open-space-policy.pdf

7/29/2019 open-space-policy.pdf

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Open Space Preservation LevyLand Acquisition Policy Phase 3

Approved: SC09.0908.001/G09.0914.010 Page 1 of 2

Effective from: 14 September 2009Contact officer: Senior Environmental Planner, Strategic Environmental Planning and PolicyNext review date: June/July 2014File reference: CE196/696/01/03 Tracks 23741824Resolution/s reference:

OBJECTIVES

o define the purpose of the Gold Coast City Council Open Space Preservation Levy(OSPL) Land Acquisition Program;

o provide a framework and methodology to assist Council in the selection of sites foracquisition using the OSPL

o document the roles and responsibilities of the assessment manager and otherstakeholders within the acquisition process; and

o provide a framework for reporting on expenditure of the program funds.

Key Focus AreaCorporate Plan

Nature ConservationStrategy

A city loved for its green, gold and blue

To conserve the city's biodiversity and natural assets throughCouncil's overarching and strong commitment to protecting,managing and restoring a diverse, connected and viable

conservation network across public and private lands.OutcomeCorporate Plan

Nature ConservationStrategy

Biodiversity is protected

The city has a comprehensive, adequate and representative naturalarea reserve system.

PerformanceMeasures

# of hectares of OSPL Land Acquisition Program purchased land

% of the city's native vegetation protected in OSPL Land AcquisitionProgram purchased land

% of each vegetation type in OSPL Land Acquisition Programpurchased land

# hectares of wildlife corridor secured as a result of land acquisitionthrough OSPL Land Acquisition Program, including the revolvingfund

Corporate Risk Environmental sustainability

POLICY STATEMENT

Gold Coast City Council, through its Open Space Preservation Levy Land AcquisitionProgram, aims to acquire sites of the highest significance for nature conservation, particularlywhere other strategies are unable to achieve the required level of protection or where there issignificant public benefit in protecting such sites through public ownership. Through the

programthreatened species are protected, vegetation communities are represented, wildlifecorridors are secured, natural area reserves are consolidated,significant scenic views aremaintained and catchments are safeguarded.

Printed copies are uncontrolled. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that any copies of policy documents are the current issue


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Open Space Preservation LevyLand Acquisition Policy Phase 3


The program is funded by the existing OSPL paid by the citys ratepayers and is designed tomaximise public benefit and nature conservation gain.

SCOPE

This policy and attachments apply to all acquisition of land and administrative matters underPhase 3 of the Open Space Preservation Levy (OSPL) Land Acquisition Program. It definesthe purpose of the program, outlines key responsibilities, identifies the range of site selectioncriteria and documents the acquisition process. In addition the policy outlines a framework forreporting on the expenditure of the OSPL funds for land acquisition.

DEFINITIONSNot applicable

RELATED POLICIES / LEGISLATION

Acquisition of Land Act (1967)

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Attachment A OSPL Land Acquisition Program Guidelines

Attachment B OSPL Land Acquisition Program Site Selection Criteria GCCC Nature Conservation Strategy 2009-2019

Phase 3 OSPL Acquisition Program Standard Operating ProcedureTRACKS\25553083

OSPL Management Guidelines TRACKS\20727921

RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance with the provisions of this policy, and any attached guidelines/templates, is mandatory.

Sponsor Director Planning Environment and Transport

Business Owner Manager Strategic and Environmental Planning and Policy

Policy ImplementationSenior Environmental Planner, Strategic EnvironmentalPlanning and Policy



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Open Space Preservation LevyLand Acquisition Policy Phase 3Attachment A OSPL Land Acquisition Program Guideline


1 BACKGROUNDRatepayers within the City pay a separate charge for open space preservation purposes, theOpen Space Preservation Levy (OSPL). During the period 1999 2003, the Levy was usedby Council to buy sites throughout the City that exhibited significant nature conservationvalues where other strategies were unable to achieve the required level of protection of theseor where there was long-term public benefit in the protection of such sites in publicownership. This period of acquisition is herein referred to as Phase 1.

