€¦ · Supplementary State of Environment Report 2010/11 Kempsey Shire - 1 - Printed on Recycled...

Supplementary Report 2010/11

State of theEnvironment Report

KEMPSEYShire Council

Supplementary State of Environment Report 2010/11

Kempsey Shire

- 1 - Printed on Recycled Paper

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................... 7

ABOUT THE SUPPLEMENTARY SOE REPORT 2010/11 ............................................................ 9

SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................... 9 AIM ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................................................. 9 SOE REPORT STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................... 9 SNAPSHOT ............................................................................................................................................... 10 ADOPTED REPORTING MODEL ......................................................................................................... 10

CHAPTER 1 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY............................................................................... 11

1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 11 1.2 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ........................................................... 11

1.2.1 Kempsey Shire ESD Strategy .............................................................................. 11 1.3 TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE REPORTING .................................................................................. 12 1.4 INDICATORS ............................................................................................................................. 12 1.5 PRIORITY ISSUES ................................................................................................................... 12 STEADY ........................................................................................................................................................ 12

CHAPTER 2 LAND ............................................................................................................................. 17

‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................... 17

2.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 20 STATE ........................................................................................................................................................ 20 2.2 TOPOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................... 20 2.3 GEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................... 20 2.4 SOILS .......................................................................................................................................... 21 2.5 REGIONAL SETTING ............................................................................................................... 22 2.6 VEGETATION ............................................................................................................................. 24 2.7 ACID SULFATE SOILS ............................................................................................................ 24 2.8 LAND USE .................................................................................................................................. 26

2.8.1 Urban Settlement ..................................................................................................... 27 2.8.2 Industrial Use............................................................................................................. 28 2.8.3 Primary Industry ....................................................................................................... 28 2.8.4 Open Spaces .............................................................................................................. 28

PRESSURES ............................................................................................................................................. 30 2.10 DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES ................................................................................................ 30 2.11 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND ............................................................................ 31 2.14 LAND DEGRADATION ............................................................................................................ 32

2.14.1 Soil Erosion ................................................................................................................. 32 2.14.2 Acid Sulfate Soils ...................................................................................................... 32 2.14.3 Contaminated Land ................................................................................................. 33

RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................... 33 2.15 STRATEGIC LAND USE PLANNING ................................................................................... 33

2.15.1 Land Capacity Reports............................................................................................ 33 2.15.2 Residential Land Release Strategy (Local Growth Management Strategy – Residential Component) .......................................................................................... 33 2.15.3 Standard LEP .............................................................................................................. 34 The Standard LEP was provided to the DoP in July 2010 seeking a section 65 Certificate. The Standard LEP is scheduled for completion in July 2012. ................... 34 2.15.4 Saltwater (SWR) LEP .............................................................................................. 34 2.15.5 Former Shell Terminal Site (SWR) LEP ............................................................ 34 2.15.6 Slim Dusty Museum ................................................................................................. 34 Construction of the Slim Dusty Centre commenced during the 09/10 reporting period and continued throughout the 2010/11 reporting period. ................................. 34 2.15.7 Industrial Land Review Implementation .......................................................... 34


Kempsey Shire


2.15.8 Spencerville to New Entrance Investigation .................................................. 35 2.15.9 Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management ................................................... 35 2.15.10 Kempsey Town Centre Master Plan Review ..................................................... 35 2.15.11 Review of South West Rocks Structure Plan ................................................... 35 2.15.12 Macleay Valley Coast Vision 2030 ....................................................................... 36 2.15.13 Kempsey Bypass Strategy ...................................................................................... 36

2.17 ACID SULFATE SOILS MANAGEMENT .............................................................................. 37 2.17.1 Existing Projects ....................................................................................................... 37

2.18 CONTAMINATED LAND REMEDIATION ............................................................................ 38 FUTURE DIRECTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 38 2.19 ACID SULFATE SOILS - PROPOSED PROJECTS ........................................................... 38 2.20 LAND DEGRADATION ASSESSMENT ................................................................................ 38 2.21 MAPPING OF POTENTIAL PLUME(S) SURROUNDING FORMER FUEL TERMINAL SITES 39 2.22 STRATEGIC PLANNING PROJECTS ................................................................................... 39

2.22.1 Macleay Valley Coast Vision 2030 ...................................................................... 39 2.22.2 Standard LEP .............................................................................................................. 39 The Standard LEP was provided to the DoP in July 2010 seeking a section 65 Certificate. The Standard LEP is scheduled for completion in July 2012. ................... 39 2.22.3 Residential Land Release Strategy .................................................................... 39 2.22.4 Spencerville to New Entrance Investigation .................................................. 39 2.22.5 Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management ................................................... 39 2.22.6 Review of South West Rocks Structure Plan .................................................. 39 2.22.7 Kempsey Bypass Strategy Implementation .................................................... 39 2.22.8 Rural Residential Component of Residential Local Growth Management Strategy 39 2.22.9 Comprehensive Development Control Plan...................................................... 39 2.22.10 Developer Contribution Plans ................................................................................ 40

CHAPTER 3 WATER ......................................................................................................................... 41

‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................... 41

3.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 44 STATE ........................................................................................................................................................ 44 3.2 INLAND WATERS ..................................................................................................................... 44 3.3 RAINFALL ....................................................................................................................................... 45 3.4 RIVER FLOWS ........................................................................................................................... 46 3.5 WATER QUALITY ...................................................................................................................... 47 3.6 FLOODING ................................................................................................................................. 48 3.7 RIPARIAN VEGETATION ........................................................................................................ 48 3.8 AQUATIC HABITAT ................................................................................................................. 49 3.9 GROUNDWATER ....................................................................................................................... 49 3.10 COASTAL WETLANDS, ESTUARIES AND OCEAN ......................................................... 49

3.10.1 Estuarine Habitats .................................................................................................... 49 3.10.2 Coastal Wetlands ...................................................................................................... 50 3.10.3 Beach Habitats .......................................................................................................... 50

PRESSURE ................................................................................................................................................ 50 3.11 SURFACE WATER EXTRACTION ......................................................................................... 50 3.12 GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION ........................................................................................... 51 3.13 WATER POLLUTION ................................................................................................................ 51

3.13.1 Sewage Discharges .................................................................................................. 52 3.13.2 On-Site Sewage Management ............................................................................. 52 3.13.3 Stormwater Pollution .............................................................................................. 53 3.13.4 Historic Mining Activities ........................................................................................ 53 3.13.5 Agricultural Practices .............................................................................................. 54 3.13.6 Acid Sulfate Soils ...................................................................................................... 54 3.13.7 Recreational Users ................................................................................................... 55

3.14 DISTURBANCE OF RIPARIAN ZONES AND WEED INFESTATION .......................... 55


Kempsey Shire


3.15 LOSS OF FISHERIES HABITAT AND WETLAND DRAINAGE ..................................... 56 3.15.1 Fishing and Fish Kills ............................................................................................... 56

RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................... 58 3.16 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................ 58 3.17 SEWAGE AND EFFLUENT DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT .................................................. 58

3.17.1 Water Quality Monitoring ...................................................................................... 58 3.17.2 Pollution Reduction Program ................................................................................ 60 3.17.3 Sewage Infrastructure ............................................................................................ 60 3.17.4 Septic Tank Controls ............................................................................................... 60

3.18 ANTIMONY AND ARSENIC DISPERSION IN THE MACLEAY RIVER ....................... 61 3.19 FLOOD MITIGATION .............................................................................................................. 61 3.20 BEACHWATCH .......................................................................................................................... 61 3.21 CATCHMENT EDUCATION .................................................................................................... 63

3.21.1 Waterwise Program ................................................................................................... 63 3.21.2 Waterwatch Program ................................................................................................ 63

3.22 WATERWAY AND WETLAND REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION ...................... 64 3.22.1 Nestle Community Vegetation Projects – Jerseyville & Smithtown ...... 64 3.22.2 Boyters Lane Wetland & Riparian Rehabilitation Project ........................... 64

3.23 ESTUARY MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................... 64 3.24 GILLS BRIDGE CREEK REHABILITATION PROJECT .................................................... 65 FUTURE DIRECTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 65 3.25 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................ 65 3.26 CATCHMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS ............................................................................ 65 3.27 ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLANS ........................................................................................ 66 3.28 EMP‟S IMPLEMENTATION .................................................................................................... 66 3.29 GILLS BRIDGE CREEK REHABILITATION PROJECT .................................................... 66

CHAPTER 4 ATMOSPHERE ........................................................................................................... 67

‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................... 67

4.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 68 STATE ........................................................................................................................................................ 68 4.2 CLIMATE ..................................................................................................................................... 68 4.3 AIR POLLUTION ....................................................................................................................... 69 4.4 GREENHOUSE GASES & CLIMATE CHANGE .................................................................. 69 4.5 OZONE LAYER .......................................................................................................................... 70 PRESSURE ................................................................................................................................................ 71 4.6 NUISANCE .................................................................................................................................. 71 4.7 VEHICLE EMISSIONS ............................................................................................................. 72 4.8 BURNING OFF ........................................................................................................................... 72 4.9 SOLID FUEL STOVES AND HEATING ............................................................................... 72 4.10 AGRICULTURE .......................................................................................................................... 72 4.11 LANDFILLING ............................................................................................................................ 72 4.12 SEWER TREATMENT PLANTS (STP) ................................................................................. 73 4.13 DUST ............................................................................................................................................ 73 4.14 BUSHFIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ................................................. 73 RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................... 73 4.15 INDUSTRIAL AUDITS ............................................................................................................. 73 4.16 BASIX – BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INDEX ............................................................... 73 4.17 CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ADAPTATION ACTIVITIES ................................ 74

4.17.1 Cities for Climate Protection Program .............................................................. 74 4.17.2 Local Adaptation Pathways Program ................................................................. 74

FUTURE DIRECTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 74 4.18 BASIX .......................................................................................................................................... 75 4.19 CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ADAPTATION ACTIVITIES ................................ 75

4.19.1 Cities for Climate Protection Program .............................................................. 75

CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY .......................................................................................................... 76


Kempsey Shire


‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................... 76

5.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 78 STATE ........................................................................................................................................................ 78 5.2 HABITATS WITHIN THE SHIRE .......................................................................................... 78

5.2.1 Local Vegetation Mapping ..................................................................................... 78 5.2.2 Koala Habitat Mapping ............................................................................................. 80

5.3 VEGETATION CORRIDORS .................................................................................................. 81 5.3.1 Why are Corridors Important? ............................................................................ 81 5.3.2 Regional Corridors .................................................................................................... 81 5.3.3 Sub Regional Corridors .......................................................................................... 82 5.3.4 Local Corridors .......................................................................................................... 82 5.3.5 Vegetation Corridors in the Kempsey Shire ................................................... 82

5.4 FLORA .......................................................................................................................................... 82 5.4.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 82 5.4.2 Threatened Flora ...................................................................................................... 82

5.5 FAUNA ......................................................................................................................................... 83 5.5.1 General .......................................................................................................................... 83 5.5.2 Threatened Fauna ...................................................................................................... 84

5.6 ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES .............................................................................................. 86 5.6.1 General .......................................................................................................................... 86 5.6.2 Threatened Ecological Communities ................................................................... 86

PRESSURES ............................................................................................................................................. 88 5.7 LAND CLEARING AND DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................ 88 5.8 SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS PROPOSALS ................................................................ 89 5.9 FERAL ANIMALS AND DOMESTIC PETS .......................................................................... 89

5.9.1 Feral animals .............................................................................................................. 89 5.10 EXOTIC PLANTS ....................................................................................................................... 90 5.11 BUSHFIRE .................................................................................................................................. 92 5.12 DISEASE ..................................................................................................................................... 93 RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................... 93 5.13 VEGETATION AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT ................................................................. 93

5.13.1 General Existing Management Measures ........................................................ 93 5.13.2 National Parks, Nature Reserves, State Recreation Areas and other reserves 93 5.13.3 Koala Habitat Mapping and Management ....................................................... 95

5.14 ASSESSMENTS AND RESTORATION ORDERS .............................................................. 95 5.14.1 Threatened Species Assessments ...................................................................... 95 5.14.2 Clean Up Notices....................................................................................................... 95

5.15 EXOTIC ANIMAL CONTROL .................................................................................................. 95 5.15.1 Vertebrate Pests ....................................................................................................... 95 5.15.2 Companion Animals ................................................................................................. 96

5.16 WEED MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................. 96 5.16.1 Council’s Operational Works and Control Programs ................................... 96 5.16.2 Legal Notices ............................................................................................................... 98

5.17 BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 98 FUTURE DIRECTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 99 5.18 KEMPSEY SHIRE COMPREHENSIVE KOALA PLAN OF MANAGEMENT .................. 99 5.19 EAST KEMPSEY ISLAND LOWLAND RAINFOREST REGENERATION PROJECT .. 99 5.20 IMPLEMENTATION OF REVIEWED COMPANION ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 99 5.21 FUTURE WEED CONTROL PROGRAM ............................................................................. 100 5.22 POTENTIAL FUTURE INDIAN MYNA BIRD CONTROL PROGRAM .......................... 100 5.23 ONGOING BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................. 100 5.24 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION STRATEGY ............................................................... 100

CHAPTER 6: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS ...................................................................................... 101

‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................. 101


Kempsey Shire


6.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 104 STATE ...................................................................................................................................................... 104 6.2 POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS .............................................................................. 104

6.2.1 Population Growth .................................................................................................. 104 6.2.2 Population Distribution ......................................................................................... 104 6.2.3 Age Distribution ...................................................................................................... 105 6.2.4 Local Economy ......................................................................................................... 105 6.2.5 Income ....................................................................................................................... 106 6.2.6 Employment ............................................................................................................. 106 6.2.7 Unemployment Rates............................................................................................ 106

6.3 ROADS ...................................................................................................................................... 107 6.3.1 Local & Regional Roads ........................................................................................ 107 6.3.2 Pacific Highway Bypass ........................................................................................ 107

6.4 WATER & SEWAGE ............................................................................................................... 108 6.4.1 Water Consumption ............................................................................................... 108 6.4.2 Sewage Treatment ................................................................................................. 109

6.5 WASTE....................................................................................................................................... 110 6.5.1 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................... 110 6.5.2 Recycling .................................................................................................................... 110

6.6 STORMWATER ........................................................................................................................ 111 PRESSURES ........................................................................................................................................... 111 6.7 POPULATION GROWTH ....................................................................................................... 111 6.8 DEMOGRAPHICS .................................................................................................................... 111 6.9 SETTLEMENT PATTERNS .................................................................................................... 111 6.10 ROADS ...................................................................................................................................... 111

6.10.1 Local & Regional Roads ........................................................................................ 111 6.10.2 Pacific Highway ....................................................................................................... 112

6.11 WATER ACCESSIBILITY ...................................................................................................... 112 6.12 DRINKING WATER QUALITY ............................................................................................. 112 RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................. 112 6.13 ESD STRATEGY ...................................................................................................................... 112 6.14 NEW PLANNING CONTROLS.............................................................................................. 113 6.15 SHIRE PLANNING PROJECTS ............................................................................................ 114 6.16 ROADS ...................................................................................................................................... 114

6.16.1 Roads Asset Management Plan ......................................................................... 114 6.16.2 Rural Roads Contribution Plan ........................................................................... 114 6.16.3 Pacific Highway Bypass ........................................................................................ 114

6.17 WASTE MANAGEMENT......................................................................................................... 114 6.17.1 Recycling Activities ................................................................................................ 115

6.18 DRINKING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT ............................................................... 115 6.18.1 Steuart McIntyre Dam .......................................................................................... 116 6.18.2 Bellbrook .................................................................................................................... 116 6.18.3 Willawarrin ................................................................................................................ 117

6.19 SEWAGE TREATMENT .......................................................................................................... 117 6.19.1 Wastewater & Water Reuse Projects ................................................................ 117

6.20 CIVIC MAINTENANCE TEAM ......................................................................................... 117 FUTURE DIRECTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 117 6.21 FUTURE SHIRE PLANNING PROJECTS ........................................................................... 117 6.22 ASSET MANAGEMENT PLANS ........................................................................................... 117 6.23 BYPASS STRATEGY ............................................................................................................... 117 6.24 RECYCLING & WASTE MINIMISATION .......................................................................... 118 6.25 WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS................................................................................... 118

6.25.1 Water Supply ........................................................................................................... 118 6.25.2 Future Wastewater & Water Reuse Projects ................................................ 119

CHAPTER 7 ABORIGINAL AND NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE.................................... 120

‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................. 120


Kempsey Shire


7.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 121 STATE ...................................................................................................................................................... 121 7.2 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE ..................................................................................................... 121

7.2.1 Identified Aboriginal Sites, Structures and Landscapes .......................... 121 7.2.2 Disturbance or Destruction of Aboriginal Sites, Structures and Landscapes ....................................................................................................................................... 123

7.3 EUROPEAN HERITAGE ......................................................................................................... 123 7.3.1 Heritage Listed Sites, Structures and Landscapes .................................... 123

PRESSURE .............................................................................................................................................. 131 RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................. 131 7.4 CONSERVATION AND PLANNING CONTROLS ............................................................ 131

7.4.1 Protection for Aboriginal Heritage Sites ......................................................... 131 7.4.2 Protection for European Settlement Heritage Sites .................................. 132

FUTURE DIRECTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 132 7.5 LOCAL HERITAGE STUDY ................................................................................................. 132

CHAPTER 8 COUNCIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ....................................... 133

‘SNAPSHOT’ ............................................................................................................................................. 133

8.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 135 STATE ...................................................................................................................................................... 135 8.2 ENERGY CONSUMPTION ..................................................................................................... 135 8.3 FUEL CONSUMPTION ........................................................................................................... 136 8.4 TOTAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ........................................................................ 137 8.5 WATER CONSUMPTION ....................................................................................................... 138 8.6 PAPER USAGE ......................................................................................................................... 140 PRESSURE .............................................................................................................................................. 140 8.7 BUDGET .................................................................................................................................... 140 8.8 INCREASING POPULATION AND SERVICE DEMANDS ............................................. 141 8.9 INCREASING ENERGY PRICES ......................................................................................... 142 RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................................. 142 8.10 ENERGY & GREENHOUSE REPORTS ............................................................................... 142 8.11 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS ...................................................................... 143 8.12 EMISSION REDUCTION ACTIVITES FROM VEHICLE FLEET .................................. 143 8.13 WATER SAVING ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................ 143 8.14 TRIAL OF ALTERNATIVE COPY & PRINTING PAPER ................................................. 143 8.15 SUSTAINABLE CHOICE PROGRAM .................................................................................. 143 8.16 ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY WORKS PROGRAM ................................................................ 144 8.17 ESD – TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE REPORTING ................................................................... 145 FUTURE DIRECTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 145 8.18 FURTHER ENERGY & GREENHOUSE REPORTS & BENCHMARKING .................... 145 8.19 ENERGY AUDITS .................................................................................................................... 145 8.20 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION PLAN .......................................................................... 145 8.21 STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS .............................................................................. 145 8.22 FLEET MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................... 146 8.23 WATER SAVING ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................ 146 8.24 ALTERNATIVE COPY & PRINTING PAPER ..................................................................... 146 8.25 STAFF EDUCATION ............................................................................................................... 146 8.26 SUSTAINABLE CHOICE PROGRAM .................................................................................. 146

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING .......................................................................................... 146

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1 - SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIONS 13

TABLE 2 - COMPARISON BETWEEN PROPOSED STANDARD LEP AND KLEP 1987 26 TABLE 3 - ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION OF KEMPSEY SHIRE URBAN LOCALITIES 28 TABLE 4 - NUMBER OF KNOWN CURRENT AND FORMER CATTLE TICK DIP SITES IN THE

KEMPSEY SHIRE 29


Kempsey Shire


TABLE 5 - COMPLIANCE REGISTER 36 TABLE 6 - GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION VOLUMES 10/11 51

TABLE 7 - SHIRE STW EFFLUENT QUALITY 59 TABLE 8 - KEMPSEY COUNCIL BEACH SUITABILITY GRADE 62

TABLE 9 - LIST OF PREFERRED KOALA FOOD TREES IN EASTERN PORTION OF KEMPSEY SHIRE 80

TABLE 10 – NAME & ADDITIONAL AREA OF LAND GAZETTED AS NATIONAL PARK ESTATE IN 2010-11 81

TABLE 11 - NO. OF THREATENED FLORA SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR WITHIN THE KEMPSEY SHIRE 83

TABLE 12 - NO. OF THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR WITHIN THE KEMPSEY

SHIRE 84 TABLE 13 - NO. OF ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES (EEC) & POPULATIONS (EP)

KNOWN TO OCCUR WITHIN THE KEMPSEY SHIRE 87 TABLE 14 - LIST OF NOXIOUS WEEDS IN THE KEMPSEY SHIRE 91 TABLE 15 - RESERVES IN THE KEMPSEY SHIRE 93 TABLE 16 - NEW PLANNING CONTROLS 113

TABLE 17 - THE NUMBER AND NATURE OF ABORIGINAL SITES IN THE KEMPSEY SHIRE 122 TABLE 18 - NUMBER OF SITES ALTERED, DESTROYED, DAMAGED IN 2010-11 IN THE

KEMPSEY SHIRE. 123 TABLE 19 - STATE HERITAGE LISTED ITEMS 124 TABLE 20 - LOCAL & REGIONAL HERITAGE ITEMS 124 TABLE 21 - COUNCIL WATER CONSUMPTION 139 TABLE 22 - KEMPSEY SHIRE COUNCIL BUDGET SUMMARY 141

TABLE 23 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY 144

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1 - SOIL LANDSCAPES OF THE LOWER MACLEAY 22

FIGURE 2 - REGIONAL SETTING 23

FIGURE 3 - THE AREA AND EXTENT OF ACID SULFATE SOILS 25

FIGURE 4 - NUMBER AND VALUE OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS 30

FIGURE 5 - INLAND WATERWAYS IN THE KEMPSEY SHIRE LGA 44

FIGURE 6 - CUMULATIVE ANNUAL RAINFALL FOR KEMPSEY (2004 TO JUNE 2011) 45

FIGURE 7 - MONTHLY RAINFALL FOR SELECTED STATIONS 2010/2011 45

FIGURE 8 - LONG TERM AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL FOR SELECTED STATIONS

ACROSS KEMPSEY LGA 46

FIGURE 9 - MACLEAY RIVER FLOWS 47

FIGURE 10 - CAUSES OF FISH KILLS IN NSW 56

FIGURE 11 - COMMERCIAL FISH CATCHES 57

FIGURE 12 - AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL FOR KEMPSEY 68

FIGURE 13 - GREENHOUSE EFFECT VS THE ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT 70

FIGURE 14 - AIR POLLUTION COMPLAINTS TO COUNCIL 71

FIGURE 15 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATES 106

FIGURE 16 - PACIFIC HIGHWAY BYPASS OF KEMPSEY 108

FIGURE 17 - TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION 109

FIGURE 18 - VOLUME OF WASTE TO LANDFILL 110

FIGURE 19 - TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION, COST AND ASSOCIATED

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FOR COUNCIL OPERATED

BUILDINGS & FACILITIES 135

FIGURE 20 - COUNCIL FUEL CONSUMPTION, COST & GREENHOUSE GAS

EMISSIONS 137

FIGURE 21 - TOTAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM ALL SOURCES 137

FIGURE 22 - EMISSIONS BY SOURCE 2010-11 138

FIGURE 23 - COUNCIL WATER CONSUMPTION 139

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS


Kempsey Shire


ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

AGO Australian Greenhouse Office

ASS Acid Sulfate Soils

CAR Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative

CKPoM Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management

CFCs Chlorofluorocarbons

DA Development Application

DCP Development Control Plan

DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

DEWHA Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

DO Dissolved Oxygen

DOP Department of Planning

DII Department of Industry & Investment

EMP Estuary Management Plan

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

IWCMS Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

KSC Kempsey Shire Council

KTPs Key Threatening Processes

KWR&DF Kempsey Waste Receival and Disposal Facility

LEMP Landfill Environmental Management Plan

LEP Local Environmental Plan

LES Local Environmental Study

LHPA Livestock Health & Pest Authority

NRCMA Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

OSM On-site Sewage Management

OSMS On-site Sewage Management System‟s

PSR Pressure-State-Response

PRP Pollution Reduction Plan

RFS Rural Fire Service

RTA Roads and Traffic Authority

SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy

SoE State of the Environment

STP Sewage Treatment Plant

STW Sewage Treatment Works

SWR South West Rocks

TBL Triple Bottom Line

TCM Total Catchment Management

UV Ultraviolet

UNE University of New England

WTP Water Treatment Plant


Kempsey Shire


ABOUT THE SUPPLEMENTARY SOE REPORT 2010/11

SUMMARY

The following Supplementary State of the Environment (SoE) Report has been

prepared for the Kempsey Shire LGA for the period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011,

in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act (1993), taking into

account the 1997 amendments to the Act. This report builds on the last

Comprehensive SoE Report prepared in 2008/09 and associated Supplementary

Reports.

Since the Comprehensive Report prepared back in 2003/04, significant progress has

been made on a number of community environmental projects as well as integrating

environmental management and reporting mechanisms into Council operations. The

development and adoption of the Kempsey Shire Ecologically Sustainable Development

(ESD) Strategy in 2007 was a significant achievement and has allowed for a more

strategic approach to the delivery of various environmental and sustainability projects

across the Shire.

For a detailed list of projects commenced and, or completed during the 2010-11

reporting period refer to Table 1 in Chapter 1 – Towards Sustainability.

AIM

The aim of this SoE Report is to provide an update on Kempsey Shire‟s progress

towards sustainability and the trends in environmental indicators of the core

environmental sectors; the land, water, atmosphere (encompassing noise),

biodiversity, human settlements (encompassing waste) and Aboriginal and non-

Aboriginal heritage. While doing so the report will provide a “snapshot” of the present

day environment in Kempsey Shire with that of previous years and identify any new

environmental pressures since the previous report.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the 2010/11 Supplementary State of the Environment Report are

summarised as follows:

To provide a snapshot of the state of the environment of the Kempsey Shire in the

year 2010/2011 to enable monitoring of Council and the communities performance

in moving towards sustainability.

To identify any new environmental pressures and comment on trends in

environmental indicators of core environmental sectors; the land, water,

atmosphere, biodiversity, human settlements, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal

heritage.

To provide usable information and data to enable more effective environmental

decision-making across all departments of Council.

To identify future reporting requirements with regard to data and information

collection to establish appropriate environmental indicators.

To provide open and transparent accountability of Council‟s operations and

environmental performance.

To observe and quantify changes in the state of the environment to allow Council

to put in place appropriate responses or to gauge the success of those responses

already enacted.

SOE REPORT STRUCTURE

The core structure of the 2010/11 Supplementary Report will remain fundamentally

the same as the previous comprehensive and associated supplementary SoE Reports.

The Report has been organised into the following Chapters:

Chapter 1 – Towards Sustainability


Kempsey Shire


Chapter 2 – Land

Chapter 3 – Water

Chapter 4 – Atmosphere

Chapter 5 – Biodiversity

Chapter 6 – Human Settlements

Chapter 7 – Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Heritage

Chapter 8 – Council Environmental Performance

SNAPSHOT

At the beginning of Chapters 2-8 a summary page entitled “SNAPSHOT” has been

included, designed to provide a brief synopsis of the state, pressures, responses and

future directions for that core sector.

ADOPTED REPORTING MODEL

The Pressure-State-Response (PSR) Model has been retained for reporting in the

2010/11 Supplementary SoE Report. The PSR Model was developed by the OECD and

has been adopted, with some variations, in national and most state SoE reporting

frameworks. The PSR model considers that human activities exert pressures on the

environment that affect its quality and the quantity of natural resources (State).

Society then responds to these changes through environmental, general economic and

sectoral policies, and through changes in awareness and behaviour or activities

(societal response).

Opportunities for Preparing Regional SoE Reports

During the 2010/11 reporting period Council attended a number of meetings regarding

Regional SoE Reporting under the new Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP & R)

requirements for NSW Local Government. The meeting participants were made up of a

number of Local and State Government representatives. A draft MOU has been

developed and twelve (12) North Coast Councils have agreed to a financial

commitment to pursue a regional reporting approach. The first regional report will be

prepared next year (2012). A Project Officer will be employed in March 2012 to collate

all data and prepare the regional report.

Two working groups representing the Mid North Coast and the North Coast have since

been established to review the current SoE reporting structure and implement changes

to achieve a regional reporting approach. A Regional set of indicators have been

developed and referred to all Local and State Government representatives for

comment. Feedback has been provided to the working groups for discussion at future

meetings.

Gaps in Data and Environmental Information

The majority of the data gaps and environmental information identified in the 2008/09

Comprehensive SoE Report have been addressed in subsequent Supplementary

Reports. There are, however, a few circumstances where data was not able to be

obtained, or gathered in time for this year‟s Supplementary SoE Report. Reasons for

this are stated in the relevant sections of the Report.

List of Issues and Future Actions

Refer to Table 1 in Chapter 1 – Towards Sustainability.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 1 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This Chapter of the 2010/11 SoE Report was first introduced during the

Comprehensive SoE in 2003/04. Since then Council has made significant progress in

developing and implementing a number of strategies to assist the Shire moving

towards sustainability. The aim of this chapter is to provide an update on the progress

made towards sustainability in the Shire and also highlight priority areas that need

addressing in the future.

1.2 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to provide for the social and

economic needs of the community of Kempsey Shire, while protecting and enhancing

the essential natural life processes for the benefit of future generations. In short, ESD

is about taking into account environmental, social and economic considerations in

all decision making.

1.2.1 Kempsey Shire ESD Strategy

The Kempsey Shire ESD Strategy is a broad-scale sustainability plan designed to

facilitate sustainable development within the Shire. The Strategy was developed by

Council in close consultation with a community based steering committee. It provides

a vision for a sustainable future and key goals to work towards, based on community

values identified by the steering committee and confirmed by a comprehensive

community consultation process. Focused on triple bottom line principles, the Strategy

has been designed to serve as an educational resource and reference point for the

development of other plans and policies to ensure Council is working with the

community towards a sustainable future.

Where is the Strategy up to?

Adopted in July 2007, the Strategy proposes actions over a five year planning horizon

with a number of actions requiring implementation within each of those five years.

Implementation of high priority projects commenced immediately following Council‟s

adoption of the Strategy in July 2007. Since then implementation of a number of high

priority actions have commenced and continued and in some cases have been

completed in line with the Strategy‟s recommendations. The following actions have

been implemented during the 2010/11 reporting period.

Estuary Management Study completed;

The Data Compilation and Estuary Processes Studies have been completed. The

Estuary Management Study is currently with the Minister for completion;

Draft of the additional Ecological Study required as part of the Macleay Estuary

Management Plan completed;

Implementation of the Korogoro Creek Estuary Management Plan commenced;

Draft Cultural Plan completed, awaiting approval to exhibit;

Final Climate Change Risk Assessment Report and Adaptation Strategy completed;

Continuation of the capacity building project targeting best soil management

practices on the coastal floodplain;

Actions of the Bypass Strategy are currently being implemented;

Draft of the new Standard LEP nearing completion;

Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management has been adopted and currently being

implemented;

Implementation of the Gills Bridge Creek Rehabilitation Plan;

Implementation of Saltwater Creek and Killick Creek Estuary Management Plans;

and

Water saving activities at caravan parks and Councils reserves.


Kempsey Shire


During early 2011 Council developed a Delivery Program (2011-2015) and Operational

Plan (2011-2012) which incorporated the priority actions of the ESD Strategy which

are to be implemented. The Delivery Program and Operational Plan began

implementation in July 2011.

1.3 TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE REPORTING

Kempsey Shire Council has adopted a Triple Bottom Line (i.e. Environmental, Social

and Economic) reporting template for all business paper reports. The aim of the

template is to ensure that social, economic and environmental implications of

recommendations are duly addressed to enable informed decision making for

sustainable outcomes.

1.4 INDICATORS

This report will continue to use similar environmental indicators consistent with

previous SoE Reports. These indicators include physical, chemical, biological and socio-

economic measures of the natural or built environment in order to assess natural

resources or environmental quality.

The indicators are presented with an explanation as to why they have been chosen and

what they demonstrate. A basic conclusion regarding the current state of the indicator

is also included in the format provided below.

1.5 PRIORITY ISSUES

The following table draws together specific issues and associated actions identified in

the remaining chapters of this report. It also lists future actions for priority inclusion

into the Delivery Program, Operational Plan and future management plans.

Conclusion: Situation Improving Steady

Pressure Increasing


Kempsey Shire


Table 1 - Summary of Issues and Current and Future Actions

Issue Current Actions (10/11) Future Actions

LAND

Land Degradation (Acid Sulfate Soils, Erosion, Contamination)

Completion of 3 drain modifications on the floodplain to encourage wet pasture growth as well as enhance and remediate the surrounding acid sulfate soils, backswamp and wetland environment.

The former Shell fuel terminal site at SWR has been remediated and a DCP and Development Application have been submitted to Council for the development of the site.

The Standard LEP is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

Continue remedial works on floodgates and drainage structures.

Strategic Planning Projects. Undertake land degradation

assessment.

Land Use Planning & Development

Residential Land Release Component of Local Growth Management Strategy Completed.

Rural Residential Land Capacity Report Completed.

Rural Residential Component of Local Growth Management Strategy.

Work continued on various South Kempsey Industrial Land rezoning projects.

Slim Dusty Centre is under construction.

A draft of the Standard LEP is with the Department for their consideration of the issuing of a section 65 certificate.

Work continued on the ecological investigations into the rezoning of areas in the Spencerville to New Entrance areas.

The RTA continued construction of the Kempsey Bypass.

Council has prepared and adopted a Bypass Strategy, and has made a position of Bypass Strategy Coordinator within Council to implement actions within the strategy.

Continue work on South Kempsey Industrial Land rezoning projects.

Finalise ecological investigations required for rezoning of land in the Spencerville to New Entrance area.

Standard LEP to be finalised. Continue work on key

strategies required for the development of the SWR Structure Plan.

Work on Macleay Valley Coast

Vision 2030 Project to continue where priorities allow.

Implementation of Actions within the Bypass Strategy.

Preparation of Comprehensive Development Control Plan.

Preparation of new Development Control Plans to accompany changes arising from the STD LEP.

Work on Kempsey Flood Study. Various Contributions Plans as

needed for South Kempsey, Crescent Head.

WATER

Water Quality

Beachwatch and stream water quality monitoring programs continued.

Investigation report submitted for (Pollution Reduction Program) on all seven STP‟s (West Kempsey, South Kempsey, Crescent Head, Gladstone, Hat Head, South West Rocks, Frederickton) analysis of overflow risks within the sewerage reticulation system.

Undertaking inspections in line with the On-site Sewage

Continue Beachwatch and stream water quality monitoring programs.

Implement actions outlined in Kempsey Shire Urban Stormwater Management Strategy.

Commence works to limit the overflow risks within the sewerage reticulation system, monitor and report on sewage overflows within the sewerage reticulation system.

Continue inspections in line with the On-site Sewage


Kempsey Shire


Management Strategy. Management Strategy.

Estuarine/Riverine

Health

Korogoro Estuary Management Plan is being implemented.

Macleay River data compilation and estuary process studies completed.

Continued planning of future works for continuation of improvements of the Gills Bridge Creek riparian corridor.

Continue to seek funding for implementation of high priority actions recommended in Killick Creek and Saltwater Creek and Lagoon Estuary Management Plans.

Continue implementation of high priority actions listed in the Korogoro Creek Estuary Management Plan.

Implement priority actions of the Macleay River Estuary Management Plan.

Continue on-ground rehabilitation works associated with Gills Bridge Creek riparian corridor.

Flooding Prepare Kempsey Flood Study. Review of Council‟s Flood

Policy.

Floodplain Risk Management Plan.

Riparian Vegetation

Revegetation works completed for the Nestle Community Vegetation Project at Jerseyville & Smithtown.

Boyters Lane Wetland & Riparian Rehabilitation has

been completed – see Ch. 3 for further details.

The 3 year Environmental Trust Funded Gills Bridge Creek Rehabilitation Project was completed and planning for the next stage of rehabilitation works is currently being undertaken for the Gills Bridge Creek riparian corridor.

Continue Gills Bridge Creek riparian corridor rehabilitation works.

ATMOSPHERE

Air Pollution Responded to air pollution

complaints.

Develop & Implement Air Pollution Complaint Register.

Odour

Ongoing odour management at Sewerage Treatment Plants.

Responding to various odour complaints.

Develop effective Odour Complaint Register and Prepare Action Plans for Problem Areas.

Greenhouse Gases & Climate

Change

Completed the first 2 strategic milestone projects of the Cities for Climate Protection Program. However, no further funding was made available from the Federal Government.

