Lithgow City Council State of the Environment Report 2011/12archive.lithgow.nsw.gov.au/gipa/SOE...

Lithgow City Council State of the Environment Report 2011/12 __________________________________________________________________________

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Moving towards a sustainable future .........................................................................................4 Aim of the State of the Environment Report ...........................................................................5 State of the Environment Report Framework .........................................................................5 Towards Sustainability ....................................................................................................................6

Response to Sustainability ................................................................................................................6 Lithgow Urban Sustainability Project – Business Plan ..............................................................6 Urban Sustainability Projects undertaken during 2011/12.......................................................6 Earthworks Community Education Program ...............................................................................7 Central NSW Councils (CENTROC) Programs .............................................................................7 Climate Change ..............................................................................................................................8 Gap Analysis for State of Environment Reporting .....................................................................8 Cultural/Creative Industries Cluster.............................................................................................8

Current Actions for Sustainability 2012/13 .....................................................................................9 Human Settlement ..........................................................................................................................10

State of Human Settlement ............................................................................................................10 Demographics ...............................................................................................................................10 Key Trends within the Lithgow LGA ..........................................................................................10

Septic Safe Program.............................................................................................................11 Pressure to Human Settlement ......................................................................................................11

Development .................................................................................................................................11 Land Contamination .....................................................................................................................13

Response to Human Settlement ....................................................................................................17 Preparation of a strategic land use planning framework........................................................17 Community Lands Plans of Management..................................................................................17 Open Space and Recreation Needs Project ..............................................................................18 Economic Development ...............................................................................................................18 Geographic Information System ................................................................................................18

Current Actions for Human Settlement 2012/13 .........................................................................18 State of Noise ...................................................................................................................................19 Pressure to Noise .............................................................................................................................20 Response to Noise............................................................................................................................20 Current Actions for Noise 2012/13 ................................................................................................21 State of Heritage ..............................................................................................................................21 Pressure to Heritage ........................................................................................................................21 Response to Heritage ......................................................................................................................22

Strategic Framework....................................................................................................................22 Planning Controls for Individual Heritage Items......................................................................23

Heritage Management .....................................................................................................................24 Heritage Advisor Program ...........................................................................................................24 Main Street Façade Restoration Program .................................................................................24 Lithgow History Avenue...............................................................................................................24 Eskbank House Museum Conservation Management Plan .....................................................24 Blast Furnace Park Upgrade .......................................................................................................25 Lake Pillans Wetland ....................................................................................................................25

Current Actions for Heritage 2012/13 ...........................................................................................25 Land ......................................................................................................................................................26

State of Land ....................................................................................................................................26 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................26

Pressure to Land ..............................................................................................................................26 Land Use Conflict..........................................................................................................................26 Soil erosion....................................................................................................................................26 Dryland Salinity.............................................................................................................................26

Response to Land.............................................................................................................................27 Preparation of a strategic land use planning framework........................................................27 Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA)...........................................................................................28 Soil erosion....................................................................................................................................28


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Geographical Information System .............................................................................................28 Current Actions for Land 2012/13 .................................................................................................28

Air ..........................................................................................................................................................29 State of Air ........................................................................................................................................29 Pressure to Air ..................................................................................................................................29 Response to Air ................................................................................................................................29

Coal Fired Heaters Replacement Rebate Scheme ...................................................................30 Lithgow City Council Fleet...........................................................................................................30

Current Actions for Air 2012/13 .....................................................................................................31 Water....................................................................................................................................................31

State of Water ..................................................................................................................................31 Blue Green Algae..........................................................................................................................35 Alert level definitions ...................................................................................................................35

Pressure to Water ............................................................................................................................37 Response to Water...........................................................................................................................38

Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrades........................................................................................38 Cullen Bullen Onsite Waste Water .............................................................................................39

Current Actions for Water 2012/13 ...............................................................................................39 State of Stormwater.........................................................................................................................39 Pressure to Stormwater...................................................................................................................39 Response to Stormwater .................................................................................................................39 Current Actions for Stormwater 2010/11......................................................................................40 Pressure to Floodplain Management .............................................................................................40 Response to Floodplain Management ...........................................................................................40 Current Actions for Floodplain Management 2012/13 ................................................................40

Biodiversity ........................................................................................................................................41 State of Biodiversity .........................................................................................................................41 Pressure to Biodiversity ...................................................................................................................41 Response to Biodiversity .................................................................................................................42

Save our Swamps Program.........................................................................................................42 Save Our Swamps Project – Special Commendation - United Nations World Environment Day Awards 2011 .........................................................................................................................42 Save Our Swamps Project – National Local Government Award for Innovation in Natural Resource Management ................................................................................................................42 Grevillea Obtusiflora and Phebalium Bifidum - Environmental Incident 2008.....................42 Environmental Education ............................................................................................................43 Community Lands Plans of Management..................................................................................43 Lithgow Environmental Advisory Committee............................................................................43

Current Actions for Biodiversity 2012/13 ......................................................................................44 Waste ...................................................................................................................................................44

State of Waste ..................................................................................................................................44 Waste Minimisation Strategies ...................................................................................................46 E-Waste Recycling Service ..........................................................................................................47

Pressure to Waste ............................................................................................................................47 Response to Waste ..........................................................................................................................48

Waste Education...........................................................................................................................48 Current Actions for Waste 2012/13 ...............................................................................................48

References..........................................................................................................................................49 Appendix A .........................................................................................................................................50

Threatened Flora Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. ..........................................50 Threatened Bird Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. ............................................56 Threatened Fauna Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. ........................................58 Species Awareness Program...........................................................................................................60 Standard Working Procedures ........................................................................................................61 Key Threatening Processes listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) relevant to the Lithgow Local Government Area ............................................................61 Endangered Species Recovery Plans relevant to the Lithgow Local Government Area .........62


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Vulnerable Species Recovery Plans relevant to the Lithgow Local Government Area ...........62 Appendix B .........................................................................................................................................63

Items Listed und the NSW Heritage Act .......................................................................................63 State Heritage Register ...................................................................................................................63 Items Listed und the NSW Heritage Act .......................................................................................64 s.170 NSW State Agency Heritage Register .................................................................................64


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Moving towards a sustainable future

The 2011/12 State of the Environment Report reflects the changing environment for Local Government planning and reporting. This is the last Supplementary State of Environment Report for Lithgow City Council.

Under the new Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework Council will be required to develop a State of Environment Report on a four-yearly basis as part of its End of Term Report. As there is no longer a requirement for an annual State of the Environment Report, Councils are encouraged to develop their State of the Environment Report in partnership with other Councils in their region and Catchment Management Authorities. Council will be continuing to investigate regional reporting requirements in 2012/13.

As part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, Council is required to incorporate environmental objectives into the 10-year Community Strategic Plan. Our Place…Our Future Community Strategic Plan 2025 was adopted on 4 June 2012 and includes five Principle Activity Areas:

Caring for Our Community

Strengthening Our Economy

Developing Our Built Environment

Enhancing Our Natural Environment

Responsible Governance and Civic Leadership

This State of Environment Report encompasses the themes of Towards Sustainability, Human Settlement, Land, Air, Water, Biodiversity and Waste. This information reflects the changing environment in which Council operates in response to the needs of the community.

The achievements listed within this document provide an insight into the variety of projects undertaken by Council and the community to care for our environment and to provide a sustainable future for the Lithgow local government area.

Roger Bailey

General Manager


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Aim of the State of the Environment Report The State of the Environment Report 2011/12 is a supplementary report which aims to identify any new environmental impacts since the 2010/11 State of the Environment Report and updates trends in environmental indicators that are important to each environmental sector. Due to legislative changes this will be the last supplementary report to be undertaken by Lithgow City Council. In future, environmental impacts will be reported within Council’s Annual Report and a four-yearly State of Environment Report will be compiled as part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

State of the Environment Report Framework The State of the Environment Report 2011/12 addresses the environmental sectors of Land, Air, Water, Biodiversity, Waste, Noise, Heritage Sustainability and Human Settlement. The condition of each sector is discussed in terms of the Pressure-State-Response model which is defined and reads within the Report as:

State identifies and describes the current state of the environment.

Pressure identifies and describes the pressure that human activities put on their immediate environment and natural surroundings.

Response identifies and describes the actions of Council, government agencies, industry and the community to the state and pressures of the environment.

Changes to the state of the environment are reported using the symbols below to illustrate the change for each indicator since the 2005/06 State of the Environment Report.

Increasing from the 2010/11 Figure Decreasing from the 2010/10 Figure

Equal to the 2010/11 Figure

This report should be read in conjunction with the following State of the Environment Reports:

State of the Environment Report 2003/04 State of the Environment Report 2004/05 State of the Environment Report 2005/06 State of the Environment Report 2006/07 State of the Environment Report 2007/08 State of the Environment Report 2008/09 State of the Environment Report 2009/10 State of the Environment Report 2010/11


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Towards Sustainability

Response to Sustainability

Lithgow Urban Sustainability Project – Business Plan

Council engaged consultants EcoSteps Pty Ltd in 2008/09 to prepare a business plan for submission to the NSW Environmental Trust’s urban sustainability major projects grant program. Funding for the project was approved in February 2010 and a project coordinator was employed in May 2010. Seven project areas were funded:

Shop local campaign

Reusable shopping bag campaign

Tree planting scheme

Earthworks Community Education Program

Establishment of the MILE (Made in Lithgow Enterprise) network and festival

Work towards development of the Farmers Creek Precinct

Carbon Credit Scheme Feasibility Study.

Urban Sustainability Projects undertaken during 2011/12

Networking and informal consultation with community groups and individuals has been undertaken to promote the project and gauge interest in the project areas.

A database of individuals and groups has been compiled to use for promotion and source potential partnerships for planned activities.

Shop local campaign

The Urban Sustainability Program has undertaken an audit of local businesses to identify environmental products and services available locally. This information will be used to promote to the community the availability of environmentally sustainable products and services in the Lithgow local government area.

In addition, Council’s Economic Development Officer is working on a ‘Plugging the Leaks’ campaign. Plugging the leaks is essentially any program that encourages the local community and businesses to source their products and services locally instead of from outside the local area. Its aim is to stop money from leaving the Lithgow region by re-directing this money to local services, products etc. This program will target business and industry gap areas to encourage new investment in the area.

A regional Artisans and Producers Market was incorporated into the Lithgow Flash Gift ® Event on 25 February 2012. Follow up workshop sessions were held with the Lithgow Business Association and individual producers to identify ongoing opportunities for markets/events in Lithgow.

Ongoing liaison with village and town associations to identify local producers and promote involvement in a regular producers market and/or farm gate sales/open days.


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A Lithgow Creative’s brochure and website have been developed showcasing Lithgow creative practitioners across all segments of the creative industries.

Earthworks Community Education Program Clean Up Australia Day Clean-Up Australia Day was promoted in the local media in cooperation with Lithgow Tidy Towns and arranged designated pick-up sites for the clean-up. Waste to Art Lithgow Waste2Art 2012 community art competition was held in early 2012 and showcased creative works made from reused and recyclable waste materials. Schools and individuals (both professional and non-professional) entered their works including Year One from Cooerwull Public School and the Support Unit from Lithgow Primary School. Entries went on exhibition at Eskbank House Museum. Save Power Toolkits The kits continued to be loaned out to library members.

Work towards development of Farmers Creek Precinct

The Lake Pillans Wetland Reserve is a major destination within the Farmers Creek precinct. Its purpose is passive recreation and bushland regeneration. The USP has also been involved in sourcing quotes for the replacement of the timber boardwalk, viewing platform and bridges. (The boardwalk and platform had been closed for 18 months due to safety concerns.) This involved site visits, sourcing contractors, ongoing liaison with contractors and communication with Council engineering staff. The work was completed in September 2012. Following replacement of the boardwalk it is envisaged that further tree planting events will take place at Lake Pillans and Blast Furnace Park, again in conjunction with the Lithgow Landcare Group, as part of upgrading work funded by external grants to Council. Smaller reserves along Farmers Creek will also be sites for tree planting events in 2011/12 and following years. Stage 1 of a combined walkway / bike track along Farmers Creek was constructed along Geordie Street from the crossing to the footbridge over Farmers Creek linking the highway and Visitor Information Centre to the Tony Luchetti Sporting Precinct. Construction of part of this section of the walkway / bike track was funded by the RTA and Lithgow Tidy Towns. Stage 2 of the walkway will be constructed during 2012/13 and links the Visitor Information Centre to Dunn’s Corner.

