GLENELG HOPKINS CMA
Annual Report
2019 2020 REPORT PROFILE: MANNER OF ESTABLISHMENT AND MINISTERS Glenelg Hopkins CMA is established under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. The responsible Ministers for the period from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 were the Hon. Lisa Neville MP, Minister for Water and the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change.
NATURE AND RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED Glenelg Hopkins CMA is responsible, with others, for natural resource management within the region. It takes an integrated, whole-of-catchment approach by combining strategic planning with co-ordination for management of natural resources. Glenelg Hopkins CMA is an important link between community and government, providing advice to the Australian and State Governments on environmental conditions, social & economic priorities and direction within the Glenelg Hopkins region.
OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES The Objectives, Functions, Powers and Duties of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA are largely contained within the following Acts: • Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994; • Water Act 1989; • Financial Management Act 1994; • Audit Act 1994; • Freedom of Information Act 1982; • Information Privacy Act 2000; and
The functions, powers and duties of Glenelg Hopkins CMA are identified in the Statement of Obligations (SOO) under section 19E(1) (a) of the Catchment & Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act).
The above Statement should be read in conjunction with the Statements of Obligations for CMAs issued under the Water Act 1989, which identify additional objectives, functions, powers and duties in waterway management, floodplain management and regional drainage conferred under Part 7 and Part 10.
The 2019-20 Annual Report of Glenelg Hopkins CMA is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.
Other Glenelg Hopkins CMA information is available from the Glenelg Hopkins CMA office and website: • Previous Annual Reports • Glenelg Hopkins CMA Corporate Plans • Regional Catchment Strategy
Glenelg Hopkins CMA 79 French St, Hamilton Vic 3300 Ph: 03 5571 2526 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ghcma.vic.gov.au © State of Victoria, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority 2020
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. Contents
YEAR IN REVIEW 4 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Acknowledgement CEO and Chairperson's Report 4 COMPLIANCE ATTESTATION STATEMENT 70 Glenelg Hopkins CMA proudly Glenelg Hopkins CMA Year in Review 6 acknowledges the Traditional Owners Media and Communications 7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 71 of Victoria and recognises their Five year summary - financial continuing connection to land, water performance at a glance 8 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL and community. Operational Performance 8 STATEMENTS 79 We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. OUR REGION 10 DISCLOSURE INDEX & We also recognise and acknowledge LEGISLATIONS 112 Glenelg Hopkins CMA at a glance 11 the contribution, interests and rights that Traditional Owners Our Region Our Community 12 GLOSSARY 114 and Aboriginal communities and Our Vision and Purpose 13 organisations have in land and water Strategic Objectives 14 ENDNOTES 115 management. Glenelg Hopkins CMA 15 We value the opportunity to continue COVID-19 IMAGE DISCLAIMER to build relationships and establish CONDITION AND Some of the images featured in this new partnerships for the health of MANAGEMENT REPORT document do not comply with physical people and Country. 2019-20 16 distancing, group numbers and face mask 1.0 Overview 16 requirements under COVID-19 restrictions. These images were taken prior to these 2.0 Implementing the Regional pandemic restrictions being enforced in Catchment Strategy 16 Victoria. 3.0 Condition Assessment and Management Report 20 4.0 Regional Actions and Achievements Reporting 54
OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS 60 Board Structure and Purpose 60 Audit & Risk Committee 62 Remuneration and Performance Committee 62 Organisational Structure 63 Workforce Data 64 People and Culture 65 Risk and Compliance 66 Disclosure of Grants and Transfer Payments 68 Environment Report 69
RIGHT: Knowledge sharing is one of many activities carried out by Aboriginal Rangers on Budj Bim Country and the Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). Waterway restoration, weed control and aquatic habitat enhancement are some of the other responsibilities of the Budj Bim Rangers in protecting the productive volcanic plains and basalt lava flows that sustained Gunditjmara people for several millennia.
3 Year in review
REPORT FROM THE CHAIRPERSON AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
On behalf of the Board of In February the CMA in partnership with The CMA continues to have strong Directors, management and the Grasslands Society of Southern partnerships with Traditional Owner staff, we are pleased to present Australia (GSSA) and MLA held the “Front groups across the region. A significant the 22nd Annual Report of the Foot Farming – Carbon Farming for the focus for the 2019-20 year has been Future” forum in Hamilton. Targeting a traditional burns with Wadawurrung Glenelg Hopkins Catchment cohort of proactive farmers, the one-day to improve and protect listed habitat Management Authority. conference addressed the latest science such as grasslands in the Victorian and market information relating to Volcanic Plains (VVP), and with Gunditj The 2019-20 financial year will be one carbon trading, carbon offsets, on farm Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal that will be remembered for a long time. emission management and emissions Corporation (TOAC) to improve habitat COVID-19 has changed our world and auditing. for listed species such as Red-tailed has also fundamentally changed how Black Cockatoos and Australasian the CMA operates and engages with A major highlight for the year was Bitterns. The CMA’s partnership with its community. attending the River Basin Management Gunditj Mirring TOAC has continued Society Awards in Melbourne and From March through to June, the CMA to support their management of the jointly receiving an award for the Merri quickly responded to the COVID-19 World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Alliance project for the Most Outstanding pandemic by closing its office to the Landscape via representation on the Waterway Management Project. public and working remotely from home. Budj Bim Council, and through on- This project has been a huge success This required bringing many of our ground projects including cultural and shows what can be achieved actions under the ICT Strategy forward to burning, cultural indicator trials, when organisations come together to enable staff to undertake their work from Aboriginal Water Assessments (AWAs), transform a river. The CMA was also home and to communicate effectively weed control, wetland restoration and thrilled to be a project partner and to with the rest of the organisation and species monitoring. The CMA has also see Nature Glenelg Trust receive the our stakeholders. collaborated with Traditional Owner Community Award for the Walkers groups including Eastern Maar Aboriginal Swamp Project. Despite this disruption, staff quickly Corporation and Barengi Gadjin Land adapted to the new way of working and Partnerships and engagement continue Council on the renewal of the Glenelg have still managed to complete many to be a strong focus of the CMA Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy projects on time and to budget. Despite enhanced through the completion and future investment proposals that the restrictions on direct engagement of a new ‘Communication Strategy. support their interest in land, water and with stakeholders and the community, This Strategy sets the direction for sea management. the CMA has been able to still engage communications over the next few with more than 4,689 people at events A highlight for the environmental water years with a focus on our website, social over the financial year, largely by program this year was the completion media, branding and other traditional transitioning to online forums. of the Warrock Fishway on the Glenelg means of engagement. This strategy River. A fish barrier near Warrock on dovetails with the recently developed In response to the impact of COVID-19 the Glenelg River stood as the last Partnership and Engagement Strategy. restrictions on engagement, the major impediment to fish movement Landcare Coordinator established an The CMA and Deakin University downstream of Rocklands Reservoir. online Landcare facilitator network consolidated their partnership through Removing this barrier has opened for the region. There have been very the development of a new MOU, which fish passage to an additional 170 km high levels of participation and positive will focus on further collaborations of the Glenelg River plus tributaries, feedback that has enabled stronger and cooperative projects that relate helping a range of endemic migratory networking, information sharing and to natural resource management and fish species such as Tupong, Short- peer collaboration as well as greater student education. This is in line with finned Eels, Lamprey and Estuary Perch. connection to key funding bodies. our CMA’s strategy to establish strong Benefits from the now well-structured partnership links across the region. environmental flows program continue to deliver significant benefits to much of the Glenelg River.
4 YEAR IN REVIEW
Recreational anglers continue to have Unfortunately, due to the impacts of a strong partnership with the CMA COVID-19, the state budget process was highlighted by the completion of a joint postponed to October-November 2020, socio-economic research project with so we will not know the outcome of the VRFish. The CMA continues to support next four years of funding until then. and sponsor recreational events for local Significant effort has been directed fishing clubs as well as state-wide events towards the development of the region’s such as the Victorian Bream Classic. fourth Regional Catchment Strategy This year the CMA also funded an since early 2020. The Glenelg Hopkins upgrade to Simson’s Landing near RCS is the key planning document for Nelson which is a key boating and integrated catchment management fishing asset. Immediate benefits saw across the catchment. Community and improved angler and community safety partners have been involved in helping when launching and retrieving boats. to define Local Areas that reflect the The new floating structure remains at a region’s social and biophysical systems constant height above the current water through workshops, on-line surveys and level, irrespective of whether the estuary one-on-one conversations. This has mouth is closed or open. included regional Agency staff, NGOs, Antony Ford Landcare facilitators, Traditional Owners, Chairperson There were notable staff milestones Local Government Authorities (LGAs) Glenelg Hopkins CMA during the year with two staff reaching and the CMA’s Community Advisory 30 June 2020 10 years of service, three staff reaching Group members. 15 years of service and Tania Parker being our first staff member to reach Further one-on-one engagement with 20 years of service. Their loyalty and Landcare groups, Traditional Owners commitment have resulted in significant and LGAs will continue to be a priority improvements in natural resource focus throughout 2020-21. management right across our region. Over the coming year, the CMA will In addition, 2019-20 saw a change in our continue to operate where it can under Board of Directors. Long term Directors new restrictions and will adjust to the Dr John Sherwood and Debbie Shea left changes that COVID-19 brings. We are the Board after 10 years of service, along committed to work with our stakeholders with Georgina Gubbins who departed to provide the support that is required after a four-year term. In October 2019 to help our community and economy the CMA welcomed Celia Tucker, recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Karrinjeet Singh-Mahil and Professor Gerry Quinn to our Board. They join the existing Directors Chris Giles, Damein Bell, Dr Michelle Casanova and Phil Saunders. Much of the year has been taken up developing project bids for the Victorian government’s Environmental Contribution (EC) process. EC funds the Adam Bester majority of the CMA’s waterway health Chief Executive Officer and statutory functions programs. Glenelg Hopkins CMA 30 June 2020
5 YEAR IN REVIEW
Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2019-2020 year in review
Total investment $10 million $4m FEDERAL GOVERNMENT $6m STATE GOVERNMENT
47 201HA 124 PARTNERSHIPS REVEGETATED MANAGEMENT ESTABLISHED AGREEMENTS
2,013HA 71KM WEEDS FENCING CONTROLLED
4,689 PEOPLE ENGAGED WITH AT EVENTS 36,677HA PEST ANIMAL CONTROL
6 YEAR IN REVIEW
Media & Communications
The CMA uses traditional and emerging media as key tools in delivering its messages and achievements to the wider community. By using a combination of media outlets, the CMA can successfully communicate with a broad audience and engage with community members potentially previously missed with traditional communication methods.
SOCIAL MEDIA ONLINE ENGAGEMENT FOR 2019-2020
748 posts 28,638 FOLLOWERS 389 posts reach of 1.529 million REACH: 1,862 FOLLOWERS 1.546 million 291 posts with 16,368 engagements
MOST POPULAR POSTS: Tuesday Tweets Weekly posts featuring bird images asking followers to identify the bird, followed by a reveal of the bird name, and species information.
Rainbow Bee Eater Eastern Spinebill Azure Kingfisher Red-necked Avocet Rainbow Bee Eater REACH: 91,691 REACH: 50,086 REACH: 48,719 REACH: 45,722 REACH: 44,072 ENGAGEMENT: 17,492 ENGAGEMENT: 8,934 ENGAGEMENT: 8,381 ENGAGEMENT: 7,114 ENGAGEMENT: 9,979
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FOR 2019-2020
33 1 32 MEDIA MEDIA AND RADIO RELEASES COMMUNICATIONS INTERVIEWS STRATEGY
7 YEAR IN REVIEW Five year summary - financial performance at a glance
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000) ($ ‘000)
Victorian Government contributions 6,082 12,205 9,078 6,677 6,847
Federal Government contributions 3,811 2,108 2,039 2,407 2,497
Other revenue 279 792 596 353 714
Total revenue 10,171 15,105 11,713 9,437 10,058
Total expenditure 12,349 14,323 10,750 9,953 9,000
Surplus/(deficit) for the year (2,203) 782 964 (483) 1,058
Financial assets 7,756 10,045 8,860 7,582 7,905
Non-Financial assets 1,117 698 1,011 1,091 1,147
Total assets 8,874 10,743 9,871 8,673 9,052
Liabilities 2,036 1,702 1,671 1,437 1,333
Net assets 6,838 9,041 8,200 7,236 7,719
CURRENT FINANCIAL Balance Sheet We have also introduced intangible assets related to the development of a REVIEW Net assets have decreased by $2.2 new internal accounting setup which has million over the year to $6.8 million, increased non-financial assets. Overview mainly due to the decrease in total In 2019-20, Glenelg Hopkins CMA assets of $1.9 million comprising Cash Flow achieved a net operating loss of $2.3 million of decreases in financial The overall cash deficit of $2.5 million $2.2 million, a $3.0 million variance assets, offset by an increase of $419k for the 2019-20 financial year was a net from 2018-19. Both total income and in non financial assets. Total liabilities decrease of $3.6 million compared to expenses from transactions have increased by $334k because of the the previous year. This decrease was decreased from the previous financial introduction of borrowings related to the result of a significant reduction in year, primarily due to revenue received leases of $319k and employee related receipts from government for 2019-20 in advance for the Treasury Advance provisions of $46k. delivery due to funds being received in program and carry over expenditure The introduction of accounting standard from both National Disaster Relief the previous period. AASB 16 (which related to the treatment Recovery Arrangement (NDRRA) and Net cash outflows from operating of leases) has lead to the introduction of Treasury Advance programs. activities was $2.4 million, a decrease borrowings in the balance sheet as well from 2018-19 due to a decrease in Both of these programs were as a result as the increase of non-financial assets. of the 2016 floods in the region. funding received from government and a drop of payments to suppliers.
Operational Performance
The following key performance Activities as identified in the 2020-21 in the Catchment Condition and indicators and targets are Glenelg Corporate Plan and Regional Catchment Management section and the Initiatives Hopkins CMA’s commitments to deliver Management Strategy Implementation. and key achievements. on legislative compliance requirements. Please note for a comprehensive The following table (page 9) lists key This includes the CALP Act Statement overview of future initiatives please performance indicators which measure of Obligations commenced on 1 July read our 2020-21 Corporate Plan and success in achieving the organisation’s 2007; and the Water Act Statement of Operational performance is provided objectives. Obligations commenced on 19 October against each RCS theme and is reported 2006 including Business Development
8 YEAR IN REVIEW
OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Performance Area Performance Target Comments
Business Management Submitted annually, a board performance Submitted electronically on 31 August 2019 to Hon. Lisa Neville & Governance assessment report according to any Minister for Water. guidelines issued.
A risk management strategy / plan approved The CMA has a risk management plan that is approved by the by the board and being implemented. Board and is being implemented. The Plan is updated annually and was last approved by the Board on 14 May 2020.
100% of the CMA’s policies and procedures 78% of Board policies have been reviewed in the last three years. reviewed every three financial years. 50% of Operational Procedures have been reviewed in the last three years (34 of 68 – all procedures not reviewed in the last three financial years are considered ‘under review’). GHCMA is currently undertaking an extensive audit of all policies and procedures.
Full compliance with all applicable Standing Fully compliant with all standing directions with the exception of Directions under the Financial Management one, of which is partially compliant, with no material Compliance Framework Checklist. non-compliance.
Regional planning and A Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) The Glenelg Hopkins RCS (2013-2019) was gazetted on 16 May coordination approved by the Minister. 2013. A new RCS is currently undergoing development and is due to be completed by 30 June 2021.
A stakeholder and community engagement The Glenelg Hopkins CMA Community Engagement and framework / plan approved by the Board. Partnership Strategy 2019-2024 was developed in 2019-20.
A Regional Landcare support plan approved The Glenelg Hopkins Regional Landcare Strategy was approved by by the Board. the Board on 14 December 2012, and expired at the end of 2018. It is intended that the updated Landcare Support Strategy will be incorporated into the next Regional Catchment Strategy update.
A Regional Waterways Strategy approved by The Glenelg Hopkins Waterway Strategy 2014-22 was approved the Minister. by the Minister in August 2014. In 2018-19, an Interim Review of this Strategy was completed with corrective actions incorporated into the RWS MERI Plan.
A Regional Floodplain Strategy approved by The Glenelg Hopkins Regional Floodplain Management Strategy the Board. was approved by the Board in December 2017 and was accepted by DELWP in April, 2018.
Regional delivery Progress with implementation of the RCS The Glenelg Hopkins CMA Board reviewed the implementation (and its major sub-strategies) is reviewed by of the RCS and major sub-strategies at its August 2019 Board the Board annually. Meeting.
Projects / activities to implement the RCS Projects to implement the RCS were delivered and reported are delivered and reported according to according to associated funding agreements. associated funding agreements.
Projects / activities to implement the regional Projects to implement the Regional Waterway Strategy and the waterways strategy and the regional Regional Floodplain Management Strategy have been delivered floodplain management strategy delivered and reported according to associated funding agreements and reported according to associated funding The Glenelg Hopkins Waterway Strategy is reviewed annually agreements. by the board. Thirty-One actions have been completed, 17 are in progress and 24 are yet to commence. All actions are to be completed over the life of the Strategy. The Regional Floodplain Management Strategy was completed in 2018. A review of priority actions was undertaken in 2020 in consultation with relevant agencies, 18 of 74 actions have been completed, 29 of 74 actions in progress, 27 actions yet to begin.
Statutory functions 90% of statutory requirements (permits, 86% of Flood Advice were responded to within the prescribed period. under Part 10 of the referrals, advice and licences) associated with 89% of Flood Referrals were responded to within the prescribed Water Act waterway and floodplain management are period. responded to within the prescribed period. 99% of Works on Waterways Licences were issued within the prescribed period. 33% of Works on Waterways Advice were issued within the prescribed period. 100% of Works on Waterways Referrals were responded to within the prescribed period.
Statutory functions 90% of statutory requirements (permits, 88% of irrigation management responses were issued within the under Part 11 of the referrals, advice and licences) associated prescribed response period. Water Act with irrigation management are responded to within the prescribed period. 9 THE Glenelg Hopkins CMA Region
THE GLENELG HOPKINS REGION LIES SOUTH OF THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE IN VICTORIA’S SOUTH WEST. The region is renowned for its scenic beauty, dramatic coastline and rich biodiversity. The boundaries of the region include marine and coastal waters out to the state limit of three nautical miles. The region is characterised by flat volcanic plains in the south, while the Grampians, Dundas Tablelands and Central Highlands are dominant in the north.
THE REGION HAS MORE THAN THE GLENELG HOPKINS CATCHMENT 7,600 WETLANDS, IS 26,000 COVERING HA SQUARE KILOMETERS OR FOUR PERCENT115,000 OF THE REGION’S AREA
WIMMERA CMA
Glenelg River Balmoral GRAMPIANS NORTH CENTRAL CMA NATIONAL PARK Ararat Beaufort Ballarat Casterton ALIA Coleraine R Dunkeld ST Lake Bolac AU Hamilton
SOUTH Penshurst
Hopkins River
Glen elg Ri BUDJ BIM ver Fitz roy Ri ver World Heritage Nelson Landscape Mortlake Hopkins Rive Glenelg Estuary Heywood Lake Condah and Discovery Bay CORANGAMITECMA Ramsar Site Surrey River yne River Terang Mo Discovery r Bay Koroit Portland er Meri Riv Portland Port Fairy Bay Warranambool
Middle Island Deen Maar
10 OUR REGION
Glenelg Hopkins CMA at a glance
COASTAL ZONE EQUATES TO AUSTRALIA’S MOST 50,463 HA EXTENSIVE VOLCANIC OF PARKS AND RESERVES PROVINCE
THE HIGHEST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION NATIONAL REGION IN VICTORIA 5 PARKS including Budj Bim World Heritage Landscape
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 80%OF LAND USED 1 FOR AGRICULTURE
ENDANGERED/CRITICALLY ENDANGERED RAMSAR 12 SPECIES LISTED SITES FAUNA 2 Species listed under 21 EPBC ACT
ENDANGERED 22% FLORA SPECIES VICTORIA’S WETLANDS 11
11 OUR REGION
Our Region Our Community EMPOWERING PEOPLE
This program (the Grampians Ark We’re lucky to have a strong This [cultural burning] is about fox control program) supports all partnership with Glenelg Hopkins putting fire spirit back and healing the other landcare work we have CMA and be involved with the work Country. We call fire Wiyn in our achieved. It helps protect the CMA does to undo some of the language and Wiyn Murrupp is our critters we are encouraging to live damage that’s been done to our fire spirit. For us putting fire back within our predominately farming Country historically. It’s important into our Country is really important. based ecosystem, through our that we get engaged and get … Hopefully we will see more of this revegetation, waterways and land resourced to be a part of that. in the future protection. The Beer, Bait and BBQ - Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring - Tammy Gilson, Wadawurrung event is a chance to be off farm, and Project Officer Traditional Owner socialising in a relaxed format, does not happen often, and we see the provision of this as a very important part of our Landcare work. The Panyyabyr Landcare Group greatly thank the Glenelg Hopkins CMA and in particular the Our Catchment Our Communities program and Steering Committee, for their support, encouragement and belief in the continuation of our long running fox control program.
- Lisa McIntyre, Panyyabyr Landcare facilitator regarding fox control
Leadership is not wielding authority – it is empowering people
12 OUR REGION
Vision and Purpose
The Glenelg Hopkins CMA seeks to align its Vision and Purpose to undertaking activities that will achieve these strategic outcomes. It does so utilising the framework outlined below:
VISION: Achieving a healthy and sustainable relationship between the natural environment and the community's use of land and water sources. VISION DOMAIN (SUCCESS COMPONENT OF THE VISION): There are sufficient people and resources committed to actively improving the health, DOMAIN protection and sustainability of the environment and natural resources. WHY OUTCOMES OUTCOMES: Climate change policy implementation, waterway & catchment health, water & sustainable agriculture, community engagement OUR PURPOSE & partnerships, resilient & liveable cities & towns, aboriginal cultural values & inclusion in the water sector, recreation values, floodplain management, environmental water, leadership diversity and culture and financial sustainability.
OUR PURPOSE: Improving relationships between the environment and the community to achieve wise use of regional natural resources in partnership with the government.
OUR APPROACH: Enabling, collaboration & inclusion, sustainability, OUR APPROACH learning & continuous improvement, health & well-being, leadership, VPS values and behaviours. HOW OUR STRATEGIES OUR STRATEGIES: Build capability & capacity, Effective & demonstrated delivery, attract investment, regional leadership, people and safety. Knowledge growth, breadth & depth of participation, partnerships, integration & coordination, broad base of resourcing, regional MERI & planning, adapting for climate change, staff & organisational development, considered risk taking, strong governance & business management.
OUTPUTS OUTPUTS: DELWP standard outputs, letter of expectation measures and business strategy performance indicators.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES: Programs & projects.
