TRUST for NATURE

Annual Report 09 | 1 A message from the Chairman and the Acting Executive Director Page 4 Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation, About us Page 6 established in 1972, dedicated to protecting 2008-09 Highlights Conserving Victoria Page 9 2008-09 Summary of achievements Page 18 remnant natural bushland occurring on private Partners and donors Page 20 property throughout Victoria. Major donors Page 21 Finance and business Page 22

Our people Page 24

Our organisation Page 27

Organisational chart Page 28

Community engagement and achievements Page 29

Statutory compliance Page 31

Disclosure index Page 33

2 | Annual Report 09 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Table of contents

A message from the Chairman and the Acting Executive Director Page 4

About us Page 6

2008-09 Highlights Conserving Victoria Page 9

2008-09 Summary of achievements Page 18

Partners and donors Page 20

Major donors Page 21

Finance and business Page 22

Our people Page 24

Our organisation Page 27

Organisational chart Page 28

Community engagement and achievements Page 29

Statutory compliance Page 31

Disclosure index Page 33

Published by Trust for Nature, Melbourne, October 2009. An electronic copy of this document is available on-line at www.trustfornature.org.au. Trust for Nature 2/385 Little Lonsdale Street Acknowledgements: Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Trust for Nature gratefully acknowledges all the photographers Phone: 03 8631 5888 who have provided images for this document including: Fax: 03 9670 9977 IT’S A WILD LIFE for the threatened Golden Sun Moth and the Freecall: 1800 99 99 33 (Australia only) Olive Legless Lizard. Email: [email protected] Website: www.trustfornature.org.au Chris Tzaros for the Grey-crowned Babbler, Orange-bellied Parrots and Blue-billed Duck. © State of Victoria, Trust for Nature. Doug Robinson and Brett Mills for staff photos. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by Paul Sinclair for images of Neds Corner Station. any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Liz Martin for drought-stressed leaves. Eris O’Brien for Grassland Froghopper. Printed by: Typo Corporate Services 97-101 Tope Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone 03 9699 7722

Compiled by Renée Robinson and edited by Susanna Nelson.

This report is printed on 115gsm Envirocare 100% recycled paper.

For more information call Trust for Nature’s Melbourne office on 1800 99 99 33.

Annual Report 09 | 3 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

A message from the Chair m an and the Acting Executive Director

It gives us pleasure to deliver this year’s annual report for the financial year ending 2009. It would be fair to say the year has been a challenging one for Trust for Nature, one that has tested the capacit y of our organisation to respond to issues surrounding new project funding arrangements, the impacts of the devastating bushfires and drought on private land conservation priorities, and significant change in staff and organisational structure.

The fact that Trust for Nature achieved great In March 2009, we mourned the passing of George successes under such circumstances is a testament Limb – husband of board associate Janet Limb. to the capability of our staff and trustees to deal George was a kind and generous supporter of effectively with these challenges and we are grateful Trust for Nature, both personally and through his for their individual and collective efforts. work as a director of the RE Ross Trust. He is a great loss to so many individuals and organisations We are mindful in writing this report that many of the and is dearly missed. activities and achievements were a legacy of our past Executive Director, Mike Gooey, who departed As we draw close to a total of 40,000 hectares of the organisation in April 2009. Trust for Nature is private land protected in perpetuity under Trust for indebted to Mike for his contributions over the past Nature conservation covenants, we would especially five years and the partnerships he forged to advance like to acknowledge the achievements of our our work conserving Victoria’s natural landscapes. dedicated team. From the head office staff that carry out various administrative, operational, fundraising The financial year saw the new appointments of and communication activities, through to the regional Sylvia Geddes and Greg Moore to our Board of staff undertaking the covenant and stewardship Trustees. Their experiences and qualifications will programs, we extend our sincere gratitude. Their be invaluable assets to the board as it continues to work has commonly been executed in partnership oversee the strategic and statutory responsibilities with Victoria’s 10 catchment management in delivering our existing and emerging conservation authorities and the Department of Sustainability and activities. We would also like to thank outgoing Environment (DSE), and employs a range of flexible board members Dr Margaret Lush, Professor approaches that stamp Trust for Nature’s unique role Richard Cotton and Graeme Henshaw for their in private land conservation. years of service and valuable contributions to the organisation. All three are passionate supporters of It’s worth noting that in addition to our current Trust for Nature – indeed two have Trust for Nature covenanted properties, Trust for Nature has covenanted properties – and we’re delighted that purchased, and will soon revolve, approximately they’ll continue on as Associate Board Members. 2000 hectares of significant habitat during this financial year. At the same time, Trust for Nature We also acknowledge the contributions made by the continues to own and manage a further 36,500 respective Chairs of the Committees and the vital hectares within its own conservation property role they play. In particular, Anthea Hancocks (Chair portfolio. Fundraising), Camilla Graves (Chair Governance, Risk Audit & Finance) and Rod Gowans (Chair The substantial gains made by Trust for Nature Conservation). over the 08/09 financial year mean we also need to recognise the numerous contributions from many other people and agencies that enable our organisation to operate effectively.

4 | Annual Report 09 Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation, whose operations are funded partly by State and Federal government, and to a significant extent by private donations and bequests.

Our thanks to the Federal and State Governments To the organisations and groups that we have for allowing us, through ongoing funding, to carry out actively engaged with to achieve better outcomes core conservation work on their behalf. for conservation in Victoria, particularly staff from The Nature Conservancy and the Wettenhall Foundation, We are also grateful for the continued support mecu and our partners within the Victoria Naturally provided by our numerous major donors, regular alliance - Bush Heritage, Australian Conservation supporters and the Trust for Nature Foundation. Foundation, Environment Australia, Invasive Species The financial and in-kind assistance they have Council, Victorian National Parks Association, BOCA, given to our covenanting, stewardship and property The Wilderness Society and Greening Aust (Vic) - we management programs has been invaluable. We believe the positive benefits brought about through would like to make special mention of Bill and Carol this collaboration have been real and rewarding. Holsworth whose substantial donation formed part of a successful matching bid under the David Thomas It is on behalf of all those mentioned above that Challenge. These funds will be directed at improving we commend this report as a true and accurate our ability to undertake conservation works at Neds reflection of our achievements for the last year. The Corner. upcoming financial year will see the appointment of a new CEO for Trust for Nature and we look forward to We would like to recognise the contribution of our working with him or her to further the aspirations of Associate Members. Their willingness to volunteer our organisation to protect Victoria’s natural heritage. their time and their, often significant, individual expertise provides an important resource for the In accordance with the Financial Management Act organisation to call on when required. 1994, we are pleased to present the Trust for Nature Annual Report for the year ending 30 June 2009. Trust for Nature thanks Deacons, DLA Phillips Fox and Minter Ellison for providing critical pro-bono legal assistance and advice to our covenanting and revolving fund operations.

To all our volunteers across Victoria, we personally offer a wholehearted thank you for your unconditional Peter Moulton Tom Tootell support to Trust for Nature. Our volunteers contribute Acting Executive Director chairman in a variety of ways, whether standing on committees Date: 28 August 2009 of management, undertaking surveys, providing technical and administrative services or helping with events and field activities. We would like to take the opportunity to thank especially Frank Wallace, Malcolm Just, Catherine King, Colleen Barnes and Clive Crouch for their very generous time and support to our organisation during the year.

Annual Report 09 | 5 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

ABOUT US

Vision and purpose Trust for Nature’s Board of Trustees and staff are working toward the vision of conserving all significant natural areas on private land forever. To achieve this vision, the purpose of Trust for Nature is to create solutions that protect, manage and conserve biodiversity through private nature conservation.

