Harden
Harden Updates Summary 2008-09
This section presents a summary of recorded changes for 2008-09 against the same 22 indicators as in the 2004-08 report. Links to each of the indicators within the comprehensive 2004-09 report are listed below. The new data, including charts and tables, for the period 30 June 2008 to 1 July 2009 are available within the comprehensive 2004-09 report. For easy identification, the 2008-09 changes have been marked in coloured text. Local initiatives undertaken within this period can be viewed as snapshots.
What the 2008-09 results tell us for Harden
A number of initiatives to reduce waste to landfill by encouraging greater recycling have been undertaken in the Shire during 2008-09. The introduction of Council’s kerbside recycling program and the conversion of village landfills to transfer stations has significantly increased the level of recycling in Harden during this period and reduced the amount of waste going to landfill. Council will also be offering a free drop-off of large household items once a year and cooperating with Young and Boorowa Councils to undertake an electronic waste (e-waste) collection in the latter part of 2009. Council also offers free drop off for domestic quantities of green waste to further reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Council is awaiting DA approval to enable it to begin diverting clean and inert demolition waste from landfill for rehabilitation works at Council pit sites. Liquid trade waste monitoring is commencing in 2009-10 to ensure adequate pre-treatment.
In relation to biodiversity, clearing, including roadside clearing and road maintenance, was the main pressure on the extent of native vegetation in Harden Shire during 2008-09 as for the previous reporting period.
In the area of heritage, Council is currently undertaking a community based heritage study for the Harden Shire which is expected to be completed by November 2009. Three places are now listed on the NSW Heritage Register. The places are predominantly relating to rail infrastructure, reflecting the importance of Harden in the establishment and operation of the Sydney to Melbourne rail network.
Indicators updated for 2008-09
- Atmosphere and Weather
- Biodiversity
- Catchments
- Resource Use
Issue: Atmosphere and Weather
Indicator: Rainfall
An analysis of monthly 2004-09 rainfall and a long-term perspective are available for the indicator. The main rainfall observing site used in this analysis was Murrumburrah Post Office (Bureau of Meteorology Station No. 073029), which has records commencing in 1884. Murrumburrah is 2 km from Harden. Data from nearby stations were used to calculate values for months with missing data at this site (see Appendix 2 for further information).
Indicator: Temperature
The Bureau of Meteorology is heavily reliant on volunteer observers to record temperature readings across the Region. No temperature data are available for 2008-09 in this Council area.
Issue: Biodiversity
Indicator: Ecological Communities
Clearing, including roadside clearing and road maintenance, was the main pressure on the extent of native vegetation in Harden Shire during 2008-09 as for the earlier reporting period.
Indicator: Pest Animals
There were no significant changes recorded during the 2008-09 period. As was reported in 2004-08 five pest animals were recorded in the Harden Shire during the current reporting period. This is a similar trend to the previous reporting period however, due to limitations in the current reporting period data, quantitative information to assess change in the pest animal distribution and abundance is unavailable.
Issue: Catchments
Indicator: Discharge to Waters
Liquid trade waste monitoring is commencing in 2009-10 to ensure adequate pre-treatment.
Issue: Resource Use
Indicator: Drinking Water Quality
Harden Shire is supplied through Goldenfields Water County Council. The supply, which provides water for about 2,700 town residents and rural customers in Harden Shire, is sourced from the Murrumbidgee River and treated at the Jugiong water treatment plant.
In the 2008-09 period no breaches of water quality were recorded.
Indicator: Heritage
Council is currently undertaking a community based heritage study for the Harden Shire. This study is expected to be completed by November 2009.
Three places are listed on the NSW Heritage Register. The places are predominantly relating to rail infrastructure, reflecting the importance of Harden in the establishment and operation of the Sydney to Melbourne rail network:
Demondrille Junction railway ruins and signal box, Main Southern railway, Demondrille
Galong Railway Station and yard group, Main Southern railway, Galong
Harden Railway Station and yard group, Main Southern railway, Harden
There are currently no heritage places listed under the Harden Shire Council Local Environmental Plan (LEP). However sites identified in the community based heritage study of the Harden Shire, due for completion by November 2009, will be recommended for inclusion in Council’s LEP.
Indicator: Noise
Barking dogs and motorbikes were the most common sources of noise complaints in the 2008-09 period.
Council actively promotes responsible dog ownership to reduce nuisance noise created by bored and stressed dogs. Noise from motorbikes is referred to the NSW Police for action.
Indicator: Solid Waste
With the introduction of Council’s kerbside recycling program and the conversion of village landfills to transfer station the amount of recycling in Harden has increased significantly during the 2008-09 period thus reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. In addition Council will be offering a free drop-off of large household items once a year. Council is also cooperating with Young and Boorowa Councils to undertake an e waste collection in the latter part of 2009. Council also offers free drop off for domestic quantities of green waste to further reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
During the 2008-09 period Council began diverting demolition waste traditionally sent to landfill (in instances where it is clean and inert) for rehabilitation works at Council pit sites.
