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Local Councils

City of Belmont

Home page: http://www.belmont.wa.gov.au/default-belmont.asp
Population: 37,350
Annual Revenue: $50,303,335
No of households: 16,085

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.   Information/ Fact Sheets on environmental and sustainability topics are provided at the front counter. Front counter displays are installed for specific programs and events. LCD TV displays are provided at Perth Solar City Demonstration Sites; Ruth Faulkner Public Library and Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.

Q2.   Does this Council visibly advertise events that support eco-sustainability in the community? (ie hazardous waste collections, living smart courses, etc) Details?
A.   These are advertised in the Southern Gazette, Belmont Bulletin and Community Services & Event Guide and promoted on the City of Belmont website.

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.   The ‘Environment ’page is available in one click from the home page. http://www.belmont.wa.gov.au/environment/

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.  No Enquiries regarding sustainability issues are directed to the Parks and Environment Section where they are responded to by a member of the Environment Team.

Q5.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.  No

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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.   In total there are 5 FTE office staff, and 4 FTE field staff plus a trainee, all within the Parks and Environment Department. These include: Coordinator- Environment, Environmental Supervisor, Environmental Officer, TravelSmart Officer, Environmental Officer- Light Industry and 2 x Environment Crews (4 on-ground staff + trainee)

Q2.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to business or industry?
A.   Yes, the City runs an annual Business Environmental Awards with prizes in the categories of water management, TravelSmart/ energy conservation/ emission reduction, Light Industry and waste reduction/ recycling.

Q3.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to residents or schools?
A.  No

Q4.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability grants to residents/ schools/ community groups/ businesses? Details?
A.  No

Q5.   Does Council provide funding/assistance for school gardens?
A.   Schools can apply for funding towards gardens through the City’s Community Contribution Fund.

Q6.   Does this Council support any community gardening projects?
A.   Community groups can apply for funding towards gardens through the City’s Community Contribution Fund.

Q7.   Has this Council hosted a Living Smart course, or similar in 2011/2012? Details?
A.  No

Q8.   Does this Council have any Living Smart courses planned for 2012/2013? Dates, times, venues, booking contact?
A.  No

Q9.   Does this Council work with schools to provide education on eco-sustainability issues?
A.   Primarily TravelSmart programs.

Q10.   Does this Council support Bushcare Friends and/or other environmentally focused community groups? Details?
A.   The City supports the Two Rivers Catchment Group and South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare.

Q11.   Does this Council support WA/national/international events to promote sustainability? (eg World Environment Day, Earth Hour, Sustainable September)
A.   The City supports Walk Over October, Bike Week, National Tree Day/ Arbor Day, National Recycling Week, National Water Week, the Great Australian Marsupial Nightstalk and Clean Up Australia Day.

Q12.   Does this Council report periodically to the community on the state of the local environment? How often? (include weblink)
A.   Through the Annual Report and City of Belmont Environment Plan.

Q13.   Has this Council declared itself a nuclear-free zone? Symbolic and/or embedded into Town Planning Scheme?
A.  No

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.  No

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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.   Aviary Gardens in Rivervale and Lowes St demonstration street verge, Cloverdale (adjacent to Miles Park). New demonstration street verges were recently been established on Abernethy Rd (Forster Park) and Belgravia St (Miles Park) in mid 2012.

Q2.   Does this Council use native plants (vs exotics) for verges, traffic islands, around Council buildings, etc? What % of Council plantings?
A.   The City’s Environmental Enhancement Policy states that the City gives preference to the planting of native species within parks and streetscapes environments.

Q3.   Does this Council involve the community in native planting days?
A.   Community planting days are organised from June- August each year.

Q4.   Does this Council offer residents free or subsidised native seedlings or plants? Details of when, where & prices?
A.   Free seedlings are provided to City of Belmont residents at community events including the Autumn River Festival and Avon Descent. Residents must display their ‘Opportunity Card’ to take advantage of this offer.

Q5.   Does this Council provide lists of appropriate local native plants? How are they publicised and distributed?
A.   The City provides ‘Grow Local Plants’ brochures for local soil types at the Civic Centre, on the City’s website and at community events.

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 has a ‘Caring for and maintaining Street Verges’ booklet that encourages conversion of front verges to native gardens that comply with the relevant local law regarding thoroughfares. For a copy visit the ‘Biodiversity’ page at www.belmont.wa.gov.au/environment or call the Environment Section on 9477 7222.

Q8.   Does this Council award outstanding native gardens?
A.  No

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.  No

Q11.   Does this Council act on residents' complaints of cats preying on native fauna? What action is taken? On what % of complaints?
A.  No

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

Q2.   Does this Council have an interpretive display of sustainable features on any of its buildings?
A.   LCD TV displays are provided at Ruth Faulkner Public Library and Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre. These two sites are Perth Solar City Demonstration Project sites and the displays promote relevant sustainable features.

Q3.   Does this Council provide support for residents wanting to build sustainable homes?
A.  No

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.  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.   The City is a member of the switch your thinking! program which aims to assist residents to improve their energy and water efficiency. This includes participation in Rewards for Residents, with local residents and businesses eligible for discounts on a range of energy and water efficient products and services. The City also periodically hosts workshops on solar PV systems and energy efficiency.

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.   Through Rewards for Residents, local residents and businesses are eligible for discounts on energy audits and energy efficient products such as solar PV systems.

Q2.   Does this Council support businesses to improve their energy efficiency? Details?
A.   through Rewards for Residents, local residents and businesses are eligible for discounts on energy audits and energy efficient products such as solar PV systems.

