ANNUAL REPORT 2007-08 P A R K S V I C T O R I A A N N U A L R E

Level 10, 535 Bourke Street P

Melbourne Victoria 3000 O

Facsimile (03) 9629 5563 R T Information Centre 2

Telephone 13 1963 0 0 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au 7 - 0 8 Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Country

Through their rich culture, Indigenous Australians have been intrinsically connected to this continent - including the area now know as Victoria and the State's parks and reserves - for tens of thousands of years. Parks Victoria recognises this connection and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of these areas.

Parks Victoria also recognises and acknowledges the links and contribution from other Indigenous communities and individuals and those maintaining a custodial role.

Parks Victoria is committed to establishing strong relationships with Victoria's Traditional Owners and establishing sustainable partnerships for their full participation in all aspects of cooperative and joint management of protected areas in Victoria

Copyright © Parks Victoria 2008 Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia.

ISSN 1448 – 9082 ISSN 1448 - 9090 (Online) Published on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Photography by: Christian Pearson Rachel Pilgrim Bec Walton Shaney Balcombe Arthur Mostead Roger Fenwick

General disclaimer: This document may be of assistance to you, but Parks Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the information it contains is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this document.

For further information telephone the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Designed by DDG dzign.com.au 11724 CONTENTS

Introduction

About Parks Victoria 1

Chairman’s message 3

Chief Executive’s message 4

The year at a glance 5

HEALTHY PARKS HEALTHY PEOPLE 7

Healthy Parks 9

Establishing new parks 11

Understanding Healthy Parks 13

Managing for Healthy Parks 15

Protecting Healthy Parks 21

Healthy Parks recovery 23

Planning for Healthy Parks 25

Managing other uses 26

Healthy People 27

Enhancing the visitor experience 29

Supporting tourism 32

Protecting people’s cultural heritage 34

Engaging with the community 36

Supporting Healthy Parks Healthy People 39

Governance 41

Organisational Structure 44

Our people 45

Compliance and performance 48

Financial statements 53 Vision What we manage

An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and Parks Victoria is the custodian of a diverse estate of enhanced, for people, forever. significant parks in Victoria, and is responsible for the recreational management of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port Purpose and the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. The park estate covers We exist to: 3.95 million hectares which is 17 per cent of Victoria.

• Conserve, protect and enhance environmental and This includes: cultural assets • 40 national parks • Responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality • 27 state parks information, services and experiences • 13 marine national parks • Provide excellence and innovation in park management • 11 marine sanctuaries • Contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of Victorians. • 3 wilderness parks • 31 metropolitan parks Who we are • 57 other parks (including regional and reservoir parks) Parks Victoria has a strong reputation nationally and • 2,789 natural features and conservation reserves internationally as a leading park management agency. Parks Victoria was established in 1996 as a statutory • 8,400 formally registered aboriginal cultural heritage sites authority that reports to the Minister for Environment • 2,500 non-Indigenous historic places and Climate Change. The parks and waterways attract 76.1 million visits each year. During the reporting period the responsible Ministers were: Of these visits, 45.3 million are to parks and 30.8 million are • Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, to piers and jetties around the bays. formerly Minister for Environment, the Honourable Facilities include: John Thwaites MP from 1 July 2007 until 30 July 2007 • 1,524 visitor sites • Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, • 617 park structures the Honourable John Brumby MP from 30 July 2007 until 2 August 2007 • 945 pedestrian and vehicular bridges • Minister for Environment and Climate Change, • 96 piers and jetties the Honourable Gavin Jennings MLC, from 3 August 2007 • 46 playgrounds until 30 June 2008 • 53 visitor centre buildings Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 , Parks Victoria’s • 447 viewing lookouts responsibilities are to provide services to the State and its • 14,000km roads agencies for the management of parks, reserves and other • 67 water access points, e.g. boat ramps, rowing launches land under the control of the State. and slippings Parks Victoria has work centres across Victoria and • 298 vessel platforms, e.g. piers, landings, marinas, wharves employs 1,114 people. • 998 navigation aids • 3,673km of walking tracks.

1 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 2 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Dear Minister,

On behalf of the Parks Victoria Board, I am pleased to submit As urban areas continue to grow, rural and regional Victoria Parks Victoria’s 2007-08 Annual Report to you. is also undergoing change. These changes include prolonged This Annual Report demonstrates the actions Parks Victoria is drought, new patterns of agriculture and the move to larger taking to deliver its core responsibilities in the face of the regional centres. fundamental challenges confronting our community. Parks Victoria is very aware of the role it plays to support These include climate change, a growing and increasingly tourism in regional Victoria. Natural icon attractions such urban population, and social and economic change in as the Grampians, the Twelve Apostles, the Murray River, the regional Victoria. Alps and Wilsons Promontory play an important role in In terms of the climate challenge, our parks and reserves are regional economies. There has been significant improvement the crucial repositries necessary to protect the State’s in visitor services and planning for tourism growth. biodiversity. Parks Victoria is working to understand the On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate biodiversity values of our parks and take the actions Parks Victoria’s executive and staff for the commitment and necessary to keep them resilient and healthy. professionalism they display as custodians of Victoria’s As a Board we have focused on the role Parks Victoria can world-class system of parks and waterways. play to ensure our growing population has access to the I would also like to thank my Board colleagues for their open space and waterways crucial to our quality of life in efforts and contributions – and particularly acknowledge metropolitan Melbourne and regional centres. Steve Hibbard, Sheree Marris, Rosemary Martin, Parks Victoria worked to ensure the existing park and trail Lois Peeler and Don Saunders whose terms ended network meets the needs of today’s communities. There was during the 2007-08 year. further planning to ensure delivery of the parks and trails needed for our increasingly diverse urban communities.

Rob Gerrand Chairman August 2008

3 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MESSAGE

Parks Victoria has now entered its second decade. We have By reinforcing the connections between the health of our grown as an organisation. park system and the health of our community, Parks Victoria We remain absolutely committed to our core role of is encouraging a more sustainable society: one which effective park management. That is a given. We are now also recognises its interdependence with the natural focussing on the fundamental contribution our parks and environment. waterways make to healthy and livable communities. Healthy Parks Healthy People also contributes to the Healthy Parks Healthy People communicates these two sustainability of our communities through the benefits of intertwined roles. clean, safe water and the direct economic benefits of tourism and recreation. Healthy Parks expresses our commitment to a parks and waterway system that is resilient, protects biodiversity and is This year we further developed the Bays and Maritime actively managed to resist threats such as weeds and pests. Initiative which will contribute significant economic and Healthy Parks deliver clean water, clean air and sequester environmental benefits to Port Philip and Westernport. carbon. It is our commitment to ensure the places for which We contributed to the Nature-based Tourism Strategy which we are responsible remain healthy for generations to come. seeks to support the growth of tourism from an $11 billion industry today to an $18 billion industry by 2016. Victoria did not experience the massive summer fires this year that so dominated the previous year. This allowed a The structure of this Annual Report reflects the actions we particular focus on park management, fire protection and have taken to further Healthy Parks Healthy People . park recovery. I acknowledge the significant effort of all our staff. I also acknowledge the significant effort of the volunteers For example, our roving weeds and pest teams worked and organisations who work with us for the good of our across the state and we worked with neighbouring parks and reserves. landholders, through the Good Neighbour Weeds and Pest Program. Standards to monitor weeds, cats, deer, foxes and Thank you for your support, involvement and interest in rabbits, were also applied in 30 priority parks. Victoria’s parks and waterways. Our research program worked to better understand the many elements that contribute to Healthy Parks . The breadth of their work was displayed this year in the first Parks Victoria Research Report which was released at the Research Partners Conference. Healthy People expresses the central role our natural environment plays in the health and wellbeing of individuals and our community. Mark Stone In March this year, Deakin University released a review of the Chief Executive evidence that demonstrates the health benefits people and August 2008 communities draw from a healthy parks and waterways network. It again demonstrated that Parks and other natural environments are a fundamental health resource to help tackle issues like obesity and mental health.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 4 THE YEAR AT A GLANCE

Program Area and Selected actions and outcomes Details Objectives

Caring for the Integrated and extensive programs reduced the extent and impact of weeds and pests Pg 17-20 Natural Environment across Victoria’s parks.

To provide services for, Inaugural Parks Victoria Research Report released at the Research Partners Conference. Pg 14 reduce risks to, and Protocols applied to monitor weeds and feral animals including cats, deer, foxes, and Pg 14 improve the condition of, rabbits in 30 parks. natural values and Comprehensive marine survey conducted in the Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory Pg 13 resources marine national parks with Museum Victoria.

Enhancing the New accommodation options delivered at Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory Pg 29 Visitor Experience National Park.

To provide services and Community actively engaged in development of management plans for the Pg 23 build facilities that Great Otway National Park. sustainably satisfy visitor Ranger Roo and the Ranger Roo Club created for the Junior Ranger Program for Pg 38 needs, enjoyment and children. broader appreciation First 11 volunteers graduated with an accredited Certificate in Bilingual Park Tour Pg 35 of parks Guiding. Volunteers contributed more than 191,000 hours of work in more than 160 parks and reserves.

Protecting people’s Relationship between Gunditjmara people and Parks Victoria strengthened with Pg 33 cultural heritage anniversary of the Gunditjmara Native Title Settlement.

To provide services and Pilot Indigenous Study Tour announced in partnership with Parks Canada. Pg 25 actions to maintain or Works commenced at Pearce Barracks ruins at Point Nepean National Park. Pg 11 improve the condition of Wonthaggi State Coal Mine funded by State and Federal Governments to repair Pg 34 Indigenous and underground mine and visitor facilities. European heritage cultural values and resources

Bushfire management Rapid response to bushfires. More than 97 per cent of the 690 bushfires kept below Pg 21 and other emergencies 100 hectares in size. Total area burnt was 32,364 hectares.

To provide services and Significant contribution to the Prescribed Burning Program with 41,770 hectares Pg 21 resources to DSE for the treated on the Parks Victoria estate. prevention and Effective emergency and recovery response to the Gippsland floods. Pg 23 suppression of bushfire Emergency Markers Program implemented at key parks in Central and Pg 21 and for responding to Melbourne regions. other emergencies Strategic firebreaks and asset protection zones developed to protect Pg 21 in Victoria Melbourne’s water catchments and communities in the Otways.

Responsibly Managing Parks Victoria negotiated a new Enterprise Agreement with staff which supports Pg 47 our Resources flexible, mutually beneficial work practices. Pg 48 To develop and improve Sustainability improvements continued with energy use reduced through information organisational services to technology improvements and reduced travel. support the efficient and A new management service agreement established with the Department of Pg 50 effective delivery of Sustainability and Environment. outputs Sixty Indigenous staff made up nearly six per cent of the total workforce. Pg 45 New business information systems strategy commenced, including redevelopment of human resource, finance and budget systems. Pg 40

5 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 6 7 Yarra Ranges National Park There is a strong link between community health and the Their research shows that contact with nature can: availability and accessibility of places of nature. • reduce stress, heart rate and other cardio-vascular disease Parks Victoria has made this link fundamental to its delivery risk factors of park services to the community through its Healthy Parks • improve cognitive functioning Healthy People philosophy. • improve mental health The benefits of parks to people are numerous. Parks are locations for recreation and physical activity; they are spaces • aid emotional healing for emotional and social connection. • enhance social interaction and social cohesion

They are critical to our environmental wellbeing. • improve feelings of wellbeing and quality of life The majority of the Melbourne's highly valued water catchment area is part of the Yarra Ranges National Park or The study states: “Parks and other natural environments are the Kinglake National Park. Our parks play a major role in a fundamental health resource. Not only do parks protect sequestering atmospheric carbon and providing clean air in the essential systems of life and biodiversity, but they are our cities. They are essential to the protection of Victoria’s also a fundamental setting for health promotion and the biodiversity. creation of wellbeing, that to date has not been fully recognised.” Parks also play an important role in supporting tourism and recreation industries which rely on the natural assets It is a simple truth. A healthier environment leads to provided by our parks and waterways, particularly in healthier people. regional Victoria where a popular park or waterway will By reinforcing the connections between the health of our draw thousands of visitors, supporting regional businesses park system and the health of our community, Parks Victoria and creating regional jobs. is encouraging a more sustainable society: one which Much of the evidence used to support the Healthy Parks recognises its place within the natural environment. Healthy People approach was developed by the School of This Annual Report reflects the actions and achievements of Health and Social Development at Deakin University. 2007-08 to further Healthy Parks Healthy People . This year the second edition of, Healthy Parks Healthy People: The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context , was produced.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 8 9 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 This report details many of the actions taken by Parks Victoria to enhance the health of parks and assist the Victorian community to gain the health benefits of parks. This section focuses on specific projects and initiatives that maintain the health of the park network.

Parks Victoria manages one of the most diverse and representative park networks in the world comprising 3.95 million hectares of some of Victoria's largest and most undisturbed ecosystems as well as urban parks that bring many visitors closer to nature. From the alps, mallee, heathland, wet forests, dry forests, grassland to inland waters and wetlands, coast and intertidal shores and marine environments, Victoria has a magnificent and diverse system of parks.

Parks are vital for the protection of native species. They are home to more than 4,300 native plant species and 948 species of native animals.

Parks Victoria continued to implement government commitments to significantly expand Victoria’s parks system including new protected areas and metropolitan parks in Melbourne.

Parks Victoria staff are dedicated professionals who work to ensure these habitats are protected for future generations to enjoy. Every day involves new challenges from weeds, pest animals and the increasing affects of climate change.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 10 ESTABLISHING NEW PARKS

“As part of Melbourne 2030 planning and implementation of Point Gellibrand Historic Park Linking People and Spaces, equity of access to open space A new playground with associated picnic shelter and especially in the west, north and south-east of Melbourne will landscaping was completed. The main access road through the be improved. Planning for open space needs will now be park, Battery Road, was rebuilt and widened, and a new directed to improve equitable access for future generations bicycle path that forms part of the Bay Trail was constructed with six new parks proposed in Melbourne's growth corridors. parallel to Battery Road. This project was managed by the The first three parks are Werribee River Regional Park, Toolern City of Hobsons Bay with Parks Victoria providing $450,000. Creek Regional Park and Merri Creek Parklands.” - Paul Dartnell, Manager Urban Parks. Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Works to improve the natural values of the new Devilbend Werribee River Regional Park Natural Features Reserve Priority started with pest plant The development of a cultural heritage management plan for control and a revegetation and restoration program. this new regional park commenced. Work also started on a A draft management plan was developed through 2007-08. detailed access study which will include the area from the It was informed by a detailed flora and fauna assessment, Maltby Bypass, Werribee Mansion and across to South a hydrological study with recommendations on maintaining Werribee at the lower end of the park. This study will sustainable water levels and a natural values risk assessment investigate the implementation of a shared trail and vehicle to determine potential impacts of visitor use. Considerable access into the park. There was further control of pest animals community input into the planning for this new reserve and weeds in partnership with Melbourne Water, with clean was provided through the Devilbend Advisory Group, the up works at the Anglers Hut. ‘have your say’ process, a public workshop and a meeting with equestrian interest groups and individuals. Toolern Creek Regional Park Parks Victoria contributed to the draft Toolern Precinct Mullum Mullum Park Structure Plan to encourage a park proposal, supported by Parks Victoria commenced management of the proposed park the broader community, to ensure an efficient use of open area under a licensing arrangement from the current space as a truly regional park. land-owner, the Southern and Eastern Integrated Transport Authority, undertaking weed removal, boundary surveying Merri Creek Parklands (Craigieburn) and public safety risk improvements. Parks Victoria worked Further work was done with the major land-holders within closely throughout the year with the Eastlink builders, the proposed parklands in the municipalities of Hume and Thiess John Holland, on the design and construction of Whittlesea. Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria further the shared-use trail through the park as part of the developed plans for the Galada Tamboore retarding basin to Eastlink project. provide the main recreation offer within the new parklands. “The parklands will protect remarkable valuable remnant Clean up and protection works were undertaken in the vegetation along Mullum Mullum Valley and will provide nationally significant grasslands. considerable benefit for the local communities. It was this Point Nepean National Park remnant bushland and the sheer character of the area that galvanised community support for what was to become the Parks Victoria worked with DSE, the Point Nepean Committee Mullum Mullum Park.” Trust, and the Point Nepean Advisory Committee to prepare - Mike Cusack, Project Manager, Mullum Mullum Park. for the Commonwealth Government’s transfer of the Quarantine Station to the State of Victoria to be managed as Cobboboonee National Park and Forest Park part of the Point Nepean National Park. Parks Victoria worked with DSE on the investigation of “Parks Victoria accelerated the long-term program to clear boundary options to implement the Government’s unexploded ordnance from the former firing range in 2007- commitment to create a national park and forest park 08, with the goal of enabling visitor access to this area in the in the Cobboboonee State Forest near Portland. Following future. This has featured a prescribed burning program and community consultation a joint report was submitted to an intensive survey and disposal of ordnance. Other works in the Minister for Environment and Climate Change who the existing national park included the completion of the announced the boundaries of the two parks in March 2008. interpretation development at the former Pearce Barracks, Legislation to create the parks was introduced into and the completion of a major flora and fauna survey.” Parliament in June. - Victor Teoh, Project Officer, Point Nepean National Park.

11 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Barwon River Parklands SCHOOLS JOIN FORCES WITH PARKS Work continued to implement the Government’s commitment VICTORIA TO CLEAN UP BARWON RIVER to link existing parks and reserves along the Barwon River from Geelong to Barwon Heads. This exciting project for School children from 31 schools across the Geelong Geelong is overseen by a joint parklands management group region helped to clean up the Barwon River and its that includes the City of Greater Geelong, the Corangamite catchment area on 29 February 2008 as part of a Catchment Management Authority, Barwon Water and campaign by Parks Victoria and Clean Up Australia to Barwon Coast Committee of Management, DSE and protect this important natural resource. Department Planning and Community Development. Parks Victoria chose the Barwon River to be the focus of Projects completed this year included weed control works the first year of our three-year partnership with Clean along the Leopold shoreline of Lake Connewarre, Up Australia as part of a major new parkland initiative, construction of a new section of trail along the Barwon the Barwon River Parklands. Parks Victoria was joined on estuary at Barwon Heads, and detailed design of a new the day by partner agencies, the Minister for section of trail below Buckley Falls. Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings and Chairman and Founder of Clean up Australia, “The Barwon River Parklands project is an exciting Ian Kiernan. opportunity to progress an all of government, multi-agency approach to enhance the recreational and environmental Geelong East Primary School teacher Graeme Biggins - capacity of one of the state’s most recognised waterways. who was also the recipient of Clean up Australia’s Green The planning for such a distinctive stretch of 35km linear Teacher Award for 2008 - told Parks Victoria his school parkland across the Bellarine Peninsula is focusing on both was very excited to have participated in the campaign. healthy parks and healthy people.” The hard-working students from Geelong East collected - Andrew McKinnon, Barwon River Parklands Project Officer. 19 kilograms in recycled material from the event. Parks Victoria staff also got involved on the day, cleaning up litter around Geelong’s Balyang Sanctuary – some taking to the water on kayaks - and removed more than thirty bags of rubbish from the river and parkland.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 12 UNDERSTANDING HEALTHY PARKS

Research Adaptive experimental management is used to incorporate “Research is fundamental for helping Parks Victoria with the research into on-ground management. In 2007-08 a key protection and enhancement of healthy parks. Our Research project using this approach was the Box-Ironbark ecological Program provides us with knowledge to better understand thinning trial. The nationally significant trial has examined the values and threatening processes we manage in parks the role ecological thinning can play in accelerating and reserves, as well as new management techniques to development of older-growth characteristics (such as larger improve our park management.” trees and hollows) of Box-Ironbark forests. This project is being implemented at Paddys Ranges State Park, “One of the aims of Parks Victoria’s Research Program is to Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and Pilchers integrate research with real life management to learn how Bridge and Spring Plains nature conservation reserves. to better protect Victoria’s natural environment.” Another project underway is the examination of the highly - Tony Varcoe, Manager Research and Management invasive weed English Broom. Parks Victoria continued to Effectiveness. examine how different herbicides and different timing of spraying affect the cost and success of controlling the weed, as well as the impact these different control approaches have on native vegetation in the Alpine National Park. Parks Victoria also supported biological control research to reduce the impact of English Broom. In marine national parks and marine sanctuaries, Parks Victoria commenced a project examining the impact on the intertidal zone at Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and the Barwon Bluff, Merri, Mushroom Reef and Ricketts Point marine sanctuaries. Other initiatives include the commencement of research to better understand the connectivity of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries, focusing on gastropods that inhabit intertidal reefs. Protecting marine values “Australia's southern waters are unique, with around 90% to 95% of the plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. We are privileged to have such an amazing environment to AN UNDERWATER SPECTACULAR: protect, enhance and promote. The ongoing research and MARINE NATIONAL PARKS UNDER THE LENS monitoring of marine parks and sanctuaries is essential to protect these precious environments.” Hidden jewels were uncovered at Corner Inlet and - Angeline Tew, Marine Planner. Wilsons Promontory marine national parks during a productive collaborative project between Parks Victoria Efforts to protect marine values have continued to focus on and Museum Victoria. managing the key threats to Victoria's marine national parks The diving project included photographic surveys, and marine sanctuaries. seagrass monitoring and specimen collection from a Many of the risks to marine and coastal natural values result variety of locations. from activities outside park boundaries, in particular water Ranger in Charge at Foster, Roger Fenwick, described the quality challenges of nutrient and sediment loads from area as unique. “The colour and variety of marine life catchments. rivals anything found on the Great Barrier Reef.” Addressing these challenges requires a shared understanding Of the many highlights were coral and sponge gardens of the marine values at risk and cooperation in developing found at depth in the channel off Tin Mine Cove, and implementing approaches to deal with the issues. encounters with seals, small bottom dwelling sharks, In meeting this challenge, Parks Victoria has focused on jellyfish blooms and caves full of corals, sponges, strengthening partnerships with local communities and sea-stars and other invertebrate life. industries, agencies, and local government. The survey also uncovered the rare Red Velvet Fish, Catchment Connections projects, which commenced in the one of the ancient fish groups found in the region. previous year, progressed to address key risks to the Marine National Parks associated with poor water quality. They were More than 2,000 photos were taken, three hours of carried out at Corner Inlet, Merri Marine Sanctuary and high-resolution digital video and key samples of largely Watson Creek and Yaringa Marine National Park. unknown and potentially new invertebrate animals were collected. These were transported to Museum Victoria for further study.

