The Environmental Services Department has many functions relating to ensuring the Shire is kept in a safe and health environment.
Council is an active participant in the Hunter Catchments Management Trusts Nutrient Reduction Campaign, which has been an ongoing program over the previous five (5) years. Contributions of in kind assistance were made, which assist in the reduction in the amount of phosphorus being deposited in dams, creeks and rivers.
The Upper Hunter Water Quality Committee facilitates a coordinated approach to water quality issues in the Upper Hunter. Council has one representative on the committee which normally meets on a quarterly basis.
Council's Draft Stormwater Management Plan has been completed and forwarded to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for comment. Once the plan has received the approval of the EPA it will be placed on public exhibition and presented to Council for final adoption. It is anticipated that the recommendations of the plan which aim to improve stormwater quality in the urban areas of the Shire will be implemented, subject to available Council resources.
The community was involved in the formulation of the plan, in particular, environmental groups, chamber of commerce, landcare groups etc. Furthermore, prior to the final preparation of the document, a major stakeholders meeting was held in order to ensure all relevant information in terms of stormwater quality was included in the plan.
