Community questionnaire

Access to Information

How easily council displays information about what it is doing for environmental sustainability.

Q1.   Does this Council display eco-sustainability information in its foyer or in other Council-owned buildings?
A.   A range of pamphlets on environmental subjects are available in the foyer and in the library. Information is also advertised on the Council Administration Centre notice board, and notice boards in the community centres.

Q2.   Does this Council visibly advertise events that support eco-sustainability in the community? (ie hazardous waste collections, living smart courses, etc) Details?
A.   Eco-sustainability events/initiative are promoted in the weekly ‘Subi Scene’ in the POST Newspaper and in the City's ‘Talk about Subi’ monthly newsletter provided to approximately 10,000 residents and businesses within the municipality. Media releases are also completed to promote events in the western suburbs local newspapers (the POST and Western Suburbs Weekly).

Q3.   Does this Council website display eco-sustainability information in 1 or 2 clicks from its home page? Please include the link for eco-sustainability information.
A.   Visit http://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au, click on Services and Information A-Z, and then Environmental Projects

Q4.   Does this Council train frontline staff to deal with some public requests for eco-info? (vs always switching through to someone else’s messagebank). Details of issues covered by frontline staff?
A.   The Parks and Environment Department have a customer service officer position for the department, who is trained to deal with a variety of public requests for environmental information.

Q5.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   The City has achieved recognition for its community engagement approach, which is standard practice for the development of projects throughout the organisation. The City was awarded the WA Project of the Year for the Think2030 community visioning project, in the 2012 Core Values Awards by the IAP2. The community's vision for 2030 states (in part) that "sustainability, in all its forms, is at the core of the community and underpins the City's operations".

Top

General Support for Environmental Sustainability

General ways that this council promotes environmental sustainability.

Q1.   Does this Council employ 2+ environmental / sustainability officers (or similar role by a different name)? Please provide job titles, areas of responsibility, and which department they are in.
A.   7 x Environment/ Sustainability staff are employed by the City of Subiaco Parks and Environment Section (Environmental initiatives): 1 FTE Environmental Project Officer - greening projects, wildlife enhancement 1 FTE Coordinator Environmental Projects - climate change, energy efficiency, community programs 0.5 FTE Coordinator Parks Development - water conservation in parks and reserves 0.5 FTE Manager Parks and Environment Waste and Fleet Section (vehicles and recycling initiatives): 1 FTE Manager Waste and Fleet - hybrid trucks, electric vehicles, recycling initiatives Land and Property Section (Sustainable transport initiatives): 1 FTE Coordinator of integrated transport - sustainable transport 1 FTE Integrated transport officer - sustainable transport

Q2.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to business or industry?
A.   The annual Sustainable Verge and Garden Award has a business category.

Q3.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to residents or schools?
A.   The annual Sustainable Verge and Garden Award has a residential garden, residential verge and school category. Further information can be found at: http://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/template.asp?navSelect=12&mainNavID=12&pageRecID=883

Q4.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability grants to residents/ schools/ community groups/ businesses? Details?
A.   Home sustainability grants of $100 per household are provided in conjunction with Greenskills home sustainability workshops, and as part of the Sustainable Household Assessment Program. In 2012, the City has a budget of $4,500 to provide to schools within the municipality to support environmental projects. The City also provides ad-hoc environmental scholarships of $2,500 per student candidate to undertake wildlife research projects within the municipality. The Community Development grants program provides funds of up to $5,000 for community projects. This has been awarded to projects such as community food gardens, an environmental vegetarian cooking group, and bush tucker food workshops.

Q5.   Does Council provide funding/assistance for school gardens?
A.   Financial assistance and environmental officer time is provided to support schools environmental initiatives. Staff assist schools organise native planting days and the City donates plants.

Q6.   Does this Council support any community gardening projects?
A.   The City of Subiaco supports and coordinates a community garden management committee and has budgeted $50,000 to assist with the development of a community garden. The City has published community garden management guidelines to assist community members start community gardens.

Q7.   Has this Council hosted a Living Smart course, or similar in 2011/2012? Details?
A.   The City of Subiaco hosted a Living Smart course in November 2012 at the Shenton Park Community Centre in conjunction with WRMC Earthcarers.

Q8.   Does this Council have any Living Smart courses planned for 2012/2013? Dates, times, venues, booking contact?
A.   In conjunction with WMRC Earthcarers, the City is planning to participate in a Living Smart course, along with other Western suburbs councils, in March 2013.