13 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Parks Victoria continued to provide input and help set Parks Victoria has also been monitoring the control and directions for the development of the important regional spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi – cinnamon fungus – in water quality improvement plan: Better Bays and Waterways fire-affected areas of the Brisbane Ranges National Park. – A Water Quality Improvement Plan for the Bays . There were a number of new research projects in 2007-08 including: Research partnerships • Flora and fauna surveys to improve knowledge of the The Parks Victoria Research Partners Conference was a biodiversity values of sixteen reserves across the Wimmera significant event for 2007-08. Parks Victoria and research in western Victoria. partner staff and students attended the two-day conference sharing current research findings and technical information • A study into the impact of multiple bushfires over the past on environmental and visitor management. Among the key few decades on the vegetation of Mount Buffalo National actions of the conference was the release of the inaugural Park. Parks Victoria Research Report . It is a comprehensive picture • Research into the ecology of Hawkweeds: a new and our natural values and visitor and community research emerging threat to Victoria’s alpine ecosystems. programs. It includes summaries of nearly 100 research • Research to examine of the connectivity of bird projects undertaken in collaboration with our research populations in fragmented landscapes to help guide the partners since 2005. management of biodiversity. “Parks Victoria’s Research Program includes ten research • Two projects on the management of willow invasion in institutions and aims to develop applied collaborative alpine bogs to help predict areas likely to be invaded and research to support and improve park management. to prioritise areas where control is needed. The program gives Parks Victoria access to a broad range of • Research in the Grampians National Park to examine how research skills and expertise and creates opportunities for viable populations of fauna can survive and persist in areas researchers to conduct practical, applied research,” subject to severe and frequent fire. - John Wright, Terrestrial Research Team Leader. Ongoing research included two major research programs Monitoring and performance evaluation in the Mallee and south-west Victoria (including “This past year saw the commencement of the Signs of Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset national parks and Healthy Parks Program, which is aimed at establishing a Dergholm State Park) that aim to improve the understanding comprehensive, rigorous and strategic system of natural of the ecological implications of different fire regimes for values monitoring to evaluate the condition of our parks and conservation of biodiversity. ecosystems over time.” Two ongoing projects continued to develop new - Mark Antos, Environmental Scientist, Research and performance assessment tools for complex marine Management Effectiveness Branch environments. One is to develop a rapid assessment The Signs of Healthy Parks initiative has been established to approach in soft sediment habitats based on a focal species – develop a more integrated monitoring program across the the ghost shrimp – which is known to influence community parks network. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structure and sediment conditions. The second project management actions and provide an early warning of examines adult stocks and recruitment of fish and emerging threats. A pilot program began at six locations: invertebrates in rock reef habitats. Brisbane Ranges, Grampians and Wilsons Promontory and Another two ongoing projects focused on deer. One is about Great Otway national parks, Yaringa Marine National Park improving the understanding of the diet, home range and and Plenty Gorge Parklands. habitat use of Red Deer in the Grampians National Park. Protocols (standardised techniques) were applied to monitor The other is being administered in partnership with weeds, cats, deer, foxes, rabbits, kangaroos and koalas in researchers from DSE to examine the distribution, 30 parks. A program was established in the Alpine National abundance and impact of deer across Victoria. Park in collaboration with the Australian Deer Association to Research into the behavioural response of Australian monitor changes in the numbers of deer. Fur Seals to boat disturbance has continued in Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park. This will help develop guidelines for boat-based eco-tourism. A range of projects continued in the urban fringe areas of Melbourne to examine the diet, movement and genetics of Powerful Owls across sites including Kinglake and Yarra Ranges national parks and Bunyip and Warrandyte state parks.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 14 MANAGING HEALTHY PARKS

Parks Victoria’s on-ground environmental management • Working in partnership with the Healesville Sanctuary, programs tackle problems such as weeds and pests, the DSE and volunteers, Parks Victoria released nine captive management of our native animals and the protection of our bred Helmeted Honeyeaters into the Bunyip State Park marine environment. to join the 38 birds already living in the wild. Helping our threatened species • A monitoring program carried out by the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group found that of 1170 mounds Several threatened species management projects were visited in 2007-08, only 80 were found to be active. undertaken in 2007-08. Among them: This represents a decline in breeding activity since 2005-08 • Parks Victoria, Birds Australia and Friends of Hooded Plover which can largely be attributed to the very low winter worked in partnership to monitor the Hooded Plover rainfall over the past two years. population along the ocean beaches of Mornington Peninsula National Park during the nesting season. Managing native animals • A survey for the Spotted-tailed Quoll, Dasyurus maculates, Programs to control kangaroo and koala populations in Mount Eccles National Park by the Arthur Rylah Research continued in several parks where there is a demonstrable Institute using remote cameras. The species is listed as long-term impact on park values, caused by excessive vulnerable in Victoria and Mount Eccles is one of only five numbers. In 2007-08 this included: sites in the state to contain a viable remnant population. • Ongoing kangaroo control at Wyperfeld, Hattah-Kulkyne • Twenty-seven captive bred Regent Honeyeaters were and Murray-Sunset national parks to protect regeneration released in the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park with of woody perennials in semi-arid and riverine woodland 20 still being observed 53 days later. vegetation communities. • One hundred and seven koalas were treated with contraceptive implants and relocated from Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve in order to bring the population down to a sustainable level while maintaining koala visibility for tourism • Treatment of approximately 362 koalas using contraceptive implants at Mount Eccles National Park. This technique has now progressed from a management scale trial to broader application at other sites with similar problems of defoliation and death of coastal manna gum vegetation communities from koala over-browsing. “Conservation is an ongoing, collaborative process. We are grateful for the assistance of many other organisations and friends groups who give so generously to many worthwhile projects,” - Phil Pegler, Manager Healthy Parks Programs.

Water for parks and people The prolonged drought has had a significant impact on parks and waterways. The water program focused on improving the condition of remnant vegetation and reducing priority catchment degradation risks. Initiatives included: • The delivery of approximately 3,000 megalitres of environmental water to stressed wetlands and critical drought refuges in Murray Central and Mallee districts, including Murray-Sunset National Park. • Action was taken at Living Murray Icon Sites – the Hattah Lakes, Lindsay Walpolla and Barmah State Park – to manage noxious weeds, manage grazers such as kangaroos and rabbits and remove cattle from Lindsay Island. The Lindsay Island regulator in Murray Sunset National Park operated for the first time to water Websters Lagoon. This was funded by the Living Murray Initiative.

15 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 16 MANAGING HEALTHY PARKS

• Erosion controls work were done on 18 mossbeds in the Partnerships worked to control English Broom in the Alpine Alpine National Park through the installation of weirs, National Park. They included the North East CMA at Mitta planting, seed sowing, mulching and laying of jute mesh. River, East Gippsland Shire in Omeo township, VicRoads • A range of works to benefit Ramsar wetlands including along Omeo Highway and Goulburn-Murray Water at works to maintain and regulate flows to Cheetham Dartmouth Dam. Remote and difficult access problems were Wetlands and Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve, and dealt with using chemical control from raft and helicopter. estuarine spartina control at Reef Island and Bass River Chemical control of blackberry infestations were carried out Mouth Nature Conservation Reserve, Corner Inlet Marine in more than 13,000 hectares of the Alpine, Snowy River, and Coastal Park and Nooramunga Marine and Mount Buffalo, Errinundra, Coopracambra and Great Otway Coastal Park. national parks and Bunyip State Park. Strong effects of the blackberry rust disease have been detected on blackberries Managing pest plants in the Great Otway National Park. Pest plant management was again the largest program area for Natural Values Management. Roving pest plant and animal teams continued control programs across the state. There was a focus on new infestations of weeds such as ragwort relocated by floods around Bairnsdale, Omeo and Foster; dense infestations of gorse, broom and blackberry targeted at Doctors Gully at Daylesford; and giant wheel cactus injected with herbicide at Mount Tarrangower near Maldon. The Good Neighbour Program funded a number of pest plant control projects in other parks, and cooperative efforts continued with landowners and other agencies to integrate pest plant control across land tenure boundaries.

BROKEN-BOOSEY CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK: FENCES FOR HABITAT

Earlier this year, residents of the nearby Numurkah Lodge “The best thing about the Conservation Management Nursing home had ventured into Broken-Boosey State Park Network is that it unites the local community, allowing for a day of rest and relaxation. Ranger Andrew McDougall them to learn from each other and builds relationships,” loves seeing this stuff. "They had a ball poking about the said Parks Victoria ranger, Andrew McDougall. creek," he said. "I see my role as protecting this special ”We try to be flexible and work with the local community as environment while finding ways to help people enjoy it." much as possible so they support the park and help protect Broken-Boosey State Park is a unique linear corridor the creek,” Andrew said. ”I find that most landholders have spanning 1030 hectares along the Broken, Nine Mile and a strong sense of connection with the local landscape. Often Boosey Creeks. they have just never been shown their actions can impact It acts as a highway for animals linking the Warby Ranges to the environment for good or bad.” the Murray River and has one of the last remaining The network has also been working on collaborative box-ironbark forests in the state. Among the developments programs to control foxes, manage weeds and threatened this year are new fences stretching along 54 kilometres of species such as the Bush Stone Curlew and Brolga, educate the park boundary. It was a major milestone for the the community and manage stock in riparian zones. Broken-Boosey Conservation Management Network – an independent alliance of landholders, community Threatened flora species, Amulla, spiny-fruited Saltbush and members and land managers. Blue Burr-Daisy, have been propagated from local seed and The fencing will protect 412 hectares of remnant riparian planted in the park with other native species. The work has vegetation and reduce sediments and nutrients entering the been done with the assistance of the Goulburn Broken CMA waterway. and its drought employment program.

17 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 OTWAYS BLACKBERRIES RUSTING AWAY

Parks Victoria ranger Gary Summers has been carrying out some very unusual activities for a man in his position. Last year he carefully planted blackberry seedlings along the Johanna and Barmah rivers and in Wild Dog Valley. He then tended and watered them to ensure their survival. Blackberries are considered to be one of the most invasive and damaging weeds of the Otway region, so why would a ranger do something so out of character? In fact the plants Gary was caring for were infected with new strains of a biological rust agent developed to control blackberries and his efforts were helping to spread this disease as effectively as possible. Now the combined efforts of Parks Victoria rangers and Department of Primary Industry scientists appear to be paying off, with the strongest ever infections of rust disease being detected on blackberries in the Great Otway National Park. Sick, rust affected blackberry plants are being found in all the areas where the diseased seedlings were planted as well as in quite distant locations. The rust is quickly and easily being spread over wide areas by wind and locally by birds and insects. The rust agent works by damaging the health and growth of the plant, curtailing its spreading method. The weakened smaller blackberry plants allow native species to regrow on areas that were previously smothered by this aggressive invader.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 18 MANAGING HEALTHY PARKS

Managing pest animals • Large scale rabbit control programs in Murray-Sunset, The protection of threatened species and eco-systems and Wyperfeld and Hattah-Kulkyne national parks while programs with landholders were the main focus for the smaller programs were carried out in the Mallee to management of pest animals. Pest animal control projects maintain rabbit densities in smaller reserves. were also undertaken in parks as part of the Good Rabbit control programs in Little Desert National Park Neighbour Program and joint projects set up under the focused on reducing the effects of grazing on regeneration Memorandum of Cooperation between Parks Victoria and in areas recently burnt by bushfire. the Sporting Shooters Association of Victoria. • Parks Victoria and DSE have also developed a draft Feral Pest animal projects included: Horse Management Plan to consider management options for feral horses, which are affecting vegetation. • A collaborative goat control project with Sporting Shooters Public submissions on the draft plan are currently being Association of Australia in Murray-Sunset National Park. considered together with ongoing stakeholder More than 1400 goats have been removed over four years. consultation to develop appropriate feral horse monitoring • Ongoing fox control programs in parks with high numbers and management options. of vulnerable fauna species, such as Chiltern-Mount Pilot, Little Desert, Wilsons Promontory, The Lakes and Yarra Ranges national parks as well as Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.

19 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 THE FUTURE OF RABBIT CONTROL IN THE MALLEE

Around 20 conservation land managers from north west Victoria and southern New South Wales met in Mildura in 2007-08 to discuss the future of rabbit control in the Mallee. The workshop, hosted by Parks Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries, heard current rabbit research from leaders in the field of rabbit management.

Parks Victoria Mallee Environment Program Manager, Peter Sandell, said that although rabbit numbers have been low for some time, increases in rabbit density in woodland habitats across the mallee have been observed over the last few years.

“It appears that the RHD virus is becoming less effective in maintaining very low rabbit abundance,” he said.

“For this reason, mallee conservation land managers arranged to meet and discuss targets for rabbit control and options available for achieving those into the future,” Mr Sandell said.

Research conducted at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park found that an absence of large numbers of rabbits during 1996 to 2004 was the key factor in the regeneration and survival of Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) seedlings in the park, and that prior to this there had probably been no recruitment of Buloke since the 1954-56 rains.

The research highlights the need to continue a high standard of rabbit control if regeneration is to be achieved throughout the extensive semi-arid woodlands of the mallee.

NATURAL PREDATOR TO COMBAT LACE BUG IN RHODODENDRON GARDENS

To meet the challenge of combating a major pest insect without using toxic spray, Parks Victoria is trialing the use of a natural predator at the National Rhododendron Gardens.

The Lace Bug has been a significant problem within the gardens as these creatures are attracted to azaleas and rhododendrons, sucking the juices from the leaves which results in spots and, eventually, a mottled appearance to the whole leaf. Once a leaf has been damaged it cannot be reversed, so proactive control measures are important.

The Common Green Lacewing (Mallada signata) is used in several countries as a biological control agent of insect and mite pests in agriculture and gardens.

Supported by the Australian Rhododendron Society, Parks Victoria rangers are working to release and monitor the effects of this natural predator.

While in nymph stages, the lacewing eat a wide range of pests including aphids, small larvae and caterpillars. Each lacewing larva will devour 200 or more pests or pest eggs a week during its two to three week developmental period.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 20 PROTECTING HEALTHY PARKS

“Another dry winter fuelled predictions of a potentially Bushfire response devastating bushfire season for Victoria during 2007-08. There were 690 bushfires across the state during the 2007-08 Fortunately, lightning storms between November and March season affecting 32,364 hectares. This included 223 fires were generally accompanied by some rainfall. While this which originated in Parks Victoria managed areas, which resulted in an above average number of bushfire starts, burnt 27,884 hectares. many were contained quickly.” The largest bushfire for the season started on 18 November - Andrew Graystone, Manager, Fire and Emergency Services 2007 in Little Desert National Park (Salt Lake Track Fire) and Preparing for and responding to emergencies is an resulted in 14,940 hectares of park being burnt. The extent important role for Parks Victoria. Along with fire, significant of the bushfire may have been larger if not for the flooding in areas affected by the Great Divide fires of significant areas prescribed burnt in recent years which 2006-07, created further challenges for Parks Victoria staff. halted the fire’s spread towards private land and local communities such as Dimboola. Little Desert National Park Preparing for emergencies had three other bushfires during the season (6600, 310 and The 2007-08 year saw the commencement of two significant 23 hectares in size) resulting in a total of 22,123 hectares processes which will influence the future effectiveness of fire affected by bushfire: all were caused by lightning. management in Victoria. Larger fires affecting areas managed by Parks Victoria The Parliamentary Environment and Natural Resources included: Committee considered the impact of public land • Little Desert National Park (Jungkum Track Fire) – 6,600 management practices on bushfires in Victoria and a hectares burnt in early December, including the Little Bushfire Strategy is being developed by fire agencies for Desert East Reference Area. consideration by Government. • Wathe Flora and Fauna Reserve – 3,780 hectares burnt in Within Parks Victoria, the review and testing of emergency November representing over 60 per cent of the management plans was completed for all areas under the total reserve. National Parks Act 1975. Emergency risk works were • Snake Island (Nooramunga) – 890 hectares burnt in early undertaken at key sites within the Otways, Mount Eccles March as a result of an escaped campfire. National Park and priority sites close to Melbourne. • Bunyip State Park – 490 hectares burnt in late April in the Approximately $35,000 of emergency risk works were Tonimbuk area. funded at sites within parks that have high visitation and visitor accommodation infrastructure. Issues addressed Prescribed burning included: vegetation management around structures, Parks Victoria staff continued to participate in DSE’s access to emergency assembly areas, provision of emergency Prescribed Burning Program which resulted in more than equipment for staff and installation of hose reels. 156,000 hectares being treated in 2007-08. Works occurred at Upper Yarra Reservoir Park, Cape Schanck Lightstation, Point Cook Homestead, Great Otway and More than 450 Parks Victoria staff contributed with DSE to Mount Eccles national parks, Cape Conran and Cape Liptrap deliver its most successful program for the past ten years. coastal parks and Nioka Bush Camp. The spring program delivered a modest result with 132 burns The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, ignited and 5,016 hectares treated as very dry conditions Gavin Jennings formally launched the Emergency Marker persisted through the winter and spring period. Prescribed Program on behalf of the Emergency Services burning started again in late February, as conditions Telecommunications Authority at Lysterfield Park. permitted, with the most significant achievements made Parks Victoria has been collaborating with ESTA and is between 5 and 25 April with 323 fuel reduction and installing more than 670 signs at 13 sites managed across the ecological burns ignited and 109,336 hectares treated. Parks Victoria estate. There was planning for 236 prescribed burns on areas Other actions include contributions to the review of whale managed by Parks Victoria with 195 burns undertaken, stranding protocols as part of the Victorian Cetacean resulting in a total of 41,770 hectares being treated. Contingency Plan and support for DSE’s Campfire Safety A number of prescribed burns were conducted on flora and Awareness Campaign with signs installed at 130 sites. fauna reserves in the Grampians region to achieve ecological objectives.

