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.   Brochures are available on a variety of topics including energy saving, native gardening, waste and recycling, birds, and reserves in the City and the City’s Environmental Awards scheme.

Q2.   Does this Council visibly advertise events that support eco-sustainability in the community? (ie hazardous waste collections, living smart courses, etc) Details?
A.   Community newspapers etc.

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.   Lifestyle > Sustainable Living. http://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/Lifestyle/Sustainable_Living

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.   Training is underway for frontline staff to be able to answer some common general queries in all aspects of Council business.

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.   City Growth Department: 1 Sustainability Officer, 1 Environmental Planner, 1 Environmental Projects Officer

Q2.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to business or industry?
A.   Annual Environmental Awards for Excellence. Three categories: Education: primary, secondary and tertiary Community Achievement: for groups and individuals Business and Industry

Q3.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability awards to residents or schools?
A.   As above.

Q4.   Does this Council offer eco-sustainability grants to residents/ schools/ community groups/ businesses? Details?
A.   The City in conjunction with QREG applied for and gained a Coastwest Grant from the State Government to carry out weed control and revegetation for a significant area of coastal vegetation adjacent to Longbeach Promenade in Mindarie which was burnt after an arson fire. The City has also contributed $1000 to the group to conduct a study of freshwater long-necked turtles.

Q5.   Does Council provide funding/assistance for school gardens?
A.  No

Q6.   Does this Council support any community gardening projects?
A.   The City provides grants under its community funding program. (Applications available online. ) Available during March and October to not-for-profit, incorporated community organisations seeking financial assistance for an upcoming community project, activity or event.

Q7.   Has this Council hosted a Living Smart course, or similar in 2011/2012? Details?
A.   The City held a course in May/June this year and made a community grant for a local group to run a course in September/ October 2012.

Q8.   Does this Council have any Living Smart courses planned for 2012/2013? Dates, times, venues, booking contact?
A.   TBA

Q9.   Does this Council work with schools to provide education on eco-sustainability issues?
A.   Schools have access to the City’s “Adopt a Bushland” program. Registration information and resources are available online at: http://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/Lifestyle/Sustainable_Living/Adopt_a_Bushland

Q10.   Does this Council support Bushcare Friends and/or other environmentally focused community groups? Details?
A.   The City works closely with Quinns Rocks Environmental Group (QREG), Friends of Koondoola and Landsdale Bush Reserves, and Friends of Yellagonga. QREG works in cooperation with City in participating in public consultation processes and providing comments on planning proposals and environmental management plans. The City in conjunction with QREG applied for and gained a Coastwest Grant from the State Government to carry out weed control and revegetation to a significant area of coastal vegetation adjacent to Longbeach Promenade in Mindarie which was burnt after an arson fire. Friends of Koondoola and Landsdale Bush Reserves has partnered with the City in various programs including: Winter planting events for over 10 years with over 3000 plants installed; Organising and participating in regular weeding and rubbish removal working bees; Guiding spring wildflower tours for many years; Being the eyes of the City in reporting illegal activities such as illegal off road vehicle access that usually involves vandalism of access gates and boundary fences, graffiti and activities of arsonists. Friends of Yellagonga participates in the City’s Environmental advisory committee and is responsible for the Green Frog Stencilling Program, which the City is about to commence. The program involves painting frog stencils near stormwater outlets and road gully traps in the water catchment area of Lake Joondalup, with the aim to raise awareness of the potential harm that can occur to wildlife (frogs) if residents do not act responsibly in disposing of unwanted products into the local storm water system. In addition the City contributed $1000 to the group to conduct a study of freshwater long-necked turtles.

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

Q12.   Does this Council report periodically to the community on the state of the local environment? How often? (include weblink)
A.   Annual report of Local Environment Strategy and actions achieved.

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.   Action 9 in Local Environmental Strategy to investigate effects of GMOs within the City.

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.  No However, native plants have been used in large landscaping projects over the last couple of years to reduce the need for irrigation.

Q2.   Does this Council use native plants (vs exotics) for verges, traffic islands, around Council buildings, etc? What % of Council plantings?
A.   In recent years the City has utilised native planting in landscaping road verges. Due to Australian Standards for sight lines on roadways, only specific plants can be planted within median islands and traffic islands.

Q3.   Does this Council involve the community in native planting days?
A.   Yes, community planting days held over the winter planting period.

Q4.   Does this Council offer residents free or subsidised native seedlings or plants? Details of when, where & prices?
A.  No But Council offers a free street tree planting program each year which residents can register for with their preference of species. Information is found on the City's website.

Q5.   Does this Council provide lists of appropriate local native plants? How are they publicised and distributed?
A.   Yes, brochures are kept in the main admin area of the Civic Centre.

