Waverley Council > Environmental Services > Environment Levy

Environment Levy

Waverley Council’s Environment Levy is a small rate paid by Waverley’s ratepayers to fund environmental projects that improve our local environment.

Council has funded environmental projects through a levy since July 2001. When this levy expired at the end of June 2006, Council obtained a five-year extension in response to strong community support.

The new program will continue existing work and help implement new, previously unfunded, environmental projects.

While the previous focus was on improving quality and reducing quantity of stormwater in the area, the new levy will turn the spotlight more on local sustainability issues.

Waverley Council Environment Levy Report

The Waverley Council Sustainability Action Team (SAT) meets every month to oversee expenditure of the levy. The SAT receives monthly reports on the projects and expenditure of the levy.

Council reports on levy-funded projects in its quarterly community newsletter Waverley in Focus, which is distributed to all households in the Waverley Council area.

Sustainability Committee

Council set up a Sustainability Committee to guide the operation of the new Environment Levy and its programs.

This committee is made up of elected Councillors and sustainability professionals who met for the first time in February 2007.

One of the main goals of the committee is to help Council develop a sustainable community. The external expertise committee members bring to the area will improve Council’s ability to identify Waverley’s impact on the natural environment.

The committee will also develop policies and practices to reduce the ecological footprint of the area. It meets quarterly and holds other working sessions where relevant.

Click here to view agendas and minutes from Council’s Sustainability Committee.

Recent projects funded by the Environment Levy

Implementation of Council’s water/energy savings plan projects.

Schools environment small grants program.

Community workshops and events (including World Environment Day, Earth Hour, Ocean Care Day, sustainability workshops,
  and Summer Activities Education Programs).

Development and implementation of sustainable transport initiatives (walking school bus program, walk to work day, walk to
  school day, and walk to childcare day).

Native plant seed collection for future bush regeneration projects.

Continuation of the environmental business education program.

Various bush regeneration projects.

Weeds removal program.

Continuation of Council’s Environmental Management System.

Sustainable schools program (school audits and presentations).

Green workshop for plumbers.

Future projects to be funded by the Environment Levy

Council Chambers Water Sensitive Urban Design demonstration (water saving project including permeable paving, and
  rainwater harvesting and re-use).

Stormwater harvesting and re-use project in Bronte Park.

For further information on Council’s Environment Levy, contact Environmental Services on 9369 8000.

 

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