Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee
Agenda
7 November 2018
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 that a Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee meeting of ORANGE CITY COUNCIL will be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange on Wednesday, 7 November 2018.
Garry Styles
General Manager
For apologies please contact Administration on 6393 8218.
Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee 7 November 2018
2.1 Minutes of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee - 19 October 2018
3.1 Renewable Energy Initiative
1 Introduction
1.1 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests
The provisions of Chapter 14 of the Local Government Act, 1993 (the Act) regulate the way in which Councillors and designated staff of Council conduct themselves to ensure that there is no conflict between their private interests and their public role.
The Act prescribes that where a member of Council (or a Committee of Council) has a direct or indirect financial (pecuniary) interest in a matter to be considered at a meeting of the Council (or Committee), that interest must be disclosed as soon as practicable after the start of the meeting and the reasons given for declaring such interest.
As members are aware, the provisions of the Local Government Act restrict any member who has declared a pecuniary interest in any matter from participating in the discussion or voting on that matter, and requires that member to vacate the Chamber.
Council’s Code of Conduct provides that if members have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest, the nature of the conflict must be disclosed. The Code of Conduct also provides for a number of ways in which a member may manage non pecuniary conflicts of interest.
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Recommendation It is recommended that Committee Members now disclose any conflicts of interest in matters under consideration by the Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee at this meeting. |
RECORD NUMBER: 2018/2693
AUTHOR: David Waddell, Director Development Services
EXECUTIVE Summary
The Environmental Sustainability Community Committee met on 19 October 2018 and the recommendations from that meeting are presented to the Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee for adoption.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “7.2 Preserve - Ensure best practice use of renewable energy options for Council and community projects”.
Financial Implications
Nil
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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That Council resolves: 1 To acknowledge the reports presented to the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee at its meeting held on 19 October 2018. 2 To adopt the recommendations 2, 3.3, 3.5 (two recommendations) and 4.1 from the minutes of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee meeting of 19 October 2018 being: 2 That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee held on 3 August 2018 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee meeting held on 3 August 2018. 3.3 That Council develop an energy reduction target for its own facilities 3.5 (i) That the Committee acknowledges the current activities of staff, but recommends Council seek additional resources to focus on biodiversity, including data collection and mapping. (ii) That Council acknowledges the passing and achievements of Ian Kiernan, the founder of the Clean Up Australia organisation, conservationist and environmental campaigner, who passed away on 16 October 2018. 4.1 That the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee review and update the Committee Action Plan before the next meeting. 3 That the remainder of the minutes of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee at its meeting held on 19 October 2018 be adopted. |
further considerations
Consideration has been given to the recommendation’s impact on Council’s service delivery; image and reputation; political; environmental; health and safety; employees; stakeholders and project management; and no further implications or risks have been identified.