Q6.   Does this Council warn residents against planting exotic species that may escape into bushland? How?
A.  Unknown

Q7.   Does this Council encourage residents to convert some of their lawns and/or verges to native gardens? How?
A.   Yes, but through waterwise programs and classes.

Q8.   Does this Council award outstanding native gardens?
A.  Unknown

Q9.   Does this Council offer incentives for owners of big backyards in high density areas to retain these blocks for biodiversity? Details?
A.  Unknown

Q10.   Does this Council have other means of protecting mature trees in residential areas? Details?
A.  No However, a tree preservation policy is being drafted.

Q11.   Does this Council act on residents' complaints of cats preying on native fauna? What action is taken? On what % of complaints?
A.   Cat Control policy.

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.   The two Eco Vision houses in the Kestrels (Tapping) are open for viewing by appointment. More sustainable structure plans are encouraged for developers. http://www.ecovisionwanneroo.com.au

Q2.   Does this Council have an interpretive display of sustainable features on any of its buildings?
A.   Yes, the Civic Centre has a monitor which shows real time data to do with energy use in the building. The Eco Vision house also has a display.

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.   Interested parties are invited to come for an informative tour of the Eco Vision houses which offers useful information and brochures.

Q5.   Does this Council discourage the use of rainforest or old growth timbers and recommend alternatives, when issuing building permits?
A.  

Q6.   Does this Council require an independent vegetation survey before issuing a building permit and inspection after development to ensure no unauthorised removal?
A.   The City requires these, under structure plans or as a condition of subdivision. Council is also working on a draft tree retention policy.

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 offers support for residents through the Switch Your Thinking! rebates for residents scheme which includes Photovoltaic cells.

Q8.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.  No Not yet, but there is a draft Carbon Reduction Plan being written which should be out in early 2013.

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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.   Several local libraries offer a DIY home audit pack for assessing energy use.

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

Q3.   Does this Council have measures in place to decrease private car use throughout the municipality? Details?
A.   The City participates in DPI’s “Travel Smart” Program, which has been running since July 2005.

Q4.   Does this Council promote the use of electric and/or hybrid vehicles? How? (eg providing ev recharge points)
A.   Some hybrid cars have been incorporated into the Council fleet on a trial basis .

Q5.   Does this Council provide free cycling/public transport maps to residents? Details?
A.   Travel Smart maps are available from local libraries.

Q6.   Does this Council contribute to security for bicycles at train & bus stations? Details?
A.   Clarkson train station has secure bike lockers.

Q7.   Does this Council have a Travel Smart /Sustainable Transport officer? If so, what fraction of a f/t position?
A.   A full time Road Safety and Travel Smart officer

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.  No

Q11.   Does this Council continue to monitor its community greenhouse gas emissions/ manage climate change?
A.   Yes, through Planet Footprint. Abatement programs are going to be put in place under the (draft) Carbon Reduction Plan once passed.

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 is available during inventory stages of the Cities for Climate Protection program, through the Milestone reports.

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 has an Environmental Advisory Committee, which provides advice to Council on environmental strategies and plans, including the Energy Action Plan. The plan was also released for public comment.

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

Q16.   Does this Council have other policies/practices in this category?
A.   Energy Action Plan and the draft Carbon Reduction Plan (for early 2013).

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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.  Unknown

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.   Yes, both at the Civic Centre, some libraries and at the Mindarie Regional Council (Tamala Park).

Q4.   Does this council provide local drop off points for recycling of e-waste? Details?
A.  No Tamala Park, 20 minutes from Wanneroo Council centre.

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.  

Q8.   Does this Council collect and compost kitchen waste?
A.  

Q9.   Does this Council offer practical support for household composting and/or worm farming? Details?
A.   Discounted worm farms for residents through Switch Your Thinking's Rebates for Residents. Mindarie Regional Council's free 'EarthCarer' waste courses include a workshop on Compost, Wormfarming & Bokashi. Next course March 2013 Call Peg Davies on 0422 941 492

Q10.   Does this Council participate in Resource Recovery Park or tip shop for residents?
A.   The Mindarie Regional Council (Tamala Park) is our local place for the tip shop. The MRF sorts household rubbish for recycling and mulch can be collected from the Wangara Recycling Centre (vouchers for free mulch and green waste drop off available with rates notice).

Q11.   Does this Council provide local drop-off points or collection days for HHW (Household Hazardous Waste)?
A.  No No, however car batteries can be left by bins for pick up by recycling trucks.

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

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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 offers support for residents through the Switch Your Thinking! rebates for residents scheme which allows residents to access a range of discounted waterwise products. The City supports Great Gardens workshops twice a year focusing on waterwise gardening tips and sustainable gardening practices.

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.   The City has implemented a Central Irrigation Management System (CIMS) to monitor, troubleshoot and make changes to any section of an irrigation system from a centrally located computer.

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