West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual Report 06/07 Contents HIGHLIGHTS ● Achievement against key areas of focus 3 1 SECTION 1 ● Chair’s and CEO’s report 8 SECTION 2 WGCMA ● Our purpose 10 ● Our organisation 12 2 ● Our operating environment 12 ● Principles of value 13 ● Key areas of focus 14 ● Overview of the region and map 15
SECTION 3 GOVERNANCE 3 ● The Board and Sub-committees 16 ● Organisational structure 18 ● Statutory reporting 19 ● Report against Corporate Plan targets 21 ● Disclosure index 23
SECTION 4 MANAGEMENT ● Management structure 24 4 ● Land Planning unit report 26 ● Water unit 27 ● Corporate services unit report 28 ● Partnership Development unit report 28 ● Operations unit report 29
SECTION 5 CATCHMENT CONDITION 5 ● RCS/RCIP update 30 ● Water report 31 ● Land report 36 ● Biodiversity report 39 ● Atmosphere and climate report 42 ● People and communities report 42 ● Production report 45 ● GINRF report card 46
SECTION 6 FINANCES ● Financial statements 48 6 ● Auditor General’s statement 65
2 1 Section 1 Highlights Achievements against key areas of focus identified in our Strategic Plan
3 Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Develop the Macalister Land and Water Management Plan. Target: Community engagement completed by December 2006. Achievement: Public consultation draft released for comment in June 2007. 1Advise the Minister on the declaration of Noxious Weeds. Target: Phase 3 of the Noxious Weed Review completed by October 2006. Achievement: Nominations of weeds by the community under Phase 3b have been received and submitted to DSE for review.
Complete environmental flow assessments for the Avon and Tarra Rivers. Target: ● Environmental flow assessments completed for the Avon and Tarra Rivers by December 2006 ● Ensure the environmental flow assessments are considered in the development of the Stream Flow Management Plans. Achievement: ● Environmental flow assessment completed for Avon and Tarra Rivers. ● Provided environmental flow assessments to DSE to be used for developing management plans.
Develop a Dry In Flows Contingency Plan. Target: Dry In Flow Contingency Plan completed by March 2007. Achievement: Completed for priority systems.
Finalise and implement a Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Plan for the Regional Catchment Strategy. Target: Draft Plan submitted to Board by October, 2006. Achievement: Draft Plan submitted at March 2007 Board meeting.
Finalise the Morwell River Diversion (MRD5) monitoring and evaluation program. Target: MER program for operational MRD5 finalised by June 2007. Achievement: Operational EMP and Construction EMP completed and signed by the Regional Director of DSE.
Finalise the Morwell River Waterway Management Plan. Target: ● Waterway Management Plan for the Morwell River completed by November 2006. ● Implementation program built into 2007-2008 RCIP program for the Latrobe Basin by January 2007. Achievement: ● Completed ● Completed.
4 Highlights
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual1 Report 2006-2007
Implement works under White Paper Initiative.
Target: Achievement:
Thomson Basin: Thomson Basin: ● 20km Willow reduction. ● 21 km Willow reduction. ● 56km Riparian fencing. ● 54 km Fenced. ● 56 km Revegetation. ● 52km Complete. ● 50ha Worksite maintenance. ● ● 2km River bed stabilization. 162 ha Maintenance. ● ● 300 Large woody debris (LWD) insertion or relocation. 2.6km Stabilised. ● 8 Landholder agreements established. ● 315 LWD Inserted. ● 9 landholder agreements. Latrobe Basin: ● 8km Willow reduction. Latrobe Basin: ● 16km Riparian fencing. ● 11 km Willow reduction. ● 16 km Revegetation. ● 26 km Fenced. ● 24ha Worksite maintenance. ● 27km Revegetated. ● 1.5km River bed stabilization. ● 32ha Worksite maintenance. ● 120 LWD insertion or relocation. ● 1.5 km Riverbed stabilised. ● 9 Landholder agreements established. ● 173 LWD inserted. ● 15 Landholder agreements. South Gippsland Basin ● 24km Willow reduction. South Gippsland Basin ● 48km Riparian fencing. ● 24km Willow reduction. ● 48 km Revegetation. ● 42km Fenced. ● 48ha Worksite maintenance. ● ● 1km River bed stabilization. 64.8km Revegetated. ● ● 480 LWD insertion or relocation. 203ha Worksite maintenance. ● 25 Landholder agreements established. ● 1km Bed stabilised. ● 435 LWD inserted. ● 30 Landholder agreements.
In conjunction with Parks Victoria undertake Spartina control in Andersons Inlet Target: Eradicate 50ha of Spartina by June 2007. Achievement: Completed.
5 Delivering On Our Co-ordination Activities Review estuarine monitoring program. Target: Review completed by November 2006. Achievement: Project completed and being used to inform strategic review of Waterwatch.
Finalise irrigation development guidelines. Target: Draft guidelines for Ministerial endorsement completed by December 2006. 1Achievement: Draft guidelines have been developed and were presented to the Board in August 2006. Consultation with the irrigation community has been deferred in light of the impact of the drought.
Co-ordinate the nutrient reduction program in the Macalister Irrigation District. Target: In conjunction with Department of Primary Industry deliver, by June 2007: ● 25 Irrigation and Drainage Plans. ● 10 conversions from flood to spray irrigation. ● 35 drainage re-use systems installed. Achievement: The following was achieved in 2006/07: ● 32 Irrigation and Drainage Farm Plans. ● 3 Flood to spray conversions. ● 29 Drainage re-use systems.
Implement the draft Native Vegetation Plan. Target: In partnership with Greening Australia Victoria (GAV) deliver, by June 2007: ● 9 awareness raising and educational events held in the region. ● 30 conservation agreements established. ● 116 hectares of remnant vegetation protected and enhanced. ● 38 hectares of indigenous vegetation planted. Achievement: Completed. Providing Support In Our Region Conduct E-farmer pilot. Target: Participate in E-farmer pilot and report on feasibility by November 2006. Achievement: Pilot complete and report provided to Unit Managers in June.
Influencing Our Operational Environment Develop and deliver on agreed Fishing Funds projects. Target: ● Construction of 7 fishing platforms and adjoining gravel walkways and bridges on Tarwin River by March 2007. ● Construction of 2 fishing platforms on Traralgon Creek. ● 2 Fishing platforms on the Avon River by March 2007. Achievement: ● Project reduced to 4 platforms to align with budget allocation works commenced, completed. ● Platforms completed. ● Platforms completed.
6 Highlights
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual1 Report 2006-2007
Engaging Our Community and Regional Stakeholders Initiate and support a co-ordinated effort to address catchment issues in the Narracan Creek catchment. Target: ● Establish WGCMA as lead Authority by October 2006. ● Develop brief for catchment Action Plan development and required resources By February 2007. ● Conduct a workshop/forums to co-ordinate catchment activity efforts by June 2007.
Achievement: ● CMA assuming lead and agreed at GINRF. ● Project brief developed and funding sourced through internal allocation. ● Project officer appointed by Gippsland Water in Dec 2006. ● Narracan Catchment Plan completed in Q3.
Development indigenous NRM protocol Target: ● Draft CMA protocol developed by May 2007. ● Adapt protocols for GippsLandcare on ground works by June 2007. Achievement: ● Draft protocol developed. ● Waiting on feedback from Gippsland Cultural Heritage Board. ● Not achieved. Developing a Capable and Caring Organisation Develop an Environmental Management Plan for the organisation. Target: Draft Environmental Management Plan developed and submitted to Unit Managers by February 2007. Achievement: Draft EMP developed.
Review of Strategic Plan. Target: Draft prepared by November 2006. Achievement: Approved.
Respond to the findings of the Risk Management Review. Target: Prepare an Action Plan to address findings of the Risk Management review by October 2006. Achievement: Set of agreed recommendations being implemented. Developing and Resourcing the Investment Plan for the Region Develop an Review, refine and implement Regional Catchment Investment Plan (RCIP) process. Target: ● Review complete by July 2006. ● Refined process endorsed by Board by October 2006. ● RCIP developed and lodged by due date. Achievement: ● Review complete with recommendations integrated into 2007/2008 process. ● Process endorsed by Board at September meeting. ● RCIP lodged on April 4 (due date).
7 Chair’s and Chief Executive Officer’s Report
1The last financial year has seen our region qualification of bulk entitlements on many of our waterways particularly in South Gippsland which has been extremely hard experience and grapple with extreme climate hit by the drought. We have also had to review the operational variability including prolonged drought plans for the Environmental Water Reserve (EWR) on the conditions, one of Victorias worst fires with Thomson River and for those proposed on the Latrobe and Macalister Rivers. This work has involved assessing the likely over 330,000 hectares of our catchment burnt, impacts of these reduced flows on the waterways and followed by a significant flood event impacting recommending action to protect flora and fauna species and on four of our major waterways and the aid recovery when flows are returned. We are in continuing discussions on the EWR for the Thomson with Melbourne Gippsland Lakes. Our community is a very Water and given this EWR will be used as drought insurance resilient one, however, this combination of for Melbourne we believe some suitable offset works can be events has tested all of us and the reserves of negotiated for the benefit of the river and the region. We also finalised our Dry In-flow Contingency Plan and this will be energy required to tackle these issues and the submitted this to the Minister for his consideration. This plan resultant catchment works will need to be built will ensure that we are able to respond appropriately if we up again. experience similar dry conditions in the coming spring and summer. Notwithstanding these issues the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority in conjunction with our community and Work has been progressing on a number of plans including a stakeholders has fulfilled many of its objectives for the Regional Wetland Plan, the Avon River Management Plan, a 2006/2007 financial year. One of the key pieces of work was Land and Water Management Plan for the Macalister Irrigation the redevelopment of our Strategic Plan which now has a District and surrounds, the Heart Morass Rehabilitation Plan focus on seven Catchment Ecosystems. This shift in focus and a Regional Soil Erosion Management Plan. These are all in acknowledges connectivity of our land and water assets and advanced draft stages and will be finalised early in the new will assist in ensuring the integration of work within these financial year. Catchment Ecosystems and make it easier to work with their communities. We finalised and the Board endorsed our regional Monitoring and Evaluation Plan which is a key document for ensuring that Our operational crew has again exceeded their targets for the our future decision making is well informed and guided by the year and managed to undertake over $5 million worth of on success or otherwise of previous work undertaken in the ground works. This has enabled us to complete 90 kilometers region. Our Plan is based on a framework designed and of river rehabilitation, 166 kilometers of fencing, 300 hectares agreed to by all key agencies in our region known as the of riparian re-vegetation, 50 hectares of spartina control and MERGe Framework. This framework will assist in enabling 575 hectares of river work maintenance. We have also consistency of monitoring and reporting across integrated completed a significant recreational fishing grants program with projects being delivered thought out Gippsland. fishing platforms being installed on the Avon and Tarwin Rivers and the Traralgon Creek. In preparation for the unbundling of water rights, which is scheduled to occur in our region on 1 July 2008, we have The dry conditions across the region for most of the year have been putting together Irrigation Development Guidelines for meant that we have been involved in a lot of work on the use across Gippsland. These guidelines will provide mechanisms for managing the impact of new irrigation
8 Highlights
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual1 Report 2006-2007
developments and will set standards for water use licenses. right activities and structured appropriately. Environmental flow assessments on the Tarra, Latrobe and Clearly there has been considerable work done and many Avon Rivers have been completed and we will use this outcomes achieved in this last financial year, however, there is information when considering management rules for water plenty still to do, not the least of which will be work extraction and flow regimes in these rivers. We have also associated with recovery from the havoc wreaked by the fires commenced a project aimed at determining the environmental and flood. We have commenced assessing the damage of the water requirements of the Gippsland Lakes. This latter project floods but wont finalise this work until August 2007. We is a significant undertaking that is raising a number of expect the damage bill to be in excess of ten million dollars. questions for the scientists to solve. The successes of our organisation can be attributed to our We are continuing with our plans to develop an integrated regional collective vision for the future of Gippsland. We have management plan for Corner Inlet which is an internationally developed, and continue to develop strong working significant wetland in our region. We have been successful in relationships with regional stakeholders, industries and our obtaining funding from the Natural Heritage Trusts Coastal communities. Our organisation continues to support the Catchment Initiative to undertake a number of studies that will activities of the Gippsland Integrated Natural Resources assist us in protecting this valuable wetland. Our Waterwatch Forum providing a vehicle for high level regional co-ordination community based monitoring program centered on Corner and ownership of our Regional Catchment Strategy. Inlet has proved to be an outstanding success as it has won the United Nations Association of Australia Community Award We are grateful for the support and considerable effort from for 2007 and was short-listed for a prestigious Banksia our community, Board and staff who, given the Award. circumstances, have performed well above expectations this past financial year. Landcare is an important movement within our region and we have again invested significant resources in our regions Landcare Program supporting over seventy groups and 3000 individuals through this investment. Our Gippslandcare program continues to grow and despite the difficult climatic conditions the project was able to support the protection and re-vegetation of over 500 hectares of land. During the financial year we instigated a review of our Landcare program with the regional community to ensure it is well positioned for the Federal Governments next NRM program due to commence in 2008/2009. We will finalise this review in the last half of the 2007 calendar year.
This year we have completed some important internally focused work including providing leadership development Elizabeth Clay Geoff Hocking training for over twenty of our staff. We have also enabled Chair Chief Executive Officer twenty three staff to complete a Diploma or Certificate IV training in Project Management. In addition our Executive Team had completed reviews of our Operational Unit and our Corporate Services Unit to ensure they are focused on the
9 2 Section 2 WGCMA Our Purpose Why are we here? The State Government has established a catchment management system to effectively implement integrated catchment management as a tool for ecologically sustainable development of our natural resource based industries, the protection of land and water resources and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
As part of this system, Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) were created to maximise community involvement in this system and ensure transparency in decision making on these issues.
10 Vision The catchments of our region are healthy and achieved through undertaking activities in four strategic valued for their contribution to the wealth of areas: Planning, Engaging, Measuring and Taking Action. Gippsland. These activities will happen in all areas of our regional and to assist in monitoring progress we will be reporting our To achieve this vision we have developed one core activities against the seven catchment eco systems objective and two supporting objectives which are identified at the bottom of the diagram. detailed in the diagram below. Our core objective will be
Vision
The catchments of our region are healthy and valued for their contribution to the wealth of Gippsland
Protect and enhance our catchment ecosystems Provide Regional Ensure planning and In partnership with community & stakeholders, we will develop and implement plans Organisational policy leadership to protect and enhance the region’s diverse capability catchment ecosystems WGCMA will lead WGCMA seeks to development and continually improve implementation of the information systems, WGRCS and action plans governance and that support it, and fulfill operational practices other obligations for through the informed and which we are directly integrated work of accountable competent & satisfied staff
Plan Engage Measure Action
we will work with other we will actively consult, we will monitor, measure we will, where necessary stakeholders to develop recruit and inform the and report on activities and possible, take catchment plans that wider community, with a and outcomes useful to collaborative or direct meet the present and focus on other agencies, inform catchment action to protect and future needs of each landowners, and interest management and enhance catchments. catchment ecosystem. groups. the community.