Values Leadership Trust for Nature’s board and staff have high Trust for Nature staff continue to build on their expectations of ourselves and those we work with. knowledge, experience and skills. Coupled with a The culture of Trust for Nature is one of inspiration, drive for innovative solutions, Trust for Nature will leadership, collaboration and respect. strive to maintain its national leadership in private land conservation policy, programs and projects. Inspiration The commitment to protect and improve our Collaboration environment is inspiring. Trust for Nature staff, Trust for Nature depends on you. Individuals, groups, supporters, volunteers and covenantors are corporate businesses and governments must work inspirational people committed to protecting and together for positive environmental management and improving our environment. Trust for Nature seeks to conservation. inspire and motivate actions to safeguard Victoria’s Respect natural heritage. Everyone matters and deserves to be treated fairly. Trust for Nature is objective, responsive and inclusive – applying equity, diversity and confidentiality to all our dealings.

Native grasslands and grassy woodlands are Trust for Nature’s highest priority. Other targeted areas include wetlands, the Murray River corridor, coastal heathlands, estuaries and rainforest.

6 | Annual Report 09 Strategic direction Services Increasing pressure from both urban and rural Trust for Nature provides the following products and development will continue to drive Victoria’s heavily services: fragmented ecosystems into crisis. • Conservation Covenants – land protection The ecosystems in urgent need of conservation agreements with private land owners in Victoria are grasslands, grassy woodlands and • Land stewardship – land assessment, wetlands. These areas are predominantly on private management advice, support and monitoring land and under pressure from primary production • Land transactions – purchasing and selling and urban development. The work of Trust for Nature private land through the Revolving Fund and is increasingly urgent. receiving private land as gifts or bequests • Ecosystem services projects – facilitating water, Trust for Nature will accelerate private land native vegetation credit and carbon credit trading conservation through strategic actions that have • Projects, activities and fundraising that advance a conservation impact at a landscape-scale. This private nature conservation. will be achieved through smart application of our covenanting and Revolving Fund tools and by building our capacity to help others.

Goals To address our vision and purpose, Trust for Nature has five goals for driving private nature conservation and operational excellence:

• maximise the biodiversity outcomes of nature conservation actions • protect and manage land for biodiversity • achieve growth and excellence in our business • encourage investment in nature conservation • capture new opportunities for biodiversity gains.

Annual Report 09 | 7 Trust for Nature depends on you. Individuals, groups, corporate businesses and governments must work together for positive environmental management and conservation.

8 | Annual Report 09 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

2008-09 HIGHLIGHTS Conserving Victoria

2008-09 has been an important year for Trust for Nature, with the development and implementation of a strategic, state-wide approach to nature conservation, and participation in some large collaborative projects targeting the protection of endangered ecosystems on private l and.

The past financial year also saw Trust for Nature Based on this new state-wide approach, Trust for participate actively in Victorian and Australian Nature undertook several other changes to the government policy initiatives with contributions to conservation program to increase our effectiveness. the land and biodiversity white paper process, the We have created a new position to oversee the Biodiversity Renewal Strategy, the Future Farms Trust’s conservation and science program. We also Discussion Paper, VEAC’s River Red Gum Forests applied for funding from the Victorian and Australian Investigation and the Australian Government’s Governments to begin implementation of some of Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. Through these these state-wide conservation projects. forums we are well positioned to make a valuable Thanks to support from the Australian Government contribution to new environmental policy at a through its Caring for our Country program, and challenging time. from the Victorian Government, we have initiated our State-wide framework for nature Grasslands Protection program, in partnership with conservation DSE and the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental The development of a systematic state-wide Research. The three projects that make up the framework for nature conservation was one of the Grasslands Protection program have provided us with highlights of 2008-09. The framework was based on five new dedicated grassland officers, including three a report prepared for Trust for Nature by researchers extension staff, a grasslands ecosystem coordinator from the Zoology and Botany Departments at La and a Volcanic Plains Conservation Management Trobe University and in consultation with regional Network facilitator. The project also involves a bird staff. The framework identifies grasslands, monitoring collaboration with Birds Australia and woodlands, wetlands and riparian ecosystems as BOCA. For the first time ever, we therefore have a our highest priorities for protection and conservation specialist ecosystem team comprising scientists, over the next decade and has set protection targets extension staff, community engagement staff and a for each of these. The framework also recognises dedicated monitoring program. our need to participate in three other conservation 2008-09 also saw us initiate a Woodlands Protection issues wherever we consider we can achieve some program, with a particular focus on the conservation biodiversity benefits. These issues are climate of woodland birds. With significant funding support change adaptation, land-use change and threatened from the State Government through its state- species conservation. wide investment program, we have been able to commence a project to develop a woodlands conservation strategy across Victoria, establish a monitoring program for woodland birds and protect significant woodland sites on private land.

Annual Report 09 | 9 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

2008-09 HIGHLIGHTS Conserving Victoria Continued

As a part of this project, we purchased a 687- In 2008-09 we also sought to reduce future hectare property adjacent to Hattah National Park potential risks to Trust for Nature and landowners to help provide a habitat link between Hattah and by introducing more stringent risk-assessment Annuello Nature Conservation Reserve and improve processes at the approval stage for new covenants the conservation prospects for a range of threatened and potential land purchases. In addition to mallee and woodland bird species found there. We assessing the ecological significance of sites are also delighted to have set up this program in against a set of conservation criteria, we also partnership with Birds Australia and BOCA, who will began reviewing the technical aspects of proposed contribute towards the strategic development and sites in relation to issues such as the terms of the monitoring framework of the program. covenant deed and the delineation of boundaries of the protected land. These actions should help Both of these ecosystem-focused programs to improve the clarity and security of the covenants represent significant advances for Trust for Nature under future landowners. and we have applied to both the Victorian and Australian governments for further funding in 2009- As a complementary activity, Trust for Nature also 10 to maintain the momentum. initiated a risk-assessment review of all of our already registered covenants and conservation properties to Covenant and stewardship programs help identify those properties and covenants where There were four major achievements in the covenant we should take steps to improve the clarity of the and stewardship program in 2008-09. deed and/or the boundaries of the protected land. This review will be completed in 2009-10. Firstly, Trust for Nature continued its policy and procedures review of the covenant and The third major achievement of the covenant Region Regional Covenant Total *Regional Covenant in 08/09 Area Protected (ha) stewardship program to improve the standards of and stewardship program in 2008-09 was the our conservation program from an organisational development of Naturebase, substantially due to Corangamite 71 1 1799.84 and landholder perspective. Building on the internal the efforts of one of our dedicated volunteers and East Gippsland 126 4 6169.1 review of our policies and procedures undertaken our database manager, Chris Lindorff. Naturebase Glenelg Hopkins 59 2 2264.61 in 2007-08, this year we obtained pro bono legal is a new information database that allows staff Goulburn Broken 115 8 4375.68 assistance from DLA Phillips Fox to clarify some to electronically enter the background ecological of the legal aspects of our conservation program, and property information for new covenants and Mallee 32 3 2471.18 improve the consistency of our policies and automatically generate new covenant reports. North Central 148 9 5706.23 procedures, and ensure compliance with other Staff can also enter lists of flora and fauna species North East 40 4 1758.91 legislation such as the Information Privacy Act recorded at properties and update those lists after 2000. Once that legal review is completed, we every visit. Port Phillip & Westernport 172 4 2686.98 will implement the revised package of policies and West Gippsland 76 8 1624.82 Thanks to Naturebase, information is being entered procedures across the organisation. in a standardised way, leading to the fourth major Wimmera 113 8 10657.53 achievement of the year – the increase in ecological 08/09 Total 51 3058.58 information held in the database. Since TOTAL 952 39514.9 *Readers should be aware that covenant statistics may fluctuate due to land title changes and approved covenant amendments. Regional covenants include offset properties, tenders and general regional operations.