Q9.   Does this Council work with schools to provide education on eco-sustainability issues?
A.   The City of Subiaco has provided a herbarium to the Jolimont primary school to assist with the management of the schools bushland area and provided support for university students to undertake this work. Assistance is provided to schools that wish to undertake planting events (ie. Subiaco Primary School National Tree Day 2011). In May 2012, the City was successful in obtaining a $23,600 grant through the Australian Government Biodiversity Fund to help Jolimont Primary School restore remnant bushland on its grounds. As part of this project, the City regularly involves the students in growing seedlings and weeding activities. The City educates students from all three primary schools during National Tree Day events and also speaks at school assembly's on environmental projects. The City provided a talk to two primary schools on the urban forest and wildlife preservation during a launch of a red-tailed black cockatoo sculpture. Students are involved in wetland management with practical field trips, including plantings, testing water quality and trapping long-neck turtles. The City provided a presentation to Perth Modern High School on community gardens, to assist the school develop an on-site living classroom.

Q10.   Does this Council support Bushcare Friends and/or other environmentally focused community groups? Details?
A.   The City is currently establishing a Volunteer Group for the Daglish Rail Reserve, who will assist with ongoing revegetation and weeding activities.

Q11.   Does this Council support WA/national/international events to promote sustainability? (eg World Environment Day, Earth Hour, Sustainable September)
A.   The City participates in Earth Hour 2012, the Great Cocky Count 2012, National Tree Day 2012, Clean-Up Australia Day 2012, and provided an environmental presentation at the Library for community members to mark Sustainable September 2012.

Q12.   Does this Council report periodically to the community on the state of the local environment? How often? (include weblink)
A.  No

Q13.   Has this Council declared itself a nuclear-free zone? Symbolic and/or embedded into Town Planning Scheme?
A.   Symbolic

Q14.   Has this Council declared itself a GMO/GE free zone? Details?
A.  No

Q15.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   The City offers a Verge Development Assistance program. Residents can apply to have their verges prepared for native plants with a bobcat service and subsidised plants and landscape design advice available.

Top

Protecting and Restoring Nature in Residential Areas.

How this council manages the air, water, land, plants, animals and micro-organisms - and their ecosystems - in its care.

Q1.   Does this Council have any demonstration native gardens? If so, where?
A.   Council has two, one on Cunningham Terrace in Daglish, and one at Cliff Sadlier Reserve in Daglish. A demonstration living wall with native plants has been commissioned for the Library, the first native vertical garden in Western Australia.

Q2.   Does this Council use native plants (vs exotics) for verges, traffic islands, around Council buildings, etc? What % of Council plantings?
A.   The City planted a total of 7,000 native understorey species in identified green corridors in 2012. Additional native species were installed in traffic islands and around Council buildings (approx 50%).

Q3.   Does this Council involve the community in native planting days?
A.   The City hosts a community planting event for National Tree Day on an annual basis. The City has also involved the Swan River Trusts "River Guardians" community environmental volunteers and SERCUL, alongside local community volunteers in revegetation works for the JH Abrahams bushland restoration.

Q4.   Does this Council offer residents free or subsidised native seedlings or plants? Details of when, where & prices?
A.   Native seedling subsidy scheme. Through Apace Nursery. $1.50/plant with a limit of 80 plants per resident, in May.

Q5.   Does this Council provide lists of appropriate local native plants? How are they publicised and distributed?
A.   Information is available on our website and hard-copy brochures are available in the foyer at the Administration Centre and Library.

Q6.   Does this Council warn residents against planting exotic species that may escape into bushland? How?
A.  No

Q7.   Does this Council encourage residents to convert some of their lawns and/or verges to native gardens? How?
A.   The City offers a verge development assistance scheme. A $100 subsidy is available for people wishing to receive landscape design advice to convert their verge to a more sustainable landscape . The City also undertakes groundwork's (removing weeds/topsoil/provision of topsoil suitable for planting) for residents wishing to establish a native garden on their verge.

Q8.   Does this Council award outstanding native gardens?
A.   The City hosts a Sustainable Verge and Garden Awards program on an annual basis, with prize funding of $2,000 shared between category winners.

Q9.   Does this Council offer incentives for owners of big backyards in high density areas to retain these blocks for biodiversity? Details?
A.  No

Q10.   Does this Council have other means of protecting mature trees in residential areas? Details?
A.   The City has developed a significant tree register for its significant trees on residential verges.

Q11.   Does this Council act on residents' complaints of cats preying on native fauna? What action is taken? On what % of complaints?
A.  No No, although this will be addressed soon with the introduction of the Local Cat Law.

Q12.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   Through the WESROC group the City will be partaking in a feral animal control program for foxes and rabbits.