Installed energy efficient lighting & air conditioning within Council premises.

Commence work on a greenhouse gas reduction strategy for Council and the Shire‟s Community.

Implement actions from the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the Shire.

BIODIVERSITY

Endangered and/or Vulnerable Flora and Fauna

Work completed on detailed Koala Study.

Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management approved by the Department of Planning and commenced implementation of the plan in May 2011.

Continue implementation of the Comprehensive Koala Plan and implement management action of the plan.

Prepare Biodiversity Conservation Strategy once funding becomes available.


Kempsey Shire


Feral Animals and Exotic Weeds

Work continued on Council‟s ongoing weed control and education program.

Review of Companion Animal Management Plan completed.

LHPA responded to complaints and assisting property owners with feral animal control.

Continue work on Weed Control Program.

Implement high priority actions of the reviewed Companion Animal Management Plan.

LHPA monitoring, trapping & baiting feral animals. Develop further control plans.

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

Population Growth

Population Projection Study and Draft Residential Land Release Strategy adopted.

Work underway on other Land Use Planning Projects (refer to those actions listed under „Land‟).

Commence Kempsey Shire Vision 2030.

Finalise Residential Land Release Strategy with DoP.

Water & Sewerage

Multi-year investigation into Macleay Coastal Sands aquifers.

Construction completed on the water treatment plant at Bellbrook.

Improvements to monitoring system at Stuart McIntyre Dam.

Reclaimed water use. Nutrient Monitoring Regime. Water Sharing Plans.

Aquifer investigations will conclude by the end of 2011.

Bellbrook Water Treatment Plant has been commissioned and has been in operation since late 2010.

Crescent Head - Inline pre-filtering and storage has been scoped and budgeted to replace the hypalon storage dam at Crescent Head.

Kempsey - Better management of the borefield land for the Kempsey scheme is being designed to enable the improved protection of the bores in Sherwood.

Waste

„Green Waste‟ kerbside collection service.

Conducted community education programs.

Development of the Crescent Head Road Waste Management Centre.

Continued implementation of Kerbside Recycling Program and further recycling initiatives.

Continue to minimise waste to landfill.

Continue community discussions and education programs.

Investigations to determine future strategies for development of the Waste Transfer Stations at Bellbrook, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point are continuing.

Roads

Roads Asset Management Plan has been developed and adopted.

Rural Roads Contribution Plan was superseded by Local Roads and Traffic Infrastructure Developer Contribution Plan 2009 which commenced in January 2010.

Ongoing Works Plan.

Council continues to develop

Asset Management Plans for key assets such as Roads, Bridges and Boatramps.

Pacific Highway Bypass Strategy adoption.

ABORIGINAL & NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE

Encroachment by Development

Kempsey Shire Community Based Heritage Study completed.

Aboriginal heritage sites protected by National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974).

Implement the Kempsey Shire Community Based Heritage Study.

Complete Heritage Development Control Plan.


Kempsey Shire


COUNCIL PERFORMANCE

Energy Consumption

Electricity Consumption Service Reports produced for all Council buildings and facilities.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goal set for Council.

Investigate options for improved efficiencies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Develop Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.

Water Consumption

Water saving activities and usage reports.

Ongoing assessment of water usage and efficiencies with continued investigations to assess options for reducing water consumption.

Consumption of Materials

Paper usage monitoring. Commitment to Sustainable

Choice Program.

Continue paper monitoring program & investigate alternative environmentally friendly paper.

Continue to participate in Sustainable Choice Program.

Fuel Consumption Greenhouse gas emissions

calculated for entire vehicle fleet.

Investigate options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including purchasing smaller, fuel efficient vehicles with improved emission ratings for Council‟s Vehicle Fleet, based on NSW Clean Car Benchmarks.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 2 LAND

‘SNAPSHOT’

STATE PRESSURE RESPONSE FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Geology & Soils - Three major bedrock substrates; metasediments; granitoids and basalt underlay the majority of the Macleay River Catchment. Floodplain and

estuary sediments also occur. Many of the soils derived from these substrates have moderate to high erodibility.

Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) – The lower Macleay floodplain is one of the most significant areas affected by ASS in NSW.

Contaminated Land – There are a number of known potentially contaminated sites and Unhealthy Building Land in the Kempsey Shire including, but not limited to: landfills, fuel depots, stock dips, sewer treatment plants, quarries and mine sites.

Soil Erosion –resulting from continued land clearing for development and agriculture.

Acid Sulfate Soils Assessment – 11,275ha of low risk ASS and

47,556ha of high risk ASS occur in the Shire. There is 364km of drains within the floodplain.

Agricultural Practices – can place increased pressure on land through the use of chemical sprays, drainage of land, land clearing and inappropriate stock and crop management.

Land Contamination – Land contamination usually refers to those parcels of land that retains contamination residues resulting from a previous use, ranging from building materials to the chemical by-products of former industrial or agricultural activity.

Acid Sulfate Soils Management

Remedial works undertaken during the 2010/11 reporting period using external and internal funding.

Contaminated Site Management – Preparation of draft Groundwater Management Plan for the former Caltex fuel terminal sites. The Plan aims to set in place procedures to restrict access to potential contaminated groundwater in the vicinity of the plume and ensure appropriate management of the plume well into the future.

Contaminated Site Remediation – A Development Application to rehabilitate land on the former Shell fuel terminal site, which is a precondition to any development of the land, was approved by Council and works have been carried out to remediate the site. A groundwater Management Plan, Site Auditor Report, Remediation and Validation Report, Soil and Groundwater

Health Risk Assessment Report have been carried out.

Acid Sulfate Soils – investigate future floodplain projects in accordance with Macleay River EMP.

Mapping of Groundwater Plumes - Compile relevant information from Groundwater Management once finalised and present on Council’s website.

Land Degradation Assessment – A land degradation assessment is needed to effectively manage this issue.

Land Use – No major change in

land use zoning has occurred during the past 12 months. However, a comparison between Kempsey LEP 1987 and the proposed new standard LEP being prepared under the

Development Pressure – there

was a decrease in both the number of development approvals and value during 10/11. Development approvals peaked in 2003/04 towards the end of the housing market boom, with both the value and

Compliance Register – Set up to provide a measurement of the number

and types of non-compliances and development conducted without consent.

Land Capacity Reports - The Land Capacity Report has been broken into 2 main components – urban land capacity and rural land capacity to examine the amount of both available residential and rural zoned land and the capacity to house projected population. The Urban Land Capacity report has been completed. The rural residential land capacity report has also been

Standard LEP - Finalise and adopt LEP.

Review of South West Rocks Structure Plan - Continue work on key strategies required for the development of a Structure Plan.

Kempsey Town Centre Master Plan Review - Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of relevant documents in order to achieve improved urban design outcomes for the public realm within the Town Centre. This is now likely to be incorporated into the actions of the Bypass Strategy.

Macleay Valley Coast Vision 2030 - Council will be progressing this project over the


Kempsey Shire



standard template showed a substantial increase in the area of land zoned as National Parks and Reserves. Waterways are now also proposed to have their own zone under the Standard LEP.

number of approvals tapering off during the past 6-7 years.

completed.

Residential Land Release Strategy (Local Growth Management Strategy – Residential Component) - This project is required to ensure that an adequate supply of land is maintained to support the expansion of the Shire‟s towns and villages and to accurately determine the expected future population limits on which the planning for infrastructure will rely. The DoP have approved the strategy with some exclusions.

Standard LEP - A draft of the Standard LEP is with the Department for their consideration of the issuing of a section 65 certificate.

Saltwater (SWR) LEP - A DCP for the site has been prepared and has been adopted by Council.

Former Shell Terminal Site (SWR) LEP – A DCP has been prepared for the site and submitted to Council for consideration.

Slim Dusty Museum – Work has commenced on constructing the Slim Dusty Centre.

Industrial Land Review Implementation -

South Kempsey - Work has continued into the rezoning of land to the east of the Pacific Highway in South Kempsey. A LES was prepared detailing the expected environmental impacts and ameliorative actions required for the proposal to go ahead. The LEP was made in September 2009. A DCP has been prepared for the site and is being considered by Council.

A request has been received to rezone land at West Street, South Kempsey

from Residential to Light Industrial. A Draft LEP has been prepared and exhibited. The LEP has now been made.

Frederickton - It is anticipated that preliminary investigations into rezoning of land for industrial purposes will commence following completion of the Standard LEP.

Spencerville to New Entrance Investigation - This land has been identified for long term release in Council‟s 1997 Residential Land Release Strategy. The ecological assessment confirms that the area contains habitat of high biodiversity which is likely to constrain future expansion of SWR.

Kempsey Town Centre Master Plan Review - Council is currently working on a comprehensive review of the Town Centre Master Plan. Upgrading of CDB designs and other matters are now

coming year and seeking advice and input from relevant professionals and the broader community. This project has been reprioritised due to the Bypass Strategy Implementation.

Rural Residential Land Release Component of the Kempsey Local Growth Management Strategy – This document is being prepared and will be completed in 2012.

Bypass Strategy Implementation – Implementation of the actions within the Bypass Strategy. Projects to be undertaken over a three to 4 year timeframe.


Kempsey Shire



being considered under the Bypass Strategy.

Macleay Valley Coast Vision 2030 - This project will result in an overarching strategy incorporating Council‟s vision for development within the Shire for the next 20 years. This has been reprioritised as a consequence of the Bypass Strategy.


Kempsey Shire


2.1 INTRODUCTION

The land is a fundamental part of ecological systems and is essential to sustaining

human existence. For the purposes of this document land refers to the geographical

surface area of the Kempsey Shire, including the interaction between its soils and

geology, waterways, biological processes and its use for human settlement.

STATE

What are the issues for sustainability that are affecting the Land?

2.2 TOPOGRAPHY

The Kempsey Shire contains varied topography. The most western portions of the

Shire make up part of the rolling hills of the New England Tablelands ranging between

900-1200m in elevation. The land drops steeply from the tablelands over the rugged

gorge and steep hill country and continues to fall until it levels out into lower hill

country around 35km upstream of Kempsey. The remainder of the Shire encompasses

lower hill country as well as the coastal floodplain and estuary (Ashley et. all., 2007).

The coastal fringe is characterised by dunefields

and some elevated headlands.

Plate 1: Lower Hill Country (left) and coastal floodplain (above) within the Kempsey Shire

2.3 GEOLOGY

The recently completed Macleay River Estuary Process Study provides a summary of

the geology occurring within the broader Macleay River Catchment. The majority of

the Kempsey Shire LGA falls within this catchment and so the geological descriptions

provided below are representative of the geological conditions occurring within the

Kempsey Shire.

There are three major bedrock substrates - metasediments, granitoids and basalt

underlying the majority of the Macleay River Catchment. Deposits of floodplain and

estuary sediments also occur within the floodplain environment of the lower Macleay.

Metasediments is the term used to group the partially metamorphosed sedimentary

rocks of Devonian and Permian periods. They are predominantly metamorphosed

marine sediments such as mudstones and greywacke with a quartz and felspar

composition. Intrusions of granitic rocks of Carboniferous to Triassic occur within

these metasediments. The intrusions have high quartz and felspar content with small

amounts of mica. They are also associated with mineral deposits of gold (Au), copper


Kempsey Shire


(Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), antimony (Sb), selenium (Sa) and molybdenum

(Mo). Tertiary age basaltic volcanics and minor sedimentary rocks occupy the

remainder of the area.

The widespread metasediment substrate of the Macleay catchment typically gives rise

to quatsofelspar lithic gravel deposits in the tableland streams and cobbles and

boulders in the gorge country. Finer sediment fractions tend to dominate in the lower

reaches of streams along the trunk Macleay valley. The sand to silty fraction of these

sediments is dominated by quartz and felspar grains and lithic material.

Downstream of Kempsey, the materials constituting the floodplains are mostly

unconsolidated sand-silt-muds, but gravels are more prevalent upstream. Silt-

dominated levees occur along the Macleay and these may be bordered by muddy to

organic-rich backswamp regions. However, these fluvial and swamp deposits overlay

earlier estuarine deposits and display evidence for prograding of the floodplain-estuary

system since the Pleistocene. The present estuary and coastal regions display

interactions between Pleistocene to recent barrier beach deposits, estuarine sand-silt-

mud and saline to brackish wetland areas.

For a more detailed description of the geology of the Kempsey Shire and broader

Macleay River Catchment refer to Ashley and Graham (2001).

2.4 SOILS

Soil landscapes describe the soils as well as the topography, land use and vegetation

of an area. They provide information on characteristics such as erodibility,

permeability, acid potential and fertility. These characteristics are important factors

when examining catchment sediment loads, and when formulating and considering

catchment management/estuary management strategies.

A review of the Kempsey-Korogoro Point and Macksville-Nambucca soil landscape

maps, show that the lower Macleay is dominated by three soil landscape groupings -

Alluvial, Residual and Swamp. Each of these soil landscapes is described in more

detail below:

Alluvial – (e.g. mr, gd, ae), were formed along the Macleay and Belmore Rivers and

Kinchela and Clybucca Creeks as alluvial delta/levee formations by the deposition of

sediment transported down the valley by rivers and streams. The soils are usually

deep and contain stratified sediments ranging from gravels and clay. The alluvial soils

tend to have high erodibility, low wet bearing strength, low cohesion and high acid

sulfate potential.

Residual – (e.g. kg), are sites where deep soils have formed from in-situ weathering

of parent materials. Residual soil landscapes typically have level to undulating elevated

topography. Stream channels are usually poorly defined and streams do not transport

sediment out of the landscape. Residual soils tend to have high erodibility and acidity,

low wet bearing strength and low fertility.

Swamp – (e.g. se, bl), are dominated by ground surfaces and soils which are at least

seasonally waterlogged. Soil parent material includes large amounts of accumulated

decayed organic matter. Watertables are frequently close to the surface. Landform

elements include swamps, abandoned channels, and some lagoons. The swamp soils

tend to have low wet bearing strength, low permeability, poor drainage, high

aluminium toxicity potential and high to extreme acid sulfate potential.


Kempsey Shire


Source: WMA Water & Southern Cross University (2009)

Figure 1 – Soil Landscapes of the Lower Macleay

The mid valley and gorge country predominantly consists of Colluvial and Erosional soil

landscapes. The soil and erosional characteristics of these groupings are summarised

as follows:

Colluvial (sn, we, br, di and mk), are areas of mass movement although erosional

processes may be dominant. Soil parent material includes landslide, mudflow and

creek deposits. Soil depth is variable. Colluvial soil landscapes usually include cliffs,

scarps, landslides and may include areas of rock outcrop. Colluvial landscapes in the

Upper Valley tend to have very steep slopes, shallow soils, moderate to extreme

erodibility, low fertility and low available water holding capacity.

Erosional (eu, co, fb, rk and pn), are formed by the erosive action of running water

on hill slopes. Streams are well defined and transport their sediment load out of the

landscape. Soil depth is usually shallow, and may be either absent, derived from

water-washed parent materials or derived from in-situ weathered bedrock. Erosional

soil landscapes in the Mid-Valley consist of steep to undulating slopes and rock

outcrops. Erosional soils are stoney, have moderate to high erodibility, low fertility, low to moderate permeability.

2.5 REGIONAL SETTING

The Kempsey Shire Local Government Area (LGA) is located on the Mid-North Coast of

NSW, approximately 450km north of Sydney and 550km south of Brisbane (Refer to

Figure 2 below). Kempsey Shire covers a geographical area of approximately

3,376km2 and is bounded by the Nambucca Shire to the north, Port Macquarie-

Hat Head

South West Rocks


Kempsey Shire


Hastings Shire to the south and the Walcha and Armidale-Dumaresq Shires to the

west.

Figure 2 - Regional Setting


Kempsey Shire


2.6 VEGETATION

The Shire has a significant amount and wide range of vegetative cover due to the large

areas of National Parks and State Forests. Vegetation types within the Kempsey Shire

LGA are discussed in detail in Chapter 5 – Biodiversity.

2.7 ACID SULFATE SOILS

Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) are natural soils that form in seawater or brackish water

environments. They are common in every estuary and estuarine floodplain in NSW.

These soils contain iron sulfides that are stable and do not cause a problem when

waterlogged. However, when these natural occurring sulfides are disturbed and

exposed to air, oxidation occurs and sulfuric acid is ultimately produced. This acid can

leach into the surrounding area acidifying neighbouring drains, wetlands, creeks,

estuaries and bays, causing severe short and long-term environmental damage. It can

affect industries such as fishing and tourism, and can impact on public and private

infrastructure by causing serious damage to steel and concrete structures such as the

foundations (footings) of a building, floodgate structures or bridge pillars (LMCC 2005).

Indicator – The Extent and Location of Acid Sulfate Soils

Why use this indicator?

The area and extent of potential ASS is not expected to change. However, it is

important to identify the presence of potential ASS to ensure any proposed future

development does not have the potential to cause acid generation and runoff. Figure 3

below shows the area and extent of potential ASS in the Kempsey Shire.


Kempsey Shire


Figure 3 – The Area and Extent of Acid Sulfate Soils

What does this show?

There are approximately 11,275ha (3.34% of Kempsey Shire) of low risk ASS and

approximately 47,456ha (14.06% of Kempsey Shire) of High Risk ASS.


Kempsey Shire


2.8 LAND USE

Indicator – Land Use Zoning


Varying land uses will have differing impacts on the natural environment. Due to the

difficulty in accurately identifying actual land usage, land use zoning is used as a

measure of allowable potential land uses. The Kempsey LEP 1987 as amended is the

current Land Use Zoning Plan in operation across the Kempsey Shire. However, it is

currently under review to bring it in line with the Standard LEP.

Table 2 below provides a comparison of the land use zonings between what will

become the new Kempsey LEP (under the provisions of the standard instrument) and

that currently listed in Kempsey LEP 1987. Please note the below figures are based on

a working draft of the new Standard LEP and have not yet been finalised and as such

are subject to change.

Table 2 - Comparison between Proposed Standard LEP and KLEP 1987

Standard Instrument Zone

Approx. Zoned Area (ha)

Equivalent Zone in KLEP 1987

Approx. Zoned Area (ha)

R1 – General Residential

752 Zone No. 2 (a)(Residential “A” Zone)

698.5

R3 – Medium Density Residential

167 Zone No. 2 (b1)(Residential “B1”

Zone), Zone No. 2 (b2) (Residential “B2” Zone) and 2(C) (Residential “C” Zone), 2(D) (Residential (Tourist Facility) “D” Zone)

2(b1) – 130.8 2(b2) – 5.92

2( c ) – 16.5 2(d) – 5.19

R5 – Large Lot Residential

2,961 1( c ) (Rural Small Holdings “C” Zone)

2, 976

RU1 – Primary Production Zone

50,710 Zone No. 1 (a3)(Rural “A3” Agriculture Protection Zone)

Zone No. 1 (e)(Rural (Floodway) “E” Zone

1(a3) – 38,830 (note add 440 ha) 1( e ) - 348.8

RU2 – Rural Landscape Zone

147,600 Zone No. 1 (a1)(Rural “A1” Zone); Zone No. 1 (d)(Rural Investigation) “D” Zone)

182,100

RU3 - Forestry Zone 21,880 Zone No. 1 (f)(Rural (Forestry) “F” Zone)

72,820

RU4 – Rural Small Holdings Zone

3,472 Zone No. 1 (g) (Rural (Small Agricultural

Enterprises)

3,472

RU5 - Village Zone 667.4 Zone No. 2 (v)(Village or Township Zone)

676.4

B1 - Neighbourhood

Centre Zone

3.8 Zone No. 3(b) (Business

(Neighbourhood) “B”

Zone)

1.26

B2 – Local Centre 10.4 Zone No. 3(a) (Business (General) “A” Zone), Zone No. 3(v) (Business

(Village) “V” Zone), Zone No. 3(b) (Business (Neighbourhood) “B” Zone)

3(a) – 34.8 3(b) – 1.3 3(c ) - 81


Kempsey Shire


B3 – Commercial Core 43.42 Zone No. 3(a) (Business (General) “A” Zone)

34.8

B6 - Enterprise Corridor

52.05 Zone No. 3(c) (Business (Special) “C” Zone)

81

IN1 - General Industrial Zone

214.7 Zone No. 4(a) (Industrial (General) Zone), Zone No. 4(e) (Industrial

(Extractive) “E” Zone)

124.3

IN2 - Light Industrial Zone

7.8 Zone No. 4(b) (Light Industrial “B” Zone)

7.66

SP1 – Special Activities

49.61 Zone No. 5(a) (Special Uses “A” Zone)

159.7

SP2 - Infrastructure Zone

879.7 Zone No. 5(a) (Special Uses “A” Zone) Zone No. 5(b) (Special Uses “B” Zone)

5(a) 159.7 5(b) 233.5

SP3 - Tourist Zone 13.47 No conversion – on one site proposed for the Shire.

RE1 - Public Recreation Zone

480.6 Zone No. 6(a) (open Space “A” Zone)

566.1

RE2 - Private Recreation Zone

88.29 Zone No. 6(b) (Open Space “B” Zone)

88.34

E1 - National Parks and Reserves

95,220 Zone No. 8(a) (Existing National Parks, Nature Reserves and Land

Available for Recreation Zone)

8 (a ) - 17,540 8 (b) – 3,575

E2 - Environmental Conservation

869.6 Zone No. 7(a) (Wetlands Protection Zone) Zone No. 7(b) (Environmental Protection

(Habitat) Zone)

7(a) – 44.94 7(b) – 65.37

E3 - Environmental Management

5,588 Zone No. 7(d) (Scenic Protection Zone)

Zone No. 7(f1) (Coastal

Lands Protection Zone), Zone No. 7(h) (Historic Lands Protection Zone)

7(d) – 10,050 7(f1) – 1,915

7(f2) – 95.26

7(h) – 50.34

W1 - Natural Waterways

4,893 None Zero

W2 - Recreational Waterways

1,536 None Zero

Note: No equivalent zone in Standard LEP for Zone No. 7(f2) (Coastal Lands Acquisition Zone); Zone No. 8(b) (Proposed National Park Extension Zone) listed in KLEP 1987.


The above table shows that there will be a substantial increase in the area of land

zoned as National Parks and Reserves when comparing that originally zoned in KLEP

1987 and the proposed new Standard LEP. Waterways are now also proposed to have

their own zone under the Standard LEP with a corresponding reduction in the area

zoned for forestry purposes.

2.8.1 Urban Settlement

The ABS produces estimates of the resident population of Local Government Areas

(LGAs) and States and Territories. Estimated resident populations (ERPs) are official

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


estimates of the Australian population, which link people to a place of usual residence

within Australia. Table 3 below shows the estimated resident population for each

urban centre in the Shire based on 2006 Census results.

Table 3 - Estimated Resident Population of Kempsey Shire Urban Localities

Locality ERP

Kempsey 8,434

South West Rocks 4,521

Crescent Head 1,114

Frederickton 1,021

Gladstone / Smithtown 994

Stuarts Point 750

Hat Head 309

Total Urban 17,144

A further 11,246 people reside in rural and rural residential areas within the Shire.

2.8.2 Industrial Use

Industrial land use is predominately based in the industrial estates of Kempsey and

South West Rocks. However, significant industrial operations are also located in

Smithtown and Frederickton. There are also a number of quarries and sand mines

located in the Kempsey LGA.

2.8.3 Primary Industry

There are considerable primary industry operations on the North Coast of NSW. The

farm gate value of primary production on the North Coast is in excess of $1 billion per

annum, while mineral production on the North Coast is nearly $30 billion per annum.

Approximately 1 in 8 people working on the North Coast are employed in primary

production.

The main primary industries in the Kempsey Shire LGA include:

• Beef

• Dairy

• Nurseries

• Fruit

• Vegetables

• Honey and beeswax

• Pork

• Hay

• Pastures and grasses

• Extractive

• Forestry and logging

2.8.4 Open Spaces

The mild climate of the Macleay Valley lends

itself to outdoor social and sporting activities.

A growing population will therefore increase the need

for open space areas tailored to suit such pursuits.

Plate 2: Riverside Park in Kempsey

Source: Kempsey Shire Council (2009)


Kempsey Shire


2.9 CONTAMINATED LAND

Indicator – Contaminated Sites


Depending on their location and extent, contaminated sites can pose a significant risk

of harm to human health and the environment and as such it is essential these sites

are identified and managed accordingly.

Information about sites where regulatory action involving the NSW EPA has been taken

is compiled on a database kept by the Authority. These sites fall into three categories:

Sites regulated under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997;

Sites which are, or were formerly, the subject of notices issued under sections

35 and 36 of the Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985; and

Land declared to be unhealthy building land, or being investigated for

declaration, under the Unhealthy Building Land Act 1990.

Council is also required to identify contaminated lands under Section 79C of the

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Cattle tick dip sites (both current and former) are also a source of potential land

contamination. Cattle ticks present a multimillion dollar threat to the beef and dairy

industries in New South Wales and since the early 1900s ticks have been controlled by

an eradication program. As part of that program more than 1,600 cattle tick dips have

been built in north eastern New South Wales and along the Queensland border. The

first chemical used in these dips was arsenic and that was replaced in 1955 by the

organochloride pesticide DDT. In 1962 DDT was phased out but, as both of these

chemicals are very persistent in the environment, residues of both tickicides remain at

most sites. In May 1991, as a result of fears about contamination held by the public

and the Government, the Government announced the formation of the cattle tick dip

site management committee, known as Dipmac, to provide long-term solutions for

cattle dip site contamination. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website

has a list of known current and former cattle tick dip sites, as shown in the table

below:

Table 4 – Number of Known Current and Former Cattle Tick Dip Sites in the Kempsey Shire

Dip Name

AGD66 AMG EASTING

AGD66 AMG NORTHING Status Locality

CORANGULA 469250 6570630 CLOSED CORANGULA ROAD KEMPSEY

FACTORY 471300 6568310 DECOMMISSIONED MAINEYS ROAD KEMPSEY

KEMPSEY SALEYARDS 484430 6564560 DECOMMISSIONED KEMP STREET KEMPSEY

MOUNT SKILLION 473130 6569460 DEMOLISHED

TRACK OFF ARMIDALE ROAD KEMPSEY


A search of the NSW DECCW (incorporating former EPA functions) contaminated land

records revealed that there are still no sites formally listed under section 58 of the

Contaminated Land Management Act 1997.

Table 4 shows a total of four cattle tick dip sites located within the Kempsey Shire.

None of the sites are currently in operation. These four sites have been known for


Kempsey Shire


sometime now with no new sites being identified since the last Comprehensive Report

in 2003/04.

It should also be noted there are a number of other known potentially contaminated

sites and Unhealthy Building Land in the Kempsey Shire including, but not limited to:

landfills, fuel depots, sewer treatment plants, quarries and mine sites.

PRESSURES

Why is it happening?

2.10 DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES

Development pressures impact on all aspects of the environment. As populations grow

the demand for land and water resources and infrastructure subsequently increases.

The growth of human settlement (e.g. via subdivision of land) often displaces other

land uses such as native vegetation, open space or valuable agricultural land.

Construction and building place pressure on mineral resources, whilst increasing the

potential for degradation of soils though poor management practices. Growing

communities also increase the output of wastes, placing pressure on water resources

and sanitation systems.

Indicator – Development Applications


This indicator provides a measure of the pressures of development within the Kempsey

LGA.

Figure 4 – Number and Value of Development Applications

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire



This indicator demonstrates there was a decrease in both the number of development

approvals and value during the last 12 months. Development approvals peaked in

2003/04 towards the end of the housing market boom, with both the value and

number of approvals tapering off during the past 6 - 7 years.

2.11 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND

As well as those lands zoned as National Parks and Reserves, there is also some

12,221ha of land zoned 7(a, b, d, f1, f2 and h) Protection Zones. Land included in this

zoning includes wetlands, habitat, scenic protection, coastal lands and historic lands.

Development in these zonings is restricted to ensure that any proposed developments

do not impact on these sensitive environments.

2.12 LAND CLEARING

Indicator – Land Clearing

Detailed in Section 5.7 – Land Clearing and Development of Chapter 5 – Biodiversity.

2.13 RURAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Indicator – Rural Residential Development Rates


Rural residential development (small rural acreages) is listed as a regional indicator.

Under Kempsey LEP 1987, zones 1(c) and 1 (g) allow for rural residential

development.

Council subdivision approvals for rural residential development (Zoned 1(c) and 1(g)

only) during the 2010/11 reporting period, showed 16 lots were approved for

subdivision from an existing six lots, resulting in the potential net creation of 10

additional lots in the future. A dwelling entitlement was also created on an existing lot

which previously did not have entitlement. This compares to the approval of 28 lots

from an existing four lots, resulting in a potential net increase of 11 additional lots

during the previous reporting period.

The information presented above represents Council approval of subdivisions. This

does not necessarily mean the approval has been acted upon and the lots have

actually been created. In this regard, there were seven subdivisions officially

registered through Land Property Information resulting in an additional 36 lots being

actually created during the 2010/11 reporting period.

Conclusion: Situation Improving


Kempsey Shire



The data for 2010/11 reporting period indicated that approvals have been granted to

transform rural land into a greater number of smaller rural acreages with the potential

to further modify and fragment habitats.

2.14 LAND DEGRADATION

Land degradation is the decline in the condition or quality of land as a result of its use

by individuals or society. Some common forms of land degradation include: soil

erosion, rising water tables, invasion of introduced and feral species, declining soil

fertility due to acidification or salinisation, Acid Sulfate Soils and land contamination.

The full extent or nature of land degradation in the Kempsey Shire LGA is still yet to be

fully quantified.

2.14.1 Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the wearing away of soil due to wind, rain and related natural forces

that carry surface soil down slope toward streams and on into rivers and eventually

bays and the oceans. Under natural conditions, this is generally a very slow process,

particularly when vegetation coverage is in good condition. However, it is greatly

accelerated when vegetation is removed or replaced with less erosion resistant

vegetation such as grasses. Historically land clearing for timber resources and

agricultural practices in the Kempsey Shire has increased both actual soil erosion and

the potential for soil erosion. A comprehensive database detailing area and extent of

severe and moderate soil erosion sites in the Shire is yet to be undertaken.

2.14.2 Acid Sulfate Soils

Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) are the most significant land degradation issue in the Kempsey

Shire, which impact not only on land and agricultural production, but also on aquatic

systems and biodiversity.

Plate 3: Acid Sulfate Soil Scald on the Lower Macleay

The NSW Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS) Strategy identified two Stage 1 Acid Soil Hot Spots in

the Kempsey Shire area, Clybucca and Upper Maria River, and five Stage 2 Acid Soil

Hot Spots, Yarrahapinni, Belmore, Frogmore, Kinchela and Rafferty‟s. Hot Spot areas

are areas where land management decisions in relation to ASS have contributed to,

Conclusion: Pressure Increasing

Source Kempsey Shire Council (2005)


Kempsey Shire


and can lead to further, severe soil acidification, poor water quality, reduction in

agricultural productivity and capability, loss of estuarine habitat and/or degraded

vegetation and wildlife (Tulau et al 1999).

Within the floodplain areas in Kempsey Shire there is over 364km of drains, of which

94.5km is managed by Council and 52km is jointly managed between Council and

private landholders or drainage unions. Council also owns 173 floodgates within the

drainage system and there are an unknown number of privately owned floodgates.

2.14.3 Contaminated Land

Land contamination usually refers to those parcels of land that retains contamination

residues resulting from a previous use, ranging from building materials to the chemical

by-products of former industrial or agricultural activity. There are a number of known

potentially contaminated sites and Unhealthy Building Land in the Kempsey Shire

including, but not limited to: landfills, fuel depots, stock dips, sewer treatment plants,

quarries and mine sites. Further investigations are required to confirm the location

and extent of contamination at these sites.

RESPONSE

What are the responses and how effective are they?

2.15 STRATEGIC LAND USE PLANNING

Council regulates development in accordance with relevant legislation and the land

zoning in the Kempsey LEP. Council undertakes regular and periodic review of LEP‟s as

a requirement under Section 73 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

The Kempsey LEP 1987 is soon to be replaced, following State approval, with the

Standard LEP, which incorporates new planning controls and practices as part of the

review process. Other significant planning projects which have progressed throughout

the 2010/11 reporting period are outlined below.

2.15.1 Land Capacity Reports

The Land Capacity Report has been broken into two main components – urban land

capacity and rural land capacity to examine the amount of both available residential

and rural zoned land and the capacity to house projected population. The Urban Land

Capacity report has been completed. This report was used to prepare the Residential

Component of the Local Growth Management Strategy.

The Rural Residential Land Capacity report has also been prepared. This will be used

to prepare the Rural Residential Land Release component of the Kempsey Local Growth

Management Strategy.

2.15.2 Residential Land Release Strategy (Local Growth Management

Strategy – Residential Component)

This project is required to ensure that an adequate supply of land is maintained to

support the expansion of the Shire‟s towns and villages and to accurately determine

the expected future population limits on which the planning for infrastructure will rely.

The Urban Land Capacity and Population Projection reports previously completed form

the basis of the strategy.

The DoP has approved the Strategy with some exclusions.


Kempsey Shire


2.15.3 Standard LEP

The Standard LEP was provided to the DoP in July 2010 seeking a section 65

Certificate. The Standard LEP is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

2.15.4 Saltwater (SWR) LEP

A DCP for the site has been prepared and has been adopted by Council.

2.15.5 Former Shell Terminal Site (SWR) LEP

This LEP will permit the subdivision of approximately 50 lots, following rehabilitation of

the land to remove contaminated soil resulting from the previous use of the land to

store petroleum. A Development Application to rehabilitate the land, which is a

precondition to any development of the land, was approved and rehabilitation work has

commenced.

The draft LEP was placed on public exhibition between 4 November and 2 December

2008, including a public meeting. The results of public exhibition were reported to

Council in March 2009, whereby it was resolved to forward the draft LEP to the Minister

which was made in August 2009.

The LEP Amendment has been made. The Site has been remediated and a DCP and

Development Application has been submitted to Council for the development of the

site.

2.15.6 Slim Dusty Museum

Construction of the Slim Dusty Centre commenced during the 09/10 reporting period

and continued throughout the 2010/11 reporting period.

2.15.7 Industrial Land Review Implementation

South Kempsey

Work has continued into the rezoning of land to the east of the Pacific Highway in

South Kempsey. A LES has been prepared detailing the expected environmental

impacts and ameliorative actions required for the proposal to go ahead. The draft LEP

was made by the Minister in September 2009. A DCP has been prepared for the site

and is currently being considered by Council.

Work on an application to rezone land to the west of the Pacific Highway is progressing

with the preparation of environmental studies.

A request has been received to rezone land at West Street, South Kempsey from

Residential to Light Industrial. A consultant was appointed to undertake a preliminary

review of the proposal which was reported to Council in March 2009, whereby it was

resolved to proceed to prepare a draft LEP for the site. The Draft LEP has been

prepared and exhibited and Council resolved to send the plan to the DoP requesting

that the plan be made. The Plan has been made and the land has been rezoned.

Frederickton

Council‟s Industrial Land Review identifies the area bounded by Quarry Road and

Raymonds Lane north of Collombatti Road as being potentially suited to industrial

development and has been included as potential future employment lands under the

Mid North Coast Regional Strategy. It is anticipated that preliminary investigations will

commence following completion of the Standard LEP.


Kempsey Shire


2.15.8 Spencerville to New Entrance Investigation

This land has been identified for long term release in Council‟s 1997 Residential Land

Release Strategy. The site has been excluded from the Residential Component of the

Local Growth Management Strategy recently endorsed by the DoP.

A habitat assessment has been undertaken using vegetation mapping completed in

November 2005. A meeting was held with landowners and the DECCW to determine

options, whereby it was determined that a comprehensive ecological study in the

context of the relationship of the site to the broader SWR area was necessary. A

consultant was appointed to undertake a Landscape Ecology Specialist Study in

October 2007.

The ecological assessment confirms that the area contains habitat of high biodiversity

which is likely to constrain future expansion of SWR.

Council is currently processing a rezoning application for land within this area, which

will result in more site specific assessments of the ecological constraints.

2.15.9 Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management

The project is required in order to satisfy the requirements of State Environmental

Planning Policy (SEPP) 44 and provide for the protection of vegetation required to

support viable breeding colonies of koalas that exist across the Shire.

The DoP have endorsed the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management and Council has

commenced implementation of the plan in 2010/11.

2.15.10 Kempsey Town Centre Master Plan Review

During the reporting period, Council resolved to adopt the following projects based on

the Town Centre Master Plan 1997:

40 km/h zone and pedestrian friendly environment for West Kempsey Shire

Council;

Intersection design for Smith Street and Belgrave Street;

Revitalization Concept for the Clyde Street Mall;

Median Strip Design Concept for Belgrave Street; and

Footpath in and around Coles.