Phase 2 of the program broadened the scope of the acquisition program to includecatchment and visual significance and investigated strategies aimed at maximising the fundsavailable for acquisition using concepts such as revolving funds. It maintained the intentionto purchase sites where other strategies were unable to achieve the required level of

protection or where there was public benefit in the protection of such sites in publicownership.

This policy provides a framework and methodology to assist Council in the selection of sitesfor acquisition during Phase 3 of the OSPL Land Acquisition Program and has beenupdated to reflect the strategic measures outlined in Councils 2009 Nature ConservationStrategy and the potential implications of climate change on the natural environment. Inaddition this policy defines the process for decision making and consultation in dealing withadministrative matters related to land acquisition.

2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Strategic & Environmental Planning & Policy (SEPP) Branch of the Planning

Environment and Transport (PET) Directorate is responsible for administering the OSPLLand Acquisition Program. The Senior Environmental Planner and Major Projects Officer,within SEPP, is the central point of contact and assessment manager for all issues relating toOSPL Land Acquisition. The following internal and external stakeholder roles have beenidentified:

Who Role Responsibility

SeniorEnvironmentalPlanner and MajorProjects Officer

Strategic andEnvironmentalPlanning Branch,PlanningEnvironment &Transport

Assessmentmanager

Seek site nominations for potential acquisition

Assess nominated sites for acquisition using thecriteria and process outlined in this policy

Consult with relevant sections of Council toensure acquisitions are appropriate and inaccordance with this policy

Report to Council on all matters in relation to theOSPL Land Acquisition Program

Provide central point of contact and coordinateresponse to all matters relating to the OSPLLand Acquisition Program

Liaise with other agencies and potential partnersto coordinate, complement and facilitaterespective acquisition priorities and programs

Advise City Property in relation to liaison withproperty owners



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Who Role Responsibility

PlanningEnvironment &Transport

Community Services

EngineeringServices

Internalreferral/advice

Nominate sites for potential acquisition

Provide expert advice on technical issuesrelating to individual land parcels whererequested by the assessment manager

Direct all enquiries relevant to the OSPL LandAcquisition Program to the assessmentmanager

OrganisationalServices

- City PropertyBranch

- Financial ServicesBranch

Internal referral Provide expert advice on technical issuesrelating to the acquisition of land, mattersrelating to the revolving fund and other financialmatters where requested by the assessmentmanager

Negotiate and complete the purchase of all siteson the endorsed Priority Acquisition List (refersection 3.2)

Direct all enquiries relevant to the OSPL LandAcquisition Program to the assessmentmanager

Councillors Referral Nominate sites for potential acquisition

Review and endorse Council reports relevant to

the OSPL Land Acquisition Program Direct all enquiries and nominations relevant to

the OSPL Land Acquisition Program to theassessment manager

Gold CoastCommunity

Stakeholder Nominate sites for potential acquisition

Direct all enquiries and nominations relevant tothe OSPL Land Acquisition Program to theassessment manager

Other agencies andpotential partnerssuch as Department

of Environment &ResourceManagement,National ReserveSystem SEQPartnership,conservationgroups, adjoininglocal governmentauthorities, EcoFund Queensland,etc.

Stakeholder Nominate sites for potential acquisition

Direct all enquiries and nominations relevant tothe OSPL Land Acquisition Program to the

assessment manager

Liaise with the assessment manager tocoordinate, complement and facilitate respectiveland acquisition priorities and relevant activitieswithin the city

Represent relevant stakeholders and theirposition



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3 ACQUISITION PROCESSTo ensure that each sites value warrants the expenditure of the likely purchase price, allstages of the selection process have an underlying value for money and natureconservation assessment. The following flow-chart broadly demonstrates the OSPL LandAcquisition Policy process.

Figure 1 : Policy procedures flow chart

Desktop evaluation of nominated sitesagainst defined criteria

Detailed site assessment(based on site visit, defined criteria

and consultation)

Preliminary short list of nominated sites

Nomination of site(s)

Priority Acquisition List(refined preliminary short list of

nominated sites)

Acquisition of priority sites

Annual reporting to Council and thecommunity on progress of OSPL LandAcquisition Program and expenditure

of associated funds

Report to Council




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3.1 Nomination of sitesThe Assessment Manager will seek the nomination of sites for potential acquisition under theOSPL Land Acquisition Program from any person, including members of the community,other levels of government, Councillors and Council Officers.