Ninety Lake Bunurong Corner Latrobe Thomson Coast Inlet Mile Macalister Wellington Beach
11 our standing community engagement framework, and our Our Organisation regional agency stakeholders. The Annual RCIP is endorsed by relevant Ministers. Funds then become available for all Who are we? successful projects. The WGCMA has been established to provide integrated management of land and water resources within the To assist in ensuring integration of effort between the Region. The Authority was established on 1 st July 1997 agency stakeholders the WGCMA has supported the following a Statewide review of catchment management formation of the Gippsland Integrated Natural Resource structures and is one of 10 such organisations in Victoria. Forum which has members from all of the relevant agencies and organisations in the region. We are committed to The Board working collectively with our partners and will continue to 2The WGCMA is governed by a skills based Board support the Forums efforts. appointed by the Minister administering the CaLP Act and is responsible for strategic and policy direction for the Community Consultative Committees and integrated management of land, biodiversity and water Portfolio Groups through South, Central and West Gippsland. It operates The WGCMA has three geographically based Community under the legislative base of many Acts with the main ones Consultative Committees that are the key to the WGCMAs being as follows: community engagement framework. These committees are ● Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 based around South Gippsland/Bass, Latrobe/Baw Baw ● Water Act 1989 and Wellington areas. They provide strategic advice on ● Financial Management Act 1994 resource management priorities, activities and issues. These ● Audit Act 1994 groups are an important conduit for local community input ● Freedom of Information Act 1982 into the WGCMA and they also have an integral role in the ● The Information Privacy Act 2000 development ofthe Regional Catchment Investment Plan. To ● Public Administration Act 2004 ensure we have region wide input on key issues facing the West Gippsland region we have allocated all Community The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and the Consultative Committee members to asset based Portfolio Water Act 1989 define the main purposes of the WGCMA Groups. These Groups are based around the following as follows: assets: ● To set up a framework for the integrated management ● Water and protection of the catchment ● Land and Production ● To encourage community participation in the ● Biodiversity management of land and water resources ● People and Communities ● To set up a system of controls on noxious weeks and pest animals. Our Operating The Board also has a Charter which is in line with DSEs Governance Guidelines for Statutory Authorities which was formally adopted in June 2005. Environment
The relevant Ministers have issued our Authority with Integrated catchment management is subject to changing Statement of Obligations (SOO) under the CaLP Act 1994 trends due to increased understanding, the ongoing and the Water Act 1989. These documents are a key part development of new conceptual frameworks, the advent or of the framework that guide the functioning and activities of recognition of new threats and changes in our capacity to our Authority. deal with these as well as existing threats.
The Regional Catchment Strategy is a framework for Australia is a signatory to a number of international integrated land and water management in the region. It agreements on the environment and is a participant to the outlines the priority issues for the region through broad Ramsar Convention for the protection of wetlands of consultation with our community and other stakeholders international significance for migratory wading birds. and is the over-arching strategy for the development, Australia has a number of intergovernmental agreements on management and conservation of land and water resources issues such as the environment, salinity, and water reform. in the region and is formally reviewed every 5 years. Policy frameworks are developed by State and Federal
Within this context the WGCMA is responsible for developing the annual Regional Catchment Investment Plan (RCIP). The Board sets priorities for the RCIP in consultation with State and Australian Government investors, through 12 WGCMA West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual2 Report 2006-2007 Governments to reflect the current thinking and provide The regions waterways and aquifers have also been interpretation to resource managers at a regional level. placed under pressure to provide high quality water to meet the residential demands of Melbourne and the The release of the State Governments Policy Paper “Our increased use of water for intensive farming, agriculture, Water Our Future” has outlined the importance of CMAs urban, power generation and other industrial use. and the key role CMAs have as the Caretakers of River Health and as the Manager of the Environmental Water Gippsland has a variety of primary industries particularly Reserve. These roles and the long period of drought we dairying, forestry, grazing and intensive horticulture. These have experienced will mean we have a clear focus on activities have attracted an increase in secondary and understanding water yields and water needs in our region tertiary industries that have significantly contributed to the over the coming years. increase of Gross Domestic Product for the region.
The Government has announced that it will be developing It should be noted that a significant expansion of a major policy paper on Land and Biodiversity in the next plantation forestry is planned over the next few years. two years. We understand that its development will be Understanding the impact of this industry on catchment closely linked to the Governments consideration of the ecosystems will be an area of focus over the next few important issue of climate change and will address issues years. concerning carbon trading. This paper is needed and if as successful as the policy paper on water will be a very The region also boasts major fossil fuel deposits that are useful document for our community. We look forward to mined to produce most of Victorias electricity. We will its development and having a significant input to the work closely with the mining industry in our region to document and its implementation. ensure impacts on our natural resources including our coastline are minimised. The region is also subject to social, economic and environmental trends that will affect how we manage our natural resource base into the future. These include: ● Expanding urban fringe ● Increasing demand on water Principles of Value ● Climate change influencing weather patterns, sea levels and flooding We value that all the activities we undertake are relevant, ● Land subsidence from extractive industries transparent, accountable and reliable. In undertaking our ● Intensification of the traditional primary industry base activities we will act with integrity, fairness and credibility. We will share knowledge and information, be prepared to ● Diversification of agribusiness accept change and seek to continuously improve the ● Changing economics and politics of agriculture activities in which we are involved. ● Industrial restructure and downsizing ● Ageing of the farming community We value and encourage participation of the community ● Changing land use and other key stakeholders. ● Increasing threats from pest plants and animals
In addition to the above, our region has been subject to We are committed to integrated catchment management very significant fires in recent times with over 330,000 and targeted investment that is focused on long-term hectares of the catchment being burnt in the 2006/007 outcomes for our region. fires Considerable resources and activity will be focussed on fire recovery and fire rehabilitation over the next five Our partners and alliances are of the utmost importance years along with work examining how we might mitigate to our operation and the development and implementation the fire risk into the future. of the integrated catchment management priorities and plans. Our region has a unique landscape consisting of rolling hills, extensive networks of rivers, streams and creeks, We look to operate in an environment that is based on wetlands, red gum plains, mountain ranges, vast mutual respect, open communication, sharing of success, floodplains and coastal areas. This diversity is attractive to and the acknowledgement of achievements. tourism and recreation and the close proximity to Melbourne places continual pressure on the environment as a result of urban sprawl.
13 Key Areas of Focus To deliver on our vision we undertake a range of activities 1. Maintain effective community consultation groups from providing a leading role in developing the strategic and forums. direction for integrated catchment management in the region 2. Encourage and support key community initiatives that to undertaking operational works for river health and water implement the RCS. quality. We also act as a regulatory body for the regions 3. Establish formal and informal links with partners to build floodplains and waterways. Our well established ability to regional NRM capacity. undertake operational work distinguishes us from other 4. Raise community awareness of WGCMA activities, 2CMAs and provides us with the ability and flexibility to tackle targets, values and outcomes. priority projects when identified. The field staff have helped 5. Engage with local and state Government policy making the CMA develop strong links with our community and to influence NRM outcomes. networks that assist us in our work. 6. Work with indigenous communities.
As part of the development of our Strategic Plan and to Measure the protection and enhancement of the deliver on our vision and meet our objectives we have catchment ecosystems identified Key Areas of Focus under which we have identified WGCMA will monitor, measure and report on activities and a number of strategies that we will pursue during the outcomes useful to inform catchment management and planning period. the community. 1. Develop and support WGCMA Monitoring, Evaluation Regional Planning and policy leadership and Reporting (MER) framework, leveraging community WGCMA will lead development and implementation of the support where possible. Regional Catchment Strategy and action plans that 2. Develop and support collaborative MER frameworks. support it, and fulfil other obligations for which we are 3. Initiate and support quantitative research through directly accountable. collaboration with academic bodies. 1. Meet our statutory planning obligations. 4. Ensure data collected is managed and used effectively in 2. Develop and renew the RCS and other regional plans our decision making and adaptive management as required. processes. 3. Take a lead role in relevant regional initiatives. 4. Implement a framework for collaborative planning Act to protect and enhance the catchment with partners. ecosystems WGCMA will, where necessary and possible, take Plan to protect and enhance the catchment collaborative or direct action to protect and enhance the ecosystems catchments. WGCMA will work with other stakeholders to develop 1. Develop annual works program based on priorities and catchment plans that meet the present and future needs existing plans. of each catchment ecosystem. 2. Encourage community, landowners and industry to take 1. Detailed implementation planning for the RCS and effective action. other regional plans. 3. Ensure actions continue to provide effective outcomes. 2. Develop investment strategies and priorities that address the management of integrated catchment ecosystems, Organisational capability long term NRM outcomes and emerging issues. WGCMA seeks to continually improve information 3. Pursue all funding opportunities, including market based systems, governance and operational practices through mechanisms and leverage investment where appropriate. the informed and integrated work of competent and satisfied staff. Engage to protect and enhance the catchment 1. Provide best practice financial, information and ecosystems reporting systems. WGCMA will actively consult, recruit and inform the wider 2. Ensure effective governance, audit and risk management community, with a focus on other agencies, landowners, 3. Integrate all systems to ensure smarter use of both and interest groups. technical and financial data. 4. Maintain a capable, competent, satisfied and well-utilised workforce. 5. Improve internal communication and knowledge sharing across functions.
14 WGCMA West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual2 Report 2006-2007 Overview of the Region
Total Land Area: Bioregion: 17,685 km 2 Gippsland Plain, Highlands Southern Fall, Strzelecki Ranges, Wilsons Promontory, Victorian Alps, East Gippsland Lowlands Population: 169,094 Marine Bioregions: Central Victoria, Flinders, Twofold Shelf & Victorian Embayments Tenure: Total Public Land 40% (Parks 15.5% & State Forests 22.5%) Wetlands of International Importance: Gippsland Lakes and Corner Inlet Ramsar Sites Highest Point: Mt. Howitt 1738 metres West Gippsland Region provides: 20% of Australias milk production, 95% Victorias electricity (85% of River Basins: Victorias generation capacity) most of Victorias gas (offshore), 66% of Latrobe, Thomson and Australias oil (off shore) 27% of Melbournes water. South Gippsland
Biggest Employment Sector: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Traditional Custodians: Gunai/Kurnai (Bratauolung, Brabiralung, Tatungalung, Braiakaulung) Kulin (Bunurong, Wurundjeri, Taungurong) * Tindale 1974
Municipalities: Latrobe City, Wellington, Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shire. Plus small areas of Mansfield and East Gippsland
15 3 Section 3 Governance The Board and Sub-Committees Front row: Kevin Young, Elizabeth Clay (Chair), Joan Liley (Deputy Chair) Des Sinnott Back row: Ken Lamb, Bill Harrington, Susan Davies, Noel Maud Absent: Mary Salce
16 Member Date First Appointed Number of Meetings Attended 2006-2007
Elizabeth Clay (Chair) 1 July, 2000 11/11 Joan Liley (Deputy Chair) 1 July, 2003 10/11 Ken Lamb 1 st July, 1997 10/11 Bill Harrington 10 th October, 2002 11/11 Kevin Young 1 st July, 2003 11/11 Noel Maud 1 st July, 2003 9/11 Des Sinnott 1 st July, 2003 11/11 Susan Davies 1 st July 2006 9/11 Mary Salce 1 st July 2006 10/11 Neville Penrose (DSE) 8 th July 2006 to 3/3 7 th October 2006 Angus Hume (DPI) 8 th July 2006 to 3/3 7 th October 2006
J. Liley was appointed Deputy Chair under the CaLP Act on 26th February 2007
Audit Sub-committee 4 Meetings Corporate Sub-committee 7 Meetings
B. OLoughlin (Independent Chair) K. Young (Chair) M. Clamp (Independent member) B. Harrington J. Liley E. Clay B. Harrington M. Salce
Renumeration Sub-committee 3 Meetings Catchment Policy Sub-committee 5 Meetings
E. Clay (Chair) N. Maud (Chair) K. Young D. Sinnott D. Sinnott K. Lamb J. Liley
17 Organisational Structure Community
Portfolio Groups Indigenous Advisory Group Biodiversity, Land & Production, People & Communities
3South Gippsland Bass Latrobe Baw Baw Wellington Community Consultative Committee Community Consultative Committee Community Consultative Committee
Renumeration Committee Audit Committee Corporate Sub Committee Catchment Policy Sub Committee
WGCMA Board CEO (see Management Structure)
Minister
Consultative Committee Membership
South Gippsland Bass Latrobe Baw Baw Wellington David Meikle Chair Barbara Johnson Chair Brian Frawley Chair Chris Howard David Balfour Alex Arbuthnot Ern Cattach Malcolm Boyce Wayne Bath Ian Dench Ian Hill Jocelyn Connell Bill Blomeley Cassandra Tolsma Dick Chester Anwyn Martin Matthew Gleeson Jane Hildebrant Neil Stanyer Helen Garretty Tim Clemens David Sutton Rebecca Robie Gary Hammer Kate Walsh Peter Freeman Jim Mount David MacAulay Ken Savage Judy Woodwoard Ross Williamson Phil Whiteman John Topp Paul Smith Jarrod Hatfield Beth Ripper Clyde Patterson Syd Deam Jeff Amos Bob Wenger
Portfolio Group Membership
Biodiversity Land and Production People and Communities Water Ian Dench Chair Barbara Johnson Chair Kate WalshChair Peter Freeman Chair Jeff Amos Ern Cattach Neil Stanyer Jarrod Hatfield Ian Hill Chris Howard Paul Smith David Meikle Ross Williamson Bob Wenger David Sutton Anwyn Martin Cassandra Tolsma David Balfour Helen Garretty Malcolm Boyce Ken Savage Wayne Bath Rebecca Robie Bill Blomeley Phil Whitman Gary Hammer Tim Clemens Matthew Gleeson Dick Chester Jane Hildebrant Alex Arbuthnot Judy Woodward Jocelyn Connell David MacAulay Syd Deam Jim Mount John Topp Rodney Vile** Beth Ripper Brian Frawley Wendy Wright** Glenn Pomeroy** Rolf Willig**
** Denotes Seconded 18 Governance West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual3 Report 2006-2007
National Competition Policy Statutory Reporting Competitive neutrality is a guiding principle of the Manner of Establishment and Releveant Minster National Competition Policy and requires that The WGCMA operates under the legislative base of the Government owned businesses should compete with Water Act 1989 and the Catchment and Land Protection private sector businesses on the same footing. Where Act 1994. appropriate, competitively neutral price adjustments to During the reporting period the responsible Minister for the outputs were made. West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority was the Consultancies and Major Contracts Hon. John Thwaites, Minister for Water, Environment and 72 consultancies where the total fees payable to the Climate Change (formerly the Minister for Environment). consultant was less than $100,000 were engaged during the Merit and Equity financial year at a total cost of $1,478,349. Total approved The Public Administration Act 2004 specifies a number of project fees and expenditure for 2006-2007 excludes GST. employment and conduct principles that must be observed There were no major contracts over $100k during the by public sector organisations and their employees. The reporting period. WGCMA is committed to the principles of equal employment Health and Safety opportunity (EEO). The Board complies with the provisions of the Occupational Employment decisions are based on merit where employees Health & Safety Act 2004 and is committed to providing and are treated fairly and reasonably and have appropriate maintaining a safe work environment that does not pose avenue to redress against any unfair and unreasonable health and safety risks to employee, visitors and volunteers. treatment. There were no notifiable incidents reported to the Victorian The WGCMA recruits, promotes and trains employees on Workcover Authority resulting in no hours lost time during the basis of merit and open competition without prejudice or the reporting period. discrimination. O.H. & S. Committee Freedom of Information 5 Meetings In the reporting period there were no requests for Mal Gibson (Employer Rep and Chair) information. Geoff Charman (Leongatha Depot Rep) The Authority is considered to be a Government Agency Kevin Chapman (Yarram Depot Rep) under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 . Chris Lorenz (Maffra Depot Rep) Accordingly, it is required to comply with the procedures that Donald Coventry (Leongatha Office Rep) have been prescribed under which members of the public Tammy Dawson (Traralgon Office Rep) may gain access to information held by agencies. A decision Brian Graham (Cowwarr Depot Rep) to release information is made by either the Principal Officer Phil McGarry (Landcare Rep). or an Authorised Officer. The public may apply for the original or for a copy and a fee of $22 is applied to all Whistleblowers Protection Act requests. Requests for information should be directed to: There have been no disclosures made to the WGCMA and Kaye Fox FOI Officer no disclosures referred to the Ombudsman. Nor have there West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority P.O. Box been any disclosures or referrals by the Ombudsman. 1374 TRARALGON 3844 Telephone: (03) 5175 7800 Fax: The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 came into effect on (03) 5175 7899 Email: [email protected] 1 st January, 2002. The Act is designed to protect people who disclose information about serious wrongdoing within Information Retained and Available the Victoria Public Sector and to provide a framework for the Information relevant to Financial Reporting Direction 22 of investigation of these matters. the Financial Management Act 1994 is held at the Authoritys The protected disclosure co-ordinator for the WGCMA is our office and is a available on request, subject to the Freedom Business Manager, Kaye Fox Disclosures of improper of Information Act 1982. conduct by the WGCMA or its employees may be made to The Information Privacy Act 2000 establishes a regime for the following: the responsible collection and handling of personal Kaye Fox Protected Disclosure Co-ordinator information in the Victorian public sector. The Authority West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority complies with the 10 Information Privacy Principles. Further P.O. Box 1374 TRARALGON 3844 information is available at the Privacy Victoria website Ph: (03) 5175 7800 Fax: (03) 5175 7899 www.privacy.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] Building Act Compliance The Ombudsman Victoria The WGCMA has met its obligations under the Building Act Level 9, 459 Collins Street MELBOURNE 3000 1993 for new and existing buildings. Phone: 9613 6222 Toll Free: 1800 806 314
19 Cultural Diversity, Women, Youth and Indigenous Affairs Indigenous trainee was employed as part of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Operations Crew. (WGCMA) has continued a number of initiatives to provide The WGCMA continues to provide support for Waterwatch support to cultural diversity and the involvement of and Junior Landcare which actively engages the youth of women, youth and the Indigenous community in our the region in environmental education and participation. activities. The Authority has also been active in the recruitment of The WGCMA Indigenous Advisory Group meets quarterly women to our Community Consultative Committees and to advise Board and staff on regional issues and promote Portfolio Groups and currently women represent 25% of indigenous involvement in Natural Resource Management. the membership. It should also be noted that 45% of our 3It is made up of representatives of traditional owner groups Board Directors are women. There is also a continued and regional aboriginal organisations. A Memorandum of recognition of People and Communities as an asset class Understanding has been prepared between the WGCMA within our Regional Catchment Strategy. and local Indigenous stakeholders and will be formally The WGCMA continues to work closely with youth in the endorsed shortly. The Group has also considered the region. This is done primarily through our Waterwatch impact of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, and its program. During the year over 196 schools visits were implications for the WGCMA. undertaken with in excess of 3200 students participating Indigenous representation to the Wellington Community in catchment management education activities for the year. Consultative Committee continued for part of the year. An The ongoing implementation of the Regional Catchment Indigenous Business Administration Trainee completed Strategy and the work of the Partnership Development training through the STEPS Program, an Australian Unit within the WGCMA will see these linkages further Government initiative, and is now a full-time employee. An strengthened.
