Roadside environments in New South Wales cover approximately 6% of the state's area and contain significant native biodiversity and ecological communities. They provide important habitat and connectivity for wildlife. Managing roadsides involves balancing conservation needs with other considerations like safety, infrastructure, and community uses. A holistic planning approach using Roadside Vegetation Management Plans can help identify high value conservation areas and better manage risks to natural assets. The document outlines key threats like fire management and safety that should be addressed in these management plans.
Roadside environments in New South Wales cover around 6% of the state's area and provide important habitat for biodiversity. They are managed by Roads and Maritime Services for main roads and local councils for minor roads. Best practice management involves assessing the conservation value of roadsides, planning management actions, implementing those actions, and monitoring their effectiveness in a continuous cycle. Key implementation actions include appropriate maintenance, community education, and restoration projects tailored to high, medium, and low conservation value roadsides. Signage is used to identify areas requiring special care or management.
These guidelines have been prepared for local councils seeking to achieve best practice in roadside environmental management through the use of Roadside Vegetation Management Plans (RVMPs). However, the guidelines will also be of relevance to managers of other linear reserves which, by nature of their shape and issues, have similar management requirements.
This guide outlines the fourth stage in developing a RVMP - planning.
These guidelines have been prepared for local councils seeking to achieve best practice in roadside environmental management through the use of Roadside Vegetation Management Plans (RVMPs). However, the guidelines will also be of relevance to managers of other linear reserves which, by nature of their shape and issues, have similar management requirements.
This guide outlines the first stage in developing a RVMP - assessment.
Introduction of IWEco Project, April 2019 pdf (1)iweco-project
An introduction to the GEF-funded Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small island Developing States (IWEco) Project, presented at the Project's Third Regional Project Steering Committee Meeting, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2 April 2019
This document discusses infrastructure and utilities planning for power, water utilities, communication, waste management, and transportation. It provides details on each sector including generation and transmission considerations for power, water sources and system components, telecommunication services, solid waste management criteria and transportation network types. The objectives of infrastructure planning are to provide adequate social and economic development while improving quality of life and reducing vulnerability to environmental risks.
Natural Capital Accounting in the Caribbean eftec January 2021iweco-project
This presentation, made at a UNEP GEF IWEco Project Partners' Webinar in January 2021, gave context on the conceptual underpinnings of natural capital accounting, and the general process by which the accounts are built. Links to international initiatives, such as the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting - Ecosystem Accounts (UN SEEA-EA), which provide a standardised understanding of how accounts should be produced (such as by National Statistics Offices), and the Sustainable Development Goals, were also explored. The practical application of natural capital accounting in the Caribbean was demonstrated through the UK Government funded “Caribbean Overseas Territories Regional Natural Capital Accounting Programme”. This programme is building capacity for natural capital accounting in the five Caribbean UK Overseas Territories, working with local government departments, and other local organisations, to collect data and produce environmental statistics within the natural capital accounting framework. These statistics will be able to sit alongside other national economic indicators, such as GDP, to help support better decision making in the region.
Roadside environments in New South Wales cover around 6% of the state's area and provide important habitat for biodiversity. They are managed by Roads and Maritime Services for main roads and local councils for minor roads. Best practice management involves assessing the conservation value of roadsides, planning management actions, implementing those actions, and monitoring their effectiveness in a continuous cycle. Key implementation actions include appropriate maintenance, community education, and restoration projects tailored to high, medium, and low conservation value roadsides. Signage is used to identify areas requiring special care or management.
These guidelines have been prepared for local councils seeking to achieve best practice in roadside environmental management through the use of Roadside Vegetation Management Plans (RVMPs). However, the guidelines will also be of relevance to managers of other linear reserves which, by nature of their shape and issues, have similar management requirements.
This guide outlines the fourth stage in developing a RVMP - planning.
These guidelines have been prepared for local councils seeking to achieve best practice in roadside environmental management through the use of Roadside Vegetation Management Plans (RVMPs). However, the guidelines will also be of relevance to managers of other linear reserves which, by nature of their shape and issues, have similar management requirements.
This guide outlines the first stage in developing a RVMP - assessment.
Introduction of IWEco Project, April 2019 pdf (1)iweco-project
An introduction to the GEF-funded Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small island Developing States (IWEco) Project, presented at the Project's Third Regional Project Steering Committee Meeting, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2 April 2019
This document discusses infrastructure and utilities planning for power, water utilities, communication, waste management, and transportation. It provides details on each sector including generation and transmission considerations for power, water sources and system components, telecommunication services, solid waste management criteria and transportation network types. The objectives of infrastructure planning are to provide adequate social and economic development while improving quality of life and reducing vulnerability to environmental risks.
Natural Capital Accounting in the Caribbean eftec January 2021iweco-project
This presentation, made at a UNEP GEF IWEco Project Partners' Webinar in January 2021, gave context on the conceptual underpinnings of natural capital accounting, and the general process by which the accounts are built. Links to international initiatives, such as the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting - Ecosystem Accounts (UN SEEA-EA), which provide a standardised understanding of how accounts should be produced (such as by National Statistics Offices), and the Sustainable Development Goals, were also explored. The practical application of natural capital accounting in the Caribbean was demonstrated through the UK Government funded “Caribbean Overseas Territories Regional Natural Capital Accounting Programme”. This programme is building capacity for natural capital accounting in the five Caribbean UK Overseas Territories, working with local government departments, and other local organisations, to collect data and produce environmental statistics within the natural capital accounting framework. These statistics will be able to sit alongside other national economic indicators, such as GDP, to help support better decision making in the region.
Day 1 4. andreas scheidleder european commissiongroundwatercop
The document discusses the key elements and implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) as it relates to groundwater management. It outlines the WFD's requirements for delineating groundwater bodies, initially characterizing them, assessing risks to groundwater status, establishing monitoring programs, and developing programs of measures to achieve good groundwater status by 2015. It also discusses the cyclic planning process and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in managing transboundary groundwater bodies, as demonstrated by experiences in the Danube River Basin.
(1) The document provides context on UNESCO's GGRETA Project which aims to facilitate sustainable management of the transboundary Stampriet Aquifer shared by Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
(2) It discusses UNESCO's water initiatives including the Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management (ISARM) program and Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP) which provide an inventory and assessment of transboundary aquifers.
(3) The GGRETA Project will apply TWAP's methodology to conduct assessments of the Stampriet Aquifer and facilitate cooperation between countries on governance mechanisms.
This presentation was delivered on the 10th of December 2018 in Vientiane by Jeremy-Carew-Reid at the MRC final stakeholder workshop as part of the Environmental Study of the Lancang-Mekong Development Plan (LMDP) project.
This document discusses Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and its relevance to Maritime Spatial Planning. It provides definitions of ICZM and outlines its principles, which are included in the EU Directive on Maritime Spatial Planning. The document presents the Systems Approach Framework (SAF) as a tool to guide the full ICZM process cycle in a systematic way. It describes the products and tools developed under SAF, including guidelines, case studies, and tools to support assessment, planning, and evaluation. Finally, it notes that a future challenge is to adapt SAF to the needs of Maritime Spatial Planning.
This document provides an overview of the methodology for assessing the Pretashkent Aquifer. It discusses collecting data on the aquifer's hydrogeology, environment, socioeconomics, and legal framework. Indicators will be used to simplify complex systems and provide opinions on the aquifer's status. Projections for 2030/2050 will indicate changes in groundwater availability and use. Maps, graphs, tables and a report will communicate the assessment results and identify issues and actions.