Sites nominated for acquisition will be assessedunder each of the following categories

City-wide strategic value

Ecological and site significance

Level of threat

Cost of management

Within each of the above categories, a series of sub-categories and criteria have been

identified with specific measures contained in Attachment B.

3.2 Evaluation of nominated sites

Sites that have been nominated for acquisition will be evaluated through the following stages:

Stage 1: Desktop evaluation of nominated sites

Each site will be put through a desktop analysis by the assessment manager to determine itsstrategic and ecological values and compliance with criteria (for detailed criteria measuresand ranking refer Attachment B). The assessment of values will follow a three step filteringprocess:

Filter 1) All potential acquisition sites must rank highly under one of the following city-widestrategic value sub-categories;

(i) General strategic values

Consolidation and connectivity of conservation land

Identified through a Marxan or C-Plan analysis

Facilitate adaptation and resilience to climate change

Conserving local biodiversity

(ii) Nature Conservation Strategy

NCS Critical Corridors

Core Habitat Systems and Substantial Remnants

Strategically located potential offset site

Filter 2) In addition, all potential acquisition sites must rank either high to moderate underone of the following ecological and site significance sub-categories OR highunder the level of threat criteria;

Ecological and site significance

(i) Ecological diversity

Ecosystem diversity(richness) based on Simpsons Biodiversity Index

(ii) Vegetation

Regional Ecosystems

Representative sample of vegetation communities/types protected

Apparent intactness of vegetation

(iii) Habitat

Habitat for rare or threatened species

Sustainability and connectivity of habitat



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(iv) Catchment value

Waterway health

Wetlands

(v) Coastal

SEQ wetland significance (coastal)

Fish habitat area (marine/estuarine)

Dune classification

(vi) Community/public benefit

Cultural heritage values

High quality scenic landscapes

Nature based recreation

Ecosystem services

Level of threat

Planning designation

Current land management

Other protection mechanisms

Filter 3) Finally, consideration will be given to the cost of managing each potentialacquisition site to retain and enhance its values by evaluating the followingcriteria.

Cost of management

Bushfire risk Existing infrastructure/level of disturbance

Future infrastructure


Vegetation connectivity

Vegetation patch and tract size

Once completed, a preliminary short list of nominated sites will be compiled.

Stage 2: Detailed site assessment

The assessment manager will complete a detailed, site-based assessment of all sites on thepreliminary short list using the above criteria. Where necessary the assessment manager will

consult with other sections of Council (refer section 4) to inform and confirm assessment. Forexample if a site scores poorly under cost of management the Natural Areas ManagementUnit, as the future asset custodian, would be consulted.

Detailed assessments will be documented and used to refine the preliminary short list.

Stage 3: Compile Priority Acquisition List

The preliminary short list will be reviewed to establish a Priority Acquisition List followingconfirmation that each site from the preliminary list presents value for money in comparisonwith the ecological values to be protected and the overall public benefit.

3.3 Reporting to Council

The Priority Acquisition List will be presented to Council for endorsement through aconfidential report.



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3.4 Site acquisition

The assessment manager will use the Priority Acquisition List to direct acquisitions using theOSPL. The order of acquisition will be determined by the assessment manager inconsultation with relevant officers or stakeholders, in response to market variables includingranking on the Priority Acquisition List, availability of property for sale, value for money andavailable funds. Acquisitions will be undertaken by the City Property Branch at the directionof the Manager for SEPP.

4 MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Review

A periodic review of the nomination and evaluation process set out in Section 3 of this Policy

will be coordinated by SEPP, should further funding for future phases of land acquisitionbecome available. Such a review would result in the preparation of a new OSPL LandAcquisition Policy following appropriate consultation with Council and the community.