21 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 PRESCRIBED BURN CREATES NEW LIFE IN PARK

Parks Victoria rangers are pleased to report new sightings of “Prescribed fire also reduces competition from surrounding rare and vulnerable plant species on the western face of plants and grasses, allowing the threatened species to Dandenong Ranges National Park, following a 50 hectare germinate before the other more common plants and shrubs prescribed burn conducted in the area last April. have time to regenerate,” he added. The Green Leek Orchid and Wine Lipped Spider Orchid, both “While one objective of prescribed burns is to reduce fuel listed as vulnerable in Victoria, are now growing in the area. and the threat of bushfire, the results we are seeing across These species have not been recorded in this part of the park the western face of the Dandenongs also illustrates the before. important role prescribed fire can play in revitalising natural Rangers are also seeing a large number of new Pinkwood environments.” plants, listed as Rare in Victoria, germinating from seed A burn was also completed at Wilsons Promontory National amongst the rocks. Park in April 2008 to enhance biodiversity and promote Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge, Matt Hoogland, said the ecological outcomes. The treatment of the land with fire for regeneration of these plants is an excellent development. fuel reduction and ecological purposes is critical work, as “Prescribed fire has a regenerative effect on these and many important as putting bushfires out in summer. other species by germinating seed stored in the soil,” Mr Hoogland said.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 22 HEALTHY PARKS RECOVERY

“Parks Victoria made a major contribution to the recovery of Grampians National Park fire and flood affected areas through research, conservation The Grampians bushfire of January 2006 was caused by a works and asset rebuilding, and perhaps most importantly, lightning strike near Mount Lubra and spread rapidly in through partnerships and communication with local extreme weather conditions. By the time it was contained communities.” two weeks later it had burnt 47 per cent of the Grampians - Ian Christie, General Manager Regional Management National Park and large areas of adjoining private land. Parks Victoria continued large scale fire recovery works in Gippsland floods the Grampians National Park during 2007-08, including a In the last days of June 2007 a low pressure system settled major project to restore fire-damaged assets on the Major over Gippsland, unleashing a rain, wind and storm surge that Mitchell Plateau involving the airlifting of more than 40,000 caused significant damage across the landscape. kilograms of materials and equipment to 21 sites. The catchments of the Thomson, Aberfeldy, Macalister, Parks Victoria also carried out works around the new toilets Mitchell and Avon Rivers were the hardest hit. and residence at Mackenzie Falls. Recovery crews Damage was widespread, with significant erosion of natural reconstructed the large network of walking tracks through landforms, roads and tracks. Assets along watercourses were the southern Wonderland and Mt Rosea areas. The Sundial destroyed and access networks were blocked by tree falls. carpark and Silverband Road were reopened, and tree risk Visitor nodes on the Gippsland Lakes and Wellington works continued on walking tracks in fire-affected areas. Wetlands were covered in debris and boardwalks and bridges floated off their footings in the floods and collapsed The Great Divide Fires as the waters receded. The storm surge along the coastline The Great Divide fires, which started on 1 December 2006, eroded beach dunes and made access to many parks extended ultimately from Whitfield and Mount Buffalo in impossible or unsafe. the North East to Walhalla and Bruthen in Gippsland. The State Government provided a $10 million dollar package In total these fires, together with the Tawonga Gap, to assist DSE and Parks Victoria restore non-insured assets Tatong and Hermit Mountain fires, burnt more than and protect natural and cultural values affected by 1.1 million hectares of eastern Victoria. the event. Recovery efforts continued in 2007-08 and included the Early engagement with affected communities and in completion of the Fire Recovery Plan, produced jointly with particular, the tourism industry, led to strong community DSE, to identify program targets from 2007-09. understanding and support for the flood recovery program. Tour operators within the Heyfield, Mansfield and Mount This support, along with strong planning and management, Buffalo areas were engaged to assist with asset repair, resulted in repairs to all non-insured assets and the majority signage installation and track clearing. Five vehicle bridges of insured works within 12 months. were replaced while another three were repaired. Risk and A major complex project was the repair and re-opening of tree hazard assessment works were carried out to identify the Tamboritha Road in the Alpine National Park, the major and remove any dangers to visitors – with more intensive access route to Victoria’s high country. The road was severely assessment and subsequent works at high-use visitor sites damaged in the storm and closed to public access for several including campgrounds. months. Parks Victoria, DSE and Vicroads worked to repair Walking track reopening included a significant effort to the road. repair the Australian Alps walking track from Mount Skene A project to survey known Indigenous cultural sites and new to the Bogong High Plains and further attention to the sites in the hardest hit river corridors was established, eastern Alps area burnt in 2003 where regrowth was complimenting work being done under the fire recovery vigorous. Hundreds of signs and visitor facilities such as program. This $164,000 project was developed in picnic tables and toilets were replaced. Fire damaged access consultation with Traditional Owners through the Victorian structures at Mount Buffalo and Powers Lookout were Alps Indigenous Reference Group and employed members replaced. Bluff Hut was replaced by the Stoney family from the indigenous community. assisted by Victorian High Country Huts Association The natural values component of the program targeted the volunteers while preliminary planning began to rebuild survey and control of weed infestations along the main river Ritchie’s and Weston’s Huts. corridors as a priority. Cooperative projects with DSE on the impact of the flood on threatened Ecological Vegetation Classes and on Platypus populations in the Macalister River were also completed. Flood recovery was a large and complicated program delivered within one financial year. It was largely achieved using Parks Victoria’s staff in close partnership with the local community and other agencies.

23 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 RECOVERY IN A REMOTE AREA: MAJOR MITCHELL PLATEAU

“The logistics of flying staff and materials from Halls Gap Recovery works included the clean up and removal of to the Major Mitchell Plateau requires a lot of planning,” burnt materials and the construction of an said Rod Spinks, Project Manager at the Grampians environmentally friendly toilet at the First Wannon National Park. campground. The Bell 205 helicopter and qualified flight Helicopters were needed to transport staff and materials crew were also used to remove waste from the Plateau. to one of the most remote locations in the Grampians Staff then spent many weeks replacing approximately National Park, as Parks Victoria carried out one of its most 430 metres of mesh boardwalks through sensitive sub challenging projects to repair walking tracks damaged by alpine sections of the walking track. Rod says the the 2006 fire at the Major Mitchell Plateau. improved facilities are helping visitors enjoy this The Major Mitchell Plateau is famous for its rugged terrain experience once again. and breathtaking views and is a favourite for fit and Rod said he and the other staff found it challenging adventurous walkers. contending with the extremes of weather at the Plateau – some days temperatures were close to freezing.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 24 PLANNING FOR HEALTHY PARKS

Management plans The Australian Alps Cooperative Management Program There were approved management plans for all, or parts of, The Australian Alps Cooperative Management Program 40 national parks, three wilderness parks, 27 state parks, continued under the auspices of the Australian Alps Liaison 17 other parks, 13 marine national parks and 11 marine Committee on which Parks Victoria represents Victoria. sanctuaries at 30 June 2008. During the year six approved Victorian Parks in the program are the Alpine, Baw Baw, plans covering eight parks were released. Mount Buffalo and Snowy River national parks and Avon The Government’s commitment to prepare management Wilderness Park. plans for all 24 Marine National Parks and Marine Achievements delivered through the Alps program included: Sanctuaries was delivered with the release of the approved • A steering group of tourism organisations and providers plan for the three marine national parks in Western Port around the Alps in partnership with Tourism Australia and in May. Parks Australia contributed to the successful nomination of the Australian Alps as one of Australia’s eight National Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park Landscapes. A major community engagement program was undertaken • A new strategic plan for 2008-11. This plan sharpens the to encourage community members to contribute to focus on emerging issues for the alps by replacing more developing the future directions of the Great Otway generalist working groups with new reference groups that National Park and the Otway Forest Park. will address climate change, water and catchments, visitor A package of three draft plans – a management plan, experience, stakeholders, natural resource management, tourism and recreation access plan and heritage action plan and cultural heritage, as well as establish an indigenous – was released for public comment. reference group. The Otway Landscape Community Council, appointed by the • A deer management workshop was attended by key Minister for Environment and Climate Change in October stakeholders including the Australian Deer Association. 2006, worked in partnership with Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment to develop Improving park management the community engagement program. Parks Victoria takes a leadership role in park management nationally and internationally. There was a continued contribution to Parks Forum, the Australasian peak body representing park management organisations, through representation on its Board and Standing Committees. Assistance was provided for the Parks Forum Biennial Conference held in New Zealand in May 2008 and participants undertook the Seasonal Exchange Program with Parks Canada. “This program gives our staff the opportunity to gain experience and gather new ideas on park management in new and stimulating environments. They not only share their skills and knowledge with their Canadian counterparts, but also bring home new and interesting ideas to their colleagues here” - Rocky Barca, Manager of the Seasonal Exchange Program. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed with the Korean “It was fantastic to be involved in this extensive consultation National Park Service to share management techniques and and community engagement process. The community are to evaluate management effectiveness. Subsequently, a understandably passionate about this beautiful part of small business mission visited Korea and tourism and park Victoria and the open houses were a great opportunity to organisations in China. meet everyone face-to-face and discuss the future of Parks Victoria hosted a number of expert visitors from the parks.” agencies including the Nature Conservancy (USA), Parks - Katrina Lovett, Ranger Team Leader, Lorne. Canada, Washington Parks and People and Royal Parks (London). Parks Victoria also participated in international “We wanted to hear from as many people as possible with forums including the GreenSpace Conference ‘Parks for Life’ an interest in the Otways – so this is a great response and in England, the World Commission on Protected Areas Forum allows the community to help shape the final plans for the in South Africa, Biodiversity Conference in Germany and the management of these fantastic parks.” International Federation of Park and Recreation - Elaine Carbines, Manager, Administration World Congress in Ireland. Otway Landscape Community Council

25 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 MANAGING OTHER USES

Grazing management Parks Victoria staff consult with proponents and provide Parks Victoria and DSE continued to work with licensees near advice during the preparation of work plans and comment the Alpine National Park whose state forest licence areas on all draft work plans before approval by the Department abut the Alpine National Park over the containment of cattle of Primary Industries. Approximately 13 preliminary work to state forest. There has been a decline in reports of cattle plans were submitted to Parks Victoria for information and grazing in the park this year. advice prior to formal consultation. In the Great Otway National Park, as part of the legislated The majority of these work plans are focussed on the search transitional arrangements, grazing under Land Act 1958 and for gold within landscapes with a previous history of mining. Wildlife Act 1975 licences continued to be permitted on All of the work plans considered were for exploration. previously licensed areas that were incorporated into the Parks Victoria is responsible for the drafting of the relevant park in December 2005. These licences covered small areas consent under Section 44 of the Act. In 2007 - 08 and supported low numbers of stock. The Act provides that 13 applications for such consent were considered and these licences were to continue until 31 December 2006 or subsequently granted demonstrating the high level of until their expiry date. During 2007-08 one licence expired, involvement with proponents prior to submission of leaving twenty two licences active. All remaining licences will applications. Of the 13 applications for consent, expire in September 2009. 12 were for exploration activities and one for activities By April 2007 all cattle were removed from the whole of the associated with existing mining operations. Barmah State Park and adjacent State Forest, pending an In addition to Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) improvement in drought stressed vegetation condition. Act 1990 consent applications, Parks Victoria is also Ongoing vegetation condition assessments have found that responsible for administration of applications for consent the vegetation has not improved and cattle grazing has not under section 40 of the National Parks Act 1975 . One consent resumed. under section 40 of the Act was granted by the Minister in Earth resources activities 2007-08 to continue operation of the Red Robin mine in the Alpine National Park. Continuation of operations is There was an increase in the number of mining companies permitted for a maximum of 7 years by which time the mine submitting work plans for exploration and / or mining must cease to operate. proposals under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 across various land tenures within the estate managed by Parks Victoria.

Parks Vic toria - Annual Report 2007-08 26 27 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Healthy People includes all Victorians; those who actively visit parks and those who indirectly enjoy the benefits parks deliver to the community. These benefits include clean air, clean water, green spaces and the jobs and businesses supported by visitors to parks. The direct physical and mental health benefits of parks are particularly important in an era of mental health and obesity challenges.

Healthy People also involves interstate and international visitors who travel to Victoria to experience the many nature-based tourism attractions managed by Parks Victoria.

Finally, and importantly, Healthy People includes Parks Victoria staff. Supporting them to do their job safely and productively is crucial to the success of Parks Victoria.

This section of the Annual Report focuses on the actions Parks Victoria has taken to encourage people to get out and about in their parks and on their waterways. It describes how the organisation has worked to inform, educate and engage communities. It also profiles the people of Parks Victoria who work to ensure our communities enjoy the health benefits of an outstanding park and waterway system.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 28 ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Improving and developing facilities Understanding our Visitors Parks Victoria improved priority visitor facilities across As part of Parks Victoria's ongoing community and visitor Victoria’s park system. satisfaction monitoring, a telephone survey and an onsite Post-fire reconstruction of the Major Mitchell Plateau survey were conducted to continue monitoring of visitors' Walking Track in the Grampians National Park was experiences in parks and the community's level of completed. Access to lookouts and walking tracks was satisfaction with the way parks are being managed. improved at Port Campbell and Great Otway national parks The telephone surveys showed little change in the and major improvements were made to visitor information community’s high satisfaction with Parks Victoria. There was signs in the Great Otway National Park. a small rise in the number of respondents who recognised Accommodation options at Tidal River were extended with Parks Victoria as the manager of national, state and regional the addition of four new Wilderness Retreats, the parks and who believe Parks Victoria is an efficient manager. introduction of powered campsites and refurbishment of The biennial onsite satisfaction survey of approximately existing cabin accommodation. 3,800 visitors was conducted at 51 park or pier sites across “The Wilderness Retreats represented an innovative and the estate in 2007-08. For parks, the satisfaction results were sensitive way of improving visitor services at Wilsons Prom. above the 2003-04 figure, mainly due to site improvements. They have already been successfully developed at Buchan For piers, the survey showed a decline in satisfaction from Caves and Cape Conran and have been widely embraced and the increase in the previous survey. supported by the local tourism industry. They represent a The Bays and Maritime Initiative new progression in product development for nature-based “Port Phillip and Westernport have widespread appeal and tourism in Victoria.” - Chris Buckingham,General Manager of support a wide range of uses, whether it is boating, fishing, Gippsland Tourism. swimming, relaxing or promenading on the water’s edge, all Road and track maintenance and upgrades were completed of which are key ingredients of Melbourne’s liveability,” said in parks across the state to maintain visitor and fire Gerard O’Neill, Deputy Chief Executive. management access, including the implementation of the “The public maritime infrastructure that supports these Four Wheel Drive Works Program, fire rehabilitation and activities, such as piers, jetties and boat ramps are vital other programmed maintenance. community assets, however they are ageing and some of Major sewerage upgrades were completed at Lysterfield Park them are not meeting community expectations. Recreational and Port Campbell National Park and toilet facilities at Tidal boating in particular is an increasingly popular pursuit, with River and Cape Schanck were refurbished. rates of boat ownership rising in recent years.” Facilities were also improved for our urban park network. “There is now a clear need to improve maritime There were improvement works to ovals and irrigation infrastructure around the bays to accommodate this growth infrastructure at Albert Park and pollution control works to in ownership and to provide a network of safe harbours and improve the water quality in Albert Park Lake. A new support industry.” playground and picnic facilities were installed at Point Gellibrand Heritage Park in Williamstown and a new bandstand, replacement tram shelter and picnic facilities were established at Wattle Park. BAYS AND MARITIME CAPITAL PROGRAMS For bay users, there were major works to improve visitor The piers, jetties, islands and marine reserves of Port Phillip access facilities on Port Phillip and Westernport with works at and Westernport have a rich history of settlement, Portsea Pier, Portarlington, Sandringham Breakwater, Altona recreation, fishing and defence for Victoria. Our piers and Pier, Seaford Jetty, San Remo Pier, and the Patterson River jetties attract more than 40 million visits each year and are Launching Way. used for a range of recreation activities as well as providing Final approval was received from the Borough of Queenscliff the necessary infrastructure for aquaculture, marine to proceed with all stages of the Queenscliff harbour industries, transport and tourism. redevelopment project. Stage two of harbour expansion The Victorian Government has provided Parks Victoria with works are well progressed. Works completed include: an additional $10 million for major upgrades to our piers and completion of the harbour expansion with the installation of jetties and this year planning and extensive community the berth pontoons, public boardwalk, fit-out of the working consultation has been underway for Flinders, Mornington port boat maintenance and repair yard area, and a clean up and Queenscliff piers. of the contaminated sediments from the harbour. There was Additional funding also saw the completion of stage one of also the addition of a 150 tonne straddle carrier, fuel services capital works at Victoria’s busiest boat launching facility at and associated equipment. Patterson River. This facility has more than 52,000 launches a year. Parks Victoria manages more than 40 piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Westernport, used by families and anglers every day. Whether you take a stroll on one, moor your boat or fish, piers and jetties are a great way to enjoy our wonderful bays. 29 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 To better deliver our bays and waterways management and to lead the renewal of bay infrastructure, Parks Victoria created a new Bays and Maritime Division in 2007-08. The Division represents a new, integrated way of delivering programs from high level strategy to on-ground delivery. The Bays and Maritime Division has been advancing the development of the Bays and Maritime Initiative: a long-term strategy to revitalise ageing maritime infrastructure and to develop maritime precincts around Port Phillip and Westernport. The Initiative supports the development of better environmental outcomes, improved community access, upgrade of maritime infrastructure and improved planning and management for key precincts and activity facilities with benefits to recreational users, maritime, tourism and aquaculture industries. The Initiative aligns closely with the draft Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008 and the Central Coastal Board’s Boating Coastal Action Plan. The Bays and Maritime Division is working with the Boating Industry Association, Yachting Victoria, VR Fish, Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and across COMMANDO CAIRN REDEDICATION AT WILSONS government and local government to develop the Initiative. PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK The Victorian State Government supported the Initiative with Summer campers at peaceful Tidal River may find it hard to funding from the 2008 State Budget of $5 million for the imagine but Commandos once used the site as their training development of a detailed business case and a capital works ground. program on Port Phillip. The rugged conditions and harsh landscape provided excellent The expanding trail network home soil training facilities for battle in a range of environments and conditions overseas. Many of these trainees Parks Victoria continued to lead the implementation of the went on to demonstrate their bravery, discipline and mateship Victorian Trails Strategy 2005 / 2010 through a number of key in World War 2. initiatives in both metropolitan and regional areas, in partnership with key government agencies and the Every year, past and present commandos make a pilgrimage to community. Tidal River to pay their respects at the official Commando In the metropolitan area, Parks Victoria continued to develop Cairn Memorial. the Metropolitan Trail Network in partnership with local The ceremony in 2007 saw the rededication of the Commando government through the Grants Program and other Cairn Memorial which was completely upgraded in a government initiatives such as “Trails for a Liveable City”. collaborative project between Parks Victoria and the Successful projects through the Grants Program include the Commando Association and the Premiers Advisor for Veterans connection of the Merri Creek Trail to the Western Ring Road Affairs. The rededication was attended by the Premier and Trail. Parks Victoria contributed $150,000 to the link. Minister for Veterans Affairs, John Brumby. The “Trails for a Liveable City” initiative also completed stage The Commando Cairn was originally built in 1964 and opened one of the Bay Trail in Frankston with a foreshore boardwalk in front of 450 Australian Commandos to acknowledge the between Kananook Creek and the Lifesaving Club. service shown by these brave men. The upgraded cairn serves Parks Victoria contributed $300,000 to this project. to preserve, promote and honour the significant role Key milestones were also achieved in planning for the commandos played in Australia’s military history. Darebin Creek Trail, the Government’s priority trail project. Parks Victoria’s Capital Infrastructure Project Manager, Parks Victoria also delivered quality trail experiences in Kylie Trott, who was responsible for the project, said this was regional areas including the development of the Great the first project she had completed for Parks Victoria. Ocean Walk as Victoria’s premier walk experience. “This project will always be special to me,” she said. New experiences are also being developed, with construction of facilities and trail upgrades for the O’Shannassy Aqueduct “It included repairing the structural integrity of the cairn, Trail, a 30km shared trail in the Yarra Ranges. cleaning of the plaques and colour patches, replacing the paving at the base of the cairn and an upgrade of the concrete paths. We also included a commemorative plaque and a new plaque for the Premier’s rededication,” Kylie said.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 30 ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Interpreting parks for visitors Engaging Students and Teachers A comprehensive information service for parks across the Parks Victoria’s statewide education programs continued to state was again offered through the 24-hour Information engage students with hands-on learning about park Centre (telephone 13 1963) . The service, which assisted over management practices and natural and cultural values. 123,000 callers and answered over 6,400 email enquiries, More than 24,800 students and 1,300 teachers participated maintains current information about park conditions, in activities conducted at Dandenong Ranges, Wilsons temporary closures and events, and allows emergency Promontory National Parks, Brambuk the National Park and contact with an on-duty Parks Victoria staff member at all Cultural Centre at the Grampians and Serendip Sanctuary. times to ensure visitor safety. Parks Victoria’s website Education program highlights of 2007-08 included: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au also supplied a growing range of • Several new school/park partnerships as part of Parks park and visitor information, receiving 2,762,404 online visits. Victoria’s Environment Corps Program. Grants of up $1,500 Rangers and educators delivered interpretation programs were used for a range of support resources for park which provide visitors with information about a variety of projects including wetland restoration and freckled duck park management practices and issues including indigenous habitat at Serendip sanctuary, an indigenous garden in culture, recreational opportunities, encouraging Bright, and a next box program at Kinglake National Park. multicultural park use, fire, the marine environment and the • The Lara Primary School/Serendip Sanctuary partnership impact of urban development. and multimedia centre offering the students a new For example, 13 interpretative pedestal signs were installed environmental education experience. Serendip Sanctuary’s along the Yamyabuc Trail at Dharnya in the Barmah Forest. education programs were celebrated during the official The signs include information on natural and cultural closing ceremony of Education Week attended by the heritage features that can be seen along the trail. Minister for Education The Pearce Barracks ruins at Point Nepean National Park • Parks Victoria participated in the Koorie Pathways have been developed to feature interpretive displays utilising Celebration Forum aimed at improving educational old documents and first-hand transcripts from personnel outcomes and participation in education and employment once stationed there. Point Nepean iPod tours were opportunities for local Indigenous students. developed and made available online for visitors to download prior to visiting the site.