Top

Sustainable Building and Design

How this council supports the community to build sustainably

Q1.   Does this Council have a model Sustainable building or subdivision? Details?
A.   The City is collaborating with the Subiaco Redevelopment Authority to redevelop the Australian Fine China site, which comprises former industrial land in the Redevelopment Area. The site will be developed to showcase best practice in sustainable land development. The development is required to meet 56 different sustainability targets that include such things as integrated urban water management systems, recycling of building waste, use of photo-voltaics and very high targets for water and energy reduction.

Q2.   Does this Council have an interpretive display of sustainable features on any of its buildings?
A.   The City has installed solar panels on the Library, and has an information poster and real-time display screen of electricity generation and consumption at the site for the community to view. The City has also installed a Greensense real-time display of electricity and water use at Lords Sports Centre, which is located near the registration desk for the community to view and navigate different pages.

Q3.   Does this Council provide support for residents wanting to build sustainable homes?
A.   Workshops on energy and water efficiency are currently held and a workshop on green building design was planned for 2011.

Q4.   Does this Council have measures in place to support businesses and residents to design above the minimum star ratings? Eg Hosting green building design courses etc.
A.  No

Q5.   Does this Council discourage the use of rainforest or old growth timbers and recommend alternatives, when issuing building permits?
A.  No

Q6.   Does this Council require an independent vegetation survey before issuing a building permit and inspection after development to ensure no unauthorised removal?
A.   Surveys are undertaken to assess vegetation on-site for any development proposal and action is taken to protect this vegetation if the survey deems this to be significant either through age, species or a number of other criteria.

Q7.   Does this Council promote the use of renewable energy sources (eg Photovoltaic cells, wind turbines) to residents and businesses through funding, incentives or otherwise? Details?
A.   Home sustainability grants of $100 per household are provided in conjunction with Greenskills home sustainability workshops, and as part of the Sustainable Household Assessment Program. A number of residents have used the grant to contribute towards the installation of solar panels.

Q8.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   The City introduced an Environmental Design Policy – Residential, which encourages residents to incorporate sustainable design features when building or renovating. It includes environmental design features such as: - North-south axis living area orientation - On-site renewable energy generation - Solar water heaters - Roof insulation and ventilation - Light roof colours to reflect heat - Window tinting, adjustable shading and fans. - Deciduous trees for passive solar design The City is a member of the Green Building Council of Australia to access technical information, undertake advocacy work and support the uptake of sustainable building practises within the municipality.

Top

Sustainable Transport / Climate Change

Action being taken by this council to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Q1.   Is this Council offering any energy efficiency programs for residents in 2012/2013 (e.g workshops, home energy audits? Details?
A.   Council provides a home sustainable assessment program to identify where areas of electricity are being used and target improvement actions.

Q2.   Does this Council support businesses to improve their energy efficiency? Details?
A.   In progress. The City completed a pilot business sustainable assessment program in 2009. The City encourages tenants of city-owned leased properties to improve their energy efficiency, and is working with a tenant on a current office retrofit to promote the energy improvements and cost savings through a sustainability case study.

Q3.   Does this Council have measures in place to decrease private car use throughout the municipality? Details?
A.   The City has an Integrated Transport Strategy which aims to reduce car use by improving public transport, cycling and walking facilities and by managing travel demand through TravelSmart programs.

Q4.   Does this Council promote the use of electric and/or hybrid vehicles? How? (eg providing ev recharge points)
A.   The City has a Hybrid petrol-electric truck in its fleet. The City is investigating the option of an electric vehicle charge point on a new car park redevelopment. The City also trialled an electric vehicle in 2012, and has applied for a budget in 2013/14 to include an electric vehicle in the vehicle fleet.

Q5.   Does this Council provide free cycling/public transport maps to residents? Details?
A.   The City provides free TravelSmart maps and PBN maps as part of TravelSmart programs, on the website, or by request.

Q6.   Does this Council contribute to security for bicycles at train & bus stations? Details?
A.  No

Q7.   Does this Council have a Travel Smart /Sustainable Transport officer? If so, what fraction of a f/t position?
A.   1 FTE integrated transport officer

Q8.   Does this Council provide support for Walking School buses? How? Where?
A.  

Q9.   Does this Council provide any local public transport additional to Transperth Services? Details
A.   Subiaco Shuttle – bus 97. Runs every 15 minutes past major destinations within the City.