Central NSW Councils (CENTROC) Programs

That’s a Good Idea Program ‘That’s a Good Idea!’ is a three year project funded through the NSW Environmental Trust’s Urban Sustainability Program and aims to reduce the ecological footprint of CENTROC Member Council’s. The objectives of the program are to:

Build capacity of Council staff to undertake sustainability projects. Council organisational change; and Make compost to improve soil health.


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Council’s Economic Development Officer (formerly Urban Sustainability Officer) completed the That’s a Good Idea Mentoring Project. Program participants were partnered with mentors who are experts in their respective fields. The program is tailored to meet the training requirements of the mentee. The Urban Sustainability Officer identified the following areas for development in order to assist in meeting Council’s requirements under the Urban Sustainability Program: Development of a template to enable the preparation of the Farmers Creek Concept

Plan Development of a project process to establish the feasibility of a local carbon trading

scheme with heavy industries within the LGA

Climate Change Council’s have responsibility for a wide range of issues which can effect climate change such as planning and development, promotion of renewable energy, land use, transport planning, asset and infrastructure management, vegetation clearance and stormwater management. During 2009/10, Council undertook a Climate Change Risk Management Assessment which was facilitated by Council’s insurer Statewide Mutual Liability Scheme and Echelon Australia Pty Ltd with the aim of planning a direction and developing a sound framework to ensure that the potential insurable losses due to climate change are within expectations. Potential Climate Change impacts were considered in relation to the following Council Functional Areas:

Infrastructure and Property Services Recreational Facilities Health Services Planning and Development Natural Resource and Management Water and sewage

Impacts were assessed by climatic conditions (Scenarios) and were given a ranking of Low, Medium, High or extreme with the success criteria defined as:

Maintain public safety Protect and enhance the local economy Protect existing community structures and the lifestyle enjoyed by the people of the

region. Sustain and enhance the physical and natural environment Ensure sound public administration.

(Echelon, April 2010:pp1, 4 and 6) A draft report was developed by Echelon Australia Pty Ltd which has been used in the development of Our Place…Our Future Community Strategic Plan 2025.

Gap Analysis for State of Environment Reporting Due to resourcing constraints this was not undertaken during 2010/11. However it has been included in the 2012/13 Operations Plan.

Cultural/Creative Industries Cluster The Cultural Plan, Cultural Precinct Study and Economic Development Strategy all identified the need to develop and support the emerging growth area of cultural and creative industries within the Lithgow local government area. In 2010, Council received $10,000 for the development of a Cultural/Creative Industries Cluster. The Cluster is designed to connect local businesses and services and creative industry workers encouraging partnerships and trade whilst increasing the profile of this developing sector. The Creative Industries Network has been convened from a group of interested cultural workers across a variety of creative


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disciplines to work together to support continuing growth in the sector, along with the development of collaborative partnering and marketing. The Cluster provides an opportunity to explore and develop the Made in Lithgow Enterprises brand being developed as part of the Urban Sustainability Project through the promotion and development of local products and services. A “Lithgow Creative’s” website has been established to assist those involved in creative industries with promoting, networking and resourcing.

Current Actions for Sustainability 2012/13 Development of the Farmers Creek Precinct

o Formation of project control group of LCC Stakeholders (community, engineering, parks, environment, GIS) to guide the development of the concept plan.

o Preparation of an “opportunity and constraints” GIS layers incorporating flood management, water quality, weed management data.

o Identification of continuous active transport connections along Farmers Creek.

o Analysis and review of initial community stakeholder concepts for the development/embellishment of Farmers Creek.

o Preparation of concept plan based on opportunities and constraints and identified community stakeholder inputs which incorporates:

Landscape and re-vegetation strategies.

Flood and water quality management components

Active transport connections and pedestrian nodal points.

Environmental and cultural heritage interpretation strategy.

o Identification of active transport linkages from the Farmers Creek precinct to key destinations within the Lithgow Urban Area.

o Inclusion of the Farmers Creek precinct project within the proposed LCC Sustainability webpage.

Earthworks Community Education Program

o Keep Australian Beautiful “Waste Watchers – Our School, Our Community, Our world” educational program Promotion, consolidation and extension of positive environmental practices targeting nominated Lithgow schools.

The creation of a link to LCC’s waste recycling services as well as educational information via other agencies on the proposed LCC Sustainability Webpage. This link will also promote the outcomes of the recent sustainability survey undertaken by LCC which can be used as a benchmark of current community attitudes towards sustainability.

Continue to participate in regional activities coordinated by Centroc.

Further develop Lithgow Creative’s.


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Ongoing liaison with village and town associations to identify local producers and promote involvement in a regular producer’s website and/or farm gate sales/open days.

Construction of Stage 2 of the Farmers Creek Walkway/Bikeway.

Human Settlement

State of Human Settlement

Demographics

Indicator - Population 2011/12 Trend

Total population 20,160

Key Trends within the Lithgow LGA Lithgow’s population continues to increase Between 2006 and 2011 there was a 2% increase in Lithgow’s population from 19,759 to 20,160 persons. This rate of growth is slower than the Bathurst LGA at 7.5%, but faster than the Oberon LGA at 0.2%. Overall the census figures demonstrate a 10 year upward growth trend in Lithgow’s population from a base of 19,197 in 2001. Lithgow’s population continues to age The median age of Lithgow’s population increased to 42 years from 40 years between 2006 and 2011. In 2011, the median age in the Bathurst LGA was 36 and 41 in the Oberon LGA. The largest age group in Lithgow’s population in 2011 were those aged between 50 and 54. This compares to 20 to 24 years in the Bathurst LGA and 60 to 64 years in the Oberon LGA. Lithgow’s indigenous population continues to grow Between 2006 and 2011 there was a 41% increase in indigenous persons residing in Lithgow to total of 905 persons. In 2001 there were 558 indigenous persons residing in Lithgow. Overall 4.5% of the Lithgow’s LGA population is indigenous compared to 3.2% in the Oberon LGA and 4.2% in the Bathurst LGA. Lithgow’s average weekly median income continues to increase Between 2006 and 2011 total median weekly personal income increased by 27% to $450 per week, total family income grew by 16% to $1,190 and total weekly household income increased by 21% to $896. In 2001 the median weekly household income was $642. Lithgow’s mortgage and rent payments continue to rise Between 2006 and 2011 the median mortgage repayment increased by 31% to $1,452 per month and the median rent increased by 26% to $170 per week. In 2011 the Bathurst LGA had a median rent of $220 per week while the median rent in the Oberon LGA was $170.


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Lithgow’s take up of Broadband increases Between 2006 and 2011 the number of households connected to Broadband increased by 36% to a total of 58% of all households. This compares to 66% in the Bathurst LGA and 60% in the Oberon LGA. Overall household connection to the internet reached 65.4% in 2011, which means only 7.4% of households are still using a dial up connection.

Septic Safe Program The NSW Government introduced the SepticSafe program to help landowners and Councils better manage on-site sewage management systems and minimise their risk to public health and the environment. The Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 sets out performance standards for on-site sewage management systems. These include:

Preventing the spread of disease by micro-organisms; Discouraging insects and vermin; Preventing sewage contamination of waterways and ground water; Preventing degradation of soil and vegetation; Preventing the spread of foul odours; Minimising adverse impacts on neighbours and the amenity of land, and Ensuring good water conservation practice and appropriate reuse of natural

resources (including nutrients, organic matter and water). The Septic Safe Program is currently being implemented. Council’s Environment Section is conducting inspections of septic systems ensuring that they are maintained and managed to meet SepticSafe standards. These are:

Preventing the spread of disease by micro-organisms; Discouraging insects and vermin; Preventing sewage contamination of waterways and ground water; Preventing degradation of soil and vegetation; Preventing the spread of foul odours; Minimising adverse impacts on neighbours and the amenity of land, and Ensuring good water conservation practice and appropriate reuse of natural

resources (including nutrients, organic matter and water). To support these performance standards landowners are required to ensure:

That persons do not come into contact with sewage or effluent (whether treated or not) in their ordinary activities on the premises;

That effluent is not discharged into any watercourse or onto any land other than a designated effluent application area;

That whatever system of sewage management is used, it is well maintained and operated in a sanitary condition; and,

That relevant information is provided to the council when requested.

Pressure to Human Settlement

Development The environmental footprint of settlement within the LGA is continuing to expand primarily due to dispersed rural lifestyle development. Since 1996, on average 54% of all dwelling applications lodged were on rural lands. This settlement trend, if not reversed, has the potential to adversely impact upon land and its management in the following key areas:

Increased potential for loss of native vegetation cover Increased potential for soil erosion Increased potential for soil and ground water contamination


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Increased potential for land use conflict as settlement encroaches on other land uses such as conservation management and primary production.

The shortage of well located and serviced industrial land continues to place pressure on the LGA’s rural lands due to the ad hoc location of industrial development driven by economic and property market considerations rather than strategic land use planning. Pressures to land are exacerbated by the flexibility of the existing Local Environmental Plan. Development is currently assessed on a site by site basis in the absence of strategic direction. This makes total catchment management of the land resource to achieve sustainable outcomes difficult.

Indicator – Development Applications, Construction Certificates & Complying Development Applications

2010/11 Trend

Number of development applications, construction certificates and complying development applications approved

368

Development Applications, Development Application/Construction Certificates, Construction Certificates & Complying Development Applications Comparative

Indicator

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

Nu

mb

er

of

Ap

plic

ati

on

s


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Land Contamination Land Contamination is most often the result of past uses. It can arise from activities that took place on or adjacent to the site and be the result of improper chemical handling or disposal practices, or accidental spillages or leakages of chemicals during manufacture or storage, location of cattle and sheep dip sites and or poor site management. Activities not directly related to the site may also cause contamination; for example from diffuse sources such as polluted groundwater migrating under a site or dust settling out from industrial emissions. The impact of some activities may be temporary only, while others have the risk of a lasting legacy. Given the strong and varied industrial heritage of Lithgow LGA, the potential for a number of sites to be affected by contamination from past uses exists. Not all contamination will affect land in such a way that it cannot be used productively. The objective is to identify the nature and extent of land contamination, if present, in order to manage the future use of the land effectively. Restrictions on land use due to contamination will only apply in certain circumstances. When carrying out its planning functions, Council must consider the possibility that a previous land use has caused contamination of the site as well as the potential risk to health of the environment from that contamination. The NSW Environment Protection Authority Contaminated Lands Record of Notices database has identified the following sites within the Lithgow LGA:

The Blue Circle Southern Cement Site, Portland (former notices) The ADI small armaments site, Lithgow (completed voluntary remediation proposal) The Hartley Vale former Shale Oil Refinery, Hartley Vale (declaration of remediation

site). The following sites are included on the Environment Protection Authority's website as being notified to the EPA. Refer to http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/clm/publiclist.htm for further details


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Suburb/City Site description and address Activity that caused contamination s60 form received? OEH initial assessment EPA site management class see explanations

Lithgow BP Service Station 1106 Great Western Highway

Service Station Yes In progress A

Lithgow Caltex Lithgow (Quota Park) Adjacent to 1131 Great Western Highway

Unclassified Yes Completed G

Lithgow Former Gasworks Mort Street

Gasworks No In Progress B

Lithgow Former Shell Depot 6 Gasworks Lane

Other Petroleum Yes In Progress E

Lithgow Lithgow Thales 4 Martini Parade

Metal Industry No Completed C G

Lithgow Mobil Depot 353 Main Street

Other Petroleum Yes In Progress E

Portland Ivanhoe Colliery Pipers Flat Road

Other Industry Yes In progress A


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Suburb/City Site description and address Activity that caused contamination s60 form received? OEH initial assessment EPA site management class see explanations

Wallerawang Delta Electricity 1 Main Street

Other Petroleum yes In Progress A

Wallerawang Lidsdale Coal Loading Facility Main Street


Marrangaroo Mobil Service Station 394-398 Great Western Highway

Service Station Yes In Progress E

Hartley Vale Former Shale Oil Refinery Lot 52 Hartley Vale Road

Unclassified No Completed C

Cullen Bullen Baal Bone Colliery Castlereagh Highway


South Bowenfels Shell Coles Express Service Station Lot 1 Great Western Highway

Service Station Yes In Progress E


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Explanations of EPA site management class

EPA site management class Explanation

A The contamination of this site is being assessed by the EPA. Sites which have yet to be determined as significant enough to warrant regulation may result in no further regulation under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997.