SAY G’DAY TO RANGER ROO Parks Victoria’s new mascot – Ranger Roo – was unveiled in July Innovative online and in-park interpretation and education 2007 at the Warrnambool Fun4Kids Festival. activities have been developed to foster support for protected areas among the decision makers of the future. Ranger Roo is the centrepiece of Parks Victoria’s reinvigorated Junior Ranger Program for children aged five to 12. The State Ranger Roo made appearances at more than 20 festivals and Government committed $1 million over four years to be events with an exposure of more than 700,000. More than 400 invested into this innovative in-park and online program. children have joined the Ranger Roo club in its inaugural year. The person who knows the giant kangaroo best, Junior Ranger Some of the questions and emails that Ranger Roo responded to Program Coordinator Finn Taylor, says Ranger Roo helps through the website children to grow a love of nature and interest in parks. Hi Ranger Roo, U r a cool friend!!! And u make me laugh from a “The Junior Ranger Program looks at how we extend what member and a big fan of yours, Teagan Parks Victoria does for kids. It incorporates our underlying Your games are great and cool I want to play them every day of philosophy of “Healthy Parks Healthy People’’ – we want to my life, Braidy make it easy for kids to engage with nature and have real recreation opportunities that help them be active,” she said. What’s your favourite thing about being a Park Ranger? Maggie The key platform for the program is the Ranger Roo website What animals do you have in your park? Brendan and club which builds connections with children through fun What is the largest fish in Australia? Jasper games, activities, regular newsletters and Hi i have just joined and i love it already i think it is really good promotions as well as festival and event for kids and i have told all my friends about it and they are going appearances. to join so that is good for your website and my mum lets me do “We believe there is no more important everything on the website which i love. time than the primary school years to My sister has already been a member for a long time so she loves encourage kids to develop an it as well and if you could send me and her a really long letter appreciation of nature and an please that would be really nice of you. Love from Caroline understanding of the importance of What’s the difference between a banjo shark & a stingray? Lachie conserving our precious environment. Giving young people hope they can HI Ranger Roo, Maybe could you come and visit my school and have an impact on their world is vital. tell us some information about Vic's parks( that would be great!) They need to know they can do Have lots of funny fun! Hollee something,” Finn said.

31 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 SUPPORTING TOURISM

Promoting nature-based tourism As at 30 June 2008, 267 operators were licensed to conduct The draft Nature-based Tourism Strategy outlines a vision for guided activities in areas managed by Parks Victoria and in Victoria to be recognised as the leading sustainable DSE-managed state forest. Of these operators, 208 held one nature-based tourism destination in Australia. year licences and 59 held a three-year licence. This compares with 270 in 2005-2006 and 239 in 2006-2007. Developed by Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the strategy Operators offering bushwalking as a guided activity made provides a coordinated and strategic approach to policy, up the majority of licenses (46 per cent) followed by planning, development and marketing of the sector to coach/bus tours (31 per cent), four wheel drive tours optimise the economic, social and environmental benefits (18 per cent), bird watching (17 per cent) and to Victoria. canoe/kayaking (16 per cent). To support nature-based tourism, Parks Victoria also Revenue generated from licensed tour operators for 2007-08 commenced implementing the Government’s commitment: included $11,831 in application and renewal fees and ‘Victorian Tourism - A Natural Attraction’. The commitment $89,847 in use fees. All operators are required to meet allocated $4.7 million over four years to promote government public liability insurance requirements. nature-based tourism and car touring in the Otways. Engaging with the tourism industry A growing icon – the Great Ocean Walk A key approach to engagement with the tourism sector is The Great Ocean Walk is now recognised as a leading participation and support of industry events. These included nature-based iconic experience in Victoria and will be support for the Ecotourism National Conference in championed as a key product in the Nature-based Tourism November 2007. The event attracted 250 delegates and was Strategy. held in Melbourne and a number of regional locations including the Grampians, Bendigo and Mount Buller. Parks The walk continues to engage and support local businesses Victoria also supported and presented at the Victorian and community with a co-operative marketing partnership Tourism Conference, the Adventure and Nature-based with the tourism industry completing its third year. Tourism Forum and the Visitor Information Centre Summit. “The walk season was very busy with campsites full on a For the sixth year, Parks Victoria promoted Victoria’s natural number of occasions and marketing partners indicating and cultural attractions at the Australian Tourism Exchange stronger numbers than last year.” in Perth - Australia’s premier international tourism trade - Will Cox, Ranger in Charge, Apollo Bay. event. For the Exchange, Parks Victoria developed a product manual promoting 48 leading licensed tour operators and The Great Ocean Walk was profiled at the 2008 Australian commercial partners. Victoria’s parks and tourism icons Tourism Exchange as a key product for Victoria with keen continue to attract strong overseas interest from the key interest shown by the major markets in Germany, USA, UK, international markets of Europe, UK, USA, Japan and New Zealand, Japan and Europe. New Zealand and from growing markets in Korea, This year two major pieces of research were conducted on China and Singapore. the Great Ocean Walk. A Pedestrian Monitoring Research Parks Victoria’s engagement with the sector was recognised project highlighted walker behaviour and awareness and by winning the Tourism Transport Forum (TTF) Australia created demographic profiles. The Co-operative Research Corporate Leadership Awards 2007 category for Excellence in Centre for Tourism conducted a project called Understanding Partnerships. The award recognised the strong partnership Partnerships for Protected Area Tourism which used the walk between Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria for the response as a case study of a successful partnership. to the Victorian bushfires. "In working together to develop and promote nature-based tourism experiences in Victoria, Supporting licensed tour operators these two agencies have shown the way forward for one of Licensed tour operators are businesses that promote tours the industry's growth sectors,” said Managing Director of and activities across the Parks Victoria estate. They offer TTF Australia, Christopher Brown. more than 4,300 tourism and recreation opportunities on public land with activities such as bushwalking, coach/bus tours, abseiling and rock-climbing, horse trail rides, mountain bike riding, sea kayaking, ballooning and seal tours.

“Our LTOs are fantastic people to deal with. They’re a terrific collection of dedicated professionals committed to creating more tourism opportunities in parks. It’s great to be able to be able to facilitate and promote their activities and add to people’s enjoyment of parks.” - Thesspina Donopoulos, Tour Operator Liaison Officer.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 32 PARKS VICTORIA AND LICENSED TOUR OPERATORS: WALKING TOGETHER

Taking groups of people on walks along beautiful coastal “We created Bothfeet for those who like a bit of comfort in scenery, remote beaches and past stunning rock formations nature,” Dana says. “Sometimes undertaking some of these is all in a day’s work for licensed tour operator Bothfeet – a beautiful trails can seem a little daunting or tricky to business that offers walking adventures in several Parks organise – we believe that experiencing Victoria’s great Victoria managed areas, including the Great Ocean Walk. outdoors doesn’t mean going without and shouldn’t be The Great Ocean Walk hugs the rugged coastline of difficult so we try and think of everything so all the walkers Victoria’s south-west, taking hikers to places never have to do is just concentrate on walking,” she says. experienced before. Bothfeet has been running for the past three years, built on Parks Victoria designed the Great Ocean Walk trail in such a the Great Ocean Walk and the foundations of many years of way that hikers can "step on and step off" the trail in short tour operating experience. It is an expanding business. walk, day walk and overnight walk options. They can then “Most of the walking trails used by Bothfeet are recently choose from the wide range of accommodation and service opened, making walking as a group to these areas a brand options in the region. new experience,” Dana says. Dana Ronan, Director of Bothfeet says her company takes care of all the details for walkers taking part on the trek and all they have to think about each day is enjoying the best that nature has to offer.

33 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 PROTECTING PEOPLE’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

“Parks Victoria manages the most extensive and diverse • The secondment of an archaeologist to Parks Victoria, as collection of cultural heritage places in Victoria. They are part of the partnership arrangements with Aboriginal places that evoke our past and reflect our present.” Affairs Victoria, to administer and rollout the new - Patrick Fricker, Manager Indigenous Partnerships Branch Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Regulations 2007, to assist in planning of the major works program and Indigenous heritage provide advice and training across the state. The first anniversary of the Gunditjmara Native Title • Preparation of 12 cultural heritage management plans Settlement took place in March 2008, marking a year that under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 . saw the continued development of a mutually beneficial ”Parks Victoria have been leaders toward changing in how relationship between the Gunditjmara people and Parks people relate to places and Aboriginal people. Parks Victoria Victoria. Two staff were appointed to the Budj Bim Council has developed strong, respectful links and relationships with to advise the Minister on the management of Mount Eccles – Aboriginal communities, especially through the recognition Budj Bim National Park and Parks Victoria supported the of traditional owner groups. It has achieved this through its transfer of the Lake Condah Wildlife Reserve to the newly commitment to educational and informative entry signs, established Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal continuously striving for a strong Indigenous Employment Corporation. Program, on-going site protection, respect for special places Relationships were maintained and developed with the and connections to traditional owners. I think Aboriginal Victorian Traditional Owner Land Justice Group and people have respect and admiration towards Parks Victoria Traditional Owner groups across the State, with a focus on for its commitment and protection of their places, matters affecting their Country and health and wellbeing. establishing reference groups and creating a diverse Projects included: employment structure. The future is now about co-management and Parks Victoria is in a strong position to • Consultation with Traditional Owners, Indigenous lead and embrace this change in the future.” organisations and other interest groups in the drafting of the Grampians National Park Indigenous Cultural Heritage - Ricky Mullet, Indigenous Cultural Heritage Team Leader Strategy. Actions from the strategy are to be implemented over the next few years. • Site protection and archaeological surveys were undertaken at Lake Boort, Whisky Bay, Link Land, Powlett River, Mount Willis, Pine Plains (Wyperfeld National Park) and Yarra Bend Park and surveys were undertaken in fire- affected areas in the Grampians and Alpine National Parks and Gippsland. An assessment of the Harrisons Bowl in Point Nepean completed following a prescribed burn identified 14 new sites including two scatter sites.

YORTA YORTA FIRE STICK CONTINUES IN BARMAH

Giant Rush is a native species that has increased due to river Yorta Yorta Nation Chairperson Neville Atkinson said the regulation and the unseasonal summer flooding of Steamer project helped teach students about the important role fire Plain, and is threatening the Moira grasslands within pays in protecting and enhancing natural values. Barmah. Through a partnership between Yorta Yorta Nation, “It plays an important role in maintaining our culture on Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and country and is a significant achievement,” Environment, CSIRO and the Goulburn Broken Catchment “The collaboration of both federal and state agencies Management Authority, a 20 hectare ecological burn was focused on the conservation of Barmah Forest is vital to carried out in April at the Barmah Forest as part of a provide scientific evidence and possible future management research project aimed at protecting the wetlands in the practices, including the re-introduction of the fire stick,” Barmah State Park from Giant Rush. he said. The use of fire through controlled burning operations is a The research, which is led by CSIRO, will continue until June fundamental component of the research. Yorta Yorta Nation 2010, providing further opportunities for Yorta Yorta Nation and Indigenous students from Yenbena Indigenous Training to increase their environmental knowledge of country, and Centre have been involved in the project, undertaking apply effective management strategies, through the pre-burn monitoring, plant identification and practical application of fire. burning operations.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 34 Non-Indigenous heritage “The primary goal of in managing this large and diverse range of heritage assets is to preserve their significance and integrity through maintenance and other conservation works and by raising public awareness of their heritage values.” - John Grinpukel, Team Leader Heritage Programs. In 2007-08 some of the actions taken were: WONTHAGGI STATE COAL MINE • Ongoing preventative maintenance and repair work TO BE RESTORED programs were carried out at heritage buildings and In its heyday, the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi was structures including Steiglitz, the fortifications at a bustling network of tunnels, filled with men and pit Point Nepean and a number of huts within the Alpine ponies, dust and dim lights. Deep below the surface, National Park. miners toiled to dig the valuable black coal which • Roper's Hut, destroyed in the 2003 Alpine fires, was rebuilt powered Victoria’s railway network. This mine was with the assistance of the Roper family and volunteers from Wonthaggi’s life-blood and was active from 1909 the Victorian High Country Huts Association. A stakeholder to 1968. consultation process concluded that three huts - Bluff, Preserved by Parks Victoria for future generations, Ritchie's and Weston's - destroyed in the 2006-07 fires this original mine site gives visitors an understanding should be rebuilt. of the life of a miner seventy years ago. “The task force works tirelessly in a voluntary capacity. They Now, thanks to a $1.5 million State Government grant have given many thousands of volunteer hours working on and a $1.5 million Federal Government Grant, the maintenance and rebuilding of huts in the high country.” the State Coal Mine is set to get a facelift. - Fiona Magnussen, President of the Victorian High Country While underground tours had to cease after an Huts Association engineering assessment found important works • Heritage Maintenance Plans were completed for the needed to be carried out, the mine’s above-ground former Ferntree Gully Kiosk, the Studley Park Boathouse, heritage features have remained open to the public. Wattle Park Curator's Cottage and Stables, and Nyerimilang The State Government grant will fund the re-opening Homestead and Farm. of underground tours restoring the mine’s significance • Conservation works were carried out at the Point Hicks leading up to the site’s 100 year anniversary in 2009. light station with re-roofing of the former lighthouse The additional funding from the Federal Government keepers’ residences completed with the assistance from the will be used to redevelop and enhance visitor facilities, Commonwealth grant program and the Victorian Heritage including the construction of a new visitor centre, Grant program. Staff at the Cape Schanck light station have entrance, landscaping and car parking. continued compiling a history of the station’s former light keepers spanning more than 150 years.

35 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

“Parks Victoria supports a range of initiatives such as field • A series of twenty ‘Park Discovery’ excursions organised by trips, translated park notes and a voluntary bilingual guides Hume City Council for groups from around 15 cultural program to help culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 900 participants experienced the benefits of communities to become more familiar with parks. spending time in nature and the programs raised their Our research suggests that some of the reasons these confidence in visiting parks. communities do not visit parks include people being • The New Hope Foundation took 124 newly arrived uncertain of native animals, unsure of park facilities or even refugees and migrants away on overnight camps and day afraid of park rangers because they’ve had bad experiences field excursions to experience the diversity of the in their home countries with authority figures in uniforms.” Australian landscape. - Kerry Murphy, Manager Community Participation. “This was a really joyous occasion as many of the women and children had never seen the beach before. Women from Community Inclusiveness different countries were teaching each other dances from Parks Victoria recognises that sections of the community are their home countries” - Kate Milkins, Project Officer. under-represented in the use of our parks and waterways “They really enjoy experiencing the diverse landscapes here due to language, cultural and access barriers. Park and these trips give them a real connection to the Australian management activities include programs to support people landscape.” - Chrisoula Kanaris, New Hope Foundation. from all walks of life to visit and enjoy Victoria’s parks. • Ongoing support of the Bilingual Park Guides Program, Parks Victoria partnered with community agencies to deliver a highly innovative approach to helping settlers gain a programs supporting physical activity in parks and open sense of belonging in their adopted home. The guides space to participants from culturally and linguistically diverse have been trained to assist their respective culturally and communities, low socio-economic communities, indigenous linguistically diverse communities to develop connections, communities and disabled groups. Programs included: understanding and appreciation of their local open space, • Partnerships with the Victorian Multicultural Commission flora and fauna through guided field trips to to promote events in parks including a Harmony Day Walk Victoria’s parks. at Brimbank Park and sponsorship of Celebrate Our “As a teacher and a community project facilitator for the Cultural Diversity Week. past 27 years, I have not seen another group of people build • A gym and yoga program at Yarra Bend Park for people such a strong and cooperative relationship as with this with a disability, conducted by Milparinka Disability group.” - Dimitra Bouzalas, Merri Creek Management Services as well as camping trips and walks in Wilsons Committee. Promontory National Park.

BILINGUAL PARK GUIDES As the child of Spanish migrants who came to Australia in the 1950s, John Argote understands better than most that a sense of belonging comes in large part from being able to feel at home in the landscape. John saw that migrants like his parents were strangers to the beauty of Australia’s great outdoors. Busy with the struggle of keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table, the need to discover and explore Victoria’s parks and reserves was usually at the bottom of a long list of priorities. Today, as the Ranger in Charge of Point Cook Coastal Park, John realises that migrants can miss out on real physical and mental health benefits if they don’t access our parks. And to ensure that more recent migrants don’t miss out, he Macedonian, Sudanese and Greek. The tours assist completed the inaugural Bilingual Parks Tour communities to understand and appreciate their local open Leaders Course. spaces, flora and fauna in their own language. Eleven volunteers graduated with an accredited Certificate “Although I’ve done many parks tours and presentations in in Bilingual Park Tour Guiding at a ceremony in August 2007. my career, this course increased my self-confidence and The program is a collaboration between NMIT, Merri Creek developed my communication skills with people who have Management Committee, City of Whittlesea and English as a second language,” John said. Parks Victoria. “This is a great opportunity to bring ranger staff closer to The guides have conducted tours to various community the community.” He now plans to conduct tours for more groups in other languages including Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, migrant groups at Point Cook Coastal Park.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 36 ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

Contributions by volunteers resulted in data on the behaviour, distribution and “Volunteers are truly making a difference to their population trends of the lyrebirds in the national park. environment and subsequently enjoying a unique • Mirboo North Regional Park’s, Friends of the Lyrebird connection and understanding of the ecological values of Forest Walk, replaced derelict timber foot bridges and their own community.” - Sjaan Field, Volunteer Coordinator. undertook beautification and erosion control works. The group rehabilitated the riverbank viewing area, In 2007-08 volunteers including friends groups, schools, installed new handrails, steps and a large slab picnic table TAFEs and universities, special interest groups, corporate and planted more than 2,000 native plants. This group organisations, and individuals contributed more than recorded more than 2,000 hours of volunteer activity 191,000 hours of voluntary work in more than160 parks and in 2007-08. reserves. Of the volunteer contribution 64 per cent focused • More than 75 volunteers contributed around 3,000 hours on natural resource management projects, 28 per cent on in the Campground Host Program in 23 campsites across visitor service related projects and 8 per cent on cultural the state. values management. Friends groups are the largest group type to volunteer across Community Group Grants Parks Victoria contributing 53 per cent of all volunteer hours. Grants are available to community groups wanting to Volunteers have helped Parks Victoria achieve corporate undertake projects related to areas managed by Parks priorities such as optimising opportunities for recreational Victoria. Groups work closely with local Parks Victoria staff in activities and promoting the health and wellbeing benefits developing and implementing their projects. of parks. Examples of the types of projects in 2007-08 There were 144 projects funded across the state in 2007–08, include: totalling $500 000. One such project was the erosion control • A partnership between Parks Victoria and Conservation in two heavily trafficked areas of Mount Arapiles-Tooan Volunteers Australia to conduct a Naturewise program in State Park, through the use of dry stonework in a group the Grampians National Park. Participants assisted with an climbing area, silt traps on a major tourist track, barrier important research project monitoring vulnerable and fencing in car park area, interpretive signs and revegetation endangered wildlife. with indigenous species. • Many successful projects by the Friends of Kings Billabong Major events including the creation of a bird hide, lookout platform, 14 kilometres of crusher dust walking trails and interpretive Parks Victoria participated in eight major exhibitions during signage – as well as 6,000 seedlings hooked up to a drip the year to educate and engage the community in parks: irrigation system. This group recorded more than 1,200 the Fun4Kids Festival, the Royal Melbourne Show, Romp and hours of volunteer time in 2007-08. Stomp Children's Day, the National Four Wheel Drive Show and Melbourne Fishing Show and Outdoor Expo, the • The Sherbrooke Lyrebird Survey Group celebrated 50 years summer and winter Melbourne Boat Shows, the World’s of monitoring Superb Lyrebird numbers in what is now the Greatest Pram Stroll (partnered with the People and Parks Dandenong Ranges National Park. Their efforts have Foundation) and the Festival of Cycling.

CAMPGROUND HOSTS “Over the summer break, I was looking for a local volunteering experience doing something in conservation. A great way to explore and camp in I found out about the Campground Host Program on Parks some of Victoria’s spectacular and Victoria’s website and was excited about the opportunities it pristine parks is to volunteer with Parks could bring. I was able to camp in a national park for free, Victoria’s Campground Host Program. gain experiences in park management, help Parks Victoria “Campground Hosts are enthusiastic ranger staff and engage with the public,” she said. volunteers who assist in many of our Campground Hosts receive training, a free camp site and campgrounds during peak visiting uniform and are rostered on for a few hours in the morning periods, such as summer and Easter and and in the afternoon. For Lisa, her volunteer work saw her provide visitor orientation, park receive a 2007 Kookaburra Award for innovative and information and act as a contact point creative contribution to parks by person under the age of 25. between visitors and rangers,” says Drue Shultz, And the experience also paid off – it helped her to Campground Host Coordinator. successfully gain a position with Parks Victoria in Melbourne Lisa Freeman spent almost 800 hours as a Campground Host at Albert Park. and says she has really loved the experience. She has hosted “The campground host program has given me fantastic at Cathedral Ranges National Park, Grampians National Park experiences – a working summer holiday in great parks, and Wilsons Promontory National Park. teamwork with great people, behind the scene experiences Lisa says she got involved in the program after enrolling in a at Parks Victoria, more confidence dealing with people, new Diploma of Conservation and Land Management after communication skills, camping skills and the opportunity to volunteering overseas and locally. meet new people,” she said.

37 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 The displays at the Fun4Kids and the Royal Melbourne Show focussed on the new Ranger Roo mascot and club attracting keen interest from young visitors. Parks Victoria supported and hosted community events across the state, including CFA Family Day, the annual Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Mansion, the international surf competition Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, and the Alps to the Ocean Adventure Race.