INPUTS An INPUT is the resources used to produce activity and output.
13 OUR REGION
Strategic Objectives
The strategic direction of Glenelg Hopkins CMA provides guidance for the organisation in establishing its main business undertaking and activities:
PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS FOR A HEALTHY CATCHMENT • Foster active partnerships to strengthen the region’s capacity in natural resource and waterway management • Strengthen structures and processes for community engagement in regional strategies and plans • Promote adaptation and knowledge-sharing to build stakeholder capacity and resilience.
INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT • Facilitate and coordinate the management of catchments in an integrated and sustainable manner • Target investment to enhance biodiversity, sustainable production and community resilience • Advise on natural asset condition trends to inform resource allocation and management actions.
EFFECTIVE WATERWAY AND FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT • Manage environmental water effectively • Provide efficient business processes for statutory functions • Provide regional leadership in floodplain management • Be a respected and accountable organisation.
RECRUIT AND SUSTAIN A PROFESSIONAL, PROACTIVE AND INNOVATIVE WORKFORCE • Deliver investment programs effectively and efficiently • Manage business risk conservatively • Optimise funding for NRM projects by minimising corporate overheads.
14 OUR REGION
RESILIENT AND LIVEABLE CITIES AND TOWNS Glenelg Hopkins CMA continues to support and promote this focus in our region through collaboration and partnerships with respect to river restoration along the Merri and Grange ABORIGINAL CULTURAL Burn rivers; activities in line with CLIMATE CHANGE Wannon Water; local governments VALUES AND and local communities This is a key focus for the next 5 years. ECONOMIC INCLUSION We have a commitment to mitigating risks and collaborating with agencies, Glenelg Hopkins CMA has been landowners and Traditional Owners working with Traditional Owners and through activities such as carbon Aboriginal Corporations for over 15 years, sequestration in soils and plantings, recognising and supporting important protection and improvement of cultural values in the water sector. The blue carbon habitats and increasing Glenelg Hopkins Aboriginal Partnership resilience of agricultural land Framework will be implemented over the next 5 years and partnerships with Traditional Owners will continue to be strengthened RECOGNISES RECREATIONAL VALUES Glenelg Hopkins CMA will work towards Glenelg delivering shared benefits along the COMMUNITY Glenelg River and engaging with the ENGAGEMENT AND Hopkins community to identify recreational PARTNERSHIPS opportunities along the region's CMA waterways and we will support Glenelg Hopkins CMA will build on this communities and agencies developing through the Catchment Partnership social and recreational outcomes for Agreement, Glenelg Hopkins Partnership well-being in line with the Victorian and Engagement Strategy and the next Government's Water for Victoria Regional Catchment Strategy. We will Strategy through the Regional also support, strengthen and collaborate Waterway Strategy for improved catchment management performance through Vic Catchments
WATERWAY AND CATCHMENT HEALTH This is a foundational responsibility of Glenelg Hopkins CMA. Our regional LEADERSHIP, priorities align strongly with the DIVERSITY Victorian Government's priorities. Through investment received, the CMA AND CULTURE SUSTAINABLE will continue to provide leadership to improve the health of waterways, Glenelg Hopkins CMA will continue to AGRICULTURE position itself over the next five years as catchments, biodiversity and coastal a provider of high-quality professional We will improve agricultural productivity and marine areas services, an employer of choice and an in line with the Glenelg Hopkins Soil example to the region in line with its Health Strategy by building strong Diversity and Inclusion Plan and community commitment to sustainable through the CMA's succession farm practices, through supporting planning strategy, GH EQUIP innovative practice and technology, and by implementing irrigation development guidelines in partnership with rural water corporations
15 Condition and management report 2019-20
1.0 OVERVIEW 2.0 Implementing the As of 30 June 2020, 87% of RCS Regional Catchment actions were assessed as completed, This Condition and Management Report Strategy 4% incomplete (some progress but not for 2019-20 fulfils Glenelg Hopkins achieved to original intent), 4% not yet CMA’s responsibilities under Section 19B The Glenelg Hopkins Regional started, and 5% abandoned. of the Catchment and Land Protection Catchment Strategy (2013-2019) is the Act 1994 to submit to the Minister and primary integrated strategic planning Table 1 (page 17) presents a summary of Victorian Catchment Management mechanism for the management of the key Glenelg Hopkins CMA programs Council: land, water and biodiversity resources and projects that were contributing to within the Glenelg Hopkins region, the achievement of RCS objectives and “A report on the condition and and is an important building block actions in 2019-20. management of land and water in improving the condition of these resources in its region and the carrying resources over time. It provides an out of its functions”. integrated framework for investing in and prioritising on-ground works and The report provides a summary NRM projects within the region and of regional management activities was developed using an asset-based undertaken during the reporting year approach. by the CMA, regional partners and local communities to improve the Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) condition of the region’s land, water and objectives (20-year time frame) and biodiversity resources. A snapshot of management measures (six-year outputs delivered by Glenelg Hopkins timeframe) were set at a regional level, CMA in 2019-20 in partnership with the for nine asset classes: community A report on the condition community is also presented. participation, rivers and floodplains, wetlands, estuaries, coasts, marine, and management of land The report provides a statement on terrestrial habitat, species populations and water resources in its condition at a catchment level, and and communities, and soil/land. a summary of issues and events Management measures (actions) were region and the carrying out that may impact on the longer-term set for achievement within the life of of its functions. condition of land and water resources the RCS. in the region. Condition information is presented in accordance with the A number of sub-strategies have headline indicator themes of community, been developed to support RCS waterways, biodiversity, land and coasts, implementation including the Glenelg as identified in the Framework for Hopkins Waterway Strategy (2014-22) Catchment Condition and Management and Soil Health Strategy (2014-19). Reporting in Victoria.i These sub-strategies play an important role in shaping regional works programs and supporting the implementation of RCS actions.
16 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 1: Key Glenelg Hopkins CMA programs and projects contributing to achievement of RCS objectives and actions in 2019-20
Number of 2019-20 Key programs/projects contributing to achievement of RCS RCS objective actions objectives and actions implemented
Objectives that relate to all or multiple asset themes
Objective 1.1: Protect and 2 of 2 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) improve the region’s • VWPIF Environmental Water Program waterways, wetlands and estuaries • VWPIF Ramsar Projects • Environmental Water: Technical Investigations, Works and Measures Program • VWPIF Our Catchments Our Communities • VWPIF Regional Riparian Action Plan (RRAP)– Landcare Grants • Landcare (Victorian Landcare Grants and Regional Landcare Coordination) • NLP Coastal Connections and Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Projects
Objective 1.2: Reduce the 1 of 3 • BOGA Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Weed Control impact of pest plants and • NLP Projects (Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms, Victorian Volcanic Plains animals on the region’s natural Recovery Project, Coastal Connections, Protecting the Hooded Plover) resources and agricultural industries • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) • BRP Pine Wildlings Project
Objective 1.3: Maximise 4 of 4 • VWPIF Our Catchments Our Communities biodiversity benefits of sequestering carbon in the landscape and minimise adverse effects
Objective 1.4: Protect and 2 of 2 • Partner led manage the visual character of the landscape
Community participation
Objective 2.1: Maintain and 6 of 6 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) enhance community capacity, • VWPIF Regional Riparian Action Plan (RRAP) - Landcare Grants awareness and involvement in natural resource management • VWPIF Our Catchments Our Communities within the region • VWPIF Environmental Water Community Engagement Project • VWPIF Regional Floodplain Management Strategy Implementation • Landcare (Victorian Landcare Grants and Regional Landcare Coordination) • NLP Core Services • NLP Projects (Sustainable Agriculture; Soils4Farms, Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project, Coastal Connections, Protecting the Hooded Plover) • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships
Objective 2.2: Facilitate a 3 of 3 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) collaborative approach to NRM • VWPIF RRAP - Landcare Grants • VWPIF Our Catchments Our Communities • VWPIF Environmental Water Program • VWPIF Twinning Program • Landcare (Victorian Landcare Grants and Regional Landcare Coordination) • NLP Core Services • NLP Projects (Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms, Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project, Coastal Connections, Protecting the Hooded Plover) • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships
Objective 2.3: Support land 1 of 1 • NLP Core Services managers in meeting their • NLP Projects (Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms, Victorian Volcanic Plains responsibilities as active Recovery Project) stewards of the Catchment’s • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships land, water and biodiversity
Objective 2.4: Support farmers 2 of 2 • VWPIF RRAP Landcare Grants to incorporate environmental • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) outcomes into their farm • Landcare (Victorian Landcare Grants and Regional Landcare Coordination) systems • NLP Projects (Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms, Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project, Coastal Connections, Protecting the Hooded Plover) • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships
Note: NLP = National Landcare Programme VWPIF = Victorian Water Program Investment Framework 17 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Number of 2019-20 Key programs/projects contributing to achievement of RCS RCS objective actions objectives and actions implemented
Rivers and Floodplains
Objective 3.1: Waterways 1 of 1 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg and Regional) classified as good or excellent • VWPIF Improving Flows in the Upper Glenelg in the Index of Stream Condition (ISC3) will remain as such in 2033
Objective 3.2: The condition of 1 of 1 • VWPIF Hopkins Works Program specified waterways currently • VWPIF Environmental Water Program classed as poor to moderate in the Index of Stream Condition (ISC3) is improved by 2033
Objective 3.3: Improve 2 of 2 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) river health in relation to • VWPIF Our Catchments Our Communities riparian extent, connectivity, hydrological regime and • VWPIF Environmental Water Program water quality • VWPIF Catchment Scale Sediment Monitoring
Objective 3.4: Increase 6 of 6 • VWPIF Statutory Water Functions (Floodplain and Waterway Management) provision of reliable flood • VWPIF Regional Floodplain Management Strategy Implementation information for settlements • Flood investigations
Objective 3.5: Improve river 2 of 2 • VWPIF Statutory Water Functions (Floodplain and Waterway Management) and floodplain management • Flood investigations
Wetlands
Objective 4.1: By 2033, improve 8 of 9 • VWPIF Our Catchments Our Communities the condition of wetlands, • VWPIF Environmental Water Program and maintain the diversity of wetland types (using IWC1 • NLP Projects (Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project and Coastal Connections) assessment for comparison) • VWPIF Ramsar Site Management and Monitoring • VWPIF Improving Flows in the Budj Bim Landscape
Estuaries
Objective 5.1: By 2033 improve 7 of 8 • VWPIF Coastal Works Program the condition of estuaries • VWPIF Glenelg River Estuary Flow Requirements across the region as compared with the 2018 IEC assessment • VWPIF Ramsar Projects • BOGA Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Weed Control
Coasts
Objective 6.1: By 2033 maintain 7 of 9 • NLP Coastal Connections and Hooded Plover Projects the condition of the coast • VWPIF Environmental Water Program and manage specific threats to improve condition where • VWPIF Coastal Works Program appropriate • BOGA Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Weed Control
Marine
Objective 7.1: By 2033 maintain 5 of 8 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) the condition of the marine • NLP Coastal Connections environment and manage specific catchment-based • Clean Oceans Initiative threats to improve condition where appropriate
18 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Number of 2019-20 Key programs/projects contributing to achievement of RCS RCS objective actions objectives and actions implemented
Terrestrial Habitat
Objective 8.1: Maintain extent 7 of 10 • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) and improve condition of • Landcare (Victorian Landcare Grants) terrestrial habitat • NLP Projects (Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project and Coastal Connections) • BOGA Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Weed Control • BRP Pine Wildlings Project
Objective 8.2: Improve 4 of 4 • NLP Projects (Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project and Coastal Connections) connectivity of habitat for • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) species populations and communities • Landcare (Victorian Landcare Grants, Regional Landcare Coordination and RRAP Grants)
Objective 8.3: Public land 3 of 3 • NLP Coastal Connections is managed as the core of • VWPIF Ramsar Projects resilient ecosystems • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional)
Threatened Species and Communities
Objective 9.1: Improve the 10 of 11 • VWPIF Environmental Water Program health of key populations • NLP Projects (Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project, Coastal Connections, of threatened species and Protecting the Hooded Plover) communities • Glenelg Ark, Glenelg Eden and Grampians Ark projects (partner led) • VWPIF Works Programs (Glenelg, Hopkins, Coastal and Regional) • BRP Pine Wildlings Project
Soil and Land
Objective 10.1: An improvement 2 of 2 • NLP Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms Project in soil condition as measured • NLP Core Services – Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator by key indicators by 2033 • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships
Objective 10.2: An increase 9 of 10 • NLP Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms projects in the area of soils managed • NLP Core Services - Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator within their capability • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships
Objective 10.3: By 2033 reduce 2 of 2 • NLP Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms Project the impact of soil-based • NLP Core Services - Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator threats, including salinity and erosion, on waterways and • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships wetlands as measured by improved ISC and IWC scores (turbidity and EC)
Objective 10.4: By 2033 soils 1 of 1 • NLP Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms Project are managed for protection and • NLP Core Services - Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator enhancement of the beneficial ecosystem services provided • NLP Smart Farming Partnerships by soils
Note: NLP = National Landcare Program, VWPIF = Victorian Water Program Investment Framework 1. A number of RCS actions are designed to be implemented over the life of the strategy. This column refers to the number of actions that were scheduled to occur in 2016-17, that were assessed as being implemented to the level intended.
Implementation of the RCS has been supported through several funding sources, including the Australian Government’s NLP2 Regional Land Partnerships Program (NLP) and the Victorian Government’s Victorian Water Program Investment Framework, the CMA’s two main sources of project funding for 2019-20.
19 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
3.0 Condition Assessment Glenelg Hopkins CMA strategies and Annual catchment condition and Management Report initiatives are designed to support assessments are based on available integrated catchment management. science and expert advice as well as This section of the report includes an As a result, programs and projects may evidence gained during the reporting assessment of catchment condition contribute to RCS objectives and actions period, and are based on the criteria across the headline indicator themes associated with more than one RCS detailed in Table 2 (below). A positive of community, waterways, biodiversity, asset class. In these instances, initiatives assessment indicates a level of optimism land and coasts, and a report on have been outlined under the headline about future direction; a concerned or progress and actions towards RCS indicator theme that relates most closely highly concerned assessment indicates implementation. It includes an overview to the management activities being a more pessimistic view of the direction of regional initiatives undertaken undertaken. of environmental change. towards implementing RCS objectives and actions in 2019-20, and a summary of key project achievements for 2019-20.
Table 2: Assessment criteria for annual condition reporting Assessment Criteria
Positive An optimistic future with evidence that events during the year will have a positive impact on the longer term. A largely neutral state, where events during the year may have been significant but are within Neutral expected variation and will have little impact in the longer term.
Concerned A level of concern that significant events during the year may have an adverse impact in the longer term.
Highly concerned A high level of concern that significant events during the year are likely to have an adverse impact in the longer term.
Details for each catchment indicator theme are presented separately in this report. An overall summary is provided in Table 3 (below).
Table 3: Summary of catchment condition assessment
Headline 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Key Indicator Assessment Assessment Assessment Evidence Theme
Waterways Concerned Concerned Concerned • Climate change represents a significant, long term threat to the function and biota of waterways and wetlands, medium term trends in declining average annual rainfall are continuing. • Observations of wetlands being lost via conversion to cropping and drainage have been noted. • Water quality in the Glenelg is continuing to decline.
Biodiversity Neutral Neutral Concerned • The CMA has identified several instances of known high value wetlands and grasslands being modified via changes to agricultural practices. • The area impacted by the 19/20 summer bushfires is still in a recovery phase. • Native vegetation cover across most of the catchment is below the minimum threshold for sustaining ecological function. • Significant parts of the catchment are highly modified, with low levels of remnancy and are considered to be in poor condition for biodiversity • Climate change represents a significant threat to remaining biodiversity, medium term trends in declining average annual rainfall are continuing.
Land Neutral Neutral Neutral • Percentage of exposed soil in 2019 below 10%, reducing risk of water and wind erosion • No major erosion events reported on farmland • Significant long-term challenges remain in managing the impact of land use on waterway health and managing soil health at the farm scale.
20 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 3: Summary of catchment condition assessment (continued)
Headline 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Key Indicator Assessment Assessment Assessment Evidence Theme
Coasts Concerned Concerned Concerned • The coastal environment remains subject to high demand for development and for recreational use and very little of the area is protected. • Some recreational uses of beaches and dunes such as horse riding and dog walking threaten vulnerable breeding populations of endangered and migratory species. • Estuaries and wetlands are important and complex coastal ecosystems that are subject to high human usage, artificial opening regimes, changed nutrient and sediment conditions (due to river flows) and are vulnerable to reduced flow driven by declining rainfall. • Sea-level rise is anticipated to continue to erode beaches and dunes, which will reduce the area of protected coast, impact estuaries and coastal wetlands and put further pressure on coast-dependent species.
Community Neutral Neutral Neutral • Community participation rates in CMA NRM partnership projects have remained relatively steady.
COMMUNITY Community Benchmark – International volunteer teams as well Community Participation Rates as weekend trips for specific projects, Condition Statement and Landcare Group Health operated for the first six months of the Survey Results financial year. The community headline indicator theme reports on community Current levels of community From late March all volunteer programs participation in natural resource participation for a range of activities were suspended due to COVID-19, management (NRM). are outlined in Table 4 (below). This which dramatically reduced the annual table also makes a comparison to rates project days and volunteer hours. Regional Context of participation recorded for 2018-19. Participation was lower than 2018-19 The Glenelg Hopkins community in most categories, when compared and landholders play an integral role to 2018-19. This was mostly due to the in the delivery of NRM actions and impacts of COVID-19. in maintaining and improving the condition of the region’s land, water Conservation Volunteers Australia and biodiversity resources. There is a through its South West Victoria office strong community and land manager delivered a total of 266 project days commitment to improve natural resource and 7,756 volunteer hours over outcomes across the region. This is the 2019-20 year. A summary of evident with the uptake for Landcare Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) grants, the CMA’s partnership projects projects is provided in Table 5 (page 22). and participation at community forums and field days over the last decade. Table 4: Current level of community participation
Traditional Owner groups and Participation Participation Activity Indigenous communities play a central in 2018-19* in 2019-20* role in regional land management. Contributing to on-ground works 159 management 126 management For example, Budj Bim National Park (CMA partnership activities) agreements agreements is cooperatively managed by Parks Attending skills and training events Victoria and Gunditjmara Traditional 990 people 283 people (CMA partnership activities) Owners through the Budj Bim Council. The Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Taking part in awareness raising activities 4,114 people 2,947 people Aboriginal Corporation also manages (CMA partnership activities) significant parcels of land of high Working as collaborators in planning and environmental, historical and cultural decision making 1,137 people 1,411 people value, which form part of the UNESCO (CMA partnership activities) World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. Note: *The same person may have attended one or more events.
21 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 5: CVA projects for 2019-20
Total Total Total Project Project Key Project Volunteers Volunteer Location Partners Outcomes Days Days Hours
Mapped, pulled out, lopped or stem Pine wilding in Glenelg Hopkins CMA, injected pine wildings in various state 101 557 3,899 South West Victoria DELWP parks and reserves.
Clean up days as well as selective Tyrendarra catchment weed control to prevent the planting and establishment of spiny rush, selective Glenelg Hopkins CMA 14 71 119 environmental weed weed control in fenced reserves control and further diversification and enhancement planting.
Greenline Koroit, Selective environmental weed control St Helens, Pretty Hill, Basalt to Bay Landcare in a range of bushland and road Riverside Rd and Network Inc, and Local reserves, farm shelter belt plantings 52 229 1,603 various shelterbelts and Farmers and revegetation projects with revegetation projects various local farmers.
Selective intervention and control on Discovery Bay Glenelg Hopkins CMA, range of emergent environmental Environmental 15 19 133 Parks Victoria weeds in the Discovery Bay Coastal Weed Control Park and Mt Richmond areas.
Portland Cliffs, and Bushland reserves, Conducted community planting days Southwest Point Danger and provided selective weed control 25 84 588 Environmental Alliance Environmental to assist local community groups. weed control
Weed control in revegetation and Environmental weed Southern Grampians wetland areas on the Grange Burn control Grange Burn, Shire Council and local 14 47 329 and environmental weed control at Wannon Falls community groups the Wannon Falls Reserve.
Revegetation maintenance as well Merri River Habitat Glenelg Hopkins CMA as the collection of timber and 1 5 35 Restoration construction of Fish Hotels.
Environmental Weed Selective environmental weed control control in the Moyne Shire Council 13 58 406 on selected road reserves. Moyne Shire
Department of the Warrnambool Bushfire Environment and Construction of nesting boxes for 2 35 140 recovery workshop Energy, Warrnambool placement into fire affected areas Mens Shed
Selective intervention and control on Glenelg Eden Project DELWP a range of emergent environmental 29 72 504 weeds in the Glenelg region.
Totals 266 1,177 7,756
The Glenelg Hopkins region has 108 Landcare Groups. Of these groups, 58 were assessed as active and 50 in recess. These figures have remained relatively constant over the past three years. The region is home to a further 49 Community Based Natural Resource Management groups and five Landcare networks.
22 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Annual community indicator theme assessment 2019-20
Annual Rating Key Evidence Assessment
Neutral A largely neutral state, where events during the • Community participation rates in CMA NRM partnership projects year may have been significant but are within have remained relatively steady. expected variation and will have little impact in the longer term.
