Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW Annual Report 2008–09

A healthy environment for life Contents

1. Overview ...... 1 5. A credible, effective and efficient Letter to the Minister ...... 1 organisation ...... 99 Director General’s review ...... 2 Corporate governance ...... 101 EPA Board ...... 4 A leader in sustainability and environmental performance ...... 104 About DECC ...... 5 Internal and external connections and customer Executive and organisational structure ...... 10 satisfaction with DECC services ...... 107 Performance summary 2008–09 ...... 12 A safe and healthy workplace with good Financial summary ...... 18 knowledge and information to make decisions . . . . 111 2. Climate change and its impacts are minimised Skilled people and smart systems ...... 113 to protect the environment, the economy Finance ...... 121 and community wellbeing ...... 19 Department of Environment and Climate Change . . . 122 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions ...... 21 Environment Protection Authority ...... 160 Encourage the NSW community to adapt to climate change ...... 26 Marine Parks Authority ...... 169 Minimise and manage increased risks to life, Appendices ...... 177 property and the environment ...... 31 1 . Statement of responsibility ...... 178 Support business, industry and government in operating sustainably ...... 34 2 . Performance of senior staff ...... 178 Support individuals, families and communities 3 . Principal officers ...... 181 in living more sustainably ...... 38 4 . EPA Board members’ curricula vitae ...... 182 5 . Significant statutory bodies and 3. A healthier and cleaner environment advisory committees ...... 184 protecting both ecological and human health 39 6 . Staff statistics ...... 196 Prevent, reduce or mitigate air, water and noise pollution and other adverse environmental impacts . 41 7 . Legislation and legal changes ...... 198 Remediate or restore degraded environments . . . . 53 8 . Infringements and prosecutions ...... 199 Improve community wellbeing ...... 56 9 . DECC managed lands and waters ...... 206 Eliminate unnecessary regulation ...... 60 10 . Statement of affairs ...... 215 11 . Freedom of information applications ...... 218 4. Integrated landscape management for 12 . Information Centre and Environment Line statistics . . 222 long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability ...... 63 13 . Publications ...... 224 Improve the condition of natural resources . . . . 65 14 . Papers published and presented ...... 228 Protect and restore biodiversity and 15 . Overseas visits by staff ...... 239 native vegetation ...... 71 16 . Consultancies ...... 241 Contribute to increased tourism, community 17 . Grants to community organisations ...... 242 wellbeing and regional development through 18 . Major works ...... 244 parks and reserves ...... 84 19 . Major assets ...... 245 Conserve natural and cultural values through an integrated system of public and private lands . . . 88 Indexes ...... 247 Protect and revitalise Aboriginal culture DECC contact details ...... inside back cover and heritage ...... 92 Increase Aboriginal participation in land, water and natural resource management ...... 96

Cover photo credits – Main photo: N. Carlile, DECC. Other photos, top to bottom, left to right: P. Laughton, DECC; P. Davies, DECC; D. Johnson, DECC, provided courtesy of Shell; P. Foley. 1

Overview 1

The Hon John Robertson, MLC Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Parliament House Macquarie Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Dear Minister It is my pleasure to forward to you for presentation to the New South Wales Parliament the annual report of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), covering the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 . DECC’s annual report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Annual Reports (Departments) Act 1985, the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 . DECC consolidated financial statements received an unqualified opinion from the Auditor General . Yours sincerely

Lisa Corbyn Director General 2 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Director General’s review

This year’s annual report covers a challenging and A healthier, cleaner environment exciting second year for the Department of Environment Our policy and regulatory actions continue to deliver and Climate Change (DECC) . In the context of the improvements across the widest range of programs, global financial downturn, DECC has worked to identify covering air, water, noise, threatened species, native opportunities to promote environmentally related jobs, vegetation, pesticide use, Aboriginal cultural heritage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve cost savings waste, contaminated sites, radiation, chemicals, dangerous through energy and water conservation programs and goods and forestry . Major effort has been directed this build green skills to position the NSW community for the year to revamping Action for Air, which has involved future . implementing new programs such as stage 2 vapour It has been a year of action to: recovery at service stations . We also began using the • focus on climate change, particularly in the context of recently passed amendments to the Contaminated the emerging national programs Land Management Act 1997 to regulate remediation of contaminated sites and we have seen major progress • drive energy efficiency and savings at sites such as Rhodes Peninsula, Hunters Hill and in • reform and achieve effective compliance in protecting Newcastle . We also completed a significant whole of biodiversity and native vegetation; and government NSW Diffuse Source Water Pollution Strategy . • better understand visitation to our national parks, Integrated landscape management increase people’s range of experiences and appreciation of their natural and cultural values, and augment fire We continued our efforts to respond to challenges preparedness in the face of the changing climate . and emerging issues regarding native vegetation, environmental water management for river and wetland Tackling climate change health, threatened species, national park management and Aboriginal cultural heritage management . This year, we conducted a round of regional forums as input to the development of the NSW Climate Change The Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy Action Plan . Its purpose is to drive climate change action continues to drive protocols for monitoring, assessing across the State and to enable us to work in partnership at and reporting on natural resource condition and related both a state and regional level to adapt to the impacts of pressures . The strategy’s performance indicators have been climate change . used to develop 13 draft regional State of the Catchment reports during 2008–09, and which will feed into the This year we rolled-out the $150 million Energy Efficiency 2009 State of the Environment Report as well as be widely Program to support householders, businesses and available to catchment management authorities and other tradespeople to reduce their energy use and save money . resource managers across the state . We developed the successful energy savings scheme legislation, which is now being administered by IPART . We have seen effective results this year from DECC’s Native We have worked in partnership with other State agencies Vegetation Compliance and Enforcement Strategy, which was to ensure that NSW is well-placed to capture a significant finalised in early 2009, and we have now released a more share of potential investment in renewable energy and comprehensive Native Vegetation Report Card to provide a energy saving programs . This includes creating renewable comprehensive picture of these results . energy precincts for wind . Our environmental water recovery program secured water entitlements in NSW to support priority wetlands in the Gwydir, Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys . The volumes purchased, in combination with other Commonwealth and State water purchases and water sharing plans, are starting to show results, even in this most severe drought . Chapter 1 – Overview 3

DECC continued to work with local councils, Catchment Finally, DECC provided key support and resources to Management Authorities, committees on biodiversity Victoria during the devastating fires in February 2009 . conservation and environmental groups . Actions in As part of the coordinated NSW response, DECC committed 2008–09 include completing the recovery plan for the more than 380 staff and 49 tankers to the Victorian koala and biodiversity management plans for the Border fire suppression and recovery effort, and we have also Ranges rainforests, the Northern Rivers and the Central supported Canada to combat fires during 2009 . Coast . The BioBanking Scheme, which aims to protect I would like to express my appreciation for the continued parcels of land containing high quality habitat to offset the dedication and hard work shown by the staff across DECC . impacts of development, has its component training and I would also like to acknowledge the input provided by the protocols in place . many members of boards, trusts and advisory committees In November 2008, the NSW Government supported the and the many community partnerships we highly value recommendations of the Taskforce on Tourism and National and respect . Parks in NSW, which confirmed that national parks are important nature-based tourism destinations in addition to their conservation role . DECC has continued to add more land to the reserve system in line with the National Parks Establishment Plan; has augmented programs to manage pests, weeds and fires on national parks; and worked with Lisa Corbyn Aboriginal people on joint management and conserving Director General their cultural and natural heritage . A joint management agreement between DECC and the Saltwater Tribal Council (Aboriginal Corporation) was signed off in December 2008 . We have also progressed the foundation work on Building Aboriginal Community Wellbeing as part of the Two Ways Together program . A credible and efficient organisation DECC strongly supports its staff in delivering excellent performance, and put in place this year the new Work and Development System to enable staff to set goals for their careers . In September 2008, DECC published its Corporate Plan 2008–2012 which sets out goals, outcomes, objectives and priorities for the period . The corporate plan informs business planning and aligns with the NSW State Plan . In August 2008, the DECC Executive endorsed an internal sustainability action plan so we can lead by example in our own performance as an agency . It contains activities to achieve efficient resource use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase sustainable purchasing . During DECC’s first full year as a participant in the Sustainability Advantage program, we focused on engaging staff in the program and improving resource efficiency . 4 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Head EPA Board Photo: Studio Commercial.

The EPA Board. Left to right: back: Bob Junor, Steve Beaman (sitting), Don White, Genia McCaffery, Gerry Bates (sitting), Tony Wright, Yvonne Stewart. Front: Lisa Corbyn, Paul Stein, Bev Smiles. Absent: John Keniry.

Chair’s report For the completion of the case in EPA v Kate Pal, the Board thanks DECC staff for their skilful investigation of This year the EPA Board has continued to bring issues of the negligent disposal of 90,000 tonnes of inert waste environmental significance into prominent focus for the in Western Sydney . The Court treated this case with Government and the community, and has exercised its appropriate seriousness and the result will undoubtedly independent regulatory role on the most serious offences, serve as a useful deterrent in the waste industry . particularly major cases of illegal waste dumping . The Board provided feedback on DECC’s draft enforceable Taking a statewide and regional approach, the EPA undertakings policy and the increasing use of alternative Board focused this year on the Hunter region, on the sentencing options by the Courts which can offer the pressures it faces from concentrated industrial and mining best possible environmental redress for breaches of EPA development as well as expanding urban development . legislation . The Board’s regional meeting in April 2009 included visits In addition to the above contributions, the Board provided to a number of prominent industrial and mining sites and guidance on a wide range of Government policies identified some important issues to take up as part of its and strategies to reflect a balanced, intelligent and fair agenda . consideration of community costs and benefits . This The Board has been active in raising environment included Action for Air 2008, reviewing guidelines and protection issues arising from coal mining in NSW . These policy approaches for rail and road noise, and providing include the need for effective environmental assessment feedback on the progress towards meeting the Waste processes to consider the broader environmental, Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy targets in 2014 . economic and social impacts of mining on regional areas . On behalf of the EPA Board, I would like to thank DECC’s The Board has stressed the potential cumulative impact Director General, Lisa Corbyn, and DECC staff for their of mining proposals, and continues to work with the support of the work of the EPA Board, and for their Government to minimise the impacts of dust and noise commitment and dedication to the protection of our on local communities and progress effective mine site environment . I would also like to welcome Ms Bev Smiles as rehabilitation . a new Board member and to thank Mr Peter Prineas for his An increasing number of environment protection intelligent and insightful contributions as a member of the issues require collaboration and partnership across the Board since 1999 . His extensive experience across a range community, industry and government . Contamination of of community environmental organisations, as well as areas such as the former BHP Steelworks site, the Rhodes experience with government agencies, was an invaluable Peninsula and Homebush Bay, has presented complex asset to the EPA Board over many years . historical site management issues . The Board was briefed on and acknowledges the success of DECC in working strategically with multiple landowners and the Department of Planning to progress remediation of these sites . This year’s amendments to the Contaminated Land Management Paul Stein Act 1995 should further assist in progressing effective Chair remediation . This year the Board determined, with advice from the Environmental Counsel, that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) should institute tier one proceedings for alleged serious environment protection offences against the Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997, related to negligent waste disposal in the Central West region of NSW . Chapter 1 – Overview 5

About DECC

Our vision Our values As individual staff, as work teams and as a department we A healthy environment for life seek to: 1. Protect the environment We understand that the health of the environment underpins our social and economic prosperity as well as the health and wellbeing of the community . 2. Recognise the rights and status of Aboriginal people We respect the unique rights and status of Aboriginal people based on their prior and continuing occupation of the land and waters of NSW, including the right to self-determination in economic, social and cultural development . We also acknowledge the importance of connection to Country for community wellbeing . 3. Act with integrity We are ethical, impartial and honest . We are also open, accessible and accountable to the community and each other . 4. Act professionally We treat everyone with respect . We need to be responsive and flexible and to get things done quickly and effectively . We base our decisions on facts, analysis and community values . We encourage debate but we speak with one voice once a decision has been made . 5. Work collaboratively We value the knowledge, skills and experience of the people we work with . We encourage teamwork and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes . 6. Be innovative We bring energy and creativity to our work . We will learn and improve by questioning, challenging and thinking about the future . 6 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Who we are What we do The Department of Environment and Climate Change DECC is responsible for protecting and conserving (DECC) is the NSW Government agency responsible the environment and Aboriginal heritage, managing for developing, coordinating and delivering policy and national and marine parks and reserves, ensuring programs to deal with environmental, climate change, sustainable management of natural resources including sustainability, natural resources and cultural heritage issues coastal environments and floodplains, and developing in NSW, and managing the state’s national parks and and coordinating programs to reduce greenhouse gas reserves . emissions in NSW and the impacts of climate change on DECC was formed to build a broad organisation to respond the community . In carrying out its responsibilities, DECC to the challenges presented by climate change, progress administers around 50 Acts and Regulations . reforms in the sustainable management and regulation DECC manages: of the state’s natural resources, and manage the state’s • climate change and greenhouse gas issues, including terrestrial and marine parks and reserves, and botanic the Climate Change Fund gardens . • sustainability programs, including environmental DECC builds on the strengths and cultures of its formative education, energy efficiency and water conservation agencies and combines knowledge, innovation, regulatory programs, and the renewable energy policy and field experience and science to tackle the priorities outlined in the NSW State Plan and to deliver services to • air and water quality and noise control programs the community across a broad range of environmental • regulation of chemicals and control of contaminated programs . sites and radiation DECC brings together a number of well-recognised brands • programs to reduce waste, litter and illegal dumping and legislative authorities including the Environment • national parks and reserves, including marine parks and Protection Authority, Botanic Gardens Trust and the aquatic reserves National Parks and Wildlife Service . DECC also administers programs on behalf of the statutory Environmental Trust, • biodiversity, threatened species and native vegetation and supports the Marine Parks Authority and catchment issues management authorities . • natural resource and catchment management policy In regulatory matters for environment protection, DECC and science issues acts under the powers of the statutory Environment • environmental water recovery and management issues Protection Authority (EPA) . The independent EPA Board provides policy direction and approves significant • coastal and floodplain programs prosecutions and exemptions under the Protection of the • Aboriginal cultural heritage and historic sites Environment Operations Act 1997 . • botanic gardens – Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens and DECC supports the Minister for Climate Change and the Domain, Mount Annan Botanic Garden and Mount Environment in performing his or her executive and Tomah Botanic Garden . statutory functions . Photo: K. Stepnell.

DECC enforces regulations that protect native animals, including several species of antechinus. Chapter 1 – Overview 7

Our work with government DECC works collaboratively with a wide range of government agencies to deliver services to the community . DECC is represented on the Chief Executives Committee Photo: N. Carlile, DECC. that drives the implementation of the NSW Government’s service delivery priorities and public sector management, particularly in relation to the NSW State Plan . DECC is a member of the: • Natural Resources and Environment Cluster • Business and Economics Cluster • Transport, Planning and Infrastructure Cluster. Nationally, DECC contributes to the Council of Australian Governments and its working groups and Ministerial Councils, to deliver significant reforms in the areas of climate change, water, natural resource management, regulatory reform and chemicals .

Ulladulla field officers document a baiting line on Brush Island which helped in successfully eradicating rats from the island. Our approach 1 . We offer information, education and incentives to help the community’s decision making, to protect and improve the environment and to understand the linkages between economic, social and environmental decisions . 2 . We regulate activities using a mix of tools according to the risk these activities pose to the environment, human

health or Aboriginal cultural heritage . Photo: K. Nowak. 3 . We work in partnership with people in government, business and the community, including catchment management authorities, to develop and deliver sustainable environmental and conservation solutions . 4 . We respect Aboriginal culture, both traditional and contemporary, and the special relationship that Aboriginal people have with Country, and seek to incorporate their knowledge, insights, values and involvement into efforts to conserve and protect the environment . 5 . We manage over 8% of NSW land for conservation, education and public enjoyment . 6 . We provide facilities and services to encourage the use of parks and reserves for regional development, sustainable recreation, tourism, education and scientific purposes . 7 . We contribute to public debate about solutions to environmental and conservation problems . 8 . We deliver best available scientific information to support environmental and cultural heritage policy, regulation and conservation objectives . DECC undertakes hazard reduction burning to protect the NSW community from the impacts of bushfires. 8 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Our clients and stakeholders DECC values its relationships with external stakeholders and recognises their valuable role in supporting

environmental initiatives . External stakeholders include Photo: Lynch, T. DECC. potential partners in environment protection and opinion makers inside and outside government . DECC has established and implemented several mechanisms for public participation, to involve the community in: • the development of legislation, policies and guidelines • the review of environment protection licences • the development of conservation plans • the development of wilderness declarations Monitoring marine park habitat. • the development of conservation agreements with a statutory authority or another minister • practical strategies to promote sustainable living and participate in environmental activities, including Our priorities volunteering in, and visiting, national parks and reserves . DECC’s corporate plan sets out our goals, objectives and priorities for the period 2008–2012 . This Annual Report 2008–09 reports on our performance according to the Our resources goals set out in the corporate plan and NSW State Plan priorities . • We manage more than 790 national parks and reserves covering 6 7. million hectares of land (more than 8% of NSW) for conservation, education and public enjoyment . • We manage six marine parks covering an area of more Department of Environment, Climate than 345,000 hectares, and 12 aquatic reserves . Change, and Water • We employ 3698 staff, many of whom are regionally based . On 27 July 2009 the NSW Government formalised the • Each year, about 3800 volunteers contribute more than Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Water 170,000 volunteer hours to park and reserve activities . (DECCW) through the publication of Administrative Orders (effective from 1 July 2009) . These changed the name of • We manage a total operating budget of around the Department of Environment and Climate Change and $1 billion . combined its responsibilities with the water management responsibilities of the former Department of Water and Energy . This report covers the activities of the Department of Environment and Climate Change from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009, prior to these changes, and therefore refers only to the former Department of Environment and Climate Change . While the Botanic Gardens Trust is part of DECC, it produces its own annual report . Chapter 1 – Overview 9

Corporate Plan 2008–2012 summary Goals Outcomes Objective NSW State Plan Priorities Climate change Greenhouse gas emissions reduced NSW greenhouse gas mitigation measures in place to Priority E3 and its impacts are NSW community is supported and complement national climate change programs Cleaner air and progress on minimised to protect active in adapting to climate change Regional climate change scenarios being used across greenhouse gas reductions the environment, Increased risks to life, property and NSW by local government, other government agencies Lead agency the economy and business to inform their planning and community the environment from coastal erosion, Priority E1 flooding and bushfires are minimised Improved condition of coastal environments with wellbeing A secure and sustainable and managed reduced losses and impacts from flooding and coastal water supply for all users hazards Business, industry and government Partner agency operate sustainably, reducing adverse Improved understanding of the impacts of climate impacts and achieving cost savings change on biodiversity, and the nature of future bushfire Priority E2 Individuals, families and communities regimes A reliable electricity supply live more sustainably More efficient use of energy, water and materials with increased use of renewable energy Initiatives in place to address climate change, sustain and enhance the economic viability of industries and Partner agency businesses in NSW Priority E5 A healthier and Air pollution and other adverse Harmful emissions to air, land and water reduced Jobs closer to home Partner agency cleaner environment environmental impacts prevented, The number of significantly contaminated sites reduced protecting both reduced or mitigated Community and environmental exposure to chemicals, Priority R3 ecological and Degraded environments remediated or Reduced levels of anti-social human health radiation, noise, dust, waste, odour and vibration restored reduced behaviour Community wellbeing improved Effective and more streamlined environmental regulatory Partner agency Unnecessary regulation eliminated and approval processes in place to achieve environmental Priority R4 outcomes Increased participation and Integrated landscape Condition of natural resources Health of wetlands, waterways and rivers managed integration in community management for improved activities Native species of flora and and fauna protected and Partner agency long-term ecological, Biodiversity and native vegetation conserved in healthy populations social and economic protected and restored Priority E4 sustainability The extent and condition of native vegetation improved Parks and reserves contribute to A sustainable range of opportunities and experiences Better environmental increased tourism, community provided for visitors to enjoy national parks, marine outcomes for native wellbeing and regional development vegetation, biodiversity, land, parks, reserves and botanic gardens rivers and coastal waterways An integrated system of public and Increased area of land managed for conservation Lead agency private lands managed for conservation outcomes of natural and cultural values Priority E6 Historic heritage in parks and gardens managed for the Aboriginal culture and heritage conservation and presentation of cultural values More people using parks, protected and revitalised sporting and recreational Fire, pest animals and weeds managed in cooperation facilities, and participating in Aboriginal participation in land, water with others to protect parks and neighbours and natural resource management and the arts and cultural activity conservation increased Aboriginal people supported in the practice, promotion Partner agency and renewal of their cultures Priority F1 Aboriginal community capacity to manage Country Improved health, education increased and social outcomes for Volunteer participation in, and community support for, Aboriginal people the environment and conservation increased Partner agency A credible, efficient A responsive and adaptable DECC leads in sustainability and environmental Priority P6 and effective organisation that delivers, and where performance within the NSW Government Increased business investment organisation people want to work Internal and external connections developed and in rural and regional NSW renewed Partner agency DECC is a safe and healthy workplace that values staff Priority P3 and encourages innovation Cutting red tape A ‘one DECC’ culture developed, and our systems, All agencies processes and relationships aligned and working well together Priority S8 Skilled people and smart systems in place Increased customer satisfaction with government Good knowledge and information available to make services decisions All agencies Customer satisfaction with DECC services 10 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Executive and organisational structure

Our executive At June 2009, DECC’s executive management team comprised the Director General and 11 senior officers .

Left to right, standing: Simon Smith (Deputy Director General Climate Change Policy and Programs Group), Stephen Beaman (Director Executive Services), Ross Williams (Acting Executive Director Scientific Services Division), Stephanie Cross (Executive Director Corporate Services), Bob Conroy (Executive Director Park Management), Sally Barnes (Deputy Director General Parks and Wildlife Group), Steve Garrett (Executive Director Legal Services). Sitting: Joe Woodward (Deputy Director General Environment Protection and Regulation Group), Lisa Corbyn (Director General), Tim Rogers (Executive Director Departmental Performance Management and Communication), Tim Entwistle (Executive Director Botanic Gardens Trust), Reece McDougall (Acting Executive Director Culture and Heritage Division). Absent: Jason Ardler (Executive Director Culture and Heritage Division), Len Banks (Executive Director Scientific Services Division). Also attending, sitting extreme left: Kellyanne Stanford (Acting Director Aboriginal Affairs Strategy and Coordination). Chapter 1 – Overview 11

Organisational structure Department of Environment Legal Services and Climate Change (NSW) Executive Services Executive Director Director General Director Steve Garrett Lisa Corbyn Steve Beaman

Climate Change, Policy and Environment Protection and Parks and Wildlife Group Programs Group Regulation Group Deputy Director General Deputy Director General Deputy Director General Sally Barnes Simon Smith Joe Woodward – Strategy & Performance – Group Coordination & Strategy – Group Coordination & Strategy – Tourism & Partnerships – Departmental Performance – Reform & Compliance – Protected Areas Policy & Management & Communication – Specialised Regulation Programs – Landscapes and Ecosystems – Metropolitan – Park Management Conservation – North West – Northern Branch – Urban & Coastal Water Reform – North East – Southern Branch – Water for the Environment – South – Western Branch – Sustainability Programs – Climate Change, Air & Noise – Natural Resource Management Investment

Culture and Heritage Corporate Services Botanic Gardens Trust Scientific Division Division Executive Director Services Division Acting Executive Executive Director Tim Entwisle Acting Executive Director Stephanie Cross – Development & Planning Director Reece McDougall – Human Resources – Science & Public Programs Ross Williams – Aboriginal Heritage – Finance – Domain & Royal Botanic – Catchment & Environment Operations – Information Management Gardens Protection Science – Culture & Heritage Policy & Communications – Mount Annan Botanic – Environment & & Knowledge Technology Garden Conservation Science – Aboriginal Affairs Strategy – Administration & Facilities – Mount Tomah Botanic – Information Sciences & Coordination – Service Centre Garden – Support & Coordination – Strategic Science 12 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Performance summary 2008–09

Support the NSW community to adapt to climate Strategic priority: Climate change change Reduce greenhouse gas emissions The NSW Climate Change Action Plan will establish key Many people took advantage of rebates from the priorities based on the latest science, strategic leadership $100 million Residential Rebate Program in 2008–09 . and community opinion . In 2008–09, forums took place in Rebates for buying 4 .5 star (and above) washing machines regional areas so the NSW community could assist with the were included in the program, saving 666 million litres development of the plan . of potable water across NSW . The new Fridge Buyback The NSW community sent in over 2,000 images of the Program, to take old refrigerators out of circulation, will January 2009 king tide . These images helped to create a save an estimated 152,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas statewide snapshot of areas that are vulnerable to tidal emissions . inundation, raise community awareness of the potential Round 1 of the NSW Green Business Program allocated future risk of sea level rise, and inform future planning $11 7. million to 24 projects, saving an estimated 241 million decisions . litres of water, 46,082 megawatt hours of electricity and DECC and the Department of Planning jointly prepared 36,277 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year . Round a draft sea level rise policy statement, so the impacts of 2 of the Renewable Energy Development Program, sea level rise can be consistently considered in land-use which provides $40 million over five years to support planning and coastal investment decision making . the commercialisation of new renewable technologies, allocated $27 .3 million to seven projects, saving more than Minimise and manage increased risks to life, 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year . property and the environment Businesses and government agencies that use over a DECC’s work with local councils, catchment management certain amount of energy and water, and certain local authorities, and communities across the state continued councils, must prepare savings action plans . By 30 June to ensure the long-term protection, conservation 2009, the final target number of energy and water and restoration of coastal, estuarine and floodplain savings action plans were approved, indicating that many environments . DECC allocated $2 9. million in grants to businesses and government agencies have effectively 16 councils for 31 projects under the Coastal Management planned to reduce energy and water use . Program . The Estuary Management Program approved 56 projects, allocating $3 .6 million to 31 councils . Over three-quarters of the state’s estuaries are now covered by estuary management plans . Under the Urban Floodplain Management Program, DECC allocated $9 .29 million on grants to 70 NSW councils . With the Department of Water and Energy, DECC completed the Macquarie River Narromine to Oxley Station rural floodplain management plan which covers over 2,500 square kilometres immediately upstream of the Macquarie Marshes . In addition, DECC progressed another eight rural floodplain management plans covering approximately 10,000 square kilometres of the Murray– Darling Basin . Chapter 1 – Overview 13

DECC was a stakeholder in the Eastern Seaboard Climate Change Initiative, which aims to improve information on the impacts of destructive weather systems on

the Australian east coast, ranges and inshore marine Photo: D. Smith. environments . Other research initiatives included investigating future sea level rise and coastal hazards in NSW, and the possible impacts of more frequent and intense bushfires on biodiversity, ecosystems and the community in Sydney . Business, industry and government operate sustainably Sustainability Advantage helps medium to large organisations and businesses improve environmental performance and bring about cost savings . As at June 2009, the program helped NSW businesses identify opportunities that could lead to over $3 million in cost savings and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 21,000 tonnes . In February 2009, the NSW Premier announced the NSW Government Sustainability Policy, including a commitment that the NSW Government will become carbon neutral by 2020 . DECC is the lead agency for implementing this policy . The Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program was piloted with 100 small businesses and found that businesses could save an average of $420 per year on lighting, with a payback period of just five years . Launched in early 2009, the program has already attracted strong interest from local government, industry associations and major electricity retailers . DECC encourages people to walk, cycle and use public transport rather Individuals, families and communities live more than drive private vehicles. sustainably As part of the NSW Green Skills Strategy, a Green Skills Summit took place in February 2009 . Over 100 participants attended, and the focus was on building trade and Strategic priority: Healthier and professional links to take advantage of the opportunities cleaner environment for NSW to move to a low carbon future . Through the $20 million Energy Efficiency Skills Program, Prevent, reduce or mitigate air, water and noise also part of the NSW Green Skills Strategy, DECC helped pollution and other adverse environmental impacts electricians, plumbers, building managers, engineers, A major effort was directed to Action for Air, the NSW planners and architects to improve their design, installation Government’s 25-year air quality management plan, and maintenance skills . launched in 1998 . An update was developed with other Through the CleanOut Program, a partnership between state government agencies, which provided a summary DECC and local government across the Sydney, Hunter and of recent actions undertaken to maintain and improve Illawarra regions, there were 40 collections of hazardous air quality, particularly through dealing with ozone and household waste in 2008–09 . A total of 24,598 community particle pollution . members participated and 819,718 kg of hazardous The final NSW Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels Strategy was materials were deposited and safely disposed of . released in August 2008 . The programs it promotes, including the Diesel Retrofit Program, the NSW Fleetwise partnership and the proposed introduction of Stage 2 vapour recovery at service stations, will all help improve air quality in NSW . 14 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

About 85% of hazardous waste movements in NSW are now being monitored through the online waste tracking system . As at 30 June 2009, over 6,800 waste producers,

around 880 transporters and 170 receiving facilities that Photo: B. Peters. deal with trackable waste were being monitored . The Waste and Environment Levy encourages waste reduction and greater resource recovery from waste . In November 2008, changes were made to the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 to enable the levy to increase over the next seven years and include new council areas . The levy is expected to be a key driver in achieving the state’s waste reduction and recycling targets . During 2008–09, DECC developed an interim construction noise guideline which presented streamlined and less costly assessment approaches for low-impact and short-duration construction works when construction is occurring at residences, hospitals and schools . It also recommended work practices that minimise noise Scientific research enables DECC to evaluate the properties of spilled impacts and contains effective processes for community chemical substances, assess their effect on the environment and apply notification and complaint handling . appropriate clean up techniques. DECC completed 66 pollution reduction programs (PRPs) during the year, and included PRPs in more environment Remediate or restore degraded environments protection licences, requiring licensees to improve air pollution controls, measures or monitoring equipment . DECC regulated 119 contaminated sites across NSW to ensure the protection of human health and the Each year, DECC undertakes strategic environmental environment . Remediation activities were completed at compliance and performance reviews . This year, DECC 13 sites . focused on industry emissions, monitoring procedures, effluent re-use in irrigation, activities in the waste industry, This year’s campaigns to reduce illegal dumping in NSW dangerous goods transport, radiation, and activities that concentrated on prevention and clean-up in Aboriginal can harm native vegetation . communities, and the illegal transport and disposal of construction and demolition waste, garden waste, and DECC maintained its consistently high successful waste tyres . prosecution rate, with 97% of its prosecutions under both environment protection laws and conservation laws being Improve community wellbeing successful . A record level of $1,648,146 in financial penalties The new Regional Air Quality Index provided online was imposed for all completed DECC prosecutions, updates of air quality data from its 24 monitoring sites reflecting a greater focus on more serious offences . throughout NSW . DECC and NSW Health continued to DECC authorised officers issued 1,786 penalty infringement operate a Health Alert system for the Sydney region, notices, which imposed fines of $727,500 . to alert asthmatics and other sensitive members of the community to forecast high pollution days . With a return to average rainfall conditions in 2008–09, monitoring results from DECC’s Beachwatch and Harbourwatch programs showed that water quality at ocean and harbour beaches throughout NSW returned to a very high standard . Eliminate unnecessary regulation DECC participated in developing national measures to achieve a streamlined and harmonised system of chemicals and plastics regulation . The Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation was remade after a review identified opportunities for cutting red tape for industry and improving the effectiveness of the load-based licensing scheme . Chapter 1 – Overview 15

Following stakeholder consultation, the Environmentally Protect and restore biodiversity and native Hazardous Chemicals Regulation 1999 was remade and vegetation commenced in September 2008 . DECC and the Department of Primary Industries released Amendments to the Contaminated Land Management Act a discussion paper on the development of a new 1997 (assented to in December 2008) will allow sites to be biodiversity strategy for NSW in November 2008 . Sixty- cleaned up more efficiently while reinforcing the ‘polluter three submissions were received from various stakeholders, pays’ principle . and a strategy is now being worked on . The BioBanking Scheme, which aims to protect parcels of land containing high quality habitat to offset the impacts of development, is now well established . In 2008–09, Strategic priority: Integrated registers were set up which contained potential biobank sites, biodiversity credits for sale, credit transactions, landscape management biobanking agreements and biobanking statements . Natural resources DECC continued to work with local councils, catchment NSW RiverBank, the NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration management authorities and environmental groups to Program, the NSW Wetland Recovery Program and The implement the NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Living Murray purchase water entitlements from willing Statement . Actions in 2008–09 included completing the sellers to increase water volumes to priority wetlands recovery plan for the koala and biodiversity management across the state . In 2008–09, these programs purchased plans for the Border Ranges rainforests, the Northern Rivers 145 GL of water entitlements in NSW to support wetlands and the Central Coast . in the Gwydir, Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Three significant wetland properties, Toorale, Pillicawarrina Murray valleys . The volumes purchased, in combination and Booligal Station, were added to the reserve system with Federal Government water purchases and and five new reserves were established . Two new wild environmental water allocated through water sharing rivers, the Colo and Grose rivers, in Wollemi and Blue plans under the Water Management Act 2000, are starting Mountains national parks, were declared The. area of to redress the imbalance between the extractive and reserves now managed by DECC totals 6 7. million hectares environmental uses of water . or almost 8 4%. of NSW . Approximately 34% of NSW waters DECC released a draft NSW Wetlands Policy for the are contained in marine parks . protection, and ecologically sustainable use and Significant research, monitoring and recovery programs to management, of NSW wetlands, for targeted public help native species thrive and protect habitats from pests, consultation . weeds and fires included restoring native vegetation on Through the Wetland Recovery Program, DECC and Montague Island with the help of volunteers to provide the Department of Water and Energy investigated the nesting habitat for little penguins, expanding fox control impacts of around 70 floodplain structures on flows in the onto private lands around threatened species sites in Macquarie Marshes . Five structures will be modified to national parks, undertaking prescribed burning on improve fish passage and water movement during periods 59,202 hectares of reserves and researching the impacts of of low flow . bushfires on the survival of native animals . During 2008–09, more than 490,000 hectares of native vegetation were conserved or improved across NSW . Around 2,060 hectares were approved to be cleared in combination with environmental offsets . Property vegetation plans (PVPs) are negotiated agreements between catchment management authorities and land holders to establish incentives for protecting or improving native vegetation . As at 30 June 2009, 1,470 PVPs had been approved, including 1,046 that included incentive payments to farmers, and the Photo: Cope, P. DECC. cumulative total area of land maintained or improved by property vegetation plans was 1,928,760 hectares . The use of PVPs has reduced clearing approvals from more than 12,000 hectares in 2005–06 to around 150 hectares in 2008–09 .

Wildlife rescue is an important part of DECC’s work. Here, a ranger rescues a wombat from a main road on the south coast of NSW. 16 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Contribute to increased tourism, community Protect and revitalise Aboriginal culture and wellbeing and regional development through parks heritage and reserves DECC issues Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits for any In November 2008, the NSW Government supported development or activity that is likely to have an impact on the recommendations of the Taskforce on Tourism and Aboriginal objects or Places . Applicants must consult with National Parks in NSW, which confirmed that while iconic Aboriginal communities that might be affected before national parks should continue to be nature-based tourism commencing with the development or activity . In 2008–09, destinations, conservation must remain a priority . DECC reviewed the Interim Community Consultation Volunteers contributed significantly to conservation and Requirements for Applicants, released a discussion paper public appreciation of national parks . DECC continued and held 19 forums across NSW which were attended by its partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, more than 270 Aboriginal people, heritage professionals engaging 119 volunteers from Australia and overseas who and government representatives . Further information contributed more than 356 volunteer days to planting, sessions were conducted to explain the new document weed removal and the repair and construction of a and invite comment . walking track . DECC also worked with the National Parks Two Aboriginal Places were declared in 2008–09 – Association of NSW on involving 145 volunteers in more Terramungamine near Dubbo and Collingwood near than 1,142 hours of bush regeneration and community Liverpool . These places protect burial and ceremonial sites, biodiversity surveys . DECC worked with students from and former living and meeting places . As at June 2009, Shoalhaven High School who consulted with Aboriginal Aboriginal Places had been declared . Elders and students from Boori Preschool on the planning, design and construction of a mosaic serpent which related Increase Aboriginal participation in land, water and the story of the local Aboriginal community . natural resource management Under the Aboriginal Lands Clean-Up Program, Local Conserve natural and cultural values through an Aboriginal Land Councils and local councils develop integrated system of public and private lands collaborative projects to prevent waste from being illegally Forty-six plans of management covering 70 parks and dumped on Aboriginal-owned lands and to safely clean reserves across 450,000 hectares were adopted by the up such waste . To date, $500,000 has been provided Minister . A further 34 draft plans covering 48 parks and under the NSW Environmental Trust to ten projects . Five reserves were placed on exhibition for public comment completed projects in 2008–09 have resulted in the re-use during the year . of around 2,500 tonnes of material; the recycling of around At 30 June 2009, landholders managed 1,986,762 hectares 100 tonnes of metal, concrete, brick, glass and whitegoods; of land for conservation outside the reserve system . This and the disposal of 317 tonnes of mixed wastes, including represents 2 47%. of the land in NSW . 34 tonnes of asbestos material . Conservation agreements protect and conserve significant natural and cultural heritage on private and other non-reserved public lands in perpetuity . Fifteen new conservation agreements were established over a total Strategic priority: Credible and area of 29,655 hectares . efficient organisation Wildlife refuges protect significant wildlife and habitats on private and other non-reserved public lands on a long- Be a leader in sustainability and environmental performance term basis . Nine new wildlife refuges were established over a total area of 258 hectares . In 2007–08 (the most recent year for which complete data is available), DECC used 179,724 GJ of energy, resulting in Following public consultation in late 2007–08, the Marine 22,066 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions . Parks Authority developed zoning plan review reports for Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands marine parks, and developed DECC purchases 10% GreenPower (the minimum standard a summary of submissions and public consultation set out in the NSW Government Sustainability Policy undertaken during 2008–09 . The reports were provided is 6%) . Over 2007–08, some DECC sites increased their to the advisory committees for each marine park in GreenPower purchasing to 100% . In addition, during April 2009 . 2007–08 DECC sites generated at least 57,800 kWh of green power using solar panels, with more than 11,000 kilowatt hours fed back to the grid . In 2008–09, DECC helped the owners of its Goulburn Street (Sydney) headquarters to increase their NABERS rating from 3 .5 stars to 4 .5 stars . In 2008–09, DECC staff travelled 3 98. million air miles which is a reduction of 2% over 2007–08 travel . DECC piloted internal teleconferencing and video/web-conferencing services over 2008–09 as an alternative to travel . Chapter 1 – Overview 17

DECC improved the environmental performance score DECC has approximately 800 trained firefighters and for its passenger vehicle fleet from 12 to 12 .6 out of 20 . hundreds of trained incident management staff . To For occupational health and safety reasons, DECC uses ensure it is prepared for bushfires in national parks and diesel vehicles for firefighting and associated support, as nearby lands, DECC conducts a Fire Fighter Health and diesel vehicles are less likely to ignite . The environmental Fitness Program before the start of each fire season . performance score for this fleet rose from 7.29 to 8 1. out During the year, 1,176 staff attempted the assessment and of 20 . 1,162 succeeded . In 2007–08 (the most current year for which water In 2008–09 across NSW, DECC employed sixteen Aboriginal consumption data is available), DECC used 296ML of cadet rangers, one Aboriginal cadet project officer, one potable water in its operations . In August 2008, a new Aboriginal cadet policy officer and one Aboriginal cadet technology grey water recycling system was completed researcher . Four cadet rangers successfully completed in the Lane Cove River Tourist Park . Combined with other their cadetships and were appointed to permanent ranger initiatives, the Tourist Park saved more than one megalitre positions . of water in 2008 . In 2008–09, DECC employed eight Aboriginal trainee field In 2008, DECC completed a waste audit of its head office officers and one Aboriginal trainee interpretive assistant, in Goulburn Street . The recommendations from this audit while six Aboriginal trainee field officers, two trainee field led to a reduction in waste generated from 140m3 to 59m3 . officers and one Aboriginal trainee interpretive assistant In addition, the percentage of recycling increasing from completed the traineeship program . 50% to 79% of waste generated . A safe and healthy workplace with good knowledge Maintain and improve internal and external and information to make decisions connections This year, the number of safety incidents reported, The number of requests handled by DECC’s Information including near misses, increased to 620, which relates Centre jumped from 228,584 in 2007–08 to 287,003 directly to ongoing programs to increase reporting of in 2009–09, including 7,085 pollution incidents and safety incidents . The claims rate decreased to 263 for 8,958 motor vehicle reports . Email inquiries also increased 2008–09 compared with 274 for the previous year . With a by 145%, due in part to the additional websites integrated slight increase in full-time equivalent staff numbers, this into the DECC website, and the public response to brings the injury rate per 100 employees to 7 1,. down from significant issues such as the whale stranding in Pittwater 7 .5 the previous year . in August 2008 . The Atlas of NSW Wildlife, DECC’s database of flora and Major partnership events and activities included a series of fauna sightings, is used in conservation planning and climate change forums as part of development of the NSW environmental decision–making . The Atlas reached Climate Change Action Plan, and DECC’s firefighting staff 4 .25 million records of sightings by January 2009, up joining the contingent of NSW volunteers who travelled to from 1 .6 million records in 2007 . Victoria in February 2009 to help control bushfires . Financial policies and systems were significantly enhanced DECC issued a number of e-newsletters to enable partners, across DECC during 2008–09 . Key projects and activities interested groups and the public to keep up-to-date with include developing and implementing an executive the latest environmental issues . Climate of Change – a dashboard for access to and management of financial quarterly publication that highlights the latest environment information, implementing an enhanced cash forecasting news and events across a broad range of topics – proved system with NSW Treasury, training in the use of the SAP particularly popular . financial system and a number of SAP enhancements . In 2008–09, DECC received 32 significant complaints . Twenty–seven of these, together with nine complaints received but not resolved in 2007–08, were finalised during the year . Evidence of improper conduct was found in six cases and appropriate action was taken in response . Skilled people smart systems The program of professional development for employees involved in fire-related roles continued in 2008–09 . In addition to individual training in prescribed burning, a four-day incident management team course was piloted with incident controllers, and operations and planning officers . 18 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Financial summary

This overview of the performance of DECC’s financial Major initiatives for 2008-09 included: operations for 2008–09 should be read in conjunction with • leading the development of the state’s climate change the accompanying financial statements and related notes . policy response, and delivering water and energy These are provided on pages 121–176 of this report . There savings through the Climate Change Fund are separate financial statements for the Environment Protection Authority and the Marine Parks Authority . • delivering regulation and enforcement to protect the environment, native vegetation, biodiversity and The net cost of services is the cost to the NSW Government Aboriginal cultural heritage; and responding to pollution of DECC’s services as follows: and emergency incidents 2008-09 2007-08 $’000 $’000 • providing state-level leadership, in collaboration with catchment management authorities, on restoring the Total expenses 1,052,910 946,127 health of rural landscapes and ecosystems Loss on disposal of non-current assets 3,636 1,401 • implementing the National Parks Establishment Plan, Less total retained revenue (432,733) (351,369) and developing and upgrading new visitor facilities . Net cost of services 623,813 596,159

DECC also collected Crown revenue on behalf of the NSW How we use our financial resources Government totalling $297 4. million . The following charts provide a summary of allocation of expenses and net cost of services for 2008–09 .

Source of revenue 2008–09 Allocation of total expenses 2008–09 (T(Total revenue: $1,119.033$1,119.033 million)million) (T(Total expenses: $1,052.910$1,052.910 million)million) Recurrent Employee related appropriation 39% 54% Capital appropriation 5% Other operating expenses Recoveries from 26% thethe CrownCrown 3%

Maintenance 3% Retained revenue Depreciation Grants and subsidies 39% 6% 26%

Source of retained revenue 2008–09 2008–09 Programs: netnet costcost ofof servicesservices (T(Total retained revenue: $432.733$432.733 million)million) (T(Total: $623,813$623,813 million)million) Environment Protection and Regulation Sale of goods and services Park use fees and Regulation Culture and Heritage (Program 2) 2% 6% (Program 2) (Progr(Program 4) 13% Personnel services 2% 17% Scientific Services (Progr(Program 5) 7% Investment income Investment income Parks and Wildlife 6% Parks and Wildlife 6% (Program 3) Grants and contributions (Program 3) Grants and contributions Other revenue 43% 63% 43% 63% 5% Retained fees Climate Change and fines Policy and Programs Personnel services Policy and Programs 1% (Program 1) 1% (Program 1) 34% 19

Climate change and its impacts are 2 minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing Photo: D. Smith.

DECC is introducing strategies to minimise the impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the people of NSW prosper in a low-carbon economy. 20 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Context Outcomes Climate change is an environmental and economic DECC aims to minimise the impacts of climate change issue, which has become an increasingly important by: priority for the NSW community . The probable effects • contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas of climate change include higher temperatures and emissions more extreme weather patterns . These effects are likely to affect agricultural practices, water availability, built • preparing for unavoidable climate change environments and infrastructure, natural resources, • helping businesses and others to access the economic biodiversity and human health . DECC is developing opportunities of green technologies and other strategic partnerships with all levels of government, technologies business and industry, individuals, families and • supporting individuals, families and communities in communities to help reduce emissions and deal with living more sustainably . unavoidable impacts . As climate data and modelling improve, continued research helps DECC and others in the community to understand the ways in which NSW may be affected Key drivers by future climate change and determine appropriate responses . To ensure access to the best available science, DECC’s work in the area of climate change is informed by DECC has established the Climate Change Science the: Research Network to provide independent technical • State Plan – A New Direction for NSW (www .nsw gov. .au/ advice on climate change and to help shape NSW’s stateplan/) climate change science agenda . • NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy (www.environment. DECC has been conducting regular social research on nsw gov. .au/households/energy .htm) the NSW community’s attitudes to the environment since 1993 . For the first time since the first survey, • NSW Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation climate change has appeared as a priority issue for State Framework (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/ Government attention in 2008–09 . Seven percent of threatenedspecies/climatechange .htm) respondents mentioned climate change as one of the • NSW Climate Change Fund (www.environment.nsw. two most important issues for the State Government at gov .au/grants/ccfund .htm) present . In addition, 39% of people surveyed mentioned ‘climate change’, ‘water’ or ‘environment’ in their two • NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s most important overall issues for State Government Report on the Review of NSW’s Climate Change attention . Mitigation Measures (www .ipart .nsw gov. .au) . NSW was the first Australian state or territory to introduce long-term emissions reduction targets – a return to year 2000 amounts of greenhouse gases by 2025, and a cut of 60% in emissions by 2050 . This target is included in Performance indicators the State Plan – A New Direction for NSW . The NSW Climate DECC measures performance in the area of climate Change Fund and NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy, change programs through the following performance introduced in 2007–08, are two important recent indicators: initiatives to help households, business and government save energy and water and reduce greenhouse gas • Residential rebates paid under the NSW Climate emissions . A separate annual report is published for the Change Fund Climate Change Fund . • Approved energy savings action plans and water DECC coordinates and drives the implementation of savings action plans whole-of-government policies for NSW on climate • Approved coastal and estuary management plans change . DECC is presently leading development of the • Approved floodplain risk management plans NSW Climate Change Action Plan to replace the NSW Greenhouse Plan . • Businesses participating with DECC to improve resource recovery and sustainability As a consequence of the Australian Government’s commitment to establish a national emissions trading • National Australian Built Environment Rating System – scheme, the NSW Government reviewed its own climate commercial market penetration . change mitigation measures to ensure that they will complement and not duplicate the planned Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme . Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 21

Reduce greenhouse gas Photo: You Shoot. You Photo: emissions

National initiatives NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy The proposed national Carbon Pollution Reduction The NSW Government announced the $150-million NSW Scheme (CPRS), which is supported by the NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy in December 2007, which is Government, will be the principal measure in Australia being overseen by DECC . The purpose of the strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions . In May 2009, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy the Australian Government announced changes to the consumption and save money by avoiding the need to proposed CPRS, including a one-year delay in the start construct more infrastructure . date, to 2011, to respond to the impacts of the global The strategy includes a number of measures: recession . • a new legislatively-based Energy Savings Scheme Through the Council of Australian Governments, all states from 1 July 2009, which requires electricity retailers and territories agreed to review their existing climate to save energy in households and businesses and change mitigation measures with the objective of ensuring is administered by the Independent Pricing and that policies and programs will not duplicate the CPRS and Regulatory Tribunal . are consistent with its aims . DECC played a major role in providing input to the NSW review, which was completed • the Low-income Household Refit Program – this by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal during $63 million program will audit the amount of energy 2008–09, and helping to shape the NSW Government’s used in the homes of 220,000 low-income families and response to the review . provide free energy savings kits . Householders will have energy-efficient light bulbs, water-saving showerheads DECC also contributed to the development of other and low-flow tap aerators installed in their homes and national climate change policies and programs, including be advised on other ways to save energy . It is estimated the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency and the these measures will help cut the average annual power expanded Renewable Energy Target . To ensure that NSW bill by up to 10% or $95 . can capitalise on this investment, DECC worked with other state government agencies during 2008–09 to develop a • the Small Business Energy Efficiency Program – this $15 new three-point plan which will make it easier to establish million program will advise 6,000 small and medium clean, renewable energy projects in NSW . This plan, which businesses on-site, offering rebates for measures such as includes the creation of wind farms, is a major step in lighting upgrades and improvements to air conditioning attracting green investment and green jobs in NSW . and refrigeration systems . As a result, the average small business is expected to save $7,850 on power bills over 10 years . • expansion of the Sustainability Advantage Program – an extra $20 million will allow DECC to work with an additional 800 medium to large businesses on leading- edge waste reduction and energy and water saving measures . This will cut energy use in these businesses by at least 10% . • public sector energy savings – NSW Government agencies are now required to reduce energy consumption . The NSW Government Sustainability Policy includes a target to reduce emissions from energy use in government-owned or tenanted buildings to 2000 levels by 2019–20 . The NSW Government is also committed to being carbon-neutral by 2020 . 22 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

 Performance indicator Energy Efficiency Community Education and Awareness Program Residential rebates paid under the NSW Climate Another component of the NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy, Change Fund a three-year $15-million community education and Definition: The $100 million Residential Rebate Program, which awareness program, commenced in 2009 . The program, was introduced on 1 July 2007, targets the highest water and energy which provides practical advice on how to save energy at uses in NSW homes. This indicator reports the cumulative number of home and work, includes: rebates since the program began. The program helps NSW residents afford measures to make their homes more water and energy efficient. • an advertising campaign entitled ‘Save power. What can Rebates are provided for rainwater tanks, energy-saving hot water you do in your world?’ and a website (www .savepower . systems, ceiling insulation, and efficient washing machines. Rebates nsw gov. .au) . for rainwater tanks and washing machines in the Sydney Water area • training to build education networks and assist ongoing of operations are administered by Sydney Water Corporation. DECC administers all other rebates across the state. and future energy efficiency activities . • links to, and information about, government energy A detailed breakdown of rebate uptake by local government area is efficiency initiatives, such as rebates, to help make available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates. homes more water and energy efficient . Residential rebates paid under the Climate Change Fund 30,000 NSW Climate Change Fund 25,000 The NSW Climate Change Fund provides a range of s 20,000 programs to help households, businesses, communities, schools and the government save energy and water and

of rebate 15,000 reduce greenhouse gas emissions . DECC administers the 10,000 fund, manages grant applications and issues residential Number rebates . 5,000 Under the Residential Rebate Program, hot water system 0 2007–08 2008–09 and insulation rebates were introduced on 1 October 2007 to help NSW households reduce greenhouse gas Hot water systems Insulation emissions . Hot water system rebates provide up to $1,200 Rainwater tanks Washing machines to switch from electric to solar, heat pump or gas hot water systems . DECC approved 28,586 hot water system rebates Interpretation: The strong uptake of rebates in 2007–08 has to 30 June 2009 totalling $21 .2 million, which will reduce continued in 2008–09. Rebates for the purchase of 4.5 star washing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 71,465 tonnes machines were included in the program in 2008–09, saving an 30000 a year . additional 666 ML of potable water across the state. Funded rainwater Washing machines tanks have provided more than 1,200 megalitres of potable water Insulation rebates cover half the cost of installing ceiling 25000 savings since July 2007. More than 76,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas insulation,Rainwater uptank sto a maximum of $300 . DECC approved savings20000 have been made through funding hot water systems and 10,800Insulatio insulationn rebates to 30 June 2009, allocating ceiling insulation in NSW homes since October 2007. $3 1. million and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15000 Hot water systems 5,400 tonnes a year . The NSW Ceiling Insulation Rebate 10000 Program ceased on 30 June 2009, because the Australian Government now offers to meet the full cost (up to $1,600) 5000 Many of the above programs focus on business, industry of home insulation . and government0 . These initiatives are therefore detailed further in the section2007 ‘Support-08 business, industry2008-09 and The rainwater tank rebate was introduced on 1 July 2007 . government in operating sustainably’ . It provides up to $1,500 for installing a rainwater tank connected to toilets or a washing machine, or both . DECC paid 26,875 rebates for rainwater tanks to 30 June 2009, allocating $14 4. million and saving an estimated 1 .2 billion litres of water a year in NSW homes . A $150 washing machine rebate was introduced on 1 August 2008 . DECC paid 27,765 rebates for water efficient appliances to 30 June 2009, allocating $4 1. million and saving an estimated 666 million litres of water a year . On 1 August 2008, the Fridge Buyback Program was introduced to provide householders with $35 to have a second fridge taken away from their home . The program has been allocated $2 .8 million to take 19,000 old fridges out of circulation, and save an estimated 152,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and up to $190 a year from a household’s energy bills . Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 23

 Performance indicator Approved energy savings action plans and water savings action plans Photo: M. van Ewijk. Definition: Under Part 6A of the Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987, businesses and government agencies that use over a certain amount of energy and water, and certain local councils, must prepare savings action plans. Plans are only approved if they meet the guidelines gazetted by the Minister. This indicator measures the cumulative number of energy and water savings action plans that have been approved. Energy savings action plans are required for: • business and government sites using more than 10 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year in NSW • all local councils with populations of 50,000 or more. Water savings action plans are required for: • business and government sites using more than 50 megalitres of water per year in Sydney Water’s area of operations • all local councils in Sydney Water’s area of operations.

Savings action plans in force 300

250

s 200 A rebate for water efficient washing machines was introduced on

1 August 2008. of plan 150

Number 100

The NSW Green Business Program provides funding for 50 projects that save water and energy in business operations 0 in NSW . Round 1 of the Green Business Program allocated 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 $11 7. million to 24 projects, saving an estimated 241 million litres of water, 46,082 megawatt hours of electricity and Energy Water 36,277 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year . Energy maximum expected Water maximum expected The Renewable Energy Development Program (RED) provides $40 million over five years to support the Interpretation: By 30 June 2009, the final target number of energy and water savings action plans were approved (‘energy maximum commercialisation of new renewable technologies . expected’ and ‘water maximum expected’). This indicates that high- 300 Round 1 of the RED Program closed in February 2008 . use businesses and government agencies, and many councils, have Water Round 2 commenced in November 2008 when seven met their250 responsibilities in planning to reduce energy and water use. successful projects were awarded a total of $27 .3 million . Energy Together, these projects will generate electricity, or reduce All users200 must report annually on the progress of their plans. grid electricity use by an estimated 393,000 megawatt 150 hours, reduce summer peak demand by 11,400 kilowatts and save more than 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas 100 emissions a year . Businesses50 and government agencies across NSW that use specified amounts of energy were required to prepare The Climate Change Fund also provides $2 million a energy savings0 action plans, and report on implementing year for the Central Coast Water Savings Fund . This fund 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 measures identified in their plans in an annual report to was established in partnership with the Gosford/Wyong DECC (see the performance indicator ‘Approved energy Councils’ Water Authority in 2006 to encourage investment 300 savings action plans and water savings action plans’) . All Water maximum expected in water savings on the Central Coast . A total of $5 .5 267 plans were approved by 30 June 2009 . They identified25 0 Energy maximum expected million has been allocated to 57 projects which will save 2,359 cost-effective actions to reduce greenhouse gas an estimated 808 million litres of water a year . To date, 200 emissions by more than 825,000 tonnes a year, and save 30 projects have been completed, saving an estimated $36 .6 million on electricity bills . 150 581 million litres of water a year . Round 3 of the Central Coast Water Saving Fund was held from April to June 2008 . 100 Successful projects were announced in November 2008 50 Savings action plans in force when $713,610 was allocated to 12 projects, saving almost 0 40 million litres of water a year . 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 24 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Businesses and government agencies in Sydney Water’s Public Facilities Program area that use specified amounts of water, and all local The Public Facilities Program (PFP) provides $30 million for councils, were required to prepare water savings action water and energy saving projects in facilities which are plans for DECC (see the performance indicator ‘Approved open to, and frequently accessed by, the public, including energy savings action plans and water savings action schools, community buildings, sporting facilities, museums plans’) . All 298 plans were approved by 30 June 2009, and art galleries . Financed under the NSW Climate Change identifying 2,329 cost-effective actions to save 8 .2 billion Fund, to date the Public Facilities Program has allocated litres of water a year and $19 million on water bills . $12 4. million to 60 projects, saving an estimated 170 million litres of water and 14,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year . Round 2 closed on 30 April 2009, with applications invited under two funding streams: • demonstration stream – funding for projects which demonstrate water and energy savings in educational facilities or facilities which are frequently accessed by the public • community savers stream – funding of up to $40,000 for not-for-profit community organisations to undertake simple, low-cost water and energy saving upgrades in their facilities . The demonstration stream received 156 applications for water and energy saving projects from facilities including local council buildings and schools . The community savers steam received 400 applications from organisations including preschools, sport and recreation clubs, disability and support services and aged care facilities . Successful projects from both streams will be announced later in 2009 .

 Case study

Watering West Wyalong West Wyalong residents have celebrated the re-opening of an old dam in McCann Park, which has been

transformed into a green oasis in a drought affected Photo: S. Phillips, DECC. landscape. Launched by Mayor Tony Lord, this milestone signalled the completion of stage one of a stormwater capture and management project by Bland Shire Council. The project was funded by the Climate Change Fund’s Public Facilities Program for $510,000. It is estimated that 15 million litres of water will be The community rose garden in McCann Park, West Wyalong, is sustained saved each year by developing this large stormwater with harvested stormwater. harvesting system, which will collect water throughout West Wyalong. A reticulation system will pump water from the dam to Parks and playgrounds will also be brought to life with two large storage tanks for irrigation. It will also transfer the harvested stormwater, including the Lions Club Park, water to the local wetland which will be restored as a community rose garden and the cemetery. bird sanctuary. To provide the best educational and McCann Park is being re-established as a sporting area demonstrational value, Bland Shire Council will form a for local residents and a great spot for passers-by to take partnership between Lake Cowal Conservation Centre, a rest. the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority and local schools. Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 25

NSW Solar Bonus Scheme NSW Electric Vehicle Taskforce In June 2009, the NSW Government announced details of The level of interest in pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug- the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme, which encourages small in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is growing internationally electricity consumers, such as households and some and in Australia . EVs are vehicles driven solely on electrical small business and community organisations, to adopt power, whereas PHEVs operate on both electricity and renewable energy by paying them for electricity generated petrol or diesel . from rooftop solar photovoltaic systems . DECC is chairing the NSW Electric Vehicles Taskforce, The new scheme, which will commence on 1 January 2010, which has been established to advise on whether the is the most generous of any state in Australia . It will pay the NSW Government needs to intervene in supporting the owners of eligible solar PV systems 60 cents per kilowatt development of a market for EVs and, if so, what steps the hour for the renewable energy they feed into the national Government can take . electricity grid . Since the Premier’s 1 May 2009 statement that the The scheme was a product of the NSW Feed-in Tariff Government would work to speed up the introduction of Taskforce, chaired by the Department of Water and Energy, electric vehicles in NSW, the taskforce has been identifying which was appointed to advise on the most appropriate initiatives that can be fast-tracked . As an initial step, feed-in tariff model for NSW . DECC was a member of the StateFleet will participate in a fleet monitoring test of a taskforce, which sought written public submissions in Mitsubishi electric vehicle in partnership with Mitsubishi December 2008 and received 206 responses . The taskforce Motors Australia . held a stakeholder forum in January 2009 to obtain the views of the clean energy industry, energy retailers and distributors, and green groups .

 Case study

Hybrid electric vehicle hits the road In April 2009, the former Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, the Honourable Carmel Tebbutt, launched SWITCH, Australia’s first vehicle-to-grid, plug- in hybrid-electric car. The car can feed power back into Photo: A. Weeraratne, DECC. the grid and transform the way we power our cars and use energy.

Engineered by researchers at the University of Driving Australia’s first plug-in hybrid electric car. Technology, Sydney (UTS) in a project funded by the NSW Government, SWITCH is an example of cutting edge research currently under way into greener This prototype can reduce petrol use and greenhouse transport solutions. gas emissions, but also help families save money. Based The research team at UTS adapted the car from a on a 30-kilometre per day commute, SWITCH would standard Toyota Prius by adding extra batteries, controls cost as little as 50 cents per day to charge with off-peak and connections so that it can charge from – or feed power. into – a household mains power supply. The extra While the vehicle is only at a trial stage, it is possible that batteries can store energy at off-peak times and feed new smart grid technology could control an entire fleet power back into the grid at times of peak demand. On of cars so that they charge or supply energy at different a large scale, this could level out peaks and troughs in times. power supply across regions and ensure that roll out of SWITCH will be trialled as a fleet vehicle by staff at electric vehicles can occur without the need for major DECC. The progress of the car, its fuel efficiency and grid enhancements. electricity tariffs, will be monitored in partnership with The extra batteries mean that SWITCH can run on EnergyAustralia and posted on www.environment.nsw. electricity for longer. It can save up to 2.8 tonnes of gov.au. greenhouse gas emissions a year, compared with an average car. 26 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Encourage the NSW community Photo: D. Smith. to adapt to climate change

Climate Change Action Plan Further targeted consultation and analysis were carried out during the first half of 2009 . It is intended that a draft CCAP In March 2008, the Premier announced that NSW would will be released for a final phase of consultation in the develop a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) to second half of 2009 . replace the NSW Greenhouse Plan . Since the release of the Greenhouse Plan in 2005, community, business and Climate impact profile government roles and responsibilities for climate change have changed considerably, and there is new scientific DECC, with the Department of Water and Energy, has information available . prepared a draft NSW climate impact profile describing some of the likely impacts of future climate change on the The CCAP will establish key priorities for the next four settlements, lands and ecosystems of NSW . It is intended years based on the latest science, strategic leadership that the profile will be released with the draft Climate and community opinion . This plan will drive climate Change Action Plan later in 2009 . change action across the state and will enable the NSW Government to work in partnership with all sections of the DECC scientists will continue to research the potential community to achieve shared goals . impacts of climate change on NSW natural ecosystems into 2009–10 . Projects include: DECC is responsible for leading the development of the NSW CCAP . In late 2008, DECC carried out extensive • examining sea level rise trajectories and the likely community consultation, holding 12 regional public impacts of sea-level rise on coastal ecosystems and forums . Region-specific effects of climate change were communities presented and discussed, with summaries for each region • investigating the loss or change of biotic communities available at www environment. .nsw . gov .au/climatechange/ in most areas of the state regionsummary .htm .

 Case study

Photographers flood king tide area DECC had an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to its request for photographs of the king tide which occurred on the morning of 12 January 2009. Over 2,000 images were received. Photo: Watson, P. DECC. The king tide was predicted to peak in Sydney, rising to 2.05 metres high at Fort Denison, but the peak recorded was 1.96 metres high due to fair weather and the presence of a high pressure system across most of coastal NSW (tides can vary within approximately 20 centimetres of predicted levels). The king tide in January 2009 covered most of the jetty at Woy Woy. The photographic coverage will help create a statewide snapshot of areas currently vulnerable to tidal inundation, many of which have not been recorded exercise next year and establish a long-term record of before. This will help improve community awareness such events and associated impacts. of the potential future risk of sea level rise and inform A sample of the images received can be found on www. future planning decisions. DECC hopes to repeat the environment.nsw.gov.au/climatechange/kingtide.htm. Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 27

• looking into increased soil erosion from higher intensity Over 100 submissions were received during public summer storms consultation on the draft policy statement . Many • sequestering soil carbon to help draw down carbon submissions considered how best to use the benchmarks dioxide from the atmosphere in land use planning or coastal hazard assessments, addressed the potential use of benchmarks as regulatory • investigating the potential loss of marginal landscapes standards, or raised issues concerning the liability and and ecosystems, such as alpine areas, beaches and responsibilities of decision makers . estuaries Finalisation of the policy statement is expected early in • modelling future fire frequency and intensity. 2009–10 . It will be accompanied by technical guidance on how to use the benchmarks in coastal hazard and flood Sea level rise policy statement risk assessments and land use planning . During the year, DECC and the Department of Planning jointly prepared a draft sea level rise policy statement . Working with NSW Health This sets out the Government’s approach to sea level DECC is funding a project being undertaken by NSW rise, the risks to property owners from coastal processes Health to investigate the impacts of heat on morbidity and assistance for councils to reduce the risks of coastal and mortality . The project, which is an extension of work hazards . previously undertaken under the Climate Change Impacts The draft policy statement includes sea level planning and Adaptation Research Program, involves collecting benchmarks so the impacts of sea level rise can be and analysing historical temperature, hospital admission consistently considered in land-use planning and coastal and death records in each area of NSW to determine investment decision making (see www environment. . heat-related health impacts and appropriate thresholds nsw gov. .au/climatechange/sealevel .htm) . The adopted on which to base a heatwave warning system . One benchmarks are for a rise relative to 1990 mean sea- component of the project is reported on in the case study level rise predictions of 40 centimetres by 2050 and ‘Beat the heat’ below . 90 centimetres by 2100 . These benchmarks are based on projections developed by Australian and international experts and considered most appropriate for NSW .

 Case study

Beat the heat An estimated 1,200 people die of heat-related illnesses each year in Australian capital cities, with many more

receiving hospital or home care. Climate change is Photo: S. Cohen, DECC. expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme heat, which will particularly affect children, the elderly and those with existing health problems such as respiratory or cardiac illness or diabetes. Overseas experience has shown that an effective early- warning system for heatwave days, combined with a public education campaign about ways to cope with extreme heat, can significantly reduce the impacts The frequency of heatwaves may increase under climate change. of heatwaves on health and the pressure placed on hospitals and emergency response agencies. With DECC funding, the Southern Area Health Service The public awareness campaign was timely: in January trialled a ‘Beat the heat; don’t forget your drink’ project and February 2009, temperatures were well above during the summer of 2008–09. The project used average. Temperatures in Sydney exceeded 35°C on television, radio and newspapers, public presentations 30 days over the summer and a new record maximum and mailouts of posters and brochures to disseminate temperature of 45.2°C was experienced. information that would help the community cope with DECC and NSW Health are now working together to trial extreme heat. The successful media campaign led to a heatwave early warning system, while targeting the more than half the community hearing the message and health promotion campaign to other parts of the state. changing their activities over the summer. Research was also carried out on people’s strategies for coping with heat, rates of hospitalisation and the demographic profile of people requiring medical care. 28 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Working with local government DECC initiatives during the year included: • developing a draft biodiversity strategy for NSW to Since there will be considerable regional variations in the conserve terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity type and magnitude of climate change impacts, local (see chapter 4) government will play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change . On some issues, responses • research with CSIRO into marine and freshwater developed and delivered locally will be more effective than ecosystems, including researching effective sustainable those developed statewide . development, monitoring the impacts of climate change and evaluating proposed adaptation strategies During 2008–09, DECC worked closely with the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) to build the • the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Research capacity of local councils to incorporate climate change Program, which examines the impacts of climate into their planning and decision making . In particular, change on biodiversity, invasive species and aquatic DECC and the LGSA negotiated a memorandum of ecosystems (see case study below) understanding on climate change response, and have • researching the potential impacts of climate change on agreed to undertake a climate change survey of local weeds, pests and diseases and the resulting impacts on councils in July 2009 to provide benchmark data for native plants and animals evaluation purposes . • research with Australian and overseas universities to evaluate the extinction risk for species under various Initiatives addressing climate change and climate change scenarios biodiversity • research to improve the understanding of projected impacts of climate change on biodiversity and the Climate change is a major long-term threat to biodiversity effectiveness of alternative adaptation strategies . and is listed as a key threatening process under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 . Climate change will also affect the environment’s ability to provide natural resources and healthy ecosystems, and to support the industries which rely on these resources .

 Case study

Effects of climate change on unplanned fires In late 2008, a joint research project between DECC, the

Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires Photo: M. Woulfe. at the University of Wollongong, and the Australian National University, was completed. This three-year project explored the predicted effects of climate change on unplanned fire in the Sydney region using computer modelling. The models integrated information on local terrain, weather and fuel characteristics with future climate predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology. Modelling current patterns of fire in the landscape and extrapolating these patterns into the future using climate change predictions, the study: DECC is studying the predicted effects of climate change on unplanned • quantified changes in fire regimes resulting from bushfires. predicted changes in climate • quantified resulting changes in risks posed by fires The results of the study will be used to inform decisions to biodiversity, ecosystem functions, people and about future fire planning and management in NSW. property The full report is available at: www.environment.nsw. • predicted the effects of alternative management gov.au/climatechange/bushfires.htm. strategies on fires and the impact of climate change on the outcome of these strategies. The study predicts that by 2050, Sydney and the Blue Mountains could experience an increase in the area burnt by bushfires by 7–35%, and climate change could increase risks to people and ecosystems sensitive to changes in fire frequency. Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 29

Great Eastern Ranges Initiative In February 2007, the NSW Government announced the allocation of $7 million from the Environmental Trust for a three-year program to establish a conservation corridor along the 1,200-kilometre section of the great eastern Photo: I. Pulsford, DECC. ranges in NSW . The Great Eastern Ranges Initiative is improving the connectivity of the forests and woodlands that extend along the great eastern ranges in NSW through a range of voluntary conservation programs . Over 50 partner organisations including other state agencies, catchment management authorities, local councils, conservation groups, industry groups, landholders and researchers are working together on projects to integrate activities in five regional areas . These projects are called ‘Slopes to Summit’ (near Albury), ‘Kosciuszko to Coast’, ‘Southern Highlands’, ‘Hunter Valley’ and ‘Border Ranges’ . Partners include the Nature Conservation Trust, Greening Australia, Bush Heritage Australia and OzGreen . Key activities in 2008–09 included: Photo: I. Pulsford, DECC. • partnership building, including Aboriginal land management partnerships and development of a partnership website, which will be completed in 2009–10 • conservation planning and science

• establishment of conservation agreements, wildlife Great Eastern Ranges Initiative partners from DECC, the Nature refuges and covenants on private land in targeted Conservation Trust and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management conservation areas Authority discuss land management issues, as part of the Border Ranges program. • a scientific principles report on continental-scale connectivity conservation • a draft tourism marketing strategy • a short film to promote the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative .

 Case study

Impacts of climate change on NSW floodplain wetlands In 2008, DECC assessed the likely impacts of climate

change-induced hydrological alterations on species Photo: R. Thomas, DECC. in NSW floodplain wetlands. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of floodplain wetlands requires an understanding of projected water availability, and of the water needs of plants and animals and their strategies for coping with stress brought about by a lack of water. The study highlighted that each species has its own DECC’s database records the ecological needs of floodplain species and survival, maintenance, reproduction and regeneration will guide water allocations to wetlands such as the Macquarie Marshes. needs. The study also identified species that are particularly vulnerable to reduced water availability such as floodplain trees, colonial nesting waterbirds and fish that rely on flows to trigger spawning. A database and decision making. The database also contributes of the water requirements of floodplain wetland to ecological response models being developed for vegetation, waterbirds and fish has been prepared and significant floodplain wetlands, such as the Macquarie will be used by managers to guide water allocations Marshes. 30 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Climate change research into pests and weeds Understanding the effects of climate change on the

distribution, abundance and impacts of invasive species Photo: Davies, P. DECC. is a priority research area identified in DECC’s Adaptation strategy for climate change impacts on biodiversity . During 2008–09, a collaborative research project involving DECC, Macquarie University and the Australian Research Council modelled the distribution of key weed species in Australia and in their native habitats . Distribution patterns for selected weed species were modelled for two climate change scenarios to 2020 and 2050 and compared with the predicted distribution of these species under current climates . For example, three hawkweed species (Hieracium spp ). DECC and University of NSW marine scientists rack NISKIN bottle have only been recorded in a restricted area at high samplers for discreet depth water sampling at a coastal monitoring stations offshore of Port Hacking, as part of IMOS. altitudes in Australia . The distribution model predicts that under the current climate they could spread to a range of other areas, while under future climates it is predicted that A National Reference Station mooring was established off their distribution would recede . Port Hacking near Sydney to monitor changes in ocean Interim results are now available for seven weed species – temperature, salinity, currents, water clarity and chlorophyll . visit www environment. .nsw gov. .au/weeds/climatechange . This will be complemented by monthly water quality sampling to determine the amount and variety of nutrients and plankton, and acidification . The National Reference Long-term NSW coastal ocean monitoring Station mooring complements a CSIRO sampling station DECC is participating in the Integrated Marine Observing at the same site which began collecting data in 1942, System (IMOS) being implemented nationwide . IMOS providing the longest record of its type in Australian provides equipment and data services to support marine waters . climate research in Australia’s coastal oceans . IMOS utilises Through IMOS, it is hoped a better understanding of the research capacity of 11 educational institutions and the East Australian Current will be gained . This current government facilities across Australia . dominates the ocean on the south-east coast of Australia . There is a sense of urgency for expanded monitoring and research in this region as the Tasman Sea is predicted to experience the fastest increase in water temperature of any regional sea in the world . Warmer water expands faster, increasing the relative sea level . Through IMOS, key fish species are also being tagged and Photo: Davies, P. DECC. monitored . In 2008–09, IMOS expanded its monitoring capability in NSW to include additional equipment at two sites off Bondi, one off Jervis Bay and one off Port Hacking .

