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.   The City has recycling boxes for batteries, CFLs and mobile phones on display in the Library and at the Beatty Park Leisure Centre. The City also makes available in its foyer copies of brochures on a range of eco-sustainability topics, including waste, native plants, sustainable building design and discounts for residents on sustainable products and services. Posters of relevant eco-sustainability events and workshops are also displayed in the foyer leading up to each event.

Q2.   Does this Council visibly advertise events that support eco-sustainability in the community? (ie hazardous waste collections, living smart courses, etc) Details?
A.   The City of Vincent advertises City-run events such as hazardous waste collection days, programs and courses on the City's website, through community newsletters, and through advertisements in local newspapers. The City is open to promoting events run by others which are available for City residents to attend.

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.   Website has recently installed Green Initiatives.Clicked to access Environment & Sustainability main page. http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Services/Environment_Sustainability

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 City’s Customer Services Centre staff are readily able to answer questions about purchasing worm farms/compost bins, recycling (eg. advising that bins for CFLs, mobile phones and batteries are located in the Library and at Beatty Park), and advising people about relevant brochures available in the CSC area (such as the City’s “Grow Local Plants” brochure, and the City’s TravelSmart map).

Q5.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   The City’s Green Resources web page lists links to external websites that provide further relevant information.

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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.   The Sustainability Officer is in the Strategic Planning section of Planning, Building and Heritage Services. Responsibilities include strategic sustainability planning and policy (including climate change planning), sustainability issues and programs relating to the built environment. The Project Officer – Parks & Environment is in the Technical Services Directorate (this Directorate also includes Parks and Property Services, Engineering Services and Asset Management and Design Services). Their primary role is to facilitate the protection and enhancement of the City’s natural assets at a landscape level, planning and practical programs such as catchment management, administering the City’s Environmental Grants & Awards program, and promoting and educating the community on environmental issues, such as waste management and use of native plants. The TravelSmart Officer is located with Asset and Design Services within the Technical Services Directorate. The TSO supports Active Transport options within the City. This includes embedding TravelSmart consideration into Plans and Strategies; delivering behaviour change programs at a community level; developing events and initiatives that engage community; improving infrastructure so that sustainable transport is an easy choice, building partnerships and rewarding active travel behaviour.

Q2.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to business or industry?
A.  No However, the City of Vincent is currently reviewing its Environmental Grants & Awards Policy and is considering expanding the awards (which are currently open to individuals and to schools) to include organisations and businesses. However, the City of Vincent is currently reviewing its Environmental Grants & Awards Policy and is considering expanding the awards (which are currently open to individuals and to schools) to include organisations and businesses. The City also offers Building Design and Conservation Awards on a two yearly basis. The Awards are aimed at recognising and celebrating the efforts of all those involved in the construction and conservation of Vincent's buildings. There are three award categories, one of which is specifically for sustainable building design.

Q3.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to residents or schools?
A.   Through its Environmental Grants & Awards Policy, the City of Vincent offers annual awards (across five categories) of a certificate and cash prize to individuals and to schools. The City is currently reviewing the Policy and is considering amending the categories of prizes offered.

Q4.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability grants to residents/ schools/ community groups/ businesses? Details?
A.   Through its Environmental Grants & Awards Policy, the City of Vincent makes grants available to schools and community groups/non-profit organisations. The City is currently reviewing the Policy to make amendments for the inclusion of a wider range of groups and categories.

Q5.   Does Council provide funding/assistance for school gardens?
A.   Through its Environmental Grants & Awards Policy, the City of Vincent offers grants to schools for environmental projects, which could include school gardens where appropriate.

Q6.   Does this Council support any community gardening projects?
A.   Through its Environmental Grants & Awards Policy, the City has provided funding to a group of residents (at the Maltings Development) for the establishment of a community garden. The City is currently working with the North Perth Community Garden and Norwood Neighbourhood Association in the set up of two new community gardens. Extensive consultation has occurred and works will continue to develop these projects in the near future.

Q7.   Has this Council hosted a Living Smart course, or similar in 2011/2012? Details?
A.   The City of Vincent ran its first Living Smart program from 22 October to 10 December 2011 and its second program from 26 April – 14 June 2012. The City has allocated funds in the 2012/2013 budget for a program to be run in this time. The City also offers a suite of other sustainability-themed workshops throughout the year, including Worm Farm Workshops, Great Gardens / Beyond Gardens Workshops and Sustainable Design Workshops among many others.

Q8.   Does this Council have any Living Smart courses planned for 2012/2013? Dates, times, venues, booking contact?
A.   The City of Vincent hosted the Living Smart program from 22 October to 10 December 2011 and a second program from 26 April – 14 June 2012. The City has allocated funds in the 2012/2013 budget for a program to be run in this time. For further information please contact the City’s Sustainability Officer on 9273 6013 or sustainability@vincent.wa.gov.au

Q9.   Does this Council work with schools to provide education on eco-sustainability issues?
A.   The City’s Project Officer – Parks & Environment works with local schools to promote the recycling of batteries, compact fluorescent globes and mobile phones and accessories, and also to promote worm farming, composting and recycling. The City’s TravlelSmart Officer works with schools to support their Active Transport initiatives such as Walking School Bus and Ride to School days.

Q10.   Does this Council support Bushcare Friends and/or other environmentally focused community groups? Details?
A.   The City supports the work being done by the Claise Brook Catchment Group – a community group working to restore wetlands and improve the quality of water flowing into the Swan River from the Perth inner city area. The City’s Project Officer – Environment regularly attends Claise Brook Catchment Group’s monthly meetings. The City also supports the Earth Carers program run through the Mindarie Regional Council. In addition, we support smaller groups, schools and associations through the provision of financial support and technical expertise.

Q11.   Does this Council support WA/national/international events to promote sustainability? (eg World Environment Day, Earth Hour, Sustainable September)
A.   The City of Vincent participates in, and promotes: • Earth Hour – the City has participated for the last 4 years; • National Tree Planting Day – the City involves community members in plantings at a location within the City every year on this day; • Bike to Work Challenge – a national 6 week challenge encouraging staff to ride to work with resources supplied and prizes offered; • Ride to Work Day – a national initiative where the City held a free Bike Breakfast for those who cycled to work on the day – prizes offered for a range of achievements; • Walk Over October – the City held a Mums ‘n Bubs Walk Over October event; • Bike Week – a series of events held in March to promote Active Transport and other national and international awareness-raising events; • Sustainable September; • World Green Building Week; and • Sustainable House Day.

Q12.   Does this Council report periodically to the community on the state of the local environment? How often? (include weblink)
A.  No However, environmental projects and initiatives feature strongly in: • The City’s quarterly newsletter; • On the City’s website Environment and Sustainability • In the City’s Green e-newsletter Sign up here The City of Vincent also has a Sustainable Environment Strategy, which details the City’s environmental agenda for the period 2011-2016. Reports are compiled quarterly detailing the progress and implementation of the strategy and reported to Council in the form of information bulletins – readily available to the public on the City’s website (in the Council Minutes section).

Q13.   Has this Council declared itself a nuclear-free zone? Symbolic and/or embedded into Town Planning Scheme?
A.   The City of Vincent has a Nuclear Free Zone Policy in place, which notes that on 24 July 1995 the Council declared: 1. the City of Vincent to be a nuclear free zone; 2. that no nuclear power stations may be built within the City; 3. that no uranium, nuclear waste nor other material connected with the nuclear power industry may be stored or transported in or through the City; and 4. that the City will not be opposed to the responsible use of radioisotopes in hospitals within the City, as it believes the benefits to the users outweigh the risks to the community at large.

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 is a signatory to the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Local Government Declaration on Climate Change – acknowledging the impacts of climate change and committing the City to significant mitigation actions. The City is currently also exploring a ban on non-biodegradable and non-reusable plastic bags.

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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.   The City has a large range of native gardens which can be viewed by residents when required. Examples include two native gardens at Hyde Park, a reconstructed wetland at Robertson Park, a second reconstructed wetland at Smiths Lake and various other native gardens around the City.

Q2.   Does this Council use native plants (vs exotics) for verges, traffic islands, around Council buildings, etc? What % of Council plantings?
A.   Where practicable, the City uses local plants for verges, traffic islands, and around Council buildings. At present, the split between native and non-native plants in Council areas is approximately 60% native and 40% exotic.

Q3.   Does this Council involve the community in native planting days?
A.   The City involves the community in the planting of local wetlands, waterways and greening projects. The most recent planting day was held at Kyilla PS, on National Tree Day.

Q4.   Does this Council offer residents free or subsidised native seedlings or plants? Details of when, where & prices?
A.   Since 2005, the City, in conjunction with the Claise Brook Catchment Group, has held two Western Australian Plant Sales per year. The sales are held during the cooler autumn and winter months to take advantage of the winter rain. All the plants are sold at less than wholesale prices (to residents of Vincent only). Trees, flowering plants, shrubs and groundcovers are all offered for sale.

Q5.   Does this Council provide lists of appropriate local native plants? How are they publicised and distributed?
A.   A list of local plants appropriate to the City’s environment (City of Vincent “Grow Local Plants” brochure) is available from the City’s website, or in hard copy from the City Library and the City’s Customer Service Centre.

Q6.   Does this Council warn residents against planting exotic species that may escape into bushland? How?
A.   Brochures are readily available at Local Plant Sales and other Council hosted events which warn residents of the dangers of planting certain species. However, given the built up, inner-city nature of the City of Vincent, there are few susceptible bushland areas and the City has been successful in restoring and controlling weeds in many wetland areas.

Q7.   Does this Council encourage residents to convert some of their lawns and/or verges to native gardens? How?
A.  No However, the Town has a policy relating to verges, which notes that the Town encourages the use of waterwise plants for planting the verges, and discourages turfing of verges (Policy 2.2.4).

Q8.   Does this Council award outstanding native gardens?
A.   The City holds an annual Garden Competition, with several categories of awards, including a “Catchment Friendly Garden” category sponsored by the Water Corporation (with a cash prize). Entries in all categories are judged against waterwise criteria, such as the use of native plants and water saving measures. Awards are presented to all winners at a function held at the City’s Administration & Civic Centre.

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 a Significant Trees Inventory, which lists significant trees on public and private property that cannot be removed (they are protected under the City’s Town Planning Scheme No. 1 and the Local Government Act 1995). The City is currently in the process of reviewing and updating the Inventory. The City also prohibits the removal of street trees to accommodate new developments.

Q11.   Does this Council act on residents' complaints of cats preying on native fauna? What action is taken? On what % of complaints?
A.  No The City’s Officers refer residents on to the Cat Haven for advice when they have complaints of this nature.

Q12.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.  No

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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.  No However, a business case is currently being developed for such a project.

Q2.   Does this Council have an interpretive display of sustainable features on any of its buildings?
A.  No However, this is currently being developed for the Beatty Park Leisure Centre (currently undergoing major renovations) and will in future be extended to the City’s other large facilities.

Q3.   Does this Council provide support for residents wanting to build sustainable homes?
A.   The City has adopted a Sustainable Design Policy, and has issued a Sustainable Residential Design Checklist, which is designed for people who are thinking about building a new home or undertaking major renovations. The Checklist outlines some key considerations that should be discussed with the home builder and designer at an early stage in, to ensure that the home is constructed in a sustainable way.

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.   The City places a strong focus on sustainable design and where possible sets standards above the minimum compulsory star ratings for new developments. The City also hosts workshops and expo-style events for property owners and for building /property industry professionals to promote the benefits of sustainable design.

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.  No

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.   Various workshops that promote the use of renewable energy sources (as listed previously) are periodically hosted by the City. Through its participation in the Switch Your Thinking program, the City also provides discounts on Solar PV to its residents.

Q8.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.  No

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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.   The City offered 150 free Home Sustainability Audits for Vincent residents in 2010 and the early part of 2011, aimed at identifying ways for residents to reduce their energy (and water) usage and save money. The City also runs periodic workshops and programs that feature energy efficiency, including the Living Smart program and Switch Your Thinking’s Energy Saver Workshops. Through the Switch Your Thinking Program the City’s residents also receive discounts on home-sustainability audits and energy efficiency products.

Q2.   Does this Council support businesses to improve their energy efficiency? Details?
A.  No However, there are plans to host Switch Your Thinking’s energy saver workshops aimed specifically at businesses in the future.

Q3.   Does this Council have measures in place to decrease private car use throughout the municipality? Details?
A.   The Council has recently employed a TravelSmart Officer who is charged with promoting Active Transport throughout the City and reducing private car use. Residents can access information though the weblink: http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Services/Environment_Sustainability/TravelSmart The City adopted a Car Parking Strategy which has the aim of better managing and reducing traffic in the City, and recommends measures to promote the use of alternative methods of transport, which the City is currently pursuing.

Q4.   Does this Council promote the use of electric and/or hybrid vehicles? How? (eg providing ev recharge points)
A.   The City has installed two electric vehicle charge stations in public car parks within the City. The City has also recently purchased an electric vehicle - Mitsubishi I-Miev which is used as a pool car. The City is also currently developing its own TravelSmart Workplace Plan, with one of the outcomes being expected to be the need for an Electric Bike Fleet for short local trips by staff.

Q5.   Does this Council provide free cycling/public transport maps to residents? Details?
A.   The City has a TravelSmart map available online, or in hard copy from the Customer Service Centre and Library, which illustrates the cycling routes throughout Vincent.Copies are also distributed at the City’s many events.

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.  No Recently the city employed a full time TravelSmart Officer.

Q8.   Does this Council provide support for Walking School buses? How? Where?
A.   The City encourages local schools to use Walking School buses, and has provided signage assistance in the past to support the core program.

Q9.   Does this Council provide any local public transport additional to Transperth Services? Details
A.  No The City has a Community Bus which is available for use by community groups for specific outings. In addition, the City has entered into a research agreement with Curtin University to explore the feasibility of a regular community bus service to improve the East-West connectivity 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 However, this information is accessible in the City’s annual budgets, which can be viewed on the City’s website.

Q11.   Does this Council continue to monitor its community greenhouse gas emissions/ manage climate change?
A.  No In 2012 the City has commenced collecting city-wide residential and commercial electricity usage data. The same data is however not available for gas, so a complete community emissions dataset is not available. The City’s Sustainable Environment Strategy 2011-2016 sets out the City’s operational emission reduction activities.

Q12.   Does this Council publish the annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations (units of electricity, gas, transport fuel)?
A.  No

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.   The City’s Sustainable Environment Strategy 2011-2016 (which sets out the City’s actions to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage the community to do likewise) was advertised for public comment for 6 weeks in early 2011 and received input from the City’s Sustainability Advisory Group, which includes several community representatives.

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.  No However, the City recently completed a Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Analysis and will in future seek to engage with the community about adaptation options that have emerged from this process.

Q15.   Does this Council support community led initiatives for climate change adaptation? (eg Transition Town)
A.  No The City is not currently involved in community-led climate adaptation initiatives, but would be open to supporting such initiatives should they be proposed by any community groups.

Q16.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   The City is a signatory to the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Local Government Declaration on Climate Change – acknowledging the impacts of climate change and committing the City to significant mitigation actions.

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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.  No The City promotes the reduction of single use plastic bags to residents and organises certain clean up teams within the City. The City also provides training and encourages all relevant staff to reduce the use of plastic bags and to look for ways to minimise plastic bags from entering the ecosystem. The City is currently working on a local law which will see the banning of single use plastic bags in the Vincent area.

Q2.   Does this Council provide receptacles just for cigarette butts in public places? Details?
A.  

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 has public recycling bins in its Library and in the Beatty Park Leisure Centre for: • Batteries • Compact fluorescent globes • Mobile phones.

Q4.   Does this council provide local drop off points for recycling of e-waste? Details?
A.   The City also holds Household Hazardous Waste days at which residents can dispose of any e-waste and other hazardous waste items.

Q5.   Does this Council offer residents financial incentive for reducing their general rubbish? Details?
A.   The City does several things to encourage and provide incentive for residents to reduce their general rubbish. Compost bins and worm farms are available for the purchase by residents at a subsidised rate. Additionally Worm Farm Workshops, Gardening and Composting Workshops, Living Smart Programs, Earth Carer courses and many more courses and workshops are offered free to residents. Currently the City is also working on developing a new waste and bin system within the City. This will result in incentives for residents to reduce their general rubbish. The City also provides residents with the option of reducing their general waste bin size from 240L to 140L.

Q6.   Does this Council offer businesses incentives to reduce general rubbish? Details?
A.   The City also provides businesses with the option of reducing their general waste bin size from 240L to 140L.

