Sustainable Townsville

Benefits to Council

Potential to reduce Council costs in provision of services and reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and manage energy consumption. Ensures Council is up to date on sustainability issues and integrates all Council sustainability initiatives (energy, greenhouse gas, resource efficiency, community partnership, greening and natural resources management). Seeks to raise profile of Townsville as prototype Sustainable City.

Costs/funding

Funded by TCC in partnership with EPA Sustainable Industries. Coordinated by EMS.

Sustainability Initiatives & Proposals in Council

TCC Greenhouse Audit

Greenhouse Audit of TCC funded by Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) and Council.

Benefits to Council

Outline Council greenhouse emissions. Fulfills part of CCP Milestone 1. Accepted as Phase 1 of EPA Partnerships Program (Sustainable Townsville).

Costs/funding

Funded by AGO Greenhouse Challenge and EPA (Sustainable Townsville).  Strengthens the claim to any other funding applications relating to greenhouse/energy.

Sustainable Townsville Investment Initiative (STII)

Proposed internal TCC mechanism for investing in efficiency projects.

Projects would be approved via IEMS Committee/Financial Services.

Benefits A formal mechanism for advancing sustainability projects. Mechanism by which to attract government funding.

Costs/funding Options for implementation include: no cost to council, budgeted contributions to specific projects from Council, and opportunities for AGO funding.

Sustainability in Engineering Services

Projects, proposals and initiatives for TCC Engineering Services Business Units and Executive.

• Citiworks
• Citiwater
• Fleet Services
• Executive Unit

Benefits Groups all Engineering Services Sustainability initiatives, projects and proposals onto a single web site to demonstrate and promote environmental initiatives of the business units and executive.

Costs/funding Projects and proposals funded by Engineering Services, often in partnership with other Council departments; eg. EMS/Parks, State agencies, commercial business/industry, and community.

Potential STII Projects: Parks Irrigation Projects

Installation of sub- surface drippers and monitoring/ auditing irrigated areas.

Benefits Reduced energy costs associated with pumping water; reduced costs associated with purchasing and treating bulk water supply; reduced complaints to Council of water overspill on medians; more effective management of a scarce natural resource; increased availability of water for other industrial uses.

Costs/funding Potential to reduce costs to Council for provision of town water. Possible funding opportunities from National water/irrigation organisations and Natural Heritage Trust.

Potential Material Consumption Project (Stores)

TCC Stores proposal to design and implement a paper efficiency project throughout council offices. Relies on mini-projects developed in conjunction with staff. Plus education of staff about economic and environmental issues re paper. Builds on existing Council recycling initiative (admin building).

Benefits to Council Potential cost savings to Councils. Council currently uses 10,104 reams of white A4 Xerox copy paper (2000-2001 fiscal year – TCC Stores).
At ~$7 each  = ~$70,000 per annum

Costs/funding A 25% reduction in paper use in Council will equal savings of ~$17,500 per annum.

Potential project costs ~$5,000

Funding source: yet to be determined.

Potential STII Projects: Health Services Pools and Public Toilets

Benefits to Council Identified water wastage issues in public toilets, plus tariff issues at Kokoda pool. Identified potential for cost savings to council.

Costs/funding Funded jointly by EPA (Sustainable Townsville Program) & TCC. Potential $7,000 annual savings to council from two initiatives in Pools.

Other potential water saving projects.

Grid connect small scale wind power

Opportunities to interconnect small vertical axis wind turbines to the mains grid.

See link to EPA Fact Sheets (.pdf ):
Wind Power in Queensland and
Grid Connect Renewable Energy

TCC recently installed Australia's first grid connected, vertical axis, wind turbine on the Strand.

Visit at:
SOE-Townsville.org/strandwindproject/

This wind power project is a demonstration of renewable energy in a public place and supports education (especially schools) and tourism.

Benefits to Council Opportunity for TCC to show innovation in urban renewable energy.

