SOE Report A4 2003 · 2014. 1. 9. · SoE 2003 The State of the Environment Report (SoE) Report...
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State of the Environment Report 2003
Transcript of SOE Report A4 2003 · 2014. 1. 9. · SoE 2003 The State of the Environment Report (SoE) Report...
State of the Environment Report
2003
SoE 2003Contents
Page
Introduction 3
Towards Sustainability 4
1 Introduction 4
2 Implementing Sustainability 4
Social Environment 5
1 The issue 5
2 Social environment - state 5
3 Responding to social issues 6
Human Settlement 7
1 Introduction 7
2 Urban development 7
2.1 The issue 7
2.2 Urban development - state 7
2.3 Response to the impacts of urban
development 8
3 Non Aboriginal Heritage 8
3.1 The issue 8
3.2 Conserving our heritage 8
3.3 Responding to heritage issues 8
4 Aboriginal Heritage 10
4.1 The issue 10
4.2 Conserving our heritage 10
4.3 Responding to heritage issues 10
5 Urban Planning and Transport 10
5.1 The issue 10
5.2 Transport status 11
5.3 Responding to transport issues 12
6 Waste management 13
6.1 The issue 13
6.2 Solid waste disposal and recycling 13
6.3 Responding to waste management issues 14
7 Noise 15
7.1 The issue 15
7.2 Noise levels 15
7.3 Responding to noise issues 15
8 Open space 16
8.1 The issue 16
8.2 Area of open space 16
8.3 Responding to open space issues 16
Bushland and Biodiversity 17
1 Introduction 17
2 Bushland management 17
2.1 The issue 17
2.2 Extent and condition of native vegetation 17
2.3 Responding to native vegetation decline 18
3 Native flora and fauna 19
3.1 The issue 19
3.2 Threatened and vulnerable species
and communities in North Sydney 19
3.3 Responding to declining species
diversity 19
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4 Introduced flora and fauna 20
4.1 The issue 20
4.2 The status of introduced species 20
4.3 Responding to the impacts of introduced
species 20
5 Fire management 20
5.1 The issue 20
5.2 Fire regimes 20
5.3 Fire management responses 20
Water 21
1 Introduction 21
2 Water quality 21
2.1 The issue 21
2.2 Catchment condition 21
2.3 Responding to catchment condition 23
3 Water use 24
3.1 The issue 24
3.2 Water Consumption 24
3.3 Responding to water demand and usage 26
Atmosphere 27
1 Introduction 27
2 Greenhouse gas emissions 27
2.1 The issue 27
2.2 Annual greenhouse gas emissions 27
2.3 Responding to the greenhouse effect 27
3 Energy Use 28
3.1 The issue 28
3.2 The extent of energy use 28
3.3 Responding to energy demand and
consumption 28
4 Metropolitan air quality 29
4.1 The issue 29
4.2 Atmospheric pollution 29
4.3 Responding to metropolitan air quality
issues 29
Soil Landscape 30
1 Introduction 30
2 Soil erosion 30
2.1 The issue 30
2.2 Potential for soil erosion 30
2.3 Responding to soil erosion 30
3 Acid Sulfate Soils 31
3.1 The issue 31
3.2 The extent of acid sulfate soils 31
3.3 Responding to acid sulfate soils 31
4 Contaminated land 31
4.1 The issue 31
4.2 Extent of contaminated sites 31
4.3 Responding to land contamination 31
References 32
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SoE 2003
The State of the Environment Report (SoE) Reportassesses and informs residents, businesses, schoolsand others of North Sydney Council’s progress inrelation to the environment and sustainability.
This years 2003 report covers the categories of: • Social Environment• Human Settlement
> Urban Development > Non Aboriginal Heritage> Aboriginal Heritage> Urban Planning and Transport > Waste Management> Noise > Open Space
• Biodiversity • Water• Atmosphere• Soil Landscape
Outlined in each category is an overview of theissue which outlines the pressures, the current state
of the environment in North Sydney and theresponses that Council and the community havetaken to manage the issues. There are also a fewtips on how to minimise your impact on theenvironment.
A number of the projects identified in many of thecategories have been funded by the EnvironmentalLevy. North Sydney Council adopted anEnvironmental Levy in 2000. With the approval ofthe Minister for Local Government and support oflocal residents the Levy collects approximately$640,000 per year for five years. Its purpose is tofinance environmental programs and implementinitiatives aimed at conserving the local environment.
Environmental conditions generally do not changesignificantly from one year to the next. If you requiremore detailed information, copies of the lastcomprehensive 1999 - 2000 SoE Report areavailable at Stanton Library and on North SydneyCouncil’s website at www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Introduction
SoE 20031 IntroductionSustainability is a concept that is defined differentlyby different people. It includes such key themes asenvironmental sustainability, intergenerational equity,social justice, cultural diversity, interculturalunderstanding, equity, fair distribution of wealth andresources, democracy and peace.
Sustainability involves considering these factors intoall facets of our lives and businesses. People havedifferent assumptions on how to achievesustainability so the process of achievingsustainability needs to be negotiated.
2 Implementing Sustainability
Council has a number of programs aimed atachieving sustainability. Some of these programsare run as part of Council’s normal operations andothers are funded through the environmental levyand grants. Some of these programs include:
• Sustainability Action Plan (currently beingdeveloped)
• Environmental Management System
• Greenhouse Action Plan
• Water Plan
• Bushland Rehabilitation Plans
• Social and community plans
• Environmental Levy program
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Towards Sustainability
SoE 2003Social Environment
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1 The issue North Sydney’s population is approximately 59,000and trends indicate further increases. In addition asignificant increase in numbers occur daily withpeople coming to North Sydney for work, schooland tertiary institutions. At certain times of the yearand for special events tens of thousands of peopletravel to North Sydney to watch boat races,fireworks or simply picnic by the harbour. Marketsas well as a range of other festival events attractthousands more to the civic parks and main streets.
Loss of boarding house stock continues to impact onhousing affordability. Increased housing densitiescreate a demand for outdoor spaces and communityactivities. High commercial rents are leading tolosses in community based services organisations.
Childcare affordability and waiting lists for childrenunder two is a growing concern. With greaterdensities of youth and non-English speaking peoplein surrounding areas, resources are being directedto these areas, and away from North Sydney.
Through the precinct system, meals on wheels,Bushcare, historical services and childcare thecommunity is very active as volunteers. NorthSydney’s social policies may be described asprogressive with strong community involvement inreconciliation, environmental and political issuesrelating to the disadvantaged.
North Sydney is generally regarded as a safecommunity by its residents, however safety has beenidentified in community surveys as an issue ofgrowing concern.
2 Social environment - state
North Sydney incorporates two CBDs and a diverserange of residential areas. A large percentage ofthe population is over 18 and a substantial numberof people live alone (over 20%). The populationmay be described as wealthy and highly mobile.
The dwelling densities are higher than most otherparts of Sydney with four in five residents living inmedium / high density housing. North Sydney hasa higher proportion of aged persons than the rest ofSydney. Approximately 32% of residents were bornoverseas with half of these from English speakingcountries. 14% speak a language other thanEnglish, with the largest groups speaking Japanese,Cantonese or Mandarin.
North Sydney has a high level of day time visitorswith approximately 53,000 people travelling to workand of the 15,000 students attending schools andtertiary institutions, only one in five lives in the area.
North Sydney CBD is one of the largest in Australiawith a wide range of employment opportunities. Theprincipal commercial activities in North Sydneyinclude advertising, marketing, informationtechnology, finance, telecommunications, retail andproperty development.