4.2 Exceptional circumstances

Whilst it is anticipated that the majority of sites will be assessed simultaneously, if anopportunity arises where a potentially significant property is offered for sale, the property willrequire assessment for acquisition after the Priority Acquisition List has been established. Incircumstances where this occurs, the site is to be evaluated in accordance with Section 3and its relative purchase priority determined by comparison with the standing PriorityAcquisition List followed by a report to Council to amend the Priority Acquisition List. Where asite is assessed as very high priority for acquisition and action is required urgently, a contract

with the landowner may be entered into subject to Council consideration and determinationthrough a formal report to Council.

4.3 Use of Levy to raise loans

Revenue raised by the OSPL may be used as the basis upon which loans are raised to fundthe acquisition of sites that meet the requirements of this policy.

4.4 Voluntary acquisition preferred

It is Councils preferred intent that the acquisition of sites using the OSPL will be bynegotiation with the landowner and voluntary sale. However Council retains the discretion toexercise its use of compulsory acquisition powers to acquire land at fair market price wherenegotiation fails and Council considers that the acquisition of the subject site is in the bestinterests of the community.

4.5 The revolving fund concept

In circumstances where a portion of a site is deemed to have little or no value whenevaluated against the criteria in Section 3, Council may consider the excision and sale ofthose sections of the site. Excision will be considered only where future use of the excisedparcel will not impact on the identified values of the balance area.

Alternatively, where considered appropriate, Council may sell an acquired site to a purchaserwho is prepared to actively manage the site to protect its values. The values of the site wouldrequire permanent protection through mechanisms such as a statutory covenant that isregistered on the land title in accordance with the Land Title Act 1994. In this manner,

Council will always retain a legal interest in the ongoing management and protection of thesite.

The purpose of the revolving fund option is to recoup the costs of purchase/management and



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to make these funds available to purchase other sites. This will only occur where sites can beadequately protected once disposed of. Revenue raised from the sale of land in either of theabove cases will be returned to the OSPL fund. The money may be used to repay loansraised against the Levy or to purchase additional sites that meet the policy. This effectivelyestablishes a revolving fund for the continued purchase of valuable sites for the Citysexisting and future residents.

Where it is intended that this concept be applied to a particular site, such intention will beclearly stated in the report to Council that recommends that sites acquisition.

4.6 Annual reporting

The progress of the OSPL Land Acquisition Program and expenditure of associated funds

will be reported to Council annually and to the community through the City of Gold CoastAnnual Report.

4.7 Joint acquisitions

Funds from the Levy may be used to purchase land with significant values in partnership withother levels of government or non-government entities provided the land to be acquiredcomplies with the criteria stated in this policy and that long term tenure and management ofsuch land adequately protects and enhances the identified values to the satisfaction ofCouncil. Funds from the levy may also be used to purchase land in partnership with othersections within Council such as Parks and Recreational Services using the PriorityInfrastructure Plan Infrastructure charges or the Recreation Levy where the requirements ofthe each relevant program can be adequately met without compromising the conservation

outcomes required on site. For example, where a site contains a significant waterway andbuffers and also has a disturbed area capable of accommodating a sporting field (meetingthis programs requirements) without compromising the waterway function and values, jointacquisition may be considered.

4.8 Environmental offsets

Strategically located sites may be purchased in partnership with other agencies or sectionsof Council if they have recognised ecological offset value. Any acquisition for this purposemust also comply with the criteria stated in this policy and the long term tenure andmanagement of such land must be acceptable to Council. The funding of any requiredmanagement in order to meet relevant offset policy requirements should also be negotiatedthrough this process.

Alternatively, sites previously acquired under the OSPL Land Acquisition Program (includingPhase 1 and 2) may have their offset potential realised. In order to ensure environmentalgain is maximised, any funds secured for the sale of these offset values would be returnedto the OSPL fund to purchase additional sites and, where necessary, to fund management ofthe offset values in accordance with any relevant offset policy.

4.9 Gifts and/or donations

Council will accept gifts of land or donations of monies toward the OSPL Land AcquisitionProgram. All monies donated to the OSPL Land Acquisition Program directly may be used tofund interest and redemption for loans raised for OSPL acquisitions or to purchase additionalsites that meet the policy. Any donated land will be assessed against the criteria within this

policy to ensure its values would be best managed by Council and/or to trigger the revolvingfund concept where necessary. Where donated land meets with the defined criteria it willremain the same status and tenure as sites purchased under the OSPL Land AcquisitionProgram.



