Environmental Land Acquisition Framework

⁠⁠⁠In 2002, Maitland City Council (Council) developed the Maitland Greening Plan a strategic framework for the future management of vegetation in the Maitland LGA. The newly adopted Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2030 (ESS) builds on the objectives of the Greening Plan in supporting improved environmental outcomes.

Under both the Maitland Greening Plan and ESS, Council has specific commitments to protect and conserve natural spaces, hereafter referred to as 'environmental land' (i.e., land managed primarily for environmental conservation). The low quantity of remnant bushland in public ownership and increasing urban growth threatening remnant vegetation means Council acquisition of environmental land (through dedication, direct purchase or other mechanisms), will be necessary to meet these commitments.

Due to upfront and ongoing costs of Council-acquired environmental land (e.g., direct purchase costs, weed control, bushfire management, rubbish removal, public liability costs), Council needs to ensure that decision-making for environmental land acquisitions are supported by a robust and evidence-based framework. It is important that highly suitable environmental land can be identified based on an assessment of key criteria such as alignment with relevant internal policy, conservation value, level of development threat, and funding options.

To ensure environmental land acquisition occurs sustainably and in alignment with internal policy and strategy, Council requires a framework for prioritising environmental land according to its suitability for land acquisition. Due to the costs of managing environmental land, it is important the framework considers potential funding mechanisms and provides additional detail on feasibility assessment. The outputs of this project should assist Council in making informed strategic planning decisions, develop effective environmental policies and development controls, and ultimately guide decision-making for environmental land acquisitions.