Clima east synergies with fleg ii lengyel 2013 10 01ENPI FLEG
This document provides an overview of the ClimaEast project, which aims to support countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. The project will run from 2012-2016 with a budget of €7 million from the European Commission. Key activities will include building understanding of EU climate policy, developing national climate strategies, supporting emissions trading systems, and assessing climate vulnerability. The project will also seek synergies with the FLEG II forestry initiative by providing expertise on topics like forestry data reporting and sectoral climate plans. Contact information is provided for the implementing consortium led by HTSPE and offices in Brussels, Moscow, and Tbilisi.
The document outlines the terms of reference for supporting watershed management and agroforestry activities in Myanmar's dry zone. Key points:
- The project will establish community forestry on 1,458 hectares, natural forest conservation on 3,913 hectares, and watershed management on 661 hectares.
- Activities will include forming user groups, capacity building, watershed rehabilitation through reforestation, establishing agroforestry plots, and introducing drought-resilient farming methods.
- The implementation partner will carry out tasks like verifying project sites, developing management plans, implementing activities, and reporting on progress.
The document outlines the activities and execution arrangements for the GGRETA Project, which aims to improve governance of the transboundary Stampriet Aquifer shared by Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. It details the project components of assessing the aquifer and establishing governance mechanisms. Key activities include data collection, developing an information management system, and establishing a multi-country consultative body. Execution will be led by a regional coordinator and involve national coordinators and specialists from each country.
UDIA Urban Affairs - Biodiversity Conservation Strategy ArticleAaron Organ
The document summarizes an industry briefing on Victoria's recently released Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS). The BCS provides an overarching framework for long-term biodiversity protection within and outside Melbourne's urban growth boundary, while providing certainty for developers. It establishes conservation reserves totaling over 5,700 hectares and offsets the cumulative loss of ecological values from urban development. The briefing addressed the costs of offsetting ecological values under the BCS for different areas and species. Several outstanding implementation questions were also discussed.
Sector planning presentation by Jim Sellen, Mike McDaniel, David Powell & Dav...APA Florida
The document discusses sector planning in Florida. Key points include:
- Sector planning allows for long-term planning over large geographic areas of 15,000 acres or more and a planning period of 20-50 years.
- The process includes adopting a long-term master plan and more detailed specific area plans.
- Examples are provided of existing sector plans in Florida, including their size, projected population and development.
- Reasons why some large landowners may be interested in sector planning include its long-term planning horizon and ability to continue agricultural uses in the short-term. However, the process also has challenges such as public scrutiny and potential impacts to farming operations.
This document summarizes a workshop on developing participatory River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) in Georgia and Azerbaijan. The workshop objectives were to:
1) Inform participants on the objectives and principles of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the main challenges of developing RBMPs for the Alazani and Upper Kura river basins.
2) Ensure best coordination between ongoing contracts to develop the RBMPs.
3) Facilitate contact between consultants and stakeholders.
The workshop involved presentations on the WFD, experiences from pilot RBMP development, and visions from Georgian and Azerbaijani contractors on implementing RBMPs, including stakeholder engagement.
The document discusses several activities of the UNECE Water Convention that could contribute to cooperation on the GEF Syr Darya groundwater project. These include providing data from transboundary water assessments, guidelines on monitoring in Russian, organizing trainings on international water law, and hosting platforms to discuss project findings. The Convention supports countries through various projects, guidelines, and capacity building activities regarding transboundary waters including rivers, lakes, and groundwater. A current focus is assessing the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus in basins like the Syr Darya.
Update on MCH and MSP – what is going on in the European sea basins? by Susanne Altvater, s.Pro – sustainable projects GmbH at the workshop 'The role of the maritime spatial planning to safeguard the underwater cultural heritage' at the 2nd Baltic Maritime Spatial Planning Forum in Riga, Latvia on 23-24 November 2016 (the final conference of the Baltic SCOPE collaboration).
Video and other presentations - www.balticscope.eu
www.vasab.org
This document summarizes several ongoing projects executed by UNESCO related to transboundary groundwater resources. It discusses projects focused on the Dinaric Karst Aquifer System shared by 4 countries, management of coastal aquifers in the Mediterranean, and the GEF Transboundary Waters Assessment Program to assess indicators for transboundary aquifers. Case studies are also mentioned for the Trifinio, Stampriet, and Pretashkent transboundary aquifers to improve knowledge of the aquifers and cooperation between neighboring countries.
Phase 1 of the Development Plan of International Navigation on the Lancang-Mekong River (LMDP) aims to improve navigation in the Mekong mainstream from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. Projects include the development of three cargo ports at Xiengkok, Pak Beng and Luang Prabang in Laos; the improvement and maintenance of 146 rapids and shoals; and the construction of four emergency response and rescue ships and 1199 aids to navigation.
ICEM has received grant funding from the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) to conduct the Environmental Study of the LMDP from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. This study aims to engage riparian communities, MRC member countries and local government in an exploration of the potential environmental impacts of the LMDP, and to support Mekong countries in ensuring that potential impacts of the LMDP are managed through appropriate enhancement and mitigation measures.
Implementation of the study includes key issues for biodiversity and navigation development; trends in the key issues without the LMDP; impacts of the LMDP on each of these trends; and risks to be avoided or mitigated and benefits to be enhanced.
This presentation was delivered by ICEM Director General, Dr Jeremy Carew-Reid, at the Lancang - Mekong Environmental Study Workshop that took place at the 2016 Greater Mekong Forum on Water, Food and Energy.
Aureli groundwater management in the syr daryagroundwatercop
This document provides information about UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and its work on transboundary groundwater resources management. The IHP addresses key issues like groundwater governance, climate change impacts, and supporting countries in developing groundwater management policies and legal frameworks. It has developed programs and initiatives such as ISARM to build an inventory of transboundary aquifers and support sustainable management. The IHP also works on building countries' capacities for integrated water resources management and promotes water diplomacy as a means of peacefully managing shared water resources.
Coastal regions face increasing pressures from population growth and competing uses of coastal and marine spaces. The 2014 EU MSP Directive establishes a framework for maritime spatial planning to promote sustainable development and uses of oceans. While it does not explicitly include integrated coastal management, the directive presents opportunities to incorporate coastal considerations into marine planning. Challenges include implementing planning at various governmental levels, integrating multiple policies, and maintaining engagement over long timescales. Coastal areas will remain important for humans and require sustainable management that considers both land and sea interactions.
3 neno kukuric- igrac - global tba activities twapgroundwatercop
This document provides an overview of global transboundary aquifer assessment activities. It discusses that many aquifers cross political borders and need assessment to understand groundwater flows and quality. It summarizes various assessment programs including the UNESCO-led ISARM program, UNECE regional assessments in Europe and Central Asia, and GEF-funded projects assessing specific transboundary aquifer systems. The document also introduces TWAP as a new global program to assess and prioritize transboundary surface waters and aquifers.
Deliverables per system Land Use Strategic Master PlansCarlos Jimenez
This document outlines the deliverables for an environmental system and human settlements system as part of developing a land use and development master plan. For the environmental system, it describes diagnostic assessments of components like weather, ecosystems, water, soil and air quality. It also outlines maps to be created and proposals for territorial ordering, development objectives, and suggested action lines. For the human settlements system, it describes assessing factors like access to services, urban development policies, mobility, risks, and land use classifications to diagnose the current situation. Both systems require analyzing trends, projecting future scenarios, and identifying roles and responsibilities to address deficiencies over short, medium and long terms.