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Open Space Preservation LevyLand Acquisition Policy Phase 3Attachment B OSPL Land Acquisition ProgramSite Selection Criteria


Refer Excel spreadsheet #25535730

STRATEGIC VALUES

Does the site score highly (5) in one or more of the following strategic categories?

General strategic values

Consolidation and connectivity of conservation land

Does the site;

5 Adjoin and/or consolidate existing Council managed conservation reserve(s)

4Adjoin and/or consolidate existing State managed conservation reserve(s) orhigh level Voluntary Conservation Area

3Adjoin a general VCA or land for wildlife property and is likely to facilitate faunamovement and/or improved management e.g improved partnerships

2Exist within an area where a volunteer group is actively managing lands forconservation purposes and are likely to benefit from the purchase

0 Isolated land

total 0

Marxan or C-Plan analysis (note not currently available)

Has the site been identified as one of the following in an up to date Marxan or C-Plan analysis using stakeholder agreed targets.

5 Identified as critical/irreplaceable within a series of analyses with agreed targets

4 Identified as desirable and a good fit to assist in meeting agreed targets

0 Identified as not required to achieve the agreed targets

total na

Facilitate adaptation and resilience to climate change

Does the site contribute to buffers and corridors that facilitate species adaptationor resilience to climate change does it contain?

5 Low lying land adjacent to estuarine communities of sufficient width to allowingveg to take backward step towards the land

5Land that significantly contributes to securing habitat for species threatened byclimate change or an altitudinal gradient that will allow species movement over

time

4 Riparian or other land in high ecological condition that forms part of a localcorridor (e.g. riparian corridor) that would facilitate species movement over time

1 None of the above

0 Land that has no capacity to overcome barriers (i.e. rockwalls, roads)

total 0

Conserving local biodiversity

Based on current flora and fauna records or survey, does the site contain:

5

The only known population of a species or ecological community within the City

boundaries and the population is likely to remain viable if protected

3The only known population of a species or ecological community within the Cityboundaries but is unlikely to remain viable without significant intervention

total 0



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Nature Conservation Strategy

NCS Critical Corridors

Refer to the NCS Conservation Strategy Map and any endorsed ecologicalcorridor plans. Is the site:

5 Marked as a priority acquisition in a corridor plan or considered likely to be(where a plan has not yet been completed)

3 Marked as a priority for protection within a corridor plan or considered likely tobe (where a plan has not yet been completed)

2 Identified within a corridor

0 Not identified in a corridor plan

total 0

Core Habitat Systems and Substantial Remnants

Refer to the NCS Conservation Strategy Map. Is the site:

5In a Core Habitat System or Substantial Remnant and adjacent to conservationestate (public and higher VCA)

3 In a Core Habitat System or Substantial Remnant

0 Not in Core Habitat System or Substantial Remnant

total 0

Strategically located potential offset site

This criteria relates to the strategic purchase of land with recognised ecological

offset values e.g. local ecological offset, carbon storage/sink considerations,carbon sequestration/carbon trading (habitat planting), fish habitat, biodiversity,koala, or vegetation offset. Is the site located in a Core Habitat System, CriticalCorridor, Significant Urban Biodiversity (Substantial Remnants), strategicallywithin Multi Purpose Opportunities or adjacent to Major waterway OR adjacentto conservation area (public and higher VCA) and does it have has a significantarea of;

5Strategically located land that meets the requirements of a relevant ecologicaloffset policy and is recognised as likely to be required in the area (e.g. disturbedendangered RE of a sustainable area)

4 Strategically located vegetated land (toward remnant) likely to meet the

requirements of an offset3

Strategically located cleared (non-vegetated) land pre 1990 (Kyoto Protocol) thatcould be revegetated or restored with suitable habitat plantings

2 Strategically located cleared (non-vegetated) land post 1990 that could berevegetated or restored with suitable habitat plantings

0 None of the above

total 0



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ECOLOGICAL AND SITE VALUE

Does the site score high to moderate (4-5) under one or more of the followingecological value categories OR high (5) under one or more of the level orthreat categories?