10 | Annual Report 09 the establishment of Naturebase, the number of the organisation. It has also become increasingly flora and fauna records held in our database has involved in facilitating environmental offsets under increased by 63% and 465 respectively, in less the Commonwealth Environmental Protection than two years. and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The development of these markets has resulted in New reporting components currently being landowners increasingly seeking offset incentives developed for Naturebase include: risk assessment; when considering native vegetation protection. stewardship statistics; ecological monitoring reporting and breach reports. These will be Trust for Nature has commenced managing the progressively implemented in the next year. $4.5 million DSE fuelbreaks offset project to provide Victoria with native vegetation offsets to compensate Stewardship obligations include a phone call every for clearing of fuelbreaks to protect Melbourne’s year and a covenant visit once every three years. water supplies. Several property purchases and New ecosystem markets and the protection agreements are underway to meet Native Vegetation Framework these requirements. Trust for Nature has increased its level of participation in the development of native vegetation offsets to meet state planning requirements during the financial year, expanding the number of active projects and the value to both landowners and

Region Regional Covenant Total *Regional Covenant in 08/09 Area Protected (ha) Corangamite 71 1 1799.84 East Gippsland 126 4 6169.1 Glenelg Hopkins 59 2 2264.61 Goulburn Broken 115 8 4375.68 Mallee 32 3 2471.18 North Central 148 9 5706.23 North East 40 4 1758.91 Port Phillip & Westernport 172 4 2686.98 West Gippsland 76 8 1624.82 Wimmera 113 8 10657.53 08/09 Total 51 3058.58 TOTAL 952 39514.9 *Readers should be aware that covenant statistics may fluctuate due to land title changes and approved covenant amendments. Regional covenants include offset properties, tenders and general regional operations.

Annual Report 09 | 11 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

2008-09 HIGHLIGHTS Conserving Victoria Continued

Key conservation achievements by Monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes in region the region include fauna surveys – Ray Draper has completed over nine seasonal fauna surveys across North Central region three protected areas, including the Trust for Nature- In the North Central region our covenanting program owned Pallisters Reserve. These surveys have is progressing well, with 148 registered covenants strongly indicated a lack of species, a result that and a number of others being negotiated. This may imply that the past 14 dry years across western includes an exciting new 980-hectare covenant Victoria are impacting on food chains and habitat with Greenhouse Balanced which is protecting availability (e.g. dry wetlands, waterholes, rivers remnant vegetation and revegetating areas for both and lakes). biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The region has been involved in Habitat 141 The stewardship program continues to provide program, a cross-tenure large landscape scale advice and support to covenantors, particularly project aimed at improving ecosystem resilience in this year when a number of covenantors around a time of climate change. Habitat 141 extends from the Barfold area were in the path of the Redesdale the interiors of NSW and South Australia through to fire. Fortunately no lives or houses were lost but the western coastline of Victoria. fences and other property were burnt. It was a very The region was selected because of the high degree distressing experience for all concerned. of existing linkages across crown land, strong A Grassland Support Officer has been managing Indigenous cultural heritage values at Lake Condah our five grasslands very well with the assistance of and because the area is still contains important Bush Tender funding, which has enabled increased rare and endangered species such as the Yellow- weed and vermin control, seed collection and bellied Glider and Southern Brown Bandicoot. revegetation by direct seeding. With funding through Future conservation covenants will contribute to this the Federal Government Caring for our Country program and assist in protecting a range of rare and program our part-time Grassland Support Officer will endangered plant, bird and vegetation communities. now be employed full-time to help obtain permanent East Gippsland region protection of grasslands on the northern plains through conservation covenants. In the East Gippsland region we have achieved success with the Environment Protection and Glenelg Hopkins region Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listing of In 2008-09, Trust for Nature staff in Glenelg Gippsland Plains Red Gum Grassy Woodland as Hopkins, Sue Mudford and Ray Draper, completed nationally critically endangered through participation five projects funded through the Glenelg Hopkins in the technical panel. This listing will provide greater Catchment Management Authority by the State support to our permanent protection program. Government’s Victorian Investment Framework and Deer are impacting on rainforest gullies in the east the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country. of our region. Trust for Nature has had success These projects included covenant and stewardship in establishing the Deer Management Group in activities to protect high priority grassland, grassy conjunction with the Australian Deer Association, woodland and wetland areas. Conservation the East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation covenants across these areas will provide important Management Network (EGRCMN) and local habitat for a range of species including migratory covenantors. This year the group is implementing the birds, woodland birds in decline, and wetland birds deer control program through various activities such such as the Brolga, Sharp-tailed Shearwater and as the use of browsing deterrent on seedlings and Glossy Ibis. the removal of deer from the site.

The region has also been active in the development of the Catchment Management Network (CMN) / Trust for Nature open grant and achieved success in bringing in an extra $400,000 to existing projects, and as a result the appointment of our first EGRCMN facilitator, Peter Murrell.

12 | Annual Report 09 Trust for Nature has covenanted 338 hectares of A highlight of the year has been the increasing very high quality ecological vegetation communities interest in the protection of riparian zones. (EVCs) in the far east, supporting the East Gippsland Covenant negotiations are underway on properties Catchment Management Authority’s Protecting the buffering the Moorabool River, Gellibrand River, Best project. This includes rainforest, old growth Curdies River and Skenes Creek. Heightened forest and river frontage. awareness of the importance to protect our Regional staff members have developed 40 diminishing natural temperate grasslands is important, management plans for properties in the area. They and the grassland project that is now underway will have also been active in the continued restoration help to reinforce the significance of grassland issues of 40 hectares of significant EVC on our Trust for and contribute towards conserving sites. Nature Bush Family Reserve and Stratford Woodland In addition to the two days per week of covenant Reserve on the Gippsland Plains. funding in the region, three days per week was Future directions include the need to establish funded for stewardship of existing covenants. Over a covenant incentive program and stewardship the last two years, over 90% of properties have been payment program to better target and protect visited, assessed and reported on in line with revised nationally threatened grassy woodlands in the region reporting templates. As a result, a range of issues and to continue to support and provide project across the more than 70 covenants in the region are management for both the EGRCMN and Gippsland well documented and staff can now work towards Plains Catchment Management Network. prioritising and addressing these issues into 2010.

Goulburn Broken region The remainder of the Biodiversity Incentive Scheme fund was spent this year, achieving valuable In excess of 300 hectares of new covenants were conservation works across the region, including negotiated in the Goulburn Broken catchment for this blackberry control in riparian areas, erection and financial year. upgrading of fences to protect remnants, and rabbit Trust for Nature also bought the Earlston woodland control works. in 2006. Bush Tender funding was received to This year, Mount Elephant Community Management manage the property and in Spring 2008 the region group were the proud winners of the Landcare hosted a very successful field day discussing the Community Group Award category at the annual management that had been undertaken on the Corangamite Regional Landcare Awards night. property. The property provides a great focus as an The group have made incredible gains to the environmental demonstration site and the success enhancement of the volcano at Derrinallum, having of the field day proved that people are interested in planted over 13,000 trees since 2005, and tens of environmental management. thousands of grasses and forbs. In November 2008, Mt. Pleasant Management Committee, Shire of Murrindindi and Trust for Nature opened the new Mt Pleasant reserve at Alexandra. The property is owned by Murrindindi Shire and was covenanted in 2008. The local community had lobbied for 10 years to protect the site. The day celebrated a successful community, Local Government and Trust for Nature joint project.

Corangamite region

Interest in seeking covenants in this region has not waned, particularly within the Greater Otway area. During the year, about 700 hectares of land were assessed for new conservation covenants and about half of this area has either been registered or is nearing registration.

