Environment and Sustainability Committee - 16 Jun 2026 10 minutes after the conclusion of the Economic and Cultural Development Committee or such later time as determined by the preceding committee

Topics

• Council backs three-year Land for Wildlife funding
  Council has committed almost $40,000 over three years to continue its role in the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program.
  Supports local habitat protection, landholder participation, and regional conservation coordination.
• Natural Environment Strategy implementation plan noted
  Committee received the implementation framework for Council’s Natural Environment Strategy 2023, which maps current and future actions.
  Sets direction for environmental programs that can affect biodiversity, open space, and community conservation work.

Decisions

• Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program membership continued
  Council noted continued membership of the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program for three years from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029, at a total contribution of $39,397.11 across the term.
  Supports regional conservation coordination and landholder assistance for environmental stewardship.
• 2026 Youth Sustainability Summit report noted
  The committee received and noted the report on the 2026 Youth Sustainability Summit, which was delivered on 6 May 2026.
  Highlights youth engagement and sustainability education activity in the community.
• Natural Environment Strategy Implementation Plan noted
  The committee received and noted the implementation plan for the Natural Environment Strategy 2023, describing the delivery framework across six core themes and future initiatives.
  Signals ongoing environmental planning and program delivery that may shape local green space and biodiversity actions.

Discussion

• Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program funding
  The meeting confirmed a three-year Council contribution to support regional coordination of the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland program.
  Relevant to residents involved in land conservation, habitat protection, and rural or semi-rural environmental management.
• Youth Sustainability Summit
  A report on the 2026 Youth Sustainability Summit said the event, held on 6 May 2026, was successful.
  Shows Council support for youth-led sustainability initiatives and education.
• Natural Environment Strategy Implementation Plan
  The plan maps existing programs and future initiatives under the Natural Environment Strategy 2023 across six core themes.
  May influence future environmental projects, priorities, and community-facing conservation work.

Impacts

• Council will commit $39,397.11 over three years to the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program.
• Environmental coordination and landholder support may continue through 2029.
• Future natural environment initiatives may be guided by the implementation plan.
• Youth sustainability education and engagement remains an active Council focus.

Places

• South-East Queensland (region)
  Region covered by the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program.

Next

• Continue Council membership in the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program
  1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029
• Implement the Natural Environment Strategy Implementation Plan
  Ongoing following committee noting of the report
• Use the Youth Sustainability Summit report to inform future sustainability engagement
  As part of ongoing environmental and youth engagement work

Extract

16 JUNE 2026 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(05)] of 4 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(05) 16 JUNE 2026 REPORT COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Jim Madden (Chairperson); Councillors Andrew Antoniolli (Deputy Chairperson), Jacob Madsen, Pye Augustine and David Martin (Observer) COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Mayor Teresa Harding, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic and Councillor Marnie Doyle OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services (Seren McKenzie), General Manager Corporate Services (Matt Smith), Manager Natural Environment (Phil A Smi...