SoE 2003Social Environment
North Sydney Council has a strong link withcommunity volunteers. Volunteers assist Council in anumber of programs including BushCare, communitymarkets, community and neighbourhood centres,meals on wheels, home visiting, medical transport,youth programs, children’s festival, art and culturalprogram, and seniors. Volunteers not only provideCouncil with an invaluable resource but alsoprovide opportunities to further develop socialnetworks and communities.
Indicator: Over 535 active volunteers
3 Responding to social issues
In recent years the popularity of outdoor dining andspecialty shopping has revitalised traditionalneighbourhood shopping centres throughout Sydney.In North Sydney the Council is working inpartnership with local retailers and businesses toimprove the ambience of these local shopping areasthrough its streetscape program. Council hasestablished streetscape committees for Cammeray,Cremorne, Crows Nest, Kirribilli and Neutral Bay.
North Sydney Council’s Streets Alive program is anopportunity for members of the community toparticipate in creating and caring for gardens onpublic land. Streets Alive is similar to Council’spopular and effective Bushcare program. LikeBushcare, Streets Alive draws on the time, skills andcommitment of volunteers to enhance the beauty ofNorth Sydney.
The program builds on what is already happeninginformally throughout North Sydney as manyresidents currently help maintain public gardensnear or adjacent to their property. Streets Alive alsorecognises these volunteers for their work andprovides them with the support and resources theyneed to continue.
Streets Alive also provides gardening opportunitiesfor those who don’t have a garden of their own. It
fosters community stewardship of public openspaces and encourages participation in gardeningas a recreational activity.
Council’s capital works program and the Section 94levy on development applications provides fundingfor meeting the increased need for open space, childcare, library and community centre facilities, as wellas library materials and facilities and other services.
Council funds community transport, and has a jointventure with the Department of Housing to providelow cost accommodation. Affordable child care issupported through subsidy of a range of communitybased and not for profit child care centres, anddiscounted spaces for others, as well as throughoperating Family Day Care and Vacation Care.
Council operates the “Stanton Library” and has arich program of historical activities and publicationsand events such as the “Writers at Stanton”.
Youth needs are addressed through a range ofrecreational facilities and Council’s Youth Centreand it programs. Where issues relate to Federaland State Government policies, Council isrepresented on working parties and undertakeslobbying through the Local Government Associationand other avenues.
Council also provides social planning and communitydevelopment functions by working with localcommunity centres, non-government organizations,and state agencies to achieve the objectives of theCommunity Plans. These include youth, families,elderly, safety, people with disabilities, Aboriginalpeople, ethnic and cultural diversity.
Council considers support for community basedsocial and environmental movements if they alignwith council policy or are otherwise endorsed byCouncil resolution. Council already sponsors aLiquor Accord between the Police and licensedestablishments, and its Community Safety Committeemeets regularly to discuss, plan and lobby forimprovements in personal and public safety.
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SoE 2003Human Settlement
1 IntroductionIssues associated with increased development are aconcern to local residents. Further development notonly impacts on the amenity of an area but theprovision of urban infrastructure and householdconsumption have many impacts. These include theremoval of native vegetation, displacement andextinction of native animals, pollution of ourwaterways through stormwater, sewage and directsources, air pollution, the build up of solid andliquid wastes, and the generation of greenhousegas emissions.
2 Urban development2.1 The issue
Increases in population puts pressure on theenvironment and community services. We modifythe land features, consume water and energy andproduce waste, sewage, noise, air and waterpollution. Community concerns about rates andtypes of growth need to be considered whenassessing the increased number of developmentapplications. With an increase in numbers ofpeople that live and work in North Sydney, Councilis faced with the challenge of meeting communityconcerns and providing adequate facilities andopportunities for growth.
2.2 Urban development - state
North Sydney is predominantly characterised byhigh and medium density residential and is one ofAustralia’s large commercial centres. Figure 1 showsthat a significant percentage of dwelling types inNorth Sydney are higher density with a slight trendtowards more higher density housing since 1991.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census Data.
In 2002/03 North Sydney Council received 649development applications. The majority of thesebeing medium and high density residential. Inaddition, there were a large number of commercialdevelopment applications.
Core Indicator: Development activity - number ofdevelopment applications received and approvedby type. Refer to figure 2.
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otherunits/apartments
semidetached
separatehouse
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figure 1: dwelling types - north sydney
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figure 2: development applications
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2.3 Response to the impacts of urban development
• St Leonards Public Domain Strategy promotes StLeonards as a major new mixed use centre. Itaims to reduce the dominance of the motorvehicle in St Leonards, and hence make the areamore “pedestrian friendly”. St Leonards isundergoing a transition from a bland commercialcentre focused on the Pacific Highway, to athriving mixed use centre that is takingadvantage of the St Leonards Railway Stationtransport hub. In conjunction with the Strategy, anumber of amendments to the StLeonards/Crows Nest Character Statement inthe North Sydney DCP 2002 were recentlymade.
• Community consultation - Council has anongoing program of seeking community inputand ideas on new plans and initiatives. Forexample, Council facilitated discussions betweenrelevant landowners, the community and stategovernment authorities concerning options forfuture use of the Military Road Island.
• An amendment to North Sydney LocalEnvironmental Plan 2001 was gazetted on 28February 2003 that zones and redefines theNorth Sydney Centre, introduces objectives and
development controls, and lists additionalheritage items. Most importantly, it includescontrols that will allow an additional250,000m2 of commercial floorspace to beadded to the Centre, with no net increase inovershadowing. To complement the new LEP, theDevelopment Control Plan for the CommercialZone was refined and a Character Statement forthe North Sydney Centre was prepared.
3 Non Aboriginal Heritage3.1 The issue
Continuing development places the followingpressures on built heritage:
• Increased land values result in a desire tomaximise development potential of sites and thedemolition of sites causing the loss of culturalheritage;
• Development reflecting current trends, rather thanexisting character; and
• Increasing car ownership resulting in garagesand carports replacing garden settings.
3.2 Conserving our heritage
North Sydney Council prides itself on its heritage,both Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal. Large portionsof the North Sydney area have been identified ashaving heritage features and are identified asconservation areas. North Sydney contains a richand diverse cultural heritage of buildings andplaces, open spaces, streetscapes, and urban form.These all contribute to a sense of identity andplace. Much of this valuable heritage is ownedprivately.
3.3 Responding to heritage issues
Cultural heritage in North Sydney is protected byCouncils LEP 2001 which identifies approximately2000 items and specific conservation areas.Development in these areas is strictly controlled toensure that the cultural heritage is maintained.
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SoE 2003Human Settlement
• Graythwaite - Council has facilitated ongoingdiscussions between local residents,neighbouring property owners and theDepartment of Health toward seeking agreementon future uses of the site. The public meetingshave lead to the development of a series ofprinciples to guide the future use andmanagement of this important site.
• Urban Design Panel - six-person panel meetsmonthly to provide advice on major Councilprojects, as well as large-scale developmentapplications within the Mixed Use, Commercialand Residential C zones of the North SydneyCouncil area. It aims to facilitate a higherquality urban environment for the residents and
workers of North Sydney by providing expertadvice to architects and developers during theearly stages of their application. The Panel firstmet in August 2002, and since then over 25proposals have been discussed.
• An amendment to North Sydney LEP 2001 liststhe Customs Marine Centre, 56 Ben Boyd Rd,Neutral Bay as a heritage item. The listingincludes Ben Boyd’s pump, the remnant sea walland the man made accretions in the natural rockface located the Customs Marine Centre asheritage items on schedule 3 of the NSLEP2001.
