Builders and home renovators are being urged to stop run-off from their building sites polluting waterways and green spaces that Sydneysiders increasingly rely on for recreation and enjoyment.
A survey conducted by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) in 20201 showed that 45 per cent of respondents spent more time in public spaces since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also found that 71 per cent of respondents appreciated local parks more.
The NSW Government’s plan to fund a $16 million COVID-19 stimulus program to help deliver more quality green public space on Crown land across Greater Sydney provides a further incentive to prevent sediment run-off from impacting our natural spaces.
To advise builders and renovators on best practice erosion and sediment controls, local councils, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and DPIE will be conducting a month-long Get the Site Right education and compliance campaign during May. A follow-up one-day inspection blitz of building sites across Sydney and the Hunter Coast will be held on Thursday, 20 May 2021.
Sediment run-off usually contains common building materials such as cement, sand and soil. These materials can contaminate water and cause algal blooms that harm marine plants and animals. They can also build up in marine species, such as mussels, and have a dangerous impact on the food chain.
Sediment in the water can affect swimming and other recreational activities by causing unpleasant odours and making the water cloudy.
NSW EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Steve Beaman said confusion still exists about where sediment run-off goes when it enters the stormwater system.
“Stormwater is rainwater that collects pollutants, including sediment from building sites, as it runs across different surfaces and flows through the stormwater collection network of gutters, pipes and stormwater drains and then directly out to local waterways, untreated,” Mr Beaman said.
“It is different from wastewater which is water that goes down sinks, toilets and drains and is collected in the sewerage system and taken to a wastewater treatment plant.
“That is why it is so important that builders and renovators prevent sediment run-off from leaving their sites to protect local waterways and the surrounding environment.”
Sydney Coastal Councils Group Chair, Councillor Lindsay Shurey said reducing sediment run-off is crucial to ensure waterways and the foreshore are protected and healthier.
“If not properly managed, sediment can affect water quality and amenity of our beloved waterways and smother aquatic vegetation which is critical to marine life. It can even impact upon property and amenities by blocking drains during times of storm and flood,” Cr Lindsay said.
“We’re working closely with councils, government agencies and other catchment groups to ensure that runoff from building and construction sites are properly managed, and our coastal and estuarine environments remain resilient and healthy for everyone to enjoy.”
Now in its sixth year, Get the Site Right is a joint program between the Cooks River Alliance, DPIE, Georges Riverkeeper, the EPA, Parramatta River Catchment Group, Sydney Coastal Councils Group, local Sydney councils and Lake Macquarie Council.
Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents, including poor sediment control, to their local council or the EPA’s 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.
1 https://www.greater.sydney/greater-use-of-public-open-and-shared-space
Global Spotlight on Sydney Harbour Film!
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminThe film Sweet water, salt water, Sydney water. How do we sustain a healthy harbour? has been shortlisted by tve (Television for the Environment) for the GSFA 2021 (Global Sustainability Film Awards) in London.
The film was originally developed for the Greater Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program, currently project managed by the Sydney Coastal Councils Group.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock welcomed the news stating,
“What an amazing achievement by all involved, in particular the twenty councils within the Greater Sydney Harbour catchment that are collaborating with state agencies to develop a whole-of-system CMP for Greater Sydney Harbour,” Mrs Hancock said.
“This beautiful film seamlessly presents the tireless efforts of so many community groups, organisations and sectors of both State and Local Governments to improve the health of the largest natural harbour in the world – Sydney Harbour.”
The nominated video can be viewed here.
Full media release can be viewed here.
Extension for Coastal Management Programs
/in Media Announcement /by SCCG AdminOn 21 October 2021, the Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock MP, announced that Coastal Councils will be given a two year extension to complete their coastal management programs. Under the Coastal Management Amendment Bill 2021 councils now have until 31 December 2023 for the Coastal Zone Management Plan to be competed including implementation of the identified actions. The Coastal and Estuary Grants Program allows funding for CZMP actions at a funding ration of 1:1. Funding for preparation and implementation of Coastal Management Program is at 2:1.