DECC marine scientist preserves water samples for later analysis through IMOS. Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 31

Minimise and manage increased

Photo: D. Wiecek, DECC. risks to life, property and the environment

Coastal, estuary and floodplain  Performance indicator management Approved coastal and estuary management plans DECC works closely with local councils, catchment Definition: The cumulative number of coastal and estuary management authorities and communities across the management plans approved indicates the high level of council and state to ensure the long-term protection, conservation community support for developing and implementing plans that meet and restoration of coastal, estuarine and floodplain the objectives of the Coastal Protection Act 1979 and the NSW Coastal environments . Policy. DECC provides technical advice to, and funding assistance for, local councils to prepare coastal and estuary management plans. DECC’s Coastal Management Program aims to identify and manage the risks from coastal hazards, including predicted Coastal and estuary management plans completed sea level rise . This program provides funding support and 90 technical advice to assist councils to prepare coastline management plans and associated studies . In 2008–09, DECC allocated $2 9. million in grants to 16 councils for 31 60 projects under this program .

Under the Estuary Management Program, DECC provided Number 30 technical and financial assistance to councils to prepare and implement estuary and coastal zone management plans, focusing on actions to improve the health and condition 0 of estuaries . Over three-quarters of the state’s estuaries are 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 covered by estuary management plans . DECC allocated Estuary management plans Coastal management plans $3 .6 million in 2008–09 for 56 projects to 31 councils under the program . Interpretation: Three new estuary management plans, and one new Under the Urban Floodplain Management Program, DECC costal management plan, were completed in 2008–09, bringing the provided technical and financial assistance to councils cumulative total to 81 coastal zone management plans completed by to prepare and implement floodplain risk management councils in partnership with the NSW Government. 90 plans to enable them to manage flood risk in their local Coastal management plans communities . DECC expended $9 .29 million in 2008–09 on Estuary management plans grants to 70 councils across NSW . In addition, DECC progressed development of another eight rural60 floodplain management plans in key areas In 2008–09, DECC completed the Macquarie River covering approximately 10,000 square kilometres of the Narromine to Oxley Station rural floodplain management Murray–Darling Basin . Once these plans are finalised, there plan in conjunction with the Department of Water and will be 2030 plans covering about 24,000 square km of the Energy . The plan covers a floodplain of over 2,500 square Murray–Darling Basin . kilometres immediately upstream of the Macquarie Marshes and incorporates an area of considerable agricultural 0 development (cotton, dryland wheat crops, cattle and 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 sheep grazing) . 32 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

However, during the year DECC has been developing a  Performance indicator new approach to rural floodplain planning to address Approved floodplain risk management plans issues from a valley-wide perspective . This will eventually replace the current approach, which targets discrete Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative number of areas undergoing development pressure . DECC is looking urban floodplain risk management plans prepared by local councils. to strengthen the coordination of rural floodplain Councils are responsible for preparing these plans in urban or closely- settled rural areas, as they are responsible for land use planning and management planning with floodplain harvesting management under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act management being developed by the Department of 1979 for their local government areas, and for managing floodprone Water and Energy . land. DECC provides technical advice to, and funding assistance for, local government for preparing and implementing floodplain risk management plans. DECC also administers floodplain management Restoration works for the Hunter Valley programs. Flood Mitigation Scheme Floodplain risk management plans The Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme is a system 120 of major levees and flood gates on the Hunter, Paterson and Williams rivers operated and maintained by DECC 100 and the Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment Management 80 Authority . It protects 3,000 buildings and 18,000 hectares of agricultural land from floods across Maitland, Singleton, 60

Number Raymond Terrace, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook and Denman . 40 In June 2007, during major flooding on the Williams, 20 Paterson and Hunter rivers, parts of the scheme sustained major damage . Restoration of infrastructure was completed 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 in 2009 at a cost of approximately $4 million .

Interpretation: At 30 June 2009, there were 104 floodplain risk management plans completed in NSW, an increase of 17 since Emergency management 2004–05. This increase, from 87 in 2004–05 to 104 in 2008-09, Increased storm intensity, sea-level rise, more flooding, indicates the number of councils that are managing flood risks higher temperatures and increased fire risk could all pose responsibly. a threat to the NSW community and put pressure on 120 emergency management resources . Rural10 valley-wide0 floodplain management The State Emergency Management Committee has formed a Climate Change Working Group . DECC is on DECC is80 responsible for preparing rural floodplain the committee and is working closely with other NSW management60 plans under the Water Act 1912 . These Government agencies to assess the impacts of climate plans manage the distribution of floodwaters across rural change and plan for increased natural hazards such as floodplains40 in western NSW . bushfires, floods, coastal erosion and heatwaves . The plans20 map floodway networks that provide for Key work undertaken during 2008–09 included: the unimpeded0 passage of floodwaters, including 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 • the Eastern Seaboard Climate Change Initiative, environmental water managed by DECC, to maintain supporting collaborative research into destructive flooding for environmental assets . The plans also weather systems such as East Coast Lows (intense low- coordinate flood control works that may redistribute flood pressure systems that often intensify rapidly overnight, flows and block floodplain connectivity . making them one of the more dangerous weather systems to affect the NSW coast) . The aim is to close gaps in information about the impacts of climate change and climate variability on the Australian east coast, ranges and inshore marine environments . • a project funded by the Natural Disasters Management Program to scope future sea level rises and coastal

Photo: A. Falkenmire, DECC. hazards in NSW . • a study funded by the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Research Program to investigate the possible impact of climate change on bushfire threats to biodiversity, ecosystems and the community in Sydney .

Flooding of Gingham wetlands near Moree. Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 33

Cooks River bank rehabilitation In May 2009, sections of the Cooks River foreshore were rehabilitated . The NSW Government allocated $2 9. million to restore the most badly degraded sections of the river bank at Earlwood and Hurlstone Park . The project officers replaced 760 metres of corroded steel sheet piling, removed other portions, and landscaped the riverbank to more closely mimic natural foreshores . The project has contributed to the rehabilitation of the Cooks River, and improved public safety and access . The riverbank now has a gentler, more natural profile with sandstone blocks, mangroves, saltmarshes and native plant landscaping . Local residents and community groups have responded positively to the project .

 Case study

Environmentally friendly seawall guidelines for estuaries Urbanisation modifies natural estuarine foreshores by

replacing them with reclaimed parkland, infrastructure, Photo: D. Wiecek, DECC. housing and other artificial structures such as jetties and seawalls. Seawalls in particular have become a dominant foreshore feature of urban estuaries. The pressure for additional seawalls is expected to increase to protect low-lying foreshore infrastructure from sea-level rise. The construction of seawalls results in the loss of natural intertidal habitats, and traditional vertical seawalls have limited habitat potential. It is therefore important that seawalls are built to minimise environmental impacts, more closely mimic natural foreshores and provide greater environmental value. To achieve this, in 2009 DECC and the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority The guidelines enable those involved in designing, prepared Environmentally friendly seawalls – a guide approving, building or upgrading seawalls to improve to improving the environmental value of seawalls and the environmental value of seawalls and seawall-lined seawall-lined foreshores in estuaries. foreshores. 34 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Support business, industry

Photo: Evolving Images. and government in operating sustainably

Sustainability Advantage Members receive support in the form of workshops, training, technical advice and the setting up of industry Sustainability Advantage is a key and growing program clusters that allow participants to share ideas and find that helps medium to large organisations and businesses solutions to common issues . As at 30 June 2009, there are to assess their waste generation, water use and energy 32 clusters operating across NSW from sectors as diverse consumption, and devise internal strategies that improve as building products, agribusiness, hospitality, health and environmental performance and bring about cost savings . aged care industries; the tertiary education sector; the The program assists 305 organisations that employ more community services area; and government . Participation than 100,000 people in NSW . from the TAFE sector alone includes nine TAFE institutes and around 100 separate campuses .

 Case study

Riverina sustainability cluster In a first for rural NSW, some of Australia’s biggest agricultural industries are working together to protect Photo: Bucello. V. the environment, saving over $2.36 million while cutting waste, energy and water use through DECC’s Sustainability Advantage program. The businesses, all from the Riverina, have identified dozens of sustainability initiatives and developed approved action plans. With representation from the wine, food and agricultural service industries, the 12 organisations in the group have jointly saved 1600 MWh of electricity, over 9,600 GJ of gas and around 2,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Some standout achievements include:

• De Bortoli Wines have completely reused winery Simon Smith (right), Deputy Director General of DECC, presented waste water for growing forage crops which certificates of recognition to members of the Riverina Sustainability generates around $200,000 per annum in income on Cluster at a special event at De Bortoli Wines. Pictured here (left), is Robert top of the power savings achieved. Kelly, Environmental Manager, Murrumbidgee Irrigation. • Bartter Enterprises have installed new high efficiency • Chicken Income Fund have improved productivity cookers that have saved 500 MWh of energy. through a new feed spreader and heating efficiencies • Casella Wines have upgraded their refrigeration and in chicken sheds which are saving over 9,600 GJ of power efficiency facilities, allowing for the removal of gas. two 465-KW diesel generators, and have organised • PHL Surveyors have reduced paper use by 30%, diesel fruit swaps resulting in transport savings of over use by 27% and electricity by 12%. 100,000 kilometres. • Rockdale Beef have implemented recycling programs saving 140 ML of water and 140 tonnes of waste, and have improved boiler and compressor efficiency, saving 300 MWh of electricity and 300 GJ of gas. Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 35

The program has helped participants to deliver significant  financial and environmental improvements . These Performance indicator include, cumulatively, savings of just over 13,000 tonnes of Businesses participating with DECC to improve greenhouse gases from electricity savings of 7,600 MWh resource recovery and sustainability and gas savings of 16,670 GJ . Around 170 ML of water have been saved and waste to landfill has been reduced by Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative number of 17,100 tonnes . Annual financial savings total at least $7 .5 predominantly medium to large businesses that DECC collaborates million . with, principally through Sustainability Advantage, to enhance their environmental performance. Ten businesses in 2008–09 worked Recognising ongoing achievement is an important part with DECC through other partnerships. All partnerships include DECC of Sustainability Advantage and a recognition system that support for resource recovery; energy, water and fuel efficiency; and includes bronze, silver, gold and platinum membership corporate planning, staff education and supply chain management. was launched during the year . In June, the first bronze The indicator does not reflect the depth of the relationship, which may vary from networking to collaboration and full partnership. memberships were presented to 13 organisations including Converga, TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Marquis Businesses participating with DECC to improve resource recovery Bathroom Products, Sydney Markets Limited, Focus Press, 350 Schindler, Rondo Building Services Pty Ltd, Ontera Modular Carpets Pty Ltd, Koppers Australia, Tarkett, The Austral 300 Bricks Company Pty Ltd, De Bortoli Wines and Inghams 250 Enterprises Pty Limited . 200

In 2008–09, DECC aimed to increase Sustainability Number 150

Advantage membership to 1000 organisations by 2013 and 100 to increase the focus on energy and climate change . Since February 2009, the $20 million energy saver program has 50 0 helped eligible businesses become more energy efficient, 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 look into adopting alternative technologies and reduce their costs . As at 30 June 2009, the program helped NSW Interpretation: The 2004–05 and 2005–06 figures represent the businesses identify opportunities that could lead to over former DEC’s engagement with businesses to improve resource $3 million in cost savings and reduce their greenhouse gas recovery through the Industry Partnership Program, which involved 80 emissions by 21,000 tonnes . businesses in 2005–06. The resource efficiency work with business has been rolled into Sustainability Advantage, which also addresses other sustainability issues such as encouraging organisations to incorporate Waste Service Performance Improvements environmental350 actions into business plans, ensuring all business areas (such as30 0operations, marketing and human resources) are involved in Payments Program environmental actions, and working in geographic or sector-based 250 DECC’s Waste Service Performance Improvements clusters. Often, this work is medium to long-term and spans a number Payments Program rewards councils for meeting of years.200 performance standards for the efficient collection and 150 management of waste and recycling products . Now in its 100 third year, all 51 councils in Sydney, the Hunter, Illawarra Hawkesbury-Nepean River Recovery and Shoalhaven met program requirements, sharing $12 .3 50 Program0 million . Requirements included ensuring that councils had 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 policies to minimise construction and demolition waste The Australian Government agreed to give NSW $77 4. and that new commercial and multi-unit dwellings had million to undertake a Hawkesbury–Nepean River Recovery recycling systems . Project to save over 11 billion litres of water per year and Between 2006–09, $25 million has been invested in stop over 48 tonnes of nutrient pollution per year from promoting greater sustainability in council-driven waste entering the river . Federal funding will be complemented and resource recovery systems and services . DECC has also by funds from the NSW Government, landholders and provided tools and information to support councils in their Hawkesbury City Council, providing a total of $96 .8 million efforts to improve waste services, including guidelines, for this initiative to September 2011 . handbooks and advice on best practice techniques (visit DECC led the development of the total bid, and is now www environment. .nsw gov. .au/warr/localauthorities .htm) . leading two of the seven sub-projects: a water licence A new, extended program of local council waste and purchase project and a nutrient export monitoring project . sustainability improvement payments will commence on 1 July 2009, as part of the NSW City and Country Environment Restoration Program . Through this program, the NSW Government will invest $256 million over seven years to support improvements to the use, recovery, recycling, processing and disposal of waste, and improvements in environmental sustainability practices and services . 36 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

• meet the challenge of rising prices expected for energy,  Performance indicator fuel, water and waste management National Australian Built Environment Rating • are more efficient in their vehicles use System – commercial market penetration • produce less waste and increase recycling Definition: This indicator measures the proportion of the cumulative • use purchasing power to drive efficiency. number of national office buildings which have been rated using the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). Implementation of the policy across DECC is discussed in Chapter 5, ‘A credible, effective and efficient organisation’ . NABERS measures the energy, water, waste and indoor environmental performance of a building compared with its peers. Ratings are on a one- to five-star scale, with five stars representing best performance. Energy Efficiency for Small Business Ratings are voluntary. NABERS is managed nationally by DECC. Program National Australian Built Environment Rating System – commercial market penetration The $15 million Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program was piloted during the first half of 2008–09 with 100 100 businesses in various industry and business sectors . The program will help 6,000 small businesses prepare for 80 future increases in energy costs . It will target businesses

t 60 that spend up to $20,000 on electricity per year or employ up to 10 employees, and provide financial assistance Percen 40 for tailored energy assessments to identify no-cost and low-cost options for reducing electricity use . In addition, 20 matched funding of up to $5,000 is available for lighting, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, hot water systems 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 and compressed air use .

NSW National The pilot program assessments found that businesses could save an average of $420 per year on lighting alone, Interpretation: By 30 June 2009, 9.6 million m² of office space in with a payback period of just five years . Australia (46% of the total available office space) and 4.6 million m² of The program was formally launched in early 2009 with NSW office space (60% of available NSW office space) had been rated strong interest from key partners in local government, for its environmental performance using NABERS. There has been a 100 industry associations and peak bodies as well as major 14% increase in rated space from 2007–08 to 2008–09 in Australia, National and a 15% increase in NSW. On average, office buildings using NABERS electricity retailers . Feedback from these stakeholders and to measure,80 manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and a surveyNSW of pilot participants suggests the program is well- water use have improved their greenhouse performance by 12% and designed to meet the needs of small business . water efficiency60 by 16%. Together, these buildings are achieving total annual savings of 190,000 tonnes of CO2 and 840,000 kL of potable water. 40 Low Income Household Refit Program The Low Income Household Refit Program is a $63 million In 2008–09,20 693 NABERS energy and water ratings for offices were submitted to DECC. initiative to provide free home energy assessments, energy 0 refits and tailored advice to help save power and money 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 in 220,000 eligible households across NSW . The program is being piloted in 1,000 homes in Western Sydney from May 2009 and will be available across NSW later in 2009 . NSW Government Sustainability Policy In February 2009, the NSW Premier announced the NSW National Built Environment Rating System Government Sustainability Policy, including a commitment The National Australian Built Environment Rating System that the NSW Government will become carbon neutral by (NABERS) is a suite of environmental performance rating 2020 . DECC is the lead agency for implementing this policy . tools for Australian buildings . DECC manages NABERS The Sustainability Policy sets targets and strategies for the on behalf of the National Steering Committee, which NSW Government to lead by example in sustainable use of represents state and federal governments . Ratings include water; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from energy, those for energy, water, waste and the indoor environment waste and fleet management; and sustainable purchasing . for offices; and those for energy and water for hotels and The policy ensures NSW government agencies: homes . New tools for retail centres, schools, hospitals and data centres; and transport ratings for offices are being • consider sustainability in all relevant decision making developed . • reduce greenhouse gas emissions • are more efficient in their use of energy and water and reduce wider environmental impacts associated with water and energy use Chapter 2 – Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing 37

In 2008–09, 394 commercial buildings received accredited Sustainable Choice NABERS energy ratings . This brings the total percentage of these buildings rated in NSW to 60%, and nationally Sustainable Choice is a partnership project between the to 46% . In addition, 38 commitment agreements were Local Government and Shires Associations and DECC, signed, committing new buildings and refurbishments to which provides local councils with the tools and resources achieving high NABERS energy ratings . to implement sustainable procurement . As at June 2009, 47 Regarding water, 247 buildings received water ratings . The local councils are taking part in the program . A sustainable new NABERS energy and water ratings were embraced by procurement training course for NSW local councils was the hotel industry, with eight hotels now rated . The first launched in August 2008 and has been delivered to 327 waste ratings for offices were also completed in 2008–09 . staff from 28 councils . NABERS ratings were conducted for 96 homes as part of the Lord Howe Island Sustainable Energy Program, and for Sydney Carbon Market Taskforce 681 homes for the Blacktown Solar Cities Program . The Sydney Carbon Market Taskforce was convened Training was delivered to 416 people, and the number of to advise the NSW Government on actions to position assessors accredited to deliver NABERS ratings increased by Sydney as the carbon market hub of the Asia-Pacific 35% to 529 . region . Sydney has experience in carbon trading and a sophisticated financial market, infrastructure and workforce Mandatory disclosure requirements were endorsed by the skills . DECC provided secretariat support to the taskforce, Council of Australian Governments to come into effect in in partnership with the NSW Department of State and 2010 . These will use NABERS nationally as the means of Regional Development . The taskforce presented a strategic disclosing the energy efficiency of commercial buildings at action plan to the Government in May 2009, and this the point of sale or lease . document should be released later this year for discussion at a stakeholder forum . Sustainable Property Guide DECC also worked with the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of NSW to develop carbon market and climate change leadership courses for CEOs, managers and executives . Photo: Evolving Images.

The Honourable Penny Sharpe, who launched the Sustainable Property Guide on behalf of the then Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Carmel Tebbutt, with Neil Cochrane, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Colonial First State Global Asset Management.

In 2008–09, DECC developed The Sustainable Property Guide in partnership with Colonial First State Global Asset Management . The guide is available on www . environment .nsw gov. .au/sustainbus/SustainPropertyGuide . htm as a resource for commercial building owners and their key service providers, such as managing agents and building managers . It contains comprehensive step- by-step guidance, checklists and worksheets to enable the integration of ecologically sustainable development principles into property portfolios . 38 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Support individuals, families

Photo: S. Garland, DECC. and communities in living more sustainably

NSW Green Skills Strategy The NSW Government’s Extended producer responsibility priority statement encourages industry to manage waste The Green Skills Strategy helps to develop workforce skills from consumer goods voluntarily and be more responsible to tackle the issues brought about by climate change and for the environmental impact of their products . other environmental challenges, and support the transition During 2008-09, DECC examined waste from electrical and to a lower carbon and more sustainable society . The NSW electronic goods, and developed a code of practice for Department of Education and Training is the lead agency environmentally sound recyling methods . and DECC contributes through industry partnership projects and strategy support . The mobile phone industry participates in the ’Mobile Muster‘, a national mobile phone recycling scheme . In A Green Skills Summit took place in February 2009 as part November 2008, encouraged by DECC and the Australian of the NSW Jobs Summit . Over 100 participants attended, Mobile Telecommunications Association, the industry and the focus was on building trade and professional links renewed its commitment to significantly increase recovery so NSW could move to a low carbon future . rates over the next five years . The $20 million Energy Efficiency Skills Program is an important part of the NSW Green Skills Strategy . During CleanOut Program for household the year DECC helped electricians, plumbers, building managers, engineers, planners and architects to improve chemicals their design, installation and maintenance skills . DECC also This partnership between DECC and local government worked with key manufacturing industries to ensure NSW across the Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra regions deals with can manufacture more sustainable products with reduced the safe disposal of hazardous household waste, including energy consumption . chemicals, poisons, gas bottles and batteries . The program The program also funds education and training personnel, helps to ensure that such waste is not placed in domestic including TAFE teachers, to gain new knowledge and skills . waste bins, dumped in bushland or tipped into waterways . CleanOut staff have established temporary collection sites Resource recovery for the community to safely dispose of their chemical waste . At the State and Federal Ministers meeting in May 2009, a In 2008–09, there were 40 collections throughout the framework for an extended National Packaging Covenant Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra regions . A total of 24,598 was considered . The Ministers also considered the merits of community members participated and 819,718 kg of a container deposit scheme . hazardous materials were safely disposed of . These The Environment Protection and Heritage Council has figures represent an 8% increase from 2007–08 . Since the conducted a Choice Modelling Survey to investigate inception of the program in 2003, 3,941,088 householders communities’ willingness to pay to increase the recovery of have safely disposed of 112,420 kg of hazardous waste, packaging, particularly beverage containers . The Ministers mainly paints, oils, batteries and gas cylinders . will review the results of the survey in November 2009 . In NSW, 52% of packaging waste was recycled in 2006–07 (latest data available), up from 46% in 2004–05, amounting to more than 2 1. million extra tonnes of material being recycled . Out of 152 local councils, 119 are providing kerbside collections to assist this recovery . 39

A healthier and cleaner2.1 Copy 3 environment, protecting both ecological and human health Photo: courtesy Fibre Systems.Tank

DECC values its reputation as an effective NSW regulator of air and water quality, noise and odour issues, chemical and pesticide use, waste disposal, use of radioactive substances, and contaminated sites. 40 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Context Key drivers The NSW community is faced with many significant DECC’s work in the area of environment protection and environmental issues as a result of the size of regulation is informed by: the population and the demands placed on the • State Plan – A New Direction for NSW (www .nsw gov. .au/ environment . Air and water quality are always important stateplan/) issues statewide, while the use of chemicals, pesticides • Action for Air (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/air/ and hazardous materials can create localised pollution, actionforair/index .htm) contaminate land, and harm human health . The over • NSW Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels Strategy clearing and degradation of native vegetation contribute (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/air/actionforair/ to the loss of biodiversity . drftcvstrat .htm) DECC is responsible for administering most NSW • Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 legislation that ensures that the environment and people (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/legislation/legislation . are protected from these threats . htm) • Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 DECC engages with those in the community who (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/legislation/legislation . want to help protect the environment, and manages htm) a strategic, risk-based compliance and enforcement • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (www environment. . program to guide others . Activities cover industry nsw gov. .au/legislation/legislation .htm) operations, government practices and community • Native Vegetation Act 2003 (www environment. .nsw gov. . activities . DECC manages programs that provide more au/legislation/legislation .htm) certainty for business, promote community awareness, • Pesticides Act 1999 (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/ and help business and government operate more legislation/legislation .htm) efficiently . • Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 DECC also advises planning authorities on environmental (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/legislation/legislation . issues, and administers incentive schemes . htm) DECC’s compliance and regulatory activities include: • Radiation Control Act 1990 (www environment. .nsw gov. . au/legislation/legislation .htm) • regulating air, water and noise issues; waste disposal • Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 and reuse; native vegetation; contaminated sites; (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/legislation/legislation . radiation activities; and the transport, storage and use htm) of dangerous goods, chemicals and pesticides • developing appropriate responses to prevent, or early intervention to mitigate, adverse impacts Performance indicators • administering the Waste and Environment Levy DECC measures performance in the area of environment and load-based licensing systems which drive protection and regulation through the following environmental improvements and raise substantial performance indicators: revenue, and which underpin the NSW City and • Air quality outcomes in the Greater Metropolitan Country Environment Restoration Program Region • reforming the environment protection regulatory • Estimated volatile organic compound emissions in the framework to strengthen its effectiveness while Greater Metropolitan Region minimising red tape and compliance costs • Environment Line – incident reports about air quality, • responding to reports of incidents or environmental odours or noise from regulated premises harm received from the public . • Aggregate pollutant load indicator for air and water pollutants from premises licensed under load-based licensing • New pollution reduction programs negotiated with Outcomes licensees • Prosecutions completed DECC aims to provide a healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human • Penalty infringement notices issued by DECC under health, by working with communities, business and EPA legislation governments to: • Regulatory actions under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 • prevent, reduce or mitigate air, water and noise pollution and other adverse environmental impacts • Contaminated sites remediated • NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery • remediate or restore degraded environments Strategy – changes in waste disposed of to landfill in • improve community wellbeing the Greater Sydney Region • eliminate unnecessary regulation. • Beachwatch and Harbourwatch monitoring programs. • Poor regional air quality index days in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 41

Prevent, reduce or mitigate air, Photo: B. Peters. water and noise pollution and other adverse environmental impacts

Air pollution  Performance indicator Action for Air Air quality outcomes in the Greater Metropolitan Action for Air is the NSW Government’s 25-year air quality Region management plan, launched in 1998 . It contains strategies Definition: The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air relating to public transport, motor vehicles and fuels, Quality) Measure (Air NEPM) specifies national air quality standards for industry, businesses and homes . An Action for Air update six pollutants: photochemical smog (ozone), nitrogen dioxide, carbon was developed during the year in consultation with other monoxide, sulfur dioxide, fine particles less than 10 micrometres state government agencies . This update, to be released (PM10) and lead. This indicator details the number of days in the shortly, provides a current picture of air quality in NSW Greater Metropolitan Region (Sydney, Illawarra and the lower Hunter) and a summary of recent actions to maintain and improve when one or more of these standards were exceeded at any site. If more than one standard was exceeded on a given day, that day is only air quality, particularly through dealing with ozone and counted once. particle pollution . Number of days air quality standards exceeded in the Greater Metropolitan Region 40

30 s

of day 20 Photo: R. Scott, DECC. Number 10

0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Interpretation: Air quality standards were exceeded on 28 days in 2008–09. These exceedences were driven by a combination of photochemical smog, dust storms and bushfires during the summer of 2008–2009. A statewide dust storm on 16 April 2009 caused a major exceedence of the Air NEPM for PM10 in all regions of NSW.

40 Clean air, healthy communities 30 In November 2006, the Environmental Trust established the Clean Air, Healthy Communities Fund to progress 20 initiatives that improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector . The Environmental Trust 10allocated approximately $5 million to the fund over three years from 2007–2010 . There are eight programs 0 being funded:2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 • On Your Bike! – DECC works with Bicycle NSW on this program, which encourages greater use of existing infrastructure, identifies infrastructure enhancements and better integrates cycling with other modes of DECC works with Bicycle NSW to support bike riders in improving cycling skills, feeling confident and riding safely. 42 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

transport . Three conferences were held in July and NSW cleaner vehicles and fuels strategy August 2008 to promote opportunities for increased The final NSW cleaner vehicles and fuels strategy was released cycling, in particular for short trips . The project in August 2008 . complements the development of a new NSW BikePlan . The strategy outlines key programs for cleaner vehicles • Diesel Retrofit Program – see ‘Diesel Retrofit Program’ in and fuels, including summer-time lower volatility petrol, the next column . the Diesel Retrofit Program (see below), the NSW • FleetWise – this voluntary partnership with private Fleetwise partnership and the proposed introduction of sector fleet operators helps them reduce greenhouse Stage 2 vapour recovery (see below) . A number of the gas emissions by choosing cleaner vehicles, minimising programs outlined in the strategy are partly funded by distances travelled, and operating fleets efficiently . the Environmental Trust through the Clean Air, Healthy During 2008–09, the FleetWise pilot was completed, Communities Fund . covering four participants and over 1,000 vehicles . The pilot achieved a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas Diesel Retrofit Program emissions from the participating fleets . This partnership between the Environmental Trust, • Local Emissions Air Project – this program identified DECC and the Roads and Traffic Authority subsidises the options for reducing emissions from smash repair modification of older diesel trucks and commercial vehicles workshops . The next stage of the project will examine to reduce emissions . Diesel vehicles produce about 60% additional sources of local air emissions . of particulate matter emitted by road transport in Sydney . • Sustainable Mobility Initiatives for Local Environments In 2008–09, DECC began introducing fuel efficiency – DECC is researching people’s behaviour regarding the devices to further reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas current transport system, and what would be required emissions from heavy vehicles, and save fuel costs . for people to use healthier, more sustainable transport solutions such as walking and cycling . Program staff Stage 2 vapour recovery at service stations are also researching innovative practices that reduce NSW will become the first state in Australia to make Stage greenhouse gas emissions from transport . The research 2 vapour recovery (VR2) technology mandatory . VR2 was completed during 2008–09 and a demonstration technology captures volatile organic compound emissions site was identified to test the program . from vehicle petrol tanks during refuelling at petrol pumps, • Woodsmoke reduction – see case study below. reducing local exposure to air toxins and summer-time • Air Education Support Program – this public education, ozone levels, and improving community health . awareness and behaviour change program aims to VR2 technology is being installed in Sydney, Newcastle, increase community understanding of air pollution and Wollongong and the Central Coast on a staged basis . its impacts, and build community support for the above Vapour recovery equipment installation will be required in programs . During 2008–09, an air education kit was new and modified service stations from mid-2010, in the developed, and planning for a program website was largest service stations by 2014, and in all but the smallest completed . service stations by 2017 .

 Case study

Woodsmoke reduction workshops improve council officers’ skills Wood heaters are an effective form of heating. However, when not operated properly, they become a key source of particles that harm health. In Sydney, domestic wood Photo: Solomon, T. DECC. heating is estimated to contribute just over 40% of winter fine particles (PM10) and almost 55% of winter very fine particles (PM ). In regional areas, woodheaters 2.5 Dr John Todd, Australia’s leading researcher on wood heaters and contribute over 85% of winter particles. woodsmoke, conducted workshops for council officers, with DECC, around the state. As part of DECC’s ongoing commitment to help council officers address local woodsmoke issues, DECC held four woodsmoke reduction workshops in Sydney West, The workshops gave council officers the skills to enforce Sydney Central Business District, Queanbeyan and legislation that protects against excessively smoky Coffs Harbour in May and June 2009. The workshops chimneys, improve wood heater installation practices covered 31 local government areas from metropolitan and undertake community education campaigns. and regional NSW and were attended by 49 officers. Five officers from the ACT Environment Protection Authority also attended. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 43

VR2 technology reduces refuelling emissions by over 85%  and its implementation will reduce smog-forming volatile Performance indicator organic compound emissions in the Greater Metropolitan Estimated volatile organic compound emissions in Region by 5,000 tonnes per year by 2020 . the Greater Metropolitan Region Reducing volatile organic compounds from Definition: Petrol vapour containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a main cause of smog in the Greater Metropolitan Region the printing industry during summer. Lowering volatility reduces fuel evaporation and DECC worked in 2008–09 to achieve reductions in volatile emissions from petrol vehicles and machines. organic compound (VOC) emissions from the printing The summer period is targeted because the warmer temperatures industry . VOC and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) form ozone contribute to greater evaporation of petrol. in an atmospheric photochemical reaction . This project This indicator estimates the reduction in VOC emissions that will be identified four significant emitters of VOCs and some achieved as a result of the amendments in 2004 to the Protection of lesser emitters that were not employing adequate means the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation. The amendments to minimise emissions . As a result of negotiating with the require those in the fuel industry to comply with volatility limits set industries involved, each significant emitter has committed on petrol supplied in the GMR between 15 November and 15 March to substantially reducing VOC emissions by purchasing each year. new pollution control equipment . At the completion of the Estimated VOC emissions from petrol in the GMR in four-month project, a reduction in VOC emissions of 1,400 tonnes per summer periods year will have been achieved . This is equivalent to taking 30,000 200,000 cars off the road . s

Oxides of nitrogen emissions from 25,000

cogeneration activities C emission Cogeneration involves using otherwise wasted energy of VO from the production of electricity to provide heating 20,000 nnes and cooling . Gas-fired cogeneration can be one of the To most greenhouse-friendly forms of fossil fuel-generated 15,000 electricity . However, cogeneration also emits significant 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 Summer (15 Nov–15 Mar) amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the air which react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on hot days to Minimum VOC emissions if no regulation (70kPa) produce elevated levels of ozone . VOC emissions under regulated fuel volatility limit (62kPa)

In February 2009, DECC published an interim NOx policy for cogeneration in Sydney and the Illawarra . The interim Interpretation: The limits in the Regulation, which are the tightest in Australia, commenced in November 2004. The estimate in VOC NO policy requires that all new cogeneration using x emissions from the petrol complying with limits is compared with an gas-fired reciprocating engines either be NOx neutral estimate of the emissions if no regulation of petrol volatility had been or achieve an emission performance consistent with introduced. The estimates for VOC emissions with no regulation are best available techniques for cogeneration . In May 2009, decreasing due to improved emission control technology in vehicles. DECC conducted a cogeneration workshop with relevant stakeholders to look at the best available techniques . Options examined included fitting emission controls and Waste and Environment Levy tuning engines to create fewer emissions . In December 2008, changes were made to the Protection The policy will be finalised in late 2009, using the outcomes of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the workshop . of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 to strengthen the effectiveness of the Waste and Environment Levy that encourages waste reduction and Waste 30000 greater resource recovery from waste . The levy will increase VOC emissions under regulated fuel volatility limit (62kPa) Online waste tracking system over the next seven years, and will include coastal council Minimum VOC emissions if no regulation (70kPa) The transport of certain wastes, that may be hazardous areas north of Port Stephens to the Queensland border or harm the environment if dumped illegally, must be and the25000 Blue Mountains and Wollondilly council areas . tracked within NSW . Waste tracking involves obtaining The levy commences at a rate of $10 per tonne of waste prior approval from DECC to transport certain wastes disposed of in these areas . 20000 and completing documentation each time such waste is The regulatory amendments also included an enhanced received or transported . About 85% of the trackable waste Waste and Sustainability Improvement Scheme that was movements in the state are now being monitored through agreed15000 to in a memorandum of understanding with the online waste tracking system . As at 30 June 2009, over the Local Government2007-08 2008-09 and Shires2009-10 Associations2010-11 . These2011-12 6,800 waste producers, around 880 transporters and 170 changes provide commitments of $256 million to eligible receiving facilities that deal with trackable waste are being councils over the next seven years for improved waste monitored . The system also provides information about management . The levy changes have enabled the NSW waste flows in NSW, assisting compliance measures such as Government to support the continuation and extension the collection of the liquid waste levy . of the NSW City and Country Environment Restoration 44 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

 Performance indicator New road noise policy During 2008–09, DECC continued to develop a new Road Environment Line – incident reports about air Noise Policy for NSW, which will replace the Environmental quality, odours or noise from regulated premises criteria for road traffic noise (ECRTN) . As part of this process, DECC has been working with the Roads and Traffic Definition: DECC’s Environment Line receives reports from the public and industry on pollution incidents (see Appendix 12). This indicator Authority, NSW Health, the Department of Planning, the measures the percentage of reports received about dust, smoke or Ministry of Transport and the Local Government and Shires other airborne particulate emissions, odour and noise from premises Associations to develop new assessment approaches to which DECC regulates. deal with: Percentage of total incident reports to Environment Line relating to • excessive increases in road traffic noise in quiet areas air quality, odours or noise from regulated premises • inconsistent application of the current ECRTN 100 • difficulties experienced by affected residents in 80 understanding the likely impact of road proposals . It is expected that the proposed new policy will be 60

tage finalised in 2009 .

Percen 40 Vehicle noise testing 20 In September 2007, DECC formally launched its Noise Testing and Anti-tampering Inspection Scheme for 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 vehicles . The aim is to significantly reduce the number of noisy vehicles on NSW roads . Interpretation: When viewed over the past five years, combined air A network of approved inspection stations is being and noise pollution incident reports have remained steady each year as a percentage of total incidents reported to the Environment Line. established across NSW to provide a more accessible In 2008–09, they made up 61% of total incidents reported. This high service for vehicle owners . Previously, a vehicle owner percentage reflects the public’s ongoing concerns about lifestyle, reported to have an excessively noisy vehicle had to have amenity and the impacts of air and noise pollution. Although there the vehicle tested at the DECC facility at Lidcombe . This was100 a small decline of 2.6% from 2007–08 in the number of air and limited DECC’s capacity to test noisy vehicles outside odour related incidents reported, reports of noise from regulated Sydney, and owners often had to wait several weeks to 80 premises increased by 25% (reaching 1,136 reports) and were mainly have their vehicles tested . related to noise from railways and mines. 60 Five stations have now been approved at Granville, Campbelltown, East Roseville, Albion Park Rail and Redhead Program,40 which funds conservation and sustainability near Newcastle . DECC will be establishing further stations in regional centres where noisy vehicles are a problem for initiatives20 across NSW . The levy is also expected to be a key driver towards the attainment of the state’s waste local communities over the next 12 months . reduction0 and recycling targets . 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Community advice on noise Noise pollution Following the new Protection of the Environment Construction noise guideline Operations (Noise Control) Regulation in March 2008, DECC updated five neighbourhood noise brochures to explain During 2008–09, DECC developed an interim construction the new regulation and inform the community on how noise guideline which sets out ways of dealing with the excessively noisy activities can be controlled or stopped . impacts of construction noise on residences, hospitals, schools and other parts of the community . It presents The brochures provide a simple guide to people’s rights streamlined and less costly assessment approaches for and responsibilities regarding neighbourhood noise . The low-impact and short-duration construction works, following topics are covered: recommends work practices that minimise noise • dealing with neighbourhood noise impacts and contains effective processes for community • managing vehicle noise notification and complaint handling . • dealing with barking dogs This work was done in consultation with the Department of Planning, Roads and Traffic Authority, WorkCover • managing noise from intruder alarms NSW, NSW Health and the Local Government and Shires • seeking noise abatement orders. Associations . The guideline will be released in July 2009, In November 2008, the brochures were distributed and reviewed after three years to ensure it meets the extensively to local councils, police stations, community needs of the construction industry and the community . justice centres, local courts and interested individuals . DECC also began updating the Noise guide for local government during the year . The guide assists council officers in the day-to-day management of local noise Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 45

Industry regulation Preventative approaches to contaminated

Graphic: DECC. site management In some industries, current operational practices may lead to premises becoming future contaminated sites . DECC seeks to avoid creation of contaminated sites in the long term by informing these industries about best environmental management practices . DECC has been working with industry representative bodies and local councils to ensure guidance materials are appropriate for Dealing with barking dogs, which encourages the correct care of these industries . In 2008–09, DECC worked with the marina companion animals, was updated in 2008–09 after the new noise Regulation was made. and dry cleaning industries to implement best practice measures for the storage and handling of fuels, solvents problems and in the interpretation of existing policy and other potential contaminants, and the appropriate and legislation . A new Part 4, which explains the laws disposal of wastes . and procedures for controlling noise (including the new regulatory requirements introduced in 2008) was made available on www environment. .nsw gov. .au/noise/nglg . htm in April 2009 . The remainder of the guide is being progressively revised .

 Performance indicator Aggregate pollutant load indicator for air and water pollutants from premises licensed under load based licensing Definition: The Pollutant Load Indicator (PLI) represents the total pollutant load emitted by all load-based licensing (LBL) activities for the reporting year, adjusted to reflect the relative harm of the pollutants and the sensitivity of the environment into which they are emitted. A pollutant emitted in very large quantities can have a lower impact than another pollutant with relatively small emissions because of differing levels of toxicity and the sensitivity of the environment into which it is emitted. Fluorides, for example, have a higher pollutant impact than volatile organic compounds, even though their actual pollutant load is lower. The higher the PLI, the greater the environmental harm. Under the load-based licensing scheme, 12 types of air pollutants and 17 categories of water pollutants are reported by licensees and assessed by DECC. Air pollutants are: arsenic, lead, fine particles, fluorides, nitrogen oxides, mercury, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, coarse particles, benzene and benzo(a) pyrene. Water pollutants are: total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, total phenolics, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, arsenic, chromium, salt, phosphorus, selenium, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, nitrogen, oil and grease, zinc, lead, copper and cadmium.

Total assessable air pollutants PLI Total assessable water pollutants PLI 600,000 200,000

550,000

500,000 150,000 ollutant Load Indicator ollutant Load Indicator

450,000 P P

400,000 100,000 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 Provisional Provisional Provisional Provisional

Interpretation for air pollution emissions: Following a reduction Interpretation for water pollution emissions: Following a in pollutant levels up to 2004–05, there was a marginal increase in significant decrease in pollutant levels up to 2006–07, data for levels to 2006–07 before they stabilised. Since 2006–07, the pollutant 2006–07 showed an increase on the previous year primarily due to levels have remained relatively stable despite increased industrial significant increases in emissions of total suspended solids by the main production. Sydney Water sewage treatment systems, and increased rainfall. Data Data for 2006–07 and 2007–08 is considered provisional (shown for 2007–08 shows pollutant levels decreasing by approximately 7% 600000 from200000 the previous year. by a dotted line), as quality assurance systems can lead to some Pollutant Load Indicator Pollutant Load Indicator restatement for up to two years following reporting. Data from all Data for 2006–07 and 2007–08 is considered provisional (shown licensees550000 for 2008–09 will be updated in 2010. by a dotted line), as quality assurance systems can lead to some restatement for up to two years following reporting. Data from all licensees for 2008–09 will be updated in 2010. 500000 150000

450000

400000 100000 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 Provisional2007-08 Provisional 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 Provisional2007-08 Provisional 46 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Pollution reduction programs DECC established PRPs with nine licensees to eliminate VOC emissions in Sydney and the Illawarra . PRPs were DECC uses pollution reduction programs (PRPs) to reduce also established with two Sydney licensees to eliminate air emissions and address specific air and water pollution emissions of air toxics such as formaldehyde, furans, issues . The performance indicator ‘New pollution reduction polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene diisocyanate programs negotiated with licensees’ explains what PRPs and diphenylmethane diisocyanate . In the plastics and are . petroleum refining and handling sectors in Sydney, Sixty-six PRPs were completed during the year . DECC also DECC established PRPs with three licensees to minimise set PRPs as conditions within more environment protection emissions of VOCs and toxic air pollutants such as benzene . licences, requiring licensees to improve air pollution controls, measures or monitoring equipment . Compliance and enforcement activities In Sydney in 2008–09, DECC established PRPs with four licensees in the polyurethane foam sector to minimise Each year, DECC undertakes strategic environmental their emission of a principal toxic air pollutant, toluene compliance and performance reviews of industry sectors . diisocyanate . One licensee agreed to reduce volatile The reviews involve compliance audits and licence reviews, organic compound (VOC) emissions from 200 tonnes per and identify examples of best practice operations that are annum to less than 24 tonnes per annum over the next then shared with other premises in the industry sector . two years . In Sydney’s metal coating and plating sector,

 Case study

Pollution reduction programs improve air quality

Tyco Water Photo: DECC. Tyco Water at Yennora in Western Sydney produces about 65,000 tonnes of iron pipe each year. In doing so, about 100,000 kg of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were being emitted to the atmosphere due to the paints used to seal the pipes. DECC was concerned about this emission load because VOCs react in sunlight to form photochemical smog, impacting on air quality in the Sydney Basin. DECC successfully negotiated with the company to DECC officers arrive to inspect the Tyco Water plant. switch to external water-based paints to seal the pipes, through a staged pollution reduction program (PRP). This will result in a 70% reduction in VOC emissions from 0.1ng/m³, which is regarded as the world’s best practice. the premises by the end of 2009. DECC has varied OneSteel’s licence to allow ongoing use of alternative carbon injectants in the plant and add OneSteel new monitoring requirements for total cyanide. OneSteel mini-mill at Rooty Hill, Western Sydney, has been producing steel billet from scrap since 1994. Dross recycling plant The company found it difficult to meet the dioxin Dross are impurities on molten metal. Compliance limit set in its environment protection licence (0.13 monitoring for a dross recycling plant at Kurri Kurri in nanogram/m³), resulting in the issue of penalty the Hunter Valley identified spikes in dioxin and furan notices for licence breaches. OneSteel was issued emissions from the smelter. Dioxins and furans are with a PRP that resulted in an action plan and process known to seriously affect the health of people and optimisation. Dioxin emission testing required by the animals. PRP demonstrated it met the required limits. DECC required the company to undertake a series of OneSteel also trialled using alternative carbon injectants PRPs to identify the source of these emissions and to coke, which is traditionally used as a carbon source investigate ways of reducing them to acceptable levels. in the electric arc furnace. The alternative carbon The PRPs included trials of alternative air pollution injectants come from waste tyres or waste plastics. The scrubbers, improvements to the design of air pollution trial was conducted with the University of NSW and collection hoods, and modifications to the furnaces to was subject to stringent environmental controls. The reduce emissions. These PRPs were completed in trial results achieved up to a 4.7% energy saving and 2008–09 at a cost of $85,000 and recent monitoring carbon consumption was reduced by up to 18%. Dioxin indicates that emissions are now within licence limits concentrations complied with the new licence limit of based on international best practice. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 47

Licence reviews  Performance indicator DECC had 843 licences due for review in the 2008–09 financial year . Of these, DECC completed 784 on time, New pollution reduction programs negotiated with completed 41 late and did not complete 18 . The 59 licensees reviews not completed by the due date were delayed for Definition: This indicator measures the number and estimated administrative reasons . In accordance with Section 78(3) of value of new pollution reduction programs (PRPs) negotiated the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, DECC during the year. PRPs are programs that are negotiated with advised the EPA Board of this result . licensees and attached to environment protection licences. PRPs require changes to works or management practices to bring about Industry monitoring practices environmental improvements within a specified timeframe. PRPs may be implemented in stages over a number of years, with specific Industry monitoring of emissions is required as a condition conditions attached to each stage. The dollar values are approximate of DECC licences . A review of industry monitoring DECC estimates. procedures commenced in May 2008 and was completed New pollution reduction programs negotiated with licensees during the year . The findings, to be released in late 2009, will be used to increase industry awareness of 300 400 correct sampling and analysis procedures, and advise 350 industry of the best use of monitoring results to plan site 300

200 n) operations and improve environmental performance . The 250 io review findings will also assist DECC to carry out its own of PRPs 200 environmental compliance activities more effectively and ($ mill 150 lue Number consistently . 100 Va 100 Effluent re-use in irrigation 50 0 0 In April 2009, DECC commenced a review of effluent 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 re-use practices in irrigation . The review aims to assess Number Estimated value of PRPs ($ million) licensees’ current management practices, monitoring activities, and use of monitoring data in identifying and Interpretation: The estimated value of PRPs negotiated by DECC in managing adverse impacts on the long-term sustainability 2008–09 was $360,274,700. This high value is due to a PRP for a of irrigation areas . The report will be released in 2010 . $348 million upgrade at the Thales Australia Limited plant at Mulwala, due for completion in January 2012. 300 Waste Number The DECC waste compliance and enforcement program DECC has implemented measures to ensure that dry uses targeted inspections, sector compliance programs, cleaners200 in NSW handle and dispose of perchloroethylene and education and cleaner industry programs . In (PERC) waste responsibly . Most dry cleaners in NSW use 2008–09, DECC conducted 13 waste compliance this solvent, which is hazardous to the environment and campaigns and projects targeting the disposal of waste a suspected100 human carcinogen . During the year, DECC tyres, the transporting and disposal of liquid waste, the conducted inspections and carried out telephone surveys compliance with resource recovery exemptions by waste with dry cleaners in NSW . An educational brochure was processing and composting facilities, and illegal dumping published0 in English, Vietnamese and Chinese, and sent and landfilling . to dry cleaners2004-05 and local2005-06 councils2006-07 in NSW2007-08 . The brochure2008-09 promotes awareness of waste management responsibilities In March 2009, DECC undertook an enforcement campaign 400 and encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly Estimated value of PRPs ($ million) targeting liquid waste transporters in Sydney, Wollongong 350 and Newcastle, with inspections at major liquid waste systems . DECC is including the dry cleaning industry in its 300 treatment facilities and several waste transporters’ online waste tracking system so PERC waste movements in depots . On the whole, compliance levels were good, NSW can be monitored . 250 demonstrating the effectiveness of previous campaigns . In 2008–09, a campaign was conducted to gather 200 Some minor irregularities were identified but all were information about waste-derived materials used at licensed150 resolved rapidly . composting facilities to determine whether they are 100 Savings action plans in force compliant with the ’raw mulch‘ or ’food waste compost‘ 50 resource recovery exemptions, which were introduced 0 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 in April 2008 . DECC surveyed all 65 licensed composting facilities in NSW over the telephone, and inspected, unannounced, nine major facilities to conduct a formal survey and sample compost material . Several specific exemptions will be developed as a result of the campaign to allow bona fide waste derived materials to be reused and recycled in the composting process . 48 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Transport of dangerous goods Elevated dose reports for radiation workers are reviewed quarterly . DECC investigates the cause of an elevated dose DECC conducts combined enforcement campaigns, audits and whether appropriate controls and work priorities are and educational activities with other state government being maintained . Radiation accidents reports are provided agencies in NSW for road and rail transport activities . to the Radiation Advisory Council and the Australian In 2008–09, combined enforcement operations with Government to be included on a national register . NSW Police and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) showed that some transport operators and drivers were In April 2009, DECC radiation and emergency management still taking risks with dangerous goods, such as having officers took part in a multi-agency emergency exercise incompatible loads, not displaying placards, or not carrying designed to enhance their capacity to respond to a appropriate safety and protective equipment or required significant radiological incident . documentation . A driver of a tank vehicle was convicted for the unsafe Native vegetation transport of dangerous goods after corrosive liquid leaked DECC finalised a Native Vegetation Compliance and from an improperly sealed opening and injured two RTA Enforcement Strategy in early 2009, which aims to ensure officers at a heavy vehicle checking station . The driver that DECC targets compliance efforts to the highest had not placed warning signs on the tanker, did not have environmental risks . the required safety equipment and provided incorrect During 2008–09, DECC commenced nine prosecutions information about the danger of the load . The operator under native vegetation legislation (see ‘Prosecutions’) and was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay DECC’s legal costs . issued eight penalty notices, 54 legal directions and 103 formal warning and advisory letters . Radiation DECC commenced a compliance campaign with the DECC maintains a 24-hour radiation emergency response Hawkesbury Shire Council and catchment management service linked to Environment Line . DECC officers attend authorities along the riparian areas of the Hawkesbury and radiation incidents to provide advice and investigate MacDonald rivers . This included issuing remedial directions potential breaches of environmental legislation . DECC and up to 900 advisory letters to landowners with river radiation officers also conduct inspections of regulated frontage . premises . DECC conducted a campaign to raise the awareness of A spot-inspection program was conducted in the 15 councils in the Murray and Murrumbidgee catchments Greater Sydney Metropolitan area in 2008–09, followed about their roles and responsibilities regarding native by compliance inspections at premises where non- vegetation regulation . Collectively, these councils cover compliance with the Radiation Control Act 1990 had been more than 80,000 square kilometres and have a population noted previously . This resulted in a number of penalty of more than 90,000 people . notices being issued to individuals and companies for the possession of unregistered radiation apparatus or because DECC also commenced a staged campaign for clearing operators were unlicensed . contractors and stock and station agents, to improve their awareness of legislative obligations . The campaign In May 2009, a targeted inspection program in the involved providing information about the law and ways Central West region resulted in a significant number of the community can find out more about native vegetation premises being detected as having unlicensed operators, in NSW . Further stages of the campaign will target land unregistered radiation apparatus or unregistered sealed developers, local councils, utilities companies and the NSW source devices . Rural Fire Service .

 Case study

New England compliance campaign DECC promotes voluntary compliance with native vegetation legislation, but also uses sophisticated Graphic: DECC. satellite imagery to identify and investigate where changes in vegetation cover have occurred. Where appropriate, DECC will take enforcement action. In late 2008, DECC undertook a campaign focusing on native To check compliance with native vegetation legislation, DECC staff used vegetation clearing in the New England region. Landsat Landsat and SPOT5 imagery to validate data. images were used to undertake broad assessments, DECC identified instances of clearing that required and then high-resolution SPOT5 imagery was used to further investigation, and inspected over 50 properties validate the data. over two weeks. A range of regulatory responses are being considered. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 49

Prosecutions CSR Building Products Pty Ltd – pollution of waters On 22 September 2008, the Land and Environment Court DECC can commence prosecutions for environment convicted CSR Building Products Pty Ltd of polluting protection offences under the authority of the Parramatta River . CSR pleaded guilty to causing between Environment Protection Authority . DECC can also 2,250 and 3,250 litres of Durasol GEP2, a flammable commence prosecutions for offences under native substance which is toxic to aquatic organisms, to escape vegetation, threatened species, parks, wildlife and into the river . CSR was ordered to pay a penalty of $280,000 Aboriginal heritage legislation . All prosecutions for to fund part of the Parramatta River Fishways Project, 2008–09 are detailed in Appendix 8 . to publicise the details of the conviction in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Parramatta Advertiser and to pay Prosecutions under Environment Protection investigation and legal costs . CSR was also ordered to pay Authority legislation $83,407 .09 for the two day clean-up of Parramatta River . Significant prosecutions under EPA legislation during Delta Electricity – breach of environment protection 2008–09 include: licence Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd – pollution of waters In February 2009, Delta Electricity was convicted in the In September 2008, the Land and Environment Court Land and Environment Court of breaching a condition of convicted Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd of polluting waters at its environment protection licence by emitting excessive Tamworth when an estimated 1,000,000 litres of effluent coal dust due to the inadequate management of a coal flowed from a broken pipe at a poultry processing plant ash repository at its Wallerawang Power Station . Delta into a dry creek bed . Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd was ordered Electricity was fined $45,000 and ordered to pay legal to pay a penalty of $120,000 to Tamworth Council for costs . the North Bolton’s Creek extension of the Grassy Box Orlando Despi – using pesticide contrary to label Woodland Conservation Project . It was also ordered instruction to publicise the details of the conviction in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Financial Review, and the In June 2009, Orlando Despi was convicted in North Northern Daily Leader and to pay investigation and legal Sydney Local Court of using a pesticide contrary to a label costs . instruction . Mr Despi was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay legal costs . The offence arose out of the application Ruth Dorothy Buchanan – breach of environment of a pesticide to Department of Health premises in North protection licence Sydney . After applying the pesticide Mr Despi failed to In March 2009, Ruth Buchanan was convicted in the Land ventilate the premises, contrary to a label instruction, and Environment Court of being the director of a company requiring thorough ventilation of the premises before they that breached a condition of its environment protection could be re-occupied . licence, which required it to operate in ’a competent Forgacs Engineering Pty Limited – breach of manner‘ . Ms Buchanan was the sole director of Plastech environment protection licence Operations Pty Ltd, which held a licence to operate a hazardous industrial waste treatment and storage facility In April 2009, Forgacs Engineering Pty Limited was at St Marys . Around 376 tonnes of hazardous waste and convicted in the Land and Environment Court of breaching dangerous goods were stored on the premises in an its environment protection licence . The offence arose out incompetent and dangerous manner . Ms Buchanan was of the emission of grit blast dust containing the antifoulant fined $39,500 and ordered to pay legal costs . Ms Buchanan TBT from the company’s ship repair premises at Carrington . was also ordered to pay clean-up costs of $88,395 75. to The dust entered Newcastle Harbour and was blown to DECC and clean-up costs of $375,933 43. to the owners of neighbouring premises . The company was ordered to pay the premises . a penalty of $45,000 to Newcastle City Council to fund the upgrade of the Throsby Creek mangrove boardwalk and Caltex Refineries (NSW) Pty Ltd – breach of publish details of its conviction in the Newcastle Herald . The environment protection licence company was also ordered to pay legal and investigation On 4 July 2008, Caltex Refineries (NSW) Pty Ltd was costs . convicted in the Land and Environment Court of breaching Kate Maree Pal – negligent disposal of waste that its environment protection licence when the company harmed/was likely to harm the environment failed to operate the refinery in a proper and efficient manner, resulting in the release of odorous gases . Thirty- In February 2009, the Land and Environment Court five complaints were made by the community to Caltex convicted Ms Kate Pal of causing waste to be disposed and DECC during the incident . The company was ordered of in a manner that harmed or was likely to harm the to pay a penalty of $78,000 to fund the Towra Point Weed environment . Ms Pal was prosecuted for illegally arranging Management Strategy at Towra Point Nature Reserve and for huge quantities of contaminated building and to pay legal costs . demolition waste to be disposed of at two rural residential properties, south-west of Sydney, resulting in, as the sentencing judge described it, nine hectares of beautiful rural residential land being left in a ‘shambolic’ state . 50 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Ms Pal was sentenced to 450 hours of community service  Performance indicator and fined $45,000 . Prosecutions completed Snowy Hydro Pty Limited and Fulton Hogan Pty Definition: This indicator measures the number of prosecutions Limited – pollution of waters completed under legislation administered by DECC, the proportion that were successful and the resulting value of penalties imposed by the In September 2008, Snowy Hydro Pty Limited and Land and Environment or local courts. Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd were convicted in the Land and ‘Successful’ refers to prosecution cases that DECC won. These include Environment Court of pollution of the Snowy River at cases where the defendant was convicted and a penalty was imposed Jindabyne when silt-laden waters entered the river and and cases where DECC’s case was proved but no conviction or penalty affected its water quality for about 15 kilometres . The was imposed. offences occurred in mid-2006 when the companies were The prosecutions are reported under two categories of legislation: involved in carrying out work on the construction of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) legislation, and conservation Jindabyne Dam outlet . Each company was fined $100,000 legislation (which includes native vegetation, threatened species, and ordered to pay legal and investigation costs . parks, wildlife and Aboriginal heritage). Data for native vegetation is not included for 2004–05 and 2005–06. Prosecutions under conservation legislation DECC prosecutions completed 200 100 Significant prosecutions under conservation legislation during 2008–09 include: 150 75

ul Craig Dugan Alison – disturbing/defacing Aboriginal sf objects 100 50

of prosecutions On 23 October 2008, Craig Alison was convicted in Bourke % succes 50 25 Local Court for disturbing up to 129 Aboriginal objects Number and defacing two Aboriginal objects . The Aboriginal 0 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 objects were collected in 2007 from around a property near Bourke . The defaced objects had been marked for EPA legislation Conservation legislation % successful identification with black marker pen . Mr Alison pleaded guilty and was fined $1,650 and ordered to pay legal costs . Value of financial penalties $2,000,000 DECC investigated Mr Alison after it was reported that he

s was selling unrelated Aboriginal artefacts on eBay .

naltie $1,500,000 Port Macquarie–Hastings Council and Geoffrey l pe 200 Conservation legislation $1,000,000 Freeman – damaging threatened species habitat, ancia n

fi knowingEPA legislation it was habitat of that kind 150 $500,000

lue of In February 2009, the council and its former Infrastructure

Va Manager, Mr Geoffrey Freeman, were convicted in the Land 100 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 and Environment Court of offences involving damaging EPA legislation Conservation legislation threatened species habitat, knowing it was habitat of that 50 kind . The offences occurred during construction of roads Interpretation: DECC maintained its consistently high successful through the Partridge Creek area, near Port Macquarie prosecution0 rate in 2008–09 with 97% of its prosecutions successful: airport, which damaged the habitat of several threatened 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 97% under EPA laws and 97% under conservation laws. species . The council pleaded guilty to three offences and Overall, a record level of $1,648,146 in financial penalties was imposed 100 was fined a total of $45,500 and ordered to pay legal costs . in 2008–09 for all completed DECC prosecutions, reflecting a greater Mr Freeman% successful pleaded not guilty to two offences, but was focus2000000 on more serious offences. subsequentlyConservation legislation found guilty, fined $57,000 and ordered to Although the number of EPA prosecutions completed declined 75 payEP legalA legislation costs . compared1500000 with 2007–08, from 68 to 37, the total of $1,050,300 in financial penalties imposed for EPA offences in 2008–09 nearly tripled Pasquale Brancatisano – harming animal in a compared with the previous year. 50 1000000 sanctuary zone of a marine park Sixty prosecutions were completed for breaches of conservation legislation in 2008–09, and the $597,846 imposed in total fines was 25 On 15 January 2009, Mr Pasquale Brancatisano was significantly500000 greater than the $91,848 imposed in 2007–08. The Saconvictedvings action plan ins inNarooma force Local Court of harming animals in increase in fines under conservation legislation reflected a greater 0 the Corunna Lake Sanctuary Zone of Batemans Marine 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 focus on 0the enforcement of serious breaches of native vegetation Park . Mr Brancatisano was a licensed commercial fisherman laws. Fines of2004-05 $449,000 were2005-06 imposed2006-07 for offences2007-08 under native2008-09 operating on the south coast . During a routine patrol, vegetation provisions, compared with fines of $26,000 imposed in 2007–08 and $3,300 imposed in 2006–07. DECC officers apprehended Mr Brancatisano with eight maori wrasse and two red rock cod which he intended to Year to year fluctuations in the number of prosecutions completed and the levels of penalties imposed is common, as DECC cannot determine sell at the fish markets . Mr Brancatisano was fined $10,000 when a prosecution will be completed or the level of penalty imposed. and ordered to pay legal costs . See Appendix 8 for details of all DECC prosecutions. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 51

Prosecutions under native vegetation  Performance indicator legislation Penalty infringement notices issued by DECC under John Hudson – clearing native vegetation EPA legislation In February 2009, Mr Hudson was convicted in the Land and Environment Court of illegally clearing 472 hectares Definition: Penalty infringement notices (PINs) are issued for minor breaches of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) legislation of native vegetation on a property called ’Yarrol‘ at administered by DECC, as well as for smoky and noisy vehicles and Gwydir, near Moree . The vegetation cleared included littering from vehicles. PINs impose a fine. This indicator measures internationally significant wetlands . Mr Hudson pleaded only the number of PINs issued and processed by DECC. not guilty and the trial took place in December 2008 . Mr Hudson was subsequently convicted and fined $400,000 Number of PINs issued and ordered to pay legal costs . Mr Hudson has appealed 6,000 his conviction .

Donald Norman Wilton – clearing native vegetation sued 4,000 In October 2008, Donald Norman Wilton was convicted of two offences in the Land and Environment Court of of PINs is unlawfully clearing native vegetation near Bombala . Mr 2,000 Wilton cleared native vegetation with a bulldozer across Number about 31 hectares of his land to establish a plantation . Mr 0 Wilton was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay legal costs . 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Enforceable undertakings Value of fines from PINs issued Enforceable undertakings are an adjunct to prosecutions $1,500,000 and are available to DECC in dealing with environmental incidents . DECC negotiated one enforceable undertaking in sued 2008–09 . $1,000,000 PINs is 6000 Leighton Contractors Pty Limited agreed to undertake s from

$100,000 worth of environmental rehabilitation works ne fi $500,000 (removal of willows along a one-kilometre stretch of 4000 Tarcutta Creek) after it was found to be responsible for lue of Va discharging silt- laden water into a stream near Tarcutta 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 during construction works on the Hume Highway . 2000 Interpretation: In 2008–09, 1,786 PINs were issued which imposed New and revised regulations fines of $727,500. In recent years, the number of PINs for motor 0 The Protection of the Environment Operations (General) vehicles, especially2004-05 for smoky2005-06 vehicles2006-07 and littering2007-08 from vehicles,2008-09 has Regulation 1998 has been remade as the Protection of the decreased. DECC’s surveys confirm a decrease in the number of smoky vehicles in Sydney. The decrease is partly due to improvements in Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009 . DECC motor vehicle fuel standards and emission controls, and also reflects reviewed the Regulation during 2008–09 to: the1500000 success of DECC’s enforcement and education activities. • ensure that the provisions of the Protection of the See Appendix 8 for details of the legislation under which these PINs Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) can be are issued and PINs issued by local councils. implemented in an efficient and effective manner 1000000 • recover the costs of administering the POEO Act and the Regulations, as part of applying the ‘polluter pays’ An amendment to the Radiation Control Regulation 2003 principle to 500000control the use of commercial tanning units (solaria) • provide additional incentives to industry to reduce meant the Radiation Control Amendment (Tanning emissions . Units) Regulation 2009 commenced on 29 May 2009 . 0 The amendment2004-05 is consistent2005-06 with2006-07 a national2007-08 approach2008-09 The key changes introduced by the new Regulation to reduce the health risks associated with exposure to include: ultraviolet radiation from tanning units, such as skin cancer . • removing the licensing requirement for some low-risk activities to reduce red tape and cut administration costs for industry while maintaining appropriate environmental controls • increasing licence fees over the next five years to provide certainty for industry • amending the load-based licensing scheme to ensure that the most significant polluters are given an incentive to reduce emissions . 52 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Local government programs In the second half of 2008, DECC ran information sessions for council civil works staff, environmental officers and DECC is helping local councils to prepare new local development planners to improve awareness and environmental plans (LEPs) . For councils west of the understanding of changes to the waste regulations Great Dividing Range, DECC has worked with the under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act Department of Water and Energy and the Department of 1997 . Seventy percent of councils across the state took Primary Industries (Fisheries) to produce maps showing part in this project, which also resulted in DECC drafting environmentally sensitive areas that should be included in a standard consent condition for council planners to use LEPs . These maps also contain associated clauses relating when approving development consents involving waste- to biodiversity, land and water resources . As at June 2009, derived fill material . 54 councils have received biodiversity maps . As a result, Since November 2008, DECC has worked to expand the DECC and its partners received a Planning Institute of waste and environment levy to the Blue Mountains, Australia national award for providing services to local Wollondilly and North Coast council areas . DECC liaised councils in the Murray–Murrumbidgee region . closely with each council to provide tailored advice on record-keeping requirements, conducting volumetric surveys at landfills and reviewing environment protection licences . Graphic: DECC.

Map showing areas of high value biodiversity and native vegetation in the Conargo Shire. Graphic: DECC.

Map showing water courses in the Conargo Shire. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 53

Remediate or restore degraded

Photo courtesy of Thiess. environments

Contaminated sites regulated Underground petroleum storage systems In 2008–09, DECC regulated 119 contaminated sites across Over 30% of contaminated sites in NSW are caused by NSW to ensure the protection of human health and the leaking underground petroleum storage systems (UPSSs) . environment . Remediation activities were completed at 13 This contamination is very expensive to clean up and of these sites, allowing the land to be reused . Significant can have significant impacts on the environment and on contaminated site remediation projects occurring or in the landowners . planning stage in NSW include: To prevent leaks from occurring and when they do occur, • Boolaroo – Pasminco and Incitec Fertilizer site to deal with them early, the Protection of the Environment remediation (see case study below) Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) • Rhodes Peninsula and Homebush Bay – Lednez (the Regulation 2008 commenced on 1 June 2008 and is being former Union Carbide site), the Allied Feeds site and progressively implemented . sediments in Homebush Bay The Regulation requires that operators of UPSSs implement • The Hunter River Sediment Remediation Project – the industry best practice to manage their sites . It also former BHP steelworks site and soil recycling plant on addresses monitoring, validation and decommissioning of Kooragang Island systems and sites . • Darling Harbour – demolition works followed by site The requirement to have an environment protection plan remediation in place for existing UPSSs took effect on 1 June 2009 . • Kendall Bay – remediation of sediments from a former Each plan must contain loss monitoring and incident gasworks . management procedures, details of system maintenance

 Case study

Remediating the Pasminco smelter An eight-year multi-million dollar project to remediate the 200-hectare former Pasminco lead and zinc smelter Photo: M Lauder. site at the north-western end of Lake Macquarie is now well under way. The smelter operated for 128 years, ceasing operations in September 2003. During that period, the smelter contaminated much of the soil on the site, in surrounding residential areas and in Lake Macquarie.

A remediation order was issued by DECC in July 2003, Remediating the Pasminco smelter. requiring the administrators of Pasminco to clean up the site and make it safe for the community while also allowing for opportunities for it to be revitalised and redeveloped. After the remediation is complete in each section The remediation involves: of the site, it will be re-filled or regraded for future development. In addition, a strategy to reduce • excavating approximately 750,000 cubic metres of soil the potential for lead exposure in surrounding • temporarily storing and treating excavated materials contaminated properties will be implemented. With • placing more than one million cubic metres of material staged remediation and redevelopment of the site, the in a capped containment cell. first portion is anticipated to be completed in late 2009. 54 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

 Performance indicator Regulatory actions under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 Definition: This indicator outlines the number of regulatory actions DECC has taken under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act). When significant contamination occurs, DECC may take one or more regulatory actions to clean up the site. These actions include assessing contamination under the Act, declaring significantly contaminated land, and developing orders and agreements for voluntary proposals relating to investigation or clean up tasks. The total number of sites under active assessment and regulation is reported as at 30 June each year. This number includes sites under assessment for significant contamination, significantly contaminated Photo: D. Johnson, DECC. Photo provided courtesy of Shell. A Shell site technician explains the environmental controls engineered sites requiring regulation, and sites under regulation. It does not into the underground petroleum storage system tank to DECC officers. include sites that have been remediated and sites that have been assessed as being not significantly contaminated. and information on the industry standards and Regulatory actions under the Contaminated Land Management Act specifications used . 125 DECC prepared guidelines to help operators of UPSSs to meet their obligations under the Regulation, and 100

s held information workshops held across NSW . For more

tion information, visit www environment. .nsw gov. .au/clm/upss . 75 htm . of ac 50

Number Collaborative pesticides and soil quality 25 research 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 DECC engaged in a number of collaborative research opportunities this year including: Total number of active sites • scientists from DECC and the University of Technology 250 Sydney completed a study on the presence of pesticide mixtures in horticultural areas around the Hawkesbury– 200 Nepean River . This project was funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant . Spot sampling revealed 150 125 varying concentrations of the three pesticides: atrazine,

Number permethrin and chlorothalonil . Highest concentrations 100 appeared to be after rain . 7550 • a collaboration with scientists from CSIRO, funded by the Environmental Trust, produced a new risk- 0 50 At 30 June At 30 June At 30 June At 30 June At 30 June based methodology for investigating soil quality 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 – ’A proposed Australian methodology to derive 25 ecological investigation levels in contaminated soils‘ . Interpretation: In 2008–09, DECC undertook 111 regulatory The draft methodology describes the significance of actions0 compared with 72 in 2007–08. DECC also received 30 new 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 contaminated site notifications, carried out 40 assessments of contamination levels of arsenic, zinc, naphthalene and contaminated land, issued 40 regulatory notices and revoked 25 DDT in urban areas . regulatory notices. Ten more sites were brought under the regulation of the250 CLM Act, bringing the number of sites under regulation to 119; and the remediation or investigation of 13 sites was completed, Crackdown on illegal dumping bringing200 the total number of remediated sites to 80. Illegal dumping of waste is an important issue for DECC, As at 30 June 2009, 77 sites were under assessment, 46 sites were to councils and communities across NSW . Illegal dumping be regulated150 and 119 sites were under regulation. degrades the environment by polluting waterways, The number of regulatory actions taken each year fluctuates in destroying vegetation and contaminating land . Illegally accordance100 with needs. Once a site is brought under regulation, dumped waste can also pose a health risk and leave a significant amount of resources can be spent on ensuring an 50 landowners with substantial clean up costs . This year’s appropriate outcome without any more regulatory actions being targeted programs and enforcement campaigns to reduce taken. 0 illegal dumping in NSW included . At 30 June 2005At 30 June 2006At 30 June 2007At 30 June 2008At 30 June 2009 As several actions are normally taken to regulate a site, completing • Illegal dumping prevention and clean-up: handbook the clean-up of a site can take several years. As equilibrium has not been reached between the number of new contaminated sites notified for Aboriginal communities – a handbook and DVD and the number of sites successfully cleaned up each year, the number released in March 2009 to support Aboriginal people in of sites under active regulation is still increasing. preventing and cleaning up waste that has been illegally Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 55

dumped on their land – see www environment. .nsw gov. .  au/waste/illdumpabcommshandbook .htm Performance indicator • the NSW Illegal Dumping Forum on Construction and Contaminated sites remediated Demolition Waste hosted in December 2008 for local Definition: The total number of sites remediated is the cumulative councils and government land managers number of sites which were considered under the Contaminated Land • Know your responsibilities – managing garden waste – Management Act 1997 (CLM Act) to be significantly contaminated, educational information published in May 2009 for and were reassessed in 2008–09 as being no longer significantly landscaping, tree and garden service providers – see contaminated. Reasons for remediation include regulation under the CLM Act, regulation under the Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act www environment. .nsw gov. .au/waste/mangardenwaste . 1985, and remediation under the planning process. htm • a Sydney region tyre retailer campaign (March to Contaminated sites remediated June 2009) – inspections of approximately 80 tyre 100 retailers increased industry awareness of environmental responsibilities and improved DECC’s understanding of 80 s te waste tyre movements in this region 60 • Eyes in the Sky 2008 – an illegal dumping prevention of si campaign in November and December 2008 with 40 Hawkesbury City Council, which involved aerial Number surveillance using helicopters, media promotion, 20 advertising banners at the gateways to the local 0 government area and community information nights . 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Interpretation: At 30 June 2009, 80 significantly contaminated sites have been remediated. Sixty sites were remediated under CLM Act regulation, and 20 were remediated under other legislation.