Costs/funding Proposal for Turbines for Townsville Treelights (possible Greening Townsville project).

Property Services Potential Energy Projects

Various Property Services initiatives under discussion with EMS (Sustainability Consultant). May include implementation of energy audit undertaken on Dalrymple Rd Depot in 2001.

Benefits Many potential energy saving initiatives under consideration. Re Dalrymple Depot, potential for reduced energy costs to council by $9300 under consideration for implementation. Reduce greenhouse emissions by 86.4 tons per annum.

Costs/funding Dalrymple Depot project – at no cost to council, funded by Sustainable Townsville. Other projects require consideration for Council funding or may funded under STII (which would subsequently involve no cost to Council).

Opportunities to reduce expenditure to Council on electricity bills and provide significant greenhouse gas reduction.

Parks Services Regionally Appropriate Grass Project

Trial with CSIRO to determine most appropriate grasses for Townsville climate and soils.

Benefits Identification of more appropriate grass types will allow for reduced water consumption while maintaining a lush green parks.

Costs/funding Developed in Conjunction with CSIRO

Citiwater Methane Capture projects

Cleveland Bay STP biogas plant

Citiwater, in conjunction with Stanwell Corp and Ergon Energy has installed methane burning generators at Mt. St John and Cleveland bay STPs.

Benefits to Council Creates a profit center from what was previously a waste (Council sells the methane to Stanwell).

Costs/funding Small economic return to Council from selling methane to Stanwell. Project financed by Stanwell.

Major Greenhouse abatement benefit which can be promoted by Council

TCC Energy Audit Clearinghouse

Many previous energy audits undertaken for TCC have been located and collated.

Benefits to Council Provides a reference for TCC energy projects.

Costs/funding No cost to Council. Funded through the Sustainable Townsville Fund.

Toyota Prius (petrol/electric hybrid car)

TCC Toyota Prius

TCC has purchased a Toyota Prius for EMS fleet car in order to promote sustainable transport options in Townsville and demonstratehybrid car technology, pollution abatement, and greenhouse gas reduction.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates to Fleet Management the cost/benefits of hybrid cars. Demonstrate leadership Local Government in Queensland. Reduce fuel consumption. Opportunity to promote the Prius at Council environmental & sustainability events.

Costs/funding Funded by Sustainable Townsville Program.

Fleet Services Biodiesel trial

Fleet services proposal to undertake a trial of biodiesel once it becomes commercially available in Townsville.

Benefits to Council Conversion of TCC vehicle fleet to biodiesel would off City greenhouse emissions by 2950 tons.  Significant health benefits to TCC residents:  90% reduction in carcinogenic air pollutants from Council diesel powered vehicles.

Costs/funding Small difference in price of biodiesel v. normal diesel anticipated (maybe 10c/litre). Significant health benefits from use of the fuel.

Townsville Bikeways

TCC program to develop and promote a network of on-road and off-road bikeways throughout Townsville, linking suburbs to the CBD and recreational areas (eg. Ross River Parkway bike and pedestrian network).

13 kms are already built: University / Riverside Gardens/Cranbrook. Another 9 to go.

Benefits to Council: Promotes Townsville as a liveable, healthy and Clean & Green City. Promotes opportunity for healthy physical and recreational activities for Townsville residents. Assists to reduce traffic congestion by promoting alternative transport. Assists to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Costs/Funding: Council budget item.

Travelsmart

Joint project between Engineering Services and Queensland Transport with support of EMS (Sustainable Townsville Program).

Includes car pooling, bus transport. Travelsmart coordinator will conduct training and assessment for project in Council.

Benefits to Council  Assists to reduce costs to Council in provision of parking spaces. Demonstrates Councils interest in sustainable transportation. Assists to reduce vehicular pollution and greenhouse emissions.

Costs/funding Jointly funded TCC and Queensland Transport

Greenhouse Trees for Fleet

TCC tree and shrub planting offsets the greenhouse emissions associated with Fleet fuel consumption.