The Minister announced this important amendment by way of a media release, stating “we recognise local councils up and down the coast have been doing it tough these past two years so this extension is a sensible measure to prevent any council from falling behind”.
Minister Hancock went on to say “the extra time will also allow councils to carry out planned emergency works during major coastal erosion events that are addressed in their CZMPs while they continue to develop a CMP”.
For further information, see the full media release here.
SCCG Awarded Grant for Landmark Study
/in SCCG News /by SCCG AdminIn a first for the state’s capital, the NSW Government has awarded $274,000 to support 20 local councils in developing a whole-of-system Coastal Management Program for Greater Sydney Harbour. The SCCG is project managing the delivery of this CMP.
To assess threats posed by pollutants being carried into Harbour waters, a Stage 2 investigation will determine risks across all catchments feeding the Harbour and steps needed to mitigate those risks. The aim is to provide for coordinated action by councils, in partnership with state agencies and the community, to facilitate integrated waterway health management for the entire Greater Sydney Harbour system.
Channel 10 recently featured the GSH CMP Stage 2 Planning Grant. Watch it here!
To find out more about the GSH CMP, visit our projects page.
Winners of the #LoveYourWaterways Announced!
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminThank you to everyone who entered the #LoveYourWaterwaysSydney Instagram photo competition and CONGRATULATIONS to our winners! You can check out the winning photos in the gallery below.
It’s so pleasing to see people in our community actively helping to improve our waterways.
We have awarded five prizes, winners were able to choose a $100 gift voucher from a local store such as a community nursery, bookshop, car wash, pet store or eco-store.
Love Your Waterways is a community campaign that encourages people to take up five simple actions to prevent litter, pet waste, gardening materials, chemicals and other pollutants from entering our waterways.
The campaign is proudly presented by: Cooks River Alliance, Georges Riverkeeper, Parramatta River Catchment Group, and Sydney Coastal Councils Group.
A big thank you also to our member Councils for their support during the campaign.
Have your say on Litter!
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminDo you want to contribute to litter free waterways? We are developing a Litter Prevention Strategy that covers the Greater Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River to help stop litter from entering our waterways and flowing into the ocean. To have your say on this issue and help guide how litter can be better managed and reduced by councils and the community, please complete the Regional Litter Prevention Community Survey.
It should take less than 10 minutes and you can enter to win one of four $75 vouchers to be used at the online store Flora and Fauna. Please fill out your details at the end of the survey and entries must be received by 31st of August 2021. The project is funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
To find out more about the Greater Sydney Harbour Regional Litter Prevention Strategy, visit our Project Page.
SCCG Councils excelling in Planning!
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminSeveral of SCCG Member Councils have been acknowledged for their innovation in the space of Planning at the recent 2021 Greater Sydney Planning Awards.
Randwick Council received two commendations for their Precinct Collaboration Area Zero Emissions Strategy and Maroubra’s two-million-liter stormwater re-use system in the Place-based Collaboration and Development Supported by Infrastructure categories. In the Planning Disruptor category, Waverley Council was announced as the winner for their Future Proofing residential Development to Climate Change initiative. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2021 Greater Sydney Planning Awards!
To find out more about each of these initiatives, visit the Awards page.
Coastal and Estuary Grants Program Open for 2021-22
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminThe 2021-22 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program funding round is now open for applications.
What will be funded?
Coastal and Estuary Planning
Applications are open to be submitted at any time up until 30 June 2022
Implementing works
For areas with a certified Coastal Zone Management Plan or Coastal Management Program:
Applications for implementing works close 5pm on 17 August 2021
There have also been changes made the the grant application guidelines, so applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines thoroughly prior to submitting their grant application. Applications should be submitted through the online Grants Management System.
For more information, please visit the DPIE Website.