 Performance indicator NSW100 Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery

Strategy80 – changes in waste disposed of to landfill in the Greater Sydney Region 60 Definition: This indicator measures the tonnes of waste disposed of to landfill from the Greater Sydney Region (from Port Stephens to the Shoalhaven40 and including the Sydney Metropolitan Area). DECC

Photo: B. Graham, courtesy Sutherland Shire Council. leads the implementation of the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery20 (WARR) Strategy.

Waste0 disposed of to landfill in the Greater Sydney Region 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Earth mounds were created on one Aboriginal-owned site to prevent 7,000,000 1,400 dumpers from illegally accessing private land. 6,000,000 1,200

5,000,000 1,000

4,000,000 800 nnes Regional Illegal Dumping Squads kg

To 3,000,000 600 The Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad was established in 1999 . With support from DECC, RID 2,000,000 400 member councils (Bankstown, Baulkham Hills, Fairfield, 1,000,000 200 Holroyd, Liverpool and Penrith) work together to ensure 0 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 illegal dumping is addressed through a combined regional strategy . From 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009, the Western Total waste disposed (tonnes) Waist disposed per capita (kg) Sydney RID Squad investigated 2,814 illegal dumping VENM (Virgin excavated natural material – tonnes) incidents involving more than 2,192 tonnes of waste . Interpretation: Overall levels of waste decreased in the Greater Investigations resulted in 16 clean-up notices and 396 Sydney Region in 2008–09 following an increase in 2007–08. penalty notices being issued . The waste management industry in Sydney reportedly felt the effects The Greater Southern RID Squad is a partnership between of 6000000the global financial crisis, with waste disposed of from commercial, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Eurobodalla councils industrial and construction demolition sources declining in the region. VENM (Virgin excavated natural material - tonnes) and DECC, with additional funding provided by the Total5000000 waste disposed of per capita has decreased by 15% between Total waste disposed (tonnes) Sydney Catchment Authority . In 2008–09, the Greater 20004000000 and 2008–09. Southern RID Squad investigated 598 illegal dumping Most virgin excavated natural material (VENM) disposed of to landfill incidents involving approximately 7,161 tonnes of waste . is 3000000used for approved practices such as final capping, landfill lining and Investigations resulted in 34 clean-up notices and 78 pond2000000 filling. Quantities of VENM may fluctuate yearly due to changes penalty notices being issued . in landfill management requirements. 1000000

0 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

1400 Waist disposed per capita (kg) 1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 56 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Improve community wellbeing Photo: D. Smith.

 Performance indicator Beachwatch and Harbourwatch Beachwatch and Harbourwatch monitoring The Beachwatch, Harbourwatch and Beachwatch programs Partnership programs provide regular information on beach water quality to enable people to make informed Definition: DECC’s Beachwatch and Harbourwatch programs monitor decisions about where and when to swim . There are 131 water quality at 131 recreational sites in Sydney, the lower Hunter and swimming locations monitored in the Sydney, Hunter the Illawarra, reporting daily, weekly and yearly to the community and and Illawarra regions and a further 143 sites monitored in stakeholders. Samples are tested for two indicator bacteria – faecal partnership with 12 coastal councils from Ballina to Bega . coliforms and enterococci – and sites must meet the criteria for both to meet the swimming guidelines. The winter season extends from Daily and weekly water quality reports are issued in the May to September; summer extends from October to April. Sydney region and are available at www environment. .nsw . In May 2009, the National Health and Medical Research Council’s gov .au/beachapp/default .aspx . Guidelines for assessing risks in recreational waters were adopted for State of the Beaches reports are released in October each use in NSW. From 2009–2010, results will no longer be reported as a percentage of compliance with legislation. Instead, beaches will year and present detailed water quality information and be classified as being from ‘very poor’ to ‘very good’, based on a risk trend analyses . During the summer of 2008–09, more than assessment of pollution sources and water quality data. 75% of swimming sites monitored under the Beachwatch Partnership Program complied with swimming guidelines Beachwatch and Harbourwatch sites complying with swimming water in all months . While ocean beaches in NSW are generally quality guidelines more than 90% of the time in excellent condition, monitoring shows that stormwater 100 runoff affects water quality in coastal lakes and estuaries for several days following rainfall . 75 tage 50 Percen

25 Photo: D. Smith.

0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Summer season Winter season

Interpretation: With a return to average rainfall conditions in 2008– 2009, the water quality at ocean and harbour beaches returned to a very high standard. The lower compliance in 2007–08 was the result of pollution from stormwater and sewage overflows triggered by 100 extreme wet weather. Despite this fall in compliance, water quality in Winter season 2007–08 was 93% better than it was in 1998–99, a year with similarly Summer season high75 rainfall, reflecting long-term improvements in the management of stormwater and wastewater.

50

25

0 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Beachwatch programs help ensure beach water quality remains safe. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 57

Regional Air Quality Index website  Performance indicator During 2008–09, DECC continued to provide hourly Poor regional air quality index days in the Sydney updates of air quality data on its website from its 24 Greater Metropolitan Region monitoring sites throughout NSW . A Regional Air Quality Index (RAQI) replaced the previous Regional Pollution Definition: The regional pollution index, which was based on Index, and is explained in the performance indicator measured hourly concentrations of photochemical smog (ozone), ‘Poor regional air quality index days in the Sydney Greater nitrogen dioxide and visibility was superseded in June 2008 by the regional air quality index (RAQI). This new RAQI is based on Metropolitan Region’ . concentrations of photochemical smog (ozone), nitrogen dioxide, DECC and NSW Health continued to operate a Health Alert sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, fine particles (as PM10) and visibility, system for the Sydney region . This is designed to alert and has three high pollution categories – poor, very poor and asthmatics and other sensitive members of the community hazardous. RPI data from 2006–07 and 2007–08 has been recalculated to allow comparison with the RAQI. to future high pollution days so they can take measures to minimise the impact on their health . This system is The RAQI is reported for the three regions in Sydney (central east, complemented by automatic alerts issued by email and north-west and south-west), the Illawarra, and the lower Hunter. SMS built into the new RAQI website, and issued when the The RAQI is now reported hourly. RAQI values in the poor, very poor or measurements at any station in the network exceed the hazardous categories indicate that one or more measured parameters relevant ambient air quality standards or goals . have either exceeded the national standards or that visibility is less than the NSW goal of 10 kilometres. A day is counted as having high Members of the community wishing to be better informed pollution if the RAQI in one or more regions reached poor, very poor or on air quality can subscribe to these services by visiting hazardous during the day. www environment. .nsw gov. .au/AQMS/aboutaqi .htm . Number of poor regional air quality index days in Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region Emergency management 60

DECC is the coordinating agency for protecting the 50 environment during major disasters and emergencies . s DECC is represented on the state and district Emergency day 40 Management Committees where it advises other agencies poor’ 30 on ways of preventing or minimising environmental of ‘ impacts . Key emergency management initiatives in 2008– 20 Number 09 included: 10

• participating in the ongoing review of NSW’s State 0 Disaster Plan 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 • working with the NSW Fire Brigades and NSW Police Interpretation: The air pollution index (RAQI) was high on 47 to improve plans for responding to incidents involving days in 2008–09, on 24 days more than in the previous year. These radioactive materials exceedences were driven by a combination of photochemical smog during the summer of 2008–09, dust storms and bushfires. • involvement in a multi-agency training exercise to test A statewide dust storm on 16 April 2009 triggered the hazardous counter-terrorism procedures category for PM10 in all regions of NSW for most of this day. Easing of • ongoing training for a range of emergency response the drought60 conditions experienced across south-east Australia greatly reduced the incidence of elevated particle concentration during activities 50 2007–08. There were also fewer bushfires and fewer photochemical • the DECC laboratory staff continuing their rapid smog40 (ozone) exceedences due to a wetter and milder summer season. response to testing chemicals and ecotoxicological The calculation of the hourly index for PM10 is based on a rolling substances during emergency incidents . 24-hour30 average, which will lead to more exceedences than are found Significant emergency management cases during the year in calculating20 a midnight to midnight 24-hour average, which is the protocol for assessing compliance with the national ambient air involved: 10 quality standard for PM10. • capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)- 0 enriched oil were found buried at a factory in Wagga 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Wagga . No PCBs were found in the region’s aquifer, • a slime containing high levels of arsenic, antimony and but a high concentration of Aroclor 1242 (a commercial lead from a gold mine near Armidale threatened to mixture of PCBs) was found in the soil . As the soil contaminate part of the Macleay River Catchment . It contained a high level of clay, the migration of the PCB entered the gorge country near the mine and clean-up oil was contained and the local clean-up operation was proved difficult . Extensive chemical and ecotoxicological successful . testing was undertaken to determine the risk of the pollutants reaching the local waterways . DECC continues to monitor the site . 58 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Hazmat incident response • a chemical factory in Somersby being evacuated when stored trichloroisocyanurate was accidentally dampened DECC maintains a 24-hour emergency response and – mixed with water, the compound releases chlorine hazardous materials advice service linked to DECC’s and forms bleach, while a concentrated solution of the Environment Line and the DECC regional after-hours material can also be explosive . DECC advised NSW Fire incident response services . DECC staff attend significant Brigades and monitored the situation . incidents, usually to oversee clean-up or to investigate • a barge carrying 200 tonnes of diesel being towed just potential breaches of environmental legislation . In north of Forster when tow lines broke in rough seas 2008–09, DECC was notified of 166 hazardous materials and high winds . DECC staff were put on alert in case incidents and attended 34 incidents . Advice was provided the barge ran aground, but another tug managed to via the telephone for the remaining incidents . Significant respond from Newcastle and rescue the barge in time . incidents in 2008–09 included: • DECC staff assisting the NSW Fire Brigades in containing • a fire in an illegal tyre dump in Yennora, resulting in the runoff from entering stormwater drains during a fire contaminated firewater entering Prospect Creek . DECC at a chocolate factory in Marrickville . attended, liaised with the NSW Fire Brigades, and inspected and sampled the creek water . • DECC staff assisting with an air analysis to determine the presence of chlorine when the NSW Fire Brigades • an accident in Eden involving a milk tanker carrying carried out a controlled destruction of an unlabelled gas 20,000L of milk – the spilled material entered a large cylinder believed to contain chlorine gas . pond . DECC liaised with the local council to manage the contaminated water . • a fire involving a mixture of chemicals at two adjacent factories in Chipping Norton . Firewater run-off threatened a local creek so DECC arranged for the run- off to be pumped out and treated .

 Case study

New scientific breakthroughs help protect the environment A dramatic increase in the production and use of biodiesel has created a need for methods to manage spills. Photo: G. Vaughan, DECC. With the support of an Environmental Trust grant, DECC developed robust chemical fingerprinting methods for determining the source of biodiesel residues up to a month after a spill. Past methods required immediate investigative action and did not give detailed A DECC scientist demonstrates the operation of the synchrotron information about the feedstock used to produce the microscope. biodiesel. The new method has been used to investigate several This technique has provided critical evidence in several spills. It has also been adapted to the fingerprinting of investigations, including the rapid characterisation of vegetable oil spills and grease trap wastes, and used for material discharged into the Parramatta River. important cases involving illegal dumping of wastes. Recent advances in liquid chromatography mass DECC scientists utilised the Australian synchrotron spectrometry provide an opportunity for measuring microscope this year. DECC used the infrared beamline and regulating dissolved organic carbon in industrial to match microscopic particles in dust to paint flakes effluents. During 2008–09, a grant from the from a suspected source of illegal pollution. DECC will Environmental Trust supported the development of a continue to use the synchrotron in its environmental rapid scanning procedure for measuring herbicides, forensics work. pesticides and their metabolites in environmental New pyrolysis gas-chromatography/mass spectrometric samples. This new method will be used to support methods were used during the year to extend DECC’s DECC’s emergency response work. capabilities to identify and match polymeric materials. Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 59

Nanotechnology inquiry New requirements for licensed pest Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the controllers nanoscale to create new materials, structures and devices with novel properties . Products containing nanomaterials, The NSW Government has a longstanding commitment such as some sunscreens, could enter the environment to staged implementation of notification of pesticide use . through waste disposal and sewage systems, and runoff . New notification requirements were gazetted in 2008–09 that require licensed pest management technicians to The NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on State provide prior notice of their intention to use pesticides to Development conducted an inquiry into nanotechnology nearby ‘sensitive places’ such as schools, childcare centres in NSW and released its inquiry report in October 2008 . and nursing homes . The new requirements commence on DECC contributed to a whole-of-government response, 1 September 2009 . which was tabled in the Legislative Council in March 2009 . The NSW Government generally supports the 1080 pesticide control orders recommendations and has undertaken to work with other governments and organisations to implement them . 1080 is used as a pesticide in NSW to control wild dogs, The recommendations include reviewing regulatory foxes, feral pigs and rabbits . As use of 1080 baits can systems; improving access to research data; strengthening harm the environment, wildlife and domestic animals, all governance; and developing education programs, skills 1080 pesticide products are regulated by DECC under the and knowledge to support nanotechnology . Some Pesticides Act 1999 by a pesticide control order . The order activities will be undertaken by the Australian Government, states who can use 1080 and how it can be used in NSW . such as some of the regulation, labelling and industry Following the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary reporting . The full report is available at www .parliament . Medicines Authority’s review of 1080 pesticides, DECC nsw gov. .au/Prod/parlment/committee .nsf/0/35D2E3E37498 issued a new pesticide control order in October 2008 A908CA2574F1000301BB . to consolidate all NSW restrictions on the use of 1080 and implement recommendations from the review . Hazmat technology assessments Key recommendations were to modify the existing NSW requirements for neighbour notification, distance DECC assesses and regulates technologies used for the restrictions and signage . treatment of hazardous materials in NSW . In 2008–09, DECC delivered a presentation on the new pesticide DECC carried out an assessment of a small direct thermal control order to livestock health and pest authority soil treatment unit and approved its use for treating staff and other vertebrate pest control organisations . contaminated soil at the Lednez and former Allied Feeds Educational material for all 1080 users was also sites at Rhodes . developed – see www environment. .nsw gov. .au/ DECC was also involved in the planning approval process pesticides/1080PCOfactsheet .htm . for the proposed directly heated thermal desorption treatment of Orica’s car park waste . DECC continued to regulate storage of Orica’s hexachlorobenzene waste while the issue of its ultimate destruction was further investigated . In November 2008, Orica lodged applications with the Australian Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts to export this waste for destruction in Denmark . 60 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Eliminate unnecessary regulation Photo: Courtesy of Thiess.

National and state regulatory reform Planning reform – review of concurrences DECC aims to cut red tape and reduce the regulatory and referrals burden on business, government and the community whilst maintaining appropriate environmental controls and The NSW Government introduced a number of reforms outcomes . In 2008–09 DECC engaged in the following to streamline the state’s planning and development reforms: approval processes . State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) (Repeal of Concurrence and Referral Provisions) • Following stakeholder consultation, the Environmentally 2008 commenced on 15 December 2008 . DECC strongly Hazardous Chemicals Regulation 1999 was remade and supported the proposed SEPP reforms and agreed to commenced in September 2008 . remove over 92% of concurrence and referrals related to • In May 2009, the Environment Protection and Heritage DECC . Council (EPHC) endorsed a new national standard In May 2009, the Department of Planning conducted setting body and a register of environmental controls . an audit of concurrence and referral processes and • DECC remade the Protection of the Environment has requested that all government agencies establish Operations (General) Regulation after a review identified a reporting system to collect concurrence and referral opportunities for cutting red tape for industry and information . DECC is participating in the process which is improving the effectiveness of the load-based licensing starting on 1 July 2009 . scheme . • In collaboration with the Radiation Advisory Council, Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 DECC initiated the review of the Radiation Control Act amendments 1990 and released the discussion paper Review of the NSW Radiation Control Act 1990 for public comment in Amendments to the Contaminated Land Management Act January 2009 . The review was undertaken to ensure that 1997, which were assented to in December 2008, will allow the objectives of the legislation are being met and that sites to be cleaned up more efficiently while reinforcing the regulation of radiation in NSW is both efficient and the ‘polluter pays’ principle . The amendments include: effective in controlling risks to human health and the • streamlining ‘investigation’ and ‘remediation’ stages into environment . a single contaminated site management stage • DECC consulted industry and the community on • issuing preliminary investigation orders to obtain some minor changes to the Pesticides Regulation . It is information on potential contamination proposed to remake the regulation in September 2009 . The Council of Australian Governments also intends • expanding the range of people that DECC can order to move to a single national framework for regulating to investigate or remediate a site, to allow more timely agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Australia, which clean-up of contaminated sites is expected to lead to changes to the Pesticides Act 1999 • basing the reporting of potential contamination on and the Pesticides Regulation . objective criteria rather than a subjective ’risk of harm‘ concept, which increases industry certainty • clarifying procedures for the disclosure of site audit statements and related reports to provide greater transparency . Chapter 3 – A healthier and cleaner environment, protecting both ecological and human health 61

Aligning waste management with Waste data system resource recovery regulation Operators of licensed waste facilities must pay the waste and environment levy on every tonne of waste they DECC’s regulatory framework for waste balances receive, and report to DECC on the waste they receive each environment protection with resource recovery goals . month . In 2008–09, DECC introduced an efficient electronic By streamlining regulatory provisions for waste in NSW, service that allows facilities to complete and submit their industries, recyclers, waste processors, land developers waste data online . This service reduces administrative and landowners now have a clear set of standards for costs and sends email prompts when reports or payments when waste and waste derived materials can be reused are due . This system has enabled more responsive without harming the environment . DECC has granted waste management and will ultimately lead to better resource recovery exemptions to enable the reuse of environmental outcomes in line with community certain waste materials . During 2008–09, DECC granted expectations . As at June 2009, almost 85% of the waste 18 resource recovery exemptions for commonly recovered received at landfills within the regulated area was reported wastes . DECC has also formalised agreements with over 20 online . companies for the reuse of specific waste derived materials in industrial processes or construction and landscaping projects . Transport of dangerous goods legislation For more information on the 18 resource recovery In 2008–09, DECC worked with the National Transport exemptions DECC has granted for commonly recovered Commission and other Australian governments to finalise materials, see www environment. .nsw gov. .au/waste/ a new Australian Dangerous Goods Code, and new RRecoveryExemptions .htm and the next section . dangerous goods legislation came into effect in most jurisdictions including NSW . The reforms replace the Resource recovery exemptions facilitate existing legislation with an updated uniform national using waste in infrastructure regulatory scheme which matches the UN Model Regulations to ensure that classification, packaging, In November 2008, DECC completed a compliance labelling and placarding requirements are compatible with program profiling the construction and demolition waste international regulations and codes . The NSW component recycling industry and gathering information on waste of the new legislation is the Dangerous Goods (Road and processors who produce ‘recovered fines’ – a soil/sand Rail Transport) Act 2008 and Dangerous Goods (Road and substitute derived predominately from the residue of Rail Transport) Regulation 2009, which commenced on mixed construction and demolition waste collected in skip 1 May 2009 . bins . DECC contacted 127 construction and demolition waste receivers, recyclers and skip bin operators to DECC provided information sessions to industry groups determine whether these operators were correctly on the new dangerous goods legislation . These included processing the fines and complying with the requirements presentations at the Australian Environment Business of the resource recovery exemption . DECC officers visited Network seminar in Sydney and the Plastics and Chemical 18 facilities, explained the legal requirements and took Industry Association member conference . samples from fines stockpiles . In June 2009, DECC followed up with a targeted Dangerous goods education and training enforcement blitz, inspecting all facilities that process fines DECC worked with other states and territories to develop in the Sydney area . DECC interviewed processors and took a competency-based national dangerous goods driver further samples from fines stockpiles . training framework, with a new national competency- This follow-up action showed a marked improvement based training framework to be designed and agreed to in the industry, with most facilities able to produce the before the end of 2009 . A new training course was finalised required records, including test results for their material in late 2008 and is now available to registered training demonstrating compliance with the resource recovery organisations . exemptions . This means the quality of recycled materials is improving as waste processors raise their performance to meet DECC requirements and environmental standards . 62 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Radiation control During 2008–09, DECC participated in national uniformity Photo: DECC. of radiation protection through the development and implementation of the National Directory for Radiation Protection . The directory is being developed through the Radiation Health Committee and facilitated by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency . DECC contributed to the development of national codes of practices and radiation standards, including the Code of practice for radiation protection in the use of ionizing radiation by chiropractors and the Code of practice and safety guide on radiation protection in veterinary medicine . DECC also contributed to the safety guides Management of naturally occurring radioactive material and Use of radiation in schools part 1: ionizing radiation . DECC staff inspect radiation equipment. The Radiation Advisory Council (RAC) and DECC established a working group to consider the management of naturally occurring radioactive materials and During the reporting year, the RAC progressed the technologically enhanced radioactive material emitted by implementation of the code of practice on the security specific industries, and to develop guidance material for of radioactive sources agreed to by COAG in April 2007 these areas . as part of Australia’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Strategy . DECC is working with the Australian In February 2009, DECC released Draft Radiation Guideline 7: Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency Radiation shielding design assessment and verification (ARPANSA) on implementing the code, and in April 2009, requirements for public comment . DECC prepared the in collaboration with ARPANSA, provided two three-day guideline in consultation with the RAC to assist owners of training courses for relevant organisations and individuals radiation apparatus or sealed source devices, occupiers in NSW on the requirements of the code . DECC has also of facilities and consulting radiation experts in assessing implemented new conditions on relevant radiation licences shielding requirements for registration purposes under the and registrations to meet obligations for the security of Act . DECC is currently reviewing feedback obtained from radioactive sources . public consultation and publication of the final guideline is expected in late 2009 . In July 2008, DECC made a submission to the Parliamentary inquiry into the former uranium processing site at Hunters Hill . The Parliamentary inquiry made recommendations to ensure that appropriate remediation of this land is undertaken to protect human health and address community concerns . DECC has implemented several of the recommendations including commissioning a survey of surrounding land and communicating the results to the community . DECC will ensure this contaminated site is effectively rehabilitated . 63

Integrated landscape management 4 for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability Photo: N. Carlile, DECC.

Parks and reserves protect more than six-and-a-half million hectares of NSW, or more than 8% of the state. Many other valuable landscapes and habitats exist on land that is privately owned or managed by other government authorities, private landholders and community groups. DECC works with these organisations and individuals to help them protect native plants and animals and minimise the impacts of salinity, contaminated soils and water quality on biodiversity, threatened species, riverbanks and ecosystems. 64 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Context Key drivers Communities depend on the sustained health and diversity DECC’s work in the area of integrated landscape management is of native plants, animals and ecosystems which have a right informed by the: to exist and thrive; produce fresh water, productive forests • State Plan – A New Direction for NSW (www .nsw gov. .au/ and oceans; and allow people to connect with and enjoy the stateplan/) natural environment . Habitat loss due to the extreme conditions • NSW Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Framework associated with ongoing drought which are affecting land (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/threatenedspecies/ across NSW, including riverine and groundwater-dependent climatechange .htm) ecosystems, and the clearing, thinning and disturbance of the state’s vegetation over decades, continue to threaten native • National Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan plants and animals . (www environment. gov. .au/biodiversity/publications/ nbccap/) DECC is the lead agency for achieving the 13 statewide targets in Priority E4 of the State Plan, ‘Better outcomes for native • NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers, and coastal waterways’, (www threatenedspecies. environment. .nsw gov. .au/tsprofile/ which aim to improve the state’s biodiversity, water, land, home_PAS_new .aspx) community capacity and socioeconomic wellbeing by 2015 (see • Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy www .nsw gov. .au/stateplan/) . • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (www environment. .nsw . Draft State of the Catchments reports explain the condition gov .au/legislation/legislation .htm) of natural resources measured against the 13 targets . The reports will help land managers and the community assess the • Native Vegetation Act 2003 (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/ pressures on those resources and the actions being taken to legislation/legislation .htm) reduce them . • Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (www environment. . In 2008–09, DECC continued to manage protected areas, nsw gov. .au/legislation/legislation .htm) introduced more effective park management techniques, and • work undertaken with catchment management authorities. improved threatened species conservation and land clearing controls . DECC worked with various stakeholders including Aboriginal communities, on statewide programs such as the Performance indicators Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy for natural DECC measures performance in the area of integrated resources, Aboriginal heritage conservation projects, the NSW landscape management through the following performance Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement, and the Great indicators: Eastern Ranges Initiative (see chapter 2 for information on this project) . • RiverBank, Living Murray and Wetland Recovery Program NSW national parks and reserves attract more than 38 million • Land maintained or improved by property vegetation plans visits a year . DECC aims to improve visitors’ experiences and • Area managed by DECC for conservation increase visits in line with NSW State Plan objectives, while continuing to focus on conservation . DECC also manages • Reserves covered by an adopted fire management strategy protected areas with the help of the Aboriginal community, • The National Parks Discovery – Walks, Talks and Tours education enabling Aboriginal people to co-manage national parks and program improving community knowledge of Aboriginal culture . • Adopted plans of management for the reserve system • Private and unreserved land in NSW managed for Outcomes conservation • Aboriginal Place declarations for sites of Aboriginal cultural DECC aims to integrate landscape management for long-term significance ecological, social and economic sustainability by: • Aboriginal ancestral remains and collections of cultural • improving the condition of natural resources material repatriated to Aboriginal communities • protecting and restoring biodiversity and native vegetation • Formal agreements with Aboriginal communities for joint • contributing to increased tourism and community wellbeing management of protected areas . through parks and reserves, and investing in environmental projects for regional development • conserving natural and cultural values through an integrated system of public and private lands • protecting and revitalising Aboriginal culture and heritage • increasing Aboriginal participation in land, water and natural resource management . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 65

Improve the condition of natural

Photo: M. Tulau, DECC. resources

Water for the environment NSW RiverBank, the NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration Program, the NSW Wetland Recovery Program and The Living Murray purchase water entitlements from willing Photo: R. Hyne, DECC. sellers that result in increased water volumes directed to priority wetlands across the state . In 2008–09, these programs purchased a combined 145 GL of water entitlements in NSW to support wetlands in the Gwydir, Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys . The volumes purchased, in combination with Australian Government water purchases and environmental water allocated through water sharing plans under the Water Management Act 2000, are starting to redress the imbalance between extractive and environmental uses . DECC research has determined that southern bell frogs only breed during significant floods, so these need to occur at least every two to three years Examples of recent initiatives to redirect water to the to ensure population viability. environment include the following: • in November 2008, 90 megalitres of environmental water were delivered to Whittakers Lagoon, on the Mehi breed until they are at least two-years-old . Consequently, Floodplain in the Gwydir Valley, which is an important there is a relatively limited opportunity for individual frogs wetland and has substantial Indigenous cultural values . to breed during their lifespans . Breeding also only occurs during significant flooding and at appropriate times of • Yanga National Park in the Lower Murrumbidgee houses the year . the most significant populations of southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) in NSW . After successful breeding Infrastructure projects of the frogs in the Lowbidgee wetlands in 2007–08, it was important that follow-up watering occurred in NSW RiverBank, funded by the NSW Government, and the 2008–09 . Over 3,000 megalitres of environmental water NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration Program, the NSW were delivered to wetlands in Yanga National Park and Wetland Recovery Program and The Living Murray, each on private property near Maude and Balranald during jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments, spring and early summer to ensure that areas of suitable also fund research and infrastructure projects such as the habitat were maintained throughout the summer Darling Anabranch Pipeline which has secured 47 GL of breeding season . A further 25,000 megalitres were water entitlement for land holders by improving delivery of delivered to these wetlands to sustain drought-stressed water for stock and domestic use . vegetation and waterbird habitat during June . In 2008–09, the NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration To provide models for future population trends for the Program funded the following infrastructure projects: southern bell frog in Yanga National Park, DECC scientists • water flow regulators to improve environmental water are examining the demographics of this species in western delivery NSW . This work determines the age and sex ratio of frogs collected mainly in the Coleambally Irrigation Area . • improved management practices on privately-owned The research so far indicates that even in large healthy wetlands populations, the maximum age attained by the frogs is • hydrodynamic and other investigations to better inform 3–5 years of age, and that female frogs are unlikely to decision making on the delivery of environmental flows . 66 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

• measures that support integrated water management in  Performance indicator the Murray–Darling Basin . RiverBank, Living Murray and Wetland Recovery Through the NSW Wetland Recovery Program, DECC and Program the Department of Water and Energy investigated the impacts of around 70 floodplain structures on flows in the Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative amount of water Macquarie Marshes . A number of landholders received entitlement, measured in megalitres, purchased by NSW RiverBank, the Living Murray Program and the NSW Wetland Recovery Program letters or directions to comply with licence conditions, and in the targeted river valleys of NSW. (One megalitre equals one million five structures will be modified to improve fish passage litres. As a comparison, an Olympic-sized swimming pool holds about and water movement during periods of low flow . two-and-a half megalitres.)

Cumulative total of water entitlement purchased Ramsar wetlands 250,000 Under the international Ramsar Convention, NSW maintains 12 Ramsar wetlands . DECC is continuing to 200,000 prepare ecological character descriptions that provide a scientific baseline for the sites at the time of Ramsar listing, 150,000 tres and enable assessment of change in the sites over time . li Ecological character descriptions were completed in

Mega 100,000 2008–09 for Blue Lake and Lake Pinaroo . 50,000 Waterbirds and fish in Gwydir wetlands 0 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Gwydir wetlands, which are internationally significant RiverBank Program Wetland Recovery Program under the Ramsar Convention, are under ecological stress due to drought, and land and water management The Living Murray Program practices . Interpretation: Water entitlements are a share of the water available As part of the NSW Wetland Recovery Program, DECC in a water management area, the volume of which varies with scientists studied the habitat of waterbirds and fish in these seasonal rainfall and river catchment runoff. General security (GS) is wetlands in 2007–2008, when much of the floodplain was 250000the most common type of entitlement. As an example, GS availability extremely dry . The numbers of waterbirds were low and might be announced with a 50% allocation. That would mean a holder The Living Murray Program breeding activity was limited . 200000with a 100-megalitre licence entitlement could use 50 megalitres Wetland Recovery Program of water. Allocations increase throughout a year if water availability Eleven native fish species were found . However, three non- RiverBank 150000improves. native fish species were also found, with the European carp Through NSW RiverBank and the NSW Wetland Recovery Program, being the most common . 100000GS water entitlement and small volumes of high security and supplementary access entitlement, are acquired. These programs The results of this study were used to support the acquired50000 48,549 megalitres and 2,544 megalitres of water entitlement development of the Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive respectively in the year to 30 June 2009. Environmental Management Plan during 2008–09 . 0 The Living Murray2006–07 program acquires2007–08 general and high security2008–09 licences and had purchases totalling 122,606 megalitres by 30 June 2009. DECC manages water acquired by NSW RiverBank and the NSW Wetland Recovery Program, and for environmental purposes in water sharing plans made under the Water Management Act 2000. The Murray–Darling Basin Commission manages water recovered under

the Living Murray Program under an intergovernmental agreement. Photo: J. Spencer, DECC.

Wetlands DECC released a draft NSW Wetlands Policy for targeted public consultation in 2008–09, which provides for the protection, and ecologically sustainable use and management, of NSW wetlands . It contains: • principles to guide management of, and investment in, wetlands Sorting the catch from a fyke net which was used to sample fish from the • measures to assist the prioritisation of wetlands for Gwydir wetlands. attention Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 67

Healthy rivers and estuaries Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting DECC scientists have been studying the impacts of Strategy nutrients and sediments from coastal rivers on the health of estuaries . They have developed a risk assessment tool The NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy called CERAT to help prioritise land use planning decisions provides practical protocols for monitoring, assessing and and conserve estuary health . reporting on the condition of, and pressures threatening, natural resources such as soils and rivers . The strategy’s CERAT includes models for all 184 estuaries and performance indicators are incorporated into the 13 draft their catchments in NSW . The models can assess the State of the Catchment reports . These reports are widely potential impact of nutrients and sediments from urban available to natural resource managers . development, clearing and agriculture on water quality, algae and seagrass . The models will be made available to catchment management authorities and local councils, and Native vegetation will be used by DECC to help prioritise projects for funding Native vegetation reports under the NSW Estuary Management Program . The annual Native Vegetation Report Card is DECC’s comprehensive summary of actions undertaken by private Support for catchment management and public land managers to conserve and manage native vegetation . This year’s report card combines three reports: authorities the Native Vegetation Report Card, the Woody Vegetation Catchment management authorities (CMAs) deliver Change Report and the Compliance and Enforcement programs that remediate or improve natural resources such Report Card . as native vegetation and soils, and deal with environmental During 2008–09, more than 490,000 hectares of native hazards such as salinity . DECC provides the 13 CMAs vegetation were conserved or improved across NSW . in NSW with state-level administration, technical tools, Around 2,060 hectares were approved to be cleared scientific support and grant funding . where environmental values were maintained or improved DECC also supports CMAs by administering board, chair through mechanisms such as the use of offsets . and general manager appointments, developing financial Changes in woody vegetation across NSW are identified by and corporate governance frameworks and providing a comparison of satellite imagery . The Woody Vegetation technical and project support for native vegetation Change Report shows a total reduction in the area of management, floodplain management, wetland woody vegetation in NSW from 2007–2008 of 49,316 rehabilitation and soils management . hectares (or 0 .06% of the area of the state) . The major For example, in 2008–09 DECC worked with Hawkesbury– changes occurred as a result of fire scars, cropping, and Nepean, Southern Rivers and Sydney Metropolitan CMAs thinning or clearing for pasture, forestry, and rural and to identify likely sites of salinity outbreaks in Sydney water major infrastructure . supply catchments and future urban development areas . This $1 .5 million project is helping the CMAs plan their investments and advise local councils on salinity issues .

 Case study

Food webs and ecological function in inland floodplain wetlands Floodplains are highly productive environments that, when flooded, provide increased nutrients and the successive emergence of bacteria, algae and other Photo: J. Kellaway, DECC. aquatic organisms. Floodwaters also attract higher-order predators such as fish and waterbirds. As food webs and the ecological function of floodplain ecosystems are important yet poorly understood, in 2008–09 DECC scientists studied these processes in the Macquarie Marshes, Gwydir Wetlands, Yanga National Park and Lake Ita. DECC scientists now know that sediments in Lake Ita, when dry, store many viable seeds Sampling in the Macquarie Marshes. and eggs of aquatic plants and animals. The research is allowing DECC scientists to understand better how inland floodplain wetlands function, and advise on how to deliver environmental water to restore them. 68 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

The Compliance and Enforcement Report Card shows  Performance indicator that 434 reports of clearing were received by DECC’s Land maintained or approved by property Environment Line in 2008, all of which were assessed vegetation plans to determine an appropriate regulatory response . Many were identified as being lawful activities such as routine Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative total area of agricultural management or clearing of regrowth . During land maintained or improved by property vegetation plans (PVPs). 2008–09, DECC commenced nine prosecutions under A PVP is a voluntary agreement under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 native vegetation legislation . negotiated between a landholder or a group of landholders and the local catchment management authority. This annual data includes offset areas for Clearing PVPs, Incentive PVPs, Conservation PVPs, The NSW vegetation information system Invasive Native Scrub PVPs and Thinning PVPs. It does not include The NSW Government needs more accessible and clearing statistics or PVPs for private native forestry, which are reported separately. consistent information to better inform native vegetation management and monitoring . While some high-quality Total area of land maintained or improved by property vegetation vegetation information and mapping exists, much plans information is highly variable in its scale, quality and 2,000,000 coverage . DECC is therefore developing robust spatial data systems and management practices for vegetation 1,500,000 information in NSW . As at June 2009, DECC has developed interim databases

ares 1,000,000

ct for NSW vegetation classifications and vegetation plot

He data, and a comprehensive compilation of NSW vegetation 500,000 mapping . In addition, the NSW section of the National Vegetation Information System, with data input capability, is improving reporting to the Australian Government on 0 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 statewide vegetation information, while supporting DECC programs . Interpretation: The Native Vegetation Act 2003 commenced in December 2005, so the 2005–06 figure only incorporates seven months of data. PVPs were initially taken up slowly by land holders. Property vegetation plans Most land maintained or improved in 2006–07, 2007–08 and 2008–09 The Native Vegetation Act 2003 established property was for the management of invasive native scrub (approximately vegetation plans (PVPs) as negotiated agreements 450,000, 690,000 and 440,000 hectares respectively, or 1,580,000 hectares in total). between catchment management authorities and 2000000 land holders to establish areas for clearing, offsets and incentives . To the end of June 2009, 1,470 PVPs have been 1500000 approved, including 1,046 that include incentive payments to farmers to improve or protect native vegetation . 1000000

500000

0  Case 2005–06study 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09

Managing inland acid sulfate soils Record low flows and river levels have led to the drying of many wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin, resulting

in ‘inland acid sulfate soils’. As a result, in 2008 the Photo: M. Tulau, DECC. Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council directed the Murray–Darling Basin Authority to assess the risk of such soils in wetlands along the Murray River which were affected by regulated flow. DECC is leading the NSW component of this project, assisted by catchment management authorities and the private sector. The first stage consisted of a rapid field assessment of Assessing land for the presence of inland acid sulfate soils. about 450 sites, which was completed in June 2009. Based on the results and laboratory testing of soil and The project results will inform other DECC programs water samples, it is expected that many of these sites such as salinity and wetland management programs, will require more detailed assessment. Results to date inform water allocation and irrigation policies in the suggest that sulfidic sediments are of particular concern Murray Basin, and help catchment management in the lower Murray Basin, especially in the Wakool River authorities prioritise remediation projects. and associated channels. Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 69

This system has reduced clearing approvals from more PADACS presents officers with environmental assessment than 12,000 hectares in 2005–06 to around 150 hectares in information, site maps and landowner details . 2008–09 . Once an assessment is complete, all data is automatically From April 2009, PVPs that propose broadscale clearing updated, which means data is only entered once and is must register a summary of the PVP on the land title . This always up-to-date . Data and collection methods are also is to ensure that agreed conservation benefits and clearing standardised to ensure assessments are consistent . approvals continue to apply to the land, regardless of The system automatically generates a task list showing future changes in ownership . which steps are needed to complete the assessment . The status of approvals can be seen at a glance so landowners PVPs, Agreements, Data and Customer can be kept informed . Service system (PADACS) PADACS was built with the support of the Microsoft The PVPs, Agreements, Data and Customer Service Innovation Fund at a cost of around $3 million . Version 3 .0 (PADACS) system is software that is used to manage of PADACS was deployed across NSW in June 2009 . interactions with catchment management authorities and their clients . PADACS uses the Native Vegetation Assessment Tool (NVAT) to produce property vegetation plans under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 . NVAT integrates environmental assessment with spatial mapping to measure impacts on biodiversity, threatened species, soils and salinity .

 Case study

Vegetation mapping of the Murray catchment During 2008–09, native vegetation was mapped in the entire Murray catchment using new computer analysis Graphics: DECC. of satellite imagery. DECC worked with the Murray Catchment Management Authority and Forests NSW on the project, which was funded under the NSW Catchment Action Plan. More than 350 new vegetation plots were surveyed by contractors. Data for a further 400 native vegetation plots were acquired from other sources. Most land holders welcomed survey contractors onto their properties and, in return, were given information about their vegetation, including species details and satellite imagery. There is now full data coverage of vegetation in the Murray catchment, with the information available in a comprehensive database that includes native vegetation maps, survey site records and photographs.

Mapping vegetation in the Murray catchment involved deriving patterns in native vegetation using object recognition software. 70 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Private native forestry Review of regional forest agreements Amendments to the Native Vegetation Regulation 2005 The NSW and Australian governments made 20-year commenced in August 2007 to bring native forestry regional forest agreements (RFAs) for the north-east, operations under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 . A Private southern and Eden regions in 1999, 2000 and 2001 Native Forestry Code of Practice came into force at the respectively . RFAs must be periodically reviewed . A scoping same time to support the legal changes . agreement for the review of RFAs was signed by the Harvesting timber for the purposes of private native Minister and the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries forestry on all lands now requires approval through and Forestry in June 2008 . development consent or the preparation of a Private Native Work progressed during 2008–09 on a report on this major Forestry Property Vegetation Plan (PNFPVP) . As at end June review, including an assessment of progress against the 2009, DECC had issued 805 PNFPVPs . milestones in the agreements . The public will be invited to DECC has also established an audit program to ensure comment in late 2009 . compliance with the new arrangements . As at 30 June 2009, DECC had carried out 92 site inspections and formal audits . The new program represents major progress in reducing the negative impact of logging on private property . Previously, logging was largely unregulated, resulting in some cases in poor silviculture and environmental impacts . The new code sets out requirements that significantly upgrade forest management practices . The reforms are being supported by training programs .

Brigalow and Nandewar integrated forestry operations approval In 2008–09, DECC continued preparing an integrated forestry operations approval (IFOA) for the Brigalow and Nandewar region under the Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998 . The proposed IFOA will help balance the protection of the environment, by setting terms for licences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Fisheries Management Act 1994, with the Government’s commitment to allow timber to be used for specified volumes of sawlogs, fencing and firewood . The IFOA will prescribe forestry management operations in state forests and other Crown lands in the Brigalow and Nandewar region . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 71

Protect and restore biodiversity

Photo: T.N. Hayashi. and native vegetation

Biodiversity conservation government organisations, catchment management authorities, local councils, state agencies and industry Development of a new biodiversity strategy groups . for NSW A draft biodiversity strategy will be released for public In accordance with the Threatened Species Conservation exhibition in late 2009, with a final strategy to be released Act 1995, the NSW Government produced the state’s first in mid-2010 . biodiversity strategy in 1999 . In 2003, major reforms to natural resource management and land use planning BioBanking Scheme meant biodiversity and threatened species management were incorporated into broader government programs . In 2008 the NSW Government introduced the Biodiversity However, these programs did not fully encompass aquatic Banking and Offsets (BioBanking) Scheme to help resolve and marine biodiversity . As a result, the NSW Government the loss of biodiversity values, including threatened decided to develop a new biodiversity strategy, and species, through offsetting the impacts of urban included this initiative in the State Plan . development . A framework for the scheme was established under the Threatened Species Conservation Amendment DECC and the Department of Primary Industries jointly (Biodiversity Banking) Act 2006 . released a discussion paper for consultation in November 2008 . Sixty-three submissions were received from non-

 Case study

Biodiversity monitoring reveals distribution of

native animals Photo: DECC. DECC scientists found that, except for the Birds Australia database, there is little information that can be used to assess the long-term distribution and abundance of native fauna across NSW. DECC scientists therefore trialled methods for broad- scale monitoring of native animals, and found that early results of non-targeted monitoring in western NSW using pitfall traps were promising. The extent of the range of several species was observed, including the range of the threatened Forest’s mouse, which was found in Culgoa National Park more than 100 kilometres further north than previously recorded. The scientists also trialled targeted monitoring for One of the few long-nosed potoroos to be captured on infrared camera the long-nosed potoroo which is a little-understood during DECC’s targeted monitoring trial. threatened species that lives in dense bushland. Infrared triggered cameras monitored 60 sites along the east coast of NSW across the entire distribution of the potoroos. Initial results show that the potoroo is rare across its distribution, though the cameras also turned up a surprise photo of the uncommon parma wallaby. 72 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Biodiversity ecosystem and species credits are created by Threatened species land holders when they establish a biobank site . These credits can then be purchased by developers who need to Many threatened species-related projects, surveys and offset the impacts of their development . Other individuals on-ground works were completed in 2008–09 . Some brief or groups can also buy credits to invest in conservation . highlights include: DECC worked in 2008–09 to establish the biobanking • assessing the health of the endangered Hunter River public registers . One register contains 28 expressions population of river red gums after floods of interest from land holders who are interested in • helping the Boorengen Djugun community at Kempsey establishing a biobank site . Other registers show credits to conserve the endangered lesser swamp-orchid, available for sale, credit transactions, biobanking including surveys and habitat assessments agreements and biobanking statements (see www environment. .nsw gov. .au/biobanking/) . • completing field survey methods and threatened species survey and assessment guidelines for More than 100 people have participated in training amphibians, to help surveyors assess land for the courses to become accredited BioBanking Assessors . Only presence of threatened frogs and other threatened accredited BioBanking Assessors can assess applications species under the BioBanking Scheme (see www . for biobanking statements and agreements, to ensure environment .nsw gov. .au/threatenedspecies/ consistency in the application of the scheme . Forty-two surveymethodsfauna .htm) assessors have been accredited, comprising 27 external consultants and 15 DECC staff . • restoring lowland rainforest communities for the critically endangered Coxen’s fig parrot Biodiversity management plans • mapping habitats made up of the endangered Floyds grass that support the black grass-dart butterfly, the Biodiversity management plans are landscape-wide, multi- black-necked stork and the endangered north coast species recovery plans that contain strategies to manage emu population threats . A biodiversity management plan for Lord Howe • restoring habitat, and monitoring and surveying Island was approved in 2007 . Three plans completed threatened flora on Lord Howe Island to draft stage in 2008–09 were for the Border Ranges Rainforests, the Northern Rivers and the Central Coast . The • launching a community outreach and fund-raising Australian Government has agreed to contribute $200,000 campaign for the Corroboree Frog Recovery Program towards funding the implementation of the Lord Howe Island, Border Ranges Rainforests and Northern Rivers regional plans in 2009–10 .

 Case study

Biocertification of the Wagga Wagga Local Environment Plan protects threatened species

In January 2009 DECC released a proposal to certify Photo: N. Williams. Wagga Wagga City Council’s new local environmental plan (LEP). The proposed certification covers 10,655 hectares of the current and future urban and industrial area around Wagga Wagga City. In this area, 1,029 hectares of native vegetation remain, including some highly significant areas of box–gum woodland and inland grey box woodland endangered ecological communities, and habitat for threatened fauna such as the superb parrot and squirrel glider. The draft LEP proposes to retain all vegetation of The squirrel glider is one species that will be protected in a certified area high conservation value, which would be linked and proposed to be established under the Wagga Wagga City Council’s new local environmental plan. consolidated into a viable network of natural areas. Development will be directed away from these areas. If the Minister certifies the final LEP, the requirement to The biocertification proposal and the draft LEP were assess individual development proposals for impacts placed on exhibition for public comment for three on threatened species is ‘switched off’ in the certified months. area. Thus, future development in the area would This strategic approach has been the product of a have greater certainty and lower costs through a more significant and innovative partnership between DECC efficient planning process, and threatened species in the and Wagga Wagga City Council. area would be protected in the long term. Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 73

In 2008–09, under the PAS, DECC: • worked with catchment management authorities to prioritise threatened species recovery actions such as assessing sites, developing management agreements with landowners, fencing, and searching for potential Photo: I. Hutton, DECC. habitat • incorporating PAS actions into regional approaches to biodiversity conservation, focusing on addressing major threats • identifying priority areas for control of feral animals, such as cats . The PAS is online – visit www threatenedspecies. . DECC staff sampling little mountain palms on Lord Howe Island. environment .nsw gov. .au/tsprofile/home_recovery_new . aspx . • setting up a captive breeding facility near Queanbeyan for endangered rodents under the Saving Threatened Koala Recovery Plan Australian Rodents (STAR) project (supported by the Foundation for Parks and Wildlife and the Foundation The koala is listed as a vulnerable species under for Australia’s Most Endangered Species) the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 . Loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat are the most • annually monitoring the largest populations of the significant threats to koalas . Other threats include cars, mountain pygmy-possum in the ski resorts of Mt Blue dogs, fire, disease and severe weather conditions . Cow and Charlotte Pass . The NSW Koala Recovery Plan, released in November 2008, NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action identifies actions to ensure the long-term survival of koalas and provides a framework to address the key threats to Statement their survival . The plan sets out targets to be adopted by government agencies, councils, land holders and others to The NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement promote koala recovery . DECC has committed more than a (PAS) is the principal legislative mechanism under the million dollars to the plan’s implementation . Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 for recovering threatened species, populations and ecological Actions include working with local councils to prepare communities and abating key threatening processes . conservation plans, protecting koalas and their habitat The PAS is enabling DECC and other managers, such as on lands managed by DECC, further population surveys, catchment management authorities and local councils, to working with wildlife rehabilitation groups on rescue prioritise actions to protect threatened species . work and participating in a review of the National Koala Management and Conservation Strategy .

 Case study

Saving the providence petrel The threatened providence petrel is a seabird that, until this year, bred only in the southern mountains of Lord

Howe Island. Recent survey work has revealed a new Photo: N. Carlile, DECC. colony breeding in the northern hills. This species also used to breed on Norfolk Island until it died out more than 200 years ago due to hunting and disturbance from feral pigs. As a consequence, the influx of marine nutrients from seabird guano decreased, resulting in a reduction in tree growth and vigour. Re-establishing a population of the birds on Norfolk Island is essential to restore ecosystem Tracking devices have helped DECC to find out more about routes taken function and regain healthy native forests. A second by, and threats facing, the providence petrel. This bird had just completed viable population of the providence petrel would also an 18,000-kilometre round trip to South Russia. significantly improve its conservation status. Research conducted with the University of NSW looked to identify their key foraging areas and to track the birds at breeding and feeding nestlings during the 2008 on their trans-equatorial migration. breeding season on Lord Howe Island, to help with the The information gained is also being used to identify development of successful translocation techniques. interactions between this species and commercial Adult birds were fitted with miniature tracking devices fishers. 74 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Endangered ecological communities proposes mechanisms to protect these areas in the future, including through new conservation reserves . projects The plan was released by the Minister for Climate Change DECC has completed assessments of 16 rare, endangered and the Environment in March 2009 . Stage 1 of the plan, and vulnerable forest ecosystems and nominated nine as which had already commenced in 2006 and is ongoing, threatened ecological communities to the NSW Scientific is adding significant areas of land to the reserve system in Committee . The results of the assessments were presented the region . at scientific workshops and published in the journal Environmental Management and Restoration . Land management in national parks and DECC completed Stage 1 of a project on experimental reserves rehabilitation and revegetation of threatened ecological communities . DECC established four hectares of plantings Protected area acquisition program of Lower Hunter spotted gum–ironbark forest and Kurri DECC acquires and reserves land to conserve and protect sand swamp woodland at two sites in Cessnock in the its natural and cultural heritage values under the National Lower Hunter region . The plantings will be monitored for Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the NSW National Parks the next 10–15 years to provide information on restoring Establishment Plan 2008 . In 2008–09, 59 areas totalling endangered ecological communities . about 125,490 hectares were acquired . These were: • inland river systems and wetlands associated with the Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan restoration of waterways and conservation of riverine The Hunter Valley region is renowned for its environmental ecosystems, coastal wetlands and lowlands diversity, natural resources and the economic wealth • Aboriginal cultural heritage areas it provides to NSW . To ensure that future sustainable development of the region is balanced with strategic • reserve inholdings and perimeter additions conservation planning, DECC prepared a 25-year Lower • Brigalow Belt South/Nandewar Bioregion leases Hunter Regional Conservation Plan . • high reservation value Crown leases. The plan complements the Government’s Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, which defines where development will be focused over the next 25 years . The plan identifies priority biodiversity areas in the Lower Hunter, and

 Case study

Promoting the conservation of endangered grasslands in the Southern Tablelands The Southern Tablelands region contains several endangered grasslands which are fragmented, of limited extent and poorly understood. The NSW Threatened Photo: D. Reynders, DECC. Species Priorities Statement includes actions to establish conservation management networks to facilitate information and skills exchange between land holders to assist with and promote the conservation of these grasslands. Over the past two years, the Southern Tablelands Grassy Ecosystems Conservation Management Network has increased its membership from 350 to nearly 700. DECC has supported network members through site visits, providing management advice, assisting Scientists examine threatened vegetation at Scottsdale, a property managed for conservation by Bush Heritage Australia. with applications for conservation agreements and wildlife refuges, and ensuring awareness of catchment management authority and other funding. Regular The project is a good example of achieving conservation newsletters inform members of upcoming events and outcomes by building and nurturing effective training, weed alerts and other useful information. partnerships. The network held successful workshops and field days for the community with catchment management authorities, and environmental and community organisations. Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 75

Land was purchased using funds from NSW Government New and extended reserves capital allocations, the Environmental Trust, the NSW Rivers In 2008–09, five new reserves were established: Minimbah Environmental Restoration Program, and the Australian Nature Reserve, Keverstone National Park, Bandahngan Government programs Caring for our Country (National Aboriginal Area, Woomargama State Conservation Area Reserve System) and Water for the Future . Various land and Mullengandra State Conservation Area . was also transferred to DECC from local councils, the Department of Planning and the Foundation for National DECC also consolidated existing reserves by improving Parks and Wildlife . reserve boundaries, linking protected areas and buffering reserves from adjoining land uses . An additional 52 areas In June 2009, contracts were exchanged for the purchase were reserved to add to existing parks and reserves in of the 181-hectare former Air Services Australia site at 2008–09, comprising 42,438 hectares . Cranebrook in Western Sydney . The purchase is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments Notable reserve additions include: to form a new conservation reserve protecting some of • adding 1,353 hectares to New England National Park to Sydney’s most endangered species, providing a critical buffer the adjacent Gondwana Rainforests of Australia wildlife corridor and securing additional green space for World Heritage Area against fire, and weed and pest the residents of Sydney’s west . The property also contains invasion . important Aboriginal archaeological sites . • establishing Bandahngan Aboriginal Area (2.5 hectares) Wetlands as part of national parks east of Kyogle, which incorporates Tooloom Falls . The reserve is part of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement The NSW and Australian governments, in 2008–09, jointly between the NSW Government and the Githabul purchased the following significant properties which will people to protect the cultural and spiritual values of the be added to the NSW reserve system: falls . • Toorale (91,000 hectares) lies 75 kilometres south- • the first additions to reserves in the Brigalow and west of Bourke on the confluence of the Darling Nandewar Community Conservation Area since its and Warrego rivers . The purchase of Toorale and its creation in 2005: Pilliga West State Conservation Area water entitlements enables a more natural flow and (1,655 hectares), Durridgere State Conservation Area better flood patterns in Warrego River, and assists the (181 hectares), Yarrobil National Park (524 hectares), movement of aquatic species . Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park (2044 hectares) and • Pillicawarrina (2387 hectares), adjoining the Macquarie Gwydir River National Park (1,126 hectares) . Marshes Nature Reserve, comprises various habitats for • adding 2,812 hectares to Oxley Wild Rivers National waterbirds, woodland birds and other fauna . It supports Park, south-east of Armidale, which has bridged the gap myall woodland and coolibah–black box woodland, between two previously separate sections of the park . both listed as endangered ecological communities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 . The land, covered by the purchase of substantial water licences, will deliver environmental water to the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve to help restore the floodplain . • Booligal Station (see case study below).

 Case study

Protecting habitat for waterbirds at Booligal

Station Photo: DECC. In 2008–09, the NSW Government acquired Booligal Station, in the Lower Lachlan, through the NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration Program. Booligal Station is 6,000 hectares in size and incorporates more than 2,500 hectares of the nationally significant Booligal Wetlands. The wetlands contain one of the most important areas for waterbird breeding in eastern Australia. Complementary to the land purchase, NSW RiverBank purchased over 24,275 megalitres of water entitlements Booligal Wetlands are important breeding grounds for birds such as ibis, egrets, ducks, crakes and waterhens. in the Lachlan that will be used to support these and other wetlands. The management of environmental water will also be enhanced by the installation of new water flow regulators on Muggabah and Merrimajeel creeks that feed into the wetlands. 76 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

The rehabilitation project progressed in 2008–09 with  Performance indicator the purchase of two neighbouring properties important Area managed by DECC for conservation for the re-inundation of the wetlands . The project also secured $99,000 of funds for the next three years from the Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative area of reserves NSW Environmental Trust . Actions will include pest control, managed by DECC (shown in hectares and as a percentage of NSW), restoring native vegetation, and monitoring water quality and the area in hectares of marine parks managed by DECC as part of the Marine Parks Authority. and biodiversity . Following reports by hydrology and aquifer consultants, there is now a detailed restoration plan Land managed by DECC for conservation for the park . 8,000,000 10 The park has also had some interim tidal exchange since December 2007 . Regular monitoring of the water quality and water levels in the wetland since then, and a study 6,000,000

W of the fish species occurring in the lower section of

ares 8 the wetlands, have shown significant improvements10 to ct Percentage of NSW He

% of NS the water quality and fish habitat from this limited tidal 4,000,000 exchange .

Bioregions 2,000,000 6 8 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Bioregions are large, geographically distinct areas of land Land (hectares) Percentage of NSW with common characteristics such as climate, ecological features and plant and animal communities . Marine parks managed by DECC 6 400,000 Percentage2004–05 2005-06of NSW2006-07 bioregions2007–08 protected2008–09

300,000 in the NSW reserve system 8000000.500000 Land (hectares) NSW Interim Biogeographic Percentage reserved ares 200,000 ct Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) 6000000.333333He Bioregion 2007–08 2008–09 100,000 Australian Alps 81.8 81.8 4000000.166667 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Brigalow Belt South 8.3 8.5 Broken Hill Complex 2.0 2.0 2000000.000000Interpretation: In 2008–09, 34,233 hectares of land were formally 2004–05 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008–09 added to the reserve system. Over 2007–08 and 2008–09, the area Channel Country 9.4 9.4 of new land reserved is lower than in previous years. This reflects the Cobar Peneplain 2.4 2.4 change from transferring large areas of public land (Crown land and state forest) into the national park system, to buying small privately- Darling Riverine Plains 1.7 1.7 owned landholdings offered for sale to DECC. Land acquisitions are 400000 likely to increase in coming years with the availability of new Federal MulgaMarine Lands park 3.6 3.6 funding to support land purchases and potential Crown land additions. Murray Darling Depression 5.6 5.6 300000DECC now manages over six-and-a-half million hectares of land in NSW, which represents almost 8.4% of the state’s total area. Nandewar 3.7 3.7 200000At 30 June 2009, approximately 345,100 hectares (34%) of NSW waters were contained in the marine park system, including approximately New England Tablelands 9.1 9.2 64,900 hectares (6.5%) in sanctuary zones. NSW North Coast 24.4 24.6 100000See Appendix 9 for details of DECC-managed lands and waters. NSW South Western Slopes 1.9 1.9 0 2004–05 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008–09 Riverina 1.8 1.8 Restoring a degraded wetland area Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields 11.1 11.1 The Yarrahapinni Wetlands National Park Rehabilitation South East Corner 42.7 42.7 Project involves restoring a degraded wetland on the lower Macleay River . The wetland was closed to tides due to South Eastern Highlands 14.8 14.8 flood mitigation structures built in the early 1970s . DECC South Eastern Queensland 13.6 13.6 and the Yarrahapinni Wetlands Working Group have been managing this area as a national park since 2007 . Sydney Basin 38.1 38.2 Total NSW 8.3 8.3 Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 77

Wilderness • proposed amendments to the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 Wilderness is defined as a large natural area of land that, with its native plant and animal communities, has • preliminary assessment of the State of NSW Caves remained essentially unchanged by modern human • proposed collaborative management of Macleay and activity or can be restored to such a state . DECC assesses New England karst areas . land for wilderness values, either independently or following an external nomination proposal . Wildlife management In 2008–09, the total area of wilderness in NSW reached almost two million hectares, which represents around Researching and monitoring wildlife in 30% of NSW parks and reserves or 2 .5% of NSW . DECC parks did not receive any new nominations for wilderness During 2008–09, DECC continued its research and in the same period but continued to assess previous monitoring programs in national parks and reserves, many nominations . with the assistance of volunteers . Programs included: Wild rivers • artificial rock habitat for the broad-headed snake being developed by the University of Sydney and placed in Section 61 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area, as provides for the declaration of wild rivers in national parks . the removal of bush rock has led to a significant decline To be declared ‘wild’, rivers must be assessed as being in in the species in these parks . A survey found a snake a near-pristine condition in terms of animal and plant life sheltering under the rocks, indicating that the artificial and water flow, and free of unnatural rates of siltation or habitat had been successful . bank erosion that affect many of Australia’s waterways . Five wild rivers have previously been declared – the Upper Brogo, Forbes, Upper Hastings and Kowmung rivers, and Washpool Creek . In January 2009, the Colo and Grose rivers, in Wollemi and Blue Mountains national parks respectively, were declared Photo: N. Williams. wild rivers . Both river systems support a high diversity of fauna and are in good geomorphic and hydrological condition . The Macdonald River, in Yengo National Park, was also assessed . Although it was found to be in good hydrological and biological condition, sediment deposits, most likely caused by clearing, logging, grazing and drainage works, meant that the river did not meet the criteria to be Artificial habitat has been created for the broad-headed snake in some national parks, as removal of bush rock is threatening the survival of the declared a wild river . species. Karst reserves • ongoing monitoring of snow levels continuing in the Snowy Mountains to study the impacts of climate Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, DECC change on the alpine zone . The amount of snow manages the state’s significant karst (cave) reserves . has been declining annually and the thaw has been Responsibilities for Abercrombie, Borenore and Wombeyan occurring significantly earlier each year . This earlier loss karst conservation reserves and the conservation of snow patches affects the plant communities that management zone of the Jenolan Karst Conservation once existed beneath them, and monitoring has found Reserve were transferred to DECC in 2006 . that these communities are now being invaded by tall The Karst Management Advisory Committee advises DECC herbfield plants . on the management of these reserves . During 2008-09, the • as part of recovery of the brush-tailed rock wallaby committee advised on a range of important documents, population in the Shoalhaven region, new individuals planning instruments and proposals, including the: being introduced to colonies at Kellets Creek and • Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve Draft Plan of Kangaroo River . Results of the monitoring so far indicate Management only limited survival of the introduced animals . • Far South Coast Escarpment Parks Draft Plan of • vegetation on Montague Island being restored to Management increase numbers of little penguins and other birds . • Wee Jasper Draft Plan of Management The removal of kikuyu grass and restoration of headland vegetation has led to increased nesting and the • Geotourism Discussion Paper improved fledgling success of little penguins . • Karst Monitoring and Evaluation Toolkit 78 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

• the Shorebird Recovery Program continuing in parks Wildlife management and licensing and reserves on the south coast, monitoring the populations and breeding success of the threatened DECC is responsible for protecting wildlife in NSW, hooded plover, little tern, pied oystercatcher and sooty including licensing and regulating the sustainable use oystercatcher . Under a similar program on the north of wildlife . During 2008–09, DECC, in consultation with coast, assisted by contractors and volunteers, Hearns stakeholders: Lake near Woolgoolga had a successful little tern • commenced a review of its policy and procedures for breeding season . the rehabilitation of fauna • commenced the development of new standards for the rescue and rehabilitation of fauna • commenced a review of the marine fauna program, including incident response and training protocols • finalised a policy to identify and manage fauna disease Photo: D. Andrew, DECC. outbreaks • prepared the sustainable management plan for protected and threatened plants in the cut flower industry . In 2008–09, DECC consolidated its use of the Government Licensing System (GLS), which is a whole-of-government Little terns are being monitored on the north and south coasts of NSW. initiative to simplify the management of various types of licence in NSW . Around 22,000 current native animal • a flora survey of Goonoowigall State Conservation Area keeper and import and export licences are now managed in the northern tablelands region in October 2008 on the GLS . finding three endangered ecological communities and 11 rare or threatened species . A similar survey in Number of licences issued by category in 2008–09 Nullamanna National Park found 32 hectares of mugga ironbark, not previously known to occur in the park . Interstate import and export 2,257 • a November 2008 survey of malleefowl mounds in Scientific research 1,148 Yathong Nature Reserve in central western NSW finding only a small proportion of mounds were active . Reptile keepers 4,522 Amphibian keepers 309 Kangaroo Management Program Kangaroos are protected animals under the National Mammal keepers 23 Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, which means they can only be Bird keepers 650 harmed under the authority of an appropriate licence . DECC may issue licences in a range of circumstances, Companion animal 97 which can include for public protection, the mitigation of Fauna dealers 18 agricultural damage, or commercial purposes . Miscellaneous 546 The commercial harvest of kangaroos in NSW is carried out in accordance with the NSW commercial kangaroo harvest Total 9,570 management plan 2007–11, which aims to conserve viable populations of kangaroos across their ranges and was DECC is preparing a code of practice for the private completed in 2008–09 . keeping of native reptiles . The code will contain The plan sets out requirements for a harvest, including compulsory standards and optional guidelines, and will the use of aerial surveys to estimate population sizes, include minimum cage sizes . It is being developed with and setting maximum numbers that may be harvested advice from keepers and the pet shop industry . for commercial purposes . The plan also provides for the During 2008–09, DECC audited animal keepers in establishment of new commercial harvest zones, provided cooperation with the Australian Government . DECC is also that certain requirements are met . The plan is available developing a training program for auditing staff to ensure on www environment. .nsw gov. .au/wildlifemanagement/ consistent approaches to inspections and enforcement . KangarooManagementProgram .htm In partnership with the NSW Wildlife Council, DECC began developing a code of practice to guide the work of over 4,000 volunteers in NSW who rescue and rehabilitate native fauna . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 79

Marine parks and aquatic reserves research Pest animal and weed control NSW has six marine parks encompassing about 34% of the Reducing the impact of invasive species is one of the state’s coastal waters . Marine parks are managed through 13 statewide targets for natural resource management zoning plans, which protect sensitive areas and designate in the State Plan . Examples of weed control programs where sustainable activities can occur . See ‘Conserve undertaken in national parks and reserves during 2008–09 natural and cultural values through an integrated system of include: public and private lands’ for information on the review of zoning plans . • control of broom and willow trees in Kosciuszko National Park DECC is creating high resolution maps of seabed characteristics to provide a better estimate of seabed • long-term control of weeds such as St Johns wort, habitat distribution and structure in the parks . So far, vipers bugloss and serrated tussock at Lake Jindabyne in around 480 square kilometres of seabed in NSW marine Kosciuszko National Park (a partnership with Green Fleet parks have been mapped . Australia) DECC is also undertaking a range of specific marine • hawkweed location and destruction in Kosciuszko research projects, including: National Park • surveying fauna and flora, including introduced species • eradication of bitou bush in national parks on the south and reef fish coast • monitoring the distribution and behaviour of dolphins • control of ground asparagus and cape ivy to protect littoral rainforest on Cape Hawke on the mid north coast • determining the causes and effects of coral disease • alligator weed control in Lane Cove National Park in • evaluating impacts of changes in land use on marine Sydney . habitats and fauna • evaluating spatial patterns of human use and activity on Fox and bitou bush threat abatement plans marine habitats and fauna The NSW threat abatement plan for predation by the red fox • assessing visitor satisfaction with, and the local commenced in 2001 and is currently being reviewed . The economic benefits and impacts of, marine parks . review has identified that fox control on the NSW mainland is an effective method for protecting threatened shorebirds Marine wildlife management such as the little tern and pied oystercatcher . Fledgling Each year, DECC responds to numerous incidents involving success of these birds was much greater at sites where whales, seals, dolphins and turtles . In 2008, DECC recorded foxes are controlled . 125 incidents which were attended by DECC staff or fauna In some areas, fox control has been expanded onto private rehabilitation groups . About 60% involved marine reptiles, lands around priority threatened species sites in national particularly green turtles . parks . This has been a collaborative approach involving The most prominent incident occurred in August 2008, government agencies, catchment management authorities, when staff from DECC, Taronga Zoo, Seaworld and other livestock health and pest authorities and the community . organisations responded to reports of an abandoned Around the Warrumbungle National Park, for example, the humpback whale calf near Mackerel Beach on the western Namoi Catchment Management Authority has funded an shores of Pittwater, in northern Sydney . expansion of fox control onto 13 neighbouring properties . The aim is to maximise protection of the brush-tailed rock The plight of the whale calf captured the community’s wallaby population, including animals recently released attention . After four days of attempts to reunite the calf into the park as part of a captive breeding program . with other whales and carefully monitoring its health, a decision was made in consultation with animal welfare On 28 May 2009, the Minister for Climate Change and groups to euthanase the animal . A post mortem confirmed the Environment officially opened Yanga National Park that the whale was a 7–10 day old calf in poor physical to visitors . Yanga, in the Riverina, covers 65,000 hectares condition, with several shark bites and suffering from acute including 19,000 hectares of river red gum forests . pneumonia and stomach ulcers . Since purchasing the former pastoral station, DECC has undertaken extensive pest animal and weed programs . DECC is continuing to work with experts to re-examine its policy and procedures for incident responses, training, In 2008–09, an extensive fox control program involved and communication with other expert organisations . A baiting 1,000 permanent bait stations in the park . This has workshop in Sydney in February 2009 brought together significantly reduced foxes within the drought-affected representatives from the Australian Government, each landscape . A feral pig control program was also completed . state, the Royal Australian Navy, Department of Defence DECC staff and contractors also successfully controlled and marine mammal researchers . Another workshop is boxthorn, tamarix, spiny burr-grass and agricultural weeds . planned for late 2009 . Under the bitou bush and boneseed TAP, control programs have been implemented at 106 sites along the NSW coast over the past three years . This work is helping to protect about 90% of the biodiversity identified in the TAP as being at risk . 80 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

The implementation of the threat abatement plan, Invasion Feral goat control of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera Work in western NSW has continued to reduce the impacts (bitou bush and boneseed) was ‘highly commended’ as an of feral goats in reserves by managing watering points, on-ground ecosystem restoration project by the Society trapping, shooting and strategic fencing . Funds have for Ecological Restoration International and the Ecological been provided from the Natural Heritage Trust to monitor Management and Restoration journal . the effectiveness of this project at Culgoa, Gundabooka A bitou bush management manual was launched in and Paroo-Darling national parks and Nocoleche Nature January 2009 by the Federal Minister for Environment, Reserve . Heritage and the Arts, and contains the most up-to-date, On the south coast, an ongoing feral goat culling program practical information on how to manage the weed, from in Morton and Tarlo national parks and neighbouring the planning stages through to land restoration and properties was undertaken in September 2008 and March rehabilitation . 2009 . The program, which has been running for over DECC is the lead agency for a project with the National 10 years, is a collaborative effort with Goulburn Livestock Lantana Management Group and Biosecurity Queensland Health and Pests Authority . More than 400 goats were to develop a similar strategy for lantana . culled in 2008–09 .

 Case study

Operation Safe Haven increases habitat for birds Whenever exotic rodents invade an island, they severely affect native biodiversity and ecosystems, often leading

to the extinction of unique species of flora and fauna. Photo: N. Carlile, DECC. Exotic rodents can prey directly on native animals, compete with native wildlife for food, and prevent plant regeneration by consuming seeds, seedlings and mature plants. Many threatened species in NSW occur only on offshore islands. Operation Safe Haven aims to protect these species and restore damaged island ecosystems by eradicating rodents from all NSW offshore islands. This year, Brush Island on the south coast of NSW was declared free of introduced pests following an earlier Little penguins are flourishing on Brush Island. operation to eradicate ship rats using poison baits placed in bait stations. Rats arrived on the island when a steamer ran aground in 1932, rapidly increased in number and destroyed much of the island’s native plant and animal life, particularly seabirds.

Monitoring undertaken in 2008–09 found healthy Photo: N. Carlile, DECC. populations of wedge-tailed shearwaters, short-tailed shearwaters, sooty shearwaters and little penguins. Most astonishingly, the white-faced storm-petrel, the smallest burrowing seabird in NSW, has returned to breed after an absence of 70 years. The vegetation on the island is also recovering well. The plants are no longer being destroyed by rats, and are benefiting from higher quantities of nutrients being brought ashore by the increasing numbers of breeding seabirds. Operation Safe Haven has regained an island sanctuary – a place where seabirds and other wildlife can breed undisturbed by introduced pests.

