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Shire of Mundaring


Home page:	http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/
Population:	38,448
Annual Revenue:	$39,825,038
No of households:	13,835

Community questionnaire Corporate questionnaire

Community questionnaire

Access to Information
General Support for Environmental Sustainability
Protecting and Restoring Nature in Residential Areas.
Sustainable Building and Design
Sustainable Transport / Climate Change
Waste Management
Water Management

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. There are brochures and pamphlets available at our front admin foyer.

Q2. Does this Council visibly advertise events that support eco-sustainability in the community? (ie hazardous waste collections, living smart courses, etc) Details?
A. Events Calendar on website. Focus Page Article in local newspapers. Greenpage newsletter for friends groups and catchment groups -Living Smart Courses - Achieving Carbon Emissions Reduction Program, The Water Campaign program and Perth Solar Cities

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. http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Pages/EnvironmentalPoliciesStrategies.aspx

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. Unknown Front counter Admin staff are not trained to deal with specific environmental enquiries, however the shire’s Bushcare Co-ordinator is available for all bushland and environmental enquiries

Q5. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown All environmental policies are available on the Shires website

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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. Under Statutory Services Coordinator Environment and Sustainability- Coordinator of Environment, compliance and environmental assessment of development applications, and development of strategic documents Environmental Officer – Compliance and environmental assessment of sub divisions and development applications in the Shire Bushcare Coordinator – Provides support and advice to the Shires friends groups Utilise services of the EMRC– ie, CCP and ICLEI officers and Catchment Group Officers.

Q2. Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to business or industry?
A. No

Q3. Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to residents or schools?
A. Mundaring Arts Centre – Environmental Arts Awards with Schools. Usually over 800 applications are submitted and educate local school children about environmental issues in the community. Their banners are then produced and located at in the town centre.

Q4. Does this Council offer eco-sustainability grants to residents/ schools/ community groups/ businesses? Details?
A. Local Groups are able to apply through the Shire’s Community Grant Program- info on website. As part of Perth Solar Cities, a resident of the Shire has the opportunity to win a $50,000 eco-makeover. This home will then become an educational resource for other residents.

Q5. Does Council provide funding/assistance for school gardens?
A. The Shire has drafted a Policy on community gardens and is in direct consultation with the Glen Forrest Community Garden Group and Mundaring Sharing.

Q6. Does this Council support any community gardening projects?
A. The Shire has drafted a Policy on community gardens and is in direct consultation with the Glen Forrest Community Garden Group and Mundaring Sharing.

Q7. Has this Council hosted a Living Smart course, or similar in 2011/2012? Details?
A. A Living Smart Course ran in October as part of the Solar Cities Program. A Living Smart course will be also conducted in Mundaring in October 2011.

Q8. Does this Council have any Living Smart courses planned for 2012/2013? Dates, times, venues, booking contact?
A. Unknown Updates to the 2012/13 Living Smart Program will be posted on the Shire’s website

Q9. Does this Council work with schools to provide education on eco-sustainability issues?
A. The community education strategy includes environmental education in schools. The intended outcome is to encourage greater coverage of the local environment in the curriculum. One meeting a year is to be held with teachers and librarians to obtain feedback.

Q10. Does this Council support Bushcare Friends and/or other environmentally focused community groups? Details?
A. The Shire supports over 80 Friends Groups and 5 Catchments in the Shire of Mundaring. We are part of the Eastern Hills Catchment Management Program.

Q11. Does this Council support WA/national/international events to promote sustainability? (eg World Environment Day, Earth Hour, Sustainable September)
A. National Tree Planting Day.

Q12. Does this Council report periodically to the community on the state of the local environment? How often? (include weblink)
A. The Shire has a State of the Environment Report. It is reviewed every 5 years.http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Pages/EnvironmentalPoliciesStrategies.aspx

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 However the Shire has considered WALGA's position.

