Staff Consultation: Draft Environmental Impact Assessment for Council Activities Policy

We would like to invite your comments on the draft Environmental Impact Assessment for Council Activities Policy before it progresses towards adoption and replaces the Part 5 Assessment Protocol. The staff consultation period is until COB Friday, 20 November.

About this policy

This policy provides a whole of organisation environmental impact assessment framework for Council activities. It applies to activities permissible under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It also applies to exempt and complying developments permissible under State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007, State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, and State Environmental Planning Policy (Educational Establishments and Child Care Facilities) 2017.

This policy intends to support and guide Council's compliance with the EP&A Act 1979 and all relevant planning, environmental protection, and miscellaneous legislation and Council directives, plans, policies, procedures, or equivalent concerning the activities and developments that Council undertakes.

However, the Environmental Impact Assessment of Council Activities Policy's intent is not simply to ensure legislative compliance.

It also seeks to proactively utilise the Environmental Impact Assessment process as a connecting tool to ensure the alignment of the design and delivery of Council's activities and projects with Council's stated values.

These values are articulated in the Local Strategic Planning Statement, Community Strategic Plan, LEP, DCP's, and all relevant Council directives, plans, policies, procedures, guidelines, or equivalent that apply to the activities being carried out. Ensuring alignment with Council guidance documents allows Council values to be central to the delivery of Council activities.

Consultation – how to provide comment

The draft policy is available to view here.

Please use the Submission form below to provide your response, or email your questions or comments directly to mhensen@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.

Target audience: All staff

Deadline for comments: COB Friday 20 November, 2020.

Contact: Michael Hensen, Environmental Scientist, Environment, Environment and Planning Services

Thank you in advance for your participation in this feedback process.