Partnerships Parks Victoria’s partnerships span a broad range of environmental, recreational, cultural heritage, commercial and research groups. These partnerships offer valuable input into the strategy and delivery of park management objectives. Parks Victoria continued to enjoy strong relationships with Four Wheel Drive Victoria and affiliated local clubs. In 2007- REWARDING MUCH-VALUED FRIENDSHIPS AT 08, a Four Wheel Drive Camp Host program was trialled in a THE 2007 KOOKABURRA AWARDS number of popular campsites. Club volunteers provided information to park visitors about how to reduce the impact On Sunday 18 November, the 2007 Kookaburra Awards were of four wheel driving activities and improve their presented to eight individuals and groups at a ceremony at recreational experience. Werribee Park. Parks Victoria's Kookaburra Awards recognise Across the state, staff developed partnerships within their the contribution made by individuals and community groups local community to help Victorians understand and towards the conservation, enhancement and expansion of experience the benefits of parks to a healthy community. Victoria's system of parks and reserves. Partnerships with neighbourhood houses, Indigenous The award recipients were: co-operatives, men’s sheds, community health bodies, Kookaburra Environmental Award (individual) educational institutions, park user groups and other - Chris and Doug Woods for quality environmental work community agencies demonstrate the broader social value making a sustainable improvement in parks which parks provide. Kookaburra Environmental Award (group) People and Parks Foundation - Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group for quality The partnership between Parks Victoria and the People and environmental work making a sustainable improvement in Parks Foundation continues to grow and reap rewards for parks parks and the broader Victoria community. Kookaburra Indigenous Award - Denise Lovett for excellence The People and Parks Foundation’s purpose is to connect in the promotion and protection of Indigenous cultural values people to parks in order to educate them about the natural associated with parks environment and build a stronger relevance of parks in their Kookaburra Community Partnership Award lives. By connecting people to nature through a park - Nhill Branch - Sporting Shooters Association Australia experience, they contribute to a far more healthy and for achievement in the establishment of partnerships harmonious society and a valued and flourishing parks supporting parks system. Highlights for 2007-08 are: Kookaburra Healthy Parks Healthy People Award • Development of a partnership to help build a community - Travis Williams for achievements in encouraging health park in regional Victoria benefits for people in parks • Receipt of public donations totalling over $320,000 Kookaburra Multicultural Award - Bilingual Park Guides • 20,000 trees planted and 3,360 volunteer hours undertaken Program for encouraging the involvement of diverse in terrestrial and marine parks around the state communities • Revegetation and campsite reestablishment works as part Young Kookaburra Award - Lisa Freeman for innovative and of post-bushfire recovery in the Grampians and Alpine creative contribution to parks by person(s) under the age of 25 National Parks Kookaburra Lifetime Achievement Award - Aunty Rachael and • Development of a new ‘Feel Blue, Touch Green’ project to assist young people with special needs and their families to Uncle Albert Mullett for long-term participation and enjoy parks contribution to parks. • Receipt of first workplace giving donations On this last award, Parks Victoria’s Manager Indigenous Relations Patrick Fricker said: “These relationships have been • Two new Sea Search monitoring sites have extended the important for the development, cultural understanding and program to 21 sites in Victoria’s Marine Protected Areas. respect for ‘Country’ of many park staff and community members.”

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 38 39 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Parks Victoria delivers its services to the people of Victoria through a commited team of people, living and working across Victoria.

This section of the report focuses on the people who work for Parks Victoria. It covers the decision making process, the organisation’s structure and staff achievements. It shows how Parks Victoria meets its statutory obligations and spends its funds to deliver its services.

The public face of Parks Victoria is usually that of the Park Ranger. Their role is actively supported by a dedicated team of corporate and regional staff. They work to ensure the frameworks and systems are in place that allow the organisation to deliver on its commitment to Healthy Parks Health People .

To ensure these systems meet the future needs of the organisation, the Corporate Strategy and Services Division commenced the development of a new business information systems strategy including redevelopment of our foundation human resource, finance and budget systems.

Park Victoria operates within a statutory framework set by the Parliament of Victoria. It is established under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 with responsibility to provide services to the State and its agencies for the management of parks, reserves and other land under the control of the State.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 40 GOVERNANCE

The Board The Board has ultimate responsibility for the governance of The Board is responsible for directing and monitoring the Parks Victoria. Members are appointed by the Governor in business of Parks Victoria on behalf of the Minister and the Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, for a period State Government of Victoria. It delegates day-to-day not exceeding three years. Members are eligible for responsibility for operations and administration to the Chief reappointment. Executive and an executive team. The Board operates in accordance with the provisions of the As at 30 June 2008, the Board comprised: Parks Victoria Act 1998.

Board members Rob Gerrand, BA, FAMI, FAICD (Chairman) Principal, Gerrand and Associates Mr Gerrand brings to the Board wide business experience in finance, transport, agriculture and telecommunications. He is a former General Manager, Group Public Affairs, at ANZ, where he also established the Group Marketing Division. He is a Director of the Financial Planning Association of Australia and of the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, a former Member of the Koorie Heritage Trust, a former Chair of Theatreworks, and founding President of the Monash Alumni Association. He is an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University and a published author.

Clarice Ballenden BA (Hons) M.Ed. Ms Ballenden has diverse experience in education and training and works as an executive coach. She brings to the board strengths in business development, strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder communication and good governance. She established and managed a successful publishing and consulting business and has held senior management positions in the public service in training policy and in women in management. She also has experience as both a member and chair of boards of management.

Noel Harvey, OAM, MAICD Mr Harvey has had extensive experience in local government since 1991 with the Shires of Kyneton, Hepburn and Macedon Ranges and has served four terms as Mayor. He has a keen interest in community development throughout regional Victoria. Mr Harvey was Deputy Chairman of Coliban Regional Water Authority, Board member of North Central Catchment Management Authority, and Chairman of The Victorian Mineral Water Committee. He is a member of Victorian NAP/NHT Independent Advisory Panel and the Envirofund Victorian Assessment Panel. He was also awarded an Order of Australia in January 2004 for services to Local Government, Regional Victoria and the Community of Kyneton.

Mr Ken King Dip. For., B.Sc (Hons) Mr King is the former Executive Director, Land and Fire Management with the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Mr King was also a Board Member of the Phillip Island Nature Park (1997 - 2003) and has had extensive experience in public land and natural resource management in the Victorian public service since 1974. Previously also Regional Manager for the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands through to the former Department of Natural Resources and Environment in South Gippsland, North West and Port Phillip Regions, he was awarded the National Medal for Fire Services in 1989. Mr King is also a Board Member on the Country Fire Authority, the Habitat Trust and the Natural Resources Conservation League.

Sheree Marris BSc Aquatic Scientist/Environmental Communicator An aquatic scientist who runs her own environmental communications consulting business called Visions of Blue, Ms Marris is committed to educating the community about people’s responsibilities towards the environment as well as making the environment fun, engaging and entertaining. In 2002, she won three Young Australian of the Year awards: the National Unilever Environment Award, Young Australian of the Year (Victoria) and Victorian Unilever Environment Award. Ms Marris has been commissioned by some of Australia’s leading national organisations to provide advice and initiate environmental projects on their behalf.

41 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Rosemary Martin BA(Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM, MAICD Principal, Martin and McLean Lawyers Ms Martin brings to the Board extensive experience in environmental law and government, gained in both the public and private sectors. In the early 1990s she was a founding member of the Environment and Planning practice of a national law firm. On her return to Melbourne from Sydney, she worked with the (then) Department of Health and Community Services before taking up the role of Solicitor to the Environment Protection Authority (Vic). Ms Martin has since left the EPA and now runs her own legal firm, which advises on environmental law, public sector issues, governance and commercial law.

Don Saunders, PSM, B.Agri Sc. Mr Saunders was Director of National Parks for 15 years from 1979, former Chairman of the Land Conservation Council and Environment Conservation Council and now works part-time as the Conservation Co-ordinator with the Bird Observers Club of Australia. He has been a member of the National Parks Advisory Council, Reference Area Advisory Committee, Murray Darling Basin Commission, National Landcare Advisory Committee, Commissioner for the Alpine Resorts Commission, and is currently a Trustee of the Trust for Nature and a member of the Birds Australia Threatened Species Committee. He has been awarded the Public Service Medal – Australia Day Award in 1996 for outstanding public service to the development and management of Victoria's National Parks; the 1998 Parks Victoria Kookaburra Award for outstanding contribution to Victoria's park system; the National Medal for fire services; and a Churchill Fellowship.

Two other members served for part of the year: Lois Peeler An Aboriginal woman from the Yorta Yorta tribe, Ms Peeler has had extensive experience in the area of Aboriginal Affairs, having held senior positions within Federal and State Government departments managing Aboriginal Affairs, as well as at the Aboriginal community level, where she has been involved in the delivery of Aboriginal education, Aboriginal employment and training, and cultural heritage. Ms Peeler is Chairperson of Aboriginal Tourism Australia and Vice President of Worawa Aboriginal College. Ms Peeler’s three year term expired on 31 December 2007.

Steve Hibbard, BA, MBA Mr Hibbard’s principal area of expertise is in directing and managing small to medium enterprises. As former Chief Executive and Director of Lonely Planet Publications he also has extensive experience in the travel and publishing industries. He has a keen interest in responsible corporate practices, triple bottom line results and brand management. In addition to an assortment of advisory roles and directorships he is currently responsible for business development for the Executive MBA Program at Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne. In an earlier career he traded interest rate swaps and options in New York and London. Mr Hibbard left the Board after three years of service on 3 November 2007.

Board member Total Meeting Attendance 2007-08

Rob Gerrand 12 out of 12 Clarice Ballenden 10 out of 12 Noel Harvey 9 out of 12 Steven Hibbard 3 out of 4 Ken King 12 out of 12 Sheree Marris (a) 11 out of 12 Rosemary Martin 9 out of 12 Lois Peeler (b) 6 out of 6 Don Saunders (c) 12 out of 12

(a) Ms Marris term expired on 30 June 2008. (b) Ms Peeler’s term expired on 31 December 2007. (c) Mr Saunders term expired on 30 June 2008.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 42 Board Committees Environment Committee: This Committee provides Audit and Risk Management Committee: This Committee independent advice to assist Parks Victoria to develop a assists the Board to meet its responsibilities for financial strategic and scientific approach to the environmental reporting, accounting, risk management, operational control management of parks. The Committee comprised six practices and compliance. The Committee is supported by external senior scientists with environmental expertise and senior managers and internal and external auditors. four Board members: Don Saunders, Sheree Marris, Ken King The Board has overall responsibility for risk management. and Clarice Ballenden. Parks Victoria has adopted a strategic approach to managing Tourism and Recreation Committee: This Committee was risk and has a Risk Management Strategy in line with established in September 2007 to provide advice and Australian standards. Members were Rosemary Martin feedback on key tourism and recreation opportunities to the (Committee Chair), Rob Gerrand, Ken King, Noel Harvey and Parks Victoria Board. The Committee were Steven Hibbard Laurie Cato-Smith (external committee member). (Committee Chair), Rob Gerrand, Rosemary Martin and The Committee meets a minimum of four times a year. Lois Peeler and external member, Andrew Fairley. Human Resources and Remuneration Committee: Chief Executive This Committee makes recommendations to the Board on key human resources policies and issues, terms of The Chief Executive is appointed by the Board following employment for executives and strategic workforce issues. consultation with the Minister. The Board reviews the Remuneration is set at levels consistent with State performance of the Chief Executive on an annual basis. Government policy. Members were Noel Harvey (Committee Chair), Rob Gerrand, Clarice Ballenden and Sheree Marris. The Committee meets bi-annually.

Left to right: Annie Volkering, Gerard O’Neill, Dianne Kinsey, Andrew Minack, Mark Stone, Ian Christie, Rod Newnham, Chris Rose, Jennifer Wolcott, Trevor Miles, Stuart Ord. (Absent, Neil McCarthy)

43 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Executive & Statewide Regional Management team

Mark Stone Chief Executive

Di Kinsey Executive Assistant

Ian Christie Jennifer Wolcott Neil McCarthy Andrew Minack Gerard O’Neill Margaret Gillespie GM GM Corporate GM Parks GM Commercial Business Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Legal Counsel Regional Management Strategy & Services Bays & Maritime Initiative

David Nugent Acting Director Fire Brett Cheatley & Emergency Management Deputy GM & Director Ian Walker Community, Tourism & Deputy GM & Director Communication of Healthy Parks

Trevor Miles Regional Manager Lisa Davis Central Director Capital Infrastructure

Chris Rose Regional Manager East

Stuart Ord Regional Manager City & Bays

Rod Newhnam Regional Manager West

Annie Volkering Regional Manager Melbourne Metro

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 44 OUR PEOPLE

Parks Victoria is well-served by a committed team of Our Structure people. They are passionate about the parks they work Parks Victoria’s people operate through five divisions. for and the benefits those parks provide to our The Regional Management Division manages five regions in community. the on-ground delivery of services throughout the estate, A feature of the team is the regional location of many including environmental and cultural values conservation, employees. With three quarters of our workcentres in protection and enhancement programs, asset maintenance, regional Victoria, our staff are active members of the fire and emergency services support, visitor and tourist communities they serve. services, and recreational programs. As at 30 June 2008, Parks Victoria had 1,114 employees. The division is also responsible for the management of There were 853 full-time ongoing staff, 144 ongoing commercial operations within their region and the delivery part-time staff and 61 fixed-term staff, both full-time of the $22 million capital infrastructure program. and part-time, and 56 casual staff. Staff in the Parks and Marine Division manage the policy research, strategic planning and organisation-wide programming for the development of metropolitan parks and services for the conservation, protection and enhancement of the natural and cultural values of the terrestrial and marine estate. In addition, the division is responsible for the Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan. Corporate Strategy and Services Division staff manage short and long-term ‘whole of business’ corporate planning, human resources, governance, finance, information services, business management services, community engagement, communications and tourism partnerships. The Commercial Business Division team manage the strategic development and performance of Parks Victoria's commercial operations. Staff in the Bays and Waterways Division manage Melbourne’s bays and waterways and planning for the renewal of significant built assets around the bays. RANGERS REUNITE BOY WITH HIS The Office of the Chief Executive provides executive support BELOVED BEAR to the Board and Chief Executive and support to the Parks Victoria rangers went above and beyond the call of Government and Minister responsible for Parks Victoria. duty to reunite an autistic boy with his beloved teddy bear, It also manages freedom of information and legal services. locating it after a search of the Yarra River. A funding project team was established in the office to Sixteen year old Jacob from Cranbourne was on an excursion consider external funding opportunities. to the city and decided to see if his bear could swim in the Indigenous Staff river. Jacob was distraught to lose his best friend and, according to his mother, took it very hard when he realised As at 30 June 2008, Parks Victoria had 60 Indigenous staff Teddy wasn’t coming back. members, representing six per cent of our workforce and exceeding the five per cent target set by the Government. Upon hearing the news, Parks Victoria rangers checked the river to see if there was any sign of Teddy – but didn’t Sixteen Indigenous staff are undertaking a Certificate III in immediately locate the bear. Three weeks later, Teddy turned Conservation and Land Management at Swinburne up in a catchment net near Crown Casino and our rangers University and a further five are undertaking a Certificate IV ensured he found his way back home safely. Jacob was in Training and Assessment. delighted to be reunited with his best mate, and Parks A total of 48 Indigenous staff attended the annual Victoria also presented him with a Ranger Roo. Indigenous Staff Development and Networking Forum held “You should have seen the smile on his face when the teddy at Wilsons Promontory National Park in July 2007. was returned,” said Jacob’s mother. “I could write a book In May 2008 Parks Victoria announced a Pilot Indigenous now on the adventures Teddy’s been on!” Study Tour program in partnership with Parks Canada. After returning the teddy bear, Parks Victoria ranger The program is designed to maximise the learning Chris Stevenson said: “Clearing the litter traps might not be opportunities for both agencies and provide further the most glamorous job in Parks Victoria, but it’s moments development opportunities for Indigenous staff. like this, that make it all worthwhile.”

45 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Parks Victoria will commence this program with a study tour responded to a complex range of issues in the Alps including of the Province of British Columbia and other parts of the grazing, fire-fighting, fire rehabilitation, weed and pest west coast of Canada in early September 2008. Parks Canada management and visitor services. will reciprocate with a study tour to Parks Victoria in 2009. Customer Service Award - Anthony Hester, Community Engagement Officer, Melbourne Metro Region . Anthony Staff Conference and Awards Day effectively engaged many groups, including DSE, CFA, Parks Victoria holds an annual Staff Conference and numerous shires, tourism organisations and individual Awards Day. tourism bodies in the fire program on public land. Awards winners in 2007 included: Individual Living Our Values Award - Peter Lynch, Team Individual Outstanding Achievement Award - Dale Calnin, Leader Environment, Yarra Bend - Yarra Bend Park Water Acting Ranger in Charge, Buchan Caves. Dale has given more Conservation Project . Peter coordinated two outstanding than 30 years of dedicated service to the Buchan Caves and initiatives to treat polluted storm water in the Yarra Bend has shown leadership in his commitment to the conservation Park before it enters the Yarra River and capture treated and management of our cultural and natural resources. water for reuse. Team Outstanding Achievement Award - Eastern Alps Unit Team Living Our Values Award - Albert Park Irrigation team (Alpine National Park): Mike Dower, Paula Dower, Project: Chris Baun, Rebecca Martin, Steve Pellen, Steve Dave Foster, Colleen Nagle, Rudi Pleschutschnig, Keith Thompson, Victor William . The Albert Park irrigation project Spencer, Eugene Vereshaka . The Eastern Alps Unit team delivered efficient water use and savings at Albert Park.

Statement of workforce data

Fixed Term & Casual On Going Employees Employees

Full Time Part Time Employees Employees Employees (Headcount) (Headcount) (Headcount) FTE FTE

June 2008 997 853 144 919.0 52.9 June 2007 982 875 107 933.6 69.2

June 2008 June 2007

Fixed Term Fixed Term On Going On Going & Casual & Casual Employees Employees Employees Employees Employee Employee (Headcount) FTE FTE (Headcount) FTE FTE Gender Male 683 649 25.6 677 669.7 33.0 Female 314 204 27.3 305 263.9 36.2 Age Under 25 22 20.0 4.9 15 14.3 11.4 25 - 34 191 174.2 21.2 178 170.8 31.6 35 - 44 262 231.0 13.2 261 240.8 10.5 45 - 54 323 308.1 10.9 335 323.9 13.2 55 - 64 181 170.5 2.5 173 166.5 2.0 Over 64 18 15.2 0.2 20 17.3 0.5 Classification Grade 1 7 2.7 7.4 14 6.9 28.5 Grade 2.1 172 145.0 19.2 165 153.2 21.8 Grade 2.2 107 76.2 1.2 114 108.7 1.5 Grade 2.3 167 108.5 2.1 160 155.5 3.0 Grade 3 79 100.2 5.0 75 74.0 5.4 Grade 4 117 156.7 6.4 114 108.9 4.0 Grade 5 127 116.3 5.6 129 120.7 4.0 Grade 6 96 90.5 1.0 102 98.3 0.0 Grade 7 32 31.7 1.0 29 28.4 0.0 Grade 8 72 70.4 4.0 60 59.2 1.0 Executives 21 20.8 0.0 20 19.8 0.0 Other 0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 46 Enterprise Agreement The wellbeing of staff, particularly during times of emergency Parks Victoria negotiated a new Enterprise Agreement with response, is of key importance to Parks Victoria. unions during 2007-08. The new Agreement provides benefits A peer support program was established. It included 18 to both staff and Parks Victoria. It includes improved trained staff, links with the Emergency Services peer alliance, classification and career paths for rangers and field services access to clinical support and integration of the peer role officers and a 10.75 per cent pay increase over 37 months with into Networked Emergency Organisation Incident access for all employees covered by the Agreement to Management Teams. performance pay up to 1.85 per cent per anum. The Agreement A Business Continuity Incident Management Team was also includes more employee friendly flexible leave established and protocols and response plan developed and arrangements and a new clause on managing individual implemented. Recognition and support actions are in place for workload that recognises the need to balance work and family. use in response to staff, workplace or local community needs Equal Opportunity during and post emergency events. Parks Victoria entered the third year of implementing a three- Education and training activities include information briefing year Equal Opportunity Management Plan to bring about and to leadership groups; staff information kits and booklets; maintain greater equity and diversity in our workforce. InfoWeb reference pages and trauma event training. In partnership with the Network Emergency Organisation a This year, 141 staff attended equal opportunity awareness health and welfare working group was set up and fatigue workshops and Equal Opportunity Contact Officers received management policy and procedures developed. refresher training run by the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to stay up to date with Merit and equity legislative changes. Equal Opportunity Grievance Officers also The Public Administration Act 2004 specifies employment and received training run by the Commission. conduct principles that must be observed by public sector Staff Health and Wellbeing organisations and their employees. Parks Victoria communicates and adheres to these principles. Parks Victoria adopted a new OHS Strategic Framework (action plan) during 2007-08. The SafeAs OHS management Employers must ensure that: system was updated to address 2007 OHS Regulations. • decisions are based on merit An audit of the SafeAs implementation in work centres • employees are treated fairly and reasonably commenced. We also began a revision of our OHS incident • equal employment opportunity is provided database as well as production of new reporting information. • reasonable avenues of redress against unfair A chemical management system called Infosafe began a or unreasonable treatment are available. roll out during the year and we also had an expression of interest process for WorkCover Insurance Agent and Employees must: OHS training providers. • act with impartiality As part of Parks Victoria’s commitment to the wellbeing of its • display integrity, including avoiding real or apparent staff, a cd entitled Your Job, You and Your family was conflicts of interest produced in partnership with the Department of Sustainability • show accountability for actions and Environment, Country Fire Authority, Department of • provide responsive service. Human Services. Copies of the cd were distributed to workcentres, followed by a booklet as part of a comprehensive staff Health and Wellbeing Information Kit.