Q7.   Does this Council promote recycling within its industrial zone? Details?
A.  No There are no industrial zones within the City

Q8.   Does this Council collect and compost kitchen waste?
A.   Over 80% of household (and some business) putrescible waste (which includes kitchen waste) collected by the City is delivered to the Regional Resource Recovery facility where it is converted to high grade compost. All tea bags used in the City’s Administration Building are processed by onsite worm farms.

Q9.   Does this Council offer practical support for household composting and/or worm farming? Details?
A.   The City of Vincent subsidises worm farms and compost bins for purchase by residents, and also holds regular worm farm workshops to teach residents how to successfully run a worm farm. As a member of the Mindarie Regional Council, the City also promotes to residents the Earth Carers course run by the MRC (which includes guidance on worm farms and composting).

Q10.   Does this Council participate in Resource Recovery Park or tip shop for residents?
A.   As a member of the Mindarie Regional Council, the City participates in the MRC’s Resource Recovery Facility at Neerabup and the Tip Shop at the Tamala Park Recycling Centre.

Q11.   Does this Council provide local drop-off points or collection days for HHW (Household Hazardous Waste)?
A.  No A drop-off service is currently available to residents who wish to participate in Special HHW drop -off days (at temporary locations). There are also Permanent drop off locations at: Tamala Park 1700 Marmion Avenue Mindarie AND Recycling Centre Balcatta 238 Balcatta Road Balcatta We have in the past investigated a collection service which would involve a pickup from residents but the material is hazardous and needs to be handled by appropriately trained operators and stored accordingly. Leaving the types of materials involved in the HHW Program in the public domain would pose a significant risk and is not advised. To have an on call “mobile taxi” setup allowing residents can call up to have their hazardous waste collected from inside their property by the City, is not only an extremely expensive exercise, but none of the approved contractors that handle HHW currently offer this service.

Q12.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.  No

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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 supports and promotes the Water Corporation’s various water saving campaigns and distributes related brochures, pamphlets and promotional merchandise at workshops and other events. The City also has a number of ongoing initiatives to promote the use of native, waterwise plants in gardens, including: • Annual garden awards: these include a “Catchment Friendly Garden” category sponsored by the Water Corporation. Entries in all categories are judged against waterwise criteria, such as the use of native plants and water saving measures. • Spring walks: the City holds a Spring Walk for residents highlighting examples of waterwise, catchment-friendly gardens making good use of local plants, and provides residents with some tips on how to achieve such a garden. • Native plant sales: in conjunction with the Claise Brook Catchment Group, the City holds two Western Australian Plant Sales a year, and also has local plant stalls at its summer street festivals. A wide range of Western Australian/Australian plant stock is offered, at less than wholesale cost. In 2013 the City plans to work with Beyond Gardens to run Waterwise workshops and roll out a water wise verge makeover program for residents. For further information please contact the City’s Sustainability Officer on 9273 6013 or sustainability@vincent.wa.gov.au

Q2.   Does this Council support businesses to improve their water efficiency? Details?
A.  No The City does not actively support businesses in this regard, but is investigating how it could provide such support to businesses.

Q3.   Does Council support residents to harvest rainwater (e.g. through provision of rebates)? Details?
A.  No The City encourages rainwater harvesting where possible and via the Switch Your Thinking program provides discounts on rainwater tanks for residents. In addition, a standard development approval condition is that all stormwater from a development is to be retained on site.

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’s Health Services section encourages the re-use of greywater, and promotes the installation of greywater systems. The promotion of greywater reuse is also identified in the City’s Sustainable Environment Strategy as an action to be taken over the next 5 years.

Q5.   Does this Council take any other action for water conservation? Details?
A.   In 2008 the City produced a Water Conservation Plan which outlines strategies to implement eco-zoning, hydro-zoning and zoning of parks. The installation of a centralized irrigation control system with a standalone weather station is almost in full operation. Other documented initiatives have been successfully implemented. For various Building and Engineering projects recently completed within the City, “Atlantis cells” have been utilised to capture rainwater/storm water and subsequently recharge the underground aquifer. The City is a participant in the ICLEI Water Campaign, an international freshwater program which aims to build the capacity of local government to reduce water consumption and improve water quality. The City has recently achieved milestone two of the programme, with the adoption by Council of a Local Action Plan for reducing corporate and community water use.

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