This project aims to improve the capacity of local councils to manage biodiversity in the Sydney Metropolitan area. It will fund the establishment of a full-time Local Government Biodiversity Officer position until 30 June 2008 within the Parramatta office of the Department of Environment and Climate Change to:
* facilitate network meetings of cluster councils
* develop and deliver training programs to increase skills of a range of local government officers including planners, conservation officers, bushland managers and regulatory officers
* establish networks and convene meetings between local government staff with the aim of improving the consideration of biodiversity issues by those working in: strategic land use planning; the management of public land and the assessment of proposals for development and the regulation of threatened species
* provide advice to local councils on biodiversity conservation, biodiversity management, and threatened species management particularly in relation to their strategic planning, environmental impact assessment, public land management and regulatory functions
* develop an appropriate web domain within the CMA site (or other suitable website) comprising of a searchable data repository for accessing relevant external information and sharing information between councils
* convene a minimum of three meetings of a Project Steering Group

 Centre image courtesy of R. Williams

Partners:  DECC, Local Councils

Coordinators: DECC

Status: Project officer recruited and commencing early October 2007

Environmental Outcomes: Improved biodiversity management by Local Councils

Funding Source: NHT