Council is currently working on a comprehensive review of the Town Centre Master

Plan. This review has been placed on hold, as the Kempsey Shire Council Bypass

Strategy overlaps with this project. Consideration of new urban designs for the Town

Centre is an integral part of the detailed actions with the Bypass Strategy.

2.15.11 Review of South West Rocks Structure Plan

Effective planning for facilities, infrastructure and reviews for South West Rocks

requires the 1995 Structure Plan to be reviewed. Investigations that are either

currently being undertaken or have been completed in order to finalise the review

include:

The Local Environmental Studies for Saltwater and former Shell site (see above);

The Spencerville to New Entrance Investigation Area (see above);

Saltwater Creek Estuary Management Plan (now completed);

Saltwater Creek Flood Study (now completed);

SWR Open Space Strategies;

Preparation of a Stormwater Management Strategy;

Traffic Study;

SWR Landscape Ecology Specialist Study; and

Saltwater DCP.


Kempsey Shire


Upon completion of these investigations it is proposed to integrate them into an overall

review of the Structure Plan.

An Ecological Assessment of the Spencerville / New Entrance corridor in the context of

the South West Rocks area has been completed and will be used in the review of the

South West Rocks Structure Plan review. The assessment confirms that the area

contains areas of high biodiversity which is likely to constrain future expansion of SWR.

Further consideration of this area will now be considered by individual rezoning

applications.

2.15.12 Macleay Valley Coast Vision 2030

This project will result in an overarching strategy incorporating Council‟s vision for

development within the Shire over the next 20 years.

The strategy will, in effect, form the basis for Council‟s Strategic Planning Program

which will be used to prioritise required funding and will address a significant number

of actions under Council‟s Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) Strategy.

Preliminary scoping for the strategy has been completed and an internal discussion

paper developed. A Consultant was also appointed to assist in the development of a

methodology for the project.

Expressions of Interest from members of the community to serve on a focus group

were sought; however, no responses had been received to date.

The project has not progressed in 2010/11 due to the preparation and implementation

of the Bypass Strategy being given a higher priority.

2.15.13 Kempsey Bypass Strategy

Construction of the Pacific Highway Bypass commenced during the reporting period.

Council is currently preparing a Bypass Strategy outlining how Council will be

responding to the upgrade of the Pacific Highway, which will result in the bypass of

Kempsey CBD, South Kempsey and Frederickton. A background issues paper has

been prepared and further detailed projects are being developed by Council. Council

has finalised the Bypass Strategy and has created a position within the organisation to

implement actions outlined in the plan.

2.16 REGULATORY PLANNING ASSESSMENT & COMPLIANCE

Kempsey Shire Council has a responsibility to ensure that proposed development and

those being undertaken are in accordance with the performance objectives of Council‟s

planning controls and regulatory controls.

Indicator – Compliance Register


Council has now implemented a compliance register to provide a measurement of the

number and types of non-compliances and development conducted without consent.

Table 5 lists the number of each non-compliance category.

Table 5 - Compliance Register

Non-Compliance

Category

Number

2005-

2006

Number

2006-

2007

Number

2007-

2008

Number

2008-

2009

Number

2009-

2010

Number

2010-

2011

Unauthorised 17 16 69 151 73 56


Kempsey Shire


Non-Compliance

Category

Number

2005-

2006

Number

2006-

2007

Number

2007-

2008

Number

2008-

2009

Number

2009-

2010

Number

2010-

2011

Development

Compliance of

Development Consent

7 28 49 62 22 22

Unauthorised Land

Clearing

8 25 * 16 23 10

Quarries 1 1 * 1 6 3

Notes - * During 2007/08 unauthorised land clearing and Quarries were included in the totals of Unauthorised Development and Compliance of Development Consent.


The compliance register is now in its sixth year of operation, with updated data for the

2010/2011 reporting period showing there was a total of 91 non compliances, of which

56 related to unauthorised development and 22 related to compliance of development

consent.

2.17 ACID SULFATE SOILS MANAGEMENT

2.17.1 Existing Projects

The following ASS management projects were undertaken during the reporting period:

Andersons Drain Project Maria R – will aim to control and manage water levels,

enhance and remediate the surrounding acid sulfate soils backswamp and wetland

environment, through better floodgate management.

Riley’s Drain Project - is currently being investigated for the purpose of

implementing a water quality / backswamp remediation project.

McCudden Drain Project – commenced work and expected to be completed by

November 2011.

Indicator – Number of ASS Remedial Projects undertaken on Floodplain

Drainage Systems


As discussed above, ASS are the most significant land degradation issue in the

Kempsey Shire and therefore any remedial actions taken to reduce and prevent

impacts from ASS should be reported and encouraged.

What does it show?

There are approximately 115 floodplain drainage systems that discharge into

waterways within the KSC area. They are in varying conditions and dimensions with

52 managed by KSC, 7 jointly managed and 56 privately managed. 105 of the drains

are situated in High Risk ASS landscapes, although not all drains require ASS

remediation works.



Kempsey Shire


Remedial works undertaken during the 2010/11 reporting period included three drain

modifications using external and internal funding. Further remediation projects are

continuing but are always dependent on landholder support and external funding.

2.18 CONTAMINATED LAND REMEDIATION

Former Fuel Terminal Sites – Phillip Drive, South West Rocks

Former Caltex Terminal Site

Following the outcome of the meetings held in early 2006 with Caltex, and the then

Department‟s of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and Department of Natural

Resources (DNR), discussing residual contamination and possible management

strategies for the area surrounding the former Caltex Fuel Terminal site, Caltex

prepared a draft Groundwater Management Plan for the area. The Plan aims to set in

place procedures to restrict access to potential contaminated groundwater in the

vicinity of the plume and ensure appropriate management of the plume well into the

future.

Former Shell Terminal Site

A Local Environmental Study (LES) and subsequent Local Environmental Plan (LEP)

have been prepared for the former Shell Fuel Terminal site immediately adjacent to the

west of the Caltex site. This LEP will permit the subdivision of approximately 50 lots,

following rehabilitation of the land to remove contaminated soil resulting from the

previous use of the land to store petroleum. A Development Application to rehabilitate

the land, which is a precondition to any development of the land, was approved by

Council and works have been carried out with the aim to remediate the site.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

What more could be done?

2.19 ACID SULFATE SOILS - PROPOSED PROJECTS

A number of ASS management projects are in progress with completion to be expected

by November 2011, including:

1. McCudden Drain Project

2. Anderson Drain Project Maria River - The Anderson Drain project is

currently being developed to address over-drainage of the connecting

backswamp/wetland area, reduce the production and discharge of acidic water

discharges and improve water quality within and emanating from the drainage

system.

2.20 LAND DEGRADATION ASSESSMENT

A comprehensive Land Degradation Assessment, to include areas of moderate to

severe erosion, acid scalds, contamination and invasion of weed and feral species,

should be undertaken to gain a better understanding of the condition of land resources

within the Kempsey Shire. Development of this assessment requires funding in

addition to that proposed in Council‟s long term budget and therefore has been put on

hold for now.



Kempsey Shire


2.21 MAPPING OF POTENTIAL PLUME(S) SURROUNDING FORMER FUEL

TERMINAL SITES

Once the draft Groundwater Management Plan for the area in the vicinity of the former

Caltex Fuel Terminal site is finalised, relevant information from this plan should be

collated and presented on Council‟s website to keep the community informed and

updated with the latest available information.

2.22 STRATEGIC PLANNING PROJECTS

2.22.1 Macleay Valley Coast Vision 2030

Council will be progressing this project over the coming year and seeking advice and

input from relevant professionals and the broader community.

The final strategy will, in effect, form the basis for Council‟s Strategic Planning Program

which will be used to prioritise required funding and will address a significant number

of actions under Council‟s ESD Strategy.

This project has been given a lower priority while the Bypass Strategy Implementation

has been given a higher one.

2.22.2 Standard LEP

The Standard LEP was provided to the DoP in July 2010 seeking a section 65

Certificate. The Standard LEP is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

2.22.3 Residential Land Release Strategy

The DoP has since considered the draft Strategy and Council is currently making

adjustments as required by the DoP. The DoP have approved the plan with some

exclusions.

2.22.4 Spencerville to New Entrance Investigation

Finalise ecological investigations required for rezoning of land in the Spencerville to

New Entrance area and incorporate into SWR Structure Plan Review.

2.22.5 Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management

Implementation of the Koala Plan of Management has commenced and will continue

into 2012.

2.22.6 Review of South West Rocks Structure Plan

Continue work on key strategies required for the development of a Structure Plan.

2.22.7 Kempsey Bypass Strategy Implementation

Council has created a position within the organisation of Bypass Strategy Coordinator

to implement the strategy.

2.22.8 Rural Residential Component of Residential Local Growth

Management Strategy

Council will be preparing and completing this strategy in 2011/12.

2.22.9 Comprehensive Development Control Plan

Council is preparing a comprehensive DCP which will update and convert DCP’s to

make them consistent with the Standard LEP.


Kempsey Shire


2.22.10 Developer Contribution Plans

Council will be preparing various contribution plans as needed to accompany DCP’s for

the South Kempsey area following the Bypass construction.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 3 WATER

‘SNAPSHOT’

STATE PRESSURE RESPONSE Future Directions

Inland Waters

Rainfall/Riverflow – The total rainfall over the 2010/2011 period was generally below the Shire

average.

Surface Water Extraction – 156 active surface water licenses in the Kempsey Shire LGA, with a volumetric allocation of 5596 ML.

Groundwater Extraction – Groundwater extraction

volumes supplied by Macleay Water totalled 2550 ML for Kempsey and Lower Macleay.

Monitoring – ongoing monitoring of rainfall and river flow data to assess any potential future trends associated with predicted climate change.

Groundwater Borefield Assessment – was undertaken to assist in ensuring sustainable extraction.

Total water consumption – reduction due to BASIX, recycling, community awareness and education.

Catchment Education Program – Macleay Water has continued to provide catchment education through the Waterwise Schools Accreditation System as part of the partnership with Coffs Harbour City Council, Clarence Valley Council and the Cascade Environmental School.

EMP’s – implementation and development.

Catchment Education Programs - The Waterwise Accreditation Program will continue into the 2010/11 reporting period under Macleay Water‟s Demand Management Program.

Water Quality – defined by its physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics. Generally good in most receiving waters in the Shire, although some water bodies suffer from low dissolved oxygen levels, faecal coliform contamination and in some areas excess nutrients and minor heavy metal contamination.

Water Pollution –

On-Site Sewer Management;

Sewage Outlets; Stormwater; Agricultural Practices; Historic Mining

Activities.

OSMS Management – Implementation of Council‟s OSMS strategy.

Pollution Reduction Programs (PRP) – Submit investigation report for PRP on all seven STP‟s (West Kempsey, South Kempsey, Crescent

Head, Gladstone, Hat Head, South West Rocks, Frederickton) analysis of overflow risks within the sewerage reticulation system. Work has commenced and is progressing to minimise the risk of sewage overflows to the environment.

Stormwater Management – Installation of a number of gross pollutant traps. Beachwatch Program - Kempsey Shire Council continued its bacteriological monitoring program throughout the beach season in 2010/2011. Catchment Education Programs – Waterwatch & Waterwise Programs have been delivered to local Primary Schools by the Macleay Waterwatch Team. Waterway & Wetland Rehabilitation Projects

Continue implementation of On-site Sewage Management Strategy (OSMS).

Beachwatch Water Quality Monitoring in Rivers / Creeks / Estuaries and Beaches.

EMP’s – continue to develop additional EMP‟s.

Catchment Education Programs - the Waterwatch Program will continue into the 2011/12 reporting period.

Flooding – Moderate Development on Flood Policy Floodplain Risk


Kempsey Shire


Flood experienced in June 2011.

Floodplain

Artificial Drainage

Damage to infrastructure

Saltwater Creek Catchment Flood Study - was finalised and adopted by Council in September 2007.

Town planning and building controls.

Management Plan – a comprehensive study to address health & safety, agricultural production, conservation of sensitive wetland environments and impacts of predicted sea level rise associated with climate change and global warming.

Riparian Vegetation –over half (59.74%) of the riparian zone survey consisted of improved pasture, with 23.4% containing mangrove forest or woodland and 2.09% maritime rush and sand couch.

Riparian Disturbance -

66.9% or 232 km having a HIGH degree of disturbance;

13.8% or 48 km considered to be INTACT;

10.1% or 35 km having a LOW degree of disturbance;

9.1 % or 31.6km of the vegetation varying in disturbance from LOW -MODERATE disturbance levels.

Nestle Community Vegetation Project – Jerseyville & Smithtown Both projects completed, which included planting of over 4,000 endemic trees species and construction of a walking path. A suite of descriptive signs, outlining the importance of native riparian vegetation has been completed.

Boyters Lane Wetland and Riparian Rehabilitation – two stormwater management wetlands are in place & functioning. Vegetation buffer installed between the sports field & the artificial wetlands. Bird Hide educational facility constructed adjacent to wetlands. In addition over 12,000 endemic native trees have been planted on the site.

Gills Bridge Creek Rehabilitation Plan – Adopted by Council in 2007. Bush regeneration works, weed spraying, environmental education and stormwater improvement measures have commenced and continued through 10/11.

Implementation of Gills Bridge Creek Rehabilitation Plan – continue to undertake remedial work in those priority areas for weed and rubbish removal and reinstatement of native endemic vegetation. Work towards achieving project objectives.

EMP’s – Continue implementation and development of further EMP‟s.

Coastal Creeks and Estuaries

Estuarine Habitats – the Macleay Estuary Waterway is approximately 13km2. The lower Macleay (as of 1984) contained 5% of the state Mangrove habitat.

Acid Sulfate Soils – have the potential to result in sulphuric acid leaching into waterways.

Recreational Users – the Shire offers a wide range of aquatic activities.

Fishing and Fish Kills – There was a reported 44,033kg of fish catches, with an estimated value of $480,484 during the 10/11 reporting period. The number of reported commercial fishing operations increased from 15 to 18 during 10/11.

No fish kill incidents were reported to DPI Fisheries during the 10/11 period.

Beach watch – Changed from Faecal sampling to enterococci. 11 sites were tested.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

Estuary Management Plans - implementation of high priority actions in both Killick Creek and Saltwater Creek and Lagoon Estuary Management Plans. Korogoro Creek EMP has been completed.

Macleay River EMP is currently with the Minister for endorsement.

Review existing EMP’s.


Kempsey Shire


Coastal Wetlands – there are over 150km2 of coastal wetlands in the Shire.

Coastal Development

Wetland Drainage

Boyters Lane Wetland Design and Construction - completion of two stormwater management wetlands.

EMP’s – implementation.

Planning & Development Controls - SEPP 14.

Beach Habitats –

there is approx. 80km of coastline forming the eastern boundary of the Shire.

Coastal Development

Recreational Activity - Degradation to EEC from vehicular and pedestrian movement particularly during holiday periods.

Beach watch – Enterococci sampling at 11 locations.

Planning & Development Controls.

EMP’s – rehabilitation works and projects.

Korogoro Creek – construction of walkway to protect EEC Saltmarsh.

Macleay River Estuary Management Plan (as above).

Beach watch – continued water quality monitoring over the 2010/11 beach season.

Education - Community education and remedial action.


Kempsey Shire


3.1 INTRODUCTION

Water is essential to human life and to the health of the environment. It is a valuable

natural resource, encompassing marine, estuarine, freshwater (river and lakes) and

groundwater environments, across coastal and inland areas (NSW EPA 2005). Water

resources are crucial for sustaining communities, agriculture, industry and most

importantly the environment.

STATE

What are the issues for sustainability and how are they affecting the aquatic

environment?

3.2 INLAND WATERS

The majority of the Kempsey Shire is contained within the Macleay River catchment,

with the exception of south-eastern corner of the Shire, which drains to the Hasting

River Catchment. There are many sub-catchments that drain into these main

catchments as is demonstrated on Figure 5 below.

Figure 5 – Inland Waterways in the Kempsey Shire LGA


Kempsey Shire


3.3 Rainfall

Indicator – Cumulative Rainfall


The cumulative annual rainfall gives an indication of rainfall trends, which can be

compared to the long-term average rainfall. This can be used to identify unusually

high or low rainfall years and spikes relating to significant rainfall periods.

Cumulative Annual Rainfall for Kempsey (2004 to June 2011)

0.0

500.0

1000.0

1500.0

2000.0

2500.0

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

Month

Cu

mu

lati

ve R

ain

fall

(mm

)

AVERAGE 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Figure 6 – Cumulative Annual Rainfall for Kempsey (2004 to June 2011)

Cumulative Monthly Rainfall for Selected Stations 2010/2011

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11

Month

Rai

nfa

ll (m

m)

BELLBROOK RAINFALL (mm) KEMPSEY RAINFALL (mm) SWR RAINFALL (mm)

Figure 7 – Monthly Rainfall for Selected Stations 2010/2011


Kempsey Shire


Long Term Average Annual Rainfall for Selected Stations across Kempsey

LGA

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

BELLBROOK KEMPSEY SWR

Selected Stations

Ave

rage

An

nu

al R

ain

fall

(mm

)

Figure 8 – Long term Average Annual Rainfall for Selected Stations across Kempsey LGA


The total rainfall over the 2010/2011 period was generally below the Shire average, as

demonstrated in Figure 6. During the month of June 2011, the Shire experienced high

rainfall events, whilst the remainder of the 2010/2011 reporting period, the Shire

experienced below average rainfall events.

Figures 7 and 8 show rainfall data for three selected areas of the Shire. Figure 7

demonstrates monthly rainfall data for the selected areas while Figure 8 shows long

term average annual rainfall for these same areas.

Overall, the data indicates the presence of three rainfall zones; coastal (SWR), inland

(Kempsey) and hinterland (Bellbrook), with increasing rainfall towards the coast.

3.4 RIVER FLOWS

Indicator – Macleay River Flow


Macleay River flow monitoring data (Turner‟s Flat) was chosen as an indicator to

identify trends that may assist in the management of water resources drawn from the

river. The data presented in Figure 9 is on a logarithmic scale to enable the full range

of flows to be more easily viewed.

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


Macleay River Flows

0.0

10000.0

20000.0

30000.0

40000.0

50000.0

60000.0

70000.0

80000.0

90000.0

100000.0

JAN FEB MA APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Month

Riv

er

Flo

w (

ML\

d)

2003 FLOWS 2004 FLOWS 2005 FLOWS2006 FLOWS 2007 FLOWS 2008 FLOWS2009 FLOWS 2010 FLOWS 2011 FLOWS

Source: Macleay Water 2011

Figure 9 – Macleay River Flows


Trends in river flow data for the 2010/11 period have mimicked previously known river

peaks of January/March and June/July followed by the more traditional steady flows

with minor peaks in the latter half of the year.

The significant peak river flows of recent years (2008-2011), have resulted from east

coast lows travelling along the NSW coast and are typical of La Nina cycles. The new

June/July pattern that is evident in recent years has been from east coast low weather

events and the pattern is being monitored for consistency.

Figure 9 indicates that, on the basis of recent years, higher river flows predominate in

the January/March and June/July period. These river flow peaks currently appear to be

a return to more „normal‟ weather patterns following the drought sequence (El Nino) of

the 1990s and early 2000s. Additional data in further years will provide further

confirmation in this respect.

3.5 WATER QUALITY

Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic

(appearance and smell) characteristics. The quality of water in waterways and

groundwater are generally dependant on the activities undertaken in the catchment.

Water resources are of major environmental, social and economic value to the

Kempsey Shire and if water quality becomes degraded this resource will lose its value.

Effective management of water quality needs to ensure a sustainable supply of water

is available for productive and recreational purposes, while sustaining aquatic

ecosystems. Therefore, a whole of catchment approach is required to achieve

sustainable water cycle management.

Water quality is generally good in most receiving waters in the Shire, although some

water bodies suffer from low dissolved oxygen levels, low pH, faecal coliform


Kempsey Shire


contamination and in some areas excess nutrients and minor heavy metal

contamination.

Council continues to operate its water quality monitoring program for a number of

selected downstream tributaries of the Macleay River. Ten permanent telemetry water

quality stations are installed in Clybucca/Collombatti Creek, Kinchela Creek, Belmore

River and Killick Creek. The stations continually measure dissolved oxygen, pH,

electrical conductivity, temperature and water levels, while some stations are capable

of recording rainfall data. The recorded data is transmitted back to Council‟s central

computer every 15 minutes. The monitors also have the capability to physically collect

samples for further laboratory analysis if required.

The water quality data from all ten monitoring locations is updated in real-time (every

15 minutes) and displayed on Council‟s website: http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/.

The data is displayed as graphs, in easy to understand format for landholders or any

other interested parties to view online.

Indicator – River Health (Macleay Catchment)


The importance of using biological criteria, or indicators, to assess the health of

aquatic ecosystems, and in general the need to adopt an ecosystem health perspective

in monitoring and managing our rivers, is increasingly being recognised. Aquatic

ecosystem health is a much broader concept than simple water quality: it aims at a

balanced, adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity

and functional organisation comparable to that of natural, or pristine, habitats of the

region.

The then NSW EPA (now part of DECCW) assessed the ecological health of running

waters in 2004, using an interactive computer package, AusRivAS. This package

outputs for samples collected from different stream habitats, and different seasons, at

a stream site, which are used together to provide a more complete picture of the

condition of macroinvertebrate communities within the stream at that location. (NSW

EPA, 2004).


No updated information regarding ecological health of running waters was available

from DECCW (EPA branch) for inclusion into this SoE Report. However, the 2004

Comprehensive SoE Report provides a full list of the creeks and rivers assessed by the

study in 2004, within the Kempsey Shire and their rating.

3.6 FLOODING

Flooding upstream of Kempsey is confined to areas close to the river and its tributaries

though in the more severe events quite large areas can be inundated in the Temagog,

Mooneba, Sherwood, Turners Flat, Dondingalong and Euroka areas. Much larger areas

downstream of Kempsey are vulnerable to flooding. During flood episodes, backwater

flows up the tributary creeks and drains begin to fill the swamps. In larger events,

flows also occur over the riverbanks, which in some areas have been augmented by

levee building.

3.7 RIPARIAN VEGETATION

Riparian vegetation is vegetation on land that adjoins, directly influences or is

influenced by, a body of water (NSW Fisheries 2005). Riparian vegetation plays an

Conclusion: Unknown

http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/


Kempsey Shire


important role in stabilising the banks of watercourses, providing flora and fauna

habitat and filtering out pollutants.

The Macleay River Estuary Data Compilation Study identified a variety of vegetation

communities occurring along the riparian zones of the Macleay River from Belgrave

Falls upstream of Kempsey to the entrance into the ocean at South West Rocks. Key

findings of the survey showed that over half (59.74%) of the riparian zone survey

consisted of improved pasture, with 23.4% containing mangrove forest or woodland

and 2.09% maritime rush and sand couch.

3.8 AQUATIC HABITAT

Freshwater systems provide a diverse range of habitats. The type of habitat and

suitability for different types of fauna is dependent on channel substrate, plants,

woody debris, water depth, flow velocity and light infiltration.

Past surveys have indicted that up to 53 of the 82 fish species identified in NSW fresh

waters are known to occupy the north coast drainages, although not necessarily the

Macleay and its tributaries. Approximately 60 species of birds and numerous reptiles,

animals and frogs occupy or facilitate aquatic habitats in the Macleay.

3.9 GROUNDWATER

The Kempsey Shire has two main sources of groundwater: the Macleay River Alluvium

and the Macleay Coastal Sands. The Macleay River Alluvium (MRA) is a groundwater

source linked to the flow of water in the Macleay River. The amount of water stored in

the MRA above Belgrave Falls is small. However, the water available is increased by

rain falling over the aquifer and the recharge (causing water from the river to flow over

the sands of the aquifer) of the alluvium with river water.

The Macleay Coastal Sands (MCS) are a fresh groundwater source in the sands below

the coastal dune system. The water stored in these dunes is recharged by rainfall.

These fresh water sources are bordered by salty seawater.

The MCS is now the subject of an intense multi-year investigation to determine how

this aquifer functions, its recharge mechanisms, the capacity of its storage and the

impacts of withdrawals from the storage. This investigation has been successful in

gaining federal funding and is a partnering arrangement with State Government, Local

Government and private consultants groups.

This project is now in its third year. A mid-project seminar was conducted in

September 2009 to discuss draft reports, findings to date and refocus the remainder of

the project. Information is statistically beginning to develop reliable trends. Final

project reports and recommendations are due in mid-2011. Information in

collaboration with other physical and geographical data gathered has already begun to

improve the understanding of the aquifer.

3.10 COASTAL WETLANDS, ESTUARIES AND OCEAN

3.10.1 Estuarine Habitats

The Macleay River estuary extends some 54km upstream from the ocean to the tidal

limit at Belgrave Falls. There is approximately 400km2 of coastal floodplain below

Kempsey, consisting of well defined natural levees, up to seven metres above 0m AHD

along river and creeks, grading to large semi-permanent backswamps often less than

one metre above 0m AHD and occasionally below sea level. These back swamps cover

some 240km2, representing approximately 60% of the floodplain (GECO

Environmental, 2005).

Eight „Endangered Ecological Communities‟ have been identified to occur within the

Macleay Estuary area, including:


Kempsey Shire


Littoral Rainforest;

Lowland Rainforest;

Coastal saltmarsh;

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains;

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains;

Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest;

Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest; and

River Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains.

Preliminary mapping of the area of four of these identified endangered ecological

communities has recently been undertaken through the Macleay River Estuary Data

Compilation Study, which will form part of the Macleay Estuary Management Plan. This

mapping indicated there was 62.566ha of littoral rainforest, 6.05ha of lowland

rainforest, 11.322km coastal saltmarsh and 1.18km of swamp oak floodplain forest

within the Macleay Estuary area. However the figures given for coastal saltmarsh and

swamp oak floodplain forest represent only the area of that EEC which has an interface

with rivers / creeks or is immediately adjacent to

rivers and creeks and does not represent the

total area (GECO Environmental, 2005).

3.10.2 Coastal Wetlands

The Shire has over 15,000ha of wetlands on the

floodplain, mainly in the Clybucca, South West

Rocks, Belmore-Kinchela and Crescent Head

areas. SEPP 14 wetlands account for 12,951ha

of this.

The Clybucca Estuary (including the Yarrahapinni

Broadwater), Belmore swamps and Kinchela

swamps are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (ANCA 1996).

Significant wetlands are also located in Hat Head National Park in dune hind-swamps.

Goolawah Lagoon is also listed as being required to have “Significant Protection” under

the Coastal Lakes Strategy (CLS): An Assessment and Management Framework

(2002).

3.10.3 Beach Habitats

The Macleay Valley has approximately 80km of coastline of which most is beaches

extending from south of Crescent Head and north to Grassy Head.

Naturally occurring beach ecosystems are dynamic and consist of tidal zones, fore

dune and hind dune areas. Dunal areas are critical for the protection of beaches, as

they provide natural „buffer zones‟ that reduce the impact of fluctuations of the

shoreline and erosion by the sea. Native dunal vegetation can provide a significant

refuge and source of food for local and migratory fauna species.

Many beach habitats across the Macleay Valley coastline have been impacted on by the

activities of humans. Such activities include recreational use, establishment of

environmentally inappropriate exotic vegetation, roads, car parks, beach access tracks,

and mining.

PRESSURE


3.11 SURFACE WATER EXTRACTION

The extraction of surface water for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes

occurs within the Macleay Catchment. This can place stress on creek and rivers and

Plate 4 Teal Lagoon


Kempsey Shire


aquatic ecosystems, particularly during periods of low rainfall where flows are

dramatically reduced.

Surface water licensing was previously the responsibility of NSW Department of Water

and Energy (DWE), now the NSW Office of Water (NOW) under the Water Act (1912).

Data received from NOW during the 2010/11 reporting period indicated there were 156

active surface water licenses in the Kempsey Shire LGA, with a volumetric allocation of

5596 ML. There is an additional 26 access licenses allocated under the Stuarts Point

Groundwater Water Sharing Plan. This plan operates under the provisions of the Water

Management Act which is progressively replacing the Water Act.

Council has registered surface water licenses to extract water from the Macleay River

at both Bellbrook and Willawarrin.

Indicator – Town Water Consumption

This indicator provides a measure of the pressure on the Macleay Catchments water

resources.

See Section 6.4.1 – Water Consumption of Chapter 6 - Human Settlements

3.12 GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

Water for the Kempsey District Water Scheme is extracted from the bores located in

the alluvial flats adjacent to Macleay River, and from near the river at Bellbrook. This

supplies Kempsey and surrounds, Bellbrook, Willawarrin, Frederickton, Smithtown,

Gladstone, Clybucca, Kinchela, Belmore River and contingent rural areas.

Water is also extracted from borefields located in coastal dunal areas to supply the

coastal townships of South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Stuarts Point and Hat Head.

The following table indicates the extraction volumes for each water supply schemes for

the 2010/11 reporting period.

Table 6 - Groundwater Extraction Volumes 10/11

WATER SUPPLY SCHEME EXTRACTION VOLUME (ML)

Bellbrook 8.98

Willawarrin 8.24

Kempsey & Lower Macleay 2550.94

Crescent Head 138.45

Hat Head 41.41

South West Rocks 536.65

Stuarts Point 134.54

Updated data regarding other sources of groundwater extraction within the Shire

licensing was not available from DWE at the time of reporting.

3.13 WATER POLLUTION

Water quality of aquatic ecosystems in the region is subject to degradation from both

point source and non-point source pollution. The input of chemicals, nutrients,

suspended solids, and rubbish into waterways are the main factors effecting aquatic

ecosystems. Practices and systems directly affecting water quality include:


Kempsey Shire


3.13.1 Sewage Discharges

Leaks in sewage pipes and insufficient treatment of sewage waters can have the

potential to cause delivery of nutrients and faecal coliform either directly or indirectly

into groundwater or waterways.

Indicator – EPA Licensed Point Source Discharges


The number of point source discharges is an accepted regional indicator. This provides

information on the number and location of point source discharges and identifies

activities that can have potential adverse effects on natural aquatic environment

systems.


The 2009/10 Supplementary report indicated that DECCW (EPA Branch) identified 28

active licences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, within

the Kempsey Shire. Data obtained during the 2010/11 reporting period indicated 27

active licenses, including seven Council operated Sewage Treatment Plants, seven

Council operated sites and 13 privately owned operations.

3.13.2 On-Site Sewage Management

Monitoring and assessing of on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems on

individual properties is the main focus of Kempsey Shire Council‟s On-site Sewage

Management Strategy. On-site sewage management systems (OSMS) are issued an

annual approval to operate with listed conditions that the owner is required to comply

with. Council carries out monitoring inspections on OSMS within the Shire to ensure

that the OSMS is compliant with the approval conditions. The current strategy

implementation is focused on the assessment of systems in areas that are perceived as

being high risk in terms of the environment and/or public health. Focus is also directed

towards assessing systems in remote areas of the Shire that have not been inspected

yet and facilitating noncompliant system remediation.

Indicator – On-site Sewage Management (OSM) - Number and Compliance


Restrictive lots sizes, poor system design, high water tables, unsuitable soil types, lack

of public awareness and poor management practices, or a combination of all these are

the common contributing factors that result in failing on-site sewage management

systems within the Macleay River Catchment Area. These issues contribute to poor

quality effluent entering the environment resulting in ground and surface water

contamination, degradation of soil and vegetation, and in some instances posing a

threat to public health.


During the 2010/2011 reporting period 390 inspections have taken place with

approximately 119 (30%) reported as non-compliant on the first inspection.

Approximately 261 (67%) passed the initial or second inspection. These figures

indicate a total of 30% remaining non-compliant which is similar to the overall

percentage of non-compliances (30%) reported in the previous 2009/10 SoE Report.

The most common problems experienced with non-complying systems are trench

failure, overflow pipes and greywater diversion. Common non-compliance issues

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


associated with Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS) were inappropriate

irrigation of treated effluent and no maintenance of the system (no service contract).

Direct overflow of wastewater from the septic tank without any disposal through

absorption trenching is also another common problem particularly in rural areas up-

river.

The above statistics indicate that during the 2010/2011 period, non-compliant systems

as a result of inspection are similar to that experienced in the previous year. It should

however be noted that Council‟s OSMS inspection program contributes to the

improvement of environmental and health outcomes within the Shire.

3.13.3 Stormwater Pollution

Stormwater can cause a variety of impacts depending upon the source of stormwater.

Water quality degradation results from delivery of the following into waterways:

Sediment, causing turbidity and sedimentation.

Toxins, chemicals and nutrients from roads and infrastructure, gardens etc.

Faeces from dogs and cats primarily in urban areas as well as livestock in rural

areas.

Litter which potentially carries chemicals etc, and can also be physically harmful

to aquatic organisms.

Vegetation material that increases nutrient levels while reducing the dissolved

oxygen levels.

The level of treatment of stormwater is either none or primary (bulk screening and

pollutant traps).

Council undertakes regular water quality monitoring of receiving water bodies in the

Shire. Samples are taken from a number of water bodies and popular beaches

throughout the beach season and analysed for faecal coliforms and in some cases

heavy metals. The results of this monitoring is updated regularly on Council‟s website

and described in more detail in Section 3.17 – Beachwatch.

The Kempsey Shire Stormwater Management Plan outlines the current and future

management action and strategies for the Kempsey Shire. For further information refer

to Section 3.16 – Stormwater Management.

3.13.4 Historic Mining Activities

Due to the considerable disturbance and modification of landscapes, mining activities

have the potential to impact on water quality of waterways both within the vicinity and

downstream of the mining site. Historic mining activities in particularly are often a

source of continued impacts on water quality due to both the lack of legislation to

enforce best environmental management practices at the time of operation and little to

no clean-up requirements following decommissioning of the mining operation.

The Kempsey Shire and broader Macleay Valley has and continues to service a variety

of extraction industries, ranging from local quarries to larger scale mining operations.

One of the richer mineral areas (particularly for antimony and gold deposits) in the

Macleay is known as the Hillgrove mineral field and it is in this area where many

historic mining sites are concentrated. Major ore production in this area has come from

about 14 mines, with production occurring intermittently between 1878 and 2002 and

recommenced during 2007. As a consequence of this long mining history in the

Hillgrove area, large volumes of mine wastes and mill tailings have been produced and

due to ineffective historic waste disposal practices at many of these sites, some of this

material has been transported down gradient into the Bakers Creek–Macleay River

Conclusion: Situation improving


Kempsey Shire


system by fluvial transportation (Ashley et al., 2007). The major concern regarding

mine waste migrating downstream is that it is contaminated with elevated

concentrations of antimony and arsenic and some other heavy metals and metalloids,

with the potential to impact on both environmental and public health.

A study was conducted by the University of New England (UNE) in 2007 to assess the

environmental and geochemical consequences of antimony and arsenic dispersion in

the Macleay River Catchment. The Study showed that although much of the Macleay

catchment is little affected from inputs of heavy metals and metalloids, the sub-

catchment of Bakers Creek draining Hillgrove mining field has been heavily

contaminated by antimony and arsenic. The study has also shown that some impacts

continue downstream from Bakers Creek extending into the trunk of the Macleay River

and subsequently to the floodplain and Pacific Ocean (Ashley et al., 2007). The

elevated concentrations of antimony and arsenic were recorded both within underlying

sediments and stream waters of Bakers Creek and the Macleay River.

A more recent study jointly undertaken by the University of Canberra, the Australian

National University and the University of New England in 2008, investigated the

bioaccumulation of antimony and arsenic in Bakers Creek. The results of the study

showed that the water and rhizosphere (zone that surrounds the roots of plants)

sediment of Bakers Creek contains significantly elevated levels of mining-derived

antimony and to a lesser extent arsenic. Antimony and arsenic concentrations were

elevated in aquatic autotrophs (water plants such as algae etc) but the data indicated

that antimony uptake was lower than arsenic uptake. Elevated antimony and arsenic

concentrations were found in some macroinvertebrates and other organisms, however

biomagnification was not evident.

The study also found that antimony and arsenic accumulation in the riparian

vegetation was not evident. Even though rhizosphere soil antimony and arsenic

concentrations were elevated, transfer to the plant leaves was low for both metalloids.

Elevated antimony concentrations were, however, present in the plant roots and

further investigations into the role of iron plaque on plant roots will improve the

current understanding of the plant uptake mechanisms for antimony. Based on the

antimony and arsenic concentrations measured in riparian vegetation, direct exposure

to the rhizosphere sediment and soils, water ingestion and consumption of aquatic

autotrophs appear to be the major routes of antimony and arsenic uptake for the fauna

of Bakers Creek (Telford et al 2009).