Q15. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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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. No Our administration building garden displays W.A. and Australian native species

Q2. Does this Council use native plants (vs exotics) for verges, traffic islands, around Council buildings, etc? What % of Council plantings?
A.

Q3. Does this Council involve the community in native planting days?
A. Tree Canopy and Understorey Program provides up to 52,000 free W.A. native seedlings to residents per year.

Q4. Does this Council offer residents free or subsidised native seedlings or plants? Details of when, where & prices?
A. Free through Tree Canopy and Understorey Program.

Q5. Does this Council provide lists of appropriate local native plants? How are they publicised and distributed?
A. Species brochure and planting guide available through tree canopy and understorey program and Revegetation and Landscaping guidelines for development.

Q6. Does this Council warn residents against planting exotic species that may escape into bushland? How?
A. The website contains a booklet outlining species that are particularly harmful to the area and brochures on weeds are provided in the hills and Bushskills workshops on weeds.

Q7. Does this Council encourage residents to convert some of their lawns and/or verges to native gardens? How?
A. Through our Private Land Conservation Strategy.

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. The Shire has a Local Biodiversity Strategy which discusses bushland retention and protection during development.

Q10. Does this Council have other means of protecting mature trees in residential areas? Details?
A. For Planning Development Applications and Sub divisions yes. For building permits or single dwellings on one lot – 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 Brochures on responsible pet ownership.

Q12. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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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. An electronic display of our solar panels and the energy they are putting back into our system.

Q3. Does this Council provide support for residents wanting to build sustainable homes?
A.

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. Unknown

Q6. Does this Council require an independent vegetation survey before issuing a building permit and inspection after development to ensure no unauthorised removal?
A.

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.

Q8. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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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 Perth solar cities residents are able to gain access to free home eco-consultations. -Powermate packs are available for loan from Albert Facey Memorial Library and Katharine Susannah Prichard Library. These packs will enable residents to test the amount of power they use, money spent and greenhouse gases emitted.

Q2. Does this Council support businesses to improve their energy efficiency? Details?
A. Unknown

Q3. Does this Council have measures in place to decrease private car use throughout the municipality? Details?
A. No

Q4. Does this Council promote the use of electric and/or hybrid vehicles? How? (eg providing ev recharge points)
A. No

Q5. Does this Council provide free cycling/public transport maps to residents? Details?
A. As part of Perth Solar Cities Program.

Q6. Does this Council contribute to security for bicycles at train & bus stations? Details?
A. No Not applicable.

Q7. Does this Council have a Travel Smart /Sustainable Transport officer? If so, what fraction of a f/t position?
A. No

Q8. Does this Council provide support for Walking School buses? How? Where?
A. No

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. Unknown

Q11. Does this Council continue to monitor its community greenhouse gas emissions/ manage climate change?
A.

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 is in our state of the environment report and through our ACEr Programs.

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. Two workshops were conducted as part of the future proofing and LCCAP with the community. Approx 40 people attended both sessions.

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. Two workshops were conducted as part of the future proofing and LCCAP with the community. Approx 40 people attended both sessions.

Q15. Does this Council support community led initiatives for climate change adaptation? (eg Transition Town)
A. Community Gardens.

Q16. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Through Solar Cities, residents are able to gain access to discounts off solar hot water systems and solar energy systems.

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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. At tip sites there are perimeter fences that assist in the containment of plastic bags, until they are buried as part of landfill.

Q2. Does this Council provide receptacles just for cigarette butts in public places? Details?
A. No

Q3. Does this Council provide its own local drop-off facilities for recycling of spent fluoro globes & tubes, batteries and mobile phones?
A. At Coppin Road and Mathieson Road tips they accept spent fluoro globes/tubes and batteries

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

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. Annual fees for rubbish collection are based on frequency. Daily = $8600pa, Weekly=$1400pa, Fortnight=$800pa

Q7. Does this Council promote recycling within its industrial zone? Details?
A. Through educational material.