MANAGEMENT REPORT Local Government • The delivery of an extension program by Agriculture Victoria to promote In 2019-20 Glenelg Hopkins CMA Working with community, individuals and sustainable land and wetland continued its CEO engagement program organisations is central to how Glenelg management practices across the with local government discussing core Hopkins CMA operates. We engage greater Grampians region to over responsibilities, providing briefings on to build capacity, support partnerships 80 landholders and farm managers, activities of significance and pursuing and ensure ownership of integrated including stock containment field opportunities for collaboration, including catchment management in the region. days and digital technology webinars. This includes developing regional plans the renewal of the Glenelg Hopkins and strategies, supporting the significant Regional Catchment Strategy. • Panyyabyr and Mirranatwa Landcare groups implementing fox baiting efforts of Landcare and community Glenelg Hopkins CMA is partnering across 36,800 ha of private land in networks and groups, and bringing with Pyrenees Shire on the Raglan the Victoria Valley to complement together diverse partners to develop Flood Investigation with the intention the ‘Grampians Ark’ baiting program and deliver on-ground programs. of moving toward a Planning scheme carried out across Gariwerd amendment, as well as Southern The following section provides a (Grampians National Park). snapshot of key programs and projects Grampians Shire on a flood related that were undertaken in 2019-20 planning scheme amendment for • A ‘Celebrating Wetlands’ to support and improve community Coleraine and Hamilton. The CMA photographic competition held participation in NRM. continues to work with Warrnambool across the region from September City Council on the Merri River Alliance 2019 to March 2020, with 46 entries Key initiatives and through the CMA works crew, received. Winning entries are and achievements regularly assists in activities such as currently displayed in the Lake Bolac fencing, spraying and weed removal for Information Centre. Glenelg Hopkins Community local government authorities. • The development and Advisory Group implementation of the CMA's Our Catchments, Our Communities The Glenelg Hopkins Community Community Engagement and Advisory Group is one of the vehicles The Glenelg Hopkins region 4-year Partnerships Strategy (2019-2024). by which the CMA engages with the Our Catchments, Our Communities • Maintaining 7 agreements with key community in the development and (OCOC) Project contributes to a series regional partners including those adaptive management of the Regional of actions in the Our Catchments, with Wannon Water and Gunditj Catchment Strategy, sub-strategies and Our Communities Strategy to reaffirm Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal action plans. Members of the Advisory regionally focused and community Corporation, and developing a new Group bring community perception based approaches to catchment Memorandum of Understanding with and local knowledge in specific natural management, investment planning and Deakin University. resource management matters, that on-ground project delivery. contribute to and inform the CMA’s Key highlights/activities undertaken in strategic program. 2019-20 include:
In 2019-20 the Community Advisory • Nature Glenelg Trust winning Group participated in workshops the biannual national River Basin contributing to the development of the Management Society award for CMA’s Communication Strategy and ‘Involving Community in Waterway Regional Catchment Strategy renewal Management’ in October 2019, process; informed the next round of for their on-going commitment waterway health investment; received to community involvement in the briefings from Local Government restoration of Walker Swamp over the Authorities and CMA staff on coastal past three years. stability, risk management and sea level rise; and joined Uncle Robbie Lowe and • The continued improvement of Dr John Sherwood on a tour of Moyjil, 374 ha of wetlands across private a significant Indigenous cultural site in land through the Landholder Warrnambool. Incentives Program in the Greater Grampians region with 8 landholders.
23 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Twinning Project 2 radio interviews, 25 Facebook The RLC assists the State funded Local posts, 7 videos, flow notifications, Landcare Facilitators with advice and The Waterway Management Twinning advertisements and posters. training opportunities. Program is a structured mentoring Environmental water team members program, focussing on improving the on- The RLC also manages the Victorian also organised or supported nine ground delivery of Victorian waterway Landcare Grants (VLG) Program at a community events including Harrow’s restoration projects. It is delivered regional level. The devolved grants March long weekend celebrations, the collaboratively by Glenelg Hopkins CMA program is funded by the Victorian Casterton Red Gum Shield annual carp and the Australian River Restoration Government and has supported groups fishing competition and the Winda-Mara Centre (ARRC). The program provides to undertake a range of activities that school holiday program. an opportunity for sharing and adoption include on-ground works, awareness- of effective approaches in waterway The inaugural four-year Glenelg raising events and production of management between all those working Environmental Water Communications publications. in waterway management across Strategy concluded with the 2019-20 Funded Landcare groups have 18 the State. financial year. A key achievement months to complete VLG activities. in early 2020 has been the review Eight mentor/mentee partnership Projects funded through the 2018-19 and renewal of this strategy and participated in the 2019 program program are delivered in the 2019-20 development of the 2020-2024 and came from a diverse range of year. An overview of the Victorian Glenelg Environmental Communications organisations including six CMAs, two Landcare Grants Projects completed Strategy. The review process, consultancy companies, DELWP and through the 2018-19 program is provided undertaken by branding and the Victorian Catchment Management in Figure 1 (page 25). On-ground works communication consultants Cúpla, Council. Projects delivered by each focussed on protecting priority wetlands, included an online survey of community partnership ranged from supplementing riparian areas and terrestrial vegetation, members and key audiences. It found instream habitat and streamside as identified through state and regional that the communications approach vegetation to recycled water. priorities. undertaken by Glenelg Hopkins The 2020 Program had its first through 2016-20 had produced an Each year, the impact of VLG activities workshop in Warrnambool with seven informed community base with a strong is enhanced through both the additional mentor/mentee partnerships. Eleven understanding of issues relating to funding leveraged by Landcare groups different organisations are participating environmental water management and and the enormous in-kind contribution of this year including a mentor from the its outcomes. the region’s Landcare volunteers. Monash Sustainability Institute. 2020 “Stakeholders are motivated by the idea Key achievements for VLG projects projects range from cultural outcomes of environmental water being used to completed in 2019-20 through the through environmental watering to improve the health, sustainability and 2018-19 program included: citizen science in schools. The 2020 resilience of waterways primarily for the mentoring program has had to adapt • fencing - over 24.8 km; benefit of native ecology, biodiversity to COVID-19 requirements, with and the wellbeing of native plants and • revegetation - 100 ha; workshops held online. As part of this animals.” (Cúpla 2020) year’s program, two Twinning Alumni • trees planted - over 21,000; are shadowing the facilitator to learn The new strategy outlines objectives, • 11 workshops and field days; and how to run a mentoring program. Two priority audiences and communication scholarships have also been provided and engagement tactics to grow the • Landholder in-kind contributions - for an Aboriginal mentee and a informed base over the next four-years $287,800 Landcare mentee in 2020. while motivating more individuals to become actively involved in the process Regional Riparian Action Plan Environmental Water and advocating for environmental water. Landcare Grants Communications As part of the Regional Riparian Action Supporting Landcare Environmental water reserve officers in Plan, Landcare grants were provided 2019-20 continued to build awareness Regional Landcare Coordinator and to three groups in the region Bunnugal and acceptance of environmental Victorian Landcare Grants Landcare Group, Culla Pigeon Ponds watering and its ecological objectives Land Management Group and Making The Victorian Government supports amongst priority audiences as a Difference for the Merri. These grants the region’s Landcare and community- guided by the Environmental Water support groups to undertake on-ground based natural resource management Communications Strategy (2016- riparian works in priority areas (e.g. groups by funding a Regional Landcare 2020). Importantly, communication fencing, revegetation and vegetation Coordinator (RLC) in Glenelg Hopkins around the benefits of regulated flows enhancement, weed management). CMA. The RLC assists Landcare groups has also outlined synergies between with training, preparation of funding environmental achievements and applications and provision of relevant social, economic and cultural outcomes resources; and assists in building to boost community support for flow community knowledge of regional management. Information has been and state NRM plans, priorities and provided through 5 media releases programs. resulting in numerous published articles,
24 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Figure 1: Overview of Victorian Landcare Grants Projects completed in 2018-19
Glenelg River Cultural Flows Project Group in South Australia and Glenelg In 2019-20 project staff travelled to Hopkins CMA are working to Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung In collaboration, Gunditj Mirring understand and document Aboriginal Country to exchange knowledge with Traditional Owners Aboriginal cultural values, uses and interests in the those Traditional Owners on their Corporation (TOAC), Barengi Gadjin Glenelg River system. These values will cultural flows and Aboriginal water Land Council (BGLC) and Burrandies inform a Cultural Flows plan through projects. Although COVID-19 restrictions Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) on behalf which the Glenelg River can be looked prevented on-Country gatherings the of the South East Aboriginal Focus after according to Aboriginal cultural project team initiated a program of values in combination with scientific and ‘virtual visits’ to important places on the ecological knowledge. river, through which cultural knowledge and values could be shared by elders and accessed by Traditional Owners and other stakeholders via online ‘virtual tours’.
The Glenelg River, known as Bochara in Dhawuard Wurrung, Pawur in Bunganditj and Bogara in Wergaia-Jadawadjali languages, is a significant feature in the cultural landscape of south-west Victoria, for Wotjabaluk in the north, Gunditjmara in the south and Boandik in the west. The river features in creation stories from the region. Bochara-Bugara-Pawur continues to be an important place for Traditional Owners, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years, using the rich resources available along the river and associated habitats.
25 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Budj Bim Cultural Indicators Trial connection with the environment the Glenelg River Cultural Flows Project. – Stage 2 through activities that re-establish BAC is based in Mount Gambier (SA), urban bush land, areas of Indigenous and represents Boandik people who are Glenelg Hopkins CMA Flagship significance and the health of urban connected to the south western parts of Waterway Project, Budj Bim waterways. In 2019-20, engagement and the Glenelg River. Connections, works with landholders participation in project delivery involved and Gunditj Mirring TOAC to improve Another key focus has been delivery of approximately 2,814 people. the ecological condition of waterways the Glenelg Hopkins CMA Aboriginal across the Budj Bim landscape and Partnership Framework (2017-2027). Indigenous Partnerships provide opportunities for Aboriginal The purpose of the Framework is to people to share knowledge and Glenelg Hopkins CMA works with five support the full, effective and equitable participate in waterway management. Traditional Owner Groups across south- participation of Traditional Owners In stage 1 of this project, Gunditjmara west Victoria - Gunditj Mirring Traditional and Aboriginal communities in natural Traditional Owners trialled Aboriginal Owners Aboriginal Corporation (TOAC), resource management design and Waterways Assessments (AWA) for Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, delivery. assessing Aboriginal cultural values of Wadawurrung, Burrandies Aboriginal Key activities that have been delivered the Flagship waterways – Lake Condah, Corporation and Barengi Gadjin Land in 2019-20 include: Darlot Creek, Fitzroy River and estuary, Council - to deliver Regional Land • Engaging with the five Traditional and associated wetlands. The AWA Partnerships (RLP) projects and facilitate Owner groups across the region in tool is based on a Māori originated tool a two-way knowledge exchange in the development of the new Regional and developed by the Murray Darling relation to sustainable natural resource Catchment Strategy since January Basin Authority in partnership with the management and agricultural activities, 2020 – Gunditj Mirring TOAC, EMAC, Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations, principally the use of traditional burning Wadawurrung, BGLC and BAC; Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous practices to heal country and people. Nations (MLDRIN) and several Aboriginal In 2019-20 traditional burns have been • Engaging with Gunditj Mirring TOAC, Nations. The assessment process undertaken to improve and protect EMAC, Wadawurrung and BGLC involved ten Traditional Owners using listed habitat such as grasslands in the on their interests and priorities the AWA tool to assess five Budj Bim Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP), and to for looking after waterways and sites over three days. improve habitat for listed species such wetlands over the next four years as Red-tailed Black Cockatoos (RtBC) through the EC5 investment bid Through the AWA process Traditional and Australasian Bitterns. process; Owners noted that good environmental These burns have included: • Attendance at quarterly Aboriginal health of the waterways is essential, Water Officer Network meetings, although not always sufficient on its • A VVP traditional burn was convened by the Aboriginal Water own, for maintaining cultural values undertaken at Skipton Common by Unit and uses. Stage 2 of the project has Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in developed ways to use the data partnership with CFA and CMA, in • Attendance at Victorian CMAs drawn from the AWAs to shape the November 2019. Approximately 15 ha Indigenous Facilitator Network management plan for the Budj Bim of VVP grassland containing Pimelea quarterly meetings; Waterways, without requiring sensitive spinescens was burnt. • Training and capacity building cultural information to be shared. As • Coastal Connections traditional activities, including a cultural well as leading to modifications in burns were undertaken at Tyrendarra awareness day at Heywood and the management of the waterways, Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and Lake Condah delivered by Gunditj Traditional Owner AWA assessments Kurtonitj IPA led by Gunditj Mirring Mirring TOAC for Glenelg Hopkins will also become part of the ongoing in partnership with DELWP and the CMA staff and internal CMA cultural monitoring of the sites. Through this CMA. Nearly 20 ha of wetlands were inductions for staff. These inductions process Aboriginal cultural values and burnt at Tyrendarra IPA over 3 days cover topics such as Indigenous engagement become integral parts of in June and approximately 10 ha of partnerships, cultural protocols, monitoring, evaluation and reporting as wetland was burnt at Kurtonitj IPA in cultural heritage procedures and part of the DELWP Flagship Waterway May. These burns are undertaken to projects delivered in partnership with Program. improve habitat for the Australasian Traditional Owner groups; Bittern. • Promotion of and CMA staff National Landcare Program Projects participation in events that recognise Through the Sustainable Agriculture: Community engagement and days of significance for Aboriginal Soils4Farms project, an engagement participation and Torres Strait Islander peoples, event was run through South West including National Reconciliation Community engagement and Holistic Farmers which looked at farming Week in May/June 2020; participation is an important element for cultural and financial outcomes. This across delivery of all National Landcare event brought together farmers to better • Attendance at regional meetings Program projects. Glenelg Hopkins understand farm outcomes sought by including CMA representation on CMA is working with a range of partners Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation and the Ministerial appointed Budj Bim and community groups to: promote to look at regenerative and holistic Council; and the continued use, support and farm practices. • Governance and recruitment support reinvigoration of ecological knowledge provided to EMAC through CMA The CMA also work with Burrandies to underpin biodiversity conservation; staff secondment and involvement in Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) through and to build community capacity and selection panels. 26 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
CASE STUDY: Wetland Photo Competition
BACKGROUND: APPROACH: RESULTS: The Glenelg Hopkins catchment The Lake Bolac Eel Festival committee The competition capturing the beauty of management region has over 7,600 were enthusiastic about showcasing the the wetlands within the Glenelg Hopkins wetlands, some big but a lot small, photos at the biannual festival in March region yielded some outstanding some wet all year others not, some 2020. The competition was advertised imagery with forty-six entries. From fresh others salty. All these wetlands are on the front page of their website, inhabitants of wetlands, wetlands important in providing habitat for plants, as well as the Glenelg Hopkins CMA at dawn and dusk, coastal wetlands bugs, frogs and birds. They absorb and website. Landcare groups advertised it and inland freshwater wetlands, the filter run-off, replenish ground waters in their newsletters, fliers were sent out competition attracted a very high caliber and through growing plants, capture and to local primary schools and information of entries. Choosing winners for the store carbon. As most of the region’s centers, as well as being pinned up judges was particularly difficult because wetlands are on farms the community in local stores and community notice of the diversity of the images entered. often does not see the variety of boards. The advertising started in Winning entries of the photographic wetlands or the plants and animals that September 2019 to allow the spring competition were due to be announced live in them. wetting and summer dry down with all at the Lake Bolac Eel Festival on March the plant and animal activity associated The ‘Celebrating Wetlands’ photo 21, however, the event was postponed with these times to be captured. competition was run as part of the due to the COVID-19. Winning entries Our Catchments Our Community As most of the wetlands are on private were featured on the Facebook and project focusing on integrated land a category ‘In my paddock - a Instagram pages of Glenelg Hopkins catchment management for improved wetland from your farm’ was one of the CMA over a two-week period and wetland management. It was held as three categories. The other categories published on Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s a community engagement activity to were ‘The wetland as home’ (plants and website. It is hoped that they will be encourage the community to get out and animals that live in wetlands) and ‘Scenic exhibited at the Eel Festival when it can visit wetlands in the region. wetlands in the landscape’. proceed. Winning entries are currently The three categories had two sections - displayed at the Lake Bolac Visitors Sharing those photos through an seventeen years and under and an open Centre. exhibition at the Lake Bolac Eel Festival age category. Cash prizes of up to $250 would help the community discover and The most pleasing aspect of this were offered. The photos were judged celebrate these wetlands, and the life competition were the variety of wetlands by representatives from Glenelg Nature that they support. which were photographed with some Trust, Upper Hopkins Land Management stunning entries in the seventeen and Group and Glenelg Hopkins CMA. under category. Photographers were Winning photos were enlarged to from across the entire Glenelg Hopkins A3 size, framed and donated to local CMA region, as well as from visitors to information centers to showcase these the region. assets of our region. Partners: Lake Bolac Eel Festival Organising Committee, Nature Glenelg Trust, Upper Hopkins Land Management Group. 'Swans' by Jock Carrison, over 17 winner for Scenic Wetland category. 'Wetland' by Jasmine Young, under 17 winner for Paddock Wetland catergory.
27 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
WATERWAYS (RIVERS, The region’s wetlands vary greatly, The abundant shallow marsh wetlands ESTUARIES, WETLANDS) ranging from large and permanent of the region are very susceptible to freshwater lakes to small and ephemeral localised reductions in rainfall, due to Condition Statement (non-permanent) freshwater meadows. their reliance on local runoff. Seasonal herbaceous wetlands, which This section provides an overview of the are ephemeral, isolated freshwater Rivers benchmark - condition of the region’s rivers, wetlands wetlands, are particularly well Index of Stream Condition 3 and estuaries. represented. This wetland type is listed The environmental condition of rivers as critically endangered under the in Victoria is assessed using the Index Regional Context Environment Protection and Biodiversity of Stream Condition (ISC). The last The Glenelg River is the largest river in Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC). ISC assessment in the region was south-west Victoria and contains some Sixteen of the region’s wetlands are undertaken in 2010 (ISC 3), and is of the best condition river reaches in listed in the Directory of Important therefore not necessarily an accurate the region. Significant tributaries of Wetlands in Australia (DIWA). reflection of current waterway condition. the Glenelg River include the Wannon, In 2018, Glenelg Estuary and Discovery The condition of waterways in the region Chetwynd, Stokes, Crawford and Bay became Australia’s 66th Wetland at that time varied from good to very Wando rivers. The four main catchments of International Importance under the poor, reflecting the level of modification within the Portland Coast basin are internationally recognised Ramsar of the waterways and types of land use. the Moyne, Eumeralla-Shaw system, convention. The Ramsar site is located Waterways in near natural condition with Darlot Creek-Fitzroy River system and in the western part of the Lower Glenelg high environmental values are generally the Surry River. These are relatively National Park, most of the Discovery Bay found in the more forested areas of short rivers, which drain the immediate Coastal Park and the Nelson Streamside the catchment. Forty-eight percent of inland areas and flow to the Southern Reserve and covers approximately assessed reaches in the region were in Ocean. The Hopkins River is a major 22,000 ha. The area is known for its moderate to good condition, with the waterway draining the eastern part of rare peatlands and dune wetlands which remainder in poor to very poor condition the region and enters the Southern support a diverse range of waterbirds, (Figure 2, below). Ocean at Warrnambool. The Hopkins fish and plants, including a number of The best condition reaches were basin is largely cleared and used for threatened species. typically in the Glenelg and Portland agriculture. All basins have high value Coast basins in the west of the environmental reaches, which support The extent of wetlands in the region has catchment, and those in the poorest rare and threatened flora and fauna. declined by approximately 60 percent since European settlement, primarily condition in the Hopkins basin, which The region’s rivers support a range of due to drainage and conversion to has the largest proportion cleared for social values including fishing, boating, agricultureiii. A recent study conducted agriculture. camping, swimming, picnicking and on a wetland cluster in the south- It should be noted that the ISC3 bushwalking. Rivers contribute to the eastern Grampians area showed a 45% assessment coincided with a drought region’s economy and are valued for increase in incidences where wetlands period, which was particularly severe the supply of water for agriculture, sand have been impacted by cropping in the Glenelg Hopkins region. These mining, drinking water, tourism and iv between 2010 and 2015 . All wetland conditions impacted on several fishing. types within the Glenelg Hopkins region measures of the ISC, in particular water The region has more than 7,600 currently face a range of threats that quality and hydrology. wetlands, covering 115,000 ha or four will be exacerbated by climate change, percent of the region’s area. This in particular, changes in the timing and represents 19 percent of Victoria’s total amount of rainfall which will impact how area of wetlands and 22 percent of the much water wetlands receive and how state’s total number of wetlands. long they retain water for.
Figure 2: Glenelg Hopkins Index of Stream Condition Stream condition % length
60 44 40 26 26
% length 20 4 0 Excellent Good Moderate Poor Very Poor
STREAM CONDITION
28 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Figure 3: Glenelg Hopkins Index of Stream Condition 3 Reaches
Wetlands benchmark – Index of catchment, physical form, soils, water meadows. Meadows are dry for Wetland Condition properties, hydrology, and biota extended periods and are therefore (e.g. vegetation structure and health). more vulnerable to conversion to An Index of Wetland Conditionvii The results of the IWC are presented agricultural use. Of the wetlands that assessment was undertaken in the in Table 6 (below). remain in the region, most are on region in 2009 and is therefore not private land. Many are accessed by necessarily a reflection of the current The assessment revealed that 64% of stock, which reduces the fringing health of wetlands in the region. The wetlands surveyed in the region were vegetation, impacts on hydrology and IWC measured six aspects (sub-indices) in good to excellent condition with affects natural processes. of wetland condition: the wetland the exception of shallow freshwater
Table 6: Glenelg Hopkins Region Index of Wetland Condition Results
Wetlands Surveyed (%) Wetland Condition Category (number)
Proportion Percentage Per cent Insufficient Type of all of all types Excellent Good Moderate Poor Surveyed Data Wetlands Surveyed Deep marsh 12.3% 6.9% 27.0% 30 15 4 1
Shallow marsh 20.3% 4.1% 27.0% 33 6 2 5 4
Meadow 47.4% 2.5% 37.8% 17 8 1 13 31
Open water 13.9% 0.8% 3.8% 3 1 3
Permanent saline 1.5% 8.0% 3.8% 3 3 1
Semi permanent saline 4.5% 0.4% 0.5% 1
29 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Hydrology the Hopkins Basin. Figure 4 (below) wetlands. Rainfall in 2018 and 2019 shows the annual average rainfall for was lower than in the previous 2 years The availability of water to rivers and the region. Figure 5 (below) shows with corresponding reductions in water wetlands is a key determinant of modelled flow into rivers across the available to the environment. Volumes their condition. The Long-Term Water region and Figure 6 (below) shows the of water in storage has also declined. Resource Assessment (DELWP, 2019) maximum percentage of the region found that there has been a long-term inundated with water (that is in wetlands decline of flows in the region, with a or rivers). Rainfall correlates very closely decline of 6% in the Glenelg Basin, with inflow into rivers, estuaries and 12% in the Portland Basin and 6% in
900
800
700
600
500 Figure 4: Annual rainfall for the mm 400 Glenelg Hopkins region (2000-2019)
300 Source: Australia’s Environment Explorer 2019, developed by the Australian 200 National University – Fenner School of 100 the Environment and Society, www.ausenv.online. 2013 200 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 200 9
YEAR
180
160 Figure 5: Estimated annual river inflow 140 in the Glenelg Hopkins region 120 (2000-2019)
100 Source: Australia’s Environment Explorer
mm 2019, developed by the Australian 80 National University – Fenner School 60 of the Environment and Society, www.ausenv.online. Total surface 40 and substrate runoff into the river as 20 estimated by the OzWALD model data fusion system. 2013 200 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 200 9
YEAR
1.6 Figure 6: Annual maximum water
1.4 extent for the Glenelg Hopkins region (2000-2018) 1.2 Source: Australia's Environment Explorer 1.0 2018, developed by the Australian National University - Fenner School % 0.8 of the Environment and Society, www. ausenv.online. Annual maximum water 0.6 extent, derived from NASA MODIS 0.4 imagery and Geoscience Australia’s Water Observations from Space 0.2 mapping by the OzWALD model-data fusion system. 2013 200 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 200 9
YEAR
30 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Evidence of change In the Glenelg River, where a long-term In the Glenelg River, water quality focus on river restoration has been shows a long-term decline since at Increases in the area of cropping across coupled with environmental flows, least the 1990’s. Many other waterways the catchment have been observed from benefits are starting to be observed exceed water quality targets in the State the latest land use change mapping for fish breeding and persistence. This Environment Protection Policy. Several undertaken by DELWP. The change is especially so for Tupong and River recreationally important wetlands and from a grazing to a cropping landuse Blackfish, though it is too early to be lakes are also prone to near annual has impacted on seasonal herbaceous sure that these results will be sustained blue-green algae outbreaks due to wetlands which are susceptible to over the long-term. nutrient inputs. disturbance of the wetland bed by ripping and ploughing.
