Agenda item

To consider a motion on notice, to be proposed by Cllr N Ireland and seconded by Cllr B Bawden.  

Cllr N Ireland introduced the Motion for the Ocean and outlined the importance of recognising the connection between activities on land and the health of Dorset’s coastlines, rivers and seas. Members heard that the motion supported the council’s commitments in relation to climate change and nature recovery and had been developed jointly with BCP Council. It was noted that healthy rivers, landscapes and marine environments were essential to improving water quality and addressing sewage pollution, and that effective solutions often delivered multiple environmental benefits.

 

During the debate, members discussed the aims and objectives of the motion, together with the practical implications of delivery.

 

Cllr G Suttle acknowledged the intentions of the motion and proposed the following amendment: -

 

That the motion be referred to the appropriate Overview Committee to establish a clear, fully costed business plan to ensure the financial and service delivery risks are fully understood and how such an initiative could potentially impact on the provision of front-line services.

 

That the outcome and recommendations from the Overview Committee be referred to the Cabinet and finally to Full Council for adoption.

 

Members expressed a range of views on the amendment. Comments were made regarding the need for cleaner seas, the importance of meeting residents’ expectations, the role of scrutiny in considering policy proposals and associated costs, and the need to understand resource implications. Reference was also made to existing work already being undertaken in several of the areas identified within the motion.

 

In response, Cllr N Ireland advised that the motion had involved significant partnership working, including engagement with BCP Council and other stakeholders. He noted that, if approved, an action plan would be developed and stated that he did not support the amendment, highlighting that the proposal before council was a motion rather than a policy document.

 

On being put to the vote the amendment was LOST

 

It was proposed by Cllr N Ireland seconded by Cllr B Bawden 

 

Decision

 

Therefore, Dorset Council commits to:

 

1. Working collaboratively with partners, businesses, harbour authorities, educational institutions and communities to support a sustainable blue economy that strengthens Dorset’s marine and coastal sectors, promotes innovation and clean marine technologies, and delivers long-term prosperity alongside ocean recovery.

2. Improving ocean literacy and community engagement by supporting schools, colleges, universities and community groups to increase understanding of the marine environment through education programmes, outdoor learning, citizen science, volunteering, communications and awareness-raising activities.

 

3. Ensuring that relevant council strategies, plans and projects have regard to the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy and contribute, where appropriate, to the recovery of marine, coastal and water-dependent habitats.

 

4. Supporting the development and implementation of a Marine Nature Recovery Strategy for Dorset and advocating for the introduction of Marine Nature Recovery Strategies in England, working with partners to align marine recovery with local nature recovery priorities.

 

5. Working with water companies, regulators, government and other partners to improve water quality across Dorset’s rivers, estuaries, harbours and coastal waters, and seeking clear plans, targets and transparency for reducing sewage pollution and other sources of contamination.

 

6. Considering ocean recovery, marine health and the catchment-to-coast environment in strategic decision-making, plans, policies, budgets and investment programmes, ensuring alignment with the councils’ climate and nature ambitions.

 

7. Reducing plastic pollution at source through council policies, procurement practices, communications and community engagement, while continuing to promote behaviour change that reduces litter and waste entering rivers and the marine environment.

 

8. Promoting nature-based solutions for flood risk management and water quality by supporting sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), natural flood management, permeable surfaces, swales, rain gardens, habitat restoration and marine enhancement measures within relevant infrastructure projects.

 

9. Encouraging water conservation and climate resilience through rainwater harvesting, sustainable water management and measures that reduce pressure on Page 150 drainage networks, improve water quality and enhance resilience to drought and flooding.

 

10. Working with farmers, land managers, catchment partnerships and environmental organisations to improve water quality, support sustainable land management and strengthen the connection between healthy landscapes, healthy rivers and healthy seas.

 

11. Using procurement, social value, planning and investment opportunities to demonstrate leadership in supporting marine recovery, nature-based solutions and sustainable coastal development.

 

12. Reporting on progress through appropriate governance arrangements and working jointly to develop action plans that translate this declaration into practical local delivery. By adopting this Motion for the Ocean, Dorset Council commits to working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, and with partners and communities, to protect, restore and enhance our ocean, coastlines, rivers and estuaries for the benefit of nature, climate, local prosperity and future generations.