The diminutive white-faced storm-petrel has begun breeding on Brush Island again, following rat eradication. Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 81

In Yathong Nature Reserve in the central west of NSW,  around 3,000 goats were removed, and in four reserves in Performance indicator the far north of NSW near Bourke, nearly 13,000 goats were Reserves covered by an adopted fire management removed . strategy Feral pig control Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative area of the reserve system covered by fire management strategies adopted under the DECC has committed substantial funds to pest control on National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. the newly acquired Toorale property (see ‘Protected areas DECC works with local bushfire management committees across the acquisition program’) . An aerial survey and pig control state to ensure that its strategies in parks are compatible with each operations in April 2009 were undertaken with livestock district’s bushfire management plan. health and pest authorities, which also carried out pig control on neighbouring properties with over 2,000 pigs Area of reserve system covered by an adopted fire management being culled . The collaborative aerial shoot was then strategy repeated both on Toorale and the neighbouring properties 8,000,000 in June 2009, resulting in 380 pigs being culled on Toorale and over 3,000 being culled on neighbouring properties . 6,000,000

Wild dog control ares 4,000,000 ct Controlling wild dogs has continued to be a major priority He for park managers during the year . Control is guided in 2,000,000 most cases through local wild dog management plans which are developed in consultation with other public land 0 managers, livestock health and pest authorities and wild 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 dog control associations . The plans identify where dogs are causing a problem and where control programs need to Interpretation: DECC has prioritised the development of fire be undertaken, independent of land tenure . management strategies, resulting in a significant increase in the number of reserves covered by strategies since 2004. Control methods vary from area to area, but may include At 30 June 2009, 828 reserves were covered by an adopted fire a combination of aerial and ground baiting, trapping, management strategy. This is an increase of 773 reserves since shooting and exclusion fencing . Baiting and trapping 8000000June 2004 when only 55 were covered by an adopted strategy. are the preferred methods and, in many areas, specialist Adopted fire management strategies now cover over 6,704,861 Area of reserves (hectares) covered by an adopted fire management strategy dog trappers have been employed in collaboration with hectares of the reserve system, which is effectively 100% of the parks livestock health and pest authorities . Aerial baiting was 6000000and reserves where a fire management strategy is required. undertaken in 40 reserves during the year . 4000000 Major emphasis has been given to the Monaro and Southern Tablelands regions, the Northern Tablelands, the Fire management 2000000 Mudgee/Merriwa area of the Central Tablelands, and Sturt DECC cooperates and coordinates firefighting operations National Park and Ledknapper Nature Reserve in western with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Forests NSW, the Sydney 0 NSW . Catchment2005–06 Authority and2006–07 NSW Fire 2007–08Brigades . DECC2008–09 is a member of the NSW Bush Fire Coordinating Committee Deer control and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Deer browsing, trampling and wallowing are having Authorities Council . a serious and increasing environmental impact in the DECC contributes to district bushfire management plans Illawarra region . In Kangaroo Valley, a number of rural and develops reserve fire management strategies (see landholders have formed a Landcare group in partnership performance indicator) for fireprone parks and reserves . with DECC to help control feral deer in specially approved Over the past year, DECC undertook prescribed burning on culling zones in national parks and on adjoining properties . over 59,202 hectares of parks and reserves, which equates The program has been running for the past three years . to more than 60% of the hazard reduction burning carried Thirty deer were culled during 2008–09 . out by all fire agencies across NSW . This also represents a The deer control program in Royal National Park and 44% increase in the area treated by hazard reduction on Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area with the previous five-year annual average, despite less than Sutherland Shire Council and Sutherland Livestock Health ideal burning conditions on the north coast in March and and Pest Authority continued, with ground shooting of May 2009 . DECC also treated approximately 1,800 hectares rusa deer taking place mostly on the boundary between on lands next to parks . In addition, hazard reduction the park and suburbs, in coastal valleys and in rainforest through means such as slashing was carried out on over margins . There were 20 culling operations in July–October 1,013 hectares of parks . Over 9,500 kilometres of DECC fire 2008 and May–June 2009 . trails were regularly maintained in 2008–09 . 82 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Prescribed burns conducted over the past five years on DECC managed lands

Fire year Number of burns Total hectares treated

2004–05 148 41,037 Photo: K. Nowak, DECC. 2005–06 162 27,400 2006–07 76 23,718 2007–08 157 48,514 2008-09 168 59,202

In 2008–09, wildfires in DECC parks and reserves accounted for only 3 14%. of the total number of wildfire incidents in NSW . Approximately 21,745 hectares of DECC land were Conducting a hazard reduction burn. burnt . During the year, large wildfires covering more than Wildfires controlled over the past five years on 1,000 hectares were recorded in Guy Fawkes River, Wollemi, DECC-managed lands Deua, South East Forests, Fortis Creek and Budawang national parks . These fires were caused by lightning and Fire year Number of wildfires Total hectares by suspected arson . DECC firefighters also assisted with 42 fires in areas outside reserves . One fire suspected to be 2004–05 211 16,887 caused by arson, in Kumbatine National Park on the mid- 2005–06 202 26,695 north coast, resulted in the tragic death of one of DECC’s valued firefighters . 2006–07 372 254,727 DECC provided support and resources to Victoria during 2007–08 160 43,726 the devastating fires in February 2009 . As part of the coordinated NSW response, DECC committed more than 2008-09 166 21,745 380 staff and 49 tankers to the Victorian fire suppression and recovery effort .

 Case study

Bioacoustic monitoring of fire-sensitive threatened fauna Effective threatened species management requires knowing a population’s size, and whether the population is increasing, decreasing or stable. Measuring this can be surprisingly difficult, particularly for rare or cavity-dwelling animals. However, recent technological advances mean it is now possible to monitor populations of elusive species using automated digital recording field units and automated call recognition DECC and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife are carrying out bioacoustic monitoring to determine the size and distribution of (bioacoustic monitoring). ground parrot populations throughout NSW.

One project is using automated bioacoustic monitoring Photo: L. Gale, Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. to assess the status and distribution of the threatened The ground parrot is difficult to see, but as it has a ground parrot in NSW. This parrot is only one of three distinctive call given at dusk and dawn, the size of its ground-dwelling parrots in the world. Its population population and distribution throughout NSW can be has declined in number and distribution so it is now assessed using bioacoustic monitoring. restricted to isolated pockets in coastal and sub-coastal Results will be used to explore the relationship heathland and sedgeland habitats, where it lives in between the parrots and fire – a critical issue for their dense vegetation. conservation and management. Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 83

Origin and movement of wildfires affecting parks and Fire research reserves in 2008–09 DECC continued researching ways in which native flora and fauna respond to fire, and how to minimise the extinction Fire origin Fire movement Number Percentage risks of species sensitive to particular patterns of fire, while of fires of NSW fires balancing this with the protection of life and property . on DECC lands Over the past year, DECC researched the impact of fires on On-park Controlled on-park 123 2.32% tree hollows and associated arboreal fauna, the impact of fire frequency on native mammals, the impacts of fire on On-park Moved off-park 19 0.36% various threatened plants, ways in which fire size can affect the post-fire persistence of certain plants, and the role Off-park Moved on-park 24 0.45% of fire in setting the balance between cypress pines and eucalypts in the woodlands of western NSW . DECC is committed to recovering and rehabilitating its lands after fire . During 2008–09, measures to ensure that Long-term response of fauna to bushfire disturbed areas were given enough support to recover and drought in Nadgee included: Results were published this year from a study of ground- • using fire suppression strategies with minimum dwelling, small mammals in coastal eucalypt forests in environmental impact south-eastern Australia from 1970 to 2005 . The mammals • rescuing wildlife with the assistance of volunteer groups studied included four native small mammals (agile such as the Wildlife Information and Rescue Service antechinus, dusky antechinus, Australian bush rat and (WIRES) Australian swamp rat) and one introduced species (the • rehabilitating temporary fire control lines (temporary domestic mouse) . bulldozer trails and hand-constructed trails and fire The study area burnt in an intense fire in 1972 and was breaks) partially burnt again in 1980 . Both fires were associated • removing dangerous tree limbs and trees from visitation with prolonged drought . It was found that the intense areas 1972 fire did not kill all the animals immediately, but led to each species’ disappearance over 18 months . Thus, • implementing targeted weed and feral animal control intense fire had a delayed but catastrophic impact on small programs after fires . ground-dwelling mammals . The less intense 1980 fire did not lead to local extinction, but numbers of native species declined as drought conditions persisted through 1983 . These fluctuations in populations show that factors other than fire, such as rainfall and drought, can affect these small mammals . Photo: K. Stepnell.

DECC’s research showed that intense fire had a delayed but catastrophic impact on small mammals such as the Australian bush rat. 84 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Contribute to increased tourism, Photo: Foley. P. community wellbeing and regional development through parks and reserves

Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks In 2008–09, DECC continued its partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), engaging In November 2008, the NSW Government received the final 119 volunteers from Australia and overseas who report from the Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks contributed more than 356 volunteer days to planting, in NSW and agreed to support the key findings (see www . weed removal and the repair and construction of a walking environment .nsw gov. .au/parks/tourismtaskforce .htm) . The track . report confirmed that while national parks should continue The successful volunteer tourism program involving CVA to contribute to nature based tourism in NSW, conservation and Charles Sturt University continued at Montague Island, must remain a priority . The taskforce brought together and CVA also launched a new five-day volunteer program individuals with conservation and tourism backgrounds for Sydney Harbour National Park where volunteers and there was general agreement that, where additional regenerated bushland during the day and spent their visitor services and accommodation were required, small, nights at the historic Governor’s Cottage at Middle Head . low-key, eco-friendly services and facilities were the most appropriate . DECC worked in partnership with the National Parks Association of NSW on ‘HarbourKeepers, CoastKeepers The report contains 20 recommendations to promote and NatureKeepers’ programs which engage volunteers the nature tourism industry and make it competitive with in and around Sydney and the Central Coast . In 2008–09 nature tourism in established areas such as Tasmania and the programs involved 145 volunteers contributing more New Zealand . Some recommendations are: than 1,142 hours to bush regeneration and community • the NSW Government should commit to sustainable biodiversity surveys . For example, the biodiversity survey nature experiences tourism as a priority in Marramarra National Park contributed valuable data on • destination and product development, marketing and botany, mammals, herpetology and birds . promotion should focus on select key areas that offer As part of the Shoalhaven Youth Volunteering Initiative, iconic sustainable nature DECC worked with students from Shoalhaven High School • visitor accommodation and facilities policies should to interpret the importance of Bomaderry Creek and be reviewed to clarify where and what low key, low Bomaderry Children’s Home to the Aboriginal community . impact sustainable nature tourism facilities, including The project involved consultation with Elders and the accommodation, are appropriate in national parks and planning, design and construction, with help from Boori reserves . The review should address equitable but pre-school students, of a mosaic serpent telling the appropriate community access . story of the local Aboriginal community . The project was acknowledged with several awards and is now part of An inter-agency group made up of Tourism NSW and ongoing education programs with local schools and the DECC was established in February 2009 to oversee the Aboriginal community . implementation of the recommendations . Volunteer astronomers are supporting the Discovery program’s celebration of the International Year of Volunteer participation and partnerships Astronomy 2009 . Astronomers from across the state have In 2008–09, volunteers contributed significantly to volunteered their time, expertise and telescopes to support conservation and public appreciation of national parks . events that explore the skies above national parks . It is estimated that each year at least 3,800 volunteers DECC recognised the 20th anniversary of the Chase Alive contribute more than 172,000 volunteer hours to weed program in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and northern and fire control, conservation works, threatened species Sydney through the making of a documentary – The Chase programs and community education . Alive Experience . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 85

In 2009, DECC finalised a volunteering policy to support and encourage volunteering across the agency . A training  Performance indicator course in volunteer management was also piloted for DECC The National Parks Discovery – Walks, Talks and Tours staff and will be available later in 2009 . education program DECC and the Department of Premier and Cabinet hosted a Ministerial Forum on Environmental Volunteering at the Definition: This indicator measures the total number of participants in all National Parks Discovery – Walks Talks and Tours education program Powerhouse Museum . The forum showcased innovative activities. It also indicates the percentage of a surveyed sample of environmental volunteering initiatives from community- participants satisfied with their experience. DECC surveys at least based organisations, non-government organisations and 10% of participants in each regional program over the year. the Government . Discovery for Schools is conducted in regions that have the required demand for, and suitably skilled staff to deliver, school education Discovery program activities which include providing key syllabus and curriculum requirements. Activities are school excursions to national parks or The National Parks Discovery – Walks Talks and outreach programs in classrooms. Tours program provides community education and Total number of participants in Discovery – Walks, Talks and Tours interpretation to bring natural and cultural heritage themes education programs alive . Discovery employs local people with appropriate 250,000 backgrounds to deliver tours and events in national parks

and reserves, and through outreach programs in schools . s 200,000 Discovery activities during the year included lighthouse icipant tours, wildflower walks, whale watching, community rt 150,000 open days on Sydney Harbour islands, bird watching, tree of pa planting, spotlighting, snorkelling and bike riding . 100,000

On the south coast during the summer holidays, Discovery Number 50,000 Rangers took visitors on patrols of coastal shorebird 0 habitats to explain the importance of protecting these 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 threatened birds . In conjunction with the National Marine Science Centre, Participants in Discovery for Schools education programs a free event was conducted each month at the Solitary 90,000 Islands Marine Park, where guest speakers included underwater photographers and film makers, scientists, s 60,000 children’s authors and specialist shipwreck divers . These icipant rt events proved very popular . 250000 of pa Discovery guide training was conducted at Mangrove 20000030,000

Mountain near the Central Coast for new and existing Number volunteer guides . Nine new guides were recruited and 150000 trained . 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 100000 Discovery for Schools Percentage of participants satisfied with Discovery education 50000 programs In 2008–09, more than 74,000 students took part in cultural 100 0 and environmental educational activities through Discovery 2004–05 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008-09 for Schools . 80 In southern Sydney, the Discovery for Schools Program 9000060 has been established in Royal and Kamay Botany Bay tage national parks for many years, involving both primary and 40 secondary students . More than 8,000 students participated Percen 60000 during the year . In Kosciuszko National Park, almost 10,000 20 teachers and students participated . 0 A Frog Dreaming Conference was held in May 2009 in 30000 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 the Northern Tablelands region, attended by 160 school students . The conference was a joint effort by DECC, Interpretation: National Parks Discovery – Walks, Talks and Tours continues to attract participants across the state. The large increase Landcare, the catchment management authority and the 0 in participation2004–05 in 2008–092005-06 is partly2006-07 due to the collation,2007–08 for 2008-09the Department of Education and Training . first time, of data from a number of regional guided tour programs conducted at historic sites, caves, lighthouses and other places. Regional economic hardships and wet weather during 2008–09 affected100 Discovery for Schools participation figures in some areas.

The level80 of satisfaction among surveyed participants remains high, showing that program activities remain engaging and enjoyable. 60

40

20

0 2004–05 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008–09 86 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Park visitation management Parks Eco Pass Under a State Plan target, DECC is working to increase visits Parks Eco Pass is the new licensing system for recreation to parks and reserves by 20% by 2016 by developing more and tour operators in NSW national parks and reserves . It programs that encourage an appreciation of parks and by was completed in 2009 and will be implemented during providing access to recreational opportunities . 2009–10 . This streamlined, statewide licensing system will In 2008–09, DECC implemented a new system of support the growth of nature and cultural based recreation estimating visitor numbers to parks across the state . and tourism, while better ensuring the sustainable use of The system involved a telephone survey . More than NSW parks and reserves . 1,200 people were interviewed every four weeks from DECC currently licenses 200 recreational and tour February 2008 to February 2009, giving a total of 15,715 operators to conduct a large range of activities, including interviews . sightseeing, bushwalking, mountaineering, surfing and The new methodology provided important information kayaking, and cultural, educational and eco tours . about visitors, including: • 91% of visits were from people from NSW. Victoria Parks promotions and marketing plan and Queensland provided the most interstate visitors, Implementation of DECC’s promotions and marketing plan followed by the Australian Capital Territory . for NSW national parks was carried out during 2008–09, • 54% of visitors went walking during their visit. Water- following its development the previous year . The electronic based recreation, picnicking and dining, and sightseeing newsletters Explore and Naturescapes were established, were also popular . and an active public relations campaign was conducted in travel and lifestyle media . Upgrading visitor facilities In 2005, the NSW Government committed $38 million over four years to improving visitor facilities in Sydney’s national Photo: R. Scott, DECC. parks and reserves through the Revitalising Sydney’s National Parks program . Some of the major works in progress or completed in 2008–09 included: • redevelopment of Wentworth Falls picnic area and lookout in the Blue Mountains • heritage works at Baker’s Cottage in Lane Cove National Park • maintenance of Smuggler’s Track at Barrenjoey DECC surveys have shown that 90% of visitors are satisfied with their Headland to ensure safe public access experience in NSW national parks. • upgrade of facilities at Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park in preparation for resumed public access Using this new, more reliable method, it is estimated that • a refurbishment of Kamay Botany Bay National Park NSW national parks received 38 million visits in 2008, Visitor Centre . which is considerably higher than previous estimates . While it is thought that previous methods significantly Across other parts of NSW, significant works included: underestimated the number of visits, the increase is • an upgrade to the Minnamurra Rainforest boardwalk probably partly due to promotional work undertaken and visitor centre, which commenced in September to encourage visitation in 2008 . There were high visitor 2008 and is planned to continue over the next four numbers in the summer of 2008–09, with many parks years recording one of the busiest summers on record . • restoration of park accommodation buildings in Further research will explore the demand for outdoor northern NSW, including Inverary Homestead and nature-based recreation across the state, with results to outbuildings in Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park, be reported in 2009–10 . An inventory of visitor sites has two park houses in Kwiambal National Park, and a park been compiled to provide an overview of the supply of house in Gibraltar Range National Park recreational opportunities, and to undertake broad-scale • an upgrade to the mangrove boardwalk and visitor planning . replacement of road bollards on Ash Island, undertaken between February and June 2009 Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 87

• the construction of a 4WD-accessible camping and day- use facility at Halls Peak in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, which was completed in February 2009 • completion of the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre at Baradine in north-western NSW, which cost $2 .5 million and was officially opened in March 2009 . Leasing and property management DECC has a commercial property and leasing portfolio that enhances facilities and services for park visitors . During 2008–09, revenue from all DECC property and leases totalled $16 .612M . Highlights from 2008–09 include: • the finalisation of leases for 482 additional beds to 46 lessees, which will provide additional accommodation for visitors to Kosciuszko National Park • the finalisation of lease negotiations with Perisher Blue Pty Ltd to rationalise various lease interests in the Perisher Range resorts under a consolidated mountain lease with common terms and tenure • the Empire Marina at Bobbin Head, administered by DECC, was awarded an MIAA Australian Marina of the Year 2009 award • progress in discussions with utility providers, including Sydney Water Corporation and Energy Australia, to negotiate a head deed of easement finalising a commercial arrangement, with Blue Mountains City Council, to operate the newly upgraded Katoomba Scenic Skyway, which traverses Blue Mountains National Park . 88 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Conserve natural and cultural values through an integrated Photo: G. Steenbeeke, DECC. system of public and private lands

Building a comprehensive, adequate and representative The council also commented on tourism and national reserve system to protect natural and cultural heritage in parks, the review of the National Parks and Wildlife NSW ensures such heritage is conserved . Protected areas Regulation 2002, the biodiversity strategy discussion paper, on private and other public lands support conserved areas, and various lease proposals for land in Kosciuszko National particularly where ecosystems are poorly represented in Park . reserves . Park Management Program National Parks and Wildlife Advisory DECC’s Park Management Program aims to continually Council improve systems, policies and procedures that support park managers . In 2008–09, DECC began: • reviewing information systems to support tourism and partnership activities • developing a resource tracking system to support fire operations • developing a planning information management system and a pests and weeds information system . State of the Parks Through the NSW State of the Parks program, park managers monitor and evaluate the condition of protected areas, identify pressures in national parks and reserves, and Members of the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council. Left to right: Ronnie Harding, Jane Judd, Diana Hoffman, Glenda Chalker, Ken find ways of managing these areas more efficiently . Prendergast, Anne Reeves, George McKay, Jean Rice and Bruce Hayllar. The NSW State of the Parks program continues to set Absent: Sally Barnes, Geoff Cary, Janet Hayes, James Ingram, Nick a benchmark for conservation of all national parks and Jacomas, Ian McKenzie, Rod Young, Christine Ferguson. reserves . This was recognised at the Fourth IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in September The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council is 2008 where DECC led two sessions showcasing the State of constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act the Parks program . 1974 . The council may have up to 19 members with qualifications required of each member as set out in DECC supported a project with the University of the Act . The council advises the Minister on a range of Queensland, Parks Victoria and the Australian Department issues, including the management of parks and reserves, of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts to refine State the protection of wildlife, conservation agreements and of the Parks programs . This project is now being used wilderness areas . to inform the Australian Government’s National Reserve System strategy . The research project will finish in the third Four meetings are held each year . The council’s work is also quarter of 2009 . carried out through subcommittees . The council has a statutory role in reviewing plans of Plans of management management for parks and reserves . During 2008–09, the council considered and made recommendations on Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, a plan of 20 draft plans of management covering 34 parks and management must be prepared for each terrestrial park reserves . Significant plans included those for far south and reserve . These plans are statutory documents that coast escarpment parks, Chaelundi National Park and State set out conservation values; management goals; priorities Conservation Area, and Yellomundee Regional Park . for managing weeds, pests and fire; access arrangements; Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 89

recreational opportunities; visitor facilities; neighbour  relations; and priority works to be carried out in the years Performance indicator ahead . Adopted plans of management for the reserve In 2008–09, 46 plans covering 70 parks and reserves across system 450,000 hectares were adopted by the Minister . These included plans for Guy Fawkes River National Park, Nature Definition: This indicator measures the area and percentage of the reserve system managed by DECC which are covered by an adopted Reserve and State Conservation Area, Nearie Lake Nature plan of management. Reserve, Conjola National Park, and Brindabella National Park and State Conservation Area . A further 34 draft plans Area and percentage of reserve system covered by an adopted plan of covering 48 parks and reserves were placed on exhibition management for public comment during the year . 6,000,000 100 Regional operations plans are prepared each year to ensure that the actions and strategies in plans of management are 75 4,000,000 implemented in a systematic and prioritised way . A new tage ares

framework for regional operations plans was introduced in ct 50 He 2008–09 . Percen 2,000,000 25 Asset maintenance 0 0 As part of its total asset management plan, DECC is 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 implementing a statewide asset maintenance system Area of reserves (hectares) covered by an adopted plan of management (AMS) to coordinate management and maintenance of the Percentage of reserve system enormous variety of assets in national parks and reserves . The AMS provides a comprehensive inventory of assets; a Interpretation: During 2008–09, 46 plans of management were statewide tool for consistent and efficient scheduling of adopted by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, maintenance; and a powerful reporting tool for local or covering 70 parks and reserves, and an area of over 450,000 hectares. statewide analysis of maintenance activities and costs . As5000000 at 30 June 2009, there were 270 adopted plans covering 381 parks and reserves. In total, more than 4.8 million hectares are now covered Area of reserves (hectares) covered by an adopted plan of management Implementation of the new system continued in by4000000 an adopted plan of management, representing more than 70% of 2008–09, with comprehensive asset data capture the reserve system. (including GIS information) for infrastructure assets, AMS Parks3000000 with no adopted plan of management are managed under the user training, and field support . The AMS was more than principles set out in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and in 50% operational across NSW by 30 June 2009, with offices 100 accordance2000000 with DECC policy before a plan of management is adopted. Percentage of reserve system in western and southern NSW due to begin operating the new system later in 2009 . 1000000 75 Sawyers Rest House and Brooks Hut in Kosciuszko 0 National 2005-06Park completed2006-07 in March2007–08 2009 . 2008–09 Historic heritage maintenance 50 • awarding a contract for architectural design works to DECC has one of the largest holdings of historic heritage restore the Kiandra Courthouse site . Removal of cement sites in NSW . Each year, DECC manages major planning, 25 render from the external western (front) and northern works and maintenance projects to ensure that significant walls of the courthouse was completed . heritage is conserved . Highlights in 2008–09 included: 0 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008–09 • completing 3D modelling in June 2009 for the historic Marine park and aquatic reserve planning Innes Ruins near Port Macquarie by British firm Plowman Craven . This is thought to be the first use of the The zoning plans for Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands marine 3D technology in NSW, and will enable DECC to more parks came into effect in 2002, and the Government effectively monitor the condition of the ruins . committed to reviewing the plans after five years . • continuing to rebuild iconic alpine huts burnt by Following public consultation in late 2007–08, the Marine wildfires in 2003, with O’Keefe’s Hut in the Jagungal Parks Authority developed zoning plan review reports for Wilderness area completed in January 2009, and Jervis Bay and Solitary Islands marine parks, and developed Photo: G. Dunkerley.

A plan of management was adopted by the Minister for Brindabella National Park this year. 90 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

a summary of submissions and public consultation during Two Bush Matters newsletters and a Conservation 2008–09 . The reports were provided to the advisory Partnerships handbook were published, as well as updated committees for each marine park in April 2009 . All reports, web pages and technical management notes . summary documents and advisory committee comments will be provided to the Minister for Climate Change and Conservation agreements and wildlife the Environment and the Minister for Primary Industries later in 2009 for consideration . refuges The Marine Parks Regulation 1999 is also due for staged Conservation agreements under the National Parks and repeal and must be remade by 1 September 2009 . Public Wildlife Act 1974 protect and conserve significant natural consultation on a proposed Marine Parks Regulation 2009 and cultural heritage on private and other non-reserved and regulatory impact statement was held in May and public lands in perpetuity . They are voluntarily entered into, June 2009 . registered on the land title and legally binding on current Work continued on the development of the first NSW and successive landowners . aquatic reserve management plan for Cabbage Tree Bay As at 30 June 2009, there were 257 conservation Aquatic Reserve . It is anticipated that the plan will be agreements protecting 52,728 hectares of land managed finalised in 2009–10 . solely for conservation . The involvement of non-government conservation Marine park and aquatic reserve organisations and other public landholders in formal management conservation commitments continued to grow across the state . For example, the Casper’s Hideaway Conservation The Marine Parks Authority manages programs to conserve Agreement in the Kyogle area now formally protects more marine biodiversity, while providing opportunities than 700 hectares of natural habitat for the threatened for sustainable use, enjoyment, appreciation and brush-tailed rock-wallaby . understanding of marine parks . Examples from 2008–09 A review of conservation agreements in the Sydney include: area was undertaken, including visits to 19 properties to • the Australian Research Council awarded researchers establish monitoring points to measure future changes in at Batemans Marine Park two grants worth $820,000 to the condition of the properties . study the effects of human impacts and invasive species A research project was undertaken in partnership on estuaries in the marine park . with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife to • Cape Byron Marine Park successfully obtained funding explore marketing issues associated with properties with under the DECC Aboriginal Partnerships Funding conservation agreements . The project studied how land Program to assist actions arising from the Memorandum holders and agents could best be supported when selling of Understanding between the Bundjalung People or buying land which is protected by a conservation of Byron Bay (Arakwal), the Bundjalung Byron Bay agreement . Aboriginal Corporation (Arakwal) and the Marine Parks Authority . In 2008–09, funds were used to prepare an Wildlife refuges protect significant wildlife and habitats Indigenous Fishing Atlas for the Arakwal community . on private and other non-reserved public lands on a long-term basis . They are noted on the land title and are • staff at Lord Howe Island Marine Park encouraged the legally binding on current and successive landowners . local community and businesses to become involved Wildlife refuges represent the longest running private land in activities for the International Year of the Reef 2008, conservation mechanism in Australia, starting in 1948 . including an underwater photographic competition for the Lord Howe Island Central School, marine turtle tours As at 30 June 2009, there were 650 wildlife refuges for children and a marine naturalist education program . covering 1,934,032 hectares, about 80% of which are managed jointly for conservation and other compatible Conservation Partners Program land uses, and about 10% solely for conservation . A Voluntary Conservation and Biodiversity Inventory Conservation partnerships promote voluntary conservation Project, targeting longstanding wildlife refuges and on private land, complementing the building of a conservation agreements in the South West Slopes and comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve South East Highlands bioregions, was undertaken in system . Linking areas of habitat helps protect the state’s 2008–09 to update information about the status of biodiversity from pressures including the potential impacts the land and to support land holders with advice and of climate change . assistance . The Conservation Partners Program monitors and Other major partnership projects in 2008–09 included: supports landowners’ management of native vegetation • the Community Conservation Corridors project, and wildlife habitat, geological features, historic heritage, focusing on land holder involvement in further and Aboriginal cultural sites or places of significance . establishing wildlife corridors in priority areas of the The program is coordinated statewide to support the state to address potential implications of climate change establishment and ongoing management of partnerships consistent with conservation priorities . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 91

• the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative, with work  progressing in the Kosciuszko to Coast and Southern Performance indicator Highlands target areas (see chapter 2 for more Private and unreserved land in NSW managed for information on this initiative) conservation • the Box Gum Grassy Woodlands Stewardship Project, which aims to protect and conserve this endangered Definition: This indicator measures the total cumulative land area of ecological community, and is under way in the NSW that is protected and managed by land holders of private and unreserved public land for conservation. Land is managed under the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Central West, Namoi and National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, through voluntary conservation Border Rivers/Gwydir catchments, in partnership with agreements and wildlife refuges. catchment management authorities and the Australian Government . Forty-five properties have so far been Private land managed for conservation outcomes assessed for conservation agreements . 2,000,000 A funding initiative for landholders has been developed with the Paddy Pallin Foundation, the Foundation for 1,900,000 National Parks and Wildlife and the Wildlife Land Trust

ares 1,800,000 to provide funding for conservation projects on lands ct protected by in perpetuity conservation agreements . He The program made its first funding grants in 2008–09, 1,700,000 providing $30,000 to 17 private landholders .

1,600,000 Land for Wildlife 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Land for Wildlife is a voluntary property registration Interpretation: In 2008–09, 15 new conservation agreements were program that encourages and assists private land holders established over a total area of 29,655 hectares. Nine new wildlife to manage parts of their property for wildlife . Registration refuges were established over a total area of 258 hectares. At 30 June in this scheme does not change the legal status of a 2009, landholders managed a total of 1,986,762 hectares of land for property . The program complements conservation conservation outside the reserve system. This represents 2.47% of the land in NSW. agreements and wildlife refuges . 2000000 Hectares The Community Environment Network (CEN), a community conservation organisation, coordinates Land for Wildlife in DECC1900000 is continuing to build on this project, with a series of NSW . CEN hosted a conference in August 2008 to promote workshops and seminars for councils held in the Sydney further development of Land for Wildlife in NSW . Four metropolitan1800000 area during 2008–09 . A biodiversity training new local council partners signed up to the program in course specifically designed for council staff was also 2008–09 . conducted1700000 across Sydney . Further training is planned for other regional areas experiencing strong development pressure, such as the NSW north coast . Wildlife Habitats and Corridors program 1600000 Ongoing support2004–05 to 2005-06councils participating2006-07 2007-08 in the project2008–09 The Keep Australia Beautiful Council of NSW again was also provided through a regular newsletter and a web undertook its annual Tidy Towns Awards Program, which page on DECC’s website – visit www environment. .nsw gov. . included key programs to encourage regional and rural au/biodiversity/BiodiversityResources .htm communities to keep their environment as a quality place to live . The Wildlife Habitats and Corridors category was sponsored by DECC, to recognise the efforts and Nature Conservation Trust of NSW achievements of communities working with their local The Nature Conservation Trust is an independent body councils to conserve important wildlife habitat . There established under legislation to enhance support for were 24 entries this year, and the winning project was the conservation of natural and cultural heritage among the Boorowa River Recovery Project, in which 500 hectares was wider community, encourage stronger private sector rehabilitated along 60 kilometres of waterways and across investment in conservation, and raise and administer funds 50 properties, in partnership with a range of community to sustain itself into the future . The trust’s main work is in organisations and business sponsors . promoting conservation on private land in NSW . This year, DECC supported the work of the Nature Local Government Biodiversity Capacity Conservation Trust through membership on its Board and Building Project Revolving Fund Committee, by providing government funding of $2 million over four years, and by leading The Local Government Biodiversity Capacity Building the implementation of recommendations arising from a Project commenced in 2007–08 as a way to assist local statutory review of the Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001 . councils to better manage and protect biodiversity . 92 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Protect and revitalise Aboriginal culture and heritage Photo: Laughton, P. DECC.

Aboriginal heritage protection Two new Aboriginal Places were declared in 2008–09: • Terramungamine Aboriginal Place is known and valued Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, DECC as a traditional burial ground, and is still recognised issues Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits (AHIPs) for any as a contemporary Aboriginal burial ground . The area development or activity that is likely to have an impact is managed by Dubbo City Council as part of the on Aboriginal objects or Places . Under DECC policy, AHIP Terramungamine Reserve Trust lands and is known as applicants must consult with members and representatives the Tubbagah Aboriginal Burial Ground . of Aboriginal communities that might be affected before commencing with a development or activity . • Collingwood Aboriginal Place, near Liverpool, offers a view across a ridgetop and down to the Georges River DECC’s Interim Community Consultation Requirements and surrounding country . It was a meeting place for for Applicants have applied since January 2005 . As part the Tharawal, Gandangara and Darag peoples, and of DECC’s review of these interim requirements, DECC has views into each of their countries . The place was a released a discussion paper in 2008–09 and held 19 forums vantage point to observe movement, weather patterns, across NSW to seek the views of interested stakeholders . threats from fire, and changes in seasonal vegetation More than 270 Aboriginal people, heritage professionals and other resources . and government representatives attended the forums, and DECC received 33 written submissions . The issues raised by A celebration for Mt Yengo Aboriginal Place was held on the forum participants, and their views and suggestions, the 18 April 2009 to mark one of the largest Aboriginal were vital for drafting the revised community consultation Places declared in NSW, covering 1,700 hectares of Yengo requirements . Once the revised requirements were drafted, National Park . Over 150 community members and DECC DECC conducted further information sessions in key areas staff attended the celebrations . around the state to explain the new document and invite As at 30 June 2009, there were a further three Aboriginal comment . Places under consideration following investigation – The proposed approach to AHIP consultation is strongly Lambie Gorge, Dandry Gorge and Terry Hie Hie . DECC based on traditional lore and custom, which was a strong had also commenced investigations into Aboriginal Places theme of the feedback received through the forums and in at East Ballina, Daruka Axe Quarry, Stockton Riffle Range, submissions . Stockton Hospital and Cemetery, Bulahdelah (Alum) Mountain, the former Brewarrina Mission and Cemetery, Under the draft requirements, proponents must consult Nap Nap Burial Ground, Bunyip Hole, Brungle Cemetery, with Aboriginal people who know about the cultural Fort Wallace, Delegate Aboriginal Reserve and Brou Lake significance of the objects or places on their traditional (Ten Pelicans) . lands that may be impacted on by the proposed development . A new set of community consultation requirements for AHIP applicants will be finalised in 2009–10 . Photo: DECC. Aboriginal Places In 2008–09, DECC reviewed its guidelines and procedures for assessing Aboriginal Place nominations to further streamline the assessment process and better guide staff undertaking assessments .

As part of the Illawarra Repatriation Program, three sets of Aboriginal remains were reburied at the mouth of Lake Illawarra. Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 93

Repatriation and reburial  Performance indicator In southern NSW, DECC implemented a major repatriation Aboriginal Place declarations for sites of Aboriginal program in partnership with six local Aboriginal land cultural significance councils and Aboriginal communities . The program resulted in the successful collection and return of Definition: This indicator measures the cumulative number of places 27 individual ancestors . across NSW that were declared as Aboriginal Places under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 following recognition of their special The Illawarra Repatriation Program, Stage 1, involved significance to Aboriginal culture. repatriating five ancestral remains and cultural material . As a result, three sets of remains were reburied at Windang, at Aboriginal Place declarations the mouth of Lake Illawarra . The other sets of remains are 80 held by DECC awaiting reburial in Stage 2 of the project . DECC returned a scar tree to the Gandangarra traditional 60 owners, to their building complex in Katoomba . Community members were delighted, and plan ongoing 40 school and community visits to celebrate its return . Number A repatriation project carried out with the Gilgandra 20 Aboriginal community in March 2009 returned two sets of remains from the Shellshear Musuem at the University of 0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Sydney . The remains had been with the university for more than 50 years and the Gilgandra community was pleased Interpretation: Two Aboriginal Places were declared in 2008–09 – the remains were returned to Country . Terramungamine near Dubbo and Collingwood near Liverpool. As at June 2009, 66 Aboriginal Places had been declared. The number of In far west NSW, the second stage of the Barham project is declarations does not always reflect the level of ongoing investigative under way at Moama, to return 17 skeletal remains held by work, as investigations may not be completed in a single reporting DECC . The Aboriginal community has negotiated a reburial year, or investigations may find that a nominated place does not meet location on State forest land on the Murray River . legislative80 requirements for declaration. Cumulative totals

Aboriginal Heritage Information 60  Performance indicator Management System Aboriginal40 ancestral remains and collections The Aboriginal Heritage Information Management of cultural material repatriated to Aboriginal System (AHIMS), which has operated for more than communities20 30 years, contains information on 57,603 recorded sites, 9,872 archaeological reports and other Aboriginal Definition: This indicator measures the number of Aboriginal 0 heritage reports . It is used by government, industry and ancestral remains2004–05 and collections2005-06 of2006-07 cultural material2007–08 held under2008–09 the heritage professionals for land-use planning, regulation National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) repatriated by DECC to and conservation management . It is also used by local NSW Aboriginal communities. DECC also works with the Australian Museum and community groups to facilitate repatriation under other Aboriginal communities to help them manage, conserve legislation. and protect local sites and heritage . A ‘collection’ is more than two and up to 200 items. The repatriation During 2008–09, DECC completed several digitising process involves extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities projects for information held on AHIMS, including to ensure items are returned appropriately and according to Aboriginal the rock art tracings project, Aboriginal site cards and community protocols. archaeological report projects, and photographs and slides Aboriginal ancestral remains and collections of cultural material of moveable heritage items . These digitising and data repatriated to Aboriginal communities management activities are ongoing and greatly enhance 120 the services and capabilities of AHIMS . 100 d Aboriginal Discovery program 80 60 The Aboriginal Discovery program involves DECC working repatriate in partnership with local Aboriginal communities to 40 encourage the broader community to learn more about Number local Aboriginal culture and heritage through walks, talks, 20 tours and school programs . During 2008–09, 14 regions 0 delivered an Aboriginal Discovery program . 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Under NPW Act During 2008–09, 48 Aboriginal people across the state Other collections were employed to deliver walks, talks and tours, which Interpretation: In 2008-09, DECC returned ten remains and collections included art site walks and rock art tours, Starry Starry held under the NPW Act, and helped return ten remains held by Night tours incorporating indigenous astronomy, and museums and universities to Aboriginal communities.

120 Other collections

100 Under NPW Act 80

60

40

20

0 2004–05 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008–09 94 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

cultural walks . The 48 Aboriginal Discovery rangers across Aboriginal site awareness training the State provided 28,178 hours of face-to-face interpretive and educational experiences both in parks and at schools In 2008–09, DECC delivered eight Aboriginal site awareness in 2008–09 . training programs to 119 participants from the Roads and Two Aboriginal Discovery tours introduced last year again Traffic Authority, Energy Australia, catchment management proved to be very popular in 2008–09 . ‘Wiradjuri Wonders’ authorities and DECC . All programs were delivered with in Kosciuszko National Park focuses on bush tucker, bush local Aboriginal community representatives, and were craft and traditional pathways through the northern end of designed to improve people’s understanding of Aboriginal the park . In 2008–09, this tour was listed in the Australian cultural heritage site values . national indigenous tour product manual . ‘Wanda on Attendees learnt about the cultural values of Aboriginal Wheels’ on the far south coast teaches the public about sites and landscapes, and about the value of community bush tucker and traditional Aboriginal life, culture, dance consultation . Attendees also gained knowledge of DECC’s and music . responsibilities and procedures, and the legislation that applies to cultural heritage and its management . Aboriginal Land Management Framework The Aboriginal Land Management Framework project (ALMF) is a whole-of-government project led by DECC that coordinates the NSW Government’s approach to Photo: M. Cooper, DECC. the access, use and joint management of public land by Aboriginal people . The ALMF project recognises, and will build on, the links between involvement in land management and improved Aboriginal health and wellbeing . The initial work of the project has been to scope Aboriginal communities’ needs and aspirations in relation to land management, so the NSW Government can deliver access and joint management arrangements that meet those needs . Three months of public consultation concluded in April 2009, involving 16 public workshops attended by 215 people from six state agencies and various catchment Aboriginal rangers conduct walks in national parks to explain Aboriginal management authorities . culture to visitors. The workshops provided a forum for Aboriginal communities to present views to the Government, and written submissions were received from key stakeholders . Aboriginal rock art training and Development of the ALMF will continue in 2009–10 as the management Government, in co-operation with NSW Aboriginal Land Council, reviews the feedback . Over 30 Aboriginal traditional owners, Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council members and DECC staff participated in a rock art training course at Mutawintji New proposals to strengthen conservation National Park in May 2009 . The aim was to ensure that of cultural heritage there was a large pool of trained and experienced Aboriginal people and DECC personnel with the skills to On 16 April 2009, the Government released for consultation assess, manage and maintain the extensive Aboriginal rock proposed amendments to the National Parks and Wildlife art across Mutawintji National Park . Act 1974 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 that will have implications for cultural heritage In May and June 2009 work was carried out with Aboriginal conservation . The proposed amendments will: community members from Cobar and Bourke across a number of properties on the Cobar Peneplain . The • modernise and streamline the protection of Aboriginal Aboriginal rock art on these properties was recorded in the cultural heritage and related regulatory processes under 1970s, but in many instances had not been visited since Part 6 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 that time . • make enforcement provisions more consistent with other environmental legislation In 2009 DECC staff were invited to present a rock art workshop for Parks Victoria, attended by staff from Parks • update wildlife management licensing provisions Victoria, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and the Native Title • make minor changes to the management of Aboriginal- Office, and archaeologists and anthropologists who work owned parks under Part 4A of the National Parks and in the Grampians . Wildlife Act 1974 • update a range of miscellaneous park management provisions . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 95

Culture camps Some important Aboriginal sites had been identified through a preliminary Aboriginal cultural heritage survey Culture camps support and enhance Aboriginal leading up to the weekend’s event, and these were shown connections to Country through intergenerational to the Elders . learning, the practice of custodial responsibilities and the continuation of valued traditions . Rivers Environmental Restoration Program DECC staff delivered a highly successful Hunter Valley The NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration Program, Cultural Camp for male Elders, where sites of significance which aims to arrest the decline of wetlands in the Lower were revisited and re-examined . The Elders were delighted Murrumbidgee and Lachlan River systems, also includes with the opportunity to re-record special areas . the Recording of Aboriginal Use and Values project . The In April 2009, DECC supported Dhungutti-initiated men project has strong engagement from Aboriginal people to carry out a traditional ceremony in the Macleay Valley throughout the Lake Cargelligo, Griffith, Ivanhoe, Hay, area . With more than 20 participants, it was the largest Balranald and Robinvale regions . ceremony conducted for the Dhungutti/Gumbaingarr The project involves archival and historical research of people since the 1930s . Aboriginal peoples’ connection to the region and the In April 2009, DECC and Mission Australia held a culture wetlands, oral history research (involving the recording camp at Camp Cypress near Baradine for Aboriginal high of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people), archaeological school students from Dubbo who were involved in Mission research to examine past Aboriginal use, and establishing Australia’s Leadership and Cultural Development Program . socio-economic development opportunities for Aboriginal This program supports young Aboriginal students with people through access to, and use of, the wetlands . the aim of keeping them in school and building resilience . This project aims to finish in June 2010, and will A highlight of the camp was the tour of the Burra Bee demonstrate the importance of wetlands, Aboriginal Dee Aboriginal Mission near Coonabarabran with Aunty cultural values around wetlands and the need to maintain Maureen Sulter, who shared stories of her childhood, and those values through environmental watering . It will also to the work she and the local community had done to install seek to establish and strengthen Aboriginal people’s access a walking track with interpretive signage at the reserve . and use arrangements, enable long-term investment With the major purchase by the Australian and NSW through Aboriginal culture camps and building cultural governments of Toorale Station on the junction of the identity, enable businesses based on cultural tourism to Warrego and Darling Rivers, a ‘Back to Country’ activity access the wetlands, and provide Aboriginal participation was held for Barkindji Kurnu Aboriginal traditional owners in water partnership committees . in May 2009 . The weekend event brought back more than 25 Barkindji Elders directly connected to Country .

 Case study

North West Region Sculptures in the Scrub: young Aboriginal people find out about their past Four highly regarded sculptors – Brett Garling, Col Henry, Ken Hutchinson and Aboriginal artist Badger

Bates – worked with DECC and Aboriginal community Photo: B Sutherland, DECC. representatives from the Pilliga on the Sculptures in the Scrub Project near Baradine. An Aboriginal Elder and a young person assisted each sculptor with the creation of their pieces. The artist’s designs reflected the key themes of recognising and supporting cultural identity and enhancing the natural and cultural beauty of Dandry Gorge. The gorge is a culturally significant landscape Col Henry’s sculpture, Scrub spirits, looks out over Dandry Gorge. for the Gamilaroi people and a place rich in cultural resources. The project provided an opportunity for Elders and community leaders to exchange cultural knowledge To enhance the visitor experience, an Aboriginal with young Aboriginal people and the wider Discovery Program guided by local Aboriginal people community. The sculptures have been strategically will be developed to explain to visitors the cultural placed to allow visitors to view these works against the values and significance of the site, and the inspiration beautiful vista of the gorge and the ruggedness of the and the process that created the sculptures. Pilliga scrub. 96 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Increase Aboriginal participation

Photo: M. Cooper, DECC. in land, water and natural resource management

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Aboriginal lands cleanup program Committee DECC is committed to reducing the incidence of litter and illegal dumping in Aboriginal communities to improve health, social and educational outcomes through the Aboriginal Lands Clean-Up Program . Under the program,

Photo: DECC. Local Aboriginal Land Councils and local councils develop collaborative projects that prevent illegal dumping on Aboriginal-owned lands . To date, $500,000 has been provided under the Waste and Sustainability program of the Environmental Trust . The funds have been awarded to ten Local Aboriginal Land Councils and local councils to: • clean up illegally dumped materials on Aboriginal- owned lands • deter further illegal dumping • maximise recycling and resource recovery from illegally dumped materials • foster relationships between Aboriginal communities, local and state government and community groups .

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee at Byron Bay. Five completed projects in 2008–09 have resulted in: • the re-use of around 2500 tonnes of material • the recycling of around 100 tonnes of metal, concrete, The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee brick, glass and whitegoods (ACHAC), established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, consists of nominees of the NSW Aboriginal Land • the disposal of 317 tonnes of mixed wastes, including Council and Aboriginal Elders groups, as well as registered 34 tonnes of asbestos material . native title claimants and Aboriginal owners . It advises the A further three projects are nearing completion, and two Minister and the Director General of DECC on any matter others are under way . relating to identification, assessment and management of Successful completion of the projects will allow Aboriginal Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW . communities to implement broader waste management On 31 March 2009, the committee members finished their strategies . Improved land management also allows three-year term and work was under way to reconstitute a Aboriginal communities to explore further land-use new committee . options, such as entering into BioBanking or sustainable At the final ACHAC meeting on 25 and 26 March 2009 native forestry agreements . the committee reviewed the goals and priorities of its three-year strategic agenda . Committee members agreed that ACHAC is an empowering mechanism that helps Aboriginal people to have an instrumental role in advising the NSW Government on cultural heritage issues that affect Aboriginal people across the state . Chapter 4 – Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability 97

Land Alive  Performance indicator Land Alive is funded by the Environmental Trust to build Formal agreements with Aboriginal communities the capacity of Aboriginal landowners to be effective for joint management of protected areas land managers . The project builds knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity and cultural values Definition: DECC works with Aboriginal communities to incorporate of land holdings, develops experience in conservation cultural practices into the management of parks and reserves under programs and delivers accredited training in conservation joint management arrangements. These agreements are guided and formalised under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and land management to the Aboriginal community . the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth). This indicator shows the In 2008–09, the Land Alive project funded the cumulative number of formal joint management agreements in place development of management plans for five Local with Aboriginal communities, including leases, Indigenous Land Use Aboriginal Land Councils and commenced training for Agreements and memoranda of understanding. 30 Aboriginal trainees in conservation land management . DECC also engages in informal partnerships with Aboriginal The Land Alive project also commenced the Connecting communities. However, given the localised nature of many of these, Culture to Biodiversity project which documents and they are difficult to measure accurately and have not been included in this indicator. verifies Aboriginal cultural resource use in north-east NSW . The Land Alive project also funded the NSW Aboriginal Formal agreements with Aboriginal communities for joint Land Council to establish a position dedicated to working management of protected areas with DECC on making the BioBanking Scheme accessible 20 to, and understood by, the Local Aboriginal Land Council network . 15

Joint management of parks 10 Number The joint management of parks and reserves involves 5 DECC and Aboriginal people sharing responsibility for management, and is an important recognition of the 0 special link that communities have to their traditional lands . 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Formal joint management options include: • DECC returning a protected area to its Aboriginal Interpretation: During 2008–09, one new joint management owners and leasing it back to be jointly managed under agreement, the Saltwater National Park MoU between DECC and the Part 4A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Saltwater Tribal Council (Aboriginal Corporation) on behalf of the Saltwater people was signed off in December. • Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) with native At 30 June 2009, with the inclusion of Saltwater National Park, there title holders under the Native Title Act 1993 are now20 16 formal joint management arrangements in place with • memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between DECC Aboriginal communities covering 99 areas across more than 1.5 million hectares (or 23%) of the reserve system. and Aboriginal communities . 15 DECC also enters into less formal partnerships with Aboriginal people to protect and manage their culture, 10 heritage and land .

As at 30 June 2009, joint management arrangements 5 included: 0 • Aboriginal ownership and lease back of Mutawintji 2004–05 2005-06 2006-07 2007–08 2008–09 National Park, Mutawintji Historic Site and Mutawintji Nature Reserve in the far west; Mt Grenfell Historic Site near Cobar; Biamanga and Gulaga national parks on the far south coast; and the Worimi Conservation Lands near Newcastle . Photo: Laughton, P. DECC. • ILUAs with the Bundjalung people of Byron Bay (Arakwal) for Arakwal National Park and a proposed Ti Tree Lake Aboriginal Area near Cape Byron; and with the Githabul people for ten parks in the Kyogle area . • MoUs for Mungo National Park near Mildura; Kinchega National Park near Menindee; Goobang National Park and Snake Rock Aboriginal Area near Peak Hill; Pilliga Nature Reserve near Coonabarabran; and parks in the Central Coast–Hunter Range Region and in metropolitan Sydney and for Saltwater National Park and part of Khapphinghat Nature Reserve .

Curator Gerald Quayle explains the significance of Aboriginal rock art in Mutawintji National Park to DECC staff. 98 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

DECC is also working with Forster Local Aboriginal Land Other joint projects with Aboriginal Council to cooperatively manage lands at Seal Rocks . In December 2008, DECC entered into a MoU with the communities Saltwater Tribal Council for Saltwater National Park . A DECC worked with Aboriginal communities on a range ceremony was held in April 2009 in Saltwater National of other projects and programs across NSW . Examples Park to celebrate the signing of the MoU . The MoU include: recognises the Worimi and Biripi peoples’ connection to Saltwater National Park and provides for them to continue • throughout 2008–09, DECC consulted with the traditionally using the park and camping in it . Bandjalang people regarding management of Mibinjbah (Black Rocks) in Bundjalung National Park, including In March 2009, the chairs of the 16 boards of management future recreation management and committees for Aboriginal joint managed parks in NSW, met in Taree and attended the celebrations for the • an Aboriginal training workshop was conducted in Saltwater MoU . The chairs agreed to meet twice each December 2008 for local Indigenous people from the year to share experiences and advise DECC . The Githabul Gundungurra, Jerrinja, Yuin and Wiradjuri communities people hosted the second meeting of the chairs in Kyogle and Batemans Bay Aboriginal Land Council to introduce in June 2009 . them to the Discovery Program, with a view to providing skills and networks for establishing their own businesses Aboriginal Park Partnerships Program • Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains Aboriginal community members worked with DECC on bushcare projects in In 2008–09, DECC established a four-year Aboriginal Park Yellowmundee Regional Park from May 2009 until 2011, Partnerships Program to support a range of partnerships focusing on lantana removal and regeneration of the between DECC and Aboriginal communities for park natural bushland . management, education and interpretation in parks and to support Aboriginal people’s access to and use of parks Aboriginal Water Trust for cultural activities . In 2008–09 the program funded In 2008–09, the Aboriginal Water Trust funded eight 27 projects, including cultural camps or ‘back to country’ new grants to Aboriginal community organisations to days, oral histories projects, education and interpretation purchase and install water infrastructure, and to implement projects and tourism projects . sustainable water and water re-use projects (see also Examples of projects funded under the programs in Appendix 17 Grants to community organisations) . 2008–09 were: • Yun Yi Barragay: Walk With Me – an Aboriginal eco- Aboriginal Water Use Capacity Project cultural schools education program In 2008–09, DECC worked with the Department of • an Aboriginal Guiding Project on the mid-north coast, Water and Energy, the Department of Primary Industries, in which seven guides received training in Certificate I in catchment management authorities, Local Aboriginal Tourism or Aboriginal guiding Land Councils and Aboriginal communities to deliver the Aboriginal Water Use Capacity Project . The project was • 20 Worimi community members and visitor information funded by $300,000 from the National Action Plan for officers received training in Certificate 1 in Aboriginal Salinity and Water Quality and the Natural Heritage Trust . tour guiding The project is delivering best practice information • eight members of the Karuah Aboriginal community and training to Aboriginal people for planning and completed a Certificate 2 CALM TAFE accredited course implementing water-based activities, participating in through working as a ’green team’ the implementation of water reforms, improving access • DECC worked with the Brungle/Tumut Aboriginal to water markets, and supporting the sustainable use of community to develop a MoU and an oral and written natural resources . history of the Brungle/Tumut Aboriginal community, DECC and the inter-agency project team consulted with and commenced the training and mentoring of focus groups and workshops to establish Aboriginal Aboriginal people in delivering cultural tours communities’ knowledge of water management, and • the Towra Team, comprising 15 members of the to identify areas where information and resources were La Perouse Aboriginal Community, continued to required . contribute to the management of Towra Point Nature These workshops informed the development of a culturally Reserve and Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney’s appropriate package that addresses Aboriginal community south, acting as wardens for the little tern colony and information requirements . The package includes a undertaking bush regeneration and Discovery Guide training manual and support materials and resources . training . Project officers also developed an educational DVD which showcases Aboriginal communities’ projects regarding the cultural values of water, and water use for economic development and social benefits . 99

A credible, effective and 5 efficient organisation Photo: DECC.

As the lead environment and conservation agency in NSW, DECC ensures staff have the skills to deliver positive outcomes for the environment, and the organisation is managed cost-effectively and efficiently. 100 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Context Key drivers As the NSW public sector agency responsible for Our drive to be a credible, effective and efficient environment protection, conservation and natural organisation is informed by: resource management, DECC employs nearly 3,700 • State Plan – A New Direction for NSW (www .nsw gov. .au/ full-time equivalent staff, with more than 1,650 staff in stateplan/) regional locations . DECC is a leader in environmental sustainability and has developed an action plan to • DECC Corporate Plan 2008–2012 (www.environment. enable the organisation to lead sustainability issues in nsw gov. .au/whoweare/plan .htm) the NSW Government sector . DECC has already reduced • DECC Results and Services Plan its own overall energy consumption and its greenhouse • NSW Government Sustainability Policy gas emissions . (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/government/policy . To ensure compliance with statutory requirements, htm) and the internal DECC Sustainability Action Plan government policies and procedures, and continuous • NSW Government Waste Reduction and Purchasing improvement practices, DECC regularly reviews and Policy (www environment. .nsw gov. .au/warr/WRAPP . updates its corporate governance strategies and htm) department-wide policies . • NSW Government’s Aboriginal Affairs Plan Two Ways DECC continues to encourage a diverse and well-trained Together (www daa. .nsw gov. .au/policies/policy .html) workforce, with solid training programs and career development opportunities for staff . The high calibre of • DECC Code of Ethical Conduct (www.environment. DECC staff was reflected in the number of awards won nsw gov. .au/whoweare/ethics .htm) in 2008–09 from international organisations such as • DECC Guarantee of Service (www.environment.nsw. the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural gov .au/whoweare/gos .htm) Organisation (UNESCO) and local agencies such as Tourism NSW . DECC continues to attract new staff by • occupational health and safety, equal employment running graduate, cadet and trainee work programs . opportunity and ethnic affairs priority strategies and frameworks .

Outcomes Performance indicators DECC aims to be a credible, effective and efficient organisation by: DECC measures organisational performance through the following performance indicators: • having sound corporate governance arrangements • Requests handled by DECC’s Information Centre • being a leader in environmental sustainability • Visits to DECC websites • having effective internal and external communications systems and providing excellent customer service • Freedom of information requests • providing a safe and healthy workplace • Accidents and incidents reported and workers compensation claims • nurturing and training staff and establishing smart systems • DECC staff representation in equal employment opportunity groups • keeping up-to-date with current financial and environmental knowledge and innovation . • Payment of accounts. Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 101

Corporate governance Photo: A. Weeraratne, DECC.

DECC implements effective corporate governance systems Management that: • enhance strategic planning and overall organisational The Director General is the head of the Department of performance Environment and Climate Change and works with the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, the • strengthen risk and asset management DECC executive management team, senior managers and • enhance DECC’s credibility and public reputation staff to achieve DECC objectives and ensure its resources through transparency and accountability are used efficiently . • prevent and detect fraudulent, dishonest or unethical DECC executive members consider corporate and budget behaviour performance at regular meetings, to ensure DECC is meeting its responsibilities . Executive subcommittees • strengthen budgeting and financial management cover issues such as information technology, science, systems and reporting . natural resource management, external funding and In September 2008, DECC published its Corporate Plan legislation . Significant boards and committees advise 2008–2012 which sets out goals, outcomes, objectives the Director General and the DECC executive on policy and priorities for 2008–2012 – see www environment. .nsw . development and meeting corporate objectives, including gov .au/whoweare/corpplanning .htm . The corporate plan sound corporate governance . These include the EPA Board, informs business planning and aligns with the NSW State the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and the Plan, and DECC’s Results and Services Plan which is agreed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee . to with NSW Treasury . DECC also monitors a comprehensive set of corporate Risk management performance indicators, which performance reports are based on . These reports are provided quarterly to DECC DECC’s corporate Risk Management Policy is intended management, the Minister’s Office and the EPA Board, and to help ensure risk is managed systematically, efficiently to key central agencies . In early 2009, DECC reviewed its and effectively . New corporate risk management suite of performance indicators to align them with its new procedures, finalised in November 2008, outline seven key corporate plan . steps in the DECC risk management process, including risk identification, analysis, evaluation and treatment; and various management and staff accountabilities . These documents are supplemented by policies and procedures that deal with specific categories of risk such as occupational health and safety, fire management and tree risk management . DECC also addresses risk through its insurance arrangements . All DECC’s risk management policies and procedures are based on the Australian/New Zealand Risk Management Standard (AS/NZS 4360: 2004), and are consistent in their approach and methodology . In 2008–09, DECC identified business processes and activities in the agency where there are potential risks of fraud and corruption, to identify existing prevention controls and to assess the adequacy of these controls . 102 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

DECC’s Fraud and Corruption Control Strategy was also Audit and compliance program reviewed – see www environment. .nsw gov. .au/whoweare/ fraud .htm . It sets out policies, highlights activities that are DECC’s comprehensive internal audit program helps susceptible to fraud and corruption, and details DECC’s to ensure DECC programs and processes comply with approach to preventing, detecting, reporting on and legislation and best practice management . Conservation investigating fraud and corruption . compliance is overseen by the Conservation Audit and The risk of fraud and corruption is also reduced through a Compliance Committee (CACC), established under the strong Code of Ethical Conduct – see www environment. . National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 . Environment protection, nsw gov. .au/whoweare/ethics .htm – and Statement of finance and administration, risk management and fraud Business Ethics – see www environment. .nsw gov. .au/ and corruption controls, are overseen by the Internal Audit commercial/businessethics .htm – that guide DECC’s Committee (IAC) . Both committees meet quarterly, and relationships with external providers and stakeholders . officers from the Audit Office of NSW regularly attend As part of internal audits, key controls were tested in meetings as observers . 2008–09 to ensure they were effective in minimising fraud The internal auditors submit final reports to the appropriate and corruption . audit committee and recommendations are monitored to ensure they are fully implemented . DECC’s internal auditors Business continuity planning for 2008–09 were IAB Services and Walter Turnbull . In 2008–09 DECC reviewed and updated the IAC Charter In 2008–09, DECC completely revised and updated its and the CACC Terms of Reference to reflect organisational business continuity management plans . A revised Business changes . An external chair of the IAC (Mr Arthur Butler) was Continuity Plan and Pandemic Response Plan were appointed to strengthen the independence and probity of formulated . These plans complement existing regional the committee’s work . incident response plans and disaster recovery plans . All planning has been designed to minimise the disruption Audits completed during 2008–09 which were overseen of services to the public should a catastrophic event or by the CACC included: pandemic occur . • the fire management framework in parks Asset management systems • fire fighting preparedness and control equipment • arrangements for joint management of parks and DECC prepared a Total Asset Management Stategy in reserves with Aboriginal people February 2009 to guide effective management of its • compliance with firearms legislation, policies and strategic assets . DECC manages a wide range of assets, procedures including land and buildings, water entitlements, plant and equipment and infrastructure systems (see Appendix • a wildlife licensing review 19) . Many aspects of asset management are undertaken • weed control programs regionally, such as building maintenance and replacement • visitor safety systems (hazards) of plant and equipment, while large-scale acquisitions, overall asset management systems and asset financing are • environmental and conservation standards relating to managed centrally . easements Details of major works in progress are shown in • audits of 16 plans of management for: Appendix 18 . – Benambra National Park and Tabletop Nature Reserve – Dalrymple–Hay Nature Reserve – Dunggir National Park – Duval Nature Reserve – Eagles Claw Nature Reserve – Gamilaroi Nature Reserve – Gundabooka National Park and State Conservation Area – Killarney Nature Reserve

Photo: DECC. – Murramarang Aboriginal Area – Nangar National Park – Sydney Harbour National Park – Tooloom National Park – Towra Point Nature Reserve – Wambina Nature Reserve – Wingham Brush Nature Reserve – Wombeyan Karst Conservation Area

The plan of management for Towra Point Nature Reserve was audited in 2008–09. Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 103

Audits completed during 2008–09 and overseen by the Ethical behaviour IAC included: • the Hunter levee maintenance program A range of measures are in place to help DECC resolve ethical dilemmas as they arise and enable DECC to respond • review of The Living Murray project to unethical decisions and practices if they are identified . • administration of Climate Change Fund grant programs DECC’s ethical framework is detailed in policies and • revenue collection from annual and multi-year park guidelines relating to ethical conduct, managing entry passes complaints and allegations, preventing fraud and corruption and making a protected disclosure under the • secure back-up of DECC electronic data Protected Disclosures Act 1994 . • SAP risk controls The Code of Ethical Conduct applies to everyone • procurement processes engaged by DECC and describes the ethical framework • DECC’s financial management responsibilities in relation that should guide the actions, decisions and behaviour to catchment management authorities of employees . DECC amended its code in 2008–09 to address the commencement, in February 2009, of the NSW • RTA DRIVES (Roads and Traffic Authority vehicle Government Lobbying Code of Conduct and following registration database) the release of the corporate plan and revision of DECC’s • World Heritage funding. corporate values . The audits of both the operational and administrative DECC works to ensure the privacy of staff and clients processes found that the systems were predominantly is protected . DECC’s Privacy Management Plan and sound . There were no areas identified with ‘extreme’ Guidelines – see www environment. .nsw gov. .au/ risk ratings . The areas identified with ‘high’ risk ratings whoweare/privacy .htm – provides details about the privacy were all controlled by the acceptance of a range of principles DECC follows when dealing with personal recommendations . information . During 2008–09, there were no applications received for access to personal information . No complaints External reviews were received under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the Health Records and Information External reviews provide DECC with an independent Privacy Act 2002. assessment of its probity, impact and compliance . During Corporate governance activities relating to financial 2008–09, the Audit Office of NSW carried out its annual management, consumer response and freedom of comprehensive audits of DECC’s financial reporting and its information are reported elsewhere in this chapter . accounting and financial systems . There were no specific Other corporate governance activities are reported in DECC performance audits carried out during 2008–09 . the annual report appendices: In May 2009, the Auditor-General released a report • SES performance statements (see Appendix 2) on grants administration . The report looked at five government agencies (including DECC) and how grants • significant statutory boards and committees are defined, where grants are directed and what recipients (see Appendix 5) think of the grant system . The report will be followed • legislation and legal changes (see Appendix 7) by a second report in 2009–10 that examines specific environmental grant programs managed by DECC and the • Statement of Affairs (see Appendix 10) Environmental Trust . • freedom of information (see Appendix 11) • overseas visits by staff (see Appendix 15) • consultancies (see Appendix 16) • grants to community organisations (see Appendix 17) 104 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Photo: DECC. A leader in sustainability and environmental performance

NSW Government Sustainability Policy DECC has a portfolio of more than 2,000 buildings (consisting of buildings in national parks, offices and other As the lead environment and climate change agency in facilities) that are either leased or owned . In 2007–08, DECC NSW, DECC is committed to sustainability actions to reach, building use generated approximately 17,000 t CO2e as a and wherever possible exceed, targets set out in the NSW result of 17 .6 million kWh in electricity consumption . Government Sustainability Policy (see www environment. . DECC is currently purchasing 10% GreenPower (the nsw gov. .au/government/policy .htm) . minimum standard set out in the NSW Government In August 2008, the DECC Executive endorsed an internal Sustainability Policy is 6%) . Over 2007–08, some DECC sites Sustainability Action Plan that details activities to use have increased their GreenPower purchasing to 100% . resources efficiently, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and In addition, during 2007–08 DECC sites generated at least increase sustainable purchasing . 57,800 kilowatt hours of green power using solar panels, DECC also joined the Sustainability Advantage program with more than 11,000 kilowatt hours fed back to the to build the foundation for sustainability actions, and the grid, further helping to decrease DECC’s electricity-related focus for 2008–09 was on resource efficiency and staff greenhouse gas emissions . engagement . Energy efficiency initiatives undertaken during 2008–09 The following sections highlight areas where DECC is include: working to achieve sustainability outcomes . • a lighting upgrade of the Goulburn Street head office • installation of base building energy efficient lighting and Carbon management energy metering at the Hurstville office In recent years, DECC has grown in size as responsibilities, • commissioning of a new energy-efficient office building staffing and facilities of former agencies have been at Narooma . transferred to it . In 2008–09, DECC continued actions to DECC participated in Earth Hour in Sydney for the third reduce emissions from its now large inventory of buildings time on 28 March 2009 and encouraged staff statewide to and vehicles . also take part . The reported total energy use for DECC in 2006–07 was In 2008–09, DECC staff travelled 3 98. million air miles which 169,718 gigajoules (GJ) with 18,619 tonnes of greenhouse is a reduction of 2% over 2007–08 travel . DECC piloted gas emissions . The full energy use for DECC in 2007–08 internal teleconferencing and video/web-conferencing was 179,724 GJ with 22,066 tonnes of greenhouse gas services over 2008–09, and these services will be phased emissions . This is a result of staff numbers increasing in over the coming year . It is anticipated that the use of this by ten percent through amalgamations of Government technology will reduce travel requirements, and this will be departments, and additional accounts being identified monitored to demonstrate the reduction in greenhouse through more rigorous data collection than in the previous gas emissions . year . Data for 2008–09 will be compiled and reported on in the 2009–10 annual report, due to the amount of time needed to accurately compile this data across new facilities . During 2009–10, DECC will develop its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020 . The focus is on achieving emission reductions through energy efficiency . Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 105

Water Whenever office accommodation refurbishments are planned, sustainable workplace initiatives, such as In 2007–08, DECC used 296ML of potable water in its energy and water efficiency and recycling systems, are operations . incorporated into the fit-out plans . Where possible, DECC arranges for outmoded fluorescent tubes to be replaced Office accommodation with energy efficient T5/T8 tubes, and wherever practical has old tubes collected so their mercury, alloy, glass and Under the NSW Government Sustainability Policy, office phosphor powder content are separated, refined and buildings owned or leased by agencies over 1,000m2 must: recycled . Dedicated fluorescent tube recycling programs • obtain a NABERS energy and water rating by are in place in both the Goulburn Street and Hurstville 31 December 2008 tenancies . • achieve and maintain a NABERS rating of 4.5 stars for In 2008-09, DECC undertook accommodation fit-outs at energy and water by 1 July 2011, where cost effective Albury, Dubbo, Grafton, and Murwillumbah as well as in parts of the head office . DECC re-used and recycled • where new or refurbished, achieve and maintain approximately 90% of the serviceable workstations and 2011 targets for 18 months from the first occupancy, furniture at each one of these sites, which greatly reduced where cost effective . waste and overall project costs . By working closely with building management in DECC’s By working closely with the building management of the Goulburn Street head office, DECC helped the building Hurstville office, DECC has upgraded the male toilets to owners to increase their NABERS rating from 3 .5 stars to an automated flushing system that is anticipated to save 4 .5 stars in 2008–09 . up to 96% of water used by the urinals . A similar waterless As an organisation, DECC improves on this minimum urinal system was installed in the Goulburn Street tenancy standard wherever practical, in both metropolitan and in 2007–08 . regional office accommodation . In previous reporting periods, initiatives promoted by DECC resulted in achieving five-star ratings under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) system in both the Goulburn Street, Sydney and Bridge Street, Hurstville tenancies . ABGR has been incorporated into the new National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) . DECC is completing NABERS assessments at its rateable sites and the results are expected to be available in the latter half of 2009 .

 Case study

Saving water across DECC Staff across DECC have been working to reduce water consumption in offices, laboratories and national park facilities to bring about environmental benefits and dollar savings, and to demonstrate best practice in water use for visitors and other organisations. Such actions are taking DECC closer to achieving a target set by the NSW Government Sustainability Policy to reduce potable water consumption by 15% by 2010–11.

In August 2008, a new technology grey water recycling Photo courtesy Lane Cove River Tourist Park, DECC. system was completed in the Lane Cove River Tourist Park. This system recycles water from showers and hand basins at the eco-amenity block for use in toilet flushing Lane Cove River Tourist Park’s grey water recycling system contributed to and irrigation. Combined with other initiatives, the water savings of one megalitre in 2008. Tourist Park saved more than one megalitre of water in have been installed. The grey water from washing hands 2008. diverts from the basin straight to the toilet cistern for In the offices, depot and tourist accommodation on the use in the next flush, saving 70% of water that would Byron coast, five-star WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling normally be used by a regular 11-litre flush toilet and and Standards) rated toilets with integrated hand basins basin. 106 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Green fleet Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy DECC’s Fleet Improvement Plan contains strategies to DECC is responsible for coordinating the NSW achieve the performance targets set by the Cleaner NSW Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy Government Fleet Program . Progress towards these targets (WRAPP) across other agencies and state-owned is measured by calculating an average environmental corporations . It must also put WRAPP principles into performance score for the fleet, using the system adopted practice internally, and report every two years on its own for the NSW Clean Car Benchmarks . This score measures performance . greenhouse gas emissions (as CO2) and air quality impacts WRAPP data is currently being collected by DECC staff for (as noxious emissions) . inclusion in the 2007–09 Whole of Government WRAPP Under its Fleet Improvement Plan, DECC has improved Progress Report . DECC’s WRAPP performance over this the environmental performance score for its passenger reporting period will be included in the 2009–10 annual vehicle fleet from 12 out of 20 in 2007–08 to 12 .6 out of report . 20 as at 30 June 2009 . Less efficient V8 vehicles are no In addition, DECC has reviewed waste management longer used and six-cylinder cars are only purchased where practices and begun implementing systems to recycle essential for specific tasks . For occupational health and food waste from office kitchen areas . In 2008, DECC safety reasons, DECC uses diesel vehicles for firefighting completed a waste audit of its head office in Goulburn and associated support, as diesel vehicles are less likely to Street . The recommendations from this audit led to a ignite . The environmental performance score for the diesel revised and improved waste management system being operational fleet with a gross vehicle mass of less than introduced in late 2008, with key results including: 3 .5 tonnes improved from 7 .29 out of 20 in 2007–08 to 8 1. out of 20 in 2008–09 . As a result, the overall score for the • the waste generated being more than halved (from 3 3 DECC fleet improved from 9 .3 to 10 1. . 140m to 59m ) In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, in 2008–09 DECC’s • the percentage of recycling increasing from 50% to 79% of waste generated, meaning nearly 4m3 a month fleet generated approximately 5,000 CO2–e . While DECC continually strives to reduce the physical size of its fleet, of food waste is being recycled . the area of reserves managed has increased by 42,664 hectares (now over 8% of NSW) . This results in staff being required to travel further to patrol and manage sites . DECC is also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using more hybrid vehicles . The number of DECC hybrid vehicles increased from 34 vehicles to 38 in 2008–09, and staff are encouraged to use these wherever possible for business purposes . In addition, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was introduced into the DECC fleet late in the reporting period . Data on the performance of this vehicle, which has the capacity to return power to the grid, is being closely monitored and will be reported on in 2009–10 . Staff in the Goulburn Street office are encouraged to use the Government’s free CBD shuttle bus service rather than departmental vehicles, and bicycle storage space has been further increased . DECC is investigating options to increase bicycle storage space in its head office buildings in Goulburn Street, Sydney and Hurstville, as the current space is fully utilised . Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 107

Internal and external connections

Photo: S. Cohen, DECC. and customer satisfaction with DECC services

Environment Line and the DECC DECC continues to issue e-newsletters, which enable DECC’s partners, interested groups and the public to Information Centre keep up-to-date with the latest environmental issues . Newsletters issued in 2008–09 included: The Information Centre is DECC’s main information and advice service . Environment Line is the telephone advice • Climate of Change – a popular quarterly publication and pollution incident reporting line where staff take calls that highlights the latest environment news and events from business, industry and the public who are seeking across a broad range of topics assistance and advice on environment protection, climate • Environmental Trust Connections – provides information change issues, rebates for water and energy saving on Environmental Trust programs and showcases some initiatives, native plants and animals, visiting national parks outstanding projects taking place across NSW and reserves, native vegetation and reporting pollution • Explore – showcases sustainable tourism activities in incidents . The centre also provides over-the-counter parks and reserves, profiles successful tourism products services, sells and distributes publications and manages the and partnerships, and communicates events, visitor increasing number of email requests for information . trends and general visitor news In 2008–09, the centre received 287,003 requests . Demand • Living Sustainably – focuses on how to live sustainably at was particularly high due to public interest in water home and at work, and features Our environment – it’s a and energy saving rebates . Environment Line received living thing projects that people can get involved with 7,085 reports of pollution (a slight increase on last year) and another 8,958 reports relating to noise, littering and • Naturescapes: NSW national parks visitor newsletter – smoke from vehicles . Reports of smoky vehicles have features visitor activities, events, experiences, places and been declining steadily for some years, possibly due to the accommodation around NSW national parks improvement in vehicle maintenance or the age of vehicles • Resort Roundup – contains general interest articles, on NSW roads, although reports of noisy vehicles have updates and key contacts for the ski resorts community increased by 33% . in Kosciuszko National Park • Working with Local Government – keeps local councils Communication and partnerships informed of DECC initiatives, activities and programs . DECC maintains close relationships with many other NSW state agencies, national and international environment agencies, industry groups and businesses, community and environment groups, local councils, Aboriginal land councils, landowners, research and education institutions

and many other organisations . Major partnership events Photo: S. Cohen, DECC. and activities held in 2008–09 included: • a series of climate change forums held around NSW in October–November 2008, involving both invited groups and the wider public, as an important part of the ongoing development of the NSW Climate Change Action Plan • a number of DECC’s firefighting staff joining the contingent of NSW volunteers who travelled to Victoria in February 2009 to help control the bushfires in that State .