B The EPA is awaiting further information to progress its initial assessment of this site.

C The contamination of this site is or was regulated under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997. Information about current or past regulatory action on this site can be found on the Record of EPA notices.

D The contamination of this site is or was regulated under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Information about current or past regulatory action on this site can be found on the POEO public register.

E This is a premises with an operational underground petroleum storage system, such as a service station or fuel depot. The contamination of this site is managed under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) Regulation 2008.

F The contamination of this site is managed by a planning approval process. The consent authority is either the local council or a government agency, such as the Department of Planning.

G Based on the information made available to the EPA to date, the contamination of this site is considered by the EPA to be not significant enough to warrant regulatory intervention.

H Initial assessment completed. The contamination of this site is to be regulated by the EPA.


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Response to Human Settlement

Preparation of a strategic land use planning framework Lithgow City Council in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning is currently undertaking the preparation of a strategic land use planning framework for the future development of the Lithgow LGA to encourage environmental, economic and social sustainability. The development of this framework is indicated in the flow chart below:

Local Profile

Land Use Issues Paper

Land Use Strategy

Local Environmental

Plan

Development Planning (DCP

preparation; developer

contributions plan)

Operational Planning (Development

application assessments)

Sta

ge

1

(Cur

rent

pro

ject

)

Sta

ge

2

Impl

emen

tatio

n

Implementation Implementation

MONITOR AND REVIEW

The Project

In 2011/12 reporting period Council considered the community and government authority response to the Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy 2010-2030 and adopted an amended Strategy on 31 October 2011. The Strategy was formerly endorsed by the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure on 24 May 2012. The new target timeline for the completion and implementation of the new Principal Local Environmental Plan is the end of 2013.

Community Lands Plans of Management

In the 2011/12 reporting period Council commenced work on the preparation of a generic Community Land Plan of Management. It is anticipated that this plan will be completed and adopted by Council in May 2013.

The following Crown Lands Plans of Management have been adopted by Council and are available for viewing on Council’s website www.council.lithgow.com.

Hyde Park Plan of Management - Adopted by Council 18 February 2008 – Minute No. O08-08

Lithgow Golf Club Plan of Management – Adopted by Council 24 August 2009 – Minute No. O09-35


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Open Space and Recreation Needs Project The findings and recommendations of the Open Space and Recreational Needs Study were adopted in principle by Council on 31 October 2011. The Study will assist Council to ensure that our open spaces and recreation facilities meet the needs of local people, promoting greater social inclusion, accessibility and safety and identifying linkages between the open space networks. The study will be used to further inform the development of the Tourism Strategy, Sporting Precinct Master Plan, Adventure Playground Feasibility Study, Asset Management Plans and Farmers Creek Precinct Concept plan.

Economic Development During 2011/12 Council continued to develop and implement strategies and marketing materials to encourage economic development and growth throughout the LGA.

The information contained within the Economic Development Strategies, Business and Retail Strategy and Wallerawang Industrial Park Feasibility Study were all used to inform the development of the Draft Land Use Strategy and Community Strategic Plan. These documents will further inform the development of the Local Environmental Plan, Development Control Plan/s and Developer Contributions Plan.

Resulting from the Economic Development Strategy, Cultural Plan and Cultural Precinct Study:

o A Lithgow Creative’s has been developed to promote creative industries and associated services in the LGA.

o An additional $50,000 Funding was received from Xstrata Coal to develop the Lithgow History Walk within the Cultural Precinct linking Eskbank House Museum, Blast Furnace Park and Lake Pillans Wetland via Inch Street. The History Walk will encourage tourists and locals to walk rather than drive between the sites and links to the CBD.

Council’s Economic Development Officer continued to work on a ‘Plugging the Leaks’ campaign. Plugging the leaks is essentially any program that encourages the local community and businesses to source their products and services locally instead of from outside the local area. Its aim is to stop money from leaving the Lithgow region by re-directing this money to local services, products etc. This program will target business and industry gap areas to encourage new investment in the area and builds on projects such as Made in Lithgow Enterprises, Shop Locally Campaign and Lithgow Creative’s.

Geographic Information System Development of the Geographic Information System (GIS) continued during the year. GIS staff have made significant contributions to the development of the Land Use Strategy, with all mapping requirements for the project produced in-house. An information capture system for onsite sewerage inspections was developed using a GPS device to assist with the management of inspection data. Updated data for Threatened species was received from the Dept of Environment, Climate Change and Water and installed on Council’s system.

Current Actions for Human Settlement 2012/13 Implement the Septic Safe Program. Commencement of the preparation of a Comprehensive Standard Local Environmental

Plan Commencement of the preparation of a Comprehensive Development Control Plan/s. Implementation of the Section 94A Development Contributions Plan Continued preparation of Community Lands Plans of Management Commencement of design of a Masterplan for Hassans Walls/Braceys Lookout Reserve Commencement of a Masterplan for the Sporting Precinct.


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Implement the Draft Open Space and Recreation Study. Implement the Ageing Strategy Develop and implement the Farmers Creek Precinct Concept Plan Finalise and implement the Tourism Strategy Develop Village Enhancement Programs for Capertee and Rydal.

State of Noise Changes to the state of noise during 2011/12 are illustrated using the following key indicators.

Indicator – Noise Complaints 2011/12 Trend

Number of complaints 162

Total Number of Noise Complaints

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

Nu

mb

er Complaints


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The sources of noise detailed in the above complaints are illustrated in the following graph for 2011/12.

Noise Complaints

81%

2%

4%

9%4%

Barking dogs

construction

music

other

vehicle

Breakdown of Complaints 2011/12

Construction = 3 Music = 7 Other = 15 Vehicles = 7 Barking dogs = 139

Pressure to Noise Of the noise complaints which Council received in 2011/12, 90% were attributed to barking dogs.

Response to Noise The response to the state and pressure of noise during 2011/12 includes:

The resolution of noise complaints through a mediated and agreed solution prior to enforcing legislation.

Council provides for hire citronella collars which discourage dogs from barking.

Council applies conditions to development consents to minimise/restrict noise which will be generated from the proposed development and/or to minimise noise being received at the proposed development from noise sources such as traffic and rail.


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Current Actions for Noise 2012/13 Council will continue to respond to complaints and impose/enforce conditions of development consent.

State of Heritage Changes to the state of Aboriginal heritage during 2011/12 are illustrated using the following indicators.

Indicator – Aboriginal Heritage Sites 2011/12 Trend

Number of Aboriginal Sites 517

Number of Aboriginal Features 588

Changes to the state of non-Aboriginal heritage during 2009/10 are illustrated using the following indicator.

Indicator – Heritage of State Significance 2011/12 Trend

Number of items listed on the State Heritage Register 24

Pressure to Heritage The current Lithgow City Local Environmental Plan identifies 96 heritage items within Schedule 1 comprising individual buildings and groups of buildings. These items do not adequately reflect the breadth of history and heritage of the Lithgow Local Government Area. The 2000 Heritage Study recommends local listing of approximately 500-600 heritage items, including those already listed. Despite the recommendations of a Heritage Study many items or places of heritage significance within the Lithgow LGA remain unprotected by any statutory framework. Identifying and listing items of heritage significance are only the first steps in protecting and managing those places and objects that we as a community want to keep. The force of law is necessary to provide a framework for managing the approval of major changes so that heritage significance is retained and not diminished. This will be achieved by listing items of local heritage significance within the Principal Local Environmental Plan. The 2000 City of Lithgow Heritage Study and the Rylstone and Evans Heritage Studies are authoritative studies that provide Council with a comprehensive assessment of the history and heritage of the region and the basic framework for continuing research and survey.


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Response to Heritage

Strategic Framework In 2010, a Heritage Development Control Plan Study was commissioned to review the list of heritage items proposed for inclusion within the new Local Environmental Plan and to formulate Development Control (DCP) provisions to guide the management of Council’s heritage inventory. The findings of this Study are recommended to be implemented through the strategic planning directions and actions of the Lithgow Land Use Strategy 2010-2030. The findings of the review can be summarised as follows:

Heritage Type Percentage of Proposed 2000 Listings

Comment

Archaeology, ruins, cemeteries

19% These are grouped as they are fixed, inert sites that require very little in terms of council heritage management

Transport 5% These are largely railway and bridge sites and not within the control of council

Civic sites including churches, schools and council owned buildings

12% These sites do not require regular input from council in terms of management or applications

Miscellaneous sites such as memorials and artefacts

3%

These sites do not require regular input from council in terms of management or applications

Commercial sites and hotels 7% Commercial sites are under-represented given the large number of very fine commercial heritage properties in the area, however hotels are well covered in listings

Rural houses and farm sites 15%

These are well represented and have few applications to council

Individual Houses in towns or suburbs

14% (90 listings) This group is reasonably well represented and would provide a manageable workload to council in terms of management and applications.

The Study recommends deleting all of the group housing listings and the creation of generally small conservation areas as this will achieve the level of control that Council requires without placing onerous requirements on owners.


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The creation of conservation areas will also allow a small number of other properties to be removed from the potential heritage list (where they are of minor significance and within a conservation area) and importantly will provide a level of protection for the commercial buildings that are currently not covered in the heritage study. Removing the group listings would reduce the total number of places proposed for heritage listing from 650 to around 525 sites of which 170 are ruins, archaeology, cemeteries, artefacts, memorials or transport sites. The study recommends the following conservation areas: Lithgow commercial

Main St/ Railway Parade Station Street Mort St commercial precinct

Lithgow residential Inch Street (heritage item group) Whitton Street (heritage item group) Cook Street (heritage item group) Eskbank Street (heritage item group) Hassans Walls Road (partial heritage item group) Silcock Street (heritage item group)

Towns Wallerawang Portland Rydal Capertee Little Hartley Hartley Vale

The study has set out recommended controls for each proposed conservation area to provide certainty for owners about why the conservation area has been created and what Council are looking for in applications for future work. The controls are based on the visual value of each area, particularly as viewed from the street. Where commercial buildings are included in conservation areas there are also controls about retaining original shopfronts and encouragement for owners to retain good original commercial interiors as these can add value to the business. Often the controls provide greater flexibility than is found in general controls reflecting the character of a particular area, for example, in many early housing areas, side setbacks are minimal and the controls provide for retention of these reduced setbacks to assist achieving reasonable development opportunities. The study has also provided a set of general DCP controls for the older housing areas in Lithgow, recognising that they vary dramatically from new development on new sub-divisions. Again these controls provide flexibility in working towards good solutions for owners but also require that the essential character of the area is retained in both new development and alterations and additions. Overall this enhances the amenity and visual value of Lithgow.

Planning Controls for Individual Heritage Items Of importance in considering the broader heritage of Lithgow is how individual heritage items are considered, particularly when they are in isolation. The new LEP will contain standard provisions that must be considered in relation to heritage items. These are being applied across NSW to provide consistency of approach. The basis of these controls is to:

understand why the place is significant provide to undertake works that retain the identified significance


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In making applications for work to Council, owners will be required to submit a heritage impact statement that sets out how the heritage values of the place have been retained in the proposal. It would be helpful if Council could provide a pro-forma or sample statement to applicants to assist in preparing applications. The proposed approach to heritage is a balanced and pragmatic one that seeks to retain core heritage values and places and provide a sound framework for new buildings and alterations and additions to take place that meet reasonable contemporary expectations. The heritage of the Lithgow area is an important aspect of future growth and development and is a distinguishing element for many small towns and areas that gives them an edge. The long-term protection of that heritage will allow Lithgow to take full advantage of its fine history and its excellent built heritage. Council on 31 October 2011 adopted the findings and recommendations of the 2010 Heritage DCP study to inform the development of the new Principal LEP.

