City of Coffs Harbour introduced the Environmental Levy as a means of undertaking environmental management works.
The levy currently raises around $1.3 million per annum for local environmental works at an average cost of $44 per rate payer.
We recognise the value and importance in providing an environmental program that offers and delivers opportunities to help sustain and improve the local environment.
The Environmental Levy Policy sets out the framework for how the funds are allocated.
The Environmental Levy is allocated in two streams: 75% of the fund is allocated to Major Strategic Projects and 25% to the Environmental Levy Grants program.
Environmental Levy Grants Program
Under the Program, grants are available to community organisations for projects starting from 1 July each financial year, worth between $2,000 and $25,000 per project.
The objectives of the Environmental Levy Grants Program are to ensure that the allocation of Environmental Levy funds support the achievement of the MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan - A natural environment sustained for the future:
- We protect the diversity of our natural environment (C2.1)
- We use resources responsibly to support a safe and stable climate (C2.2)
Applications for the 2023/2024 Environmental Levy Grants Program open Friday 17 March and close Friday 28 April. Submission is available through the online application form.
Environmental Levy Grants Program Online Application Form
Note that a link to your draft application will be available once saved for up to 15 days to return and submit.
Environmental Levy major strategic projects and programs
Major Strategic projects and programs funded by the Environmental Levy are long term and strategically important. They are included in the four-year Delivery Program adopted by Council.
Environmental Levy funding is provided by an annual allocation over the four-year term. The current Delivery Program commenced 1 July 2022.
Areas for consideration include:
- Environmental Levy Coordination
- Bush Regeneration
- Environmental Weed Management
- Biodiversity Strategies
- Waterway Health Initiatives
- Coastal Initiatives
- Environmental Education
- Environmental Health and Water Quality Research Initiatives
Projects and programs may be delivered by City of Coffs Harbour or in partnership with or through community organisations, research institutions and/or other government bodies.
Environmental Levy Major Strategic Projects for 2022/23:
| City of Coffs Harbour |
Conservation & Sustainable Management of the Natural Environment |
160,768
|
| City of Coffs Harbour |
Environmental Levy Coordination |
64,000
|
| City of Coffs Harbour |
Improving Diversity within CHCC Bushland Reserves |
180,000 |
| City of Coffs Harbour |
Management of Key Environmental Weeds within Council Managed Lands |
101,000
|
| City of Coffs Harbour |
Community Sustainable Living Program |
145,710
|
| Jetty Dunecare Inc |
Boambee Creek to Coffs Creek: Rehabilitation of coastal corridor connections |
100,000 |
| Orara Valley Rivercare Groups Management Committee |
Orara River Rehabilitation Project |
228,016
|
Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare
|
Supporting Community Landcare Action in the Coffs Harbour LGA |
235,515
|
| Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance |
Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance program support |
14,625 |
Successful Projects 2022/23 Environmental Levy Grants Program Round One
|
Applicant
|
Project Name
|
Amount ($)
|
|
Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare
|
Growing Our Future 2022/2023
|
25,000
|
|
Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council
|
Improving Our Coast - Part 3
|
25,000
|
|
Workways Australia (Envite)
|
Koala Corridor Improvement in Boambee East/Toormina
|
25,000
|
|
Workways Australia (Envite)
|
Coffs Harbour Native Seedbank
|
16,492
|
|
Glenreagh Mountain Railway
|
Mixophyes Iteratus Giant Barred Frog Habitat Restoration
|
23,990
|
|
Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance
|
Glossy Black Cockatoo Conservation project
|
25,000
|
|
Nana Glen Landcare Group Inc
|
Rehabilitating the Coldwater Creek Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR39744) maintenance phase
|
12,000
|
|
National Parks and Wildlife Services
|
Koala Education Kit - Primary Schools
|
5,000
|
|
Sandy Beach Action Group
|
Revegetation and maintenance of Sandy Beach Reserve
|
10,350
|
Successful Projects 2022/23 Environmental Levy Grants Program Round Two
|
Applicant
|
Project Name
|
Amount ($)
|
|
Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare
|
Collection & propagation of Lowland Rainforest plants prior to Coffs Bypass construction
|
10,213
|
|
Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare
|
Focus on native flora and fauna
|
25,000
|
|
First Light Farm
|
Green Corridor connecting Conservation Zone (C2) to Riparian Zone - Stage 1 and Riparian Restoration of Corindi Creek
|
5,000
|
|
National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University
|
Evaluation of methods to restore remnant shellfish reefs in Woolgoolga Lake
|
17,348
|
|
New Earth Regeneration
|
Tree Fern Creek Habitat Corridor - Targeting High Priority Vine Weeds
|
5,000
|
|
Total amount of funding
|
|
62,561
|