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

2. 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

3. Review
Review and acceptance of previous minutes

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. Alliance Update Moving Forward Project Focus
Implementing identified priorities
Strengthening partnerships

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

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

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

16. 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.

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

18. Lunch
12:00 – 12:30

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

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

21. Thank you for attending today’s Forum