Heritage Management

Heritage Advisor Program Council provides advice to residents on development applications to assist in maintaining the integrity of our local built heritage through the Heritage Advisory Program. Recommendations were provided on 40 applications throughout the year which is an increase of 7 applications from 2009/10.

Main Street Façade Restoration Program Council Increased the financial assistance subsidy to landowners the owners of properties, within the Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland CBD’s from a provision of $2 for $1 up to $1,000 to providing the subsidy on a $ for $ basis up to $2,500. The program funds improvements to shopfront facades including minor repair, maintenance or reinstatement of traditional windows, awnings, or decorations as well as traditional colour schemes and where required provides assistance through the Heritage Advisory Service.

Lithgow History Avenue Following completion of the Cultural Precinct Study, Xstrata Coal NSW has committed a further $50,000 to develop the Lithgow History Avenue bringing their total contribution to $150,000 over three years. The vision for the project is to improve the visual amenity of what is currently a degraded area at the top of Inch Street and develop wayfinding and pathmaking, as recommended in the Cultural Precinct Study. The aim is to convert available land along Inch Street which links the top of Main Street, Union Theatre and the Hoskins Building to Eskbank Station, Eskbank House Museum, Blast Furnace Park and Lake Pillans Wetlands into an outdoor gallery of corten steel sculptures displaying high quality public art which references the historical and cultural elements of an area that is the cradle of industry in Lithgow. The project will be completed by December 2012.

Eskbank House Museum Conservation Management Plan Council received funding assistance from the Heritage Council of NSW to develop for a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Eskbank House, which dates from 1842. The historic value of Eskbank House was recognised in the Lithgow City Council Heritage Study and proper assessment by a heritage architect during development of the CMP will enable the historic buildings to be listed on the State Heritage Register, as well as providing guidelines for the management, interpretation and use of the property into the future. The CMP was completed in February 2012 and Council has since commenced on the staged implementation of its recommendations.


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Blast Furnace Park Upgrade Historic Blast Furnace Park is the birthplace of the iron and steel industries in Lithgow. These historic ruins sitting on a small knoll within the Lithgow Valley are an important landmark seen from a number of vantage points throughout the valley. The funding from Round 3 of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program value adds to the development of the Lithgow History Avenue. A well-known tourist drawcard for visitors, photographers and engineering groups, new walkways through the ruins, wayfinding signage and viewing areas have been designed to maintain the integrity of the site and highlight safe vantage points to view the ruins and will be installed during 2011/12.

Lake Pillans Wetland Originally the settling ponds and an industrial waste land below the Blast Furnace, Lake Pillans Wetland is now a valuable recreational facility serving the surrounding community. The site not only has valuable links to the industrial history of Lithgow, but is also environmentally and socially significant to the community. Pathways and boardwalks meander through the wetland and ponds with a number of boardwalks and viewing platforms are in disrepair. Local native plantings throughout the wetland are home to an abundance of local birds making this a popular walking spot for surrounding residents. Funding from Round 3 of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will be utilised to repair current boardwalks and provide valuable wayfinding signage linking the wetlands to Blast Furnace Park and the cultural Precinct thereby raising the profile of the site for locals and visitors to the area. This work will be undertaken during 2011/12.

Current Actions for Heritage 2012/13 The following actions are planned for 2012/13:

Continue a heritage advisor program.

Continue the Museum’s Advisor Program.

Investigate the development of the John Wellings Heritage Award.

Implement the recommendations of the 2010 Heritage DCP Study through the new Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan

Implement the recommendations from the Conservation Management and Landscape Plan for Eskbank House Museum.

Complete development of Stage 1 of the Lithgow History Avenue Project.

Upgrade Blast Furnace Park and Lake Pillans Wetland.


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Land

State of Land

Introduction Land is a primary resource that is integral to environmental, economic and social sustainability. Land is a finite resource and its capability and suitability determines land use and land use management.

Pressure to Land

Land Use Conflict The horizontal growth of settled areas combined with the dispersed rural living development has created land use conflict within the LGA. This conflict predominantly arises from the incongruent outcomes of urban and rural lifestyle development with natural resource management and the economic recovery of primary resources. Development is encroaching on more marginal lands, resulting in adverse environmental outcomes as well as social and economic costs.

Soil erosion Soil erosion by water and wind is a natural process. Many soils are old, weathered and infertile, making them particularly susceptible to erosion. The potential for soil erosion increases wherever soil is disturbed or exposed by the removal of protective vegetation cover and during high intensity rainfall and winds. Some land uses and management practices have greatly accelerated soil erosion by reducing surface cover, increasing runoff and reducing the resistance of soil to water and wind erosion. The clearing of native vegetation, excessive cultivation, bare soil and fallowing practices, overgrazing by introduced animals and pests, and poor matching of land-use activities with land capability have been directly associated with increased rates of soil erosion in NSW. Extreme events, such as drought, bushfires and floods, have also increased erosion. Degradation of riparian vegetation and changes in catchment hydrology has accelerated the erosion of creek and river banks. In urban areas, land clearing, soil disturbance and earthworks associated with development and re-development continue to expose soil to potential erosion. The Environmentally Sensitive Areas mapping prepared for the Lithgow LGA has identified approximately 5,300 ha of land is affected by severe to extreme sheet and rill erosion. These areas are predominantly located around the escarpment areas. There are also substantial areas affected by very severe stream bank and gully erosion particularly prevalent in the south of the LGA.

Dryland Salinity Dryland salinity is the build up of salts in the soil surface and groundwater in non-irrigated areas. Although salts are a natural part of the Australian landscape, dryland salinity refers to excess salt that affects soil, native vegetation, biodiversity, crops and water quality. The removal of native vegetation through land clearing and the adoption of unsuitable land uses and practices have caused watertables to rise. This allows salts to move close to the soil surface where they are concentrated by evaporation or discharged into surface waters.


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Salinisation occurs when enough of these salts accumulate to cause degradation of land and water resources and vegetation. Areas affected or at risk of dryland salinity are those where salt outbreaks have occurred or where watertables have risen to within two metres of the surface. The Environmentally Sensitive Areas mapping prepared for the Lithgow LGA has identified only minimal lands, approximately 81ha, are salt affected. The largest pockets of these areas are concentrated to the northwest of Capertee and to the east and south east of Tarana.

Response to Land

Preparation of a strategic land use planning framework Lithgow City Council in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning is currently undertaking the preparation of a strategic land use planning framework for the future development of the Lithgow LGA to encourage environmental, economic and social sustainability. The development of this framework is indicated in the flow chart below:

Local Profile

Land Use Issues Paper

Land Use Strategy

Local Environmental

Plan

Development Planning (DCP

preparation; developer

contributions plan)

Operational Planning (Development

application assessments)

Sta

ge

1

(Cur

rent

pro

ject

)

Sta

ge

2

Impl

emen

tatio

n

Implementation Implementation

MONITOR AND REVIEW

The Project

In 2011/12 reporting period Council considered the community and government authority response to the Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy 2010-2030 and adopted an amended Strategy on 31 October 2011. Implementation of the growth management and sustainability principles of this Strategy should alleviate some of the pressures currently experienced on land in the Local Government Area. The new target timeline for the completion and implementation of the new Principal Local Environmental Plan is the end of 2013.


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Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) SCA have developed a Strategic Land and Water Capability Assessment for those parts of the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment included in the Lithgow LGA. A Strategic Land and Water Capability Assessment is defined as: “An assessment of the physical capability of natural features of land and waterways to identify appropriate types and intensities of land use that will not have an adverse impact on water quality and catchment health”. Stage one thresholds were developed for the following water and landscape criteria:

Slope Distance to Water Erodibility Soil Depth Permeability Vegetation Cover

These criteria were then developed into a model using threshold indices, limiting factors and weightings across 10 different land use categories to map land and water capability.

Soil erosion Lithgow City Council is applying more stringent assessment and requirements for soil erosion and sediment control across all development. Council implements the principles and best practice provided in the “Blue Book – Managing Urban Stormwater and Soils Construction Vol 1 & 2’.

Geographical Information System Council’s Geographical Information System (GIS) includes:

Inclusion of the Local Environmental Plan Aerial photography layers provided by the Lands and Property Management Authority Establishment of partnerships with bodies including Sydney Catchment Authority,

Dept of Environment, Climate Change and Water and Lands and Property Management Authority to receive strategic environmental data.

Development of Stormwater layers for Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang.

Current Actions for Land 2012/13 The following actions are planned for 2012/13

Commence preparation of the new Principal Local Environmental Plan Commence preparation of the Comprehensive Development control Plan to

support the Local Environmental Plan.


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Air

State of Air Changes to the state of air during 2011/12 are illustrated using the following key indicator.

Indicator – Air Pollution Complaints 2011/12 Trend

Number of solid fuel heater complaints 21

Air Pollution Complaints

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

Nu

mb

er o

f C

om

pla

ints

Solid Fuel HeaterComplaints

Pressure to Air The use of coal and wood heaters continues to be the main source of air quality complaints received by Council.

Response to Air The response to the state and pressures of air during 2011/12 includes:

Release of three media releases advertising alternate fuel rebate program and advertised in Council’s Column in the Mercury.

The draft NSW Best Practice Odour Guideline has been applied for the augmentations relating to Lithgow STP and Wallerawang STP.


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Coal Fired Heaters Replacement Rebate Scheme The rebate program was started by Council in response to community concerns about the threat coal smoke poses to community health and the environment and has been in operation for a number of years. Householders within Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang are encouraged to convert their coal fired heating system with more sustainable and healthier forms of heating such as gas or electric. This has resulted in residents of these areas noticing a marked improvement in air quality over recent years as more people replaced their coal fired heater with cleaner and more sustainable heating methods.

Lithgow City Council Fleet

Lithgow City Council maintains and manages a significant fleet in order to carry out the day to day operations of Council. As part of Council’s fleet management, vehicles and plant are replaced with models that meet the latest emissions standards. In addition to this Council’s fleet includes 1 hybrid car, 3 LPG cars and 3 Diesel cars. Council’s fleet has remained stable during the 2009/10 year with no changes to the number and type of vehicles. Council’s vehicle fleet includes:

List of Plant and Vehicles in Councils Fleet 2010/11

Cars Utilities Trucks

Hybrid 2 4WD Diesel 20 4.5 Ton 8

4 Cylinder Petrol 9 2WD Diesel 17 6 Ton 1

4 Cylinder Diesel 11 2WD Petrol 1 8 Ton 1

6 Cylinder Petrol 6 10 Ton 2

6 Cylinder LPG 0 15 Ton 9

8 Cylinder Petrol 1 22.5 Ton 4

48 Ton 2

Earthmoving Equipment

Tractors Ride-on Mowers

Graders 4 Tractors 8 Ride-on Mowers 16

Loaders 1

Backhoes 5 Other

Skid Steer 1 Street Sweeper 1

Rollers 2 Pavement Scrubber 1

Excavator (Small) 2 Forklift 1


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Current Actions for Air 2012/13 Council has budgeted for the continuation of the coal fire rebate program and will

continue to offer rebates of $1,000 for domestic premises, $1,400 for pensioners and $2000 for commercial premises.

Continued upgrade of Council IT systems ensuring workplace and energy efficiencies.

Continued replacement and upgrades to Council’s Fleet

Water

State of Water Lithgow City Council routinely samples the town drinking water supplies to ensure compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and safe drinking water. In addition to regular sampling and analysis completed at Lithgow Water Treatment Plant chemical samples are taken monthly and bacterial samples weekly and sent for external analysis. A total of 42 indicators are used to assess water quality.

The Fish River supply provided by State Water, which supplies Wallerawang and Portland and up to Glen Davis, is also sampled monthly for chemicals and weekly for bacteria.

Samples are sent to a certified NSW Health Laboratory for independent analysis and results are provided to Council and Sydney Western Area Health Service.

During the reporting period there has been a slight decrease in aesthetic water quality for Lithgow with Total Coliforms, Aluminium and Iron producing non-compliant results.