This most recent study was the first part of a catchment-wide project investigating

antimony and arsenic bioavailability, and also mobilisation with river flow regime in the

Macleay.

3.13.5 Agricultural Practices

Stock access to waterways within the Shire continues to cause a number of problems

for the aquatic environment. Most of these problems are caused by loss of riparian

vegetation, which results in:

Increased nutrient input to waterways;

Stream bank instability;

Erosion;

Reduced water quality; and

Spread and establishment of weeds.

3.13.6 Acid Sulfate Soils

ASS when disturbed can produce sulphuric acid that can drain into waterways and

cause severe short and long-term environmental and potential socio-economic

impacts. ASS is discussed in detail in Chapter 2 – The Land.


Kempsey Shire


3.13.7 Recreational Users

The waterways of the Kempsey Shire provide a wide range of recreational

opportunities. Recreational users rely on good water quality for health and safety,

aesthetics, and for productive values (e.g. fishing).

The use of waterways for recreational purposes can potentially have an adverse impact

on natural aquatic systems. Some examples include increase litter loading (including

fishing line and tackle), bank erosion from wave action of boats and effluent discharge

from watercraft.

3.14 DISTURBANCE OF RIPARIAN ZONES AND WEED INFESTATION

The Macleay River Estuary Data Compilation Study, finalised in August 2005, identified

the degree of disturbance along the riparian zones of the Macleay and its major

tributaries as:

66.9% or 232km having a HIGH degree of disturbance;

13.8% or 48km considered to be INTACT;

10.1% or 35km having a LOW degree of disturbance;

9.1 % or 31.6km of the vegetation varying in disturbance from LOW -

MODERATE disturbance levels.

Furthermore, 282.4 km or 81.4% of the mapped riparian zone contains Category 1

Weeds, which are the most serious environmental weeds on the North Coast, capable

of displacing native communities. For approximately half of this length, 130.1km,

these Category 1 Weeds are ranked as Common – Heavy. Category 2 Weeds account

for 24 km or 6.9% of the mapped riparian zone, while 40.5 km or 11.7% of the

mapped riparian zone does not contain any significant environmental weeds (GECO

Environmental 2005).

The main mechanisms of disturbance of riparian vegetation along the Macleay Estuary

are:

clearing;

ongoing disturbance associated with grazing and some agricultural practices;

disturbance associated with infrastructure including roads in close proximity to the

river and bank protection works, particularly rock revetment;

weed invasion including into otherwise intact remnant vegetation; and

periodic flooding.

Active wet seasons (linked to East Coast Lows) have generated a number of flood

events in the recent 3 years (with several severe floods on the Macleay River such as

the May 2009 event requiring Local, State and Federal Government Recovery support).

It is proposed that the severity and disturbance of such events has resulted in major

changes to weed infestation along flood impacted / degraded riparian corridors despite

active measures by weed officers and Contractors to combat impact within our LGA.

A new exotic weed has been identified on the Macleay as a major threat (the first know

Australian record – dated from August 2010). Native to South America the tropical

Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) has been recorded as an aggressive invader of North

American farmland and riparian corridor habitat. Currently the subject of a weed task-

force action by the DPI NSW the plant has been recorded from Georges Creek

(Armidale – Dumaresq Council Shire) downriver to Kempsey Shire at Five Day Creek

through to Turners Flat (locality) along the Macleay River. With additional records of

spread through stock transport (sighted at several regional saleyards e.g Kempsey,

Wingham, Gloucester etc) it is likely this weed has spread further within the Macleay

Shire through carriage by flood water, stock and other browse animal vectors.


Kempsey Shire


3.15 LOSS OF FISHERIES HABITAT AND WETLAND DRAINAGE

The following are recognised to have had significant impacts and influences on the

Shire‟s aquatic systems:

Wetland and Fisheries Habitat Modification: Impacts from drainage for flood

mitigation and agricultural extension e.g. habitat loss, altered inundation cycles,

increased sedimentation.

Effects of Acid Sulfate Soils on Aquatic Habitat and Biota: Compounding the

impacts of the above, ASS has had major impacts on water quality, habitat and

biota directly (e.g. via mortality and altered growth/development) and indirectly

(e.g. altered water quality and loss of habitat).

3.15.1 Fishing and Fish Kills

Indicator – Fish Kills


Identifying fish kills in the Shire may identify potential harmful activities causing

pollution of waterways.

Fish kills in the Shire often result from a range of causes as shown below. The cause of

the kills often goes undiagnosed however the majority of cases are caused by one of

three most common causes:

low dissolved oxygen;

pesticide / chemical pollution;

sewerage discharge or other pollution (NSW DPI 2005).

Source: NSW DPI

Note: DO = dissolved oxygen. ASS = acid sulfate soils discharge

Figure 10 - Causes of Fish Kills in NSW


Kempsey Shire


NSW Fisheries have a database per catchment for fish kills. Fish kills have been

previously recorded with various causes in Killick Creek, Kinchela Creek, Clybucca

Creek, Saltwater Creek (South West Rocks), the Macleay and Belmore Rivers, the

Golden Hole and South West Rocks. As expected, most records are on the lower

reaches, but a few fish kills have occurred outside the Shire (e.g. Apsley Gorge and

Wollombi River).

Fish kills generally occur during flood recession as deoxygenated water on the

floodplain drains back into the main stream where the majority of fish are living. Fish

deaths have also occurred in rivers where a section of “black water”, so named

because of the colour resulting from the high level of dissolved tannins and lignin from

decomposing organic matter, moves downstream at the beginning of a flood (NSW

DPI, 2000).

No fish kill events were reported to the NSW DPI - Fisheries during the 2010/11

reporting period.

Indicator – Fish Catches


This indicator may provide a measure of the health of aquatic ecosystems as a result

of water quality or overfishing. Figure 11 below shows the estimated dollar value and

quantity in kilograms of commercial fish catches within the Macleay Estuary over the

past 10 financial years as supplied by the NSW DPI.

0

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Reporting Fishing operations*

Note: Source – NSW DPI

1. Commercial wild harvest activity and landings are not alone an indicator of abundance as commercial landings are subject to various Environmental, Economic, Social and Legislative factors.

2. Ongoing validation may alter the species and weights reported herein. 3. Estimation of value is based on the Sydney Fish Market monthly prices by species - as such may not

reflect value adding, nor regional price variations. 4. A fishing operation may involve one or more licensed commercial fishers plus crew.

Figure 11 – Commercial Fish Catches

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire



There was a reported 44,033kg of fish catches, with an estimated value of $480,484 in

the Macleay River and associated estuaries during the 2010/11 reporting period. The

number of reported commercial fishing operations increased from 15 to 18 during

2010/11.

In general, the quantity (kg) and value ($) of commercial fish catches within the

Macleay have fluctuated over the past 10 financial years, probably reflecting climatic

events in certain years, which either saw a decrease in fish populations or else

restricted the fishing fleet from operating during times of flooding or other severe

weather events such as storms. The number of commercial fishing operations has

decreased substantially from 40 in 1999/2000 to 18 in the 2010/11 reporting period.

The represented data indicates that there was an increase in quantity of total landings

(kg) in 2010/11 when compared with previous years. This is most likely attributed to

favourable weather conditions and an increase in the number of commercial fishing

operations.

It is evident that there is an overall declining trend of fish landings since 2002/03. This

may be attributed to a number of factors including a reduction in reported fishing

operations, frequency of storm events, reduced bag limits and/or reduction of fish

stocks.

There is no quantitative data on the recreational catch, but given the popularity of the

sport and numerous areas to fish, the catch is likely to be significant, especially in

smaller watercourses e.g. Belmore River, Kinchela Creek, Killick Creek and Korogoro

Creek.

RESPONSE


3.16 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Council formally adopted the Kempsey Shire Urban Stormwater Management Plan

(SMP) in July 2004. The SMP focuses on environmental protection through improved

stormwater management and is based on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable

Development (ESD) and Total Catchment Management (TCM).

The SMP identified a range of general actions applicable to all of Council‟s urban areas

and a range of actions specific to each individual urban catchment. Many of the

actions listed reflect activities already being undertaken or proposed to be undertaken

by Council, including aligning existing operations across all of Council‟s departments to

ensure the outcomes meet the objectives of the stormwater management plan.

The utilisation of natural filtration systems, the methodology of data collection and

reports, along with the implementation of new treatment technologies will be

researched and reviewed as part of the update of the current SMP. Construction of

biofiltration devices at three sites located at South Kempsey has been completed.

3.17 SEWAGE AND EFFLUENT DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT

3.17.1 Water Quality Monitoring

Macleay Water carries out monitoring at various locations within the Shire to ensure

wastewater discharged from its STP‟s to the environment is of acceptable quality. The

monitoring points are located at all of Council‟s Sewage Treatment Works, the



Kempsey Shire


Glenrock outfall – Macleay River and sand dune disposal points for the South West

Rocks and Hat Head Sewage Treatment Works.

Indicator – STP Effluent Discharge Quality (% Compliance)


Monitoring the compliance of effluent discharge quality is an important indicator in that

it provides a measure of the quality of a potential pollution source. If a non-

compliance is identified, actions can be taken to rectify the problem. Table 7

summarises the percentage of compliance for the latest annual licence agreement.

Table 7 - Shire STW Effluent Quality

SHIRE STW EFFLUENT QUALITY

% COMPLIANCE FOR LATEST ANNUAL LICENCE RETURN

SITE BOD TSS O&G FC NH3 PH TN TP

West Kempsey 96 80 100 76 96 100 88 88

South Kempsey 100 96 100 NA NA NA NA NA

South West Rocks 91 91 100 NA 100 100 100 100

Crescent Head 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Gladstone 100 100 100 NA NA NA NA NA

Frederickton 100 83 100 NA NA NA NA NA

Hat Head 100 100 100 96 84 88 76 92

Note: Percentages only include 100 percentile failures.

What this indicator shows:

This indicator shows some parameters exceeding the NSW EPA‟s licensing

requirements over the past 12 months. Full compliance has not been achieved at West

Kempsey, South Kempsey, South West Rocks, Frederickton and Hat Head STP‟s.

At West Kempsey and South Kempsey, a number of non-compliances were attributed

to the floods in June 2011 and the excess loading experienced by the treatment

processes at these plants during the flood. West Kempsey also had some non-

compliance for nutrients due to failures in the process and low temperatures affecting

the process.

Consistent high temperatures in February and March resulted in algal blooms in the

tertiary ponds at Frederickton STP, resulting in TSS exceedances.

A new SCADA program was installed at Hat Head STP. Commissioning of this program

resulted in numerous problems which resulted in a number licence exceedances for

nutrients. In the June 2011 floods, excessive loadings at the Plant resulted in licence

exceedances. Operator error also resulted in some issues with Alum dosing which

resulted in exceedances for both pH and Phosphorous.

The South West Rocks STP experienced a number of exceedances due to problems

during commissioning of the new STP whilst contractors were responsible for the

process operation. Exceedances were also experienced due to excessive loading at the

plant during the June 2011 floods.

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


3.17.2 Pollution Reduction Program

Where the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has concerns with Council‟s licence

compliance for a sewage treatment plant, it may impose a Pollution Reduction Program

(PRP) to ensure a particular issue is regularly reported on and addressed. There are

currently a total of four such PRP‟s on two sewerage licences; West Kempsey and

South West Rocks.

At West Kempsey, the PRPs relate to, rehabilitation and construction of a new Sewage

Treatment Plant (STP). One of the PRP‟s requires rehabilitation work within the

sewerage reticulation system to reduce infiltration (predominantly stormwater) and

enable the STP to better cope with wet weather. There is also a PRP relating to the

construction programme for the new West Kempsey STP. The status of each PRP is

indicated below:

PRP U1 for West Kempsey infiltration programme, being progressively completed

from 2011,

PRP U2 West Kempsey new STP, being completed over several upcoming years.

At South West Rocks, the EPA has required Council to further improve the water

quality delivered back to the environment by disinfecting this returned water. These

improvements are additional to the recent STP upgrade. This work will be completed

during the 2011/12 financial year.

3.17.3 Sewage Infrastructure

Several programmes are currently underway to address the sewerage licence concerns

discussed in Section 3.17.1.

The new West Kempsey STP is being sited on higher land, most likely out of the 1 in

100 year flood frequency. The new STP treatment technology will aim to address the

nutrient failures and storm storage, whilst infiltration programmes in the longer term

will address stormwater ingress.

Concurrently, a review of the South Kempsey STP siting is underway as part of design

investigation to service the South Kempsey Employment Land. A review of the Gills

Creek catchment will also assess the flood frequency experienced in recent years.

At Hat Head STP, the new SCADA programme has provided a short term increase in

capacity and quality, whilst work to increase the treatment capacity long term

continues. Council has adopted plans to increase the Treatment Plant‟s capacity and

the detailed design is underway.

At South West Rocks, final commissioning of the STP is occurring with the expectation

of better licence compliance with the new infrastructure over the coming year.

3.17.4 Septic Tank Controls

Council has made changes to the OSM program and associated fee structure, which

was implemented in July 2010. The changes have resulted in improvements to the

program in regards to inspection monitoring. The new OSM program enables Council to

fund additional inspections and develop a more wide spread and thorough inspection

regime (including remote areas of the Shire). The program for the coming year

includes:

Inspections to be carried out on OSMS that have had non-compliance issues

identified in previous inspections.


Kempsey Shire


Inspections of OSMS that have not yet been inspected (generally situated in

remote areas of the Shire).

Identification of unregistered OSMS and inspections carried out on these systems.

Increased water quality monitoring.

3.18 ANTIMONY AND ARSENIC DISPERSION IN THE MACLEAY RIVER

Mine waste from predominantly historical mine operations continue to be a concern

within the Valley. Antimony, arsenic and some other heavy metals/metalloids continue

to migrate downstream and the presence is being considered closely, particularly in

conjunction with large river events and floods. Ongoing monitoring and studies are

continuing.

3.19 FLOOD MITIGATION

The Draft Kempsey Flood Study was completed and endorsed by Council for the

purposes of public exhibition late in the 2008/09 reporting period. The Kempsey Flood

Study documents the methodology and outcomes of the hydraulic modelling

undertaken to determine the existing flood behaviour in the urban areas of Kempsey.

The second stage of the project involves undertaking a Flood Risk Management Study

and developing the Kempsey Flood and Floodplain Management Plan.

The three flood events (February, March and May) which occurred during the 2008/09

reporting period provided Council with the opportunity to test the current flood

procedures under operation and evaluate the impacts these procedures have through

public and emergency services debrief flood meetings. All three events were declared

„Natural Disasters‟ by the NSW Treasury and significant damage was sustained

particularly to flood mitigation levees, road and bridge infrastructure.

A further flood event occurred in June 2011 resulting in more damage to roads and

infrastructure.

3.20 BEACHWATCH

Kempsey Shire Council continued its bacteriological monitoring program throughout

the beach season in 2010/2011.

Council collects (as per recommended guidelines developed through the NSW EPA's

Pilot Beachwatch Program 2002) and analyses water samples collected at 11 locations.

The samples were collected weekly from October 2010 to April 2011 around the ebbing

low tide.

Indicator – Sewage Pollution

Monitoring

What do we test for?

Beachwatch monitors sample water at swimming locations to assess the level of faecal

contamination. In urban areas the main source of faecal contamination is human

sewage. Sewage poses a risk to human health because it can contain human

pathogens. When certain levels of sewage are detected, water may not be safe for

swimming.

Faecal contamination is detected by the presence of two bacterial indicator organisms,

faecal coliforms and enterococci. These bacteria are found in the intestines of warm

blooded animals and are present in very high numbers in raw sewage. Up to

10,000,000 faecal coliform bacteria can be present in just 100 millilitres of raw

sewage. It is important to note that these bacteria do not cause illness; rather, they

are measured to detect the presence of sewage and the possible presence of

pathogens.


Kempsey Shire


Enterococci

Enterococci survive for much longer than faecal coliforms in marine waters. So the

detection of elevated enterococci levels, in conjunction with low levels of faecal

coliforms, indicates the presence of aged sewage contamination.

For primary contact (swimming) the median bacterial content in samples of fresh or

marine waters taken over the bathing season should not exceed:

Enterococci – median over bathing season of less than 35 enterococci/100 ml;

(maximum number in any one sample: 100 organisms/100 ml.

For secondary contact (boating/fishing) the median bacterial content in fresh and

marine waters should not exceed:

Enterococci – median bacterial content in marine waters of <230

enterococci/100 ml; (maximum number in any one sample: 450-700 organisms

per 100 ml)


Council's Beachwatch Program continued throughout the 2010/2011 beach season in

which ten swimming locations were monitored for enterococci, including:

the ocean beaches of Grassy Head, Horseshoe Bay, Trial Bay, Hat Head and Killick;

the estuarine swimming location of Stuarts Point; and

four coastal creeks (Back Creek, Killick Creek, Saltwater Creek and Korogoro

Creek).

Table 8 - KEMPSEY COUNCIL BEACH SUITABILITY GRADE

2010/11

SITE NAME BEACH CLASS

Back Creek POOR

Grassy Head VERY GOOD

Hat Head Beach GOOD

Horseshoe Bay GOOD

Killick Beach GOOD

Killick Creek POOR

Korogoro Creek POOR

Saltwater Creek VERY POOR

Stuarts Point POOR

Trial Bay GOOD

Notes: Beach Classification Ratings: Very Good > Good > Poor > Very Poor.


Kempsey Shire


3.21 CATCHMENT EDUCATION

3.21.1 Waterwise Program

Council has continued to provide education programs within the Kempsey Shire to

facilitate sustainable use of water resources, providing healthier catchments, improving

catchment awareness and the Shire‟s water cycle. Council has instigated the

Waterwise Schools Accreditation System as part of the partnership with Coffs Harbour

City Council, Clarence Valley Council and the Cascade Environmental Education Centre.

This accreditation system value-adds to the West Australia‟s WaterCorp schools

accreditation system by delivering the program through a professional teacher and

supported assistance to the staff of the school throughout the accreditation process.

South Kempsey Public School was awarded their Waterwise Schools Accreditation

during the reporting year (2010/2011). Council is now heading towards the second

stage of the Waterwise schools accreditation programme where schools are re-visited

four years later and the next group of children at the school build upon the earlier

work completed.

Plate 5: Bellbrook Public School - Becoming an official Waterwise School

3.21.2 Waterwatch Program

Waterwatch is a national community-based water quality monitoring program, which

promotes environmental awareness and action through involvement. Primary schools,

high schools and community groups participate in the Waterwatch program.

Waterwatch NSW supports the involvement of local communities in taking

responsibility for their rivers and aquatic ecosystems. By monitoring water quality and

biological indicators, local communities can directly observe and learn about the health

of their waterways and identify whether changes are occurring.

To help facilitate the Program on the Macleay a training team has been set up, known

as the Macleay Waterwatch Team, made up of representatives from Kempsey Shire

Council (KSC), Macleay Landcare Network (MLN), Northern Rivers Catchment

Management Authority (NRCMA) and Cascade Environmental Education Centre (CEEC).

During the reporting period, students and teachers from Crescent Head Public School

met with the Macleay Waterwatch Team to undertake a Training Program to support

each of the Schools‟ ongoing testing of the water quality in nearby Killick Creek. The

students recorded the levels of pH, electrical conductivity, temperature and turbidity,

all of which give an indication of water quality.


Kempsey Shire


The results obtained by each of the Schools will add to the baseline water quality data

already collected by Council and the Waterwatch NSW state-wide data base, and help

provide a measure of any changes in the condition of the creek system, as time goes

by.

3.22 WATERWAY AND WETLAND REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION

3.22.1 Nestle Community Vegetation Projects – Jerseyville & Smithtown

In partnership with Nestle and the local community, Council completed a riparian

revegetation project on a section of Council managed road reserve, off Plummers Lane,

near the Jerseyville Bridge. The project included planting of over 4,000 endemic trees

species and construction of a walking path. A suite of descriptive signs, outlining the

importance of native riparian vegetation are scheduled to be installed in the future.

Also in partnership with Nestle and local community members, including school

children, Council undertook a riparian rehabilitation project along a section of riverbank

at Smithtown Park. The project included the removal of 23.25 tonnes of invasive weed

species and planting of 1,000 locally endemic tree species.

Both of these projects have been completed.

3.22.2 Boyters Lane Wetland & Riparian Rehabilitation Project

Stormwater Management:

This stage of the project is now complete,

with two stormwater management wetlands in

place and functioning.

Plate 6 Constructed Wetland at Boyters Lane to treat runoff from proposed playing fields.

Riparian Revegetation Program:

A vegetation buffer between the sports field and the artificial wetlands has been

completed with in excess of 3,000 endemic rainforest tree species planted, with the

assistance of ROTARY South West Rocks.

Further revegetation works along with the preparation and design of an educational

walkway has commenced with 4,000 endemic rainforest trees and shrubs planted.

Wetland Education:

With assistance from ROTARY SWR a Birdhide/Outdoor Educational Facility has been

constructed adjacent to the wetlands.

3.23 ESTUARY MANAGEMENT

Council is committed to developing Estuary Management Plans (EMP‟s) for the systems

within our Shire. The EMP‟s are developed inline with protocols and procedures set

down in the NSW Estuary and Coastal Management Policy. Once developed, the EMP‟s

are implemented through the NSW Government Estuary and Coastal Management

Manuals.

Macleay River Estuary

The Data Compilation and Estuary Processes Studies have been completed. The

Estuary Management Study is currently with the Minister for certification.


Kempsey Shire


Macleay River Estuary Ecological study

A comprehensive ecological study on the Macleay River Estuary was completed in

September 2010.

Korogoro Creek

Implementation of the management strategies described in the Korogoro Creek EMP

has commenced. The Plan follows the completion of the data compilation, mapping

and process studies.

Coastal Hazard Assessment

During the 2010/11 reporting period, Council commenced a Coastal Hazard

Assessment in accordance with the Guidelines for preparing Coastal Zone Management

Plans. The Plan consists of three stages:

1. Hazard Assessment,

2. Coastal Zone Study,

3. Coastal Zone Management Plan.

3.24 GILLS BRIDGE CREEK REHABILITATION PROJECT

Work on the Gills Bridge Creek Rehabilitation

Project was completed in January 2011. The

Environmental Trust funded project successfully

achieved significant improvements towards the

overall environmental condition of the creek with

actions such as; extensive bush regeneration

works, development of a stormwater

management strategy, a riparian flora and fauna

study of the catchment, environmental audits

and education programs with local business and various community engagement

activities over the three years.

A comprehensive stormwater management strategy was also completed during the

2009/10 period, with recommendations for placement of stormwater quality

improvement systems to be installed at a number of strategic locations along the creek

system. During 2011 two of the high priority stormwater bio-retention basins

(identified in the Stormwater Management Plan) were constructed.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS


3.25 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

The Kempsey Shire Urban Stormwater Management Plan is being implemented and a

number of potential projects have been committed to improve water quality exiting the

stormwater infrastructure. See 3.16 for further details.

3.26 CATCHMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Waterwise Accreditation and Waterwatch Programs will continue into the 2011/12

reporting period under Council‟s Water demand management program.


Kempsey Shire


3.27 ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLANS

Matching funding will be sought through the State Government‟s Estuary Management

Program to assist with implementation of high priority actions in both Killick Creek and

Saltwater Creek and Lagoon Estuary Management Plans.

Development of Estuary Management Plans for the entire Macleay River Estuary will

continue.

3.28 EMP’S IMPLEMENTATION

Continue implementing priority actions outlined in various EMP‟s.

3.29 GILLS BRIDGE CREEK REHABILITATION PROJECT

Preparation of a stage 2 management plan for Gills Bridge Creek has begun which will

outline future riparian vegetation maintenance and enhancement works for Gills Bridge

Creek.

A Gills Bridge Creek Stormwater Management Strategy was prepared by Geolink in

December 2009. The management plan identified priority stormwater improvement

actions. Two of the high priority stormwater bio-retention basins, at the end of Akubra

place and behind Hy-tec concrete have been constructed. Further funding is required

to implement other priority stormwater improvement action from the plan.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 4 ATMOSPHERE

‘SNAPSHOT’


Air Pollution - is relatively low in the Kempsey Shire compared to larger urban centres, although smoke and other air borne particles can be prevalent during the bushfire season.

Nuisance – Council recorded 22 Air, 18 Odour and 34 Noise complaints during 2010/2011.

Vehicle Emissions – impact most on the urban centres of Kempsey and Frederickton due to heavy traffic on the Pacific Highway.

Burning Off – this is often cause for complaint when waste is burnt in urban areas.

Landfilling – production of methane and other greenhouse gases.

Sewage Treatment Plants – can cause odour problems in urban areas.

Dust – from unsealed roads and unstable development sites.

Sewage Treatment Plants – ongoing odour management.

Climate Change Mitigation.

Investigate air pollution complaints

Cities for Climate Protection Program

Greenhouse Gases

and Climate Change –

Kempsey Shire is regarded as a relatively minor producer of greenhouse gases compared to metropolitan centres, however is not immune to global climate changes.

Fourth Assessment Report released by the IPCC resulted in a unanimous finding within the IPCC that human activity is „very likely‟ to blame for global warming. The Report also indicated that average global atmospheric temperatures could increase by as much as 4oC and sea levels rise by as much as half a metre by the end of the 21st century, if no efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Use – use of traditional sources of energy such as fossil fuels.

Landfilling – production of methane and other greenhouse gases.

Agriculture – crop and weed spraying, land clearing and methane from stock.

Vehicle Emissions – greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles running on carbon based

fuels.

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Activities Basix - Basix is a State Government initiative which will continue to be administered by Local Government at the plan lodgement and approval stage. Landfilling - Kerbside recycling program.

Vehicle Emissions - Introducing fuel efficient fleet vehicles.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan – Commence preparations for the development of a Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the Shire. Local Adaptation Program - The program will increase the adaptive capacity of each of the local councils to deal with the impacts of climate change.


Kempsey Shire


4.1 INTRODUCTION

The atmosphere consists of a relatively narrow shell of air encircling the earth that

supports animal and plant life. Human activity affects the atmosphere in a variety of

ways. Although some of the impacts occur on a global scale, such as ozone depletion

and global warming, the source of these problems are often occurring on a local scale.

The quality of the air in major urban and regional centres is also of concern to the

community and may be associated with a range of adverse health effects (NSW EPA

2000).

STATE

What are the issues for sustainability? And how are they changing?

4.2 CLIMATE

The majority of the Kempsey Shire falls within the warm temperate climatic zone,

however, higher elevations (up to 1560m) to the west experience a cooler, temperate

climate. The climate across Kempsey Shire is strongly influenced by the range of

elevations from sea level to the high country, the distance from the coast and the

latitude.

Indicator – Climate Data


Ongoing review of climate data sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology enables the

identification of trends and any significant variations in weather patterns. Figure 12

provides the average rainfall and temperature conditions from 1882 to 2011.

0.0

20.0

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(d

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Average Precip Average Min Temp Average Max Temp

Source: BOM 2011

Figure 12 – Average Temperature and Rainfall for Kempsey


Kempsey Shire



Approximately 60% of the average annual rainfall occurs between the months of

December to April with highest concentrations usually between January and March.

Temperature is strongly influenced by elevation with higher elevations experiencing

considerable lower temperatures during winter months.

An increasing rainfall trend is also apparent towards the coast, with the coastal towns

of Crescent Head and South West Rocks experiencing, on average, approximately 300

to 400 mm more rainfall per year compared to the hinterland towns of Millbank and

Bellbrook.

Temperature range also shows a subtle variation when comparing that experienced on

the coast (South West Rocks) and that experienced inland at Kempsey. The data

showed less variation between maximum and minimum temperatures on the coast,

with South West Rocks, on average experiencing a 7.5oC variation in temperature,

compared with an average 13oC variation for Kempsey.

4.3 AIR POLLUTION

Substances not naturally found in the air or at greater concentrations or in different

locations from usual are referred to as 'pollutants' (NSW EPA 2005). Air pollution is

caused by many of the activities that are common to our way of life. The quality of the

air we breathe can have significant health impacts particularly with regard to

respiratory diseases, asthma and cancer. Air pollutants can also produce odour issues.

Common causes of air pollution can include bushfire, controlled burning, industry,

vehicle emissions, solid fuel stoves and heaters.

4.4 GREENHOUSE GASES & CLIMATE CHANGE

The greenhouse effect is the term given to the natural process whereby energy

originally from the sun (short wave radiation) is reflected from the Earth‟s surface

(long wave radiation) and trapped within the Earth‟s atmosphere by greenhouse

gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. The trapping of this

reflected energy within the Earth‟s atmosphere results in the temperature conditions

presently experienced at the Earth‟s surface. However, this has not always been the

case, with the concentrations of key greenhouse gases naturally fluctuating throughout

the history of the Earth resulting in far different climatic conditions than those

experienced today, ranging from ice ages, to dramatically warmer periods when there

were no ice-caps at all. It is the increase in the concentration of the above mentioned

gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, over the past 100-150 years (from

human activities), which has resulted in an enhanced greenhouse effect.


Kempsey Shire


Figure 13 - Greenhouse Effect Vs the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Information contained within the Fourth Assessment Report released by the

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on a rolling basis throughout 2007 resulted in a unanimous finding within the IPCC that human activity is „very likely‟ to

blame for global warming, „very likely‟ being defined as over 90 percent certainty. The

Report also indicated that average atmospheric temperatures could increase by as

much as 4oC and sea levels rise by as much as half a metre by the end of the 21st

century, if no efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For further

information on the IPCC‟s Fourth Assessment Report refer to their website

http://www.ipcc.ch.

The Kempsey Shire is a relatively minor producer of greenhouse gases in comparison

to more heavily populated and industrialised areas, particularly as there are no major

fuel-based power generators in the region. However, significant historical land clearing

has reduced the regions current potential as a sink for carbon dioxide. Major sources

of greenhouse emissions in the area are likely to come from bushfires, controlled

burning, forestry, agriculture and transport (particularly the Pacific highway).

4.5 OZONE LAYER

A thin shield of ozone gas, present in the stratosphere, some 20–50 kilometres above

the planet, is responsible for protecting all life on Earth from damaging ultraviolet

radiation emitted by the sun. Ozone is an extremely rare component of the Earth's

atmosphere, making up only three out of every 10 million molecules of air.

When some substances with a high degree of stability are released at ground level,

they can persist long enough to travel up into the stratosphere. Examples include

halocarbons and carbon compounds containing chlorine or bromine. These compounds

are broken down in the stratosphere under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

http://www.ipcc.ch/


Kempsey Shire


Through a series of reactions, the chlorine and bromine atoms produced act as

catalysts for reactions which destroy ozone molecules.

The historical use of the ozone depleting compounds such as chlorofluorocarbon

compounds (CFCs) within the Kempsey Shire is expected to be minimal, with the main

source originating from old household items such as aerosol cans, air conditioning

units and refrigerators.

PRESSURE


Air quality is generally not considered to be a major issue within Kempsey Shire in the

short term due to the absence of heavy industry in the Shire, relatively small and

dispersed population, good air flow characteristics and large areas of native vegetation

retained in undeveloped lands.

Indicator – Air Pollution Licences for the Kempsey Shire


Licensing provides an assessment of the number and types of potential air polluters in

the Kempsey Shire.

The DECCW did not have current up to date licensing information available at the time

of reporting.

4.6 NUISANCE

Air pollution can give rise to nuisance issues in urban areas, caused by odours or dust

settling on washing etc. Such issues directly affect the quality of the environment in

which people reside. These generally occur where people live in close proximity to

potential sources of air pollution (e.g. STP‟s, landfill, industry, unsealed roads).

Indicator – Number of complaints regarding air pollution


Council records air complaints on an annual basis. This allows an assessment to be

made of the extent of air pollution issues in the Kempsey Shire.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011

Nu

mb

er

of

Co

mp

lain

ts

Financial Year

Air

Odour

Noise

Figure 14 – Air Pollution Complaints to Council


Kempsey Shire


What does this show:

During the 2010/11 reporting period there were 22 general air pollution complaints

received, while there were 18 complaints specific to odour. General air complaint

figures represent an increase from the previous year‟s figure of 12. Odour complaints

have also increased since the previous year‟s figure of 16. Noise complaints have

increased considerably during the 10/11 reporting period when compared to previous

year‟s figures.

4.7 VEHICLE EMISSIONS

Vehicle emissions are not a major issue for local air quality. However, the increasing

amount of traffic and particularly heavy vehicles using the Pacific Highway directly

impact upon the communities located along the highway and the Kempsey Business

District. Increased vehicle numbers adds to carbon monoxide, volatile organic

compounds, lead and other atmospheric particulates in the immediate vicinity of the

highway.

The Pacific Highway bypass will alleviate conditions through much of Kempsey itself,

but completion of this bypass is not expected until mid 2013.

4.8 BURNING OFF

Controlled burning for the purpose of reducing potential bushfire load, along with

backyard or on-farm burning of vegetative refuse and waste add to pollution load in

the atmosphere.

4.9 SOLID FUEL STOVES AND HEATING

Solid fuel stoves and heaters are common in older residential areas. Weather

conditions, inappropriate fuel and poorly located or designed flues can cause smoke

nuisance and odour issues. The smoke from burning wood contains various pollutants

including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and fine particulates along with

a range of other toxic and odour causing elements.

4.10 AGRICULTURE

Agricultural activities such as crop and weed spraying can have a detrimental effect on

air quality with potential for health issues. A substantial amount of the Macleay

floodplain has been cleared for grazing and other agricultural pursuits, hence removing

potential carbon dioxide sinks. Methane production from intensive stock farming adds

to the greenhouse effect, while also giving rise to potential odour issues.

4.11 LANDFILLING

Landfills produce methane and other gases during decomposition, which add to the

amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere. The Kempsey Waste

Receival and Disposal Facility (KWR&DF) is now the only operational landfill in the

Kempsey Shire. Council is required under its NSW EPA licence to monitor methane

emissions to ensure levels escaping the landfill are not above threshold levels requiring

further action. Landfill gas emissions also create odour problems. Council is required

to maintain a buffer zone around the landfill site and cap wastes daily to reduce

potential odour problem. Older non-operational landfills within the Shire would also be

producing greenhouse gases. KSC Landfill has just completed the Planet Footprint and

has shown a marked improvement in emissions.

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


The KWR&DF site is moving towards the newer technologies related to waste handling

and minimisation. These include the new collection contract to divert domestic green

waste from the site and the new smaller 140 litre general waste bin. In addition some

new cover materials are being investigated to save actual land/air space and therefore

eliminate the use of natural resources for day cover.

Indicator – Total Waste to Landfill

Why use his indicator?

The amount of waste going to landfill is directly related to greenhouse gas producing

potential. See Section 6.5.1 – Solid Waste of Chapter 6 – Human Settlements.

4.12 SEWER TREATMENT PLANTS (STP)

STP‟s produce greenhouse gases and can cause potential odour problems when

prevailing winds pass over and direct the odour toward urban areas. The

establishment and maintenance of odour buffers aims to address this issue.

4.13 DUST

Dust pollution issues can be associated with unsealed roads, un-stabilised development

sites, extractive industries and other similar industries.

4.14 BUSHFIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Bushfires can produce prolonged periods of smoke haze that can have detrimental

health effects for sufferers of respiratory disorders such as asthma. Emergency

situations such as traffic accidents or chemical spills are also of concern in the Shire

due to the high traffic load, and particular road freight, on the Pacific Highway.

RESPONSE


4.15 INDUSTRIAL AUDITS

Councils Sustainable Development Officers conducted an Environmental Audit of the

South Kempsey Industrial Area. Sixty six businesses were inspected during the

months of August and September 2007.

The purpose of the audit was to gauge the level of compliance with a standardised

check list of seven environmental parameters.

Air pollution was a given parameter and Council‟s Environmental Health Officers

assessed the level of air pollutants leaving the premises in the form of dust, smoke

odour and steam.

Overall results were good for this parameter.

4.16 BASIX – BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INDEX

Basix is a State Government initiative which is administered by Local Government at

the plan lodgement and approval stage. It ensures homes are designed to use less

potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting

energy and water reduction targets for new homes, additions and units.

Basix is flexible in that it allows users to meet targets through improved insulation,

passive solar design and orientation. Kempsey Council provides periodic feedback to


Kempsey Shire


the Basix division of Planning NSW as part of its mandatory reporting requirements for

the Basix final certificates.

4.17 CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ADAPTATION ACTIVITIES

4.17.1 Cities for Climate Protection Program

As previously reported in the 2008/09 Comprehensive SoE Report, Council had

completed Milestone 1 and 2 of ICLIE‟S global Cities for Climate Protection (CCP)

Program and was planning to continue its work though the strategic milestone

framework during the 2009/10 reporting period by commencing Milestone 3 –

development of local greenhouse action plan to reduce emissions. However, in May

2009, the Federal Government announced it would no longer be supporting ICLIE with

funding to provide the CCP Milestone Support Program to Councils and without this

funding ICLIE can no longer provide this level of support.