All of the North Sydney Local Government Area hasan Area Character Statement applicable to it. TheseCharacter Statements are located in DCP 2002 andmust be taken into account when assessing adevelopment application. The character statementsare divided into sub-areas, and some may contain asection on a specific group of sites (eg a side of astreet) or just one site. Applicants need to considerhow their proposal will affect the character of theirarea. The character statements have been derivedfrom the Area Character Study that was undertakenin 1998, however they are modified on an ongoingbasis as is appropriate.
The planning areas and sub-areas identified are asfollows (maps showing these areas are found inDCP 2002).
> North Sydney Centre > St Leonards/Crows Nest> Cammeray> Kirribilli> Lavender Bay> Neutral Bay> North Cremorne> South Cremorne> Waverton/Wollstonecraft
Within these there are 25 specific locationsidentified as having conservation values.
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4 Aboriginal Heritage4.1 The issue
A general lack of knowledge and understanding ofAboriginal heritage has led to unintentional damageof sites and in some cases vandalism of sites. Sitesthat are destroyed are lost forever.
Aboriginal heritage may also suffer damage as aresult of land clearing for building activities, roads,landscaping, track construction and visitation.
4.2 Conserving our heritage
North Sydney contains an abundance of Aboriginalcultural heritage. To date approximately 60 siteshave been identified in the North Sydney area.These include Occupation Sites, Shell Middens,Open Camp sites, Rock Shelters, Shelter with Art,Isolated finds, Axe Grinding Grooves, Bora orCeremonial ground, Burials, Rock Engravings,Scarred Trees, Carved Trees, Stone Quarry, OchreQuarry and Water Holes.
Aboriginal sites are an important factor inAboriginal culture and the broader community. Thereare a significant number of sites in the NorthSydney Council area and while many of these havebeen recorded, it is likely there are many more thathave yet to be identified. All Aboriginal sites havelegal protection under state and federal law.
4.3 Responding to heritage issues
A strategy for the conservation and management ofAboriginal sites within North Sydney has beendeveloped. The sites, which are registered with thenew Department of Environment and Conservation(includes the former National Parks & WildlifeService). The strategy includes a comprehensiveregister of all sites, provides recommendations ontheir conservation and management and outlinesopportunities for their care and management.
In partnership with Lane Cove, Willoughby andWarringah Councils, North Sydney funds the
position of an Aboriginal Heritage manager to takea regional approach to protecting Aboriginal sitesand cultural heritage.
A key role of the Aboriginal Heritage Manager is topromote a greater understanding of Aboriginalheritage and culture within the community. This isachieved by working with schools and othercommunity groups, and delivering programs whichinclude guided tours and talks.
Council’s Bushcare volunteers are trained inAboriginal heritage issues as many of the sites arelocated where these groups work.
5 Urban Planning and Transport5.1 The issue
Commuters more than double the local populationeach day, with approximately 53,000 peoplecoming into the area for work (ABS, 2001). Afurther 15,000 students attend schools and tertiaryinstitutions in the area. To access resources, shops,employment, education and health facilities, leisureactivities and community events, people rely ontransport. An ageing public transport system and the
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SoE 2003Human Settlement
continued increase in ownership of private cars, hasled to increased traffic congestion. Transport affectsair quality and contributes to the greenhouse effect.Motor vehicles consume non-renewable energysources, increase noise levels and reduceneighbourhood amenity. Traffic congestion andfumes discourage cyclists and pedestrians. Theprovision of transport corridors lead to associatedcosts including land required for roads,fragmentation of habitat and communities,simplification of ecosystems and problemsassociated with the increase in polluted stormwaterrunoff (EPA, 2000).
5.2 Transport status
The core indicators used to show trends in transportover time include the average annual daily traffic(AADT) on the major roads, the type of transportpeople take to get to and from work, and thepercentage of trips by residents using publictransport.
Source: Transport Volume Data, RTA 1999
Figure 3 shows that there has been a generalincrease in traffic volume in five of the sixmonitoring sites in North Sydney Council area.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census Data.
Figure 4 shows that there has been a modest increasein the use of public transport and a reduction in caruse as a mode of transport to work. It is desirable thatthis tend continues, however this must also be lookedat in relation to the increase in traffic volumesexperienced in the North Sydney area, due toincreased through traffic from other areas.
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pacific hwy(berry st)
pacific hwy(myrtle st)
shirley rd(crows nest)
ernest st(west of merlin)
falcon st(east of miller)
miller st(cammeray)
1996 1999
figure 3: daily traffic volume - local roads
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figure 4: method of travel to work
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SoE 2003Human Settlement
5.3 Responding to transport issues
Traffic and transport issues are addressed in theNorth Sydney Traffic Strategy 2002/2003. Thestrategy aims to manage and reduce negativeimpacts of motor traffic on the North Sydney area,created within and externally.
The five key strategies include:
Commuter StrategyAims to reduce car usage and influence modalchoice while ensuring that those who choose todrive help pay for the environmental and amenityimpacts. This will be achieved through streetparking fees in areas heavily used by commuters;resident permit parking schemes which givepreference for on-street parking to residents; and byincreasing vehicle occupancy, reducing congestionand increasing use of public transport.
Through Traffic StrategyAims to manage through traffic by calming traffic onheavily used local collector/distributor roads andconcentrating on improving street environmentsthrough the provision of Boulevard style roads.Arterial or regional roads are treated with morefootpath planting, distributor roads will haveintermittent planting in parking lanes. In the longerterm, provision of new public transport routes willhelp reduce or delay through traffic pressures.
Villaging StrategyShopping centres should be the focus of their localarea through the creation of more village-likefeatures including improved landscaping, streetfurniture and parking and less emphasis on trafficmovement and balancing amenity with traffic.
�Movement Without Cars� strategyThe theme of movement without cars is to establishan environment that has positive visual cues thatencourage non-motorised travel.
Residential Amenity StrategyResidential areas to be improved by calming localtraffic through a range of measures addressing localneeds.
Road Safety Strategic Plan 2002-2005Council has also developed a Road Safety StrategicPlan (2002-2005) that outlines objectives andstrategies that Council, the community and otherstakeholders can implement to promote road safetyin North Sydney. The Plan helps to identify andbetter understand the causes and behaviouralaspects of road crashes, and issues relating to roadinfrastructure in North Sydney.
Strategies to be implemented to address road safetyare done through targeted educational programs.The programs attempt to improve road userbehaviour by focusing on the identified priorityissues of Drink Driving, Speeding, PedestrianAwareness, Driver Fatigue, Pedal Cyclists,Motorcycle Awareness and School Safety. Allprograms are ongoing.
To aid the process, a Road Safety SteeringCommittee has been established and is responsiblefor planning and monitoring the implementation of
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the Road Safety Plan. The role of the Committee isto ensure that the relevant sections of Council areaddressing the strategies.
One of the key strategies for safer roads is the40km speed zones in the CBD, implemented in2003.
North Sydney Council has also reached anagreement with the State Government to fund anupgrade of the North Sydney Railway Station by2010. The upgrade will improve access to theStation and increase its capacity, as well asimposing further restrictions on on-site parking. Thisensures that all growth in the North Sydney Centreis public transport-led. The remainder of the fundingwill be from developers who increase theirfloorspace in the North Sydney Centre.
6 Waste management6.1 The issue
Australia is one of the highest per capita producersof domestic waste. Waste can impact on humanhealth, waterways and groundwater, amenity andcontributes to air pollution, the enhancedgreenhouse effect and contaminated land. The bestway to reduce the impacts of waste is avoidgenerating it or reuse, recycle and reprocess whatwaste you cannot avoid.