Statement of Workforce Data The Authority employed 101 people in 2006/2007, compared to 92 people in 2005/2006. The breakdown of staff for the Authority in 2006/2007 is as follows:
2006/2007 2005/2006
Executive Officers (salary greater than $120,000 ) 1 1 Senior Management (salary less than $120,000) 5 4 Administration staff 8 8 Finance staff 5 5 Operational staff 82 74 TOTAL NUMBER OF STAFF 101 92 TOTAL NUMBER OF FULL TIME EQUIVALENT 84.1 85
Male 56 47 Female 45 45 TOTAL 101 93
20 Governance West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual3 Report 2006-2007
Summary of Financial Results completed as quickly as possible and this objective We are pleased that we have been able to produce a continues to be a key focus for the organisation. deficit of over $1,000,000 as this had meant we have been able to complete a number of projects and reduce Our revenue this year is higher than detailed in our our carried forward commitment in to 2007/2008. This is Corporate Plan and Regional Catchment Investment Plan consistent with advice from the Department of because of funds received for the Gippsland Lakes Sustainability and Environment who have advised they Taskforce research program ($250,000), Drought would like our carried forward cash to be 35% of income. Employment Program ($500,000), Fire Recovery We do not accept that this is an appropriate target, ($250,000), the Coastal Catchments Initiative ($350,000) however we agree it is appropriate to ensure projects are and National Water Commission Water Grants ($90,000).
2006/2007 2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004 2002/2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue from Government 14,165 13,872 17,704 13,359 8,129 Other Revenue 3,748 2,777 2,748 1,475 1,104 Total Revenue 17,913 16,649 20,452 14,834 9,230 Net result from operating activities (1,093) (21) 2,112 1,319 (236) Net cash flow from operating activities 65 2,677 822 2,077 315 Total Assets 12,596 13,501 13,787 11,899 10,534 Total Liabilities 1,568 1,379 1,739 1,577 1,092
Report Against Corporate Plan Targets Our endorsed Corporate Plan for 2006/2007 included a range of performance indicators based on Ministerial Statement of Obligations. GOVERNANCE Statement of Obligation: Part 3 - Governance
Ref Performance Area Performance Indicators Targets Outcome
4.2 Develop, implement ● Corporate plan developed ● By 30th April Annually Completed and review corporate and approved ● 90% of deliverables and business plans ● Achievement of corporate achieved 91% plan deliverables ● Variation of actual to ● less than 10% Achieved budgeted expenditure
4.2.2 Completion and ● Annual report submitted ● By 30th September Completed submission to the Minister ● Favourable overall Achieved Annual Report the audit assessment from Minister Auditor General
4.2.3 Performance Monitoring ● Complete Board ● By 30th September Completed performance review annually ● % of total funds dedicated ● No less than 75% 83% to project activity
4.2.4 Administration of state ● Projects/studies etc ● No less than 90% 91% and commonwealth delivered to time, quality investment in natural and cost parameters. resource management ● Level of adherence to ● Not more than 10% Achieved program funds in the reporting structure variation region timelines
4.2.5 Establish and ● Establish policy review ● By 30th August 2006 Completed implement policies and program procedures to comply ● Review policies in agreed ● Complete program by Completed with risk and financial program 30th June 2007 management.
21 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Statement of Obligation: Part 4 - Community Engagement
Ref Performance Area Performance Indicators Targets Outcome
4.3.1 Establish open and ● Communication and ● By 30th September Completed transparent processes to Marketing Annual Action 2006 engage the community in Plan developed development and ● Level of community ● Minmum 82% implementation of the satisfaction with CMA as satisfaction level of Regional Catchment per Statewide survey 70% Stratedy and supporting plans conducted by Scarlett Consulting
3 ● ● 4.3.2 Maintain standing Standing Engagement Reviewed by 30th Completed community engagement structures reviewed for December 2006 structures to develop and effectiveness review implementation of strategies and action plans
INTEGRATED REGIONAL PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION
Statement of Obligation: Part 5 - Integrated Regional Planning and Coordination
Ref Performance Area Performance Indicators Targets Outcome
4.4.1 Co-rdinate the development ● RCIP developed ● By 30th April 2007 Completed & of a Regional Catchment 4.4.2 Investment Plan (RCIP) and provide advice to Governments on regional priorities and programs for implementation of the agreed RCS
4.4.3 Strategic coordination and ● Review progress on Regional ● By 30th September 2006 Completed support for regional networks Lanscare Support Strategy of Landcare and community groups
4.4.4 Contribute to regional and ● Provide imput to two ● Completed by 30th June Completed statutory planning activities Municipal Strategic Statement 2007 undertaken by local processes government
CARETAKER OF RIVER HEALTH
Statement of Obligation: Part 6 - Caretaker of River Health
Ref Performance Area Performance Indicators Targets Outcome
4.5.1 Development and % of project/studies etc 90% of projects 100% implementation of on- delivered to time, quality and finalised by June ground river restoration cost parameters 2007 works program
4.5.2 Authorisation of works on Comliance with statutory 100% 95% waterways permits requirements
Referral authority Compliance with statutory 100% 100% Floodplain developments requirements
4.5.3 Integrated management of Environmental Operating By June 2007 Completed the Environmental Water Strategy for Latrobe River reserve EWR. developed
% of Annual Watering Plans 95% Not achieved due to completed drought and Ministerial requirements.
22 Governance West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual3 Report 2006-2007
Disclosure Index The Annual Report of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is prepared in accordance with al Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.
FRD Disclosure Page
22B Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers 19
22B Objectives, functions, powers and duties 10 - 15
22B Nature and range of services provided 10 - 15
22B Organisational structure, names and functional areas of 24 - 29 responsibility of senior officers
22B Names of Board members (major committees - objectives and 16 -18 achievements can be here or in a statement of further info available- see note below)
22B Statement of workforce data for current and previous financial year 20
22B Merit and equity 19
15A Executive officer disclosures 78
22B 5 year summary of the financial results 21
22B Significant changes in financial position during the year 21
22B Objectives and performance against objectives 21 - 22
22B Major changes or factors affecting performance 21
22B Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 61
22B Details of consultancies > $100,000 19
22B Details of consultancies - total No. and cost < $100,000 19
12A Disclosure of major contracts 19
22B Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 19
22B Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 19 20
22B Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 19
22B Statement on NCP 19 22B OHS 19 10 Disclosure index 23
22B Statement of availability of other information* 19
21A Responsible person and executive officer disclosures 61
SD 4.2(b) Operating Statement 50
SD 4.2(b) Balance Sheet 50
SD 4.2(b) Cash Flow Statement 51
SD 4.2(c) Accountable Officer’s Declaration 49
SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Australian accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements 52
SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Ministerial Directions 52
23 4 Section 4 Management
Management Structure
Pictured L to R Mal Gibson, Robyn Dossett, Geoff Hocking, Wayne Gilmour, Acting Kate Nagato, Martin Fuller. Absent: Kaye Fox 24 Chief Executive Officer Geoff Hocking Executive Assistant
Corporate Services Finance Human Resources Manager Administration Kaye Fox Information Management
Community Engagement Partnership Development Communications and Marketing Manager Regional Landcare Martin Fuller GippsLandcare Project Regional Catchment Investment Plan
Land Planning Land Biodiversity Manager Statutory Planning Wayne Gilmour Floodplain Management
River Health Environmental Water Reserve Water Manager Wetlands and Estuaries Acting Kate Nagato Water Quality Waterwatch
Project Management Operations Manager Yarram Works Crew Mal Gibson South Gippsland Works Crew Cowwarr Works Crew Maffra Works Crew
25 Land Planning Unit Management Plan for the Macalister Irrigation Area and surrounds. Despite being developed a number of years The Land Planning Unit manages the CMAs statutory ago, the regions Native Vegetation Plan was finally responsibilities for waterways, floodplains and drainage endorsed by Government in the 2006 - 2007 financial and provides leadership for the regions land, year. The CMA also coordinated advice to Government biodiversity, salinity, nutrient reduction and irrigation on its revision of noxious weeds in the region. Following activities. The Unit also provides statutory planning consultation with the CMAs Community Consultative services to the East Gippsland Catchment Management Committees, a submission was made to Government Authority. In 2006-07, considerable effort was put into 4 on the first stage of the development of the White Paper coordinating the CMAs response to the major bushfires on Land Health and Biodiversity. and floods that impacted the region. Statutory Functions Team The Land Planning Unit was formed in January 2007 The four-person Statutory Functions Team is through a restructure of the former Integrated responsible for meeting the CMAs Water Act Catchment Management Unit into two units a Land responsibilities for floodplain management, rural Planning Unit and a Water Unit. The Land Planning Unit drainage and the licensing of works on waterways. was formed to give greater focus to the CMAs land- Functions include the monitoring of major flood events, based programs, particularly in a year that saw the responding to planning referrals, making flood level commencement of the State Governments White Paper declarations, updating municipal planning schemes, on Land Health and Biodiversity. issuing licences for works on waterways and providing technical advice to the community. These services are Land Team provided across the whole of Gippsland, with a The Land Team comprises four officers who coordinate management agreement covering the provision of and plan for regional activities in biodiversity, soil health, services to the East Gippsland CMA region. salinity, nutrients, irrigation and pest plant and animal There was a 41% increase in planning permits and management. A Soil Erosion Management Plan was licences assessed by the CMA, compared with completed and substantial progress has been made on 2005/06: developing a comprehensive Land and Water
There was a 41% increase in planning permits and licences assessed by the CMA, compared with 2005/06:
Planning Flood Works on WoW Victorian Administrative and permit advices Waterway enforcements Civil Tribunal (VCAT) hearings referrals (WoW) licences
West Gippsland 226 226 58 2 1
East Gippsland 85 51 21 2 1 with another withdrawn by the appellant
26 Management West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual4 Report 2006-2007
Fire and Flood in the upper catchments of the Macalister, Thomson Gippsland experienced major bushfires in December and Avon rivers affecting water quality and at the very and January and the Land Planning Unit coordinated a end of the year extensive flooding in those same multi-agency group looking at water and catchment catchments. The Water Unit has had a very busy year impacts. This resulted in the CMA being allocated $2 with the preparation of a Dry Inflow Contingency Plan million over three years to deal with the impacts of the (Drought Response Plan) and a Fire Recovery Plan on fires. The funding will be spent on replacing CMA assets top of already heavy workloads. In 2007-08 the Unit will such as riparian fencing and water monitoring stations be busy developing a Flood Recovery Plan. and managing woody debris and sediment accumulations following rainfall. The CMA made a Our rivers have also been impacted heavily by written submission and gave a presentation to the Qualifications of Rights where the environmental flow is Governments Bushfire Inquiry. reduced to meet urban demand as an emergency measure. There were a number of qualifications in Late in June 2007, the region experienced heavy South and Central Gippsland significantly affecting flows rainfalls and consequent major flooding. Unfortunately, as well as a unique one on the Macalister due to the heaviest rainfalls occurred in areas that were most exceptionally poor water quality to ensure adequate severely burnt during the earlier bushfires Mt Wellington, water treatment could be provided to supply Maffra. at the head of the Macalister, Avon and Mitchell River catchments recorded 318 mm of rain in one day. Key plans that were completed this year were the Flooding in the Macalister River, downstream of Lake Estuaries Coastal Action Plan, the Morwell River Glenmaggie has been estimated as being a 1-in-105 Waterway Action Plan and the draft Wetlands Plan year event. Flooding above Lake Glenmaggie was which combines Stages 1 and 2 of the plan into a significantly larger but, due to the loss of stream holistic document. A Geomorphological Study and gauges, its relative size has not yet been estimated. Waterway Management Plan for the Avon River has Flooding in the Avon River, Thomson River, the western commenced and will be completed in early 2007-08. Gippsland Lakes and Traralgon Creek has been The Western Heart Morass Restoration Plan is estimated as being 1-in-40, 1-in-25, 1-in-25 and 1-in- underway and will provide direction for the future 16 respectively. The CMA captured aerial photography management of the 800ha western part of the Morass. for the Macalister, Thomson, Mitchell and lower Avon Rivers and communities fringing the Gippsland Lakes The Latrobe flow assessment was finalised and flow and commenced surveying flood levels in all impacted assessments on the Avon and Tarra rivers were catchments. completed. A project to assess the Environmental Water Requirements of the Gippsland Lakes was commenced. Water Unit A significant win for Corner Inlet came late in the year The Water team from the former Integrated Catchment when the CMA received $1.47 million from the Federal Unit and the Waterwatch team from the Partnership Government’s Coastal Catchment Initiative to undertake Development Unit were combined to form the Water 6 projects to protect water quality in the Gippsland Unit in January 2007 following an internal restructure. In Lakes and Corner Inlet catchments in conjunction with 2006-07, the Water Unit comprised 11 staff covering the Gippsland Coastal Board. river health, water quality, wetlands, environmental flows, water resource management and Waterwatch. The Nooramunga Corner Inlet (NCI) project continues to kick goals hitting a milestone of 10 years of community The primary focus of the Water Unit is to plan for the monitoring of waterways. The program was awarded a protection of the health of our waterways, wetlands and UN World Environment Day Award and was a finalist in estuaries and implement priority activities. the Banksia Environmental Awards. It was a difficult year for our water resources with the region hit hard with drought, followed by extensive fires
27 Corporate Services Unit the State Governments compliance framework and also undertook an extensive Internal Audit program and we The Corporate Services Unit for 2006/2007 focused on are pleased to report that no major findings were the continual improvement of the organizations systems reported from these audits. and processes to ensure accurate, timely, meaningful reports and high quality governance structures. The Unit undertook a restructure during the year to enable the Partnership Development Unit Unit to be better able to provide the financial, During 2006/2007 the Partnership Development Unit 4administrative and human resource support to the (PDU) has continued its role of establishing and organization into the future. maintaining critical alliances and partnerships both within and beyond the organisation. These partnerships Throughout 2006/2007 the major areas of responsibility have help ensure that natural resource management revolved around the following areas: outcomes are achieved collaboratively and are closely linked to community expectations. Human Resources The renewal of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement On going partnerships with key community partnerships under the new Work Choices Legislation was finalized in include Landcare, Waterwatch and other non August 2006, providing a 3% increase each year for 3 Government organisations such as Greening Australia years in line with State Government policy. An Employee have helped deliver projects that are protecting and Assistance Program (EAP) was introduced into the enhancing the regions soils, biodiversity and water. Authority as part of the development of staff friendly practices to aid the Authority in attracting and retaining We continue to seek meaningful community input into well qualified, competent staff to regional Victoria. the direction of the WGCMA through three Community Consultative Committees and four Portfolio Groups. Financial Control These groups strategic advice and input is vital to the This year has again seen continuous improvement in Board and management. the financial and project management reporting to the executive team which allows the WGCMA to provide The year has seen an increased focus on more meaningful reporting to the Board. We have communication and marketing initiatives which the PDU improved the capacity of our project and financial coordinates on behalf of the WGCMA. management system to provide the annual program and project reports directly to the State and Once again we have been pleased to have been able to Commonwealth investors. work with both the State and Australian Government, and our regional partners, to develop our annual Information Management Regional Catchment Investment Plan (RCIP) for WGCMA has continued development of its Information 2007/2008. This process will secure nearly 14 million Technology and Information Management Systems dollars for projects and programs that help implement during the year. the Regional Catchment Strategy and its associated Our information Management Strategy provides the Action Plans. strategic focus for our direction and is being updated on a regular basis. The main projects undertaken during Major achievements of note delivered through the the year were: Partnership Development Unit for 2006/2007 include: ● Review of our Electronic Document Management ● Successfully coordinated the RCIP process and System Revision of the Information Management secured funding for over 14 million dollars worth of Policy to further refine the future direction for the projects. organization. ● Supported over 550 hectares of land rehabilitation ● The development of user groups to provide internal through the highly successful GippsLandcare review mechanisms. consortium. This consisted of 323 projects, revegetation with 418,000 indigenous plants, Governance 173,000 metres of fencing and 50 Hectares of direct The Authority has volunteered for several external seeding work. audits, as the representative CMA, this year as part of
