As adopted by Council October, 2005
This document was developed to provide a clear understanding of the role of the MEC and a consistent approach to its future management.
Since 1991 the Manly Environment Centre (MEC) has played a key role in protecting and advocating for the environment in the Manly area and beyond. Being positioned as an important interface between Council and the community, the MEC is a relatively unique venture. Through its work as a resource centre, an advocate and research centre, and an environmental educator, the MEC enables and encourages broad community involvement and goodwill in protecting the environment that makes Manly a special place for both residents and visitors.
The quality of life on our planet in this century will be directly proportional to the understanding we have – or lack - of our relationship with the environment today. The Manly Environment Centre aims to disseminate environmental knowledge to all stratas of our society, contributing to making citizens and tourists more aware of their rights and duties towards the environment.
To ensure the future health of residents by seeking to eliminate land, air, water, noise and visual pollution and by restoring and protecting the natural environment.
Recognise, appreciate and enhance the natural environment of Manly;
Provide leadership and environmental expertise to all stakeholders;
Continue to maintain and promote a visible and readily accessible environmental presence;
Maintain environmental advocacy role even when this may vary from Council's position on certain issues;
Provide factual and unbiased information to Councillors when required;
To continue to collect, hold and maintain a diverse environmental library and knowledge base relevant to the Centre’s Mission and Function;
Maintain professional working relationships with Council, sponsors and colleagues in order to:
Ensure that Ecological Sustainability (ES) and Total Catchment Management (TCM) principles are recognised and valued in all areas under Council control;
Model best environmental practices, the principles of ES and TCM through the ongoing daily operations of the centre and Manly Council;
Via Staff and/or the Manly Community Environment Committee, assist and continue to create opportunities for Council to maximize the expertise and specialist services offered by the centre on a day to day basis;
Via Staff and/or the Manly Community Environment Committee, comment on significant development applications of environmental significance;
Via Staff and/or the Manly Community Environment Committee, comment on Council business management plans, etc;
Research issues, validate statements and provide reference sources on a variety of issues;
Provide education, training and information for local government, non-government organizations and community members;
Increase community awareness of relevant issues;
Facilitate community consultation, including community networking, participation and action on environmental matters;
Organise and implement local environmental events; design innovative programs, projects and events to facilitate long-term positive behavioural change;
Seek and secure funding for identified operational costs and projects through appropriate submissions;
Seek sponsorship consistent with Council's Ethical Policy;
Harness human resources and goodwill to implement special projects;
Encourage volunteer involvement in conservation works;
Maintain a position as a centre of excellence promoting educational facilities on environmental issues, for the benefit of future generations;
Forge and strengthen links between local, national and global organisations;
Promote the concept of the Centre and its projects to outside organisations;
Via Staff and/or the Manly Community Environment Committee, comment on significant environmental matters.
Maintain Council and Community awareness of environmental issues in Manly through close working relations with the Manly Community Environment Committee, which will continue to liaise with and provide ongoing support for the MEC.