Q10.   Does this Council show a comparison of its expenditure on infrastructure for road transport incl. carparks /public transport/cycling/walking?
A.  No

Q11.   Does this Council continue to monitor its community greenhouse gas emissions/ manage climate change?
A.  No The City previously monitored community greenhouse gas emissions through the ICLEI CCP Program, which was discontinued in 2009.

Q12.   Does this Council publish the annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations (units of electricity, gas, transport fuel)?
A.   This information is provided in reports to Council which are made available on the City’s website.

Q13.   Has this Council consulted with the community on ways it is planning to reduce greenhouse emissions? When? How many members of the community attended?
A.   Between October 2010 and March 2011, around 3700 community members participated in a variety of community engagement activities as part of the Think2030 visioning process. The period of engagement generated over 29,000 ideas. Through this process, the community noted sustainability and conservation as issues likely to be faced by the City in the future. Energy related issues were also noted, particularly linked to climate change and environmental issues. The Think2030 community feedback informed the development of actions included in the draft Environment Enhancement Plan 2012 - 2016 (out for public comment until 30 Nov 2012).

Q14.   Has this Council consulted with the community on ways it may adapt to climate change? When? How many members of the community attended?
A.   In conjunction with the western suburbs councils (WESROC), the City completed a climate change risk assessment in 2010. WESROC are currently developing a climate change adaptation education program to involve members of the community in adaptation responses.

Q15.   Does this Council support community led initiatives for climate change adaptation? (eg Transition Town)
A.   The City’s environment department has funds budgeted to assist community projects for Climate Change adaptation.

Q16.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   In November 2011, Council adopted the Western Australian Local Government Declaration on Climate Change. A drying climate policy was prepared and adopted by council in December 2011 to reduce the use of non-sustainable water sources were possible within the municipality. It allows for the City to investigate and implement alternative water sources for irrigation, such as stormwater and treated wastewater. It also outlines the City's Water Sensitive Urban Design approach, including the development of 'blue corridors', defined as areas of vegetation that are designed to detain and infiltrate stormwater run-off. • modification of heating, ventilation and cooling systems operating schedules • installation of motion sensors on lights • de-lamping of fluorescent lights • installation of timers on hot water systems • purchase of 100 per cent natural power for all facilities and City owned streetlights • installation of 1,037 energy efficient streetlights (42 W compact fluorescent lights) • introduction of a green procurement policy • conversion of 119 CRT computer screens to lower energy LCD computer screens • purchase of hybrid petrol-electric trucks and cars • trial installation of solar streetlights at McCallum park Reducing energy use and increasing efficiency are targeted before offsets such as the purchase of natural power, to ensure consumption is minimised as much as possible.

Top

Waste Management

How this council works towards the goal of zero waste.

Q1.   Does this Council have measures in place to prevent plastic bags from entering the environment? eg removal of bags from pollutant traps, plastic bag bylaws, etc
A.   Gross Pollutant Traps are installed within the city’s stormwater system to reduce the number of plastic bags entering the ecosystem. Street sweeping occurs every fortnight in residential streets, and daily in CBD areas. All plastics (1-7), including plastic bags, can be recycled in the City's weekly recycling collection service.

Q2.   Does this Council provide receptacles just for cigarette butts in public places? Details?
A.   Twenty receptacles for cigarette butts are provided in butt hotspots in the municipality. The City supported the Keep Australia Beautiful ‘Bin your Butt’ campaign.

Q3.   Does this Council provide its own local drop-off facilities for recycling of spent fluoro globes & tubes, batteries and mobile phones?
A.   The City offers two location for battery and mobile phone recycling, at the City’s Library and Administration Centre. Spent fluoro globes can be recycled at the WRMC transfer station in Shenton Park.

Q4.   Does this council provide local drop off points for recycling of e-waste? Details?
A.   The City provides a drop-off point for recycling of E-waste at the WRMC transfer station in Shenton Park . The City employs a contractor to provide 4 collections per year for E-and electronic waste from bulk verge rubbish collections, to recover E-waste before the rubbish is removed.

Q5.   Does this Council offer residents financial incentive for reducing their general rubbish? Details?
A.   Residents have a choice of three general waste bin sizes – 80 litre,120 litre and 240 litre. Charges: 80L $216,120L $278, 240L $418

Q6.   Does this Council offer businesses incentives to reduce general rubbish? Details?
A.  No The City offers weekly collection of cardboard for recycling for commercial sites. The standard commercial service is a single 240 litre green lid bin. Additional bin services are available at an additional cost of $459.80 (inc GST) for a 240 litre green lid bin. Financial incentives are offered via free recycling bins and cardboard collections.