28 Management West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual4 Report 2006-2007
● Landcare secured projects valued at $1.25M through Operations Unit Envirofund and Community Water grants. The Operations Unit provides the on ground focus for the ● Eight Farm Planning / EMS courses run through WGCMA, its aims are to implement priority actions GippsLandcare attended by 63 farmers. derived from a number of action plans developed under ● Supporting 4 Landcare networks and their 74 Landcare the direction of the Regional Catchment Strategy aimed groups with a team of 9.5 C&Fs. This involves 2200 at improvements in water quality and waterway health. families who own or manage more than 320,000 hectares of private land across the region. The key operational plan is the Regional River health ● Provide strategic Landcare support through 4 Regional Strategy. This plan uses an asset /threat approach for the Landcare Forums, a Landcare Support Strategy protection of waterways of highest environmental, social Annual Review and involvement in 6 Landcare and economic values, and provides the prioritization Employment Steering Committees. matrix for investment and works. ● Supported 87 Waterwatch groups to monitor water quality at 114 sites across the region, including delivery The team comprises twenty one permanent river workers of a quality assurance and quality control program and and project officers, based out of four workcentres; the development of data reports. One monitoring Leongatha, Yarram, Cowwarr and Maffra, works are group, Nooramunga/Corner Inlet monitoring group, centered on the three river Basins that comprise the won the United Nations Association of Australia, World WGCMA being the Latrobe, Thomson and South Environment Day community award, acknowledging Gippsland Basins. action taken at a local level to address global environmental issues. The same project was a finalist The past financial year has thrown up a number of for the Banksia Environmental Awards. challenges for the operations unit, drought, fire and floods ● Delivered quality educational experiences to 7911 have stretched resources. However the WGCMAs people through the Waterwatch school program and commitment to a large internal work force has enabled it community events such as the Communities Caring for to respond quickly and strategically to combat these Catchments Conference, Frog Census, canoe tours natural events. and the Tarra Bulga Rainforests and Rivers Discovery Day. Works are undertaken using a strong community ● Continued to support a region-wide EMS quarterly partnership approach, this provides a strong environment forum. The purpose of the group is to establish a of coordinated effort, cost sharing and community forum to share knowledge and better align farm ownership. Working within this framework helps to ensure planning and EMS activities in Gippsland. the long term viability of environmental works and ● Relationships with the regions Indigenous community therefore the ability to achieve what are often complex continue to strengthen through the work of the and long term strategic targets. WGCMA Indigenous Advisory Group and the employment of a second Indigenous trainee as part of Our operational crew has again exceeded their targets for Operations Crew. the year and managed to undertake over $5 million worth ● A Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted of on ground works. This has enabled us to complete 90 and is under consideration by the WGCMA Indigenous kilometers of river rehabilitation, 166 kilometers of stakeholders. fencing, 300 hectares of riparian re-vegetation, 50 ● Strategic planning to ensure that the WGCMA is hectares of Spartina Control and 575 hectares of river aligned with new Aboriginal Heritage legislation. work maintenance. We have also completed a significant ● Media and PR activities which included: 43 media recreational fishing grants program with fishing platforms releases, 12 display ads, 38 interviews (TV, press and being installed on the Avon and Tarwin Rivers and the radio), quotes or provision of information used by Traralgon Creek. media & 52 media mentions (usually resulting from media items from other organisations). During 2007/2008 the Partnership Development Unit will build on these successes.
29 5 Section 5 Catchment Condition Our Regional Catchment Strategy identifies seven asset classes where the region will try to influence catchment management in West Gippsland.
Heart Morass Rehabilitation Project Launch Pictured L to R Russell Bate (Chair, Field and Game Australia), Liz Clay (Chair, WGCMA), Minister Thwaites formerly the Minister for Environment), Duncan Malcolm (Chair, Watermark) and Denis Tricks (Chair, Williamson Foundation). 30 Our annual investment plan is based around Macalister above Lake Glenmaggie (includes these asset classes and our achievements in Glenmaggie Creek), 86% of the Upper Avon and each of these areas in 2006-2007 are detailed 52% of the Thomson (82% of the Aberfeldy) rivers. below. It should be noted that in the last In February flash floods in Licola mobilised financial year the region did not have any significant amounts of sediment from gullies into projects focussed on the Infrastructure Asset our waterways and then in late June over 300mm Class or the Atmosphere and Climate Asset of rainfall fell in the upper Macalister and Avon river Class. catchments resulting in widespread flood damage in and adjacent to the Thomson, Macalister and Avon Rivers, Traralgon Creek and the Gippsland Water Lakes. As a result, a Dry Inflow Contingency Plan Summary of Asset (Drought Response Plan) and a Fire Recovery Plan The Water program is driven by the following were developed and a Flood Recovery Plan will be aspirational target which emerged as part of the finalised in 2007-08. These were all in addition to RCS development: the Program objectives for 2006-07.
Catchments treated with respect, and the use of Despite these pressures, our waterways have water for production, consumption and waste shown resilience and the catchment protection disposal balanced with the needs of the works that have been underway for many years environment, the outcomes being healthy river have helped significantly in this regard. The systems and coastal waters. WGCMA have undertaken large scale river restoration works across each of the three river The program includes all those projects which basins to increase the resilience of our water seek to protect and improve the regions water assets and improve their condition. This has asset class. It is structured to align with the West included 45km of exotic vegetation removal, 78km Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy and River of riparian fencing, 101km of revegetation along Health Strategy and the Victorian Governments priority waterways, 311ha of worksite maintenance White Paper Securing Our Water Future Together . including weed control and vegetation management, Index of Stream Condition (ISC) Summary of Highlights assessments undertaken at 27 priority sites, Our Water assets have had a tough year. Record agrochemical residue monitoring at 13 locations low streamflows in much of Gippsland as a result and stock containment grants to 29 landholders. of the on-going drought has put pressure on Strategic planning documents that will coordinate aquatic biodiversity and further reductions in future works include the draft wetlands plan, draft environmental flows due to qualification of rights to Heart Morass Restoration Plan and the Macalister meet urban demand has further taken its toll. In Land and Water Management Plan. Projects and December and January the devastating bushfires their key achievements are outlined below. burnt 95% of the upper catchments of the
31 Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Tarra River - South The Tarra River is identified as an ecologically The Tarra River Project formed strong community Gippsland's healthy and representative river within the and agency partnerships. Its targets were achieved Representative River Victorian River Health Strategy (VRHS). with only two properties still to be completed on The Tarra River is identified as high value, the main stream, with these landholders as yet high priority river within the West Gippsland not willing to participate in the program. River Health Strategy (RHS) also. This The outputs achieved included: project aims to continue partnerships developed between the local community, Parks Victoria, South Gippsland Water, 5 Victorian Recreational Fishers and the DSE through the WHT Heathy Rivers 8km of willow reduction Initiative project funded for the Tarra 16km of riparian fencing River during 2003-06. The project 24km of riparian revegetation is aimed at achieving exotic vegetation 20ha of worksite maintenance, including removal, revegetation, remnant protection, weed control and vegetation management. riparian vegetation enhancement/ improvement and fencing of 100% of the Tarra River and 80% of its tributary streams.
Traralgon Creek - The project will focus on the lower reach The Traralgon Creek project achieved all of its Riparian Improvement of Traralgon Creek achieving 100% fencing targeted outcomes, with the creek having willow Project and revegetation from the Traralgon reduction activities, riparian fencing and revegetation township to the confluence with the Latrobe completed between Traralgon and the confluence River. The project will ensure protection of of the Latrobe River. past investment with planned maintenance programs on the 20km of river The Wades Creek wetland was constructed and improvements achieved in the past two linked by fencing and revegetation along the years. The project links with the Wades Latrobe River to the confluence with Traralgon Creek. Creek Stormwater Improvement Project which aims to improve stormwater water It is anticipated that the combined works quality through constructed wetlands and will have long term benefits in the treatment of revegetation on the lower reach of Wade urban stormwater runoff that is entering Creek. Wades Creek enters the Traralgon the Latrobe system and ultimately flowing Creek 1km from the confluence with the into the Gippsland Lakes Latrobe River. This project will achieve 100% fencing and revegetation along Wades Creek below the Wades Creek wetlands site.
Latrobe Basin Stream The Regional River Health Project (Latrobe This project continued to work in an atmosphere Restoration Project basin) focuses on priority river health of strong community partnerships, achieving outcomes as outlined within the West targeted outcomes above the expectation Gippsland River Health Strategy (RHS). of the project: The project facilitates partnerships between the community and agencies, directed at 13km of willow reduction the implementation and promotion of best 14km of riparian fencing practice river management actions, aimed 12km of revegetation at overall biodiversity and water quality 88ha of worksite maintenance including weed control improvements within the Latrobe River and vegetation management. basins priority rivers and highly valued Gippsland Lakes. Work occurred in the upper catchment and combined with past river works, consolidating the vegetation corridor along the upper Latrobe River.
South Gippsland Basin The Regional River Health Project (South The South Gippsland basin project achieved 100% Stream Restoration Gippsland basin) focuses on priority river of its targeted outcomes. The works complemented Project health outcomes as outlined within the community action that was stimulated through West Gippsland River Health Strategy discussion groups and field days targeted at (RHS). The project facilitates partnerships the promotion of the value of the riparian zone between the community and agencies, to the river and to the adjoining farmland production. directed at the implementation and promotion of best practice river The project achieved: management actions, aimed at overall 24km of willow reduction biodiversity and water quality 48km of riparian fencing improvements within South Gippslands 65km of revegetation priority rivers and highly valued 203ha of maintenance activities coastal waters.
32 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Implementation of the This project will see the implementation The use of a new and innovative monitoring Gippsland Water Quality of high priority actions identified within the technique allowed the assessment of agrochemical Action Plan Gippsland Water Quality Action Plan. residues at 13 locations across the region, including Specifically, this will include the sites at the bottom of the Latrobe, Thomson investigation of pesticide levels in surface and Avon Rivers. The results of this monitoring waters of the Narracan and Traralgon will be followed up with DPI extension staff. Creeks and upper Latrobe and lower Thomson Rivers, and continuing the The ERA process has been completed for Ecological Risk Assessments (ERA) of the Deep Creek and lower Agnes River. The findings lower Agnes River and Deep Creek, as of the investigation will be used to inform prioritised in the Regional RHS. on-going management and direct on-ground works to achieve natural resource outcomes.
Catchment to The Corner Inlet region is of great Support to community groups to develop Corner Inlet importance to the West Gippsland funding bids including Corner Inlet Fisheries Habitat community and is characterised by high Association (CIFHA). Development of successful Coastal environmental, social and economic Catchment Initiative funding bid for $1.47 million values. This project will treat the Inlet and or projects to protect water quality in Corner Inlet and the its catchment as a single integrated Gippsland Lakes. resource, and aims to conserve the values Initiation of Social Mapping project (to be of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site by finalised in 2007-08) working with the local community to 10 workshops held with community and stakeholders facilitate on ground outcomes and build to raise awareness and build interest in the community interest on the links between protection of Corner Inlet. catchment activities and the health of Corner Inlet. A project officer will develop and facilitate partnerships to secure investment and ensure the implementation of priority on- ground actions for the improvement of biodiversity, water quality, salinity and river health in the Corner Inlet catchment.
Regional River Health The Regional River Health Strategy (RHS) Index of Stream Condition (ISC) training for Water staff. Strategy Implementation Implementation project will ensure the RCIP developed for water projects including river achievement of outcomes identified in the health, wetlands, water quality and environmental RHS for West Gippsland. The project funds water reserve management. the position of Water Team Leader which is Effective coordination and leadership of the Water responsible for the coordination of Wetland, Team. Water Quality and Environmental Water Presentations on water issues to Reserve Management across West Community Consultative Committees. Gippsland in line with the RHS.
Drought Employment Announced as part of a State Government The $100K Stock Containment allocation provided Program Drought Package assistance package was assistance to develop 58 Stock Containment areas the Drought Employment Program (DEP). covering 29 ha. with individual’s contributions totalling As part of this program the WGCMA well over $60K. By administering the grant scheme, allocated $100K to assist landholders the WGCMA was able to ensure environmentally establish stock containment areas to carry appropriate siting and management of the areas. stock through the drought and maintain Under the Drought Employment Program the groundcover. In addition we received funding WGCMA employed 18 drought impacted community to employ drought impacted members of the members. community.
Stock Containment Announced as part of a State Government The $100K allocation allowed assistance to be Grants assistance package, the WGCMA allocated provided to 29 landholders, with individuals $100K to assist landholders establish stock contributions totalling well over $60K. containment areas to carry stock through By administering the grant scheme, the WGCMA the drought and maintain groundcover was able to ensure environmentally appropriate siting and management of the areas.
Gippsland Estuarine A targeted estuarine component to the 10 years of community monitoring of waterways Monitoring Program Waterwatch program is essential to ensure weekly data collection. that there is a greater understanding by the United Nations Association of Australia World community of this important and fragile Environment Day award in the community ecosystem. This program is also a key category for local action. component of the development and Banksia Environmental Awards finalist for a community project.
33 Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
implementation of the Gippsland Estuaries Coastal Action Plan. Valuable data has been collected over the past 10 years and is already an important asset for agencies in identifying priority areas for further study and restoration. The continuation of a study and analysis of the trends in this long term data will provide greater understanding of an area for which there is little long term monitoring data. School education programs 5 provide our younger generation with a greater appreciation and understanding of the many aspects of estuarine environments.