2008 saw the establishment of a new Parks Victoria Office in Geelong

47 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE

Environmental performance Parks Victoria also participated in a pilot of the Victorian Parks Victoria continued to improve environmental Government ResourceSmart Program. This program has been performance in 2007-08. In 2007-08 the vehicle fleet travelled developed to meet government requirements for the 2.1 million fewer kilometres than the previous year. This is a expansion of environmental management systems to statutory 19% reduction that results in a fall in greenhouse gas emissions agencies. It provides tailored support and guidance for of 1511 tonnes CO2 -e. This decrease to some extent helped Government agencies to organise and integrate environmental insulate Parks Victoria against rising fuel prices. management with their strategic and operational management processes. The program provides Parks Victoria also reduced energy use by its computer systems. a continual improvement framework to assist Government Consolidation and replacement of computer servers and the agencies to identify and address priority environmental replacement of desktop computers with laptops. This produced impacts to suit individual needs. significant energy savings, saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Computer energy consumption Commercial Business reduced by two thirds. The Commercial Business Division completed 103 agreements As an example of on-ground work, the team responsible for in 2007-08, including permits, leases, licences and National the construction and maintenance of the Great Ocean Walk Parks Act section 27 consents. Significant agreements and have recycled as much raw and processed material as possible achievements included the transfer of the lease at the Albert in the construction and maintenance of the track and reduced Park golf driving range, finalising negotiations with the Yarra travel, greenhouse gas emissions and general energy Bend Park Trust and leaseholder to enable a $7 million consumption. redevelopment of the golf course and a new ten-year lease for “We have networked throughout Parks Victoria and with a pontoon landing on the Yarra River behind Melbourne other local agencies to obtain recycled timber from piers and Girls College. jetties, recycled hardwood from toilet facilities, park benches Regulated and non-regulated fees and charges were reviewed and signs, bridge timber and drift wood. In fact a lot of the during the year and a new fee schedule was implemented. timber for our shelters, seats and bridges came from the A working group was established with DSE to undertake a Apollo Bay harbour.” - Andrew Gardiner, Ranger in Charge. major review of the National Parks (Fees and Charges) Regulations and discretionary fees. The Sports Grants Program at Albert Park allowed sports clubs to apply for funds to improve the sustainability of their club In addition, a new range of Parks Victoria branded retail operations. This led to the installation of a Grid Connect solar merchandise including t-shirts and beach towels was produced. power system on the Albert Park Sailing Club building and the Nine Campgrounds located within Brisbane Ranges, Lake installation of a 20,000 litre underground water tank at the Eildon and Kinglake National Parks, Cathedral Range State St Kilda Sports Club lawn bowling facility. Park, Longridge, Nioka Bush Camp and Upper Yarra Reservoir Stormwater is also captured at Albert Park to reduce potable were included in the ‘Parkstay’ online booking system. water usage by approximately 100 mega litres annually. The online ballot system and peak season application system Improvements to stormwater treatment systems including the for Wilsons Promontory National Park were enhanced. use of wetland filtration, will improve stormwater quality and More than 2,200 applications for camping and roofed reduce nutrients entering Port Phillip Bay. accommodation were received during the January holiday season.

IT TEAM GOES GREEN Parks Victoria’s made some green changes to its information “The lease for our 44 servers was due for renewal, so we took technology systems in 2007-08. This involved acquiring the opportunity to investigate more powerful and energy efficient computer servers and laptops. By doing this environmentally friendly alternatives. we have cut energy consumption, improved the mobility and “The benefits of using the notebooks have been immediately productivity of staff and reduced power costs. apparent,” Peter said. “One of our field teams had previously In 2007, 44 servers were replaced with four energy-efficient had to spend two days entering data following its regular Dell PowerEdge 2950 servers which enabled us to cut the week-long field trips. Team members have found that when power consumption by more than 50 per cent. In addition, they took their notebooks with them they regained those days more than 900 Dell laptops have been purchased to cut the for other tasks.” use of PC power to one third of previous levels and help rangers work more productively in the field. “We’re pleased with the cost savings we’ve achieved and even happier we’ve minimised our environmental footprint,” - Parks Victoria’s Chief Information Officer, Peter Watson said.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 48 COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE

Freedom of Information Protected Disclosure Coordinator The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Act) allows the public c/o Chief Legal Counsel the right of access to information contained in documents Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000 held by Parks Victoria. In the reporting period, Parks Victoria Telephone 13 1963 received 23 requests for documents and information under The Ombudsman Victoria the Act. Of the 23 requests: Level 9, 459 Collins Street (North Tower) • Two were transferred to other agencies for processing Melbourne VIC 3000 • Nine were decided by Parks Victoria Telephone 96136222 or toll free 1800 806 314. • Six did not meet the requirements under the Act and were Building Act handled outside the FOI process All new works are managed in accordance with the • Six are yet to be finalised Building Act 1993 , and existing buildings are assessed in Of the total requests received, two went to internal review. accordance with Parks Victoria’s asset management system None are in the process of an appeal hearing. to ensure they are compliant with the Act. Freedom of Information requests are made in writing Implementation of the Victorian Industry describing the documents requested and including the Participation Policy payment of the $22.70 application fee. Application forms and information about how to make a request can be found In October 2003, the Victorian Parliament passed the on Parks Victoria’s website – www.parkweb.vic.gov.au . Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 which Requests should be sent to the Freedom of Information requires public bodies and Departments to report on the Officer, Parks Victoria, Level 10 535 Bourke Street implementation of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy Melbourne 3000. (VIPP). Departments and public bodies are required to apply VIPP in all tenders over $3 million in metropolitan Whistleblowers Protection Melbourne and $1 million in regional Victoria. The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 came into effect on Parks Victoria did not commence any projects relating to the 1 January 2002. It is designed to protect people who disclose VIPP during the 2007-08 year. information about serious wrongdoing within the Victorian Major contracts Public Sector and to provide a framework for the investigation of these matters. Since the commencement of Parks Victoria did not enter into any contracts greater than the Act in January 2002, no disclosures have been received $10 million in value during the reporting period. by Parks Victoria. Consultancies Parks Victoria does not tolerate improper conduct by The total number of consultants engaged in 2007-08 was employees, nor the taking of reprisals against those who five with a total value of $536,000. There were four come forward to disclose such conduct. Parks Victoria has consultancies over $100,000. The following table lists the established a Whistleblowers Protection policy and consultants engaged in 2007-08 where the cost of the procedures to manage disclosures. Disclosures may also be engagement was $100,000 or above: made directly to the Ombudsman. The contact details for the Protected Disclosure Coordinator and Ombudsman are :

Consultant Project Total approved Expenditure Future project fee 2007 08 Expenditure

Ernst & Young Impact Assessment- $99,000 $20,000 Recreational Boating $119,000

Biruu Business Case Development $150,000 $113,000 $37,500

Events & Facilities Maritime Project Strategy $198,000 $123,000 $75,000 Group International & Development Pty Ltd

KPMG Policy and Regulation $250,000 $100,000 $150,000 Review

49 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Additional Parks Victoria information recreation, Great Otway National Park and Forest Park, road Other information relevant to the headings listed in Financial management and Indigenous engagement across all public Reporting Direction 22B of the Financial Management land. Act 1994 is retained by the accountable Parks Victoria officer The new Agreement recognises that since the original and is available to the Minister, Members of Parliament or the agreement in 1998, policy, service delivery and relationships public on request subject to the Freedom of Information between Parks Victoria and DSE have matured. It includes a Act 1982 . commitment to engage strategically and work in partnership. DSE is the designated lead for fire and road issues and Parks National Competition Policy Victoria for tourism and recreation issues across tenure. In 1995, all Australian Governments (Federal, State and Parks Victoria has been appointed as a committee of Territory) agreed to review and, where appropriate, reform all management of various reserves pursuant to the Crown Land existing legislative restrictions on competition. Under National (Reserves) Act 1978 . It is currently appointed as the committee Competition Policy, the guiding legislative principle is that of management for a range of reserves including Albert Park, legislation, including future legislative proposals, should not Werribee Park, several gardens in the Dandenong Ranges and restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated that: piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Western Port. • the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole Parks Victoria participated in the completion of the National outweigh the costs; and Parks (Fees and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 • the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by within the financial year. restricting competition. Parks Victoria participated in a number of regulation-making Parks Victoria continues to comply with the requirements of projects that were progressed but not completed within the the National Competition Policy. financial year, including the proposed Yarra Bend Park Regulations, Crown Land (Reserves) (Albert Park Regulations), Enforcement Crown Land (Reserves) (Regional Park) Regulations, Forests Infringement notices were issued by 74 different authorised (Recreation) Regulations and the National Parks (Fees and officers in 2007-08. The majority of these infringements were Charges) Regulations 2001. for prescribed offences under the National Parks Act (1975) or Parks Victoria is responsible for managing: the National Parks (Park) Regulations (2003) . There were also • All areas under the National Parks Act 1975 – approximately official warnings issued by 18 officers. 3.3 million hectares Thirty-two offenders were processed through the Magistrates • Reserved and unreserved Crown land including conservation Court. Four investigations were carried out into allegations of and other reserves, metropolitan parks, regional parks and inappropriate four wheel drive behaviour, which resulted in historic areas infringement notices being issued. • Recreational and other activities on waterways land in the Firearms refresher training and firearms safety and handling metropolitan area as defined in the Water Industry Act 1994 training was completed by 60 staff. A firearms audit was conducted to ensure compliance with Victoria Police • Piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Western Port and standards. recreational boating on these bays pursuant to powers conferred on it as a port manager under the Legislative framework Port Services Act 1995 Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s • A number of other areas under leases or other arrangements responsibilities are to provide services to the State and its (including Yarra Bend and reservoir parks) agencies for the management of parks, reserves and other land under the control of the State. With the approval of the Changes to areas managed Minister, it may also provide services to the owner of any Under the Management Services Agreement, the Minister may other land used for public purposes for the management of advise Parks Victoria of any addition to or deletion of land that land. The Act requires that Parks Victoria must not act in from the Register of Parks and Reserves managed by Parks a way that is not environmentally sound in carrying out its Victoria. In 2007-08 the Minister made one notification which functions. resulted in a decrease of the area formally managed by Parks Overall arrangements regarding the relationships and Victoria by 9,829 hectares to a total of 3.951 million hectares. responsibilities for the provision of services to the Department This included the transfer of management of some 65 areas of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are set down in the from Parks Victoria, primarily to local government, committees Management Services Agreement between Parks Victoria and of management and the Department of Sustainability and the Secretary to DSE. Parks Victoria’s management services are Environment (DSE). This figure includes the 5,700 hectares delivered within State policy and contractual agreements, and Avon – Mount Hedrick Natural Features Reserve, managed in accordance with specific statutory responsibilities. by DSE. In 2007, Parks Victoria negotiated a new Agreement with There were seven new additions to the Parks Victoria estate the Department of Sustainability and Environment. including the Bell Nature Conservation Reserve (1050 hectares) This Agreement sets out management arrangements for the and the Nelson Bay Coastal Reserve (78 hectares). Additions of delivery of park management services and covers maritime land were made to 12 existing parks and reserves. services and coastal programs, nature-based tourism and

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 50 Corporate Performance Measures

Indicator 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Result against target

Missed Met Exceeded

Quantity

Area treated in parks to eradicate or control Target 780 700 500 Pest Plants and Animals (ha 000s) Actual 1,126 928 1,003

National Park Act parks Target 75 65 65 schedules 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 7 & 8 with approved management plans less than Actual 68 58 64 10 years old (per cent)

Victorians who have visited a Parks Victoria Target 71-76 75-80 75-78 managed park over the past 12 months Actual 79 nm 76.1 (per cent) (Biennial measure)

Parks Victoria personnel required to assist in Target 625 850 850 bushfire preparedness and suppression (number) Annual 648 850 850

Training days per employee (number) Target 10 10 10 Actual 10 10 10

Proportion of Indigenous staff (%) Target 567 Actual 566

Incident Rate (OHS Incidents/staff) (per cent) Target 16 16 16 Actual 9 15 14.5

Percentage of bay assets with greater than Target 80-85 80-85 80-85 five years life expectancy (per cent) Actual 82 78 79

51 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 The 2007-2008 Annual Report of Parks Victoria is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of the organisation’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

Clause Disclosure Page

22B Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers 1

22B Objectives, functions, powers and duties 1

22B Nature and range of services provided 1

22B Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of senior officers 43, 44

22B Names of board members (major committees - objectives and achievements can be here or in a statement of further info available- see note below) 41, 42, 43

22B Statement of workforce data for current and previous financial year 46

22B Merit and equity 47

15A Executive officer disclosures 78

22B 5 year summary of the financial results 54

22B Significant changes in financial position during the year 54

22B Objectives and performance against objectives 51

22B Major changes or factors affecting performance 3,4

22B Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 3,4

22B Details of consultancies > $100,000 and total no. and cost < $100,000 49

12 Disclosure of major contracts 49

22B Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 49

22B Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 49

22B Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 49

22B Statement on NCP 50

22B OHS 47

10 Disclosure index 52

22B Statement of availability of other information 49

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 52 FINANCIAL REPORT Financial Review of Operations and Financial Condition 54

Auditor’s Report 55-56

Operating Statement 57

Balance Sheet 58

Statement of Changes in Equity 59

Cash Flow Statement 60

Notes to the Financial Statements 61-81

Statutory Certificate 82

Risk Management Attestation 83

53 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 FINANCIAL REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Five Year Financial Summary 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Total Income 166,964 158,863 148,785 136,825 118,305

Net Operating Result before asset transfer * (3,494) (4,644) (3,554) (11,123) (5,424)

Net Operating Result (3,170) (4,029) (27,586) (9,074) (10,771)

Net Cash Flow from Operations 31,677 (1,678) 9,620 1,650 (2,724)

Total Assets 1,265,084 1,020,278 948,770 969,524 934,402

Total Liabilities 72,844 49,020 43,702 38,383 26,768

* Excludes assets transferred free of charge between Government organisations.

Significant aspects of this year's results were:

• Parks Victoria undertook a formal asset revaluation during the year which resulted in a $184.5m increase in fixed assets.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 54 AUDITOR’S REPORT

VAGO Victorian Auditor-General’s Office

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Board Members of Parks Victoria The Financial Report The accompanying financial report for the year ended 30 June 2008 of Parks Victoria which comprises an operating statement, balance sheet, statement of changes in equity, cash flow statement, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes to and forming part of the financial report, and the statutory certificate has been audited. The Board Members Responsibility for the Financial Report The Board Members of the Parks Victoria are responsible for the preparation and the fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the financial reporting requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 . This responsibility includes: • establishing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error • selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies • making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. Auditor’s Responsibility As required by the Audit Act 1994, my responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on the audit, which has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Standards require compliance with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and that the audit be planned and performed to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The audit procedures selected depend on judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, consideration is given to internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used, and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Board Members, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. I believe that the audit evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion. Matters Relating to the Electronic Presentation of the Audited Financial Report This auditor’s report relates to the financial statements published in both the annual report and on the web site of the Parks Victoria for the year ended 30 June 2008. THe Board Members of the Parks Victoria are responsible for the integrity of the web site. I have not been engaged to report on the integrity of the web site. The auditor’s report refers only to the statements named above. An opinion is not provided on any other information which may have need hyperlinked to or from these statements. If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communications, they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited financial report to confirm the information included in the audited financial report presented on the Parks Victoria web site.

Level 24, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic. 3000 Telephone 61 3 8601 7000 Facsimile 61 3 8601 7010 Email [email protected] Website www.audit.vic.gov.au

Auditing in the Public Interest

55 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 VAGO Victorian Auditor-General’s Office

Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Independence The Auditor-General’s independence is established by the Constitution Act 1975. The Auditor-General is not subject to direction by any person about the way in which his powers and responsibilities are to be exercised. In conducting the audit, the Auditor-General, his staff and delegates complied with all applicable independence requirements of the Australian accounting profession. Auditor’s Opinion In my opinion, the financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Parks Victoria as at 30 June 2008 and its financial performance and cash flows of the year then ended in accordance with applicable Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), and the financial reporting requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994.

MELBOURNE D D R Pearson 18 August 2008 Auditor-General

Level 24, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic. 3000 Telephone 61 3 8601 7000 Facsimile 61 3 8601 7010 Email [email protected] Website www.audit.vic.gov.au

Auditing in the Public Interest

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 56 OPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008

Notes 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Continuing Operations

Income

Revenue Parks and Reserves Trust Funding 3 66,608 61,337 Government Funding 4 66,920 65,369 Other Revenue 5 29,864 30,103 Assets received Free of Charge 6 324 615

Total Revenue 163,716 157,424

Other Income Interest Revenue 7 3,248 1,439

Total Income 166,964 158,863

Expenses Operations 8 164,942 158,013 Finance Costs 9 36 41 Depreciation 10 5,156 4,838

Total Expenses 170,134 162,892

Net Result for the Period 21 (3,170) (4,029)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

57 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2008

Notes 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 11 52,357 12,960 Receivables 12 6,026 11,951 Inventories 13 114 246 Other Current Assets 14 156 151

Total Current Assets 58,653 25,308

Non-Current Assets Receivables 12 95 100 Property, Plant and Equipment 15 1,206,336 994,870

Total Non-Current Assets 1,206,431 994,970

Total Assets 1,265,084 1,020,278

Current Liabilities Payables 16 15,755 15,834 Provisions 17 22,216 22,631 Deferred Revenue 18 31,757 7,128

Total Current Liabilities 69,728 45,593

Non-Current Liabilities Provisions 17 1,810 1,813 Deferred Revenue 18 1,306 1,614

Total Non-Current Liabilities 3,116 3,427

Total Liabilities 72,844 49,020

Net Assets 1,192,240 971,258

Equity Contributed Capital 19 328,784 289,096 Reserves 20 901,818 717,354 Accumulated Surplus / (Deficit) 21 (38,362) (35,192)

TOTAL EQUITY 1,192,240 971,258

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 58 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008

Notes 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Total Equity at the Beginning of the Financial Year 971,258 905,068

Net Asset Revaluation Increment 20 184,464 65,179

Net Income Recognised Directly in Equity 184,464 65,179

Net Result for the Period 21 (3,170) (4,029)

Total Recognised Income and Expense for the Period (3,170) (4,029)

Net Movement in Contributed Capital 19 39,688 5,040

Total Equity at the End of the Financial Year 1,192,240 971,258

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

59 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008

Notes 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Cash Flows from Operating Activities Receipts from Parks Charge 69,208 61,337 Receipts from Government for Operations 83,580 64,638 Receipts from Customers / Other Sources 42,092 26,112 Interest Received 3,123 1,422 Receipts relating to Goods and Services Tax 13,432 17,517 Payments to Suppliers and Employees (158,200) (149,345) Payments to Government for Revenue collected from National Parks (5,916) (5,571) Payments to Parks Victoria Grants Program (1,175) (803) Payments relating to Goods and Services Tax (14,467) (16,985)

Net Cash provided by / (used in) Operating Activities 22 31,677 (1,678)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities Payments for Property, Plant and Equipment (7,459) (2,158) Proceeds on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment 0 12

Net Cash provided by / (used in) Investing Activities (7,459) (2,146)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities Receipts from Government – Contributed Capital 15,179 3,871

Net Cash provided by / (used in) Financing Activities 15,179 3,871

Net Increase / (Decrease) in Cash held 39,397 47 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 12,960 12,913

Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Financial Year 11 52,357 12,960

Consisting of: Committed cash 51,184 11,871 Non-committed cash 1,173 1,089

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 60 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008

These notes form part of, and should be read in conjunction with, the financial statements of Parks Victoria for the financial year ended 30 June 2008.

1 Background

1.1 Establishment

Parks Victoria was formed as a public authority on 3 July 1998 under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 . The Parks Victoria Act 1998 was given Royal Assent on 26 May 1998 and was proclaimed on 3 July 1998.

1.2 Objectives and Funding

The objective of Parks Victoria is to provide an outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced, for people, forever.

Parks Victoria receives the majority of its funding from the Victorian Government for the management of Victoria’s National / State Parks and Reserves and from the Parks and Reserves Trust for the management of metropolitan parks and waterways. The Trust is funded by a Parks charge levied on properties within the Melbourne metropolitan area.

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2.1 General Statement of Compliance

This financial report of Parks Victoria is a general purpose financial report that consists of an Operating Statement, a Balance Sheet, a Statement of Changes in Equity, a Cash Flow Statement, and notes accompanying these statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Interpretations and the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Ministerial Directions.

The financial report also complies with relevant Financial Reporting Directions (FRDs) issued by the Department of Treasury and Finance, and relevant Standing Directions (SD) authorised by the Minister for Finance.

Under Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), there are requirements that apply specifically to not-for-profit entities. Parks Victoria has analysed its purpose, objectives, and operating philosophy and determined that it does not have profit generation as a prime objective. Consequently, where appropriate, Parks Victoria has elected to apply options and exemptions within the AAS framework that are applicable to not-for-profit entities.

