community education via shop fronts,integrate ecological economics, climate change,alternative economic theory

Becoming a Lighthouse Community - reaching outto support other communities, connecting withwhat's in peoples' hearts, , taking ownership &responsibility, listening & respect, walking the Talk,apply learning organisation theory to build learningregions, Eco-Uni - green & carbon neutral, create anenabling cultural environment, foster creative vsreactive regional leadership that can co-ordinateenvironmentally aware initiatives Innovativeleadership with less complacency, more energydriven, more vision, co-operation support & actionglued together by strategies for sustainability

Culture of Innovation , develop innovative creativeleaders farm, business & enterprises, Rural CommunityLeadership Programs, UNE Bachelor of Sustainability,experimentation in a sustainable learningenvironment, sustainability knowledge bank for regional, community, international education &training, support community groups in grantapplications to become more effective, sustainabilityhealth checks, applied research partnerships withUNE & Councils, Colleges with sustainable contracts &sustainability officers, succession planning for ageingvolunteers, more funding for regional arts events &facilities to reduce over- dependence on volunteers,develop directory of regional skill base, harness &build regional focus ~ learn with regionalcommunities (local, national, global), achieveagreements for schools being open for wider community use, TAFE Courses Locally (Walcha)

Promoting & Branding New England as a sustainableregion, build regional identity (eg Margaret River),EvoCities Initiative, NEON, build on existing strengths,assets & knowledge, report on significant stories ofchange, Branding Plan, Creative Toolkit, Business &Marketing Toolkits (style guide, templates &guidelines), branding the natural advantages ~ topof the mountain in terms of health & wellbeingsymbols, stories, facts, colours & words, highlightprominent visual examples (eg solar panels buildings,wind turbines), website to broadcast & showcaselifestyle & affordability, Develop Walcha 'Brand',Expand marketing & promotion (TV, Radio, Signage inmajor regional centres), Street Banners, Createinteractive technologies for Tourist Centre, BusinessTraining (Promotion), Information Bay at TownEntrance, Improve Signage, Newsletter, Build webpresence, Track Network eMagazine, poster place,through clubs, printed & e-newsletters, blogs, better inform communities about who and what is beingdone around sustainability (locally & beyond), better communication within and between organisationsaround bridging and supporting sustainabilityinitiatives, better public communication to close thegap between what is actually going on with what isknown to be going on

Keep our Sense of Community in modern &changing world, maintain autonomy & identity ofcommunity, preserve streetscape & character ofplace, maintain unique social fabric, buildingdevelopment that is aligned with heritage &

landscape



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KEY FOCUS AREASBetter Coordinate Working Together , promote & seek partnerships & dialogue around sustainabilityinitiatives & roles, revitalise & develop new sustainable

sister city links, charter & extend, diversify includetrade, education to Japan, China, Link existingorganisations better, Improve communication withwider community, form Grow with Guyra Stakeholder Group, NBN Working Group, start RDANI Chairs Forumto bring together lateral thinking on 'wickedproblems', Uralla Community Climate ChangeForum, convene Walcha Innovation SteeringCommittee, YOUth LEADing the World Congress,Regional global stakeholders network, contribute todeveloping & maintaining sustainability indicators &aligning actions, ADC vision to restructure business toalign with sustainability vision & create a sustainabilityperformance team, more partnership initiatives ofCouncil with stakeholders, UNE Steering Committeewith open internal dialogue around transition tosustainability, develop strategic alliances with other cities, research & other institutions with a strongcommitment to climate change adaptation,Aboriginal cultural heritage partnerships, InvolveLocal Health Advisory Committees, Health Forums &Area Health Advisory Council

Urban & Village Design that is aesthetically pleasing,create a strategy for Walcha town improvements(including Art Gallery), green buildings, sub-divisions &

streetscapes (creative architecture), integration ofart into public projects, interpretive signage, history &heritage, public art & sculpture (Mt Mutton Mural,Backyard Art Park, Hand crafted picnic tables,Mosaics, Sculptural footbridge for The Glen), Art LoanScheme, Apex Peace Park, exhibit art in publicbuildings (Council, Railway), Meeting Placebranding, Cultural Centre, Social history, Art Gallery,Turtle parties, Footprints Project, ensure housingdevelopments & density retain the atmospheres,culture & landscape, support regional variability inCouncil guidelines & regulations, encourage &support property owners to refurbish main streetfacades, learn how to protect & sustainably manageenvironmental & cultural landscapes