With rising disposal costs and restrictions placed onamounts disposed to landfill sites, it is important thatcouncil and its community reduce the amount ofwaste being produced.
6.2 Solid waste disposal and recycling
Figure 5 shows the total amounts of waste intonnages since 1990. Since 1990 the total amountof general garbage has reduced and the totalamount of recycling has increased.
Core indicator - total resources to landfill, totalresources recycled.
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Transport Tips
• Use public transport.
• Car pool.
• Ride a bicycle.
• Walk to the shops.
garbage recycling greenwaste clean-up
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figure 6: waste tonnages per capita
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SoE 2003Human Settlement
Core indicator - Total resources to landfill/capita,total resources recycled/capita, total greenwastecollected/capita
As can be seen from figure 6 there is a generaldecrease in the amount of waste being producedper capita since 1991 and an increase inrecycling.
As at 30 June, 2003, each household in the NorthSydney Council local government area generatedon average approximately 336 kilograms of wasteper annum and 240 kilograms of recyclables.
In terms of the Greenwaste collection service thatCouncil offers on a fortnightly basis, it is apparentthat on average less than 3% of the householdsutilise this service. This is not surprising consideringthe predominant dwelling characteristic of theCouncil area is medium to high density housing, (units, townhouses etc) with minimal garden space.
6.3 Responding to waste management issues
Council is currently participating in a Joint NorthernSydney Region Organisation of Councils (NSROC)tender. Expressions of Interest for the provision ofwaste transfer, processing and disposal services forNSROC member Councils have been sought andassessment will include the viability of AlternativeWaste Technology that demonstrates sustainableenvironmental practices as an option to totallandfilling.
Community education initiatives include informationpackages, local paper advertisements, talks andpresentations, composting and worm farmdemonstrations and advise to developers and realestate agents on best practice design of garbagestorage areas and recycling systems. Council iscoordinating the School Community Recycling AllPaper (SCRAP) program involving local primary andsecondary schools, aimed at implementing better environmental practices within schools includingwaste reduction.
Council has initiated a public place recycling binstations for a six month trial at three highly visitedsites - Bradfield Park, Tunks Park and Balls HeadReserve. The bin stations comprise of bins forcontainer recycling for glass bottles, jars, aluminium& steel cans and plastic bottles and garbage.
Waste Minimisation Education Programme for theCommercial Sector - The campaign involves thedistribution of pamphlets and posters providingwaste minimisation tips & hints to educate thecommercial sector to reduce waste. The commercialsector has lagged behind the domestic sector intaking practical measures to reduce waste andconsidering that almost half of the waste disposedof comes from the commercial and industrial (C & I)sector this is a significant issue. Council will beencouraging businesses to take initiative tointroduce internal waste avoidance and resourcerecovery mechanisms in their operations.
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Waste Reduction Tips
• Compost.
• Reuse shopping bags or take yourown.
• Return your unwanted medicines toour pharmacy.
• Buy products that have minimalpackaging.
• Use Council’s recycling service forglass, paper, plastic and aluminiumcas.
SoE 2003Human Settlement
7 Noise7.1 The issue
Noise pollution can be offensive or intrusive andinterfere with people’s everyday activities. Mostnoise pollution is associated with urbandevelopment such as transport noise (traffic, rail,aircraft), construction, demolition and excavationnoise, neighbourhood and recreational noise. Theamount of noise is likely to increase due toincreased development activities in North Sydneyand rising traffic levels.
7.2 Noise levels
Noise levels in North Sydney are generallyassociated with commercial premises, social events,construction sites, traffic and domestic airconditioners. The transport corridors through NorthSydney are a major source of noise, particularly thePacific Highway, Military Road and the WarringahFreeway.
Council receives numerous complaints regardingnoise and these are outlined in figure 7. The mostcommon noise complaints are construction sites,traffic related, exhaust/plant equipment, airconditioning and licensed premises.
7.3 Responding to noise issues
The DCP 2002 provides requirements for newdevelopments to control noise and acoustic privacy.It aims to control noise levels from newdevelopments and its affect on adjoining residentsto minimise ‘background creep’. In some areas,including the CBD, Military Rd and some parts ofCrows Nest existing noise levels are already highand North Sydney Council is attempting to controlmaximum noise levels and stop background levelsfrom rising further.
Council responds to noise complaints. In caseswhere noise complaints are received Council usesthe Protection of the Environment Operations Act1997 to regulate the situation and /or acts as amediator working with parties towards a solution. Asuitable solution is not always possible, however,and residents should be mindful of this when movinginto an area where existing businesses areoperating.
Conditions are placed on development consentsrequiring developers to utilise quieter machinerywhere possible and any proposal that will involvegeneration of noise.
Under Council’s LEP 2001, development consentmust be obtained for any new air conditionerinstallation that cannot meet the ExemptDevelopment criteria. This criteria, includesrequirements to control noise levels. Council maytake action under the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979 if air conditioners are notproperly installed.
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figure 7: noise complaints - number & type
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SoE 2003Human Settlement
8 Open space8.1 The issue
The area for open space and recreational facilitiesis limited by available land. As populationincreases, more people want to use the existingopen space and facilities. This put pressures on theavailable open space as Council must ensure itmeets the needs of a growing community.
8.2 Area of open space
There is approximately 147 hectares of open spacein North Sydney. This includes playing fields, parks,and bushland areas.
Approximately 59,000 people live in North SydneyCouncil area, so the average open space perperson is approximately 24.9 m2 of open space perperson. As population increases relative to availableopen space, the average area of open space perperson will decline.
8.3 Responding to open space issues
Open space is recognised as an importantcomponent of the urban environment. It providesopportunities for recreation and leisure. The OpenSpace Plans of Management provide a frameworkwithin to develop a balanced response to currentopportunities and address future pressures.
The Plans of Management identify clear objectivesand establish directions for planning, resourcemanagement and maintenance of North SydneyCouncil’s open space areas. The Plans ofManagement provide a basis for assigning prioritiesin works to ensure that the open space in NorthSydney is properly managed to meet the needs ofthe community. There are open space plans forNorth Sydney Oval, Bradfield Park, Smoothey Park,Forsyth Park, St Thomas Rest Park, CremorneReserve, St Leonards Park, Bushland, NeighborhoodParks, Sports grounds, Foreshore Parks andPlaygrounds.
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SoE 2003Bushland and Biodiversity
1 IntroductionBiodiversity is the web of life - the sum total of allliving organisms in the world. It is a key requirementfor healthy and functioning ecosystems, which arethe life support systems of our planet. They providea service that we cannot replicate. This includesmaintaining the atmosphere, regulating climate,providing freshwater supplies, generating andmaintaining top-soil, disposing of waste, controllingpest and disease and pollinating crops (EPA,2000). However, loss of biodiversity is occurring atan alarming rate. Below are just a few of thepressures human development has placed onbiodiversity:
• Land clearing (habitat loss);
• Habitat fragmentation;
• Habitat degradation (removal of hollow bearingtrees, removal of understorey,mowing/maintenance of cleared understorey);
• Introduction of exotic species;
• Unsustainable use of bio-resources;
• Pollution of waterways;
• Altered flows of waterways (i.e. increased flowsin wet weather due to sewer overflows andurban runoff);
• Wetland drainage;
• Global climate change; and
• Ozone layer depletion
2 Bushland management2.1 The issue
To protect biodiversity it is critical to conserve nativevegetation. Habitat loss relates to speciesextinctions through the removal of valuableresources. Some of the pressures on bushlandinclude:
• Weed infestation;
• Urban development:
• Inappropriate recreational activities;
• Unauthorised clearing by residents
• Stormwater run-off and sewer overflows;
• Phytophora fungus (die back in eucalyptus);
• Absence of the natural bushfire regime; and
• Impacts associated with development adjacentto bushland.