Aluminium levels are set in the Australian Drinking Water guidelines for aesthetic reasons. No health-based guideline value can be established currently for aluminium. While aluminium is considered to be an aesthetic parameter and not a health based parameter, a well-operated water treatment plant should be able to produce results that meet the aesthetic criteria on a routine basis. Insufficient data are available to determine a health-based guideline value for iron in drinking water. The guideline value is based on the taste threshold of 0.3mg/L, which is similar to the concentration that would result in iron precipitating out of solution. Sufficient human data exists to indicate that iron in drinking water would not become a health concern unless the concentration was above 3mp/L, well in excess of the concentration that would cause water to taste objectionable and it is unlikely that such water would be consumed.

Changes to the state of water during 2011/12 are illustrated using the following key indicators.

Indicator – Farmers Creek Microbiology Percentage Meeting the Drinking Water Guidelines

2011/12 Trend

Total coliforms 84%

E coli 100%


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Farmers Creek Potable Water Microbiology

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

Per

cen

tag

e A

DW

G

Total Coliforms

E coli

The Fish River Water Transfer Scheme operates the Duckmaloi Water Treatment Plant. During the reporting period there has been a slight decrease in aesthetic water quality for Lithgow with Total coliforms, Turbidity, Aluminium, Lead Manganese and Iron producing non-compliant results.

Indicator – Fish River Microbiology Percentage Meeting the Drinking Water Guidelines

2011/12 Trend

Total coliforms 70%

E coli 100%

Fish River Potable Water Microbiology

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

Per

cen

tag

e A

DW

G

Total Coliforms

E coli


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Approximately 80% of the daily intake of lead is from the ingestion of food, dirt and dust. Food contains small but significant quantities of lead, which can increase when acidic food is stored in lead-glazed ceramic pottery or lead-soldered cans. The use of lead-free solders is becoming more widespread in the food processing industry. The average Australian adult dietary intake of lead is approximately 0.1 mg per day.

Lead can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion or placental transfer. In adults, approximately 10% of ingested lead is absorbed but in children this figure can be 4 to 5 times higher. After absorption, the lead is distributed in soft tissue such as the kidney, liver, and bone marrow where it has a biological half-life in adults of less than 40 days, and in skeletal bone where it can persist for 20 to 30 years.

Manganese would not be a health consideration unless the concentration exceeded 0.5 mg/L. One sample was tested at 0.932mg/L.

At concentrations exceeding 0.1 mg/L, manganese imparts an undesirable taste to water and stains plumbing fixtures and laundry. Even at concentrations of 0.02 mg/L, manganese will form a coating on pipes that can slough off as a black ooze. Some nuisance microorganisms can concentrate manganese and give rise to taste, odour and turbidity problems in distribution systems.

Manganese is an essential element and is required by mammals and birds for normal growth. Manganese deficiency affects bone, the brain and reproduction in a number of animal species. Although no specific symptoms have been described in humans, it has been suggested that manganese deficiency may be associated with anemia and, in children, with bone disorders. Owing to the low solubility of manganese in gastric juices, only 3-8% of ingested manganese is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. After absorption, it is concentrated in the liver and eventually excreted in faeces. In humans it has a relatively short biological half-life of 13 to 37 days.

In humans, manganese toxicity has occurred mainly as a result of inhalation of manganese dust over long periods. By the oral route, manganese is regarded as one of the least toxic elements. Experiments with laboratory animals have shown no adverse effects other than a change in appetite and a reduction in the metabolism of iron in hemoglobin synthesis.

There is no firm evidence that manganese is carcinogenic. Some studies indicate that it may, in fact, have an anti-carcinogenic effect. Some in vitro studies using mammalian and bacterial cells have reported that manganese acts as a mutagen.

Indicator – Farmers Creek Chemistry Parameters Not Achieving 100% Compliance with Drinking Water Guidelines

2011/12

Trend

Total Aluminium 27%

Total Iron 9%


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Farmers Creek Potable Water Chemistry Parameters

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2011/12

Reporting Year

Per

cen

tag

e A

DW

G

Aluminium

Iron

pH

Nickel

Indicator – Fish River Chemistry Parameters Not Achieving 100% Compliance with Drinking Water Guidelines

2011/12

Trend

Turbidity 15%

Total Aluminium 8%

Total Iron 8%

Total Lead 8%

Total Manganese 8%

Fish River Potable Water Chemistry Parameters

100% 100% 100% 100%

69%

80%

90%

8% 8%15%

0%8% 8%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Aluminium Iron Turbidit y True Colour Lead Manganese

Che mi st r y

2007/ 08

2008/ 09

2009/ 10

2010/ 11

2011/ 12


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Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae is monitored by Lithgow City Council in partnership with Delta Electricity at Lake Lyell and Lake Wallace. Council monitors the lakes during the warmer months to ensure recreational water quality.

Delta monitors the lakes and other water bodies throughout the year as part of their environmental monitoring and compliance program. Results from Delta’s monitoring are reported in Delta’s Water Management Licence Annual Compliance Report.

During 2011-2012 one Amber alert was issued for Lake Lyell from 25 February – 7 March 2012. An Amber alert was issued for Lake Wallace from 1 July – 28 July 2011 and a Red Alert was issued from 25 February to 6 March 2012.

Alert level definitions

Red

These alert levels represent 'bloom' conditions. The water will appear green and may have strong, musty or organically polluted odours. Blue-green algae may be visible as clumps or as scums. The 'blooms' should be considered to be toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for potable water supply (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation.

Amber

Blue green algae may be multiplying in numbers. The water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. The water remains suitable for recreational use.

Green

Blue green algae are first detected in the water at low amounts, possibly signaling the early stages of the development of a bloom. At these concentrations, the blue-green algae do not pose a threat to recreational, stock or domestic use.

Indicator – Drought Status 2011/12 (months)

Trend

Drought 0

Lithgow was not in drought during 2010/11.


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Drought Status

5

12

4 4

0 0 00

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

Nu

mb

er o

f M

on

ths

Number of Months


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Lithgow Water Restrictions 2004-2011

Water Restriction Level Date Implemented

Compulsory water restrictions introduced

1 June 2004

Level 2 1 March 2005

Level 3 21 May 2007

Level 4 16 July 2007

Level 5 4 July 2008

Level 5 27 January 2009

Level 4 24 September 2009

Level 5 6 October 2009

Level 4A 19 January 2010

Level 4 11 February 2010

Level 2 9 September 2010

Level 1 28 February 2011

Pressure to Water Pressures to water include:

Steady improvements in storage levels reduced pressure on storage provision and water restrictions eased during the year.

Development of the Clarence Water Transfer Scheme during 2011/12.

The State Government reviewed the Fish River Water Supply Scheme in March 2011 and made several changes including reducing the annual allocation to Lithgow City Council.

The extraction licence which limits the amount of water to be taken annually from Farmers Creek was reviewed and the limit was revised downward.

The pollution studies and reduction programs as detailed in the respective Environment Protection Licences led to the approval of augmentation works at the Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewage Treatment Plants in 2009. These upgrade works were completed in 2011/12. Portland Sewage Treatment Plant received minor improvements and an assessment report recommends significant improvements will be required.


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Response to Water The responses to the state and pressures of water during 2011/12 included:

Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrades

The augmentation of Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewage Treatment Plants has involved the major upgrade of the plants and is a requirement of the State Government which will bring the plants up to best practice environmental standards. Both upgrades include the installation of a reclaimed water use system and Ultra Violet Disinfection Treatment which will minimise the impacts of treated effluent prior to it entering the Farmers Creek and Pipers Flat Creek supplies. Upgrade of Lithgow Sewerage Treatment Plan was completed in October 2011 and Wallerawang completed May 2012.

A permanent standby generator is required to be installed at Sewage Pump Station Number 1 in 2010/11 in order to provide emergency power to operate the pumps in the event of a power outage. This will prevent wet well overflow and was a requirement of the Sydney Catchment Authority.

Water efficiency initiatives to raise public awareness on water use. To encourage conservation of potable water Council operates a Rainwater Tank and Domestic Appliances Rebate Program.

Construction of infrastructure for a bulk water supplier including upgrade of Clarence Transfer System and transfer to villages serviced by Fish River Water Supply. The feasibility study was finalised and legal advice was obtained. Council selected a preferred option to proceed and the State 2 funding agreement was finalised. By the end of the financial year 2 milestones of the funding agreement had been completed.

Review and implementation of the Drought Management Plan. Completion and implementation of the Drinking Water quality Management System. The construction of a new reservoir at South Bowenfels; Design and construct water

main extensions commencing at South Bowenfels and develop and implement a program for water mains and services renewal.

Maintenance at the Oakey Park Water Treatment Plant was undertaken including the investigation of the replacement of filter media to improve plant performance.

Sewer mains relining program continued. A feasibility options study into the upgrade of the Portland Sewerage Treatment Plant

to improve the quality of effluent being discharge into the Central West Catchment was completed.

Enhancements to the Lithgow Water Treatment Plan and Portland Sewage Treatment Plant as identified in the environmental Audit undertaken in 2008/09 were completed.

The water and Waste Department places the highest priority on health and safety. This year, as always, we have dedicated ourselves to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Regular safety inspections’ were carried out and any non-compliance addressed through Council’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee process.

Specific projects are being implemented as part of the normal program maintenance works and also under enhanced maintenance funding.

A number of monitoring initiatives are planned for Farmers Creek Dam #2 to ensure dam safety in accordance with a priority program.

Water and Waste Officer provided assistance in identifying and logging the locations of Council Water and Sewerage Assets as part of the further development of Councils Geographic Information System.

The Rainwater Tank and Domestic Appliances Rebate program was active throughout the year and continually promoted.


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Cullen Bullen Onsite Waste Water Council has initiated a study into the issues with the onsite waste water at Cullen Bullen. It is considered that a high proportion of the existing on-site wastewater systems in Cullen Bullen may be failing to meet desired operational and performance objectives and therefore potentially posing a risk to public health. An assessment has been undertaken of the town’s onsite wastewater systems which will involved looking at the septic tanks, associated drainage lines, septic trenches and surrounding disposal area. From this, an estimate of the problem and risk these systems pose to the residents of Cullen Bullen will be obtained. The study will provide advice on how to manage wastewater in Cullen Bullen in the future in relation to:

1. The suitability of existing individual on-site wastewater technologies given the soils, climate and average allotment size of properties in Cullen Bullen.

2. The provision and possibility of a reticulated system and sewage treatment plant. 3. The potential to provide a reticulated sewerage system and pump the system to the

Portland Sewage Treatment Plant.

Current Actions for Water 2012/13 New Sewage Pump Stations at South Bowenfels and South Littleton Clarence Water Transfer Scheme Filter replacements at Oakey Park Water Treatment Plant Upgrades to Reservoirs Commence fluoridation of the water supply.

State of Stormwater In the Lithgow Local Government Area Farmers Creek, Lake Wallace, Pipers Flat Creek or Limestone Creek are all affected by urban stormwater drainage. Destruction of animal and plant habitats, reduction of the visual amenity of our waters and restriction of their use are all the environmental effects of stormwater pollution.

Pressure to Stormwater In the Lithgow Local Government area pressures to water include:

Green waste and soil erosion within the urban environment from gardens.

Incorrect disposal of cigarette butts and litter in gutters and parks.

Incorrect disposal of household chemicals

Incorrect disposal of dog faeces.

Improvements to local urban drainage and renewal of assets are required as they are old and failing.

Response to Stormwater A variety of educational materials are available from Council’s Administration Centre

inviting the community to “Become part of the solution. Educate yourself about stormwater pollution”.

Dog Faeces Collection bags are available to the public from Council’s Administration Centre and also from Leash Free Areas located at:


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o Endeavour Park, Lithgow

o Montague Street, Lithgow

o Lake Wallace, Wallerawang

o Williwa Street, Portland

Council Rangers are available to discuss the use of Leash Free Areas and provide free Doggy Bags to local school children during local government week as part of their Responsible Dog Ownership Program.

Improvements to urban and rural drainage during 2010/11 included:

o General maintenance and cleaning of drains in Lithgow and Portland.

o Installation of new culverts and general maintenance to drains in Rydal.

Current Actions for Stormwater 2010/11 Undertake urban drainage projects in Lithgow and Portland.

Provision of information through the Administration Centre and Libraries.

