GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT ON MATTERS FOR NOTATION SUBMITTED TO THE Environment, Innovation and Energy Committee TO BE HELD ON Tuesday 12 November, 2024
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ITEM 8 - Environmental Services Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
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Reason For Report |
For the information of the committee. |
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Policy Implications |
Nil |
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Budget Implications |
Nil |
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IPR Linkage |
1.2.2.1a - Facilitate Council and standing committee meeting processes. |
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Annexures |
Nil |
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File Number |
\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COMMITTEES - REPORTS OF 2024 - 1773113 |
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THAT the information be noted.
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Department Leader - Environmental Service's REPORT
The following report provides an overview of the services provided by the Environmental Services department of council:
Domestic Waste Contract
The following figures have been provided by council’s contractor JR Richards relating to the domestic waste service this current financial year.
Landfill and transfer station sites
The Waste team are now back at full capacity with the employment of new Landfill Plant Operator Joe Boland. Joe has 10 years of knowledge in waste compaction and waste reduction and has been a massive asset to the team already in his short time with Cabonne Council. Cargo Landfill Attendant position was also filled by local man Arthur Watson who is well known and respected in the Cargo community. Numerous meetings have been attended with Netwaste in early discussions of the new 10-year contract with Council looking to implement FOGO in the Cabonne LGA.
Cemeteries
With the commencement of the Cemeteries and Crematoria levy on October 1, all funeral homes have been engaged and are collecting the levy on behalf of the Council. Commencement of some minor upgrade works will take place at both Canowindra and Meranburn Cemeteries to be completed by early 2025.
Ranger services
The relocation of the Molong pound facility is still in the development stage at this point. A modification to the DA was lodged and recommendations in relation to part 5 of the Animal Welfare Act must be considered and re-planned so the modification can be approved for construction by Council.
Biosecurity
Concerns are being felt region wide around the inconsistency of State Government around the implementation and changes around the Weeds Action Program. The Natural Resource Commission is also conducting another audit on Biosecurity effectiveness in NSW. There have already been a few recommendations from this and one being Local Government taking over Pest Vertebrate operations from Local land Services. It is speculated that if this were to be the case we would be looking at yet another year-to-year grant and 1:1 dollar investment/return.
Current weeds/Actions
The biosecurity team is focusing on controlling Chilean Needle Grass, Blackberry, Serrated Tussock, Sticky Nightshade and St John’s Wort across the shire. With the consistent rain and temperatures warming up the team will be extra busy this Spring/Summer