Coastal Catchments $1.47 million to fund water quality Ecological Character Descriptions for the Gippsland Initiative improvement projects in the Corner Inlet Lakes and Corner Inlet Ramsar sites are being and Gippsland Lakes regions. There are 6 developed. subprojects with the CMA overseeing three The preferred consultant for the development of and the Gippsland Coastal Board overseeing a sediment and nutrient model for the catchment the other three. This multi-year project will of Corner Inlet has been appointed. This project include nutrient and sediment modelling for will result in a catchment model and decision Corner Inlet and enhancement of ecological support system for prioritizing management monitoring programs for the Gippsland Lakes activities to target specific water quality issues and Corner Inlet Ramsar sites. within the catchment that are impacting on high values within the Inlet. Avon River and The Avon and Tarra Rivers were identified The environmental water requirements for the Avon Tarra River Environmental as flow stressed rivers in the Victorian and Tarra Rivers were identified through a detailed Flow Determinations Governments Our Water Our Future White investigation of the Avon and Tarra River and selected Paper. This project involved an investigation tributaries. The rivers and their tributaries were divided into the environmental water requirements into reaches of similar nature, key environmental values of both rivers. and threats to the values were identified and a series of recommendations were developed to enhance the values or mitigate the risk to the values. The recommended environmental water requirements will help inform the development of Stream Flow Management Plan. Thomson River The CMA is the responsible Authority for An annual watering plan for the delivery of the Environmental Water managing the 10,000ML/ year 10,000ML/year environmental entitlement was Reserve Management environmental entitlement for the Thomson developed by the CMA and submitted to the Minister River for approval. The annual watering plan outlined the proposed delivery of the environmental entitlement including the timing, duration and volume of releases. A high flow fresh of 7,000ML was delivered in October 2006. Further environmental water releases for the 2006/07 watering year were cancelled given the community angst about the dry conditions. The CMA initiated a scientific review of releases from the Thomson environmental bulk entitlement to ensure that the current use of environmental water achieved the best possible ecological outcomes for the Thomson River system. This review considered the impacts of the current drought while maintaining a balance between protecting social, economic and environmental values. Morwell River Waterway A Waterway Action Plan has beendeveloped for Actions from the Morwell River Waterway Action Plan Action Plan the Morwell River catchment. Targeted and specific are included as part of the WGCMAs 2007/8 on on ground river health outcomes will be delivered ground works program. during the implementation of this plan. The plan provides direction for river health investment into the Morwell River catchment for a five year period. Dry Inflow Contingency CMAs throughout Victoria were asked by The West Gippsland CMA developed their Dry Inflow Plan the Department of Sustainability and Contingency Plan and submitted it to DSE for approval Environment to prepare contingency plans in May 2007. The DICP focused on the priority water for 2007/08 to address potential river dependant ecosystems within the region, this included health risks if the drought continued. the Thomson, Macalister, Latrobe, Tarwin, Powlett The aims of the West Gippsland CMAs and Agnes Rivers. Environmental Risk Assessments plan are to: were used to identify the ecological values and sites ● Provide an overview of the current impact at greatest risk from the effects of drought, which may of drought on the regions water not be able to recover without active intervention. dependant ecosystems. A series of management actions were developed for each system to help mitigate the risks.
34 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
● Identify the environmental values of priority water-dependent ecosystems that may be at high risk from drought in 2007/08 and unable to recover without active intervention. ● Plan actions to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought on priority environmental values in the region.
West Gippsland The Regional River Health strategy identified the Development of the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan Wetlands Plan need for a Wetlands Plan to ensure the has been undertaken in two parts. Part 1 deals with protection and effective management of the management of the regions Ramsar wetlands wetlands through out the region. and other internationally and nationally important wetlands. Part 2 of the plan deals with high priority sub-catchments throughout the region. The Plan has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and land managers. The Draft Plan was completed in June 2007. Finalisation of the plan will be completed by October 2007 following the public consultation phase of the plan.
Heart Morass The project involves the WGCMA working A Draft Restoration Plan has been compiled and the Restoration with Field and Game Australia and final plan is due in October 2007. GIS and field-based Watermark as part of the Heart Morass vegetation mapping, photo-point monitoring and the Working Group. The focus of the project is compilation of water management and survey an 800ha (2000 acre) property which has information have informed the development of the been purchased for the purpose of restoring plan. wetland values and 8km of Riparian 5 drought affected farmers were employed on the Floodplain Woodland featuring many property for 3 months (3 days/wk) over Summer mature Red Gums. 2006/07 as part of the Drought Employment Program. Extensive weed control, fencing and seed collection were undertaken to improve the condition and values of the property.
Gippsland Lakes The West Gippsland CMA is working with A project brief for the project was finalised with input Environmental Water East Gippsland CMA, DSE and other key from a range of stakeholders. The brief established Requirements stakeholders to improve understanding agreed aims for the first stage of the project, which of the environmental water requirements are to use existing information about the Lakes to: of the Gippsland Lakes system. ● identify the values of the Gippsland Lakes system that are reliant on catchment-sourced inflows, and the nature of the flow relationships. The project is focusing on the main lakes ● estimate the likely impact of potential inflow (King, Victoria, Wellington and Reeve), as changes on the flow-reliant values. well as their fringing wetlands and the ● identify critical gaps in the current understanding estuarine reaches of the rivers entering of the importance of catchment inflows to the main lakes. the values of the Gippsland Lakes system. ● develop a tailored methodology to fill critical The results of this work will help to inform knowledge gaps and assess its feasibility. future water allocation and management Consultants were appointed from an open tender decisions. process to undertake the project. Work on the first stage of the project has begun and will continue in 2007/08.
Gippsland Water The overall aim of the Gippsland Water West Gippsland CMA assisted DSEs Gippsland Resources Project Resources Project was to review and Region to run a series of targeted stakeholder distil existing information on water workshops, focusing on the range of topics to be resources in the Gippsland region, and covered through the project. The process culminated to present it in a form that would make it in a regional water forum. accessible to a general audience. As a result stakeholders throughout Gippsland A series of discussion papers were also prepared should have a clearer and more which summarise the results of the project. comprehensive understanding of: ● the nature and extent of Gippslands water resources.
● how water is currently being used and managed.
35 Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
● the contribution that water makes to the economic, social and environmental well-being of the region ● the pressures facing the current and future use of the resource and their potential implications. ● the range of mechanisms available to allocate and manage water use, and 5 their potential impacts. Index of Stream Annual ISC assessments undertaken on A total of 27 sites were assessed for physical form Condition Assessments 15 sentinel sites . and streamside zone, components of the ISC. The additional sites, on the Latrobe and Thomson/ Macalister systems, inform monitoring requirements for the delivery of environmental flows. Trialing of PDAs for data capture is proposed for the 07/08 ISC Sentinel site assessments.
Victorian Environmental The Victorian Environmental Flows Following production of the VEFMAP reports for the Flows Monitoring and Monitoring and Assessment Program Thomson and Macalister Rivers, a workshop was Assessment Program provides for the collection of data to held in November 2006 involving technical experts in (VEFMAP) assess the effectiveness of environmental the fields of fish, vegetation, macroinvertebrates, flows in the Thomson and Macalister geomorphology and water quality. The main aim of Rivers. The main expected output for this the workshop was to rank the importance of each project was an alignment of the monitoring monitoring component in terms of available water currently undertaken by the WGCMA with deliveries and develop monitoring protocols to the requirements of VEFMAP. address them. These monitoring protocols will be implemented in the 07/08 year.
Land Summary of Asset Summary of Highlights The Land program includes all those projects that seek to The Land Program is focussed on improving soil health, protect and improve the regions land asset class. The Land land productivity and sustainable land use by reducing the program has strong links to all other programs and projects impact of salinity, soil erosion and pest plants and animals. and reflects the integrated nature of natural resource The land program provides farm planning, extension advice management in the West Gippsland region. The strong and incentives for land managers in order to increase their economic, social and environmental benefits of our land understanding of landscape processes and to encourage assets include the rich soils in the landscape that support improved land management practices. The land program highly productive agriculture and horticulture. Mineral and relies on the strength of organisational partnerships to energy resources include coal, gas and oil and the deliver the best outcomes for land managers and the wider landforms contain materials such as gravel, sand, rock and community. clay. The landscape amenity is highly valued particularly the diversity of rural and natural landscapes from the alpine Major highlights in 2006/07 for the Land Program; meadows, mountainous forested wilderness, rainforests, ● Development of the Macalister Land and Water lowland wetlands to the estuaries and coasts. Management Plan. The Floodplain and Drainage program is a key component ● Finalisation of the Soil Erosion Management Plan. of this Asset Group and the CMAs core statutory functions. ● Strong uptake by irrigators to undertake on-ground The program is driven by a Regional Floodplain works to improve irrigation efficiency. Management Plan 2000 and Regional Drainage Plan 2000 ● Education and capacity building for regional extension and primarily affects land prone to riverine, urban and rural, officers on management options for dryland salinity. localised rural flooding and rural drainage areas.
36 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Implementation of the This project aims to improve the health The Nutrient Reduction project has taken significant Macalister Irrigation District of the Gippsland Lakes catchment by steps towards the completion of the Macalister Land Nutrient Reduction Plan reducing nutrient loads exported from and Water Management Plan. There has been strong 2006/2007 drains in the Macalister Irrigation District. uptake of incentives for on-ground works despite Significant nutrient reductions will be continuing drought conditions and landholders have made through water use efficient works worked with the Best Management Practice extension such as conversion to spray irrigation group on topics such as, spreading fertiliser, dairy and installation of re-use systems. effluent management and nutrient budgeting on-farm. The Macalister Land and Water Monitoring trials have also been undertaken in order to Management Plan will be finalised and determine the effectiveness of re-use systems in the will outline the priorities for future MID. The establishment and success of NUTMEG, targeted actions to increase integrated the Technical Nutrient Working group, has provided natural resource management strategic direction for the program and agency outcomes. Technical extension advice members. and audit activities will promote best management fertiliser and dairy waste practice and deliver the nutrient reduction incentives program. Water quality monitoring will measure the level of nutrients in our waterways and provide an accurate picture of the ongoing achievements of the nutrient reduction program.
An Integrated Approach This program delivers Best Practice This project delivered 152 dairy effluent audits to Dairy Effluent effluent and nutrient management to all across the region, with 104 effluent systems Management - Dryland dryland dairy farmers within WGCMA installed or upgraded capturing an estimated priority areas delineated in the WGCMA 425 ML of effluent annually. A total of 235 plans Water Quality Plan and River Health covering effluent, nutrient and/or soil Strategy. The project builds on a management were also developed in successful model that operates through partnership with landholders, allowing more a combination of strategic, value added, appropriate fertiliser and effluent usage on- extension work to state funded farm, as well as identifying actions to improve compliance work. The project is a soil health. Over 600 landholders were engaged unique collaborative approach to either 1 on 1 through the audit and extension nutrient management between process, or through field days, conferences or landholders, authorities and agencies. farm-walks. This collaborative process works EPA undertake audits of effluent extremely well in engaging landholders and management on dairy farms and DPI exposing them to the myriad of support (both provide extension support to achieve financial and advice) available through the best effluent management practices, as various agencies and community based well as the development and groups. implementation of individualised Effluent, Nutrient and Soil Health Management Plans as part of Whole of Farm Management Plans.
Sustainable Irrigation The sustainable irrigation project is a The Sustainable Irrigation component of the 2006/2007 co-ordinated inter-agency program land program made significant progress that provides extension and technical towards targets in the Salinity Management support to the irrigation farming community, Plan. Watertables across the West Gippsland will finalise the development of new irrigation region have been declining over the past 5 guidelines, commence implementation of years, at least in part due to the dry those guidelines and ensure that the Salinity conditions reducing recharge combined with Management Plan is implemented, the additional pumping from landholders. This monitored and evaluated. This project has led to a significant reduction in the area includes the public groundwater pumping of land with watertables within 2m of the program, ongoing EC and water level surface. DPI have worked closely with monitoring and the installation of one new landholders who have been undertaking on- pump. This project will encourage the ground works despite the on-going dry efficient use of water for irrigation in the MID conditions. The hydraulic loading project has to minimise the off site impacts that reached community consultation stage and input to the MID 2030 strategy was made. adversely affect the assets of West Gippsland. Underpinning the sustainable irrigation project is ongoing community engagement that includes education and information exchange and feedback and input from community members into project implementation.
37 Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Managing West Gippsland This project aims to promote The Soil Health component of the land program Soils 2006/2007 sustainable land management continued to focus on reducing the risk of soil practices in the West Gippsland region erosion in target areas in the region. Underpinning focusing on the 'land' (Soil), the soil erosion work that DPI delivers on has productivity and 'water' assets. been the development of the Soil Erosion The Northern Slopes of the Strzelecki Management Plan. Although the plan is not yet Ranges (Narracan Creek Catchment) is complete the focus for a future targeted soil the priority area. The project will draw extension program remains the key goal for the plan. on the outcomes and management actions of the Draft Soil Erosion 5 Management Plan (SEMP) 2006. This project will: 1. Utilise the outcomes of the SEMP, LUIM modelling outputs to develop and implement management actions targets. 2. Utilise BMP, EMS, soil plans, Stat planning and other extension activities in partnership with other agencies to encourage sustainable land management practices and improve landholders capacity to change 3. Initiate a Multiple Outcome Project (MOP). This process will engage a range of stakeholders in MOP development and ensure that a MOP project plan is delivered by Q4.
Dryland Salinity Management This project will build on the outcomes The Dryland Salinity component of the program Program 2006/2007 of the GFS modelling project and resulted in ongoing bore monitoring undertaken advance the development of by DPI. Mitigating the impacts of salinity on management actions for living with salt urban areas is an emerging issue for the land in the high priority Salinity Management program and resulted in additional work being Areas (SMA's) of Foster and Port undertaken by the CMA to develop educational Albert, as described in the West material and to install urban salinity monitoring Gippsland Salinity Management Plan bores in Rosedale, Seaspray, Inverloch, Port (WGSMP). The project will Albert and Port Welshpool. Salinity training days 1. Utilise mapping and GFS data were organised by the CMA so that regional analysis to plan for the highest impact extension staff could be trained and informed future policy intervention tools from Q2 about best practice for salinity management in our 2. Continue the bore monitoring region. program and reporting of results to the statewide database. 3. Deliver high priority management actions using currently understood policy interventions, including education, extension and training. 4. Reinstate 15 ha of salt tolerant pasture from previous trials, for demonstration purposes in salinity discharge areas in the Port Albert SMA.
Second Generation This project will implement activities This project is a major partnership initiative Landcare in West designed to help deliver the Victorian between WGCMA and local Landcare Gippsland Landcare Program within the WGCMA Networks. region, with particular emphasis managing the risk and threats posed by Commencing in January 2007 the project has pest plants and animals to regional already seen close to 27,000 hectares of pest assets. Though this project will be plant control across four Landcare Networks. delivered in an integrated fashion it will Species addressed include ragwort, focus on six key areas of the region blackberries and serrated tussock. these being; South Gippsland; Yarram; the upper Latrobe catchment; Maffra and district; Central Latrobe and; Bass The project has run over 20 community events Coast. These clusters have been including field days and workshops that has selected based on the social networks attracted close to 700 participants. Such events and communities of interest. are critical as they allow landholders to share technical knowledge and collective solve pest
38 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
The project will focus on helping people plant and animal issues that are not restricted manage land, by empowering and to boundaries. developing skills and knowledge of land managers and local communities. The project also helps facilitate partnerships The project will apply targeted, between Landcare and Local Government. This technically correct on-ground works, has resulted in the continuation of roadside with a particular emphasis on preventing weed control programs in Baw Baw and South the invasion and spread of pest plant Gippsland Shires as well as Latrobe, Bass and animals. Coast and Wellington Shires.