Annual waterways assessment 2019-20
Annual Rating Key Evidence Assessment
concerned A level of concern that significant events during • Climate change represents a significant, long term threat to the the year may have an adverse impact in the function and biota of waterways and wetlands, medium term trends longer term. in declining average annual rainfall are continuing. • Observations of wetlands being lost via conversion to cropping and drainage have been noted. • Water quality in the Glenelg is continuing to decline.
Reasons for assessment: MANAGEMENT REPORT Hopkins Works Program • Reduced rainfall and runoff is This project protects and maintains Key initiatives and waterways in the Hopkins Basin by impacting the amount of water achievements available to maintain rivers and supporting engagement of landholders, wetland function. Highlights for the past financial year community groups and the dairy • The condition of estuaries is have included: industry to develop a Waterway Action assumed to be relatively constant. • completion of the Glenelg River Weir Plan for Brucknell Creek and on-ground works, particularly willow removal, on • Environmental water released from rock-ramp fishway at Warrock; the Merri River. Significant highlights for reservoirs is an important element for • significant control of Willows along each waterway are listed below. maintaining river health when flows the Merri River; are declining. • priority on-ground works associated During 2019-20 on the Merri River • The removal of barriers to fish with the Mt Emu Creek, Hopkins and achievements included: movement, re-snagging and Wannon Waterway Action Plans; • 5,800 plants rehabilitated across other on-ground works to protect • the Improving Flows in the Budj 4 ha which included various private and restore riparian areas are Bim Landscape project to support landholders and community sites; contributing to improved condition traditional owners to protect and • 1,200 m of riverbank cleared of of rivers and estuaries throughout improve environmental values and willows to increase recreational the catchment, encouraging fish restore traditional cultural practices fishing access and improve habitat; movement and recruitment results. and heritage places; and and • Further reports of cropping of • Establishing the second year of • 1,290 m of fencing. seasonal wetlands in the Victorian Ramsar monitoring and on-ground The Hopkins Wetland Restoration Volcanic Plain were received in works to maintain and improve the Project including: 2019-20 indicating an on-going threat condition of the Glenelg Estuary and to this wetland type as agricultural Discovery Bay Ramsar site. • 5 landholder management land use changes and intensifies agreements covering 87.54 ha; Coastal water programs and projects (with reference to land use change • 4,700m fencing installed; data from DELWP). are outlined in the Coasts section of this report. • 2 waterway structures installed for restoring wetland hydrology; and • 11 written publications, 1 visual publication, 1 audio publication and 1 workshop with 12 participants.
31 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Glenelg Works Program Regional Works Program Regional Floodplain Management Strategy Implementation This project maintains and improves the This project aims to maintain and ecological values of the Glenelg basin improve the ecological values of RCS measure 3.4.1 (development of a waterways by supporting priority on- regional priority waterways by regional floodplain management plan) ground works for reaches identified in supporting: has been completed with the finalisation the Wannon Waterway Action Plan and • a regional works crew to protect and of the Regional Floodplain Management assessing sites for future projects. restore waterways in key regional Strategy (RFMS) in 2017. The intent of the RFMS is to interpret and apply the Since 2016, works as part of the Wannon towns, working in partnership with policies, actions and accountabilities of River Waterway Action plan (WAP) have local government, landholders and the Victorian Floodplain Management protected 66 km of waterway frontage community groups; Strategy (VFMS) in managing flood through 86 km of stock exclusion • landholder project audits, risks at the regional and local level. fencing, and 348 ha of revegetation re-engagement and project It provides a single, regional planning and 36 ha of woody weed control. maintenance activities; document for floodplain management Off-stream water storage included 26 • contribution to the Surface Water and a high-level list of regional priorities troughs and a total of 11 crossings were Monitoring Partnership, review of to guide future investment. installed. This has involved works with Blue Green Algae Response Plans 45 landholders across 93 projects. and participation in Integrated Water The primary role of the RFMS is to help agencies with floodplain During 2019-20, 14.25 km of fencing and Management Plan meetings; and management and flood emergency 60 ha of revegetation were completed • monitoring, evaluation and reporting management functions to align their across 11 projects to protect 8 km of of outcomes, development of a priorities and maximise community waterway. These works have included Glenelg Hopkins Waterway Strategy benefits with available funding. The the final stages of Stage 3, as well as Monitoring, Evaluation Reporting and CMA led the development of the the early stages of Stage 4 with works Improvement (MERI) Plan and spatial RFMS in collaboration with the local undertaken on the Wannon River, reporting through the waterway community, LGAs, VicSES and other Wennicott Creek and Miakite Creek. strategy database linkage tool. partner agencies. The CMA undertakes The final stage of the Wannon WAP Key achievements for 2019-20 an annual review of progress on on-ground works will be completed by include the CMA Work Crew supporting relevant floodplain management actions December 2020 which will include a 3 community groups, 3 local contained within the RFMS through further 5 landholders who were funded governments and 13 land managers in consultation with councils. for projects with unspent funds from their environmental land management Eighteen (24%) of the 74 RFMS actions Stage 4 of the Wannon WAP in priority works. This work involved 2.68 km of have been completed to date, and 29 areas of previous WAP’s. The outputs fence installation and maintenance, (39%) are in progress. The strategy has from these five projects will contribute to 2.05 ha of indigenous revegetation, been developed to be implemented the overall Glenelg Program and include 115 ha of woody weed removal and over a 10-year timeframe. 12.36 km of fencing and 11.46 ha of 21 ha of nonwoody weed removal. revegetation. The Landholder and Re-engagement project conducted 23 property assessments with follow-up revegetation to be completed by December 2020.
Since 2016 the project has conducted 114 property assessments, 108 social surveys, completed 73 ha of infill revegetation and maintained 11.40 km of fencing.
32 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Statutory Water Functions Project • Moyne Shire has been working Rural Drainage Pilot Project (Floodplain and Waterway on the implementation of revised The CMA has been funded to undertake Management) flood controls (LSIO and FO) for the the Eumeralla and Nullawarre drainage Port Fairy township to account for This project supports the delivery of pilot projects. Under this pilot, the projected worsening of flooding into the CMA’s Floodplain and Waterway CMA is assisting with the development the future because of rising mean Management. As part of this project, of Drainage Management Plans in sea level. Glenelg Hopkins CMA the CMA continued to support Local these areas for landholders that wish continues to work with Moyne Shire Government and VicSES in the to undertake drainage works. Under on this significant planning scheme development and review of Regional this pilot, the CMA is assisting with the amendment. Municipal Flood Emergency Plans, development of Drainage Management Planning Scheme Amendments • The Warrnambool Floodplain Plans in these areas for landholders and general inquiries related to the Management Plan and the Russell who wish to undertake drainage works. catchment. The CMA’s Floodplain and Creek Flood Warning system led The project is being undertaken in Works team responded to flood referrals by Warrnambool City Council. The partnership with DELWP, Moyne Shire and notices during the reporting period, project is ongoing, and the formal and Warrnambool City Council. provided flood advice responses, amendment process is planned to be attended to inquiries and compliance completed later this year. VWPIF Environmental Water Program issues, and issued works on waterways (2016-20) licences. The following floodplain Regional Flood Studies The VWPIF Environmental Water management priority actions have also A key objective of the RCS (RCS Program is comprised of several been supported during 2019-20: measure 3.4.4) is to increase the sub-projects. An overview of key • The Coleraine Flood Investigation, provision of reliable flood information for achievements for 2019-20 is provided led by Southern Grampians Shire settlements. Flood studies completed or below. Council was completed in late in the process of being finalised over the 2019. The Southern Grampians past 12 months include the Raglan Flood Environmental Water Officers provide Shire planning scheme amendment Investigation (led the Pyrenees Shire), strategic planning and delivery of to update the Land Subject to and the Mount Emu Creek Regional the available environmental water Inundation Overlay (LSIO) and Flood Flood Investigation (led by Glenelg entitlements in the region. The project Overlay (FO) covering the towns Hopkins CMA for the Corangamite and focuses on the Glenelg River which is of Hamilton and Coleraine, based Pyrenees Shires). regulated by the Rocklands and Moora on the results of the 2012 Hamilton Moora Reservoirs. During 2019-20 Flood Study and 2018 Coleraine Disaster Relief and Response environmental water, delivered to the Flood Investigation, has also been – Flood Recovery Glenelg River from Rocklands Reservoir, completed. totalled 10,329ML. Ecological monitoring The Disaster Relief and Response Flood undertaken during environmental • The Raglan Flood Investigation has Recovery is funded by the Victorian watering has continued to demonstrate been completed and is being led by Government and aims to provide a positive response in the distribution Pyrenees Shire Council. A planning funding for flood recovery works and recruitment of a range of aquatic scheme amendment will follow with not covered under the NDRRA. All plant and fish species. This was options also being investigated for contracted works undertaken as part highlighted through annual condition flood warning / gauging equipment. of this program have been completed. monitoring through the Victorian • The Mount Emu Regional Flood One site on the Mt Emu Creek will have Environmental Flow Monitoring and Investigation is being led by Glenelg additional work undertaken in Assessment Program (VEFMAP), Hopkins CMA in partnership with February 2021. conducted in March 2020. Pyrenees and Corangamite Shires. This project is a first for the CMA Tupong continued to be widespread region in that the investment in the throughout the river although most of flood investigation will translate the population has shifted to larger directly into establishment of a and older individuals over the last two new Glenelg Hopkins CMA region years. The recruitment of River Blackfish formal flood warning service (BoM this year, along with strong recruitment delivered). A planning scheme in previous years, has resulted in a amendment is also underway in healthy River Blackfish population. Data the Pyrenees Shire as part of this revealed a broad size range of more investigation. than 500 River Blackfish surveyed. This represents the most blackfish captured and measured in VEFMAP history indicating a positive trend in abundance and high confidence in the sample size. Over 650 Variegated Pygmy Perch of mixed sizes were also captured in the VEFMAP survey, again representing the highest abundance recorded since the VEFMAP project began.
33 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Glenelg Hopkins water resources Three temporary streamflow gauges • Delivering the Tyrendarra staff attended numerous community have been installed as part of the Hydrological and Hydraulic Modelling engagement events and meetings Improving Flows in the Upper Glenelg study to provide significant detail this year to highlight the ecological project. These are located at key points of the pre-European and current importance of and achievements from along the upper Glenelg River and water flow regimes through the IPA delivering environmental water. This water infrastructure channels associated wetland system. A Tyrendarra water included field events with school groups, with Moora Moora Reservoir. Data restoration trial has also commenced. Traditional Owners and Aboriginal from these gauges has been used to The objective of the trial is to divert Rangers, angling clubs, landholders understand the hydrological impact of flows from a northern agricultural and communities. Media releases, water diversions through this reach. This drain to the Tyrendarra wetland social media stories, posters and videos year Glenelg Hopkins CMA partnered system to reactivate pre-European were delivered to inform and engage with GWMWater to coordinate a release flow, an aquaculture system and audiences. A 2020-2024 Glenelg from Moora Moora Reservoir into reach enhance significant cultural and Environmental Water Communications 0 which incorporates an environmentally ecological values; Strategy has been developed to significant section of the river within the • Upgrading the existing water outlet succeed the inaugural 2016 four-year Grampians National Park. This was the gate at the Lake Condah weir bypass strategy and guide efforts to increase third year that water for the environment channel to allow remote monitoring public advocacy in future. has been released from Moora Moora and operation; and installing a Reservoir. The Warrock Fishway Project has surface water monitoring site at the restored fish passage to much of The Improving Flows in the Budj Bim Lake Condah outfall; the Glenelg River. A fish barrier near Landscape project seeks to improve • Developing a basic set of weir Warrock on the Glenelg River stood knowledge of waterways and wetlands operation rules to assist Gunditj as the last major impediment to fish on the Budj Bim National Heritage Mirring in the management of Lake movement downstream of Rocklands Landscape. The project also aims to Condah. Lake Condah management Reservoir. The barrier was first identified improve our understanding of water objectives have also been developed by Glenelg Hopkins CMA staff in 2000 flow pathways across the Budj Bim to guide the operational rules. and fish passage design work began at Landscape to protect and improve the site in 2017. Having secured funding environmental values and restore from the Department of Environment, traditional cultural practices and Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) heritage places. to undertake design work, further This project has focused on: investment was attracted from the Victorian Environmental Water Holder • Developing a collaborative (VEWH) in 2018. relationship and empowering Traditional Owners to drive the Construction began on the 73 m long project direction; rock ramp fishway ahead of schedule • Undertaking a hydrological at the end of November 2019. The investigation at Kurtonitj IPA and project required over 3,000 tonnes of a regional-scale hydrological material sourced from throughout south investigation to further increase the west Victoria and construction took knowledge of the ‘water journey’ just over four weeks to complete. This through the Budj Bim landscape; project has successfully restored fish passage to an additional 170 km of the Glenelg River plus tributaries. This will improve migration capacity for a range of endemic fish species such as tupong, short-finned eels, lamprey and estuary perch that need to move upstream and downstream to complete their life cycles. It will also enhance localised movement of non-migratory fish species such as river blackfish.
34 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
CASE STUDY: Merri River Urban Waterway Restoration Project
The Merri River through Warrnambool The Merri Alliance has been significantly The project and the Merri Alliance were is a significant natural asset and is transforming the Merri landscape from recognised for their achievements in late benefitting from a coordinated and largely weed-infested and highly grazed 2019 when they won the national River concerted approach to improving its frontages to a green, recreational Basin Management Society award for environmental and recreational values. corridor and an ecologically healthier Most Outstanding Waterway project. Planning and works have focused on river. improvements within urban growth Partners of the project include: A total of 1,220 people have participated footprints to reverse damage caused by Members of the Merri Alliance. across 50 engagement events thus large-scale clearing of native vegetation far, including fishing clinics, school along the banks. educations programs and tree planting With significant changes in land-use days. To date 25 ha of weeds, including along the Merri River impacting river willows and poplars have been removed health, partners realised there is much from 7.3 km of the river and replaced to be gained by pooling resources with 18,700 native plants. A total of and working collaboratively, with a 114 habitat structures and two fishing shared vision and a shared work plan platforms have been created to boost for restoration of the river. During native fish populations and improve 2016 the Merri Alliance was formed; angler access. Instream monitoring has a collective of 10 local community also shown that habitat has boosted groups and organisations with a strong black bream populations by 89%. interest in seeing a healthier Merri River. While organisations can deliver their The formation of the Merri Alliance projects independently, there is strong accelerated on-ground environmental lines of communication via the Alliance works and capitalised on Warrnambool’s that look for opportunities to value add growth. to each other’s projects. The Alliance This Alliance includes a significant is built on a culture of generosity and number of agencies, industries, enthusiasm, which has proved to be a developers and community groups that model for success. all work together, which capitalises on the cumulative impact of all interest groups working together being much greater than the individual impact of each organisation.
The Merri River has benefitted from the support of a large number of volunteers (pictured below left and below right) which led to the project being awarded the Australian River. Basin Management Society award for Most Outstanding Waterway project (below centre). The Award was accepted by (from left) Glenelg Hopkins CMA chair Tony Ford, MAD for the Merri group secretary Karen Wales and Glenelg Hopkins CMA CEO Adam Bester.
35 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity benchmarks which are listed as Critically Endangered The extent and condition of native under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. It Condition Statement habitat and the health of native is estimated that less than 1% of these species communities remain in Victoria. Regional Context The extent of native vegetation has In recent years, across the region, there The Glenelg Hopkins region has declined significantly since European has been an acceleration in the loss of significant, but often threatened, settlement, with less than 18 percent of another Critically Endangered ecological biodiversity. Over 215 species are listed the pre-European coverage remaining community - Seasonal Herbaceous as threatened under the Victorian in the region. Most occurs on Crown Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Government’s Flora and Fauna land with around five percent on private Plains, which occur largely on private Guarantee Act 1988 and 130 species land. Remnant vegetation by bioregion, land across the VVP, the Glenelg Plain listed under the Australian Government’s compared to original extent (pre-1750) and the Dundas Tablelands. Between Environmental Protection and figures is shown in Figure 7 (below). 2010 and 2016, there was a 40% Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. increase in cropping of these wetlands The Greater Grampians bioregion is the The region straddles two biodiversity in a large cluster south-east of the most intact bioregion within the Glenelg hotpots (the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Grampiansx. Hopkins region. The Victorian Volcanic South Australia’s south-east/Victoria’s Plain, Dundas Tablelands, and Glenelg There is evidence that other key habitats south-west). These areas were identified Plain are the three largest bioregions are also in decline across the region, for as hotspots due to their many endemic in the Glenelg Hopkins region by area example, a recent analysis of Red Gum species and associated levels of current and have less than 10% of their original paddock trees, found that the number and future conservation threats. native vegetation cover (compared to of Red Gum paddock trees declined The major threat to biodiversity across pre-1750 extent)viii. by 35% in parts of the Glenelg Hopkins the region is historical and continued region between 2003 and 2017 . The Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion, loss of habitat through clearing of native which covers a large percentage of the The Parks Victoria 2017 State of the vegetation and drainage of wetlands. region, is the most cleared in the stateix. Parks evaluation considered trends The main drivers for this loss are Despite having undergone extensive in the condition of natural values. agricultural intensification, including habitat loss, the VVP provides habitat Evaluation was undertaken by park conversion from grazing to cropping; for a disproportionally high proportion managers and is largely a qualitative population and industry growth and of the region’s biodiversity. There are assessment, but based on quantitative infrastructure development including more native species found on the assessment where available. Current road and rail. Other key contributors to VVP than any other Glenelg Hopkins condition was at the time of assessment the decline of biodiversity across the bioregion, despite other bioregions (December 2017 – February 2018), while region include climate change, pest such as the Greater Grampians and trends were determined from July 2013. plants and animals, overabundant native Glenelg Plain having retained much wildlife and increased use of public land The following table (page 37) provides larger amounts of total native vegetation for recreational activities. a summary of this evaluation for 31 cover. The most heavily cleared of the parks found within the Glenelg Hopkins VVP ecological communities have been region. The majority of regional parks the Natural Temperate Grassland and and reserves were assessed as being in Grassy Eucalypt Woodland, both of a stable condition.
Original extent Current habitat extent Figure 7: The extent of native vegetation cover (ha) remaining in Bridgewater 18,192 11,471 each of the Glenelg Hopkins bioregions compared to original extent (pre 1750) Central Victorian Uplands 81,351 22,123
Dundas Tablelands 660,782 64,319
Glenelg Plain 383,116 148,554
Goldfields 15,363 4,000
Greater Grampians 151,140 129,634
Victorian Volcanic Plain 1,223,766 72,286
Warrnambool Plain 113,598 7,742
Wimmera 24861 4,953
(data source: Glenelg Hopkins RCS 2013-2019)
36 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 7: Summary of Parks Victoria State of Parks Report 2018 data for the Glenelg Hopkins region (Source Parks Victoria)
Condition of Number of Park Condition trends natural values parks
Excellent 0 Not applicable Not applicable
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve Condition was maintained Cape Nelson State Park Condition was maintained Cobboboonee National Park Condition was maintained Cobra Killuc Wildlife Reserve Condition was maintained Crawford River Regional Park Condition was maintained Dergholm State Park Condition was maintained Discovery Bay Coastal Park Condition was maintained Discovery Bay Marine National Park Condition was maintained Ecklin South Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve Condition was maintained Good 18 Glenelg River, Fulham Streamside Reserve Condition was maintained Langi Ghiran State Park Condition was maintained Lower Glenelg National Park Condition was maintained Merri Marine Sanctuary Condition was maintained Mortlake Common F.R. Condition declined Mount Buangor State Park Condition improved Mount Napier State Park Condition was maintained Mount Richmond National Park Condition was maintained Narrawong Flora Reserve Condition was maintained
Ararat Hills Regional Park Condition was maintained Bats Ridge Wildlife Reserve Condition declined Bay of Islands Coastal Park Condition was maintained Belfast Coastal Reserve Condition was maintained Budj Bim National Park Condition was maintained Fair 11 Grampians National Park Condition declined Lake Elingamite Lake Reserve Condition was maintained Lake Linlithgow & Bullrush Swamp Lake Reserve Condition declined Tooloy-Lake Mundi Wildlife Reserve Condition was maintained Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve Condition was maintained Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve Condition was maintained
Poor 1 Black Range State Park Condition declined
Unknown 1 Kaladbro Wildlife Reserve Trend in condition unknown
Climate change and biodiversity Extreme climatic events and large the Grampians, resulting in 90% of the wildfires are also predicted to increase park burning. In response, population The 20-year climate trend in the with climate changexv. This has already numbers of small mammals have Glenelg Hopkins region continues become evident in the Grampians dramatically declined. to be one of declining rainfall. This is National Parkxvi, where a combined observed throughout the year, with These include the Southern brown 186,800 ha burnt in the wildfires of rainfall in the wetter parts of the year bandicoot, Heath mouse, Slender- 2006, 2013 and 2014. These were three below average or very much below tailed dunnart and several species of of the largest bushfires ever recorded in average (see Figure 8, below). The Antechinusxiv. reduction of rainfall directly impacts the frequency and extent of wetland Figure 8: April to October rainfall deciles for the last 20 years (1999-2019)xiv. inundation, groundwater recharge and of riverine floods. It may also have impacts on vegetation reproduction and productivity of trees upon which species depend.
As the climate of the Glenelg Hopkins region becomes less suitable for existing vegetation communities, it is likely that there will be a gradual change in species compositionxii. To reliably improve future landscapes for biodiversity relative to current ones, native vegetation cover needs to be restored to approximately 30 percentxiii.
37 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Annual biodiversity assessment 2019-20
Annual Rating Key Evidence Assessment
concerned A level of concern that significant events during • The CMA has identified several instances of known high value the year may have an adverse impact in the wetlands and grasslands being modified via changes to agricultural longer term. practices. • The area impacted by the 19/20 summer bushfires is still in a recovery phase. • Native vegetation cover across most of the catchment is below the minimum threshold for sustaining ecological function. • Significant parts of the catchment are highly modified, with low levels of remnancy and are considered to be in poor condition for biodiversity • Climate change represents a significant threat to remaining biodiversity, medium term trends in declining average annual rainfall are continuing.