DECC works with a wide range of stakeholders on conservation, environmental and natural resource programs. 108 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

DECC also has a statutory responsibility to provide the  Performance indicator NSW community with information about the environment, Requests handled by DECC’s Information Centre such as information on air quality, bushfires and other emergencies, contaminated land, hazardous materials, Definition: The Information Centre provides information by telephone and waste and recycling . Throughout 2008–09, DECC via the Environment Line, by email and face-to-face; through reception continued to enhance community awareness through its services and switchboards; and in answer to inquiries received via the website, fax, email and mail. From 2008–09 these statistics include all website, through targeted community education programs pollution incident and motor vehicle reports. and through the Environment Line telephone information service . Also refer to the performance indicator ‘Environment Line – incident reports about air quality, odours or noise from regulated premises’ for Within DECC, an internal communications program incident reports, and Appendix 12. is building stronger relationships across a large and dispersed department . In 2008–09, a monthly onDECC staff Requests handled be DECC’s Information Centre newsletter was introduced which highlighed news and 350,000 events, and a quarterly Director General’s e-newsletter was 300,000 introduced which informed staff about the organisation’s 250,000 achievements, individual staff achievements and key directions . 200,000 Most work areas also produce their own specialised

Number 150,000 newsletters, while key parts of DECC, such as those 100,000 involved in scientific work and park management, hold 50,000 regular staff forums and presentations . Planning advanced 0 in 2008–09 on a range of new internal communication 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 projects, including the establishment of video conferencing facilities, the use of intranet video-casting, Interpretation: DECC public information services were integrated in and a new staff awards program . 2005–06. Since then, requests handled by the Information Centre have risen steadily by approximately 10% each year. However, the number of requests handled jumped from 228,584 in 2007–08 to 287,003 in Improvements to the website and intranet 2008–09, including 7,085 pollution incidents and 8,958 motor vehicle reports. A major reason for this increase is the Climate Change Fund The website (www environment. .nsw gov. .au) is one way 350000.093750rebate program for water savings and energy efficiency in residential in which DECC informs the public of its activities and 300000.080357households. Email inquiries also increased by 145%, due in part to the strategies . The website also provides a range of online additional websites now integrated into the DECC website, and the 250000.066964 services, making it easier for people to access publications, public response to significant issues such as the whale stranding in apply for licences or record sightings of native species . In 200000.053571Pittwater in August 2008. February 2008, DECC finished integrating many separate 150000.040179 websites into a new integrated site that includes climate 100000.026786 change and natural resource information .

50000.013393 Performance indicator Further improvements this year included a significant upgrade of information for visitors to national parks, 0.000000Visits to DECC websites 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 with new mapping features, additional photographs and Definition: This indicator measures the total number of visits to expanded information . In particular, information about DECC’s corporate website. It does not include visits to the Botanic accommodation offered in national parks was upgraded Gardens Trust website or the It’s a Living Thing website. A ‘visit’ and new information for and about commercial tour consists of one or more page views by a single visitor. operators in the parks was added to the site . The website Total visits to DECC websites search engine was also refined to improve search result 5,000,000 relevance and accuracy . As DECC has a large proportion of staff located outside 4,000,000 metropolitan areas, its internal intranet site, known as DECCnet, is an important way to communicate with staff 3,000,000 and provide them with tools and resources to for their

Number 2,000,000 work . The first stage of the new DECCnet was released in December 2008 and the second stage was completed in 1,000,000 June 2009 .

0 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Client response DECC is committed to handling public feedback and Interpretation: Usage of the DECC website continues to be very complaints in a courteous, efficient and equitable manner . strong. In 2007–08, and again in the current year, DECC integrated a large number of DECC-managed websites into a single site. This DECC’s policy and guidelines for managing complaints and accounts for the apparent drop in visitor numbers as many visitors allegations build on established protocols for dealing with need only now access one site and are only counted as a single visit. allegations of serious misconduct or corruption (visit www . environment .nsw gov. .au/whoweare/complaint .htm) . 5000000

4000000

3000000

2000000

1000000

0 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 109

In 2008–09, DECC received 32 significant complaints .  Twenty seven of these, together with nine complaints Performance indicator received but not resolved in 2007–08, were finalised Freedom of information requests during the year . Evidence of improper conduct was found in six cases and appropriate action was taken in Definition: This indicator measures the percentage of freedom of response . Changes to some systems or procedures were information (FOI) applications DECC and the former Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) processed where 80% or more of also recommended and these have been implemented . the requested documents were released. Training programs have been completed . DECC’s Guarantee of Service (visit www environment. . Percentage of FOI requests granted that provide 80% or more of requested information nsw gov. .au/whoweare/gos .htm) covers four main service principles all staff commit to when they work for DECC: 100 respect, helpfulness, responsiveness and continuous 80 improvement . The guarantee reinforces DECC’s corporate value of acting with integrity and being accessible and 60 accountable to the community and staff . tage

DECC values its relationships with external stakeholders Percen 40 and recognises their valuable role in supporting 20 environmental initiatives . DECC engages with consumers and gathers performance feedback through: 0 2004–05* 2005–06* 2006–07* 2007–08 2008–09 • the DECC Information Centre *DEC data • Environment Line • national parks information and visitors centres Interpretation: In 2008–09, for 88% of FOI requests, DECC provided 80% of the requested information. DECC exempts very few of its • public forums and consultations documents requested under FOI from release, although a small • stakeholder surveys percentage of documents received from third parties are exempted.

• consultation and advisory committees Third100 parties provide information to DECC in confidence or in response • other communication channels, including submissions to regulatory requirements. The release of information concerning third80 parties’ personal or business affairs may have an adverse effect and email correspondence . on them and the Freedom of Information Act 1989 provides protection in these60 circumstances. Freedom of information For more information on FOI applications, see Appendix 11. 40 DECC is committed to transparent and accountable decision making . Members of the public can access many 20 documents held by DECC through its website, on request case, ADT affirmed DECC’s decision to exempt documents identifying0 a complainant’s details concerning alleged or by purchasing them . Other documents can be obtained 2004-05* 2005-06* 2006-07* 2007-08 2008-09 by applying under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 . unlawful logging of trees . Another case was remitted to DECC for a new decision . The DECC reviewer decided to DECC received 91 new freedom of information (FOI) release the documents subject to the appeal to the ADT . requests this year, four more than in 2007–08, and Another appeal to the ADT was eventually withdrawn by 103 applications were processed . Many applications the applicant . were from members of parliament, solicitors, journalists, companies, and community organisations . DECC received Due to the large scope and complexity of many FOI only four FOI applications from people seeking information applications, two were not completed within the statutory about their personal affairs . Although 33% of the FOI timeframe . Some applications involved hundreds of applications were subject to exemptions from release, documents, required accessing documents from a number including part exemptions, approximately 94% of the of regional locations, and involved extensive consultation documents captured by the FOI application were either with many affected third parties . partly or fully released . Many DECC applications are complex and involve Connections with Aboriginal communities documents provided by third parties . Most FOI exemptions DECC is a partner in Priority F1 of the State Plan which were made to protect those parties’ personal and drives improvement of health, education and social business affairs (at their request) . Except when ongoing outcomes for Aboriginal people . As a result, DECC is investigations and cabinet–related documents were working with communities and other government involved, few documents created by DECC were exempted . agencies to explore ways of strengthening Aboriginal There were 12 internal review decisions made during communities by building on existing strengths and 2008–09 . All decisions were affirmed . addressing key areas of disadvantage . This work is There were two decisions proceeding to the Administrative being undertaken through Two Ways Together, the NSW Decisions Tribunal (ADT) and one was pending from the Government’s 10-year plan to improve the lives of previous financial year . No complaint was made to the Aboriginal people and their communities, and in parallel Ombudsman’s Office about any DECC decision . In one with the Two Ways Together Partnership Community 110 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Program, a statewide community engagement program being led by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs . In 2008–09 DECC initiatives included: • continuing to implement DECC’s Aboriginal

Employment Strategy 2006–2008, with 8 .8% of the Photo: M. Cooper, DECC. workforce being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent in 2008–09 • coordinating a range of successful NAIDOC celebrations (see ‘NAIDOC celebrations’) • continuing to progress joint–management and ownership arrangements through the ongoing negotiation of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in the Brigalow Belt and Nandewar Community Conservation Area • finalising the Gawamabaraay Co-management Committee MoU for Pilliga Nature Reserve, Pilliga East Aboriginal Area and Dandry Gorge Aboriginal Area • supporting the Aboriginal Staff Network Annual Conference at Nelson Bay • supporting the reconstitution of the Aboriginal Staff Network Executive, the governing body for the network • conducting public consultation regarding the discussion paper Towards an Aboriginal land management framework for NSW, with workshops held in Parramatta, Newcastle, Wollongong, Bourke, Broken Hill, Buronga, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Narrabri, Dubbo, Queanbeyan, DECC staff are committed to conserving Aboriginal heritage. Glen Innes, and Ulladulla • conducting pilot clean-up programs on Aboriginal- • the Director General hosting a morning tea at the owned lands in partnership with local Aboriginal Goulburn Street office, including a Welcome to communities, local Aboriginal land councils and local Country and performance, and the announcement councils, with work continuing in Purfleet, Deerubin, of Kath Schilling, DECC’s Manager Aboriginal Heritage Kempsey, Wyong, Eurobodalla and Gilgandra shires Operations, as this year’s winner of the Carol Kendall • conducting research and heritage conservation projects Award with Aboriginal community groups . • Hurstville office’s NAIDOC committee arranging In 2008–09, DECC progressed a State Plan initiative to activities including a Welcome to Country and build resilient Aboriginal communities under the banner dance performance, poster competition on the of ‘strengthening community wellbeing’ . DECC consulted NAIDOC theme, a bush tucker cooking competition, with peak bodies and engagement groups to test the Aboriginal films, and arts and crafts workshops, and concepts underpinning this work and ensure greater acknowledging Hurstville-based officers who have alignment with Two Ways Together . made a significant effort to bring Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal communities and staff together In June 2009, DECC held a workshop with staff, academics and other stakeholders to develop practical resources • information stands being located at Wollondilly to support communities working with the government Council’s community function at the Picton Botanical through the Two Ways Together Partnership Community Garden Program . Outcomes from the think-tank will inform the • a NAIDOC community day being held at Mungo development of these resources in 2009–10 . National Park • NAIDOC touch football competition and expo being NAIDOC celebrations held at Gosford In 2008–09, DECC celebrated NAIDOC week on • the Northern Rivers office organising an Arakwal cultural 6–13 July with the theme ‘Advance Australia Fair?’ The awareness/family day theme encouraged people to reflect on the Australian • the Hawkesbury office and the Merana Association principle of a ’fair go‘ and consider the inequalities still jointly hosting a NAIDOC celebration day with a live experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concert and barbecue at Richmond Park peoples . • a Discovery activity with bush tucker, and indigenous DECC was involved in many activities across the State, games, music and dance, being held at Botany Bay including: National Park, Kurnell . Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 111

Photo: DECC. A safe and healthy workplace with good knowledge and information to make decisions

Occupational health and safety Industrial awards The number of injuries suffered by staff was reduced this During 2008–09, DECC finalised and implemented a new year to 7 1. per 100 employees compared with 7 .5 per Crown Employees (Department of Environment and 100 employees in 2007–08 . DECC’s Occupational Health Climate Change – Parks and Wildlife Group) Field Officers and Safety (OH&S) Strategy, and Injury Management and Skilled Trades Salaries and Conditions 2009 Award, Strategy and Improvement Plan 2009–2010 was endorsed which set out conditions of employment for most national and implemented from December 2008, with the following park field officers . key milestones achieved: Several other industrial instruments have been reviewed to • ongoing implementation of the Manual Tasks Injury consolidate entitlements and conditions . These include: Prevention Project, which aims to reduce soft tissue injuries, with positive results being demonstrated a. Reviewed through improved risk management and a decreased Crown Employees (Royal Botanic Gardens Building frequency and costs associated with these types of and Mechanical Trades Staff) Award . injuries – the project won the Treasury Management This award was made a schedule to the Crown Fund risk management award for leading practice in Employees (Wages Staff 2009) Award to provide OH&S risk management efficiency gains in the administration of the award . • commencement of the OH&S hazard and incident online management system, which enables instant b. Rescinded communication of incidents and hazards in addition to Crown Employees (Department of Environment and improved record keeping Climate Change – Parks and Wildlife Group) Field • further development of online learning packages Officers and Skilled Trades Salaries and Conditions enabling timely and cost effective delivery of basic 2007 Award . modules c. Varied • completion of a comprehensive internal audit program Crown Employees (Department of Environment and to demonstrate good governance of systematic OH&S Climate Change – Parks and Wildlife Group) Field and injury management across DECC Officers and Skilled Trades Salaries and Conditions • review and ongoing refinement of key hazard 2007 Award; and Crown Employees (Department management policies and guidelines, to ensure industry of Environment and Climate Change – Parks and best practice Wildlife Group) Conditions of Employment Award • development of a field diary which contains tools to were varied to provide for increases to expense- improve OH&S risk management such as pre-start related allowances including the remote areas checklists, and incident reporting proformas allowance . • ongoing refinement of the internal OH&S intranet site to ensure easy and timely access of information for all staff across DECC . Occupational health and safety statistics for 2008–09: Accidents reported: 620 Claims: 263 *Cost of claims: $1,958,824 *Allianz data; includes all workplace injuries 112 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

 Performance indicator Accidents and incidents reported and workers compensation claims Definition: This indicator measures work-related incidents and accidents, and any resulting claim for compensation. The number of reported accidents and incidents indicates staff-reported events that could have led to, or did cause, an injury. The number and dollar value indicators measure the number and cost of injuries for which a claim was made. Claims are usually lodged and recorded immediately after an incident, although claims may be lodged and costs incurred for several years after. These costs and claims are reported in the year in which the incident occurred, so historical trend data may vary from year to year.

Accidents and incidents reported 800 ed rt

repo 600 Number

400 2004–05* 2005–06* 2006–07* 2007–08 2008–09

*Former Department of Environment and Conservation data

Workers’ compensation claims and their value 350 5.0

300 4.0

s 250 800

3.0 n 200 of claim

150 2.0 $ millio

Number 100 350 Percentage of NSW 60050 1.0 300 0 0 2004–05* 2005–06* 2006–07* 2007–08 2008–09 250

Number of claims Value of claims ($ million) 200

*DEC400 data 150 2004-05* 2005-06* 2006-07* 2007-08 2008-09 Interpretation: Data for years before 2007–08 relates to former 100 Department of Environment and Conservation staff only. This year, 50 the number of incidents reported, including near misses, increased to 0 620 which relates directly to ongoing programs to increase reporting 2004–05* 2005-06* 2006-07* 2007–08 2008–09 of safety incidents. An improving total reported incidents to claims ratio generally indicates an improving safety culture. The claims rate 2500000 decreased to 263 for 2008–09 compared with 274 for the previous Percentage of NSW year. With a slight increase in full-time equivalent staff numbers, this brings the injury rate per 100 employees to 7.1, down from 7.5 the 2000000 previous year. Claims costs also decreased for the period compared with the same time last year, with the average cost of claims 1500000 remaining relatively unchanged. 1000000

500000

0 2004–05* 2005-06* 2006-07* 2007–08 2008–09 Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 113

Skilled people and smart systems Photo: John Leys, DECC.

Work and Development Scheme Fire management training DECC developed the Work and Development Scheme There was a continued program of professional to enable DECC staff to align their work with DECC’s development for employees involved in fire-related roles in overall strategic directions and play their part in achieving 2008–09, that also covered the health, safety and welfare organisational goals . The system also enables staff to of staff in operational situations . DECC continues to provide manage workload and professional development as well as training programs that balance theory, practical exercise, increasing motivation and improving job satisfaction . assessment and feedback . The roll-out of the new system commenced in June 2008 In addition to individual training in prescribed burning, with an extensive training program for staff and managers a four-day incident management team course was during 2008–09 . piloted . The course provides training for specific incident management roles, such as incident controllers and Learning and development framework operations and planning officers . DECC has approximately 800 trained firefighters and DECC is committed to developing the skills of its staff and hundreds of trained incident management staff . To ensure ensuring they have the capabilities needed to carry out it is prepared for bushfires in national parks and nearby their duties . DECC supports a range of staff developmental lands, DECC conducts a Fire Fighter Health and Fitness programs, internal and external management development Program before the start of each fire season . The program programs and on-line training courses . The major training programs coordinated through the learning and development framework were in the areas of policy development, occupational health and safety risk management, people management, communication, project, financial and information management . Learning and development outcomes are reported as the total number of formal training days and the average number of training days per staff member . Photo: Fire Management Unit, DECC. Summary of formal staff 1 training 2008-09 Total number of formal Average number of formal training training days days per staff member2 9030 2.25 Notes: 1 . Includes full time and part time permanent and temporary staff . 2 . Does not include inductions and other external studies subsidised by DECC .

Other learning and development activities include in-house training, participation in conferences and on-the- job training and mentoring .

Training ensures DECC firefighters are well-equipped to manage fires. 114 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

is based on national and international standards, and Aboriginal traineeships consists of an annual medical assessment and fitness test . It improves employee safety and performance and ensures Eight Aboriginal trainee field officers and one Aboriginal firefighters are only assigned tasks they are medically and trainee interpretive assistant were employed by DECC in physically able to carry out . During the year, 1,176 staff 2009 in locations such as Nelson Bay, Nattai, Jindabyne, attempted the assessment and 1,162 succeeded . Queanbeyan, Mutawintji, Gosford and Armidale . Training is currently conducted with TAFE NSW – Western Institute Library services and combines enrolment in a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management with on- and off-the-job training During 2008–09, the DECC library continued to provide for 12 months . In 2008, 6 Aboriginal trainee field officers, online bibliographic databases and journals to staff on 2 trainee field officers and 1 Aboriginal trainee interpretive their desktops . This has significantly improved access to assistant completed the traineeship program . information for all staff, especially those based outside metropolitan areas . Library officers also trained DECC staff to select appropriately from the wide range of information sources available, and to use the databases effectively . Graduate development program Following the successful completion of the graduate program in 2009, DECC will be commencing a further intake into its two-year graduate program in 2010 . It is anticipated that these positions will be advertised in August–September 2009 and that the 2010 intake will consist of 20 graduates who will work across DECC . Aboriginal cadetship program In 2008–09 across NSW, 16 Aboriginal cadet rangers, one 2009 Aboriginal Trainees back left to right: Bernie O’Donnell, Regan Lilley (Casual Visitor Services Officer), George Munro, Wade Smith, Kevin Aboriginal cadet project officer, one Aboriginal cadet Williams, Damon Fielding, Derek Davison. Front left to right Shaylee policy officer and one Aboriginal cadet researcher were Moore, Kelly Gadd and Corey Dews. employed by DECC . Cadets participated in structured work placements and were provided with a workplace mentor, and while undertaking tertiary studies were paid a weekly study allowance . During 2008–09, four cadet Equal employment opportunity rangers successfully completed their cadetships and were Each year, DECC develops strategies to eliminate and appointed to permanent ranger positions . ensure the absence of discrimination in employment and promote equal employment opportunity in the organisation, including Aboriginal cultural awareness training, employment programs, the Spokeswomen’s Photo: DECC. program and policies on ethical behaviour and conduct . DECC will continue to focus on improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and access and services for DECC staff and the public with disabilities . Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement DECC’s Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement 2006–2010 (visit www environment. .nsw gov. .au/whoweare/eaps .htm) outlines key strategies and actions to assist in achieving the government’s ethnic affairs policies and the principles Some of the DECC’s 2009 Aboriginal Cadetship participants Lachlan Harr, of cultural diversity, as described in the NSW Community Amanda Applebee, Nadia Ross and Jessica Wegener. Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturism Act 2000 . As part of DECC’s environmental education programs to improve the community’s use of water and energy and encourage waste recycling, DECC works in partnership with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW and employs 22 bilingual educators to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of sustainable living . In 2008–09, DECC delivered workshops and field trips in nine community Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 115

 Performance indicator

Photo: DECC. DECC staff representation in equal employment opportunity groups Definition: DECC tracks its performance in employing people from the equal employment opportunity (EEO) target groups against the NSW Government benchmarks. This indicator measures staff statistics according to five EEO groups: women, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, people whose first language spoken as a child was not English, people with a disability, and people with a disability requiring work-related adjustment. The data includes DECC staff but excludes Minister’s Office staff, contractors, and board and committee members. The data is based on a headcount of staff, not full-time equivalent figures. DECC runs workshops on living sustainably with people from non-English speaking backgrounds. Percentage of DEC staff representation for EEO Groups languages to 2,100 participants . Information stalls and 50 interactive activities were featured at 21 community and 40 cultural festivals, reaching a further 3,000 people . 30

In February 2009, DECC awarded grants under the Climate tage Change Fund to restaurant owners to replace wok

Percen 20 stoves in their kitchens with new ‘waterless’ wok stoves . Traditional wok stoves account for almost half the daily 10 water use in Asian restaurants because the water jets that clean and cool the woks are often running all day . 0 Women Aboriginal People whose People People with The Ethnic Communities’ Council has developed a multi- people and first language with a a disability Torres Strait was not disability requiring lingual education program to promote the economic and Islanders English work-related environmental benefits of water efficiency, and encourage adjustment restaurateurs to switch to the new stoves which have been Benchmark 2004–05* 2005–06* developed with support from Sydney Water and can save 2006–07* 2007–08 2008–09 up to 5,500 litres of water per stove per day . *DEC data The high profile Save Power energy efficiency campaign, developed during 2008–09, targeted speakers of Mandarin, Interpretation: DECC employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Cantonese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Greek and Italian through Islander (ATSI) staff remains significantly higher than the NSW radio, the print media and the campaign website . Government benchmark with an increase of 0.8% from last year to 8.8% in 2008–09. DECC continued to administer formal employment DECC and the Roads and Traffic Authority jointly produced initiatives to provide opportunities for ATSI staff to study, increase 50 the brochure Reducing your heavy vehicle emissions in a their skills, gain work experience and secure temporary and 2008-09 permanent employment. DECC did not reach the NSW Government range of languages to help people reduce pollution from 40 2007-08 diesel trucks and other heavy vehicles, through rebates for benchmark for employment of people with a disability requiring work–related adjustment, although there has been an increase of 2006-07* diesel retrofit devices, fuel savings measures and tax relief . 0.1%30 which is not considered significant. DECC produced a brochure on managing dry cleaning 2005-06* DECC20 did not reach the NSW Government benchmarks for employment waste in English, Chinese and Vietnamese, and distributed for women, people whose first language was not English, people 2004-05* it to dry cleaning companies in March 2009 . with10 disabilities and people with a disability requiring work–related Benchmark Examples of ethnic community initiatives in national parks adjustment. DECC will continue to improve the levels of under- represented0 EEO groups. in 2008–09 included the following: AboriginalWomen peoplePe opleand Twhoseorres Strfirstait language IslandersPePeople oplewas with notwith aEnglish adisability disability requiring work-related adjustment • Key findings from the Georges River parklands research project, which looked at the importance of Georges • National park field days were held as part of the Links to River National Park to the communities of the region, Learning program of the Illawarra Ethnic Communities have begun to be implemented . Key park management Council . changes include greater staff presence to improve visitor • A strategic review of park volunteering has information and education, and the installation of multi- strengthened future volunteer management and lingual signs . streamlined the engagement of volunteers . The next • As part of the development of a conservation step is to achieve greater engagement of volunteers management plan for La Perouse Headland in Botany from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds . Bay National Park, a social values assessment was commissioned . Consultative workshops were held with the local Aboriginal community and with the local and wider French communities and other migrant groups . 116 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

DECC has very strong connections with Aboriginal Disability Action Plan communities across NSW through its responsibilities for protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, managing In 2008–09, DECC prepared a new Disability Action Plan Aboriginal Places, jointly managing many parks and 2009–2012, as required under section 9 of the NSW reserves with Aboriginal people, and working with Disability Services Act 1993 . It brings together for the first Aboriginal groups on cultural and natural resources time the disability-related achievements and planning projects (see also chapter 4) . Projects in 2008–09 included: of the agencies that were merged to form DECC . As at • creating a CD with Elders and schoolchildren called 30 June 2009, the plan was at an advanced stage and is Indigenous Connect Kids, which contains information expected to be formally adopted and released early in on walks in and around the Bundjalung country 2009–10 . • developing Indigenous property management plans The plan sets out how DECC will continue to adjust both with the Jali, Ngulingah, Bogal local Aboriginal land its services and its employment practices to make them councils and the Wollumbin Knowledge Elders Group more accessible to people with a disability and their carers . The plan examines the accessibility of DECC’s • assisting the Glen Innes and Casino-Bonalbo local services, such as information, environmental education, Aboriginal land councils to develop fire management tourism and recreation in parks and gardens, volunteering plans for community lands and fire training for opportunities, project grants, residential rebates and members . DECC’s various licensing systems . DECC remains committed to fostering a climate of Proposed actions in coming years that will enhance DECC’s mutual respect in a cohesive multicultural society, and accessibility for people with a disability include: will ensure that its environmental and organisational policies, programs and partnerships involve and reflect • completing planned works at a range of popular the needs of people from culturally and linguistically locations in national parks and botanic gardens, and at diverse communities . A key initiative for 2009–10 is a final various DECC offices evaluation of DECC’s Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement • displaying information on the DECC website about 2006–2010 and the development of a new Multicultural the capability of licensed commercial tour and Policies and Services Plan, with input from culturally and accommodation providers in national parks to serve linguistically diverse communities . customers with a disability • holding a series of Sustainable Schools workshops for schools with children with special needs

 Case study

Sharing the environmental message with Chinese communities Photo: DECC. In Rachael Chan’s day-to-day work as a DECC Operations Officer, she manages environment protection licences for Sydney Water’s activities, including licensing sewage treatment networks in the Sydney Metropolitan Region. In 2006, Rachael began giving presentations in Mandarin and Cantonese about protecting the environment. According to a 2006 study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Mandarin is the language spoken by more non-English speaking communities in Sydney than any other. Rachael’s audiences were people in community health centres, migrant centres, nursing homes and local libraries; senior citizens’ groups; women’s groups and church groups. Audiences mainly consisted of women who spoke limited English and were often isolated from the mainstream environmental messages delivered by DECC officer Rachael Chan being interviewed by SBS Radio. governments in Australia. However, these women had a significant role in their homes, and held considerable influence over children and grandchildren. The Rachael has been interviewed twice by the SBS presentations looked at the value of the environment Cantonese radio program, and won a DECC Outstanding in relation to Chinese culture, and gave practical hints Women’s Award in 2008. on how to protect waterways, reduce energy use, and encourage environmental education in families. Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 117

• continuing the annual series of talks and activities under Public recognition for our staff and the ‘Don’t DIS-my-ABILITY’ campaign held as part of International Day of People with a Disability programs • exploring the implementation of a DECC traineeship This year, a number of DECC staff and programs received program under the NSW Traineeships for People With a awards for their outstanding contributions to public service Disability program . and environment protection in NSW . These awards are a testament to the high calibre of staff in DECC . Spokeswomen program Lennie Anderson, who in 2008–09 worked as an Aboriginal The 2008–09 Spokeswomen’s strategic plan included the Liaison Officer at DECC’s Nelson Bay office, was awarded themes ’organisational culture‘, ’support for Aboriginal the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the people‘ and ’skilled people in place‘ . Initiatives of note Queen’s Birthday 2009 Honours List . Lennie received during the year included: the honour for his exceptional services to Indigenous communities over many years, and particularly the Worimi • the Springboard women’s career development program, people . Among his many roles, Lennie was a member of which continued to be popular during 2008–09 with the National Parks and Wildlife Hunter Region Advisory 30 women from all divisions and regions participating, Committee from 2004–08 . and DECC’s Director General participating as one of the guest speakers Joe Woodward, Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation, received the Public Service • a pilot career resiliency program for women in Medal on Australia Day 2009 for his outstanding work in management positions, to assist their progression into protecting the NSW environment for more than 30 years . senior executive positions, will be run in-house during Joe has contributed substantially to the regulatory 2009–10 credibility of environmental agencies, achieving innovative • a career development program for Aboriginal women environment protection regulation in NSW . In particular, he has worked with community groups, councils and industry • 11 staff from across DECC receiving annual recognition in the Illawarra region to achieve tangible environmental awards, including ’DECC Woman of the Year‘ and ’Equity improvements . Champion – men supporting equity in DECC’ . John Dengate, who retired as DECC’s Director Public Affairs in 2009, received the Public Service Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2009 Honours List after a distinguished

Photo: DECC. career . John was an instrumental voice and a public face of environment protection for more than 30 years, excelling in the fields of public communication and education, both in the NSW Public Sector and at the national level . His work earned him a media profile as a respected environmental expert . Pat Hall, who manages Education Information and Tourism in DECC’s Nowra and Fitzroy Falls offices, received the Public Service Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2009 Honours List for her outstanding service to South Coast and Southern Highlands communities over more than 29 years . Pat coordinates educational and tourist programs for South Coast parks and reserves, which involves Recipients of the DECC Spokeswomen’s Recognition Awards 2009. Standing, left to right: Donna Osland, Danyelle Playford, John Siemon, delivering activities and services that enhance public Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, Tracey Starr, Natasha Funke, appreciation of their natural, cultural and recreational Ann-Marie Smith, Clarence Slockee (Aboriginal educator and performer), values . Pat has pioneered programs that benefit many Jo Blackman. Seated, left to right: Director General Lisa Corbyn, Ann Trofa, Genevieve Thompson (DECC Woman of the Year 2009). people, particularly the regional Indigenous community, Absent: Amiette Wakenshaw. and her outstanding commitment and unwavering dedication to local communities, environmental education Each year, DECC Spokeswomen also provide and national parks tourism have been a great inspiration to developmental opportunities across the state in support staff and her peers throughout NSW . of International Women’s Day . Around 200 women and A successful effort in combating the impact of bitou men attended the annual Spokeswomen’s workshops bush on native plant communities was recognised with around NSW from March to May 2009 . The highlight of the an international award from the Ecological Management program was a day of events at Broken Hill . Around 30 men and Restoration journal and the Society for Ecological and women attended a ’Dealing with workplace bullying‘ . Restoration International as part of its Global Restoration Seven other workshops formed part of the 2009 program, Network . The award recognises the significant on-ground including ’Women in science – growing your career‘ . benefits to biodiversity that the project has achieved since 2006, and its promise of even more impressive results in the future . 118 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

The outstanding restoration work on the National Pass Financial management walking track at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains received an international award of distinction in September Financial policies and systems were significantly enhanced 2008 from the United Nations Educational, Scientific across DECC during 2008–09 . Key financial projects and and Cultural Organisation . The extraordinary work on activities during the year included: the 2 .5-kilometre track exemplifies how a manufactured • developing and implementing an executive dashboard element can be successfully blended into the natural for access to and management of financial information landscape . • implementing divisional program forecasting via The conservation management plan for the Meeting financial management software (SAP) and the executive Place Precinct in Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell won dashboard a heritage planning award from the Planning Institute of Australia (NSW) . The Meeting Place Precinct is a symbolic • financially supporting catchment management meeting place of cultures, from the first meeting between authorities in close liaison with NSW Treasury Lieutenant James Cook and indigenous Australians, to • completing unqualified statutory financial statements later meetings involving people of differing nationalities . for 19 entities, including DECC, the Environmental Trust, The conservation management plan ensured the long- the Environment Protection Authority, the Marine Parks term protection of the heritage values of the area as the Authority, the Lake Illawarra Authority, the Chipping construction works were completed . Norton Lakes Authority and 13 catchment management The restored Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages in authorities Myall Lakes National Park, north of Newcastle, received a • implementing an enhanced cash forecasting (incentive) ‘high commendation’ in the Office of the Valuer General system in conjunction with NSW Treasury heritage award category at the Australian Property Institute • enhancing financial systems, including further roll- NSW Excellence in Property Awards in October 2008 . The out of the SAP asset maintenance system, SAP travel award recognised DECC’s commitment to protecting and enhancements, new SAP online tutorials and continued conserving the historical character of the lighthouse while review and enhancement of financial reporting and providing for a unique holiday experience . analysis systems The Lane Cove River Tourist Park, managed as a business • developing an integrated DECC finance manual and unit within DECC, was the only Australian finalist in the updated policies and procedures including delegations, prestigious World Travel and Tourism Council Tourism the treatment of goods and services tax and fringe Tomorrow Awards . Situated in Lane Cove National Park, the benefits tax, depreciation rates, the credit card policy tourist park was in the running for the best environmental and financial risk accommodation . • providing financial training across DECC with courses in Montague Island Conservation Tours entered the NSW the use of the financial system (SAP) . Tourism Awards ‘Hall of Fame’ in November 2008 (with program partner Conservation Volunteers Australia) after During 2008–09, DECC actively participated in the NSW winning in the same category for three consecutive years . Government’s mini-budget process and developed and Tour participants help regenerate the environment and the implemented plans for achieving required efficiency visitor fees they pay help to fund additional conservation dividends offset savings for the 4% wage increases . An initiatives . The 80-hectare island five nautical miles off enhanced strategic budget process for 2009–10 was also Narooma is home to 2,000 fur seals, 8,000 penguins and developed . Financial improvement initiatives planned for thousands of other seabirds, as well as a historic lighthouse 2009–10 include: and keepers’ complex . • transition actions associated with the NSW Government’s super agency reform program • continued contribution to DECC’s business intelligence capabilities with initial implementation of the strategic road map for enhancement of the executive dashboard • implementation of the SAP upgrade and further development of the SAP business warehouse to improve data analysis and report generation . Chapter 5 – A credible, effective and efficient organisation 119

Insurance cover  Performance indicator As part of its approach to risk management, in 2008-09 Payment of accounts DECC obtained insurance cover through the NSW Treasury Managed Fund, which uses service providers Allianz Definition: The following table shows DECC’s performance on paying Australia Pty Ltd for workers’ compensation and GIO trade creditor accounts on time. General Ltd for other risk areas . Trade creditor ‘accounts payable’ balances at the end of each quarter for the financial year 2008–09 Areas of risk and related insurance costs Current Fewer Between Between More 2007–08 2008–09 (i.e. within than 30 and 60 and than 90 due date) 30 days 60 days 90 days days ($’000) ($’000) Quarter $ $ $ $ $ Workers compensation* 6,033 5,722 September 1,217,919 129,074 13,180 15,193 0 Public liability 3,393 3,477 December 7,391,768 4,140,172 0 1,056 0 Property 2,136 2,124 March 6,969,019 331,778 59,277 31,383 36,392 Motor vehicles* 1,160 1,258 June 656,765 68,717 6,172 0 4,369 Miscellaneous (Fire Fighting Fund) 10,417 10,339 The main reasons for accounts being paid outside the due date period Miscellaneous (Other) * 42 32 were: Total 23,181 22,952 • invoices raised for large capital works are only paid on satisfactory review of the work * Includes hindsight adjustments paid and received by DECC relating to prior year premiums . • invoices raised for large capital purchases may include items not yet received but expected to be received in the near future • some short payment terms are not necessarily appropriate in more Premiums are based on claims history and reflect DECC’s remote settings where the documentation may take time to be risk management approach to managing claims . collected and matched for payment.

Employee liabilities Value of accounts paid on time Liability as at 30 June 2009 $’000 Total Target Actual amount paid Long service leave* 78,984 Quarter % % $ $ On-cost long service leave 10,651 September 85 87.23 54,499,068 62,477,363 Recreation leave 38,003 December 85 76.74 36,715,432 47,841,667 On-cost recreation leave 1,822 March 85 73.15 42,055,476 57,495,708 * DECC liabilities for long service leave are assumed by the Crown Entity . June 85 85.81 96,339,722 112,270,999 Long service leave is measured using the present value basis . Interpretation: Late payment of accounts Information management and DECC was not required to pay interest to creditors due to the late communications technology payment of accounts during the year. Credit card certification During the year, DECC continued to implement the In accordance with Treasurer’s Direction 205.01, it was certified that 2007–2010 Information Management and Communications credit card usage by officers of the NSW Department of Environment Technology Strategic Plan . Significant achievements during and Climate Change had been in accordance with the appropriate government policy, Premier’s Memoranda and Treasurer’s Directions. the year included: • implementing the DECC Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Replacement Program . During the year, • piloting video conferencing technology including approximately 800 desktop computers and 150 laptops establishing facilities at offices across NSW and were replaced, giving staff the necessary technology to providing a desktop video conferencing capability . do their jobs . Significant progress was also achieved in implementing new technology to support the upgrade • providing IT support for various business initiatives of DECC’s financial and human resource applications . including rolling out an asset tracking system for parks management; implementing a new website for • upgrading the DECC core email environment and the DECC intranet; implementing a common system implementing virtualisation technology, which will for littering and smoky vehicle online reporting; and provide enhanced disaster recovery capability and supporting enhancements to an application used by significantly reduce ongoing energy costs . the catchment management authorities in managing • upgrading the DECC IT telecommunications network property vegetation plans . including implementing a dark fibre network connecting DECC’s major offices and data centres, and rolling out wireless technology to DECC remote sites in regional NSW . 120 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Natural Resources and Environment Information Management DECC has approved the implementation of an Information Management Framework to improve the quality, consistency and accessibility of DECC data regarding natural resources . Significant progress has been made on consolidating DECC’s spatial data and systems across the organisation . DECC has been a major contributor to the development of the NSW Remote Sensing Strategy, developed in collaboration with other agencies . The strategy is being implemented under the Common Spatial Information Initiative and guided by the NSW Spatial Council .

 Case study

The Atlas of NSW Wildlife The Atlas of NSW Wildlife is DECC’s database of flora and fauna sightings, which is used routinely in conservation Photo: A. Jelinek. planning and environmental decision making. As at January 2009, the atlas contained 4.25 million records of sightings for which DECC is custodian or which DECC is authorised to distribute (up from 1.6 million records in 2007). Significant data were recently added to the atlas including: People can search for records of threatened species, such as the broad- • CSIRO’s Australian bird and bat banding scheme data toothed rat, on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. • the Royal Botanic Gardens’ specimen register • results of aerial waterbird surveys by the University of Access to information in the atlas is governed by DECC’s New South Wales Threatened Species Information Disclosure Policy. This • data from Forests NSW. policy is the basis for a chapter in the Guide to best The public can access information about these sightings practices for generalising sensitive species occurrence from www.wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. The data, which was published in 2008 by the international atlas contains a further 3.65 million records from other Global Biodiversity Information Facility as a world’s stakeholders who have provided data for internal best practice framework for making records available departmental use only. through the internet. 121

Finance

Department of Environment and Climate Change Independent audit report 122 Statement by the Director General 123 Operating statement 124 Statement of recognised income and expense 125 Balance sheet 126 Cash flow statement 127 Summary of compliance with financial directives 128 Service group statements 129 Notes to and forming part of the financial report 132

Environment Protection Authority Independent audit report 160 Statement by the EPA Board 161 Minister’s adoption of financial statements 162 Income statement 163 Statement of recognised income and expense 164 Balance sheet 165 Cash flow statement 166 Notes to and forming part of the financial report 167

Marine Parks Authority Independent audit report 169 Statement by the Marine Parks Authority 170 Income statement 171 Statement of recognised income and expense 172 Balance sheet 173 Cash flow statement 174 Notes to and forming part of the financial report 175 122 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Department of Environment and Climate Change Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change 123

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE Financial report FOR THE yEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009 Pursuant to section 45F of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, I state that: (a) the accompanying financial report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, the Financial Reporting Code for Budget Dependent General Government Sector Agencies, the applicable clauses of the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2005 and the Treasurer’s Directions; (b) the report exhibits a true and fair view of the financial position and transactions of the Department; and (c) there are no circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial report to be misleading or inaccurate.

Lisa Corbyn Director General 7 October 2009 124 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Beginning of audited financial report

Department of Environment and Climate Change Operating statement for the year ended 30 June 2009

Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 Expenses excluding losses Operating expenses Employee related 2(a) 413,497 393,747 407,992 Other operating expenses 2(b) 302,178 185,054 229,720 Depreciation and amortisation 2(c) 63,935 68,955 65,061 Grants and subsidies 2(d) 271,046 278,440 241,241 Finance costs 2(e) 2,053 2,091 1,930 Other expenses 2(f) 201 – 183 Total expenses excluding losses 1,052,910 928,287 946,127

Less: Revenue Sale of goods and services 3(a) 34,922 33,455 32,496 Investment revenue 3(b) 27,372 20,641 28,040 Retained fees and fines 3(c) 3,592 3,000 3,048 Grants and contributions 3(d) 274,251 223,276 198,840 Personnel services 3(e) 71,963 65,654 77,940 Other revenue 3(f) 20,633 12,080 11,005 Total revenue 432,733 358,106 351,369 Gain/(loss) on disposal 4 (3,636) (940) (1,401) NET COST OF SERVICES 27 623,813 571,121 596,159

Government contributions Recurrent appropriation (net of transfer payments) 6(a) 604,144 578,232 560,350 Capital appropriation 6(b) 54,151 81,923 125,800 Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee benefits and other liabilities 7 28,005 30,011 37,761 Total government contributions 686,300 690,166 723,911

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 62,487 119,045 127,752 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 125

Department of Environment and Climate Change Statement of recognised income and expense for the year ended 30 June 2009

Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 Net increase/(decrease) in property, plant and equipment asset revaluation reserve 22 251,081 – (95,942) TOTAL INCOME AND EXPENSE RECOGNISED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY 251,081 – (95,942)

Surplus/(deficit) for the year 62,487 119,045 127,752

TOTAL INCOME AND EXPENSE RECOGNISED FOR THE YEAR 313,568 119,045 31,810 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 126 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Department of Environment and Climate Change Balance sheet as at 30 June 2009

Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 10 184,649 198,682 208,197 Receivables 11 49,849 37,571 36,976 Inventories 12 731 738 734 Other financial assets 13 16 16 16 Non-current assets held for sale 14 – 4,475 4,475 Total current assets 235,245 241,482 250,398 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Land and buildings 15 2,094,727 2,169,911 2,153,077 Plant and equipment 15 59,699 70,572 62,896 Infrastructure systems 15 1,064,194 686,222 712,737 Total property, plant and equipment 3,218,620 2,926,705 2,928,710 Intangible assets 16 154,859 232,099 98,727 Total non-current assets 3,373,479 3,158,804 3,027,437 TOTAL ASSETS 3,608,724 3,400,286 3,277,835

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Payables 18 26,109 13,985 13,785 Provisions 20 49,972 46,981 46,981 Other 21 3,324 7,023 7,023 Total current liabilities 79,405 67,989 67,789 Non-current liabilities Borrowings 19 42,852 42,309 39,107 Provisions 20 504 384 384 Other 21 402 536 536 Total non-current liabilities 43,758 43,229 40,027 TOTAL LIABILITIES 123,163 111,218 107,816 NET ASSETS 3,485,561 3,289,068 3,170,019

EQUITY Reserves 22 1,363,975 1,112,894 1,112,894 Accumulated funds 22 2,121,586 2,176,174 2,057,125 Total equity 3,485,561 3,289,068 3,170,019 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 127

Department of Environment and Climate Change Cash flow statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2009

Actual Budget Actual 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 Cash flows from operating activities Payments Employment related (383,029) (354,523) (373,768) Grants and subsidies (267,588) (278,440) (241,241) Finance costs – (2,091) (1,930) Other (354,151) (203,974) (240,421) Total payments (1,004,768) (839,028) (857,360) Receipts Sale of goods and services 34,172 47,312 39,903 Personnel services 71,963 65,654 75,288 Retained fees and fines 3,592 – 3,049 Interest received 14,434 6,684 10,488 Other 345,600 256,181 217,157 Total receipts 469,761 375,831 345,885 Cash flows from government Recurrent appropriation 6(a) 604,662 569,719 560,350 Capital appropriation 6(b) 54,151 81,923 125,800 Cash reimbursements from the Crown Entity 5,231 – 4,741 Net cash flows from government 664,044 651,642 690,891 Net cash flows from operating activities 27 129,037 188,445 179,416 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of land and buildings, plant and equipment and infrastructure systems 5,078 995 (1,402) Purchases of land and buildings, plant and equipment and infrastructure systems (95,892) (64,542) (119,708) Purchases of intangibles (63,463) (137,615) (48,520) Net cash flows from investing activities (154,277) (201,162) (169,630) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings and advances 1,692 3,202 5,003 Repayments of borrowings and advances – – – Net cash flows from financing activities 1,692 3,202 5,003 Net increase/(decrease) in cash held (23,548) (9,515) 14,789 Opening cash and cash equivalents 208,197 208,197 190,908 Cash transferred in as a result of admin restructure – – 2,500 CLOSING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 10 184,649 198,682 208,197 The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 128 DECC Annual Report 2008–09 – – – – – Fund 1,583 $’000 50,312 50,916 22,989 50,312 75,488 125,800 125,800 net claim on Consolidated Expenditure/ – – – – – – 1,583 $’000 50,312 50,945 22,989 Capital 75,517 50,312 125,829 appropriation 2008 – – – Fund 3,743 (696) 3,692 4,255 $’000 650,315 (24,495) 653,874 636,814 636,814 (17,060) net claim on Consolidated Expenditure/ – – – – 3,743 (696) 3,692 4,255 $’000 650,315 (24,495) 653,874 636,814 (17,060) Recurrent Recurrent appropriation appropriation – – – – – – – – – – Fund $’000 54,152 54,152 54,152 net claim on Consolidated Expenditure/ – – – – – – – – – – $’000 81,923 Capital 81,923 81,923 appropriation 2009 – – 518 Fund (455) 1,031 5,926 3,240 $’000 27,445 30,230 633,250 670,955 670,437 640,207 net claim on Consolidated Expenditure/ – – – – – 7,549 1,031 3,240 $’000 27,445 30,685 635,945 675,210 644,525 Recurrent Recurrent appropriation appropriation

hange C limate C and

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TO FUND CONSOLIDATED Y Section – Transfers of 24 functions between departments Commonwealth specificCommonwealth purpose payments (section 26 of the PF&A Act) Treasurer’s advance Treasurer’s Section 22 – Expenditure for certain works and services Transfers Transfers to/from another agency (section of 32 the Appropriation Act) Variation of authorised payments from Consolidated (Section of Fundthe 31 Appropriation Act) Treasurer’s approved adjustmentTreasurer’s epartment D directives financial with compliance Summary of Original budget Appropriation/expenditure Appropriation Act Other appropriation/expenditure TOTAL TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS Amount drawn against appropriation against drawn Amount LIABILIT The summary is of basedcompliance on the assumption that Consolidated Fund moneys are spent first where otherwise(except identified or prescribed). Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change 129 183 2008 1,930 3,048 $’000 11,005 77,940 65,061 32,496 28,040 (1,401) 241,241 723,911 407,992 229,720 198,840 127,752 596,159 946,127 351,369 DECC Total 201 2009 3,592 2,053 $’000 27,372 63,935 71,963 34,922 20,633 (3,636) 302,178 413,497 62,487 274,251 271,046 686,300 432,733 623,813 1,052,910 – – – – – – – – – – – – 2008 $’000 77,940 77,940 77,940 77,940 723,911 (723,911) – – – – – – – – – – – 2009 $’000 5,225 77,188 71,963 77,188 71,963 Not attributableNot 686,300 (Personnel Services) (Personnel (681,075) 7 – – – – 79 152 642 447 463 2008 2,232 $’000 33,759 10,691 16,509 53,149 41,317 41,317 11,832 6 – – – – 17 52 139 438 2009 7,228 1,352 2,318 $’000 8,788 15,703 33,934 43,611 43,611 52,399 Service Group 5* Scientific Services 2 – – – – 21 34 637 237 146 687 366 2008 3,012 $’000 1,075 10,039 13,031 13,031 14,106 2 – – – – – 17 517 553 735 2009 1,317 1,702 $’000 4,844 2,404 10,200 17,483 15,079 15,079 Service Group 4* Cultural Heritage Cultural – – 150 2008 1,930 1,803 3,244 8,966 $’000 29,143 19,091 21,089 50,730 (1,401) 80,092 175,746 118,489 271,598 271,598 350,289 – – 173 4,174 2009 1,557 2,053 $’000 31,721 18,871 16,080 54,830 53,409 (3,636) 181,656 Service Group 3* 144,562 Parks and Wildlife 123,059 386,027 266,604 266,604 – – – – 12 815 259 298 2008 1,042 3,775 8,988 6,544 $’000 8,958 57,667 16,367 77,851 77,851 86,809 – – – – 10 90 279 954 258 Regulation 2009 3,942 4,967 $’000 Environment Environment 6,548 56,148 12,673 16,408 Protection and 89,181 82,633 82,633 Service Group 2* – – – – 12 103 2008 7,637 7,525 1,594 2,371 $’000 75,343 52,841 159,879 228,001 171,472 192,362 192,362 363,834 hange – – – – 10 C 2009 3,531 8,342 2,287 2,369 1,064 $’000 54,371 Climate Change, Change, Climate 120,661 Service Group 1* 205,909 252,059 219,971 210,661 210,661 430,632 Policy and Programs and Policy limate C and

une 2009 E nvironment ended 30 J of

EAR ear Y the y Employee related Other operating expenses epartment NET EXPENDITURE/(REVENUE) FOR THE Government contributions** Government Net cost of services Other revenue Grants and contributions Total retained Total revenue Personnel services Gain/(loss) on sale of non-currentGain/(loss) assets Retained fees and fines Investment Investment income Total expenses excluding losses excluding expenses Total Retained revenue Sale of goods and services Other expenses Grants and subsidies Finance costs Expenses excluding losses expenses Operating Depreciation Depreciation and amortisation D Service group statements for INCOME & EXPENSES 130 DECC Annual Report 2008–09 Report Annual Department of Environment and Climate Change Service Group 2* Service Group 1* Environment Climate Change, Protection and Service Group 3* Service Group 4* Service Group 5* Not attributable Total Policy and Programs Regulation Parks and Wildlife Cultural Heritage Scientific Services (Personnel Services) DECC 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 ASSETS & LIABILITIES $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 132,956 135,088 2,564 7,538 47,141 59,941 481 1,342 1,507 4,288 – – 184,649 208,197 Receivables 23,351 18,283 1,002 1,354 21,214 13,414 268 248 1,623 1,731 2,391 1,946 49,849 36,976 Inventories 102 107 – – 629 627 – – – – – – 731 734 Other financial assets – – – – 16 16 – – – – – – 16 16 Non-current assets held for sale – – – – – 4,475 – – – – – – – 4,475 Total current assets 156,409 153,478 3,566 8,892 69,000 78,473 749 1,590 3,130 6,019 2,391 1,946 235,245 250,398 Non-current assets Land and buildings 15,997 16,325 4,457 4,507 2,064,262 2,122,007 – – 10,011 10,238 – – 2,094,727 2,153,077 Property, plant and equipment 2,815 2,862 2,817 3,247 42,855 45,090 407 503 10,805 11,194 – – 59,699 62,896 Infrastructure – – – – 1,064,170 712,712 – – 24 25 – – 1,064,194 712,737 Intangible assets 136,063 83,484 1,034 677 3,116 2,064 672 404 13,974 12,098 – – 154,859 98,727 Total non-current assets 154,875 102,671 8,308 8,431 3,174,403 2,881,873 1,079 907 34,814 33,555 – – 3,373,479 3,027,437 TOTAL ASSETS 311,284 256,149 11,874 17,323 3,243,403 2,960,346 1,828 2,497 37,944 39,574 2,391 1,946 3,608,724 3,277,835 Current liabilities Payables 13,565 3,604 2,501 1,583 7,764 6,627 403 386 1,509 1,422 367 163 26,109 13,785 Provisions 14,157 13,505 6,409 6,281 21,444 19,958 1,073 1,030 4,889 4,444 2,000 1,763 49,972 46,981 Other 2,586 6,613 – – 738 410 – – – – – – 3,324 7,023 Total current liabilities 30,308 23,722 8,910 7,864 29,946 26,995 1,476 1,416 6,398 5,866 2,367 1,926 79,405 67,789 Non-current liabilities Borrowings – – – – 42,852 39,107 – – – – – – 42,852 39,107 Provisions 138 106 68 54 204 152 9 7 61 45 24 20 504 384 Other 61 85 69 94 219 287 13 16 40 54 – – 402 536 Total non-current liabilities 199 191 137 148 43,275 39,546 22 23 101 99 24 20 43,758 40,027 TOTAL LIABILITIES 30,507 23,913 9,047 8,012 73,221 66,541 1,498 1,439 6,499 5,965 2,391 1,946 123,163 107,816 NET ASSETS 280,777 232,236 2,827 9,311 3,170,182 2,893,805 330 1,058 31,445 33,609 – – 3,485,561 3,170,019 Department of Environment and Climate Change Service Group 2* Service Group 1* Environment Climate Change, Protection and Service Group 3* Service Group 4* Service Group 5* Not attributable Total Policy and Programs Regulation Parks and Wildlife Cultural Heritage Scientific Services (Personnel Services) DECC 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Total administered expenses – – – – – – – – – – 66,293 76,465 66,293 76,465

Administered income Transfer receipts (note 8) – – – – – – – – – – 66,293 76,465 66,293 76,465 Consolidated Fund Taxes, fees and fines (note 28) – – – – – – – – – – 297,354 277,600 297,354 277,600 Total administered income – – – – – – – – – – 363,647 354,065 363,647 354,065 Administered income less expenses*** – – – – – – – – – – 297,354 277,600 297,354 277,600 * The name and purpose of each program is summarised in note 9. ** Appropriations are made on an agency basis and not to individual programs. Consequently, government contributions are included in the ‘Not attributable’ column. *** Administered assets and liabilities are disclosed in note 28. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW ClimateChange Environmentand of Department – Finance 131 132 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Department of Environment and Climate Change Notes to and forming part of the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2009 Contents 1. Summary of significant accounting policies Operating statement 2. Expenses 3. Revenue 4. Gain/(loss) on disposal 5. Conditions on contributions 6. Appropriations 7. Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee benefits and other liabilities 8. Transfer payments 9. Service groups of the Department Assets 10. Current assets – cash and cash equivalents 11. Current/non-current assets – receivables 12. Current assets – inventories 13. Current assets – other financial assets at fair value 14. Current assets – held for sale 15. Non-current assets – property, plant and equipment 16. Intangible assets 17. Restricted assets Liabilities 18. Current liabilities – payables 19. Current/non-current liabilities – borrowings 20. Current/non-current liabilities – provisions 21. Current/non-current liabilities – other Equity 22. Changes in equity 23. Increase/decrease in net assets from equity transfers Other 24. Commitments for expenditure and revenue 25. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 26. Budget review 27. Reconciliation of net cash flows from operating activities to net cost of services 28. Administered assets, liabilities and revenue 29. Administered revenue – debts written off 30. Administered revenue – schedule of uncollected amounts 31. Financial instruments 32. After balance date events Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change 133

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Reporting entity The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) is a NSW Government department. DECC is a not-for-profit entity (as profit is not the principal objective) and it has no cash generating units. The reporting entity is consolidated as part of the NSW Total State Sector Accounts. The entity holds assets and funds which are restricted for specific uses by the grantor donor. These funds and assets are controlled by DECC. The DECC reporting entity includes employee related expenses and provisions for the catchment management authorities, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust and the Lord Howe Island Board. These are offset by income and receivables. Refer notes 2(a), 3(e) and 20 for the financial impact of these transactions. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is a statutory body and is required to prepare a separate financial report. The activities of the EPA are fully integrated within DECC operations. The expenditure relating to EPA has been determined as $84,804,000 (2008: $66,523,000). The Marine Parks Authority (MPA), is a reporting entity established under the Marine Parks Act 1997, whose activities are administered by DECC. The operating costs incurred by DECC in administering these assets, which are included in its operating statement, were $4,839,363 (2008: $3,773,902). DECC’s capital equipment used for maintaining day-to-day operations of MPA has been recognised and reported by DECC in accordance with DECC’s Asset Acquisition and Valuation Policy – refer notes 1(i) and 1(k). This financial report for the year ended 30 June 2009 has been authorised for issue by the Director General on 7 October 2009. On 27 July 2009, an Administrative Changes Order creating 13 new super Departments within the NSW Public Sector, established the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water effective from 1 July 2009. The Government has changed the name of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and combined its responsibilities with the water management responsibilities of the former Department of Water and Energy (DWE). As part of this reform, the Administrative Orders set up the new NSW Office of Water within the Department. (b) Basis of preparation DECC’s financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared on an accruals basis and in accordance with: • applicable Australian Accounting Standards (which include Australian Accounting Interpretations) • the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and Regulation • the Financial Reporting Directions published in the Financial Reporting Code for Budget Dependent General Government Sector Agencies. Property, plant and equipment, assets held for sale and financial assets at ‘fair value through profit or loss’ are measured at fair value. Other financial report items are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention. Judgements, key assumptions and estimates made by management are disclosed in the relevant notes to the financial report. All amounts are rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars and are expressed in Australian currency. (c) Statement of compliance The financial statements and notes comply with Australian Accounting Standards, which include Australian Accounting Interpretations. (d) Administered activities DECC administers, but does not control, certain activities on behalf of the Crown Entity. It is accountable for the transactions relating to those administered activities but does not have the discretion, for example, to deploy the resources for the achievement of DECC’s own objectives. Transactions and balances relating to the administered activities are not recognised as DECC’s revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, but are disclosed in the accompanying schedules as ‘Administered income’ and ‘Administered expenses’, ‘Administered assets’ and ‘Administered liabilities’. The accrual basis of accounting and all applicable accounting standards have been adopted for the reporting of the administered activities. (e) Borrowing costs Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred, in accordance with Treasury’s Mandate to general government sector agencies. 134 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

(f) Insurance DECC’s insurance activities are conducted through the NSW Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) Scheme of self insurance for government agencies. The expense (premium) is determined by the Fund Manager based on past claim experience. (g) Accounting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Income, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except that: • the amount of GST incurred by DECC as a purchaser that is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of expense • receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. However, the GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the Australian Taxation Office are classified as operating cash flows. (h) Income recognition Income is measured at the fair value of the consideration or contribution received or receivable. Additional comments regarding the accounting policies for the recognition of income are discussed below. (i) Parliamentary appropriations and contributions Except as specified below, parliamentary appropriations and contributions from other bodies (including grants and donations) are generally recognised as income when DECC obtains control over the assets comprising the appropriations and contributions. Control over appropriations and contributions is normally obtained upon the receipt of cash. An exception to the above is when appropriations are unspent at year end. In this case, the authority to spend the money lapses and generally the unspent amount must be repaid to the Consolidated Fund in the following financial year. As a result, unspent appropriations are accounted for as liabilities rather than revenue (refer note 6(a)). Where there is a liability, it is disclosed in note 21 as part of ‘Current liabilities – other’. The amount would be repaid and the liability would be extinguished next financial year. Any liability in respect of transfer payments would be disclosed in note 28 as part of ‘Administered assets and liabilities’. (ii) Sale of goods and services Revenue from the sale of goods and services is recognised as revenue when DECC transfers the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the assets. (iii) Rendering of services Revenue is recognised when the service is provided or by reference to the stage of completion (based on labour hours incurred to date). (iv) Investment revenue Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method as set out in Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) 139 Financial instruments: recognition and measurement. Rental revenue is recognised in accordance with AASB 117 Leases on a straight line basis over the lease term. (v) Taxes, fines, regulatory fees and contributions Taxes, fines, regulatory fees and contributions collected by DECC on behalf of the Crown are not recognised as revenues of DECC and are disclosed in the financial report by way of a note only. Waste-related levies and fees are shown net of rebates (refer note 28). (vi) Personnel services revenue Reimbursement of employee benefits and related on-costs for the catchment management authorities, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain Trust and the Lord Howe Island Board is recognised as revenue. The Department recovers these expenses in full when they are incurred. (i) Assets (i) Acquisition of assets The cost method of accounting is used for the initial recording of all acquisition of assets controlled by DECC. Cost is the amount of cash or cash equivalents paid or the fair value of the other consideration given to acquire the asset at the time of its acquisition or construction or, where applicable, the amount attributed to the asset when initially recognised in accordance with the requirements of other Australian Accounting Standards. Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration during the year, are initially recognised as assets and revenues at their fair value at the date of acquisition (see contributed assets – refer notes 3(d) and 14). Refer also to assets transferred as a result of an administrative restructure – refer note 23. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 135

Land transferred from other agencies at no cost, awaiting gazettal, is reported at fair value. Fair value means the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. Infrastructure assets and property previously under construction, which were completed and brought to account during the year have been valued at cost until that class of assets is revalued. (ii) Capitalisation thresholds All assets valued at more than $5,000 are capitalised. Items below $5,000 are expensed, except where they form an integral part of a network or facility (e.g. DECC radio network or wide area network). Plant and equipment comprises aircraft, motor vehicles, furniture and fittings, and other plant and equipment. (iii) Revaluation of property, plant and equipment Physical non-current assets are valued in accordance with the Valuation of physical non-current assets at fair value’ policy and guidelines paper (TPP 07-01). This policy adopts fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment is measured on an existing use basis, where there are no feasible alternative uses in the existing natural, legal, financial and socio-political environment. However, in the limited circumstances where there are feasible alternative uses, assets are valued at their higher and best use. Fair value of property, plant and equipment is determined based on the best available market evidence, including current market selling prices for the same or similar assets. Where there is no available market evidence, the asset’s fair value is measured at its market buying price, the best indicator of which is depreciated replacement cost. As a result of the size and nature of its assets (land, buildings, roads and other access, utilities and other infrastructure) DECC revalues its physical non-current assets on a five-year cycle or with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset in the class does not differ materially from its fair value reporting date. Set out below is a table of asset categories, dates last valued and by whom: Asset category Date of valuation By whom Land – dedicated 30 June 2005 NSW Department of Commerce* Land – non-dedicated 20 June 2005 NSW Department of Commerce* Buildings 1 July 2006 Australian Valuation Office Other amenities and facilities 1 July 2004 DECC engineers** Roads 30 June 2009 Sheldon Consulting Pty Ltd Wharves 30 June 2009 Sheldon Consulting Pty Ltd Utilities and other Infrastructure 1 July 2006 DECC engineers Aircraft 1 July 2006 Aircraft Sales Australia Historical furniture and fittings 1 July 2006 Jonathan Alford Pty Ltd * Land dedicated and non-dedicated valuations are in accordance with the Guidelines for the valuation of physical non-current assets at fair value (TTP07-1) and AASB 116 Property, plant and equipment. ** Other amenities and facilities valuations are based on statewide standard costs derived by DECC engineers. These costs reflect the cost standards required to construct DECC picnic areas, camping grounds, lookouts and external interpretive signs. Non-specialised assets with short useful lives are measured at depreciated historical cost, as a surrogate for fair value. When revaluing non-current assets by reference to current prices for assets newer than those being revalued (adjusted to reflect the present condition of the assets), the gross amount and the related accumulated depreciation are separately restated. For other assets, any balances of accumulated depreciation existing at the revaluation date in respect of those assets are credited to the asset accounts to which they relate. The net asset accounts are then increased or decreased by the revaluation increments or decrements. Revaluation increments are credited directly to the asset revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an increment reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an expense in the surplus/deficit, the increment is recognised immediately as revenue in the surplus/deficit. Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the surplus/deficit, except that, to the extent that a credit balance exists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of asset, they are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve. As a not-for-profit entity, revaluation increments and decrements are offset against one another within a class of non-current assets, but not otherwise. Where an asset that has previously been revalued is disposed of, any balance remaining in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of that asset is transferred to accumulated funds. 136 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

(iv) Impairment of property, plant and equipment As a not-for-profit entity with no cash generating units, DECC is effectively exempt from AASB 136 Impairment of assets and impairment testing. This is because AASB 136 modifies the recoverable amount test to the higher of fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost. This means that, for an asset already measured at fair value, impairment can only arise if selling costs are material. Selling costs are regarded as immaterial. (v) Assets not able to be reliably measured DECC holds certain assets, which have not been recognised in the balance sheet because the value of these assets cannot be measured reliably. These assets include a range of cultural artefacts and historic infrastructure. (vi) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Except for certain heritage assets, depreciation is provided for on a straight-line basis for all depreciable assets so as to write off the depreciable amount of each asset as it is consumed over its useful life to DECC. All separately identifiable material components of assets are depreciated over their shorter useful lives. Land is not a depreciated asset. Certain heritage assets (in use) with an extremely long useful life are not depreciated. Depreciation for these cannot be reliably measured because the useful life and the net amount to be recovered at the end of the useful life cannot be reliably ascertained. In these cases, depreciation is not recognised. The decision not to recognise depreciation for these assets is reviewed annually. Buildings and improvements The construction type of DECC buildings is used to determine the asset’s useful life (from which a depreciation rate is derived). For example, historic buildings in use are deemed to have useful lives of between 40 and 100 years; visitors centres and staff residences 40 to 80 years, etc. Roads and other access; utilities and other infrastructure The following depreciation rates have been adopted: Roads; car parks, fire trails and management trails; walking tracks, bridges, picnic areas, camping areas and lookouts 2.5% Boat ramps and wharves, utilities and other infrastructure. 5% Except where bridges, boat ramps, wharves and utilities have been independently valued, an assessment of the useful life of each asset was carried out and the depreciation rate was derived accordingly. Plant and equipment Depreciation rates applied vary from 10% to 25% per annum. Amortisation of intangible assets The following depreciation rates have been adopted: Software 25% Water licences Nil (vii) Major inspection costs When each major inspection is performed, the labour cost of performing major inspections for faults is recognised in the carrying amount of an asset as a replacement of a part, if the recognition criteria is satisfied. (viii) Restoration costs The estimated cost of dismantling and removing an asset and restoring the site is included in the cost of an asset, to the extent it is recognised as a liability. (ix) Maintenance Day-to-day servicing costs or maintenance are charged as expenses as incurred, except where they relate to the replacement of a significant part or component of an asset, in which case the costs are capitalised and depreciated. (x) Leased assets Under certain leases granted by DECC, the lessee will maintain or improve the leased property, which, at the expiry of the lease, reverts to the ownership of DECC. Alternatively, where land is leased, property may be built on the land by the lessee and at the expiry of the lease, ownership of the property transfers to DECC. Assets and improvements are brought to account by DECC upon expiry of the lease when actual ownership and control reverts to DECC. Upon assumption of ownership, the asset will be included in the DECC asset register. Examples of such prospective assets include commercial buildings and infrastructure, such as marinas and ski lifts (excluding associated plant and machinery) built by lessees on DECC property. Operating lease payments are charged to the operating statement in the periods in which they are incurred. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 137

(xi) Intangible assets DECC recognises intangible assets only if it is probable that future economic benefit will flow to DECC and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Intangible assets are measured initially at cost. Where an asset is acquired at no or nominal cost, the cost is its fair value as at the date of acquisition. Software All research costs are expensed. Development costs are only capitalised when certain criteria are met. The useful lives of intangible software assets are assessed to be finite. Intangible assets are subsequently measured at fair value only if there is an active market. As there is no active market for DECC’s intangible software assets, the assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation. DECC’s intangible software assets are amortised using the straight line method over a period of four years. Water licences The Department recognises water licences issued under the Water Management Act 2000 and the Water Act 1912. Licences purchased are reported at cost which equates to fair value. DECC’s intangible water licence assets are not amortised. In general, intangible assets are tested for impairment where an indicator of impairment exists. If the recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to recoverable amount and the reduction is recognised as an impairment loss. (xii) Receivables Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. These financial assets are recognised initially at fair value, usually based on the transaction cost or face value. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less an allowance for any impairment of receivables. Any changes are accounted for in the operating statement when impaired, derecognised or through the amortisation process. Short term receivables with no stated interest rate are measured at the original invoice amount where the effect of discounting is immaterial. (xiii) Inventories Inventories held for distribution are stated at cost, adjusted when applicable, for any loss of service potential. A loss of service potential is identified and measured based on the existence of a current replacement cost that is lower than the carrying amount. Inventories (other than those held for distribution) are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is calculated using the weighted average cost. The cost of inventories acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration is the current replacement cost as at the date of acquisition. Current replacement cost is the cost the agency would incur to acquire the asset. Net realisable value is the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Shop stocks held for 12 months or more and considered to be unsaleable are regarded as obsolete and are expensed. Generally, the quantum of inventory held is small. DECC relies on end-of-year stock takes to identify shop stocks and inventory held for distribution for reporting purposes. (xiv) Investments Investments are initially recognised at fair value. DECC determines the classification of its financial assets after initial recognition and, when allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this at each financial year end. The Hour-Glass Investment Facilities are designated at fair value through profit or loss using the second leg of the fair value option held in ‘cash and cash equivalents’; i.e. these financial assets are managed and their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis. In accordance with DECC’s Financial Arrangements and Investment Risk Management Strategy, information about these assets is provided internally on that basis to DECC’s key management personnel. Designation at fair value through profit or loss is consistent with DECC’s Financial Arrangements and Investment Risk Policy. The movement in the fair value of the Hour-Glass Investment facilities incorporates distributions received as well as unrealised movements in fair value and is reported in the line item ‘investment revenue’. (xv) Impairment of financial assets All financial assets are measured at fair value and are not subject to an annual review for impairment. An allowance for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the entity will not be able to collect all amounts due. (xvi) De-recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities A financial asset is derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire; or if DECC transfers the financial asset: • where substantially all the risks and rewards have been transferred, or • where DECC has not transferred substantially all the risks and rewards, but has not retained control. 138 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Where DECC has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership or transferred control, the asset is recognised to the extent of the Department’s continuing involvement in the asset. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged or cancelled or expires. (xvii) Other assets Other assets are recognised on a cost basis. (j) Liabilities (i) Payables These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to DECC and other amounts. Payables are recognised initially at fair value, usually based on the transaction cost or face value. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Short-term payables with no stated interest are measured at the original invoice amount where the effect of discounting is immaterial. (ii) Borrowings Loans are not designated at fair value through profit or loss and are recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Gains or losses are recognised in the operating statement on de-recognition. (iii) Employee benefits and other provisions (a) Salaries and wages, annual leave, sick leave and on-costs Liabilities for salaries and wages (including non-monetary benefits), annual leave and paid sick leave that fall due wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised and measured in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date at undiscounted amounts based on the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Unused non-vesting sick leave does not give rise to a liability as it is not considered probable that sick leave taken in the future will be greater than the benefits accrued in the future. The outstanding amounts of payroll tax, workers’ compensation insurance premiums and fringe benefits tax, which are consequential to employment, are recognised as liabilities and expenses where the employee benefits to which they relate have been recognised. (b) Long service leave and superannuation DECC’s liabilities for long service leave and defined benefit superannuation are assumed by the Crown Entity. DECC accounts for the liability as having been extinguished resulting in the amount assumed being shown as part of the non-monetary revenue item described as ‘Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee benefits and other liabilities’ (refer note 7). Long service leave is measured using the present value basis in accordance with AASB 119 Employee Benefits. This is based on the application of certain factors (specified in NSWTC 07/04) to employees with 5 or more years of service, using current rates of pay. These factors were determined on an actuarial review to approximate present value. The superannuation expense for the financial year is determined using the formulae specified in the Treasurer’s Directions. The expense for certain superannuation schemes, (i.e. Basic Benefit and First State Super) is calculated as a percentage of the employee’s salary. For other superannuation schemes (i.e. State Superannuation Scheme and State Authorities Superannuation Scheme) the expense is calculated as a multiple of the employees’ superannuation contributions. (iv) Other provisions Other provisions exist when: DECC has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Any provisions for restructuring are recognised only when DECC has a detailed formal plan and has raised a valid expectation in those affected by the restructuring that it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement the plan or announcing its main features to those affected. (k) Equity transfers The transfer of net assets between agencies as a result of an administrative restructure, transfer of programs/functions and parts thereof between NSW public sector agencies is designated as a contribution by owners and recognised as an adjustment to ‘Accumulated funds’. This treatment is consistent with AASB 1004 Contributions and Australian Interpretation 1038 Contributions by owners made to wholly-owned public sector entities. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 139

Transfers arising from an administrative restructure involving not-for-profit entities and for-profit government departments are recognised at the amount at which the asset was recognised by the transferor immediately prior to the restructure. Subject to below, in most instances this will approximate fair value. All other equity transfers are recognised at fair value, except for intangibles. Where an intangible has been recognised at (amortised) cost by the transferor because there is no active market, DECC recognises the asset at the transferor’s carrying amount. Where the transferor is prohibited from recognising internally generated intangibles, DECC does not recognise that asset. (I) Budgeted amounts The budgeted amounts are drawn from budgets as formulated at the beginning of the financial year (State Budget) and with any adjustments for the effects of additional appropriations under s.21A, s.24, and/or s.26 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983. The budgeted amounts in the operating statement and the cash flow statement are generally based on amounts disclosed in the NSW Budget Papers (as adjusted above). However, in the balance sheet, the amounts vary from the Budget Papers, as the opening balances of the budgeted amounts are based on carried forward actual amounts, i.e. per the audited financial report (rather than carried forward estimates). (m) Comparative information Except when an Australian Accounting Standard permits or requires otherwise, comparative information is disclosed in respect of the previous period for all amounts reported in the financial statements. (n) New Australian Accounting Standards issued but not effective In the current year, DECC has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the AASB that are relevant to the operations and effective for the current reporting period. Details of the impact of the adoption of these new accounting standards are set out in the individual accounting policy notes in the financial report. Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2009 reporting period. In accordance with the NSW Treasury mandate (TC 09/03), DECC did not early adopt any of these accounting standards and interpretations that are not yet effective: • AASB 3 (March 2008), AASB 127 and AASB 2008-3 regarding business combinations • AASB 8 and AASB 2007-3 regarding operating segments • AASB 101 (Sept 2007), AASB 2007-8 and AASB 2007-10 regarding presentation of financial statements • AASB 123 (June 2007) and AASB 2007-6 regarding borrowing costs • AASB 1039 regarding concise financial reports • AASB 2008-1 regarding share based payments • AASB 2008-2 regarding puttable financial instruments • AASB 2008-5 and AASB 2008-6 regarding amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project • AASB 2008-7 regarding costs of an investment in a subsidiary, jointly controlled entity, or an associate • AASB 2008-8 regarding eligible hedged items • AASB 2008-9 regarding AASB 1049 amendments consistent with AASB 101 • AASB 2008-11 regarding business combinations with not-for-profit entities • AASB 2009-1 regarding borrowing costs of not-for-profit public sector entities • AASB 2009-2 regarding financial instrument disclosures • Interpretation 15 on construction of real estate • Interpretation 16 on hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation • Interpretation 17 and AASB 2008-13 on distribution of non-cash assets to owners. It is considered that the impact of these new standards and interpretations in future years will have no material impact on the financial statements of DECC. 140 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

2. Expenses 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (a) Employee related expenses Salary and wages (including recreation leave)* 331,941 315,369 Superannuation – defined benefit plans 13,524 12,484 Superannuation – defined contribution plans 21,701 19,937 Long service leave 16,154 30,323 Workers’ compensation insurance 6,591 6,750 Payroll tax and fringe benefits tax 23,012 22,208 Other 574 921 413,497 407,992 The employee related expenses include $20,349,849 for the Botanic Gardens and the Domain Trust and Lord Howe Island Board (2008: $24,091,519) and $42,863,367 (2008: $53,848,206) for the catchment management authorities. Refer also to notes 1(a) and 3(e). * Salaries and wages amounting to $1,935,114 (2007–08: $1,666,856) have been capitalised.