Council currently planting at least 12,000 trees per annum and accounting for third of Council’s vehicle emissions.

Potential to expand the project in the future to further offsets

Benefits to Council Demonstrates Council is active in addressing greenhouse emissions.

Assists council to develop capacity in managing greenhouse emissions.

Calculation = 17 trees per car per annum to cover greenhouse emissions of standard car

Costs/funding Existing tree plantings and Greening Townsville Program

Council kerbside recycling Program

TCC has contracted Visy to operate a MERF to ensure  greater efficiency in use of recyclable wastes.

Benefits to Council Reduces waste to landfill. Increases lifespan of landfills.  Generates jobs from what was once a waste.

Costs/funding Paid for by Council. Increases lifespan of Landfills and provides a reduction Greenhouse gas.

Methane capture from Vantassel Street Landfill

Proposed project to capture methane from Landfill. Landfill consultants are now investigating for Citiwaste.

Benefits to Council Opportunity for Council to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Complementary to TCC Citiwaste  recycling and Greenwaste programs.

Sustainability in Citiworks Road Construction Waste

Project seeks to identify alternative waste management opportunities for road construction wastes. A number of initiatives undertaken to date. Investigations continue.

Benefits to Council Opportunity to reduce environmental and economic cost associated with dealing with road construction waste. Promotes council in natural resource management.

Costs/funding An initiative of Citiworks with assistance of Sustainable Townsville (EMS)

Managing Stormwater Quality

Louisa Creek gross pollutant trap

Numerous TCC projects that improve urban stormwater quality.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates TCC as innovator in sustainable management of wetlands & water quality. Develops technology specific to Townsville climate.

Costs/funding Funded by Council, NHT Clean Seas and Urban Stormwater Initiative. Project coordinated by EMS and implemented by Citiworks. Monitoring by local community groups (Creekwatch/drainwatch).

Citiwater Hydrological Cycle Projects

Water purification projects that allow for water reuse. Plus use of innovative modern technology for water purification (eg. Reverse osmosis).

Benefits to Council Develops technical capabilities of council in water management. Ensures council meets EPA obligations and provides top quality service to ratepayers.

Costs/funding Reduce costs to council in provision of town water and waste water treatment.

Integrated Environmental Management & Sustainability Program

IEMS Officer coordinating and implementing a Council wide Environmental Management System and training for EM and Sustainability. Includes Coordination, Monitoring & Reporting.

Benefits to Council Serves as the framework for monitoring or administering any formal sustainability structure within council.

Costs/funding An existing TCC program.

Clean and Green Initiatives

Council projects promoting Townsville as a city with a healthy environment, and include:

• Greening Townsville;
• Sustainable Townsville;
• State of Environment
• Fishwatch Committee &
• Healthy Cities Plan. 

Benefits to Council Demonstrates heavy industry can coexist with a Clean unpolluted city. Highlights Townsville the clean green city.

Costs/funding Council funded initiative.

Townsville State of Environment Report

TCC report integrating State of Environment Reporting format with modern user friendly communications technology: the Internet.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates Council’s commitment to environmental management; sustainability and community partnership to the world through the world wide web.

• Based on OECD and Environment Australia Environmental Reporting Framework (Pressure-Condition-Response across environmental/sustainability themes.
• Creates a scientific and community baseline of environmental performance (Status of Environment)
• Also promotes colours and textures of the dry tropics to the world.

Costs/funding Produced by Council. Banksia Finalist 2003 (premier national environment awards in Australia).

TCC Healthy Cities Plan

Environmental Health Services (EHS) initiative plan being developed by TCC with assistance from Griffith University and community identifying holistic health issues for Townsville. Identifies excellent social linkages with environment

Benefits to Council Ensures gaps in provision of health services are identified. Demonstrates link between human/environmental and ecological health of the City.