2.2 Extent and condition of native vegetation
North Sydney has nearly 47 hectares of bushlandthat supports over 130 native fauna species and350 native flora species in an area ofapproximately 11 sq km. Most of the bushland islocated on the foreshores of Middle Harbour andPort Jackson.
100% of North Sydney Council’s bushland ismanaged by either professional contract bushlandregenerators or by North Sydney Council’s Bushcarevolunteers.
The condition of North Sydney’s bushland variesfrom good to very poor. Good bushland areas aretypically away from the major impacts ofurbanisation such as stormwater, illegal dumping ofwaste and private property encroachment. Soilconditions in these good bushland areas remain ina condition similar to pre-European influences.Typically, these soils are low in nutrient, sandy withlow pH. These undisturbed soils sustain a widevariety of native flora and fauna species.
Bushland in poor condition has been impacted byurbanisation in a negative way. Stormwater, whichis usually high in nutrients, and the dumping ofwaste significantly alters the natural soil conditions,introduces weed seed and thus degrades thebushland. Soils in poor bushland areas are high innutrients, especially phosphorus, and have a highpH. These conditions usually result in the dominanceof a few weed species and are areas of lowbiodiversity.
Page 17
SoE 2003Bushland and Biodiversity
Core indicator: Area of bushland (Ha) in the activecare of the community and Council. Also expressedas percentage of total bushland area. 100% ofbushland in North Sydney is actively managed. 5%by Bushcare volunteers and the remaining 95% bybushland management contractors.
2.3 Responding to native vegetation decline
BushcareNorth Sydney Council has over 75 active Bushcarevolunteers who give their time and effort in restoringbushland areas around North Sydney. There arecurrently 13 Bushcare sites and they contribute atleast 3000 volunteer hours per year. If this work iscalculated as being $15 / hr, this saves Councilover $45,000 a year. Their commitment topreservation of natural areas and the benefit oflocal knowledge on the flora, fauna andenvironmental changes is invaluable.
Year 1999 2002 2003 Average no of 54 73 75volunteers workingper monthTotal hours 2974 3380 3000completed peryear (averaged)$ value of volunteer $44,610 $50,700 $45,000participation peryear ($15/hour)
The Native Havens Program (formerlycalled �Bush Friendly Backyard Program�The aim of the Native Havens Program is toincrease the biodiversity in private properties inNorth Sydney. These fauna habitat backyards formimportant habitat corridors that provide food andshelter to native fauna moving from one bushlandreserve to another.
The program provides:
• Free “Live Local - Plant Local” flora brochure
• Free advice from consultant who visits yourproperty
• Free indigenous plants approximately 40 perproperty
• Free mulch
• Lending of tools to complete the planting
Over 60 properties have joined the Native HavensProgram in the 2002-03 financial year.
Community planting days on 15 sites in NorthSydney contribute to over 10,000 indigenousseedlings being planted over the last twelve months.The majority of the seedlings were planted in theformer BP site at Waverton, Shellbank Reserve,Badangi Reserve, Waverton Park, Harry HowardReserve and Cremorne Point.
Council aims to reduce the impacts of urbanisationby:
• Limiting the number of stormwater outlets flowinginto bushland areas.
• Controlling the direction of flow of stormwaterthat need to run through bushland.
• Reducing the nutrient load entering thestormwater system by street sweeping andcommunity education.
Page 18
SoE 2003Bushland and Biodiversity
• Capping with crushed sandstone andrevegetating edges of highly degraded bushlandareas.
3 Native flora and fauna3.1 The issue
Since European settlement much of the bushland inNorth Sydney LGA has been cleared fordevelopment. Only 4.5% of the original bushlandremains. The small pockets of bushland that remainin North Sydney are minimal remnants compared tothe overall remnant areas of the North Shore. Thishas resulted in unknown number of local extinctionsof native plants and animals.
There have been confirmed sightings of a number ofspecies of flora and fauna. This means that carefulmanagement of our bushland areas is essential toensure the ongoing survival of these and otherspecies in the local area.
3.2 Threatened and vulnerable species and communities in North Sydney
Supporting indicators: number of locally significantand threatened species/ communities.
Threatened and Vulnerable Species: In NorthSydney Council area there is 69 species ofindigenous flora that is either classified asThreatened or Vulnerable. (as per the NSWThreatened Species Conservation Act 1995).
There are no threatened or endangered communitiesin North Sydney Council area.
3.3 Responding to declining species diversity
Bushland Rehabilitation Plans have been developedfor Middle Harbour and Port Jackson catchments.These plans assess each bushland area in NorthSydney and identify and prioritise the issues that areaffecting the viability and longevity of the bushland.
They also provide a range of actions and programsto conserve and rehabilitate the bushland areas.Actions include weed management, education andvegetation planting.
Fauna Rehabilitation Plans - The FaunaRehabilitation Plans for Port Jackson and MiddleHarbour Catchments aim to address the impactsplaced on native fauna. Recommendations havebeen made to reduce the pressures placed onnative fauna and management guidelines have beendeveloped to ensure habitat is rehabilitated andprotected. Management issues addressed in theFauna Rehabilitation Plans include: bushregeneration practices; community education; feraland feral animal control; creation of greencorridors, fire management; provision of fresh watersources; definition of formal walking tracks; lighting;installation of nesting boxes; and installation oftraffic calming devices.
Page 19
SoE 2003Bushland and Biodiversity
4 Introduced flora and fauna4.1 The issue
The introduction of feral animal species, inparticular, foxes and cats, has led to the decline ofnative mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs throughpredation and competition for food and habitat.Introduced plant species or weeds compete withnative plants for sunlight and space and reducenatural vegetation that can impact food and habitatavailability for native fauna.
4.2 The status of introduced species
Supporting indicator: fox baiting program stats.
1 fox trapping program was conducted in2002/2003 with no success.
4.3 Responding to the impacts of introduced species
North Sydney Council has undertaken fox controlprograms in some of its bushland areas.
The Bushland Rehabilitation Plans include worksaimed at controlling noxious weeds and provide forrehabilitation and regeneration works. Weed mapshave been complied and they assist Council inreducing weed infestations. An important componentof the Bushcare volunteer program is eliminatingweeds from the bushland areas.
5 Fire management5.1 The issue
Bushfire is a natural part of the Australianenvironment and our ecosystems have adapted overthousands of years to fire. Some plants haveadopted strategies to cope with fire (e.g. burial ofseeds, fire-resistant seed coverings) and otherspecies rely on fire to facilitate reproduction.
If bushfires occur too frequently within an
ecosystem, plants may not have enough time togrow, flower and produce seeds. If bushfires occurtoo infrequently, some species that rely on fire forgermination may become locally extinct. Thereforefire regime impacts upon the ecosystem’sbiodiversity.
5.2 Fire regimes
Supporting indicators:
> no of wildfire events: nil
> area burnt from hazard reduction: approximately1 hectare in total
> % of hazard reduction area of total bushlandarea: 1/45 of the total bushland area
5.3 Fire management responses
Over 15 successful pile burns have been completedin Forsyth Park, Berry Island and Gore Cove.Badangi Reserve has been prepared for broad acreburns to reduce fuel load and to regeneratebushland areas. This burn should take place in2004.
Page 20
Biodiversity Tips
• Plant native species - they need lesswater.
• Don’t use excessive pesticides andherbicides.
