The Shire of Northam has a number of environmental programs, some of which have existed for a number of years, and others that have been added to relatively recently. As part of its Plan for the Future, Council has included consideration for the care for our natural environment, which is a major attraction for Northam and the Avon Valley, and part of our community’s livelihood.
Direct activities and projects undertaken by the Shire, as well as within existing programs and approval of new developments, take into account the impact on the environment.
Recycling drop-off facilities for Residential properties which hold a tip pass.
A new recycling station is now located at the Shire of Northam Administration Office for printer cartridges, household batteries, mobile phones and mercury containing fluroscent light globles and tubes only.
Recycling programs at the Shire’s Waste Management Facilities including scrap steel, DrumMuster, waste oil, tyres, and mulching.
All new housing approvals to consider sustainability – energy efficient design, asbestos removal before relocation of 2nd hand buildings.
The Shire of Northam is supportive of its residents undertaking sustainability measures, with numerous examples evident in the Shire of private ventures. Examples include the installation of solar panels including solar hot water systems, insulation, water saving devices & gardens, composting bins, and walking.
An excellent website that gives example of what residents can do to live greener, including relevant rebates, can be found at: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/.
The island is constructed out of fibre reinforced plastics, coloured and treated to represent local river sand, covers 140 square metres and consists of 33 individual modules in 11 rows of 3 with two joins on each adjoining edge. Each module is capable of taking approx 800kg. The joins allow limited articulation in all directions with each join being secured with 3 heavy duty UV resistant cable ties. It is anchored with four concrete anchors each weighing approx 200kg with sufficient play to allow for 2-3 metres rise in water levels. Polypropylene anchor ropes are 12mm in diameter with a breaking strain of several tonnes.
There are approx 400 plants native to the Avon River in experimental plantings on the islands consisting of 14 different species. They will be monitored and replaced if necessary for up to 12 months once installation is complete. The Avon Valley Environmental Society will continue monitoring for an unspecified period beyond the 12 months.
There has been a deliberate attempt to attract birds to the islands and to date 4 species have been seen using the islands with one – Eurasian Coote (Fulica atra) – already nesting. The surface of the islands has a sand finish, is uneven and undulating thereby creating small hollows that in time are expected to collect soil, rain water and guano creating micro ecosystems that will attract alga, mosses and lichens.
There will be improved habitat for birds and visual amenity as the plants develop. The plants will also absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus which can cause problems if present in excess. The roots of the plants will hang in the water and create a nursery for fish species and habitat for macroinvertabrae. The structure itself will shade the water and lower temperatures.