Reasons for assessment: MANAGEMENT REPORT Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery Project (National Landcare Program 2) Threatened ecological communities, Key initiatives and The Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) including the EPBC listed ecological achievements communities Natural Temperate Recovery Project funded through the Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic National Landcare Program finished its Threatened Species and Communities plains, and Seasonal Herbaceous second year in 2019-20. Coordinated Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Several long-standing projects are being activities ran across land tenures, to Plains once covered substantial parts undertaken within the Glenelg Hopkins protect and enhance three critically of the region, although recovery efforts region that support the recovery of listed EPBC Act ecological communities are succeeding at restoring sites at the threatened species and ecological and three critically endangered local scale, these communities remain communities and contribute to the RCS species. A combination of incentive critically endangered. objective of improving the health of key programs, monitoring, ecological and populations of threatened species and traditional burning, seed collection and The catchment supports large numbers communities. species reestablishment, knowledge of threatened species, both state and and awareness raising activities were nationally listed, threats to these species Species benefiting from these projects implemented to improve the condition of are often catchment scale or larger include the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, the threatened ecological communities and operate over long timeframes. Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed and species. Actions were implemented Recovery of species and their habitats Potoroo, Southern Bent-wing Bat, by a range of partners including DELWP, is a slow process. Monitoring of key South-eastern Red-tailed Black CFA, traditional owner organisations, long lived species in the catchment Cockatoo, Yarra Pygmy Perch, Dwarf local landholders and community including the South Eastern Red-tailed Galaxias, Striped Legless Lizard, Golden volunteers. Black Cockatoo and Brolga indicates Sun Moth, Spiny Rice Flower, White that successful recruitment remains a Sunray, Trailing Hop-bush, Fragrant This project has four main elements concern for these species. Leek-orchid, Limestone Spider-orchid, which are contributing to the National Maroon Leek-orchid, Mellblom’s Landcare Program outcomes indicated The public land estate remains a Spider-orchid, Metallic Sun-orchid, in Table 8 (page 39). critical component of the remnant Gorae Leek-orchid, Pretty Leek-orchid, habitats of the catchment, supporting Basalt Rustyhood, Robust Spider-orchid, significant biodiversity values across the Candy Spider-orchid, Basalt Sun- landscape, most parks are noted to be orchid, Coastal Dandelion and Wrinkled in stable condition. Cassinia. Many of these flora species Climate change, including changed are endemic, or largely endemic, to water availability and changed fire the region. behaviour, represent a significant A range of organisations including challenge for the biodiversity values of government departments, non- the region. government organisations and traditional owner groups are working across the catchment to protect and restore biodiversity.
38 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 8: Project contributions to NLP2 RLP National Landcare Program outcomes
NLP Outcome Investment Priority Contribution in the Glenelg Hopkins region
By 2023, the implementation of NLP2(RLP) Victorian Volcanic Plains The Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) Stewardship Program, priority actions is leading to an Recovery Project. works with private landholders to manage high-quality improvement in the condition Natural Temperate Grassland of the remnants of critically endangered ecosystems. of EPBC Act listed Threatened Victorian Volcanic Plain In 2019-20 fifteen additional sites were entered under Ecological Communities stewardship agreements, protecting 324 ha of endangered communities.
By 2023, the trajectory of species NLP2(RLP) Victorian Volcanic Plains Support the population at Hamilton parklands and targeted under the Threatened Recovery Project. assist with the reintroduction of bandicoots at Tiverton, Species Strategy, and other Perameles gunnii Victorian subspecies a 920 ha feral animal enclosure. Control of predators EPBC Act priority species, is (Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)) (foxes and cats) and other pests across the Tiverton stabilised or improved site, community engagement events, monitoring and fence maintenance to protect existing populations and reintroduction sites.
NLP2(RLP) Victorian Volcanic Plains Support recovery through seed collection, assessment of Recovery Project. population status at 10 sites, establishment and maintenance Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens of ex-situ breeding sites, increasing community awareness, (Plains Rice-flower, Spiny Rice-flower, and developing a burn plan for known populations in Prickly Pimelea) partnership with Traditional Owners, community and landholders. Cultural and ecological burns completed with partners across 215 ha.
NLP2(RLP) Victorian Volcanic Plains Support recovery, including introduction of burning at Recovery Project. three known populations, genetic testing, development Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides (Button of a seedbank, establishment and maintenance of ex-situ Wrinklewort) breeding sites and controlling access to key populations. Control of weeds over 100 ha, and ecological burning are other key activities.
South Eastern Red-tailed Black The flock counts revealed a continuation Innovative approaches continue to Cockatoo recovery actions of the trend identified in previous years, be trialled to support monitoring and with the mean ratio of female/juvenile recovery. For example, during the South Eastern Red-tailed Black birds to male birds at 54%. This trend 2019-20 SERTBC breeding season, Cockatoo recovery activities, has continued despite much higher than Birdlife Australia deployed sound coordinated by BirdLife Australia, usual seed production in Eucalyptus recorders at 11 artificial nest boxes in include the annual count which was arenacea following a heavy, range-wide the Powers Creek area which were unable to occur this year due to flowering event in Autumn 2019. known to have Red-tails nesting at COVID-19 restrictions. As an alternative, the time. Sound data were analysed a local ‘Look to the Skies’ monitoring Over 2019-20, the ‘Increasing Critical using a semiautomated method, which event was held with participants Food Supply for the Endangered South- combined automated call recognition searching for birds on their own Eastern Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo and manual verification. Sound data properties. The total number of birds (SERTC) project funded through the were analysed using a semi-automated seen on the day was 748 from 18 Victorian Government’s Biodiversity method, which combined automated call different sighting reports. Although Response Planning Program and recognition and manual verification. no birds were sighted in the Glenelg managed by Greening Australia, Hopkins region, a flock of 156 birds established 41,000 trees greater In the 2019-20 season, up to 38% of was sighted before the event at than two metres at maturity across active nests survived to fledging. One Strathdownie. Given the change in 400 ha of Stringybark forest habitat in was re-nested within the season, with monitoring method, this year’s count the Victorian section of Habitat 141 to the second pair of SERTBC’s occupying is unable to be compared to previous increase food supply for the nationally the nest the day after the previous chick years. However, the ‘Look to the Skies’ endangered South Eastern Red-Tailed had fledged. event was useful in identifying sites for Black Cockatoo, as well as providing undertaking flock counts. improved habitat for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot and the vulnerable Long-nosed Potoroo.
39 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Pest Plant and Animal To date, the Glenelg Eden project has Victorian Government Biodiversity Control also treated approximately 80% of new On-Ground Action and Biodiversity and emerging weeds in the project area Response Planning projects Glenelg Ark and Glenelg Eden in the 2019-20 financial year. Programs - DELWP and Parks Victoria The Victorian Government’s Biodiversity On-ground Actions Program just Pine wilding Control Several landscape-scale pest plant completed its final year of delivery. and animal threat mitigation projects Glenelg Hopkins CMA is implementing Approximately $1.405 million of funding were continued across the region in a Biodiversity Response Planning has been allocated to four landscape- 2019-20, including Glenelg Eden (weed (BRP) project to protect Brown scale threatened species threat control) and Glenelg Ark (pest animal Stringybark forest from pine wildling mitigation projects within the region. control). These projects are funded by infestation, seeded from adjacent pine These projects address key threats to the Victorian Government and led by plantations. Brown Stringybark is the a range of species in the grasslands of DELWP and Parks Victoria. only food source for Red Tailed Black the Victorian Volcanic Plan, wetlands The longstanding Glenelg Ark project Cockatoos in the southern parts of and woodlands of the Glenelg Plain, and was established in 2005 to assist with the species distribution. The project coastal zone (Table 10, page 41). The the protection of local populations has treated approximately 1,100 ha ‘regional hub projects’ involve agencies of the Southern Brown Bandicoot, with approximately 90-95% treatment and organisations working together to Long-nosed Potoroo, and the Common success (monitoring estimates). address threats to a range of important Brushtail Possum in the far south west native species in priority areas. These of the catchment. The project is the Protecting and re-establishing native projects were completed by 30 June largest scale fox control project on vegetation 2020, and are summarised in Table 10 (page 41). public land in south-west Victoria, During 2019-20, the ‘Reconnecting operating across 90,000 ha. Overall Budj Bim’ project funded through the A second stream of funding was the monitored native species have Australian Government’s 20 Million received in 2018-19 through Biodiversity shown a significant positive response to Trees Programme and managed by Response Planning (BRP), as detailed baiting. The number of sites occupied by Greening Australia, mixed indigenous in Table 11 (page 41). This shows the Southern Brown Bandicoots increased ecological knowledge with leading edge diversity of threat abatement and by 67% at Mt Clay between 2016 and revegetation techniques. The project species support activities being 2017. Long nosed Potoroos occupied established 60,400 trees across 150 ha implemented across the region. 27% more sites at locations with fox of Grassy Eucalypt Woodlands of the https://info.ghcma.vic.gov.au/wp- control. The project is currently working Victorian Volcanic Plain within the Budj content/uploads/2020/04/LukeLeddy_ in partnership with the University of Bim National Heritage Landscape to Naracoorte_018-08-April-2016-copy- Melbourne and the Arthur Rylah Institute improve connectivity and habitat for the 1024x613.jpg undertaking research in the project area endangered Spotted-tailed Quoll and to determine fox and feral cat densities Swift Parrot. over the project area and in the Otways. During 2019-20, the ‘ACCOR Plant for Glenelg Eden is a strategic, landscape the Planet 2018’ project supported scale weed management project that by Accor, Pur Project and Clarins focuses on the detection and removal and managed by Greening Australia, of high risk weeds that threaten the established 5,000 trees across 8 ha of biodiversity values of the Far South previously cleared farmland at Cape West of Victoria. The project has been Bridgewater. This provided a range of on operating for 11 years over an area that farm and biodiversity benefits, including comprises 80,000 ha of public land. improving habitat for the nationally Glenelg Eden has over 115 actively endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot. delimited and targeted infestations across the landscape. Of these, 41 are Trust for Nature registered one covenant targeted for eradication and 8 of these on title in 2019-20 providing permanent infestations are likely to be eradicated protection for 65 ha of vital habitat. from their respective management zones within the next few years.
Table 9: Parks Victoria treatment of pest animals in the Glenelg Hopkins region (2019-20)
Species Location remarks
Red Deer Grampians National Park Removal of 173 deer.
Goats Grampians National Park Removal of 119 feral goats.
Goats Mt Napier State Park Removal of 105 feral goats.
40 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 10: Regional Hub Projects
lead funding project locality partners organisation received
Improving the quality and DELWP Woorndoo- Round 1: DELWP Barwon South West, Corangamite connectedness of grassland Dundonnell $300,000 CMA, Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Parks communities on the Victorian Victoria, Corangamite Shire, Moyne Shire, Volcanic Plain ARTC, VicRoads, La Trobe University, Royal Botanic Gardens, Nargundy Pty Ltd Tiverton, Trust for Nature
By 2023, the trajectory of Glenelg Hopkins Glenelg Estuary Round 1: Glenelg Shire, Nature Glenelg Trust, species targeted under the CMA and Discovery Bay $300,000 Nelson Coastcare, Greening Australia, Threatened Species Strategy, Coastal Park Round 2: Parks Victoria, DELWP Barwon South West, and other EPBC Act priority $100,000 Glenelg Hopkins CMA species, is stabilised or improved
Threatened species habitat Nature Glenelg Wilkin Round 1: Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Birdlife Australia, restoration in the Wilkin Trust $300,000 RTBC Recovery Team, Greening Australia, Woodlands and Wetlands Round 2: Parks Victoria, DELWP $105,000
Habitat restoration for Nature Glenelg Glenelg Plain Round 1: Parks Victoria, Glenelg Hopkins CMA, threatened species of wetlands Trust $300,000 DELWP, Trust for Nature in the Glenelg Plain
Table 11: Summary of Biodiversity Response Planning projects
CMA project Region(s) project title project summary partners lead Project located in
Permanent Nature Glenelg A current restoration trial structure is to be replaced DELWP Barwon South restoration of Long Glenelg Trust Hopkins with a re-created sand dune. West, Corangamite Swamp, Discovery CMA, Glenelg Hopkins Bay Coastal Park CMA, Parks Victoria, Corangamite Shire, Moyne Shire, ARTC, VicRoads, La Trobe University, Royal Botanic Gardens, Nargundy Pty Ltd Tiverton, Trust for Nature
Grampians/Glenelg Nature Glenelg The hydrological restoration and rehabilitation of Glenelg Hopkins CMA landscape wetland Glenelg Trust Hopkins / wetland habitat for brolga, growling grass frogs (Litoria Parks Victoria restoration program Wimmera raniformis), western swamp crayfish (Gramastacus DELWP - restoring the insolitus), little Galaxias (Galaxiella toourtkoourt) and Gunditj Mirring TOAC hydrology of drained Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) across 220 wetlands, especially ha of private and public land. on private land
Addressing key DELWP Glenelg This project will improve the quality and connectedness Glenelg Hopkins threats to native Hopkins of natural temperate grasslands on the Victorian Catchment grassland linear Volcanic Plains by reducing critical threats from priority, Management Authority reserves on the and new and emerging, weeds. Strategic management Golden Plains Shire Victorian Volcanic activities will include weed mapping, targeted weed Plains control and ecological/cultural burning across 1420 ha.
Victorian Volcanic Nature Glenelg The hydrological restoration of 100 ha of Seasonal Glenelg Hopkins CMA Plain (VVP) landscape Glenelg Trust Hopkins / Herbaceous Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Plains Corangamite CMA wetland restoration Corangamite and other key wetland habitat for brolga, growling grass DELWP program - restoring frogs, Corangamite water skink, Australasian bittern and the hydrology of migratory bird species such as Latham's snipe. drained wetlands, especially on private land
Glenelg pine DELWP Glenelg The scaled and integrated restoration of stringybark N/A project - scaled and Hopkins woodlands by mechanically and manually removing integrated restoration pine wildlings (Pinus spp.). Targets for this project of stringybark are 690 ha of mechanical and 3,091 ha of manual woodlands treatments over the three years.
41 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 11: Summary of Biodiversity Response Planning projects (continued)
CMA project Region(s) project title project summary partners lead Project located in
Grampians Sallow Parks Victoria Glenelg This project aims to contain Sallow Wattle to its current N/A Wattle control Hopkins / extent and density to protect herb-rich woodlands Wimmera and species impacted by Sallow Wattle invasion (e.g. Grampians Duck Orchid) and work in partnership with Barengi Gadjin Land Council to develop a native food enterprise using sallow wattle seed.
Grampians Parks Victoria Glenelg An Integrated approach to reduce the distribution N/A Herbivores - Goats Hopkins / and abundance of herbivores (goats and rabbits) to and Rabbits Wimmera improve the floristic diversity and structure of ground layer vegetation of herb-rich woodlands and Grampians endemic montane shrublands in high conservation areas in the Grampians National Park.
Grampians Parks Victoria Glenelg An integrated approach to reduce the abundance of N/A Herbivores - Deer Hopkins / deer to improve ground layer vegetation in priority Wimmera herb-rich woodlands. The project will be supported centrally to also build capability state-wide in delivery of deer management techniques using the Grampians National Park as one of the control locations.
Grampians Parks Victoria Glenelg It is anticipated Victorian legislative changes will enable N/A Introduced Predators Hopkins / broad-scale management of feral cats in priority sites - Feral Cats Wimmera across the Grampians. This project complements over 22 years investment in landscape-scale fox 1080 poison baiting in the Grampians. Monitoring suggests feral cats are now as prevalent as foxes with large-scale feral cat control urgently needed.
Addressing key DELWP Glenelg To improve quality and connectedness of natural Glenelg Hopkins CMA threats to native Hopkins temperate grasslands on the Victorian Volcanic Plains Golden Plains Shire grassland linear by reducing critical threats from priority, and new and reserves on the emerging, weeds. Victorian Volcanic 10 sites treated for invasive weeds. Plains
Glenelg ark project - DELWP Glenelg To facilitate the recovery of native mammal populations N/A next phase Hopkins by broad scale fox baiting across an extra 17,000 ha, and trial several feral cat management options within the project areas (7,400 ha).
Increasing Greening Glenelg Enhance native vegetation within the Victorian Volcanic N/A Biodiversity Benefits Australia Hopkins / Plains Western District Ramsar Lakes. Partnering with across the Ramsar Corangamite public and private landholders and coordination of Western District weed and predator activities will be undertaken across Lakes 1,000 ha over 3 years.
Increasing critical Greening Glenelg This project aims to establish 70,000 Stringybark trees N/A food supply for the Australia Hopkins across 700 ha determined through spatial prioritisation endangered SE RTBC to increase critical food supply for the SE-RTBC.
Otway Landscape Parks Victoria Glenelg Protection of significant biodiversity values of the N/A pest, plant and animal Hopkins/ Otway landscape through control of 41,000 ha of highly management Corangamite invasive pest plant species, such as Boneseed, Sweet Pittosporum, Sallow/Coast Wattle and Broom.
Iconic estates - Trust for Glenelg This project will provide for the ongoing protection N/A Glenelg / Grampians Nature Hopkins / across 300 ha of Victoria's most important habitat on Wimmera private land, in partnership with local and regional networks and individual landholders.
Pine Wildling Control GHCMA Glenelg This collaborative project supports removal of pine Conservation in Brown Stringy bark Hopkins wildlings from brown stringy bark woodlands; critical Volunteers Australia woodlands feeding habitat for South Eastern Red-Tailed Black- Parks Victoria Cockatoo (SERTBC).The activities will benefit a range of Gunditj Mirring TOAC other native flora and fauna species. DELWP
42 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
CASE STUDY: Wiyn (fire) for Country demonstration site
BACKGROUND: Not only is natural temperate grassland RESULTS: of the Victorian Volcanic Plains a critically Aboriginal cultural burning has been endangered ecosystem, Skipton The slow, low-intensity, cool burn resulted a fundamental part of looking after Common also harbours the critically in a patchy mosaic of burnt and unburnt Country for thousands of years. Glenelg endangered spiny rice-flower, Pimelea areas across the site. The burnt areas Hopkins CMA has been partnering with spinescens. A major threat to both the were cool to touch moments after the Traditional Owner Groups and other ecosystem and the shrub is inappropriate fire front passed. These areas allow sun Agencies to integrate this practice more fire regimes. Regular cool-season burns penetration and encourage new growth. broadly into land management practices favour the spiny rice-flower and the Partners: across the catchment. diversity of the system overall, by burning Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, back tall grasses which otherwise shade Ballarat Environment Network, out the rice-flower and other small Department of Environment, Land, APPROACH: species. Much of the spiny rice-flower’s Water and Planning (DELWP), and the In November 2019 Glenelg Hopkins CMA biomass is underground so it bounces Country Fire Authority. worked with Wadawurrung Traditional back quickly after the cool burns. Owners to coordinate a successful Wadawurrung Traditional Owners led grassland burn at Skipton Common. the burn and started the fire in the Around 15 ha of natural temperate traditional way with handfuls of grass grassland was burnt as part of the tied together forming torches. Moving Victorian Volcanic Plains Recovery into the wind they lit up the grass as project, funded through the Australian they walked, creating numerous fire Government’s National Landcare Program. fronts which slowly fanned out across the landscape. These burns have significant cultural and social benefits. Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Tammy Gilson, conducted a smoking ceremony as part of a Welcome to Country for everyone who attended the burn, highlighting the essential benefits of fire for healing people and Country.
Cultural burning on the Skipton Common was undertaken in November 2019 with Wathaurung Traditional Owners and not only improved the temperate grasslands of the region, but also increased the understanding of the importance of the practice to traditional owners. Wathaurung Traditional Owner, Tammy Gilson, conducted the smoking ceremony as a Welcome to Country for the activity.
43 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
LAND Although there are large sections earth’s surface every eight days over of high conservation value native a 12-month period to analyse the Condition Statement vegetation secured in parks and percentage of ground not covered reserves, other vegetation is often by living or dead plant materialxx. The The Land theme reports on the fragmented, particularly on private maximum percentage of exposed soil management of land within the Glenelg land. Intact areas of native vegetation across the Glenelg Hopkins region for Hopkins region. on private land are of particular all years to December 2019 is shown importance as they often contain in Figure 9 (below). The data indicates Regional Context threatened ecological vegetation that the percentage area of exposed The Glenelg Hopkins region is communities. There has been a long soil across the Glenelg Hopkins region recognised as having some of the most history of programs undertaken across has varied marginally on an annualised fertile and productive soils in Australiaxvii. the region to increase the area of land basis. With more than 80 percent of the region managed for conservation through Average soil water availability is dedicated to agricultural production, landholder management agreements presented in Figure 10, (below) and is an the protection and enhancement of and covenants. estimate of the average amount of water the region’s soil is clearly linked to stored in the soil profile during the year. regional prosperity and is fundamental Land benchmark - Ground cover and Average soil water estimated for 2019 to ongoing sustainable food and fibre land managed for conservation was 359 mm which is below the 19-year production. In 2018-19 the region was Ground cover can provide an indicator average of 399 mm. rated as the 2nd highest agricultural of soil health and maintenance of production region in Victoria and ground cover is essential for sustainable 4th highest in Australia, producing production, and the prevention of soil agricultural commodities with a gross erosion. Ground cover also plays an value of $2,695 millionxix. important role in maintaining biodiversity Substantial changes in land use have and nutrient cycling. occurred in the region since the early The Australian National University has 1990s. While broad acre grazing is still assessed the extent of exposed soil prominent, there have been significant nationally since 2000. The assessment increases in the area of land used is undertaken using MODIS satellite for dairying, cropping and blue gum imagery that captures images of the plantations.
14 Figure 9: Percentage of exposed soil in the Glenelg Hopkins region (2000-2019) 12 Source: Source: Australia’s Environment
10 Explorer 2019, developed by the Australian National University – Fenner 8 School of the Environment and Society, xposed soils www.ausenv.online. 6
ercentage of e 4 P
2 2013 200 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 200 9
YEAR
500 Figure 10: Average soil water availability 450 in the Glenelg Hopkins region (2000- 2019). Average amount of water stored 400 in the soil profile during the year as 350 estimated by the OzWALD model-data 300 fusion system
250
mm Australia’s Environment Explorer 2019,
200 developed by the Australian National University – Fenner School of the 150 Environment and Society, 100 www.ausenv.online. 50 2013 200 0 200 1 200 2 200 3 200 4 200 5 200 6 200 7 200 8 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 0 200 9
44 YEAR CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 12 (opposite) provides an Table 12: Land managed for conservation in the Glenelg Hopkins region indication of the area of land managed Protection Additional area for conservation in the Glenelg Number/Area covered type this year Hopkins region. An additional 66 ha was placed under conservation National Parks* 207,788 ha 0 covenant during 2019-20, and 126 State Parks* 31,320 ha 0 landholder management agreements were established over 1,242 ha. As of Other public land*# 243,771 ha 0 30 June 2020, 4,409 ha of land within Trust for Nature 102 covenants, 4,409 ha 1 covenant, 66 ha the Glenelg Hopkins region was under conservation covenant Trust for Nature covenants (perpetual agreements). The purpose of these Landholder 841 agreements, 28,925 ha 126 agreements, covenants is to permanently conserve agreements (output recorded since 2013/14) 1,242 ha and protect the natural, cultural or *Data from Public Lands Management spatial dataset scientific values of the land. # “Other public land” includes Coastal Reserves, Natural Catchment Areas, Forest Park, Marine Sanctuaries, Natural Features Reserves, Nature Conservation Reserves, NPA Schedule 3 Other Parks, Proposed National Parks Act, Regional Parks, State Forests.
