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39. Review, and if necessary amend, existing development controls to ensure appropriateness regarding pollutant and sediment discharges, scenic amenity and vegetation clearing

Council has a range of development controls (eg LEP, DCPs) that restrict types of development within certain sections of the Local Government Area (LGA). This option involves carrying out a comprehensive review of these development controls (some of which were prepared many years ago) in light of the needs of the Pittwater estuary, particularly in regards to minimisation of pollutant inputs, protection of significant habitats and maintenance of its high scenic amenity. This review could be incorporated with the development of the standard LEP template.

Responsibility: Council planning officers.

40. Consider incorporation of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles into existing development controls for both Greenfield development and infill / redevelopment by integrating WSUD principles into the Pittwater Water Management Policy and Specification

Council should enforce Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles for all new developments and redevelopments within the Pittwater estuary catchment. WSUD involves minimising the flow and pollutant load discharge of stormwater on a site by site basis, using rainwater tanks, stormwater reuse, infiltration, bioretention, swales, porous pavers etc. DECC (EPA) is currently developing guidelines for the implementation of WSUD by local government authorities, and has already developed guidelines for the harvesting and re-use of urban water. The Pittwater Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan (in preparation) should be consistent with WSUD principles and all relevant DECC guidelines.

Responsibility: Council planners will be responsible for ensuring appropriate WSUD and stormwater controls are specified in conditions of consent for new developments.

41. Ensure that any future commercial use of foreshores (eg marina developments) allows for public access to the water

This involves modifying existing planning instruments (and possibly, Department of Lands occupancy agreements) that address the development of commercial premises on the Pittwater foreshore (eg marinas) to ensure that public access to the foreshore is maximised as a condition of consent for any future (re) development.

This action could be incorporated with the amendments proposed for Pittwater 21 DCP outlined in the Foreshore Management Option: “Develop Specific Controls for the Pittwater Foreshore”.

Responsibility: Council planning officers and Department of Lands as required.

42. Ensure that potential climate change impacts on existing and future development are adequately addressed by Council’s planning activities and risk management practices

An opportunity exists to introduce prioritised and achievable adaptation measures to address the potential impacts of climate change in the Pittwater LGA. Appropriate outcomes could be best achieved by integrating a risk management strategy into the existing strategic planning activities and risk management practices of Council. The process should be undertaken in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Australian Greenhouse Office in its publication - Climate Change Impacts and Risk Management – A Guide for Business and Government. The State Govt “Climate Action Plan” and studies in preparation by DECC into the parameters of climate change effects in NSW should also be consulted in developing adaption measures for Pittwater.

Responsibility: Council with assistance from State government agencies. Existing funding (through the NSW Climate Change Fund) and new initiatives from DECC may be useful in the development of and financial assistance for actions by Council.