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Ecological Sustainability Plan
What is it and why is it required?
An Ecological Sustainability Plan is a map based report written for the property owner and those living on the site to aid them in maximising the long-term sustainability of the sites (and Pittwater’s) ecological processes (bushland areas). The plans are particularly important for ensuring long-term sustainability of Endangered Ecological Communities - such as Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest.
Development in Pittwater is on-going. Application of Ecological Sustainability Plans to sites as they are developed or re-developed will result in a number of environmental sustainability outcomes including:
- Retention/creation of habitat areas for native wildlife including corridors for small birds such as Blue Wrens - this is essential to keep the reserve areas as viable core habitat for many small native birds.
- Noxious and Environmental Weeds being appropriately managed on private property.
- Bushfire asset protection zones (APZ) are properly managed.
- Our ten Endangered Ecological Plant Communities continue to thrive.
The Plan is required as it enables developments to comply with the strategic aims of the Pittwater Community (as per Council's 20-year plan) and comply with environmental legislation. The Plan is relied on when writing conditions of consent as it covers requirements pre-works, during construction and after completion of works. The Plan applies to the site for the life of the development.
The Ecological Sustainability Plan can be written as part two of the Ecological Impact Assessment or as a separate report.
Who can prepare a Ecological Sustainability Plan
As for Environmental Impact Assessment (Environmental Consultants), and Bush Regenerators who have theoretical and practical experience in ecology. Find an Ecological Consultant ...
Ecological Sustainability Concept Plan - What is it and when is it required?
An Ecological Sustainability Concept Plan is a simplified version of the above. For complex developments or those that are likely to change through the DA process a concept plan is recommended. A final Ecological Sustainability Plan will be required prior to issue of construction certificate. During a pre-lodgement meeting Council staff are usually able to recommend whether a completed report or a concept plan is better for the particular development.
The Ecological Sustainability Concept Plan is the same as the Map stage of the Ecological Sustainability Plan. Generally it is best to complete an Ecological Sustainability Plan and submit it with the DA as this will maximise the speed at which the DA proceeds to construction phase.
Requirements of Ecological Sustainability (and Concept) Plans
The following table lists issues that are to be addressed in an ESP. All issues will not apply to all sites. Tick which issues are covered and insert n/a if the issue does not apply to the site. Note all sites are to retain areas of native vegetation and key habitat features for the life of the development.
The check-sheets are to be easy to understand and link with ESP map. The owner/occupier should be able to use these sheets to direct them to priority works/weeds. Also Council Officers or Private Certifiers should be able to use these sheets to determine compliance with the ESP at any time.
Forms 3(a) and 3(b) detail the requirements of the Ecological Sustainability Plans (and Concept) Plans, form 3(a) is in reference to the Map based component of the ESP and ESCP whereas form 3(b) is in reference to the Report aspect of the Ecological Sustainability Plans and Ecological Sustainability Concept Plans.