The document discusses Virginia's efforts to develop offshore wind energy while minimizing conflicts with commercial and recreational fishing. State agencies and BOEM are working with fishermen to collect and analyze fishing data in and around the proposed research and commercial wind lease areas off Virginia Beach. They aim to develop maps of fishing areas, recommendations to mitigate use conflicts, and a communication plan. Fishermen's input will inform the design and operations of the offshore wind facilities.
Importance of connected communities to flood resilienceNeil Dufty
This document discusses the importance of connected communities and social capital in building flood resilience. It provides evidence from research on recent disasters that shows communities with higher levels of social capital, such as strong social networks and high levels of trust and cooperation, recover faster after floods and other disasters. The document suggests some implications for floodplain and emergency managers in Victoria, including working with community developers to assess and strengthen social connections in flood-prone communities before disasters occur, and including content in community education programs about how to form and utilize social capital for flood preparedness and response.
Day 1 4. andreas scheidleder european commissiongroundwatercop
The document discusses the key elements and implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) as it relates to groundwater management. It outlines the WFD's requirements for delineating groundwater bodies, initially characterizing them, assessing risks to groundwater status, establishing monitoring programs, and developing programs of measures to achieve good groundwater status by 2015. It also discusses the cyclic planning process and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in managing transboundary groundwater bodies, as demonstrated by experiences in the Danube River Basin.
(1) The document provides context on UNESCO's GGRETA Project which aims to facilitate sustainable management of the transboundary Stampriet Aquifer shared by Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
(2) It discusses UNESCO's water initiatives including the Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management (ISARM) program and Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP) which provide an inventory and assessment of transboundary aquifers.
(3) The GGRETA Project will apply TWAP's methodology to conduct assessments of the Stampriet Aquifer and facilitate cooperation between countries on governance mechanisms.
This presentation was delivered on the 10th of December 2018 in Vientiane by Jeremy-Carew-Reid at the MRC final stakeholder workshop as part of the Environmental Study of the Lancang-Mekong Development Plan (LMDP) project.
This document discusses Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and its relevance to Maritime Spatial Planning. It provides definitions of ICZM and outlines its principles, which are included in the EU Directive on Maritime Spatial Planning. The document presents the Systems Approach Framework (SAF) as a tool to guide the full ICZM process cycle in a systematic way. It describes the products and tools developed under SAF, including guidelines, case studies, and tools to support assessment, planning, and evaluation. Finally, it notes that a future challenge is to adapt SAF to the needs of Maritime Spatial Planning.
This document provides an overview of the methodology for assessing the Pretashkent Aquifer. It discusses collecting data on the aquifer's hydrogeology, environment, socioeconomics, and legal framework. Indicators will be used to simplify complex systems and provide opinions on the aquifer's status. Projections for 2030/2050 will indicate changes in groundwater availability and use. Maps, graphs, tables and a report will communicate the assessment results and identify issues and actions.
Clima east synergies with fleg ii lengyel 2013 10 01ENPI FLEG
This document provides an overview of the ClimaEast project, which aims to support countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. The project will run from 2012-2016 with a budget of €7 million from the European Commission. Key activities will include building understanding of EU climate policy, developing national climate strategies, supporting emissions trading systems, and assessing climate vulnerability. The project will also seek synergies with the FLEG II forestry initiative by providing expertise on topics like forestry data reporting and sectoral climate plans. Contact information is provided for the implementing consortium led by HTSPE and offices in Brussels, Moscow, and Tbilisi.
The document outlines the terms of reference for supporting watershed management and agroforestry activities in Myanmar's dry zone. Key points:
- The project will establish community forestry on 1,458 hectares, natural forest conservation on 3,913 hectares, and watershed management on 661 hectares.
- Activities will include forming user groups, capacity building, watershed rehabilitation through reforestation, establishing agroforestry plots, and introducing drought-resilient farming methods.
- The implementation partner will carry out tasks like verifying project sites, developing management plans, implementing activities, and reporting on progress.
The document outlines the activities and execution arrangements for the GGRETA Project, which aims to improve governance of the transboundary Stampriet Aquifer shared by Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. It details the project components of assessing the aquifer and establishing governance mechanisms. Key activities include data collection, developing an information management system, and establishing a multi-country consultative body. Execution will be led by a regional coordinator and involve national coordinators and specialists from each country.
UDIA Urban Affairs - Biodiversity Conservation Strategy ArticleAaron Organ
The document summarizes an industry briefing on Victoria's recently released Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS). The BCS provides an overarching framework for long-term biodiversity protection within and outside Melbourne's urban growth boundary, while providing certainty for developers. It establishes conservation reserves totaling over 5,700 hectares and offsets the cumulative loss of ecological values from urban development. The briefing addressed the costs of offsetting ecological values under the BCS for different areas and species. Several outstanding implementation questions were also discussed.
Sector planning presentation by Jim Sellen, Mike McDaniel, David Powell & Dav...APA Florida
The document discusses sector planning in Florida. Key points include:
- Sector planning allows for long-term planning over large geographic areas of 15,000 acres or more and a planning period of 20-50 years.
- The process includes adopting a long-term master plan and more detailed specific area plans.
- Examples are provided of existing sector plans in Florida, including their size, projected population and development.
- Reasons why some large landowners may be interested in sector planning include its long-term planning horizon and ability to continue agricultural uses in the short-term. However, the process also has challenges such as public scrutiny and potential impacts to farming operations.
This document summarizes a workshop on developing participatory River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) in Georgia and Azerbaijan. The workshop objectives were to:
1) Inform participants on the objectives and principles of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the main challenges of developing RBMPs for the Alazani and Upper Kura river basins.
2) Ensure best coordination between ongoing contracts to develop the RBMPs.
3) Facilitate contact between consultants and stakeholders.
The workshop involved presentations on the WFD, experiences from pilot RBMP development, and visions from Georgian and Azerbaijani contractors on implementing RBMPs, including stakeholder engagement.
The document discusses several activities of the UNECE Water Convention that could contribute to cooperation on the GEF Syr Darya groundwater project. These include providing data from transboundary water assessments, guidelines on monitoring in Russian, organizing trainings on international water law, and hosting platforms to discuss project findings. The Convention supports countries through various projects, guidelines, and capacity building activities regarding transboundary waters including rivers, lakes, and groundwater. A current focus is assessing the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus in basins like the Syr Darya.
Update on MCH and MSP – what is going on in the European sea basins? by Susanne Altvater, s.Pro – sustainable projects GmbH at the workshop 'The role of the maritime spatial planning to safeguard the underwater cultural heritage' at the 2nd Baltic Maritime Spatial Planning Forum in Riga, Latvia on 23-24 November 2016 (the final conference of the Baltic SCOPE collaboration).
Video and other presentations - www.balticscope.eu
www.vasab.org
This document summarizes several ongoing projects executed by UNESCO related to transboundary groundwater resources. It discusses projects focused on the Dinaric Karst Aquifer System shared by 4 countries, management of coastal aquifers in the Mediterranean, and the GEF Transboundary Waters Assessment Program to assess indicators for transboundary aquifers. Case studies are also mentioned for the Trifinio, Stampriet, and Pretashkent transboundary aquifers to improve knowledge of the aquifers and cooperation between neighboring countries.
Phase 1 of the Development Plan of International Navigation on the Lancang-Mekong River (LMDP) aims to improve navigation in the Mekong mainstream from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. Projects include the development of three cargo ports at Xiengkok, Pak Beng and Luang Prabang in Laos; the improvement and maintenance of 146 rapids and shoals; and the construction of four emergency response and rescue ships and 1199 aids to navigation.
