A new environment and coastal levy of less than $3 a week was adopted today as part of Redland City Council's annual budget.
The broad Environment and Coastal Management Separate Charge will fund a $1.7 million investment in the city's beaches, foreshores and waterways as part of a major environmental and conservation programs and initiatives.
Mayor Karen Williams said the charge, which replaced the $116.32 per annum environment charge would extend council's ability to care for the environment and coastline.
Residents will pay $148.92 annually for the new service.
"For less than $3 a week, it will help support the coastal assets, including initiatives such as shoreline erosion management and our Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy, as well as continuing our vital environmental programs.
"The change is that it will now help cover the cost of caring for our 335 kilometres of coastline and other waterways, which would otherwise have to be paid for through rates," she said.
The charge will also fund operational and capital projects, including:
- Bushland and fire management,
- Foreshore and catchment rehabilitation and maintenance
- Track and trail maintenance and repairs
- Environmental education
- Koala habitat restoration
- Managing impacts of climate change
- Delivering the Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan and Redlands Coast Bay and Creeks Plan
- Prioritising works under the Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy and Shoreline Erosion Management Plan
Cr Williams said this was projected to cost $1.7 million this year as part of an environmental and conservation effort to cost almost $11 million.
"It ensures we put away the funds needed to protect, manage and enhance our island and mainland coasts and waterways, including koala habitat, while we continue to support our broader conservation and environmental work," Cr Williams said.
More than $375,000 has been allocated from the new environment and coastal management charge for shoreline erosion management at Amity Point, including beach nourishment and further research into issues identified in the Amity Point Shoreline Erosion Management Plan.
Council will also conduct a foreshore survey on Coochiemudlo Island to monitor changes over time as recommended by the island's Shoreline Erosion Management Plan.