MANAGEMENT REPORT Examples of land management practices that have featured in recent project Key initiatives and activities are soil testing for pH to achievements inform lime application, efficient use of fertilisers and maintaining ground Sustainable Agriculture: Soils4Farms cover targets in grazing and cropping enterprises. Project partners will be Commencing in 2018-19, this is a drawn from agricultural industry bodies, five-year project funded through the the Landcare community and Traditional Australian Government’s National Owner groups. Landcare Program. With a strong emphasis on community engagement Effective partnership development has the project will support farmers to build been identified as a crucial mechanism knowledge and increase the adoption for ensuring effective and empowered of practices to improve and protect the community action that will improve condition of soil, appropriate to their sustainable land management, create farming system. Priority focus areas strong local networks and increase the for engagement are soil acidification likelihood of behaviour change towards processes; risks to production and profit; innovative practices. and land management practices that reduce soil acidity.
45 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Key achievements for 2019-20 included: Glenelg Hopkins CMA works with Agriculture Victoria projects a range of partners and community • developing 31 communication and During 2019-20, Agriculture Victoria groups to build awareness and uptake information publications; delivered a range of projects to mitigate of sustainable agricultural practices the impacts of invasive plants and • establishing 10 partnership including best practice grazing animals. These projects have included: agreements (government agencies, management, pest insect control and industry groups, Landcare and farm biodiversity conservation. • annual monitoring and treatment production groups); of known Mexican feather grass Significant activities undertaken in • delivering 16 on-farm workshops or sites, a State prohibited weed, 2019-20 as part of this project included: field days, achieving an attendance being managed toward state-wide of 427 farmers and farm service • a farm Study Tour delivered in eradication; providers; partnership with Perennial Pasture • containment of regionally prohibited • supporting four soil health webinars Systems attracting 150 attendees; weeds including serrated tussock, attended by 137 with an additional and silver leaf nightshade, golden thistle, 257 views of the recorded material; • partnering with the Southwest Amsinckia and spiny burr grass; and and Environmental Alliance Network • gorse and rabbit management • funding 9 farm businesses to to host the inaugural Australia and projects supporting community led complete Dairy Australia’s Fert$mart New Zealand National Biochar Study action and protection of high value Nutrient Management program. Tour attended by more than 100 catchment assets. delegates. One of the most significant outcomes Agriculture Victoria has undertaken 237 invasive plant and animal property for this project is the development of the Smart Farming Partnerships – Glenelg Hopkins Soil Health Knowledge Southern Farming Systems inspections over 55,992 ha within the Base. This will enable public access Glenelg Hopkins region during 2019-20. The Smart Farming Partnership Program to soil data collected through direct continued its involvement in Smart A range of extension services were sampling as part of this program and Technology Demonstration Trials in delivered under Agriculture Victoria’s combined with a range of external data Western Victoria in collaboration with dairy, grains and meat/wool programs. layers held by Victorian and Australian partner organisations such as Southern In particular, the Land Health project Government agencies. Once completed Farming Systems, Agriculture Victoria aims to support dryland farmers to this information will provide a powerful and the Grasslands Society of Southern achieve a long-term outcome of tool for land use planning and provide Australia. “productive, resilient and sustainable a tool to monitor the impact of soil Victorian dryland farming systems management practices over time. Now in its second year, the trials integrated with regional landscapes”. involved numerous technical support/ NLP Regional Agriculture Landcare provider companies and featured the The total number of attendees Facilitatory latest technology available to be used (excluding staff from the Department) participating in Agriculture Victoria The Glenelg Hopkins Regional on-farm including: sensors for animal led activities in the Glenelg Hopkins Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) monitoring, soil moisture recordings and Catchment was 3,707. is funded by the Australian Government water levels in tanks/dams. Activities this through the National Landcare Program. year largely focussed on producing case studies to assess and communicate The RALF supports individuals, Landcare the viability of a range of innovative and agricultural production groups equipment and technology. These to adopt sustainable farm and land studies will be provided to farmers management practices by: through a range of multimedia • promoting the Landcare ethic and platforms. sustainable agricultural practices; • assisting with funding applications, membership and resources; • supporting the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of regional plans; and • building and strengthening partnerships between regional stakeholders.
Smart farming trials
46 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
CASE STUDY: Growing climate change resilience – Wattle tree seed production demonstration site
BACKGROUND: APPROACH: On-farm diversification is a promising Many Acacia species are moderately Glenelg Hopkins CMA has supported strategy for farmers to adapt to climate saline tolerant, as well as hardy, this demonstration site through a change while also contributing to diverse adaptable and drought tolerant. In Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator food production, healthier diets, and a addition to this they appear to represent (RALF) demonstration site grant. This better use of agricultural biodiversity. In a low input, low cost crop and be suited project aligns with the key objectives order to investigate the feasibility of one to specific selection as shelter belt of the RALF program by supporting form of revenue diversification, Gazette trees with revenue potential from seed the development of knowledge and famers Jeff and Morna Semmens have production. awareness relating to sustainable planted a one acre demonstration agricultural practices, building strong This trial has the potential to improve trial plot of 350 wattle trees from six regional relationships and supporting sustainable agricultural practices by different species. The demonstration climate adaptation practices. increasing the options for low cost food plot has been designed to assess the production that is suited to a changing suitability of this stony barrier country to climate. In doing so, it represents an growing wattle trees and compare the RESULTS: example of income diversification and if potential of each wattle species for food successful may improve the economic The objectives for year 1 (2019-20) of this production. viability of the farm operation and three-year project were to plan, prepare Wattle seed (Acacia spp) has a therefore increase the climate resilience and plant the demonstration site and low glycaemic index, high levels of of the farming enterprise. deliver a demonstration site tour event protein and provides a good source to build interest in and awareness of this of magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron and work and other sustainable agricultural selenium. It has been a staple food practices. The expert guidance of an ingredient for Indigenous Australians for experienced agroforestry consultant at least 4,000 years. More recently, there ensured a sound experimental design has been a small but increasing demand and resulted in the establishment of a for wattle seed as part of the commercial demonstration site consisting of 350 bush food market. Wattle trees are trees with 6 species of edible wattle. often used in planting programs for The site tour held in November attracted mine site rehabilitation, ameliorating 40 attendees (mostly farmers and land degradation and to combat rising producers). watertables and dryland salinity. The next two years will focus on monitoring and maintenance until the end of the third year where there will be field days held to undertake the seed harvest and weigh and document for comparison of production and growth data.
Key Partners: Gazette Land Action Group Glenelg Hopkins CMA Boonderoo Partnership Edible Wattle Seed Consultancy
47 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
THE COAST The rich coastal zone has supported a Protection for Coast and long history of cultural use with some Marine values of the earliest evidence of human Condition Statement Coastal vegetation across the regional habitation in Australia found along coastline is fragmented, with the larger The Coast theme reports on the the coastline. There are many sites of areas of remnant vegetation found condition of marine and coastal historical and current significance to within the parks and reserve system, in environments within the Glenelg the Traditional Owners of the region, areas such as Lower Glenelg National Hopkins region. including part of the World Heritage Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. Regional Context Mt Clay State Forestxxv and Narrawong The region’s estuaries are some Flora Reserve, Mount Richmond National Coasts are the interface between of its most significant, and utilised, Park, Bats Ridge Wildlife Reserve, marine and terrestrial environments. environmental, social and economic Belfast Coastal Reserve, Bay of Islands They include beaches, cliffs, intertidal assets. There are eight major estuaries Coastal Park and Cape Nelson State zones, coastal wetlands, marshes, in the Glenelg Hopkins region: Glenelg Park. mangroves, lagoons, coastal floodplain River estuary, Fawthrop Lagoon, Surry forests and the estuarine portions of Marine National Parks and sanctuaries River estuary, Fitzroy River estuary, waterways. As defined in the Marine recognise and protect important marine Yambuk Lake, Moyne River estuary, and Coastal Act 2018, the marine and habitats and species, natural features, Merri River estuary and the Hopkins coastal environment includes all private cultural heritage and aesthetic values. River estuary. Estuaries within the region and public land and waters between the Areas formally recognised within the naturally close intermittently following outer limit of Victorian coastal water and region include the Discovery Bay Marine the formation of a sand bar at the five kilometres inland of the high-water National Park near Portland and the estuary mouth. Both the Moyne estuary mark of the sea. Merri Marine Sanctuary near the mouth and the smaller outlet associated with of the Merri estuary. In addition, special The Glenelg Hopkins region has Fawthrop Lagoon are artificially kept management areas have been identified 220 km of coastline in varying condition, open. at Cape Bridgewater, Lawrence Rocks, the extent of the coastal zone is shown The Glenelg River estuary is the longest Portland Bay, Deen Maar Island and in Figure 11 (page 49). It incorporates in Victoria, extending 75 km upstream Logans Beach. a diverse range of ecosystems and from the coast. The Glenelg River provides critical habitat for threatened Figure 11 (page 49) shows the extent of estuary was internationally recognised species such as the Orange-bellied land within the coastal zone which is for its exceptional values in 2018 when it Parrot and Hooded Plover, as well as managed for environmental protection was listed as part of the Glenelg Estuary several internationally Important Bird through parks and reserves. This and Discovery Bay Ramsar site. The Areas (IBAs); Yambuk Lakes Complex equates to approximately 50,463 ha. Glenelg River estuary was described IBA, Port Fairy to Warrnambool IBA and in detail through the Ramsar listing Private land is mostly residential near Discovery Bay – Piccaninnie Ponds process. It supports a range of distinct townships or utilised for agriculture. IBA. The coastal zone also supports and diverse assemblage of wetland, Where areas of the coastline are two nationally listed threatened estuary and waterbird values. It is a under high demand and subject to ecological communities – Subtropical salt wedge estuary with three distinct development pressures, coastal habitats and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh, and layers that vary under different tidal and tend to gradually fragment or are lostxxvi. the Assemblage of species associated freshwater inflow conditions. Maintaining with open-coast salt-wedge estuaries of A key challenge is to maintain a healthy this variability in salinity and dissolved western and central Victoria. and diverse coastal ecosystem that oxygen regimes is important for many exhibits connectivity on a landscape Coastal areas are some of the most biological and chemical functions and scale, particularly where the coast is in utilised parts of the landscape, with processes. The variability is closely high demand or under threat from the 77% of Victorians reporting that they linked to the opening and closing of the implications of climate change. visit the coast at least once a yearvi. estuary mouthiv. Most visitors do so for the purpose of recreation, including walking, swimming, Marine values xxiii and relaxing. 80 percent of Victorians The Victorian Environmental surveyed identified the coast and Assessment Council (VEAC)ii published marine environments as the state’s most an assessment of the values of the important natural feature. Victorian marine environment in 2019. The region’s marine resources are They considered the marine values diverse and support valuable fisheries, of the region’s coastline divided into tourism as well as significant ecological the following biounits with different values. The region is a famous breeding characteristics values and threats. A and feeding zone for a range of whale summary of their findings is shown in species and other marine mammals Table 13 (Page 49). and supports giant kelp forests and sea grass beds matrix.
48 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Table 13: VEAC Marine values summary (source: adapted from VEAC, 2019xxiv)
biounit name key characteristics key natural values key threats
Glenelg Glenelg River Estuary Blue Whale feeding Sea level rise From the SA Sub tidal reefs Shorebirds (inc Hooded plover) Storm surge impacts to coastline and estuary border into High energy coastline Conservation listed communities opening Discovery Bay Bonney Upwelling and species Elevated nutrient from land sources lead to Giant Kelp forests changes to algal growth, epiphytes, potential contamination of seafood. Abalone viral ganglioneuritis Marine pests include green shore crab Weeds Disturbance of beach nesting birds Marine debris
Discovery Bay Strong winds and swells. Pygmy blue whale feeding Alterations in waves and currents reduce IncludesDiscovery Bonney Upwelling Moderate Cape Bridgewater Australian fur seal seagrass productivity Bay Marine to strong tidal streams haul out Sea level rise reduces area for seagrass National Park High-energy, wave- Shorebirds (inc Hooded plover) Sea temperature rises impacts to a range of (MNP) dominated beaches and Endangered seabirds species including Bull kelp rocky shores, sublittoral reef, Great white and Grey nurse shark Marine pests, invasive algae and weeds coastal cliffs, dunes and Southern bluefin tuna Disturbance of beach nesting birds lagoons Portland reefs Marine debris and litter from urban areas Deep calcarenite reefs Southern hooded shrimp and sparse seagrass Underwater cliffs dominated by dense common kelp Sea caves, blow holes and petrified forest Conservation-listed communities and species
Cape Nelson 5 estuaries High energy common kelp Alterations in waves or currents reduce seagrass From western Strong winds and swells. communities productivity Bridgewater Bay Submerged volcanic Australian fur seal breeding colony, Sea level rise alters frequency of estuary mouth to east of structures long-nosed fur seals, Australian opening Port Fairy Deep low profile reef sealions and southern elephant Decreased freshwater flows alter frequency of systems seals (Deen Maar) estuary mouth opening and salinity regime Capes, promontories and Significant sea bird colonies Artificial estuary opening islands (Deen Maar) Largest Australasian Gannet colony Coastal modifications and development High-energy, wave- (Lawrence rocks) Port of Portland, proximity to shipping lanes, dominated beaches and Seagrass (Amphibolis antarctica) use by recreational boats rocky shores, sublittoral reef, beds in Portland bay Marine pests, invasive algae and weeds coastal cliffs, dunes and Conservation-listed communities Disturbance of beach nesting birds lagoons and species Marine debris from ocean and litter/other debris from urban areas
Figure 11: Extent of parks and reserves in the coastal zone
49 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Impacts of catchment activities, 2015 IEC trial. Wetlands that are drained Levels of sediment deposits in all coastal access and development on or are disconnected from their original but Lake Yambuk were scored from marine and coastal condition water sources however, are generally in moderate to good. Estuarine flora, as poor condition. measured by phytoplankton levels, was Development in coastal areas impacts excellent in the Hopkins River Estuary, on the condition of coastal and marine Where wetlands exist alongside but very poor to moderate across all resources. Increased populations, either estuaries, they are dependent on other estuaries assessed. Phytoplankton resident or visitors, also mean increased high river water levels to seasonally is a measure of productivity and is clearance, development and pressure inundate the wetlands and maintain their influenced by nutrient levels, turbidity on recreational assets like beaches, condition. A large number of coastal and stratification of the estuary. These waterways, estuaries and fringing wetland habitats have been developed levels may be influenced by surrounding bushland. for grazing. Closer to urban areas, they land use practices. may also be backfilled or drained to Increased development can lead to support roads, houses or other assets. The Hopkins River estuary is the most other indirect impacts on the coastal closely studied estuary in the region and or marine environment, for example, Estuaries benchmark was observed to have extensive and increased volumes of water with high – Index of Estuary Condition healthy seagrass beds over a number of nutrient and sediment load water decades up until 2016, when seagrass discharging via estuaries into marine The Index of Estuary Condition (IEC) extent was noted to have declined environments. The quality and quantity was developed by Deakin University markedlyxxviii. Seagrass communities of water discharged to the marine and is intended to assess the condition are notoriously difficult to re-establish, environment is influenced by urban of Victorian estuaries, with scores on taking many years or decades to regrow, wastewater but also from agricultural estuary characteristics rated from and are highly significant nursery catchments. Poor water quality is known 1 = very poor to 5 = excellentvi. habitats for a range of species, including to have a direct impact on seagrasses An IEC trial completed in 2015 found many fish. which occur along the coast and that estuaries in the Glenelg Hopkins contribute to the productive and diverse region ranged from moderate to good Climate impacts fish populations of the region’s estuaries condition (results presented in Table 14, and beaches. below). Many coast and marine values, including wetlands, estuaries and beaches are The results should be viewed with Estuary and coastal wetland directly vulnerable to the impacts of caution as the scores only reflect a condition climate change. These direct impacts subset of measures that were assessed include inundation from rising sea The condition of the region’s coastal during the trial. The IEC trial indicated levels and storm surge, increased storm wetlands and estuaries varies all estuaries, with the exception of intensity, combined with lower river significantly along the coast. The Fawthrop Lagoon, have excellent flows (as rainfall decreases). More poorly Glenelg River Estuary and Discovery physical form with respect to pre- understood are the potential impacts Bay Wetland Complex encompass European condition, however estuaries of climate change on function of the freshwater wetlands, estuary, beach scored from very poor to good for coastal ecosystems, for example the and dune systems that are in excellent hydrology. conditionxxvii. Wetlands in the coastal impacts of warming sea temperature on This lower score reflects regulated zone are observed to be in generally the timing and strength of the Bonney flow regimes and the artificial opening good condition if they retain water on upwelling; marine nutrients and their of most estuaries to reduce the risk at least a semi-permanent basis, and uptake; the spread of marine pests and of flooding. Water quality was rated estuaries are in moderate to good impacts to fish breeding and stocks. moderate to excellent across all condition based on the results of the estuaries.
Table 14: Trial Index of Estuary Condition Results 2015 – Summary of Selected Measures in Each of Five Themes
Physical Water Estuary Hydrology Sediment Flora Overall Form Quality
Glenelg River 5 1.5 3.5 4 3 3
Fawthrop Lagoon 4 2 -
Surry River 5 4 3.5 3
Fitzroy River 5 2 4.5 4 3 4
Lake Yambuk 5 2 3.5 2 1 3
Moyne River 5 3 -
Merri River 5 1 3.5 3 1 3
Hopkins River 5 1 3.5 4 5 4
50 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Annual coasts assessment 2019-20
Annual Rating Key Evidence Assessment
concerned A level of concern that significant events during • The coastal environment remains subject to high demand for the year may have an adverse impact in the development and for recreational use and very little of the area is longer term. protected. • Some recreational uses of beaches and dunes such as horse riding and dog walking threaten vulnerable breeding populations of endangered and migratory species. • Estuaries and wetlands are important and complex coastal ecosystems that are subject to high human usage, artificial opening regimes, changed nutrient and sediment conditions (due to river flows) and are vulnerable to reduced flow driven by declining rainfall. • Sea-level rise is anticipated to continue to erode beaches and dunes, which will reduce the area of protected coast, impact estuaries and coastal wetlands and put further pressure on coast- dependent species.
Reasons for assessment: • The Coastal Connections Project, The 2019-20 Budj Bim Restoration which aims to address the activities contributes to the CMA four- • Relatively little of the coastal decline of Australasian Bittern year Flagship Waterway program - landscape extent is under populations, as well as support the Budj Bim Connections. Annual outputs government or permanent protection. recovery of migratory shorebirds achieved for the activity include: • The coast and marine resources of within the region has achieved • 1 wetland reflooding trial; the region are recognised for their significant planning, monitoring • 5 land management agreements; wild and natural values, but face and engagement activities that considerable threats from climate will support the recovery of these • 2.14 km of riparian and remnant change, including increased storm species and their habitats along the vegetation fencing; surge, sea level rise and increasing coastline. • 4.1 ha of weed control; temperatures which may result in • 11.1 ha of revegetation; changes to morphology, biodiversity and processes. MANAGEMENT REPORT • 5 off-stream stock watering points; • The marine productivity of the • 5 written and visual publications; Key initiatives and regional coast is dependent on large achievements • 181 people engaged at training scale processes like the Bonney events, field days and workshops; Upwelling. The impacts of rising sea VWPIF Coastal Works Program • collaboration and partnerships with temperatures on the upwelling and local organisations, landholders and associated dependent values are The Coastal Works Program protects Traditional Owners to complete on- poorly understood. and enhances priority waterways in the ground works. • Changes to marine environment CMA’s coastal region. Core activities The Coastal Works Project has also condition e.g. seagrass, kelp, whale include delivering the CMA’s statutory delivered the additional following populations, fish stocks etc are responsibilities relating to estuary outputs through the estuary entrance poorly documented and challenging monitoring and management and management and a coastal community to monitor within the region. increasing knowledge and capacity of community groups. This project engagement activities: • Coastal assets are impacted by also supports private landholders and • 15 water quality assessments infrastructure including towns and Traditional Owners to improve the health throughout the region’s estuaries; ports with their resultant impacts of waterways, wetlands and estuaries. from recreational, tourism and • 4 authorised artificial river mouth development activities. Key activities in 2019-20 included: openings; • The regional population is relatively • on-ground works throughout the Budj • 104 participants engaged through concentrated along the coast which Bim landscape, including the Fitzroy 7 training and workshop events; is also popular for tourism and River, Darlot Creek, associated • 6 communications and publications recreation. wetlands and the Fitzroy estuary. delivered to over 100 recipients; and • The World Heritage listing of the • estuary management including • 2 Estuary Watch volunteer groups Budj Bim Cultural Landscape and the estuary opening decisions, supported with 12 dedicated Ramsar listing of the Glenelg Estuary • estuary water monitoring including community volunteers on the and Discovery Bay Ramsar site supporting community involvement in Merri and Hopkins estuaries. recognise the values of the coastal Estuary Watch. zone on the international stage.