• Water plants in the evening or earlymorning - not during the heat of theday.
• Keep your cats indoors at night.
• Become a Bushcare volunteer.
SoE 2003Water
1 IntroductionIn urban areas, stormwater generated by rain runofffrom impervious or hard surfaces (roofs, roads,driveways, footpaths etc) is piped to a nearby creekor river to prevent onsite and localised flooding.This stormwater is not treated before it enters thewaterways and therefore transports sediments, litter,pollutants, and nutrients. By piping stormwater to alocal waterway, the velocity and volume of thewaterway is increased causing scouring, changedwater regimes and increased distribution ofpollutants.
2 Water quality2.1 The issue
Clean water supports a healthy ecosystem andthereby our own health. However, the reserve isalso true, a healthy ecosystem generates andmaintains a clean water supply and hence benefitsour own health.
Our community demands we have clean water for avariety of uses including drinking, washing,irrigation and recreation. However, urbandevelopment resulting in the loss of vegetation,pollution, altered flow rates, sedimentation and theintroduction of exotic species all lead to reducedecosystem function and hence poor water quality.
2.2 Catchment condition
The North Sydney catchment area is significantlydegraded. Creek-lines have been modified withmost of the length of creeks lying underground orconfined to concrete channels. As a result of theseimpervious surfaces, increased runoff volumes carryurban pollutants through drainage systems into thesurrounding harbour.
Drainage in the northern part of the North Sydneylocal government area (Cammeray, Crows Nest,parts of Neutral Bay and Cremorne), flows toMiddle Harbour. In the southern part (CremornePoint, Neutral Bay, Kirribilli, Milsons Point,McMahons Point, Waverton, Wollstonecraft, CrowsNest), drainage flows to Sydney Harbour.
Water Quality Analysis Program Water quality monitoring is undertaken in NorthSydney at the following sites: Willoughby Creek,Quarry Creek, Forsyth Creek, Careening Cove,Waverton Creek, and Berrys Creek. This is carriedout on a monthly basis and results indicate thatrunoff water quality is generally poor.
In general, the water quality for North Sydney isfairly poor and falls outside the Australian waterquality guidelines developed by ANZECC.
For the purposes of reporting, environmental valueshave been selected against which results can beanalysed. These values use a predeterminedselection of parameters as shown below:
Environmental value Parameters usedProtection of Aquatic Alkalinity, Total Nitrogen,ecosystems Ammonia, Oxidised
Nitrogen, Filterable Reactive Phosphorus, Total Phosphorus, BOD5, Suspended Solids
Human Recreational PH, Faecal Coliforms,Water Quality Clarity, Temperature
Page 21
SoE 2003Water
When the results are analysed, methodology that isused determines if water quality is improving, hasshown no change or is deteriorating for the twoenvironmental values chosen.
As the map indicates, water quality at all six siteshas remained relatively stable with the exception ofWaverton Station, Willoughby Creek, andCareening Cove sites. These sites are showing signsof deterioration with the main cause beingincreased levels of phosphorus. Particularly highlevels of phosphorus were recorded for these sites inthe months of March, April May 2003. Thiscorrelates with the highest rainfall months for thesampling year as demonstrated.
Rainfall data from Observatory HillBureau of Meteorology
2002 July 24.2mm2002 August 19.8mm2002 September 21.8mm2002 October 5.8mm2002 November 31.8mm2002 December 75.0mm2003 January 13.6mm2003 February 59.4mm2003 March 132.0mm2003 April 192.2mm2003 May 348.6mm2003 June 76.4mm
Page 22
LavenderBay Wharf
McMahonsPoint Wharf
LunaPark Wharf
JeffreysStreet Wharf
BeulahStreet Wharf
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High Street Wharf
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OldCremorne
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K IRRIBILL IPOINT
BLUES POINT
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NEUTRALBAY
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LONG BAY
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MOSMANBAY
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St LeonardsPark
NorthSydney
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SawmillersReserve
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GROSVENOR STREETMILITARY ROAD
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PINE STREET
PINE STREET EAST
MORDEN STREET
ATCHISON STREET
CHANDOS STREET
DONNELLY ROAD
DEVONSHIRE STREET
MACKENZIE STREET
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willoughbycreek
willoughbycreek
forsythcreek
forsythcreek
careeningcove
careeningcove
wavertonstation
wavertonstation
berrycreekberrycreek
quarrycreekquarrycreek
LEGEND
HUMANRECREATION
improv ing
no change
deter io ra t ing
AQUATICECOSYSTEMS
dra inage
water qua l i t y co l lec t ion s i tes
SoE 2003Water
Heightened levels of phosphorus in water bodieswithin a highly urbanised environment is verycharacteristic. Sources of phosphorus include sewerdischarges, pet faeces and detergents.
Macro invertebrate sampling program North Sydney Council and Willoughby City Councilhave been monitoring key stream sites in thecatchment areas of Middle Harbour and PortJackson. Monitoring of macroinvertebrates andstream geomorphology was introduced in 2001 togive information on stream ecology, habitat andhydrological impacts as well as to provide anintegrated index of water quality.
Three sites in North Sydney Council area aremonitored in spring and autumn. These areWilloughby Creek, Berrys Creek and Quarry Creek.The measurement of ecosystem health is done usingthe AusRivAS and Signal Indexes. These areseparate biotic indices for macroinvertebrates. Forboth indices all three sites in North Sydney are inthe lowest range, indicating poor water quality.
The Macro invertebrate sampling program measureschemical and biological parameters against theAusRivAS and Signal indices. Sampling undertakenin the last year shows that overall, the water qualityin North Sydney Council area is poor. Aquaticecosystems consisted of a relatively poor diversity offauna and macroinvertebrate biota were typical ofstressed urban streams in Sydney. (Tuft 2003). Boththe Signal and AusRivAS indices indicate that thesites measured are severely impaired, in poorcondition and have very poor water quality.
The streams studied reflect the impact of urban landuses and also show the effects of variable flow(drought followed by a number of high flow events).The highly impervious catchments result in highvelocity runoff which scours streambeds and washesout biota leading to a selection of organisms that‘cling’ to substrates and find refuge in bottomsediments. These generally recolonise quickly andlead to limited diversity at the sites. (Tuft 2003).
2.3 Responding to catchment condition
North Sydney Council has recently committed toparticipate in the International Council for LocalEnvironmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI) Water Campaign.See section 3 Water Use.
A review of Stormwater Plans for Middle Harbourand Port Jackson Catchments has been completed.The review involved the identification of regionalbased actions that have been incorporated into therecently developed ‘Draft Water Plan’. Actionsidentified include
• A coordinated approach to managing GrossPollutant Traps across North Sydney Council andWilloughby Councils
• Education program targeting specific stormwaterissues such as littering and cigarette butts
Page 23
SoE 2003Water
• Management of sedimentation and runoff frombuilding sites
• Consistent Development Control Plan acrossCouncil
• Increased community awareness of stormwaterhealth
• Increased information sharing amongst Councils
Council has increased and improved its streetsweeping program to prevent litter and othervegetation from entering the creeks and harbour.
The community based Yellow Fish Road Stencillingprogram involves stencilling drains with the imageof a yellow fish, a symbol of healthy and cleanwaterways.
North Sydney Council has obtained funds fromDepartment of Environment and Conservation(includes the former EPA) to look at improvedefficiency of maintaining its Gross Pollutant Traps.This will enable Council to better manage thesedevices in the future.
Councils’ Environmental Protection Officer regularlyinspects businesses and work sites to ensure thatenvironmental controls and safeguards are beingproperly implemented and assists businesses indeveloping plans to help them protect water quality.Council is working with the marinas to assist them inensuring they protect water quality.