Q7.   Does this Council promote recycling within its industrial zone? Details?
A.   The City offers weekly collection of cardboard for recycling for commercial sites. The standard commercial service is a single 240 litre green lid bin. Additional bin services are available at an additional cost of $459.80 (inc GST) for a 240 litre green lid bin. Financial incentives are offered via free recycling bins and cardboard collections.

Q8.   Does this Council collect and compost kitchen waste?
A.  No Not yet, but in June 2013 Council waste will be processed through the DiCOM waste processing system at WMRC's Waste Transfer Station in Shenton Park. For more information please visit: www.dicomwesternsuburbs.weebly.com

Q9.   Does this Council offer practical support for household composting and/or worm farming? Details?
A.   The City provides discounted compost bins and worm factories for residents. The City supports community education events for International Composting Awareness Week through the WMRC, and assists with school events.

Q10.   Does this Council participate in Resource Recovery Park or tip shop for residents?
A.   The City’s waste services provide the following additional services: • seven public place recycling units are provided, each unit has a bin for all containers & plastic bags, all paper and cardboard and a rubbish bin. • unlimited verge collections of prunings and/or green waste collection bags for residents • four verge collections per year of bulk rubbish material for residents, including recycling collections of E and electronic materials and gas bottles • two discounted transfer station trailer passes for hard waste per year for residents • waste collection from special events such as large public functions • customer advice and a 50% discount for eligible pensioners on the waste service charge • general bulk cardboard disposal available via the waste transfer station.

Q11.   Does this Council provide local drop-off points or collection days for HHW (Household Hazardous Waste)?
A.  No Household Hazardous Waste can be dropped off at the WRMC transfer station in Shenton Park.

Q12.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   The City’s waste services provide the following additional services: • seven public place recycling units are provided, each unit has a bin for all containers & plastic bags, all paper and cardboard and a rubbish bin. • unlimited verge collections of prunings and/or green waste collection bags for residents • four verge collections per year of bulk rubbish material for residents, including recycling collections of E and electronic materials and gas bottles • two discounted transfer station trailer passes for hard waste per year for residents • waste collection from special events such as large public functions • customer advice and a 50% discount for eligible pensioners on the waste service charge • general bulk cardboard disposal available via the waste transfer station.

Top

Water Management

How this council assists and educates local businesses and community to conserve water resources.

Q1.   Does this Council support residents to improve their water efficiency? (eg waterwise verges, workshops on waterwise gardening/ food production, rebates). Details?
A.   The City of Subiaco encourages residents to establish and maintain the verge adjacent to their properties. The City’s verge policy guides development of verges throughout Subiaco. The City joined the ICLEI Water Campaign in 2007, and was awarded Milestone 5 - Corporate and Community, in 2012. The City provides a rebate for greywater installations through its greywater reuse incentive program. The City also hosts approximately two Waterwise gardening workshops per year for residents.

Q2.   Does this Council support businesses to improve their water efficiency? Details?
A.   In progress. The City completed a pilot business sustainable assessment program in 2009.

Q3.   Does Council support residents to harvest rainwater (e.g. through provision of rebates)? Details?
A.   Home sustainability grants of $100 per household are provided in conjunction with Greenskills home sustainability workshops, and as part of the Sustainable Household Assessment Program. A number of residents have used the grant to contribute towards the installation of rainwater tanks.

Q4.   Does this Council promote and provide support for residents to reuse greywater? How? How many applications from residents have been received?
A.   The City has offered the Greywater Reuse Incentive Program since 2006, where fees relating to permits for grey water installation are refunded upon residents’ application. The City receives between 3 - 10 applications per year.

Q5.   Does this Council take any other action for water conservation? Details?
A.   The City of Subiaco was endorsed as a Waterwise Council by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation in August 2010. The City implements a Water Conservation Plan and Groundwater Operating Plan, as well as the ICLEI Water Campaign local action plan. The City is one of a consortium of 20 organisations that support the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities program, and has committed $30,000 from 2012 - 2014. The City has reduced water use of parks and reserves over a number of years, and is implementing hydrozoning in a number of reserves in conjunction with irrigation upgrades. The city has also installed a stormwater harvesting system in Rosalie Mini Park to provide for irrigation of the reserve and reduce the need to use groundwater. The City received the Australian Water Association Award for WA's Waterwise Council in 2010. In recognition of environmental innovation, recycling and water conservation programs, the City was awarded the State’s Most Sustainable City in 2011 by Keep Australia Beautiful, and went on to win the national Water Conservation Award. The City received the Keep Australia Beautiful State Water Conservation Award again in 2012.

Top