Prizes for Positive Work on environmental issues,especially climate change, promote a Hall ofChampions & Icons



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Nurturing a Sustainability New England Culture, Identity & Stories Branding New England as a sustainable region promotion & recognition, visual

evidence & prominent examples eg solar panels on local government buildings, windturbines

Livability Index unemployment, income, lifestyle measures compared to thenational average

Sense of Place & Community & Prominence of Indigenous & Minority groups Agreed Regional Principles on sustainable growth - Regional Charter Carbon Footprint per capita

Data sources including survey of attitudes, perception of visitors, livability etc

Awareness and Capability to Lead and Engage in Sustainable Initiatives andDecision-Making Numbers participating in SLEX, farmers

markets Renewable energy connections, ebates

uptakes Numbers of enterprises & institutions with

sustainable policies & initiatives schools Ethical investment

Data sources include NSW Government Who Cares and the National Values Surveys,identifying regional environmental leadersand notions of self-agency.

Other measures identified but not definedincluded adoption of new technologies(innovation), resource use and footprints draw-downs on future generations.



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SOCIAL INCLUSION & WELLBEINGSocial inclusion, health and wellbeing are interwoven holistic aspirations thatencompass communities which truly include their full diversity of members ~across age and generations, culture and belief, profession and livelihood, colour and origins ~ and they are free to fulfil their wellness across physical, mental,emotional, spiritual, economic and other domains of wellbeing.

The health of a community of course does not depend on its health servicesalone, but on levels of nutrition, education, employment, income and housing,

general standards of hygiene, environmental safety and the availability ofcultural and recreational amenities (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,1994).

Multi-culturalism has been a part of New England society for millenia. Aboriginalpeople have come to the high country as a meeting place to exchangeknowledge and sustain culture for for more than 50,000 years. Five custodianAboriginal Nations have inhabited the area, particularly during the warmer seasons.



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KEY FOCUS AREASAboriginal populations are forecast to grow markedly over the coming two decades and at a greater rate than the wider non-Aboriginal

community. (NSW Government forecasts).- Regional Development Northern Inland Development Plan(2010 2015)

New England's multi cultural origins have continued into the modern era, with theUNE bringing students, staff and visitors from all over the world, significantlycomplementing the cultural diversity that has been part of Australia's postEuropean history. For example, Armidale has the only non-metropolitan mosquein Australia.

In the early 1900s Armidale was a health resort. It has been a centre for healthever since, including associated professional development, learning and provision

of a wide range of health services: mainstream, Aboriginal and complimentary.Increasingly, nature-based activities are also being identified for health-relatedbenefits and opportunities.


Illustration 10: Trends in Aboriginal Population, NorthernStatistical Division (1996-2006), Australian Bureau of Statistics


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There are potential synergies with the High Country Regeneration and EnterprisingEconomy Strategies. For example, the Report Armidale: Healthy People Living and Learning in a Healthy Environment proposed that not only are walking and

cycling tracks a key part of the healthy city program but that health tourism andhealth resorts need to be considered as well.

Health was overwhelmingly identified as the electorate's major issue with 51.89% of survey respondents raking it the number one priority.

2010 Northern Tablelands Electorate Survey~ The shape of the future


Illustration 11: Healthy Community Structure


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Illustration 12: Healthy Cities Model, World Health Organisation, 1997


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Greater Personal Responsibility for health, education& wood heater replacement program to addresswood smoke pollution, increasing access to &knowledge about services, provide informationregarding community health & well-being services,healthy lifestyles & preventative actions, communityeducation campaign about noise impacts of air conditioners & heat pumps on neighbours,encourage developers to design buildings to avoidthe need for heat pumps & air conditioners, healthadvocacy training for community members, educatepatients to enhance their capacity to self manage &make decisions about their own health, increasefocus on disease prevention & health promotion

Master Plans for Open Space & recreational areasensuring shade & water fountains, Develop anAboriginal Health Plan in partnership with localAboriginal people, including partnerships &communication agreement, develop service plansto increase access to services according toidentified priority needs, Public Health Plan whichincludes an extreme heat strategy, Public HealthPlan including education regarding risks associatedwith storms & hail & preventative actions, developlocal holistic models of health services