Core Indicator: Macroinvertebrate data (see section2.2 Catchment Condition)
Supporting data:
• Litter removed from Gross Pollutant Traps GPT) -approximately 250 tonnes was collected fromGPTs in North Sydney Council area last year
• No. of complaints re. sewer overflows andwater related incidents: 114 incidents werereported and acted upon
• Catchment monitoring results - refer to the mapin section 2.2 Catchment Condition
• Street Sweeping program - 696 tonnes oforganic matter collected
3 Water use3.1 The issue
Australia is one of the highest per capita users ofwater in the world but is the driest continent (exceptfor Antarctica). A number of dams supply Sydney’swater needs. These are under pressure fromincreased demands from a growing population. Itappears that Sydney’s water supply from the existingdams is finite and increased demand for water, andincidents of drought may lead to water shortages inthe future.
3.2 Water Consumption
Water consumption can be linked to rainfall. Figure8 shows that since 1987 Sydney has had bothabove and below average rainfall, with a trendtowards lower rainfall.
Core indicators: - Total annual water consumptionand Rainfall
Page 24
Water Wise Tips
• Wash your car on the grass - notthe road or driveway.
• Sweep footpaths - don’t hose them.
• Pick up pet droppings.
• Use low phosphorous orphosphorous free detergents.
• Put rubbish in the bin.
SoE 2003Water
Source: Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology.
Water consumption and storage capacity ispresently a critical issue for the Sydney Region. Arecent report prepared by an alliance of peakenvironmental groups in NSW (PENGOs) hasrecommended that reform is required to reduceSydney’s current consumption levels of 630GL/yearto what is thought to be sustainable consumptionlevel of 500GL/year. Integral to this problem isreduced rainfall levels resulting in below averagedam storage levels. Over a six month period in2003, storage levels have not risen above 60%and consequently enforceable water restrictions
have recently been introduced. Of increasingconcern is the notion that the greenhouse effectcould be contributing to Sydney’s droughtconditions. A recent study undertaken by WorldWildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has found thathuman induced global warming is a key reason forthe Australian drought of 2002 being so severe.During 2002, Australian experienced its lowestMarch-November rainfall in more that 50 years,being less that 50%. WWF predicts that the impactof drought could worsen as global warmingaccelerates
Figure 9 shows the total water consumption forNorth Sydney Council’s operations since 1987/88.while this has varied, there is a trend towardshigher consumption over this period.
Figures 10 and 11 indicate that North SydneyCouncil local government area has a slightly belowaverage water consumption for residential housesand units than the rest of the Sydney area.
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1987/1
988
1988/1
989
1989/1
990
1990/1
991
1991/1
992
1992/1
993
1993/1
994
1994/1
995
1995/1
996
1996/1
997
1997/1
998
1998/1
999
1999/2
000
2000/2
001
2001/2
002
2002/2
003
figure 9: nsc water consumption
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
kilo
litre
s june 19
91
june 19
92
june 19
93
june 19
94
june 19
95
june 19
96
june 19
97
june 19
98
june 19
99
june 20
00
june 20
01
june 20
02
june 20
03
sydney, blue mountains, illawara average north sydney
figure 10: houses - average water consumption
40
60
80
100
kilo
litre
s
1987/1
988
1988/1
989
1989/1
990
1990/1
991
1991/1
992
1992/1
993
1993/1
994
1994/1
995
1995/1
996
1996/1
997
1997/1
998
1998/1
999
1999/2
000
2000/2
001
2001/2
002
2002/2
003
rainfall average rainfall
figure 8: sydney rainfall
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
mm
SoE 2003Water
3.3 Responding to water demand and usage
North Sydney Council has recently committed toparticipate in the International Council for LocalEnvironmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI) Water Campaign.The Water Campaign is an international watermanagement campaign that focuses specifically onurban water resource issues. It provides aframework for the systematic identification,evaluation and management of the water resourceissues facing Local Government at the Corporate,Community and Catchment levels. The frameworkutilises a milestone system, and to date thefollowing actions have been completed:
Milestone One: Inventory of Water consumption forCorporate and Community Sectors for two financialyears
Milestone Two: Development of goal to reducewater consumption across corporate and communitysectors
Milestone Three: Development of a Water Plan(draft version) - development of actions to reducewater consumption
North Sydney Council has recently joined theSydney Water Every Drop Counts Business program.This program will assist Council to evaluateperformance in water management and provide apathway for improvement. Two sites have beenidentified for evaluation - North Sydney OlympicPool and St Leonards Park including North SydneyOval. Special water meters have been installed fora 12 month period to assist with evaluation.
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june 19
91
june 19
92
june 19
93
june 19
94
june 19
95
june 19
96
june 19
97
june 19
98
june 19
99
june 20
00
june 20
01
june 20
02
june 20
03
sydney, blue mountains, illawara average north sydney
figure 11: flats/units - average water consumption
30
40
50
kilo
litre
s
Water Saving Tips
• Many household products and fittingsare now approved under theNational Water ConservationLabelling Scheme. Always look forproducts with at least a ‘AAA’ ratingso as to improve water efficiency.Products such as Clothes WashingMachines, Dishwashers,Showerheads, toilets and wateringsystems all fall under the LabellingScheme.
• Use a broom to clean pathwaysrather than a hose. Ten minuteshosing driveways and paths usesaround 200 litres of water.
• When washing the car, use a bucketand sponge.
• Maintain lawn area around 5cm highto reduce evaporation, as the bladesof grass will shade each other.
• Water your garden in the coolest pastof the day, preferable in the eveningsor mornings when evaporation is less.
• Native plants are generally morewater efficient. Mulching gardenbeds will keep soil moist, and allowyour plants to grow faster.
SoE 2003Atmosphere
1 IntroductionThe atmosphere plays a major role in regulating theweather and climate, and is therefore critical insupporting all life (EPA, 2000). Human activityreleases harmful gases into the environment, whichcan result in ozone depletion, enhanced greenhouseeffects and localised and global air pollution.
2 Greenhouse gas emissions2.1 The issue
When sunlight reaches the atmosphere some of it isreflected back into space and the remainder entersthe atmosphere. The gasses in the atmosphere trapthe heat, warming the planet from -18°C to anaverage of 15°C. This is a natural phenomenon,however it is commonly recognised that humanactivity has increased the concentration ofgreenhouse gasses and affecting climate change inwhat is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect(SEDA, n.d.).
2.2 Annual greenhouse gas emissions
Core indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions(tonnes/year). See section 3.2 Extent of EnergyUse.
Emission Rates Almost everything involves energy consumption.Here are some examples of the greenhouse gasemissions from everyday activities.
Driving a car 6,000 kg per year
Fridge 1,100 kg per year
Shower 1,000 kg per year
TV 100 kg per year
Light 200 kg per year
2.3 Responding to the greenhouse effect
See sections 3 Energy Use and 4 Metropolitan AirQuality
Council has purchased a number of natural gaspowered vehicles to replace existing petrolpowered ones.
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SoE 2003Atmosphere
3 Energy Use 3.1 The issue
Most of our energy comes from coal-fired powerstations. Coal is a non-renewable source thatcontributes to urban air pollution and the enhancedgreenhouse effect. The demand for energy hasincreased not only because of increases inpopulation size but also because of consumerhabitats. Additional appliances in our homes(dishwashers, computers, air conditioners etc) andpoor housing design mean that we are consumingmore energy than in the past.