Ecological diversity

Ecosystem diversity (richness) based on Simpsons Biodiversity Index

The Simpsons Biodiversity Index as calculated for the Common NatureConservation Classification System report 2005 refer criteria F Figure 10.What percentage of the site area is:

5 Very high 0%

4High 0%3 Medium 0%

2 Low 0%

0 Unclassified 0%

total 0

Vegetation

Regional Ecosystems

Provide an approximate breakdown of the vegetation areas on site bypercentage - n.b. heterogeneous polygons should be split into requisitecategories:

5 Endangered 0%

4 Of concern 0%

3 Not of concern 0%

2 Disturbed RE 0%

1 Plantation, Cleared/pasture 0%

0 Built/brown 0%

total 0

Representative sample of vegetation communities/types protected

What percentage of the total site area is within the following categories:

5


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3 Regrowth natives (e.g. acac regrowth or allocas regrowth) 0%

2 Cleared with some structure and natives 0%

1 Cleared pasture or plantation 0%

0 Cannot restore original RE e.g fill, hardstand etc 0%

total 0

Habitat

Habitat for rare or threatened species

What percentage of the site area constitutes habitat (vegetation type oressential habitat mapping can be used as surrogate) for:

5One or more EPBC or NCA listed endangered species or BoT Criticalspecies; OR 2 or more EPBC or NCA listed vulnerable species or BoT high

species 0%

4 One EPBC or NCA listed vulnerable species or BoT high species; or 2 ormore EPBC or NCA listed rare species or BoT moderate species 0%

3 EPBC or NCA listed near threatened/rare species or BoT moderate species 0%

2 Citywide significance species or other significance e.g. migratory species 0%

1 Not recorded but potential habitat or imprecise records 0%

0 Not known or potential habitat for any significant species 0%

total 0

Sustainability and connectivity of habitat

For the specific significant flora or fauna identified to be protected on site (e.galberts lyrebird) is the habitat likely to be:

5 Connected/sustainable

3 Moderately connected

1 Isolated or not connected

0 No significant flora or fauna habitat identified on site

total 0

Catchment value

Waterway health

The waterway health is calculated by averaging the following measures:

Catchment value

Does the site contain, border or lie within a 1km radius of a High EcologicalValue (HEV) Catchment? (n.b. not currently mapped)

5 Yes

0 No

total 0

Buffer integrity/aquatic ecosystem health

Does the site contain, border or lie within 100m radius of a:

5Natural Waterway (as mapped on Overlay Map 11 Wetlands and waterways)with established riparian vegetation (i.e. vegetation that is predominantly

native with a minimum width of 30 m adjoining the waterway edge)

4Natural Waterway (as mapped on OM11) with moderately established riparianvegetation (i.e. vegetation that is predominantly native with a minimum widthof 15m adjoining the waterway edge)?



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3Natural Waterway (as ,mapped on OM11) with partial riparian vegetation (i.e.vegetation that is predominantly native with a minimum 50% canopy coverand a minimum width of 5m adjoining the waterway edge)?

2 Natural waterway with patchy riparian vegetation

1 Natural Waterway without any noteable riparian vegetation

0 Subject land not in proximity of a waterway

total 0

Stream Order

Does the site adjoin a;

5 1st, 2nd or 3rd order stream

3 4th, 5th or 6th order streamNote: If the land contains multiple streams from both categories above (E.g. 1st & 4th order), the higherscore (5) is applicable.

total 0

Waterway priority

Is the site identified in a Catchment Management Plan (n.b: not currentlymapped) as:

5 Priority riparian/tidal/foreshore area [High Priority] ?

3 Major riparian/tidal/foreshore area [Medium Priority] ?

0 General or degraded riparian/tidal/foreshore area [Low or no priority] ?

total 0

Riparian vegetation connectivity and integrity

Does the riparian vegetation have

5An unbroken connection of native vegetation (i.e. remnant vegetation)between the waterway and surrounding area, both laterally (i.e. towards theridgeline - minimum 1 Ha), andlongitudinally (i.e. along the waterway)