ICEM has received grant funding from the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) to conduct the Environmental Study of the LMDP from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. This study aims to engage riparian communities, MRC member countries and local government in an exploration of the potential environmental impacts of the LMDP, and to support Mekong countries in ensuring that potential impacts of the LMDP are managed through appropriate enhancement and mitigation measures.
Implementation of the study includes key issues for biodiversity and navigation development; trends in the key issues without the LMDP; impacts of the LMDP on each of these trends; and risks to be avoided or mitigated and benefits to be enhanced.
This presentation was delivered by ICEM Director General, Dr Jeremy Carew-Reid, at the Lancang - Mekong Environmental Study Workshop that took place at the 2016 Greater Mekong Forum on Water, Food and Energy.
Aureli groundwater management in the syr daryagroundwatercop
This document provides information about UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and its work on transboundary groundwater resources management. The IHP addresses key issues like groundwater governance, climate change impacts, and supporting countries in developing groundwater management policies and legal frameworks. It has developed programs and initiatives such as ISARM to build an inventory of transboundary aquifers and support sustainable management. The IHP also works on building countries' capacities for integrated water resources management and promotes water diplomacy as a means of peacefully managing shared water resources.
Coastal regions face increasing pressures from population growth and competing uses of coastal and marine spaces. The 2014 EU MSP Directive establishes a framework for maritime spatial planning to promote sustainable development and uses of oceans. While it does not explicitly include integrated coastal management, the directive presents opportunities to incorporate coastal considerations into marine planning. Challenges include implementing planning at various governmental levels, integrating multiple policies, and maintaining engagement over long timescales. Coastal areas will remain important for humans and require sustainable management that considers both land and sea interactions.
3 neno kukuric- igrac - global tba activities twapgroundwatercop
This document provides an overview of global transboundary aquifer assessment activities. It discusses that many aquifers cross political borders and need assessment to understand groundwater flows and quality. It summarizes various assessment programs including the UNESCO-led ISARM program, UNECE regional assessments in Europe and Central Asia, and GEF-funded projects assessing specific transboundary aquifer systems. The document also introduces TWAP as a new global program to assess and prioritize transboundary surface waters and aquifers.
Deliverables per system Land Use Strategic Master PlansCarlos Jimenez
This document outlines the deliverables for an environmental system and human settlements system as part of developing a land use and development master plan. For the environmental system, it describes diagnostic assessments of components like weather, ecosystems, water, soil and air quality. It also outlines maps to be created and proposals for territorial ordering, development objectives, and suggested action lines. For the human settlements system, it describes assessing factors like access to services, urban development policies, mobility, risks, and land use classifications to diagnose the current situation. Both systems require analyzing trends, projecting future scenarios, and identifying roles and responsibilities to address deficiencies over short, medium and long terms.
The document discusses Virginia's efforts to develop offshore wind energy while minimizing conflicts with commercial and recreational fishing. State agencies and BOEM are working with fishermen to collect and analyze fishing data in and around the proposed research and commercial wind lease areas off Virginia Beach. They aim to develop maps of fishing areas, recommendations to mitigate use conflicts, and a communication plan. Fishermen's input will inform the design and operations of the offshore wind facilities.
Importance of connected communities to flood resilienceNeil Dufty
This document discusses the importance of connected communities and social capital in building flood resilience. It provides evidence from research on recent disasters that shows communities with higher levels of social capital, such as strong social networks and high levels of trust and cooperation, recover faster after floods and other disasters. The document suggests some implications for floodplain and emergency managers in Victoria, including working with community developers to assess and strengthen social connections in flood-prone communities before disasters occur, and including content in community education programs about how to form and utilize social capital for flood preparedness and response.
Dr Pepper, head of Australia's Department of Population and Immigration, is alerted to a Code Red scenario where the daily census shows 25 fewer people than expected. Through investigation using surveillance drones and scanners, the missing people are located in the remote town of Bidgibri. Dr Pepper visits the town and discovers that the 25 residents had removed their mandatory microchips to live freely off the government's radar. While the residents technically broke the law, Dr Pepper decides to have a few drinks with them before deciding on how to proceed, reflecting on his motto that all people count.
Paper - Recent research in disaster education and its implications for emerge...Neil Dufty
Paper presented at 2013 The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) Conference in Velaux, France.
Community disaster education is an integral component of emergency management around the world. Its main goal is to promote public safety and, to a lesser extent, reduce disaster damages. However, there has been relatively little research into the appropriateness and effectiveness of the community disaster education programs and learning activities, including those provided by emergency agencies. This is due largely to the general lack of evaluation of these programs, the difficulty in isolating education as a causal factor in aspects of disaster management performance, and disaster education not being embraced strongly by the academic field of education.
Compounding this situation is the call by many governments around the world to build community disaster resilience in addition to public safety, with education viewed as a critical mechanism. There is therefore an urgent need to not only examine current community disaster education practices based on education theory and practice, but also to align them to the broader goal of disaster resilience.
In response, an exploratory research methodology was utilised to examine possible learning content and processes that could be used by emergency agencies and other organisations to design Learning for Disaster Resilience (LfDR) plans, programs and activities for local communities.
The research found that disaster resilience learning content should not only cover preparedness aspects, but also learning about improving recovery for people, organisations (e.g. businesses) and communities. It found that disaster resilience learning should also include learning about the community itself, including how to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience.
Opportunities for disaster resilience learning were identified in four broad learning domains – behavioural, cognitive, affective and social. The findings demonstrated that many current disaster education programs are only using limited parts of this learning ‘spectrum’, although this would be significantly increased by further embracing social media as a disaster resilience learning medium.
Sample of a community flood education study and planNeil Dufty
Fairfield City, located in south-western Sydney, straddles parts of the Georges River and Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments, and is home to approximately 190,000 people. Parts of the City are extremely prone to flooding.
Fairfield City Council proactively manages flood risks in accordance with the NSW Government’s 2005 Floodplain Development Manual. Council’s floodplain risk management activities are overseen by the Fairfield Floodplain Management Committee. During the last six years alone, the Committee has supervised nearly $10 million worth of investment made in floodplain management.
Although there has been this considerable investment in floodplain management, the Fairfield City communities will never be totally protected from the impacts of flooding nor can emergency authorities such as the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) ensure the safety of all residents in all floods. Therefore, it is critical that through community education the flood-affected communities across the City are aware of the flood risk, are prepared for floods, know how to respond appropriately and are able to recover as quickly as possible.
With this in mind, Council received funding to engage a suitably qualified consultant to undertake Council’s Flood Education and Awareness project for the City. Molino Stewart Pty Ltd was engaged in April 2012 to carry out the project with the main output being a community flood education plan for the City.
Methodology and findings
Molino Stewart collected a range of data to gauge the current level of flood awareness and preparedness of residents within the City. A survey that sampled flood-affected residences and a community forum on flooding run by Straight Talk Pty Ltd were the primary means of assessing flood awareness and preparedness.
The social research showed that there are generally low levels of flood awareness and preparedness across the City. This is most probably largely due to lack of flood experience as the last major flood event to occur in the City was in 1988.
Other challenges for community flood education in the City include a large culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population and the fact there is a relatively low level of internet usage within the City’s population.
Molino Stewart also conducted research into current best practice in community flood education to help inform the development of this plan. Research showed the need to adopt a disaster resilience learning approach with communities and this is the direction that Molino Stewart has taken in developing the plan.