Annual Report 09 | 13 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

2008-09 HIGHLIGHTS Conserving Victoria Continued

West Gippsland region Wimmera region

2008-09 has been memorable in West Gippsland In 2008-09, Trust for Nature’s Wimmera staff for many reasons. Along with the usual meetings, engaged in the protection of Victoria’s largest single workshops and administrative duties the exciting occurrence of Swamp Sheoke (Casuarina obesa). on-ground work continued. Twelve covenants were Staged incentive payments are being used to registered, ranging from a 4-hectare Banksia Woodland protect the largest and most healthy population of on the coast to a 67-hectare Warm Temperate Rain this endangered and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and Wet Forest in the Strzelecki Ranges. 1998-listed species. Payments to the landholder for management will also aim to deliver an improvement Stewardship visits were again an important aspect of in quality of this habitat by preventing invasion by our work, allowing us to renew old relationships and pest plants and animals and by limiting grazing for meet new dedicated landholders. use as a management tool. The four Trust for Nature reserves in West Gippsland The conservation outlook for this unusual woodland have continued to have ongoing support from local species will remain dire until sexual reproduction communities and local government. Two of these can recommence at this site. Of its nine known reserves were featured in the Spring into Nature populations, eight occur on private land and all, events in September 2008. including the public land occurrence, are under The Climate Positive plantings on Richard severe threat and in decline. It is vital that other sex Appleton’s covenant at Balook are thriving with seedlings are introduced to this newly protected two-metre-high Mountain Ash, featuring plentiful site to kick start natural recruitment. It is hoped that regenerating understorey. such an intervention will be first step in safeguarding this species within at least this one protected area, In January 2009, fire broke out in Darlimurla, near in which the covenant area is 89 hectares, of Mirboo North. Later this was to be known as the which the area of endangered Swamp Sheoke is “Delburn Complex”. The deliberately lit fire moved approximately 30 hectares. from the Lyrebird Walk to the Darlimurla Estate burning the beautiful swampy gully of the Baker Over two years have been spent developing Covenant and, later, Trust for Nature’s Grieve Conservation Action Plans (CAP) for four separate Reserve. zones by the various networks of government, non- government and philanthropic organisations involved The following February, another deliberately lit fire in the Habitat141 program. These CAPs are asset- burnt from Churchill to Balook threatening several based and their preparation is seen as a crucial covenants and burning two. This fire flicked the exercise in large-scale, multi-agency planning. corner of Tarra Bulga National Park, part of which had previously been purchased by Trust for Nature. Wimmera regional staff have also successfully negotiated a native vegetation offset at the Trust Since these fires occurred, a significant amount of for Nature-owned Mount Elgin Swamp Reserve. work has been done to rehabilitate the areas and This development further enhances Trust for to provide support to impacted covenantors. Some Nature’s reputation and role in providing native unburnt covenants have also acted as relocation vegetation offsets or offset services as set out in sites for injured wildlife. It is hoped that the next the Native Vegetation Framework. In addition this 12 months bring conditions that will promote outcome will result in funded management actions regeneration of the burnt landscape and the re- over a ten-year period to preserve and improve establishment of fauna populations that were heavily a large area of the swamp bed. The Mt Elgin hit by the fires. Committee of Management will be able to utilise the offset arrangement to make significant gains and improvement elsewhere at the reserve. These activities include the revegetation of a large section of the swamp that was formerly drained and farmed. This will be achieved using Red Gum seedlings and Tangled Lignum tube stock.

14 | Annual Report 09 Other planned improvements will be ongoing rabbit A major component of this plan involves the removal and fox control, expansion and improvement of of large pines on the property and the subsequent nesting boxes, bird hide and watering points and spreading of the mulch to inhibit weed growth and the potential acquisition of valuable adjacent land leave targeted areas for natural regeneration. A surrounding the swamp in order to integrate it into second stage will focus on fencing and further pine the reserve. removal in other areas of the property.

Port Phillip & Westernport region This project has relied on community involvement and support, and also the commitment and The 23 May purchase of one acre in the support of the donors’ family to assist with overall Cottlesbridge area by Trust for Nature has helped management of the work. As a result of involving provide permanent protection for the endangered the community, there will soon be a volunteer tree- Rosella Spider Orchid (“Little Pink”). planting day. Caladenia rosella is considered endangered in The year has also seen a significant effort placed Victoria and is listed as such under the Victorian into bush regeneration works elsewhere throughout Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998 and the the region following the February 2009 bushfires. Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Fortunately, funding secured through the federal Conservation Act 1999. government’s Caring for Our Country grants has The acre* purchased is home to one of only four allowed a great deal of work to be done in reversing populations of Little Pink in Victoria, with recent the impacts brought about by this widespread event. mapping revealing many specimens yet to flower. North East region The land was once part of artist Clifton Pugh’s vast estate and named Dunmoochin. A number of new covenants are being negotiated in the North East region as a result of the new North The purchase of the Dunmoochin property was a East Environment Incentives Program. The program collaborative effort between Trust for Nature and is a collaboration between Trust for Nature, the the Dunmoochin Foundation which owns, and has Department of Sustainability and Environment, the covenanted, the adjoining property. Purchase funds Department of Primary Industries and the North East included those donated by Clifton Pugh to Trust for Catchment Management Authority. The targeted Nature several years ago. program provides substantial financial support to The owner’s decision to auction the property on short land owners to undertake a range of works such notice for financial reasons, and the fact that specific as fencing, weed control, pest animal control and permit conditions applied, allowed Trust for Nature a revegetation, with a focus on priority landscapes unique opportunity to secure this high conservation and larger, more intact remnant sites. Four land site for a significantly reduced market value. applicants wished to covenant parcels to protect 97.8 hectares of bushland. New covenantors were After three years of negotiations, the Uambi property eligible for grants of up to $20,000 over a five-year project has been given the planning approval, period enabling a range of important works to be resources and funding for regeneration works. planned. Uambi is a 5.7-hectare property near Heathmont that Trust for Nature aims to restore back to pre-1750 vegetation status through a careful management and monitoring plan.

Annual Report 09 | 15 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

2008-09 HIGHLIGHTS Conserving Victoria Continued

A number of board members and Melbourne staff If the property does not sell through the revolving spent two days in the North East in November 2008. fund, it will be transferred to the National Parks The group met with the North East Catchment system, ensuring its permanent protection for nature Management Authority staff and board on the 27th conservation, thus meeting both Trust for Nature then on the 28th had a tour of the Dockers Plains and Department of Sustainability and the Pastoral Company land on the lower Ovens River, Environment objectives. kindly hosted by John and Mary Paul. This was Over the past year there has been interest from several a great linking up of many conservation-focused farmers to establish conservation covenants across people with the DPPC tour very inspirational to all. the Mallee. Many of those that have existing covenants A further highlight of 2008-09 has been the were successful with Department of Sustainability and collaborative response by Trust for Nature and the Environment Bush Tender funding. Conservation Volunteers Australia staff in attending Our new caretakers at Neds Corner, Peter and to fire-affected covenants in the weeks after the Colleen Barnes, along with regional manager Greg February fires. Our thanks go to the CVA staff and Ogle and major projects manager Chris Cook, have volunteers involved. Their work has been especially made excellent progress developing partnerships appreciated by the covenantors. centred around this iconic property. Trust for Mallee region Nature has continued to work with existing partners including The Nature Conservancy, the Webb Trust, Early in 2009, local covenantors made Trust for the David Thomas Challenge and the Mallee CMA Nature aware of the up-coming auction of a 687- to complete renovation and management projects hectare property adjoining Hattah (Murray-Sunset) essential for the viability of Neds Corner. National Park. After Trust for Nature confirmed its high conservation significance, the property was successfully purchased using Trust for Nature’s revolving fund.

The land, which falls within the Mallee catchment management area, is a significantly large area of important habitat for the nationally vulnerable Mallee fowl (Leipoa ocellata) and Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus), as well as many species of declining woodland bird, including White-browed Babbler, Hooded Robin and Crested Bellbird.

Neds Corner Station.

16 | Annual Report 09 Trust for Nature has registered 952 covenants across Victoria since1987, permanently protecting nearly 40,000 hectares.