ORANGE CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE
Environmental Sustainability Community Committee
HELD IN Committe Room 3, Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange
ON 19 October 2018
COMMENCING AT 8.00AM
Attendance
Cr S Nugent (Chairperson), Cr J McRae, Cr M Previtera, Ms Shahreen Alford, Mr Robert Alford, Mrs Neina Campbell, Mr Ronald Finch, Mr Andrew Kennedy, Mr Nick King, Ms Melanie McDonell, Mrs Anne Salter, Mr Cyril Smith, Mr Peter West, Ms Kate Willoughby, Director Development Services, Water Treatment Manager, Manager City Presentation, Manager Waste Services and Technical Support, Divisional Administration Officer – Development Services
1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence
1.2 Acknowledgement of Country
1.3 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests
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That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee held on 3 August 2018 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee meeting held on 3 August 2018. |
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TRIM Reference: 2018/2607 |
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Notices of Motion to Local Government NSW Conference The Chair outlined that there are six Notices of Motion which are going to the Conference, four of which have direct relevance to the Committee (summarised below): · that the NSW Government outline plans for actions it intends to take to reduce the price of electricity for regional businesses, manufacturers and communities · that the NSW Government places priority on working with NSW and Australian Governments to address the current recylcing crisis · that the NSW Government urgently respond to the ACCC’s report on its Electricity Supply and Prices Inquiry · that the NSW Government be lobbied to adopt renewable energy targets that at least match those set by Victoria All of Council’s Notices of Motion are on the agenda conference, albeit some of them combined with Notices of Motions from other councils. Grants The Director Development Services outlined current relevant grants to the Committee. The Committee discussed the NSW Environmental Trust and Rehabilition Grants, applications for which close at 3pm on Monday, 3 December 2018. The grants are to support government entities and the community in protecting, restoring and enhancing the environment. Renewable Energy The Director Development Services outlined the current status of the renewable energy project. Tree Protection The Director Development Services spoke of a future report to Council on tree protection. Waste Management – Community Recycling Centre; E Waste A verbal update was given by Wayne Davis, Manager Waste Services and Technical Support. The opening date for the Community Recycling Centre is Sunday, 28 October following EPA approval to operate (NB: approval was subsequently granted on 24 October 2018). The new centre has bins for e-waste, including smaller electrical items (such as hairdryers, toasters etc) as well as bins for all other household hazardous wastes, which includes: household batteries or car batteries, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, gas bottles, fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, lead and water based paint, motor and cooking oils, acids, solvents, alkalis and chemicals. |
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3.1 Council Update (cont) TRIM Reference: 2018/2607 |
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Waste Management – Community Recycling Centre; E Waste (cont) Salvaged goods for the Recovery Shop can now be delivered to the centre undercover, unlike the current situation where goods are delivered and quite often left in the open. The Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre is being held on Saturday, 27 October from 8am to 4pm. Council is utilising the services of Environmental Treatment Solutions from Blayney for the first time, and it was agreed that using a regional company is a positive move. Household quantities of hazardous waste (up to 20kg or 20 litres) can be dropped off, including paints, chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, acids and fluorescent globes/tubes. The event is being advertised on Council’s website and the Committee was encouraged to spread the word about the collection. It was suggested that the Committee be given a tour of the waste facility, including the new Community Recycling Centre, perhaps in conjunction with a tour of the stormwater harvesting scheme and including the powerpoint presentation of the stormwater harvesting scheme which was presented to Council. Mr Davis advised that a tour of the waste facility would be best during working hours in order to see all operations and that it would be advisable to hire a bus. He also said that the powerpoint presentation could be given in the Education Centre at Ophir Road before the tour. Jon Francis advised that a tour of the stormwater harvesting scheme was certainly possible. Action: that the next scheduled meeting of ESCC (Friday, 7 December 2018) be in the format of a tour of the Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre and the stormwater harvesting scheme, including the powerpoint presentation of the stormwater harvesting scheme. Recreational Use of Orange Water Storage Areas The Director Development Services and the Chair outlined the current status of the Council proposal for more use of Gosling and Spring Creek dams. Mt Canobolas – Plan of Management and Mountain Bike Proposal Mr West asked for an update on the Mt Canobolas mountain bike park proposal. The Director Development Services outlined that the Plan of Management is under consideration by the Minister and staff. Stormwater Harvesting Scheme It was requested that the Committee be shown the stormwater harvesting scheme presentation that was given to Council. It was decided that the presentation could be given in conjunction with a tour of the harvesting scheme and the Ophir Road Resource Recover Centre (see “Waste Management” above). |
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TRIM Reference: 2018/2608 |