Installation of new culverts and general maintenance to drains in Capertee.

Pressure to Floodplain Management Although, Council is working towards a total solution to the flood plain management problems for the Hermitage Flat community, the staging of the works means that full benefits of the project will not be realised for several years. During this time there is still the potential of major flooding in this area. It is therefore important that an education campaign be developed for the Hermitage Flat community and that Council liaise with local emergency services and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water’s Flood Plain Unit to review the emergency response strategy for this area.

Furthermore, following completion of the upgrade, a full review of the Farmers Creek Flood Plain Management Plan and development of a comprehensive asset management plan for Farmers Creek which includes future capital upgrades and natural resource management strategies is required.

Response to Floodplain Management Council has accepted an amended grant from the Office of Environment and Heritage. The grant was amended to the preparation of a Flood Study to provide sufficient information to prepare a Floodplain Risk Management Plan which will be deferred. Work is to proceed in 2012/13 on design and construct of stage 2 of the channel widening works.

Current Actions for Floodplain Management 2012/13 Additional investigation, survey and design of Farmers Creek to the east of the

current works to determine the extent of future stages of channel widening works. Development of a Flood Study


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Biodiversity

State of Biodiversity

The Save Our Swamps (SOS) Project is a joint project between Blue Mountains City Council, Gosford City Council, Lithgow City Council and Wingecarribee Shire Council to protect and restore the federally listed Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone endangered ecological community, which occurs predominately across the four associated local government areas (LGAs).

Swampcare is Lithgow City Council's Save Our Swamps flagship community engagement program for all Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp community related programs. It includes Swampcare's educational and on ground activities, the Swampwatch program and the Blue Mountains Water Skink and Giant Dragonfly Monitoring Program.

Indicator – Threatened Species known or predicted to occur in the Lithgow Local Government Area 2009/10

Vulnerable Endangered Endangered Ecological

Community or

Population

Number of flora species 40 20 12

Number of bird species 21 5

Number of fauna species 23 11

Source data: Department of Environment Climate Change and Water Website – Threatened Species; Species, Populations and Ecological Communities of NSW.

A full listing of Threatened Species known or predicted to occur in this area, as sourced from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Website is included as Appendix A to this document.

Pressure to Biodiversity Drought, the presence of pest animals, the loss of habitat and invasion of weeds has the potential to impact on flora and fauna species.

The Department of Primary Industries prepared a report in 2006 to identify and prioritise all road crossings that were acting as fish barriers within the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Area. In the Lithgow Local Government Area, 14 potential fish passage barriers were assessed, with 8 recommended for remediation. In addition to this 27 weirs have been identified within the Lithgow local government area and the following threatened species are listed.

Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis)

River Snail (Notopala sublineata)

Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus)

Purple Spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa)


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Olive Perchlet (Ambassis agassizii)

When planning road and culvert/causeway maintenance on the roads listed under Council control in the abovementioned report, potential barriers to water flow and the environmental impacts on threatened species should be taken into consideration.

Response to Biodiversity

Save our Swamps Program The Lithgow City Council in collaboration with Blue Mountains City Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council and Gosford City council has undertaken the Save Our Swamp Program. This program has looked at the federally listed Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone which are biodiversity hotspots supporting ten nationally endangered threatened species and three state listed swamp Endangered Ecological Communities. The program involves restoration and protection of these swamp areas. The program won the National Local Government Award for Innovation in Natural Resource Management.

Save our Swamps will fulfil is objectives by delivering in the 4 key areas:

Community education targeting interest groups, private landholders and schools;

Capacity building through education and provision of incentives to undertake works on private land;

Coordination of public and government recovery actions for the swamp and 10 threatened species; and

Improved partnerships forged between community, councils and state agencies.

Save Our Swamps Project – Special Commendation - United Nations World Environment Day Awards 2011 The Save Our Swamps Project is a regional project coordinated by Blue Mountains City Council in conjunction with Lithgow and Wingecarribee Shire Council. This program seeks to protect and conserve the federally listed Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone which are biodiversity hotspots supporting ten nationally endangered threatened species and three state listed swamp Endangered Ecological Communities. In the Lithgow region this involves the protection of the swamps in the Newnes Plateau area of the Wollemi National Park.

Save Our Swamps Project – National Local Government Award for Innovation in Natural Resource Management In 2009 the program received the National Local Government Award for Innovation in Natural Resource Management. This year the program has received a Special Commendation at the United Nations World Environment Day Awards. The award was in recognition of the commitment by the three Councils’ to work together to protect these endangered hanging swamps achieving outstanding environmental results.

Grevillea Obtusiflora and Phebalium Bifidum - Environmental Incident 2008 On 11 February 2011, Council was convicted under Section 118A (2) of the National Parks and wildlife Act in response to an environmental incident where 76 plants of the species Grevillea Obtusifolia a 1 plant of the species Phebalium Bifidum were eradicated due to the grading of Home Hills and Port Macquarie Roads in the Capertee Valley during April/May 2008. In addition to being ordered to pay the prosecutors costs, council was fined $105,000 which was paid to Industry and Investment NSW to be used by the Derelict Mines


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Programme (DMP) to assist in the site rehabilitation at Glen Davis Oil Shale Quarry located in the Capertee Valley. Council has developed a ‘Draft’ Review of Environmental Factors and Environmental Management Plan to complement the already adopted Standard Working Procedure; Maintenance Management of Roadsides in the Capertee Valley for maintenance works along Port Macquarie and Home Hills Roads. These documents have been derived from the finding of Council’s recent court case illustrating the need for ‘Best Practice’ documents to be developed in the need to better protect ‘Endangered Species’ that exist only in certain areas of the Capertee Valley. Council invited the Office of Environment and Heritage to comment on the draft documents, feedback has now been received. Council will review this feedback in consultation with its Environmental Consultant endeavouring to amend and finalise all documents, paving the way for Council recommence maintenance works on Port Macquarie Road and Home Hills Roads.

Environmental Education

Educational materials are provided to the community on the Septic Safe Program and Environmental and Noxious Weeds.

Throughout the year, Council works with GreenCorp Teams to undertake projects which improve the natural and cultural heritage values of the Lithgow region. Activities include erosion and sedimentation control through revegetation and week control, construction of signage and key infrastructure, educating the community, biodiversity monitoring and surveying, bush regeneration, résumé writing and job applications techniques.

Community Lands Plans of Management

The following Crown Lands Plans of Management has been adopted by Council and are available for viewing on Council’s website www.council.lithgow.com .

Hyde Park Plan of Management - Adopted by Council 18 February 2008 – Minute No. O08-08

Lithgow Golf Club Plan of Management – Adopted by Council 24 August 2009 – Minute No. O09-35

Lithgow Environmental Advisory Committee

The principal responsibilities of the Committee are to advise Council on environmental issues with a focus on natural resource management and urban environmental sustainability as follows:

Provide local knowledge and expertise about the natural environment within the Local Government Area

Provide informed and constructive advice in regard to urban environmental sustainability including; cycle and walkways, green areas, threatened species within urban areas, urban bushland regeneration, connectivity to natural areas, community nurseries and gardens

Identify emerging issues of concern to the health of the natural environment within the Local Government Area

Provide specific and targeted feedback on a range of Council policies, strategies and management plans that relate to natural resource management and urban environmental sustainability


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Current Actions for Biodiversity 2012/13 Continued liaison with the Lithgow Environmental Advisory Committee on

environmental issues in the Lithgow local government area.

Continued participation in Greencorp Projects

Development of Community Lands Plans of Management

Finalisation of the Lithgow Local Environmental Plan.

Waste

State of Waste Waste today is a complex issue, with environmental and financial factors putting it at the heart of effective organisational management. The language of global climate change, ozone depletion and sustainability translate into a series of business obligations - to the law, customers, society, employees and financial success. Solutions vary, but sustainable and effective waste management is predicated on maximum environmental effectiveness at minimal commercial cost. The Water and Waste Department of Lithgow City Council is a strategically focused unit within the Regional Services division with primary functions including:

Collection of household waste and recyclables

Collection of municipal waste and recyclables

Operation of waste disposal facilities including the Lithgow Solid Waste Facility (landfill), Wallerawang, Portland, Angus Place, Capertee, Cullen Bullen and Glen Davis Garbage Depots, refuse transfer stations at Hampton, Meadow Flat and Tarana and the Lithgow Recycling Centre.

Disposal of bulk commercial wastes

Management of former landfills

The management of waste has strong links to five strategy aims to assist Council’s movement towards its adopted destinations.

1. A recognised leader in the broader context.

2. A community that is healthy, educated and sustainable.

3. An environment that is protected and sustained.

4. A strong local economy

5. The community is support by sustainable services and infrastructure.


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Changes to the state of waste during 2011/12 are illustrated using the following key indicators.

Indicator – Total Waste to Landfill 2011/12 (tonnes) Trend

Angus Place Garbage Depot 564

Capertee Garbage Depot 270

Cullen Bullen Garbage Depot 528

Glen Davis Garbage Depot 226

Wallerawang Garbage Depot 1,866

Portland Garbage Depot 2,025

Lithgow Solid Waste Facility 58,033

DECCW issued a fine to Council for litter control at the Lithgow Solid Waste Facility. Council entered discussions with DECCW and the contractor and reached agreement on levels of performance. An additional monitoring program was introduced to ensure that the requirements of the contractor’s agreement were being complied with as well as the Environmental Management Plan for the site.

Total Waste to Landfill

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

Angus Place Capertee Cullen bullen Glen Davis Wallerawang Port land

Garbage D ep o t

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12


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Total Waste to Landfill

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

2005/06 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Reporting Year

To

nn

es

Lithgow Solid Waste Facility

It should be noted that these figures are estimates as there are no weighbridge facilities at any of the sites.

The waste collection contractor’s performance on a day to day basis saw compliance most of the time with the terms of the contract. All complaints were able to be investigated and resolved. The total number of complaints has reduced from previous years.

Waste Minimisation Strategies Lithgow City Council's Waste Services will continue its commitment to integrated waste management, environmental responsibility and commercial alignment. Council continues to provide waste and recycling collection services that encourage a reduction in land filling.

Four Greenwaste collection service was provided to residents of Lithgow, Lidsdale, Marrangaroo, Portland, Rydal and Wallerawang with a number of residents participating in the program.

Cleanup collection services were provided to residents within the LGA.

A household chemical waste collection was undertaken with the majority of waste collected consisting of paint, oil and batteries.

Worm Farms and Compost Bins are available for purchase from Councils Administration Centre. During 2008/09 it was identified that there was a need to increase sales of these items and promote home composting and recycling. This was done through Council Connections, developed a range of informational materials which are available at the Council Administration Centre and on the website and displays during recycling week. In 2010/11, as part of the Urban Sustainability Program and in conjunction with NetWaste Council will be conducting home composting workshops and a “Compost Cook-off” competition.

To ensure ongoing environmentally sensitive management of waste disposal and waste issues within Lithgow City, Lithgow Waste Services have developed an Environmental Policy Statement as part of a Management System. The Policy highlights our commitment to environmental concerns, while our Management System provides the mechanisms to ensure that we can meet our own high environmental standards. The waste reduction agenda primarily consists of:

Education

Waste Diversion

Waste Separation and Recycling.


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E-Waste Recycling Service Lithgow Council is one of sixteen Councils in the NetWaste region participating in this important program to provide an e-waste recycling service in partnership with Sims Metal Management. The material collected through this campaign will be sent to the Sims E-Recycling Facility in Sydney for recycling, where valuable components of the e-waste can be recovered for other uses. Council accepts e-waste from local residents free at the Lithgow Recycling Centre.

Pressure to Waste Waste today is a complex issue, with environmental and financial factors putting it at the heart of effective organisational management. The language of global climate change, ozone depletion and sustainability translate into a series of business obligations - to the law, customers, society, employees and financial success. Solutions vary, but sustainable and effective waste management is predicated on maximum environmental effectiveness at minimal commercial cost.

The diminishing amount of available landfill space and the occurrence of unauthorised fires remain as a pressure on waste management in the Lithgow Local Government Area.