4.17.2 Local Adaptation Pathways Program

In February 2009 the Australian Government – Department of Climate Change

announced Round 2 of the Local Adaptations Pathway was open for applications. The

Local Adaptation Pathways Program provides assistance to local governments to carry

out a risk management process to identify likely impacts of climate change on council

operations and to initiate the development of an adaptation plan (which is separate

from mitigation measures, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions).

The overarching objective of the Program is to increase the adaptive capacity of local

governments to deal with the impacts of climate change and more specifically to:

identify and prioritise risks that climate change impacts pose to the operations and

responsibilities of local governments;

develop strategies for managing risks, adaptive actions, and building resilience

within communities;

identify where knowledge gaps may be and where further investigation is needed;

and

prioritise adaptive actions.

Council officers from Nambucca, Bellingen and Kempsey Shire Council, prepared and

submitted a joint application which successfully received $140,000 to complete a risk

and adaptation reports for the region.

In December 2010 both the Climate Change Risk Assessment and Climate Change

Adaptation Strategy were completed.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

What more could be done to improve Air Quality and Response to Climate

Change?

As previously discussed in this section air pollution is not regarded as a major

environmental issue in the Shire. However, any means to reduce air pollution should

be considered as the Shire moves toward sustainability.

Reducing point source emissions of pollutants such as odour and dust are important for

improving local air quality within the Shire, but consideration of broader environmental

issues such as reducing Greenhouse gas emissions should be explored.


Kempsey Shire


4.18 BASIX

Basix will continue to be administered by Local Government at the plan lodgement and

approval stage.

4.19 CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ADAPTATION ACTIVITIES

4.19.1 Cities for Climate Protection Program

Without technical support from ICLIE, development of local greenhouse action plan has

been put on hold until internal resources can be identified to undertake this project.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY

‘SNAPSHOT’


Habitats within the Shire – 30 of the 77 ecosystems recorded in the Shire have been identified as being of high conservation value. This incorporates 5,038 ha (or 2.25%) of vulnerable communities and 32,678ha (or 14.31%).

Land Clearing and Development – the population of Kempsey Shire is growing, particularly in the coastal areas and with rural subdivision.

Vegetation Mapping Project - Mapping of eastern and western portion of Shire now both complete.

Koala Habitat Mapping and Management – A CKPoM has been developed with associated koala habitat mapping. The plan has been formally endorsed by DoP and taken effect from 24 May 2011. The plan applies to all development applications proposed within the eastern portion of the Shire koala habitat map.

Implementation of the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management – The Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management for the eastern portion of the Kempsey Shire has been endorsed by DoP and implementation of the CKPoM commenced in May 2011 and will continue through the upcoming 2011/12 reporting period.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategy – would aim to identify, protect and enhance Kempsey Shire‟s native biodiversity through accessing reliable funds to educate the community about biodiversity issues and values, and also protect, restore and maintain ecosystems and ecological processes through the delivery of on-ground works and planning controls. This strategy has been allocated to a lower priority while other more urgent

strategies are developed. The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is listed in Councils 2011 - 2015 Delivery Program as an unfunded project.


Kempsey Shire


Threatened Flora Species – 26 threatened flora species are located within the Kempsey Shire. Four new threatened flora species were identified to occur in the Shire during the 2010/11 reporting period.

Threatened Fauna Species

– 99 threatened vertebrate species are located within the Kempsey Shire. Twelve new threatened fauna species were identified to occur in the Shire during the 2010/11 reporting period.

Threatened Ecological Communities – Ten endangered ecological communities and 10 endangered populations are known to occur in the Kempsey Shire. No new endangered ecological communities were identified to occur in the Shire during the 2010/11 reporting period.

Exotic Plants – Weeds of particular concern in the Kempsey Shire include: aquatic weeds, Groundsel Bush, Giant Parramatta Grass, Bird Lolly weeds, Bitou Bush, Alligator weed Red Lantana and Tropical Soda Apple.

Feral Animals and Domestic Pets – wild dogs continued to be a

major problem in most areas of the Kempsey Shire, while reports of free roaming domestic dogs continue to escalate in semi rural and residential areas as well. Other undeclared invasive animals that are reported to the Mid Coast LHPA include feral deer, feral cats, foxes, rabbits and indian myna birds.

Bushfire – Changing fire regimes have been associated with the decline of many biological communities. The NSW Rural Fire Service (Lower North Coast Zone) indicated local brigades attended 310 incidents across the Kempsey Shire during the 10/11 period, with a total of approx. 1,804 ha hazard reduction burning across the Kempsey/Nambucca Shire.

Weed Management – Council operations targeted: Heavy infestations of Water

Hyacinth and Salvinia were controlled in Council‟s flood drains Salvinia in Belmore River;

Red Lantana and Bird Lolly

weeds; Giant Parramatta Grass

control throughout the Shire;

Education and awareness.

Feral Animal Control – Annual aerial baiting, ground baiting and trapping programs coordinated by Mid Coast LHPA to control wild dogs on Crown land and adjoining private properties have continued. Mid Coast LHPA have also been providing landholders with assistance to control fox and wild dog predation on native fauna and domestic livestock and control rabbit infestations.

Bushfire Management – The Rural Fire Service brigades assisted with a number of hazard reduction burns. Staff also undertook and participated in community fire education programs.

Future Weed Control Program - Ongoing weed control is a priority for Council and as such on-ground

inspections, targeted control programs and landholder and community education will continue throughout 2011/12.

Continued Implementation of Companion Animals Management Plan

Kempsey Wild Dog Management Plan – continue implementation and work with rural residents and stakeholder participants.

Ongoing Bushfire Management - Council will continue to work with the NSW Rural Fires Service in line with the Service Level Agreement to ensure appropriate fire suppression and mitigation activities are undertaken, along with providing appropriate public advice in relation to hazard reduction community education.


Kempsey Shire


5.1 INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms - the different plants, animals and micro-

organisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems of which they form a part.

The level of diversity is not fixed, but rather dynamic, increased by genetic changes

and evolutionary processes, and decreased by extinction and habitat degradation (DEH

2004).

STATE


5.2 HABITATS WITHIN THE SHIRE

The Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) Assessment, completed in

1999-2000 identified the following major vegetation communities existing in the Shire:

sub-tropical, warm temperate and cool temperate rainforest

wet and dry sclerophyll forest

swamp forest

woodland e.g. Melaleuca, Eucalypt and Casuarina spp

scrubland e.g. Banksia and Leptospermum spp

grassland (native and modified) and pasture

wetland, aquatic and marine e.g. saltmarshes, rushlands, mangroves, seagrass,

etc.

dunal communities e.g. littoral rainforest

wet and dry heathland

riparian vegetation

The CAR assessment described 30 of the 77 ecosystems identified in the Shire as being

of high conservation value. This incorporates 5,038ha (or 2.25%) of Vulnerable

communities and 32,678ha (or 14.31%) described as Rare. A detailed list of these

ecosystems is presented in the 2004 Comprehensive SoE Report.

Plate 7: Example of Littoral Plate 8: Intact Section of Riparian Rainforest Vegetation in Upper Gills Bridge Creek

5.2.1 Local Vegetation Mapping

In mid 2006 a broad scale vegetation mapping project, incorporating native vegetation

and candidate endangered ecological communities (EEC) for the eastern portion of the

Kempsey Shire (generally east of the Pacific Highway), showed that approximately

552km2 of the study area was mapped as vegetated with various native forest

ecosystems.


Source: DECCW (2009)

© Michael Murphy


Kempsey Shire


Ten candidate EEC‟s were identified in this study, which included:

Coastal Saltmarsh;

Littoral Rainforest;

Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest;

Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain;

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains;

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains;

River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains;

Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest;

Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest; and

Themeda Grassland on Seacliffs and Coastal Headlands.

Broad scale mapping of vegetation communities was extended to include the western

portion (generally west of the Pacific Highway) of the Shire during 2006/07. During

2007/08 a final report and series of maps were produced showing the following Forest

Ecosystem (FE) types identified in the western portion of the LGA:

Central Mid-elevation Blue Gum;

Dry Foothills Blackbutt – Turpentine;

Dry Foothills Spotted Gum;

Dry Grassy Blackbutt – Tallowwood;

Eastern Red Gums;

Escarpment Red Gum;

Foothills Grey Gum – Ironbark –

Spotted Gum;

Grey Gum – Stringybark;

Mid Elevation Wet Blackbutt;

Mid North Coast Wet Brushbox –

Tallowwood – Blue Gum;

Moist Escarpment New England

Blackbutt;

Moist Foothills Spotted Gum;

Moist Open Escarpment White Mahogany;

Northern Wet Tallowwood – Blue Gum;

Open Coastal Brushbox

Paperbark;

River Oak;

Swamp Oak;

Tallowwood;

Wet Bloodwood – Tallowwood; and

Wet Shrubby Brushbox – Tallowwood.

Three of the above mentioned FE types have the potential to represent four different

potential EEC‟s as follows:

Eastern Redgums – may include the EEC, Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest;

Escarpment Redgum – may include the EEC, River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal

Floodplain; and

Swamp Oak Forest – may include both Swamp Oak Forest and Swamp Sclerophyll

Forest on Coastal Floodplain EEC‟s.

It is likely that further FE‟s and EEC will be added to this list as future detailed, based

plant assessment is undertaken. The areas of plant communities is dynamic over time

with changes due to natural and man-made impacts (such as changing fire regimes

with changing climate and weather events e.g recent wet years following on nearly a

decade of extended dominating dry seasons favours rainforest establishment, clearing

for development such as that required for the new Kempsey Bypass and increased


Plate 9: Foothills Blackbutt -

Turpentine Forest


Kempsey Shire


reserve status and changed management practices such as newly gazetted parks and

nature reserves e.g Goolawah NP additions at Crescent Head).

5.2.2 Koala Habitat Mapping

Throughout the reporting period, DoP formally endorsed the Comprehensive Koala Plan

of Management (CKPoM) with associated koala habitat mapping for the eastern portion

of the Kempsey Shire. Council has begun applying the CKPoM to Development

Applications within the mapped koala habitat areas as of 24 May 2011. The koala

habitat mapping identified the following areas of koala habitat within the eastern

portion of the Kempsey Shire:

1,190ha of Primary Habitat;

23,064ha of Secondary (Class A) Habitat;

28,385ha of Secondary (Class B) Habitat; and

23,188ha of „Other Habitat‟ classed as vegetation communities not containing

eucalypts.

(Phillips and Hopkins 2008).

Preferred Koala Food Trees

The koala study underpinning the draft habitat mapping confirmed Tallowwood

(Eucalyptus microcorys), Grey Gum (E. propinqua), Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis),

Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta), White Stringybark (E. globoidea) and another

Stringybark (E. tindaliae) as the most preferred tree species for koalas inhabiting the

eastern portion of the Kempsey Shire. However, koala activity associated with these

tree species varied greatly across the landscape, with significantly lower activity levels

occurring on erosional and residual soil landscapes (Phillips & Hopkins 2008).

Table 9 - List of Preferred Koala Food Trees in Eastern Portion of Kempsey Shire

Indicator – Extent and Degree of Change to Native Vegetation


The extent and condition of each type of native vegetation correlates closely to the

ecosystems level and ability to maintain biodiversity. By monitoring this indicator we

are able to see how effectively vegetation in the Shire is being managed, and therefore

the associated effects on biodiversity.


A search of the NSW DII Public Register of Plantations Authorised under the NSW

Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 revealed that no new plantations were

approved within the Kempsey Shire during the 2010/11.

Data received from DECCW indicated there were two new Conservation Agreements

and three Wildlife Refuges created on land within the Kempsey Shire during the

2010/11 reporting period.


Kempsey Shire


There were some additional changes made to lands gazetted as National Park Estate in

2010-11. These changes are outlined below:

Table 10 – Name & additional area of land gazetted as National Park Estate in 2010-11

Name Number Area (ha)

Aboriginal Area 0 -

Historic Site 0 -

National Park 4 2997

Nature Reserve 1 39

Regional Park 0 -

State Conservation Area 0 - Source: DECCW 2011 Note: Reserve information has been generated from the National Parks and Wildlife Service Estate GIS layers and includes the National Parks and Wildlife Service Estate as at 30 June 2011. Where a reserve is entirely within an LGA the “total” area is the gazetted area. Where only part of a reserve falls within an LGA the “total‟ area provided is the GIS calculated area and is approximate only.

5.3 VEGETATION CORRIDORS

A wildlife corridor is a link of wildlife habitat, generally native vegetation, which joins

two or more larger areas of similar wildlife habitat. Corridors are critical for the

maintenance of ecological processes including allowing for the movement of animals

and the continuation of viable populations. The Department of Environment and

Climate Change (DECCW 2004) have produced a „Wildlife Corridors‟ information

brochure, a summary of which is presented below.

5.3.1 Why are Corridors Important?

Clearing of native vegetation adds to the formation of fragmented patches or islands of

remaining vegetation. These patches may become increasingly cut-off from other

areas of habitat resulting in many plant and animal species becoming isolated. As

these vegetation patches are reduced in size and become increasingly isolated, the on-

going viability of ecosystems and individual populations of species within them is

severely affected. This ultimately leads to a break down in ecological processes such as

species migration, dispersal, recycling of nutrients, pollination of plants and other

natural functions required for ecosystem health. The likely result is severe biodiversity

decline and local extinction of sensitive species.

5.3.2 Regional Corridors

Regional corridors are primary landscape connections between larger important areas

of habitat. They are generally substantial in width (> 500m) and provide not only for

dispersal of individual species but act as habitat in their own right for a range of

species. Ecological principles indicate that ideally regional corridors should be at least

twice the width of the average home range area of the animal species identified as

potential users of the corridor. Regional corridors typically connect along major

ecological gradients such as altitudinal and/or latitudinal migratory pathways (e.g.

coast to hinterland and tablelands corridors).

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


5.3.3 Sub Regional Corridors

Sub-regional corridors, while not as substantial in width as regional corridors, should

be wide enough to provide landscape connections for species movement and dispersal

(generally > 300m). Sub-regional corridors may not be large enough to provide

substantial species habitat, but be sufficiently wide to cater for a wide range of species

movement and dispersal. Sub-regional corridors typically connect larger vegetated

landscape features such as ridgelines and valley floors.

5.3.4 Local Corridors

Local corridors are smaller, less defined linkages that provide local connection of

remnant patches of vegetation and landscape features such as creek lines, gullies,

wetlands and ridgelines. They may in some cases be less than 50m in width and as

such may be influenced by edge effects. Local corridors are an important component of

an overall regional landscape conservation framework.

5.3.5 Vegetation Corridors in the Kempsey Shire

The most significant regional corridors occur:

along the coast which consist of a relatively continuous stretch of key vegetation;

along the northern portion of the Shire, though is patchy in its distribution and

connectivity;

along the southern portion of the Shire which connects vegetation at the western

portion of the Shire and beyond, to the vegetation along the coast; and

along the western portion of the Shire which connects vegetation to the north,

south and west of the Shire with areas of variable levels of key vegetation and

other similarly significant regional corridors.

5.4 FLORA

5.4.1 General

The broad variety of habitats located in the Kempsey Shire enables this area to

support a large variety of species. In excess of 1,000 different plant species have

been detected in the Shire, from 155 different families. In terms of species richness,

the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Asteraceae contain the greatest

number of species found in the Shire followed closely by Cyperaceae and Orchidaceae.

This list is considered only to be indicative and not comprehensive.

5.4.2 Threatened Flora

Indicator- Threatened Flora species


The conservation status of threatened species

indicates which groups and associated habitat

may need special management. Loss of

species is best shown by the number of

species considered endangered or vulnerable

under the Threatened Species Conservation

(TSC) Act 1995. DEC (2011) provided the

following up to date list of threatened flora

species known to occur within the Macleay

Hastings CMA sub-region.

Plate 10: Suspected patch of Maundia triglochinoides identified in upper Gills Bridge Creek



Kempsey Shire


Table 11 - No. of Threatened Flora Species known to occur within the

Kempsey Shire

Species Name Common Name Status

1. Acacia chrysotricha Newry Golden Wattle E1

2. Acronychia littoralis Scented Aconychia E1

3. Allocasuarina defungens Dwarf Heath Casuarina E1

4. Arthraxon hispidus Hairy Jointgrass V

5. Asperula asthenes Trailing Woodruff V

6. Chamaesyce psammogeton Sand Spurge E1

7. Chiloglottis anaticeps Bird Orchid E1

8. Cynanchum elegans White-flowered Wax Plant E1

9. Dendrobium melaleucaphilum Spider orchid E1

10. Diuris disposita Willawarrin Doubletail (Orchid) E1

11. Dirus sp. Aff. chrysantha Byron Bay Diuris E1

12. Grevillea guthrieana Guthrie's Grevillea E1

13. Haloragis exalata subsp. velutina Tall Velvet Sea-berry V

14. Macrozamia johnsonii Cycad (Johnson‟s Macrozamia)* E1

15. Marsdenia longiloba Slender Marsdenia E1

16. Maundia triglochinoides (Maundia)* V

17. Melaleuca groveana Grove‟s Paperbark V

18. Neoastelia spectabilis Silver Sword Lily V

19. Niemeyera whitei Rusty Plum; Plum Boxwood V

20. Parsonsia dorrigoensis Milky Silkpod V

21. Peristeranthus hillii Brown Fairy-chain Orchid V

22. Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii Ravine Orchid V

23. Sarcochilus hartmannii Hartman's Sarcochilus (Orchid) V

24. Senna acclinis Rainforest Cassia E1

25. Thesium australe Austral Toadflax V

26. Zieria lasiocaulis Willi Willi Zieria E1 Notes: E1 = endangered V = vulnerable CE = critically endangered * No common name recorded by Royal Botanical gardens (Sydney) – sourced elsewhere.


Table 11 shows 26 threatened flora species are located within the Kempsey Shire. Four

new threatened flora species were added to the list during the 2010/11 reporting

period.

5.5 FAUNA

5.5.1 General

The broad variety of habitats located in the Kempsey Shire enables this area to

support a large variety of fauna. There are in excess of 460 fauna species from 174

different families (including marine species) recorded in the Shire to date.

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


5.5.2 Threatened Fauna

Indicator - Endangered and Vulnerable Fauna Species


Loss of species is best shown by the number of species considered endangered or

vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995. DECCW

(2011) provided the following up to date list of threatened flora species known to occur

within the Kempsey Shire.

Table 12 - No. of Threatened Fauna Species Known to Occur within the Kempsey Shire


Vertebrates

1. Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern V

2. Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus Australian Fur-seal V

3. Ninox connivens Barking Owl V

4. Coracina lineata Barred Cuckoo-shrike V

5. Esacus neglectus Beach Stone-curlew E1A

6. Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern V

7. Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard V

8. Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork E1

9. Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit V

10. Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck V

11. Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog E1

12. Grus rubicunda Brolga V

13. Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies) V

14. Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale V

15. Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew E1

16. Amaurornis olivaceus Brush-hen V

17. Irediparra gallinacea Comb-crested Jacana V

18. Syconycteris australis Common Blossom-bat V

19. Planigale maculata Common Planigale V

20. Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper E1

21. Litoria daviesae Davies' Tree Frog V

22. Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V

23. Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat V

24. Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat V

25. Pseudomys gracilicaudatus Eastern Chestnut Mouse V

26. Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle V

27. Mormopterus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat V

28. Nyctophilus bifax Eastern Long-eared Bat V

29. Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy-possum V

30. Dasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll E1

31. Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin V

32. Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater V

33. Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog E1

34. Litoria subglandulosa Glandular Frog V

35. Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo V

36. Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped Bat V

37. Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera Gould‟s Petrel E1A

38. Tyto capensis Grass Owl V

39. Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat V

40. Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog E1

Source: KSC (2008)


Kempsey Shire



41. Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V

42. Litoria brevipalmata Green-thighed Frog V

43. Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon E1

44. Procelsterna cerulea Grey Ternlet V

45. Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler V

46. Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V

47. Pseudomys oralis Hastings River Mouse E1

48. Chalinolobus nigrogriseus Hoary Wattled Bat V

49. Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin V

50. Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale V

51. Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V

52. Dermochelys coriacea Leathery Turtle V

53. Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V

54. Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V

55. Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V

56. Sterna albifrons Little Tern E1

57. Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E1

58. Potorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo V

59. Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose V

60. Podargus ocellatus Marbled Frogmouth V

61. Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V

62. Pachycephala olivacea Olive Whistler V

63. Pandion haliaetus Osprey V

64. Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V

65. Rostratula benghalensis australis Painted Snipe E1

66. Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Pale-headed Snake V

67. Macropus parma Parma Wallaby V

68. Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher E1

69. Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V

70. Thylogale stigmatica Red-legged Pademelon V

71. Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater E1

72. Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove V

73. Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous Bettong V

74. Atrichornis rufescens Rufous Scrub-bird V

75. Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V

76. Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V

77. Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher V

78. Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant Petrel E1

79. Myotis macropus Southern Myotis V

80. Pyrrholaemus saggitatus Speckled Warbler V

81. Physeter macrocephalus Sperm Whale V

82. Philoria sphagnicolus Sphagnum Frog V

83. Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier V

84. Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll V

85. Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V

86. Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V

87. Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephens' Banded Snake V

88. Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog E1

89. Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit-Dove V

90. Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E1

91. Coeranoscincus reticulatus Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink V


Kempsey Shire



92. Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella V

93. Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet V

94. Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross E

95. Monarcha leucotis White-eared Monarch V

96. Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat V

97. Ptilinopus magnificus Wompoo Fruit-Dove V

98. Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider V

99. Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V Notes: E1A = critically endangered E1 = endangered V = vulnerable


Table 12 shows 99 threatened vertebrate species occurring within the Kempsey Shire.

Twelve new threatened fauna species have been added to the list during the 2010/11.

5.6 ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

5.6.1 General

An ecological community is a group of species that occur together in a particular area

of the landscape. For example, there will be a particular group of flora and fauna

species that are typically found in wet, swampy areas and a different group of species

that occur together in dry, arid areas of the landscape.

The survival of each species relies on complex interactions amongst all of the

inhabitants of an ecological community, through biotic mechanisms such as food webs,

mutualisms and pollination, as well as abiotic mechanisms such as water, nitrogen and

carbon cycles. Consequently, the loss of any species may have detrimental flow-on

effects for the ecological functioning of the whole community (DECCW 2009).

In NSW, ecological communities can be listed as Threatened Ecological Communities

under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995, in the categories of, Critically

Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable, depending on their risk of extinction.

Ecological communities can also be listed as nationally threatened under the

Commonwealth‟s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999.

5.6.2 Threatened Ecological Communities

Indicator – Threatened Ecological Communities


Loss of ecosystem functionality is best measured by the number of Critically

Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable ecological communities. It displays the impacts

on normal ecological functioning of these communities as a result of environmental

changes. Although the results of the local vegetation mapping projects as described in

Section 5.2.1 indicate a number of EEC‟s potentially occur in the Kempsey Shire,

DECCW (2011) have provided the following up to date list of threatened ecological

communities known to occur within the Kempsey Shire.



Kempsey Shire


Table 13- No. of Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC) & Populations (EP) known to occur within the Kempsey Shire

Endangered EEC’s & EP’s Status

1. Beach Stone Curlew (Esacus neglectus ) EP

2. Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) EP

3. Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla) EP

4. Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) EP

5. Gould‟s Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) EP

6. Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) EP

7. Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) EP

8. Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis) EP

9. Tusked Frog population in the Nandewar and New England Tablelands Bioregions

EP

10. Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera) EP

11. Coastal Saltmarsh in the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

EEC

12. Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North

Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions EEC

13. Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion

EEC

14. Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

EEC

15. Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

EEC

16. Themeda grassland on seacliffs and coastal headlands in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

EEC

17. White Box Yellow Box Blakely‟s Red Gum Woodland EEC & CEEC

18. Littoral Rainforest in the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

EEC

19. Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions EEC

20. Themeda grassland on seacliffs and coastal headlands in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

EEC


Kempsey Shire


Notes: EP = Endangered Populations EEC = Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 CEEC = Critically Endangered Ecological Community under Commonwealth‟s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Plate 11: Example of Swamp Sclerophyll Plate 12: Coastal Saltmarsh EEC at EEC Forest on Coastal Floodplains Boyters Lane Wetlands, near South

Coastal Floodplains West Rocks


Table 13 shows 10 endangered ecological communities and 10 endangered populations

known to occur in the Kempsey Shire. However, no new endangered ecological

communities have been identified to occur in the Shire during the 2010/11 reporting

period.

PRESSURES


5.7 LAND CLEARING AND DEVELOPMENT

Population growth in the region, particularly on the coast, continues to result in greater

demand for development in the region. This causes subsequent pressure on

biodiversity due to land clearing for residential and rural residential developments.

The associated need for greater services in the region such as gas pipes, power lines,

water supply, sewage and new roads causes further pressure on biodiversity.

Indicator - Native Vegetation Clearing


Loss/modification of habitat is one of the most significant key threatening processes.

This indicator shows the amount and rate of native vegetation, and subsequent

habitat, loss in the Shire.

What this indicator shows?

A search of the DECCW‟s „Public Register of Approved Clearing PVP‟s and Development

Applications‟ revealed that no approvals for clearing were granted during the 2010/11

reporting period.

Information supplied by Forest NSW indicated that no harvesting activities of State

Forests occurred within the Kempsey Shire during the 2010/11 period.

Conclusion: Steady

Source: DECCW (2009) Lucas McKinnon



Kempsey Shire


5.8 SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS PROPOSALS

No significant development applications that will have a significant impact on native

vegetation or biodiversity in the Shire were received during the reporting period.

5.9 FERAL ANIMALS AND DOMESTIC PETS

5.9.1 Feral animals

Feral animals apply a significant amount of pressure on native fauna in the region as

well as having an impact on flora. Some have been listed under the TSC and EPBC

Acts as Key Threatening Processes (KTP‟s). KTP‟s occurring (or likely to be occurring)

in the region in relation to introduced animals include:

Competition and land degradation by feral goats;

Competition and land degradation by feral rabbits;

Predation by feral cats and dogs;

Predation by the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes);

Predation, Habitat Degradation, Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral

Pigs;

Competition from feral honey bees;

Predation by Gambusia holbrooki (Plague Minnow or Mosquito Fish).

Indicator – Feral Animals Listing


Feral animals apply a significant amount of pressure on native fauna and flora and

therefore the overall biodiversity in the region. By monitoring the extent and number

of feral animals inhabiting the Shire we are able to see how effectively feral animals

are being managed, and therefore the associated effects on biodiversity.

The newly created Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA), formally Rural lands

Protection Board (RLPB) are one of the key agencies dealing with feral and pest animal

species in NSW. The Mid Coast LHPA assist and

coordinate the efforts of private landholders to

control declared pest animals, wild dog, fox, rabbit

and wild pigs as required by the Rural Lands

Protection Act 1998 within the Mid Coast LHPA

Management Area, which includes the Kempsey

Shire.

Reports to the LHPA by rate payers of pest animal

activity in the Kempsey Shire area indicate that

the previously recorded levels of wild dog density

remain static at medium/high although stock

losses during the period from October 2010 -

July 2011 have declined.

Other declared invasive animals that are

reported to the Mid Coast LHPA by residents who reside in the Kempsey Shire include

feral deer, feral cats, foxes, rabbits and indian myna birds.


Information provided by Mid Coast LHPA suggests that some species of feral animal

have been reported to be increasing in number and, hence, placing increasing pressure

on biodiversity in the Shire.

Plate 13: Indian Myna Birds are becoming an increasing menace in the Kempsey Shire


Kempsey Shire


5.10 EXOTIC PLANTS

Exotic plants threaten nearly all biological communities in Australia. Although weeds

appear to degrade many natural ecosystems, quantitative measures of their impact on

those systems are relatively rare. Introduced plants that result in weed infestations

including noxious weeds and garden escapees are a major threat to biodiversity in the

Kempsey Shire.

Recognised key biodiversity threatening processes that are common in the region are:

Invasion of native plant communities by Bitou Bush and Boneseed

(Chrysanthemoides monilifera); which dominates much of the local coastline,

displacing native flora, and posing a recognised threat to ecological communities

and threatened flora species.

Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses.

Indicator – Introduced Species/Weed Control (NPWS)

Why use this Indicator?

Exotic species of particular concern especially in riparian zones include Camphor

Laurel, Willow, Large-Leaved Privet, Small-Leaved Privet, Wandering Jew, Blackberry,

and particularly Lantana, which was by far the most significant weed identified

throughout the LGA, with the exception of the most elevated and remote areas, during

the vegetation mapping exercise.

Exotic species applying the most significant pressure in biodiversity in high

conservation areas of National Parks Estate in the region are Bitou Bush and Lantana

primarily in the coastal region.

NSW DPI provides a list of all the noxious weeds declared in Kempsey Shire, shown in

Table 14 below.

Plate 14: Thick infestation of Lantana in riparian zone of Gills Bridge Creek




Kempsey Shire


Table 14 – List of Noxious Weeds in the Kempsey Shire

Weed Class Weed Class African feathergrass [Pennisetum macrourum]*

5 Hymenachne [Hymenachne amplexicaulis]*

1

African turnipweed [Sisymbrium runcinatum]*

5 Italian bugloss [Echium species] (see Paterson‟s curse)

African turnipweed [Sisymbrium thellungii]* 5 Johnson grass [Sorghum halepense ] 4

Aleman grass [Echinochola polystachya] 2

Alligator weed [Alternanthera philoxeroides] 2 Karoo thorn [Acacia karroo]*

1 Anchored water hyacinth [Eichhornia azurea]*

1

Annual ragweed [Ambrosia artemisiifolia]* 5

Kochia [Bassia scoparia]* except Bassia scoparia subspecies trichophylla

1

Arrowhead [Sagittaria montevidensis]* 5 Kosters curse [Clidemia hirta] 1

Artichoke thistle [Cynara cardunculus]* 5 Lagarosiphon [Lagarosiphon major]* 1

Athel tree [Tamarix aphylla ]* 5

Lantana [Lantana species ]* 5

Leafy elodea [Egeria densa]* 5

Bathurst/Noogoora/Californian/cockle burrs [Xanthium species]

4 Lippia [Phyla canescens]

4

Bear-skin fescue [Festuca gautieri]* 5

Long-leaf willow primrose [Ludwigia longifolia]*

5

Bitou bush [Chrysanthemoides monilifera subspecies rotundata]

4 Mexican feather grass [Nassella tenuissima]*

1

Black knapweed [Centaurea nigra]* 1 Mexican poppy [Argemone mexicana]* 5

Blackberry [Rubus fruticosus aggregate species]* except cultivars Black satin, Chehalem, Chester Thornless, Dirksen Thornless, Loch Ness, Murrindindi, Silvan,

Smoothstem, Thornfree

4

Miconia [Miconia species]*

1

Boneseed [Chrysanthemoides monilifera 4 subspecies monilifera]

Mikania [Mikania micrantha] 1

Mimosa [Mimosa pigra]* 1

Mossman River grass [Cenchrus echinatus]*

5

Bridal creeper [Asparagus asparagoides]* 5

Mother-of-millions [Bryophyllum species and hybrids]

3

Noogoora burr [Xanthium species]

Broad-leaf pepper tree [Schinus terebinthifolius] 3

Onion grass [Romulea species]* Includes all Romulea species and varieties except R. rosea var. australis

5

Broomrapes [Orobanche species]* Includes all Orobanche species except the native O. cernua variety australiana and O. minor

1

Oxalis [Oxalis species and varieties]* Includes all Oxalis species and varieties except the native species O. chnoodes, O. exilis, O. perennans, O. radicosa, O. rubens, and O. thompsoniae

5

Burr ragweed [Ambrosia confertiflora]*

5

Pampas grass [Cortaderia species] 4

Parthenium weed [Parthenium hysterophorus]*

1

Cabomba [Cabomba caroliniana]* 5 Paterson's curse, Vipers bugloss, Italian bugloss [Echium species]

4 Cape broom [Genista monspessulana] 2

Cayenne snakeweed [Stachytarpheta cayennensis]*

5 Pond apple [Annona glabra]*

1

Chilean needle grass [Nassella neesiana] 4 Prickly acacia [Acacia nilotica]* 1

Chinese celtis [Celtis sinensis ] 3 Prickly pear [Cylindropuntia species]* 4

Chinese violet [Asystasia gangetica subspecies micrantha]*

1 Prickly pear [Opuntia species except O. ficus-indica]*

4

Clockweed [Gaura lindheimeri]* 5 Red rice [Oryza rufipogon]* 5

Clockweed [Gaura parviflora]* 5

Rhus tree [Toxicodendron succedaneum]*

4

Cockle burrs [Xanthium species] Rubbervine [Cryptostegia grandiflora]* 1

Columbus grass [Sorghum x almum] 4 Sagittaria [Sagittaria platyphylla]* 5

Corn sowthistle [Sonchus arvensis]* 5 Salvinia [Salvinia molesta] 3

Crofton weed [Ageratina adenophora]* 4 Sand oat [Avena strigosa]* 5

Dodder [Cuscuta species] * Includes All Cuscuta species except the native species C. australis, C. tasmanica and C. Victoriana

5 Senegal tea plant [Gymnocoronis spilanthoides]* 1

East Indian hygrophila [Hygrophila 1 Serrated tussock [Nassella trichotoma] 4


Kempsey Shire


Weed Class Weed Class polysperma]*

Espartillo [Achnatherum brachychaetum]* 5 Siam weed [Chromolaena odorata]* 1

Eurasian water milfoil [Myriophyllum spicatum]*

1 Smooth-stemmed turnip [Brassica barrelieri subspecies oxyrrhina]*

5

Fine-bristled burr grass [Cenchrus brownii]* 5 Soldier thistle [Picnomon acarna]* 5

Fountain grass [Pennisetum setaceum]* 5 Spiny burrgrass [Cenchrus incertus]* 4

Gallon's curse [Cenchrus biflorus ]* 5 Spiny burrgrass [Cenchrus longispinus] 4

Giant Parramatta grass [Sporobolus fertilis] 4

Spotted knapweed [Centaurea maculosa]*

1

Giant rat's tail grass [Sporobolus pyramidalis]

3 Texas blueweed [Helianthus ciliaris]* 5

Tropical soda apple [Solanum viarum] 3

Glaucous starthistle [Carthamus glaucus]* 5 Water caltrop [Trapa species]* 1

Golden thistle [Scolymus hispanicus]* 5 Water hyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes] 3

Green cestrum [Cestrum parqui] 3 Water lettuce [Pistia stratiotes]* 1

Groundsel bush [Baccharis halimifolia] 3 Water soldier [Stratiotes aloides]* 1

Hackleberry, Celtis [Celtis sinensis] 3

Harrisia cactus [Harrisia species]* 4 Willows [Salix species]* 5

Hawkweed [Hieracium species]* 1 Witchweed [Striga species]* includes all Striga species except native species and Striga parvilflora

1 Heteranthera [Heteranthera reniformis] 1

Horsetail [Equisetum species]* 1 Yellow burrhead [Limnocharis flava]* 1

Hydrocote [Hydrocotyle ranunculoides] 1

Hygrophila [Hygrophila costata]* 1 Yellow nutgrass [Cyperus esculentus]* 5

Source: Department of Primary Industries (2011)

Notes: Class 1&2 - The plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free of the plant. Class 3 - The plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed and the plant may not be

sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Class 4 - The growth and spread of the plant must be controlled according to the measures specified in a

management plan published by the local control authority. Class 5 - The requirements in the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 for a notifiable weed must be complied with. * - All of NSW declaration.

What this Indicator Shows?

Table 15 shows an updated list of all noxious weeds declared in the Kempsey Shire,

100 in total. Many of these weeds are declared as noxious throughout the entire State

of NSW. Three new weeds were added to the noxious weed list during the 2010/11

reporting period.

5.11 BUSHFIRE

Fire is a natural process to which native animals and plants have adapted to. Groups of

animals and plants that constitute an ecosystem respond similarly to fire according to

the characteristics of their life-history. Many small mammals and most birds breed in

Spring and Summer (commonly the fire period). As burned areas regenerate, different

species find suitable habitat at the various levels of regeneration. Changing fire

regimes have been associated with the decline of many biological communities. The

correct management of fire is thus essential to avoid disruption of ecosystems and

extinction of species.

On 12 January 2011 the Lower North Coast Bushfire Risk Management Plan was signed

by the Bushfire Coordinating Committee. This plan identifies assets, assesses risk and

applies treatments, as required, across all tenures within the Lower North Coast.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (Lower North Coast Zone) indicated local brigades

attended 310 incidents across the Kempsey Shire from 01/07/2010 to 30/06/2011.

Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


5.12 DISEASE

Diseases can have a significant impact on biodiversity in the region. DECCW (2011)

has identified the following Key Threatening Processes listed under the TSC Act and

EPBC Act related to disease:

1. Introduction and establishment of Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Pucciniales

pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae;

2. Loss and degredation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped

garden plants, including aquatic plants;

RESPONSE


5.13 VEGETATION AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT

5.13.1 General Existing Management Measures

In general, habitat and vegetation is managed by varying authorities depending on the

location of the habitat or vegetation, under provisions of the following main legal

instruments:

Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1978 (EP&A Act)

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act)

Native Vegetation Act 1997 (NCV Act)

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

(EPBC Act)

SEPP 44 – Koala Habitat Protection

SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforest

SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands

SEPP 71 – Coastal Zone

National Parks and Wildlife Service Act 1974 (NPWS Act)

Kempsey Shire Tree Preservation Order (2002)

Depending on the area of land, ownership and/or relevant development or other

proposal (if applicable), local (i.e. Council) or State Government Agencies (e.g.

DECCW) may have jurisdiction for administration of provisions under these

instruments to ensure effective management of vegetation. Specific applications of

these instruments are detailed in subsequent sections.

5.13.2 National Parks, Nature Reserves, State Recreation Areas and

other reserves

The DECCW reserve system in the Kempsey Shire includes a number of historic sites,

nature reserves, national parks, and state conservation areas, as shown in Table 16

below.

Table 15 - Reserves in the Kempsey Shire

Name Type Area (Ha)

Clybucca Historic Site Historic Site 482.06

Historic Site Total 482.06

Arakoon National Park National Park 146.00

Carrai National Park National Park 3451.98

Cunnawarra National Park National Park 1.47

Goolawah National Park National Park 546.00


Kempsey Shire


Name Type Area (Ha)

Gumbaynggirr National Park National Park 0.11

Hat Head National Park National Park 7391.34

Kumbatine National Park National Park 6707.34

Limeburners Creek National Park National Park 2831.00

Maria National Park National Park 2331.79

New England National Park National Park 34433.06

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park National Park 33.38

Werrikimbe National Park National Park 22.06

Willi Willi National Park National Park 21036.14

Yarrahapinni Wetlands National Park National Park 732.01

Yarriabini National Park National Park 713.00

National Park Total 80376.68

Boonanghi Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 4546.44

Fifes Knob Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 545.88

Fishermans Bend Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 200.00

Gads Sugarloaf Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 477.45

Jobs Mountain Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 50.47

Ngambaa Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 628.23

Pee Dee Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 435.54

Skillion Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 677.70

The Castles Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 2658.89

Willi Willi Caves Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 8.08

Yarravel Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 310.43

Yessabah Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 16.16

Nature Reserve Total 10612.25

Boonanghi State Conservation Area State Conservation Area 1242.46

Carrai State Conservation Area

State Conservation

Area 2460.03

Fishermans Bend State Conservation Area

State Conservation

Area 38.71

Kumbatine State Conservation Area

State Conservation

Area 5.82

Yarriabini State Conservation Area State Conservation Area 9.08

State Conservation Area Total 3756.10

Council reserves also occupy a small area of the region. These reserves are primarily

for recreational purposes.

Indicator - Effectiveness of Formal Reserve System (in accordance with its

comprehensiveness, adequacy and representativeness within the region).


This indicator aims to show both the type and area of habitat conserved within the

reserve system. In Australia this is identified as the main areas implementing

biodiversity conservation. In order to effectively conserve biodiversity the reserve

system must display characteristics of comprehensiveness, adequacy and

representativeness.


Kempsey Shire



A total of 21 ha of additional land was gazetted as part of the Goolawah National Park

and Yarriabini National Park in 2010/11. Other changes to parks and reserves during

2010/11 include Arakoon State Conservation Area and Limeburners Creek National

park being changed to National Parks.

The additional land gazetted as part of the Goolawah and Yarriabini National Parks with

further intentions to increase the area of this National Park, represents an increase in

the area of National Parks within the Shire, providing extra protection for biodiversity

within the Shire.

5.13.3 Koala Habitat Mapping and Management

The Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CKPoM) for the eastern portion of the

Kempsey Shire LGA, was finalised and formally endorsed by Council in January 2011.

Final approval of the plan was given by the Director General of the NSW Department of

Planning on 25 March 2011. Council commenced the implementation of the CKPoM on

24 May 2011. Any development proposals submitted to Council (after 24 May 2011

and situated within the koala habitat map), that require the removal of native

vegetation will require consultation of the CKPoM to determine which provisions of the

plan are applicable to the development. Council will update the koala habitat map as

any new areas of core koala habitat are identified during assessments carried out in

accordance with the CKPoM. Council plans to begin implementing the management

provisions of the CKPoM during 2011/2012.

5.14 ASSESSMENTS AND RESTORATION ORDERS

5.14.1 Threatened Species Assessments

For any development proposal that falls under the provisions of the EP&A Act, Council

routinely requests flora and fauna impact assessments for threatened species listed

under the TSC Act and EPBC Act, and for consideration of Matters of National

Environmental Significance (which predominantly relates to migratory species listed

under international agreements).

5.14.2 Clean Up Notices

There were two Clean-up Notices issued under Section 91 of Protection of the

Environment Operations (POE) Act 1997 during the reporting period. Both clean up

notices were in respect to the clean up of asbestos associated with fire damaged

buildings.

5.15 EXOTIC ANIMAL CONTROL

5.15.1 Vertebrate Pests

Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) have a vertebrate pest

management plan for each declared pest species and a Kempsey Wild Dog

Management Plan for the strategic coordinated control of wild dogs for stakeholders

who manage private land, along with National Parks and State Forests within the

Kempsey Shire LGA. Annual aerial baiting, ground baiting and trapping programs are

also coordinated by Mid Coast LHPA to control wild dogs on crown land and adjoining

private properties. Increased requests for assistance to prevent livestock losses and

attacks on domestic pets by wild dogs have required continued work from rural



Kempsey Shire


residents and stakeholder participants of the Kempsey Wild Dog Management Plan

throughout 2010/2011. Landholders in all areas of the Kempsey Shire continue to

reiterate to the LHPA that wild dog control must remain a key priority of the LHPA‟s

activities.

Coordinated strategic control programs have been undertaken during 2011 by local

wild dog control associations, public land managers and the LHPA to reduce stock

losses and suppress wild dog numbers. Complaints regarding the lack of control placed

on domestic dogs by owners in both rural and urban areas are a continuing problem in

most areas.

A significant increase in rabbit numbers has been reported throughout the year as

ideal seasonal condition has increased their ability to reproduce. Favourable seasonal

conditions have seen a corresponding increase in reports of the virus myxomatosis

with infestations of rabbits in many areas reduced.

Reports of fox predation on both native fauna and poultry remain very high in most

peri urban areas were control options are limited due to the restrictions placed on the

use of pesticides.

Other nuisance animals including feral cats and myna birds are reported and request

for assistance to control are redirected to other agencies such as CMA and FAWNA.

Reports of feral deer sightings and subsequent damage reports continue to escalate

each year with requests for assistance referred to the Game Council for further action;

the LHPA has no access to control figures relating to feral deer control in the Kempsey

Shire area.

5.15.2 Companion Animals

On 16 January 2007 Council resolved to develop a Companion Animal Management

Plan and to form a Community Consultative Committee.

A Companion Animal Management Plan was adopted by Council on 15 September

2007. The plan identified ten key issues that the consultative Committee was to action.

During the 2009/10 reporting period the committee met on three occasions. The

meeting focused on:

1. Microchipping;

2. Standard Pound operating procedures;

Companion animal issues were promoted through local media outlets, focusing on

barking dogs and microchipping.

5.16 WEED MANAGEMENT

5.16.1 Council’s Operational Works and Control Programs

This past financial year has been one of change for Weed Management in the Kempsey

Shire. Working along with Mid North Coast Weeds Coordinating Committee

Inc.(MNCWCC) and the constituent member Council‟s innovative approach, produced

the highly thought of Strategic Invasive Weeds Plan 2010-2015.

The NSW Weeds Action Program is a NSW Government initiative under the “NSW

Invasive Species Plan” to reduce the impact of weeds.

This program plans to: identify and manage high risk weed species and entry

pathways; develop and implement early weed detection capabilities, assisting in the

timely detection of new weed incursions; affect a quick response to eradicate or


Kempsey Shire


contain new weeds, identify and prioritise weed management programs to where the

benefits are greatest; provide effective and targeted on-ground weed control; increase

community acceptance of and the involvement in effective weed management;

integrate weed management into educational programs; improve the knowledge base

for weed management; monitor progress of the NSW Invasive Species Plan’s

implementation; and encourage the use of cost-sharing arrangements.

A result of this has been the building of several guides and documents. Council now

has a high risk pathways and species list showing the main weeds that will be a

priority within the Shire plus weeds already listed as Noxious.

The most significant event in the past year was the identification of Tropical Soda

Apple (Solanum viarum) (TSA) in the Upper Macleay. The first inspection was 16

August 2010 where Council‟s Weeds Officer, Officers from DPI, MNCWCC, New England

Weeds Authority (NEWA) and Upper Macleay farmers met at a site in Armidale-

Dumaresq known as Lagoon Creek. Farmers in the Kempsey Shire section of the Upper

Macleay said they had this plant on their land as well.

Samples of TSA were sent off to Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens for correct

identification with report coming back to Council saying it was infact Tropical Soda

Apple.

A management plan was put together for this new incursion and funding received

(managed by NEWA) of $30,000 from I&I for control works to take place immediately

and then a further $15,000 from Northern Rivers CMA (managed by MNCWCC).

TSA is spread by cattle, pigs, deer, birds and other animals eating the fruit and also by

water where it is growing along rivers and creeks.

In June 2011 the Macleay Valley experienced a major flood so the future will determine

how this weed will spread or if it has spread into the lower Macleay.

Council has been controlling high risk species and noxious weeds on Council‟s

roadsides and reserves. These include priority noxious weeds such as water weeds

Salvinia and Water Hyacinth, Groundsel Bush, Giant Parramatta Grass, Red Lantana,

Bitou Bush, Mother Of Millions and Bird Lolly Weeds.

All priority weeds are a threat to the Macleay/Kempsey Shire, its parks, roadsides,

reserves and natural bushland areas. Council takes an active approach to control

priority weeds on its high risk pathways.

Belmore River had a minor infestation of Salvinia in its upper catchment, this outbreak

was treated successfully and monitoring will continue for any further occurrences.

Bitou Bush has continually being controlled in coastal reserves and now with

maintenance level controls being undertaken in the north at Middle Head and Grassy

Head and now moving more south to Stuarts Point Beach to control heavy infestations

along the dune system. Control for Bitou has taken place on Council reserves at Hat

Head with the cooperation of National Parks to ensure the programs are completed in a

coordinated approach. Council has been undertaking work funded by NRCMA for a

Bitou TAP project at Crescent Head‟s Big Nobby where reducing and eradicating Bitou

is to allow for the regeneration and growth of native threatened species.

Giant Parramatta Grass control throughout the Shire continued throughout the year.

Spraying programs took place in rural areas, Kempsey and all villages including high

risk pathways at Frederickton, Gladstone, Smithtown, South West Rocks, Hat Head,

Crescent Head, Grassy Head, and Stuarts Point.


Kempsey Shire


Council held several field days in the Shire for weed education. These events have had

a positive outcome for all involved with information coming back from the community

as well as the attendees. Participants have taken excellent knowledge away with them

to make things better for themselves, their properties and the community.

Council‟s Weeds Officer has continued with annual private property inspections,

inspecting for noxious weed infestations and liaising with landholders for the control of

noxious weeds. These inspections are conducted for both new occurrences and existing

infestations in order to prevent their spread.

5.16.2 Legal Notices

Section 18 Notices Nil

Section 20 Notices Nil

Prosecutions Nil

Penalty Notices issued Nil

There have been no notices served onto landholders in the Shire however the Weeds

Officer is working closely with landholders with infestations of Noxious Weeds to

implement and carry out weed programs, education and options of controlling noxious

weeds within the requirements of the Act. With a positive approach to weed control on

private property and the willingness for Council and landholders to work together to

achieve similar goals, landholders embrace the requirements to control noxious weeds

on property.

5.17 BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT

The Kempsey Rural Fire Service has continued to supply a service to the community

and Kempsey Shire Council in line with the Service Level Agreement; this was

achieved by participating in fire suppression and mitigation, community engagement

and public advice in relation to hazard reduction and development applications.

The community engagement team completed 17 activities across Kempsey Shire

throughout the year. Brigades took part in the state-wide open day, conducted street

walks and held various static displays encouraging fire safety awareness. Members of

the community engagement team also attended conferences and training both locally

and regionally to increase their skills and knowledge in the field of community

education.

In the 2010/2011 year staff received and actioned 14 hazard complaints across the

Kempsey Shire and received and gave advice or bushfire safety authority to 53

development applications. Staff also issued 33 Hazard Reduction Certificates under the

Bushfire Environmental Assessment Code and completed two Review of Environmental

Factors.

Volunteer Rural Fire Service brigades assisted with a total of six hazard reduction

burns encompassing an area of approximately 65 ha and volunteers issued 440

permits during last years bushfire danger period. Overall the agencies compiling the

Lower North Coast Bushfire Management Committee conducted approximately 1,804

hectares of hazard reduction burning across all tenures within Kempsey and Nambucca

Shires.

Local brigades attended 310 incidents across the Kempsey Shire from 01/07/2010 to

30/06/2011. Within those 310 incidents local brigades attended 59 Motor Vehicle


Kempsey Shire


Accidents/car fires, four Hazmat‟s, 16 False Alarms, three Transformer fires, two Gas

explosions and eight Structural Fires.

Training was carried out for brigades as per the training program with all targets being

met. Problems are being encountered with a decline in the number of instructors and

assessors at a local level.

Without the dedication of the volunteers and the assistance given by Kempsey Shire

Council to provide plant and equipment as required, the 2010/2011 season would have

been significantly worse.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS


5.18 KEMPSEY SHIRE COMPREHENSIVE KOALA PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

Implementation of the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management for the eastern

portion of the Kempsey Shire will continue during the upcoming 2011/12 reporting

period. There are numerous advantages of having a comprehensive plan in place, as

opposed to relying on individual SEPP 44 assessments lodged on an ad hoc basis as

the need arises with development applications. The advantages exist for both koala

conservation and management as well as better informed strategic land use planning

and development decisions.

5.19 EAST KEMPSEY ISLAND LOWLAND RAINFOREST REGENERATION

PROJECT

In July 2009 Macleay Landcare Network received grant funding

from the NSW Environmental Trust to undertake a regeneration

project on East Kempsey Island, located adjacent to the

eastern bank of the Macleay River, north of the Kempsey Traffic

Bridge. The Project aims to:

To improve broad NRM values of biodiversity, water quality,

native vegetation and soil condition.

To establish a site replicating original conditions of

subtropical lowland floodplain rainforest and demonstrating current best practice in

regeneration.

To increase community natural resources activity in Kempsey by providing a

suitably accessible public land project close to town and engaging sustainable

community effort over a long term.

The project is currently in the third and final year of funding.

5.20 IMPLEMENTATION OF REVIEWED COMPANION ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

PLAN

Council at its ordinary meeting of 13 July 2010 resolved to reduce the number of

ongoing committees in favour of a new community engagement arrangement and

focus groups.

Status of key areas identified in Companion Animal Management Plan as at 13 July

2010:

1. Off leash areas and signage – complete report submitted to Council with new

leash free areas determined and operational signage provided – ongoing.


Kempsey Shire


2. Dog Faeces Management – Committee developed pamphlets and information

was provided in Council‟s newsletter.

3. Feral Animal/Wild Dog Management – Not addressed.

4. Barking Dogs – New policy and work procedure developed by committee,

system is working well.

5. Funding and Grants – Not addressed.

6. Keeping of Domestic Animals other than Cats and Dogs – Not addressed.

7. Pound Procedures – Standard operating procedures developed by the

committee which is ongoing.

8. Problem Pet Owners – Not addressed.

9. Cat/Dog Registration/Microchipping – Developed new procedures, along with

photo system for dog identification on Internet – ongoing.

10. Dangerous Dogs and Restricted Breeds – Not addressed.

5.21 FUTURE WEED CONTROL PROGRAM

Ongoing weed control is a priority for Council and as such on-ground inspections,

targeted control programs and landholder and community education will continue

throughout 2011/12.

5.22 POTENTIAL FUTURE INDIAN MYNA BIRD CONTROL PROGRAM

Council partnered with Macleay Landcare Network and Hastings Landcare to submit a

joint funding application to the NSW Environmental Trust to develop a control program

for Indian Myna Birds in the Macleay and Hastings regions. The grant was successful

in securing funds for the program and a project officer has been employed as of July

2011 to run the program. The program will focus on monitoring the spread of birds,

and establishing local action groups in Indian Myna hot spots to trap and remove the

birds.

5.23 ONGOING BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT

Council will continue to work with the NSW Rural Fire Service in line with the Service

Level Agreement to ensure appropriate fire suppression and mitigation activities are

undertaken, along with providing appropriate public advice in relation to hazard

reduction and community education.

5.24 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION STRATEGY

A Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is needed to ensure sustainable development

occurs, which does not adversely impact or threaten remnant vegetation communities

and the biodiversity contained within them. Such a Strategy would aim to identify,

protect and enhance Kempsey Shire‟s native biodiversity through accessing reliable

funds to educate the community about biodiversity issues and values, and also protect,

restore and maintain ecosystems and ecological processes through the delivery of on-

ground works and planning controls. The Strategy would build upon the vegetation

mapping project and Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management. Council does not

currently have appropriate funding to develop such a Strategy, however it remains a

high priority and as such grant funding opportunities will be pursued.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 6: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

‘SNAPSHOT’


Population– The population of Kempsey Shire from the ABS 2006 raw statistic was 27,387 with the estimated population for 2006 being 28,474.

Population Distribution and Growth– The 2006 census information indicates that while there has been an increase in the total population of the Kempsey Shire there has been a decrease in population of South West Rocks.

Age Distribution – The 2006 census data reveals that 37.2% of the population (10,191 people) in the Kempsey Shire are aged between 25 – 54

years. Compared with 31.5% of the population of Kempsey Shire (8,624 people) being aged 55 and over.

Business Numbers - The Australian Business Register indicated there were an estimated 7,521 business entities operating in Kempsey Shire in May 2007.

Gross Regional Product- Gross Regional Product (GRP) for the Kempsey Shire showed it had increased by 3.3% to $784.1 million in 2005/06.

Income – The 2006 ABS Census data indicates that Kempsey Shire remains an area where median weekly incomes are considerably lower than those in the rest of Australia.

Unemployment – rates decreased from 8.4% in June 2008 to 7.8% in March 2010.

Population Growth and Development – The estimated population of Kempsey is estimated to reach approximately 29,080 residents by 2011.

Aging Population - The Kempsey Shire has an aging

population, which is consistent with other towns and cities on Mid North Coast, which have a much higher percentage of people older than 45 years compared to that of NSW as a whole.

Settlement patterns – Kempsey is the largest urban centre, followed by South West Rocks, while a significant number of people reside in the central rural area of the Shire.

Kempsey Shire ESD Strategy - overarching, broad-scale sustainability plan with the main purpose of setting the framework for the long-term coordinated approach to effective environmental, social and economic management within the Shire.

Planning Controls – LEP 2008 to supersede LEP 1987.

New planning controls & projects:

Various amendments to the Kempsey LEP

LEP Amendment No.99

LEP Amendment No.102

Local Growth Management Strategy (Review of Kempsey Residential Land Release Strategy)

2030 Vision

Pacific Highway Bypass Strategy

Comprehensive LEP in accordance with the STD Instrument Order

Kempsey Flood and Floodplain Management Study

Future Planning Projects –

Local Growth Management Strategy (Review of Kempsey Residential Land Release

Strategy)

2030 Vision


Comprehensive LEP in accordance with the STD Instrument Order

Kempsey Flood and Floodplain Management Study

See Chapter 2 for more details

Roads –

Local & Regional Roads - Council has the care and control of Dedicated Public Roads consisting of the following road categories:

Local Rural Sealed

Local & Regional Roads - The total lifecycle cost of the existing road network is extensive.

Pacific Highway - Currently traversing through the main CBD area

Roads Asset Management Plan - Council plans to manage the road network by ensuring the road network is maintained at a functional standard or desired level of service.

Asset Management Plans -

Further work has been undertaken to assess the value of work needed to maintain assets to a level that meets community expectations and the result of


Kempsey Shire


Roads Local Rural Unsealed

Roads Local Urban Sealed

Roads Regional Sealed Roads Regional Unsealed

Roads

Pacific Highway Bypass – Construction underway.

of Kempsey, the Pacific Highway adds considerably to the traffic flow and congestion problems experienced in Kempsey and Frederickton, particularly during holiday periods.

Rural Roads Contribution Plan – Became effective January 2010.

Pacific Highway Bypass Strategy – adopted May 2011.

this work has lead to the proposal for a general rate increase as outlined above.

Bypass Strategy

Currently in the implementation stage.

Water – Annual water consumption during 2010/2011 is estimated to be approx. 3025 Mega Litres (ML) compared to 3234 ML for 2009/2010.

Drinking Water Quality - The heavy rainfall events and flooding during 2009 and 2011 has impacted on raw water quality. A new Public Health Act is due to commence in 2012.

Drinking Water Quality – A continued focus on raw water source management in all seven water supplies is improving treatment efficiencies with variable raw water quality, post the 2009 floods.

Steuart McIntyre Dam - Better management of the bypass system Steuart McIntyre Dam is now possible with the improved knowledge of and ability to monitor the source water. The nutrient monitoring regime established for the Sherwood borefield was successfully used in the summer months to limit algal growth (predominantly blue-green) within the dam. Gene identification of frequently occurring algae in the Dam is helping manage the taste and odour by-products.

Water sharing plans – WSP for the coastal aquifers and river systems are due to commence in the latter portion of 2011.

Aquifer investigations - The Macleay Coastal Sands aquifer is now the subject of an intense 3 year investigation to determine how this aquifer functions, its recharge mechanisms, the capacity of its storage and the impacts of withdrawals from the storage. This project will conclude by the end of 2011.

Crescent Head - Inline pre-filtering and storage has been scoped and budgeted to replace the hypalon storage Dam at Crescent Head. Temporary trials of the storage system commenced in 2011 and will continue until 2012.

Kempsey - Better management of the borefield land for the Kempsey scheme is being designed to enable the improved protection of the bores in Sherwood.

Sewerage - The treatment of wastewater streams (sewage) is highly regulated and a priority concern for Kempsey Shire Council given the significant environmental implications of poorly functioning sewerage systems.

Sewage Treatment - Sewage Treatment Plants (STP‟s) within the Shire are experiencing an increased loading, which in turn has operational life impacts on this infrastructure. Presently, predominately volumetric increases, not biological or chemical, are being experienced along with cumulative impacts upon the delivery systems to the Sewage Treatment Plants.

Wastewater & Water Reuse Projects - Currently reclaimed water is essentially confined to use on golf courses (e.g. Frederickton & Kempsey) whilst areas of South West Rocks will be supplied with recycled water in 2011/2012.

Sherwood Road Wastewater Treatment Project - It is expected that when expanded to its final capacity in 2012, the scheme will provide a model for other

situations where insufficient land is available for existing on-site septic systems.

Hat Head - Council has adopted plans to increase the Treatment Plant‟s capacity and the detailed design is underway.

South Kempsey – industrial area expansion has been scoped to produce concept designs for sewerage scheme expansion and STP augmentation.

Waste – Total material to landfill for the 2010/11 reporting period was 16,472

Population Growth – increasing population has the potential to increase the

‘Waste into Art’ Program – continued during 10/11.

Kerbside Recycling – further education programs.


Kempsey Shire


tonnes, representing an overall decreasing trend since 2005.

output of wastes.

Flood Events – one moderate event occurred during the reporting period.

Recycling Activities - Council operates kerbside waste collection service with the addition of green waste collection.

Asset Management Plans - 2011-2015 Infrastructure Delivery Program adopted.

Further Waste Minimisation Planning – divert larger amount of building and construction waste. The „Waste into Art‟ Program will again be run during the 2011/12 reporting period.


Kempsey Shire


6.1 INTRODUCTION

Human settlements are where we live. Cities, country towns and remote rural

settlements all form our human environment. The impact that human society has on

the environment relates to its size, production and consumption, resource use,

technology used to supply goods and services and our effectiveness in preventing or

repairing environmental degradation.

In moving toward sustainability in the Kempsey Shire it is important to consider the

interrelationships with the natural environment in the decision making processes. To

assess the impact that human settlements have on the environment, the following

topics will be addressed: population and urban form, water and energy consumption,

waste and transport use.

STATE


6.2 POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS

The population of Kempsey Shire from the ABS 2006 raw statistic was 27,387 with the

estimated resident population for 2006 being 28,474. Estimates of the resident

population are based on census counts by place of usual residence (excluding overseas

visitors in Australia), with an allowance for net census undercount, to which are added

the number of Australian residents estimated to have been temporarily overseas at the

time of the census.

6.2.1 Population Growth

Indicator – Population Growth

Why use this Indicator?

Population growth, including population distribution and migration, combine with high-

consumption patterns to put stresses on the environment, through increased demand

for land resources and the need to increase infrastructure requirements to support new

and growing human settlements.


The population of Kempsey Shire has increased from 26,889 in 2001 to 27,387 in 2006

(raw ABS statistics), representing a 1.8% increase in population. The estimated

population of Kempsey is estimated to reach approximately 29,080 residents by 2011

(TPDC 2005).

6.2.2 Population Distribution

Changes in population distribution over the Shire have significant implications for the

provision of services (e.g. transport, water and sewerage).

The 2001 Census information indicated that the majority of the population within the

Shire reside in the township of Kempsey (7,984 or 30%) and the coastal township of

South West Rocks (4,359 or 6%). The central rural region, encompassing the large

hinterland areas to the north and south of Kempsey, also represents a large proportion

of the population accounting for 25% (6,788). Updated data on population distribution



Kempsey Shire


within the Shire will be known once the population projection study has been

completed.

The 2006 Census information indicates that while there has been an increase in the

total population of the Kempsey Shire there has been a decrease in population of

South West Rocks. The 2006 raw statistics indicated that South West Rocks now has a

population of 3,898.

6.2.3 Age Distribution

The Kempsey Shire has an aging population, which is consistent with other towns and

cities on the Mid North Coast, which have a much higher percentage of people older

than 45 years compared to that of NSW as a whole. The reasons for this trend

includes an influx of retirees, an aging population associated with the baby boomers,

lower birth rates and a higher percentage of younger people moving out of the Shire to

major centres such as Sydney and other large urban areas for education and work.

The 2006 Census data reveals that 37.2% of the population (10,191 people) in the

Kempsey Shire are aged between 25 – 54 years, compared with 31.5% of the

population of Kempsey Shire (8,624 people) being aged 55 and over.

6.2.4 Local Economy

Business Numbers

The most recent Australian Business Register indicated there were an estimated 7,521

business entities (i.e. actively registered for an Australian Business Number or ABN)

operating in Kempsey Shire in May 2007, representing an annual increase of 9.0%

from the number recorded in May 2006.

The number of business entities with ABNs currently registered for GST was 3,483, an

annual increase of 6.7%.

Gross Regional Product

Recently compiled data on the Gross Regional Product (GRP) for the Kempsey Shire

showed it had increased by 3.3% to $784.1 million in 2005/06. Kempsey Shire

contributed 8.7% and 0.2%, respectively, to the gross regional / state products of the

Mid-North Coast region ($9.0 billion) and New South Wales ($319.5 billion) in

2005/06.

With regard to industry, the largest contribution was made by the Manufacturing

industry, with approximately $92.3 million, or 11.8% of the total GRP for Kempsey

Shire. The Retail Trade (8.6%), Health & Community Services (8.5%) and Property &

Business Services (7.5%) sectors were the next highest contributors to the GRP of

Kempsey Shire.

Tourism

The room occupancy rate for all hotels, motels and serviced apartments with 15 or

more rooms in Kempsey Shire was 40.5% in the December Quarter 2006, an increase

of 1.3 percentage points from the occupancy rate recorded in the December Quarter

2005 (39.2%). By comparison, the unit occupancy rate for holiday flats, units and

houses in Kempsey Shire experienced an annual decrease of 10.1 percentage points to

36.4% in the December Quarter 2006, whilst the site occupancy rate for caravan parks

fell by 5.9 percentage points to 34.3%.

The average length of stay in Kempsey Shire in the December Quarter 2006 was 1.3

nights in hotels, motels and serviced apartments and 6.8 nights in holiday flats, units

and houses. The average length of stay in the North Coast Tourism Region were 1.9

nights hotels, motels and serviced apartments and 4.2 nights in holiday flats, units and

houses.


Kempsey Shire


There was an annual decrease of 13.5% in total takings from accommodation in

Kempsey Shire in the December Quarter 2006 ($3.8 million) from the level recorded in

the December Quarter 2005 ($4.4 million).

For further information on economic figures for the Kempsey Shire and Macleay Valley

Coast please refer to the Kempsey and Macleay Valley Economic Brief, which can be

accessed from Council‟s website at

http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/pdfs07/economicbrief_july07.pdf.

6.2.5 Income

The 2006 ABS Census data indicates that the median weekly income for individuals in

Kempsey Shire is $319, compared with $466 as the median in Australia. The median

weekly household income was $614 in Kempsey Shire compared with $1,027 for

Australia. The median weekly family income was $737 compared with $1,171 in

Australia.

Overall these figures indicate that Kempsey Shire remains an area where median

weekly incomes are considerably lower than those in the rest of Australia.

6.2.6 Employment

At the end of the December 2006 quarter the number of persons employed in the

Kempsey Shire totalled 10,747, which coincided with a 2.9% increase in the size of the

labour force over the same period. No updated data on employment rates was

available in time for the preparation of this report. However unemployment figures are

presented below.

6.2.7 Unemployment Rates

The following figure illustrates unemployment rates for Kempsey and neighbouring

LGAs and “like type” river towns for comparison. Data up to and including the March

quarter 2010 indicates Kempsey‟s unemployment rates have decreased during the

reporting period from 8.4% in June 2008 to 7.8% in March 2010.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Dec-9

8S

ep

-99

Dec-9

9S

ep

-00

Dec-0

0S

ep

-01

Dec-0

1S

ep

-02

Dec-0

2S

ep

-03

Dec-0

3M

ar-

04

Jun-0

4S

ep

-04

Dec-0

4M

ar-

05

Jun-0

5S

ep

-05

Dec-0

5M

ar-

06

Jun-0

6S

ep

-06

Dec-0

6M

ar-

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Jun-0

7Jun-0

7S

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Dec-0

7M

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Jun-0

8Jun-0

8S

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-08

Dec-0

8M

ar-

10

Un

rmp

loym

en

t R

ate

(%

)

Time (months)

Kempsey

Hastings

Grafton

Greater Taree

Nambucca Heads

Source: Dept. of Employment & Workplace Relations 2011

Figure 15 – Local and Regional Unemployment Rates

http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/pdfs07/economicbrief_july07.pdf


Kempsey Shire


6.3 ROADS

6.3.1 Local & Regional Roads

Kempsey Shire Council provides a road network in partnership with the local

community and the NSW State Government through the Roads and Traffic Authority

(RTA). Council has the care and control of Dedicated Public Roads consisting of the

following road categories:

Local Rural Sealed Roads;

Local Rural Unsealed Roads;

Local Urban Sealed Roads;

Regional Sealed Roads; and

Regional Unsealed Roads.

6.3.2 Pacific Highway Bypass

The final preferred route, comprising a bypass to the east of Kempsey and

Frederickton, was announced in July 2004. In July 2006 a project application was

submitted to the Department of Planning seeking the Director General's requirements

for the environmental assessment of the project under Part 3A of the Environmental

Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The environmental assessment was completed

and publicly exhibited during the early part of 2007/08. The Environmental

Assessment provides a description of the proposed upgrade, the changes to the

existing environment likely to result from the construction and operation of the

upgrade, and how the RTA proposes to mitigate or manage any residual impacts

associated with these changes.

The Kempsey Bypass will be 14.5 km long and involves building a four-lane divided

highway which bypasses Kempsey and Frederickton. It is the first stage of the

approved Kempsey to Eungai upgrade project, which comprises the construction of

about 40 km of four-lane divided highway south of Kempsey to north of Eungai Rail.

Towards the end of the 2008/09 reporting period, the Federal Government announced

that it would provide $618 million for the construction of the Kempsey Bypass. Main

construction commenced in June 2010 and it is expected that the project will be open

to traffic by mid 2013.


Kempsey Shire


Figure 16 - Pacific Highway Bypass of Kempsey

When completed the bypass will remove significant volumes of traffic from the above-

mentioned urban areas, though will also encourage an increase in the volume of traffic

passing through the Shire.

6.4 WATER & SEWAGE

The centralised urban water supply and wastewater systems throughout the Kempsey

Shire are the responsibility of Macleay Water. Macleay Water is a separate business

unit of Kempsey Shire Council.

6.4.1 Water Consumption

Indicator – Water Consumption in the Kempsey Shire


The extraction of water for human consumption and industry puts pressure on surface

and groundwater resources. Water supply for human use is highly regulated and a

priority function of Kempsey Shire Council. Figure 17 shows Kempsey Shire water

consumption data for the past ten years.


Kempsey Shire


Total Water Consumption

2500

2600

2700

2800

2900

3000

3100

3200

3300

3400

01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11

Financial Year

Tota

l Co

nsu

mp

tio

n (

ML)

Consumption (ML)

Note: The data displayed in this figure has been adjusted to reflect correct town water consumption for the past 10 years and as such may conflict with data displayed in previous SoE Reports.

Figure 17 – Total Water Consumption


Annual water consumption during 2010/11 is estimated to be approximately 3,025

Mega Litres (ML) compared to 3,234 ML for 2009/10, being a decrease in water

consumption over the reporting period. Although a decrease, the consumption pattern

is still markedly above that for 2008/09 (2,790ML) as it includes water consumption

used for clearing streets of mud and silt post the June flood.

Known consumption patterns continue to be monitored, including the sinusoidal

seasonal variations (9-13Ml winter/summer) and the higher weekend consumptions.

6.4.2 Sewage Treatment

The treatment of wastewater streams (sewage) is highly regulated and a priority

concern for Kempsey Shire Council given the significant environmental implications of

poorly functioning sewerage systems.

Sewage Treatment Plants within the Shire are experiencing increased loadings, which

in turn has operational life impacts on this infrastructure. Presently, predominately

volumetric increases, not biological or chemical, are being experienced along with

cumulative impacts upon the delivery systems to the Sewage Treatment Plants. In this

regard, South West Rocks treatment capacity has been doubled and the design for

capacity upgrades at West Kempsey and South Kempsey STP‟s is underway.

Additionally, EPA‟s effluent quality requirements have been indicated as likely to

increase upon this year‟s review of many Council sewerage scheme licences. Scoping

work for such treatment upgrades will shortly commence for South Kempsey,



Kempsey Shire


concurrent with other investigation work. Scoping work for other STP‟s such as

Frederickton and Gladstone will follow in subsequent years.

6.5 WASTE

6.5.1 Solid Waste

Solid waste also called Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a waste type that includes

predominantly household waste (domestic waste) with sometimes the addition of

commercial wastes, usually collected by local government authority within a given

area.

Indicator –Waste to Landfill


Australia is the second highest producer of waste per capita in the world (second only

to the USA) with most landfill sites filling at an unprecedented rate. As a result, more

and more space is required to dispose of our waste safely. The volume of waste going

to landfill (excluding green waste and recyclables) for the past nine financial years in

the Kempsey Shire is shown in Figure 18 below.

02000400060008000

10000120001400016000180002000022000

2002

/200

3

2003

/200

4

2004

/200

5

2005

/200

6

2006

/200

7

2007

/200

8

2008

/09

2009

/10

2010

/11

Financial Year

Wa

ste

to

La

nd

fill

(T

on

ne

s)

Figure 18 – Volume of Waste to Landfill


Total material to landfill for the 2010/11 reporting period was 16,472 tonnes (17,208

tonnes in 2009/10). Continued education and promotion of kerbside recycling has

contributed to a slight decrease in total waste to landfill over the last 12 months.

6.5.2 Recycling

A kerbside recycling service was introduced across the Kempsey Shire in October

2006. The service has proven to be beneficial to the Shire and has resulted in

significant tonnages being collected and redirected away from the landfill site. In

2010/11, 8,071 tonnes was diverted from landfill.