Costs/funding Developed by Council (EHS).

Environmental Conservation Strategy for Townsville & RIKES Reports

1988-1993 Council reports and community strategies outlining initiatives to promote environmental conservation in Townsville.
Living today for tomorrow report

Benefits to Council Illustrates important areas for Council consideration to promote Environmental conservation in Council and in the City.

Remains a benchmark reference identifying Council’s drive to sustainability in the community

Costs/funding Developed by Council

Natural Assets Database &  Register

Register of natural assets in Towsville Local Government Area. This includes botanical, zoological, natural heritage and aesthetic assets.

Benefits to Council Forms a pillar of Sustainability along with SOE; Health Cities; Vibrant Sustainable Communities; Townsville-Thuringowa a Liveable Community.

Integrating social with ecological sustainability

Joint EMS and Community Services projects to build on current environmental projects with Community Services.

1. Project “Sustain”
2. Project “Respect” is an initiative of Working On It in partnership with TCC.

Objective is to further develop links to incorporate social dimension into Environmental & Community Sustainability and cross link to three other TCC Clean & Green Sustainability Programs: Healthy Cities; Sustainable Townsville; and Townsville SOE.

Benefits to Council Assists Council and community to strengthen social capital within Townsville.

Demonstrates Council’s commitment to social aspects of sustainability.

Strengthens and reinforces existing social and environmental projects already underway.

Costs/funding Ties in with existing Community and Environmental Services projects:

• Sustainable Townsville
• Healthy Cities Plan, &
• Vibrant Communities

Sustainability Education, Awareness & Promotional Activities

Sustainable Alternatives in Urban Development and Commercial Building Industry

Raising awareness of urban developments utilising sustainable preferred development solutions. For example Nobby Head Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island.
(a Sustainable Townsville Program promotion)

Benefits to Council Assists council and the urban development and commercial building industry to promote sustainability in new subdivisions and commercial developments – one of Australia's key greenhouse emission sectors.

Costs/funding Funded by Environmental Management Services with in-kind case studies provided by urban development industry.

EcoFiesta & Environment Week

Townsville’s annual celebration of World Environment day, week events include:

• Ecofiesta
• Community Meet & Greet ... to celebrate their environmental volunteerism

Benefits to Council Public education on sustainability issues, showcasing local community groups. Demonstrations of green technology. Announcement of TCC Environmental Awards.

Costs/funding Funded by TCC (Community Services & Environmental Management) with support from all Council departments.

Ecofiesta Waste Audit and EcoSpeakers

Waste audit undertaken of Ecofiesta 2002 and 2003. In 2002, speakers were bought in to discuss greenhouse/ energy efficiency.

Benefits to Council Determines options for sustainable waste management at Ecofiesta and in other council sponsored events.

Costs/funding Funded by TCC via Community Services.

Community Natural Resources Management plans (NaREF & Burdekin Dry Tropics)

Developed by Local Landcare groups, plans consider whole catchment whole of community Natural Resource Management.

Includes TCC partnership and support to Haughton River Catchment Planning

Benefits to Council Assists in the conservation & sustainable community planning of Townsville. Ensures long term sustainable development of the regions Natural resources.

Costs/funding Developed  with NHT funding. Support from Council.

Waste Education programs

Numerous waste education programs and initiatives that improve knowledge of waste management in Townsville

Benefits to Council Promotes waste management to Townsville ratepayers. Assists in reduced waste to landfill. Assists in deferring costs to council in relation to landfill. WALOR, LAWMAC Bus, Don’t Waste Townsville.

Costs/funding Some initiatives funded by TCC (WALOR at schools – EMS sustainability initiative), LAWMAC bus funded by industry, other initiatives undertaken by Council under contract by VISY.

Greenhouse Today

Presentation to TCC managers detailing history, science, politics, projected effects and solutions of global warming.

Benefits to Council Generates understanding about the political and economic threats and opportunities associated with the global warming debate. Place energy management in TCC in a broader context.