Biodiversity Summary of Asset The Biodiversity program in West Gippsland encompasses Our Native Vegetation Plan, that was developed during the all those projects that aim to protect, enhance and restore period 2000-2003, does not include targets for the the regions biodiversity asset class. The Biodiversity program improvement of vegetation quality for habitat values. As a works closely with the land and water asset classes to result of this, we have not previously implemented a achieve multiple outcomes in natural resource management. monitoring program that measures the impact our projects There are six terrestrial and five marine bioregions within the are having upon fauna. In order to report upon this, we will West Gippsland boundaries extending from the Alps be undertaking an evaluation of all Native Vegetation Plan bioregion to the Twofold Shelf marine bioregion. The West implementation activity for the past 5 years in 2008. From Gippsland region is home to a number of nationally and this we will produce a Native Vegetation Annual Report and state listed threatened and endangered species. The main a set of working Resource Condition Targets and threats to biodiversity in West Gippsland are land clearing, Management Action Targets that will contain objectives such habitat fragmentation, invasion of pest plant and animal as, value of vegetation projects for habitat provision and species and the inappropriate use of our natural resources. other more specific fauna parameters. DSE and WGCMA have undertaken vegetation quality assessments for Summary of Highlights approximately 600 sites in the WGCMA region. These sites The West Gippsland Biodiversity program in the 2006/07 may form the basis of a regional monitoring program to year focussed on the implementation of a significant native assess progress towards native vegetation and fauna vegetation conservation program delivered by regional objectives. At present, we utilise the assumption that our vegetation specialists, Greening Australia and Trust for efforts in the protection and recreation of habitat will improve Nature. This program was complimented by a program habitat values for fauna. which implements priority Recovery Plan Actions for The year saw a lot of inter-project cooperation, shared field Nationally Threatened species, delivered by the days and a more targeted works program. Each Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The participating organisation is implementing a program that DSE also delivers programs for State threatened species they have planned out to optimise the impact of their efforts. which adds value to the nationally threatened species Key activities for the year included: project. The Biodiversity Program was coordinated by the ● The protection of 432 ha of priority vegetation West Gippsland Catchment Management Authoritys communities (in line with (Bio) regional priorities). Biodiversity Officer. ● The permanent protection of 80 ha of priority vegetation via Trust for Nature conservation covenants. Implicit to each of the native vegetation management ● The revegetation of 90 ha of priority vegetation program is the fact that in protecting and conserving communities. vegetation we address one of the largest threats facing fauna species, land clearing and degradation of habitat values.
39 Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Recovery Actions for Nationally This project aims to prevent further decline The threatened species program largely Threatened Species of over twenty nationally threatened flora achieved its targets but was partially and fauna species in the West Gippsland hampered by fires, then flooding events Region including Baw Baw Frog, Dwarf which took staff from their programs for two Galaxias, Australian Grayling, and a months. On the ground, one endemic number of threatened flora species, species, Aniseed Boronia was affected by including several orchids. The project the fires whereby approximately one quarter involves activities at all levels including of its known population was burnt. research and monitoring, development There are currently no other known direct 5 of management plans, n ground works effects of the fire or floods upon threatened and awareness raising. species. The program largely delivered its targets and resulted in some significant achievements. They included: Continuation of the program for nationally threatened orchid species has involved partnership activities with Parks Victoria such as ecological burning, monitoring and hand pollination. This program was the recipient of a Banksia Award last year. Continued monitoring, evaluation and implementation activities for the Baw Baw Frog. This is possibly our regions longest running monitoring program and we are now at a point where we have enough data to make some good decisions about future management of the species.
Progression of a number of key activities associated with threatened flora in the region. This includes a partnership program with the Baw Baw Shire which involves systematically locating and mapping an endemic eucalypt, the Strzelecki Gum. This program has provided much needed information and has already assisted in awareness raising for their conservation in the Baw Baw Shire.
Regional Vegetation Permanent This project delivers on priority actions This program, in addition to meeting its targets Protection and Enhancement outlined in the West Gippsland Native for establishing covenants and managing land Program Vegetation Plan. Through this project, under stewardship, has undertaken some Trust for Nature targets high priority pioneering work in the establishment of a new ecological vegetation classes for permanent reserve in the Strzeleckis (Grieve Reserve in protection through the application of Mirboo North). This has included setting up a conservation covenants and land purchase. committee of management and running field This project also provides ongoing have also maintained their focus on creating stewardship of covenanted areas including strategic links in the landscape by pioneering management plans for ecological monitoring a project with partner agencies, South and management of biodiversity values and Gippsland Water and Greening Australia in the provides education and extension to Battery Creek area which will significantly add landowners and the community. to a large biolink (Lyrebird Link) which aims to link Cape Liptrap to the Strzelecki Ranges.
Native Vegetation Plan This project provides a strategic focus to the This year saw the completion of a 2.5 year Implementation Strategic implementation of Draft West Gippsland project which targeted Endangered Ecological Investment Native Vegetation Plan (NVP) and Vegetation Classes. Approximately 50% of the Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). Through Native Vegetation Plan Management action the employment of the West Gippsland targets have been achieved at June 2007. Biodiversity Officer this project provides the A report and regional seminar were held at means to coordinate the delivery of priority the completion of the project and key actions in the NVP and BAPs through a learnings from the program will form the variety of mechanisms and organisations. basis of future remnant protection activity. A preliminary review of the Native Vegetation Plan resulted in the drafting of a native vegetation knowledge needs paper. It is planned that this will provide the basis for a Native Vegetation Annual report next year. A Draft Native Seed Supply and revegetation
40 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
strategy was developed to provide regional direction to the seed supply and revegetation industry and will be completed by the end of the year. A local support and information sharing group was also established for seed supply workers. A CAMS guidelines document for on- ground projects was developed. Ten regional staff were also trained in the use of CAMS. This will enable better recording of project information. A public nomination and screening process for Phase 3B of the noxious weed review was completed. This resulted in thirteen plants being recommended for screening by DPI staff prior to categories being assigned.
Native Vegetation Plan This project protects, improves and extends Greening Australia continued a program of Implementation - Protect, native vegetation coverage across the targeting key locations in the landscape Enhance, Restore Gippsland Plains and Strzelecki Bioregions, which contain priority vegetation. 372 primarily by assisting the community with hectares of remnant vegetation was technical advice, training and incentives. protected with stock proof fencing and 51 It will use and refine methods already hectares of land was revegetated. This was developed to target, assess, plan, prioritise, complemented by a program of field days record and implement vegetation protection and workshops focussing on habitat and establishment. creation for important fauna or interesting groups of plants such as fungi or wildflowers. This has included 4 training events where 50 people were trained and 8 workshops or field days which attracted 161 participants.
Native Vegetation Management The purpose of this DSE project is to This program is internally funded through DSE in the Gippsland DSE Region increase the extent and condition of native and supports the regional Native Vegetation in 2006/2007 vegetation across the landscape by position. There have been no targets or developing strategic mechanisms and achievements associated with the program facilitating investment to increase the reported on to date. quality and quantity of native vegetation in the West Gippsland region.
Second Generation Landcare in This project will implement activities This project is a major partnership initiative West Gippsland designed to help deliver the Victorian between WGCMA and local Landcare Landcare Program within the WGCMA Networks. region, with particular emphasis managing the risk and threats posed by pest plants Commencing in January 2007 the project and animals to regional assets. Though this has already seen close to 27,000 hectares project will be delivered in an integrated of pest plant control across four Landcare fashion it will focus on six key areas of the Networks. Species addressed include region these being; South Gippsland; ragwort, blackberries and serrated Yarram; the upper Latrobe catchment; tussock. Maffra and district; central Latrobe and; Bass Coast. These clusters have been The project has run over 20 community selected based on the social networks events including field days and workshops and communities of interest. The project that has attracted close to 700 will focus on helping people manage land, participants. Such events are critical as by empowering and developing skills and they allow landholders to share technical knowledge of land managers and local knowledge and collective solve pest communities. The project will apply plant and animal issues that are not targeted, technically correct on-ground restricted to boundaries. works, with a particular emphasis on preventing the invasion and spread of pest The project also helps facilitate partnerships plant and animals. between Landcare and Local Government. This has resulted in the continuation of roadside weed control programs in Baw Baw and South Gippsland Shires as well as Latrobe, Bass Coast and Wellington Shires.
41 Atmosphere and Climate Summary of Highlights Summary of Asset The 2006/2007 year has presented many challenges for the The Atmosphere and Climate Program is driven by the People and Communities Program. The impact of drought following aspiration which emerged as part of the RCS and fires has had a profound impact on communities in the development: region as will the floods as we head into the 2007/2008 year.
Innovative clean industries adding value to our resources, During 2006/2007 key objectives included: reducing Australias contribution to greenhouse emissions • Maintain and increase efforts to achieve broader and climate change. It includes: community awareness and involvement in Natural 5● Rainfall Resource Management. ● Climate • Continue to build capacity of communities to help ● Air Quality protect and enhance asset classes. • Help communities develop a strong commitment to land Summary of Highlights and water stewardship within the region. No formal projects were funded in this asset class, however • Support for initiatives that facilitate the development of the WGCMA has completed an internal policy on climate Natural Resource Management partnerships. change and remains a partner in a range of climate change • Exploration of innovative approaches to community initiatives in the region, including the Regional Greenhouse capacity building. Alliance. • Increase efforts to improve our regional understanding of social capacity building. • Development of a regional community capacity building and engagement plan with specific short and People and Communities long-term targets. • Improved engagement with local government. Summary of Asset The People and Communities Program is driven by the Within this program support the majority of these objectives following aspiration which emerged as part of the Regional were met through RCIP projects: Catchment Strategy development: • WG0506.40.03 Supporting Landcare Networks in West Gippsland. Cohesive, liveable communities respecting cultural heritage • WG0506.40.15 West Gippsland Waterwatch Program both ancient and contemporary, supported by diverse and • WG0607.40.118 Waterwatch Schools Education resourced based enterprises, invigorated by visitors and new Development. residents, with strong networks of informed and skilled people • WG0607.40.119 West Gippsland Coast who care for our communities and nature. Action/Coastcare Program.
It includes: Some major achievements and milestones for • The region’s community centres 2006/2007 include: • Community based Environment Groups such at • The establishment of three new Landcare groups the region’s 71 Landcare groups, across the region. Coastcare Groups and Trust for Nature • The vital community support for many individuals during • Educational bodies such as Monash University, drought and fire. Churchill Campus and the Institute of Land and • The production of a Waterwatch Strategic Plan for Food Resources, Melbourne University McMillan 2007 - 20012. and Warragul campuses. • A highly successful Summer Activities Coastcare • The region’s heritage areas and locations such as program targeting holiday makers to the region where Jack Smith Lake, and Knob Reserve Port Albert, over 60 events were held attracting close to 3000 Long Jetty at Port Welshpool, Walhalla Historic participants. Area, Wonthaggi State Coal Mine. • Landcare groups manage 900 Ha of project work on public land during 2006/2007. • An annual review of the regions Landcare Support Strategy. • Supporting more than 20 regional people to the 2006 International Landcare Conference.
42 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Supporting Landcare This project provides support, training and Of note within the projects in the People & Networks in West Gippsland motivation for active and effective volunteer Communities Asset Class is the large NRM across the region by funding Landcare number of volunteers participating in Coordinators and Facilitators (CandFs). CandFs Landcare, Coastcare and Waterwatch play a vital role in helping Landcare groups within the region. There are currently close remain active contributors to regional NRM in to 80 community groups with an NRM ways that support the RCS. The work of focus supported through these projects Landcare is dependent on healthy and vibrant With a combined membership of almost groups that encourage widespread community 2200 families, more than 320,000 NRM on both public and private land that hectares of private land is being actively improves on farm sustainability while protecting managed for improved NRM outcomes and enhancing native biodiversity, improving (this represents over 30% of the regions water quality and promoting water conservation. private land an increase of 4% in the last Landcare groups are assisted by CandFs to 12 months). This volunteer support develop their own Local Landcare Group Action network is critical and underpins many of Plans that tackle regional as well as local the initiatives being delivered through priorities. They also play a pivotal role in other RCIP programs and projects. strengthening existing groups and growing Initiatives such as GippsLandcare and a the numbers of participants. In short this range of river health project require the project provides the essential professional support of a motivated and informed support to assist community volunteers community. The people and communities effectively delivering NRM outcomes across program nurtures and develops this the region. network enabling biophysical work to protect assets possible.
Some major achievements and milestones for 2006/2007 Landcare support include: ● The establishment of three new Landcare groups across the region.
● The important role community groups have played in supporting individuals during drought and fire.
● A move by Landcare groups to manage project on public land (900 hectares during 2006/2007).
West Gippsland Coast The coast is one of Victoria's significant A highly successful Summer Activities Action/Coastcare Program environmental and economic assets, but is Coastcare program targeting holiday subject to many threats. Governments alone makers to the region where over 60 cannot achieve adequate management and events were held attracting close to 3000 community volunteers make an important participants. contribution. This project will deliver key elements of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans and the Coast Action Strategy by assisting land managers and the community to achieve increased capacity for participation in coastal and marine area management . Focus will be on the engagement and capacity building of volunteers from over 30 coastal community groups. This will be matched with targetted on-ground work in priority areas as defined in the RCS, Foreshore and Parks' Management Plans and threatened species recovery plans. Works will protect significant elements of the coastal environment, biodiversity, cultural sites and other assets. To provide a conduit, employment of a CoastAction/Coastcare facilitator is required.
West Gippsland Waterwatch Waterwatch is a national community- based This year we had 87 community groups Program - Volunteer monitoring network that aims to encourage the monitoring water quality at 114 sites, for Monitoring & Waterways active participation of community groups and data collection purposes (does not include Education individuals in understanding and protecting our monitoring for educational purposes). rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and estuaries. Through Waterwatch, community volunteers There were 7911 participants involved in are able to monitor water quality and collectively educational activities through the schools
43 Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
build a picture of catchment health across the program, field days, and community events. region. Waterwatch runs a comprehensive school education and special events program 2 annual data reports were developed that aims to raise awareness of local waterway which report against SEPP objectives. issues and motivate and inspire communities to support regional environmental improvement. An external review was conducted for the program to inform strategic planning. The review focused on objectives- based outcomes and the internal management of 5 Waterwatch (WW). The results found that WW meets the majority of its formal objectives and that the program is consistently held in high regard by participants, end users and industry stakeholders.is required. Recommendations from the review have informed the development of a 5 year strategic plan (2007-2012) and an annual action plan (2007-08). Following on from this, a program logic and monitoring, evaluation and learning framework have been developed for the program to continue to track progress and demonstrate success. Other achievements include a review of the Waterwatch Data Confidence (DC) Plan. The results from this review will be used to improve the next version of the DC Plan. Program sponsors attended a presentation by the WW team which used the program logic to demonstrate how program activities achieve or contribute to regional NRM outcomes.
Waterwatch Schools Effective, relevant environmental education An evaluation of the use and success of the Education Development programs in schools are vital for teaching our Waterwatch resource Gippslands younger generation about the impacts being Environmental Education: Linking our placed on our catchments and the value of catchments and estuaries to the coast icons such as the Gippsland Lakes. The was conducted after its first year of previous stages of this project have achieved implementation in 200 of Gippsland's the successful development, introduction and schools. The results showed that teachers initial integration of a Gippsland focused were appreciative of the local content and environmental resource with a total catchment that knowledge change had occurred. approach which will empower learners to actively participate and be socially responsible A conference titled: Communities Caring for with sound values for a sustainable future. Catchments was held for teachers, This project will build on these achievements volunteers, general community, and data to provide follow-up support to schools which users. The aim of the event was to highlight have developed units of work around the how the community can be true scientists resource, including assistance with integrating and partners in regional catchment it into the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and partners in regional catchment Levels. An evaluation of the success of the first management through the Waterwatch year of use in Gippsland's 200 schools will be program. The conference was a huge carried out and a special event to showcase the success with one volunteer, Susan value and health of the Gippsland Lakes will be Collingbourne commenting The most conducted. important thing for me was knowing how vital our data is to managing our waterways when I found out, I felt really proud of the work Ive done.
A resource for teachers called “Implementing the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) made easier: Waterwatch and the new curriculumli was very well received and has helped to integrate aspects of NRM into levels 3,4,5, & 6 school curriculum.