Q3.   Does this Council have measures in place to decrease private car use throughout the municipality? Details?
A.   The City employs a TravelSmart Officer who develops and implements programs and initiatives aimed at reducing sole occupant vehicle usage. The City of Belmont TravelSmart Plan promotes and supports active and sustainable travel by all levels of staff and the community.

Q4.   Does this Council promote the use of electric and/or hybrid vehicles? How? (eg providing ev recharge points)
A.  No Not actively promoted, however an average rating of 3.5 stars under the Green Vehicle Guide is required for the Council’s non-commercial vehicle fleet.

Q5.   Does this Council provide free cycling/public transport maps to residents? Details?
A.   The City of Belmont TravelSmart Guide is available at the Civic Centre or can be downloaded from the City of Belmont website. The guide depicts bike lanes, shared paths and Perth Bike Network Routes.

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.   Yes, one TravelSmart Officer is employed at 1.0 FTE.

Q8.   Does this Council provide support for Walking School buses? How? Where?
A.   The TravelSmart Officer works with schools to implement Walking School buses as part of the TravelSmart to School Program.

Q9.   Does this Council provide any local public transport additional to Transperth Services? Details
A.  No

Q10.   Does this Council show a comparison of its expenditure on infrastructure for road transport incl. carparks /public transport/cycling/walking?
A.  No Not directly although this information is available in the Budget Reports.

Q11.   Does this Council continue to monitor its community greenhouse gas emissions/ manage climate change?
A.   The City’s most recent inventory was completed in 2007, with a reinventory for Council emissions planned to be undertaken in 2012/13. Climate change risks are managed through the City’s risk management software RMSS and Local Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan.

Q12.   Does this Council publish the annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations (units of electricity, gas, transport fuel)?
A.   Information on emissions is published when a re-inventory is completed.

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.  No

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

Q15.   Does this Council support community led initiatives for climate change adaptation? (eg Transition Town)
A.  No Not currently, however would be considered on a case by case basis.

Q16.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.  No

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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.   There are no plans to introduce plastic bag legislation. Plastic bags are prevented from entering the environment through the regular eduction of Gross Pollutant Traps installed throughout the stormwater network. The City’s Parks and Environment crews remove rubbish including plastic bags from parks and natural areas on a regular basis.

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.   Collection facilities for mobile phones, fluorescent light globes, printer cartridges and dry cell batteries are provided at the Civic Centre.

Q4.   Does this council provide local drop off points for recycling of e-waste? Details?
A.  No Coming soon!

Q5.   Does this Council offer residents financial incentive for reducing their general rubbish? Details?
A.  No

Q6.   Does this Council offer businesses incentives to reduce general rubbish? Details?
A.  No

Q7.   Does this Council promote recycling within its industrial zone? Details?
A.   The City’s Environmental Officer- Light Industry provides advice on recycling when auditing small-medium sized enterprises in the industrial and mixed use zones.

Q8.   Does this Council collect and compost kitchen waste?
A.  No

Q9.   Does this Council offer practical support for household composting and/or worm farming? Details?
A.   Worm farms and compost bins are available for purchase from the Civic Centre. Workshops held from time to time.

Q10.   Does this Council participate in Resource Recovery Park or tip shop for residents?
A.  No Coming soon!

Q11.   Does this Council provide local drop-off points or collection days for HHW (Household Hazardous Waste)?
A.   The City provides a service for community disposal of asbestos, whitegoods, car batteries, motor oil, plate glass, mattresses/ bed bases and other specified waste at the Operations Centre on designated days. City of Belmont residents can also dispose of HHW material at EMRC's Hazelmere and Red Hill sites.

Q12.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   Residents are entitled to four free (3 cubic metre) bulk bins each financial year, for either general waste or greenwaste. The greenwaste is processed into mulch, thereby reducing waste to landfill. Bulk bin waste as of January 2011 is sorted and up to 20% of the material (metal, wood etc) is recycled.

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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.   Information on water conservation and efficiency is provided on the City of Belmont website and distributed at the Parks & Environment display at events such as the Autumn River Festival and Avon Descent. An article on the Winter Sprinkler Ban is generally published prior to winter. On occasion, the City hosts community water efficiency seminars and workshops such as Beyond Gardens.

Q2.   Does this Council support businesses to improve their water efficiency? Details?
A.   The annual City of Belmont Business Environmental Awards includes a category for water management, with the achievements of winners promoted through media releases, Belmont Business Talk and information sheets available on the website.

Q3.   Does Council support residents to harvest rainwater (e.g. through provision of rebates)? Details?
A.   The City is a participant in the ‘Rewards for Residents’ program, which provides discounts to residents on a range of water efficient services/products including water tanks, home/ business water audits and pool blankets. The new program will be launched later in 2012.

Q4.   Does this Council promote and provide support for residents to reuse greywater? How? How many applications from residents have been received?
A.   Information is provided on greywater recycling on the City’s website and at the Front Counter. No applications from residents were received in the last financial year.

Q5.   Does this Council take any other action for water conservation? Details?
A.   The City has implemented a Groundwater Use Strategy for the increased awareness and management of groundwater irrigation resources. The strategy identifies continued efficiencies and management practices to be implemented, for example adopting hydrozoning principles in all irrigation upgrades, exploring the use of alternative fit for use water sources and further implementation of water efficient technologies (i.e. rain sensors, soil moisture sensors).

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