Available & Appropriate Housing for allsocial groups, affordable & sustainable housing, moreaffordable public housing ~ rent, retain governmentincentives for low income earners & first home buyers,housing sub-division infrastructure (Guyra), AgedCare Housing (Walcha)

Source Healthcare Benchmarks & compare withtown audits, regularly update audit of services, air quality monitoring, consolidate research on Doctor &Specialist service shortages, research successfulAboriginal projects (including business) for replication

Enterprise Opportunities , specialist health units Brain,Injury Care, Aged Services, Wellness health centres,

complimentary medicine, fresh air climate, developa clear vision, personal & corporate wellness & de-stress programs, packages & health tourism,promotion as a healthy place for retirement, EstablishLifestyle Retirement Villages

Outdoor urban spaces conducive to human well-being, parks, gardens that encourage people to

meet, healing journeys & walks along bush tracks for emotional wellbeing, annual community cyclingevent, Get Active Calendar Promotion as part of thewalking track to east coast, Widening Men's Shedactivities (Guyra), Health Complex building onto &integrating with gym, men's shed (Walcha)

Agreement & Cooperation , statement betweenstakeholders, improve visibility & accessibility ofhealth & community services (eg. Co-location,booklet, website, posters), establish Aboriginalreference group, link Aboriginal community, AMS,GPs & health professionals to increase number ofchronic disease management care plans, createlinkages between scientists, politicians & community,promote partnership approach to integrated health,aged, home & community care, hold healthstakeholder forums, health well-being network

Policing for night & weekends (to address antisocialbehaviour), safe inclusive supportive communityenvironment, implement community safety plan,street lighting, 24hr policing, more police powers toenforce law & be more proactive, visible & 'on thebeat' plus freed up from administrative duties,licensed premises close earlier, crime preventionthrough agreements with Local Councils & other keystakeholders, support Liquor Accords



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Health & Wellbeing chronic diseases, minimum life expectancy, immunizationrates, obesity, drug abuse, mental illness, mental, physical & emotional & spiritualwellbeing

Education & Employment participation rates, school, VET & tertiary graduates,literacy / numeracy, early childhood access, workforce participation, wage parity

Housing numbers in government and community housing, waiting lists, evictions,permanency, homelessness, housing affordability & ownership rates

Access to resources, participation in decision-making

Respect cultural inclusion in curriculum, recognition of different learning styles,arrest and incarceration rates, Indigenous & minority group representation onCouncil Data sources include: NSW Housing, Health, Community Services, NEDGP,Local Govt. Northern Region Aboriginal Lands council & Community Housingbodies

Other measures identified but not defined included development & adoption ofnew technologies (innovation).



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YOUNGNearly half the population (45%) of the New England are under the age of 34.30% are aged 10-24 years compared with the New South Wales' average of 19% 1

Retention and attraction of young people to stay, return and migrate to theregion is a key issue, particularly since historically large numbers of young peoplehave left the region during their 20s and 30s. Some return with young families.

This is especially important since anecdotally there is a growing desire of youngpeople to stay or relocate however a key issue is the need for more enterpriseand employment opportunities. More generally there is a need to create a moreyoung person friendly environment and culture, particularly for creative andrecreational pursuits.

As a strongeducational

centre andculture, the NewEngland has arelatively highpopulation ofyoung people,creating a clear benefit (and need) to address sustainability for these stakeholders of the future.

1 2001 Census, Australian Bureau of Statistics


Illustration 13: Focus Magazine: Launch of YOUNG Network

Illustration 14: AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS 2006 Census ofPopulation and Housing, New England

Males Females Persons

Total persons 64,062 66,744 130,806

Age groups:0-4 years 4,258 4,097 8,3555-14 years 9,711 9,336 19,04715-19 years 4,960 4,823 9,78320-24 years 3,810 3,794 7,60425-34 years 6,514 6,934 13,448

29,253 28,984 58,23746% 43% 45%


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KEY FOCUS AREASThe name given to the youth strategy, YOUNG, is the same as the new youthnetwork who formed following the second YOUth LEADing the World Congress

held in 2010.

YOUNG stands for Youth Organisation Umbrella Networking Group.