The introduction of a Waste and Environment Levy in NSW from 1 July 2009, under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, in the Sydney Metropolitan Area (SMA) and Regional Regulated Area (RRA) will result in significant financial increases to dispose of waste in Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

It is expected that this will impact on waste facilities within in the Lithgow LGA with people from out of the area utilising Council’s waste facilities. Lithgow at present does not have a Waste and Environment Levy. It is also likely that commercial illegal dumping will increase due to the LGA’s close proximity to the Blue Mountains and Sydney and the increased financial costs of disposing of waste legally within the regulated area.

Lithgow City Council has met with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to discuss measures and programs to best address these issues and have agreed to work together and share information on illegal activities.

Council currently provides a mixture of kerbside and land filling waste services throughout the local government area. The current landfills are nearing the end of their operational life and Council is in the process of developing a central waste management facility at Blackmans Flat and investigating the possibility of extending the life of the Lithgow Solid Waste Facility (SWF). Following the commencement of operations at Blackmans Flat or the extension of Lithgow SWF, the other landfills will close in accordance with a closure plan. Council is currently reviewing its options in relation to additional waste management facilities such as transfer stations.

Also the current Garbage and Recycling Contract expired in June 2009 (but is currently operating under a short term extension) which provides an opportunity to review the current kerbside waste removal services, explore options to improve the services by targeting the service to the needs of the community and improve the rate of recycling.

In 2011/12 tenders for a new waste and recycling service are to be called by Lithgow City Council. The new service will promote a reduction of waste going to landfill and create potential reuse of resources through better recycling. Three systems will be considered in the tender:

System 1 – A 240 litre mobile garbage bin collected weekly and 140 litre mobile recycling bin collected weekly.

System 2 – A 240 litre mobile garbage bin collected weekly and a 240 litre mobile recycling bin collected fortnightly.


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System 3 – A 140 litre mobile garbage bin collected weekly (with residents having the possibility to upgrade to a 240 litre bin) and a 240 litre mobile recycling bin collected fortnightly.

Response to Waste The responses to the state and pressures of waste during 2011/12 included:

Continuing to activate the consent for the Blackmans Flat Waste Management Facility.

Waste Education

Council appointed a dedicated Urban Sustainability Officer for 2 years who is responsible for educating the community on waste matters in conjunction with the Water and Waste Manager with the aim to reduce the amount of waste both generated and for ultimate disposal to landfill. A Waste Education plan is being developed as part of the Lithgow Waste and Recycling Strategy 2010.

For Netwaste, Dubbo and Orange City Councils are trialling the RED Recycling Program. RED stands for “Recycling + Educate = The Difference” and is an Australian developed primary school education program. This program encourages students and school communities to think and act sustainably. The RED initiative involves 5 simple steps; Use/Reuse/Collect/Recycle/Use. By purchasing RED products and collecting unwanted green supermarket bags schools can earn credit points that will allow them to purchase playground furniture that is being made from the recycled materials for their school.

In association with NetWaste, the Lithgow WASTE 2 ART and Design Travelling Photographic Exhibition was held at Eskbank House Museum during April 2012. The exhibition focuses on producing recycled art from found objects and provides an opportunity for school students, the community and professional artists to exhibit their work in local and regional exhibitions.

Council provided education materials to schools to discuss roadside litter and waste issues in response to a request from the schools as part of their studies on the environment.

Current Actions for Waste 2012/13

Current actions for 2012/13 are included in the response to waste above. The following additional actions will be undertaken:

Undertake Trade Waste improvements to Council buildings.

Implement the Waste and Recycling Strategy.


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References Office of Environment and Heritage Website – Threatened Species; Species, Populations and

Ecological Communities of NSW. http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/browse_geo.aspx

Office of Environment and Heritage Website – Threatened Species; Recovery Plans http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/RecoveryPlans.htm

Echelon Australia Pty Ltd – Climate Change Risk Assessment; Draft Adaptation Report for Lithgow City Council. April 2010

Lithgow City Council State of the Environment Report 2009/10

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Appendix A

Threatened Flora Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. Common Name Scientific Name Threatened

Ecological Community

Level of Threat Known or Predicted to occur in the region

Acacia baueri Subsp. Acacia baueri Subsp Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Bynoe’s Wattle Acacia byonoeana Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Flockton Wattle Acacia flocktoniae Plant - Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Acacai gordonii Acacia gordonii Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Downy Wattle Acacia pubescens Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Acrophyllum australe Acrophyllum australe Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Ancistrachne maidenii Ancistrachne maidenii Plant – Herbs & Forbs

Vulnerable Known

Apatophyllum constablei Apatophyllum constablei Plant – Shrubs Not listed Known

Thick-leaf Star-hair Astrotricha crassifolia Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Threatened Ecological Community

Endangered Ecological Community

Known

Deane’s Boronia Boronia deanei Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Small Pale Grass-lily Caesia parviflora var. minor Plant – Herbs & Forbs

Endangered Known

Klaphake’s Sedge Carex klaphakei Plant – Herbs & Forbs

Endangered Known

White-flowered Wax Plant Cynanchum elegans Plant – Epiphytes & Climbers

Endangered Known


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Darwinia pendencularis Darwinia penduncularis Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Derwentia blakelyi Derwentia blakelyi Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Dillwynia tenuifolia Dillwynia tenuifolia Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Doubletail Buttercup Diuris aequalis Plant – Orchids Endangered Known

Epacris hamiltonii Epacris hamiltonii Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Sparse Heath Epacris sparsa Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Eucalyptus alligatrix subsp. Miscella Eucalyptus alligatrix subsp. Miscella Plant – Trees Vulnerable Known

Camden White Gum Eucalyptus benthamii Plant – Trees Vulnerable Known

Capertee Stringybark Ecualyptus cannonii Plant – Trees Vulnerable Known

Eucalyptus copulans Eucalyptus copulans Plant – Trees Endangered Known

Silver-leafed Gum Eucalyptus pulverulenta Plant – Mallees Vulnerable Known

Eucalyptus sp. Howes Eucalyptus sp. Howes Plant – Trees Endangered Ecological

Known

Euphrasia bowdeniae Euphrasia bowdeniae Plant – Herbs & Forbs

Vulnerable Known

Fuzzy Box on alluvials of South West Slopes, Darling Riverine Plains, and the Brigalow Belt South

Fuzzy Box on alluvials of South West Slopes, Darling Riverine Plains, and the Brigalow Belt South

Threatened Ecological Communities

Engagered Ecological Communities

Predicted


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Genowlan Point Allocasuarina nana Heathland

Genowlan Point Allocasuarina nana Heathland



Known

Narrow-leaf Finger Fern Grammitis stenophylla Plant – Ferns & Cycads

Endangered Known

Evans Grevillea Grevillea evansiana Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Grevillea obtusiflora Grevillea obtusiflora Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Gyrostemon thesioides Gyrostemon thesioides Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Haloragodendron lucasii Haloragodendron lucasii Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Hygrocybe anomala var. Hygrocybe anomala var. Fungi Vulnerable Predicted

Hygrocybe aurantipes Hygrocybe aurantipes Fungi Vulnerable Known

Hygrocybe reesiae Hygrocybe reesiae Fungi Vulnerable Known

Fletchers Drumsticks Isopogon fletcheri Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Bristly Shield Fern Lastreopsis hispida Plant – ferns & cycads

Endangered Known

Leionema lachnaeoides Leionema lachnaeoides Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Rylstone Bell Leionema sympetalum Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Evans Sedge Lepidosperma evansianum Plant – Herbs & Forbs

Vulnerable Known

Leucopogon fletcheri Leucopogon fletcheri Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known


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Deane’s Paperbark Melaleuca deanei Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Grove’s Paperbark Melaleuca groveana Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Megalong Valley Bottlebrush Melaleuca sp. Megalong Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Predicted

Montane Peatlands & Swamps Montane Peatlands & Swamps of the New England Tableland, NSW North coast, Sydney Basin, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps



Known

Dwarf Mountain Pine Mocrostrobos fitzgeraldii Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp in the Sydney Basin Bioregion



Known

Needle Geebung Persoonia Acerosa Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Persoonia hindii Persoonia hindii Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Hairy Geebung Persoonia hirsute Plant – Shrubs Endangered Known

Clandulla Geebung Persoonia marginata Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Predicted

Philotheca ericifolia Philotheca ericifolia Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Brown Pomaderris Pomaderris brunnea Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Slaty Leek Orchid Prasophyllum fuscum Plant – Orchids Vulnerable Known


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Wollemi Mint-bush Prostanthera cryptandroides subsp. Cryptandroides

Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Prostanthera stricta Prostanthera stricta Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Smooth Bush-Pea Pultenaea glabra Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Olearia cordata Olearia cordata Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Pultenaea sp. Genowlan Point Pultenaea sp. Genowlan Point Plant – Shrubs Endangered Predicted

Pultenaea sp. Olinda Pultenaea sp. Olinda Plant – Shrubs Endangered Predicted

Pultenaea Villifera population in the Blue Mountains

Pultenaea Villifera – Endangered population Endangered Populations

Endangered Population

Known

Eastern Australian Underground Orchid Rhizanthella slateri Plan – Orchid Vulnerable Known

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion



Known

Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion



Known

Maintain Swainson-pea Swainsona recta Plant – herbs & Forbs

Endangered Predicted


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Silky Swainson-pea Swainsona sericea Plant – herbs & Forbs

Vulnerable Known

Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin & South East Corner Bioregions



Known

Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest Threatened Ecological Community


Known

Velleia perfoliata Velleia perfoliata Plant – Herbs & Forbs

Vulnerable Known

Box Gum Woodland White Box, Yellow Box & Blakeleys Red Gum Woodland



Predicted

Xanthosia scopulicola Xanthosia scopulicola Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known

Zieria involucrata Zieria involucrata Plant - Shrubs Endangered Known

Velvet Zieria Zieria murphyi Plant – Shrubs Vulnerable Known


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Threatened Bird Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. Common Name Scientific Name Threatened



Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Animal – Birds Vulnerable Predicted

Bush Stone-Curlew Burhinus grallarius Animal – Birds Endangered Predicted

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Animal - Birds Vulnerable Known

Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies) Climacteris picumnus victoriae Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Animal – Birds Endangered Predicted

Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Brolga Grus rubicunda Animal – Birds Vulnerable Predicted

Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor Animal – Birds Endangered Known

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Animal – Birds Vulnerable Predicted

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia Isura Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Hooded Robin (South-eastern form) Melanodryas culcullata Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Black Chinned Honeyeater (eastern subspecies)

Melithreptus gularis gularis Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known


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Threatened Bird Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. Common Name Scientific Name Threatened



Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Barking Owl Ninox connivens Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Powerful Owl Ninox Strenua Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Gilbert’s Whistler Pachycephala inornata Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies)

Pomotostomus temporalis Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus saggitatus Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe Animal – Birds Endangered Known

Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa Animal – Birds Vulnerable Known

Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza Phrygia Animal - Birds Endangered Known


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Threatened Fauna Species in the Lithgow Local Government Area. Common Name Scientific Name Threatened



Eastern Pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus Animal – Marsupials Vulnerable Known

Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus macaulatus Animal – Marsupials Vulnerable Known

Blue Mountains Water Skink Eulamprus leuraensis Animal – reptiles Endangered Known

Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Giant Burrowing Frog Helioporus australiacus Animal – Amphibians

Vulnerable Known

Pale-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Animal – Reptiles Vulnerable Predicted

Broad-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bungaroides Animal – Reptiles Endangered Known

Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus Animal – Marsupials Endangered Known

Green & Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea Animal – Amphibians

Endangered Predicted


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Booroolong Frog Litoria booroolongensis Animal – Amphibians

Endangered Known

Littlejohn’s Tree Frog Litoria littlejohnii Animal – Amphibians

Vulnerable Known

Parma Wallaby Macropus parma Animal – Marsupials Vulnerable Predicted

Cumberland Land Snail Meridolum corneovirens Animal – Invertebrates

Endangered Known

Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii Oceanensis Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Stuttering Barred Frog Mixophyes balbus Animal – Amphibians

Endangered Known

Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iterates Animal – Amphibians

Endangered Known

Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Large-footed Myotis Myotis macropus (formally Myotis Adversus)

Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Greater Long-eared Bat (south-eastern form)

Nyctophilus timoriensis Animal – Bats Vulnerable Predicted

Purple Copper Butterfly (Bathurst Copper Butterfly)

