|
 Events
The list below outlines coming events organized by SCCG,
or those within its member councils. It also outlines information
related to regional, interstate and international coastal
events.
SCCG Coastal Risk Forum
 The coastal risk steering committee last met on October 15, 2004 to scope the content and format of the Coastal Risk Management Forum. The forum will be held in April 2005. More information is outlined under Current Projects.
|
 |
SCCG GIS Forum
The SCCG and GIS Working Group plan to hold a GIS forum for its member councils. The aim of the workshop will be to unite Council professional staff, (including environmental scientists, engineers, health officers and planners), Directors and General Managers and allow all GIS officers from member councils to show case how GIS is being used within council's and to stimulate the cross pollination of ideas and concepts to improve GIS capabilities within SCCG member councils.
The forum will also highlight the need for improved data sharing arrnagements between federal, state and local government agencies. Both the Executive Officer and the Coastal Projects Officer will be presenting to the forum on regional GIS issues and needs, including the need to improve data sharing and standards.
|
 |
Groundwater Workshops
Upon the completion of the Groundwater Management Handbook, SCCG and the Groundwater Working Group propose to convene a series of Groundwater Workshops. The workshops are designed to better assist Council staff assess development applications that deal with the management of groundwater. State Governments Agencies including DIPNR and DEC, as well as Industry and Community Groups will also be invited to attend the workshops. The workshops will also provide the opportunity for community and other intrested parties to enquire about the sustainable management of domestic bores.
The Working Group was unsuccessful in its bid to obtain funding through the NSW Environmental Trust Program to run the training days and workshops. The Group is continuing to seek alternative means of funding to ensure that a series of capacity building workshops does occur. |
 |
SCCG Geotechnical Expert Panel and National Observer Group
SCCG member Councils have expressed issues and concerns regarding the needs for and limitations of geotechnical investigations for development sites adjacent to cliff and other fault and unconsolidated areas. Some of the issue include:
-
‘Hazards’ associated with developments in the coastal zone
-
Specific Geo-technical requirements, provisions and conditions in relevant LEPs, DCPs and/or relevant development conditions,
-
Specific geomorphological and geological information requirements and considerations for development assessment and engineering staff,
-
Prerequisite requirements for ‘expert’ geo-technical engineers as well as the temporal aspects of their advice,
-
Cliff / bluff management issues and considerations as outlined in the new SEPP 71 – Coastal Protection and the Coastal Protection Amendment Act 2002,
- Recent and potential Land and Environment Court litigations,
In response to these issues and concerns, the SCCG convened a Geotechnical Forum and Field Trip for member councils, various state agency representatives, the Institution of Engineers Australia and Australia Geomechanics Society in September 2003.
Issues addressed at the forum included:
- Overview of Coastal Geomorphological issues (Prof. Bruce Thom)
- The current responses from Local Government (Geoff Withycombe – Executive Officer, SCCG)
- Legal Considerations:
- Council Liability (David Clark – Legal Officer, LGSA)
- Local Government – Miminising the Risk (Peter Tobin – Wollongong Council)
- Industry overview and current responses (Andrew Leventhal –Chair, Australian Geomechanics Society)
- State Government Geotechnical Policy (Alpine Resorts) - James Alexander (DIPNR)
-
Local Government Policy Case Study (Angus Gordon – General Manager, Pittwater Council)
-
Expert Panel consultation and action formulation (above speakers)
- Afternoon Field Trip: inspection of local sites /issues of interest
Presentations and summaries of proceedings are available by contacting the SCCG Secretariat
|
 |
Conferences
UrbanSalt 2005
The UrbanSalt Conference 2005 is coordinated by Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC). It will be held on the 8th and 9th of February at Paramatta. For further details and registration forms can be downloaded online at http://www.wsroc.com.au/downloads/Urban_Salt_2005_Conference_Details.pdf or phone 9671 4333.
Victorian Sustainable Development Conference
This conference provides the opportunity for all sectors of government and business to evaluate progress towards sustainability. Conference dates are March 15th and 16th. For full program details or to register go online to http://www.halledit.com.au/conferences/vicsustainable
9th SIA Regional Conference on Urban Stromwater Management, Port Macquarie
The regional conference on stormwater management in NSW will be held April 20th-21st 2005 in Port Macquarie in conjunction with Hastings Council. The themes of the conference will be (1) Sustainable Water Management (2) Stormwater Re-use (3) WSUD case studies (4) Salinity and (5) Education / Legal Issues. A full program can be downloaded online at www.stormwater.asn.au/nsw/events.asp
NSW Coastal Conference
The NSW Coastal Conference was a great success. Conference papers are now available for purchase online at
www.lakemac.com.au/coastalconference
|
 |
Summer Activities Program
The Sydney Coastal Councils Summer Activities Working Group is due to meet in April to discuss the development of the 2006 program. SCCG looks forward to providing and assisting its member councils and their local communities with a brand new program in 2006. If you require any further information or have any useful suggestions that may assist in the running of future programs, please don't hesitate to contact the Coastal Projects Officer on 9246 7702.
|
|
|