44 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007
Production Summary of Asset Production is the foundation of the West Gippsland ecologically sustainable than it currently is. Whilst there economy. The Production program includes all those are only a small number of projects depicted in this projects that seek to protect and improve the region's program, it is expected that with further development of production asset class. Production is an asset class that the RCS and ongoing recruitment of investors, that the is a major contributor to the community and a significant links to other programs will be strengthened and user of natural resources. Production is an asset class formalised. that we aim to support in order to make it more
Project Proposed Outputs Achievements
Nutrient Reduction from This project is a combination of extension This project continues to build on the success Industrial and Commercial and compliance and builds on existing of previous investments. Of clear benefit to the areas (GL) programs and aims to reduce the effects Gippsland Lakes, this project has resulted in of commercial and industrial discharges an increased awareness and effort by to the receiving waterways and the industry to ensure offsite impacts are Gippsland Lakes. EPA will undertake minimised. surveys and inspections, and develop programs to raise awareness of the need During the year over 70 audits of industrial to achieve best waste management sites have been completed. practices at industrial/commercial premises.
45 GINRF Report Card The Gippsland Integrated Natural Resources Forum is a cooperative and strategic approach to natural resource management across the whole Gippsland region. The Forum has a membership of some sixty organisations including government departments, catchment Catch management authorities, municipal councils, rural and urban water authorities, universities, private industry, regional development bodies, 2007 community based groups (such as Landcare), and cross agency groups 5(such as Gippsland Research Coordination Group). An Executive is drawn from the broader Forum membership, with a chair who is independent from member organisations: Keith Hamilton. Macalister Irrigation D+★★★★ Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. ➜ Catchment condition reporting Thomson River D ★★★★ in the West Gippsland CMA Storage volumes have been the lowest on record. Bushfires have affected the catchment, both in the area burnt and by region is developed in producing significant in-stream sediment loads and debris. partnership with East Gippsland Latrobe River D ★★★ CMA and other regional Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. stakeholders as part of the Natural Resources Gippsland Integrated Natural Brown Coal Energy D ★★★★
Resources Forum. Report Card 2007 Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. The Natural Resources Report Card is produced each year, Non-irrigated Dairy Farming C ★★★
featuring a diverse range of Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. ● assets from the Gippsland region. Strzelecki Ranges C ★★★
The assets are rated both for Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. their environmental condition Coastal Living C ★★★
and for how well government, ➜ ●
industry and community are Urban Design Frameworks have been prepared for coastal responding to protect and settlements in Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires. enhance these assets Corner Inlet C ★★
(stewardship). The Report Card Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. links assets to the Regional ★★★★ Catchment Strategy by rating Wilson’s Promontory A for land, water, biodiversity and Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. air values, (resource condition) as well as considering planning, management actions &
monitoring, evaluation and Macalister Irrigation reporting (stewardship). Thomson River Latrobe River
Brown Coal Industry
Non-irrigated Dairy Farming
Strzelecki Ranges
Coastal Living
Corner Inlet
Wilson’s Promontory
46 Catchment Condition West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual5 Report 2006-2007 hment health, Gippsland’s wealth
C ★★★★ Alpine National Park ➜
Recovery of sensitive floristic communities from 2006/07 bush fires, following 2003 bush fires, could take at least a decade. Fire recovery programs continue to be implemented. ➜ D ★★★★ Mitchell River ➜ 2006/07 bush fires and the subsequent rain events have caused significant damage to land, water and biodiversity values. High turbidity ● has reduced the ability to extract potable water. Long term water yield could be significantly reduced. Key stakeholders have demonstrated increased partnership levels to address these impacts. ● ● C ★★★★ Snowy River ● Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. ● ● B ★★★★ Forests of East Gippsland
● Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained.
● B ★★★ Bataluk Cultural Trail
Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained.
● ● C+ ★★★★ Gippsland Lakes ● ● Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained.
● ● ● A ★★★ Coastal Parks of ● Far East Gippsland
Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. B ★★★ Ninety Mile Beach
Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained. F ★★ Latrobe Group Aquifer
Condition and Stewardship ratings maintained.
Alpine National Park Condition Rating Stewardship Rating Legend Mitchell River Vital signs of Gippsland’s Catchment Health Are we making a difference? Snowy River RED ★★★ Altered rating of assets Measure of land, water, biodiversity and air Measure of care and management of the natural asset by the Forests East Gippsland values of the natural asset and offsite impacts. entrusted government bodies, industry and the community. Bataluk Cultural Trail A Excellent No adverse offsite impacts. ***** Fully integrated Improves/protects asset condition. ★★★ Direction of altered rating ➜ Gippsland Lakes B Good Minimal offsite impacts. **** Mostly integrated Potential to improve/protect asset condition. Coastal Parks of C Reasonable Some offsite impacts. *** Some integration Impact on asset condition unclear. Far East Gippsland Gippsland Lakes catchment D Poor Several adverse offsite impacts. ** Little integration Danger of contributing to asset condition decline. Ninety Mile Beach F Degraded Extensive adverse offsite impacts. * No integration Contributing to decline in asset condition. Latrobe Group Aquifer Please refer to www.ginrf.org.au for comprehensive details. Please refer to www.ginrf.org.au for comprehensive details. Corner Inlet catchment
47 6 Section 6 Finances
48 CERTIFICATION
In accordance with a resolution of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, we the undersigned
(a) certify that in our opinion the accompanying financial report comprising Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, Statement of Changes in Equity and Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2007 and financial position of the Authority as at that date;
(b) are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the statements to be misleading or inaccurate at the date of signing; and
(c) state that, in our opinion, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act, 1994, applicable Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.
Signed at Traralgon on the 17th day of September 2007 on behalf of the Board.
Elizabeth Clay Chairperson West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
Geoff Hocking Chief Executive Officer West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
49 Operating Statement
For the Year Ended 30 June 2007 Notes 2007 2006 $ $ Revenue from Operating Activities Government Contributions 2(a) 14,165,743 13,872,620 Interest 673,647 560,666 Net Profit/(Loss) on Sale of Assets 2(b) 41,245 13,924 Other Income 2(c) 3,033,077 2,216,241
Total Revenue 17,913,712 16,663,451
Expenses from Operating Activities 6 Employee Entitlements (5,604,525) (5,270,550) Suppliers (12,586,381) (10,629,787) Depreciation 7 (586,185) (527,660) Amortisation 8 (230,278) (227,031) Decrement on Revaluation of Property, Plant & Equipment - (29,440)
Total Expenses 3 (19,007,369) (16,684,468)
Net result for the period (1,093,657) (21,017) The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
Balance Sheet
As at 30 June 2007 2007 2006 Notes $ $ Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 4 9,239,961 9,771,869 Receivables 5 531,797 825,615 Inventories 6 2,567 4,742 Total Current Assets 9,774,325 10,602,226
Non-Current Assets Property, Plant and Equipment 7 2,542,753 2,389,450 Intangibles 8 279,374 509,652 Total Non-Current Assets 2,822,127 2,899,102
TOTAL ASSETS 12,596,452 13,501,328
Current Liabilities Payables 9 588,164 533,934 Employee Benefits 10 798,971 623,226 Interest Bearing Liability 13 24,207 Total Current Liabilities 1,411,342 1,157,160
Non-Current Liabilities Employee Benefits 10 79,570 222,060 Interest Bearing Liability 13 77,090 Total Non-Current Liabilities 156,660 222,060
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,568,002 1,379,220
NET ASSETS 11,028,450 12,122,108
EQUITY Contributed Capital 11(a) 8,281,442 8,281,442 Reserves 11(c) 3,527,318 3,527,318 Accumulated Surpluses/(Deficits) 11(b) (780,310) 313,348
TOTAL EQUITY 11,028,450 12,122,108 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
50 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Statement of Changes in Equity
For the Year Ended 30 June 2007 Notes 2007 2006 $ $ Total equity at beginning of financial year 12,122,108 12,048,125
Revaluation Increment - 95,000 Net income recognised directly in equity 0 95,000
Net result for the year (1,093,657) (21,017) Total recognised income and expense for the year (1,093,657) (21,017)
Total equity at end of financial year 11,028,450 12,122,108
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
Cash Flow Statement
As at 30 June 2007 2007 2006 Notes $ $
Cash Flows from Operating Activities Government Contributions (Incl GST) 16,166,487 16,971,141 Interest received 674,988 555,340 Other Revenues 2,689,277 2,638,183 Payments to suppliers and employees (Incl GST) (19,465,712) (17,487,647) Net cash provided by/used in operating activities 12(b) 65,040 2,677,017
Cash Flows from Investing Activities Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment (1,229,674) (1,743,077) Proceeds from Sale of Assets 531,431 519,013 Net cash used in investing activities (698,243) (1,224,064)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities Finance Lease 101,296 -
Net increase/(decrease) in cash held (531,907) 1,452,953 Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 9,771,868 8,318,915 Cash and Cash Equivalents at the end of the financial year 12(a) 9,239,961 9,771,868
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
51 Note 1: Summary of Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Accounting General This financial report of West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is a general purpose financial report that consists of an Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and Notes accompanying these statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS), other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Ministerial Directions. 6This financial report has been prepared on an accrual and going concern basis. The financial report has also been prepared under the historical cost convention, except where specifically stated in note 1(c).
Accounting policies Unless otherwise stated, all accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the prior year. Where appropriate, comparative figures have been amended to accord with current presentation and disclosure made of material changes to comparatives.
Classification between current and non-current In the determination of whether an asset or liability is current or non-current, consideration is given to the time when each asset or liability is expected to be realised or paid. The asset or liability is classified as current if it is expected to be turned over within the next twelve months, being the Authority's operational cycle. Refer 1 (i) for a variation in relation to employee benefits.
Historical cost convention These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets, certain classes of property, plant and equipment and investment property.
Critical accounting estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the entity’s accounting policies.
(b) Revenue Recognition Revenue Revenue is brought to account when services have been provided.
Government Contributions Government contributions are recognised as revenue once obligations are met under the Service Level Agreement.
Interest Interest revenue is recognised as earned on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets. The increase in value of units held in the ANZ Cash Plus Investment account is not recognised until the units are fully redeemed.
(c) Recognition and Measurement of Assets Property, Plant & Equipment Property, plant and equipment represent non-current assets comprising land, buildings, works structures, plant, equipment and motor vehicles, used by the Authority in its operations. Items with a cost or value in excess of $1000 and a useful life of more than one year are recognised as an asset. All other assets acquired are expensed. Plant, equipment and vehicles are measured at cost.
Acquisition The purchase method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of assets (including business combinations), regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. Cost is measured as the fair value of the assets given or liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Where assets are constructed by the Authority, the cost at which they are recorded includes an appropriate share of fixed and variable overheads. Assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration by the Authority are recognised at fair value at the date of acquisition.
Repairs and maintenance Routine maintenance, repair costs and minor renewal costs are expensed as incurred. Where the repair relates to the replacement of a component of an asset and the cost exceeds the capitalisation threshold, the cost is capitalised and depreciated.
Impairment of Assets The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair value less costs to sell. Recoverable amount for assets held primarily to generate net cash inflows is measured at the higher of the present value of future cash flows expected to be obtained from the asset and fair value less costs to sell. It is deemed that, in the event of the loss of an asset, the future economic benefits arising from the use of the asset will be replaced unless a specific decision to the contrary has been made.
52 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Note 1: Summary of Accounting Policies cont.
An impairment loss on a revalued asset is recognised directly against any revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of asset to the extent that the impairment loss does not exceed the amount in the revaluation reserve for that same class of asset. A reversal of an impairment loss on a revalued asset is credited directly to equity under the heading revaluation reserve. However, to the extent that an impairment loss on the same class of asset was previously recognised in profit or loss, a reversal of that impairment loss is also recognised in profit or loss.
(d) Depreciation and Amortisation of Non-current Assets Property, plant & equipment are brought to account at cost, less where applicable, any accumulated depreciation or amortisation. The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the Members of the Board to ensure that it is not in excess of the recoverable amount of those assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the perceived value of expected benefits which will be received from the assets' employment and the proceeds from its subsequent disposal. The expected benefits have not been discounted to their present value in determining the recoverable amounts.
The depreciable amount of all property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight line basis over the useful lives of the assets to the Authority commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Depreciation rates are reviewed on an annual basis. The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are : Class of Property, Plant & Equipment Depreciation Rate Buildings 2.5% Straight Line Furniture and Equipment 10-25% Straight Line Plant and Equipment 5-33.33% Straight Line Works Structures 5% Straight Line Corporate Vehicles 20% Straight Line
(e) Revaluations Assets other than those that are carried at cost are revalued with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset does not differ materially from its fair value. This revaluation process occurs every 5 years. Revaluation increments or decrements arise from differences between an asset's depreciated cost or deemed cost and fair value. Revaluation increments are credited directly to equity in the revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent an incremen reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as expense in determining the net result, the increment is recognised as revenue in determining the net result. Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent that a credit balance exists in the revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of assets, they are debited to the revaluation reserve. Revaluation increases and revaluation decreases relating to individual assets within a class of property, plant and equipment are offset against one another within that class but are not offset in respect of assets in different classes. Land and Buildings were revalued as at 30th June, 2006 by Central Gippsland Valuation Service. The valuation was undertaken by Steven Bailey, Certified Practising Valuer determining the fair market value of the freehold interest with vacant possession.
(f) Cash and Cash Equivalent Assets For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts.
(g) Receivables Trade debtors are carried at amounts due. The collectability of debts is assessed at balance date and specific provision is made for doubtful debts. A provision is made for doubtful debts based on a review of all outstanding receivables at balance date. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are recognised.
(h) Payables Liabilities are recognised for amounts payable in the future for goods and services received, whether or not billed to the Authority.
(i) Employee Benefits (i) Employee Benefits Provision is made for the Authority's liability for employee entitlements arising from services rendered by employees to reporting date. Employee entitlements expected to be settled within one year, together with entitlements arising from wages and salaries, annual leave and long service leave, have been measured at their nominal amount. Other employees entitlements payable later than one year, such as long service leave and annual leave in excess of 6 weeks, have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those entitlements. In accordance with the Authority's Enterprise bargaining Agreement Long Service leave is recognised as a current liability after 7 years service.
(ii) Superannuation A liability or asset in respect of defined benefit superannuation is recognised in the provision for employee benefits, and is measured as the difference between the present value of employees' accrued benefits at the reporting date and the net market value of the superannuation plan's
53 Note 1: Summary of Accounting Policies cont.
assets at that date. The present value of accrued benefits is based on expected future payments which arise from membership of the plans to the reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using rates of national government bonds with terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. The amount charged to the operating statement in respect of superannuation represents the contributions made by the entity to the superannuation plan in respect to the current services of current entity staff. Superannuation contributions are made to the plans based on the relevant rules of each plan. (iii) Termination Benefits Liabilities for termination benefits are recognised when a detailed plan for the terminations has been developed and a valid expectation has been 6raised in those employees affected that the terminations will be carried out. The liabilities for termination benefits are recognised in other creditors unless the amount or timing of the payments is uncertain, in which case they are recognised as a provision. Liabilities for termination benefits expected to be settled within 12 months are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when they are settled. Amounts expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date are measured as the estimated cash outflows, discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. (iv) Employee Benefit On-Costs Employee benefit on-costs, including payroll tax and worker's compensation, are recognised and included in employee benefit liabilities and costs when the employee benefits to which they relate are recognised as liabilities. (j) Changes in Accounting Policy The accounting policies are consistent with those of the previous year, unless stated otherwise. (k) Good and Services Tax Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense. Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the balance sheet. Cash flows arising from operating activities are disclosed in the cash flow statement on a gross basis i.e. inclusive of GST. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable or payable to the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows. (l) Comparative amounts Where the presentation or classification of items in the financial report is amended, comparative amounts shall be reclassified unless reclassification is impracticable. (m) Leases Operating Leases Lease payments under operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred. Finance Leases Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Authority has substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the lease's inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in payables. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding. The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the operating statement of the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under a finance lease is depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term. (n) Inventories Inventories held for distribution are measured at the lower of cost and current replacement cost. (o) Intangibles Intangible assets represent identifiable non-monetary assets without physical substance. Intangible assets are recognised at cost. Costs incurred subsequent to initial acquisition are capitalised when it is expected that additional future economic benefit will flow to the Authority. A summary of policies applied to the Authority's intangible assets is as follows:
Development Costs Useful Lives Finite Method Used 3 - 10 years - straight line Internally generated/acquired Internally Generated Impairment test/Recoverable amount testing Amortisation method reviewed at each financial year end; Reviewed annually for indicators of impairment
54 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Note: 2 Revenue
For the Year Ended 30 June 2007 2007 2006 $ $ (a) Government Contributions State Government CW 401 Tackling Pests - 7,000 CW 403 Catchment Planning 1,422,951 1,419,900 CW 502 Water Asset Investment & Evaluation 1,461,176 679,000 CW 503 Sustainable Irrigation 623,839 340,000 CW 505 River Health 5,544,700 7,315,930 CW511 Improved Management of the States Water Reserve 65,000 175,000 CW512 Stormwater and Urban Water Conservation Fund 100,000 128,500 Recreational Fishing Grants Program 808,000 55,000 10,025,666 10,120,330 Commonwealth Government Natural Heritage Trust Co-ordinators & Facilitators 613,766 598,000 Priority Projects 3,094,234 2,774,450 National Landcare Program National Landcare Program 432,077 379,840 4,140,077 3,752,290
14,165,743 13,872,620 (b) Net Profit/(Loss) on Sale of Assets Proceeds from Sale of Assets 531,431 519,014 Less Written Down Value of Assets Sold (490,186) (505,090) Net Profit on Sale of Assets 41,245 13,924
(c) Other Revenues Partnership Contributions* 2,500,437 1,753,781 Miscellaneous 323,720 291,906 Accommodation Charges 6,000 12,000 Ancillary Trading 202,920 158,554 3,033,077 2,216,241 * Funds received from organisations as partners in major projects.