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. EMRC runs Earthcarer courses every year which teach composting and worm farming

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

Q11. Does this Council provide local drop-off points or collection days for HHW (Household Hazardous Waste)?
A. Unknown

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. Through education of ICLEI involvement.

Q2. Does this Council support businesses to improve their water efficiency? Details?
A. No

Q3. Does Council support residents to harvest rainwater (e.g. through provision of rebates)? Details?
A. No

Q4. Does this Council promote and provide support for residents to reuse greywater? How? How many applications from residents have been received?
A. No

Q5. Does this Council take any other action for water conservation? Details?
A. Unknown

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Corporate questionnaire

Access to Information
General Support for Environmental Sustainability
Natural Resource Management
Sustainable Building and Design
Sustainable Transport / Climate Change
Waste Management
Water Management

Access to Information

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

Q1. Does this Council train reception staff to deal with sustainability FAQ's from residents? Provide details on method of training and on the issues covered.
A. No

Q2. Do Council sustainability staff have input into the Council website layout to ensure that residents can easily locate info on environmental sustainability?
A.

Q3. Do Council sustainability staff ensure that eco-sustainability brochures are prominently displayed in civic centre foyers and ‘satellite’ offices?
A.

Q4. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category? Tell us any of your own initiatives.
A. Unknown

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General Support for Environmental Sustainability

General ways that this council promotes environmental sustainability.

Q1. Does this Council employ 2+ f/t or equiv. p/t environmental / sustainability officers (or similar roles by different names?) Please provide details of position, department and areas of responsibility.
A. Under Statutory Services Coordinator Environment and Sustainability – Coordinator of Environment, compliance and environmental assessment of development applications, and development of strategic documents Environmental Officer – Compliance and environmental assessment of sub divisions and development applications in the Shire Bushcare Coordinator – Provides support and advice to the Shires friends groups Landcare Officer – part time field officer, offering assistance to friends groups

Q2. Does this Council have a Green or Ethical Purchasing Policy in place?
A. No

Q3. Does this Council use a sustainability framework (economic, social, environment, governance) in all its planning, reporting and decision-making processes? Details?
A. A sustainability guide for writing reports etc.

Q4. Does this Council’s annual report (or similar) explicitly support sustainability using such guidelines as the Global Reporting Initiative?
A. No

Q5. Does this Council provide an annual report to the community on the state of the environment and encourage feedback?
A. A State of the Environment Report is completed every 5 years. To view the most recent go to: http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Documents/EMRC-64710%20-%20State%20of%20the%20Environment%20Report-%20Shire%20of%20Mundaring%202008.pdf

Q6. Does this Council provide sustainability staff the opportunity to liaise with Councillors re sustainability information?
A. With assistance from the EMRC.

Q7. Does this Council provide staff education on sustainability issues?
A.

Q8. Does this Council have a ‘green team’ or Sustainability/Environmental advisory group?
A. A bushcare team has just been employed.

Q9. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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Natural Resource Management

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

Q1. Does this Council have an Integrated Water Management/ Catchment Management/ Stormwater Management Plan/ Food and Agriculture Localisation Plan in action? If so, which of the above?
A. Integrated Catchment Management Plan: http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Documents/SMCCP%20ICM%20Plan%20Final.pdf Currently being updated – Eastern Catchment Management Plan

Q2. Does this Council have Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Guidelines?
A.

Q3. Does this Council have a Green Plan in action?
A. Unknown

Q4. Does this Council have a Natural Areas/ Bushland Management Plan?
A.

Q5. Does this Council have any policies /strategies for retention of mature trees?
A. Tree Preservation Policy.

Q6. Does this Council have a strategy in place for the control of phytophora dieback?
A.

Q7. Does this Council have a strategy in place for the control of environmental weeds?
A. Weed control Strategy.