2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (b) Other operating expenses Auditor’s remuneration (audit or review of the financial report) 311 394 Cost of sales 1,289 1,363 Bad and doubtful debts 133 (96) Operating lease rental expenses (minimum lease payments) 15,105 14,548 Other occupancy costs 6,346 4,940 Maintenance* 28,053 25,313 Insurance 17,607 17,463 Communication costs 6,219 5,375 Energy costs 5,139 4,471 Information dissemination 6,628 6,002 Legal costs 2,594 2,104 Stores and minor assets 15,208 13,521 Travel costs 7,631 7,628 Fleet costs 17,341 14,308 Purchase of water licences under the control of other entities 57,533 18,000 Contractors projects 35,282 32,136 Fees and services 79,610 63,098 Maintenance undertaken free of charge – refer note 3(d) 468 – Other (319) (848) 302,178 229,720 * Reconciliation

Maintenance expense (refer note 2(b) as above) 28,053 25,313 Maintenance related employee expenses included in note 2(a) 25,977 25,132 Total maintenance expenses included in note 2(a) and 2(b) 54,030 50,445 Included in the maintenance expenses are expenses incurred by DECC for maintaining Hunter Valley Levee (HVL) Banks ($2.1 million). The assets are controlled by the Water Administration Ministerial Corporation and are managed by DECC under an instrument of sub-delegation from the Department of Water and Energy (DWE). DECC engages Department of Lands as an expert contractor to undertake the HVL scheme maintenance. Recent valuation by DECC, estimates these assets at approximately $500 million. The assets are not controlled by DECC and are not recognised in its balance sheet. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 141

2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (c) Depreciation and amortisation expense Buildings and improvements 10,041 9,680 Roads and other access 21,070 20,602 Utilities and other infrastructure 9,712 9,495 Plant and equipment 14,152 18,815 Furniture and fittings 1,630 1,569 56,605 60,161 Amortisation of intangibles 7,330 4,900 63,935 65,061

(d) Grants and subsidies Federal Government 4,474 6,109 NSW Government 167,744 175,301 Local government 24,598 26,947 Waste performance improvement payments 12,340 8,557 Energy Savings Fund 25,313 4,177 Water Savings Fund 5,776 3,642 Non-government organisations 30,791 16,355 Other 10 153 271,046 241,241

(e) Finance costs Interest expense from financial liabilities not at fair value through profit or loss 2,053 1,930 2,053 1,930

(f) Other expenses Bank charges 199 181 Miscellaneous 2 2 201 183

3. Revenue 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (a) Sale of goods and services Sale of goods: Annual and day entry 15,450 14,363 Camping fees 8,198 7,279 Sale of assets under $5,000 94 64 Sale of publications and stock 2,258 2,428 26,000 24,134 Rendering of services: Community service 3,065 2,738 Hire of facilities 1,100 1,171 Miscellaneous park service 2,412 2,298 Minor user charges 2,345 2,155 8,922 8,362 Total 34,922 32,496 142 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (b) Investment revenue Interest revenue from financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 10,760 14,081 Lease and rental of premises* 16,612 13,959 27,372 28,040 * Lease and rental revenue is derived by DECC from commercial leases and licences with private operators within the national parks.

(c) Retained fees and fines Fees – licences and permits 914 856 Fees – kangaroo and other royalties 947 897 Fees – parking, court and other 1,731 1,295 3,592 3,048

(d) Grants and contributions Funding was provided by the Commonwealth and State Governments together with private and corporate sponsorship as follows (refer note 5): Federal Government 60,246 50,856 NSW Government 73,618 70,243 Other state governments 57,306 516 Local government 376 610 Non-government 80,431 73,987 Contributed assets 1,806 2,628 Services free of charge – refer note 2 (b) 468 – 274,251 198,840

(e) Personnel services Personnel services income 71,963 77,940 71,963 77,940

(f) Other revenue Insurance recoveries 14,860 6,873 Telephone rebate 1 1 Miscellaneous 5,772 4,131 20,633 11,005

(g) Revenue forgone DECC’s revenue does not include park use fees which DECC forgoes through concessions such as free and discounted park use permits provided to certain groups, including pensioners, volunteer fire-fighters, etc. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 143

4. Gain/(loss) on disposal 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Proceeds from disposal of current/non-current assets Land and buildings 4,519 1,219 Plant and equipment 551 677 Infrastructure 7 – Written down value of current/non-current assets disposed of Land and buildings (4,621) (1802) Plant and equipment (3,951) (673) Infrastructure (141) (822) Net gain/(loss) on disposal (3,636) (1,401)

5. Conditions on contributions DECC received contributions for specific purposes, e.g. restoration works or scientific research projects. The amount received during this period was $272,444,673 (2007–08: $196,211,386). Contributions received during the year include climate change funds of $82,937,668. Usually the conditions imposed upon DECC stipulate that grants provided are required to be spent on the specific project for which the funds were provided. Usually any funds that are not used on the specific project must be refunded to the donor body. DECC also conducts research projects on behalf of a wide range of donor bodies. The bodies provide funds that are restricted to use on projects specified by the donor body. Strict terms and conditions can apply to the use of these funds. Any unspent funds can be returned to the donor bodies. No externally imposed financial restrictions are operable in respect of DECC’s assets (except cash) as a result of such contributions. In the case of research grants, assets of an intangible nature (e.g. intellectual property) may ensue. Due to the immateriality, all costs incurred are expensed. The contributions which were unexpended as at 30 June 2009 were $162,694,897 (2007–08: 184,719,878). Contributions which are unexpended at the balance date are considered to be restricted assets (refer note 10).

6. Appropriations

2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (a) Recurrent appropriation Total recurrent draw-downs from NSW Treasury* 670,955 636,815 Less: liability to Consolidated Fund* (518) – 670,437 636,815 Comprising: Recurrent appropriation** 604,144 560,350 Transfer payments (refer note 8) 66,293 76,465 670,437 636,815

(b) Capital appropriation Total capital draw-downs from NSW Treasury* 54,151 125,800 Less: Liability to Consolidated Fund* – – 54,151 125,800 Comprising: Capital appropriation** 54,151 125,800 54,151 125,800 * As per summary of compliance ** As per operating statement 144 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

7. Acceptance by the Crown Entity of employee benefits and other liabilities 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 The following liabilities and/ or expenses have been assumed by the Crown Entity: Superannuation – defined benefit 13,524 9,457 Long service leave 13,808 27,736 Payroll tax on superannuation 673 568 28,005 37,761

8. Transfer payments Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife 50 50 Lord Howe Island Board 1,378 1,789 Zoological Parks Board 25,735 35,638 Nature Conservation Trust 1,000 500 Catchment management authorities 38,130 38,488 66,293 76,465

9. Service groups of the Department Service Group 1: Climate Change, Policy and Programs Objective(s): This service group covers the state’s climate change policy response. It delivers water and energy conservation and waste sustainability programs. It develops, implements and reviews strategic policies, programs and procedures pertaining to native vegetation, biodiversity, landscape conservation, environment protection and coastal protection. This service group also develops and manages private land conservation programs including the Biobanking Scheme, Riverbank and other environmental water recovery programs, as well as supporting catchment management authorities.

Service Group 2: Environment Protection and Regulation Objective(s): This service group covers delivering credible, targeted and cost effective regulation and enforcement across a range of environment protection, conservation, native vegetation and Aboriginal heritage areas. It implements market- based and regulatory programs for industry and local government to reduce environmental impacts. Service Group 3: Parks and Wildlife Objective(s): This service group covers managing and acquiring parks and protected areas. Within the reserve system, the service group conserves and manages nature and cultural heritage; provides a range of opportunities and experiences for visitors to enjoy parks and other protected areas; controls pests and weeds; and suppresses and manages fires. The service group also partners Aboriginal communities and private landholders for conservation outcomes. The service group manages on-park Aboriginal and historic heritage sites and areas, and buildings of significance, as well as protecting, managing and licensing native wildlife. Service Group 4: Culture and Heritage Objective(s) This service group covers working with Aboriginal communities, and private and public landholders to conserve Aboriginal cultural heritage. It develops policies, strategies, programs and systems that support Aboriginal participation in the management of their traditional lands, waters and natural resources. The service group also provides technical services for the conservation of cultural heritage within parks, reserves and botanic gardens, and leads the development of the ‘Strengthening community wellbeing’ strategy. Service Group 5: Scientific Services Objective(s): This service group covers scientific research, investigation, monitoring, analysis, evaluation and reporting on a range of climate change, natural resource, and environmental and cultural heritage matters. The service group also interprets and communicates environmental data to inform internal and external decision making, as well as providing laboratory and analytical services to support environment protection, conservation and natural resource programs, and emergency services. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 145

10. Current assets – cash and cash equivalents 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents include all of the following: Cash at bank 135,730 161,758 Cash on hand 162 158 Cash at TCorp 48,757 46,281 Closing cash and cash equivalents (as per cash flow statement) 184,649 208,197 ‘Cash at TCorp’ includes a restricted asset of $38,873,345 provided by Snowy Hydro Ltd to assist with the remediation of sites formerly occupied by that organisation. ‘Cash at bank’ includes a restricted asset of $121,665,118 for the water and energy savings funds (refer note 5).

11. Current/non-current assets – receivables 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Current Sale of goods and services 26,521 15,916 Retained taxes, fees and fines 285 64 Less: allowance for impairment (122) (142) Accrued income 10,122 11,822 Prepayments 1,435 1,391 GST 11,545 7,864 Other receivables 63 61 49,849 36,976 Debts written off during the period amounted to $152,721 (2007–08: $74,599).

Reconciliation Other (inc C’wealth/ with general with private and government PTEs not-for-profit agencies and PFEs sectors) Total 2008–09 movements Opening balance 1 July 2008 52 – 90 142 Amounts written off during the year – – (26) (26) Amounts recovered during the year (40) – (44) (84) Increase/(decrease) in allowance recognised in P&L 38 – 52 90 Closing balance 30 June 2009 50 – 72 122

2007–08 movements Opening balance 1 July 2007 225 – 87 312 Amounts written off during the year – – (75) (75) Amounts recovered during the year (225) – (12) (237) Increase/(decrease) in allowance recognised in P&L 52 – 90 142 Closing balance 30 June 2008 52 – 90 142 146 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

12. Current assets – inventories 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Finished goods – shop stocks 731 734 731 734

13. Current assets – other financial assets at fair value

Interest-bearing deposits 16 16 16 16

14. Current assets – held for sale

Land – 4,475 – 4,475

15. Non-current assets – property, plant and equipment Land and Plant and Infrastructure buildings equipment systems Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 At 1 July 2008 – at fair value Gross carrying amount 2,337,306 131,517 1,039,329 3,508,152 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (184,229) (68,621) (326,592) (579,442) Net carrying amount 2,153,077 62,896 712,737 2,928,710

At 30 June 2009 – at fair value Gross carrying amount 2,288,772 133,822 1,463,319 3,885,913 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (194,045) (74,123) (399,125) (667,293) Net carrying amount 2,094,727 59,699 1,064,194 3,218,620

Reconciliation A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current reporting period is set out below. Land and Plant and Infrastructure buildings equipment systems Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Year ended 30 June 2009 Net carrying amount at start of year 2,153,077 62,896 712,737 2,928,710 Additions 63,395 16,481 16,016 95,892 Disposals (146) (3,951) (141) (4,238) Acquisitions/disposals through administrative restructures 1,926 48 – 1,974 Net revaluation increment/(decrement) (115,290) 7 366,364 251,081 Depreciation expense (10,041) (15,782) (30,782) (56,605) Other movements – free of cost 1,806 – – 1,806 Carrying amount at end of year 2,094,727 59,699 1,064,194 3,218,620 Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 147

Revaluation decrement for lands is based on advice from the Department of Lands of a 5% land factor decrease for the year. Roads and other access were also revalued this year as part of a five-year revaluation cycle. Land and Plant and Infrastructure buildings equipment systems Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 At 1 July 2007 – at fair value Gross carrying amount 2,341,038 118,182 1,024,162 3,483,382 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (176,438) (49,522) (297,142) (523,102) Net carrying amount 2,164,600 68,660 727,020 2,960,280

At 30 June 2008 – at fair value Gross carrying amount 2,337,306 131,517 1,039,329 3,508,152 Accumulated depreciation and impairment (184,229) (68,621) (326,592) (579,442) Net carrying amount 2,153,077 62,896 712,737 2,928,710

Reconciliation A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the previous reporting period is set out below. Land and Plant and Infrastructure buildings equipment systems Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Year ended 30 June 2008 Net carrying amount at start of year 2,164,600 68,660 727,020 2,960,280 Additions 82,377 14,319 17,300 113,996 Disposals (7,472) (702) (1,234) (9,408) Acquisitions/disposals through administrative restructures 19,361 917 – 20,278 Net revaluation increment/(decrement) (98,320) 60 – (98,260) Depreciation expense (9,680) (20,384) (30,097) (60,161) Class change (351) 9 (252) (594) Other movements – free of cost 2,562 17 – 2,579 Carrying amount at end of year 2,153,077 62,896 712,737 2,928,710 DECC also continues to derive service potential and economic benefit from some fully depreciated assets that have not been revalued this financial year. The impact of valuation is likely to be minimal as most fully depreciated assets are likely to be in poor condition and therefore may or may not have zero value. 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Buildings 11,938 6,857 Plant and equipment 5,735 261 Intangibles 9,771 8,519 Infrastructure 7,687 9,360 Gross carrying amount 35,131 24,997 148 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

16. Intangible assets Water Software licences Total $’000 $’000 $’000 At 1 July 2008 Cost (gross carrying amount) 38,047 78,335 116,382 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (17,655) – (17,655) Net carrying amount 20,392 78,335 98,727

At 30 June 2009 Cost (gross carrying amount) 49,749 130,095 179,844 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (24,985) – (24,985) Net carrying amount 24,764 130,095 154,859

Year ended 30 June 2009 Net carrying amount at start of year 20,392 78,335 98,727 Additions (from internal development or acquired separately) 11,702 51,760 63,462 Amortisation (recognised in ‘Depreciation and amortisation’) (7,330) – (7,330) Net carrying amount at end of year 24,764 130,095 154,859

At 1 July 2007 Cost (gross carrying amount) 27,400 29,815 57,215 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (12,778) – (12,778) Net carrying amount 14,622 29,815 44,437

At 30 June 2008 Cost (gross carrying amount) 38,047 78,335 116,382 Accumulated amortisation and impairment (17,655) – (17,655) Net carrying amount 20,392 78,335 98,727

Year ended 30 June 2008 Net carrying amount at start of year 14,622 29,815 44,437 Additions (from internal development or acquired separately) 10,118 48,520 58,638 Disposals (88) – (88) Net revaluation increment/(decrement) (2) – (2) Amortisation (recognised in ‘Depreciation and amortisation’) (4,900) – (4,900) Class change 593 – 593 Other movements – free of cost 49 – 49 Net carrying amount at end of year 20,392 78,335 98,727

17. Restricted assets Apart from the amount disclosed under note 5, DECC has under its control a wide range of assets, such as historic buildings, dedicated land and specified sites, which are subject to restrictions on their use by virtue of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. These restrictions include disposal of the asset or, under certain circumstances, exploitation for financial or economic gain. Additional restrictions may be brought to bear by DECC’s stakeholders as well as other legislation governing the use of historic sites and buildings. DECC also has a bank account that facilitates the payment of employee entitlements for catchment management authority staff. This account is controlled by the Department of Commerce. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 149

18. Current liabilities – payables 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Accrued salaries, wages and on-costs 8,701 3,431 Creditors 17,289 9,508 Voluntary redundancies 119 846 26,109 13,785

19. Current/non-current liabilities – borrowings Treasury advances repayable 42,852 39,107 42,852 39,107 Borrowings – repayment schedule – Less than one year – – – One year to five years 6,565 572 – Later than five years 36,287 38,535 Total 42,852 39,107 DECC has drawn down a repayable advance to meet costs associated with the Perisher Resort Development, i.e. to meet the costs associated with the development of a master plan and upgrading the water in the Perisher area. The repayable schedule of the interest-bearing repayable advances has been determined in the context of the NSW Infrastructure Strategy. No repayments are scheduled to commence within the next 12 months. While DECC did not have the powers to borrow funds (i.e. loans) under the Public Authorities (Financial Arrangements) Act 1987, specific approval was given by the NSW Treasurer for these advances.

20. Current/non-current liabilities – provisions 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Employee benefits and related on-costs Recreation leave 38,003 37,315 Recreation leave on-costs 1,822 1,922 Long service leave on-cost – current* 10,147 7,744 Long service leave on-cost – non-current 504 384 Total provisions 50,476 47,365 *$4,707,484 expected to be paid later than 12 months (2007–08: $4,377,000)

Aggregate employee benefits and related on-costs Provisions – current 49,972 46,981 Provisions – non-current 504 384 Accrued salaries, wages and on-costs (refer note 18) 8,701 3,431 59,177 50,796 Includes employee benefits and related on-costs for the catchment management authorities, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust and the Lord Howe Island Board – refer note 1(a). 150 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

21. Current/non-current liabilities – other 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Security deposits 307 300 Funds and interest held in trust (catchment management authorities) 1,896 6,442 Unspent recurrent appropriation 518 – Prepaid income 603 281 3,324 7,023

Unamortised discount (non-current) 402 536 402 536

22. Changes in equity Accumulated Asset revaluation Total funds reserve equity 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance at the beginning of the financial year 2,057,125 1,914,167 1,112,894 1,208,836 3,170,019 3,123,003 Changes in equity – transactions with owners as owners Increase/(decrease) in net assets from equity transfers (refer note 23) 1,974 15,206 1,974 15,206 Total 2,059,099 1,929,373 1,112,894 1,208,836 3,171,993 3,138,209

Changes in equity – other than transactions with owners as owners Surplus/(deficit) for the year 62,487 127,752 62,487 127,752 Increment/(decrement) on revaluation of: Infrastructure systems 366,364 – 366,364 – Land and buildings (115,290) (95,942) (115,290) (95,942) Plant and equipment 7 – 7 – Total 62,487 127,752 251,081 (95,942) 313,568 31,810 Balance at the end of the financial year 2,121,586 2,057,125 1,363,975 1,112,894 3,485,561 3,170,019 Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 151

23. Increase/decrease in net assets from equity transfers Other administrative restructures transferred since the formation of the Department are: 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Increase in assets and liabilities from 27 April 2007 administrative restructure 64 (4,156) Increase in assets and liabilities – other administration restructures (below) 1,910 19,362 1,974 15,206

Assets and liabilities transferred due to administrative restructure in 2008–09: LIA DPI DoC DoL SF SCA DoP Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Non-current assets Land and buildings – (323) – 150 1,757 237 105 1,926 Plant and equipment (15) – 63 – – – – 48 Net assets from administrative restructure (15) (323) 63 150 1,757 237 105 1974

Other administrative restructures transferred since the formation of the Department are: 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Transfers of land and associated infrastructure from other agencies, which are treated as ‘administrative restructuring’ (refer to note 1(u)) are detailed below: State Forests of NSW (SF) Land and infrastructure 1,757 6,481 Department of Lands (DoL) Land 150 12,881 Department of Planning (DoP) Land 105 – Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Land (323) – Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) Land 237 – 1,926 19,362

Equity transfers (other than land) Lake Illawarra Authority (LIA) (15) – Department of Commerce – ServiceFirst (DoC) 63 – 48 – 1,974 19,362 152 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

24. Commitments for expenditure and revenue 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Commitment – expenditure (a) Capital commitments* Aggregate capital expenditure contracted at balance date and not provided for: Not later than one year 1,848 4,457 Later than one year and not later than five years – – Later than five years – – Total (including GST) 1,848 4,457

(b) Other expenditure commitments* Aggregate other expenditure contracted at balance date and not provided for: Not later than one year 5,245 5,712 Later than one year and not later than five years – – Later than five years – – Total (including GST) 5,245 5,712

(c) Operating lease** commitments* Future non-cancellable operating lease rentals not provided for and payable: Not later than one year 26,303 24,050 Later than one year and not later than five years 32,132 34,159 Later than five years 1,142 1,516 Total (including GST) 59,577 59,725

* As a consequence of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), a contingent asset is included in the commitments above. The value of this contingent asset is $6,060,907 (2007–08: $6,354,016), which represents commitments contracted for at balance date but not recognised in the statements as liabilities. ** Operating leases are for office accommodation, plant and equipment and motor vehicles. 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Commitment – revenue (a) Operating lease commitments – receivables* Further non-cancellable operating leases not provided for and receivable: Not later than one year 7,586 8,881 Later than one year and not later than five years 28,226 33,633 Later than five years 124,346 114,424 Total (including GST) 160,158 156,938 * As a consequence of the GST, a contingent liability is included in the commitments above. The value of this contingent liability is $14,484,419 (2007–08: $7,120,619). DECC’s revenue commitments arise from a varied portfolio of commercial leases that enable private operators to provide visitor services and experiences in national parks for a specific period of time. These lease contracts are often complex. Many contain clauses that create difficulties in estimating, with any certainty, the quantum of future commitments as the revenue is subject to various contingent factors, such as future Consumer Price Index over extended periods, sales turnover (which is itself subject to the vagaries of weather) and/or taxable income. DECC management considers that this category of leases cannot be reliably measured and has therefore excluded these leases from the above figures. The lease commitments involving receivables reflected in this note relate solely to leases that specify a base rent component or receivables calculated as a percentage of land value which, in certain cases, is the minimum lease revenue that could be expected in future years. Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 153

25. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

Contingent liabilities There are presently unresolved disputes where legal action has been taken against DECC: • DECC is a joint defendant in a matter before the Industrial Relations Commission in relation to allegations of unfair contract. • An alleged breach of contract is to be judged in a local court. Presently the matter has not been listed for a hearing. It is not practical to estimate the financial effect of these disputes. As at the balance date, DECC has a contingent liability for household rebates. These rebates are given to help households make their homes more water and energy efficient. It is not practical to estimate the value of this liability reliably due to an extraordinary increase in the take up of rebates during the 2008–09 financial year with additional Commonwealth contributions becoming available and an associated backlog of applications. Treasury Managed Fund TMF manages a number of civil claims against DECC in relation to issues such as negligence and public liability. As at 30 June 2009 these included: • The Director General is a joint defendant in Supreme Court and Land and Environment Court proceedings that commenced in December 2008. The matter relates to advice given on clearing native vegetation and bore water licences on the plaintiffs’ property. • A civil law suit in relation to water licences. • Civil law suits against DECC by property holders who sustained property damage during the fires across a large proportion of the State in December to January 2001–02 and 2002–03. • Civil law suits arising in relation to the January 2003 bushfires in Canberra. • A civil law suit by an individual claiming damages in relation to alleged exposure to lead at Broken Hill. • Civil law suits by individuals that have sustained injuries and/or damage to their personal property. • Civil law suits involving claims for incidents that occurred within national parks. It is not practical to estimate the financial effect of these claims. DECC’s insurable risk should adequately cover all these claims. Other than the above, DECC is not aware of any significant or material contingent liability in existence at 30 June 2009 or which has emerged subsequent to this date, which may materially impact on the financial position of DECC as shown in the Financial Statements. Contingent assets Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) Apart from the civil claims managed by TMF disclosed above, there are no known contingent assets at balance date.

26. Budget review Net cost of services The actual net cost of services varied from the budget by $52.692 million. This was primarily due to the following: $m (a) Change in the accounting treatment of water licences purchased under The Living Murray program. 98.0 (b) Additional revenue received for the purchase of land and water licences, mainly from the Australian Government, such as Cranebrook, Toorale, River Environmental Restoration Program and Riverbank. (40.8)

Net assets Net assets – variation of $196.493 million is primarily due to: $m (a) Net increment due to the revaluation of non current assets- ‘roads and wharves’ and ‘land and buildings’. 251.1 (b) Change in the accounting treatment of the purchase of The Living Murray Water licences. (70.0)

Cash flows The net decrease in cash held in the year is consistent with DECC’s budget for 2008–09. Variances to the budget are primarily due to capital purchases during the year using cash balances and increased expenditure on projects funded by external sources. 154 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

27. Reconciliation of net cash flows from operating activities to net cost of services 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Net cash used on operating activities (129,037) (179,416) Cash flows from government/appropriations 658,813 686,150 Acceptance by Crown Entity of employee benefits and other liabilities 28,005 37,761 Depreciation and amortisation 63,935 65,061 Contributed assets (1,806) (2,628) Borrowings 2,053 1,930 Decrease/(increase) in receivables (12,873) (4,130) Decrease/(increase) in inventories 4 3 Increase/(decrease) in provisions 3,112 4,020 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 12,323 (14,619) Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities (4,352) 786 Net effect on accumulated funds from restructure – (160) Net loss/(gain) on sale of plant and equipment 3,636 1,401 Net cost of services 623,813 596,159

28. Administered assets, liabilities and revenue Receipts collected on behalf of the Consolidated Fund are not included in DECC’s Financial Report. They are brought to account as revenue in the Treasurer’s Public Accounts. 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (a) Administered assets Receivables 2,056 1,270 Allowance for impairment (364) (748) Cash 3,074 119 Remittance clearing (3,074) (119) Accrued income 6,298 7,213 Total administered assets 7,990 7,735

(b) Administered liabilities Creditors 70 526 Total administered liabilities 70 526

(c) Administered revenues Pollution licences and approvals 45,619 47,742 Radiation licences 1,464 1,590 Other fees and licences 1,416 1,367 Waste-related levies and fees 248,681 228,852 Waste levy rebates (632) (2,784) Fines 806 833 Total revenue collected on behalf of the Crown 297,354 277,600

29. Administered revenue – debts written off Debts written off in 2008–09: $599,617 (2007–08: $47,418) Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 155

30. Administered revenue – schedule of uncollected amounts

Schedule of uncollected amounts $’000 Waste audit levies 87 Pollution control licences 1,784 Radiation control licences 185 2,056

Waste audit levies Pollution control licences Radiation control licences Past due Past due Past due but not Considered but not Considered but not Considered Total impaired impaired impaired impaired impaired impaired 2009 ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) < 3 months overdue 43 – – 43 – – – 3 months–6 months overdue 35 – – 35 – – – > 6 months overdue 364 – 86 – 60 – 218 Note: The ageing analysis excludes receivables that are not past due and not impaired. Therefore, the total will not reconcile to the schedule of uncollected amounts.

31. Financial instruments DECC’s principal financial instruments are outlined below. These financial instruments arise directly from DECC’s operations or are required to finance these operations. DECC does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes. Classes of instruments are recorded at cost and are carried at net fair value. DECC’s main risks arising from financial instruments are outlined below, together with DECC’s objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk. Further quantitative and qualitative disclosures are included throughout this financial report. The Director General has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of risk management and reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks. Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by DECC, to set risk limits and controls and to monitor risks. Compliance with policies is reviewed by the Audit Committee/internal auditors on a continuous basis. (a) Financial instrument categories Carrying Carrying Financial assets Note Category amount amount 2009 2008 Class: $’000 $’000 Cash and cash equivalents 10 N/A 184,649 208,197 Receivables1 11 Loans and receivables (at amortised cost) 36,869 27,721 Other financial assets 13 Term deposit 16 16 Carrying Carrying Financial liabilities Note Category amount amount 2009 2008 Class: $’000 $’000 Payables2 18 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 26,109 13,785 Borrowings 19 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 42,852 39,107 Notes: 1. Excludes statutory receivables and prepayments (i.e. not within scope of AASB 7). 2. Excludes statutory payables and unearned revenue (i.e. not within scope of AASB 7). Cash and cash equivalents The carry amounts from Treasury advances are not materially different from their fair values. A repayment schedule is included in note 19. 156 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

(b) Credit risk Credit risk arises when there is the possibility of the Department’s debtors defaulting on their contractual obligations, resulting in a financial loss to the Department. The maximum exposure to credit risk is generally represented by the carrying amount of the financial assets (net of any allowance for impairment). Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Department, including cash, receivables and Department deposits. No collateral is held by the Department. The Department has not granted any financial guarantees. Credit risk associated with the Department’s financial assets, other than receivables, is managed through the selection of counterparties and establishment of minimum credit rating standards. The Department’s deposits held with NSW TCorp are guaranteed by the State. Cash Cash comprises cash on hand and bank balances within the NSW Treasury Banking System. Interest is earned on daily bank balances at the monthly average NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) 11 am unofficial cash rate adjusted for a management fee to NSW Treasury. The TCorp Hour Glass cash facility is discussed in paragraph (d) below. Receivables – trade debtors All trade debtors are recognised as amounts receivable at balance date. Collectibility of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Procedures as established in the Treasurer’s Directions are followed to recover outstanding amounts, including letters of demand. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. An allowance for impairment is raised when there is objective evidence that the entity will not be able to collect all amounts due. This evidence includes past experience, and current and expected changes in economic conditions and debtor credit ratings. No interest is earned on trade debtors. Sales are made on 30 day terms. The Department is not materially exposed to concentrations of credit risk to a single trade debtor or group of debtors. Based on past experience, debtors that are not past due (2009: $7.292 m; 2008: $3.569 m) and not less than 1 month past due (2009: $0.221 m; 2008: $1.213 m) are not considered impaired and together these represent 95% of the total trade debtors. Most of the Department’s debtors have a good credit rating. There are no debtors which are currently not past due or impaired whose terms have been renegotiated. All lease revenue falls due immediately after the issue of the customer invoice except where the lease rent schedule conditions stipulate otherwise. The only financial assets that are past/due or impaired are ‘sales of goods and services’ in the ‘receivables’ category of the balance sheet. Past due but not Considered Total impaired impaired ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) 2009 – < 3 months overdue 8,071 8,071 3 months–6 months overdue 60 60 – > 6 months overdue 162 40 122 2008 < 3 months overdue 3,368 3,342 – 3 months–6 months overdue 264 257 – > 6 months overdue 142 – 142 Notes 1. Each column in the table reports ‘gross receivables’. 2. The ageing analysis excludes statutory receivables, as these are not within the scope of AASB7 and excludes receivables that are not past due and not impaired. Therefore, the total will not reconcile to the receivables total recognised in the balance sheet. Other financial assets As at 30 June 2009, DECC held two fixed term interest-bearing deposits to the value of $15,500 (2007–08: $15,500) with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The deposits at 30 June 2009 were earning an interest rate 7.4% (2007–08: 6.5%) while over the year the weighted average interest rate was 7.4% (2007–08: 6.5%). Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 157

(c) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Department will be unable to meet its payment obligations when they fall due. The Department continuously manages risk through monitoring future cash flows and maturities planning to ensure adequate holding of high quality liquid assets. The objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of overdrafts, loans and other advances. DECC does not have any bank overdraft facility. However it does have a number of operational activities/limits with the bank that have the potential to be a liability. These include cheque cashing authorities, purchase card limits, a payroll agreement and a tape negotiation authority. During the current and prior years, there were no defaults or breaches on any payables. No assets have been pledged as collateral. The Department’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. The liabilities are recognised for amounts due to be paid in the future for goods or services received, whether or not invoiced. Amounts owing to suppliers (which are unsecured) are settled in accordance with the policy set out in Treasurer’s Direction 219.01. If trade terms are not specified, payment is made no later than the end of the month following the month in which an invoice or a statement is received. Treasurer’s Direction 219.01 allows the Minister to award interest for late payment. No interest for late payment was applied during 2008–09 (2007–08: Nil). The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Department’s financial liabilities, together with the interest rate exposure. Maturity analysis and interest rate exposure of financial assets and liabilities Interest rate exposure Maturity dates Weighted average Fixed Variable effective Nominal interest interest int. rate amount rate rate < 1 year 1–5 years > 5 years 2009 Payables Accrued salaries, 8,820 – – 8,820 – – wages and on-costs Creditors 17,289 – – 17,289 – – Borrowings Crown advance 42,852 5.25 – – 6,565 36,287 68,961 26,109 6,565 36,287 2008 Payables Accrued salaries, 4,277 – – 4,277 – – wages and on-costs Creditors 9,508 – – 9,508 – – Borrowings Crown advance 39,107 6.0 – – 572 38,535 52,892 13,785 572 38,535 Notes: 1. The amounts disclosed are the contractual undiscounted cash flows of each class of financial liabilities and therefore will not reconcile to the balance sheet. 158 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

(d) Market risk Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. DECC’s exposure to market risk is primarily through interest rate risk on DECC’s borrowings and other price risks associated with the movement in the unit price of the Hour Glass Investment Facilities. DECC has no exposure to foreign currency risk and does not enter into commodity contracts. The effect on profit and equity due to a reasonably possible change in risk variable is outlined in the information below, for interest rate risk and other price risk. A reasonably possible change in risk variable has been determined after taking into account the economic environment in which DECC operates and the time frame for the assessment (i.e. until the end of the next annual reporting period). The sensitivity analysis is based on risk exposures in existence at the balance sheet date. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2008. The analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant. Interest rate risk Exposure to interest rate risk arises primarily through DECC’s interest bearing liabilities. This risk is minimised by undertaking mainly fixed rate borrowings, primarily with NSW Treasury. DECC does not account for any fixed rate financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss or as available-for-sale. Therefore, for these financial instruments a change in interest rates would not affect profit or loss or equity. A reasonably possible change of +/- 1% is used, consistent with current trends in interest rates. The basis will be reviewed annually and amended where there is a structural change in the level of interest rate volatility. DECC’s exposure to interest rate risk is set out below. $’000 Carrying –1% +1% amount NCOS* Equity NCOS* Equity 2009 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 184,649 1,847 (1,847) (1,847) 1,847 Receivables 36,869 369 (369) (369) 369 Other 16 – – – – Financial liabilities Payables 17,289 (173) 173 173 (173) Provisions 50,476 (505) 505 505 (505) Other 3,726 (37) 37 37 (37) Borrowings 42,852 (429) 429 429 (429)

2008 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 208,197 2,082 (2,082) (2,082) 2,082 Receivables 27,721 277 (277) (277) 277 Other 16 – – – – Financial liabilities Payables 9,508 (95) 95 95 (95) Borrowings 39,107 (391) 391 391 (391) Note: * NCOS = net cost of services.

Other price risk Exposure to ‘other price risk’ primarily arises through the investment in the TCorp Hour-Glass Investment Facilities, which are held for strategic rather than trading purposes. DECC has no direct equity investments. DECC holds units in the following Hour-Glass investment trusts: 2009 2008 Facility Investment sectors Investment horizon $’000 $’000 Cash facility Cash, money market instruments Up to two years 48,757 46,281 The unit price of each facility is equal to the total fair value of net assets held by the facility divided by the number of units on issue for that facility. Unit prices are calculated and published daily. NSW TCorp as trustee for the above facility is required to act in the best interest of the unitholders and to administer the Finance – Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 159

trusts in accordance with the trust deeds. As trustee, TCorp has appointed external managers to manage the performance and risks of each facility in accordance with a mandate agreed by the parties. However, TCorp acts as manager for part of the Cash Facility. A significant portion of the administration of the facilities is outsourced to an external custodian. Investment in the Hour-Glass facilities limits DECC’s exposure to risk, as it allows diversification across a pool of funds, with different investment horizons and a mix of investments. NSW TCorp provides sensitivity analysis information for each of the investment facilities, using historically based volatility information collected over a 10-year period, quoted at two standard deviations (i.e. 95% probability). The TCorp Hour-Glass Investment facilities are designated at fair value through profit or loss and therefore any change in unit price impacts directly on profit (rather than equity). A reasonably possible change is based on the percentage change in unit price (as advised by TCorp) multiplied by the redemption value as at 30 June each year for each facility (balance from Hour-Glass statement). Impact on profit/loss Change in 2009 2008 unit price $’000 $’000 Hour Glass Investment Cash Facility +/- 5.35% 2,608 3,156

(e) Fair value Financial instruments are generally recognised at cost, with the exception of the TCorp Hour-Glass facilities, which are measured at fair value. As discussed, the value of the Hour-Glass Investments is based on DECC’s share of the value of the underlying assets of the facility, based on the market value. All of the Hour-Glass facilities are valued using ‘redemption’ pricing. The amortised cost of financial instruments recognised in the balance sheet approximates fair value because of the short term nature of the financial instruments.

32. After balance date events There are no significant events subsequent to balance sheet date.

End of audited financial statements 160 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Environment Protection Authority Finance – Environment Protection Authority 161 162 DECC Annual Report 2008–09 Finance – Environment Protection Authority 163

Beginning of audited financial report

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY Income statement for the year ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 Revenue Other revenue 2 84,804 66,523 Total revenue 84,804 66,523 Less: Expenses Operating expenses Board member fees and related costs 3(a) 356 319 Audit fees 3(a) 10 11 Other expenses 3(b) 84,438 66,193 Total expenses 84,804 66,523

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR – – The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. 164 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY Statement of recognised income and expense for the year ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 Net income recognised directly in equity – – Surplus/(deficit) for the year – – TOTAL INCOME AND EXPENSE RECOGNISED FOR THE YEAR – – The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. Finance – Environment Protection Authority 165

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY Balance sheet as at 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 ASSETS Current assets Cash – – Receivables – – Total current assets – – Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Land and buildings – – Plant and equipment – – Total non-current assets – – Total assets – –

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Payables – – Provisions – – Total current liabilities – – Non-current liabilities Provisions – – Total non-current liabilities – – Total liabilities – – Net assets – –

EQUITY Reserves – – Accumulated funds – – Total equity – – The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. 166 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY Cash flow statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 Cash flows from operating activities Payments Employment related – – Grants and subsidies – – Other – – Total payments – –

Receipts Sale of goods and services – – Retained fees and fines – – Investment income – – Other – – Government contributions – – Total receipts – – Net cash flows from operating activities – –

Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of land and buildings, plant and equipment and infrastructure – – systems Purchases of land and buildings, plant and equipment and infrastructure systems – – Net cash flows from investing activities – –

Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings and advances – – Repayments of borrowings and advances – – Net cash flows from financing activities – – Net Increase/(decrease) In Cash Held Opening cash and cash equivalents – – CLOSING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – – The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. Finance – Environment Protection Authority 167

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY Notes to and forming part of the financial report for year ended 30 June 2009

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Reporting entity The Public Sector Employment and Management (Environment and Conservation) Order 2003 (PSEM) made on 24 September 2003 established a new Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). This was partly achieved by the abolition of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as a department. As such, the EPA is no longer a separate department of the Crown. On the 27 April 2007, the Department of Environment and Conservation became the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). A need was identified to retain an independent role for the statutory body corporate of the EPA in taking legal actions, including the possible prosecution of State Government authorities and for most serious prosecutions. As a result, the Government decided to retain a separate legal entity that could take this legal action. It is important to recognise that the surviving statutory body known as the EPA with its Board is a legal mechanism only that operates within the confines of the environment protection legislation, such as the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991, in order to facilitate certain activities of DECC staff. The EPA has no staff of its own, no material assets under its control and no material liabilities. While the activities of the EPA are fully integrated within DECC operations, as a statutory body the EPA is required to produce a separate financial report. The fair value of the expenditure of the EPA has been derived through an assessment by management of the resources consumed by DECC to enable the EPA to discharge its obligations. A notional grant has been provided by DECC as an offset. This financial report will be authorised for issue by the Minister in October 2009. (b) Basis of preparation The EPA’s financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with: • applicable Australian Accounting Standards (which include Accounting Interpretations) • the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and its Regulation. Judgements, key assumptions and estimates made by management are disclosed in the relevant notes to the financial report. All amounts are rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars and are expressed in Australian currency. (c) Early adoption of standards At the reporting date, a number of Australian Accounting Standards have been issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board but are not yet operative. These have not been early adopted by the Authority. These standards have been assessed for their possible impact on the financial report, if any, in the period of their initial application. The assessment concluded that there will be no material impact.

2. Revenue 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 Other revenue Grant from DECC 84,804 66,523 84,804 66,523 168 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

3. Expenses 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (a) Operating expenses Board member fees and related costs 356 319 Audit fees 10 11 366 330 (b) Other expenses Fees for service – DECC 84,438 66,193 84,438 66,193

Total expenditure 84,804 66,523

4. Expenditure by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Total expenses relating to the EPA have been spent by DECC in a number of its service groups. This expenditure is reported in note 1(a) of DECC’s financial report. A description of each program, its objectives and the amount expended follows. Service Group 1: Climate Change and Policy Programs Objective(s): This service group covers the State’s climate change policy response. It delivers water and energy conservation and waste sustainability programs. It develops, implements and reviews strategic policies, programs and procedures pertaining to native vegetation, biodiversity, landscape conservation, environment protection and coastal protection. This service group also develops and manages private land conservation programs including the Biobanking Scheme, and NSW Riverbank and other environmental water recovery programs, as well as supporting catchment management authorities. Service Group 2: Environment Protection and Regulation Objective(s): This service group covers delivering credible, targeted and cost effective regulation and enforcement across a range of environment protection, conservation, native vegetation and Aboriginal heritage areas. It implements market- based and regulatory programs for industry and local government to reduce environmental impacts. Service Group 5: Scientific Services Objective(s): This service group covers scientific research, investigation, monitoring, analysis, evaluation and reporting on a range of climate change, natural resource, and environmental and cultural heritage matters. The service group also interprets and communicates environmental data to inform internal and external decision making, as well as providing laboratory and analytical services to support environment protection, conservation and natural resource programs, and emergency services.

2009 2008 Service Group $’000 $’000 Climate Change and Policy Programs 17,096 12,364 Environment Protection and Regulation 55,918 47,117 Scientific Services 11,424 6,712 84,438 66,193

5. Contingent liabilities There are no known contingent liabilities that would impact on the state of affairs of the EPA or have a material impact on the financial report.

6. After balance date events There are no known events that would impact on the state of affairs of the EPA or have a material impact on the financial report.

End of audited financial statements Finance – Marine Parks Authority 169

Marine Parks Authority 170 DECC Annual Report 2008–09 Finance – Marine Parks Authority 171

Beginning of audited financial report

MARINE PARKS AUTHORITY Income statement for the year ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 Revenue Sale of goods and services 2(a) – 1 Retained fees and fines 2(b) 78 28 Government contributions 2(c) 5,116 4,702 Investment revenue 2(d) 10 – Other revenue 2(e) 34 13 Total revenue 5,238 4,744 Less:

Expenditure Operating expenses Other operating expenses 3(a) 1,711 1,650 Personnel services 3(b) 3,402 2,886 Total expenses 5,113 4,536 Gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets – – SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 5 125 208 The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. 172 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

MARINE PARKS AUTHORITY Statement of recognised income and expense for the year ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 Net income recognised directly in equity Surplus/(deficit) for the year 5 125 208 TOTAL INCOME AND EXPENSE RECOGNISED FOR THE YEAR 125 208 The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. Finance – Marine Parks Authority 173

MARINE PARKS AUTHORITY Balance sheet as at 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 4 408 283 Receivables – – Other – – Total current assets 408 283 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment – – Land and buildings – – Plant and equipment – – Total property, plant and equipment – – Intangible assets – – Total non-current assets – – Total assets 408 283

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Payables – – Borrowings – – Provisions – – Other – – Total current liabilities – – Non-current liabilities Borrowings – – Provisions – – Total non-current liabilities – – Total liabilities – – Net assets 408 283

EQUITY Reserves – – Accumulated funds 408 283 Total equity 408 283 The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. 174 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

MARINE PARKS AUTHORITY Cash flow statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 Notes $’000 $’000 Cash flows from operating activities Payments Employment related – – Other (5,113) (4,536) Total payments (5,113) (4,536) Receipts Sale of goods and services – 1 Retained fees and fines 78 50 Government contributions 5,116 4,692 Interest received 10 – Other 34 1 Total receipts 5,238 4,744 Net cash flows from operating activities 5 125 208

Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of land and buildings, and plant and equipment – – Purchases of land and buildings, and plant and equipment – – Net cash flows from investing activities – –

Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings and advances – – Repayments of borrowings and advances – – Net cash flows from financing activities – – Net Increase/(decrease) In Cash Held 125 208 Opening cash and cash equivalents 283 75 CLOSING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 408 283 The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. Finance – Marine Parks Authority 175

MARINE PARKS AUTHORITY Notes to and forming part of the financial report for year ended 30 June 2009

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Reporting entity The Marine Parks Authority (MPA), is a reporting entity established under the Marine Parks Act 1997, whose activities are administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). The MPA has no staff of its own, no material assets under its control and no liabilities. Transactions relating to the operations of the MPA, as represented in the financial statements, are salaries and operational expenses, and any revenues identified by the administering agency. The financial report was authorised for issue by the Chair of the authority during October 2009. (b) Basis of preparation The Authority’s financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with: • applicable Australian Accounting Standards (which include Australian Accounting Interpretations); and • the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and Regulations. Where there are inconsistencies between the above requirements, the legislative provisions have prevailed. All amounts are rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars and are expressed in Australian currency. (c) Income recognition Income is recognised when DECC has control of the income or right to receive. It is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the DECC and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably. (d) Employee benefits The Marine Parks Authority does not employ staff of its own. Staff from DECC are used to perform various functions in relation to the activities of the MPA. (e) Capital charge The Marine Parks Authority does not own assets. It utilises assets controlled by DECC for undertaking its functions. A charge out cost has been included within operating expenses to reflect the use of these assets. The Marine Parks Authority utilises items such as marine craft, computers, buildings and general plant and equipment. (f) Marine Parks Act The Marine Parks Act 1997 (the Act) commenced on 1 July 1998. The objects of the Act are: to conserve marine biological diversity and marine habitats by declaring and managing a comprehensive system of marine parks; to maintain ecological processes in marine parks; to provide for the ecologically sustainable use of fish (including commercial and recreational fishing) and marine vegetation in marine parks; and to provide opportunities for public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of marine parks. The Act provides for the establishment of a Marine Parks Fund in which all fees and charges under the Act and money received in connection with administration of the Act are paid. During 2008–09, the fund was administered by DECC. (g) Early adoption of Australian Accounting Standards At reporting date a number of Australian Accounting Standards have been issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) but are not yet operative. These have not been early adopted by the Authority. These standards have been assessed for their possible impact on the financial report, if any, in the period of their initial application. The assessment concluded that there will be no material impact. 176 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

2. Revenues 2009 2008 $’000 $’000 (a) Sale of goods and services Sale of goods – 1 – 1 (b) Retained fees and fines Retained fees and fines 78 28 78 28 (c) Grants and contributions Agency contributions 4,718 4,556 NSW Government 127 – Federal government 271 146 5,116 4,702 (d) Investment revenue Interest on bank account 10 – 10 – (e) Other revenue Other 34 13 34 13

3. Expenses

(a) Other operating expenses Fees – general 1,711 1,650 1,711 1,650 (b) Personnel services Personnel services provided by DECC staff 3,402 2,886 3,402 2,886

4. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank (Marine Parks Fund) 408 283 408 283

5. Reconciliation of net cash flows from operating activities to surplus for the year

Net cash flows from operating activities 125 208 Surplus for year 125 208

6. Commitments The Marine Parks Authority did not have any commitments at 30 June 2009.

7. Contingent liabilities The Marine Parks Authority board is not aware of any contingent liabilities at 30 June 2009.

End of audited financial statements 177

Appendices

In this chapter 1 . Statement of responsibility 178 2 . Performance of senior staff 178 3 . Principal officers 181 4 . EPA Board members’ curricula vitae 182 5 . Significant statutory bodies and advisory committees 184 6 . Staff statistics 196 7 . Legislation and legal changes 198 8 . Infringements and prosecutions 199 9 . DECC-managed lands and waters 206 10 . Statement of affairs 215 11 . Freedom of information applications 218 12 . Information Centre and Environment Line statistics 222 13 . Publications 224 14 . Papers published and presented 228 15 . Overseas visits by staff 239 16 . Consultancies 241 17 . Grants to community organisations 242 18 . Major works 244 19 . Major assets 245 178 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

1. Statement of responsibility 2. Performance of senior staff

As Director General, I have worked with other Executive Chief Executive members, principal officers and managers who are responsible for particular internal control processes to provide reasonable Name: Ms Lisa Corbyn assurance that DECC is achieving its objectives and using its Position Title: Director General resources efficiently. These processes include: Period: 1 July 2008–30 June 2009 SES Level: SES 8 • reporting to me and the Executive on aspects of Remuneration: $394,700 organisational performance • controlling how expenditure and staff resources are managed During the year, Ms Corbyn provided strong leadership, sound management and corporate team building to: • contracting out various independent external assessments of aspects of our work • bed down the previous major agency restructure and prepare for the future super agency • managing a program of internal audits that focuses on operational and financial risk. • deliver on priority environmental, climate change and natural resource programs including those identified in the State I participate in an independently chaired statutory audit and Plan which include targets for clean air, greenhouse gas compliance committee established under the National Parks and reduction, natural resource management, building Aboriginal Wildlife Act 1974 that reports to the Minister, and am on the community wellbeing and increasing visitation to national Internal Audit Committee which has an independent chair and parks. members. Details of internal audits and external assessments are provided in chapter 5. Throughout the year Ms Corbyn led DECC’s Executive to progress challenging policy and legislative reforms, and implement To the best of my knowledge, all these control processes have a broad range of environmental, conservation and natural operated satisfactorily during the reporting year. resource management programs. Ms Corbyn is active in whole- of-government and national processes including chairing the Climate Change and Natural Resource Management and Environment Chief Executive Officer clusters, and participating in the Chief Executives Committee and on Standing Committees for national Ministerial Councils in NRM and Environment Protection and Heritage. She is also a member of the Marine Parks LISA CORBYN Authority. In June 2009, Ms Corbyn was identified as one of the Director General new 13 NSW super agency CEOs. Results: • Delivered key climate change and sustainability programs including leading the statewide input on the national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and statewide consultation on the development of the NSW Climate Change Action Plan; chairing the Climate Change Science Network of eminent NSW scientists developing a Climate Change Research partnership; and progressing the NSW Government’s Sustainability Policy and the NSW $150 million Energy Efficiency Strategy, including legislation enabling the Energy Savings Scheme. • Coordinated whole-of-government strategies including a new draft Action for Air – the Government’s 25 year air quality management plan, the natural resource management Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, the draft 13 state of the catchment reports, and nature-based tourism programs so people could have a broader range of visitor experiences in national parks. • Delivered major regulatory and policy approaches including achieving red tape reductions, consulting on marine parks zoning plans and regulations, implementing new legislation on contaminated land management, and implementing regulations on licensing industry and waste levies. • Implemented new strategies to protect native vegetation including a new native vegetation compliance approach and new vegetation report cards, and progressed BioBanking. Appendices 179

• Supported ongoing work with Aboriginal communities • Continued the successful acquisition of water for inland including programs for new co-management arrangements NSW, with water entitlement holdings by 30 June 2009 and partnerships, rolling out DECC’s cultural awareness totalling 89,996 megalitres of entitlement across the Gwydir, training, increasing DECC’s Aboriginal employment and Macquarie, Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee valleys, and initiated supporting Two Ways Together, especially through the the review of the Government’s coastal and floodplain community wellbeing program. program. • Worked collaboratively with catchment management • Supported the continued development of the Government’s authorities to progress natural resource management reforms of conservation legislation, policies and programs. programs and reposition efforts in the context of the These included implementation of the BioBanking Scheme, Commonwealth’s new Caring for Our Country funding and regulation of forestry activities in native forests approach, and to improve corporate governance frameworks. conducted by the private sector, including the policy • Progressed environmental water recovery targets in the third framework for a structural adjustment program. year of NSW Riverbank, delivered on the NSW component • Guided the strategic planning for the next phase of the of The Living Murray, developed a whole-of-government Environmental Trust programs, the initiation of new waste framework for environmental water management in and environment levies and the Sustainability Program which NSW and signed a memorandum of understanding with included significant progress in leading DECC’s programs to the Commonwealth environmental water holder on the reduce DECC’s ecological footprint. cooperative use of environmental water holdings for the benefit of priority wetlands in NSW. Name: Ms Sally Barnes • Added major new areas to the protected area system Position title: Deputy Director General, Parks and Wildlife including in Western Sydney (Cranebrook) and in Western Group NSW (Toorale), continued the roll out of a new asset Period: 1 July 2008–30 June 2009 maintenance approach, pursued strategic fire management SES level: 6 including significantly increasing hazard reduction programs Remuneration: $292,050 in parks and delivered ongoing pest and weed programs for The Director General has expressed satisfaction with Ms national parks. Barnes’ performance during the period in which she led Parks • Delivered on the major agency restructure, continued to and Wildlife Group in 2008–09. Ms Barnes has achieved the achieve achieved significant corporate servicing benchmarks, performance criteria in her performance agreement. As Head improved on DECC’s progress on occupational health and of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in DECC, she has safety targets, and fostered strong financial management demonstrated a strong commitment to building the protected throughout DECC. area system and managing the reserve system to an excellent standard. Senior Executive Officers Results Name: Mr Simon A Y Smith • Acquired significant additions to the reserve system in Position Title: Deputy Director General, Climate Change, western NSW with the purchase of Toorale Station near Policy and Programs Group Bourke, Booligal Station on the Lachlan River near Hay and Period: 1 July 2008–30 June 2009 Pillicawarrina in the Macquarie Marshes. The network of SES Level: SES 7 conservation reserves in western Sydney was also extended Remuneration: $357,300 through the purchase of the former Air Services Australia The Director General has expressed satisfaction with Mr Smith’s property at Cranebrook. performance throughout 2008–09. Mr Smith has achieved • Represented DECC on the Taskforce on Tourism in National the performance criteria in his performance agreement. He Parks in NSW whose recommendations were to maintain the has been a strong leader, driving implementation of reforms protection of natural and cultural values in NSW parks while using innovative approaches to meet Government priorities and proposing ways of developing the nature tourism industry in community expectations. NSW to make it more competitive with other destinations in Results Australia. • Led climate change policy initiatives including orchestrating • Provided assistance through the Aboriginal Partnerships the regionally based consultation for the development of Program to projects which connect Aboriginal communities the Climate Change Action Plan; co-organising the Green with parks to grow capacity and create new opportunities for Jobs summit conference and green skills task force, and Aboriginal co-management across the reserve system. being appointed as DECC’s ‘go to’ person; developed NSW • Reached agreement with Perisher Blue Pty Ltd to establish submissions to national efforts such as energy efficiency and a consolidated mountain lease which encompasses the renewable energy. Also developed and is delivering the multi- whole of their operations for a 40-year lease term, including pronged $150 million Energy Efficiency Strategy and the the implementation of a comprehensive environmental separate legislation on the innovative Energy Savings Scheme. management system. • Successfully overhauled and managed the Government’s $300 • Provided input to NSW Government declarations of the million Climate Change Fund, including grants and rebates for Grose and Colo rivers as wild rivers, bringing the total area of householders, businesses and local councils. declared wilderness in NSW to almost 2 million hectares. 180 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

• Managed the revitalisation of assets to improve visitor • Improved protection of Aboriginal Heritage with new services in national parks such as the $1.7 million internal and external guidance material to assist with redevelopment of the facilities at Wentworth Falls picnic area impact applications; engaged widely with communities on and lookout. consultation guidelines; provided assistance for Aboriginal • Completed fire management strategies for all parks and communities. reserves, and finished 59,202 hectares of hazard reduction • Led corporate and executive programs including State Plan burning which is the highest total ever completed by the clean air targets and was chair of the National Air Quality National Parks and Wildlife Service. Working Group for the Environment Protection and Heritage • Launched Yanga National Park in May 2009. This high profile Council. acquisition has now moved into its next stage of development • Reviewed NSW and Australian Government Forest with the public able to enjoy the natural and cultural assets of Agreements and Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals for Yanga. environment protection.

Name: Mr Joe Woodward Name: Mr Len Banks Position Title: Deputy Director General, Environment Position Title: Executive Director Scientific Services Protection and Regulation Group Period: 1 July 2008–30 June 2009 Period: 1 July 2008–30 June 2009 SES Level: SES 5 SES Level: SES 6 Remuneration: $259,850 Remuneration: $284,950 The Director General expressed satisfaction with Mr Banks’ The Director General has expressed satisfaction with Mr performance throughout 2008–09. Mr Banks was Executive Woodward’s performance throughout 2008–09. Mr Woodward Director, Scientific Services for the full year, achieved the has achieved the criteria in his performance agreement. He has performance criteria agreed for that position and retired from the driven better regulation and has sought to achieve a high level Public Service on 1 July 2009. of regulatory credibility with a reduction in unnecessary and duplicative red tape. He has successfully integrated a wide range Results of regulatory responsibilities including environment protection, • Effectively managed the integrated Scientific Services biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Division, creating improved delivery of scientific services Results within DECC and to other clients. • Developed risk-based regulatory programs involving • Progressed the natural resource management Monitoring, investigations and audits leading to remedial actions, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy (MER Strategy) and sanctions or ultimately successful prosecution of prepared 13 draft state of the catchment reports through environmental offenders across the full range of collecting and analysing natural resource condition data environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage protection in line with State Plan targets, achieving initial reporting legislation. products at state and catchment levels. • Completed the overhaul of the native vegetation compliance • Oversaw management of the sophisticated complex of DECC framework, including a transparent compliance policy; laboratories, providing the capacity for in-house analytical education for and advice to landholders; a targeted audit services for the MER Strategy and catchment management campaign and an annual public compliance report. Initiated authority programs, as well as forensic and pollution control review of legislation to improve compliance effectiveness. needs. • Oversaw many regulatory reforms including the new solaria • Provided leadership and direction in the development of the regulation; implemented the national radiation security code Native Vegetation Report Card and the use of new computing and commenced the review of the Radiation Act; aligned power for the analysis and storage of digital satellite and NSW with national legislation for dangerous goods transport; other imagery, principally for vegetation monitoring. amended contaminated land legislation; and amended • Led ongoing science support for the Marine Parks Authority, waste and environment protection legislation to improve risk which included valuable assessments of marine habitats and assessment and remove loopholes. information to assist in marine park zonings and management • Drove reductions in unnecessary red tape across waste options. regulation; drove environment protection legislation leading • Developed the Science Investment and Management Plan to reductions of over 500 low-risk licensed activities; for DECC in support of DECC science needs and for State Plan reviewed the Radiation Act; drove chemicals regulation; outcomes. adopted the government licensing system for dangerous • Initiated the Climate Change Science Network of eminent goods and radiation; and removed duplicative DECC planning NSW scientists to advise on science needs, and contributed concurrences. to the completion of the NSW biophysical scan to support the • Improved public accessibility to DECC’s regulatory processes, development of the Climate Change Action Plan. e.g. online public litter reporting; accredited private motor vehicle noise testing stations; regulated contaminated sites; administered the pubic register and additional guidance material on the DECC website. Appendices 181

Name: Ms Stephanie Cross Position Title: Executive Director Corporate Services 3. Principal officers Period: 1 September 2008–30 June 2009 The DECC Executive comprises 12 principal officers. Following is a SES Level: SES 5 list of Executive members on 30 June 2009: Remuneration: $236,000 Director General The Director General has expressed satisfaction with Ms Cross’ Ms Lisa Corbyn, BA, MPA, FIPAA performance during the year. Deputy Director General, Climate Change, Policy and Following the creation of DECC in 2007, Corporate Services has Programs Group been progressively integrating systems and processes to improve efficiency and service delivery. This includes using technology to Mr Simon Smith, BA (Hons) deliver services and improving communication flows. Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation Group Results Mr Joe Woodward, BSc, ME (Hons) • DECC’s financial management systems were further Deputy Director General, Parks and Wildlife Group strengthened through improved financial monitoring and control mechanisms including program forecasting, the use of Ms Sally Barnes, BA, DipEd, GradDip Information Sciences business intelligence, enhanced reporting, and the refinement (Teacher Librarianship) of financial management policy and procedures for catchment Executive Director, Botanic Gardens Trust management authorities. Dr Tim Entwisle, BSc (Hons), PhD (Botany) • DECC’s ongoing improvement program for services continued Executive Director, Corporate Services Division with technology and system upgrades for key services, Ms Stephanie Cross, BSocSc, MBA delivery of business system improvement projects, the pilot of a video conferencing initiative and greater access to DECC Executive Director, Cultural and Heritage Division systems by catchment management authorities. Mr Reece McDougall, BSc (Forestry), MEnvSc (Acting from 5 • The finalisation of the delivery of Electronic Self Service across January 2009) DECC has delivered online personnel services and ready access Mr Jason Ardler, BEc (to 12 June 2009) to relevant information for staff and managers, resulting in Executive Director, Scientific Services Division better services and increased efficiencies. Mr Len Banks, BScAgr, MScAgr • A strategic review and redevelopment of DECC’s business continuity planning, including the development of a Executive Director, Departmental Performance comprehensive pandemic plan, has delivered DECC a robust Management and Communication strategy to facilitate the delivery of key business services Mr Tim Rogers, BEc, MAd during emergencies. Executive Director, Legal Services • The enhanced focus on maintaining a strong occupational Mr Steve Garrett, BEc, LLB health and safety (OH&S) culture continues to deliver Executive Director, Park Management improved OH&S and injury management performance, and Mr Bob Conroy, Grad Dip Environmental Studies, MMgt includes the delivery of additional online learning packages and commencement of an online OH&S hazard and incident Director, Executive Services management system. Mr Steve Beaman, BSc • Units in the Corporate Services Division were all actively managed to provide for the delivery of new systems and programs and a high quality of service. 182 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

4. EPA Board members’ Director General, Department of Environment and Climate Change curricula vitae Ms Lisa Corbyn, BA MPA FIPAA (attended 10 meetings) The EPA functions as a statutory body corporate under whose Lisa Corbyn is the Director General of the Department of power regulatory actions relating to environment protection Environment and Climate Change. She previously held the legislation are taken. It is a part of the Department of positions of Director General of the Department of Environment Environment and Climate Change (DECC). and Conservation and Director General of the NSW Environment Provisions for administering the EPA Board are detailed in the Protection Authority. She is also Chair of the Natural Resources Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991. Section and Environment CEOs’ Cluster Group. 15(3) of the Act sets out appointment procedures for each of the Lisa Corbyn has had a varied career as a senior manager in both part-time Board members. DECC administers these procedures in the public and private sectors in Australia where she has worked line with the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Guidelines for for the Ministry of the Environment, AWA Limited, the Sydney NSW Board and Committee Members 2005. Members of the EPA Water Board and the Department of Planning. Before moving Board are appointed for a period of up to five years. The Minister to Australia, Ms Corbyn worked for over 10 years for the United makes final decisions on appointments for Cabinet approval. Of States Environmental Protection Agency, primarily in water the appointed members, one is appointed by the Governor as the programs. Chair of the Board and another is appointed by the Governor as Deputy Chair of the Board. Members with experience in, or knowledge of, The EPA Board met eleven times in 2008–09. Ms Beverley Smiles nature conservation or environment protection was appointed to the Board in October 2008 and attended her Prof. Don White, FIChemE, CEng (attended 11 meetings) first meeting in November 2009. Mr Peter Prineas completed his term with the Board in October 2008. Don White is an Adjunct Associate Professor with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney. Don has thirty years’ experience as a manager and engineer in the process Board Members and chemical industries, and since 1998 has provided private consulting services to chemical, petrochemical and magnesium Chair and member with expertise in environment metal industries, under the company name Don White and protection policy Co. During this time, he has also been involved in nature The Honourable Paul Stein AM, QC (attended 11 meetings) conservation, environment protection and community issues. Paul Stein has over 25 years’ experience in the Australian judicial Don is the current Chairperson of the Nature Conservation Council system, serving as a Judge of the NSW Court of Appeal, the of NSW and member of several of its internal committees. He is a NSW Supreme Court, the NSW District Court, and the NSW Land member of several government and liaison committees including and Environment Court. He has served on numerous boards and the Load Based Licensing Technical Review Panel and Waste committees throughout his career, gaining extensive experience Committee of the Environmental Trust. He has also served on the in environment protection policy. He is currently Chair of Hazardous Chemicals Advisory Committee and the Homebush Bay Macquarie University’s Centre for Environmental Law Advisory Environment Reference Group. Committee and Chair of the Board of the Law and Justice Members with experience in, or knowledge of, Foundation. He sits on the Heritage Committee of NSW Supreme Court, and on the advisory boards of the Australian Centre for nature conservation or environment protection Environmental Law. Ms Beverley Smiles (eligible to attend 5 meetings, attended 5 meetings) Deputy Chair and member with experience in, or knowledge of, environmental aspects of Beverley Smiles is an environmental consultant working with peak state environment groups such as the National Parks agriculture, industry or commerce Association of NSW. Mr Tony Wright, DipTech MBA (attended 9 meetings) She is convenor of various community-based groups such as Tony Wright is Managing Director of Wright Corporate Strategy Central West Environment Council and Northern Inland Council Pty Ltd and Chair of the State Water Corporation. He is Chair of for the Environment. She is the local conservation representative the State of the Environment Advisory Council of NSW and Chair on the Central West Community Conservation Advisory of the Extended Producer Responsibility Expert Reference Group. Committee, and Cudgegong Water Committee representative on He is a past Chair of Environment Business Australia and a past the Environmental Flows Reference Group for the Macquarie– Director of the CRC for Waste Management and Pollution Control. Cudgegong Water Sharing Plan. She has held positions on natural resource management bodies such as the Hunter Catchment Management Trust, Hunter River Management Committee and Macquarie–Cudgegong River Management Committee. Appendices 183

Member with experience in, or knowledge of, Member with expertise in environmental law environmental aspects of agriculture, industry or and an academic employed in a NSW tertiary commerce institution Dr John Keniry, AM BSc (Hons) PhD (attended 10 meetings) Professor Gerry Bates, LLB (Hons) PhD (Birm) (attended John Keniry chairs several bodies, including Ridley Corporation 10 meetings) Ltd, and the Scientific Advisory Council to the NSW Minister Gerry Bates teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses for Primary Industries. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian in environmental law at a number of universities, including the Chemical Institute and the Academy of Technological Sciences Australian Centre for Climate and Environmental Law, University and Engineering and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003. of Sydney; Australian National University, Canberra, and He is Past Chairman of the Livestock Export Review, the National University of New South Wales. Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals He has published extensively on environmental law, including and Unisearch Ltd. the standard text Environmental law in Australia, and has been Editor-in-Chief of the Environmental and Planning Law Journal Member with experience in environmental science since its inception in 1983. Mr Robert Junor, HDA BA (attended 11 meetings) Dr Bates is a Director of Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises, a Bob Junor is a former Commissioner and Chief Soil waste recovery centre and landfill on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Conservationist with the Soil Conservation Service of NSW, and was formerly leader of the Greens in the Tasmanian State having served in a field-based career in the coastal, Murray and Parliament. north-western regions of the State. Member with expertise in local government He has chaired the Community Advisory Committee of the Murray–Darling Basin Commission, Upper Parramatta River matters Catchment Management Trust, Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Cr Genia McCaffery, BEc (Hons) (attended 7 meetings) Management Authority, and Greening Australia (NSW). He Genia McCaffery is the Mayor of North Sydney and President is currently a natural resources management consultant, of the NSW Local Government Association. She has worked for undertaking strategic planning, environmental audits and land the Department of Labour and Immigration and as a researcher management consultancies. for the National Trust and has undertaken work in youth issues, Member with expertise in regional unemployment and public advocacy. She is a member of the Local Government Environmental and Planning Committee, the environmental issues Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Board Yvonne Stewart (attended 9 meetings) and the Environmental Trust. Yvonne Stewart is the Chair of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, the Cape Byron Trust and the Arakwal National Park Board of Management. She is also a member of the Marine Parks Advisory Council. Yvonne Stewart is Chief Executive Officer of the Arakwal Corporation and is actively involved with the Byron Shire Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee, in both environmental management issues and plans of management. In the past, she was actively involved in the creation of the Arakwal National Park following the signing of a historic Indigenous Land Use Agreement, and was a member of the Department of Lands Water Sharing Committee. She received a NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Award in 2004 for her work in promoting and protecting Aboriginal culture and involving Aboriginal people in the management of national parks. 184 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