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A schedule for Sustainable Living Weeks (5 to 18 November 2018) was provided to the Committee by Nick King, and he requested that the Committee help with advertising and dissemination. A focus of the event is looking at small things that members of the community can do to further sustainable living. The Committee agreed that it was a great opportunity for members of the community to become involved with some of the events and that the Committee needs to spread the word and get as many people involved as possible. Anne Salter advised that the solar farm at Manildra is running tours on Saturday, 27 October 2018. She will circulate further details to the Committee. The Director Development Services outlined that Council will be holding a forum on energy prices at the function. |
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TRIM Reference: 2018/2610 |
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The Government Architect’s Office has produced the Draft Urban Design for Regional NSW and the Committee is encouraged to read the document and make submission if needed. Submissions close on 31 October 2018. It was noted that it was a positive step forward that the State has realised that it needs to have some input into design in regional areas into the future. |
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TRIM Reference: 2018/2611 |
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Biodiversity The Biodiversity Project Team has highlighted that there are opportunities to support Council in seeking funding to address lack of data and lack of information about making decisions well. The group intends to support Council in its grant applications There is also an opportunity to partner with Land Care etc to engage with “Bio Blitz” to target areas and use these events as educational activities. |
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RECOMMENDATION Ms S Alford/Mr P West That the Committee acknowledges the current activities of staff, but recommends Council seek additional resources to focus on biodiversity, including data collection and mapping. |
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Energy Energy has been covered above under Item 3.3 Energy CO2 Reduction. |
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Water Cycle Anne Salter advised that she will send an update email on the Water Project Team’s progress. |
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Plastics and Education The Plastics Team has been liaising with the Education Team and together have identified four areas to pursue. The two teams will be meeting again to work on these areas. Cr McRae advised that the NSW Tidy Towns Awards will be hosted by Orange from Friday, 9 November to Monday, 11 November 2018, and that they align with Sustainable Living Week. |
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3.5 Project Team Reports (cont) TRIM Reference: 2018/2611 |
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Plastics and Education (cont) There was discussion about “soft plastic” recycling and which supermarkets in Orange do this. Some of the Committee members requested more information about soft plastic. There was discussion about whether or not biodegradable bin liners could be used in the Council organics bins. Mr Davis advised that although they are available, Council has banned the use of bin liners because of the risk of non-biodegradable bags being used. The bags end up being shredded with the organic material, and shredded plastic would mean that Council’s compost would not meet the Australian Standard. |
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RECOMMENDATION Cr J McRae/Cr M Previtera That Council acknowledges the passing and achievements of Ian Kiernan, the founder of the Clean Up Australia organisation, conservationist and environmental campaigner, who passed away on 16 October 2018.
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4 General Reports
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TRIM Reference: 2018/2612 |
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Recommendation Ms S Alford/Mr Cyril Smith That the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee review and update the Committee Action Plan before the next meeting.
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The Meeting Closed at 9.54AM.
RECORD NUMBER: 2018/1793
AUTHOR: David Waddell, Director Development Services
EXECUTIVE Summary
On 1 May 2018 Council resolved as follows:
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RESOLVED - 18/202 Cr S Nugent/Cr M Previtera 1 That in accordance with Council’s commitment to the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) and in the interests of Council leading by example in responsible energy consumption, Council adopt the following five pledges as a framework for future renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport projects: · Power Council operations by renewables, directly (with solar PV or wind), or by purchasing Greenpower (from electricity retailers). Set targets to increase the level of renewable power for Council operations over time. · Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all Council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures. · Public lighting can use a large proportion of a City’s energy budget - roll out energy efficient lighting (particularly street lighting) across the municipality. · Ensure that new developments are designed to maximize public and active transport use, and are designed to support electric vehicle uptake · Implement an education and behaviour change program to influence the behaviour of Council officers, local residents and businesses within the municipality to drive the shift to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport. 2 That any Council projects proposed in support of the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) Pledges which require resources not currently budgeted, come before Council for consideration and adoption subject to Council staff analysis and recommendation.
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In addition, the Economic Development Community Committee requested of the Environmental Sustainability Community Committee:
The members of the EDCC raised a number of issues within a strategic planning session of the committee that are more appropriately managed by the ESCC. The issues raised within the strategic planning session were:
1 Council to investigate the use of green/renewable energy by Council and the broader community
2 Secure Tesla and universal charging stations to encourage the use of ev’s
3 Secure a collective renewable energy purchasing for businesses (community) in Orange
Members of the EDCC were advised that these issues were to be passed to ESCC.
In addition the Community Strategic Plan process resulted in an outcome as follows - 7.2. Ensure best practice use of renewable energy options for Council and community projects
In accordance with this clear strategic direction, this report addresses a solar power and battery project that has been developed by Council staff and technical advisors as well as community members who have put their time into assisting staff. Particular thanks goes to Messrs Robert Alford and Ron Finch.
A project has been established that would see approximately 685 kW of solar panels being installed on Council assets, together with a single battery installation at Orange Airport as a pilot case. The facilities proposed include the Orange Airport, Aquatic Centre, Orange Regional Library and Art Gallery, the Orange Regional Theatre, the STP and WTPs.
The project will see up to 9% of Council’s energy bill ultimately eliminated and set Council well towards a meaningful renewable target for its operations. The proposed system will be capable of reducing Council’s greenhouse gas emission output of up to 3,132 tonnes of CO2 p.a. This is the equivalent of powering 225 houses or powering one electric car to travel 6.2 million kilometres.
In line with Council’s resolution above, a project cost benefit has been developed which shows a payback period of less than four years, after which Council will benefit from savings which can be used either to offset rising energy prices or for other purposes.
Staff have submitted grant applications to cover this project under the following grant programmes,
· Smarter Cities and Neighbourhoods;
· Growing Local Economies; and
· Resources for Regions.
The fate of these grants will be known in the next few months. If unsuccessful then the project will be bought to Council for a tender procurement process.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “7.2 Preserve - Ensure best practice use of renewable energy options for Council and community projects”.
Financial Implications
As outlined in this report Council has the option of either a Power Purchase Agreement across the project or a capital spend. Significantly ongoing operational savings can be gleaned from capital outlay over the midterm. This question will need resolving once the fate of grant applications is known.
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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That Council note the report by the Director Development Services on progress of a renewable project. |
further considerations
Consideration has been given to the recommendation’s impact on Council’s service delivery; image and reputation; political; environmental; health and safety; employees; stakeholders and project management; and no further implications or risks have been identified.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Council’s current electricity spend is around $3,600,000 p.a. and its greenhouse gas output around 14000 t CO2.
In order to establish a project scope Council staff analysed roof space under its control which would enable easy access, safe structural loading and, most particularly, those rooves which were on assets with a significant daytime energy load. The shortlist of assets was as follows:
· Orange Airport
· Aquatic Centre
· Orange Regional Library and Art Gallery
· Orange Regional theatre
· Water Treatment Plant and Sewage Treatment Plant
The combined roof space allowed the calculated system size of some 685 kW of panels, with an estimated cost of $1,250,000 to be market tested should Council move to tendering the project.
Ultimate savings from this project at current market prices will be in the order of $25,000 a month or $300,000 a year after payback of loans which provides a hedge against future electricity price rises or an alternative funding source for other operational needs.
In addition to solar it is proposed to trial a battery installation at the Orange Airport sized to cope with the average night-time load, which includes terminal lights in winter and runway and car parking lighting systems. This project will also have the added benefit of putting off significant supply infrastructure to the Airport.
Funding Sources
Funding sources can be categorised into either capital borrowings or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) which involve no capital outlay. Council entered into PPA with Kenjarhy Solar at the Orange Aquatic Centre.
With a power purchase agreement (PPA) the purchaser pays nothing upfront for the solar system, entering into a long term agreement with the solar or energy retailer to have a solar system installed and to purchase the electricity generated at an agreed price per kWh. This rate is usually lower than for grid electricity. The term is usually 10-15 years, but can be up to 20. Council entered such an agreement with Kenjarhy Solar in 2017 with an offered price of 10 cents per KWh.
PPAs offer low cost solutions to renewable entry, but without the significant payback produced from capital spends and ensuing freed up operational funds.
Staff have submitted grant applications to cover this project under the following grant programmes:
· Smarter Cities and Neighbourhoods;
· Growing Local Economies; and
· Resources for Regions.