Local Government Reference Group Forum Forbes Inn, Forbes Wednesday 15 February 2017

Welcome - from Chair David Waddell Welcome to the first Local Government Reference Group Forum for 2017 On behalf of everyone here today we pay respect to traditional owners and custodians of the land which we stand, the Wiradjuri people, Elders, both past and present and acknowledge the rich diversity in Aboriginal communities including individuals and groups who share a responsibility to care for Country and culture into the future

Review Review and acceptance of previous minutes

Update Final Project Update presented by Joel Little, Environmental Officer, Bathurst Regional Council

Alliance Update Project Support Officer Report Audit & Survey Living Waterways & Resilient Cities Workshop Acknowledgement – Dubbo Regional Council Climate Change Grant Presented by Acting Project Support Officer – Brooke Kirkman

Project Support Officer Report Alliance Update Project Support Officer Report Meetings Partnerships Plan Projects Events Moving forward

Alliance Website & Facebook 305 Likes 734 Reach this week Facebook likes have increased this period, however our page and website engagement and interaction have fallen slightly. Website referrals Scheduling posts Member access www.cwcewa.com.au

Alliance Update The findings of the audit focused on key areas outlined below delivering outcomes based on needs and expectations of Member Councils Sourcing and developing training to our Member Councils Case studies are to be developed and shared with Member Councils, based on successful projects and best practice Assistance to be provided in regards to developing and updating management plans Focus on delivering environmental outcomes based on project implementation, Council and Community engagement, strengthening partnerships and enhancing the Alliance profile Ongoing support to continue in areas of project planning, community engagement, support around grants and applications Audit summary & update of Alliance 5 year plan will be available on the website

Alliance Update Surveys incomplete Results guide direction and development of training, assistance with management plans, sharing of required resources and project planning

Living Waterways & Resilient Cities Workshop, 11 May 2017 @ Orange Alliance Update SAVE THE DATE! Living Waterways & Resilient Cities Workshop, 11 May 2017 @ Orange

Building Resilience to Climate Change Alliance Update Dubbo Grant Success – Building Resilience to Climate Change The value of our strengthening Partnerships is speaking for itself! Recently partnering with Splash Network, Dubbo Regional Council have secured funding of $80,000 for their Dubbo CBD Heat Island Amelioration Project. The project will increase tree canopy in the CBD medical precinct by 300% to increase shading and reduce ambient heat, protecting elderly pedestrians and use diverted stormwater to provide irrigation

Alliance Update Moving Forward Project Focus Implementing identified priorities Strengthening partnerships

Relationships and Planning Group session and planning Presented by Mel Schrader, Team Leader - Strategic Land Services

Update Central Tablelands Local Land Services Update Work for the dole program Presented by Mick Callan Acting Senior Strategic Land Services Officer - Partnerships

Update Central West Local Land Services Update Presented by Cherie Hughes Senior Strategic Land Services Officer - Communities

Barking Owl Project The species has greatly declined in Southern Australia which is attributed to clearing of woodlands on fertile soil leaving small linear strips of riparian vegetation or dense woodlands with poor quality soils The aim of the project is to support the long term survival of the Barking owl in the Goonoo – Talragar region. Plans to increase the size and quality of existing habitat found within riparian areas ( to also increase habitat for other species such as the Squirrel Glider and Ringtail Possum) Activities such as fencing, provision of alternative watering points, re-vegetation of understory Increase community awareness and ownership of the Barking Owl in their area Hollow augmentation/provision of nest boxes Partnering with Local Government and surrounding Landholders in capacity building undertaken with OEH.

Peri Urban Project Presentation by Mel Schrader Team Leader - Strategic Land Services

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30

Waratahs Wetland Project Presentation by Maryanne Smith Wetlands Team Leader, Orange City Council

Other Business Any Other Business Next Meeting – Wednesday 10th May (Possibly in Orange, In line with Living Waterways Workshop?) Presented by Chair David Waddell

Thank you for attending today’s Forum