Q8. Does this Council have a strategy to protect and enhance biodiversity in the local area?
A. Local Biodiversity Strategy: http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Documents/Local%20Biodiversity%20Strategy%20-%20WEB%20VERSION%20(with%20Links).pdf

Q9. Does this Council have any strategies for the development of wildlife corridors?
A. Wildlife Corridor Strategy: http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Documents/strategy_wildlifecorridor_2000.pdf

Q10. Does this Council have a Nutrient/ Irrigation Management Plan?
A. No However we require developers to do these.

Q11. Does this Council have a Sustainable Landscaping Strategy/Plan/Policy
A. We have landscaping guidelines.

Q12. Does this Council have a Landowner Biodiversity Incentive Scheme?
A. Private Land Conservation Strategy

Q13. Does this Council have a Marine/Coastal Management plan, where applicable?
A. No Not Applicable.

Q14. Does this Council manage a substantial area of bushland? How much?
A. Watercourse Protection Policy: http://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/ResidentServices/Environment/Documents/Watercourse%20Policy%20-%20%20PS-12.pdf

Q15. Does this Council exert pressure to protect remnant bushland in the face of urban expansion plans?
A. Unknown

Q16. Does this Council encourage and support other land management agencies to protect/manage bushland with the LGA (e.g. DEC, FESA, Perth Regional NRM)? What is the area managed by these agencies?
A. Unknown

Q17. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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Sustainable Building and Design

How this council promotes and exhibits sustainable building practices

Q1. Does this Council have a membership with the Green Building Council of Australia?
A. Unknown

Q2. Does this Council own buildings demonstrating outstanding Sustainable Design features, eg earning a Green Star Rating? Details?
A. Unknown

Q3. Does this Council actively promote Sustainable Building Design above minimum legal BCA standards?
A.

Q4. Does this Council have a Sustainable Design Policy?
A. No

Q5. Does this Council reject development applications from individuals or commercial developers that deny solar access (eg solar hot water, PV, sunlight for garden) for the specific property and its neighbours?
A. Unknown

Q6. Does this Council allow shading devices in front yards? (eg Shade sails, roller shutters etc)?
A. Unknown

Q7. Does this Council allow the installation of solar hot water systems and PV cells on north roofs that face onto the street?
A.

Q8. Does this Council avoid using rainforest or old growth timbers in Council buildings and constructions?
A. Unknown

Q9. Does thisi Council use recycled/biodegradable materials in its infrastructure/ construction items?
A. Unknown

Q10. Does this Council have policies and incentives for recycling of construction waste?
A. Unknown

Q11. Does this Council reward sustainable design practices, ideas and construction? What kinds of incentives, bonuses and relaxations in policy are offered to those who undertake such design, construction etc?
A. Unknown

Q12. Does this Council have a mechanism to promote and support the application of Water Sensitive Urban Design principles on Council property as well as in the wider community?
A. Unknown

Q13. Does this Council have a Renewable Energy Systems Policy?
A. Unknown

Q14. Does this Council use Renewable Energy sources in any of its buildings? Details?
A. The Shire administration building has a 15kw PV system installed as part of a Perth Solar City Demonstration Project.

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Sustainable Transport / Climate Change

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

Q1. Does this Council employ a TravelSmart Officer or similar? If so, for what fraction of time?
A. No

Q2. Does this Council purchase government accredited Green Power? If so, what %?
A. No

Q3. Does this Council offset all or some of its vehicle fleet's carbon emissions? What % of vehicle fleet emissions are offset? By what agency are these offsets accredited?
A. No

Q4. Does this Council publish its annual energy consumption and the GHG emissions of its operations (units of electricity, gas, transport fuel)? Details?
A. Through the State of the Environment report there is some of this information Our commitment to our ACEr program and Greenhouse Action Plan addresses this.