55 Note: 3 Expenses from Operating Activities
As at 30 June 2007 2007 2006 Note $ $ Employee Benefits Salaries and Wages 5,200,733 4,899,464 Superannuation 403,792 371,086 Suppliers 12,136,397 10,168,484 Auditors Remuneration Internal 25,358 51,600 6External 8,800 6,950 Rental Expenses – operating lease 412,989 400,453 Bad and Doubtful Debts 2,836 2,301 Depreciation 586,185 527,660 Amortisation 230,279 227,031 Decrement on Revaluation of Property, Plant & Equipment - 29,440 Total Expenses from Operating Activities 19,007,369 16,684,469
Note: 4 Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash at bank and on hand 9,239,961 9,771,869 9,239,961 9,771,869
Note: 5 Receivables
Other Debtors 381,247 689,332 Accrued Income 57,260 58,461 Prepaid Expenses 93,290 77,822 531,797 825,615
Note: 6 Inventories
Fuel 2,567 4,742 2,567 4,742
56 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Note: 7 Property, Plant & Equipment
For the Year Ended 30 June 2007 2007 2006 $ $ AT COST Corporate Vehicles 1,291,677 1,089,602 Accumulated Depreciation (230,089) (183,785) 1,061,588 905,817
Plant & Equipment 1,813,654 1,997,294 Accumulated Depreciation (1,177,999) (1,237,022) 635,655 760,272
Furniture & Equipment 678,202 664,500 Accumulated Depreciation (540,084) (472,256) 138,118 192,244
Works Structures 90,199 90,199 Accumulated Depreciation (13,592) (9,082) 76,607 81,117
Total At Cost 1,911,968 1,939,450
At Fair Value Freehold Land 165,000 165,000 Buildings 285,000 285,000 Accumulated Depreciation (7,163) - 277,837 285,000
Total At Fair Value 442,837 450,000
Leased Plant & Equipment Plant & Equipment 225,396 - Accumulated Amortisation (37,448) - Total Leased Plant & Equipment 187,948 -
Total Property, Plant & Equipment 2,542,753 2,389,450
Depreciation/Amortisation charge for the year Buildings 7,163 - Works Structures 4,510 4,510 Plant, Equipment, Furniture and Motor Vehicles 574,512 523,150 586,185 527,660
57 Movement in Assets Land Buildings Plant Work Total Equipment, Structures Furniture & Vehicles $ $ $ $ $ Opening Balance 1 July 2006 165,000 285,000 1,858,332 81,118 2,389,450 Additions - - 1,229,674 - 1,229,674 Disposals - - (490,186) - (490,186) Depreciation/Amortisation on 6leased equipment - (7,163) (574,512) (4,510) (586,185) Revaluation Increment/(Decrement) - - - - -
Closing Balance 30 June 2007 165,000 277,837 2,023,308 76,608 2,542,753
Movement in Assets Land Buildings Plant Work Total Equipment, Structures Furniture & Vehicles $ $ $ $ $ Opening Balance 1 July 2005 70,000 314,441 1,880,177 85,628 2,350,246 Additions - - 1,006,395 - 1,006,395 Disposals - - (505,090) - (505,090) Depreciation expense - - (523,150) (4,510) (527,660) Revaluation Increment/(Decrement) 95,000 (29,441) - - 65,559
Closing Balance 30 June 2006 165,000 285,000 1,858,332 81,118 2,389,450
Note: 8 Intangibles
Computer Software - Axapta 736,684 736,683 Amortisation (457,310) (227,031) 279,374 509,652
Movement in Intangibles
Opening Balance 1 July 509,652 - Additions - 736,683 Amortisation expense (230,278) (227,031) Closing Balance 30 June 279,374 509,652
Note: 9 Payables
Sundry Creditors 588,164 492,944 Underfunded Superannuation Liability - 40,991 588,164 533,935
Unfunded superannuation liability owing to Vision super was paid in full 2006-2007
58 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Note: 10 Empoyee Benefits
Current All Annual Leave, Time in Lieu and LSL entitlements representing 7+ years of continuous service (i) short term employee benefits, that fall due within 12 months after the end of the period measured at nominal value 774,227 591,942 (ii) Other long term employee benefits that do not fall due within 12 months after the end of the period measured at present value 24,744 31,284 Total Current 798,971 623,226
Non-Current LSL representing less than 7 years of continuous service measured at present value Long Service Leave 79,570 222,060 Total Non-Current 79,570 222,060
Aggregate employee entitlement liability 878,541 845,286
The number of employees at year end 101 87
Note: 11 Equity and Reserves
2007 2006 $ $ (a) Contributed Capital
Balance at beginning of reporting period 8,281,442 8,281,442
Balance at the reporting date 8,281,442 8,281,442
(b) Accumulated Surpluses/(Deficit) Balance at the beginning of the reporting period 313,348 334,365 Net (Deficit) for the year (1,093,657) (21,017)
Accumulated Surpluses/(Deficit) at the reporting date (780,309) 313,348
(c) Reserves Balance at beginning of reporting period 3,527,318 3,432,318 Revaluations - 95,000
Balance at the reporting date 3,527,318 3,527,318
59 Note: 12 Cash Flow Information
(a) Reconciliation of Cash Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the cash flow statement is reconciled to the related items in the balance sheet as follows:
Cash and Cash Equivalents 9,239,961 9,771,869 9,239,961 9,771,869
(b) Reconciliation of Net Result for the period to net cash flows from 6operating activities Net Result for the period (1,093,657) (21,017)
Non-cash flows in Net Profit/(Loss): Depreciation and Amortisation 816,464 754,691 Revaluation Decrement - 29,440 (Profit)/Loss on Sale of Assets (41,245) (13,924) (318,438) 749,190
Changes in Assets and Liabilities: (Increase) / Decrease in Receivables 293,818 2,267,494 (Increase) / Decrease in Inventories 2,175 20,177 Increase / (Decrease) in Payables 54,230 (530,530) Increase / (Decrease) in Provisions 33,255 170,685 Net Cash Flows from/used in Operating Activities 65,040 2,677,016
Note: 13 Interest Bearing Liability
(a) Finance Lease At 30 June, the Authority had the following lease commitments: Excavator Outstanding lease commitments are to be paid as follows: within one year 24,206 - one to five years 77,090 - 101,296 - (b) Operating Lease Commitments Non – cancellable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the financial statements. Payments due: Not later than one year 485,157 350,788 Later than one year but not later than 5 years 479,960 427,864 965,117 778,652
Note: 14 Capital Expenditure Commitments
There are no other capital or leasing commitments not already disclosed elsewhere in this report as at 30 June 2007.
60 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Note: 15 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
There are no contingent liabilities or contingent assets not already disclosed elsewhere in this report as at 30th June 2007.
Note: 16 Events Occuring After the Balance Sheet Date
There are no events subsequent to reporting date which are required to be disclosed.
Note: 17 Responsible Persons Related Disclosures
(a) Responsible Persons The names of persons who were responsible persons at any time during the financial year were: Persons Name Position Period Elizabeth Clay Chairperson 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Geoff Hocking Chief Executive Officer 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Susan Davies Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Mary Salce Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Joan Liley Deputy Chair 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Ken Lamb Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Noel Maud Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Des Sinnott Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Kevin Young Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Bill Harrington Board Member 01 Jul 2006 to 30 Jun 2007 Neville Penrose DSE 8 July 2006 to 7 October 2006 Angus Hume DPI 8 July 2006 to 7 October 2006
During the reporting period the responsible Minister for the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority was The Hon. John Thwaites, Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change (formerly the Minister for Environment) The Minister's remuneration is separately disclosed in the accounts of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
(b) Remuneration of Responsible Persons Total remuneration paid or payable to responsible persons of the Authority 291,013 279,237 291,013 279,237
The number of responsible persons of the Authority whose remuneration from the Authority was within the following bands area as follows: 2007 2006 Remuneration Bands No. No. $0 - $10,000 8 10 $10,000 - $20,000 1 1 $170,000 - $179,999 1 1
(c) Other Transactions
Loans: There were no loans in existence by the Authority to responsible persons or related parties at the date of this report.
Shares: There were no share transactions in existence by the Authority to responsible persons or related parties during the financial year.
61 Remuneration: There were no amounts paid by the Authority in connection with the retirement of responsible persons of the Authority during the financial year.
Mr Bill Harrington is a councillor with the Baw Baw Shire Council. During the year, the Authority from time to time had dealings with Council on normal commercial terms and conditions.
Noel Maud and Joan Liley are Board members with South Gippsland Regional Water Authority. During the year, the Authority from time to time had dealings with the Water Authority on normal commercial terms and conditions. 6Noel Maud is a Board member with Gippsland Coastal Board. During the year, the Authority from time to time had dealings with the Board on normal commercial terms and conditions.
Joan Liley is a Board member with Gippsland Ports. During the year, the Authority from time to time had dealings with Gippsland Ports on normal commercial terms and conditions.
Other than travel reimbursements there were no other transactions between the Authority and responsible persons and their related parties during the financial year.
(d) Executive officers' remuneration The number of executive officers, other than responsible persons, whose total remuneration falls within the specified bands above $100,000 are as follows Remuneration Band Total Remuneration Base Remuneration 2007 2006 2007 2006 Income Band $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 100,000 - 109,999 4 - 4 -
Note: 18 Superannuation
The Authority contributes in respect of its employees, to the following superannuation schemes: Superannuation Name Rate* Vision Defined Benefits Scheme 9% 20,773 19,325 Vision Super 9% 254,550 234,107 Government Superannuation Office 7.50% 6,673 6,494 Government Superannuation Office 9.70% 8,819 8,763 Government Superannuation Office 10.5% 6,151 3,924 Vic Super 9% 36,440 31,804 Private Schemes 9% 70,386 66,668 Total contributions to all funds 403,792 371,085
As at balance date there was an outstanding contribution of $432 payable to the above funds, and no balances repayable in respect of loans made to the Authority from any fund.
Note: 19 Economic Dependence
To deliver the goals as detailed in the Regional Catchment Strategy, the Authority continues to be dependent upon future funding commitments from both State and Federal Governments.
62 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
Note: 20 Financial Instruments
(a) Terms, Conditions and Accounting Policy The Authority’s account policies including the terms and condition of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument, both recognised and unrecognised at balance date are as follows:
Recognised Financial Notes Accounting Policies Terms and Conditions Instruments
(i) Financial Assets
Cash at Bank 4 Cash at bank is valued at face value. Interest is paid on the credit balance.
Short Term Deposits 4 Measured at cost. Invested at call and interest paid monthly
Receivables - Debtors 5 Debtors are carried at the nominal amounts. Credit is allowed for a 30 day term.
(ii) Financial Liabilities
Payables 9 Payables are recognised for future amounts to Settlement of creditors be paid in respect of goods and services received, is normally effected within whether or not billed to the Authority. a 30 day term
Interest Bearing 13 Recognised at principal in accordance with Interest charged in accordance Liabilities Lease Agreement with the Agreement
(b) Interest Rate Risk The Authority's exposure to interest rate risk, which is the risk that a financial instrument's value will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates and the effective weighted average interest rates on those financial assets and financial liabilities is as follows:
Recognised Financial Weighted Average Floating Interest Fixed Interest Non-Interest Bearing Instruments Effective Int. Rate Rate Rate 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 $ $ $ $ $ $ (i) Financial Assets
Cash at bank 3.86% - 6.67% 3.35% -6.11% 9,239,961 9,771,869 - - - -
Receivables - Debtors 0.0% - - - - 438,507 747,793
(ii) Financial Liabilities
Payables 13.4% 13.4% - - - 40,991 588,164 492,943
Interest Bearing Liability 10% 101,297
(c) Credit Risk The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets, net of any provisions for doubtful debts, as disclosed in the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements.
The Authority does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under financial instruments entered into by the Authority.
63 Note: 20 Financial Instruments cont.
(d) Net Fair Values The net fair values of assets and liabilities approximates their carrying value. No financial assets and financial liabilities are readily traded on organised markets in standardised form. Financial assets where the carrying amount exceeds net fair values have not been written down as the economic entity intends to hold these assets to maturity.
The aggregate net fair values and carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities are disclosed in the balance sheet and in the notes to and forming part of the financial statements.
6Fair Value The carrying amounts and fair values of interest bearing liabilities at balance date are:
2007 2006 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value $ $ $ $ Financial Assets Cash at bank 9,239,961 9,239,961 9,771,869 9,771,869 Receivables - Debtors 438,507 438,507 747,793 747,793 Total Financial Assets 9,678,468 9,678,468 10,519,662 10,519,662
Financial Liabilities Creditors and Accruals 588,164 588,164 492,943 492,943 Interest Bearing Liability 101,297 101,297 Total Financial Liabilities 588,164 588,164 492,943 492,943
Other than those classes of financial instruments denoted as "traded", none of the classes are readily traded on organised markets in standardised form. The fair values of financial instruments approximate the carrying amounts at balance date. Fair value is inclusive of costs which would be incurred on settlement of a liability.
Note: 21 Contributions Subject to Restrictions
The Authority receives funding relating to specific projects. Such funding is allocated to, and must be expended on those projects. The following table displays monies held and committed at the end of the year in respect to those projects.
Opening Amount Amount Closing Committed Uncommitted Funding Categories Balance Received Expensed Balance Funds Funds $$$$$$ Corporate Services 644,314 201,599 271,746 574,167 574,167 0 Water Program 1,601,288 5,834,645 3,985,020 3,450,913 3,450,913 0 Land Program 31,663 1,435,936 1,032,959 434,640 434,640 0 Biodiversity Program 475,191 591,860 526,190 540,861 540,861 0 People & Communities Program 700,512 981,698 693,680 988,530 988,530 0 Production Program 0 95,000 74,505 20,495 20,495 0 OTHER PARTIES FUNDING Administered Funds 226,393 461,146 329,876 357,664 357,664 0 Total of Funding Categories 3,679,361 9,601,885 6,913,976 6,367,270 6,367,270 0
64 Finances West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Annual6 Report 2006-2007
65 Hall
66 of fame Gavin Egan Ken Lamb Noel Morgan Russell Napper Adrian Rathjen Jackie Timms Kate Walsh Flynn Farm Discussion & Landcare Group
67 West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority HEAD OFFICE BRANCH OFFICE ALL CORRESPONDENCE EMAIL 16 Hotham Street Cnr. Young & Bair Streets P.O. Box 1374 [email protected] Traralgon 3844 Leongatha 3959 TRARALGON 3844 Telephone: 5175 7800 Telephone: 5662 4555 WEBSITE Facsimile: 5175 7899 Facsimile: 5662 5569 www.wgcma.vic.gov.au JuiceDesign&Marketing: 51749 113