Annual Report 09 | 17 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

2008-09 summary of achievements

Objective Strategic goal Performance Objective Strategic goal Performance

Victorian Conservation Victorian Conservation Trust Act (1972) Trust Act (1972)

To preserve areas of To maximise Leadership in private land conservation policy and projects To focus on excellence Business and Finance ecological significance biodiversity outcomes Trust for Nature provided the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and and growth in our In 2008-09 Trust for Nature developed or continued to foster a number of of nature conservation Australian Government with a consultancy report assessing the viability business. significant funding partnerships. Our recurrent State Government funding actions. of a Tasmanian revolving fund. This resulted in the Australian Government grant has increased to its current base of $585,000, which will continue providing $5 million to establish a revolving fund program in Tasmania. to be indexed every year.

Trust for Nature has also been working with the Australian Government Our regional catchment management authorities continue to see value and its associated interstate peers to coordinate the reporting of private for service, having maintained or increased funding for this financial land contribution to the conservation estate. year and made similar commitments for the next financial year and our philanthropic income has grown considerably to its current total of Partnerships with other organisations $713,432. Working collaboratively with other non-government organisations has been important in the 2008-09 financial year. Trust for Nature continues Trust for Nature has undergone organisational restructure in the last to work with the Victoria Naturally network of eight environmental financial year and part of this framework was the shift to mirror the organisations to maximise the impact of private land conservation. Victorian Public Service Award in the new Enterprise Bargain Agreement We have implemented a number of joint on-ground projects with (EBA). The EBA standardises the conditions and job transferability of the Conservation Volunteers Australia and Greening Australia and there is roles of Trust for Nature staff. the potential for significant collaborative projects with Birds Australia, Bird Observation and Conservation Australia, the NSW Conservation Trust To conserve wildlife To capture new Native Vegetation Offsets and Landcare Australia Limited. and native plants opportunities in the Trust for Nature administers the $4.5 million DSE fuelbreaks offset project emerging ecosystems – where the State Government has retained Trust for Nature to provide To protect and manage Conservation covenants services markets for the State with required native vegetation offsets. land for biodiversity. Conservation covenants are a core business of Trust for Nature. biodiversity gains. Many other offset projects were handled by Trust for Nature during Covenanting private land enables Trust for Nature to provide buffer zones the financial year. These originate from various sources but there is no to Victoria’s parks system and create wildlife corridors. doubt that the growth in this area of our business may require a greater In the 2008-09 financial year Trust for Nature registered 51 conservation commitment for resourcing and investment if such demand continues. covenants, compared to 62 the previous year. This lower number reflects the increasing need to have our covenanting program target highly To conserve and To create a supportive Corporate Projects threatened habitat in productive landscapes. Finalising covenants within create areas for environment for In 2008-09, regular, targeted fundraising campaigns have given donors these landscapes is usually more complex and more difficult due to scientific study and investors in private the opportunity to contribute to specific areas of need in the organisation economic factors. education nature conservation. – for example, the Revolving Fund.

These 51 covenants protected over 3058 hectares. Trust for Nature More investors and clients are recognising the services, value and began its conservation covenant program in 1987. As of June 2009 conservation impact of Trust for Nature. This is clearly demonstrated by it now has more than 950 covenants registered across Victoria, significant funding partnerships with government and private enterprise. representing more than 39,300 hectares.

Stewardship Program Trust for Nature visits each Trust for Nature covenanted property at least once every three years. In 2008-09, 280 properties were inspected as part of Trust for Nature’s stewardship commitment and 158 management plans were delivered to covenantors.

18 | Annual Report 09 Objective Strategic goal Performance Objective Strategic goal Performance

Victorian Conservation Victorian Conservation Trust Act (1972) Trust Act (1972)

Annual Report 09 | 19 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

PARTNERS AND DONORS

Trust for Nature is grateful to all our partners and donors for supporting our work to protect and manage biodiversit y. We acknowledge the many individuals, communit y groups, covenantors, associations, foundations and companies who continue to lend their support, both financial and otherwise, to Trust for Nature.

Trust for Nature wishes to extend thanks to: the Our thanks go to Deacons for ongoing pro bono State Government of Victoria; the State Minister for legal services and also Minter Ellison, Maddocks and Environment and Climate Change; the staff of the KPMG for providing advice on a number of matters. Department of Sustainability and Environment; the Thanks also to Goldman Sachs JB Were staff for Australian Government; the Federal Minister for the their volunteer efforts. Environment, Heritage and the Arts, the Federal Trust for Nature wishes to express sincere gratitude Minister for Climate Change and Water and the staff to the following organisations and individuals who of both departments, particularly those involved with the have made generous contributions to Trust for Natural Heritage Trust and National Reserve System; Nature in the 2008-09 financial year: Victoria’s 10 catchment management authorities; the Victorian Catchment Management Council and Victoria’s local governments for assisting with rate rebates for our conservation covenant program.

The State Government of Victoria Port Phillip and Westernport CMA Perpetual Trustees The Australian Government’s West Gippsland CMA The Nature Conservancy and Natural Heritage Trust Wimmera CMA David Thomas for the Thomas Challenge Corangamite CMA Deacons The South East Australian East Gippsland CMA Department of the Environment, Naturalists’ Association Glenelg Hopkins CMA Water, Heritage and the Arts Trust for Nature Foundation Goulburn Broken CMA Donation Homeloans World Wildlife Fund Mallee CMA Maddocks The Helen McPherson North Central CMA mecu Foundation North East CMA Minter Ellison

CORANGAMITE CMA

20 | Annual Report 09 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

major donors

Trust for Nature continues to rely on its major donors to support its conservation efforts across Victoria. We are grateful to the following individuals for their generous support in 2008-09:

$10,000 plus Dr Margaret Lush

The list below details donations of $10,000 and over Dr Geoff C Lacey received by Trust for Nature in the 2008-09 financial year. Mr Ian Hopkins

Dr Bill & Mrs Carol Holsworth Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Mr John & Mrs Elizabeth Bate Mr Geoff & Mrs Judy Durham Mr Brian & Mrs Diana Snape Mr William H Miller Mrs Janet Limb Ms Barbara Baird Mr Geoff Handbury Mrs Lesley Griffin Reece Pty Ltd Ms Vanessa Craigie Dr Roger & Mrs Prue Brown $5000 plus Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Ms Therese Pape Dr Peter & Mrs Helen Curtis Mr John Marsden Mrs Anne Marsden Kel & Rosie Day Foundation Mrs Nancy P Marriott $1000 plus Geoff & Geraldine Harris Jillian Wilson Kathleen Cator Xersa Farrance John King Mr Tim Walker Mrs Ruth McKenzie Mr Lynton & Mrs Susan Morgan Dr Elizabeth Xipell Mrs Margaret Ross AM & Mr Ian Ross Mr Alan Henry Mr Tom Tootell & Ms Michelle Vickery Mr W Jones Peter & Terryl Read Mr A & Mrs D Wilson Mr K Schilling Mrs M Reid Langi Yantabulla Pty Ltd Mrs June Danks Belinda Findlay Rikki Andrews Kirsty Bennett Mr James Murphy Dr Howard & Mrs Jill Plowright Ms Roslyn Semler Mr Karl Kny Mr Marten & Mrs Angela Syme

Annual Report 09 | 21 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

FINANCE AND BUSINESS

During the reporting period there was a process of continuous improvement in the Finance and Business area, with improvements to the operational efficiency and 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 financial governance of Trust for Nature. Administration Grant 585,000 570,925 557,000 574,582 546,200 Trust for Nature undergoes external and internal audits every year with internal auditors completing an audit of project reporting, human resources Grants 2,326,728 1,888,678 1,209,609 1,573,587 1,301,891 and payroll (including occupational health and safet y) and an audit of Donations 544,145 713,432 449,257 387,892 512,696 purchasing card transactions. Income from Properties 19,552 14,588 23,388 91,117 32,366