Working together to address unauthorised development on foreshore Crown land and waterways
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminDepartment of Planning Industry and Environment – Crown Lands recently released a request for all coastal councils via email.
The request centres around helping to manage the growing amount of apparent unauthorised development occurring along coastal waterways, particularly adjoining freehold properties. Crown Lands requests that councils insert a deferred or standard condition in all development consents that relate to works located on foreshore Crown land and waterways. The condition would refer the applicant back to the department to enable licencing before construction takes place.
The request may be accessed here. For further information contact Crown Lands on 1300 886 235 or email to cl.compliance@crownland.nsw.gov.au
Building industry needs to play its part in protecting Sydney’s natural beauty
/in SCCG News /by SCCG AdminBuilders and home renovators are being urged to stop run-off from their building sites polluting waterways and green spaces that Sydneysiders increasingly rely on for recreation and enjoyment.
A survey conducted by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) in 20201 showed that 45 per cent of respondents spent more time in public spaces since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also found that 71 per cent of respondents appreciated local parks more.
The NSW Government’s plan to fund a $16 million COVID-19 stimulus program to help deliver more quality green public space on Crown land across Greater Sydney provides a further incentive to prevent sediment run-off from impacting our natural spaces.
To advise builders and renovators on best practice erosion and sediment controls, local councils, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and DPIE will be conducting a month-long Get the Site Right education and compliance campaign during May. A follow-up one-day inspection blitz of building sites across Sydney and the Hunter Coast will be held on Thursday, 20 May 2021.
Sediment run-off usually contains common building materials such as cement, sand and soil. These materials can contaminate water and cause algal blooms that harm marine plants and animals. They can also build up in marine species, such as mussels, and have a dangerous impact on the food chain.
Sediment in the water can affect swimming and other recreational activities by causing unpleasant odours and making the water cloudy.
NSW EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Steve Beaman said confusion still exists about where sediment run-off goes when it enters the stormwater system.
“Stormwater is rainwater that collects pollutants, including sediment from building sites, as it runs across different surfaces and flows through the stormwater collection network of gutters, pipes and stormwater drains and then directly out to local waterways, untreated,” Mr Beaman said.
“It is different from wastewater which is water that goes down sinks, toilets and drains and is collected in the sewerage system and taken to a wastewater treatment plant.
“That is why it is so important that builders and renovators prevent sediment run-off from leaving their sites to protect local waterways and the surrounding environment.”
Sydney Coastal Councils Group Chair, Councillor Lindsay Shurey said reducing sediment run-off is crucial to ensure waterways and the foreshore are protected and healthier.
“If not properly managed, sediment can affect water quality and amenity of our beloved waterways and smother aquatic vegetation which is critical to marine life. It can even impact upon property and amenities by blocking drains during times of storm and flood,” Cr Lindsay said.
“We’re working closely with councils, government agencies and other catchment groups to ensure that runoff from building and construction sites are properly managed, and our coastal and estuarine environments remain resilient and healthy for everyone to enjoy.”
Now in its sixth year, Get the Site Right is a joint program between the Cooks River Alliance, DPIE, Georges Riverkeeper, the EPA, Parramatta River Catchment Group, Sydney Coastal Councils Group, local Sydney councils and Lake Macquarie Council.
Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents, including poor sediment control, to their local council or the EPA’s 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.
1 https://www.greater.sydney/greater-use-of-public-open-and-shared-space
Have a say on Shark Management
/in Partner News /by SCCG AdminIt’s time to share your views on shark mitigation measures in NSW!
The NSW Department have come to the end of a 5 year journey of testing and trialing a suite of shark mitigation measures and now they want to hear from councils and their communities to help inform the future of shark mitigation in their region. Before you complete the survey, be sure to read up on the different technologies that were trialed and their results. You may be surprised at what you find! For more information, visit the Shark Smart website.
Click here to complete the survey.
For community members, the survey closes 28 March 2021.
For councils, this has been extended to 30 April 2021.