5. Significant statutory bodies BioBanking Ministerial Reference Group The BioBanking Ministerial Reference Group was formed to and advisory committees assist in finalising the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and regulations for operating the BioBanking Scheme under Part 7A Significant committees advising DECC of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Chair: Simon Smith, DECC Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee Jeff Angel Georgina Beattie The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee is Rachelle Benhow established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Richard Clarke and consists of nominees of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Pam Green and Aboriginal Elders groups, as well as registered native title Sandy Halley claimants and Aboriginal owners. It advises the Minister for Geoff Hudson Climate Change and the Environment and the Director General Robert Humphries of DECC on any matter relating to identification, assessment Jenny Rudolph and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW. All Rachel Walmsley memberships (below) expired on 31 March 2009 and as at 30 Robert Wilcher June 2009 arrangements are under way to reconstitute the committee. Cape Byron State Conservation Area Trust Chair: Yvonne Stewart The Cape Byron State Conservation Area is managed by the trust Deputy Chair: Victor Perry which was established in 1989. The trust is a voluntary, not- Viola Brown for-profit community body empowered by the provisions of the Glenda Chalker National Park and Wildlife Act 1974 with the care, control and Craig Cromelin management of the reserve. Lavinia Duroux Mary Duroux Chair: Yvonne Stewart Robin Heath Deputy Chair: Tony McCabe James Ingram Jan Barham (resigned) Maureen O’Donnell Barry Cameron Stephen Ryan Judy Conlan Mark Johnston, DECC Aboriginal Water Trust Advisory Committee Sean Kay Dulcie Nicholls The Aboriginal Water Trust Committee provides strategic advice Linda Vidler (deceased) to the Minister on Aboriginal Water Trust issues, and assesses and provides recommendations to the Minister on grant applications Climate Change Fund Advisory Committee to the community under the Trust. The Climate Change Fund Advisory Committee advises the Michael Bell Minister and DECC on strategy and priorities; reviews these Glenda Chalker priorities to take account of changing conditions and the success Craig Cromelin of various climate change activities; and monitors, reviews and Lionel Mongta reports to the Minister on the overall performance of the fund Merle Williams against the established objectives. Animal Ethics Committee Chair: Simon Smith, DECC Jeff Angel The Animal Ethics Committee was originally formed in 1991 by Steven Beletich the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Its role is to approve and Peter Birk monitor all animal research conducted by DECC employees. Roman Domanski Darill Clements Gavin Gilchrist Anne Fowler Paul Hackney Miranda Gott, DECC Ben Hamilton Tony Gregory Andrew Kirkwood Susan Hemsley Mark Ludbrooke David Priddel Genia McCaffrey Robert Taylor Angus Nardi Serena Todd Tim Nelson Flett Turner Paul Orton Peter Szental Karen Waldman Dr Stephen White Appendices 185

Climate Change Science Research Network Central West CCAC The Climate Change Science Research Network helps the Chair: Kenneth Rabbett Government to access the best available information on regional Mike Blake climatic changes, impacts and adaptation. It informs and advises Tom Gavel on coordinating climate change impacts and adaptation research David Goldney in NSW, and integrating this research with other State, Territory, Janis Hosking national and international programs; advises on research Bryn Jones priorities for NSW; and reviews the NSW climate change impacts Anne Kerle and adaptation research and investment plan. Tim Lacey (resigned) Richard MacFarlane Chair: Lisa Corbyn, DECC David Maynard Ross Bradstock Anthony O’Halloran Ron Cox Stephen Ryan Ian Goodwin Bev Smiles Lesley Hughes Michael Webb Stephen Leeder Kim Wright John McAneney Andy Pitman Namoi CCAC Perry Wiles Chair: Colleen Fuller Garry Willgoose Jane Bender Hugh Ford Community Conservation Advisory Committees Ted Hayman Community Conservation Advisory Committees (CCACs) are Jane Judd constituted under the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Anne Kerle Conservation Area Act 2005 to advise the Community David King Conservation Council on the provisions of the Community Jim McDonald Conservation Area Agreement. CCACs are appointed by Robert Michie the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and Tim Scrace the Minister for Primary Industries. Committee members Ted Spackman include representatives from national parks regional advisory Helen Stevens committees, local environment groups, industry (timber, mining Tom Underwood and apiary), local government and catchment management authorities; and local farmers, local recreation users, Aboriginal Conservation Audit and Compliance Committee people and scientific experts. The Conservation Audit and Compliance Committee is established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and oversees, on Border Rivers/Gwydir CCAC behalf of the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Chair: Steven Adams the compliance of the Director General of DECC with her Kate Boyd legislative responsibilities under the National Parks and Wildlife Casey Cooper Act 1974 or any other related legislation. Bob Couch Chair: Arthur Butler James Croft (resigned) Bob Conroy, DECC Liza Duncan Lisa Corbyn, DECC Wendy Hawes Nicholas Jacomas Brett Heath Mark Peacock, DECC Renee Hill (resigned) Kathryn Ridge David Paull (resigned) Stephen Ryan Keith Pickstone Phillip Spark Environmental Trust Peter Thompson (resigned) Peter Turnbull The Environmental Trust is empowered under the Environmental Kim Wright Trust Act 1998, and its main responsibility is to make and supervise the expenditure of grants. Chair: the Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, MP Lisa Corbyn, DECC Genia McCaffery Rob Pallin Lindsay Williams 186 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Internal Audit Committee Load-based Licensing Technical Review Panel The Internal Audit Committee ensures that DECC’s internal audit The Load-based Licensing Technical Review Panel advises DECC activity focuses on areas of identified significant risk; internal on the contents of the Load Calculation Protocol. It includes audit recommendations properly address identified issues of risk representatives from industry, local government, environment and other issues requiring improvement; and implementation of groups, DECC and an independent adviser. The Load Calculation recommendations is effective and complete. Protocol sets out the methods that holders of licences issued Chair: Arthur Butler under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 must Len Banks, DECC use to calculate assessable pollutant loads. Lisa Corbyn, DECC Chair: Mark Gifford, DECC Catherine Donnellan, DECC Dr Richard Benson Dr John Keniry John Court Simon Smith, DECC Walter Moore Dr Keith Osborne, DECC Kangaroo Management Advisory Panel Dr Debashis Raha The Kangaroo Management Advisory Panel advises the Director Paul Rendell, DECC General on matters pertaining to the implementation and review Professor Donald White of the NSW Kangaroo Management Program (KMP), which sets the framework for the commercial harvest of kangaroos. These Marine Parks Authority matters include kangaroo population dynamics, harvest quotas, The NSW Government set up the Marine Parks Authority in licensing and compliance monitoring, animal welfare issues, 1997 to investigate and recommend where marine parks legislation and policy, fees and funding, research needs and should be established, recommend which areas in each marine priorities, long-term strategic planning and any matter raised park should be set aside for conservation, recreational and by the Minister or the Director General. All the above matters commercial purposes (this is called zoning), manage activities in should be addressed in a manner consistent with the provisions marine parks to protect the marine environment, tell the public of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, the National Parks and about marine parks, and carry out and encourage research on Wildlife Regulation 2002, and the KMP. Members on the panel how marine parks affect the marine environment and nearby represent the views and interests of their organisation. communities. Chair: Joshua Gilroy, DECC Chair: John Lee Sandy Bright Lisa Corbyn, DECC Michael Cavanagh Dr Richard Sheldrake Dr Tony English Dick MacFarlane Bateman’s Marine Park Advisory Committee Ben Mannix Ric Cumming Greg Markwick Associate Professor Andy Davis Patrick Medway Mark Fleming Mike Mulligan Paul Green David O’Shannessy Sam Nerrie Nicole Payne, DECC Dene Moore Marie Russell Doug Morris Neil Mumme Karst Management Advisory Committee Ian Smith The Karst Management Advisory Committee is established under Wayne Smith the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 to advise the National Darryl Stuart Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council on the conservation and Cape Byron Marine Park Advisory Committee management of karst environments. Sharon Cadwallader Chair: Michael Wright, DECC Dr Tim Hochgrebe Michael Augee Paul Johnstone Tracey Austin Serge Killingbeck Associate Professor Julia James Bruce Lewis Associate Professor Neil Lipscombe Dr David Lloyd Chris Norton Theresa Nichols Graeme Pattison Antonio Puglisi Andy Spate James Robinson-Gale Alfie Walker Jnr Tom Tabart Appendices 187

Jervis Bay Marine Park Advisory Committee National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council Chair: Attila Bicskos The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council is constituted Anthony Byrnes under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The council has Matt Cross up to 19 members, each one having the required qualifications Lynnette Cleary set out in the Act. The Advisory Council advises the Minister for Ann Garard Climate Change and the Environment and the Director General Malcom Gorry on a range of issues including the management of national parks Paul Green and reserves, the protection of wildlife, and the management of Dr Todd Minchinton conservation agreements and wilderness areas. John Sperring Captain John Vandyke Chair: Jane Judd, Nature Conservation Council of NSW Deputy Chair: Ken Prendergast, National Parks and Wildlife Lord Howe Island Marine Park Authority Advisory Service Advisory Committee, Southern Region Committee Sally Barnes, DECC Phillip Boxall Brian Busteed Dr Geoff Cary, Australian National University (term ended March Stan Fenton 2009) Keith Galloway Glenda Chalker, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee Lauren Gatherer Christine Ferguson, NSW Aboriginal Land Council (deceased) Dean Hiscox Dr Ronnie Harding, University of NSW Ian Hutton OAM Craig Morris Cr Janet Hayes, Local Government and Shires Association Cindy Shick (appointed 1 October 2008) Steve Wills Dr Bruce Hayllar, University of Technology Sydney Campbell Wilson Diana Hoffman, National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Committee, Rhonda Wilson Western Region Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory James Ingram, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee Committee (term ended March 2009) Daniel Aldrich Nicholas Jacomas, National Parks and Wildlife Service Advisory Professor David Booth Committee, Central Region Peter Chappelow Dr George McKay, National Parks and Wildlife Service Advisory John Clarke Committee, Northern Region Dallas Davies Cr Ian McKenzie, Local Government and Shires Association Darrell Dawson Ross Fidden Anne Reeves, National Parks Association of NSW Allan Freihaut Jean Rice, Australian International Council on Monuments and Frank Future Sites Associate Professor Bill Gladstone Guy Holbert Karen Hutchinson John Nell Christian Patteson Solitary Islands Marine Park Advisory Committee Geoff Blackburn Pat Comben Chris Connell Michael Featherstone Rus Glover Mark Graham Leif Lemke Alistair McIlgorm Bob Palmer Richard Taffs Neil Vaughan 188 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

National Parks and Wildlife Regional Advisory Committees Regional Advisory Committees help the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and DECC to manage natural and cultural heritage, including Aboriginal cultural heritage, and to influence behaviour throughout the community to help protect the environment. There are 19 regional advisory committees across NSW with members appointed by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Blue Mountains Region Hartley Historic Site Northern Plains Region South Coast Region Warwick Armstrong Krystina Campbell Meryl Dillon William Barnetson Tracey Austin Margaret Combs Kay Durham William Bean Joseph Banffy Ross Fragar Sandy Findlay Stanley Braddick Elizabeth Black Annette Gilbey Jane Judd Frances Bray Robyn Bushell Cheryl Kenny Geoffrey Mitchell Ethel Crossley Tara Cameron Noel Kind Ken Rogers Jodie Egan Helen Drewe Siobhan Lavelle Maureen Sulter Genelle Gregory Shonelle Gleeson Lynda Lovegrove Joan Treweeke Rebecca Hayes Andrew Luke John Luchetti John Whitehead Tony Hill Fiona Meller Malcolm McDonald Kevin Mills Beth Rushton Robert Morris Northern Rivers Region Robert Pallin Chris Tobin David Peters Rod Caldicott David Phelps Jack Tolhurst Sharon Simcoe Kylie Coldwell Robert Snedden Ian Tucker Raylee Delaney Vic Walker Merle Gloria Williams Hunter Region Angela Dunlop Pia Winberg Helen Brown Tiago Freire Central Coast Hunter John Clarke Anthony Gleeson South West Slopes Range Region Trevor Connell Hugh Nicholson Region Kim Baillie Joachim Engel Jeanette Olley Janet Anderson Daryl Bower Margaret Francis Yvonne Stewart Coral Bulger Noel Date George McKay Lorraine Vass Timothy Cathles Narelle Howard Gerard Tuckerman Max Willoughby Martin Chalk Nicholas Jacomas Viola Brown Paul Davies Dellas Johnston Michael Elfick Northern Tablelands Susan Moore Robert Kelly John Asquith Region Kenneth Prendergast Terri Latella Christine Prietto Rosemary Curtis Gerry Proft Christine O’Brien Suzanne Landers Alan Grace Roger Quarterman Deborah Swan Lynne Hosking Maurice Sexton Trevor Woolley Mid North Coast Region Peter Metcalfe Peter Southwell Elton Allison Donald Noakes Jacqueline Stol Far South Coast Region Jai Cooper James Rainger Michael Darcy Franklin Harrison Dianne Roberts Sydney Region Chris Kowal Christopher Hodgson Jeremy Smith Simon Balderstone Catherine Lawler Philip Holberton Stephen Wood Kevin Crameri Michael Litchfield Max Ingram Emma Degenhardt Shane McAlister Isabelle Lee Snowy Mountains Region Brigid Dowsett Robert Ross Alana Parkins Roger Anderson Dennis Foley David Shaw Paul Price Robert Creelman Geoff Gougeon George Sherriff Barry Ramke Euan Diver Lisa Harrold Yvonne Thomson Mave Richardson James Hart Gary Holloway Suzanne Turner Joanne Hearne Garry McIlwaine Far West Region Clark Valler John Hood Gary Peters Peter Beven Noreen Pendergast Omar Seychell Beryl Carmichael North Coast Region Anthony Selden Vic Simms David Croft Lyndall Coomber Rae Solomon-Stewart Allan Young James Graham Barbara Fahey Diane Thompson Diana Hoffman Robin Heath Jan Walker Richard Kelly Marie Howlett Iris White Roy Kennedy Kay Jeffery Dorothy Kiely Peter Morgan Michael McCulkin Judith Mortlock Frances McKinnon Paul Parramore Maureen O’Donnell Warwick Roche Peter Sullivan Peter Smith Arthur Vann James Tedder Appendices 189

Sydney North Region Sydney South Region Upper Darling Region Western Rivers Region David Bentham Sheelah Boleyn Michael Davis David Carter Trevor Brown Glenda Chalker Douglas Egan Yvonne Hutton Stuart Burley Phillip Costa Janis Hosking Cecilia Kinross Diane Campbell Sharyn Cullis Philip Johnston William Kite Patricia Giles Joanne Daly Steve Meredith Ian Lockhart Penny Holloway Brian Everingham Anthony O’Halloran Bill Moller Tracie-Lee Howie Martyn Kiellor Isabell Pretty Nerida Reid Doug MacDonald Rhonda Lenardon Marie Russell Clifford Schultz Kelly McFadyen Cita Murphy Roy Stacy Christine Rand Martin Parmenter Ian Thompson Robert Salt Philip Sansom Susan Wakefield David Tribe Peter Stitt Graham Williams Shayne Williams James Williams Mark Wood

Boards of Management The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 set up a process by which some parks can be returned to a local Aboriginal land council to hold on behalf of the Aboriginal owners. The park can then be leased back to the NSW Government under mutually agreed conditions, with the lease payments to be spent on the care, control and management of the park. A board of management cares for the park. The Aboriginal owners have a majority representation on the board, but there are also representatives of DECC, local government, a conservation group and adjoining landholders.

Biamanga National Park Mount Grenfell Mutawintji Board of Worimi Conservation Board of Management Historic Site Board of Management Lands Board of Chair: John Mumbler Management Chair: Kim O’Donnell Management Kim Aldridge (resigned) Chair: Phil Sullivan Deputy Chair: Elizabeth Chair: Steve Larkins Cr John Aveyard Peter Dykes Hunter Anthony Anderson Ken Campbell Keith Hampton Richard Anderson Lennie Anderson Pam Flanders (resigned) Peter Harris Badger Bates Rod Bennison John Hibberd Fay Johnstone Harold John Bates Jnr Sally Dover Kathy Jones Richard Kennedy William Bates David Feeney Stephen Kelly (resigned) Stacey Meredith Barbara Clark Bev Manton John Manns Elaine Ohlsen Adrian Davey Petrice Manton Jim Scott Isabel Pretty Norma Dutton Val Merrick Tim Shepherd, DECC Phillip Sullivan Walter Dutton Rob Quirk, DECC Paul Stewart Gwen Troutman Mary Ann Hausia Gwen Russell Clifford Thomas Dennis Williams Doris Hunter Andrew Smith Pauline Thomas (resigned) Steve Wolter, DECC Edna Hunter David Towers Robert Hunter Gulaga National Park Sky Kidd Board of Management Paul O’Connor Chair: Mary Duroux Dulcie O’Donnell Ron Callaghan (resigned) Maureen O’Donnell Deanna Campbell (resigned) Mark Peacock, DECC William Davis Anthony Pease Deanna Davison Gerald Quayle Malcolm Dibden William Riley Shirley Foster Patricia Whyman Vivienne Mason Lionel Mongta Georgina Parsons Tim Shepherd, DECC Fergus Thomson Dane Wimbush 190 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Co-management committees Through co-management committees, DECC and the local Aboriginal community work together to manage areas of high cultural significance and reduce impacts on those areas; involve local Aboriginal people in the development of plans of management, fire management plans, weed and pest management plans and other plans for the park; and ensure that local Aboriginal people are consulted on park management issues like the works program for the park, new proposals for commercial tour operations and research proposals. Arakwal National Park Darug Peoples Advisory Menindee Aboriginal Paroo Darling National Management Committee Committee Elders Council Park Co-management Chair: Yvonne Stewart Richard Green Evelyn Bates (resigned) Group Jan Barham Kerrie Kenton Harold Bates Snr (resigned) Badger Bates Lorraine Harding Brad Moore Isobel Bennett Evelyn Bates Mark Johnston, DECC Gordon Morton Bonnie Blair Harold Bates Snr Dulcie Nicholls Chris Tobin Mirandah Doyle Isobel Bennett Linda Vidler (deceased) Jacinta Tobin Patricia Doyle Bonnie Blair Sue Walker, DECC Leanne Watson (resigned) Noeleen Ferguson Murray Butcher Simone Wilson Marietta Files Gladys Epsworth Central Coast Gordon Workman Lorriane King Cyril Hunter Hunter Range Maureen O’Donnell Christopher King Regional Aboriginal Githabul National Parks Patricia Quayle Colin King Co-management Management Committee William Riley Frances McKellar Committee Amanda Bryant, DECC Richard Williams Maureen O’Donnell Chair: Robert Welsh Shirley Charles Dorothy Stephens Anthony Anderson Trevor Close Mungo National Park Rita Wilson Lennie Anderson Mark Johnston, DECC Joint Management Tom Bagnat, DECC Gilbert King Advisory Committee Gawambaraay Pilliga Co- Jeff Betteridge Lena Robinson Jean Charles Management Committee Noel Date Queenie Speeding Tanya Charles Michael Horne Jason Edwards Dianne Torrens Beryl Kennedy Elizabeth Humble Troy Edwards Doug Williams Faye Kennedy Margaret Leslie Craig Foreshew Gloria Williams Roy Kennedy Patricia Madden Ron Gordon James Williams Sheila Kirby Ronald McGann Clifford Green Jennifer Williams Patrick Lawson Robert Miller Allen Madden Paul Williams Junette Mitchell Elizabeth Niddrie John Mathews Steve O’Halloran William Robinson Margaret Mathews Goobang National Mary Pappin Snr Maureen Sulter Tom Miller Park and Snake Rock Joan Slade Danny Trindall Glen Morris Aboriginal Area Des Wakefield Sylvia Trindall Victor Perry Committee Martin Westbrooke Tracey Skene Ray Keed Lottie Williams Jack Smith Valda Keed Patsy Winch Robert Smith Christine Peckham Deb Swan William Riley Stephen Talbot Francis Robinson Rhonda Ward Jenny Robinson Brad Welsh William West Appendices 191

NSW Climate Change Council NSW Landcare Committee The NSW Climate Change Council replaced the Premier’s The NSW Landcare Committee is the peak state body for Greenhouse Advisory Panel. The council is the Minister’s key Landcare in NSW. It represents the independent Landcare advisory panel on climate change which operates to ensure that networks and groups in NSW in its primary roles of advising the the broad policy and program directions of the Government are NSW Government and fostering NSW Landcare. The committee informed by scientific, industry and broader community views. advises the NSW Government via the Director General of DECC. The council is overseeing the development of the NSW Climate DECC also provides secretariat support to the committee. The Change Action Plan. chair of the committee is the ex-officio representative for Chair: Martijn Wilder Landcare on the Natural Resources Advisory Council. Members Maria Atkinson are appointed by the Director General of DECC. Greg Bourne Chair: Chris Scott John Connor Deputy Chair: Ted Spackman Diana Gibbs Andrew Bain Sam Mostyn Jim Booth, DECC Greg Mullins Robert Clegg (term expired 30 September 2008) Paul Orton Vanessa Ekins Professor Andy Pitman Robert Gledhill (appointed 28 January 2009) Adam Spencer John Klem (term expired 30 September 2008) Dr Lorraine Stephenson Stuart Mosely (appointed 28 January 2009) Cyril Sampson (appointed 28 January 2009) NSW Council on Environmental Education Mandi Stevenson (appointed 28 January 2009) David Walker (appointed 3 December 2008) The NSW Council on Environmental Education was established by the Protection of the Environment Administration Amendment NSW Scientific Committee (Environmental Education) Act 1998. Its main functions are to advise the Government on key issues, trends and research The NSW Scientific Committee is established under the requirements relating to environmental education and to Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. It is an independent coordinate the preparation, implementation and review of committee of scientists appointed by the Minister for Climate statewide three-year plans for environmental education. Change and the Environment. The committee’s main functions Chair: Vacant include deciding which species should be listed as critically Peter Batten endangered, endangered, vulnerable or presumed extinct in Rachelle Benbow NSW; deciding which populations should be listed as endangered A/Professor Robyn Bushell in NSW; deciding which ecological communities should be listed Bernard Carlon, DECC as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable; deciding Neil Dufty which threats to native plants and animals should be declared Dr Cecilia Kinross key threatening processes under the Act; and reviewing and Mika Malkki updating the lists of threatened species, populations and Robyn Mamouney communities and key threatening processes in the schedules of Richard Pearson the Act. The NSW Scientific Committee does not make decisions Michael Wright, DECC about threatened fish and marine plants. This is the responsibility of the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee. Chair: Dr Richard Major Dr Tony Auld, DECC Dr Linda Broadhurst Dr Peter Clarke Dr Melissa Giese, DECC Professor Geoffrey Gurr Dr Rod Kavanagh Dr Michelle Leishman Bob Makinson, DECC Dr Andrea Wilson 192 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

NSW State of the Environment Advisory World Heritage Areas advisory committees Committee World Heritage Areas (WHAs) advisory committees advise DECC Chair: Tony Wright on matters relating to the protection, conservation, presentation Gerry Bates and management of the area, including strategic policies on Bob Junor Australia’s obligations under the World Heritage Convention. Genia McCaffery Greater Blue Mountains Gondwana Rainforests Tim Rogers, DECC WHA Advisory Committee Technical and Scientific Radiation Advisory Council Chair: Joan Domicelj Advisory Committee Deputy Chair: Richard Mackay Professor Richard Braithwaite The Radiation Advisory Council is set up under the Radiation Doug Benson Professor Ralf Buckley Control Act 1990 and comprises 16 members appointed by Jodi Cameron Dr Aila Keto the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. The Lincoln Hall Professor Roger Kitching council advises the Minister on the administration of the Act Julia James Associate Professor Michael and measures to prevent or minimise the dangers arising from Wendy Lewis Mahony radiation. The council also advises DECC on a wide range of Judy Smith Dr Bill McDonald radiation matters. Haydn Washington Dr Kathryn Taffs Dr Erica Wilson Chair: Craig Lamberton, DECC Gondwana Rainforests Dr Cameron Hazlehurst Community Advisory Willandra Lakes WHA Kathy Meleady Committee Advisory Committee John Robinson Hague Best Chair: Michael Ockwell Philip Pasfield Ysola Best (deceased) Gary Griffiths Frank Galea Professor Richard Braithwaite Rhys Harris Brad Cassels Helen Brown Beryl Kennedy Brian Holland Trevor Close Roy Kennedy Dr Eva Wegner Cathie Duffy Masters Geoff Larmour Associate Professor Lee Collins, AM Barbara Fahey Patrick Lawson Mark Moskvitch Frank Harrison John Magee Dr Ludmilla Robinson Prof Roger Kitching Ron Mengler Jon D’Astoli Peter Lloyd Steve Millington, DECC Margaret Conley Peter Metcalfe Tim Nevill Dr Richard Smart Hugh Nicholson Wilfred Shawcross Dr Mary Dwyer Jan Olley Darrel Sue Waste Service Performance Improvement Shane O’Reilly Bill Tatnell Payment Advisory Group Virginia West Brian Wakefield Richard Zoomers Des Wakefield The Group was established under a memorandum of Ian Wakefield understanding between DECC and the Local Government and Prof Martin Westbrooke Shires Association to set criteria for councils to drive increased Lottie Williams resource recovery. Chair: Stephen Sawtell Robert Bailey James Carey Bernard Carlon, DECC Quentin Espey David Evans John Harley, DECC David Hojem Ron Smith Nick Tobin Robert Verhey Allan Wilding Ken Wilson Appendices 193

DECC membership of other significant statutory bodies Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Council Lisa Corbyn, Director General Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee Bob Conroy, Parks and Wildlife Group Lake Illawarra Authority Brian Dooley, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Chris Page, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Lord Howe Island Board Alistair Henchman, Parks and Wildlife Group Natural Resources Advisory Council Lisa Corbyn, Director General (ex-officio) Nature Conservation Trust Tom Grosskopf, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group NSW Heritage Council Jason Ardler, Executive Director, Culture and Heritage Division Russell Couch, Culture and Heritage Division Radiation Health Committee Len Potapof, Environment Protection and Regulation Group State Contracts Control Board Tim Rogers, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group State Heritage Register Committee Jason Ardler, Culture and Heritage Division Russell Couch, Culture and Heritage Division Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Bob Conroy, Parks and Wildlife Group 194 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

DECC membership of significant interdepartmental committees Adaptation Senior Officer’s Group Mark Conlon, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Australian Collaborative Rangelands Information System Malcolm Stephens, Scientific Services Division Management Committee Australian Government and New South Wales Government Natural Jim Booth (Co-Chair), Climate Change, Policy and Programs Resource Management Joint Steering Committee Group Australian Transport Council, Fuel Efficiency Working Group Chris Thomas, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Biofuels Expert Panel Ann-Louise Crotty, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Board of Surveyors and Spatial Information – Neil Bennett, Scientific Services Division Spatial Information Committee Chief Executive Committee Lisa Corbyn, Director General Climate Change CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General Climate Change Working Group Mark Conlon, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Commonwealth Fuel Standards Consultative Committee Nigel Routh, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Council of Australian Governments Adaptation Mark Conlon, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Subgroup Council of Australian Governments Working Group on Zoe de Saram, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Climate Change and Water Counter Terrorism CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General Data and Information Management Working Group – Neil Bennett, Scientific Services Division NSW Remote Sensing Subcommittee Data and Information Management Working Group – Jonathon Doig, Scientific Services Division NSW Spatial Data Infrastructure Subcommittee DECC/CMA/ServiceFirst Shared Services Steering Committee Stephanie Cross, Executive Director Corporate Services Economic and Business CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General Environment Protection and Heritage Council Air Quality Ann-Louise Crotty, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Working Group Environment Protection and Heritage Council/Australian Transport Chris Thomas, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Council Fuel Efficiency Working Group Environment Protection and Heritage Council Working Group on Grant Harper, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Noise Labelling Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council Lisa Corbyn, Director General Standing Committee Tim Rogers, Executive Director, Departmental Performance Management and Communication Environmental Trust Subcommittee: Clean Air, Healthy Communities Zoe de Saram, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Environmental Trust Subcommittee: NSW RiverBank Derek Rutherford, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Environmental Trust Technical Committee: Restoration and Joe Woodward, Deputy Director General, Environment Rehabilitation Program Protection and Regulation Group Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area Steering John O’Gorman, Parks and Wildlife Group Committee Intensive Agriculture Consultative Committee Joe Woodward, Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation Group Land Supply CEO Group Lisa Corbyn, Director General Metropolitan Planning CEO Group Lisa Corbyn, Director General Metropolitan Water CEO Committee Lisa Corbyn, Director General Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Management Team Dr Klaus Koop, Scientific Services Division Murray–Darling Basin Authority Acid Sulfate Soils Advisory Board Glenn Atkinson, Scientific Services Division Murray–Darling Basin Authority Acid Sulfate Soils Scientific Glenn Atkinson, Scientific Services Division Reference Panel Appendices 195

Murray–Darling Basin Commission Lisa Corbyn, Director General Murray–Darling Basin Commission Salinity Management in Dr Mark Littleboy, Scientific Services Division Catchments Task Force National Coordination Committee – Aquatic Ecosystems Task Group John Patten, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group National Coordination Committee – Biodiversity Working Group Michael Cavanagh, Scientific Services Division National Coordination Committee – Executive Steering Committee Keith Emery, Scientific Services Division for Australian Land Use Mapping National Coordination Committee – Executive Steering Committee Dominic Siversten, Scientific Services Division for Australian Vegetation Information National Coordination Committee – River Health Contact Group Dr Peter Scanes, Scientific Service Division National Coordination Committee for Salinity Information Dr Mark Littleboy, Scientific Services Division Allan Nicholson, Scientific Services Division National Coordination Committee – Technical Advisory Group Keith Emery, Scientific Services Division for Australian Landuse Mapping Nik Henry, Scientific Services Division National Committee on Soil and Terrain Information Greg Chapman, Scientific Services Division National Environment Protection Council Tim Rogers, Executive Director, Departmental Performance Management and Communication National Packaging Covenant Council Tim Rogers, Executive Director, Departmental Performance Management and Communication Natural Resources and Environment CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council Lisa Corbyn, Director General Standing Committee Tim Rogers, Executive Director, Departmental Performance Management and Communication Natural Resource Policies and Program Committee Jim Booth, Climate Change Policy and Programs Group NSW Chief Information Officers Executive Council David Schneider, Corporate Services Division NSW Electric Vehicle Taskforce Zoe de Saram, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group NSW Feed-in Tariffs Taskforce Zoe de Saram, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group NSW National Oil Spill Plan Executive Committee Joe Woodward, Deputy Director General Environment Protection and Regulation NSW Research Scientist Classification Committee Dr Klaus Koop, Scientific Services Division NSW Soil Policy Working Group Peter Barker, Scientific Services Division Dr Greg Bowman, Scientific Services Division Planning and Approvals CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General Premier’s Council for Active Living Chris Thomas, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Senior Officers’ Group on Energy Efficiency (reporting to the Council Zoe de Saram, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group of Australian Governments) State Emergency Management Committee Mark Conlon, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group Joe Woodward, Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation Sustainability CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General The Living Murray Environmental Watering Group Justen Simpson, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group The Living Murray MDBC Committee Lisa Corbyn, Director General Transport, Planning and Infrastructure CEO’s Cluster Lisa Corbyn, Director General Two Ways Together Coordinating Committee Jason Ardler, Executive Director, Cultural Heritage Kellyanne Stanford, Culture and Heritage Division Wetlands and Waterbirds Task Force Alison Curtin, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group 196 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

6. Staff statistics 6.1 DECC employees by classification The numbers reported are equivalent full-time (EFT) employees. Staff category EFT EFT EFT 30 June 2007 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 Administrative and clerical 787 836 844 Field 648 655 663 Horticultural 135 135 146 Manager positions 286 321 353 Operations 135 132 136 Other 99 129 134 Policy, project and research 680 975 993 Ranger categories 288 293 303 Senior officers and senior executive service 83 105 108 Trade 16 15 18 Subtotal 3157 3596 3698 From Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability 28 – – From Department of Natural Resources 315 – – From Department of Primary Industries 15 – – From NSW Greenhouse Office 5 – – From Resource and Conservation Unit, Dept of Premier and Cabinet 4 – – Subtotal of staff transferred 367 – – Total number of DECC employees 3524 3596 3698

Notes: Includes all DECC employees by classification (including employees of the Botanic Gardens Trust). Excludes catchment management authority employees who are employed under separate statutory bodies and produce their own annual report with staffing statistics.

6.2 DECC employees by location Location EFT EFT EFT 30 June 2007* 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 Sydney metropolitan area 1697 1944 2027 Regional areas 1460 1652 1671 Total 3157 3596 3698

Notes: Includes all DECC employees by classification (including employees of the Botanic Gardens Trust). Excludes catchment management authority employees who are employed under separate statutory bodies and produce their own annual report with staffing statistics. * EFT as at 30 June 2007 does not include 367 employees from former agencies transferred to DECC i.e. from the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Primary Industries, NSW Greenhouse Office and Resource and Conservation Unit, and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Appendices 197

6.3 DECC executive officers SES Level 30 June 2007 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 8 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 6 3 3 2 5 2 2 2 4 6 5 5 3 11 11 11 2 5 5 2 1 0 0 0 Total 29 28 24

6.4 DECC female executive officers 30 June 2007 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 Total 6 4 5

6.5 Staff representation levels for EEO groups Trends in the representation of EEO groups % of total staff* EEO Group Benchmark 30 June 2006 30 June 2007 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 Women 50 42 42 42 42 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2 6.9 7.5 8 8.8 People whose first language was not English 20 8 8 7 7 People with a disability 12 4 4 4 4 People with a disability requiring a 7 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.4 work-related adjustment

* Excludes casual staff. Trends in the distribution of EEO groups Distribution index* for total staff** EEO Group Benchmark 30 June 2006 30 June 2007 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 Women 100 102 102 99 100 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 66 73 73 72 People whose first language was not English 100 107 107 103 105 People with a disability 100 104 98 101 103 People with a disability requiring a 100 115 112 114 118 work-related adjustment

* A distribution index of 100 indicates that the centre of the distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the lower the index will be. In some cases the index may be more than 100, indicating that the EEO group is less concentrated at lower salary levels. ** Excludes casual staff. 198 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

• National Parks and Wildlife (Further Adjustment of Areas) Act 7. Legislation and 2005 legal changes • National Parks and Wildlife (Leacock Regional Park) Act 2008 • Native Vegetation Act 2003 Acts administered by DECC 1 July 2008– • Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001 30 June 2009 • Ozone Protection Act 1989 DECC had responsibilities, powers, duties and functions – some • Pesticides Act 1999 of which were executed in the name of the EPA – under the • Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 following legislation: • Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 • Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act • Radiation Control Act 1990 2005 • Recreation Vehicles Act 1983 (except parts, jointly the Minister • Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 for Transport and the Minister for Roads) • Coastal Protection Act 1979 • Roads Act 1993, so far as it relates to Lord Howe Island • Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (remainder, the Minister for Roads, the Minister for Local • Crown Lands Act 1989, so far as it relates to the Crown Reserve Government and the Minister for Lands) known as Jenolan Caves Reserves, and the land dedicated • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980 for the public purpose of accommodation house D590137, • Soil Conservation Act 1938, Parts 2A, 3 and 4 and sections 15 in the Parishes of Jenolan, Bombah and Bouverie, Counties and 30A in so far as they relate to parts 2A, 3 or 4, jointly of Westmoreland and Georgiana (remainder, the Minister with the Minister for Lands (remander, the Minister for Lands) for Sport and Recreation, the Minister for Planning and the • Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Minister for Lands) • Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 • Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 so far as • Wilderness Act 1987 it relates to the on-road and on-rail transport of dangerous goods by road or rail (remainder, the Minister for Finance) New and amending Acts • Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987, Part 6A so far as The following Acts were assented to in 2008–09: it relates to water and water utilities; s. 40(1A); and s45 so • Contaminated Land Management Amendment Act 2008 far as it relates to Part 6A and section 40(1A) (remainder, the Minister for Energy) • Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 • Environmental Trust Act 1998 • Threatened Species Conservation Amendment (Special Provisions) Act 2008 • Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985 • Filming Approval Act 2004 New and amending Regulations • Fisheries Management Act 1994, Division 2 of Part 7 and s. 227 The following Regulations were made or re-made in 2008–09: so far as it relates to Division 2 of Part 7; and ss 243 & 245 so far as is required in relation to this Division (remainder, the • Contaminated Land Management Amendment Regulation Minister for Primary Industries) 2009 • Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998 • Contaminated Land Management Regulation 2008 • Forestry Restructuring and Nature Conservation Act 1995 • Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2009 • Forestry Revocation and National Park Reservation Act 1996 • Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Regulation 2008 • Forestry Revocation and National Parks Reservation Act 1983 • Lord Howe Island Amendment (Duration of Licences) Regulation 2009 • Forestry Revocation and National Parks Reservation Act 1984 • Pesticides Amendment (Notification of Proposed Use) • Lake Illawarra Authority Act 1987 Regulation 2008 • Lane Cove National Park (Sugarloaf Point Additions) Act 1996 • Protection of the Environment Operations Amendment • Lord Howe Island Act 1953 (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2009 • Lord Howe Island Aerodrome Act 1974 • Protection of the Environment Operations (General) • Marine Parks Act 1997 (jointly with Minister for Primary Regulation 2009 Industries) • Protection of the Environment Operations (Hunter River • National Environment Protection Council (New South Wales) Act Salinity Trading Scheme) Amendment Regulation 2009 1995 • Radiation Control Amendment (Tanning Units) Regulation • National Park Estate (Lower Hunter Region Reservations) Act 2009 2006 • Threatened Species Conservation (Biodiversity Banking) • National Park Estate (Reservations) Act 2002 Regulation 2008 • National Park Estate (Reservations) Act 2003 • National Park Estate (Reservations) Act 2005 Legislative reviews • National Park Estate (Southern Region Reservations) Act 2000 There were four legislative reviews commenced this year: • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 • Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 • National Parks and Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Act 2001 • Native Vegetation Act 2003 • National Parks and Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Act 2005 • Lord Howe Island Act 1953 • National Parks and Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Act 2006 • Filming Approval Act 2004 Appendices 199

8. Infringements and prosecutions Penalty notices issued by DECC and local government under Environment Protection Authority legislation

Infringement DECC Local authorised government officers authorised officers Air: Smoky vehicles – POEO* (Clean Air) Regulation 382 0 Air: Other air offences from vehicles – POEO Act, POEO (Clean Air) Regulation 56 0 Air and odour: All non-vehicles offences – POEO Act, POEO (Noise Control) Regulation 11 5 Noise: Noisy vehicles – POEO (Noise Control) Regulation 316 68 Noise: All non-vehicles offences – POEO Act, POEO (Noise Control) Regulation 5 0 Waste: Littering (from motor vehicles) – POEO Act 818 2621 Waste: Aggravated littering (motor vehicle related) – POEO Act 2 19 Waste: Littering (other than motor vehicles) – POEO Act 0 1876 Waste: All offences – POEO Act, POEO (Waste) Regulation 26 648 Water: All offences – POEO Act 21 710 Dangerous goods: All offences – Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) (NSW) Regulations, 28 21 Rail Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) (NSW) Regulations Pesticides: All offences – Pesticides Act and Regulation 19 0 Radiation: All offences – Radiation Control Act and Regulation 12 0 Ozone: All offences – Ozone Protection Act and Regulation 0 0 Other offences (e.g. contravene a condition of a licence) – POEO Act, POEO (General) Regulation 77 101 Other offences Non Return of Annual Returns 13 0 Total penalty infringement notices issued 1786 6069 Total value of fines imposed (estimates only) $727,500 $2,450,740 Source: Office of State Revenue (Infringement Processing Bureau) * POEO = Protection of the Environment Operations Prosecutions DECC can commence prosecutions for environment protection offences under the authority of the Environment Protection Authority. DECC can also commence prosecutions for offences under native vegetation, threatened species, parks, wildlife and Aboriginal heritage provisions in DECC legislation. In total, DECC commenced 137 prosecutions in 2008–09. Ninety-severn prosecutions were completed, resulting in: • 85 convictions • 9 matters where the offence was proven but a conviction was not recorded • 1 acquittal • 2 permanent stays. Details of prosecutions completed during 2008–09 are recorded below: LEC = Land and Environment Court LC = local court s.10 = Under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 the court, although finding the defendant guilty of the offences charged, did not record a conviction or impose a penalty. Note: Unless otherwise stated, the dollar amount referred to in the result/penalty column is a fine. 200 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Prosecutions completed under Environment Protection Authority legislation Tier 1 offences Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Pal, Kate Maree Negligently dispose of waste in a $13,500 LEC manner that harms or is likely to Ordered to perform 135 hours harm the environment community service Pal, Kate Maree Negligently dispose of waste in a $31,500 LEC manner that harms or is likely to Ordered to perform 315 hours harm the environment community service

Tier 2 offences Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 ADE Environmental Pty Ltd Breach licence condition s. 10 Armidale LC Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd Pollute waters Ordered to pay $120,000 to Tamworth LEC Council for woodlands rehabilitation project and to publicise details of the offence in the Sydney Morning Herald, Financial Review and Northern Daily Leader. Also ordered to pay investigation costs of $4,872 Boral Australia Gypsum Limited Pollute waters $58,500 LEC Ordered to pay investigation costs of $3,000 Buchanan, Ruth Dorothy Breach licence condition $39,500 LEC Ordered to pay clean up costs of $88,395.75 to DECC and $375,933.43 to Mr and Mrs Wong Caltex Refineries (NSW) Pty Ltd Breach licence condition Ordered to pay $78,000 for the LEC implementation of the Weed Management Strategy for Towra Point Nature Reserve Coastal Recycled Cooking Oils Breach licence condition Ordered to pay $18,000 to Hunter LEC Pty Ltd Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority for a weed management project Coastal Recycled Cooking Oils Breach licence condition s. 10 LEC Pty Ltd Coroneos, Nicholas Littering $200 North Sydney LC CSR Building Products Pty Ltd Pollute waters Ordered to pay $280,000 to Parramatta LEC Council for the Fishways Project and to publicise details of the offence in the Sydney Morning Herald and Parramatta Advertiser. Also ordered to pay clean-up costs of $83,407.09 Dazzmann Solutions Pty Ltd Littering Acquitted Downing Centre LC Delta Electricity Breach licence condition $45,000 LEC Appendices 201

Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court Forgacs Engineering Pty Limited Breach licence condition Ordered to pay $45,000 to Newcastle LEC City Council for Throsby Creek Mangrove Boardwalk upgrade and to publicise details of the offence in the Newcastle Herald. Also ordered to pay investigation costs of $5,883 Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd Pollute waters $100,000 LEC Ordered to pay investigation costs of $1,897.50 Hanson Precast Pty Ltd Pollute waters $50,000 LEC Ordered to pay investigation costs of $4,320 Hatzimitros, Jim Littering $400 Kogarah LC McArthur, Adam Michael Failure to comply with an $300 Ballina LC investigative requirement under Chapter 7 MSM Milling Pty Ltd Pollute waters $10,000 Orange LC Ross, Harold Mark Pollute waters $18,000 LEC Ordered to pay investigation costs of $12,000 Snowy Hydro Limited Pollute waters $100,000 LEC Ordered to pay investigation costs of $1,897.50 Wastecorp (NSW) Pty Ltd Unlawfully transport and deposit $4,000 Blacktown LC waste Wastecorp (NSW) Pty Ltd Unlawfully transport and deposit $4,000 Blacktown LC waste Wastecorp (NSW) Pty Ltd Unlawfully transport and deposit $4,000 Blacktown LC waste Wastecorp (NSW) Pty Ltd Unlawfully transport and deposit $4,000 Blacktown LC waste

Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002 Arslan, Musa Smoky vehicle $500 Downing Centre LC Fahy, Michael Francis Smoky vehicle $750 Kogarah LC G&M Walker Haulage Pty Ltd Smoky vehicle $3,000 Downing Centre LC Haphop Pty Ltd Smoky vehicle $2,000 Kogarah LC Haphop Pty Ltd Smoky vehicle $1,000 Liverpool LC Harvey, Jillian Phyliss Smoky vehicle $750 Kogarah LC Harvey, Jillian Phyliss Smoky vehicle $500 Kogarah LC Marce Pty Ltd Smoky vehicle $400 Wollongong LC O’Sullivan, Peter Jon Smoky vehicle $1,000 Hornsby LC Seliametis, Yvonne Smoky vehicle $1,500 Kogarah LC

202 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

NON-TIER OFFENCES Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court

Pesticides Act 1999 Despi, Orlando Use pesticide contrary to label $10,000 North Sydney LC instruction

Road and Rail Transport (Dangerous Goods) (NSW) Act 1997 Burne, Gary Failure to ensure dangerous goods $5,000 Gosford LC transported in a safe manner Total prosecutions under EPA legislation Fines $509,300 Other financial penalties $541,000 Total fines and other financial penalties $1,050,300

Prosecutions completed under parks, wildlife, threatened species and Aboriginal heritage legislation Non-tier offences Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court

Fisheries Management Act 1994 Fenej, Mohamed Provide false name and address $330 Raymond Terrace LC Fenej, Mohamed Take prohibited sized fish $330 Raymond Terrace LC Fenej, Mohamed Failure to pay recreational fishing fee $220 Raymond Terrace LC Fenej, Walid Provide false name and address $330 Raymond Terrace LC Fenej, Walid Failure to pay recreational fishing fee $220 Raymond Terrace LC

Marine Parks Regulation 1999 Brancatisano, Pasquale Harm animal in sanctuary zone $10,000 Narooma LC Burnett, Michael James Attempt to harm animal in $200 Maitland LC sanctuary zone Cheers, Paul Leslie Possess fishing gear in sanctuary $800 Forster LC zone Ordered fishing net to be forfeited Cheers, Paul Leslie Harm animal in sanctuary zone $1,000 Forster LC Fenej, Mohamed Possess fishing gear in sanctuary $110 Raymond Terrace LC zone Fenej, Walid Possess fishing gear in sanctuary $110 Raymond Terrace LC zone Howard, Michael Harm animal in sanctuary zone $1,000 Armidale LC James, Gilbert Peter Harm animal in sanctuary zone $500 Nowra LC Appendices 203

Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd Damage vegetation on reserved $3,250 Coffs Harbour LC land Alison, Craig Dugan Deface Aboriginal object $550 Bourke LC Alison, Craig Dugan Disturb Aboriginal object $1,100 Bourke LC Ayre, Warren Barry Harm protected fauna $2,500 Wollongong LC Bryant, Stephen John Harm protected fauna s.10 Inverell LC Ordered to enter into a six-month good behaviour bond Corney, John Raymond Harm protected fauna s.10 Inverell LC Ordered to enter into a six-month good behaviour bond Freeman, Geoffrey Noel Damage known habitat of $38,000 LEC threatened species Freeman, Geoffrey Noel Damage known habitat of $19,000 LEC threatened species Johnston, Luke Mark Arthur Sell protected fauna $500 Cobar LC Johnston, Luke Mark Arthur Harm protected fauna $700 Cobar LC Johnston, Luke Mark Arthur Sell protected fauna $500 Cobar LC Long, Michael John Failure of owner to provide details $300 Gunnedah LC of driver Murray, Daniel Joseph Breach licence condition $1,200 Coonamble LC Osborne, Steve Mark Harm protected fauna $3,000 Cobar LC Osborne, Steve Mark Breach licence condition $500 Cobar LC Osborne, Steve Mark Breach licence condition $500 Cobar LC Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Damage known habitat of $13,000 LEC threatened species Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Damage known habitat of $6,500 LEC threatened species Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Damage known habitat of $26,000 LEC threatened species Saal, Gary John Harm protected fauna $4,000 Moree LC Stewart, Scott Nathan Harm protected fauna $700 Cobar LC Stewart, Scott Nathan Sell protected fauna $500 Cobar LC Stewart, Scott Nathan Sell protected fauna $500 Cobar LC Stovold, James Harm protected fauna $700 Maitland LC Tickner, Michael Williams Damage vegetation on reserved $2,000 Nowra LC land Ordered to pay $2,000 in compensation to DECC for damage caused Walker, Robert Charles Harm protected fauna $5,000 Warren LC 204 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court

National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 Bastac, Ante Frane Hunt animal in park $600 Mudgee LC Chiaverini, Pietro Interfere with soil in park $500 Wollongong LC Ordered to pay $9,000 in compensation to DECC for damage caused Chiaverini, Pietro Use heavy machinery in park $500 Wollongong LC Christian, Anthony Bruce Park vehicle without valid pass $200 Sutherland LC displayed Christochowitz, Klaus Damage vegetation in park $330 Raymond Terrace LC Christochowitz, Klaus Use heavy machinery in park $330 Raymond Terrace LC Hackett, Andrew John Park vehicle without valid pass s.10 Downing Centre LC displayed Hackett, Andrew John Park vehicle otherwise than in an s.10 Downing Centre LC authorised area Host, Daniel Faith Camp in park contrary to notice s.10 Coffs Harbour LC Kalemusic, Tom Hunt animal in park $600 Mudgee LC Kolosovs, John George Carry out activity in park contrary s.10 Queanbeyan LC to notice Pritchard, Adam Keith Park vehicle without valid pass $68 Sutherland LC displayed Selmes, Philip Carry out activity in park contrary s.10 Queanbeyan LC to notice Whelan, Martin James Park vehicle without valid pass $68 Sutherland LC displayed Total prosecutions under parks wildlife, threatened species and Aboriginal heritage legislation Total fines $148,846 Appendices 205

Prosecutions completed under native vegetation legislation Non-tier offences Defendant Charge Result/penalty Court

Native Vegetation Act 2003 Hudson, John Ross Failure to comply with investigative $8,000 LEC requirement Hudson, John Ross Clear native vegetation $400,000 LEC McBurnie, David Keith Clear native vegetation $1,000 Gilgandra LC

Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 Epacris Pty Ltd Clear native vegetation Permanent stay granted LEC Gleeson, David John Clear native vegetation Permanent stay granted LEC Wilton, Donald Norman Clear native vegetation $10,000 LEC Wilton, Donald Norman Clear native vegetation $30,000 LEC Total fines under native vegetation legislation: $449,000

Total DECC prosecutions completed

Number of completed Value of fines and prosecutions financial penalties Total prosecutions under EPA legislation (fines and other financial penalties) 37 $1,050,300 Total prosecutions under parks, wildlife, threatened species and Aboriginal 53 $148,846 heritage legislation (fines) Total prosecutions under native vegetation legislation (fines) 7 $449,000 Total DECC prosecutions 97 $1,648,146 206 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

9. DECC-managed lands and waters DECC-managed lands and waters at 30 June 2009 Terrestrial protected areas

Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Aboriginal areas National parks Columbey 868 Kosciuszko 673,492 Appletree 4 Abercrombie River 19,000 Conimbla 8,472 Kumbatine 15,100 Bandahngan 3 Arakwal 186 Conjola 11,032 Ku-ring-gai Chase 14,978 Dubay Nurahm 6 Bago Bluff 4,023 Coolah Tops 15,336 Kwiambal 7,157 Finchley 4 Bald Rock 8,883 Coorabakh 1,840 Lane Cove 636 Howe 7 Bangadilly 2,143 Cottan-Bimbang 30,679 Livingstone 1,919 Jubullum Flat Camp 7 Barakee 4,981 Crowdy Bay 10,376 Macquarie Pass 1,064 Lennox Head <1 Barool 11,214 Culgoa 35,240 Mallanganee 1,144 Mooney Mooney 8 Barrington Tops 74,568 Cunnawarra 16,315 Mallee Cliffs 57,969 Mount Kuring-gai 1 Basket Swamp 2,820 Curracabundi 10,784 Maria 2,335 Murramarang 60 Belford 294 Deua 122,033 Marramarra 11,786 Nambucca 2 Bellinger River 2,830 Dharug 14,852 Marrangaroo 1,670 Nunguu Mirral 122 Benambra 1,399 Dooragan 1,042 Maryland 2,283 Pindera Downs 11,433 Ben Boyd 10,486 Dorrigo 11,902 Mebbin 3,800 Snake Rock 61 Ben Halls Gap 3,018 Dunggir 2,651 Meroo 3,663 Stonewoman 2 Biamanga 13,749 Eurobodalla 2,913 Middle Brother 1,830 Total area 11,720 Bimberamala 4,396 Fortis Creek 7,960 Mimosa Rocks 5,804 Aboriginal areas Bindarri 5,595 Gardens of Stone 15,080 Minjary 1,462 Biriwal Bulga 6,528 Garigal 2,203 Monga 26,465 Blue Mountains 268,001 Georges River 514 Mooball 1,160 Historic sites Bongil Bongil 4,233 Ghin-Doo-Ee 4,819 Morton 194,459 Gibraltar Range 25,407 Mount Clunie 1,426 Cadmans Cottage <1 Boonoo Boonoo 4,377 Gir-um-bit 580 Mount Imlay 4,822 Clybucca 467 Booti Booti 1,567 Goobang 42,080 Mount Jerusalem 5,149 Davidson Whaling Station 27 Border Ranges 31,729 Goonengerry 440 Mount Kaputar 50,226 Hartley 14 Botany Bay 456 Goulburn River 72,578 Mount Nothofagus 2,180 Hill End 134 Bouddi 1,532 Gourock 7,873 Mount Pikapene 2,630 Innes Ruins 406 Bournda 2,655 Gulaga 4,673 Mount Royal 6,920 Koonadan 22 Brindabella 18,454 Gumbaynggirr 4,938 Mount Warning 2,455 Maroota 33 Brisbane Water 11,506 Gundabooka 63,903 Mummel Gulf 14,127 Maynggu Ganai 16 Broadwater 4,232 Guy Fawkes River 107,674 Mungo 110,967 Mount Grenfell 1,357 Budawang 23,787 Hat Head 7,459 Murramarang 12,387 Mutawintji 486 Budderoo 7,120 Heathcote 2,679 Mutawintji 68,912 Throsby Park 75 Bugong 1,022 Hunter Wetlands 3,888 Myall Lakes 47,594 Tweed Heads 8 Bundjalung 20,359 Indwarra 940 Nangar 9,196 Wisemans Ferry 21 Bungawalbin 3,730 Jerrawangala 4,009 Nattai 48,985 Yuranighs Aboriginal Grave 2 Butterleaf 3,000 Jervis Bay 4,854 New England 68,656 Total area 3,066 Capoompeta 4,297 Junuy Juluum 945 Nightcap 8,080 historic sites Carrai 11,397 Cascade 3,620 Kalyarr 8,173 Nowendoc 17,374 Cataract 3,406 Kanangra-Boyd 72,561 Nymboi-Binderay 17,243 Cathedral Rock 10,921 Karuah 3,534 Nymboida 40,492 Cattai 424 Keverstone 1,000 Oolambeyan 21,851 Chaelundi 19,175 Kinchega 44,260 Oxley Wild Rivers 145,145 Clyde River 1,278 Kings Plains 6,919 Paroo-Darling 178,053 Cocoparra 8,358 Kooraban 11,644 Popran 3,970 Koreelah 5,270 Ramornie 3,307 Appendices 207

Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Richmond Range 15,712 Nature reserves Bridal Veil Falls 151 Cudgen 897 Royal 15,092 Aberbaldie 284 Brigalow Park 202 Cudgera Creek 60 Saltwater 33 Agnes Banks 123 Brimbin 52 Cullendulla Creek 126 Scheyville 920 Andrew Johnston 21 Broken Head 99 Cumbebin Swamp 40 Scone Mountain 78 Big Scrub Broulee Island 43 Cuumbeun 709 Seven Mile Beach 964 Arakoola 3,180 Brundee Swamp 230 Dalrymple-Hay 11 Single 2,559 Araluen 656 Brunswick Heads 222 Dananbilla 3,416 South East Forest 116,187 Avisford 2,437 Brush Island 47 Dangelong 4,974 Sturt 325,329 Awabakal 228 Brushy Hill 80 Dapper 999 Sydney Harbour 393 Baalijin 2,701 Buddigower 327 Darawank 575 Tallaganda 16,729 Back River 735 Budelah 4,045 Davis Scrub 14 Tapin Tops 10,976 Badja Swamps 561 Bugan 1,530 Deer Vale 181 Tarlo River 8,074 Bagul Waajaarr 520 Bull Island 1 Demon 900 Thirlmere Lakes 641 Ballina 721 Bungabbee 169 Dharawal 347 Tilligerry 141 Bamarang 370 Bungawalbin 467 Doctors Nose Mountain 66 Timbarra 1,772 Bandicoot Island 30 Burning Mountain 15 Donnybrook 276 Tomaree 2,402 Banyabba 15,210 Burnt-Down Scrub 364 Downfall 496 Tooloom 4,380 Barrengarry 21 Burnt School 285 Dthinna Dthinnawan 1,870 Toonumbar 14,991 Barren Grounds 2,024 Burra Creek 270 Dural 36 Towarri 6,074 Barton 529 Burrinjuck 5,250 Durands Island 7 Turon 3,104 Bees Nest 1,616 Bushy Island <1 Duroby 31 Ulidarra 680 Bell Bird Creek 53 Byrnes Scrub 737 Duval 240 Wadbilliga 98,530 Belowla Island 4 Cambewarra Range 1,883 Eagles Claw 1 Wallarah 178 Berkeley 8 Camels Hump 545 Egan Peaks 2,145 Wallaroo 2,780 Bermaguee 818 Camerons Gorge 1,318 Ellerslie 1,877 Wallingat 6,557 Berrico 910 Captains Creek 2,834 Eugowra 120 Warra 2,031 Big Bush 640 Careunga 469 Eusdale 1,238 Warrabah 3,983 Billinudgel 781 Castlereagh 490 Evans Crown 425 Warrumbungle 23,312 Bimberi 10,868 Cecil Hoskins 47 Fifes Knob 553 Washpool 68,819 Binjura 707 Cedar Brush 190 Fishermans Bend 160 Watagans 7,798 Binnaway 3,699 Chambigne 798 Five Islands 27 Weddin Mountains 8,377 Bird Island 7 Chapmans Peak 72 Flaggy Creek 72 Werakata 3,337 Black Andrew 1,559 Clarence Estuary 130 Flagstaff Memorial 18 Werrikimbe 33,309 Bluff River 1,793 Clarkes Hill 2,201 Flat Island 9 Willandra 19,386 Boatharbour 24 Cockle Bay 44 Freemantle 361 Willi Willi 29,870 Bobundara 204 Cocopara 4,647 Gads Sugarloaf 477 Woko 8,730 Bogandyera 9,528 Colongra Swamp 112 Gamilaroi 114 Wollemi 493,770 Boginderra Hills 554 Comboyne 23 Ganay 693 Wollumbin 1,662 Bolivia Hill 1,782 Comerong Island 660 Garby 117 Woolooma 495 Bollanolla 650 Coocumbac Island 5 Georges Creek 1,190 Woomargama 24,185 Bondi Gulf 1,800 Cook Island 5 Gibraltar 161 Worimi 1,827 Boomi 156 Coolbaggie 1,793 Girralang 640 Wyrrabalong 620 Boomi West 149 Coolongolook 198 Good Good 20 Yabbra 8,890 Boonanghi 4,470 Coolumbooka 1,529 Goonawarra 437 Yanga 31,190 Boondelbah 9 Cooperabung Creek 325 Goonook 1,016 Yanununbeyan 3,521 Boorganna 390 Coornartha 1,184 Goorooyarroo 266 Yarrahapinni Wetlands 1,224 Booroolong 968 Copperhannia 3,497 Gubbata 162 Yarriabini 2,183 Boronga 195 Coramba 8 Gulguer 359 Yengo 154,877 Bournda 5,862 Corrie Island 164 Gungewalla 142 Yuraygir 35,502 Bowraville 81 Couchy Creek 218 Guy Fawkes River 1,534 Total area 5,028,434 Bretti 2,902 Courabyra 239 Hattons Bluff 18 national parks Coxcomb 73 Hattons Corner 4 208 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Hayters Hill 8 Loughnan 385 Ngadang 160 Snapper Island 13 Hogarth Range 853 Macquarie 12 Ngambaa 10,560 Snows Gully 34 Hortons Creek 330 Macquarie Marshes 19,825 Ngulin 1,250 South-West Solitary Island 3 Illawong 51 Mann River 7,137 Nimmo 721 Spectacle Island 36 Illunie 721 Manobalai 3,759 Nocoleche 74,000 Split Solitary Island 4 Iluka 136 Marshalls Creek 152 Nombinnie 70,000 Stony Batter Creek 564 Imbota 218 Medowie 238 North Obelisk 36 Stony Creek 80 Ingalba 4,012 Melville Range 843 North Rock 4 Stormpetrel 8 Inner Pocket 236 Meringo 49 North Solitary Island 20 Stotts Island 142 Ironbark 1,604 Mernot 320 North-West Solitary Island 4 Strike-a-Light 407 Ironmungy 713 Merriangaah 5,669 Numeralla 439 Susan Island 23 Jaaningga 975 Midkin 359 Numinbah 858 Tabbimoble Swamp 1,070 Jagun 100 Mills Island 61 Oak Creek 404 Tabletop 104 Jasper 355 Minimbah 130 One Tree Island 1 Talawahl 3,150 Jerilderie 37 Moffats Swamp 151 Palm Grove 240 Tallawudjah 1,247 Jerralong 341 Monkerai 865 Pambalong 35 Tapitallee 95 Jingellic 2,137 Monkeycot 1,612 Parma Creek 3,565 Tarawi 33,573 Joadja 830 Montague Island 82 Paupong 1,838 Taringa 1,342 Jobs Mountain 702 Moonee Beach 336 Pee Dee 441 The Basin 2,318 John Gould 26 Moon Island 1 Pelican Island 40 The Castles 2,720 Julian Rocks <1 Moore Park 15 Pilliga 80,579 The Charcoal Tank 86 Juugawaarri 2,396 Mororo Creek 80 Pitt Town 46 The Glen 2,750 Kajuligah 13,660 Morrisons Lake 312 Planchonella 717 The Rock 347 Kangaroo River 126 Mother of Ducks Lagoon 181 Prospect 325 Tilligerry 513 Karuah 823 Mount Clifford 306 Pucawan 274 Tinderry 14,711 Kattang 58 Mount Dowling 513 Pulbah Island 69 Tingira Heights 18 Kemendok 1,043 Mount Hyland 2,519 Pulletop 145 Tollgate Islands 12 Kemps Creek 129 Mount Mackenzie 141 Quanda 4,784 Tollingo 3,232 Khappinghat 3,514 Mount Neville 6,575 Queanbeyan 68 Tomalla 605 Khatambuhl 801 Mount Nullum 99 Queens Lake 1,424 Towibakh 62 Killabakh 2,644 Mount Seaview 1,704 Quidong 750 Towra Point 604 Killarney 435 Mount Yarrowyck 587 Rawdon Creek 560 Triplarina 157 Kirramingly 1,306 Muckleewee Mountain 355 Razorback 2,595 Tuckean 919 Koorawatha 1,105 Mudjarn 591 Regatta Island 102 Tucki Tucki 4 Koorebang 465 Muldiva 10 Richmond River 256 Tuggerah 132 Kororo 11 Mulgoa 214 Rileys Island 46 Tuggolo Creek 645 Koukandowie 1,283 Mullengandra 150 Robertson 5 Turallo 25 Kuma 184 Mundoonen 1,471 Rodway 83 Tweed Estuary 59 Kybeyan 432 Munghorn Gap 5,934 Round Hill 13,630 Tyagarah 800 Lake Innes 3,523 Munro Island 14 Saltwater Swamp 215 Ukerebagh 150 Lake Urana 302 Muogamarra 2,274 Saratoga Island 2 Ulandra 3,931 Langtree 235 Mutawintji 6,688 Scabby Range 4,982 Undoo 19 Lansdowne 14 Muttonbird Island 9 Scott 151 Uralba 288 Ledknapper 30,604 Myalla 143 Sea Acres 76 Valla 47 Limeburners Creek 9,224 Nadgee 20,671 Seaham Swamp 11 Victoria Park 18 Limpinwood 2,647 Nadgigomar 5,596 Seal Rocks <1 Wadjan 92 Linton 640 Narrandera 71 Serpentine 723 Wallabadah 1,132 Lion Island 8 Narran Lake 26,480 Severn River 5,750 Wallamba 1,160 Little Broughton Island 36 Narrawallee Creek 874 Shark Island 2 Wallis Island 584 Little Llangothlin 258 Nearie Lake 4,347 Sherwood 5,904 Wallumatta 6 Little Pimlico Island 16 Nest Hill 759 Skillion 691 Wamberal Lagoon 140 Long Island 73 Newington 48 Smiths Lake 24 Wambina 59 Appendices 209

Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Wambool 194 State conservation Illawarra Escarpment 2,494 Wombat Creek 1,077 Wanna Wanna 33 areas Jackywalbin 661 Woomargama 7,120 Warragai Creek 186 Arakoon 114 Jilliby 12,159 Worimi 1,043 Watchimbark 744 Avondale 313 Karuah 74 Yanga 33,890 Watsons Creek 1,260 Banyabba 3,566 Kalyarr 10,846 Yanununbeyan 3,823 Wee Jasper 631 Bargo 4,619 Kooyong 753 Yarriabini 9 Weelah 38 Bargo River 1,970 Kumbatine 783 Yarringully 114 Weetalibah 2,146 Barnunj 164 Kybeyan 4,173 Yerranderie 12,192 Wiesners Swamp 103 Barrakee 174 Lake Innes 321 Yurrammie 221 Willi Willi Caves 8 Barrington Tops 8,446 Lake Macquarie 761 Yuraygir 3,150 Wilson 27 Bents Basin 48 Lawrence Road 440 Total area state 448,080 Winburndale 10,719 Livingstone 541 conservation Berlang 2,319 areas Windsor Downs 363 Bindarri 434 Macanally 2,290 Wingen Maid 1,077 Black Bulga 1,554 Macquarie Pass 166 Wingham Brush 8 Boonanghi 1,242 Majors Creek 706 Wogamia 277 Bridal Veil Falls 65 Maroomba 1,895 Regional parks Woggoon 6,373 Brindabella 2,880 Maroota Ridge 260 Berowra Valley 3,885 Wollondilly River 862 Bulahdelah 138 Medowie 2,851 Blue Gum Hills 129 Wongarbon 99 Bundjalung 4,870 Monga 1,005 Bomaderry Creek 82 Woodford Island 374 Bungawalbin 1,834 Morton 1,050 Coffs Coast 379 Woollamia 452 Bungonia 4,007 Mount Canobolas 1,673 Leacock 34 Wooyung 87 Burragorang 17,642 Mount Hyland 293 Parramatta River 5 Woregore 84 Butterleaf 712 Mount Pikapene 17 Penrith Lakes 1 Worrigee 232 Camerons Gorge 429 Mullengandra 258 Rouse Hill 43 Wullwye 155 Cape Byron 99 Mullion Range 1,025 Western Sydney 564 Yaegl 313 Carrai 6,853 Mummel Gulf 1,162 Wianamatta 64 Yahoo Island 47 Cascade 412 Munmorah 1,530 William Howe 43 Yanga 1,773 Cataract 572 Nattai 3,383 Wolli Creek 8 Yanununbeyan 40 Chaelundi 1,624 Nombinnie 46,000 Worimi 1,568 Yaouk 2,924 Chatsworth Hill 510 Nymboi-Binderay 585 Yellomundee 485 Yarravel 318 Colymea 1,674 Nymboida 528 Total area 7,289 Yarringully 285 Coneac 804 Oxley Wild Rivers 1,439 regional parks Yathong 107,241 Copeland Tops 2,202 Paroo-Darling 41,521 Yatteyattah 35 Corramy 856 Parr 38,121 Yessabah 17 Corymbia 495 Queens Lake 1,026 Karst conservation Yina 100 Cottan-Bimbang 105 Sugarloaf 3,926 reserves Total area 888,013 Curracabundi 729 Talawahl 136 Abercrombie 1,434 nature reserves Currys Gap 227 Tallaganda 5,285 Borenore 140 Dharawal 6,276 The Cells 4,708 Jenolan 2,422 Everlasting Swamp 460 Tilligerry 4,570 Wombeyan 569 Fishermans Bend 39 Toonumbar 128 Total area karst 4,565 Fladbury 114 Torrington 30,123 conservation Frogs Hole 77 Tuggerah 126 reserves Garawarra 949 Tumblong 746 Georges River 1 Upper Nepean 25,869 Gir-um-bit 184 Washpool 2,491 Glenrock 534 Watsons Creek 520 Gumbaynggirr 2,561 Werakata 2,300 Gundabooka 25,200 Wereboldera 2,263 Gurranang 111 Werrikimbe 204 Guy Fawkes River 5,241 Whian Whian 2,439 Wollumbin 368 210 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Area (ha) Area (ha) Summary of terrestrial protected areas Community Community at 30 June 2009 conservation areas conservation Zone 1 national parks areas Zone 3 state Type No. Area (ha) Barayamal 179 conservation areas Aboriginal areas 15 11,720 Breelong 6,851 Beni 1,849 Historic sites 15 3,066 Bullala 2,516 Biddon 3,352 National parks 186 5,028,434 Burral Yurrul 1,037 Bingara 1,979 Couradda 362 Bobbiwaa 2,688 Nature reserves 397 888,013 Crawney Pass 250 Bullawa Creek 99 State conservation areas 111 448,080 Durridgere 5,644 Dowe 381 Regional parks 14 7,289 Drillwarrina 1,077 Goodiman 569 Dthinna Dthinnawan 27,803 Goonoo 53,752 Karst conservation reserves 4 4,565 Garrawilla 937 Goonoowigal 1,055 Community conservation areas 27 124,996 Goonoo 9,090 Gwydir River 2,607 Zone 1 national parks Gunyerwarildi 316 Killarney 1,858 Community conservation areas 5 21,618 Gwydir River 3,383 Leard 1,176 Zone 2 Aboriginal areas Horton Falls 260 Merriwindi 1,730 Community conservation areas 19 187, 288 Kwiambal 796 Pilliga 33,386 Zone 3 state conservation areas Moema 2,028 Pilliga East 24,669 Total 793 6,725,069* Mogriguy 399 Pilliga West 36,070 Murrurundi Pass 215 Trinkey 10,229 *Represents 8.39% of land area of NSW Nullamanna 296 Warialda 2,913 Pilliga 11,120 Wondoba 1,663 Pilliga West 7,927 Total area 187,288 Somerton 759 community conservation areas Timallallie 39,395 Zone 3 state Tinkrameanah 969 conservation areas Warialda 1,603 Yarragin 3,201 TOTAL 6,725,069 Yarrobil 1,846 DECC-TERRESTRIAL Total area 124,996 PROTECTED AREAS community 30-Jun-09 conservation areas Zone 1 national parks

Community conservation areas Zone 2 Aboriginal areas Dandry Gorge 382 Deriah 2,240 Kelvin 2,267 Pilliga East 1,347 Terry Hie Hie 15,382 Total area 21,618 community conservation areas Zone 2 Aboriginal areas

Appendices 211

Declared wilderness in NSW Wilderness area Reserve name(s) Size (ha)* CCA: community conservation area Mootwingee Mootwingee NP 47,895 HS: historic site Mount Seaview Cotton-Bimbang NP and Mount 12,114 KCR: karst conservation reserve Seaview NR NP: national park NR: nature reserve Mummel Gulf Mummel Gulf NP 10,636 RP: regional park SCA: state conservation area Nadgee Nadgee NR 19,433 VCA: voluntary conservation area Nandewar Mount Kaputar NP 13,182 Wilderness area Reserve name(s) Size (ha)* Nattai Nattai NP 29,040 Banyabba Banyabba NR 17,924 New England New England NP, Cunnawarra NP 55,462 Barrington Barrington Tops NP, Mt Royal NP 58,330 Pilot Kosciuszko NP 80,311 Bimberi Kosciusko NP, Bimberi and Scabby 60,785 Rusden Mount Kaputar NP 12,637 Range NR, and land in the ACT Tuross Wadbilliga NP 20,592 Bindery-Mann Nymboida NP, Gibraltar Range NP, 56,241 Warrazambil Border Ranges NP 7,228 Barool NP Washpool Washpool NP, Gibraltar Ranges NP, 53,092 Bogong Peaks Kosciusko NP 28,758 Nymboida NP Bramina Kosciusko NP 10,897 Werrikimbe Werrikimbe NP 27,051 Brogo Wadbilliga NP 39,900 West Ettrema Morton NP 12,770 Buckenbowra Monga NP, Deua NP 9,180 Western Fall Kosciusko NP 15,217 Budawang Morton NP, Budawang NP 75,839 Willi Willi Willi Willi NP & Boonanghi NR 23,289 Bundjalung Bundjalung NP, Fortis Creek NP 10,679 Woila Deua Deua NP 26,996 Burra Oulla Deua NP 17,776 Wollemi Wollemi NP, Blue Mountains NP 360,098 Byadbo Kosciuszko NP 80,907 Yowrie Wadbilliga NP 15,787 Carrai Carrai NP 3,503 Total (48 contiguous areas) 1,907,233** Cathedral Rock Cathedral Rock NP 8,453 *Areas are calculated from DECC’s digital mapping system (Lambert’s Chaelundi Chaelundi NP 10,833 projection) and rounded to the nearest hectare. Ettrema Morton NP 75,424 **Represents 2.4% of the total land area of NSW and 28.3% of total DECC-managed parks and reserves Genoa South East Forest NP 6,161 Goobarragandra Kosciuszko NP 33,532 Grattai Mount Kaputar NP 4,180 Grose Blue Mountains NP 37,788 Guy Fawkes Guy Fawkes River NP and NR, 84,100 Cathedral Rock NP Indi Kosciuszko NP 11,652 Jagungal Kosciuzsko NP 67,213 Kanangra-Boyd Blue Mountains NP, Kanangra-Boyd 122,522 NP, Yerranderie SCA Kunderang Oxley Wild Rivers NP 21,402 Levers Border Ranges NP 15,266 Limeburners Creek Limeburners Creek NR 8,351 Lost World Border Ranges NP, Limpinwood NR 9,068 Macleay Gorges Cunnawarra NP, Oxley Wild Rivers 77,741 NP and Georges Creek NR 212 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Other lands managed by DECC Lands acquired under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, pending reservation/dedication at 30 June 2009

