Biodiversity Strategy - Gosford City Council - NSW Government

1.5 Purpose of the Biodiversity Strategy
The purpose of the Gosford Biodiversity Strategy is to provide a framework and guide for the
management of biodiversity in the Gosford local government area that is consistent with
regional, state, national and international strategies, plans and policies (see Figure 1).
This Strategy has been developed to provide a strategic direction for the development of four
(4) yearly Delivery Plans and annual Operational Plans that will play an important part in
managing biodiversity in Gosford City. Policies, plans of management, works programs and
other actions will continue but will be developed and implemented in accordance with this
Strategy.
Managing and conserving biodiversity is a key role for local government in NSW and this
charter is set out in Section 8, Local Government Act, 1993:
"to properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of
the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the
principles of ecologically sustainable development".
Council is responsible for protecting, conserving and rehabilitating the natural environment,
whilst providing the community with opportunities to consider applications that provide jobs and
housing, plus consideration for the cultural and social character of our local government area.
The decisions and activities of people have a significant impact on the local and regional
ecological systems. The current and future generations will depend upon these ecological
systems for their survival and enjoyment.
In developing this and future plans Council needs to identify strategies and actions that promote
partnerships with the community, other government organisations and within Council's own
structure.
1.6 Placing the Biodiversity Strategy in Context with Council's Draft Gosford
Community Strategic Plan 2031
Council's Biodiversity Strategy is part of Draft Gosford Community Strategic Plan 2031. This
plan provides Council's future strategic directions by considering regional and state priorities
and legislation; the community's Gosford Vision 2025 for the city; and how current trends and
drivers influence the context in which the city exists.
Council's roles in delivering a sustainable community vary from direct service provision, to
advocating on behalf of the community by lobbying government for required changes in policy,
services and infrastructure.
Strategic plans are not static and must be monitored to assess whether the assumptions made
were correct, whether the city is moving in the direction envisaged, and whether the city is
achieving the community's Gosford Vision 2025. Reviews at four-yearly intervals by the newlyelected
Council will allow for adjustments to be made if circumstances or assumptions alter.
The Draft Gosford Community Strategic Plan 2031, provides a transparent planning process
illustrating Council's leadership and governance. The plan therefore provides the foundation
upon which the new Gosford Citywide Local Environment Plan (LEP) is based. It also provides
Council with one strategic document to use in discussions and negotiations with the state
government over funding and policy deliberations.
Incorporating the Biodiversity Strategy into the Draft Gosford Community Strategic Plan 2031
will provide more integrated outcomes and strengthen the role biodiversity plays in the future of
our City as summarised in Figure 2.
Biodiversity Strategy Page 9