Paper looks at whether education or engagement will help build community disaster resilience. It shows that both are required and should be interrelated to help communities learn to build disaster resilience. The paper also promotes social media as an emerging mechanism for disaster education and engagement activities.
Peer-reviewed paper on 'Learning for Disaster Resilience' presented to the Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference held in Brisbane, Australia in April 2012.
The paper argues that three fields - disaster risk reduction, emergency management and community development - need to work together if community disaster resilience is to be achieved. Furthermore, it outlines research that shows that social capital formation is a critical factor in building resilience based on analysis of past disasters.
The paper then promotes the importance of education, communications and engagement (ECE) to help communities learn to build resilience using the three fields. It particularly stresses the benefits of social media in these learning processes.
The paper concludes by identifying knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in the further development and use of the 'Learning for Disaster Resilience' approach.
Using social media to build community disaster resilience articleNeil Dufty
A paper published in the February 2012 edition of the Australian Journal of Emergency Management. The paper investigates the ways in which social media can build disaster resilience in communities.
The paper initially establishes a disaster resilience-building framework based on current research and the Australian National Strategy for Disaster Resilience. The framework developed is based on three intersecting fields: Emergency Management, Disaster Risk Reduction and Community Development. The paper then analyses and identifies the uses of social media as education, communications and engagement (ECE) tools within the resilience-building strategic framework. It concludes by discussing the implications of this analysis for emergency managers.
How can we make stormwater education more effective?Neil Dufty
Education has been viewed by many organisations as an important non-structural stormwater management tool with considerable investment made to support it.
Stormwater education activities have included media campaigns, signage, stormwater drain stenciling and industry training courses. They aim to change the behaviour of sectors of the community whose activities are thought to impact on stormwater quality (and quantity) and the health of waterways.
Yet, have these stormwater education programs been effective in changing behaviour and achieve water quality improvements? According to research, the answer is ‘in some cases’. However, there is certainly a formula for effective stormwater education - this is developed in this paper.
The document provides tips for caring for the planet by reducing waste and energy consumption. Some key tips include separating rubbish into different containers, turning off lights and electric devices when not in use, taking shorter showers, using public transportation or active modes of travel when possible, and choosing energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. Proper recycling and reuse of materials like paper, plastic bags, and batteries is also encouraged.
Paper: A review of the value of social media in countrywide disaster risk red...Neil Dufty
This input paper was developed for the HFA Thematic Review and as an input to the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 (GAR15). It examines the current and potential value of social media in raising risk awareness and forming communities of practice before a disaster happens.
2020-21 Annual Report of the NSW Roadside Environment CommitteeNeil Dufty
The 2020-21 annual report of the NSW Roadside Environment Committee which promotes the good practice in the environmental management of linear reserves (roadsides, travelling stock reserves, rail corridors, utility easements) across the state of New South Wales, NSW.
2021-22 Annual Report of the NSW Roadside Environment CommitteeNeil Dufty
The NSW Roadside Environment Committee (REC) was established in 1994 by the NSW Government in recognition of the environmental values of linear reserves. The REC is an umbrella body of state agencies and environment groups that promotes and coordinates leading practice in linear reserve environmental management across the State.
The vision of the REC is:
"Environmental values of linear corridors are actively managed in balance with other functional needs."
The REC currently comprises thirteen organisations with interests in the environmental management of roadside and other linear reserves in NSW.
This is the 2021-22 REC Annual Report covering the REC's activities in that year.
How to determine safety clear zones on minor roads that have remnant vegetationNeil Dufty
A presentation to the 2015 Works Conference run by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia held in Parramatta, NSW, Australia on 19-20 May 2015. A clear zone is the width of roadside that is made available for an errant vehicle to take corrective action in an emergency. However, many roadsides have important biodiversity and thus the safety requirements (clear zones) must be resolved with environments. Research initiated by the NSW Roadside Environment Committee provides guidance and a tool for land managers to balance safety and the environment.
2019-20 Annual Report of the NSW Roadside Environment CommitteeNeil Dufty
The 2019-20 Annual report of the NSW Roadside Environment Committee, a State government committee that promotes good practices in the management of linear reserve environments (e.g. roadsides, rail corridors, travelling stock reserves, utility easements) in New South Wales, Australia.
JBA Consulting Guide to Environmental Assessment for Renewable ProjectsJBAConsulting
This document provides guidance on environmental assessment and regulation for renewable energy projects. It discusses the following key points:
- Environmental assessment is a process to understand potential environmental impacts of development proposals and identify mitigation measures. It may involve an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required by law for certain projects.
- Legislation exists to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, and various assessments like EIAs may be required at different stages of a project's development.
- Guidance is provided on environmental assessments for different renewable energy technologies like wind, solar, and hydropower projects as well as landscape and visual impact assessments. Compliance with regulations aims to help projects meet requirements and minimize environmental risks.
Item 3. Current initiatives, new proposals and next steps on GSP pillar 1Soils FAO-GSP
The document outlines a proposed regional project to promote sustainable soil management (SSM) practices in the Maghreb region of North Africa. The project would establish a decision support system for SSM planning and implementation, demonstrate SSM best practices across forest, rangeland and cropland ecosystems, and work to scale up successful approaches nationally and regionally. The goal is to prevent and reduce land degradation, improve soil health, increase productivity and livelihoods, and provide climate change mitigation benefits through widespread adoption of SSM practices.
The document outlines the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure and requirements in Malaysia, including describing what activities require an EIA, the EIA process, guidelines for site selection, and relevant laws and appendices on prescribed activities requiring an EIA and the Environmental Quality Act. The EIA process in Malaysia aims to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts of development projects through assessing proposed activities, consulting stakeholders, and obtaining approval from the Department of Environment.
The document outlines the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure and requirements in Malaysia, including describing what activities require an EIA, the EIA process, guidelines for site selection, and relevant laws and appendices on prescribed activities requiring an EIA and the Environmental Quality Act. The EIA process in Malaysia aims to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts of development projects through assessing proposed activities, consulting stakeholders, and obtaining approval from the Department of Environment.
The document summarizes the unprecedented scale of ongoing sediment clean-ups through the Superfund program in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary. It notes that proposed remedies for 6 contaminated sediment sites will remove over 5 million cubic yards of sediment through dredging. Managing these sites separately under Superfund is inefficient and costly. The document argues that a regional sediment management framework should be adopted to better coordinate remediation, reduce impacts, and promote beneficial reuse of sediments. Integrating Superfund sites into an existing regional sediment management plan could enhance socioeconomic benefits while providing more sustainable outcomes through innovative technologies and green remediation approaches.
The document summarizes the unprecedented scale of ongoing sediment clean-ups through the Superfund program in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary. It notes that proposed remedies for 6 contaminated sediment sites will remove over 5 million cubic yards of sediment through dredging. Managing these sites separately under Superfund is inefficient and costly. The document argues that a regional sediment management framework should be adopted to better coordinate remediation, reduce impacts, and promote beneficial reuse of sediments. Integrating Superfund sites into an existing regional sediment management plan could enhance socioeconomic benefits while providing more sustainable outcomes through innovative technologies and green remediation approaches.
socio-economic impact and its assessment in coastal zoneRaja rajan
This document discusses socio-economic impact assessment in integrated coastal zone management. It describes assessing the vulnerability of coastal areas to various human activities through tools like socio-economic analysis and geographic information systems modeling. Several key human activities that impact coastal areas are described, including residence, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, land use, and climate change. The document outlines a four-phase approach to conducting use and conflict analysis to identify suitable sites for coastal activities and inform management.
David Kosson, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering at Vanderbilt University, gives an overview of various past and present waste management issues, efforts, technologies and impacts. He also presents some challenges regarding waste management.
The NuClean Kick-Off workshop was held on Nov. 7, 2013 at the Handlery Union Square Hotel in San Francisco, CA, co-located with the AIChE 2013 Annual Meeting.
For more information on NuClean, visit: http://www.aiche.org/cei/conferences/nuclean-workshop/2013.
For more information on AIChE's Center for Energy Initiatives (CEI), visit: http://www.aiche.org/cei.
2018-19 Annual Report of the NSW Roadside Environment Committee. The NSW Roadside Environment Committee (REC) was established in 1994 by the New South Wales Government in recognition of the environmental values of linear reserves. The REC is an umbrella body of state agencies and environment groups that promotes and coordinates leading practice in linear reserve environmental management across the State. Neil Dufty is the Executive Officer of the REC.
This document discusses enhancements made to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance guidelines in the Philippines. Key changes include integrating ecosystems management, coastal and forest land use, ancestral domain concerns, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The guidelines aim to promote a "ridge-to-reef" approach and mainstream these issues into local land use planning. Collaboration with various national agencies is also emphasized. The structure and contents of the updated CLUP are outlined.
Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) regulate development near coastlines to protect fragile coastal ecosystems. The CRZ Rules were first implemented in 1991 and restrict activities like large developments, factories, waste storage, mining within 500 meters of the coast. The new CRZ Rules in 2021 classify rural coastal areas into two types based on population density, and establish no-development zones of 50 meters or 200 meters from the high tide line accordingly. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) identify environmental, social and economic impacts of projects before approval. The EIA process involves screening, scoping, collecting baseline data, impact prediction, mitigation measures, public hearings, and monitoring project implementation.
1. The document outlines a methodology for applying the Australian Standard for Risk Management (AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009) to coastal zone management in New South Wales.
2. Key aspects of the risk assessment process are adapted to coastal management, including establishing objectives, identifying coastal hazards as risks, analyzing the likelihood and consequences of hazards, and developing risk treatment options.
3. Assigning qualitative likelihood ratings to coastal hazard lines (e.g. almost certain, unlikely, rare) provides transparency around uncertainties and better guidance for coastal planning. This approach is recommended over single hazard lines that do not convey prediction limitations.
The document discusses environmental issues that may arise from dams and diversion works, including direct impacts on habitat from infrastructure and reservoirs, indirect impacts from related development, and effects on flow patterns, sediment and nutrients, water quality, connectivity for species migration, and invasive species introduction. It provides guidance on assessing biodiversity impacts and protecting species, addressing passage for aquatic species, managing downstream flow regimes, and demonstrating need and strategic fit for hydropower projects. The document concludes that environmental concerns can be addressed through reasonable planning and management, and the best approach is early, integrated, multi-stakeholder planning at the river basin scale to balance economic, social and environmental values.
Similar to Guide: Managing roadside environments 2 planning (20)
2. Why are roadside environments important?
There are approximately 180,000 km of public roads in New South Wales (NSW). Coupled with other linear reserves such as
travelling stock reserves (TSRs), rail corridors and infrastructure easements (including electricity lines, gas pipelines), it is
estimated that NSW linear reserves cover about 6% of the State’s area.
Apart from covering a large area, the State’s roadside reserves contain significant native biodiversity, including ecological
communities that are not represented in national parks, public reserves or private land. In rural areas, roadside reserves may
constitute the only remaining intact natural environment in the district due to extensive clearing for broadacre farming and
other land uses.
Roadside reserves provide invaluable wildlife habitats and corridors, especially when linked with other native vegetation
remnants in the landscape and provide connectivity which may assist in addressing threats, including those associated
with climate change. Other values of roadside reserves include:
• Transport routes (e.g. for stock)
• Agistment during drought
• Fire control lines
• Carbon sinks
• Places of Indigenous culture and heritage
• Sites of historic heritage
• Geological heritage
• Aesthetic appeal and recreational opportunities
• Sites for research and education.
Managing roadside environments in NSW
Reserves along main roads in NSW are managed by the NSW Roads and Maritime Services; local councils are responsible
for the management of local (minor) roads and their reserves.
Managing roadside areas is complex due to a number of competing values and issues. Conservation needs must be
balancedwithroadsafety,soilstability,waterrunoff,legalrequirements,bushfirerisk,infrastructurecorridors(water,power,
telecommunications), cultural values, firewood collection, grazing, recreational values (horse riding, hiking, bike riding),
educational values and development needs.
The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 outlines requirements for environmental assessment in
relation to roads in NSW. Works on existing roadsides will be covered under the Local Environment Plan (LEP) and no
permit is required. However, local councils do have a responsibility to undertake due diligence in relation to managing
environmental values, including threatened species, usually by way of an assessment called a Review of Environmental
Factors (REF), and are their own consent authority in this regard.
If it is considered that a significant environmental impact may occur, then further assessment and mitigation measures are
required and the assessment may be directed to the Environment Minister (NSW and/or Commonwealth) for determina-
tion. Note that for main roads, the NSW government agency Roads and Maritime Services is the determining authority.
There are other legislative requirements relating to specific aspects of roadside reserve management including:
• Bushfire management (NSW Rural Fires Act 1997)
• Threatened species (NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, Commonwealth Environmental Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
The update to this document was made possible through funding provided by the NSW Environmental Trust, through
the Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project managed by the Local Government NSW.
Planning
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3. • Weed management (NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993)
• Protection of public lands (NSW Local Government Act 1993)
• Pollution of land or waterways (NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997).
In addition to carrying out the legislative requirements, local councils are encouraged to take a more proactive approach
toroadsideenvironmentalmanagement.ThisapproachinvolvestheuseofRoadsideVegetationManagementPlans(RVMPs)
orsimilar.Theseplansenabletheidentificationofimportantroadsideenvironmentsandcoordinatedstrategiestoconservethem.
This holistic planning approach means that the risks to the important natural assets are understood and better managed.
These guidelines have been prepared for local councils seeking to achieve best practice in roadside environmental man-
agement through the use of RVMPs. However, the guidelines will also be of relevance to managers of other linear reserves
which, by nature of their shape and issues, have similar management requirements.
Towards best practice in roadside environmental management
There are four stages that lead to best practice in roadside environmental management:
1. Assessment
2. Planning
3. Implementation
4. Monitoring and evaluation
The stages should be carried out in a cycle as shown below.
This guide outlines the second stage in best practice - planning.
Planning
3
The four stages in best practice roadside environmental management
4. From the Assessment
In ‘Managing Roadsides 1: Assessment’, a process was outlined to assess and identify management categories as high,
medium and low value conservation roadsides. This categorisation assists to determine appropriate management actions
for inclusion in the RVMP.
Data collected from the assessment process, including GIS maps, should be used as evidence in the RVMP to support
environmental management decisions.
Considerations
There are several aspects for consideration in the development of a RVMP in addition to the outcomes of the assessment.
These include:
• Roadside environmental management threats and issues
• Council systems and planning
• Community interests, values and activities.
Roadside environmental management threats and issues
There are several roadside environmental threats and issues that should be considered in the development of an RVMP:
1. Road safety. When roadside trees have been identified as ‘hazardous’ through mechanisms such as a safety audit,
crash history and community perception, authorities need to respond. Local councils and other managers of linear
reserves are regularly asked to resolve the balance between clearing for road safety and the need for protection of
roadside reserve environments.
The ‘clear zone’ is defined as the “width of the roadside beginning at the edge of the travelled way that is made avail-
able for a driver of an errant vehicle to take corrective action in an emergency” (NSW Roads and Traffic Authority,
1999). Clear zone distances are usually set according to predicted traffic volumes, speed and road geometry. The width
takes into account local site factors including widths of adjacent lanes, shoulders, medians, footways, batters etc.
Tree removal for clear zones can improve safety by extending sight distance and removing hazard. However, it may cause:
• loss of environmental/biodiversity values
• loss of aesthetics
• loss of functional values such as shade, visual buffering, wind protection, soil erosion and change in landscape character.
The Austroads guidelines for clear zones can be obtained via www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/
items/AGRD06-10.
The NSW Roadside Environment Committee (REC) has commissioned a report and spreadsheet that enables land manag-
ers to make a balanced decision about clear zones. The report and spreadsheet is available at www.higherlogicdown-
load.s3.amazonaws.com/IPWEA/c7e19de0-08d5-47b7-ac3f-c198b11cd969/UploadedImages/Roadside%20Environment/
Clear_Zones_report_Dec_2005.pdf
2. New road construction and widening. At times, local councils will construct new roads and widen existing roads
that may involve the need to remove native vegetation. As noted above, there are legislative requirements for these
activities that may trigger the use of an REF to determine the extent of clearing.
3. Fire management. Linear reserves are extremely important in bushfire management. They are a point of ignition,
provide containment and firebreak, and are a route of escape in the event of an evacuation.
Land managers of linear reserves including local councils have responsibilities under the Rural Fires Act, 1997. The NSW
Rural Fire Service (RFS) administers the Act.
Planning
4
5. Linear reserves are covered by local Bushfire Risk Management Plans (BFRMPs). A BFRMP is a comprehensive document
that maps and describes the level of bush fire risk across an area. The BFRMP identifies assets within the community at risk
from bush fire, assesses the level of risk to those assets, establishes treatment options to deal with the risk and assigns
responsibility for carrying out those treatments. The BFRMP is used to determine where mechanical clearing or hazard
reduction burns are conducted, which areas require specialised fire protection, and which areas need to be targeted for
community education.
A list of completed BFRMPs across NSW can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1040.
The knowledge and opinions of local people about bush fires, important assets and potential risks is a focus of BFRMPs.
Bush Fire Management Committees (BFMCs) actively seek the opinions of local people through meetings and other com-
munication channels when developing a draft BFRMP.
Local councils are involved as members of BFMCs. Where possible, it is important to link BFRMPS with RVMPs for consist-
ent planning.
Environmental approval may be required for any activity which involves the modification of vegetation and/or the produc-
tion of smoke. Councils that are planning to conduct hazard reduction works on their roadsides should apply for an environ-
mental assessment through the NSW RFS. Under the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code, an NSW RFS officer may
assess this activity and issue an environmental approval called a Hazard Reduction Certificate.
An assessment under the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code will consider the potential impact of the hazard reduc-
tion activity on the following environmental factors:
• Threatened species
• Native vegetation
• Soil erosion
• Riparian vegetation
• Water bodies
• Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage.
The Hazard Reduction Certificate (if approved) will provide councils with specific conditions that they must follow in order
to minimise the potential impact of their activity on the environment.
Another issue relating to bushfire management of linear reserves is ‘fire regimes’. Fires are recurrent disturbances in land-
scapes. The ecological effects of fire are shaped by fire regimes, the collective effects of fire frequency, intensity, season
and type.
Fire season may affect various biological responses to a fire event. There is interplay between the capacity of species
to survive and regenerate from fire and the interval between fires (a measure of fire frequency). Many species require a
characteristic amount of time to acquire a capacity to survive and replenish their regeneration capacity. Fire intensity may
determine the proportion of individuals that survive a particular fire. It may also affect regeneration processes such as seed
germination in plants, often positively.
The characteristic fire regime limits of plant species in a community are of fundamental importance particularly in small
remnants such as linear reserves. Changes in abundance and cover of dominant species may strongly influence the struc-
ture and composition of plant communities. Interactions between species, such as competition and inhibition, influence
floristic composition and particular fire regimes may strongly affect these processes. Plant communities also function as
key elements of habitat for animals.
An appropriate fire regime for roadside reserve vegetation should therefore be factored into the RVMP. Studies have been
conducted across the State which will give an indication of the appropriate fire frequency and intensity for the roadside
plant species. These are available from the RFS. The research may indicate the need for environmental burns to encourage
plant regeneration.
Planning
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6. 4. Weed management. There are 1,665 naturalised plant species in NSW. Of these, over 340 have the ability to threaten
biodiversity and many of these weeds have been identified in key threatening processes. Weeds, along with pest
animals, pose the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.
Linear reserves including roadsides are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of weed invasions given their close
proximity to transport and stock which can readily transfer weed seeds. Weeds from linear reserves can impact on
neighbouring properties.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is the primary government agency for weed control in NSW.
It is responsible for implementing the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Local control authorities (such as local councils) are responsible for enforcing the control of noxious weeds on private
lands and for undertaking weed control measures on council-managed lands including roadside reserves. Strategies for
the management of weeds in roadside reserves should therefore be included in the council’s RVMP.
Broad guidance on managing weeds in roadside reserves can be obtained from:
• National Weed Strategy - aims to prevent new weed problems reduce the impact of existing weeds of national
significance and provide the framework and capacity for ongoing management of weeds of national significance.
• NSW Invasive Species Plan - Provides a framework for the management of weeds, vertebrate pests, invertebrate pests
and freshwater and marine aquatic pests in NSW.
Specific guidance (e.g. regarding management options for a particular weed species) can be obtained from the NSW
Department of Primary Industries at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/profiles.
5. Inappropriate activities. There are a range of
activities conducted by people that have
deleterious impacts on roadside reserves. Such
activities include, littering, illegal dumping,
firewood collection, illegal grazing and clearing by
adjacent landholders.
The impacts of these issues may vary from place to place.
For example, along isolated roads littering may be non-
existent; along roads leading out of cities and regional
centres it may be a significant management issue. Man-
agement strategies for such issues should be considered
in the development of the RVMP.
6. Climate change. There is strong evidence that the climate of NSW is changing, largely due to human activities
(Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, 2010).
NSW is expected to become hotter, with the greatest increases in temperature expected to occur in the north and west
of the state. North-eastern NSW is likely to experience a slight increase in summer rainfall, while in the south-western
regions there is likely to be a decline in winter rainfall. Many parts of the state will experience a shift from winter-
dominated to summer-dominated rainfall.
Climate change will exacerbate natural variability, making it more difficult to manage landscapes and ecosystems and
the human activities that depend on them. Remnants of vegetation such as linear reserves will be particularly vulner-
able.
Strategies to assist in the adaptation of roadside environments should be considered in the RVMP. Species under
threat of becoming endangered or extinct include those living near the upper limit of their temperature range, such as
in alpine regions; those with restricted climatic niches; and, those that cannot migrate to new habitats due to habitat
fragmentation or lack of alternatives. For those species capable of dispersal, action is required to ensure that sufficient
remnant habitat exists, invasive species are controlled and that linkages between habitats exist.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage can provide more information including at http://www.environment.nsw.
gov.au/climatechange.htm
Illegal firewood collection is a problem in some roadside reserves
Planning
6
7. Council systems and planning
It is important that the RVMP is not a standalone plan and is integrated with council’s planning and systems.
In 2009, the Local Government Act 1993 was amended. The amendments require the use of an Integrated Planning and
Reporting (IP&R) Framework to guide a local council’s future strategic planning and reporting. As part of the IP&R Frame-
work, councils develop environmental objectives in collaboration with their communities on environmental issues relevant
to their shire. These environmental objectives form part of the council’s overarching Community Strategic Plan.
Council’s Community Strategic Plans should include objectives relating to biodiversity and/or natural systems. The RVMP
should be used to guide objectives in relation to roadside environmental management, and be linked to other council envi-
ronmental planning tools which assist in forming the delivery program to implement these broader objectives.
Local government in NSW is responsible for assets worth approximately $50 billion. Infrastructure assets include roads,
water and sewerage assets, drains, bridges, footpaths and public buildings. A strong and sustainable local government
system requires a robust planning process to ensure that those assets are maintained and renewed in the most appropriate
way on behalf of local communities. As custodian, local government is responsible to effectively account for and manage
these assets and to have regard to the long-term and cumulative effects of its decisions. This is a core function of councils
and is reflected in section 8 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).
Roadside reserves should be viewed as natural assets associated with road infrastructure and, as such, should be valued
and included in the council asset management plans and systems. The RVMP should outline the risks and council’s efforts
to manage their roadside reserves as an important asset.
Community interests, values and activities
Roadside reserves, along with other linear reserves such as TSRs, have significant community values. These include rec-
reational, scientific, educational and aesthetic values.
Where possible, community representatives should participate in the development of the RVMP. This will provide valuable
local input and assist in balancing the management options at a local level. It may also engender ‘ownership’ of the road-
side reserves, through Adopt-a-Road programs, Landcare or Bushcare activities, all assisting in delivering management
objectives for the area.
Councils should identify local groups to consult with, or provide other opportunities for community input when developing
the RVMPs. Other stakeholders also need to provide input including the RFS, Department of Primary Industries, Local Land
Services, and Roads and Maritime Services. The creation of a group of such stakeholders is a good way to facilitate input
when developing the RVMP.
Linkages with local and regional natural resource management plans and related activities should also be encouraged.
Regional natural resource management plans such as Catchment Action Plans (CAPs) identify regional NRM priorities, and
may have specific reference to roadside reserves with associated management targets. Linkages with these external plans
may assist in obtaining funds for priority roadside reserve activities.
RVMP template
The following headings and processes are recommended to develop a robust RVMP:
1. Vision
The vision of the plan should be briefly stated in terms of what state it is trying to achieve in the future.
2. Objectives
The objectives of the plan should be clearly stated.
Planning
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8. 3. Relevant legislation
Relevant legislation should be listed.
4. Links with Council systems and planning
A brief statement or list - see above for guidance. Ensure it is clear where the RVMP sits with other council plans and systems.
5. Description of roadside vegetation and other environment values
Use the results of the roadside environmental assessment (see ‘Managing Roadsides 1: Assessment’) to provide a descrip-
tion of the diversity and values of roadside environments in the LGA. The description should be accompanied by photo-
graphs, for example of threatened species, and use maps where possible.
6. Local roadside environmental management threats and issues
Based on the guidance in the Considerations above, describe the threats and issues impacting on local roadside environ-
ments and how these could be minimised or resolved.
7. Community interests, values and activities
Based on the guidance in the Considerations above, describe the community interests, values and activities relating to
local roadside environments and how these could be acknowledged and changed if required. This may require community
education to increase awareness or change current behaviours.
8. Conservation values
In ‘Managing Roadsides 1: Assessment’, the process below was used to determine high, medium and low conservation
value roadsides.
The extent of high, medium and low conservation value roadsides should be described in the RVMP using maps.
9. Roadside environmental management priority sites
Within the high conservation value roadsides it is useful to prioritise sites based on the range of assessment attributes,
as well as the Considerations from above. For example, there may be some sites that have unique or significant attributes,
such as a few remaining locations for threatened species being under threat from urban development or other issues.
An understanding of high priority sites is critical to council environmental decision-making and can also be used in deter-
mining priorities for rehabilitation if required.
The high priority sites should be listed in the RVMP with a brief explanation of why they have been identified.
10. Management action plan
There are four main categories of actions emanating from the RVMP:
1. Actions relating to legislative requirements for road construction and widening.
2. Actions relating to other legislative requirements such as weed management, bushfire management.
3. Actions to minimise the impacts of threats and resolve issues (see under Considerations above).
4. Actions to better manage high, medium and low conservation value roadsides and, in particular, those high priority sites.
Details of recommended management actions for sites can be found in ‘Managing Roadsides 3: Implementation’.
Windscreen
assessment
Identification of
Management
Categories
GIS mapping of
other attributes
Identification
of Conservation
Values
Planning
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9. The management action plan could use the following format:
It is suggested that the management action plan be prepared for a period of three years and then reviewed and updated.
11. Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation should be conducted for:
1. The vegetation and environmental assessment
2. The RVMP itself
3. The implementation of management actions
Guidance for monitoring and evaluation is provided in ‘Managing Roadsides 4: Monitoring and Evaluation’.
12. Council endorsement
It is recommended that the RVMP be endorsed by the elected representatives of Council to ensure there is council com-
mitment to its content, to raise awareness across the elected representatives and to enable the priorities and actions
identified to be embedded in other council plans ensuring implementation.
Examples
About two-thirds of the local councils in NSW have developed RVMPs or similar plans covering roadsides such as
Biodiversity Strategies. Some of these councils provide RVMPs on their websites. Recommended sites are:
• Mid-Western Regional Council Roadside Vegetation Assessment and Prioritisation Plan
www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au/Environmental-Services/Environmental-Projects-1.
• Albury City Council Biodiversity Strategy www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-waste/biodiversity.
• Hawkesbury City Council RVMP www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/38395/
Hawkesbury-RVMP-Final.pdf
References
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) NSW Climate Impact Profile. NSW Government
NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (1999) Road Design Guide. NSW Government
The Roadside Environment Committee
The NSW Roadside Environment Committee (REC) was established in 1994 by the NSW Government in recognition of the
environmental values of linear reserves including roadsides. The REC is an umbrella body of state agencies and environ-
ment groups that promotes and coordinates leading practice in linear reserve environmental management across the
State. The REC identifies issues, and with land managers, works towards solutions.
The REC has taken a strategic approach to improving linear reserve environmental management in NSW. To do this, it has
developed, implemented and evaluated a series of three-year strategic plans.
Action Priority Timing Responsibility Resourcing
(List action
from the four
categories above)
(High, Medium, Low
based on urgency,
importance)
(When will the
action be
carried out)
(Who has
responsibility for
the action?)
(How will the action
be funded and
staffed?)
Planning
9
10. The objectives of the current REC strategic plan are:
• to achieve consistent, high quality of environmental management of NSW linear reserves
• to engage with key stakeholders and communities to improve linear reserve environmental management in NSW
• to address issues related to the management of linear reserve environments in NSW.
The REC website is at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/environment/roadsideenvironcommittee.
For more information
If you would like more information on roadside environmental planning and management, funding opportunities for projects or
contacts within other organisations please contact the Executive Officer of the NSW Roadside Environment Committee.
Neil Dufty
REC Executive Officer
Phone: (02) 9354 0300
Mobile: 0437 130 283
Email: ndufty@molinostewart.com.au
This program has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.
Cover photo courtesy of NSW Roads and Maritime Services
Planning
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