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Youth Led Network for sustainability, coordinator,opportunities & training in sustainability, leadership &environmental initiatives to overcome disillusionment,Facebook Group, public spaces for youth to beheard, Frog Dreaming Conference, Survey youthneeds (Walcha), Newsletter, Forum, Build professional& practitioner networks, join NGOs

New Enterprises, Traineeships & Jobs, supportingyoung people & local businesses, trades, renewal ofapprentices (particularly Aboriginal), attract newbroadband based enterprises computer skillsappealing to youth, promote support group &programs, youth scholarships, young & flexibleworkforce for ICT, Training for new industries, training& mentoring, harness know-how & enthusiasm todevelop websites & social media portals, sponsoringthe maintenance of track sections by youthorganisations

Encourage younger families to move , addressoutlying school participation decline

Activities & Facilities for Youth , hold a series of forumsto identify facilities needs, Alma Park Skating Rink,Urallarap, Meeting Place, Community Radio Station(Walcha), kid friendly streetscapes, f estival, developpark facilities for children for both locals and visitors,ese multi-purpose school centre & tele-cottage,youth services

Awards , Eco-Youth Awards, Environmental Award,National, architectural students design competitionfor sustainable eco-lodges & refurbishment,sustainable & beautiful City -Region campaignacross the New England, UNE & students, developHealthy Kids program with schools including annualprize for most effective activity

Creative Communication , use cartoons & other creative educational tools



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Indicators for Youth were not specifically considered at the Scorecard RoundTable, however the below measures are potentially relevant.

Education & Employment participation rates, school, VET & tertiary graduates,literacy / numeracy, early childhood access, workforce participation, wage parity

Awareness & Capability to Lead & Engage in sustainable initiatives, decision-making, access to resources, participation in decision-making

Other measures identified but not defined included development & adoption ofnew technologies (innovation), resource use & footprints draw-downs on futuregenerations.



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WILD FLOWERSBLOOM~ a star burst of great ideas & initiatives ~

Ideas that stretch the edges of our current reality and paradigms, new ideas,new technologies, new world views, bold creativity and innovation help make thevision of a sustainable New England come into being over the next century.

Seeding these new initiatives, valuing exploration and supporting experimentationis what the Wild Flowers Bloom Strategy is designed to do.

There are numerous sustainability initiatives in the earliest state of emergence andthis Strategy aims to provide the resources and support for them to have the bestchance of thriving.

Wild Flowers Bloom builds on similar well proven strategies such as micro-philanthropy, micro-finance and social innovation.


Illustration 15: Opera Coop, NESS Public Forum 2010, Simon Mellor


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Life Cycle Models for assessments, life-cycle auditingof resources, sustainability policies for enterprises &institutions, Consumers purchasing based on carbon& sustainability features besides price (carbon milesreduced, recyclability, packaging), user pays systemswith built in rewards for landfill, plastic bag, water,energy usage & carbon emissions, whole of life assetmanagement planning, considering ESD features

Develop Policy Settings (National & State) to supportregional development, Regional Policy Framework,make this Plan useful!!, Establish New EnglandInstitute (whole of government integration),recognise local government in the Constitution,regain control over privatised infrastructure, stopprivatisation of utilities services, collaboration acrossCouncils in community social planning re youth,women, Indigenous, aged groups & LEP's, providingfeedback on impacts of Council decisions,advocate simpler drought assistance supportiveprocesses for farmers & recognition of regionalvariability in drought, more LEP control at local level,ethical legislation

Establish Quality Happiness Well-Being Indicator (likehuman development index), Livability Index,alternative measures of progress to only economic

Implement New Ideas for the next generations,consider socialism

Discover what works & priorities in different regions ,local solutions

New England ENGO Coalition , New EnglandSustainability Office

Highway Traffic , speed & noise, safe parking

Eco Burials Incubator for Wild Flowers

Public Funding , organise a lock-up with keygovernment & regional development bodies to pitch& reach agreement, source state & federal funding

for proactive community initiatives, Localgovernments attract funds & help lead newinitiatives, allocate resources to mitigation &adaptation initiatives, improve access to financialhardship assistance for farmers, Rebate for farmers toretro-fit safe access to tractors

Whole of Community Charter sets out ideals, vision,for well-being & how it can be supported by business& all community, Regional Charter, commitment to

'whole of region' sustainability charter, agreedRegional Principles on sustainable growth, developsustainability principles, Sustainability Planning &Reporting Integration Model (LGA Bridge)



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Indicators for Wild Flowers Bloom were not specifically considered at theScorecard Round Table, however the below measures are potentially relevant.