Unless otherwise stated, amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by S Mahony (Chief Financial Officer - Parks Victoria) on 15 August 2008.

2.2 Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual and a going concern basis. Values reported are stated at historical cost, except for the revaluation of certain non-current assets and financial instruments. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

Management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgements made by management that have significant effects on the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustments in the next year are disclosed throughout the notes in the financial statements.

Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is reported. The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2008 and the comparative information presented for the year ended 30 June 2007.

61 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 2.3 Asset Recognition and Measurement

Parks Victoria only recognises assets on land it controls as the committee of management. Parks Victoria also manages other assets on behalf of the Crown. Those assets and any new assets constructed by Parks Victoria on behalf of the Crown are recognised in the asset register of the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

2.4 Non-Current Physical Assets

The cost of non-current assets constructed by Parks Victoria includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on the project, and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overheads.

Assets acquired at no cost by Parks Victoria are recognised at fair value at the date of acquisition.

Land and buildings are measured at fair value. Cultural depreciated assets and collections, heritage assets and other non-current physical assets that the State intends to preserve because of their unique historical, cultural or environmental attributes (antiques) are measured at the cost of replacing the asset less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of such cost to reflect the already consumed or expired future economic benefits of the asset. Plant, equipment and vehicles are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Piers, jetties, and river improvements are measured at fair value.

Property, Plant and Equipment represent non-current assets comprising:

• Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements • Buildings and Building Improvements • Piers, Jetties and River Improvements • Plant, Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles • Antiques • Works in Progress used by Parks Victoria in its operations. Items with a cost or value of $1,200 or more, and a useful life of more than one year are recognised as an asset. All other assets acquired are expensed.

Restrictive Nature of Cultural and Heritage Assets, Crown Land and Infrastructures

During the reporting period, Parks Victoria may hold cultural assets, heritage assets, Crown land and infrastructures.

Such assets are deemed worthy of preservation because of the social rather than financial benefits they provide to the community. The nature of these assets means that there are certain limitations and restrictions imposed on their use and/or disposal.

2.5 Revaluations of Non-Current Assets

Subsequent to the initial recognition of assets, Land, Buildings, Piers, Jetties, River improvements and Antiques are measured at fair value, being the amount for which the assets could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arms’ length transaction. At balance date, Parks Victoria reviews the carrying value of the individual classes of non-current assets to ensure that the carrying value of each asset in a class approximates its fair value. Where the carrying value materially differs from the fair value, the carrying value of that class of assets is adjusted to its fair value.

Non-current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset does not differ materially from its fair value. Non-Current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued in accordance with FRD 103C. This revaluation process normally occurs every five years based upon the assets’ Government Purpose Group. While the revaluation is conducted formally every five years, the organization still evaluates annually whether a valuation is required based on indicies that are received and applied to relevant assets. A revaluation was therefore performed in the current financial year. Refer to note 15b regarding the methodology adopted in relation to this revaluation.

Where the assets are revalued, the revaluation increments are credited directly to the asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that an increment reverses a prior year decrement for that class of asset that had been previously recognised as an expense, in which case the increment is recognised as revenue up to the amount of the expense. Revaluation decrements are recognised as an expense except where prior increments are included in the asset revaluation reserve for that class of asset in which case the decrement is taken to the reserve to the extent of the remaining increments. Within the same class of assets, revaluation increments and decrements within the year are offset. Revaluation reserves are transferred to accumulated surplus on derecognition of the relevant asset.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 62 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

2.6 Crown Land

Crown land is measured at fair value with regard to the property’s highest and best use after due consideration is made for any legal or constructive restrictions imposed on the land, public announcements or commitments made in relation to the intended use of the land. Theoretical opportunities that may be available in relation to the asset are not taken into account until it is virtually certain that the restrictions will no longer apply.

The financial statements list the location, area and values of Crown land over which Parks Victoria is the committee of management (refer note 15.2). This Crown land remains the property of the State of Victoria.

Crown Land is used for heritage and environmental conservation, recreation, leisure, tourism and navigation.

2.7 Depreciation

Depreciation is applied to completed fixed assets including Land Improvements, Buildings and Improvements, Piers, Jetties and River Improvements, Plant, Equipment and Machinery, Motor Vehicles and Other. Land and Antiques are not depreciated.

Works in Progress is valued at cost and depreciation commences on completion of the works.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to systematically write off the net cost or revalued amount of each non-current asset over its expected useful life to the entity.

Depreciation rates are reviewed annually and, if necessary, adjusted to reflect the most recent assessments of the useful lives and residual values of the respective assets.

Where assets have separate identifiable components that have distinct useful lives and/or residual values a separate depreciation rate is determined for each component.

The expected useful life of each asset category is the same as the previous year and is as follows:

Asset category Expected life (years) Buildings and Building Improvements 10 - 50 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 20 – 50 Land Improvements 10 – 20 Plant, Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles 3 – 10

2.8 Impairment of Assets

Assets with definite useful lives are assessed annually for indications of impairment, except for:

• trade and other receivables (refer note 2.11); and • inventories (refer note 2.17).

If there is an indication of impairment, the assets concerned are tested as to whether their carrying value exceeds their recoverable amount. Where an asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, the difference is written off by a charge to the Operating Statement except to the extent that the write-down can be debited to an asset revaluation reserve account applicable to that class of asset.

The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair value less costs to sell. Recoverable amount for assets held primarily to generate net cash inflows is measured at the higher of the present value of future cash flows expected to be obtained from the asset and fair value less costs to sell. It is deemed that, in the event of the loss of an asset, the future economic benefits arising from the use of the asset will be replaced unless a specific decision to the contrary has been made.

2.9 Leased assets

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Operating Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

63 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 2.10 Employee Benefits (a) Wages and Salaries and Sick Leave

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date, are measured at their nominal amounts in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. The nominal basis of measurement uses employee remuneration rates that the entity expects to pay as at each reporting date and does not discount cash flows to their present value. Non-vesting sick leave is not expected to exceed current and future sick leave entitlements, and accordingly, no liability has been recognised.

(b) Annual Leave and Long Service Leave

Annual leave and long service leave entitlements expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised as a provision for employee benefits in the Balance Sheet at their nominal values.

Annual leave and long service leave entitlements not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by Parks Victoria in respect of services provided by employees up to reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future employee remuneration rates, employment related on-costs and other factors including experience of employee departures and periods of service. The long service leave rates, as prepared by the Department of Treasury and Finance, are used for discounting future cash flows.

Classification of Employee Benefits as Current and Non-Current Liabilities

Employee benefit provisions are reported as current liabilities where Parks Victoria does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months. Consequently, the current portion of the employee benefit provision can include both short-term benefits (those benefits expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date), that are measured at nominal values, and long-term benefits (those benefits not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date), that are measured at present values.

Employee benefit provisions that are reported as non-current liabilities also include long-term benefits such as non vested long service leave (ie: where the employee does not have a present entitlement to the benefit) that do not qualify for recognition as a current liability, and are measured at present values. The non-current liability for long service leave represents entitlements accrued for employees with less than seven years of continuous service.

(c) Performance Payments

Performance payments for Parks Victoria’s Executive Officers are based on a percentage of the annual salary package provided under their contracts of employment. A liability is recognised and is measured as the aggregate of the amounts accrued under the terms of the contracts at balance date. Since the performance payments earned are paid upon completion of annual performance reviews, the total amount is classified as a current liability.

(d) Superannuation

Contributions are made by Parks Victoria to employee superannuation funds and are charged as expenses when incurred.

Disclosure of superannuation contributions by Parks Victoria is provided in Note 25.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 64 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

2.11 Receivables

Receivables are recorded initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method, less impairment.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or where appropriate, a shorter period.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is established when there is objective evidence that Parks Victoria will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to short-term receivables are not discounted if the effect of discounting is immaterial. The amount of the provision is recognised in the Operating Statement.

A provision for doubtful debts is recognised to the extent that recovery of the outstanding receivable balance is considered less than likely. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are recognised.

The average credit period on sales of goods or provision of services is 30 days. No interest is charged on trade and other receivables.

2.12 Payables

Payables are recognised when Parks Victoria becomes obliged to make future payments resulting from goods and services provided prior to the end of the financial year, which are unpaid at financial year end.

Payables are non-interest bearing and have an average credit period of 30 days.

2.13 Income Recognition

Amounts disclosed as income are, where applicable, net of returns, allowances and duties and taxes.

Parks Charge income is recognised when invoiced by Parks Victoria. Other income, including external grants/funding, is recognised when earned or on receipt, depending on which occurs earlier.

Where government and external grants/funding are reciprocal, income is recognised as performance occurs under the grant. Non-reciprocal grants are recognised as income when the grant is received or receivable. Conditional grants may be reciprocal or non-reciprocal depending on the terms of the grant. Where the external grants / funding received has not been expended and a reciprocal agreement exists, whereby the revenue is required to be repaid if not used or an asset transfer to the external party is to occur upon completion of the asset, Parks Victoria records this revenue as deferred revenue.

2.14 Grants and Other Payments

Grants and other payments to third parties are recognised as an expense in the reporting period in which they are paid or payable.

2.15 Resources Provided and Received Free of Charge or for Nominal Consideration

Contributions of resources (including volunteer resources and assets received free of charge or for nominal consideration) and assets provided free of charge or for nominal consideration are recognised at their fair value. Contributions in the form of services are only recognised when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if not donated.

65 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 2.16 Goods and Services Tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of Goods and Services Tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as part of receivables or payables.

Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO, is classified as operating cash flows and disclosed therein.

2.17 Inventories

Inventories comprise stores and materials and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assigned to inventory on hand at balance date on a first-in, first-out basis. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

2.18 Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash assets include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity that are readily convertible to cash on hand at Parks Victoria’s option and are subject to insignificant risk of changes in values, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

2.19 Provisions

Provisions are recognised when Parks Victoria has a present obligation, the future sacrifice of economic benefits is probable, and the amount of the provision can be measured reliably.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cashflows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cashflows.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recognised from a third party, the receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that recovery will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

Provision for Dismantling

When an asset is initially recognised, AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment requires the capitalisation of costs of dismantling and removing an asset and restoring the site on which the asset was created, together with the recognition of this provision determined at present value in accordance with AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. As a consequence, there is an increase in depreciation expense as a result of the increase in the carrying amounts of assets and also an interest expense would be incurred as the present value discount on the dismantling unwinds.

2.20 New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2008 reporting period. The Department of Treasury and Finance assesses the impact of these new standards and advises departments and other entities of their applicability and early adoption where applicable.

As at 30 June 2008, the following standards and interpretations had been issued but were not mandatory for the financial year ended 30 June 2008. Parks Victoria has not, and does not intend to, adopt these standards early.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 66 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

2.20 New Accounting Standards and Interpretations (continued)

Applicable for annual reporting periods Impact on departmental Standard / Interpretation Summary beginning or ending on financial statements

Interpretation 12 Service AASB approved an Australian Beginning 1 Jul 2008 The impact of any changes Concession Arrangements. Interpretation 12, equivalent to IFRIC that may be required cannot 12, applying to private sector be reliably estimated and is operators, but explicitly excludes not disclosed in the financial accounting for public sector grantors. report.

AASB 2007-2 Amendments Amendments arise from the release in Beginning 1 Jul 2008 As above to Australian Accounting February 2007 of Interpretation 12 Standards arising from AASB Service Concession Arrangements. Interpretation 12

Impact expected to be Revised AASB 1004 AASB decided to relocate requirements Beginning 1 July 2008 insignificant. Contributions on contributions from AAS 27, 29 and 31, substantively unamended, into AASB 1004 as part of its short-term review of AAS 27, AAS 29, and AAS 31.

AASB 1050 Administered As part of the short-term review of AAS Beginning 1 July 2008 Impact expected to be Items 27, AAS 29, and AAS 31, AASB decided insignificant. to relocate the requirements for the disclosure of administered items from AAS 29, substantively unamended (with some exception as noted in Appendix A) into a new topic-based standard AASB 1050.

AASB 1051 Land Under The new pronouncement AASB 1051 Beginning 1 July 2008 Impact is being evaluated. Roads Land Under Roads provides the option to recognise or not recognise land under roads acquired before the end of the first reporting period ending on or after 31 December 2007. Land under roads acquired after 31 December 2007 should be accounted for following requirements of AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment.

The State is yet to decide whether to change its policy. Until a conclusion is reached, the current default position is that land under roads will not be recognised.

67 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Applicable for annual reporting periods Impact on departmental Standard / Interpretation Summary beginning or ending on financial statements

AASB 1052 Disaggregated AASB decided to relocate requirements Beginning 1 July 2008 Impact expected to be Disclosures relating to reporting of disaggregated insignificant. information from AAS 27 and AAS 29 into AASB 1052, a new topic-based standard, as part of its short-term review of AAS 27, AAS 29 and AAS 31.

Impact expected to be AASB 2007-09 Amendments An accompanying amendment Beginning 1 July 2008 insignificant. to Australian Accounting standard to amend existing accounting Standards arising from the standards as part of the short term review of AAS 27, AAS 29 review of AAS 27, AAS 29 and AAS 31 and AAS 31 in December 2007.

Impact expected to be Revised Interpretation 1038 Editorial amendments to Beginning 1 July 2008 insignificant Contributions by Owners interpretation 1038 due to made to Wholly-Owned changes to AASB 1004. Public Sector Entities

Not applicable. AASB 8 Operating Segments. Supersedes AASB 114 Segment Beginning 1 Jan 2009 Reporting.

AASB 2007-3 Amendments An accompanying amending Beginning 1 Jan 2009 Impact expected to be to Australian Accounting standard, also introduced insignificant. Standards arising from consequential amendments into AASB 8 [AASB 5, AASB 6, other Standards. AASB 102, AASB 107, AASB 119, AASB 127, AASB 134, AASB 136, AASB 1023 and AASB 1038].

AASB 2007-6 Amendments Option to expense borrowing cost Beginning 1 Jan 2009 All Australian government to Australian Accounting related to a qualifying asset had been jurisdictions are currently Standards arising from removed. Entities are now required to still actively pursuing an AASB 123 [AASB 1, capitalise borrowing costs relevant to exemption for government AASB 101, AASB 107, qualifying assets. from capitalising AASB 111, AASB 116 & borrowing costs. AASB 138] and Interpretations 1 & 12 Impact expected to be AASB 2007-8 Amendments Editorial amendments to Australian Beginning 1 Jan 2009 insignificant. to Australian Accounting Accounting Standards to align with Standards arising from IFRS terminology. AASB 101

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 68 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

2008 2007 $’000 $’000

3 Parks & Reserves Trust Funding The Parks and Reserves Trust funding is a charge levied on commercial and domestic properties throughout the Melbourne and metropolitan area, the majority of which is paid to Parks Victoria.

Parks Charge 66,608 61,337

Total Parks and Reserves Trust Funding 66,608 61,337

4 Government Funding National / State Parks and Reserves funding 43,234 41,761 Government grants for special projects 4,811 5,262 Program initiatives (including Tracks and Trails and Good Neighbour programs) 1,819 1,606 Major Works funding provided by the Department of Sustainability and Environment 16,485 14,238 Major Works funding provided by the Department of Victorian Communities 0 2,502 Major Works funding provided by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 571 0

Total Government Funding 66,920 65,369

5 Other Revenue Accommodation / Camping fees 4,382 3,895 Funding sponsored by external parties 441 789 Rent, Leases and Licences 5,937 5,648 Park entrance fees 1,663 1,390 External sales 1,908 1,798 Insurance claims 7,289 3,195 Yarra Bend Trust 1,506 1,441 Berthing / Mooring fees 281 337 Cave tour fees 470 413 Gift shop sales 137 107 Fire Suppression costs, recovered 2,946 8,321 Other 2,904 2,769

Total Other Revenue 29,864 30,103

6 Assets Received Free of Charge Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) assets transferred from the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 324 615

Total Assets Received Free of Charge 324 615

7 Interest Revenue ANZ Bank 3,248 1,439

Total Interest revenue 3,248 1,439

69 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

8 Operations Labour 73,063 76,194 Materials 6,285 5,961 Transport 8,066 7,920 Contracts 40,806 34,847 External services 23,837 20,618 Payments to Government for revenue collected from National Parks 6,966 5,961 Payments made to local government, other agencies, community groups and for program operating costs 1,232 1,741 Other 3,764 3,396 Payments for works sponsored by external parties 923 1,375

Total Operations 164,942 158,013

9 Finance Costs Unwinding of discount and effect of changes in the discount rate for: Provision for dismantling (see note 17) 36 41

Total Finance Costs 36 41

10 Depreciation Land Improvements 1,660 1,621 Buildings and Improvements 1,689 1,616 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 1,131 1,090 Other 676 511

Total Depreciation 5,156 4,838

11 Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash at Bank 52,357 12,960

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents 52,357 12,960

12 Receivables Receivables – Current Debtors 6,411 12,221 Less Provision for Doubtful Debts (385) (270)

Total Receivables - Current 6,026 11,951

Receivables - Non-Current Other Receivables 95 100

Total Receivables - Non-Current 95 100

Total Receivables 6,121 12,051

An amount of $131,894 (2006-07 $44,397) was written off to bad debts during the year.

13 Inventories Stock on Hand (at cost) 114 246

Total Inventories 114 246

14 Other Current Assets Prepayments 156 151

Total Other Current Assets 156 151

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 70 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED) 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

15 Property, Plant and Equipment 15a Classification by ‘Public Safety and Environment - carrying amounts

Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements At fair value 1,002,677 835,320 Less: accumulated depreciation (2,464) (1,972)

1,000,213 833,348

At cost 32,527 426 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,186) ( 17)

31,341 409

Net Book Value - Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements 1,031,554 833,757

Buildings and Building Improvements At fair value 91,562 82,110 Less: accumulated depreciation ( 112) ( 610)

91,450 81,500

At cost 754 578 Less: accumulated depreciation ( 3) -

751 578

Net Book Value - Buildings and Building Improvements 92,201 82,078

Plant, Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles At cost 9,992 8,572 Less: accumulated depreciation (7,053) (6,376)

2,939 2,196

Net Book Value - Plant, Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles 2,939 2,196

Piers, Jetties and River Improvements At fair value 68,946 72,767 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,499) ( 866)

67,447 71,901

At cost 6,017 26 Less: accumulated depreciation ( 499) ( 1)

5,518 25

Net Book Value - Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 72,965 71,926

Antiques At fair value 1,268 1,268

Closing Balance - Antiques 1,268 1,268

Works in Progress At cost 5,409 3,645

Closing Balance - Works in Progress 5,409 3,645

Net carrying amount of PPE 1,206,336 994,870

71 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 15 Property, Plant and Equipment 15b Classification by ‘Public Safety and Environment - Carrying amounts

Crown Land, Buildings and Property, Plant, Piers, Jetties and Land and Land Building Equipment, River Improvements Improvements at fair Improvements at Machinery and at fair value or Antiques at fair Works in Progress value or at cost fair value or at cost Vehicles at cost at cost value at cost Total

2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 $000

Opening balance 833,757 783,978 82,078 74,326 2,196 2,271 71,926 67,658 1,268 1,268 3,645 1,154 994,870 930,655

Additions 26,459 426 716 578 782 448 2,757 26 0 0 7,166 3,111 37,880 4,589

Disposals (320) (321) 0 0 0 (13) 0 0 0 0 0 0 (320) (334)

Parks Acquisitions through administrative restructures 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Victoria Transfer to assets classified as held for sale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

- Net revaluation increments/ Ann ual decrements 172,828 51,056 11,636 8,791 0 0 0 5,332 0 0 0 0 184,464 65,179

Depreciation expense (1,660) (1,621) (1,689) (1,617) (676) (510) (1,131) (1,090) 0 0 0 0 (5,156) (4,838) Re port Impairment loss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

20 07- 08 Asset transfer 490 0 (540) 0 637 0 (587) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Completed PPE 0 239 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (5,402) (620) (5,402) (381)

Closing balance 1,031,554 833,757 92,201 82,078 2,939 2,196 72,965 71,926 1,268 1,268 5,409 3,645 1,206,336 994,870

Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements Parks Victoria Land property has been updated using indices compiled by the office of the Valuer-General. The indices are based on the estimated percentage movement in values for each land use in each postcode area for the nominated financial year. The methodology employed for the revaluation of Crown Land, Land and Improvements at fair value, involved the use of the appropriate percentage increase or decrease extracted from the postcode indices, matched with the property zoning. The effective date of the valuation is 30th June 2008. Land improvements were last valued at 30 June 2006. Buildings and Improvements Parks Victoria Buildings has been updated using indices compiled by the office of the Valuer-General. The indices are based on the estimated percentage movement in costs for each building for the nominated financial year. The methodology employed for the revaluation of Buildings and Improvements at fair value, involved an estimate of cost movements as per building types and location based on reputable building cost movement publications. The effective date of the valuation is 30 June 2008. Antiques For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuers for Colliers International Consultancy and Valuation Pty. Limited, one a government approved valuer, the other a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Antiques at fair value, was to assess the dollar value, with reference to the active and liquid antiques’ auction market, having regard to the highest and best use of the asset, for which market participants would be prepared to pay. These assets were revalued during a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process, conducted over the financial years ended 30 June 2003 to 30 June 2005. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is located in the Dandenong Ranges Gardens and contains more 70 in-ground aboriginal sculptures created by the late William Ricketts. These assets are of cultural and heritage significance. A valuation of these assets is not able to be determined. 72 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

