There is a general acknowledgement that human activity, including the pressures of population, technology and business is placing increasing strain on the environment. Pollution, loss of species and waste are some of the impacts. Pollution comes in many forms, but the most common are land, noise, air and water. Long-term pollution and pollution incidents can give rise to large areas of waste and contaminated land that have an impact for many generations. There is a range of legislation and government (local, state and federal) bodies designed to manage the cumulative impact of existing and future human activities on the environment. However, the community can play an important part in maintaining and enhancing the local environment.
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While Council’s ‘Don’t Waste Tamworth’ litter and waste reduction education campaign, along with the NSW Government's Litter Prevention Program has helped to shift community attitudes and influence people’s littering behaviour, research indicates that the most common form of littering remains cigarette butts. On the spot fines apply for offences that range from littering with an unlit cigarette and transporting uncovered waste to aggravated corporate littering.
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The definition of noise itself is highly subjective. To some, the roar of an engine is thrilling, to others an annoyance; loud music may be enjoyable or a torment, depending on the circumstances. Whatever the circumstances, we all have a responsibility to minimise the noise our activities, equipment and animals make. As well as responsibilities under planning legislation, Council has a range of enforcement options under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Please call the Environment Hotline 131 555 for noise generated by public authorities such as the Roads and Traffic and State Rail Authorities.
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The EPA's survey Who Cares about the Environment in 2006 shows that air quality, along with water issues, continue to be the two most important environmental issues in NSW. Current indications are that air quality in the Tamworth region is generally good, although this can be impacted at a local level by short-term issues such as bushfires, backyard burning and local odour emissions.
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Trees play an important role in our health and well-being from the physical provision of food, shelter and fibre to the cultural, spiritual and aesthetic contribution they make. Trees also play a significant part in the ecosystem and are particularly important in the Tamworth region to koalas and nectar dependant species. We can all play a part in conserving environmentally and historically significant trees. Council maintains the Significant Tree Register, which provides details of trees that Council is seeking to protect and conserve.
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Council has a shared responsibility with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and the Department of Planning for managing contaminated land.
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