Interest on Funds Held 908,404 514,550 409,747 350,656 317,551

Proceeds Assets 838,027 3,054,285 714,881 1,437,149 1,528,434

Other Income 488,418 423,082 594,592 854,945 556,197

Total Revenue 5,710,274 7,179,540 3,958,473 5,269,928 4,795,335

Salary & Associated Expenses 1,944,873 1,586,652 1,599,335 1,535,110 1,435,437

Covenant Program Costs 476,917 749,958 565,459 402,784 489,291

Value of Assets Sold 628,550 3,428,599 712,387 1,435,185 2,857,186

Other Expenses 1,294,685 711,429 680,669 971,439 821,847

Total Expenditure 4,345,025 6,476,638 3,557,850 4,344,518 5,603,761

Result 1,365,249 702,902 400,623 925,410 (808,426)

Revaluation 0 251,926 4,970,835

Total Change in Equity 1,365,249 954,828 5,371,458 925,410 (808,426)

22 | Annual Report 09 Statement of significant changes in Subsequent events financial position There are no events subsequent to the balance date For 2008-09 Trust for Nature delivered an operating that will affect materially the future performance of surplus of $1,365,249 which is higher than the the organisation. operating surplus of $702,902 in the previous year. The 2008–09 table below contains a five-year The higher surplus was mainly due to increased financial summary. A comprehensive financial revenue from Federal Government grants and statement can be accessed by contacting Trust for increased interest income from higher rates and Nature on 03 8631 5888 or visiting deposits. The overall increase in equity for 2008-09 www.trustfornature.org.au. was $1,365,249 ($954,828 in 2007–08). Information relevant to the requirements of the Major changes or factors affecting Financial Reporting Directions of the Financial performance Management Act 1994 is held at Trust for Nature’s There were no major factors that affected Trust main office and is available on request, subject to for Nature’s performance that are not otherwise the Freedom of Information Act (1982). disclosed.

Financial results summary for 2008-09 financial year

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

Administration Grant 585,000 570,925 557,000 574,582 546,200

Grants 2,326,728 1,888,678 1,209,609 1,573,587 1,301,891

Donations 544,145 713,432 449,257 387,892 512,696

Income from Properties 19,552 14,588 23,388 91,117 32,366

Interest on Funds Held 908,404 514,550 409,747 350,656 317,551

Proceeds Assets 838,027 3,054,285 714,881 1,437,149 1,528,434

Other Income 488,418 423,082 594,592 854,945 556,197

Total Revenue 5,710,274 7,179,540 3,958,473 5,269,928 4,795,335

Salary & Associated Expenses 1,944,873 1,586,652 1,599,335 1,535,110 1,435,437

Covenant Program Costs 476,917 749,958 565,459 402,784 489,291

Value of Assets Sold 628,550 3,428,599 712,387 1,435,185 2,857,186

Other Expenses 1,294,685 711,429 680,669 971,439 821,847

Total Expenditure 4,345,025 6,476,638 3,557,850 4,344,518 5,603,761

Result 1,365,249 702,902 400,623 925,410 (808,426)

Revaluation 0 251,926 4,970,835

Total Change in Equity 1,365,249 954,828 5,371,458 925,410 (808,426)

Annual Report 09 | 23 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Our people

Trust for Nature (Victoria) was established as a body corporate under the Victorian Conservation Trust Act 1972. Under the Act, the objectives of Trust for Nature are to preserve areas which are ecologically significant, of natural interest or beaut y or of historical interest; to conserve wildlife and native pl ants and to conserve and create areas for scientific study rel ated to these areas of significance or interest.

Trust for Nature is charged with the power to do Rikki Andrews Rikki is the Philanthropy all things necessary and convenient to achieve its Development Manager at Research objectives. This includes entering into covenants with Australia, the peak body for medical landholders to bind current and future landowners and health research. She has a with regard to future development or use of the land. background in sales, business development and grant-making within Trust for Nature is overseen by a Board of Trustees, trustee companies. She has extensive experience appointed by the Governor in Council on the in advising high-net-worth individuals on choosing recommendation of the Minister administering the Act. the best philanthropic option to suit their giving Responsible Minister – Environment and requirements. Climate Change Rikki holds a Bachelor of Science (Botany) from the The Honourable Gavin Jennings, Minister for University of Adelaide and a Graduate Certificate Environment and Climate Change, 01/07/2008 – in Environmental Management from the University 30/06/2009. of Queensland. Most recently, she completed a Master in Social Science (Philanthropy and Social Patron-in-chief Investment) at Swinburne University of Technology. The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Prof. Richard Cotton AM Richard has a near Kretser AC. life-long commitment to the field Trust for Nature Board of Trustees of science having obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Chairman Tom Tootell Tom has a wealth of a PhD in Bacterial Biochemical expertise in financial matters, having Genetics and a Doctor of Science worked with stockbroking firm JB (Mammalian Genetics) from the University of Were and Son for 34 years. During Melbourne. Professor Cotton began his practical this time he was firm partner/director genetics experience in 1962, when he began his for 20 years and for over a decade PhD in Biochemical Genetics, though he switched he headed the firm’s international operations in to mammalian and human biochemical genetics Europe, Asia and the Middle East from its London with his second post-doctoral position at the Royal office. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation in 1968. University of Melbourne. Rod Gowans Rod has over 30 years experience Deputy Chairman Camilla Graves BA Dip Ed, in the management of natural Camilla has a Graduate Diploma resources on public and private land. of Applied Finance (Securities He has worked in various executive Institute of Australia) and a Graduate leadership roles responsible for Diploma of Applied Science the management of national parks, (Horticulture). Camilla has had a conservation reserves and the conservation of lifelong involvement in farming and has worked in the biodiversity. He has both national and international financial markets in the UK, the tourism industry and experience in programs for nature conservation and as a consultant horticulturalist. natural resource management. He previously sat on the Board of Melbourne Parks and Waterways and the Board of Zoos Victoria.

He is currently a member of the Victorian Catchment Management Council. He was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 2007 Australia Day honours for outstanding public service to the conservation of biodiversity and to the management of national parks.

24 | Annual Report 09 Anthea Hancocks Anthea has a B.Sc in Sylvia Geddes Sylvia Geddes was CEO of The zoology and anthropology, MA in (charitable) RE Ross Trust from 2000 anthropology and business and until she retired in July 2008. Prior MBA specialising in organisational to this she was Manager, Charitable development. She brings an Services, ANZ Trustees for three and extensive background in business a half years, working with trustees development, education, communications, and donors to provide grants to charities. relationship and services marketing and strategy. Sylvia headed the Australian Government’s Office for She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for law the Aged, managed her own consultancy business, firm Herbert Geer where she has been responsible and was a council member of the Australian Red for the firm’s renaming and rebranding. Prior to this Cross Victoria, including a period as Vice-Chair. Over she has worked in a number of executive positions the past 15 years Sylvia has worked with many not- in business development at a range of top tier for-profit organisations, including those advancing companies. the interests of Indigenous Australians.

Graeme Henshaw Graeme graduated from the She has served on state and federal government University of Melbourne Law School advisory committees for vulnerable children, young in 1966. He joined Arthur Robinson people, families and those who are homeless. and Co as an articled clerk and was In 1997 Sylvia was a member of the Australian admitted as a partner in 1972. In the delegation at the World Health Organisation’s early 1970s, the firm acted in relation conference on Health Promotion. In 1995 she was to the incorporation of the Victorian Conservation an invited speaker for an International Day of Older Trust, the entity now known as Trust for Nature, and Persons, held in South Korea. Graeme was the partner handling most of its initial Dr Gregory Moore Greg Moore was principal of property matters. Burnley College, Faculty of Land When he retired in 2004, Graeme was the partner and Food Resources, Melbourne in charge of commercial property in the Melbourne University, from 1988 until 2007. office of Allens Arthur Robinson, one of Australia’s Prior to this he was Senior Lecturer/ leading national law firms. Lecturer in Plant Science and Arboriculture at Burnley from 1979. He was Head Dr Margaret Lush Dr Lush has a Bachelor of of the School of Resource Management at the Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery University from 2002 to 2007. from the University of Melbourne and qualified as a psychiatrist in Apart from a general interest in horticultural plant 1977. She is a Fellow of the Royal science and ecology, Dr Moore is interested in all Australian and New Zealand College aspects of arboriculture – the scientific study of of Psychiatrists. She worked for many years in the the cultivation and management of trees. He has public and private health sectors as a Consultant at contributed to Australian Standards in pruning and Maroondah Psychiatric Unit and in her own private amenity tree evaluation. He was inaugural president practice with particular interests in chronic mental of the Society of Arboriculture, Australian Chapter. illness and post-natal depression. Her current He has been a member of the National Trust of professional work is as a Psychiatrist Member of the Victoria’s Register of Significant Trees since 1988 Mental Health Review Board (Victoria). and its Chair since 1996. He also chairs the Board For many years she has been actively involved in the of Treenet. Dr Moore has been on the board of preservation and management of remnant bushland Greening Australia (Victoria) since 1989, and serves areas around metropolitan Melbourne. on the board of Sustainable Gardening Australia.