Kempsey Shire


Further initiatives are being implemented to increase the diversion rate including

diversion of kitchen waste to organics recycling. Kempsey Shire is working with the

Midwaste Regional Waste Forum to identify and implement other methods to increase

the diversion rate. Recycling of mattresses, plastic hay wrapping and plasterboard are

being trialled in other Midwaste Forum LGA‟s for possible adoption.

6.6 STORMWATER

Stormwater collection, pollution and Management Plans are discussed in detail in

Chapter 3 – Water.

PRESSURES


6.7 POPULATION GROWTH

Population growth places increased pressure on essential services of water supply,

wastewater treatment and waste disposal and/or reuse. It also places pressure on

land resources as is discussed in Section 2.0 – Land, through the need for new

residential subdivisions, industrial land and extractive resources for roads and

construction.

6.8 DEMOGRAPHICS

As outlined earlier in this chapter the Kempsey Shire has an aging population.

Thorough planning is required to ensure adequate age-care services can be provided,

while still allowing for the needs of the broader community to be met, without

compromising environmental health.

6.9 SETTLEMENT PATTERNS

The Shire‟s settlement pattern has largely been determined by historical land uses and

industries, such as, fishing, agriculture and logging in isolated coastal and river towns

and villages. More recently the expanding construction and development industries

have seen consolidation and expansion of some of the larger urban areas, particularly

along the coast. This has resulted in a settlement pattern that ranges from isolated

homesteads and historical rural and riverside villages, to growing coastal towns and

the expanding regional centre of Kempsey. The nature of this settlement pattern has

resulted in relatively independent local communities, located considerable distances

from one another. Although these independent and somewhat isolated communities

have contributed to the Shire‟s diverse culture and heritage, it has placed a

considerable strain on providing and maintaining essential social infrastructure

services, such as roads, reticulated water and sewerage, educational facilities and

buildings of shared interest.

6.10 ROADS

6.10.1 Local & Regional Roads

Council has a duty of care to the community to ensure that the investment in its road

network is managed in the most efficient and cost effective way, from concept

planning to disposal. The lifecycle cost of a road includes the total cost of planning,

design, construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and disposal.

Council‟s unsealed road network has been significantly improved in areas that were

damaged by the flood events in 2009/10. However, continuing investigations indicate

that the condition of the sealed road network is still deteriorating due to inadequate

funding. Council has proposed a General Rate increase to address this issue but the

proposal has not yet been adopted.


Kempsey Shire


6.10.2 Pacific Highway

Currently traversing through the main CBD area of Kempsey, the Pacific Highway adds

considerably to the traffic flow and congestion problems experienced in Kempsey and

Frederickton, particularly during holiday periods. Once constructed, the above

mentioned planned bypass may alleviate some traffic congestion issues in the short

term, but traffic studies reveal that the two lane bridge crossing of the Macleay River

on the Pacific Highway and various intersections with local and regional roads will

remain saturated in the medium to long term.

The construction of a Pacific Highway bypass will see a reduction in passing-through

traffic, which may have separate ramifications for local businesses.

6.11 WATER ACCESSIBILITY

Water supply for the Kempsey Shire is mostly sourced from groundwater. The

Sherwood Borefield, located on a high level terrace of the alluvial flat of the Macleay

River supplies water to the Kempsey District Water Supply Scheme which serves the

towns of Kempsey, Frederickton, Gladstone, Smithtown, the Clybucca region and also

a number of rural properties between Sherwood and South West Rocks. Borefields

within the Macleay Coastal Sands supply water for the coastal towns of Crescent Head,

Hat Head, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point. The towns of Bellbrook and

Willawarrin are sourced from the Macleay Alluvium.

6.12 DRINKING WATER QUALITY

Drinking water quality has been challenged in recent years, going from drought

impacts including algal blooms and careful capacity management to the more recent

2009 and then 2011 floods that compromised raw water quality.

A new Public Health Act is due to commence in 2012 and will place additional quality

requirements upon Council.

Additionally, water sharing plans for the coastal aquifers and river systems are due to

commence in the latter portion of 2011. These water sharing plans are likely to review

Council‟s access to its current water sources, in terms of volume and environmental

impacts.

Council‟s testing protocols, including monitoring of the source water quality ensured

the potable water quality as a whole has been good throughout the Shire within the

reporting period.

RESPONSE


6.13 ESD STRATEGY

The Kempsey Shire Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) Strategy, as discussed

in Chapter 1.0 – Towards Sustainability, is a broad-scale sustainability plan designed

to facilitate sustainable development within the Shire. The Strategy was developed by

Council in close consultation with a community based steering committee. It provides

a vision for a sustainable future and key goals to work towards, based on community

values identified by the steering committee and confirmed by a comprehensive

community consultation process. Focused on triple bottom line principles, the Strategy

has been designed to serve as an educational resource and reference point for the

development of other plans and policies to ensure Council is working with the

community towards a sustainable future.


Kempsey Shire


The Strategy was finalised in July 2007, with a number of high priority actions which

have been implemented over the past four years. During early 2011 Council developed

a Delivery Program (2011-2015) and Operational Plan (2011-2012) which incorporated

the priority actions of the ESD Strategy which are to be implemented. The Delivery

Program and Operational Plan began implementation in July 2011.

6.14 NEW PLANNING CONTROLS

Planning controls are and will in future be revised and created to ensure the

sustainability of human settlements within the Kempsey Shire. New planning controls

developed and adopted by Council during the reporting period are shown in Table 16.

Table 16 – New Planning Controls

Policy/Plan Aims/Objectives Progress

LEP Amendment No 59 LEP amendment to rezone land for residential purposes as an urban growth area.

LES Briefs were issued. Landowners currently considering options for

progressing the rezoning.

LEP Amendment No 106 and 108

LEP Amendments to enable the operation of crematoriums,

bush cemeteries, memorial gardens.

Both LEP Amendments have been made by the Minister. It

is likely that Development Applications will be lodged with Council in the near future.

LEP Amendment No 114 LEP Amendment for rezoning

of land in Kempsey, identified in the Residential Land Release Strategy for residential development.

A Planning Proposal has been

lodged with Council and a Gateway approval has been issued. The lot yield is expected to be around 15 lots.

LEP Amendment No 115 LEP Amendment to Rezone

land in South West Rocks to residential. It has been identified in older residential

land release strategies.


lodged with Council and a resolution to proceed has been made. Additional

information is being supplied.

LEP Amendment No 116 LEP Amendment to rezone

land for residential use in the Spencerville New Entrance area of South West Rocks.


received by Council and is being considered.

Heritage Development Control Plan (DCP)

Implementation of the Community Based Heritage Study undertaken in previous

years. Aims and objective of the DCP is to provide guidance and to encourage sympathetically designed development which will contribute to the conservation of the Shires heritage

resources.

The DCP is expected to be completed in 11/12.

Local Growth Management

Strategy (Review of Kempsey Rural Residential Land Release Strategy)

The aim is to review the

current Kempsey Shire Council Rural Residential Land Release Strategy in accordance with

the Department of Planning “Settlement Planning Guidelines” (August 2007).

The strategy is to be prepared

and completed in 11/12.


Kempsey Shire



A Bypass Strategy has been adopted by Council which details actions to mitigate

impacts and take advantage of opportunities created by the Bypass.

The Council has created a position within Council to implement the actions within

the plan. A number of DCP‟s will be created for various precincts along the Bypass corridor.

Comprehensive LEP in

accordance with the STD Instrument Order

The aim is to prepare a Shire

wide LEP amendment in accordance with the STD Instrument Order.

Completion date scheduled

for 2012.

Kempsey Floodplain Risk Management Plan

The aim is to compile updated flood information in order to support a review of Council‟s

Flood Risk Management Policy and to inform zonings in the STD LEP process.

Expected completion date 11/12

6.15 SHIRE PLANNING PROJECTS

(Discussed in section 2.12 Planning Controls and Projects)

6.16 ROADS

6.16.1 Roads Asset Management Plan

Council plans to manage the road network by ensuring the road network is maintained

at a functional standard or desired level of service.

The Roads Asset Management Plan (RAMP) was adopted by Council in February 2008.

Further work has been undertaken to assess the value of work needed to maintain

assets to a level that meets community expectations and the result of this work has

lead to the proposal for a General rate increase as outlined above.

6.16.2 Rural Roads Contribution Plan

Council's Rural Roads Contributions Plan has been superseded by the new Local Roads

and Traffic Infrastructure Developer Contribution Plan 2009. It became effective

from 12 January 2010 and applies to all Council Roads within the Shire Boundary,

other then at South West Rocks, which is covered by the South West Rocks Developer

Contribution Plan.

6.16.3 Pacific Highway Bypass

Construction of the Kempsey Bypass is currently underway. Council meets regularly

with the „Kempsey Bypass Alliance‟ to ensure Council‟s interests are considered during

the construction phase. An „in-house‟ Bypass Project Team has also been formed to

consider all effects of the Bypass once it is operational. This includes economic effects

and planning issues.

6.17 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Development of the Crescent Head Road Waste Management Centre is continuing. A

modified development plan is expected to be submitted to the Office of Environment

and Heritage (OEH) for approval in November 2011. The modified plan allows for the

disposal of waste to landfill for the next 10 years and incorporates improved leachate

control measures.


Kempsey Shire


Investigations to determine future strategies for development of the Waste Transfer

Stations at Bellbrook, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point are continuing.

6.17.1 Recycling Activities

In April 2009 Council implemented a new kerbside waste collection service. The service

allows better separation of recyclables and green waste at the source and helps

maximise resource recovery. Recyclables are sorted at the Cairncross Resource

Recovery Centre (operated by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council) and green waste is

processed to produce mulch which is sold to industry and the public. Contamination

rates of the kerbside recyclables and greenwaste collections have stabilised at

acceptable levels but education to continue the reduction of contamination is

continuing.

Council also undertook an audit of the residual domestic waste service bins to

determine the level of recyclables that are being placed in these bins which ultimately

goes to landfill. The information gathered from this audit will allow Council to target

education programs to further reduce the volume to landfill.

The „Waste into Art‟ program was again run in 2010 and this was again well supported

by schools in the Macleay Valley.

Council continues to facilitate other recycling education programs through schools.

Arrangements have been made for the Waste Watchers program provided by the Keep

Australia beautiful organisation to visit primary schools in the Kempsey Shire LGA on a

bi-annual basis.

Plate 16: Kerbside Recycling Service

6.18 DRINKING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

The weather-based challenges of supplying good quality water are being constantly

improved within Council. Much of this work has been through necessity, given the

extremes of algal blooms and flood events. Council has learnt from their experiences

of managing such events and have learnt from the experience of other water industry

peers. The various event protocols and the improvement of these protocols has

reduced operational costs and provided better water quality to the customers. For

example, Steuart McIntyre Dam is now usable 10 months of the year instead of 4-5

months and this is an unprecedented result for this Dam‟s algal bloom management,

given there is no water treatment plant. Similarly, the preparation and recovery

processes for a flood event are becoming routine and have been substantially

streamlined. Current coastal aquifer sustainability studies are likely to assist in the

development of protocols for the Hat Head, Crescent Head and South West Rocks

Water supply schemes, which in turn improve customer‟s water quality, Council‟s

efficiencies and environmental management.


Kempsey Shire


6.18.1 Steuart McIntyre Dam

Better management of this storage dam and its bypass system is now possible with the

improved knowledge of and ability to monitor the source water. With this knowledge

an industry standard pumping threshold trigger of 0.05mg/L total nitrogen and

0.05mg/L total phosphorous was used during the summer months to inhibit the algal

growth within the dam. The nutrient levels have been consistently higher than these

thresholds so pumping into the dam can only occur during the cooler months. Nutrient

“build up” and algal levels are also constantly monitored when the dam is online. This

has enabled longer better managed usage of the Steuart McIntyre dam‟s capacity to

supply water within the Kempsey area.

Plate 17: Steuart McIntyre Dam

The nutrient monitoring regime established for the Sherwood borefield was

successfully used in the summer months to limit algal growth (predominantly blue-

green) within the dam. As nutrient levels have been consistently higher than threshold

levels, pumping to the dam can only consistently occur during cooler months. During

algal blooms the dam is off-line and bypassed. The more continuous use at the dam

has the added environmental benefit of reduced power consumption and hence cost

both financially and to the environment in the form of carbon emissions.

Gene identification of the most commonly occurring blue-green algae in Steuart

McIntyre Dam has been undertaken, in conjunction with Port Macquarie Hasting

Council, to improve Council‟s knowledge of the taste and odour by-products occurring

from these species. In turn, this information will assist Council in managing the quality

of water in the dam.

For continual filling (over summer) and usage throughout all the year, a water

treatment plant is required.

Council is further adding to this work by commencing a comprehensive source water

management plan with initial plans being established for the Sherwood Borefield, the

source water for the Steuart McIntyre Dam and Kempsey water supply scheme. This

work commenced in mid 2011 and will continue through to 2012.

6.18.2 Bellbrook

The Bellbrook Water Treatment Plant has been completed and was in operation during

the latter portion of 2010. The treatment plant has managed the various scale river

events, only struggling with the turbidity of the larger flood flows. Investigations into

the security of the bore‟s seals are underway to limit the recurrence of turbidity issues

for this treatment plant. As an added value, the Bellbrook Water Treatment Plant was

able to supply bulk treated water to the Thungutti Aboriginal village, just north of

Bellbrook, when the quality of its raw water from Nulla Creek was compromised in the

high river events.


Kempsey Shire


6.18.3 Willawarrin

Willawarrin‟s water supply has experienced considerable water quality issues post the

2009 floods. These quality issues are due to damaged bore infrastructure enabling

ingress of muddy river water in River freshes. Temporary short term repairs were

undertaken in 2010 which have proved successful during the June 2011 flood. Long

term repairs are being scheduled in the coming months, subject to river levels.

6.19 SEWAGE TREATMENT

6.19.1 Wastewater & Water Reuse Projects

Recent advances in waste water treatment technologies (including membranes) and

their affordability have meant that higher quality effluents are discharged to the

environment and recycled water is being made available to consumers rather than

reclaimed water which requires a significant amount of monitoring and risk

management. Currently reclaimed water is essentially confined to use on golf courses

at Frederickton and Kempsey.

South West Rock‟s new development areas, golf course and oval will be supplied with

recycled water in 2012. The new development areas will use recycled water for toilet

flushing, cold water for washing machines and for outdoor uses.

Opportunities for reclaimed water use from West Kempsey STW are focussed on

agricultural irrigation until augmentation of the sewage treatment plant can offer an

alternative to reclaimed water.

6.20 CIVIC MAINTENANCE TEAM

Kempsey Shire Council‟s Civic Maintenance Team continues to actively maintain

business centres within the Shire to ensure these areas are kept clean and

presentable.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS


6.21 FUTURE SHIRE PLANNING PROJECTS

(Discussed in Section 2.19 Strategic Planning Projects).

6.22 ASSET MANAGEMENT PLANS

Council continues to develop Asset Management Plans for key assets such as Roads,

Bridges and Boatramps.

The 2011-2015 Infrastructure Delivery Program has been adopted and outlines a

proposed 10 year works program between financial years 2011/12 and 2020/21.

The Delivery program is subject to annual review to determine the extent of any

changing priorities.

6.23 BYPASS STRATEGY

The Bypass Strategy has been adopted by Council which details actions to mitigate

impacts and take advantage of opportunities created by the Bypass. The Council has

created a position within Council to implement the actions within this plan.


Kempsey Shire


6.24 RECYCLING & WASTE MINIMISATION

Education programs will be undertaken to reduce the contamination of recyclables and

green waste at the source.

The „Waste into Art‟ program will continue as raising awareness at the school student

level has proved to be the most effective method of waste minimisation.

New markets are being sought for E-waste, mattresses and crushed glass to further

minimise volumes of waste going to landfill.

6.25 WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS

During the 2005/06 reporting period Council adopted the Macleay Water Integrated

Water Cycle Management Strategy (IWCMS). The IWCMS directs the management of

water issues on the basis of best result on a whole of water cycle basis, as opposed to

traditional methods of separately addressing stormwater, water supply and sewerage

issues. The IWCMS offers Kempsey Shire the opportunity to more sustainably manage

its water resources into the future, having a long term view of 30 years with review

period every five years.

During 2007/08 the opportunity to better manage source waters was enabled for the

seven water supply schemes in the Kempsey Shire. Sufficient database information

was available to analyse trends and determine movements and triggers. An example of

this better source water management is a monitoring regime for nutrient levels in the

Sherwood‟s borefield, Steuart McIntyre Dam‟s source raw water. To reduce blue-green

algal blooms and the bloom intensity within Steuart McIntyre Dam a pumping

threshold trigger for nutrients has been implemented during risk months,

predominately summer months. The capabilities to better manage source water will

only improve in the coming years as the depth of available data improves and the

triggers for various characteristics are determined and solution to the arising

challenges are developed.

Similarly, asset database information also became sufficient to determine improved

asset replacement programs. The address of the challenging aged water supply and

sewerage asset systems and substandard past construction will take several more

years.

A progressive condition assessment in combination with age ratings is now prioritising

replacements. Data has indicated that it is often not the oldest infrastructure but

rather poor workmanship and materials in the late 1960s to early 1980s coupled with

insufficient renewals funding that has created a backlog on the replacement program.

6.25.1 Water Supply

Aquifer investigations

The Macleay Coastal Sands aquifer has been the subject of an intense three-year

investigation to determine how this aquifer functions, its recharge mechanisms, the

capacity of its storage and the impacts of withdrawals from the storage. This project

will conclude at the end of 2011.

Crescent Head

Inline pre-filtering and storage has been scoped and budgeted to replace the hypalon

storage dam at Crescent Head. Temporary trials of the storage system commenced in

2011 and will continue until 2012, assessing volumetric aspects and resulting quality

improvements. These results will then assist in defining the work required for detailed

design.


Kempsey Shire


Kempsey

Better management of the borefield land for the Kempsey scheme is being designed to

enable the improved protection of the bores in Sherwood. Management Plans are

being developed in conjunction with flood protection.

Stuarts Point

A clarifier has been added to the Stuarts Point water treatment plant along with other

improvements to enable enhanced efficiencies.

6.25.2 Future Wastewater & Water Reuse Projects

Sherwood Road Wastewater Treatment Project

A pilot, zero effluent treatment plant has been constructed to service smaller rural

residential allotments at Sherwood Road, Aldavilla. The effluent from septic tanks is

treated within pots containing specific media and plants and then passes through an

evapocycle unit. The facility provides an affordable and sustainable solution to a long-

standing issue. It is expected that when expanded to its final capacity in 2012, the

scheme will provide a model for other situations where insufficient land is available for

existing on-site septic systems.

In mid 2011, the Sherwood Road Wastewater Treatment Project entered Stage 3,

which is the final stage of expansion for this scheme and will see an additional 18

properties added to the system. Those properties are to the north of Ponds Way,

along Sherwood Rd.

A network of stormwater biotreatment swales and conveyance infrastructure provide a

separation of rainwater from the wastewater stream and also contribute to the

improved water quality within the downstream waterways.

Plate 18: Biotreatment swale


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 7 ABORIGINAL AND NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE

‘SNAPSHOT’


Aboriginal Heritage – A total of 764 sites are recorded on DECCW‟s AHIMS for Kempsey LGA. Eleven additional sites were identified during the reporting period.

The main pressures facing heritage areas are:

Encroachment by

development

Community

attitudes

Inadequate

education

Inadequate policy

relating to protection of sites

Development of unregistered sites

Natural weathering

and aging process

Lack of economic

resources for appropriate maintenance

Conservation and Planning Controls - All Aboriginal areas/structures within the Kempsey Shire LGA sites are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974).

Council continues to update its list and maps of heritage sites as new sites are identified.

Heritage Listed Sites – There are currently 103 local heritage items and 9 state listed sites occurring in the Shire.

State & Federal Heritage Registers - Major European Settlement sites include the Trial Bay Gaol and the Smokey Cape Lighthouse, which are protected under the NSW Heritage Act 1977, while many other sites are listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List, NSE Heritage Act etc. Local Heritage Study - The study identified a number of items and areas of environmental heritage significance, to be nominated for formal protection under the LEP. In response to the Local Heritage Study the KLEP

has been finalised and has been Gazetted by the Minister.

KLEP & Local Heritage Study – Amendments made to Council‟s LEP with Gazettal by the Minister. The LEP now lists unopposed heritage items. This list is changing entity as more heritage items are recognised.

Heritage Development Control Plan - Council is currently undertaking the preparation of a Heritage Development Control Plan (DCP).


Kempsey Shire


7.1 INTRODUCTION

Both European and Aboriginal Heritage are important to the Kempsey Shire because it

provides cultural identity and a link to the past to communities and nations. It also

provides opportunities for future generations to gain knowledge and understanding of

their past. By linking our past and present we gain an appreciation of the way we

were, where we've been and where we should be going. Australian history and the

history of the Kempsey Shire can be separated into two distinct areas of Aboriginal and

European (non-Aboriginal) heritage.

STATE


7.2 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE

Aboriginal culture is a living growing and ongoing event and is deeply linked to the

environment - plants, animals and landscapes. The land and waterways are associated

with dream time stories and cultural learning. It is this cultural learning that links

Aboriginal people with who they are and where they belong. To protect Aboriginal

heritage in Kempsey it is not simply protecting artefacts it is acknowledging that

Aboriginal people need to be able to access land to renew their cultural learning and

most importantly they have to be involved and consulted in the conservation of our

natural environment (DECCW). Aboriginal heritage consists of places and objects that contribute to the story of Aboriginal people in NSW (DoP).

Aboriginal heritage can include places and items that are important to the local

Aboriginal community or to Aboriginal people across NSW both physically and

spiritually. Aboriginal heritage can include natural features such as creeks or

mountains, ceremonial or story places or areas of more contemporary cultural significance such as Aboriginal missions or post contact sites (DoP).

The Kempsey Shire forms part of the territory of the Dunghutti (Thunghutti) people,

which extends from Point Plomer to Macksville, inland to Kemps Pinnacle. Prior to

European settlement of the Shire, this area supported a large and densely

concentrated Aboriginal population.

7.2.1 Identified Aboriginal Sites, Structures and Landscapes

The DECCW (2007), through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service‟s (NPWS)

Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS), provides a database

that records all known Aboriginal sites in NSW, including the Kempsey Shire.

However, explicit details cannot be provided to Council or to the public due to cultural

and spiritual sensitivity as well as legal requirements.

The DECCW is responsible for the protection and preservation of all Aboriginal objects

and places in NSW. It is illegal to disturb, damage, deface, or destroy an object or

Aboriginal place in the Kempsey Shire without consent from DECCW and the Kempsey

Land Council. There is strict protocol and regulations to be followed in relation to the

authority to disturb or destroy these area or objects.

Council employs an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to assist with establishing links with the

aboriginal community and DECCW in relation to the identification and protection of

objects and/or sites.


Kempsey Shire


When an Aboriginal heritage site is identified, Council suggests that it be reported to

the Aboriginal Heritage Information Unit of DECCW, so that the appropriate course of

action for conservation, in consultation with the Land Council, can be undertaken.

Indicator - Number and Nature of Aboriginal Sites

Why use this indicator - Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System

(AHIMS)?

The AHIMS provides an assessment of the number and types of identified Aboriginal

heritage sites in NSW and the Kempsey Shire. The following recorded sites and

structures should be regarded as indicative as all sites are possibly not known due to

trust, cultural and spiritual sensitivity. Individual investigation and consultation with

Kempsey Aboriginal Land Council along with DECCW regarding a particular site is

necessary in every instance.

Table 17 - The number and Nature of Aboriginal sites in the Kempsey Shire

Site Feature Number

Previously Recorded

Number Identified

during 2005/2006

Number Identified

during 2007/2008

Number Identified

during 2008/2009

Number Identified

during 2009/2010

Number Identified

during 2010/2011

Aboriginal Resource and Gathering

6 1 0 0

0 0

Aboriginal Ceremony and Dreaming

27 0 0 0

2 0

Art (Pigment or Engraved) 1 0 0 0 0 0

Artefact 318 4 0 5 0 3

Burial 39 1 0 0 0 3

Ceremonial Ring 29 1 0 0 0 0

Conflict 5 0 0 0 0 0

Earth Mound 149 6 0 0 0 0

Fish trap 1 0 0 0 0 0

Grinding groove 1 0 0 0 0 0

Habitation Structure 0 0 0 0 0 0

Hearth 1 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Human Bone and Organic Material

0 0 0 0

0 0

Ochre Quarry 0 0 0 0 0 0

Potential Archaeological Deposit (PAD)

5 0 0 0

0 3

Shell 153 0 0 0 1 0

Stone Arrangement 7 0 0 0 0 0

Stone Quarry 7 0 0 0 0 0

Modified tree (Carved or Sacred)

15 1 0 0

1 2

Water Hole 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 764 14 0 5 4 11

Notes: These figures are for Aboriginal Sites/Places that have been recorded and entered onto Department of Environment and Conservation‟s Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) till 2010/2011. Some Aboriginal Sites/Places may contain more than one site feature. Source: DECCW (2011).


Eleven additional Aboriginal sites were identified during the reporting period.



Kempsey Shire


7.2.2 Disturbance or Destruction of Aboriginal Sites, Structures and

Landscapes

Any disturbance or excavation of land to discover an Aboriginal object, or disturb or

move an Aboriginal object, may need an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP)

under section 87 of the NPW Act 1974 (DECCW). This is a sensitive issue for the local

Aboriginal people and one that requires investigation and compliance with the

requirements of DECCW and consultation with the Kempsey Land Council.

Table 18 - Number of sites altered, destroyed, damaged in 2010-11 in the Kempsey

Shire.

Site Feature Number

Aboriginal Ceremony and Dreaming 0

Aboriginal Resource and Gathering 0

Art (Pigment or Engraved) 0

Artefact 0

Burial 0

Ceremonial Ring (Stone or Earth) 0

Conflict 0

Earth Mound 0

Fish Trap 0

Grinding Groove 0

Habitation Structure 0

Hearth 0

Non-Human Bone and Organic Material 0

Ochre Quarry 0

Potential Archaeological Deposit (PAD) 0

Shell 0

Stone Arrangement 0

Stone Quarry 0

Modified Tree (Carved or Scarred) 0

Water Hole 0

Total 0 Source: DECCW (2011)

7.3 EUROPEAN HERITAGE

Heritage consists of places and objects that the community have inherited from the

past and want to hand on to future generations. Our heritage gives us a sense of living

history and provides a physical link to the work and way of life of earlier generations.

It can enrich our lives and can help us to understand who we are today. The NSW

heritage is diverse and includes buildings, objects, monuments, Aboriginal places,

gardens, bridges, landscapes, archaeological sites, shipwrecks, relics, bridges, streets,

industrial structures and conservation precincts (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage).

7.3.1 Heritage Listed Sites, Structures and Landscapes

Indicator – Number of Sites of Heritage Significance


This indicator provides an assessment of the number and types of identified heritage

items of European heritage significance and will aid in the protection of these sites for

the future. There are State, Regional and Locally listed items and areas in Kempsey

Shire.


Kempsey Shire


The following Table shows the State Heritage Listed Items under the Heritage Act 1977

(NSW) and contains items listed by the Heritage Council under the NSW Heritage Act.

This includes listing on the State Heritage Register, an Interim Heritage Order or

protected under section 136 of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW).

It is noted that there are two new additions to the State Heritage list – Trial Bay Gaol

and Pipers Creek Lime Kilns. These do not appear in the Local List as yet but will do

when Kempsey‟s Standard LEP is finalised.

Table 19 – State Heritage Listed Items

Item Name Address Suburb LGA Heritage Act

Bridge Over Five Day Creek

Main Road 75

Armidale Road

Comara Kempsey Yes

Gondwana Rainforest of Australia

World Heritage

Various including Kempsey

Yes

Kempsey Post Office

Belgrave Street Kempsey Kempsey Yes

Kempsey Rail Bridge over the

Macleay River

North Coast railway

Kempsey Kempsey Yes

Smokey Cape Lighthouse Group

South West Rocks

South West Rocks

Kempsey Yes

South West Rocks Pilot Station Complex

5 Ocean Drive South West Rocks

Kempsey Yes

St Andrew‟s Presbyterian Church and Hall

67 Smith Street Kempsey Kempsey Yes

Trial Bay Gaol, Breakwater and Environs

Cardwell Street Arakoon Kempsey Yes

Pipers Creek

Lime Kilns

Kumbatine

National Park Bonnie corner Road

Dongdingalong Kempsey Yes

The following Table lists the sites of Local and Regional Heritage Items and natural

heritage significance identified in the Shire. This list appears as Schedule 1 of the

Kempsey Local Environmental Plan 1987.

Table 20 – Local & Regional Heritage Items

Suburb Item name and State

Heritage Inventory Register No

Address Property

description

Item No


Kempsey Shire


Suburb Item name and State Heritage Inventory

Register No

Address Property description

Item No

Arakoon Arakoon Cemetery 1850465

Lighthouse Road Pt Lot 337, DP 754396 and Crown Reserve No 14621

1

Arakoon Local and

Regionally listed

Smoky Cape Lighthouse group 1850129

Lighthouse Road Crown Reserve 2

Arakoon Local and Regionally listed

Arakoon House 1850084

6-8 Russell Street Lot 2, Section 1, DP 758024

3

Arakoon Local and

Regionally listed

Trial Bay Gaol 1850060

Trial Bay Gaol Access Road

Crown Reserve 4

Bellimbopinni Bellimbopinni School 1850360

1194 Pacific Highway

Pt Lot 18, DP 752412

5

Belmore River Belmore River Hall 1850361

615 Right Bank Road

Lot 118, DP 754423

6

Beranghi Local and Regionally listed

Ruins of Gordon‟s Gaol huts, remains of graves and Gordon‟s Jetty

Beranghi Road Lot 1, DP 196559

7

Comara Comara Bridge Armidale Road Bridge over Five Day Creek

8

Comara Comara Cemetery 1850358

Towal Creek Road Crown Reserve No 48945

9

Crescent Head Birralee Hall 1850286

Baker Drive Lot 358, DP 754441

10

Crescent Head Allman Rowe Grave in

Crescent Head Cemetery 1850327

Belmore Street Crown Land 11

Crescent Head O‟Dell Memorial 1850064

Big Nobby Hill (located at end of Skyline Crescent)

Crown Reserve No 65725

12

Crescent Head Crescent Head Primary School 1850059

42-52 Pacific Street

Lots 189 and 252, DP

754441

13

Dondingalong

Local and Regionally listed

Convict Kilns 1850305 Piper‟s Creek

Kumbatine National Park

Reserve 124 14

East Kempsey East Kempsey Public

School

1850348

Cnr Innes and Gill

Streets and

Barnett‟s Lane

Lot 1 and 2,

DP 782300 and

Lot 1, DP 782296

15

East Kempsey War Memorial and The Triangle 1850346

Lord Street Lots 8 and 9, DP 1109013 and road

reserve

16


Kempsey Shire



Register No


Item No

East Kempsey East Kempsey Cemetery 1850381

Naiooka and East Streets

Lot 7026, DP 1060502, Lot 7020, DP 1060505 and

Pt Lot 7, DP 754400

17

East Kempsey Chaddies‟ Store 1850345

Cnr Rudder Street and Herborn Lane

Lot 1, DP 511163

18

Euroka Euroka Uniting Church 1850353

235 Euroka Road Lot 10, DP 816589

19

Euroka Former School Residence 1850354

249 Euroka Road Lot 11, DP 603927

20

Euroka Euroka Cemetery 1850356

Euroka Road Lot 11, DP 816589

21

Frederickton War Memorial 1850065

1 Great North Road

Lot 1 DP 122909

22

Frederickton


Frederickton Public

School group, comprised of: school building, including weather vane and bell tower, headmaster‟s

residence, shelter shed. 1850035

11-13 Great North

Road

Lot 1, DP

122909 and Lot 1, DP 724753

23

Frederickton Cemetery

1850105

15-33 Great North

and Yarrabandinni

Roads

Lot 34, DP

1033470

Yarrabandinni Roads

24

Frederickton Frederickton Hotel (formerly The Macleay Hotel) 1850273

10 Macleay Street Lot 1, DP 749455

25

Frederickton Frederickton Post Office 1850272


26

Frederickton Local and Regionally listed

Frederickton School of Arts 1850085


27

Frederickton Butter Factory 1850089

1-5 Pacific Highway

Lots 1-3, DP 586074 and Lots 1 and 2,

DP 1071111

28

Gladstone Residence 1850304

25 Barnard Street Lot 3, DP 6003 29

Gladstone Patterson‟s Butchery 1850310

39 Barnard Street Lot 11, DP 6003

30

Gladstone St Barnabas Anglican Church 1850285

8 Darkwater Street

Lot 1, DP 12159

31


Kempsey Shire



Register No


Item No

Gladstone Uniting Church 1850131

Darkwater Street Lot 21, DP 810270

32

Gladstone


Gladstone police

residence and lockup 1850088

2 Kinchela Street Lot 1, Section

1, DP 758444

33

Gladstone


Police station and

former courthouse 1850071

4-6 Kinchela

Street

Lots 2 and 3,

Section 1, DP 758444

34

Gladstone Gladstone Hall 1850311

5 Kinchela Street Lot 3, Section 1, DP 758444

35


11 Kinchela Street Lot 1, DP 502145

36

Gladstone Gladstone School and bell 1850278

13 Kinchela Street Lot 1, DP 942984, Lots 8 and 9, Section

3, DP 758444 and Lot 1, DP 942985

37

Gladstone Residence

1850087

18 Kinchela Street Lot 9, Section

1, DP 758444

38

Gladstone Former Cannane‟s Federal store 1850279

19 Kinchela Street Lot 10, Section 3, DP 758444

39

Gladstone Residence (former Commercial Bank) 1850274

20 Kinchela Street Lot 1, DP 254026 and Lot 10, Section 3, DP 758444

40

Gladstone Gladstone Hotel group,

hotel including bell and anchor 1850309

21 Kinchela Street Lot 11, DP

814822

41



42

Gladstone Former post office

1850281

27 Kinchela Street Lot 2, DP

667718

43

Gladstone Former insurance brokerage building 1850282


44



45

Gladstone Residence (former bakery)

1850284


46

Gladstone Memorial Park 1850275

Kinchela Street Public Reserve No 41038, Section 10

47

Gladstone Monument plaques 1850312

Memorial Avenue Road Reserve 48

Kempsey Local and

Regionally listed

National Bank (former AJS Bank) 1850075

3-5 Belgrave Street

Lot 133, DP 786059

49


Kempsey Shire



Register No


Item No

Kempsey Knauer‟s building 1850323

7-13 Belgrave Street

Lot 114, DP 602954

50

Kempsey Shopfront

1850324

58 Belgrave

Street

Lot 15, DP

731547

51

Kempsey Shopfront 1850324

60-62 Belgrave Street

Lots 16 and 17, DP 32035

52

Kempsey Railway Hotel 1 850076

91 Belgrave Street

Lot 1, DP 194099

53

Kempsey Kempsey Station group Belgrave, Kemp and Gladstone Streets

Lot 1, DP 1002977 and Lot 2, DP 1010695

54

Kempsey Kempsey Rail Bridge over Macleay River

North Coast Railway

55

Kempsey AJS buggy shed 1850322

Savages Lane Lot 133, DP 786059

56

Kempsey Post office

1850460

3-5 Smith Street Lot 270, DP

752439

57

Kempsey Shopfront (Barsby‟s) 1850320

10-12 Smith Street

Lots 1 and 2, DP 920387 and Lot 141, DP 567944

58

Kempsey Shopfront (Harvey‟s) 1850318

21-25 Smith Street

Lot 352, DP 719106

59

Kempsey Shopfront 1850315

30 Smith Street Lot 155, DP 610592

60

Kempsey Shopfront (displaying “1934”) 1850314

36-38 Smith Street

Lot 1531, DP 858861

61

Kempsey Local and Regionally listed

St Andrew‟s Presbyterian Church and hall 1850130

67 Smith Street Lot 3, DP 707914

62

Kundabung Kundabung Lime Kiln Ruins 1850377

River Road Crown Reserve No 63576

63

Kundabung Kundabung Hall 1850289

River Road Crown Reserve No 63576

64

Millbank Millbank School

1850349

506 Hickeys Creek

Road

Lot 1, DP

122480

65

Millbank Millbank School residence 1850350

506 Hickeys Creek Road

Lot 1, DP 122480

66

Millbank Millbank Hall

1850061

522 Hickeys Creek

Road

Lot 81, DP

746608

67

Sherwood Sherwood Hall 1850339

Sherwood Road Lot 1, DP 312987

68

Sherwood Former Catholic church 1850341

Sherwood Road Lot 46, DP 665898

69

Sherwood Former Sherwood

Public School 1850342

Sherwood Road Lot 62, DP

544847

70


Kempsey Shire



Register No


Item No

Smithtown Smithtown Literary Institute 1850387

26 Main Street Lot 219, DP 752412

71

South West Rocks

School of Arts 1850068

1 Gregory Street Lots 235 and 269, DP 754396

72

South West Rocks Local and Regionally listed

Pacific Guest House 1850025

21-23 Livingstone Street

Lot 22, DP 733618

73

South West Rocks

Entrance gates 1850369

Livingstone Street Lot 7041, DP 1120754

74

South West Rocks

Three residences 1850374

27-31 Memorial Avenue

Pt Lot 1, DP 245033 and Lot

1, DP 391779

75

South West

Rocks

Monument stones

1850371

Memorial Avenue Road reserve 76

South West Rocks Local and Regionally listed

Pilot station group 1850052

3-9 Ocean Drive Lot 286, DP 754396 and Lots 373-375, DP 822657

77

South West Rocks

Flagstaff Ocean Drive Lot 284, DP 758919

78

South West Rocks

Monument 1850367

Point Briner Horseshoe

Reserve

Lot 7041, DP 1120754

79

Stuarts Point Kinki Cemetery 1850359

Stuarts Point Road Lot 7005, DP 92622 (Ms 510 Gfn)

80

West Kempsey Kempsey High School 1850106

13 Broughton Street

Lots 1, 2 and 5, Section 16A, DP 759080

81

West Kempsey West Kempsey Cemetery 1850366

Broughton, River and Tozer Streets

Lot 701, Section 20A, DP 759080 and

closed roads

82

West Kempsey Local and Regionally listed

Police residence 1850078

3 Elbow Street Lot 10, DP 48675

83

West Kempsey West Kempsey Post Office 1850094

21-23 Elbow Street

Lot 2, DP 707556

84

West Kempsey English and Scottish and Australian Bank

National Trust Register No.3231 1850095

27 - 29 Elbow Street

Lot 22, Section 6A, DP 759080

85

West Kempsey Former Commercial Banking Company of Sydney 1850079

35 Elbow Street Lot 1, DP 120282

86


Kempsey Shire



Register No


Item No

West Kempsey Great Northern Hotel 1850096

38 Elbow Street Lots 1-3, DP 782697

87

West Kempsey


West Kempsey Hotel

1850074

43 Elbow Street Lot 4, DP

105434

88

West Kempsey


Grand United Order of

Oddfellows Hall 1850024

22 Kemp Street Lot 13, DP

1045271

89

West Kempsey All Saints Anglican Church and grounds

1850133

28-30 Kempsey Street and 25

Marsh Street

Lots 1 and 2, Section 6A, DP

759080 and Lot 2, (DP unknown), Vol

5743 Fol 166

90

West Kempsey All Saints Catholic Hall 1850271

52-58 Marsh Street

Lot 2, Section 39A, DP 759080

91

West Kempsey Kempsey District Hospital

1850363

River Street Lot 14, Section 23A, DP

759080 and Lots 1-8, Section 20A, DP 759080

92

West Kempsey Local and Regionally listed

Kempsey Court House 1850037

2 Sea Street Lot 11, DP 48675

93

West Kempsey Showground buildings

1850072

19 Sea Street Lot 18, DP

112084

94

West Kempsey Bandbox Theatre 1850388

26 Sea Street Lot 2, DP 421665

95

Willawarrin Willawarrin Hotel 1850333

15-17 Main Street Lot 6, DP 27829 96

Willawarrin St John‟s Catholic Church

18-20 Main Street Lot 1, DP 966704

97

Willawarrin Willawarrin Hall 1850332


98

Willawarrin CWA Hall 1850334

29 Main Street Lot 1, DP 120125

99

Willawarrin Willawarrin Public School 1850337


100

Willawarrin War Memorial 1850335

Main Street Pt Lot 1, DP 27829

101

Yarrahapinni Yarrahapinni Primary School group

507 Stuarts Point Road

Lot 29, DP 752438

102

Bellbrook Bellbrook Conservation

Area National Trust Registered Urban Village

Land shown black

hatched black on the map marked “Kempsey LEP 1987”

103


Kempsey Shire



There are currently 103 locally listed heritage items and State listed items as a result

of the Community Based Heritage Study. It is noted that the items that are

individually listed on the local table are on a voluntary basis only. Additional areas are

being proposed with the preparation of the Heritage DCP therefore the lists are likely

to continue to grow in the future. Listing of relevant properties on appropriate

heritage registers allows for improved planning and management of these important

places of heritage.