Costs/funding Funded through Sustainable Townsville.

Sustainability Today

Benefits to Council Informs TCC Staff and Managers of global sustainability issues and identifies how these can be tackled at the local level. Part of Sustainable Townsville initiative and enlists their support for the projects.

Costs/funding Funded via Sustainable Townsville

EPA Sustainable Industries

EPA Sustainable Industries case study – TCC Environmental Sustainability (.pdf 200kb)

Brochure on TCC Energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.

Benefits to Council Highlights initiatives undertaken by TCC and Townsville community to promote energy efficiency.

Costs/funding Funded by EPA Sustainable Industries

Sustainable Townsville website

Develop a hyperlink from the Townsville SOE website - Opens a page (this page) from which the Sustainable Townsville program can be viewed.

Benefits to Council Public access to the TCC Sustainable Townsville program. Sustainable Townsville website will give staff, Managers/Directors/Councillors, and community access to information about Sustainability and the projects initiated in Council.

Costs/funding Funded by Sustainable Townsville

Sustainable Housing for the Tropics

Initiative of TCC Planning and Development to promote sustainable houses with developers and construction in the community and via codes in the City Plan.

Benefits to Council Assists council to promote sustainability via the building industry – one of Australia's greenhouse emission sectors.

Costs/funding Council funded project (Land use & Planning P&D).

Schools Environmental programs

Townsville High School Sustainability Programs

Numerous projects assisted by TCC that promote environmental conservation and other sustainability initiatives in  schools.

Benefits to Council Ensures Townsville children develop a better understanding and awareness of environment issues and solutions.

Costs/funding Some initiatives funded via EMS, funding from industry/business sponsorship (eg. Delfin/BHP Billiton).

Renewable energy education

Acquaint Council officers and community with the opportunities and benefits associated with modern grid interactive solar power systems and vertical access wind turbines (i.e. Property Services staff, Town Planners and building certification officers).

Benefits to Council Reduced Greenhouse emissions. Lower energy costs for homes, Council buildings and business/industry.

Promote local industry and create jobs. Stimulate local renewable energy industry.

Costs/funding Promotion funded by Sustainable Townsville project (EMS)

Promote with free consultation from Battery World

Bushcare/Land Care and Community Catchment Management Programs

Council & community coordinated habitat restoration projects often in partnership.

Council provides funding for Landcare & Catchment Centre.

Benefits to Council Promotes integration in the community by involving many different groups. Demonstrates Council’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and provides opportunities to promote sustainability in the community.

Costs/funding Part funded by Council and via Commonwealth grants.

Greening Townsville

Council project promoting shade trees in open space, public areas, bushland & roads Townsville. Promotes use of local native flora in landscaping along with high profile and attractive exotics (eg. Raintrees).

Includes community revegetation projects supported by Council (EMS)

Benefits to Council Makes Townsville a more liveable city. Improves aesthetics of City. Shades roads and paved areas cooling the City.

Costs/funding Council funded projects.

Just, Vibrant & Sustainable Communities (Framework)

Community Services support provided to development of a community sustainability framework (for progressing & measuring community wellbeing) for Local Government Community Services Association Australia Inc.

Plus DLG conference in July, 2003 in Townsville.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates Councils commitment to social sustainability, and developing social capital.

Development of a Framework for Progressing & Measuring Community Wellbeing which focuses on social aspects and includes economic and environmental management considerations (under Local Agenda 21 and Natural Step frameworks)

Costs/funding Link to Just & Vibrant Communities Conference

Other Sustainability Initiatives in Townsville

Research and Educational Facilities

Townsville has many world class educational and research facilities (JCU/AIMS/CRC REEF/CRC Savannas/ATCFR).

Benefits to Council Any sustainability research or development projects can be supported by the intellectual resources latent in the research and education facilities.

Costs/funding Much federal funding comes to Townsville to support these research institutions.