Development & adoption of new technologies (innovation)

Business start-ups



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EXISTING PLANS, PRIORITIES, STRATEGIESIn addition to the outcomes from the numerous streams of work over 2 years onNESS itself, the following existing plans, priorities and strategies have beenconsidered and integrated, particularly into the Priorities and Current Initiatives:

Climate Change Consensus ~ Uralla, Guyra &Armidale Councils


2010 Northern Tablelands Electorate Survey ~The shape of the future

Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan ~ Uralla,Guyra, Walcha & Armidale Councils

University of New England Strategic Plan (2007 -2010)

Uralla Creative Village

Northern Inland Regional Development Plan(2010 2015)

Healthy People ~ Living and Learning in a HealthEnvironment

Local Government Plans Walcha Social Plan,Armidale Strategic Community Plan, GuyraManagement Plan & Uralla CommunityManagement Plan

Southern New England State of the EnvironmentReport (2008-2009)

NSW State Government North West RegionalCluster

Vision New England Summit Walcha Community Townlife Development Plan

Catchment Management Action Plans ~ Namoi,

Border-Rivers Gwydir, Northern Rivers

Rural and Regional Taskforce Report (2008)

Hunter New England Health Service StrategicPlan & New England Divisions of General Practice

NSW Aboriginal Land Council Northern RegionRegional Economic Development Strategy &Implementation Plan

A detailed summary of the various initiatives identified in these strategies can befound in a separate stand-alone document, however a high level analysis isdetailed on the following pages, highlighting how the numerous initiatives alignwith the seven priorities of the New England Sustainability Strategy.



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S TRATEGY M ATRIX



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ACRONYMSCCCF Climate Change Consensus Forum

HiCUB High Country Urban Biodiversity Project (auspiced by SNELCC)

LAPP Local Adaptations Pathways Project, also referred to as theClimate Change Adaptation Project

LGA Local Government Authority

NERAM New England Regional Art Museum

NESAC Former New England Strategic Alliance of Councils (involvingArmidale Dumaresq, Walcha, Guyra and Uralla), now inactive

NESS New England Sustainability Strategy

NESSiE New England Sustainability Strategy Executive, the governancebody for NESS

NESS1 The establishment and foundation phase of work on NESSundertaken from mid 2008 to early 2009

NESS2 The second phase of work undertaken to extend and complete

NESS during 2010SNELCC Southern New England LandCare Committee

U3CF Uralla Community Climate Change Forum



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ILLUSTRATIONINDEX

ILLUSTRATIONINDEXIllustration 1: Engineered Woodland (SNELCC)................................................................................................................... ...... 7Illustration 2: Number of Recorded Threatened Species by LGA (July, 2009)Source: Wildlife Atlas,National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2009 (www.wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au)..............................8Illustration 3: Launch, New England Community Wind Farm Initiative (2010)....................................................15Illustration 4: Sustainable Energy Continuum........................................................................................................................... 17Illustration 5: Regional Development Northern Inland Development Plan (2010 2015) ..............................21Illustration 6: evME Launch, Armidale........................................................................................................................................... 25

Illustration 7: The Armidale Waldorf School...............................................................................................................................26Illustration 8: Branding ~ Armidale EvoCities Initiative........................................................................................................27Illustration 9: Number of Sites Recorded on Aboriginal Heritage Information Management Systemin 2004 and 2009 by LGA (Source: NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change).............28Illustration 10: Trends in Aboriginal Population, Northern Statistical Division (1996-2006), AustralianBureau of Statistics.................................................................................................................................................................................... 33Illustration 11: Healthy Community Structure........................................................................................................................... 34Illustration 12: Healthy Cities Model, World Health Organisation, 1997..................................................................35Illustration 13: Focus Magazine: Launch of YOUNG Network ....................................................................................40Illustration 14: AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS 2006 Census of Population and Housing, NewEngland......................................................................................................................................................................................................... .Illustration 15: Opera Coop, NESS Public Forum 2010, Simon Mellor........................................................................ 43

Key Focus Areas

Documents

Transcript of Key Focus Areas