Billen Cliffs Village Environment Statement

As adopted at AGM 28th May 2005

Introduction

The Billen Cliffs Owners Corporation is committed to environmental sustainability. We recognise that sustainable resolutions to environmental issues can be brought about through a cultural agenda. This provides us not only with opportunities to engage and advocate in this area, but a responsibility to do so.
In managing the property our first responsibility is to create a safe and healthy common area for the residents. As land managers we believe we have an obligation to conserve and enhance the natural environment.

Aims
Through this policy we set out to become a leader amongst intentional communities and eco villages in environmental matters.

Objects
1. Enhance the environment
1.1 Through replacement of vegetation, erosion and weed control develop the site in a manner such that the natural environment enhances community operations and showcases the site;

2. Minimise impacts and provide net gains
2.1. Aim to contribute more to the environment than that which community living impacts on the environment;
3. Provide educative opportunities
3.1. The inclusion of consideration of environmental issues in all of our activities;
3.2. Profile the environment through cultural activity; and
3.3. Enhance and expand the current environmental programmes with our activities.
4. Lead by example
4.1. The building of a sustainable destination at Billen Cliffs Village with a very high community profile and housing institutions and events.

Strategies to enhance the environment

Vegetation
• Continue a vigorous tree-planting regime on the Billen commons through an annual tree planting festival and other activities as deemed appropriate.
This programme:
• Creates shade for residents health and comfort;
• Creates wildlife corridors;
• Improves soil quality and prevents erosion;
• Actively pursue the planting of rare and endangered species endemic to the area;
• Carefully consider all implications prior to the removal of any trees on the property.

Land management practices
• Minimise erosion along roads, creeks and gullies through the planting of suitable vegetation;
• Develop and maintain flora and fauna identification lists of the site including trees, shrubs and other plants of the surrounding area;
• Eradicate weeds throughout the site.

Wildlife management
• Maintain and develop the site as a wildlife haven;
• Exclude feral species from the property. (includes cats, dogs, cane toads, wild pigs and hares);
• Encourage the return of wildlife through such activities as developing wildlife corridors and providing nesting opportunities.

Strategies to minimise impacts and provide net gains where possible

Tree planting
Include species suitable for future on-site construction projects in tree planting activities.
 
Chemical use
Synthetic insecticides, pesticides, herbicides and other poisons are restricted for use under By-law Clause 9.

Power generation
Investigate neutralising the effect of the Billen on greenhouse emissions by investigating alternative energy sources and generation.

Public transport
Seek to minimise carbon emissions associated with Billen Cliffs Village through actively encouraging the use of car pooling and public transport by residents.

Noise levels
Recognise that our village does generate noise and seek to maintain minimum levels, as inscribed in By-law Clause 5.

Recycling
• Capture all recyclable waste materials generated by residents and other on site activities;
• Encourage the use of recyclable or bio-degradable materials by all contractors at on site activities;
• Investigate with a view to implementing practices minimising the waste stream.

Sewerage
• Actively seek alternative methods for the disposal of wastewater (“black” water) produced by community facilities and other on site activities.
•  Encourage the practice of utilising shower wastewater for irrigation.

Strategies to provide educative opportunities

Participation
• Establish the practice of involving many people in the execution of environmental projects providing wider experience and ownership of outcomes.

Education

Environment Centre
• Plan the establishment of an Environment Centre on the Billen site.

Strategies for leading by example

Advocacy
• Use our unique position to create alliances between strata schemes, other communities, landcare groups, the environment lobby and Government agencies.
• Use our web pages to publish our environmental policy and appropriate article, in line with our desire to remain both environmentally responsible and proactive.
• Create and promote a stronger image of the community as being environmentally friendly and responsible.
• Use our participation in any public forum to influence individuals and community groups in favour of environmental concerns.
• Enter into “partnerships” only with companies and agencies having a strong commitment to the environment.

Accounting
• Establish performance criteria and introduce an auditing and reporting system to accurately measure our environmental performance each year.