Park/Location Area (ha) Park/Location Area (ha) Park/Location Area (ha) Park/Location Area (ha) Bagul Waajaar NR 259 Cuddy Springs 6,239 Karuah NR 0 Pilliga NR 1,907 Barren Grounds NR 16 Culgoa NP 894 Keverstone SCA 2,024 Pilliga East CCA (SCA) 40 Barton NR 16 Cumbebin Swamp NR 2 Ku-ring-gai Chase NP 0 Pilliga West CCA (NP) 113 Barwon 4,048 Curracabundi NP 5,142 Kwiambal NP 1,721 Pilliga West CCA (SCA) 20 Billinudgel NR 16 Dananbilla NR 9 Lake Innes 16 Queens Gap 1,949 Blue Mountains NP 1,083 Darawank NR 334 Lake Macquarie SCA 173 South East Forest NP 182 Boginderra Hills NR 243 Dharawal SCA 287 Lane Cove NP 40 South Solitary Island NR 11 Booligal 5,936 Dthinna Dthinnawan NR 140 Ledknapper NR 17,256 Sturt NP 12,355 Boonoo Boonoo NP 700 Durridgere CCA (SCA) 502 Livingstone SCA 61 Sydney Harbour NP 1 Brigalow Park NR 51 Eurobodalla NP 1 Macquarie Marshes NR 2,387 Tamboroora 10 Brigalow Park NR 202 Eusdale 642 Marramarra NP 0 Thirlmere Lakes NP 24 (Claremont) Gandangara 7 Marshalls Creek NR 49 Ti Tree Lake 11 Bullala CCA (NP) 3,385 Garawarra SCA 2 Minimbah NR 105 Toorale 91,383 Burragorang SCA 1 Glenrock SCA 5 Monga NP 612 Towarri NP 443 Burral Yurrul 1,341 Goonengerry NP 70 Monga SCA 0 Tuggerah NR 3 Burrinjuck NR 132 Goonoo CCA (SCA) 2,589 Morton NP 16 Upper Nepean SCA 120 Cataract NP 469 Goulburn River NP 118 Mount Werong Creek 204 Warrabah NP 407 Cathedral Rock NP 45 Gundabooka SCA 265 Munmorah SCA 130 Washpool NP 636 Chaelundi NP 1,878 Guy Fawkes River NP 3,913 Murramarang NP 28 Watchimbark 520 Clybucca HS 310 Gwydir River CCA (SCA) 1,439 Myall Lakes NP 8 Wee Jasper NR 2 Cobaki Broadwater 70 Gwydir River CCA (NP) 986 Narran Lake NR 1,509 Wollemi NP 78 Cockle Bay NR 25 Hayters Hill NR 0 Nattai NP 1,134 Wolli Creek RP 11 Coffs Coast RP 2 Hill End HS 4 New England NP 65 Yanga NP 4,838 Coolah Tops NP 1,148 Illawarra Escarpment SCA 103 Nombinnie 7,063 Yellomundee RP 0 Coolangatta Mountain 68 Jenolan KCR 607 Nymboida NP 3,218 Yuraygir NP 30 Copeland Tops SCA 219 Jervis Bay NP 364 Oxley Wild Rivers NP 6,994 Total 206,878 Crowdy Bay NP 49 Kanangra Boyd NP 79 Paroo-Darling NP 521 Appendices 213

Lands vested in the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 by virtue of Act 1996 No. 131 (Forestry Revocation and National Park Reservation Act) Total area: approximately 452 hectares, mainly in south-east NSW

Crown land occupied by DECC under reserves or lease for various management purposes at 30 June 2009

Location Reserve* Area (m2) Purpose R= Crown Reserve No. 95 gazetted Sp.L = Special lease with Department of Lands Armidale R 89685 1,256 Workshop Armidale Sp.L.1989/4 2,753 Depot Bingara R87087 2,023 Depot Broken Hill R 230017 1,125 Residence Cobar R 92637 749 Staff accommodation Eden R 91136 1,145 Workshop Gol Gol R 91509 2,023 Workshop Narooma R 95616 1,992 Workshop Rylstone R 190042 2,491 Depot Tibooburra R 96931 1,012 Workshop Tibooburra R 95882 1,799 Workshop/depot Tibooburra R 91376 2,023 Workshop Ulladulla R 180018 3,661 Workshop/office Walcha R 98162 3,862 Workshop/depot

Other land owned by DECC Location Area (m2) Purpose Lidcombe, 480 Weeroona Road 20,820 Scientific facilities and laboratories 214 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Lands acquired under the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and held for management purposes (not reserved) at 30 June 2009

Location Area (m2) Purpose Armidale: 145 Miller Street 2,815 Depot Baradine 5,615 Visitor centre Boambee 4,725 Workshop/depot Bombala 4,900 Workshop/depot Bourke: Short, Anson and Tudor streets 3,036 Staff accommodation Broken Hill 475 Regional office Broken Hill: 167–173 Argent Street 1,881 Parking area Bucketty 6,731 Workshop Bulga 35,8000 Office/depot Cobar: 61 Bradley Street 563 Staff accommodation Cobar: lots 36 and 37 Wrightville Street and lots 42 and 43 Brickworks Road 7,498 Workshop Dorrigo 5,210 Workshop/depot Dubbo 4,007 Area office/workshop Dungog 2,104 Depot Ebor 1,700 Workshop/depot Eden 4,196 Workshop/depot Gloucester 7,245 Depot Griffith 1,808 Workshop/depot Hay: 2 Meakes Street 865 Staff accommodation Hay 2,803 Area office Jindabyne: Munyang and Cobbon streets and Snowy River Avenue 1.0825 ha Staff accommodation/visitor centre Khancoban: 1, 5 and 13 Douglas Street, 1 and 3 Blackburn Street, 10,460 Staff accommodation 8 Whitehead Street, Scammel Street, 19 Read Street and 24 Sheather Street Khancoban: 5 and 6 Gray Street 2,049 Depot Khancoban: corner McIlree and Gray streets 1,031 Depot Menindee 2,023 Staff accommodation Narooma 2,665 Workshop/depot Nowra 7,954 Workshop/depot Oakdale 4,274 Depot Oberon 1,701 Office Oberon 6,000 Workshop Peak Hill 4,023 Workshop/depot Rylstone 2,188 Depot Scone: Hayes Street 4,529 Workshop/depot Tenterfield 6,327 Depot Tibooburra 506 Office accommodation Tibooburra 506 Visitor centre Tibooburra: Sturt Street 1,012 Staff accommodation White Cliffs: corner Johnston Street and Karara Road 3,590 Visitor centre Wilcannia: Woore Street 8,090 Workshop Yetman 4,312 Depot/staff accommodation Yetman: 63 Simpson Street 2,023 Staff accommodation Appendices 215

Aquatic protected areas 10. Statement of affairs The NSW Government has declared six marine parks: Under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI Act), DECC is Area (ha) required to prepare a statement of affairs which describes its structure and functions; how the functions affect members of Batemans 85,100 the public; how the public can participate in policy development; Cape Byron 22,200 documents held by DECC; and how people can access those documents or seek amendment to documents concerning their Jervis Bay 21,500 personal affairs. Lord Howe Island 45,500 Structure and functions Port Stephens–Great Lakes 98,400 DECC consists of the following Groups and Divisions: Solitary Islands 71,500 • Climate Change Policy and Programs Group Total 345,100 • Parks and Wildlife Group As at 30 June 2009, 34% (345,100 ha) of NSW waters are in the • Environment Protection and Regulation Group marine parks system, including approximately 6.5% (64,900 ha) • Culture and Heritage Division in sanctuary zones. • Scientific Services Division • Corporate Services Division Aquatic reserves The Botanic Gardens Trust is also part of DECC but reports separately under the statutory trust. For detailed descriptions of Area (ha) DECC’s structure and functions, see Chapter 1: Overview. Barrenjoey Head 20 Boat Harbour 72 Effect of functions on members of Bronte-Coogee 43 the public Bushrangers Bay 4 DECC is the NSW government agency primarily responsible for working with the community to protect and conserve our Cabbage Tree Bay 20 environment, including our natural and cultural heritage. DECC Cape Banks 22 leads the state’s response to climate change and natural resource management and delivers water, energy and waste sustainability Cook Island 78 programs. Strategic policies and programs set corporate-wide Long Reef 60 direction and priorities in biodiversity and landscape conservation and environment protection. Narrabeen Head 5 DECC is committed to preventing pollution before it occurs, North (Sydney) Harbour 260 avoiding the creation of waste and managing cultural heritage, wildlife and the protected area system. DECC also recognises Shiprock 2 that strong and credible regulatory programs and innovative Towra Point 1,401 regulatory tools are needed to help address environmental problems. These functions have a broad effect on members of Total 1,987 the public through, for example: • licensing regimes for a range of issues including regulation of pollution from industrial premises through to licences to keep Summary of aquatic protected areas native wildlife as at 30 June 2009 • specifying what recreation and other activities can take place on DECC-managed land and waters while maintaining Type No. Area (ha) important conservation values Marine parks 6 345,100 • receiving reports of pollution incidents and responding appropriately Aquatic reserves 12 1,987 • monitoring and reporting on air quality and water quality Total 18 347,087 • encouraging waste reduction, recycling and the sustainable use of resources, such as energy and water. 216 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Public participation in policy Policy documents formulation A list of policy documents called the Summary of Affairs is published each June and December in the Government Gazette The health of the environment depends on community and on the DECC website. These documents include corporate commitment and its involvement at all levels from policy policy documents, scientific policies and manuals, environmental development to everyday business, recreational or domestic guidelines, field policies and procedures. Many of these activities. This includes all sectors: business, industry, documents are also available on the DECC website, while others environment groups, Aboriginal communities, individuals, may be purchased. landholders, catchment management authorities, and state, local and federal government bodies. DECC works with all these to implement an integrated environment protection framework for Publications NSW, and to protect our natural resources and cultural heritage. DECC produces a range of books, guides, teachers’ kits, The community participates in policy formulation through the information pamphlets and posters. Publications may be various consultative bodies described elsewhere in this annual obtained over the counter at DECC’s office at 59 Goulburn Street, report. DECC also seeks public submissions when developing and Sydney, and from many regional and area offices, and visitor reviewing policies, plans and programs. DECC’s website regularly centres. The DECC website features a list of publications for sale features calls for public comment and describes how to make and downloading. submissions on its proposals. Photographs Documents held by DECC and how to A photographic library is available to the public and other obtain them agencies under certain conditions. Fees and charges may apply. DECC holds documents in its metropolitan, regional and area For further information, phone (02) 9995 5000. offices. While many documents are available for inspection or purchase, access to some documents may require an application Registers under the Freedom of Information Act 1989, the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 or the Health Records Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and Information Privacy Act 2002. (POEO) Public Register Freedom of information applications The POEO Public Register is a register of environment protection licences and notices, any exemptions from the provisions of the You can apply under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 Act or Regulations, details of convictions for offences under the for access to documents held by DECC that are not publicly Act and the results of civil proceedings. For more information, available. The documents can relate to personal or non-personal contact DECC’s Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@ information. You can also apply under the Freedom of Information environment.nsw.gov.au. Also visit the Public Register on the Act 1989 to correct any information about your personal affairs DECC website free of charge. that may be incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out-of-date. Contact the Freedom of Information/Privacy Officer at PO Box Contaminated land A290, Sydney South 1232, phone (02) 9995 6080 or (02) 9995 Copies of declarations, orders and notices issued under the 6497, or visit DECC’s website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 are available at a for an application form and information about the Freedom of register of contaminated sites on the DECC website free of charge Information Act 1989, the process, fees and charges. Freedom of – visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/clmapp/aboutregister.aspx. Information statistics for 2008–09 are detailed in Appendix 11. Chemicals and dangerous goods Privacy applications DECC holds a number of public registers for chemicals and The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and dangerous goods: the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 regulate the • approvals, exemptions and determinations under the way DECC deals with personal and health information and gives Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 people a legally enforceable right of access to their information. • dangerous goods licences Applications can be made for personal information that may be • licences under the Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act held by DECC. Applications may also be made to amend personal 1985 information that may be incomplete, incorrect, misleading or • declared chemical wastes and chemical control orders under out-of-date. If you believe that DECC has breached your privacy, the Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985. you can ask us to investigate what occurred. For more information on the above registers, contact DECC by Contact the Freedom of Information/Privacy Officer at PO Box telephone on 131 555 or by email at [email protected]. A290, Sydney South 1232, phone (02) 9995 6080 or (02) 9995 gov.au. The dangerous goods register is accessible on the DECC 6497, or visit DECC’s website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au for website free of charge at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/prdg/ more information. index.htm. Appendices 217

Threatened species The condition of the 37 items on the State Heritage Register that DECC owns or manages complies with the standards set by the DECC holds three public registers under the Threatened Species NSW Heritage Office for items on that register. The Royal Botanic Conservation Act 1995. The register for section 91 licences under Gardens maintains its own section 170 register. the Act, which contains the applications for licences (section 96) and the licences issued (section 104), and the register of HHIMS includes information about recorded historic places on critical habitat declared under section 55 of the Act are available sites managed by DECC. HHIMS holds details on the type and at DECC’s office at 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney and on DECC’s location of historic places and sites, reports, permits and other website free of charge. Phone 131 555 for more information. archival material. Access to HHIMS is available to researchers and interested members of the public through the HHIMS Registrar. The Biodiversity Banking and Offsets Scheme (BioBanking) public register covers: For more information, contact the HHIMS Registrar, Culture and Heritage Division, Hurstville by emailing hhims@environment. • biobanking agreements nsw.gov.au. • biobank site expressions of interest The Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System • biobanking statements (AHIMS) includes a database and recording cards for all • biodiversity credits Aboriginal objects, Aboriginal Places and other Aboriginal • biodiversity credit transactions. heritage values in NSW that have been reported to DECC. Access to AHIMS is available to Aboriginal groups, researchers and It is available on the DECC website – visit www.environment. interested members of the public. Access may be restricted nsw.gov.au. in some cases due to the sensitivity of some matters. DECC Native vegetation undertakes searches of AHIMS for a fee. For more information, contact the AHIMS Registrar, Culture and DECC maintains a public register on the internet on a number Heritage Division, Hurstville on (02) 9585 6513 or (02) 9585 6345 of issues that relate to managing native vegetation in NSW. The or by emailing [email protected]. register includes information on: • the approval of broadscale clearing of native vegetation Conservation • property vegetation plans (PVPs) and development DECC holds registers of conservation agreements, interim consents that allow broadscale clearing where a catchment protection orders and wilderness protection agreements. These management authority has exercised its discretion are available at DECC’s Hurstville office. For more information, • dates specified in PVPs to meet relevant regrowth definitions phone 131 555. • clearing native vegetation for essential local government infrastructure. Leases, easements and rights of way on national parks and reserves Visit the native vegetation register at www.nativevegetation.nsw. gov.au/registry/index.shtml. Section 151D of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 requires the agency to keep a register of information on every lease, Heritage and conservation easement or right of way granted on national parks and reserves. This register is available on the DECC website. Section 170 of the Heritage Act 1977 requires all NSW Government departments to have a heritage and conservation register. DECC’s register contains details of the Aboriginal, Other information services historic, natural, archaeological, moveable, multicultural and A recorded message on air pollution, ‘No burn’ notices and ‘Don’t maritime heritage it manages with local, state, national and light tonight’ advice is available on: world heritage significance. The register is recorded as a subset of data within DECC’s Historic Heritage Information Management Sydney: 1300 130 520 System (HHIMS). Newcastle: 1800 817 838 DECC is refining the information it holds to provide a Wollongong: 1800 819 112 comprehensive register to the NSW Heritage Office by December 2009 in line with Heritage Council guidelines for The Beachwatch and Harbourwatch information line provides a NSW Government agencies managing heritage assets. The daily summary of water quality conditions at ocean and harbour draft register currently contains over 3000 items from parks beaches: phone 1800 036 677. It advises the public on whether and reserves across the state. It includes 37 items managed by there is any risk of bacterial contamination from swimming DECC which are also on the State Heritage Register. DECC is still beaches and harbours in Sydney, and the Hunter and Illawarra collating information about the items on the register, including regions. information on the condition and cartilage of each item. When completed by December 2009, the dataset will also form part of State of the Parks reporting, which will require a review of information on the condition of these items every three years. 218 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

11. Freedom of information applications

New freedom of information (FOI) applications FOI applications received, discontinued or Number of FOI applications completed Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 New 2 4 84 87 86 91 Brought forward 0 0 7 12 7 12 Total to be processed 2 4 91 99 93 103 Completed 2 3 69 84 71 87 Discontinued 0 1 10 8 10 9 Total processed 2 4 79 92 81 96 Unfinished (carried forward) 0 0 12 7 12 7

Discontinued applications

Reasons why FOI applications were Number of discontinued FOI applications discontinued Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Request transferred out to another agency (s. 20) 0 0 3 0 3 0 Applicant withdrew request 0 0 2 6 2 6 Applicant failed to pay advance deposit (s. 22) 0 0 4 2 4 2 Applicant failed to amend a request that would have 0 0 1 1 1 1 been an unreasonable diversion of resources to complete (s. 25(1)(a1)) Total discontinued 0 0 10 9 10 9

Completed applications

Completed FOI applications Number of completed FOI applications Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Granted or otherwise available in full 0 2 36 40 36 42 Granted or otherwise available in part 2 0 21 22 23 22 Refused 0 1 7 10 7 11 No documents held 0 1 5 11 5 12 Total completed 2 4 69 83 71 87

Applications granted or otherwise available in full

How documents were made available Number of FOI applications (granted or otherwise available in full) to the applicant Personal Other Total All documents requested were: 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Provided to the applicant 0 2 36 40 36 42 Appendices 219

Applications granted or otherwise available in part

How documents were made available Number of FOI applications (granted or otherwise available in part) to the applicant Personal Other Total Documents made available were: 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Provided to the applicant 2 0 21 22 23 22

Refused FOI applications

Reasons why access to the documents Number of refused FOI applications was refused Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Exempt 0 1 7 10 7 11 Deemed refused 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total refused 0 0 7 10 7 11

Exempt documents

Reasons why the documents were classified Number of FOI applications as exempt (refused or access granted or otherwise available in part only) Personal Other Total

2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Restricted documents Cabinet documents (Clause 1) 0 0 4 1 4 1 Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety 0 0 5 0 5 0 (Clause 4) Documents requiring consultation Documents affecting personal affairs (Clause 6) 1 0 0 3 1 3 Documents affecting business affairs (Clause 7) 0 0 3 5 3 5 Documents otherwise exempt Documents subject to legal professional privilege 0 0 8 2 8 2 (Clause 10) Documents subject to secrecy provisions (Clause 12) 0 0 2 0 2 0 Documents containing confidential material (Clause 13) 1 1 5 9 6 10 Documents affecting financial or property interests of 0 0 1 0 1 0 the state or an agency (Clause 15) Documents containing information relating to threatened 0 0 0 1 0 1 species, Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal Places (Clause 23) Total applications including exempt documents 2 1 28 21 30 22

Ministerial certificates (s. 59)

Number of Ministerial certificates

2007–08 2008–09 Ministerial certificates issued 0 0 220 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Formal consultations

Formal consultations conducted Number 2007–08 2008–09 Number of applications requiring formal consultation 41 46 Number of persons formally consulted 272 236

Amendment of personal records

Applications for amendment of personal records Number of applications for agreed to or refused amendment of personal records 2007–08 2008–09 Agreed in full 0 0 Agreed in part 0 0 Refused 0 0 Total 0 0

Notation of personal records

Formal consultations conducted Number of applications for notation 2007–08 2008–09 Applications for notation 0 0

Fees and costs

Fees assessed and received for FOI applications processed (excluding applications transferred out) Assessed costs Fees received 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 All completed applications $10,972 $11,002 $10,972 $10,733

Fee discounts and waivers

Fee waivers and discounts allowed and reasons Number of FOI applications (where fees were waived or discounted) Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 Processing fees waived in full 0 0 0 0 0 0 Public interest discounts 0 0 5 5 5 5 Financial hardship discounts – pensioner or child 0 1 0 0 0 1 Financial hardship discounts – non profit organisation 0 0 5 8 5 8 Total 0 1 10 13 10 14

Fee refunds

Fee refunds granted Number of refunds 2007–08 2008–09 Number of fee refunds granted as a result of significant 0 0 correction of personal records Appendices 221

Days taken to complete request

Calendar days taken to process Number of completed FOI applications completed applications Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 0–21 days – statutory determination period 0 3 33 42 33 45 22–35 days – extended statutory determination period 2 0 32 40 34 40 Over 21 days – deemed refusal where no extended 0 0 0 0 0 0 determination period applies Over 35 days – deemed refusal where extended 0 0 4 2 4 2 determination period applies Total 2 3 69 84 71 87

Processing time

Time taken to process completed Number of completed FOI applications applications Personal Other Total 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 2007–08 2008–09 0–10 hours 2 3 52 71 54 74 11–20 hours 0 0 14 7 14 7 21–40 hours 0 0 3 5 3 5 Over 40 hours 0 0 0 1 0 1 Total 2 3 69 84 71 87

Number of reviews finalised

2007–08 2008–09 Internal reviews 6 12 Ombudsman reviews 0 0 Administrative Decisions Tribunal reviews 0 2

Results of internal reviews

Grounds on which the internal review Number of internal reviews was requested Personal Other Total Original agency decision: Upheld Varied Upheld Varied Upheld Varied Access refused 0 0 12 0 12 0 Access deferred 0 0 0 0 0 0 Exempt matter deleted from documents 0 0 0 0 0 0 Unreasonable charges 0 0 0 0 0 0 Failure to consult with third parties 0 0 0 0 0 0 Third parties’ views disregarded 0 0 0 0 0 0 Amendment of personal records refused 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 12 0 12 0 222 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

12. Information Centre and Environment Line statistics The following table shows a detailed breakdown of inquiries to DECC’s Information Centre and predecessor services over the last five years. It includes calls taken by the Environment Line telephone service. Information inquiries to DECC’s Information Centre by subject area

Subject 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. Air 14 5,570 13 4,818 10 4,027 7 4,100 7 4,361 Chemicals 15 5,689 12 4,480 8 3,200 8.5 4,980 8.3 5,172 Land 5.7 2,202 6.4 2,418 4 1,612 7 4,101 8 4,985 Noise 16 6,193 12 4,278 8 3,242 8 4,686 7.6 4,735 Waste 17 6,535 22 8,205 36 14,496 35 20,503 38.4 23,927 Water 13 5,018 12 4,345 9 3,624 6.5 3,808 5.7 3,552 Other 20 7,691 24 8,980 25 10,067 28 16,402 25 15,577 Total 100 38,898 100 37,524 100 40,268 100% 58,580 100 62,309

Flora/fauna na na 28 16,518 31 20,640 24 16,504 14 14,352 National parks na na 48 28,713 51 33,956 30 20,630 31 30,884 National parks passes na na 24 14,260 18 11,984 22 15,128 12 12,170 Climate Change Fund na na na na na na 24 16,506 43 43,433 Total na na 100 59,491 100 66,580 100 68,768 100 100,839 Total information na na na 97,015 100 106,848 100 127,348 163,148 contacts

Other inquiries at na na 100 30,355 100 33,635 100 37,330 36,782 reception

Switchboard inquiries na na 100 60,658 100 67,500 100 63,907 71,030 Appendices 223

Calls to Environment Line reporting pollution incidents by type

Incident type 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 % No. % No. % No.1 % No. % No. Air 11 1,078 9.2 746 10 671 10 695 8 572 Air – odour 33 3,238 33 2,662 36 2,478 32 2,215 32 2262 Chemicals – waste 4.2 405 4.2 338 5 339 5 360 5 341 Chemicals – hazardous waste 1.9 180 1.3 103 2 120 2 115 1.5 105 Chemicals – illegal dumping 0.9 92 0.8 65 1 92 1 74 2 146 Chemicals – toxic spills 0.3 33 0.5 39 0.3 22 0.2 15 0.2 13 Contaminated land 0.2 23 0.3 23 0.5 31 0.4 25 0.4 31 Cultural heritage na na 0.1 6 0.1 8 0.1 7 0.2 10 Noise 4.1 393 3.2 263 4 279 5 354 5 344 Noise – scheduled premises 11 1,045 10.6 867 11 760 12 800 16 1136 Native vegetation 5.5 378 7 485 Pesticides 3.4 331 3.1 255 4 279 4.5 310 4 293 Radiation < 0.1 2 0.1 6 0.4 25 0.1 7 0.1 7 Threatened species < 0.1 4 0.9 72 2.3 157 2 120 1.0 91 Water 13 1,292 13 1,097 8 563 8 530 7.3 517 Water – algae 0.2 17 0.4 34 0.4 26 0.2 15 0.3 18 Water – fish kills 0.7 67 0.9 70 1 62 0.7 50 1 62 Water – oil spills 1.6 153 1.8 147 2 151 2.3 165 2 140 Water – stormwater 14 1,343 16.6 1,350 12 801 9 600 7 512 Total 100 9,696 100 8,143 100 6,864 100 6,835 100 7085

Calls to Environment Line and reports to the DECC website on vehicle-related pollution incidents

Incident type 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 Smoky vehicles 4,466 3,488 3,396 2,830 2,451 Noisy vehicles 1,155 561 896 1,063 1,411 Littering from vehicles 5,574 4,379 5,058 4,429 5,096 Total 11,195 8,428 9,350 8,322 8,958 224 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Lodge environment manual: a guide to managing environmental 13. Publications risk and monitoring environmental performance PRREMS Corporate publications Macquarie River (Narromine to Oxley Station) Floodplain Management Plan Aboriginal people, the environment and conservation: Principles Managing urban stormwater: Soils and construction – Volume to incorporate the rights and interests of Aboriginal people into 2A Installation of services the work of the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW Managing urban stormwater: Soils and construction – Volume 2B Waste landfills About the Department of Environment and Climate Change Managing urban stormwater: Soils and construction – Volume Department of Environment and Climate Change Annual Report 2C Unsealed roads 2007–08 Managing urban stormwater: Soils and construction – Volume Department of Environment and Climate Change Corporate Plan 2D Main road construction 2008–2012 Managing urban stormwater: Soils and construction – Volume Environmental Trust Annual Report 2007–08 2E Mines and quarries Radiation Advisory Council Annual Report 2007–08 Native plant species at risk from bitou bush invasion: a field guide for New South Wales. Discussion papers and draft plans New South Wales construction noise guideline: draft for Aboriginal cultural heritage draft community consultation consultation requirements for proponents Pesticides notification: using pesticides on properties adjacent to A new biodiversity strategy for New South Wales: discussion sensitive places (Industry guidance fact sheet) paper Protecting and restoring coastal saltmarsh Discussion paper: review of the New South Wales Radiation Protecting and restoring Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest Control Act 1990 Protecting and restoring Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub Discussion paper: towards an Aboriginal land management Protecting and restoring the Cumberland Plain Woodland framework for NSW community at Campbell Hill West Reserve, Chester Hill Draft radiation guideline 7: Radiation shielding design assessment Protecting and restoring the fungi community of Lane Cove and verification requirements Bushland Park Regulatory impact statement: proposed Marine Parks Regulation Protecting and restoring green and golden bell frog habitat 2009 Protecting and restoring grey-headed flying-fox habitat Regulatory impact statement: proposed National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009 Protecting and restoring blue gum high forest Regulatory impact statement: proposed Pesticides Regulation Strategic environmental compliance and performance review: 2009 industrial estates (2008/444 -September 2008) There were always people here: a history of Yuraygir National Guidelines and advisory documents Park Acid sulfate soils remediation guidelines for coastal floodplains in NSW Environmental and technical reports Best practice guidelines for coastal saltmarsh BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Best practice guidelines: Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest BioBanking handbook for local government Bitou bush management manual: current management and control options Best practice guidelines: Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub for bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) in Best practice guidelines: green and golden bell frog habitat Australia Best practice guidelines for the grey-headed flying fox Climatic influence on shallow fractured-rock groundwater Best practice guidelines: Hygrocybeae community of Lane Cove systems in the Murray–Darling Basin, NSW. Bushland Park Fire in the NSW environment Best practice guidelines: managing threatened beach-nesting Karst research prospectus shorebirds Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan Best practice guidelines: Sydney Turpentine–Ironbark Forest New South Wales national parks establishment plan 2008 Illegal dumping prevention and clean-up: handbook for New South Wales Taskforce on tourism and national parks – Aboriginal communities final report Guidelines for implementing the Protection of the Environment New South Wales Taskforce on tourism and national parks – Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) appendix Regulation 2008 NSW Diffuse Source Water Pollution Strategy Appendices 225

Rapid fauna habitat assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Summary of climate change impacts Sydney Region: NSW Catchment Management Authority area Climate Change Action Plan Review of state conservation areas: report of the first five-year Summary of climate change impacts Western Region: NSW review of state conservation areas under the National Parks and Climate Change Action Plan Wildlife Act1974 Sydney Region Pest Management Strategy 2008–2011 Fire management plans and strategies The Pilliga Forest – healthy parks for healthy people CCA = community conservation area Vegetation of the Cessnock-Kurri Region. Survey, classification Z = zone and mapping Agnes Banks Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2006 Vertebrate fauna of north-eastern Blue Mountains National Park Bents Basin State Conservation Area and Gulguer Nature Reserve Vertebrate fauna of south-eastern Wollemi National Park Fire Management Strategy 2006 Vertebrate fauna of Southern Yengo National Park and Parr State Biddon State Conservation Area Conservation Area Biddon State Conservation Area – CCAZ3 Fire Management Vertebrate fauna of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area Strategy 2008–2013 Vertebrate fauna of Werakata National Park and Werakata State Botany Bay South National Park – Kamay (Kurnell) Conservation Area Bouddi National Park and Cockle Bay Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2008 Native vegetation, catchment management and Cattai National Park Fire Management Strategy 2007 soil publications Cobaki Reserve Fire Management Strategy (Type 2) 2009 Bitou bush management manual: Current management and Conimbla National Park Fire Management Strategy 2005 control options for bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) in Australia Copperhannia Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2005 Evaluation framework for catchment management authority Cudgera Creek Fire Management Strategy (Type 2) 2009 natural resource management Eugowra Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2007 Native plant species at risk from bitou bush invasion: a field guide Fire Management Plan Mallee Cliffs National Park Feb 2006– for New South Wales Feb 2011 Native vegetation management in NSW: variations within the Freemantle Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2006 Native Vegetation Regulation 2005 Garrawilla National Park – CCAZ1 Fire Management Strategy Native vegetation of Yengo and Parr reserves and surrounds 2008–2013 Saltwater wetlands rehabilitation manual Garrawilla National Park Soil and land resources of the Hawkesbury–Nepean Catchment Georges River National Park Fire Management Strategy 2009 – DVD Goobang National Park – North Fire Management Strategy 2005 Goobang National Park – South Fire Management Strategy 2005 Water and energy-savings publications Hill End Historic Site Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2009 NSW Climate Change Action Plan regional community Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area Fire Management consultation forums: resource kit Strategy 2009 NSW Climate Change Fund Annual Report 2007–2008 Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve Fire Management Strategy Summary of climate change impacts Central Coast Region: NSW 2009 Climate Change Action Plan Joadja Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2009 Summary of climate change impacts Hunter Region: NSW Climate Kemps Creek Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2006 Change Action Plan Kosciuszko National Park Fire Management Strategy 2008–2013 Summary of climate change impacts Illawarra Region: NSW Climate Change Action Plan Leacock Regional Park Fire Management Strategy 2006 Summary of climate change impacts New England/North West Marrangaroo National Park Fire Management Strategy 2009 NSW Region: NSW Climate Change Action Plan Maroota Ridge State Conservation Area Fire Management Summary of climate change impacts North Coast Region: NSW Strategy 2009 Climate Change Action Plan Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area/Barton Nature Reserve Summary of climate change impacts Riverina Murray Region: Fire Management Strategy 2005 NSW Climate Change Action Plan Mulgoa Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2006 Summary of climate change impacts South East Region: NSW Mullion Range State Conservation Area/Girralang Nature Reserve Climate Change Action Plan – Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2005 226 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Mungo National Park Fire Management Strategy Dubay Jarjum Nurahm Aboriginal Area Draft Plan of Management Murramarang National Park, Murramarang Aboriginal Area, Ellerslie Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Belowla Island Nature Reserve, Brush Island Nature Reserve, Gibraltar Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Tollgate Islands Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy Glenrock State Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management Nangar National Park Fire Management Strategy 2005 Jerilderie Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Pilliga Nature Reserve (Yearinan, Ukerbarley and Upper Dandry Blocks) Fire Management Strategy 2008–2013 John Gould and Boondelbah nature reserves Draft Plan of Management Pindera Downs Aboriginal Area Fire Management Strategy 2005 Kosciuszko National Park Draft Geotechnical and Water Prospect Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2009 Management Amendments to the Plan of Management Somerton Community Conservation Area Fire Management Lord Howe Island Permanent Park Reserve Draft Plan of Strategy 2008–2013 Management Sturt National Park Fire Management Strategy 2005 Manobalai Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Tarawi Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy Marshalls Creek Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management The Rock Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2007 Mimosa Rocks National Park Draft Plan of Management Tinkrameanah National Park – CCA Zone 1 Fire Management Montague Nature Reserve Draft Amendments to the Plan of Strategy 2008–2013 Management Tollingo and Woggoon Nature Reserves Fire Management Mooball National Park Draft Plan of Management Strategy 2005 Weddin Mtns National Park Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2005 Moonee Beach Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Tyagarah Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy (Type 2) Mororo Creek Nature Reserve and Chatsworth Hill State 2008 Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management Upper Nepean State Conservation Area Fire Management Strategy Nadgigomar Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management 2009 Nymboi-Binderay National Park and State Conservation Area Wadbilliga National Park Fire Management Strategy 2009 Draft Plan of Management Werakata National Park Fire Management Strategy (Type 2) 2006 Paroo–Darling National Park and State Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management Winburndale Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy 2009– 2014 Ramornie National Park Draft Plan of Management Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve Fire Management Razorback Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Strategy 2009 Royal National Park Draft Amendments to the Plan of Yarrahappini Wetlands National Park, Clybucca Historic Site & Management in relation to boat launching at Bonnie Vale Aboriginal Area Fire Management Strategy (Type 2) 2009 Royal National Park Draft Amendments to the Plan of Management in relation to leases and licences Terrestrial reserve plans of management Susan Island Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Draft plans Ulidarra National Park Draft Plan of Management Avondale State Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management Warragai Creek Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Bees Nest and Jerralong nature reserves Draft Plan of Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Area Draft Management Plan of Management Budelah Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Willi Willi National Park Draft Plan of Management Burrinjuck Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Woodford Island Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Camerons Gorge Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area Yaegl Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management Draft Plan of Management Approved plans Cascade and Junuy Juluum national parks and Cascade State Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management Araluen Nature Reserve Plan of Management Clyde River National Park Draft Plan of Management Avisford Nature Reserve Plan of Management Corramy State Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management Bindarri National Park Plan of Management Coxcomb, Goonook and Killabakh nature reserves Draft Plan of Boginderra Hills Nature Reserve Plan of Management Management Bondi Gulf Nature Reserve Plan of Management Dananbilla, Koorawatha, Illunie and Gungewalla nature reserves Broulee Island Nature Reserve Plan of Management Draft Plan of Management Appendices 227

Brundee Swamp and Saltwater Swamp nature reserves Plan of Recovery and threat abatement plans Management Approved plans Burnt-Down Scrub Nature Reserve Plan of Management Approved NSW recovery plan for the Kurri Sand Swamp Carrai National Park and State Conservation Area Plan of Woodland Endangered Ecological Community Management Approved NSW recovery plan for the koala (Phascolarctos Central Monaro Reserves (Bobundara, Ironmungy, Myalla, cinereus) Wullwye, Paupong, Ngadang and Nimmo Nature Reserves) Plan of Management Education and community relations Conjola National Park Plan of Management Beachwatch and Harbourwach State of the Beaches 2007–2008 Coolumbooka Nature Reserve Plan of Management Beachwatch Partnership Program: State of the Beaches 2007– Coramba Nature Reserve Plan of Management 2008 Dorrigo Plateau group of nature reserves (Bagul Waajaarr, Deer Dealing with barking dogs – updated Vale and Muldiva Nature Reserves) Plan of Management Dealing with neighbourhood noise – updated Evans Crown Nature Reserve Plan of Management Guide to NSW national parks 2009 Goonawarra Nature Reserve Plan of Management Managing noise from intruder alarms Guy Fawkes River National Park, Nature Reserve and State Managing vehicle noise Conservation Area Plan of Management NSW cleaner vehicles and fuels strategy Illawong Nature Reserve Plan of Management Seeking noise abatement orders Kangaroo Valley group of nature reserves Plan of Management Kemendok Nature Reserve Plan of Management New or revised parks and reserves brochures Kororo Nature Reserve Plan of Management National parks Kumbatine National Park and State Conservation Area Plan of Burrawang walk: Botany and bush tucker brochure Management Saving the brush-tailed rock-wallaby Little Pimlico Island Nature Reserve Plan of Management Livingstone National Park and State Conservation Area Plan of Other Management BioBanking and other conservation options for private land Monkerai Nature Reserve Plan of Management Bushrock belongs in the bush – not in gardens brochure Mudjarn Nature Reserve Plan of Management Know your responsibilities – managing garden waste brochure Mulgoa Nature Reserve Plan of Management Managing dry cleaning waste for a safer environment Narrandera Nature Reserve Plan of Management Managing dry cleaning waste for a safer environment (simplified Nearie Lake Nature Reserve Plan of Management Chinese) Scheyville National Park Conservation Management Plan: Managing dry cleaning waste for a safer environment (traditional Chinese) • Volume 1 – History • Volume 2 – Physical analysis and management Managing dry cleaning waste for a safer environment (Vietnamese) • Volume 3 – Appendices Safely disposing of asbestos waste from your home Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve Plan of Management Stormwater pollution – the difference is you Sherwood Nature Reserve Plan of Management Think before you lift – whose home are you disturbing? Tingira Heights Nature Reserve Plan of Management Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve Plan of Management Posters Tumblong State Conservation Area Plan of Management Have you seen a green and golden bell frog? Valla and Jagun nature reserves Plan of Management Marine parks publications Solitary Islands Marine Park: zoning plan review report Jervis Bay Marine Park: zoning plan review report Solitary Islands Marine Park: zoning plan review report – Appendix 2: Summary of stakeholder consultations and submissions Jervis Bay Marine Park: zoning plan review report – Appendix 2: Summary of stakeholder consultations and submissions 228 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Austin T, Short AD, Hughes MG, Vila-Concejo A and Ranasinghe 14. Papers published and R 2009, ‘Tidal hydrodynamics of a micro-tidal, wave dominated presented flood tidal delta: Port Stephens, Australia’, Journal of Coastal Research, SI 56, vol. 1, pp 693–697. Amaral MJ, Carretero MA, Agra AR, Soares AMVM and Mann R Baker J, Priddel D, Auld TD and Keith DA 2009, ‘Science 2008, ‘A tiered approach to reptile ecotoxicology in Europe using supporting threatened species conservation’, Ecological lacertids as sentinel organisms’, 6th Symposium on the Lacertids of Management and Restoration, vol. 10, S145. the Mediterranean Basin, Lesvos, Greece, 23–27 June. Banks L, Woodward J and Baker J 2009, ‘A critical evaluation of Amaral MJ, Carretero MA, Agra AR, Soares AMVM and Mann RM science achievements under the Threatened Species Conservation 2008, ‘A tiered approach to reptile ecotoxicology in Europe using Act 1995 in New South Wales’, Ecological Management and lacertids as sentinel organisms’, X Congresso Luso-Espanhol / XIV Restoration, vol. 10, S1–2. Congresso Espanhol de Herpetologia, Coimbra, Portugal, 15–18 October. Beaumont LJ, Gallagher RV, Thuiller W, Downey PO, Leishman MR and Hughes L 2009, ‘Different climatic envelopes among Aoyama M, Barwell-Clarke J, Becker S, Blum M, Braga ES, Coverly invasive populations may lead to underestimations of current SC, Czobik E, Dahllof I, Dai MH, Donnell GO, Engelke C, Gong GC, and future biological invasions’, Diversity and Distributions 15(3), Hong G-H, Hydes DJ, Jin MM, Kasai H, Kerouel R, Kiyomono Y, pp 409–420. 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Walpole SC, Dick RC, Robson AD and Packard PW 2008, ‘Strategic You ZJ 2009, ‘Statistical distribution of nearbed wave orbital additions to the western NSW protected area system 1998-2008’, velocity in intermediate coastal water depth’, Coastal Engineering, in Australian Protected Area Congress 2008: Protected Areas in the 56, pp 844–852. Century of Change, Proceedings of the Australian Protected Area Congress 2008, Twin Waters, Queensland, pp 260–263. You ZJ 2009, ‘A close approximation of wave dispersion relation for direct calculation of wavelength in any coastal water depth’, Watson P, Bradstock RA and Morris EC 2009, ‘Fire frequency Applied Ocean Research, 30, pp 133–139. influences composition and structure of the shrub layer in an Australian sub-coastal temperate grassy woodland’, Austral You ZJ and Lord D 2008, ‘Influence of the El Nino Southern Ecology, vol. 34, pp 218–232. Oscillation on the NSW coastal storm severity’, Journal of Coastal Research, 24, pp 203–207. 238 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

You ZJ 2008, ‘Modified Newton-Raphson Solution for dispersion equation of transition water waves: comments’, Journal of Coastal Research, 24, pp 1349–1350. You ZJ, Yin BS, and Huo G 2008, ’Direct measurement of bed shear stress under irregular waves’, IAHR-APD 2008, 20–23 October 2008, Nanjing, China. You ZJ 2008, ’ Statistical distribution of wave orbital velocity in finite water depth’, 16th IAHR-APD 2008, 20–23 October 2008, Nanjing, China. Zerger A, Gibbons P, Seddon J, Briggs S and Freudenberger DA 2009, ‘A method for predicting native vegetation condition at regional scales’, Landscape and Urban Planning, vol. 91, pp 65–77. Zerger A, Gibbons P, Seddon J, Warren G, Austin M, Ryan P 2008, ‘Native vegetation condition: site to regional assessments’ in Landscape analysis and visualisation: spatial models for natural resource management and planning, (eds. Pettit C, Cartwright W, Bishop I, Lowell K, Pullar D and Duncan D), Springer, Berlin, pp 139–158. Appendices 239

15. Overseas visits by staff

Name Purpose of visit Destination Dates Cost to DECC Notes Sally Barnes Attend IUCN World Spain 3–11 October 2008 $14,650.31 Conservation Congress Tegan Burton Participate in the JENESYS Japan 2–15 March 2009 Nil Funded by the Japan East Asia Future Leaders Foundation Programme Nicholas Carlile Recovery of the Bermuda Bermuda 2–26 January 2009 Nil $16,000.00, funded by Petrel Bermuda Government Dr John Chapman Audit Hong Kong’s chronic China November 2008 $240.00 Funded by Hong Kong toxicity testing procedures Environment Protection once developed by the Hong Department Kong University Danny Corcoran Participate on the Interagency United States July 2008 Nil Funded by the United Fire Fighting Team which States Government assisted the US Government Andrew Daff Participate in the Global Travel Brazil 13–18 May 2009 $1,731.43 Up to $5,000.00, funded and Tourism Summit by World Travel and Tourism Council Gary Davey Attend course on ‘Managing New Zealand 30 November– $8,700.00 regulation, enforcement and 5 December 2008 compliance’

Dr Paul Downey Present paper at the NeoBiota Czech Republic 23–26 September 2008 Nil Self-funded Conference

Shaun Elwood Attend IUCN World Spain 3–11 October 2008 $6363.00 Conservation Congress Caroline Ford Attend Coastal Heritage United Kingdom 25–29 June 2009 Nil Self-funded Conference Ken Green Attend the North American Canada 11–14 November 2008 $3,596.50 Lake Management Society Conference Russell Harrison INTERPOL – 6th International France 13–17 October 2008 Nil Funded by the Conference on Environmental Australasian Crime Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulation Network Kerry Lack Attend the SmartWay USA 2–4 December 2008 $1,830.60 $3,000.00, funded International Transportation by Department of Summit Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Dr Anthony Roach Attend a Society for USA 22 February– Nil Funded by SETAC and Environmental Chemistry and 3 March 2009 Australian Academy of Toxicology (SETAC) Pellstone Technological Sciences Workshop and Engineering Dr Peter Scanes Attend the University of Spain 27 March–6 April 2009 $350.00 2400 Euro, funded by Cantabria, Spain as Visiting Spanish Ministry of Professor Science/University of Cantabria Peter Stathis Present at the fourth IUCN Spain 3–12 October 2008 $7,120.68 World Conservation Congress 240 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Name Purpose of visit Destination Dates Cost to DECC Notes Dr Elizabeth Tasker Present paper at The ’88 Fires: USA 15 September– $2,748.30 Additional $2,000.00, Yellowstone and Beyond’ 13 October 2008 funded by U.S. National Conference Park Service

Deon van Rensburg Participate on the Interagency United States July 2008 Nil Funded by the United Fire Fighting Team which States Government assisted the US Government Appendices 241

16. Consultancies A consultant is an organisation or individual engaged for a defined period of time solely to provide an expert opinion or recommendation to DECC on a specific issue.

Consultancies of $30,000 or more 2008–09 Consultant Product description Cost ($) Christo Aitken & Associates Heritage building specifications 40,000 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Review of management framework for visitor related 84,957 business operation Department of Commerce – Riverina/Western OH&S housing inspections 92,000 Dr Johanna Kijas Land tenure reports 33,000 GHD Pty Ltd Fire investigation 36,364 Marianne Porteners Vegetation surveys 44,000 Milsearch Pty Ltd Fire planning – Goorooyarroo NR 42,780 NSW Department of Primary Industries Pest survey 36,750 Planning For People P/L Strategic direction for tourism in Parks and Wildlife Group 102,338 Public Relations Partners P/L Development of tourism and partnerships 64,253 Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd Hawkesbury–Nepean River Recovery Package 134,946 Sue Rosen & Associates Conservation management plans 44,423 Subtotal – consultancies of $30,000 or more 755,811

Consultancies less than $30,000 2008-09 Category Number Cost ($) Finance & Accounting 3 22,960 Information Technology 5 4,833 Legal 0 – Management Services 21 162,231 Environment 45 336,671 Engineering 9 47,274 Organisational Review 0 – Training 3 33,848 Subtotal – consultancies less than $30,000 86 607,817 Subtotal – consultancies of $30,000 or more 12 755,811 Total consultancies 98 1,363,628 242 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

17. Grants to community organisations For the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 Key to programs 1. Climate Change and Policy Programs 2. Parks and Wildlife 3. Cultural Heritage 4. Environment Protection and Regulation 5. Scientific Services Recipient Amount ($) Program Nature and purpose of grant Aboriginal Housing Company Ltd 16,363.64 2 Daraug Co-Management Project Australian Seabird Rescue Inc 3,240.00 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare 5,000.00 1 Support for the Big Scrub Rainforest Day Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre 16,363.64 2 Sustainable Business Plan Brewarrina Business Coop Ltd 90,909.09 3 Installation of water infrastructure to the Brewarrina fish traps Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council 30,636.36 3 Installation of water infrastructure to the Brewarrina Billabong C W McNabb & The CSM Family Trust 51,338.28 4 Management agreement for Lignum Park Caldera Environment Centre Inc 2,000.00 1 Support for the World Environment Day Centennial Parklands Foundation 76,000.00 1 Rainwater tank, filtration and water distribution for the Centennial Park restaurant toilets Central Coast Community Environment Network Inc 25,000.00 1 Transfer of the Land for Wildlife database Chillingham Community Association Inc 35,906.00 1 Installation of solar panels, stand and solar lights Comboyne Community Association 50,000.00 1 Establishment of the mid-north coast Centre for Sustainability Community Broadcasting Association 64,000.00 1 Energy Savings Project Corrowong Bushfire Brigade 1,000.00 2 Contribution to Corrowong Fire Brigade Denison Partnership 62,253.00 4 Management agreement for cutbushes Dorrigo Plateau Local Aboriginal Land Council 46,149.85 3 Contribution for installation of water infrastructure Edgerton Kiwiembal Environment Heritage and Cultural 5,000.00 3 Irrigation bore 24-hour flow test Aboriginal Corp Ethnic Communities’ Council Of NSW Inc 58,000.00 1 Asian Dry Cleaner Electricity Savings Project Foundation For National Parks 36,000.00 1 Conservation Partners Project Foundation For National Parks 15,000.00 1 Private land grants program 2008–09 Friends of The Koala Inc 5,000.00 2 Conference re koala conservation Friends of The Koala Inc 3,240.00 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups Garry RB and Leanne M Hall 6,781.85 4 Management agreement for The Mole fencing Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Inc 15,000.00 2 Project grant – Gundungurra Pathways Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Inc 15,000.00 2 Project grant – Kings Tableland Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Inc 15,000.00 2 Project grant – Megalong Valley Pathways Gundungurra Tribal Council 15,000.00 2 Gundungurra Women’s Cultural Camp Appendices 243

Recipient Amount ($) Program Nature and purpose of grant Gundungurra Tribal Council 15,000.00 2 Gundungurra regeneration and cultural uses Gundungurra Tribal Council 15,000.00 2 Gundungurra Men’s Cultural Camp Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation 58,181.82 2 Contribution for materials for Jumbulla Track Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council 93,952.73 3 Contribution for installation of water infrastructure Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council 1,363.64 2 Contribution towards NAIDOC celebrations Laoko 3,500.00 2 Contribution to local wildlife rescue organisation Lions Club of Jindabyne 250.00 2 Sponsorship Of Koori art and craft prize Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Council 198,000.00 3 Glanville reticulated stock water supply Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council 36,000.00 3 Develop an integrated water management plan Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre 32,727.28 2 Daraug Cultural Management Project Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation 7,026.00 1 Conservation of excess rainwater through water storage Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers 3,240.00 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups NSW Outback Division Of General Practice 195,454.54 3 Implement sustainable water and waste reuse projects PJ Morton and SE Morton 4,972.80 4 Management agreement for Dundomallee Price Merrett Consulting Pty Ltd 16,158.00 4 Water infrastructure project Quilbone Pastoral Company 12,629.65 4 Management agreement for Quilbone The Trustee For North Winnabri 2,538.18 4 Management agreement for South Roubaix Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers 3,240.00 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups Wandoo Aboriginal Corporation 30,909.09 3 Contribution for installation of water infrastructure Waste Management Association Of Aust 2,500.00 1 Sponsor the annual compost NSW ‘community education’ Award Wildcare Inc 5,000.00 2 Donation for a tranquiliser gun Wildlife Animal Rescue and Care 3,000.00 2 Injured and orphaned native animal care Wilgara Partnership 2,866.55 4 Management agreement for Wilgara Property WIRES – Central Coast 3,000.00 2 Injured and orphaned native animal care WIRES – Clarence Valley 1,818.18 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups WIRES – Forestville 5,500.00 2 Grant for the launch of the WIRES ambulance. WIRES – mid north coast 2,727.27 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups WIRES – Northern Rivers 3,840.00 2 Assistance for wildlife carer groups WIRES – Snowy Mountains 3,000.00 2 Donation to ‘Towards Centenary’ Project for wildlife Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council 5,000.00 2 Assistance with costs of NAIDOC Youloe-Ta Indigenous Development Association Incorporated 15,000.00 3 Design, development and implementation of core sustainable water infrastructure Total 1,548,577.44 244 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

18. Major works

Cost to date Estimated Project $’000 completion Major new works Radio network – Parks and Wildlife Group 6,750 2010–11 Bushfire management 3,295 2012–13

Major works in progress Purchase of perpetual Crown leases for conservation 6,407 2010–11 Improve fire, feral animal and weed control 993 2012–13 Lower Hunter Conservation Area 2,450 2011–12 Acquisition of satellite imagery 7,016 2010–11 Acquisition of spatial data 6,827 2009–10 Brigalow/Nandewar establishment 19,044 2012–13 Infrastructure improvements in national parks 29,953 2012–13 Kosciuszko Centenary 2,529 2025–26 Land purchases – funded by grants and donations 69,366 2012–13 Marine parks 3,317 2012–13 New park establishment costs 23,496 2012–13 Perisher Range redevelopment 15,961 2025–26 RiverBank 61,757 2010–11 Rivers Environmental Restoration 45,625 2010–11 Wetlands recovery 4,706 2008–09 Total 309,492 There were no significant cost overruns in these projects. Appendices 245

19. Major assets • Kinchega Woolshed, Kinchega National Park • Lidcombe laboratories and environmental science facility By virtue of its functions the DECC asset base covers a wide • Lighthouses – Barrenjoey, Port Stephens, Greencape and Cape range of fixed assets and other infrastructure which have been Byron categorised as follows for accounting purposes: • Narooma area office • Perisher Information Centre, Kosciuszko National Park Land • Quarantine Station, accommodation units, hospital and Most of the land parcels in this category are ‘dedicated land’ conference centre, Sydney Harbour National Park including national parks, nature reserves, historic sites, Aboriginal • Sawpit Creek office, Kosciuszko National Park areas, state conservation areas and regional parks. A full list of • Sea Acres Visitor Centre, Port Macquarie dedicated and DECC-managed lands is included in Appendix 9. • Snowy Mountains Visitor Centre, Jindabyne • The Lakes Area Office and Visitor Centre, Lake Munmorah Land disposal • Throsby Park Homestead, Throsby Park historic site. A parcel of four properties attached to Yanga Station (Yanga Heritage buildings are at the following locations: National Park) was auctioned in June 2007 for $5.83 million, of • Bare Island which $4.475 million (balance of the sale proceeds) was received • Curracabundi NP, Karema Cottage in July 2008. Ministerial approval was granted for the disposal. • Green Cape, Davidson Whaling Station The portions sold had been historically cropped and were on the edges of the property, therefore their sale would not impact • Hartley Historic Site negatively on the conservation value for which the property was • Hill End Historic Site purchased. • Quarantine Station, Manly Application for access to documents concerning the sale can be • Royal National Park, Googles Cottage made under the Freedom of Information Act 1989. • Yanga National Park ‘Improvements’ such as picnic areas, campsites and lookouts Buildings and improvements with a replacement value of $750,000 or more are located in Blue Mountains, Botany Bay, Bundjalung, Cattai, Garigal, Georges This category includes all buildings and improvements in use River, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Murramarang, Royal, Sydney or temporarily out of use. There are 1,475 buildings in total and Harbour and Warrambungle national parks; Arakoon State those with a replacement value of $1 million or more are: Conservation Area; and Leacock, Rouse Hill and Western Sydney • Audley regional office, Royal National Park regional parks. • Baradine Visitors Centre • Blackheath Visitors Centre, Blue Mountains National Park Roads and other access • Bobbin Head Visitor Centre and Halvorsen’s Boat Shed, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP Apart from roads of various constructions, this category includes access facilities such as fire trails, walking tracks, car parks, • Broken Hill, Far West regional office bridges, boat ramps and wharves. Roads and other access with a • Byron Coast area office, Byron Bay replacement value of $5 million or more are: • Camp Blackman amenities block, Warrumbungle National • Cambridge Plateau Drive, Richmond Range National Park Park • Cameron Corner Road, Sturt National Park • Cattai National Park accommodation units and homestead • Drive Tour Road, Mungo National Park • Coffs Harbour sub district office • Elliot Way, Kosciuszko National Park • Discovery Centre, Botany Bay National Park • Geehi Walls Track, Kosciuszko National Park • Dorrigo Rainforest Centre • Guthega Road, Kosciuszko National Park • Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, Morton National Park • Jump up Loop Drive, Sturt National Park • Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour National Park • Kiandra to Khancoban Road, Kosciuszko National Park • Gap Bluff Officers Mess, Sydney Harbour National Park • Mutawintji Road, Mutawintji National Park • Garie Beach Surf Safety Centre, Royal National Park • Mungo Brush Road, Myall Lakes National Park • Goat Island amenities and ship repair building, Sydney • Olsens Road, Kosciuszko National Park Harbour National Park • Tantangara Road, Kosciuszko National Park • Greycliffe House, Vaucluse, Sydney Harbour National Park • Tin Mine Road, Woomargama National Park • Hartley Church, Courthouse and Presbytery, Hartley Historic Site • Tweed Range Scenic Drive, Border Ranges National Park • Hill End Historic Site, Royal Hotel, • Jenkins Centre, Lane Cove National Park 246 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Utilities and other infrastructure This category includes airstrips, electricity reticulation, sewerage systems, levees, fencing and water supply systems. Those with a replacement value of $1 million or more are: • airstrips in far western NSW – Bourke, Broken Hill and Cobar regions • the helipad at Perisher Valley • sewerage treatment plants at Bobbin Head, Goat Island, Hill End Historic Site, Kosciuszko and Lane Cove national parks and Yarrangobilly Caves • the stormwater system at Western Sydney Regional Park • water supply systems in Gundabooka, Kosciuszko and Mt Kaputar national parks and Yathong Nature Reserve.

Plant and equipment Items valued at $5,000 or more are: Quantity Aircraft Helicopter, Eurocopter AS 350B-3 1 Plane, Cessna U206G 1 Motor vehicles (excl leased) Dual cab and utility vehicles 16 Trucks – 1-5 tonne, >5 tonne 153 Motorbikes 24 Quad bikes 128 Off-road carriers, 6x6 52 Scientific equipment Analysers, calibrators, data loggers, diluters, 741 monitoring systems, etc. Field plant Boats (including outboards) 61 Graders, dozers, excavators, rollers 44 Forklifts 64 Generators 24 Mowers, ride-on 84 Quickspray, weed spray units 121 Slip on fire units, chassis exchange 367 Skidoo, snow vehicles 19 Tractors, loaders, backhoes, bobcats 169 Trailers, caravans 173 Other – cameras, cranes, diggers, mulchers, power 158 carriers, routers, slashers, weather stations etc. 247

Indexes

Compliance index References to regulatory requirements for annual reporting are shown below: Aims and objectives 6 Industrial relations 111 Access Inside back cover Land disposal 245–246 Annual report costs Inside back cover Legal change 198 Auditor-General’s financial audit report: Legislation administered by DECC 198 Department of Environment and Climate Change 122–123 Letter of submission 1 Environment Protection Authority 160–161 Major assets 245–246 Marine Parks Authority 169–170 Major capital works 244 Charter 5 Management, structure and performance 10–17 Clients and stakeholders 8 Occupational health and safety 111 Code of ethical conduct 103 Organisational chart 11 Consultants 241 Overseas visits 239–240 Consumer response 107–110 Payment of accounts 119 Contact details Inside back cover Performance indicators 22, 23, 31, 32, 35, 36, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, Controlled entities – see EPA Board and 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 66, 68, 76, 81, 85, Marine Parks Authority in ‘Index’ 89, 91, 93, 97, 108, 109, 112, 115, 119 Corporate objectives 5 Personnel policies and practices 113–118 Corporate governance 101–103 Privacy management plan 216 Corporate structure 11 Public registers 216–217 Credit card certification 119 Publications 224–227 Director General and senior executives’ performance 178–181 Remuneration of Senior Executive Service Officers level 5 or above 178–181 Disability plan 116–117 Research and development 15, 26–30, 65–69, 71–74, Electronic service delivery 56–57, 107–108 77–80, 82–83, 90 Energy use 104–106 Research papers 228–238 EPA Board 4 Review of operations 19–120 Equal employment opportunity 114 Risk management and insurance activities 101–103, 111, Ethnic affairs priority statement 114–116 118–119 Executive (principal officers) 10, 181 Significant committees 184–195 Financial statements: Spokeswomen program 117 Department of Environment and Climate Change 122–159 Statement of affairs 215–217 Environment Protection Authority 160–168 Statement of responsibility 178 Marine Parks Authority 169–176 Summary review of operations 12–17 Financial summary 18 Threatened species 15, 29, 50, 65, 71–78, 82, 217 Freedom of information 109, 218–221 Vision 5 Funds granted to non-government bodies 242–243 Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) 106 Heritage management 92–94, 96 Wilderness 77 Human resources 113–119, 196–197 248 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

Index Aboriginal issues: Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 56 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee 96 biodiversity: Aboriginal Discovery program 93–94 BioBanking Scheme 71–72 Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits 92 biocertification 72 Aboriginal Land Management Framework 94 biodiversity management plans 72 Aboriginal Park Partnerships Program 98 biodiversity strategy 71 Aboriginal Water Trust 98 monitoring 71 Aboriginal Water Use Capacity Project 98 bioregions 76 cadetship program 114 bushfire – see fire clean up program 54–55, 96 business: consultation 92 FleetWise 42 cultural heritage regulation 92–94 NSW Green Skills Strategy 38 culture and heritage 92–95 Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program 36 culture camps 95 Sustainability Advantage 34–35 employment strategy 115 heritage protection 92 catchment management authorities 67–70 Interim Community Consultation Requirements 92 charter 5 joint management of parks 97 climate change: Land Alive 97 adaptation programs 28–30 NAIDOC celebrations 110 biodiversity impacts 28–30 Places 92 bushfire 28 repatriation and reburial 92 Climate Change Action Plan 26 rock art training and management 94 climate impact profile 26 site awareness training 94 coastal ocean monitoring 30 traineeships 114 Eastern Seaboard Climate Change Initiative 32 Two Ways Together 109–110 floodplain wetlands impacts 32 air: health impacts 27 Action for Air 41 national initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 21 Clean Air, Healthy Communities Fund 41 NSW Climate Change Fund 22 Diesel Retrofit Program 42 NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy 21 FleetWise 42 NSW Solar Bonus Scheme 25 NSW Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels Strategy 42 pests and weeds – impact on 30 pollution reduction programs 46 research 28–30 Regional Air Quality Index 57 Residential Rebate Program 22 Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region air quality 41, 43 sea level rise 27 vapour recovery at service stations 42 Sydney Carbon Market Taskforce 37 volatile organic compound reduction 43 coasts: woodsmoke 42 Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 56 annual report costs Inside back cover Coastal Management Program 31 aquatic reserves 79, 89–90 coastal ocean monitoring 30 asset management: Eastern Seaboard Climate Change Initiative 32 asset maintenance in parks and reserves 89 estuaries – see estuaries Total Asset Management Strategy 102 management plans 31 audit and compliance program 102 sea level rise 27, 32–33 Auditor-General’s financial audit report: code of ethical conduct 103 Department of Environment and Climate Change 122–123 committees 184–195 Environment Protection Authority 160–161 community: Marine Parks Authority 169–170 Discovery program 85, 93–94 grants 21–23, 242–243 living more sustainably 115 wellbeing 56–59 Indexes 249

conservation agreements – see private land conservation energy: Conservation Partners Program 90 DECC energy efficiency initiatives 104 consultancies 241 electric vehicles 25, 106 consumer response (feedback and complaints) 107–110 Energy Efficiency Community Education and contaminated sites: Awareness Program 22 acid sulfate soils 68 Energy Efficiency Strategy (NSW) 21 management 53–55 energy savings action plans 23–24 regulatory actions 54 Energy Savings Scheme 21 remediation 53–54 Fridge Buyback Program 22 underground petroleum storage systems 53 Low-income Household Refit Program 21 contact details inside back cover NSW Solar Bonus Scheme 25 corporate governance 101–103 Public Facilities Program 24 corporate structure 11 Renewable Energy Development Program 23 credit card certification 119 Small Business Energy Efficiency Program 21 cycling – On Your Bike! 41–42 Environment Line 107 Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board: dangerous goods: chair’s report 4 education and training 61 financial statement 160–168 legislation 48, 61 members’ curricula vitae 182–183 transport 48, 61 equal employment opportunity 114 Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC): estuaries: awards and public recognition 117–118 Cooks River foreshore 33 consumers (clients) and stakeholders 8 Estuary Management Program 31 corporate plan summary 9 management plans 31 executive (principal officers) 10, 181 research on nutrient impacts 67 information services inside back cover seawall guidelines 33 Learning and Development Framework 113 ethnic affairs priority statement 114–116 library services 114 organisational structure 11 feral animals – see pests performance summary 12–17 financial statements: vision and values 5 Department of Environment and Climate Change 122–159 Department of Environment, Climate Change and Environment Protection Authority 160–168 Water (DECCW) 8 Marine Parks Authority 169–176 Director General: financial management 118 performance 178–179 financial summary 18 review 2–3 fire: disability plan 116 bushfire and climate change modelling in Sydney region 28 fire management strategies for reserves 81 education: management 81–82 Aboriginal rock art training 94 prescribed burning 81–82 Aboriginal site awareness training 94 training for firefighters 113–114 Chinese communities 116 Victoria – assistance to 82 dangerous goods 61 wildfire incidents 82–83 Discovery program 85, 93–94 fleet – see Green Fleet Energy Efficiency Community Education and floodplains: Awareness Program 22 floodplain risk management plans 32 ethnic communities 115 floodplain wetlands 29, 67 NSW Green Skills Strategy 38 research 67 electronic service delivery 56–57, 107–108 rural floodplain management plans 32 emergency management: Urban Floodplain Management Program 31 climate change threats 32 forensics – environmental 58 environmental forensics 58 forests – see native vegetation Hazmat incidents 58 freedom of information 109, 218–221 funds granted to non-government bodies 242–243 250 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

graduate development program 144 marine parks: Great Eastern Ranges Initiative 29 area managed 76, 215 green fleet: Marine Parks Authority financial statement 169–176 DECC Fleet Improvement Plan 106 marine wildlife management 79 electric vehicle 25 planning 89–90 green skills: research 79 Energy Efficiency Skills Program 38 major assets 245–246 Green Skills Summit 38 major capital works 244 NSW Green Skills Strategy 38 management, structure and performance 10–17 greenhouse gas – see climate change monitoring: Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 56 Hawkesbury–Nepean River Recovery Program 35 bioacoustic monitoring 82 heritage: biodiversity 71 Aboriginal heritage protection 92–94 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy (NSW) 67 Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System 93 oceans 30 historic heritage maintenance 93–94 Regional Air Quality Index 57 human resources 113–119, 196–197 State of the Catchment reports 67 Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme 32 NAIDOC celebrations 110 illegal dumping – see waste nanotechnology inquiry (NSW) 59 incident reports 44 National Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) 36–37 industrial awards 111 NABERS ratings in DECC buildings 105 industry: national parks and reserves: effluent reuse in irrigation review 47 area managed 206–215 monitoring practices review 47 asset maintenance 89 regulation 45–47 Booligal Station 75 waste industry compliance and enforcement program 47 Discovery program 85, 93–94 Information Centre 107–108 fire management strategies 81–83 Integrated Marine Observing System 30 historic heritage maintenance 89 karst reserves 77 Kangaroo Management Program 78 leasing and property management 87 list of DECC-managed lands 8, 206–215 land disposal 245–246 new and extended reserves 75–76 Land for Wildlife – see private land conservation Park Management Program 88 legal change 198 pest and weed management 79–81 legislation administered by DECC 198 plans of management 88–89 licence reviews 47 promotion and marketing plan 86 local government: protected area acquisition program 74–75 climate change impacts and adaptation 28 State of the Parks 88 floodplain risk management plans 31 Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks 3, 84 local environment plans and biodiversity 52, 72 threatened species management 71–74 Local Government Biodiversity Capacity Building Project 91 visitation management 86 Sustainable Choice 37 visitor facilities upgrades 86–87 Waste and Sustainability Improvement Scheme 43 volunteers 84–85 Waste Service Performance Improvements wetlands 74–76 Payment Program 35 wilderness 77 Low-income Household Refit Program 21 wildlife research and monitoring 65–67, 71–73, 75, 77–80, 82–83 wild rivers 77 National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council 88 Indexes 251

native vegetation: private native forestry 70 Brigalow and Nandewar integrated forestry prosecutions 49–51 operations approval 70 Public Facilities Program 24 compliance and enforcement strategy 48 public registers 216–217 Native Vegetation Report Card 67–68 publications 224–227 NSW vegetation information system 68 private native forestry 70 radiation 48, 51, 60, 62 property vegetation plans 68 rebates – see Residential Rebate Program prosecutions 51 red tape reduction – cutting unnecessary regulation 60–61 PVPs, Agreements, Data and Customer Service registers – see public system (PADACS) 69 remuneration of Senior Executive Services Officers regional forest agreements 70 level 5 or above 178–181 vegetation mapping 69 research and development 15, 26–30, 65–69, 71–74, noise: 77–80, 82–83, 90 construction noise guideline 44 research papers 228–238 neighbourhood noise 44 Residential Rebate Program 22 road noise policy 44 resource recovery: vehicle noise testing 44 aligning resource recovery with NSW Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels Strategy 42 waste management 43–44, 47, 61 exemptions 47, 61 occupational health and safety: 111–112 extended producer responsibility 38 accidents and incidents reported 111–112 National Packaging Covenant 38 Occupational Health and Safety Strategy (DECC) 111 mobile muster 38 workers compensation claims 111–112 reserves – see national parks overseas visits 239–240 review of operations 19–120 risk management 101–103, 111, 118–119 papers published 228–238 rivers – see water parks – see national parks and reserves payment of accounts 119 Senior Executive Service Officers 181 penalty infringement notices 51, 199 Spokeswomen program 117 performance indicators 22, 23, 31, 32, 35, 36, 41, 43, 44, 45, staff statistics 196–197 47, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 66, 68, 76, State of the Catchment reports 2, 67 81, 85, 89, 91, 93, 97, 108, 109, 112, statement of affairs 215–217 115, 119 statement of responsibility 178 personnel policies and practices 113–118 summary review of operations 12–17 pest animals: sustainability: climate change effects 28, 30 community programs 114–115 control 79–81 DECC energy saving 104 feral animals (goats, pigs, wild dogs, deer) 80–81 DECC Sustainability Action Plan 104 fox threat abatement plan 79 DECC water saving 105 Operation Safe Haven – Brush Island 80 NSW Government Sustainability Policy 36, 104 pollution 41–51 Sustainability Advantage 34 pollution reduction programs 46–47 sustainability clusters 34 privacy management plan 216 Sustainable Choice 37 private land conservation: Sustainable Property Guide 37 conservation agreements 90 Conservation Partners Program 90 Great Eastern Ranges Initiative 29 Land for Wildlife 91 Wildlife Habitats and Corridors program 91 wildlife refuges 90 252 DECC Annual Report 2008–09

threatened species: weeds: bioacoustic monitoring of fire sensitive species 82 bitou bush threat abatement plan 79–80 endangered ecological communities 74 climate change effects 30 endangered grasslands conservation 74 control 79–80 Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan 74 wetlands: NSW Threatened Species Priorities acid sulfate soils – inland wetlands 68 Action Statement (PAS) 73 floodplain wetlands and climate change 29 recovery 71–73 NSW Wetland Recovery Program 65–66 threat abatement plans – fox and bitou bush 79 NSW Wetlands Policy 66 tourism: Ramsar wetlands 66 Discovery programs 85, 93–94 rehabilitation 76 Parks Eco Pass 86 research 67 parks promotions and marketing 86 reserved in national parks 75 taskforce on tourism and national parks 84 wilderness 77 training – see education wildlife: Atlas of NSW Wildlife 120 volunteers 84 licensing 78–79 marine wildlife 79 waste (see also resource recovery): management 77–81 CleanOut Program for hazardous household chemicals 38 wildlife refuges – see private land conservation illegal dumping 54–55 wild rivers 77 NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 55 online waste tracking system 61 waste and environment levy 43, 61 waste disposed of to landfill 55 Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) 106 Waste Service Performance Improvements Payment Program 35 water: Beachwatch and Harbourwatch 56 Central Coast Water Savings Fund 23 for the environment 2, 65–67 infrastructure projects 65 NSW RiverBank 65–66 NSW Rivers Environmental Restoration Program 65–66 NSW Wetland Recovery Program 65–66 Public Facilities Program 24 The Living Murray 65–66 water savings action plans 23–24 DECC contact details

DECC head office Sydney CBD 59–61 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (NSW only – information and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 DECC information services Beachwatch and Harbourwatch water quality bulletins Phone: 1800 036 677 DECC Information Centre including Environment Line Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks information and publications requests) Phone: (02) 9995 5555 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Fax: (02) 9995 5911 email: [email protected] Level 14, 59–61 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 8.30 am–5 pm Mon to Fri (pollution incident and motor vehicle reports 24 hours)

Contact details for all DECC Sydney and regional offices are available on the DECC website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Number of copies produced: 300 External cost of production: $41,323 ISSN 1835-3606 DECC 2009/579 November 2009 Printed on EMAS-compliant stock This report is also available on the DECC website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW

59–61 Goulburn Street Sydney NSW

PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232

Phone: (02) 9995 5000 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Fax: (02) 9995 5999 www.environment.nsw.gov.au