It is now widely accepted that the increasing levelsof greenhouse gases being released into theatmosphere are causing an enhanced greenhouseeffect. This is predicted to cause a rapid change inthe Earth’s climate that will have a negativeenvironmental, social and economic impacts.
3.2 The extent of energy use
Energy Usage for the last financial year forCouncil’s five highest use sites is as follows:
ElectricityOlympic Pool Energy Tonnes of Co2 Trees needed toconsumed emissions absorb emissions
1415222kWh 1588.35 779,708
Council ChambersEnergy Tonnes of Co2 Trees needed toconsumed emissions absorb emissions
613342kWh 688.37 337,992
North Sydney OvalEnergy Tonnes of Co2 Trees needed toconsumed emissions absorb emissions
306251kWh 343.72 168,765
North Sydney Library (25%)/1 James Place (75%)Energy Tonnes of Co2 Trees needed toconsumed emissions absorb emissions
1100346kWh 1234.96 606,364
North Sydney Central Depot Energy Tonnes of Co2 Trees needed toconsumed emissions absorb emissions
153179kWh 171.92 84,412
Gas Consumption1 North Sydney Council Chambers 1607 mJ = 39
trees needed to absorb greenhouse gasemissions
2 North Sydney Pool 9 344 491 mJ = 229,407trees needed to absorb greenhouse gasemissions
3.3 Responding to energy demand and consumption
AS part of Council’s commitment to InternationalCouncil for Local Environmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI)Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Program, aGreenhouse Action Plan (GAP) was developed in2002 which identified opportunities for Council toreduce greenhouse gas emissions. Identified actionsimplemented during the 2002/2003 financial yearinclude:
• SEDA Energy Smart Business Program PartnerAction Plan which identified a range of energyprojects for Councils top energy consumptionsites
• Continued use of 25% Green Power for Councilsenergy consumption sites
• Development and implementation of a strategyto reduce emissions from Councils vehicle fleet
• Improved efficiency & introduction of alternativefuels for waste and recycling services contractfleet
• Installation of a solar hot water system atCouncil administration building as part of theCCP Milestone 4 assistance program
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SoE 2003Atmosphere
A total of 1786.66 tonnes CO2 have been savedover the 2002/2003 financial year as a result ofprojects implemented to reduce emissions fromCouncil buildings and services. This is equivalent totaking 298 cars off the road for one year. Councilhas successfully reduced emissions by 34.3% on1996 levels in one year.
North Sydney Council was recently awardedMilestone 3 & 4 of the CCP Program, and willcommence on Milestone 5 in early 2004.
4 Metropolitan air quality4.1 The issue
Air pollution can occur naturally (fires, dust) or as aresult of human activities. Air quality is generallypoorest in cities as a result of vehicles, industriesand fires for domestic heating.
4.2 Atmospheric pollution
Core indicator: total number of high pollution days(Lindfield station) - data not available
4.3 Responding to metropolitan air quality issues
Refer to Human Settlement section 5.3 Respondingto transport issues.
Councils Environmental Protection and HealthOfficers regularly inspect premises in response tocomplaints and issues affecting air quality. Thesemay be odours, smoke or dust from building sites.
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Air Pollution PreventionTips
• Insulate your home.
• Sign up for Green Power.
• Buy energy efficient appliances andlight fittings.
• Install a solar or heat pump hot watersystem.
• Catch public transport.
• Ensure your car is well maintainedand regularly tuned.
• Plant a tree.
SoE 2003Soil Landscape
1 IntroductionClearing of native vegetation, agricultural andurban development and irrigation have allcontributed towards land degradation. The changein land uses brought about by European settlementhas resulted in acidification of soils, rises in thewatertable, salinisation and erosion (EPA, 2000).
2 Soil erosion2.1 The issue
The common causes of soil erosion in North SydneyCouncil is the loss of vegetation cover, modificationof the soil landscape (by earthworks or compacting)and increases in surface runoff from impervioussurfaces such as roof, road and footpaths.
2.2 Potential for soil erosion
As North Sydney is a steep and highly urbanisedcatchment area, the constant pressures of newdevelopments from building sites place significantpressures on the local waterways.
During periods of rain, sediments and debris fromconstruction sites can be washed into thestormwater system, which is eventually dischargedto the harbour. As there is always going to beconstruction sites, the pressures on the localwaterways are significant.
2.3 Responding to soil erosion
North Sydney Council has recently reviewed itsDevelopment Control Plan to incorporate strictererosion and sediment controls to ensure constructionsites are properly managed.
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SoE 2003Soil Landscape
Councils Environmental Protection Officer isregularly monitoring and educating contractors toensure that construction work sites are properlymanaged and that runoff of soil is controlled.
3 Acid Sulfate Soils3.1 The issue
Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) are naturally occurringsediments containing iron sulphides found in somelow lying coastal areas. Left undisturbed they arerelatively benign, however disturbance of thesesediments exposes them to oxygen and sulphuricacid is formed. The acid may damage the soil,cause vegetation die-back and pollute streams andgroundwater.
3.2 The extent of acid sulfate soils
North Sydney Council has a number of sitesidentified as ‘possible affected areas’ that wereidentified by the Department of InfrastructurePlanning and Natural Resources (formerly DUAP).These sites are located along the foreshores andand estuaries along Middle Harbour and PortJackson. Disturbance to these soils may impact onthe harbour.
3.3 Responding to acid sulfate soils
North Sydney Council has identified specific sitesthat have the potential to contain acid sulphatesoils. The North Sydney LEP 2001 provides as partof a condition of consent a proper assessment ofany development that may impact on the sitesidentified. This includes the preparation of an acidsulphate soils management plan.
4 Contaminated land4.1 The issue
Many past industrial and agricultural processes areresponsible for leaving contaminated material
behind. Contamination can even occur onresidential properties from excessive pesticide andherbicide use and from the flaking of lead-basedpaints. Contamination can affect both human healthand ecosystem health.
4.2 Extent of contaminated sites
North Sydney Council has identified a number ofsites that potentially may have contamination, basedon their previous land uses. These have beenmapped on a draft contaminated site map and arefurther assessed during the planning process. Todate no site has been identified as havingsignificant contamination.
A number of sites in North Sydney have beenpreviously used as landfill sites. These sites havebeen modified and rehabilitated over the years andare currently used as open space and playingfields. Investigations of two of these sites, PrimrosePark and Waverton Park indicate that there is nosignificant contamination present and they areappropriate for their current uses.
4.3 Responding to land contamination
In accordance with SEPP 55 Remediation of Land,North Sydney Council has identified sites that mayhave the potential to be contaminated. These sitesare assessed for contamination when a land useapplication is received. The assessment willinvestigate the extent of contamination if any, and ifremediation is required, Council will ensure it is acondition of consent.
Council has also identified its playing fields forinvestigations for potential contamination. Four sitesidentified include Primrose Park, Tunks Park,Waverton Park and Anderson Park. To dateWaverton Park and Primrose Park have beenassessed for Preliminary Soil and Groundwatercontamination.
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SoE 2003References
Australian Bureau of Statistics Census figures 2000
Bureau of Meterology www.bom.gov.au 2003
EPA State of the Environment Report: NSW 2000
North Sydney Council State of Environment Report 2000
Sustainable Energy Development Authority www.seda.nsw.gov.au/gh_background.asp 2003
Sydney Water Water consumption figures 2003
Total Environment Centre www.tec.org.au/member/tec/news/media/20030806
_pengo.html 2003
Tuft, R Macroinvertebrate Sampling Program, Middle Harbour
and North Harbour Catchments Autumn 2003
WWF Australia www.wwf.org.au 2003
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