He has written one book, contributed to two others, and published more than 80 papers and articles relating to tree biology and management.

Annual Report 09 | 25 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Our people Continued

Board meetings Trust for Nature Foundation trustees

Trust for Nature’s Board of Trustees met five times in Michael Butcher (Chairman) 2008-09 financial year. Dr Janet Schapper

Attendance was as follows: Committees Jim Hondros (one out of one - resigned 7 October 08) Governance, Risk, Audit and Finance Tom Tootell (three out of five – deputy chair until Committee: (four meetings) October 08, appointed Chair 1 December 08) Camilla Graves (Chair) Camilla Graves (five out of five meetings – deputy chair) Tom Tootell Anthea Hancocks (four out of five) Dr Margaret Lush Rikki Andrew Dr Margaret Lush (four out of five) Graeme Henshaw (four out of five) Conservation committee: (four meetings) Rikki Andrews (three out of five) Rod Gowans (Chairman) Rod Gowans (five out five) Tom Tootell Graeme Henshaw Professor Richard Cotton AM (four out of five) Camilla Graves Board Associates: Prof Richard Cotton

John Bate OAM Fundraising committee: (four meetings) Julia Bruce Anthea Hancocks (Chair) Dr Neil Byron Tom Tootell Angie Bradbury Dr Margaret Lush George Koczkar Prof Richard Cotton Janet Limb Graeme Henshaw Ted Mann Camilla Graves William ‘Bill’ Middleton OAM Rikki Andrews Maria Myers AO Rod Gowans Kevin Phillips Dr Janet Schapper Brian Snape AM Pamela Sutton George Wright

26 | Annual Report 09 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Our organisation

Trust for Nature recognises that its employees are important stakeholders for the effective operation of the organisation.

In 2008-09 Trust for Nature employed 40 staff members including 24 full-time staff, 13 part-time staff and three casual members; 17 women and 23 men.

In 2007-08 Trust for Nature employed 41 staff North East regional manager Jim Blackney including 13 full-time staff, 28 part-time staff; 20 Port Phillip and Westernport regional manager Lynlee women and 21 men. Tozer (from May 2007) Throughout 2008-09 Trust for Nature sought to West Gippsland regional manager Anne Westwood uphold its commitments to the principles of the Wimmera regional manager Adam Blake Public Administration Act 2004. Trust for Nature staff Corangamite stewardship officer Libby Woodward abide by the organisation’s four values and the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees. East Gippsland stewardship officer Max James East Gippsland stewardship officer Mark Jorgensen Executive director East Gippsland ranger Brett Mills Mike Gooey (until April 2009) Glenelg Hopkins stewardship officer Ray Draper Peter Moulton (acting) (from April 2009) Goulburn Broken stewardship officer Lance Williams Senior management Goulburn Broken conservation officer Shelagh Curmi Regional operations manager Peter Moulton North Central grasslands officer Eris O’Brien Business manager James McComb (until North Central stewardship officer Tim Read November 2008) Port Phillip and Westernport stewardship officer Business manager Mark O’Brien (from Linda Bester (until March 2009) November 2008) Port Phillip and Westernport conservation officer Benedict Cullen

Major projects manager Chris Cook West Gippsland conservation officer John Hick Revolving fund manager Ralph Dalton Wimmera stewardship officer Fiona Copley GIS, spatial planning and data manager Administration officer Cheryl Meyer Chris Lindorff Administration support officer (casual) Erin Carpenter Biodiversity project officer Jenny Wilson (from May 2009) Biodiversity project officer Mal Wright Conservation administration officer Nicola Vaughan Communications coordinator Renee Robinson Finance support officer (casual) Chris Bowden (from November 2008) (from April 2009 – until May 2009) Conservation Bulletin editor Susanna Nelson Finance support officer (casual) Greg Bowers (from July 2008) (from June 2009) Conservation science coordinator Executive assistant Wendy Fernandes Dr Doug Robinson Supporter services officer Angela Davis Corangamite regional manager Chris Lindorff East Gippsland regional manager Robyn Edwards Glenelg Hopkins regional manager Sue Mudford Goulburn Broken regional manager Dr Doug Robinson (until February 2009) Goulburn Broken regional manager (acting) Shelagh Curmi (from February 2009) Mallee regional manager Greg Ogle North Central regional manager Elvyne Hogan

Annual Report 09 | 27 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

organisational Chart

STAFF 07-08 08-09 executive officers (salary greater than $120k) 1 1

senior management (salary less than $120k) 2 4

administration staff 3 4

finance staff regional staff 22 25

operations staff 35 31

male 21 23

female 20 17

full-time 13 24

part-time 28 13

casual 3

Total 41 40

Trust for Nature organisational chart

Board of Trustees

Executive Director Executive Assistant

Conservation Science Operations Manager Major Projects Manager Revolving Fund Manager Business Manager Development Manager Coordinator

Reception & Conservation GIS Officer Administration Administration Officer Officer

Regional Managers 10 Project Coordinators 3 Neds Corner Manager Communications Coordinator

Stewardship Conservation Rangers & Project Supporter Officers 10 Officers 3 Officers 3 Services Officer

Line of supervision depending on project

28 | Annual Report 09 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT and ACHIEVEMENTS STAFF 07-08 08-09 executive officers (salary greater than $120k) 1 1 Trust for Nature is committed to policies and strategies that engage Victorians of all ages and cultural backgrounds. senior management (salary less than $120k) 2 4 administration staff 3 4 Culturally and linguistically diverse Young people communities finance staff Trust for Nature has involved youth across Victoria Trust for Nature will continue to develop and provide through several conservation initiatives and regional staff 22 25 services which respond to cultural diversity. Trust for sustainable partnerships. In the Wimmera, the operations staff 35 31 Nature staff come from a diverse range of backgrounds most significant involvement with young people and Trust for Nature continues to work with Victorian has been Trust for Nature regional manager Adam male 21 23 landholders from many different cultural backgrounds. Blake’s participation on the ‘Tomorrows Leaders female 20 17 for Sustainability’ steering committee. Through Women full-time 13 24 the committee, various West Wimmera schools Trust for Nature is committed to providing an even ran a pilot program for young people involving part-time 28 13 gender balance in the workplace and on the Trust local projects, knowledge of natural resource casual 3 for Nature Board of Trustees and committees. In management, climate change, social, economic 2008-09 Trust for Nature employed 17 women and and environmental sustainability and more. All of Total 41 40 had five women out of a total of ten positions serve it is within the context of developing leadership in on the Board of Trustees. young rural people.