Proposed TPA wind project

Townsville Port "the vision"

Proposed infrastructure development project involving construction of 2 – 8 wind turbines  on the TPA reclaimed land. Requires community support to ensure financial sustainability of project.

Pre-feasability study indicates project can work once the final hurdles are cleared.

Benefits to Council Should project proceed, the MM70 turbines would make a powerful icon for Townsville’s potential as Prototype Sustainable City.

Also has value adding potential to sustainable tourism in opportunities in Townsville – note Windy Hill (Ravenshoe) receives 600 vehicle visitors per weekend

Costs/funding Requires exploration of funding from Commonwealth for energy projects (ie. AGO)

Potential for Townsville to host the most powerful wind turbines in Australia. Excellent opportunity to badge Townsville as Sustainable City.

Council support is necessary to bring the project to fruition.

Alternative waste water technology

Various waste water treatment technologies can be found in Townsville including some locally developed technology (Gough Plastics).

Benefits to Council Resources are on hand to develop non sewer wastewater systems and to integrate these into urban development proposals.

Costs/funding Council assisted in the development of one system, the Hybrid toilet. Other firms such as VRM are based locally. Other systems are installed by local tradesmen.

Hot Harry

Local firm (Gough Plastics) has developed a unique solar hot water system. That is due to be release to the market by end 2003.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates Townsville as a leader in development of innovative renewable energy technology.

Developed through a $1,000,000 grant from Australian Greenhouse Office.

Initial design work undertaken on a sustainable urban development at Fairfield Waters estate by C&B Group Consultants.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates that sustainable urban design is possible in Townsville using off the shelf technology and local expertise.

Costs/funding Project was financed by C&B Group. If project had proceeded, may have offered an alternative model of urban development for City – with potential to reduce costs to Council for providing services.

Provides planning demonstration for future sustainable urban development projects

Townsville High School has developed an innovative hybrid renewable energy project that compares two different types of solar panels and a wind turbine.

Benefits to Council Provides a baseline for hybrid renewable energy systems. Demonstrates Townsville as a leader in innovation and sustainable energy. Promotes the development of urban renewable energy systems.

Costs/funding Sponsorship gained from local businesses. Developed as a schools educative project.

QNI has undertaken a variety of sustainability projects involving water and energy efficiency, public education, atmospheric science.

Benefits to Council Demonstrates the potential sustainability initiatives associated with large mineral processing plants.

Costs/funding Demonstrates best practice in some areas of the metals processing industry.

TEL/EPA initiative to deliver a Sustainable Communities program (“Townsville-Thuringowa a Liveable Community”)

Incorporates liaison and involvement by TCC Director Environmental Services plus a number of other Townsville organisations.

Benefits to Council Networking with business and industry on Sustainable Townsville projects

Program develops clear picture of community aspirations on Sustainability. Assists in development of action plans.

Costs/funding Funding made available by EPA Sustainable Industries for Milestones 1 and 2. Further funding may be available subject to the success of the project.

Director Environmental Services coordinating Council involvement with support of Environmental Management (EMS)

Links to Sustainable Townsville; TCC SOE & Healthy Cities Plan

In conjunction with Texas University, a foundation is established to ensure the long term ecological health and investigation of sustainability of wetlands and development opportunities (proposed for Cromarty Wetlands a Wetland of National Importance).

Benefits to Council An internationally recognised wetland becomes protected, offers sustainable tourism opportunities and contributes internationally to Townsville’s Clean and Green Image.

Funded available from Commonwealth Natural Heritage Trust and conditional on complimentary funding from Queensland Government

State Development – Net Gain for Sustainability

State Development in conjunction with US Professor use the Net Gain process on the proposed Port Access road.

Benefits to Council Illustrates an innovative mechanism to ensure sustainable outcomes of development projects.

Costs/funding Possibility to assist ensuring development proposal meet triple bottom line benefits.