51 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Ramsar projects • control of invasive weeds including The following key activities were pine wildlings, Italian Buckthorn, completed during the current year: Ramsar projects are focused on the African Boxthorn and Myrtle-leaf Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay • 9 workshops or other events Milkwort in the Glenelg estuary Ramsar site and provide for coordination engaging landholders and riparian vegetation, including through of Ramsar site management, monitoring community members in management, Nelson Streamside Reserve and and on-ground projects aimed at planning or recovery actions; adjoining walking tracks; improving the condition of the site. • access to nesting shorebird sites • control of Cape Beach Daisy and controlled along the coastline to In 2019-20 the Ramsar projects Marram Grass along the Discovery protect birds from trampling, vehicles, achieved the following key outputs: Bay Beach, particularly at heavy dogs and other human disturbance; • Simsons boat ramp landing upgrade infestations known to be suitable • completion of over 13 ha of Bittern to support improved recreational Hooded Plover nesting locations; and habitat burnt with Traditional Owners access when estuary water levels • developing a detailed design to satisfy ecological and cultural are high; and scope of works to lift the outcomes; • convening the site Ramsar level of Beach Road and improve • monitoring of potential Bittern and Coordinating Committee; hydrological connectivity via the Eel Hooded Plover habitat to determine Creek culvert. • monitoring of fish, birds, ancient populations, identify priority habitats greenlings and native vegetation and develop monitoring and NLP2 Coastal Connections and across the site; restoration approaches; Hooded plover projects • inaugural Ramsar Community Forum • replacement of signage and fencing (2 day event - 40 local community A range of projects focused on lost in the 2019-20 summer bushfires participants); nationally listed threatened bird species in Kangaroo Island (SA) and East • investigation into the hydrological that use coastal habitats were delivered Gippsland; over 2019-20. These projects were function of different wetland types • 70 potential sites identified as funded via the Australian government’s at the site to inform management; supporting habitat for key species; National Landcare Program (Regional • videos to promote the site and and Land Partnerships) and Environment project activities; Restoration Fund delivering outcomes • two Orange Bellied Parrots were as indicated in Table 15 (below). recorded in the region in May 2020, the first recorded sighting in four years.
Table 15: Project contributions to National Landcare Program outcomes
Investment Program NLP Outcome Contribution in the Glenelg Hopkins region and Priority
By 2023, the trajectory of species NLP2(RLP) Coastal Connections Australasian Bittern Recovery – aims to improves wetland targeted under the Threatened project Botaurus poiciloptilus habitat by improving land management practices, Species Strategy, and other (Australasian Bittern) hydrological regimes and traditional fire regimes on private EPBC Act priority species, is land. It will also establish a Bittern population monitoring stabilised or improved. regime.
NLP2(RLP) Coastal Connections Shorebird Recovery supports recovery actions for the project Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot and Eastern Curlew by supporting (Orange-bellied Parrot) population monitoring and protection of habitat on public and private land. NLP2(RLP) Coastal Connections project Numenius madagascariensis (Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew)
NLP2(RLP) Protecting the Hooded Support recovery of Hooded Plover populations along the Plover project south-eastern coastline of Victoria and South Australia by Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis protecting nesting sites and habitat, monitoring populations (Hooded Plover (eastern)) and increasing community knowledge about threats to HP.
Environment Restoration Fund Increased support to increase the survival of Hooded Protection for Hooded Plover chicks plover chicks. project Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis (Hooded Plover (eastern))
52 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
CASE STUDY: Infrastructure for healthy estuaries and healthy people
BACKGROUND: APPROACH: This was clearly demonstrated in May 2020 when waterway users were Across the world, estuaries are a focal Locations and infrastructure susceptible able to access the estuary via the new point for people due to their stunning to flooding have been identified through infrastructure, when the other fixed boat water views, beach access points and local consultation and, through sensitive ramp was inundated with water due high excellent fishing opportunities. These waterway planning, estuary managers water levels in the estuary. highly attractive parts of our landscape have designed floating infrastructure are complex and rich ecosystems that rises and falls with the estuary Longer term benefits flow to the defined by freshwater catchment flows, to accommodate the needs of the important ecosystems that make up the and ocean and tidal processes. waterway, its users, and local residents. true value of estuaries. Native plants and animals that depend on the intermittently In Victoria, seasonally-closed salt-wedge closed, salt-wedge estuary process can estuaries support protected ecological RESULTS: continue to prosper and grow out as part communities. The estuary mouth of their life cycle. intermittently closes during the year due Immediate benefits are provided to to the build-up of a sandbar across the estuary users, particularly recreational Appropriately designed infrastructure river opening. During the wetter season, fishers and boaters, with this allows estuaries to function naturally freshwater inflows from the catchment infrastructure providing year-round while supporting recreational use and or groundwater can lead to the estuary access to estuaries. Longer term benefits enjoyment of rivers. By being able mouth ‘opening’, allowing the estuary are found in the estuary’s ecosystems to develop a solution which allowed water levels to fall again. with thriving fish populations, satisfied these natural processes to occur also anglers and the businesses that support delivers on the Victorian Government’s River mouths opening and closing is those visitors as there is less restriction commitment to protecting the Glenelg a natural part of the cycle of estuary of estuary use, and less intervention in Estuary and Discovery Bay Ramsar site. processes in south west Victoria. The the natural opening and closing process process is essential for the life cycle of the waterway. Key Partners: of many protected and important fish Nelson Foreshore Committee of An example of this flexible infrastructure species targeted by recreational anglers, Management however, at times, high estuary water can be seen at Simson’s Landing where DELWP Department of Environment levels, can lead to localised flooding one of the two fixed-timber pontoons on Land Water Planning of public and private infrastructure and the Glenelg River was replaced with an Parks Victoria property. To address this, innovative aluminium floating pontoon. The project infrastructure is being designed and built had over-whelming support by the local Glenelg Estuary Discovery Bay Ramsar to accommodate the estuary's natural community, who had a strong desire for Coordinating Committee river fluctuations, allowing year-round year-round, safe access to the Glenelg EBAZ Pty Ltd public access while enabling nature estuary. Glenelg Hopkins CMA to flourish. Immediate benefits were improved angler and community safety when launching and retrieving boats. The new structure remains at a constant height above the current water level, irrespective of whether the estuary mouth is closed or open.
The pontoon at Simsons Landing on the Glenelg River is an excellent example of how estuary management can include flexible infrastructure solutions so the environment and the community can benefit.
53 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
REGIONAL ACTIONS 4.1.1 Engage Victoria’s communities Figure 13 (below) shows the number AND ACHIEVEMENTS in natural resource management of formal partnerships established, maintained or modified that provide an This key focus area contributes directly REPORTING opportunity to engage with government, to goal one of Our Catchments, industry and the community; and 4.1 Key Focus Areas Our Communities “Effective includes partnerships with industry community engagement in catchment Each year the ten Victorian CMAs bodies, community groups, government management”, and reports on a contribute to a state-wide actions and agencies or individuals to support local selection of outputs in the “planning and achievements report, which highlights a action. regulation” standard output class. These selection of outputs aligned with three outputs contribute to collaboration, skills Figure 14 (below) shows the number key focus areas: and awareness outcomes. of publications developed and 1. Engage Victoria’s communities in disseminated to keep stakeholders and Figure 12 (below) shows the number of natural resource management. the broader community informed. participants at engagement events, such 2. Protect and improve the as field days, presentations, training environmental condition of Victoria’s or workshops, which are designed waterways, land and biodiversity. to raise or improve skills or increase collaboration between communities 3. Provide good governance and and organisations. leadership.
The Glenelg Hopkins regional contribution to these focus areas is shown below, as well as trend data.
7,000 50
6,000 ts 40 5,000 ticipan 30
par 4,000 of Number 3,000 20
Number 2,000 10 1,000
0 0 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 YEAR YEAR
Figure 12: Number of participants at engagement events Figure 13: Number of formal partnerships established, maintained or modified
500 450 400 350 300 250 200 Number of publications 150 100 50 0 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 YEAR
Figure 14: Number of publications established, maintained or modified (including fact sheets, media releases, newsletters, reports, websites, television and social media).
54 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
4.1.2 Protect and improve the The number of waterway structures that environmental condition of were installed or modified, for the period Victoria’s waterways, land and 2016-17 to 2018-19, is shown in Figure biodiversity 15 (page 54). This output includes the This key focus area reports on a construction of fishways, rock chutes, selection of standard outputs in the and flow regulators. following classes: structural works, Figure 16 (below) shows the area of environment works and management vegetation established, modified or services. These outputs contribute to maintained, and includes activities such management outcomes relating to: as direct seeding, planting, thinning and • productivity, soil properties and soil mulching. The area of land on which stability, pest animal control and weed control has been undertaken over the past four • species recovery, species control and years is shown in Figure 17 (below) and habitat availability, Figure 18 (below) respectively. • amenity, Figure 19 (below) indicates the area of • vegetation extent, structure and land on which grazing regime change diversity, has occurred, such as controlling of • water quality, environmental water, access in line with best practice, or groundwater, removal of livestock. • cultural heritage, and • extreme event preparedness.
450 37000
350 36000 300
250 35000
Area (ha) 200 Area (ha) 150 34000
100 33000 50
0 32000 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 YEAR YEAR
Figure 16: Area of vegetation established, modified Figure 17: Area of pest animal control (ha) (gross area or maintained(ha) (includes direct seeding, planting, over which pest animals were controlled by killing, mulching, guarding and thinning) removing or restricting them)
6000 1400
5000 1200
4000 1000
800 3000 Area (ha) Area (ha) 600 2000 400 1000 200
0 0 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 YEAR YEAR
Figure 18: Area of weed control (ha) (gross area over Figure 19: Area of grazing regime change (ha) (the area which weeds were controlled by killing, removing or over which grazing by livestock has been established, restricting them) maintained, modified or removed)
55 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
4.1.3 Provide good governance and leadership This focus area reports on a selection of standard outputs in the “planning and regulation” standard output class. These outputs contribute to outcomes relating to: governance; skills, awareness and collaboration; cultural heritage; vegetation structure and diversity, and available habitat.
450 900 400 800 350 700 300 600 250 500
Number 200 Number 400 150 300 100 200 50 100 0 0 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 YEAR YEAR
Figure 20: Number of approvals and advice provided Figure 21: Number of site based or landscape scale (records the number of decisions made in regard to assessments (includes social, land, water and biodiversity permits, licences, leases and planning referrals, as well assessments and can include monitoring activities to as advice provided to another agency or individual) ensure compliance with policy and regulation and new and emerging weeds and pest animals)
180 140 160 120 140 100 120 100 80 Number Number 80 60 60 40 40 20 20 0 0 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 YEAR YEAR
Figure 22: Number of agreements developed Figure 23: Number of plans or strategies developed (agreements developed/reviewed in relation to (includes engagement, property, management plans, and management of a specific location. Includes agreements strategies and should be for a defined location) attached to title, legal conservation covenants or agreements placed on the property title for land parcel)
56 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
4.2 Regional output achievements Table 16 presents the total outputs achieved for 2019-20.
Table 16: Actions and Achievements - output reporting for 2019-20
Actual Output Target State Commonwealth Other Total
Structural works
1.1 Channel (km)
1.2 Water storage (no.) 27 8 3 11
1.3 Pump (no.) 2 2 2
1.4 Irrigation structure (ha)
1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 9 7 3 10
1.6 Terrestrial structure (no.) 2 6 6
1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 7 17 17
1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 49 80 80
1.9 Fence (km) 80 70 1 71
1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 1 1
1.11 Road (km)
1.12 Crossing (no.) 1 1 1
Environmental works
2.1 Vegetation (ha) 510 357 357
2.2 Weed control (ha) 1,892 1,486 527 2,013
2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 33,050 33,242 3,435 36,677
2.4 Over-abundant wildlife control
2.5 Threatened species response (no.) 8 26 26
2.6 Emergency species response (no.) 1 1
2.7 Soil treatment (ha) 4 4 4
2.8 Earth works (no.) 8 5 3 8
2.9 Rubbish removal (ha)
Management services
3.1 Grazing (ha) 365 449 449
3.2 Agricultural practices (ha) 110 720 720
3.3 Water (no.) 53 14 70 84
3.4 Fire regime (no.) 4 5 5
Planning and regulation 348
4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 355 344 16 360
4.2 Management agreement (no.) 219 76 48 124
4.3 Assessment (no.) 784 195 542 737
4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 2,388 1,845 2,694 150 4,689
4.5 Partnerships (no.) 56 44 3 47
4.6 Plan (no.) 27 13 23 36
4.7 Publication (no.) 240 217 234 451
4.8 Information management system (no.) 7 8 8
57 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
4.3 Regional delivery of projects Figure 24 details project highlights, including partner led projects, for the 2019-20 year.
Iconic Estates Grampians/Glenelg: Trust for Eastern Barred Bandicoot: This project, involving DELWP, CVA and CMA Nature project to provide ongoing protection contributed to 100 ha of pest weed and animal control at Hamilton Parklands across 300 ha of habitat on private land. and preparation of Tiverton for reintroduction of EBBs.
Pine Wildling Control: CVA has been undertaking pine wildling control in various state parks and reserves.
Increasing Critical Food Supply for the Endangered SE Red-tailed Black Cockatoo: Greening Australia project established 36,500 trees across Stringybark forest habitat in the Victorian section of Habitat 141o to increase food supply for the SE Red-tailed Black Cockatoo as well as providing habitat for Southern Brown Bandicoot and Long-nosed Potoroo.
Threatened species habitat restoration in the Wilkin Woodlands and Wetlands: DELWP, BirdLife, RTBC Recovery Team, Greening Australia, Parks Victoria.
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Monitoring: BirdLife Australia deployed bioacoustic sound recorders at 11 artificial nest boxes.
Habitat restoration for threatened species of wetlands in the Glenelg Plain: Nature Glenelg Trust.
Accor Plant for the Planet 2018: Greening Australia project supported by Accor, Pur Project and Clarins, establishing 5,000 trees across Feral Pig Management: Commencing 8 ha of previously cleared farmland at Cape in April 2015, DELWP has trapped 208 Bridgewater. feral pigs on public land.
Restoration of Long Swamp, Discovery Bay Weed Management in Lower CVA Catchment Planting and Coastal Park: Nature Glenelg Trust project to Glenelg and Discovery Bay: A Environmental Weed Control: permanently restore Ramsar-listed wetland number of projects undertaking weed Tyrendarra, Portland Cliffs habitat. control measures across threatened and Bushland reserves, Point coastal habitat. Project partners Danger, roadside reserves include Glenelg Shire, Glenelg Nature within the Moyne Shire, Glenelg Eden: DELWP, Parks Victoria and CVA Trust, Nelson Coastcare, Greening Warrnambool, Koroit and Pretty strategic, landscape-scale weed management Australia, Parks Victoria, DELWP, and Hill, Grange Burn and Wannon project that focuses on detection and removal CVA. Falls, Discovery Bay. of high-risk weeds.
Glenelg Ark: DELWP and Parks Victoria project undertaking fox baiting for the Glenelg Pines: DELWP project to remove pine past 13 years. trees from stringy-bark woodlands on public Glenelg Ark – next phase: trialling feral cat management options in the land to enhance habitat for SE Red-tailed Cobboboonee National Park and Mount Clay State Forest and integrating with Black Cockatoo. current fox control.
58 CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019-20
Parks Victoria Pest Plant and Grampians Sallow Wattle Grampians Herbivores: Parks Victoria Animal Control (including Glenelg Control: Parks Victoria project integrated approach to reduce the distribution Ark program): Treatment/control of to contain Sallow Wattle to its and abundance of goats, rabbits and deer. Sallow Wattle, Red Deer, Goats and current extent to protect herb- Foxes. rich woodlands. Grampians introduced predators – feral cats: Parks Victoria. Grampians/Glenelg Landscape Restoration Program: Nature Glenelg Trust project to restore hydrology of drained wetlands.
Covenants: Trust for Nature registered 1 on-title covenants, protecting 65.49 ha.
Agriculture Victoria extension services: delivered under dairy, grains and meat/wool programs
Agriculture Victoria Invasive Program Delivery: Agriculture Victoria undertook 237 plant and animal property inspections over 55,992 ha.
Improving the Quality and Connectedness of Grassland Communities on the VVP: Led by DELWP, this collaborative project aimed to improve the quality of EPBC and FFG listed grasslands and grassy woodlands and a suite of threatened species.
Victorian Volcanic Plain Landscape Wetland Merri River Habitat Restoration: Restoration Program: Nature Glenelg Trust CVA with GHCMA revegetation and project restoring the hydrology of 100 ha of construction of fish hotels. drained wetlands. Goat Control: Parks Victoria goat control in Mount Napier Reconnecting Budj Bim: Greening State Park. Agriculture Victoria Pest Plant and Animal Australia project establishing 60,400 mitigation projects: Annual monitoring and trees across 150 ha to improve habitat treatment of Mexican feather grass sites, for Spotted-tailed Quoll and Swift CVA Bushfire Recovery containment of regionally prohibited weeds, Parrot within the Budj Bim National Workshop in Warrnambool: gorse and rabbit management projects Heritage Landscape. construction of nest boxes. supporting community led action.
59 Our Governance, Our People, Our Business
BOARD STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE
A Board of eight community Overview of the Board Deputy Chairperson representatives governs Glenelg Chairperson Dr Michelle Casanova has a PhD in Hopkins CMA. Directors are appointed Botany and is Principal at Charophyte by the Minister following a public call Mr Antony Ford has over 40 years' Services, a consultancy aimed at for people with skills and catchment experience in Australian and providing best practice, scientific experience. The Chairperson Antony international agribusiness, of which research, information and assessment Ford was re-appointed in October 2017 28 years has been at senior executive concerning water plants and wetlands. for a term of four years. The Board is level and on the boards of food Michelle lives and works on a fine-wool responsible and accountable for the manufacturing, horticultural, aquaculture merino and cropping farm near good governance, strategic direction and other institutions. In the recent past Lake Bolac. and effective and efficient operation of he has been a CEO, senior executive and the organisation. board member in production horticulture, Michelle was voted Deputy Chairperson a large fin fish aquaculture company and at the November 2019 Full Board Key objectives for the Board are to: until recently has led the regional food meeting. • represent the interests of the and fiber development body in the Great community in natural resource South Coast of Victoria. management; In addition, he continues to work in the • achieve integrated catchment food production and food manufacturing management (as measured by space in advisory capacities as an improvement in resource condition); agribusiness consultant in SE and SW • act as a steward for the natural Australia. He continues to be involved in resource base; industry development, strategic planning and action delivery across the Region. • create effective partnerships; • develop appropriate action plans and support their implementation, including development of targets; and • provide regional leadership in natural resource management.
60 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
Directors Professor Gerry Quinn holds a Bachelor Ms Karrinjeet Singh-Mahil is a dairy of Science in Zoology, a PhD in Marine farmer and teacher who has a Master Mr Damein Bell is CEO of Gunditj Biology and has completed the of Education degree and a Certificate Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Australian Institute of Company Directors IV in Governance. She has previously Corporation and has previously been Course. He is a current Chairperson in worked in diverse fields such as banking a Board Member with the Victorian Marine Biology at Deakin University and and finance, venue management Equal Opportunity and Human Rights has served on several statutory bodies, and sports development across four Commission and the Native Title advisory committees and government countries. Karrinjeet has communication Services of Victoria. public entities. Gerry’s latest research and collaboration skills and is a creative has focused on the effect of humans thinker. is the Chief Executive Ms Chris Giles on the condition of estuaries and Officer at Portland District Health and Karrinjeet joined the Board 1 October developing models for linking coastal has considerable experience as a 2019. environments to nearby land and leader and manager of regional, rural catchment processes. and remote public health services. She Ms Celia Tucker holds a Bachelor of holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Gerry joined the Board 1 October 2019. Applied Science (Parks, Recreation Management along with nursing and and Heritage) and lives and works on a midwifery qualifications. Chris has a Mr Phil Saunders is a beef farmer at sheep farm with her husband at Willaura background in agriculture and currently Tyrendarra specialising in the production North. She is interested in both the has an interest in an irrigation property, of vealers for the domestic market. environmental and agricultural sectors with past experience in sheep, dairy He has a Bachelor of Agricultural and has previously worked at both local and poultry farming. She is currently a Science and a Bachelor of Business – and state government level in these Board Director for a Health ICT alliance Accountancy. He is deputy chair of the fields. The farming enterprise Celia and and has held the elected role as a Board of Heywood Rural Health and her husband operate places a strong Shire Councilor. chair of their finance sub-committee. focus on protecting and enhancing the natural capital and biodiversity on their Chris has also been actively involved He is also an independent member property to ensure profitability for future in Land and Sea Management initiatives of the Glenelg Shire Council audit generations. She serves on several working with local Traditional Owners committee. committees and is an active ‘Landcarer’ in the Torres Strait. supporting other primary producers in her community who wish to undertake Landcare work. Celia joined the Board 1 October 2019.
Governing Board 2019-20
number of explanatory Name meetings note Appointed to the Board 27 October 2015 to 30 September 2017 Appointed Board Chairperson 27 October 2015 to 30 September 2017 Antony Ford 10/10 Re-appointed to the Board and as Chairperson 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2021 Appointed to the Board 27 October 2015 to 30 September 2019 Damein Bell 7/10 Re-appointed 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2023 Appointed to the Board 27 October 2015 to 30 September 2019 Michelle Casanova 7/10 Re-appointed 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2023
Christine Giles 8/10 Appointed to the Board 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2021
Georgina Gubbins 2/2 Departed as Board Director 30 September 2019
Gerry Quinn 7/8 Appointed to the Board 1 October 2019 to September 2023
Phil Saunders 10/10 Appointed to the Board 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2021
Debbie Shea 2/2 Departed as Board Director 30 September 2019
John Sherwood 2/2 Departed as Board Director 30 September 2019
Karrinjeet Singh-Mahil 8/8 Appointed to the Board 1 October 2019 to September 2023
Celia Tucker 8/8 Appointed to the Board 1 October 2019 to September 2023
61 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
Audit & Risk Committee The responsibilities of the Audit and John Sherwood and Michelle Casanova Risk Committee are set out in Standing as members. The Audit and Risk committee consisted Direction 3.2.1.1. Key responsibilities of of the following members in 2019-20: On the 30 September 2019, Director the audit committee are to: Sherwood left the Board. At the • Brian Densem • review and report independently to November 2019 Full Board meeting (independent) the Board on the annual report and all Directors Chris Giles and Damein Bell • Bonnie Holmes other financial information published were appointed to the Remuneration and (independent) by Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Performance Committee with Antony Management Authority; Ford remaining as Chair. • Phil Saunders • assist the board in reviewing the (Director) The committee’s primary objective effectiveness of Glenelg Hopkins is to advise the Board on senior staff • Debbie Shea Catchment Management Authority’s appointments, remuneration and (Director to September 2019) internal control environment covering: performance evaluation. - effectiveness and efficiency of • Georgina Gubbins operations; In particular, the committee advises the (Director to September 2019) - reliability of financial reporting; Board on: • Karrinjeet Singh Mahil and • appropriate executive level (Director from October 2019) - compliance with applicable laws remuneration and employment • Michelle Casanova and regulations. agreements; (Director from October 2019) • determine the scope of the internal • specification of CEO performance audit function and ensure its measures; The Audit & Risk Committee comprises resources are adequate and used • evaluation of CEO performance; and three Board Directors and two effectively, including coordination independent representatives, one • succession planning. with the external auditors; and being the Chair of the Audit and Risk There is no Executive Officer for this • oversee the effective operation of the Committee. Board representatives from committee, however CEO Adam Bester risk management framework. 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019 were and Executive Manager Business Directors Georgina Gubbins, Debbie In 2019-20, the committee met three Services Faye Lee attend via invitation. Shea and Phil Saunders. From 1 October times. Attendance of committee 2019 to 30 June 2020 the Directors members is detailed in the table (below). Long Term Accommodation were Phil Saunders, Karrinjeet Singh- Working Group Mahil and Michelle Casanova. Remuneration and The Long Term Accommodation Performance Committee The Executive Officer role is held by non- Working Group Terms of Reference were voting staff member, Executive Manager From 1 July 2019 to 30 September rescinded at the Full Board meeting – Business Services. 2019, the Chair of the Remuneration in November 2019 and the Group was and Performance Committee was Board closed. There were no meetings in Chairperson Antony Ford with Directors 2019-20.