15.2 Crown Land

2008 2007 Area 2008 Area 2007 (Hectares) $’000 (Hectares) $’000

Location You Yangs Regional Park 1,960 3,648 1,960 3,278 Devilbend Reservoir 1,005 25,125 -- Eildon Water Reserve 533 1,187 533 960 Dandenong Police Paddocks 499 91,187 499 66,804 Bays Assets * 498 Not Valued 498 Not Valued Lighthouse Reserves 329 1,897 329 1,799 Dandenong Ranges Gardens 278 2,349 278 2,230 Buchan Caves Reserve 260 336 260 238 Albert Park 229 667,809 229 557,902 Serendip Sanctuary 227 499 227 455 Plenty Gorge 222 2,449 222 2,140 Yarra Valley 139 112,890 139 89,695 Werribee Park 130 4,738 130 4,257 Vaughan Springs 100 120 100 114 Coolart 79 6,033 79 4,200 Mt Dandenong Observatory Reserve 72 1,891 72 1,800 Olinda Golf Course 34 509 34 480 Westgate 34 44,351 34 37,051 Maribyrnong Valley 22 1,437 22 1,122 Dandenong Valley 6 2,523 6 1,680 Peach Tree Creek 4 25 4 20 Point Cook / Cheetham 4 74 4 54 Herring Island 3 7,009 3 4,945 Queenscliff (not including Bays Assets * component) 3 2,946 3 2,500 Orbost Rain Forest 1 167 1 128 Rosebud 1 2,857 1 2,300 San Remo 1 425 1 375

Total Crown Land 6,673 984,481 5,668 786,527

* Represents sea beds located at Swan Bay (220 Ha), Queenscliff (137 Ha) and 141 Ha being sea beds under 31 piers located within Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay. 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

16 Payables Payables – Current Unsecured Creditors and Accruals 15,755 15,834

Total Payables 15,755 15,834

17 Provisions Provisions – Current Annual Leave (see (a) below) 5,108 5,226 Long Service Leave (see (a) below) 17,108 17,405

Total Provisions – Current 22,216 22,631

Provisions - Non-Current Long Service Leave (see (a) below) 1,235 1,275 Dismantling (see (b) below) 575 538

Total Provisions - Non-Current 1,810 1,813

Total Provisions 24,026 24,444

73 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

17 Provisions (continued) (a) Employee Entitlements: Current All annual leave and long service leave entitlements representing seven or more years of continuous service: Short-term employee benefits, that fall due within 12 months after the end of the period measured at nominal value 19,217 19,399 Other long-term employee benefits that do not fall due within 12 months after the end of the period measured at present value 2,999 3,232

22,216 22,631 Non-Current Long service leave representing less than seven years of continuous service measured at present value 1,235 1,275

(b) Movement in Non-Current Provision for Dismantling: Opening balance 538 497 Additional provisions recognised 10 Unwinding of discount and effect of changes in the discount rate 36 41

Balance at 30 June 575 538 The provision for dismantling represents the present value of expected future payments that Parks Victoria will be obligated to make in respect of the costs of dismantling and removing leasehold improvements and restoring the leased premises to its original state. The estimate may vary as a result of utilisation of the leased premises and additional leasehold improvements where applicable. As at 30 June 2008, the unexpired term of the lease is approximately five years.

18 Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue - Current Opening Balance 7,128 3,021 Movement in Deferred Revenue - Current: Revenue recognised during the year (6,871) (3,021) Payments received in advance for works to be carried out within 12 months, with the amounts to be refunded if not undertaken. 31,500 7,128

Net movement in Deferred Revenue - Current 24,629 4,107 Total Deferred Revenue - Current 31,757 7,128

Deferred Revenue - Non-Current Opening Balance 1,614 1,901 Movement in Deferred Revenue - Non-Current: Revenue recognised during the year. (308) (287)

Net movement in Deferred Revenue - Non-Current (308) (287) Total Deferred Revenue - Non-Current 1,306 1,614

Total Deferred Revenue 33,063 8,742

19 Contributed Capital Opening Balance 289,096 284,056 Movement in Contributed Capital: Assets transferred from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (Devils Bend – Land and Buildings) 25,678 0 Capital contributions from the Department of Sustainability and Environment 14,010 5,040

Net movement in Contributed Capital 39,688 5,040 Total Contributed Capital 328,784 289,096

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 74 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

2008 2007 $’000 $’000 20 Reserves Movement in Asset Revaluation Reserve Opening Balance 717,354 652,175 Revaluation of Parks Victoria Assets: Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements 172,828 51,056 Buildings and Building Improvements 11,636 8,791 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 0 5,332 Net Revaluation Increment on Parks Victoria Assets 184,464 65,179 Total Reserves 901,818 717,354

21 Accumulated Surplus / (Deficit) Opening Balance (35,192) (31,163) Net result for the period from Operating Statement (3,170) (4,029) Closing Accumulated Surplus / (Deficit) (38,362) (35,192)

22 Reconciliation of Net Result for the period to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Result for the Period (3,170) (4,029) Depreciation for the year 5,156 4,838 Provision for doubtful debts 247 51 Net assets (received) / provided free of charge (324) (615) Loss / (gain) on sale, retirement and / or revaluation of assets 0 12 Finance costs 36 41 Change in Assets and Liabilities Decrease / (Increase) in receivables 5,722 (7,233) Decrease / (Increase) in inventories 133 (13) Decrease / (Increase) in other current assets (5) 87 Increase / (Decrease) in provisions (455) 1,638 Increase / (Decrease) in payables 16 (275) Increase / (Decrease) in deferred revenue 24,321 3,820 Net Cash from Operating Activities 31,677 (1,678)

23 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 23.1 Contingent Liabilities - Other Outstanding Claims There are no material claims against Parks Victoria, arising out of various matters connected with its operating activities.

23.2 Contingent Assets There are no claims lodged by Parks Victoria arising out of matters connected with its operating activities.

24 Commitments 24.1 Capital Commitments Value of commitments for capital expenditure at 30 June 2008 for the supply of works, services and materials not provided for in the financial statements: Not later than one year 7,759 10,359 Later than one year and not later than five years 00 Later than five years 00 Total Capital Commitments 7,759 10,359

24.2 Lease Commitments Total lease expenditure contracted for at balance date but not provided for in the financial statements in relation to non-cancellable operating leases is as follows: Not later than one year 8,531 8,306 Later than one year and not later than five years 9,815 10,488 Later than five years 251 1,53 Total Non Cancellable Operating Leases 18,597 20,332

75 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 25 Superannuation Parks Victoria contributes, in respect of its employees, to the superannuation schemes as shown in the following table:

Scheme Type of Contribution Scheme Rate 2008 2007

AMP Flexible Lifetime Super Accumulation 9% 76 AMP Super Leader Accumulation 9% 10 1 Asgard Capital Management Ltd. Accumulation Various 111 15 Asteron Capital management Ltd. Accumulation 9% 04 Asteron Portfolio Services Ltd Total Accumulation 9% 50 Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Accumulation 9% 83 Australian Government Employee Super Trust Accumulation 9% 14 7 Australian Primary Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 63 Australian Retirement Fund Accumulation 9% 02 Australiansuper Pty Ltd Accumulation 9% 29 8 BT Funds Management Accumulation 9% 11 15 Care Super Accumulation 9% 19 4 Colonial First State Accumulation 9% 41 40 Colonial Mutual Superannuation Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 01 Construction & Building Union Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 16 11 Emergency Services Superannuation Fund Accumulation Various 86 44 Emergency Services Superannuation Fund Defined 15.50% 18 18 Equipsuper Pty Ltd Total Accumulation 9% 30 First State Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 10 6 GSO-New Scheme Defined 8.8%-10.5% 1,365 1,404 GSO-Revised Scheme Defined 17% 230 236 GSO-State Employees Retirement Benefit Scheme Defined 12.50% 17 17 HESTA Accumulation 9% 11 5 Host Plus Pty Accumulation 9% 19 14 ING One Answer Personal Super Total Accumulation 9% 30 0 Legal Super Accumulation 9% 12 1 Lifetrack Employer Superannuation Accumulation 9% 10 Macquarie Personal Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 34 21 Mercer Super Trust Total Accumulation 9% 30 MLC Nominees Pty Limited Total Accumulation 9% 70 MTAA Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 11 Nationwide Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 02 Netwealth Personal Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 21 Perpetuals Investor Choice Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 19 16 Private Superannuation Funds Accumulation Various 191 92 Private Superannuation Funds Accumulation 9% 01 Recruitment Superannuation Accumulation 9% 12 5 Retail Employees Superannuation Trust Accumulation 9% 16 14 Strategy Portfolio Ltd Total Accumulation 9% 10 Sunsuper Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 04 Superannuation Trust of Australia (STA Super) Accumulation 9% 11 Superwrap Accumulation 9% 17 1 Symetry Personal Retirement Fund Accumulation 9% 66 The Austchoice Superannuation Plan Accumulation 9% 10 5 The Select Master Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 45 33 UniSuper Ltd. Accumulation 9% 22 9 VicSuper Pty. Ltd. Accumulation Various 1,222 1,053 Vision Super - Albert Park Scheme Defined 9.25% 86 Vision Super - Dandenong Valley Scheme Defined 9.25% 23 19 Vision Super - PORTS Revised Scheme Defined 17% 15 8 Vision Super - PORTS Transport Scheme Defined 12-18% 149 57 Vision Super - WISF Scheme Defined 7-15.25% 725 770 Vision Super - PORTS Port of Melb Authority Scheme Defined 18% 15 7 Vision Super Pty. Ltd. Accumulation Various 2,489 1,985

Total contributions to all funds 7,112 5,982

As at the reporting date, there were outstanding contributions payable to the above funds of $75,075. There were no loans to or from Parks Victoria to or from any of the above funds. Parks Victoria is not liable for any unfunded liability in respect of the above employer sponsored defined benefits superannuation schemes.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 76 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

25 Superannuation (continued) The Department does not recognise any defined benefit liability in respect of the plan(s) because the entity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees; its only obligation is to pay superannuation contributions as they fall due. The Department of Treasury and Finance recognises and discloses the State’s defined benefit liabilities in its financial report. 26 Volunteer Resources Provided Free of Charge During 2007-08 significant community input in the form of voluntary labour was provided to Parks Victoria. Volunteers came from all sections of the community, and included individual volunteers, Friends groups, schools, corporate organisations, and community groups who provided in excess of 25,000 days (2006-07 23,000 days) of voluntary support. Volunteers undertook a diverse range of activities including tree planting, conserving historic huts, providing information to visitors, and nursery maintenance and propagation, No estimate of the value of these resources has been included in the financial report as there is no practical way of determining an appropriate valuation basis.

2008 2007 $’000 $’000

27 Auditor’s Remuneration Amounts paid / payable to: Victorian Auditor-General’s Office for the audit of the financial statements 49 48

28 Related Parties 28.1 Responsible Persons The names of persons who were Board members at any time during the financial year ended 30 June 2008 were: R Gerrand, S Hibbard (resignation date: 3 November 2007), K King, S Marris, R Martin, L Peeler (term ended 31 December 2007), D Saunders, C Ballenden, and N Harvey.

• Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, formerly Minister for Environment, the Honourable John Thwaites MP from 1 July 2007 until 30 July 2007

• Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable John Brumby MP from 30 July 2007 until 2 August 2007

• Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Gavin Jennings MLC, from 3 August 2007 until 30 June 2008

The name of the accountable officer for the whole of the financial year ended 30 June 2008 was M Stone.

Remuneration Remuneration received or receivable by the Accountable Officer in connection with the management of the Department during the reporting period was in the range: $300 000 – $309 999 ($260 000 – $269 999 in 2006-07)

28.2 Board Members’ Remuneration Total remuneration received or due and receivable by Board Members from the reporting entity was: 151 137 Number Number The number of Board Members of the reporting entity included in this figure is shown below:

Income of: $0 to $9,999 21 $10,000 to $19,999 6 7 $20,000 to $29,999 01 $40,000 to $44,999 10

77 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 28.3 Executive Officers Remuneration The number of executive officers, other than ministers and accountable officers, and their total remuneration during the reporting period are shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of executive officers is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long-service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits. A number of employment contracts were completed during the year and renegotiated and a number of executives received bonus payments during the year. These bonus payments depend on the terms of individual employment contracts. Some contracts provide for an annual bonus payment whereas other contracts only include the payment of bonuses on the successful completion of the full term of the contract.

Total Base remuneration remuneration

2008 2007 2008 2007 Number Number Number Number

Less than $100, 000 1000 $100,000 to $109,999 0101 $110,000 to $119,999 1000 $120,000 to $129,999 0012 $130,000 to $139,999 3221 $140,000 to $149,999 1164 $150,000 to $159,999 4410 $160,000 to $169,999 3013 $170,000 to $179,999 2130 $180,000 to $189,999 0201 $190,000 to $199,999 0020 $200,000 to $209,999 1100

Total numbers 16 12 16 12

Total amount ($ ‘000) $2,384 $1,889 $2,492 $1,762

Executive officer base remunerations were reviewed by the Government Senior Executive Remuneration Panel (GSERP) and increases paid in accordance with Government guidelines.

2008 2007 $’000 $’000 28.4 Other transactions of Board members and Board member-related entities Nil Nil

29 Segment Information The activities of the economic entity entirely relate to park and waterways management and are all conducted within the State of Victoria, Australia.

30 Financial Instruments (a) Financial Risk Management Objectives Parks Victoria’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates. Parks Victoria does not enter into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. Parks Victoria does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes, as per the Victorian Governments Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987 and subsequent amendments. The policies for managing these risks are discussed in more detail below. (b) Significant Accounting Policies Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 2 to the financial statements.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 78 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

30 Financial Instruments (Continued)

Table 30.1: Categorisation of Financial Instruments

Carrying Carrying Financial assets Note Category amount amount 2008 2007

Cash and cash equivalents 12 N/A 52,357 12,960 Receivables(a) 13 Loans and receivables (at amortised cost) 2,304 4,052 Other financial assets Held-to-maturity investments (at amortised cost) 00 Available-for-sale financial assets (at fair value)

Carrying Carrying Financial liabilities Note Category amount amount 2008 2007

Payables 17 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. 15,755 15,834 Interest bearing liabilities Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. 00

Note: (a) The amount of receivables disclosed here exclude statutory receivables (i.e. Amounts owing from Victorian Government and GST input tax credit recoverable). For 2008 this was $3,817 and 2007 $7,999. (c) Significant Terms and Conditions There are no significant terms and conditions applicable to Parks Victoria, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument. (d) Credit Risk Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the agency, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, available-for-sale financial assets and derivative instruments. Parks Victoria’s exposure to credit risk arises from the potential default of counter party on their contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the agency. Credit risk is measured at fair value and is monitored on a regular basis. Credit risk associated with the agency’s financial assets is minimal because the main debtor is the Victorian Government. For debtors other than government, it is the agency’s policy to only deal with entities with high credit ratings and to obtain sufficient collateral or credit enhancements where appropriate. In addition, the agency does not engage in hedging for its financial assets and mainly obtains financial assets that are on fixed interest. Provision of impairment for financial assets is calculated based on past experience, and current and expected changes in client credit ratings. Financial Assets that are either past due or Impaired Currently Parks Victoria does not hold any collateral as security nor credit enhancements relating to any of its financial assets. As at the reporting date, there is no event to indicate that any of the financial assets were impaired. There are no financial assets that have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired, and they are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated. The following table discloses the ageing only of financial assets that are past due but not impaired:

79 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 30 Financial Instruments (Continued)

Table 30.2: Interest Rate exposure and ageing analysis of Financial Assets(a)

( $ thousand)

Interest rate exposure Past due but not impaired Weighted average Not past effective Fixed Variable Non due and Less 3 Impaired Interest Carrying Interest Interest Interest not than 1 1-3 months 1.5 financial rate amount rate rate bearing impaired Month months - 1 year years assets % 2008

Receivables: Other receivables (inc operating leases ) 2,304 1,305 482 373 144

2,304 1,305 482 373 144

2007 Receivables: Other receivables (inc operating leases ) 4,052 2,976 386 451 239

4,052 2,976 386 451 239

Note: (a) Ageing analysis of financial assets excludes statutory receivables (e.g. Amounts owing from Victorian Government and GST input tax credit recoverable). (e) Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk arises when the Agency is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Agency operates under the Government fair payments policy of settling financial obligations within 30 days and in the event of a dispute, make payments within 30 days from the date of resolution. It also continuously manages risk through monitoring future cash flows and maturities planning to ensure adequate holding of high quality liquid assets and dealing in highly liquid markets. The Agency’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. Cash for unexpected events is generally sourced from liquidation of available-for-sale financial investments. The following table discloses the contractual maturity analysis for the agency’s financial liabilities

Table 30.3: Interest Rate exposure and maturity analysis of Financial Liabilities

Interest rate exposure Maturity dates (a) Weighted average effective Fixed Variable Non Less 3 Interest Carrying Interest Interest Interest than 1 1-3 months 1.5 rate amount rate rate bearing Month months - 1 year years %

2008 Payables: Amounts payable to other government agencies - 2,668 --2,668 2,668 --- Other payables - 13,087 --13,087 13,087 ---

15,755 15,755 15,755

2007 Payables: Amounts payable to other government agencies - 2,749 --2,749 2,749 --- Other payables - 13,085 --13,085 13,085 ---

15,834 15,834 15,834

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 80 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 (CONTINUED)

30 Financial Instruments (Continued)

(f) Market Risk

Parks Victoria’s exposures to market risk are primarily through interest rate risk with only insignificant exposure to foreign currency and other price risks. Objectives, policies and processes used to manage each of these risks are disclosed in the paragraphs below.

Foreign Currency Risk

Parks Victoria is exposed to very minor foreign currency risk through its payables relating to purchases of supplies and consumables from overseas. This is because of a limited amount of purchases denominated in foreign currencies and a short timeframe between commitment and settlement.

Interest Rate Risk

Exposure to interest rate risk is insignificant. The weighted average cash interest rate earned for 2007-08 was 6.50 per cent (2006-07 5.80 per cent).

(g) Fair Value

The fair values and net fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

• the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions and traded in active liquid markets are determined with reference to quoted market prices; and

• the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis.

The carrying values and fair values of financial assets and liabilities at balance date are:

Total carrying amount Aggregate fair as per balance sheet value 2008 2007 2008 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Cash and Cash Equivalents 52,357 12,960 52,357 12,960 Receivables 6,121 12,051 6,121 12,051

Total Financial Assets 58,478 25,011 58,478 25,011

Payables 15,755 15,834 15,755 15,834

Total Financial Liabilities 15,755 15,834 15,755 15,834

31 Consolidation Elimination Entries Intra* Intra* Intra* Intra* 2008 2007 2008 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

During 2007-08 transactions were undertaken with other State Government controlled entities that amounted to:

Assets 00324 615 Liabilities and Equity 72,750 13,782 00 Revenues 136,303 131,156 2,905 4,637 Expenses 10,397 14,661 4,675 4,895

* Intra transactions are those transactions undertaken within the Department of Sustainability and Environment portfolio. ** Inter transactions are those transactions undertaken outside the Department of Sustainability and Environment portfolio. 32 Post Balance Date Events Parks Victoria is unaware of any events subsequent to the reporting date that will have a material impact on its financial position or future financial performance.

81 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 STATUTORY CERTIFICATE

We certify that the attached financial statements for Parks Victoria have been prepared in accordance with Standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian accounting standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and notes to and forming part of the financial statements, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2008 and financial position of Parks Victoria at 30 June 2008.

We are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

R. Gerrand Chairman

M Stone Chief Executive

S Mahony Chief Financial Officer

Dated at Melbourne, 15 August 2008.

Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 82 RISK MANAGEMENT ATTESTATION

I, Chairman of the Board certify that Parks VIctoria has risk management processes in place consistent with the Australian/ New Zealand Risk Management Standard and an internal control system is in place that enables the executive to understand, manage and satisfactorily control risk exposure. The Board verifies this assurance and that the risk profile of Parks Victoria has been critically reviewed within the last 12 months.

R. Gerrand Chairman

Dated at Melbourne, 15 August 2008.

83 Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2007-08 Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Country

Through their rich culture, Indigenous Australians have been intrinsically connected to this continent - including the area now know as Victoria and the State's parks and reserves - for tens of thousands of years. Parks Victoria recognises this connection and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of these areas.

Parks Victoria also recognises and acknowledges the links and contribution from other Indigenous communities and individuals and those maintaining a custodial role.

Parks Victoria is committed to establishing strong relationships with Victoria's Traditional Owners and establishing sustainable partnerships for their full participation in all aspects of cooperative and joint management of protected areas in Victoria

Copyright © Parks Victoria 2008 Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia.

ISSN 1448 – 9082 ISSN 1448 - 9090 (Online) Published on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Photography by: Christian Pearson Rachel Pilgrim Bec Walton Shaney Balcombe Arthur Mostead Roger Fenwick

General disclaimer: This document may be of assistance to you, but Parks Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the information it contains is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this document.

For further information telephone the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

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