4

An unbroken connection of native regrowth vegetation (i.e. non remnantvegetation) between the waterway and surrounding area, both laterally (i.e.towards the ridgeline - minimum 1 Ha), andlongitudinally (along the waterway- min. 100m buffer)

3

Partial connectivity of native vegetation (including a proportion of remnantvegetation) between the waterway and surrounding area, eitherlaterally (i.e.

towards the ridgeline - minimum 1 Ha), orlongitudinally (i.e. along thewaterway)

2Partial connectivity of native regrowth vegetation (i.e. non remnant vegetation)between the waterway and surrounding land eitherlaterally (i.e. towards theridgeline - minimum 1 Ha), orlongitudinally (i.e. along the waterway)

1 No connectivity between the waterway and the surrounding vegetation

total 0

Wetlands

The site contains or borders a:

5 Nationally significant wetland

5 Ramsar listed wetland

3 Referrable wetland as mapped by EPA

3 Natural Wetland on OM11 (those not captured by referrable wetland criteria)

0 No wetland



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0 Constructed wetland

total 0

Coastal

SEQ wetland significance (coastal)

The site contains or borders a coastal wetland as mapped underM:\DATA\ENGSERV\Environment\SEQ Wetlands\Wetland_significance of:

5 State significance

4 Regional significance

3 Local significance

2 Valuable habitat

total 0

Fish Habitat Areas (marine/estuarine)

Is the site;

5 Bordering a fish habitat area

4Located within a 2 km radius of a fish habitat area, and on a waterway (Note:Must be within the same catchment)

3Located within a 2 km radius of a fish habitat area, not on waterway (Note:Must be within the same catchment)

0 Not near a fish habitat area

total 0

Dune classification

Under the Engineering Services dune classification system, is the siteclassified as:

5 Non urban

4 Urban

3 Minor public

2 Major public

0 None of the above

total 0

Community/public benefit

Cultural heritage valuesAre there known indigenous cultural heritage values on site (n.b: not currentlymapped)?

5 yes

0 no

total 0

High quality scenic landscapes

Is the majority of the sites Scenic Amenity mapped as;

5 Scenic amenity 10

4 Scenic Amenity 8-9

3 Scenic amenity 72 Scenic amenity 5-6

1 Scenic amenity


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total 0

Nature based recreation

Nature based recreation should only be considered where it can be achievedwithout compromising conservation outcomes. Will the site:

5Provide for all ecological requirements and opportunities for higher impact"recreational activities if purchased in partnership with others e.g. PIP fund,joint acquisitions with recreation levy, good revolvoing fund potential etc.

4 Clearly provide for sustainable nature based recreation without compromisingconservation outcomes

3 Potentially allow for some nature based recreation without compromising thenature conservation values

0 Be unable to sustain higher impact recreation activities without impactingconservation values

total 0

Ecosystem services

There are no current measures for this criteria until an ecosystem services project iscompleted. This project may identify that purchase on the basis of ecosystemservices is outside the scope of the OSPL Land Acquisition Program Phase 3



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LEVEL OF THREAT

Planning designation

Planning Scheme: is the site located partially or wholly within the followingdomains or equivalent LAP precincts;

5Detached dwelling, emerging communities, tourist, residential, industry,extractive industry, future industry or community purposes

4 Park living

3 Village and private open space

2 Rural and/or public open space

0 Conservation

total 0

SEQ Regional Plan: is the site located partially or wholly;

4 Within urban footprint

3 Less than 5km outside urban footprint

1 Greater than 5km outside urban footprint

total 0

If there is a significant preliminary approval add 2

Current land management

To the best of your ability assess if the land owner/manager currently carryingout a:

5 Degrading or poor land management practice3 Some land management

1 Active and appropriate conservation land management practices

total 0

Other protection mechanisms

Does purchase of the site represent the most prudent and feasible option for theprotection of the values and/or functions? Does acquisition represent a costeffective solution? Consider the following

5Site has significant threatening processes best managed by Council; or highdevelopment potential (e.g. existing DA); and/or represents a good opportunityfor consolidation of the conservation network

3Not known if Council management is best solution the revolving fund mayprovide alternative options

0There are alternative more economical mechanisms that would adequatelyprotect the values on site e.g. VCA, change to planning designation etc.