Paralucia spinifera Animal – Invertebrates

Endangered Known


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Giant Dragonfly Petalura gigantea Animal – Invertebrates

Endangered Known

Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus Australis Animal – Marsupials Vulnerable Known

Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis Animal - Marsupials Vulnerable Known

Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby Petrogale penicillata Animal – Marsupials Endangered Known

Brush-tailed Pascogale Pascogale tapotafa Animal – Marsupials Vulnerable Predicted

Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Animal – Marsupials Vulnerable Known

Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis Animal – Amphibians

Vulnerable Known

Grey-headed Flying-Fox Pteropus poliocephalus Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris Animal – Bats Vulnerable Predicted

Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii Animal – Bats Vulnerable Known

Little Whip Snake Suta flagellum Animal – Reptiles Vulnerable Predicted

Rosenberg’s Goanna Varanus rosenbergi Animal – Reptiles Vulnerable Predicted

Eastern Cave Bat Vespadelus troughtoni Animal – Bats Vulnerable Predicted

Species Awareness Program 1. Grevillea Obtusiflora


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Standard Working Procedures 1. Maintenance Management of the Roadside in the Capertee Valley

Key Threatening Processes listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) relevant to the Lithgow Local Government Area 1. Alteration of habitat following subsidence due to longwall mining

2. Predation by the Plague Minnow (Gambusia holdbrooki)

3. Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease by Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa)

4. Removal of dead wood and dead trees

5. Bushrock Removal

6. Clearing of native vegetation

7. Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats

8. Competition from feral honeybees

9. Ecological consequences of high frequency fires

10. Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer

11. Infection by Psittacine circoviral (beak & feather) disease affecting endangered psittacine species

12. Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid fungus causing the disease chytridiomycosis

13. Introduction of the large earth bumblebee (bombus terrestris)

14. Invasion and establishment of the Cane Toad

15. Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses

16. Predation by the European Red Fox

17. Predation by Feral Cats


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Endangered Species Recovery Plans relevant to the Lithgow Local Government Area Acacia pubescens – Recovery Plan

Epacris hamiltonii (a shrub) – Recovery Plan

Grevillia obtusiflora (a shrub) – Recovery Plan

Leionema lachnaeoides (a shrub) – Recovery Plan

Zieria involucrate – Recovery Plan

Vulnerable Species Recovery Plans relevant to the Lithgow Local Government Area Barking owl – Draft Recovery Plan

Blue Mountains Water Skink – Recovery Plan

Southern Brown Bandicoot – Recovery Plan

Green & Gold Bell Frog – Draft Recovery Plan

Bathurst Cooper Butterfly (Purple Cooper Butterfly) – Recovery Plan

Yellow-bellied Glider – Recovery Plan

Brush –tailed Rock Wallaby – Recovery Plan

Grey-headed Flying-Fox – Recovery Plan


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Appendix B

Items Listed und the NSW Heritage Act

State Heritage Register Item Name Address Suburb Ben Bullen Railway Station Group Wallerawang-Gwabegar Railway Ben Bullen

Bowenfels National School Site 70 Mudgee Street Old Bowenfels

Bowenfels Rail Viaducts Main Western Railway 159.156km Bowenfels

Bowenfels Railway Station and Stationmaster’s House

Main Western Railway Bowenfels

Collit’s Inn Hartley Vale Road Hartley Vale

Cooerwull Railway footbridge Top Points Zig Zag Railway Clarence

Eskbank Railway Station Group Main Western Railway Lithgow

Fernhill Great Western Railway Bowenfels

Great Zig Zag Railway and Reserves Brewery Lane Lithgow

Great Zig Zag Railway Deviation Tunnels

Main Western Railway Lithgow

Hartley Historic Site Great Western Highway Hartley

Lithgow Heavy Anti-Aircraft Gun Stations and Dummy Station

Via Kirkley Street Bowenfels

Lithgow Valley Colliery & Pottery Site

Bent Street Lithgow

Marrangaroo Railway Viaduct Main Western Railway Marrangaroo

McKanes Falls Bridge Jenolan Caves Road Lithgow

Military Station Archaeological Site and Burial at Glenroy

200 Jenolan Caves Road Hartley

Rydal Rail Under Bridges Main Western Railway Rydal

Rydal Railway Station Group Main Western Railway Rydal

St. John the Evangelist church Main Street Wallerawang

Tarana Railway Station and yard group

Main Western Railway Tarana

Wallerawang Rail Bridges over Cox’s Main Western Railway Wallerawang

Wambool old-rail truss over bridges Main Western Railway Wambool


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Items Listed und the NSW Heritage Act

s.170 NSW State Agency Heritage Register Item Name Address Suburb Airdrie Kirkley Street South Bowenfels

Ambermere Great Western Highway Little Hartley

Andrew Browns Private cemetery Cooerwull Road (off) Lithgow

Anglican church Cartwright Street Rydal

ANZ Bank 30 Main Street (Cnr) Lithgow

Bank 156 Main Street Lithgow

Barton Park Cemetery Wallerawang

Bell to Zig Zag Ten Tunnel Railway Deviation

Clarence Station to Zig Zag Bottom Points Clarence

Ben Avon Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Ben Bullen Railway Station Castlereagh Highway Ben Bullen

Blackman and Merrick Family Cemetery

Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Blast Furnace Site Inch Street Lithgow

Bowenfels Presbyterian Cemetery Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Bowenfels Railway Station Group Mid Western Line Bowenfels

Bowenfels Railway Station Group and residence

1-31 Cooerwull Road Bowenfels

Bowenfels, Farmers Creek Viaducts 159.156km Main Western Line Bowenfels

Braemar House 50 Tweed Road, Bowenfels

Caddies Restaurant (Old Station Masters House)

1 Cooerwull Road Bowenfels

Capertee Police Station Castlereagh Highway Capertee

Capertee Railway Station Capertee

Cemetery Mead Street Meadow Flat

Collitts Inn Hartley Vale Road Hartley Vale

Collitts/Mt York Burial Ground Hartley Vale Road Hartley Vale

Cooerwull House Great Western Highway Bowenfels

Coowerwull Presbyterian Church Great Western Highway Lithgow

Cottage (Duplex) 16 and 18 Lithgow Street Lithgow

Cox’s River convict Stockade Lake Lyell Lithgow

Eliza Rodd Grave Jenolan Caves Road (off) Hartley

Emoh Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Eskbank House Bennett Street Lithgow

Eskbank Railway Precinct Inch Street Lithgow

Fernhill Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Forty Bends Great Western Highway South Bowenfels


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Forty Bends Cemetery Old Forty Bends Road South Bowenfels

Forty Bends Cottage Old Forty Bends Road South Bowenfels

General Cemetery Capertee Road Dark Corner

General Story (former) Bathurst Street (0.5km N of town) Rydal

Glen Alice Cemetery Glen Alice Road Glen Alice

Glen Alice Church Glen Alice Road Glen Alice

Great Zig Zag Lithgow Valley Reserve Lithgow

Gymnasium Railway Parade Lithgow

Harp of Erin Great Western Highway Little Hartley

Hartley Court House Old Bathurst Road Hartley

Hermitage Colliery Managers Cottage

8 Coalbrook Street Lithgow

Hoskins Memorial Presbyterian Church

Bridge Street Lithgow

Hospital Cottage Lithgow Road Wallerawang

Hospital Farm Barn Lithgow Road Wallerawang

House 22-24 Lithgow Street Lithgow

House 20 Lithgow Street Lithgow

House Group 1-13 and 2-12 Brisbane Street Lithgow

La Salle Academy South Bowenfels Rabaul Street (off) Lithgow

Lidsdale House Gardens Mudgee Road Lidsdale

Lithgow Court House Bridge Street Lithgow

Lithgow General Cemetery Great Western Highway Lithgow

Lithgow No. 2 Dam Farmers Creek Lithgow

Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box Gas works Ln Lithgow

Lithgow fire Station 58 Cook Street Lithgow

Lithgow (James Street) Underbridge Railway location, Main West Line 156.334km James St

Lithgow

Lithgow Patrol Office, Former 156 Mort Street Lithgow

Lithgow Primary School Residence Mort Street Lithgow

Lithgow Police Station, former Bridge Street Lithgow

Lithgow Valley colliery and Pottery Office Building

69 Bent Street Lithgow

Lockyers Pass Hartley Vale Road Hartley Vale

Lowther Park Jenolan Caves Road Lowther

Lowther Park and Cemetery Jenolan Caves Road Lowther

Marrangaroo Creek Bridge Great Western Highway Lithgow

Marrangaroo, Middle River Brick Viaduct

163.334km, Main Western Railway Marrangaroo

Marrangaroo, Middle River Stone Viaduct

163.344km, Main Western Railway Marrangaroo

Marrangaroo Prayer Chapel Great Western Highway Marrangaroo

Mary Slaven’s Grave Wallerawang

McKanes Falls Bridge Over Cox’s Lithgow to Oberon Road, McKanes Falls Lithgow


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River

Meades Farm Great Western Highway Little Hartley

Methven 1 Evans Place Bowenfels

Moyne Cox’s River Road Kanimbla

Moyne Farm and Cemetery Cox’s River Road (off) Little Hartley

National School Group (former) Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Newnes Wolgan Valley

Office 31 Main Street Lithgow

Oil Shale Works and refinery Glen Davis

Old roman Catholic Cemetery Great Western Highway Hartley

Portland Cement Group Williwa Street Portland

Presbyterian Church and sessions Hall

Great Western Highway Hartley

Railway cottage Portland Road Pipers Flat

Railway Items Newnes Junction Sodwalls

Main Street Wallerawang


Main West Line Sodwalls


Main West Line Newnes Junction


Main West Line Rydal


Main West Line Marrangaroo


Main West Line Clarence

Repco Store Railway Parade Lithgow

Royal Hotel Great Western Highway Little Hartley

Royal Hotel (former) Old Bathurst Road Hartley Historic Site

Rydal General Cemetery Rydal

Rydal Railway Station Bathurst Street Rydal

Sodwalls, Antonia Creek Underbridge

186.651km Main Western Railway Sodwalls

Sodwalls, Solitary Creek No 1 & 2 Underbridges

183.777 & 183.967 Main Western Line Sodwalls

School and Residence Main Street Wallerawang

Shale Mining and Works Remains Rydal Road Tarana

Six Foot Track Megalong Valley

Sodwalls Inn Sodwalls Road Sodwalls

Somerset House Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

St Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church Group

Old Bathurst Road Hartley Historic Site

St John the Evengelist’s Anglican Church

Great Western Highway Hartley

St Thomas Anglican Church Wickety War Road Hampton


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Staff Cottages for Small Arms Factory

1,2,3 Commonwealth Avenue Lithgow

State Mine Site State Mine Gully Lithgow

Sunny Corner General Cemetery Dark Corner Road Sunny Corner

Sunny Corner Smelter Ruins Sunny Corner PO 1km North/East Sunny Corner

Sweet Briars Great Western Highway South Bowenfels

Tarana Railway Precinct Tarana Road Tarana

Terrace 8,10,12,14 Lithgow Street Lithgow

Timber Slab Cottage Mid Hartley Road Hartley Vale

Thompson’s Creek Sites and Graves Thompson’s Creek Portland

Umera Great Western Highway Mount Victoria

Walker-Barton Private Cemetery Wallerawang

Wallerawang A and B Power Stations Chimney Stack

Main Street Wallerawang

Wallerawang Police Station and Official Residence

17 Tweedie Street Wallerawang

Wallerawang Railway Precinct Main Street Wallerawang

Wallerawang Schoolhouse Wallerawang

Wallerawang, Cox’s River Bridge 169.593km, Main Western Line Wallerawang

West Fund; King’s Chinese Restaurant

Railway Parade Lithgow

Willowvale Portland Road Wallerawang

Wolgan Valley Railway Main West Line Newnes Junction

Wolgan Valley Station Wolgan Road Wallerawang

Zig Zag Brewery (former) Brewery Lane Lithgow

Lithgow City Council State of the Environment Report 2011/12archive.lithgow.nsw.gov.au/gipa/SOE...

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Transcript of Lithgow City Council State of the Environment Report 2011/12archive.lithgow.nsw.gov.au/gipa/SOE...