FAQ

A number of amendments are proposed to the Biodiversity chapter of DCP 2015 (chapter E1). These changes are required to:

• incorporate controls associated with recent management plans and policies adopted by Council (including the Kangaroo Management Plan for the Coffs Harbour Northern Beaches 2017 adopted by Council 22 June 2017, the Coffs Harbour LGA Flying-fox Camps Strategic Management Plan adopted by Council 24 August 2017 and the Coffs Harbour Significant Tree Policy adopted by Council 10 August 2017);

• incorporate minor updates associated with the NSW Biodiversity Reforms that commenced on 25 August 2017 such as the repeal of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Native Vegetation Act 2003, and the addition of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and associated definitions; and

• incorporate updates to the Preservation of Vegetation Mapping to:

  • remove Prescribed Vegetation (b) in favour of describing the protected vegetation by a definition that is simpler to understand and administer; and

  • add the High Value Arboreal Habitats adopted by Council 8 May 2014 and Over-Cleared Vegetation Types adopted by Council 28 November 2013 to the existing Prescribed Vegetation (a); and

  • incorporate a number of administrative updates designed to provide greater guidance and clarity for customers such as updated definitions, additional exemptions and requirements. 

Following review of the Biodiversity Reforms council will also update the draft DCP to reference the new legislation when it is reported to Council for adoption.

DCP 2015 currently comprises hard copy maps relating to density, setbacks, preservation of vegetation, steep or highly erodible land and minimum target lot yields. The hard copy maps within the DCP were a temporary measure until Council’s online mapping system was established (Geocortex). Council’s online mapping system has now been updated and integrated with Council’s ePlanning software.

Amendments proposed to be made to the DCP 2015 maps in the current performance review include:

• updating of DCP 2015 to incorporate Council’s updated electronic mapping systems. It is proposed that the existing hard copy DCP maps within DCP 2015 be replaced with hyperlinks to Council’s online mapping system. In this regard, it is proposed that the intent to update DCP 2015 by removing the hard copy DCP Maps and inserting a link to Council’s online mapping system is formally exhibited;

• updating of DCP 2015 maps to reflect zone amendments recently made to Coffs Harbour LEP 2013. These changes include the application of previously endorsed densities and setbacks for land use zones in various locations of the LGA;

• deletion of DCP 2015 Minimum Target Lot Yield Map. It is proposed to remove the minimum target lot yield maps from DCP 2015 and provide future population and lot yield estimates within relevant Developer Contributions Plans for simplicity, clarity and efficiency;

• updates to DCP 2015 Preservation of Vegetation Map. It is proposed that the Preservation of Vegetation Map is amended to reflect changes required to Chapter E1 Biodiversity of DCP 2015, such as the deletion of prescribed vegetation (b) and the inclusion of High Value Arboreal Habitats and Over-Cleared Vegetation Types.
  

The remaining proposed amendments to DCP 2015 include a number of “housekeeping” amendments which are recommended to keep the DCP up-to-date and accurate and to provide the best balance in effective planning to achieve and facilitate sound development.  The proposed amendments will:

• introduce development controls to minimise impacts from noise generating development;

• clarify and update residential infrastructure works, including laneway and driveway construction; and

Incorporate relevant content from the Water Sensitive Urban Development (WSUD) Policy into the WSUD Guidelines.