0There are minimal known threats or threatening processes, or values on site arewell represented within the conservation network, or site is already wellprotected through other means such as planning scheme provisions

total 0



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COST OF MANAGEMENTThe cost of management must be considered but does not necessarilyexclude a site from further assessment at the next detailed site assessmentstage. Cost of management criteria should be used as a guide to areas ofadditional investigation during the detailed assessment

Bushfire Risk

Based on the bushfire hazard mapping and an inner and outer protectionzone is the site:

5

Providing a critical link in the bushfire trail network (as identified by CouncilsBushfire Management Strategy and/or Council-adopted Bushfire ManagementPlans), and/or the necessary inner/outer protection zones are easilycontained within the neighbouring properties, and/or little or no fire protection

is required5 Not within 100m of a high hazard or 50m of a moderate hazard

4

Within 100m of high hazard and/or 50 m of medium hazard with capacity tomitigate risks to adjoining properties e.g. area required to achieve inner andouter protection zones is feasible and does not constitute a significant portionof the site

3

Within 100m of high hazard and/or 50 m of medium hazard with limitedcapacity to mitigate risks to adjoining properties e.g. area required to achieveinner and outer protection zones constitutes a significant portion of the site orrequired infrastructure is likely to be costly (tracks extensive or impractical)

0

Within 100m of high hazard and/or 50 m of medium hazard with no capacity

to mitigate risks to adjoining properties e.g. insufficient area to achieve innerand outer protection zones or area cannot be practically accessed

total 0

Existing infrastructure/level of disturbance

To the best of your ability, assess if the site contains:

5 No built structures, no trails, no high voltage power lines and the boundaryfences are apparently in good condition

3Minor built structures (small number and/or area), trails in good condition, noevidence of erosion or extensive earthworks other disturbances, no highvoltage powerlines and the boundaries would be easily secured

2Minor built structures (small number and/or area), trails in reasonablecondition boundaries reasonably secure

1Multiple structures or disturbed areas - will require significant restorationworks

0Degraded or multiple structures, trails extensive and/or in poor condition, highvoltage power lines, evidence of eroding areas, insecure or difficult to secureboundary

total 0

Future infrastructure

Are the values on site likely to be threatened by future planned infrastructuree.g. High voltage powerlines, road upgrade, rail-lines etc.

5 no

2 unknown

0 yes



19/19


total 0


Based on current Gold Coast City Council vegetation mapping, provide anapproximate breakdown of the vegetation based on percentage areas ofvegetation mapping on site (e.g. 10% site is cleared 10% is acac regrowthand 80% is remnant)

5 Remnant 0%

4 Disturbed remnant 0%

3 Regrowth natives (e.g. acac regrowth or allocas regrowth) 0%

2 Cleared with some structure and natives 0%

1 Cleared pasture or plantation 0%0 Cannot restore original RE e.g fill, hardstand etc 0%

total 0 0%

Vegetation connectivity

Is the vegetation on site:

5Adjoining an area of existing remnant vegetation of a minimum patch size asdefined through the Vegetation Community Representation project (table 2) oras otherwise agreed

4 Separated from remnant vegetation by 100 m or less and adjoining disturbedremnant vegetation

3 Separated from remnant and disturbed vegetation but within 100m of an areaof disturbed remnant

2More than 100m separate from remnant or disturbed remnant vegetation byexotic vegetation with some structure e.g. woody weeds, plantation (based onair photo)

1 Isolated but has potential for connectivity through restoration

0 Isolated with no potential for future connectivity e.g. constrained by urbandevelopment or other structures

total 0

Vegetation patch and tract size

Is the patch size (total area of vegetation and individual community patch)viable as identified by the Vegetation Community Representation project(Table 2 - worksheet 2)? If the vegetation type is not currently within the tabledisregard this measure.

5 Yes

0 No

total 0

open-space-policy.pdf

Documents

Transcript of open-space-policy.pdf