Q5. Does this Council attempt to reduce employees' solo car travel to the workplace? Details of incentives/support for walking, cycling, public transport, car pooling?
A. No

Q6. Does this Council regularly tally and graph its employees' commuting carbon emissions to motivate efforts to reduce?
A. No

Q7. Does this Council’s fleet include a majority of fuel-efficient vehicles (<7L/100km) for urban use? No. of vehicles in total fleet? No. of vehicles using <7L/100km?
A. Unknown

Q8. Has this Council begun to factor in impacts of climate change across all departments and all areas of governance, especially planning?
A. In our TPS review and through a regional climate change adaptation plan.

Q9. Is this Council addressing peak oil risks and vulnerabilities? How?
A. Through the TPS review.

Q10. Does this Council continue to monitor its corporate greenhouse gas emissions/ manage climate change following the end of CCP funding? (eg. using WALGA reporting platform, Planet Footprint or other frameworks)
A. Through ACER.

Q11. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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Waste Management

How this council works towards the goal of zero corporate waste.

Q1. Does this Council recycle any of its municipal solid waste?
A.

Q2. Does this Council have a zero waste to landfill strategy?
A. Unknown

Q3. Does this Council have a methane reduction plan?
A. No

Q4. Does this Council have waste treated by an industrial biological composting system?
A. No

Q5. Does this Council have an internal program that aims to reduce the amount of waste generated by Council staff?
A. No

Q6. Does this Council process its own kitchen/lunchroom waste in composting/wormfarming/bokashi system/s?
A. No

Q7. Does this Council recycle all of its paper wastes?
A.

Q8. Does this Council recycle all possible plastic, aluminium and glass waste?
A.

Q9. Does this Council recycle all its ink and toner cartridges?
A. Unknown

Q10. Does this Council predominantly use high % recycled paper? Details?
A. Unknown

Q11. Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A. Unknown

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Water Management

How this council manages its corporate water usage

Q1. Does this Council plant waterwise vegetation within Council properties, verges, public open space?
A.

Q2. Does this Council use Best Practice waterwise irrigation within Council properties, verges, public open space? (eg sub-surface irrigation)
A. Unknown

Q3. Is this Council a participant in ICLEI’s (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Water Campaign? Provide details of milestone and achievements.
A. We are up milestone 5.

Q4. Has this Council been endorsed as a Waterwise Council or progressing towards endorsement?
A.

Q5. Does this Council water its own green spaces between 6pm - 9am as per Water Corporation regulation?
A.

Q6. Does this Council have its own Water Conservation Plan to target groundwater consumption?
A. We are working towards this.

Q7. Does this Council have measures in place to ensure that its total bore water use remains within its annual entitlement? What % of bores are metered, and how often are meters read? If not, is such monitoring being planned?
A. Unknown

Q8. Does this Council keep a schedule of the amount of water applied and when it is applied in its public open spaces?
A. Unknown

Q9. Does this Council turn off its irrigation systems in winter for Council properties using scheme water, as per Water Corporation regulation?
A.

Q10. Has this Council conducted a water audit of any of its large water consuming facilities to identify where water savings can be achieved?
A. An audit has been conducted at the Bilgoman Aquatic Centre.

Q11. Does this Council have any water conservation or efficiency measures in place at large water consuming facilities such as Aquatic Centres?
A.

Q12. Does this Council have a Waterwise Purchasing Policy that mandates Council purchase water efficient appliances and fittings above minimum standard? (eg showerheads, flow restrictors and urinals)
A.

Q13. Does this Council have measures in place to ensure that all Council owned facilities are retrofitted with water efficient appliances and fittings?
A. Unknown

Q14. Does this Council reuse any of its own grey water? If so, what % /how much?
A. Unknown

Q15. Does this Council undertake staff education campaigns with a focus on water conservation and efficiency (indoor and outdoor)?
A. Unknown

Q16. Does this Council monitor its ‘Works Depot’ to ensure hazardous materials are managed properly and contaminants do not enter stormwater drains?
A. Unknown

Q17. Does this Council take any other action for water conservation? Details?
A. Unknown

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