Audit and Risk Committee Attendance for 2019-20
Audit & Risk No. of Meetings % of meetings Aug-19 Nov-19 Feb-20 May-20 Committee attended attended Brian Densem 1 No Meeting 1 1 3 of 3 100%
Bonnie Holmes 1 No Meeting 1 1 3 of 3 100%
Georgina Gubbins - No Meeting N/A N/A 0 of 1 0%
Debbie Shea 1 No Meeting N/A N/A 1 of 1 100%
Phil Saunders 1 No Meeting 1 1 3 of 3 100%
Karrinjeet Singh-Mahil N/A No Meeting 1 1 2 of 2 100%
Michelle Casanova N/A No Meeting 1 1 2 of 2 100%
Remuneration and Performance Committee Attendance for 2019-20
Remuneration and No. of Meetings % of meetings Aug-19 Sep-19 JUN-20 Performance Committee attended attended Antony Ford 1 1 1 2 of 2 100%
Michelle Casanova 1 - - 1 of 2 50%
John Sherwood 1 - - 1 of 1 100% Damein Bell - 1 1 2 of 2 100% Christine Giles - 1 1 2 of 2 100% 62 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS Organisational Structure
MINISTER FOR ENERGY, MINISTER FOR WATER ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE The Hon. Lisa Neville MP The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP
PARTNERSHIP FORUM AND CMA BOARD BOARD SUB COMMITTEES ADVISORY GROUPS • Strategy • Audit and Risk • Glenelg Hopkins Advisory Group • Policy • Remuneration and Performance • Glenelg River Environmental • Monitoring Water Advisory Group • Accountability • Interagency Advisory Group
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Adam Bester INTERNAL AUDIT • Communication Strategy • Engagement Strategy
INTEGRATED CATCHMENT WATERWAYS AND BUSINESS SERVICES MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY EXECUTIVE MANAGER EXECUTIVE MANAGER EXECUTIVE MANAGER Faye Lee Michael Rees Chris Solum
• Strategy and Investment • Financial & Asset Management • Strategy and Investment Coordination • People Wellbeing & Culture • Regional waterway, wetland • Coordination of Regional and coastal health programs • Risk & Compliance Catchment Strategy and NRM Management • Biodiversity service delivery investment • Audit and Assurance • Waterways and biodiversity • Co-ordinate land health and community engagement climate adaption service • Occupational Health & Safety delivery, including support • Environmental Water • Facility Management for the regional Landcare • Sustainable Irrigation programs • Fleet Management • Community engagement • Contract Management support • Administration and support • Indigenous partnerships • Records Management • Floodplain management • Information Communication • Works on waterways regulation Technology within the region 63 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
WORKFORCE DATA The following table discloses the headcount and full-time staff equivalent (FTE) of all active employees of Glenelg Hopkins CMA employed at the last full pay period in June of the current reporting period (2019) and in the last full pay period in June of the previous reporting period (2020).
30 June 2019 ALL EMPLOYEES ONGOING CONTRACT
FT PT FT PT NUMBER FTE NUMBER NUMBER FTE NUMBER NUMBER FTE (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) GENDER MALE 24.00 21.89 9.00 5.00 12.99 5.00 5.00 8.90 FEMALE 28.00 22.19 5.00 14.00 14.30 4.00 5.00 7.89 AGE 15-24 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25-34 10.00 8.28 5.00 5.00 8.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 35-44 16.00 13.76 7.00 6.00 10.96 1.00 2.00 2.80 45-54 19.00 16.60 2.00 6.00 6.90 6.00 5.00 9.70 55-64 6.00 4.74 0.00 2.00 1.14 2.00 2.00 3.60 65+ 1.00 0.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.69 BANDS G 2.00 1.39 0.00 1.00 0.70 0.00 1.00 0.69 H 3.00 2.30 0.00 1.00 0.80 0.00 2.00 1.50 I 4.00 3.90 1.00 0.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 2.90 J 7.00 6.52 1.00 2.00 2.82 2.00 2.00 3.70 K 25.00 20.27 9.00 12.00 17.27 0.00 4.00 3.00 L 7.00 5.70 3.00 3.00 4.70 1.00 0.00 1.00 EXEC 4.00 4.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.00 0.00 4.00 TOTALS 52.00 44.08 14.00 19.00 27.29 9.00 10.00 16.79
30 June 2020 ALL EMPLOYEES ONGOING CONTRACT
FT PT FT PT NUMBER FTE NUMBER NUMBER FTE NUMBER NUMBER FTE (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) (HEADCOUNT) GENDER MALE 25.00 22.79 10.00 5.00 13.89 5.00 5.00 8.90 FEMALE 21.00 16.50 5.00 11.00 12.30 2.00 3.00 4.20 AGE 15-24 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25-34 9.00 8.22 3.00 2.00 4.52 2.00 2.00 3.70 35-44 14.00 10.30 3.00 8.00 7.78 2.00 1.00 2.60 45-54 17.00 15.19 5.00 4.00 8.39 3.00 5.00 6.80 55-64 6.00 5.50 4.00 2.00 5.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 65+ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 BANDS G 1.00 0.70 0.00 1.00 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 H 1.00 0.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.80 I 3.00 2.90 1.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.90 J 7.00 6.52 2.00 2.00 3.82 1.00 2.00 2.70 K 23.00 18.54 8.00 11.00 15.44 1.00 3.00 3.10 L 7.00 5.83 4.00 2.00 5.23 0.00 1.00 0.60 EXEC 4.00 4.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.00 0.00 4.00 TOTALS 46.00 39.29 15.00 16.00 26.19 7.00 8.00 13.10 64 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
Public Sector values and Following the approval of the new Strategic initiatives developed employment principles enterprise agreement the organisation and identified under GH Equip are aims to adopt and review a number of linked to focus areas within the CMA Glenelg Hopkins CMA has introduced internal human resource policies and environment. Within the People and policies and practices that are consistent procedures over the coming months Culture Strategy, a core pillar will with the VPSC’s employment standards focus on ‘Growth’. GH Equip will play and provide for fair treatment, career Service Awards an integral role in informing where, opportunities and the early resolution of who and how we focus our efforts on workplace issues. The Glenelg Hopkins CMA values the contribution and dedication of its long capability development. Glenelg Hopkins CMA has advised its service staff members. employees on how to avoid conflicts of Diversity and Inclusion The following staff reached service interest, how to respond to offers of gifts Plan 2017-18 – 2021-22 milestones during 2019-20: and how it deals with misconduct. Glenelg Hopkins CMA recognises a • Aggie Stevenson (15 years) Public sector values (section 7, PAA) diverse workplace that reflects the • Hannah Brook (15 years) community in which we operate helps The public sector values are: • Graeme Jeffery (15 years) us to better relate to our communities Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, and make more informed decisions. Accountability, Respect, Leadership and • Stacey Grace (10 years) Understanding and embracing diversity Human Rights. Reward and Recognition will strengthen the organisation, Public sector employment principles improving staff morale and broadening Individual staff and teams were also (section 8, PAA) thinking. recognised by their peers for positive Public entities are required to have in contributions that supported the place employment processes that will 2019-20 Occupational Health organisation’s achievement of its goals and Safety performance ensure that: and objectives. A total of 14 reward and • employment decisions are based on recognition nominations were approved Occupational Health and Safety has merit; for outstanding effort, for staff who continued to focus on the review of our all-employee OHS committee, • public sector employees are treated performed above and beyond their procedures and supporting Work fairly and reasonably; roles. documentation. Work is underway to • equal employment opportunity is Long-term strategy streamline Occupational Health and provided; development and Safety onto a cloud-based platform, for • human rights as set out in the Charter implementation employees and managers to access and of Human Rights and Responsibilities manage employees’ health in a timely 2019-20 has seen the development of are upheld; and and efficient manner. This year saw the first ‘People and Culture Strategy’ a host of wellbeing initiatives offered • public sector employees have a commence. The People and Culture including: reasonable avenue of redress against Strategy 2021-26 will be the overarching unfair or unreasonable treatment. strategy articulating our commitment - flu immunisations extended to Codes of conduct and standards and priorities to developing and employees and their households issued by the Victorian Public Sector embedding the best possible programs, - the launch of a new Employee Commission (VPSC), include: solutions and systems for managing Assistance Program offered both our people, and in turn to support the • the Code of Conduct for Victorian through virtual and face-to-face with delivery of our business goals. Public Sector Employees; and a focus holistic wellbeing including fitness, healthy eating, mindfulness • the Conflict of Interest Policy This will be a long-term commitment and various resources to support Framework and the Gifts Benefits by us, in us. The strategy will clearly employees during COVID-19. The and Hospitality Policy Framework. articulate our five-year approach; including our strategic HR outcomes, Employee Assistance Program has For further information, please actions and measures for success and also been extended to employee’s refer to the VPSC’s website will set us up to be a great place immediate family and is free of (www.vpsc.vic.gov.au). to work. charge - access at all sites of sit/stand desks Learning and Development to assist with good ergonomic PEOPLE AND CULTURE (GH Equip) practice. Industrial Relations In 2018-19 Glenelg Hopkins CMA - As part of the People and In May 2020, Glenelg Hopkins launched ‘GH Equip’ that outlines Culture Strategy, currently under Catchment Management Authority the application of a range of skill development, there will be a strategic Enterprise Agreement 2020-21 was development, or learning strategies, focus on the holistic wellbeing of approved by the Fair Work Commission across a suite of skill areas that we our employees. Work is already and came into effect on 20 May 2020. have identified as vital to our future. underway to review and implement This included the agreement to a Throughout 2019-20 Glenelg Hopkins robust Key Performance Indicators roll-over of the previous agreement, CMA continues to strive to create a for OHS throughout all roles and will providing for an additional 2.5% pay flow of knowledge throughout the be implemented in 2020-21. increase for staff covered under the organisation that will enable us to agreement. achieve and sustain a competitive position within the NRM industry. The organisation looks to negotiate a 4-year agreement in early 2021. 65 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
Workforce Strategic Objectives
Strategic Objectives #ACTIONS % COMPLETED
Inclusive leadership and governance. 9 67% Effective policies, procedures and systems that create a diverse and inclusive workplace 8 87% Building a diverse and inclusive organisation 8 87%
Improved knowledge and capacity of equity, diversity and inclusive practices 14 78%
Workforce Metrics
eoy 2019 - 2020 metrics 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020
Hazards reported, no. 5 5 3
Rate per 100 FTE 12 10 8
Total incidents, no. 8 14 8
Rate per 100 FTE 19 31.43 20
Incidents requiring first aid and/or further medical treatment, no. ## ## 3
No. of Standard claims 0 2.25 0
Rate per 100 FTE 0 0 0
No. of lost time Standard claims 0 0 0
Rate per 100 FTE 0 44.54 0
Fatality claims 0 0 0
Average cost per Standard claim 0 # 0
Percentage of claims with RTW plan <30 days 0 # 0 Evidence of agreed structure of designated workgroups (DWGs), health Completed Completed Completed and safety representatives (HSRs), and issue resolution procedures (IRPs) Number of OHS Committee meetings 5 5 6
## Unknown as new data set/reporting only commenced in 2019-20
RISK & COMPLIANCE Government Advertising The total expenditure incurred Expenditure during 2019-20 in relation to these consultancies was $143,525 (excl. GST). Executive Officer Data Glenelg Hopkins CMA expenditure in 2019-20 reporting period on government An Executive Officer (EO) is defined ICT Expenditure as an executive under Part 3 of the campaign expenditure did not exceed PAA or a person to whom the Victorian $100,000. For the 2019-20 reporting period, Government’s Policy on Executive Glenelg Hopkins CMA had a total ICT Remuneration in Public entities applies. Consultancy Expenditure expenditure of $488,436 with the details as shown below: All figures reflect employment levels at Details of consultancies (valued at the last full pay period in June of the $10,000 or greater) • ICT expenditure refers to Glenelg current and corresponding previous Hopkins Catchment Management In 2019-20, there were 33 consultancies reporting year. Authority’s costs in providing where the total fees payable to the business enabling ICT services The definition of an EO does not consultants were $10,000 or greater. within the current reporting period. It include a statutory office holder or an The total expenditure incurred comprises Business As Usual (BAU) Accountable Officer. during 2019-20 in relation to these ICT expenditure and Non-Business As No EO disclosure required for less than consultancies was $1,673,083 (excl. Usual (Non-BAU) ICT expenditure three executives. GST). Details of individual consultancies • NON-BAU ICT expenditure $83,472 are outlined on Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s relates to extending or enhancing Local Jobs First website at www.ghcma.vic.gov.au Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Local Jobs First Act 2003 Details of consultancies Management Authority’s current There were no tenders over $1,000,000 (valued at less than $10,000) ICT capability entered into by Glenelg Hopkins CMA • BAU ICT Expenditure $404,964 is In 2019-20, there were 28 consultancies during 2019-20. all remaining ICT expenditure which engaged during the year, where the total primarily relates to ongoing activities fees payable to the consultants was less to operate and maintain the current than $10,000. 66 ICT capability. OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
Major Contracts Government businesses are required Independent Broad-Based Anti- to cost and price these services as if Corruption Commission (IBAC) Victoria Glenelg Hopkins CMA did not award any they were privately owned. Competitive major contracts during 2019-20. A major Address: Level 1, North Tower, 459 neutrality policy supports fair competition contract is a contract entered into during Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000. between public and private businesses the reporting period valued at $10 million Mail: IBAC, GPO Box 24234, and provides government businesses or more. Melbourne Victoria 3001 with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation. This policy does Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au Freedom of Information Operation not override other policy objectives of Phone: 1300 735 135 Glenelg Hopkins CMA is considered a government and focuses on efficiency in Email: See the website above for “Government Agency” under the terms the provision of service. the secure email disclosure process, of the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Glenelg Hopkins Catchment which also provides for anonymous Accordingly, Glenelg Hopkins CMA Management Authority continues to disclosures. complies with the procedures prescribed comply with the requirements of the under which members of the public Competitive Neutrality Policy. Additional Information Available may gain access to information held by on Request agencies. Protected Disclosure Act 2012 Glenelg Hopkins CMA has available the Requests for information should be Compliance with the Public Interest following documents as specified in the forwarded to the Freedom of Information Disclosures Act 2012 Financial Management Act 1994, subject Officer, Janette Albert, PO Box 502 to the Freedom of Information Act 1982: The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 or 79 French Street, Hamilton, 3300, • publications produced by Glenelg (PID Act) enables people to make a accompanied by an application fee of Hopkins CMA and the places where disclosure about corrupt or improper $29.60. the publications can be obtained conduct by a public officer or a public Glenelg Hopkins CMA received no body. • relevant officers have duly completed requests for information during 2019-20 declarations of pecuniary interests. Glenelg Hopkins CMA is a public body under the Freedom of Information Act These are treated as confidential for the purposes of the PID Act. 1982 from community members, and documents there were no resulting appeals to VCAT. What is a public interest disclosure? • major external reviews A public interest disclosure is a • changes in prices, fees, charges, Compliance with Building Act 1993 complaint of corrupt or improper conduct rates and levies charged Glenelg Hopkins CMA owns one, and or detrimental action by a public officer • major research and development operates two regional offices located in or a public body. activities undertaken Hamilton and Warrnambool. ‘Improper or corrupt conduct’ involves • overseas travel undertaken, including Glenelg Hopkins CMA complies with substantial mismanagement of public a summary of the objectives and the Building Act 1993, the Building resources, risk to public health or safety outcomes of each visit Regulations 2018 and the National or the environment, or corruption. • major promotional, public relations Construction Code, and retains a copy and marketing activities undertaken “Detrimental action’ is action taken of an occupancy permits required for its by the CMA to develop community against a person in reprisal for making a owned building. Glenelg Hopkins CMA awareness of the organisation and its public interest disclosure. conducts and reports on scheduled services inspections of its owned buildings How do I make a public interest • assessments and measures to to ensure compliance with building disclosure? improve the OH&S of employees standards and regulations. The internal You can make a public interest • Statement of Industrial Relations control system allows Glenelg Hopkins disclosure about Glenelg Hopkins CMA within the CMA, including time lost CMA to satisfactorily manage risks. or its board members, officers through industrial accidents and Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s offices in or employees by contacting IBAC disputes Hamilton and Warrnambool (Deakin (details below). • list of major committees sponsored University) conformed with building Glenelg Hopkins CMA is not able to by the entity, the purposes of each standards during 2019-20. There were receive public interest disclosures. committee and the extent to which no major works, emergency orders or the purposes have been achieved building orders issued in relation to Glenelg Hopkins CMA has established • details of all consultancies and buildings. procedures for the protection of persons contractors including those engaged, from detrimental action in reprisal for services provided and expenditure for Competitive Neutrality Policy making a public interest disclosure each engagement. about Glenelg Hopkins CMA, its board Competitive neutrality requires members, officers or employees. government businesses to ensure You can access Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s where services compete, or potentially procedures on its website at compete with the private sector, any www.ghcma.vic.gov.au advantage arising solely from their government ownership be removed if it is not in the public interest.
67 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
DISCLOSURE OF GRANTS AND TRANSFER PAYMENTS Glenelg Hopkins CMA has provided grants to natural resource management community groups and organisations as part of the Victorian Landcare Grants within the Glenelg Hopkins region. Grants were provided to 33 groups in 2019-20 for the purposes of supporting the administration of regional Landcare groups totaling $16,500 and to 21 groups for implementing on-ground natural resource management projects totaling $268,333.
group amount
Gazette Land Action Group $19,997
Friends of Yatmerone $5,830
Friends of Pallisters reserve $2,337
Southwest Environment Alliance $19,782
Upper Hopkins Land Management Group $9,496
Lake Cartcarrong Management Committee $16,182
Beyond Bolac Catchment Action Group $9,350
Hamilton Coleraine Rail Reserve Committee of Management $1,344
Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group Inc $12,065
Upper Hopkins Land Management Group $18,146
Basalt to Bay Landcare Network $7,040
Friends Great South West Walk $8,000
Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network $10,322
Southwest Environment Alliance $17,340
Mirranatawa Landcare Group $19,930
Gazette Land Action Group $19,982
Upper Hopkins Land Management Group $15,854
Upper Hopkins Land Management Group $11,154
Bunnugul LCG $19,265
Mad for the Merri $4,936
Culla Pigeon Ponds $19,979
68 OUR GOVERNANCE, OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT - REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 2019-20 Objective Measure Quantity 2018-19 Quantity 2019-20 % / comparing 1 year prior kWh used per annum 96,623 64,737 -33% Reduce Energy Use kWh used per FTE per (Electricity) 2,169 1,648 -24% annum White A4 reams per 178 106 -40% annum White A4 reams per 4.00 2.70 -32% FTE Reduce Paper Use White A3 reams per 18 12 -33% annum White A3 reams per 0.40 0.31 -24% FTE 240 Litres recycled per 22 23 5% Increase Paper annum Recycling 240 Litres recycled per 0.49 0.59 19% FTE Toner Cartridges 35 7 -80% Reduce Toner consumed per annum Cartridges Toner Cartridges 0.79 0.18 -77% consumed per FTE Fleet size 15 14 -7% Litres fuel consumed 35,621 31,233 -12% Reduce Fuel Use per annum Litres fuel consumed 2,375 2,231 -6% per vehicle One way flights 35 0 -100% No. Flights One way flights per Warrnambool-Melbourne 0.79 0.00 -100% FTE KLs consumed per 213 164 -23% Reduced Water annum Consumption Overall KLs consumed 4.78 4.17 -13% per FTE
69 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPLIANCE ATTESTATION STATEMENT
I Antony Ford on behalf of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority certify that the Glenelg Hopkins CMA has complied with the applicable Standing Directions of the Minister of Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994 and Instructions. The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Audit and Risk Committee verifies this.
Antony Ford Chairperson Glenelg Hopkins CMA 30 June 2020
70 How this report is structured
The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority has presented its audited general purpose financial statements for the financial year ended 30 June 2020 in the following structure to provide users with information about the Authority's stewardship of resource entrusted to it.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Comprehensive operating statement Balance sheet Cash flow statement Statement of changes in equity
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. About this report 6. Financing our operations The basis on which the financial statements have been Cash flow information, commitments for expenditure and carry prepared and compliance with reporting regulations forward project funding 6.1 Interest bearing liabilities 2. Funding delivery of our services 6.2 Cash flow information and balances Revenue recognised in respect of Government contributions and other income sources 6.3 Commitments for expenditure 2.1 Summary of income that funds the delivery of our service 6.4 Carry forward project funding 2.2 Income from transactions 7. Risks, contingencies and valuation judgements 3. The cost of delivering services Financial risk management, contingent assets and liabilities as well as fair value determination Operating expenses of the Authority 7.1 Financial instruments specific disclosures 3.1 Expenses incurred in delivery of services 7.2 Contingent assets and contingent liabilities 3.2 Materials, maintenance, grants, contracts and consultancies 7.3 Fair value determination 3.3 Lease expenses 8. Other disclosures 3.4 Other operating expenses 8.1 Ex-gratia expenses 4. Key assets available to support output delivery 8.2 Other economic flows included in net result Land, buildings, works assets, plant and equipment, office 8.3 Reserves furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, and intangible assets 8.4 Change in accounting policies 4.1 Total property, plant and equipment 8.5 Responsible persons 4.2 Assets Held for Sale 8.6 Remuneration of executive officers 4.3 Intangible assets 8.7 Related parties 5. Other assets and liabilities 8.8 Remuneration of auditors Other key assets and liabilities 8.9 Subsequent events 5.1 Receivables 8.10 Australian Accounting Standards issued that are not yet effective 5.2 Payables 8.11 Economic dependency 5.3 Other non-financial assets 5.4 Right-of-use-assets and lease liabilities
71 DECLARATION IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The attached financial statements for the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (the Authority) have been prepared in accordance with Direction 5.2 of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards including Interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements. We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the comprehensive operating statement, balance sheet, statement of changes in equity, cash flow statement and accompanying notes, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2020 and financial position of the Authority at 30 June 2020. At the time of signing, we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate. We authorise the attached financial statements for issue on 21 October 2020.
Antony Ford Chairperson
Adam Bester CEO and Accountable Officer
Faye Lee Chief Finance & Accounting Officer
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Independent Auditor’s Report To the Board of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority