Environmental & community services

Council will address a number of waste and environmental management issues in the 2010/11 Budget.

Environmental and Community Services portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said council is entrusted with many environmental management responsibilities in the areas of local health laws, public health and refuse collection, as well as general environmental management.

“$11.2 million of capital and operating costs has been allocated in this Budget to ensuring we meet environmental management standards,” Cr Cahill said.

“Over $6.31 million has been allocated in this budget for a wide range of new waste management initiatives. These include greater compliance with environmental standards, an assessment of landfill operations and a review of current waste collection contracts.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management has worked with council to identify improvements required for groundwater and stormwater management at some council landfill sites including Bowenville, Jondaryan, Geham and Crows Nest.
“In order to meet the $1.5 million costs associated with complying with more stringent environmental standards, council has been forced to increase the environmental levy from $10 to $30.

“In addition, $150,000 has been allocated towards a feasibility study to extend the landfill site at Jondaryan and $100,000 to install ground water monitoring bores at the Geham waste facility.

“Council has approved the implementation of a Waste Management Strategic Plan which will guide future improvements to waste and recycling collection, continuation of waste management operations at the Bedford Street Waste Management Centre and consolidation of waste disposal facilities across the region.

“The plan will influence the strategic direction for waste and recycling operations for the next five years.

“Council will conduct a feasibility study to identify appropriate sites for the continuation of operations for the long term sustainability of waste management and disposal for the region’s growing population,” Cr Cahill said.

“Included in the initiatives is an allocation of $50,000 to undertake a review of operational times and hours at waste management and disposal facilities to ensure council’s waste facilities are being operated appropriately and efficiently.

“An amount of $40,000 has been allocated to audit the waste and recycling collection contract in Toowoomba. This project will be competed in August 2010 and the outcome will ensure good governance of the current contract and provide the framework for future contracts.

“Away from waste issues but still on an environmental note, council will continue free plant giveaways from council nurseries and has allocated $132,000 for this popular service. “These giveaways not only assist residents in establishing gardens and beautifying their properties but also make our region a greener place to live.”

Cr Cahill said that this budget continues council’s commitment to supporting the regional community.

“Funding of $807,730 has been allocated to community development and support programs such as the online Community Information Directory, multicultural support initiatives and community events.

“These include the successful Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival and events surrounding initiatives like Seniors Week and Disability Week in recognition of these special community groups,” he said.

“Council’s community development officers work closely with local communities across the region. These officers do a lot of valuable work with grassroots community groups and council will continue to support their efforts.

“Council will also continue to support community groups who rely on volunteers and community advisory committees that engage with the wider community and provide council with advice on specific issues.

“Non-profit community organisations will again benefit from continued council funding for programs such as the Empire Theatre community access grants, the Community Support Scheme and the Events Support Scheme through which community groups can apply for funding and in-kind assistance.

“Funding for community support and development initiatives includes $151,877 for youth programs such as Toowoomba Action Team which provide a means of advising council on issues concerning the region’s youth.

“Council support for the PCYC Bicycle Safety Awareness Program which educates primary school children in safe bicycle skills on public roads will continue.

“Support also continues for the popular Eidecan Festival which showcases young local bands and provides a launching pad to further their musical careers,” Cr Cahill said.

“The ongoing replacement and upgrade of city parking facilities will continue with an overall allocation of $664,558 of which $306,000 is devoted to capital expenditure.

“Council will spend over $200,000 this financial year on the successful City Safe surveillance program for normal operation, maintenance and replacement of monitoring equipment,” Cr Cahill said.