PRESSURE


The main activities continuing to place pressure on heritage areas are:

Encroachment by development

Community attitudes both for and against heritage

Inadequate education

Inadequate policy relating to protection of sites

Development of unregistered sites

Natural weathering and aging process

Lack of economic resources for appropriate maintenance

RESPONSE


7.4 CONSERVATION AND PLANNING CONTROLS

7.4.1 Protection for Aboriginal Heritage Sites

All Aboriginal areas/structures within the Kempsey Shire are protected under the

National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974). Licenses under the National Parks and Wildlife

Act (1974) are required for works, which have the potential to impact on Aboriginal

Heritage either positively or negatively. Licences are required not only for activities

which may destroy, damage or change objects or places, but for the conservation

works of Aboriginal heritage objects as well.

Plate 19: Pilot Station, South West Rocks

Plate 20: Kempsey Post Office



Kempsey Shire


7.4.2 Protection for European Settlement Heritage Sites

European heritage sites and structures throughout the Kempsey Shire are protected

under various Registers and Lists e.g. the State Register and local heritage listings and

are protected under the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) and the Environmental Planning and

Environment Act 1979. For example the Smoky Cape Light House, listed on the State

Heritage Register, Trial Bay Gaol on the Register of National Estate and Bellbrook

Conservation Area is listed by the National Trust.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS


Council continues to update its lists and maps of Aboriginal and European heritage

sites. New sites become uncovered with new development and redevelopment in the

Shire. The requirement for inspection of new sites by an archaeological consultant in

conjunction with the local Kempsey Aboriginal Land Council aims to ensure that no

sites are disturbed or destroyed. Additionally, the listing of European heritage items

continues to increase with support from the community.

7.5 LOCAL HERITAGE STUDY

A report was submitted to Council in January 2007, whereby Council resolved to

proceed with the amendment to the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to list unopposed

heritage items. This process has now been completed and the amendment of the LEP

has been completed and appears above or at Schedule 1 of the Kempsey Local

Environmental Plan (KLEP).

7.6 HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN

Council is currently undertaking the preparation of a Heritage Development Control

Plan (DCP) to assist in educating the community and offering guidelines to both

preserve and potentially develop and enhance heritage items. This is being

undertaken with support from the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning.


Kempsey Shire


CHAPTER 8 COUNCIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

‘SNAPSHOT’


Energy (electricity for buildings etc) Consumption – Reports produced by Planet Footprint show that total energy consumption from Council operated facilities for the 2010/11 financial year was approximately 6,333,056 kWh. This level on energy consumption equates to 22,799 Giga Joules (GJ) of energy, $1,126,090 and 6,532 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The trend for the last three years shows an increase in energy consumption, total charges and greenhouse gas emissions.

Population Growth – increasing population growth means greater demand for infrastructure using electricity, particularly water and sewage treatment plants.

Resources – Increasing need for extra staff to cope with workload and thus energy requirements associated with extra office space, computer use etc.

Increasing Energy Prices - further in the coming years. Increases in energy prices place extra pressures on Council‟s limited operating budget.

Monitoring of Electricity Consumption - Further detailed electricity Consumption Service Reports produced for all Council buildings and facilities.

Energy Audit – Council should undertake an energy audit to identify operational areas where energy consumption can be reduced.

Energy (Street Lighting) Consumption - Total annual consumption for street lighting during 2010/11 was recorded as 1,423,611 kWh, equating to 5,125 GJ of energy.

Based on 5,125 GJ of energy consumption, 1,523 tonnes of greenhouse gases were produced from street lighting during 2010/11.

Population Growth – increasing population growth means greater demand for infrastructure using electricity, including street lighting.

Monitoring of Street Lighting Energy Use- Energy Consumption reports produced for all Street lighting in the Shire.

Retrofitting of Inefficient Street Light Bulbs – Council should explore a partnership with Country Energy to retrofit inefficient street lighting bulbs to save on energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Fuel Consumption – Total fuel consumption (including all vehicle fleets) for Kempsey Shire Council for 2010/2011 was approximately 667,171 litres, which equates to 24,927 GJ of energy. Based on total fuel consumption and fuel type used, greenhouse gas emissions for the entire fleet totalled approximately 1,856 tonnes for the 2010/11 financial year.

An overall decrease in fuel consumption, cost and greenhouse gas emissions has been experienced

during the past five financial years compared to previous years.

Shire Area – The large area encompassed by Kempsey Shire Council often requires relatively long travel distances between work sites.

Diverse Range of Operations - Kempsey Shire Council‟s vehicle fleet serves a wide range of purposes and therefore includes a variety of vehicles, from heavy machinery through to light commercial 4WD, and Council sedans and wagons

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Quantified – Baseline greenhouse gas emissions quantified annually.

Appropriate & Regular Servicing – to ensure vehicles are running efficiently and cleanly.

Fuel efficiency - Introduction of smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.

Continue to commit to purchasing smaller, fuel efficient vehicles with fewer emissions for Council’s Vehicle Fleet – based NSW Clean Car Benchmarks.

Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions -.Council‟s total greenhouse gas emissions have been relatively

Compilation of all of the above pressures.

Greenhouse Report Produced - Measuring the total greenhouse gas

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan - Council should commence preparations for the development of a Local


Kempsey Shire


consistent over the past five years.

emissions for the entire organisation is critical to help identify trends and set emission reduction goals in the future.

Greenhouse Reduction Goal - Council endorsed: Medium Term Goals: reduce per capita Council greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 10% by 2014 Long Term Goals: reduce per capita Council greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 20% by 2020.

Greenhouse Action Plan designed to coordinate activities to help Council and the Community to achieve the adopted emission reduction goals.

Water Consumption – during 2010/11 Council‟s water consumption accounted for 3.7% (112,129kl) of the total water consumed in Kempsey Shire. Consumption patterns have remained at a constant 3% for three consecutive years. This year‟s consumption is an increase of 26,000kl on what had been a steadied consumption of approximately 86,000kl/annum. The majority of additional consumption is attributed to post flood clean ups.

Population Growth – increasing population means greater demand for additional water and sewerage infrastructure. Basix requirements and star-rated appliances are limiting the impact of population.

Demand management - The change in overall consumption patterns is being monitored to confirm if the dramatic change in total volumes relates to lost behavioural changes or can be directly related to flood impacts and weather variances.

Water Saving Activities - Ongoing assessment of water usage and efficiencies will be conducted on Council premises with ongoing investigations to assess options for reducing water consumption.

Paper Usage – In the 2010/2011 reporting period, Council used approximately 2,956 reams of paper (includes coloured & white paper) at a total cost of $17,035.

Reporting - Increasing reporting procedures require additional paper usage.

Sustainable Choice Program – Council committed itself to this program run by the LGSA, which aims to increase the capacity of Council to buy products with higher sustainability ratings, i.e. contained recycled content, are energy and water saving and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Staff Education – providing education to staff on paper saving tips.

Permanent Switch to Alternative Eco-Friendly Copy Paper – Council should continue to investigate alternative copy paper that is eco-friendly, ideally a copy paper that is made from at least 80% recycled post consumer waste.

Reduce Paper Usage –staff education and awareness of paper usage to be conducted, with the aim of reducing overall paper usage.


Kempsey Shire


8.1 INTRODUCTION

Following on from the previous State of Environment Reports, this section aims to

address Kempsey Shire Council‟s organisational performance in moving toward

sustainability.

STATE


8.2 ENERGY CONSUMPTION

While Kempsey Shire Council is not regarded as a major producer of greenhouse

gasses, Council needs to lead by example with regard to reducing greenhouse gas

emission.

Indicator – Council Energy Consumption


Energy consumption in the form of electricity from fossil fuel consuming power plants

produces greenhouse gases. For every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, a

proportion of CO2 is emitted to the atmosphere. Whilst electricity production occurs

outside of the Kempsey Shire, the impact on the global warming and climate change

directly affects the environment of the region. For the past six years Council has

engaged a contractor, specialising in energy data management to produce regular

service detail reports on electricity consumption for the entire organisation (including

electricity consumed in all Council owned buildings, workshops, and fixtures operated

by Council). Although street lighting makes up part of Council‟s total energy

consumption, it has been separated and reported on separately further below.

Reports produced by Planet Footprint show that total energy consumption from Council

operated facilities for the 2010/11 financial year was approximately 6,333,056 kWh.

This quantity of energy consumption equates to 22,799 Giga Joules (GJ) of energy,

$1,126,090 charges and 6,532 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions as shown in Figure

19 below.

21,467 20,867 21,190 22,167 23,876 22,799

835 851 948 1,056 1,253 1,171

6,079 5,976 6,060 6,326 6,851 6,532

Financial Year2005-2006






Annual Totals

Energy Consumption (GJ)

Energy Total Charges ($ Thousands)

Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions (t C02e)

Note: Totals on this graph may not reconcile to totals in graphs below because time-based trend analysis intentionally excludes assets that have substantially incomplete data collection history.

Figure 19 – Total Energy Consumption, Cost and Associated Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Council Operated Buildings & Facilities


Kempsey Shire



Data for the 2010/11 reporting period shows a decrease in energy consumption, total

charges and greenhouse gas emissions.

Indicator – Street lighting Energy Consumption


In addition to the electricity used in Council operated buildings and facilities presented

above, Council incurs a cost for the running and maintenance of street lighting on

public roads, which also adds to Council‟s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Total annual consumption for street lighting was estimated at 5,125 GJ for 2010/11.

However, it should be noted that this figure is based on inventories of street lighting

provided by Country Energy.


Estimated consumption from street lighting has remained consistent with that of

previous years.

8.3 FUEL CONSUMPTION

The large area encompassed by Kempsey Shire Council often requires relatively long

travel distances between work sites. Despite the fact that air pollution is not regarded

as a major problem in the Shire, there is potential to reduce greenhouse emissions

through effective management of Council‟s fleet of vehicles. This could range from

continuing to ensure vehicles are running efficiently and cleanly (i.e. appropriate

servicing), minimising kilometres travelled (i.e. via car pooling, work schedules) or by

investigating alternative technologies.

Kempsey Shire Council‟s vehicle fleet serves a wide range of purposes and therefore

includes a variety of vehicles, from heavy machinery through to light commercial 4WD,

and Council sedans and wagons.

Indicator – Council Vehicle Fleet Fuel Consumption


Reporting on the total quantity of fuel used within Council‟s vehicle fleet is essential to

help identify trends over time which can be used to determine the effectiveness of

various fuel reduction programs or improvements in vehicle efficiencies, which have

been introduced.

Total fuel consumption (including all vehicle fleets) for Kempsey Shire Council for

2010/2011 was approximately 667,171 litres, which equates to 24,927 GJ of energy.

Based on total fuel consumption and fuel type used, greenhouse gas emissions for the

entire fleet totalled approximately 1,856 tonnes for the 2010/11 financial year.


Conclusion: Steady


Kempsey Shire


Figure 20 – Council Fuel Consumption, Cost & Greenhouse Gas Emissions


Although an overall decrease in fuel consumption, cost and greenhouse gas emissions

has been experienced from 2005/06 to 2010/11, an increase in all was experienced

during the 2009/10 period. The 2010/11 period had the lowest fuel consumption, cost

and greenhouse gas emissions since 2005.

8.4 TOTAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Compilation of the above data on Council‟s energy use from different sectors enables a

reasonably accurate dataset on which to determine total greenhouse gas emissions

generated by the organisation.

Indicator – Council Greenhouse Gas Emissions


Measuring the total greenhouse gas emissions for the entire organisation is critical to

help identify trends and set emission reduction goals in the future.

Figure 21 below shows Council‟s total greenhouse gas emissions from 2005/06 through

to 2010/11, while Figure 22 shows a breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions by

source for 2010/11.

Note: * Energy is comprised of electricity and gas supply to buildings, water infrastructure and other facilities.

Figure 21 – Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions from All Sources



Kempsey Shire


Note: * Energy is comprised of electricity and gas supply to buildings, water infrastructure and other facilities.

The energy figures presented above, differ slightly to those in figure 15 due to rounding. Total for final year shows year-to-date only, up to and including Financial Quarter, 2011-2012.

Figure 22 – Emissions by Source 2010-11


The breakdown shows greenhouse gas emissions from energy supplied to Council‟s

buildings, water infrastructure and other facilities accounts for over 61.6% of Council‟s

total greenhouse gas emissions, and has been increasing over time.

Emissions from fleet and street lighting accounting for 20.9% and 17.2% respectively.

Emissions from waste generated from Council activities account for less then 1% of

Council‟s overall emissions.

The figures above show that although a slight decrease in total emissions was noted to

occur during 2006/07 period, the overall trend is for increasing emissions in total

Council emissions.

The above figures and the way in which Council collects data on greenhouse gas

emissions will continue to be refined over the coming years.

8.5 WATER CONSUMPTION

Extraction of water from the environment for Human Settlements puts pressure on the

natural environment and water resources as has been discussed in detail in Chapter 3

– Water.



Kempsey Shire


Indicator – Council’s Water Consumption


Council needs to take a leading role in driving water efficiency within the Kempsey

Shire LGA.

Table 21 shows Council‟s water consumption figures during the 10/11 reporting period.

Table 21 - Council Water Consumption

Water Meters

Total Consumption (kL) 10-

11

Parks, Ovals and Ancillaries 13,341

Water Installations 9,900

Sewer Installations 59,666

Council Buildings/Public Uses 29,222

Total metered consumption - council

operations 112,129

Notes: WATER INSTALLATIONS - All meters connected to water treatment plants SEWER INSTALLATIONS - All meters connected to sewer treatment processes, works, pump stations. COUNCILS BUILDINGS / PUBLIC USES / PARKS, OVALS AND ANCILLARIES - All meters connected to Council buildings, civic centre, baby health centres, halls, libraries, community service buildings, public toilets, swimming pools, parks, sporting fields, cemeteries, fish cleaning tables, BBQ facilities, tennis courts, beach showers.

Figure 23 below shows the trend in Council water consumption over the past 8

financial years.

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11

Financial Year

Wat

er

Co

nsu

mp

tio

n (

kL)

Figure 23 – Council Water Consumption


Table 21 shows Council‟s water consumption figures during the 10/11 reporting period.

When compared with the data of previous years, all areas of Council‟s consumption

have halved over the last two years except for sewer installations. The sewer


Kempsey Shire


installations have trebled in the same time. This trebling is believed to be a short term

impact related to consumptions for construction such as concrete curing and some

pump station malfunctions in flood periods, where automatic wash systems were

overloaded due to flows. Most of these malfunctions have been addressed.

Figure 23 above shows the trend in Council water consumption over the past 10

financial years. The graph shows that the reducing consumption has been interrupted

in 2005/06, 2009/10 and 2010/11. The spikes in consumption for 2009/10 and

2010/11 were related to the clean-ups from floods; 2009/10‟s water consumption

being greater due to the four floods experienced compared to the one large flood in

June 2011.

8.6 PAPER USAGE

Indicator – Office Paper Usage


Office paper, particularly in Australia is typically sourced from forestry resources,

although more suppliers are now offering office paper containing a certain percentage

of recycled content. Paper production that solely relies on forestry resources,

particularly on remnant vegetation is unsustainable in the longer term due to the

significant environmental problems associated with forest clearing.

In the 2010/11 reporting period, Council used approximately 2956 reams of paper (A4

White – 2670, A4 Colour – 244, A3 White - 42) at a total cost of $17,035.00


In the 2009/10 reporting period, staff education on paper saving tips has resulted in a

saving of 540 reams of paper and a total cost reduction of $3,325.25. The 2010/11

reporting period has seen an increase in paper usage with Council using an additional

436 reams than the previous year at a cost of $2511.36.

PRESSURE


8.7 BUDGET

The following table presents an update of Kempsey Shire Councils total operational and

capital expenditure for the last financial year in comparison to the 6 previous financial

years:




Kempsey Shire


Table 22 - Kempsey Shire Council Budget Summary


Council‟s 2010/11 budget continued to be impacted by the world economic downturn

leading to a reduction in development activity and in turn an adverse impact on

Council‟s income stream whilst the rate pegging approved 2.6% increase fails to match

increases in operating expenses. Council‟s General Fund budget was focused on the

maintenance activity particularly road asset‟s, the capital works program has been

largely curtailed aligned with a strategy to reduce loan borrowings over the longer

term. Major capital works in the Water and Sewer Funds financed in the main from

loan borrowings will result in an increase in the debt service ratio‟s over the coming

years.

8.8 INCREASING POPULATION AND SERVICE DEMANDS

An increasing Shire population and rising community expectations for desired levels

and types of service ultimately means increases in demands on both the budgetary

and staff resources within Council.

Early in the 2008/09 financial year Kempsey Shire Council commissioned a random

community survey of 300 residents in an effort to assess the priorities of the

community and their attitude to Council‟s performance. The 2008 Community Survey

was conducted by Micromex Research using a structure questionnaire, developed in

conjunction with Council Officers, and administered on a computer aided telephone

system. The survey was conducted in accordance with IQCA (Interview Quality Control

Australia) Standards and the Market Research Society code of Professional Conduct. It

was based on a quadrant formula which enabled analysis of Council‟s service in key

areas, such as Community Facilities, Infrastructure, Human Services, and Corporate

Services and Management, to be ranked according to the importance and level of

satisfaction to survey participants. This format also enabled Micromex to compare

Council‟s performance in key areas with that of other Councils.

The key findings of the survey were:

Using quadrant and gap analysis, priority scores were developed for 39 Council

services/facilities with the highest priorities ranked as follows:

Community safety and law and order initiatives;

Rural roads;

Financial management;

Town roads;

Public toilets;

Land use planning;

Expenditure ($) Revenue ($)

Financial

Year

Operating Capital Total Operating Capital Total

2003/04 39,163,254 28,116,757 67,280,011 43,165,780 24,054,170 67,219,950 2004/05 41,350,968 19,384,582 60,735,550 42,651,870 18,104,087 60,755,957 2005/06 43,975,021 20,176,756 64,151,777 44,382,315 19,575,543 63,957,858 2006/07 47,812,449 20,395,741 68,208,190 48,883,508 19,411,383 68,294,891

2007/08 49,852,487 34,153,707 84,006,194 51,144,228 32,912,261 84,056,489 2008/09 50,419,585 29,811,347 80,230,932 53,580,264 16,624,523 70,204,787

2009/10 2010/11

46,089,851 53,484,413

30,088,506 20,656,988

76,178,357 74,141,401

48,060,413 47,563,927

18,441,367 11,172,776

66,501,780 58,736,703


Kempsey Shire


Economic development;

Footpaths;

Affordable housing; and

Environmental and sustainability initiatives.

Survey respondents were most satisfied with Council‟s general garbage collection,

libraries, recycling and sewerage management services.

Benchmarking of Council‟s Survey results against 20 other councils showed that

Kempsey Shire Council was equal or above average in the following service areas:

general garbage collection; Libraries; recycling; satisfaction with community

consultation/communication; town roads; and satisfaction with the way contact

with Council was handled.

58% of survey respondents were „satisfied‟ or „very satisfied‟ with Council

performance, 23% were neutral and 18% were „dissatisfied‟ or „very dissatisfied.

60% of survey respondents were „satisfied‟ with Council‟s current level of

communication with the community, 24% were neutral and only 15% were

„dissatisfied‟.

54% of respondents had contact with Council in the last 12 months and of these

66% were „satisfied‟ with how Council handled this contact, 13% were neutral, and

21% were dissatisfied.

Respondents identified the highest priority issues for the next 10 years in Kempsey

Shire as:

Roads and footpaths (31%)

Business and employment (14%)

Development (14%)

Services and facilities (13%)

Health (11%)

Youth issues (11%)

The item respondents valued most about living in Kempsey Shire were:

Lifestyle (72%); and

The Natural Environment (55%).

8.9 INCREASING ENERGY PRICES

Energy prices have been rising steadily over the past five to six years and feedback

from energy providers is that prices are set to increase further in the coming years.

Increases in energy prices place extra pressures on Council‟s limited operating budget.

RESPONSE


8.10 ENERGY & GREENHOUSE REPORTS

The introduction of detailed energy and greenhouse data reports during the past five

reporting periods has enabled for the first time, a reasonably accurate measure of

Council‟s energy consumption and greenhouse gas generation. By quantifying current

and historic energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions Council can develop a

strategic framework to reduce future consumption and emissions.


Kempsey Shire


8.11 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS

Council has set a target for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as part of the

Cities for Climate Protection Program. At its December 2008 meeting Council agreed

to endorse the setting of medium and longer term emission reduction goals as follows:

Medium Term Goals: reduce per capita Council greenhouse gas emissions from

2005 levels by 10% by 2014.

Long Term Goals: reduce per capita Council greenhouse gas emissions from 2005

levels by 20% by 2020.

8.12 EMISSION REDUCTION ACTIVITES FROM VEHICLE FLEET

Although Council is yet to formally adopt a strategy for emission reduction in its

vehicle fleet, Council has adopted and continues to use the following weighted criteria

for the purchase decisions for light fleet vehicles; Annual Whole of Life Costs (incl FBT

& Fuel Consumption) 70%, CO2 Emissions 10%, Air Pollution Rating 10% and Safety

10%.

The introduction of this weighting criteria and the subsequent purchase of smaller,

more fuel efficient vehicles into the vehicle fleet continues to see a reduction in

greenhouse gas emissions.

8.13 WATER SAVING ACTIVITIES

During the 2007/08 year Macleay Water undertook a leak detection program. Under

this program the entire Reticulation Infrastructure network was inspected for leaks to

identify any potential water losses through the network.

8.14 TRIAL OF ALTERNATIVE COPY & PRINTING PAPER

During the early part of 2008/09 reporting period, Council trialled the use of

„Canefields‟ copy paper for use in all internal printers and copy machines. The trial

found that the performance of the paper was relatively good in small print jobs,

however it did not perform as well when using it for larger print jobs such as printing

the Council agendas, where paper jams were regularly encountered. Council will

continue to investigate options for a reliable environmentally friendly copy and printing

paper.

8.15 SUSTAINABLE CHOICE PROGRAM

„Sustainable Choice‟ is a

sustainable purchasing

program helping Local

Government meet

Ecologically Sustainable

Development (ESD) and triple bottom line objectives. It is a joint undertaking of the

Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW with the Department of

Environment and Conservation NSW (DEC), and participating councils. The program

provides support and guidance to councils on products and services that save energy

or water, contain recycled content, are non toxic, have greenhouse or biodiversity

benefits, or advance council‟s social or environmental objectives in some way.

Since joining the Program in 2007 Council achieved the following:

Conducted a review of Council‟s existing Management Policy - Purchasing of Good

and Services (M11: 17) with the inclusion of sustainable procurement principles.

Undertaken a trial run of „Canefields‟ copy paper made from sugar cane waste.

Introduction of old light bulb collection service for civic centre and depot.


Kempsey Shire


Staff given option of ordering an alternative diary type, made from 100% recycled

materials and including environmental friendly living tips, in the 2008 corporate

diary order.

Conducted electricity monitoring and benchmarking the environmental footprint of

a number Council‟s larger electricity user sites, as well the vehicle fleet and waste

services section.

Ran a staff competition to develop sustainability slogan and logo to be used on all

future staff education materials.

Commenced drafting of sustainable procurement template for tenders and EOI‟s.

Sustainable purchasing will assist Council to meet its ESD obligations under the Local

Government Act 1993 and address the triple bottom line (environment, social and

economic) outcomes outlined in the Kempsey Shire ESD Strategy.

8.16 ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY WORKS PROGRAM

The Minister for Local Government has approved an extension of the Environmental

Levy for a ten year period commencing from the 2009/10 year.

Kempsey Shire Council conducted a number of significant environmental projects

during the 2010/2011 financial year. The following table provides a breakdown of

specific environmental program works undertaken in 2010/11 and related budgetary

information including the Environmental Levy.

Table 23 - Environmental Projects and Environmental Levy

Item 2010/11

Income

Levy $501,795.00

Expenditure

Revenue Expenditure

Saltwater EMP Implementation $1,947.69

Macleay River Floodplain Project $6,428.00

Gills Creek Rehabilitation Project $1,655.81

Saleyards Environmental Works $25.01

Boyters Lane Wetland Project $2,322.00

Korogora Creek EMP Implementation $17,580.14

Coastal Management Plan $15,846.37

Estuary Management Plan $30,000.00

Land Release Strategy Review $4,430.00

Koala Plan $58.13

Beachwatch $28,000.00

Stormwater Projects $6,138.81 $30,760.50

Loan Repayments $339,531.00

$453,962.96 Loan

Expenditure

Flood Mitigation $1,072.27

$1,072.27


Kempsey Shire


Total Expenditure

$455,035.23

Environmental Levy funds held for future projects $47,832.04


As indicated by the breakdown in expenditure in the above table, Council has

conducted a number of environmental projects through the use of funds raised through

the Environmental Levy. It should also be noted that the funds from the Environmental

Levy allocated to each project does not necessarily denote the full funds spent on that

project. In many cases funding from the Environmental Levy for certain projects

enabled Council to apply for matching grant funding to undertake certain projects. The

net result being that more environmental projects were able to be undertaken as a

result of budget funding from the Levy.

8.17 ESD – TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE REPORTING

Kempsey Shire Council has developed a Triple Bottom Line (i.e. Environmental, Social

and Economic) reporting template for all business paper reports. The aim of the

template is to ensure that social, economic and environmental considerations are duly

addressed to enable informed decision making for sustainable outcomes. Further

refinement and training of staff is required to ensure the tool is used correctly

throughout the organisation and has been listed as a high priority action in the

Kempsey Shire ESD Strategy.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS


8.18 FURTHER ENERGY & GREENHOUSE REPORTS & BENCHMARKING

Ongoing energy and greenhouse reports are needed to continually monitor Council‟s

energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to identify any trends. Part of the

production of the reports, will include a benchmarking process to benchmark, or assess

selected Council premises against similar premises at similar sized Council‟s for energy

consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

8.19 ENERGY AUDITS

Council should undertake further energy audits to identify operational areas where

energy consumption can be reduced.

8.20 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION PLAN

Council should commence preparations for the development of a Local Greenhouse

Action Plan designed to coordinate activities to help Council and the Community to

achieve the adopted emission reduction goals.

8.21 STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS

As part of a strategic overhaul of the existing street lighting asset plan, Council should

also explore a partnership with Country Energy to retrofit inefficient street lighting

bulbs to save on energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


Kempsey Shire


8.22 FLEET MANAGEMENT

Consideration should be given to increasing the weighting percentage of CO2 emissions

when purchasing new vehicles.

8.23 WATER SAVING ACTIVITIES

Ongoing assessment of water usage and efficiencies will be conducted on Council

premises with ongoing investigations to assess options for reducing water

consumption.

8.24 ALTERNATIVE COPY & PRINTING PAPER

Council will continue the search for a reliable, well performing ecologically friendly

paper that is ideally made from at least 80% recycled post consumer waste.

8.25 STAFF EDUCATION

Staff education and awareness of paper usage should be conducted, with the aim of

reducing overall paper usage.

8.26 SUSTAINABLE CHOICE PROGRAM

Council will continue it‟s commitment to the Sustainable Choice Program during

2011/12. A high priority action to be implemented during the 2011/12 reporting period

is to develop a means of providing sustainability related educational and promotional

material to Council staff, as well as proving professional development training on

sustainable procurement (purchasing) to key staff members.

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

ABS (2007), Census Data 2006 – Kempsey, NSW, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007



Ashley, P. M., Graham, B. P., Tighe, M. K., and Wolfenden, B. J., (2007) Antimony and

arsenic dispersion in the Macleay River catchment, New South Wales: a study of the

environmental geochemical consequences, Australian Journal of Earth Sciences (2007)

54, (83-103).

Ashley, P., and Graham, B., (2001). Heavy Metal Loadings of Stream in the Macleay

River Catchment – A geochemical study of stream sediments and waters in the

Macleay River catchment, northern NSW. Report to Mid North Coast Catchment

Management Board, NSW Department of Mineral Resources and Armidale Dumaresq

Council.

Atkinson, G. (1999). Soil Landscapes of the Kempsey 1:100 000 Sheet. Department of

Land & Water Conservation. Kempsey.

CSIRO (2003) Urban and Regional Air Pollution, Commonwealth Scientific and

Industrial Research Organisation, July 2003,

http://www.dar.csiro.au/information/urbanpollution.html Accessed 19/08/05

DECCW (2011) Provision of Information for State of the Environment Report 2010-

2011 Kempsey Shire Council, Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water,

September 2011.

DECCW (2011) POEO Licence List, Department of Environment, Climate Change &

Water, www.environment.nsw.gov.au, Accessed September 2011.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/


Kempsey Shire


DEH (2004). Australian Biodiversity, Department of the Environment and Heritage,

Canberra Australia. www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/. Accessed: 29/08/05.

DEH (2005) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra Australia,

http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/ Accessed 30/08/05

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (2009) Labour market data for

selected SLAs and LGAs in NSW, Labour Market Analysis Team, Labour Market

Strategies Group, Department of Employment & Workplace Relations, August 2009.

DLG (1999). Environmental Guidelines – State of the Environment Reporting by Local

Government. NSW Department of Local Government,

http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/Files/Information/soe99.pdf

DPI (Forest NSW) (2010) Register of Plantations Authorised under the NSW Plantations

and Reafforestation Act 1999, NSW Department of Primary Industries, October 2010.

DPI (Agriculture) (2010) Noxious Weed Declarations, NSW Department of Industries &

Investment, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au, Accessed August 2010.

DPI (Fisheries) (2011) Macleay Estuary Fish Catches, NSW Department of Primary

Industries, September 2011.

Energy Action (2010), Energy Audit Report prepared for Kempsey Shire Council, June

2010.

GECO Environmental (2006) Native Vegetation & Candidate Endangered Ecological

Community Mapping Report, GECO Environmental, July 2006.

GECO Environmental (2005) Macleay River Estuary Data Compilation Study, GECO

Environmental, August 2005.

GHD (2007) Report for Vegetation Mapping for Western Portion Kempsey LGA –

Background Report, GHD, August 2007.

Kempsey Shire Council (2004) State of the Environment Report 2004

(Comprehensive), Kempsey Shire Council 2004.

Kempsey Shire Council (2005) State of the Environment Report 2005

(Supplementary), Kempsey Shire Council 2005.

Kempsey Shire Council (2006) State of the Environment Report 2005-06

(Supplementary), Kempsey Shire Council 2006.


(Supplementary), Kempsey Shire Council, 2007.




(Comprehensive), Kempsey Shire Council, 2009.



Kempsey Shire Council (2007) Kempsey and Macleay Valley Economic Brief, Kempsey

Shire Council, July 2008.

NSW EPA (2004), River Health, Assessed by Macroinvertebrate Assemblages, New

South Wales Environmental Protection Authority, http://soedirect.nsw.gov.au Accessed

16/08/05.

NSW Government (2007) Native Vegetation Management in NSW, NSW Government,

2007, http://www.nativevegetation.nsw.gov.au/index.html. Accessed 30/10/07.

http://www.nativevegetation.nsw.gov.au/index.html


Kempsey Shire


NSW NPWS (2010). Atlas of NSW Wildlife. National Parks Wildlife Services, 2010,

www.npws.nsw.gov.au Accessed 13/09/10.

Phillips, S., and Hopkins, M. (2009). Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management for

Eastern portion of Kempsey Shire LGA, Volume I – Resource Study. Biolink Ecological

Consultants, March 2009.

Phillips, S., and Hopkins, M. (2009). Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management for

Eastern portion of Kempsey Shire LGA, Vol II – The CKPoM. Biolink Ecological

Consultants, March 2009.

Telford, K., Maher, W., Krikowa, F., Foster, S., Ellwood, M.J., Ashley, P.M., Lockwood,

P.V., and Wilson, S.C. (2009) Bioaccumulation of antimony and arsenic in a highly

contaminated stream adjacent to the Hillgrove Mine, NSW, Australia, CSIRO Publishing

Environmental Chemistry, 2009, 6, 133–143.

US EPA (2004) Ozone Depletion, 2004,

http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/science/sc_fact.html, accessed 14/10/04.

WMA Water & South Cross University (2009) Macleay River Estuary Processes Study,

WMA Water & South Cross University (Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry), January

2009.

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