Inaugural Landscape Restoration Fellowship The program has received funding for a three day awarded to Trust for Nature’s Robyn Edwards forum of metropolitan and rural children to be held at Longerenong College. The mecu Ltd covenant Trust for Nature regional at Minimay has also become a project area for the manager Robyn Edwards TLFS program. was awarded The Norman Wettenhall Foundation’s In the North-East, Trust for Nature regional manager inaugural Landscape Jim Blackney organised a planting of 400 trees Restoration Fellowship with the Greta South Primary School at the 15 during 2008-09. Mile Creek Camp in September 2008. There were approximately 20 children, staff and parents involved The fellowship is to recognise a leader in the field on the day. of landscape restoration in south east Australia. Robyn has been instrumental in establishing the Indigenous communities first Conservation Management Network (CMN) Trust for Nature has a policy of active engagement in Victoria, the Gippsland Plains CMN, which has with Indigenous groups across the state and subsequently been hailed as an example of Best continues to work closely with the Indigenous Land Practice Conservation of grassy ecosystems in Council. temperate Australia. She has also worked on the Grassy Woodland Restoration Trials and Projects, In 2008–09 Neds Corner Station again worked the Scattered Trees Project, the Indigenous Training cohesively with Indigenous communities on a variety and Rainforest Restoration Project, national and of projects, including facilitating (along with Landcare statewide CMN committees and the establishment coordinators) six months of training through the of the East Gippsland Rainforest CMN. Mallee Environment Employment Program for drought assistance projects and learning how to Robyn’s award will help her to further develop her identify and fence off important cultural sites. Trust leadership skills while working for Trust for Nature for Nature partnered with the local Indigenous and landscape restoration. She will be awarded community near Neds Corner to recover remains $10,000 a year for up to three years to assist with at sacred sites. The iconic former sheep station will professional and personal development. Robyn can also house an important ‘Keeping Place’ to display use the money for training, professional and personal cultural artefacts such as scar trees. development, conferences and travel.

Trust for Nature thanks The Norman Wettenhall Foundation on its vision in establishing this fellowship.

Annual Report 09 | 29 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT and ACHIEVEMENTS Continued

In the Wimmera the Snape Reserve Committee Glenelg Hopkins Trust for Nature staff also have of Management, in conjunction with Trust for a strong liaison with Indigenous communities Nature Wimmera staff, continues to work closely completing the Lake Condah Restoration Project. with local Indigenous groups because of culturally Trust for Nature has three conservation covenants important areas that exist, or may still arise at Snape near the Lake Condah properties, linked by Reserve. Being situated at Little Desert, but close Darlots Creek. to the Wimmera River, it is close to various other culturally important sites. Earlier this year attempts were made to acquire land adjacent to Mt Elgin Reserve, by arrangement with a landholder. The land has a known, mapped and large burial mound upon it and has been interfered with by inadvertent farming over the years. It would be a sensible and important acquisition for Trust for Nature, however in the meantime we will continue to work with the landholder to protect this cultural site.

Trust for Nature staff, supporters, volunteers and covenantors are inspirational people committed to protecting and improving our environment.

30 | Annual Report 09 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Statutory compliance

Occupational health and safety

Trust for Nature is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees, Trustees, contractors and visitors. To meet this objective Trust for Nature has an Occupational Health and Safet y Policy, Health and Safet y Commit tee and strives continually to improve its Occupational Health and Safety Management System which is already in place. There were no Occupational health and safety incidents to report for 2008-09.

Consultancies Disclosures of improper conduct by Trust for Nature or its employees may be made to: No consultants were engaged during 2008-09. Jennifer Berensen Major contracts Protected Disclosure Coordinator No major contracts were entered into during 2008-09. Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 500, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 Freedom of Information Phone: 03 9637 8697, fax: 03 9637 8128 Trust for Nature is considered to be a “Government Email: [email protected] Agency” under the Freedom of Information Act The Ombudsman Victoria 1982 and is required to comply with the procedures Level 9, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 that have been prescribed under which members Phone: 03 9613 6222 of the public may gain access to information held by agencies. A decision to release information is National Competition Policy made by an authorised officer. Trust for Nature Trust for Nature complies with the Competitive has determined that its authorised officer is the Neutrality Policy Statement issued in June 1996. Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Freedom of Information manager, Mr Luke Brown. Victorian Industry Participation Policy Phone: 03 9637 8934. In the reporting period Trust for Nature did not inititate An application fee of $23.40 applies at the time of or conclude any contracts covered by the Victorian this report’s publication. Industry Partiipation Policy.

In the 08-09 reporting period there were no requests Risk Management attestation for information under the FOI Act. I, Tom Tootell, certify that Trust for Nature has risk Compliance with the Building Act 1993 management processes in place consistent with the Australian/New Zealand Risk Management Standard Trust for Nature meets the compliance conditions of and an internal control system is in place that the Act with respect to the building and maintenance enables the executive to understand, manage and activities of buildings owned by Trust for Nature. satisfactorily control risk exposures. Compliance with the Whistleblowers The audit committee verifies this assurance and that Protection Act 2001 the risk profile of Trust for Nature has been critically The Whistleblowers Protection Act (2001) came reviewed within the last 12 months. into effect on 1 January 2002. The Act is designed to protect people who disclose information about serious wrongdoing within the Victorian Public Sector and to provide a framework for the investigation of these matters. Trust for Nature has not received any relevant disclosures under this Act during 2008-09. Tom Tootell Chairman The Protected Disclosure Coordinator for the 28 August 2009 Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) acts as an agent for Trust for Nature to receive disclosures under the Act, and applies DSE procedures to managing disclosures.

Annual Report 09 | 31 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Statutory compliance Continued

Availability of other information • official overseas travel

Other information to be made available upon request • major promotional, public relations and marketing (subject to Freedom of Information Act 1982): activities • assessments and measures undertaken to • a statement that DOPIs were completed by all improve OHS relevant officers • a general statement on industrial relations • details of shares held in subsidiaries • details of time lost through industrial accidents and • publications and how these can be obtained disputes Clause Disclosure Page • changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies • list of major committees. Report of Operations charged • major external reviews 22B Manner of establishment and all responsible Ministers 24 • major R&D activities 22B Objectives, functions, powers and duties 24

22B Nature and range of services provided 9

Management and structure

22B Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of 27-28 senior officers

22B Names of board members and committee members 26

Financial and Other Information

22B Workforce data – two year comparison 28

22B Merit and equity 28-29

15B Executive officer disclosures N/A Comprehensive financial statement

22B 5 year summary of financial results 23

22B Significant changes in financial position 23

22B Objectives and performance against objectives 18-19

22B Major changes or factors affecting performance 23

22B Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 23

22B Details of consultancies > $100,000 31

22B Details of consultancies and total no and cost < $100,000 31

12A Major contracts 31

22B Application and operation of Freedom of Information Act (1982) 31

22B Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act (2001) 31

22B Compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of Building Act (1993) 31

22B Statement on National Competition Policy 31 Trust for Nature’s Revolving Fund uses funds from 22B Statement on occupational health and safety matters 31 10 Disclosure index 33 bequests, donations and government to buy and 22B Statement of availability of other information 32 protect land with endangered ecosystems.

32 | Annual Report 09 Disclosure Index

The Annual Report of Trust for Nature is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of our compliance with these statutory disclosure requirements.

Clause Disclosure Page

Report of Operations

22B Manner of establishment and all responsible Ministers 24

22B Objectives, functions, powers and duties 24

22B Nature and range of services provided 9

Management and structure

22B Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of 27-28 senior officers

22B Names of board members and committee members 26

Financial and Other Information

22B Workforce data – two year comparison 28

22B Merit and equity 28-29

15B Executive officer disclosures N/A Comprehensive financial statement

22B 5 year summary of financial results 23

22B Significant changes in financial position 23

22B Objectives and performance against objectives 18-19

22B Major changes or factors affecting performance 23

22B Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 23

22B Details of consultancies > $100,000 31

22B Details of consultancies and total no and cost < $100,000 31

12A Major contracts 31

22B Application and operation of Freedom of Information Act (1982) 31

22B Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act (2001) 31

22B Compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of Building Act (1993) 31

22B Statement on National Competition Policy 31

22B Statement on occupational health and safety matters 31

10 Disclosure index 33

22B Statement of availability of other information 32

Annual Report 09 | 33 TRUST for NATURE 2008-09

Notes

34 | Annual Report 09

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