P ARKS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2000-2001 VISION

An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced, for people, forever.

PURPOSE

We exist to: • Conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural assets; • Responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality information, services and experiences; • Contribute to the social and economic well being of Victorians; •Provide excellence and innovation in park management.

CONTENTS

Vision and Purpose Chairman’s Foreword 1 Celebrating the International Year of the Volunteer 2 Key Achievements 4 Section 1 Chief Executive’s Message 8 Corporate Governance 10 The Board 12 The Executive Team and Organisational Chart 14 Section 2 Protecting and Conserving Our Heritage 16 Section 3 Working with the Community and our Partners 20 Section 4 Enhancing the Visitor Experience 24 Section 5 Wildfire Management 32 Section 6 Organisational Performance 36 Section 7 Financial Statements 40 Legislative Framework Chairman’s Foreword

Peter Buzzard The Hon. Sherryl Garbutt MP Chairman, Parks Victoria Minister for Environment and Conservation

Dear Minister,

On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to submit the fifth Parks Victoria Annual Report to you.

This year, Parks Victoria continued to deliver high-quality parks services on behalf of the State. The skills, dedication and commitment of the staff of Parks Victoria ensure that this work is carried out with a high level of expertise, borne out once again by the organisation’s achievements this year, particularly in the field of environmental management.

Of course, in this International Year of Volunteers, Parks Victoria is delighted to acknowledge the support and dedication of the many volunteers who offer their time to help preserve and enhance our precious parklands. The assistance, expertise and passion of the individuals and hundreds of groups who were involved in a range of projects in our parks have been integral to our achievements.

In July 2000, Dr Geoff Wescott and Pam Robinson were appointed to the Board, and Don Saunders was appointed in February 2001.

There are many achievements described in the annual report and I would urge you to take special note of the significant ones highlighted on pages 4 – 7 of the report.

Finally I would like to thank you, Minister, for your support and close involvement with Parks Victoria during the year.

Peter Buzzard Chairman Parks Victoria September 2001

1 International Year of Volunteers

Volunteers make an outstanding contribution to a strong, During the year, volunteers provided more than 17,500 days cohesive society and embody the best of Australia’s cultural of assistance in a diverse range of projects across Victoria. traditions. While Parks Victoria facilitates some of the community and volunteer programs, many others are started and managed As part of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers, Parks externally by committed and concerned groups of people Victoria celebrated and recognised the contribution of park with some Parks Victoria support. volunteers and the staff who support them with a series of events throughout the State. A near record number of The contribution made by park volunteers and the support volunteers participated in Clean Up Australia Day, 50 they provide to Parks Victoria staff is truly impressive. volunteers in 15 parks successfully ran the Camp Host Volunteers play an invaluable supportive role in removing and programs across 19 sites, while volunteers from 17 groups controlling pest plants and animals, revegetating sites, contributed to the success of the Parks Festival at Albert Park enhancing four-wheel drive tracks, conserving historic and in May. cultural sites, carrying out surveying, monitoring and research activities, helping out at visitor centres and information desks, educating visitors, lending a hand at special events, taking part in interpretation, guiding and Camp Host programs and helping out with the production of publications, general administration and fundraising.

Above: Families volunteer to plant trees at Jells Park.

2 Above: Dedicated volunteers helping maintain tracks in Baw Baw National Park. Below from left: Young volunteers at Button Grass Nature Walk, Bunyip State Park, help to plant some trees; Davina Young, Pamela Todd and Ernie Matthews liven up Werribee Park.

3 Key Achievements

Clockwise from left: South Channel Fort; Minister Garbutt opens the new visitor facility at the Twelve Apostles; State of the Parks Report; The Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility.

State of the Parks 2000 Report Seasonal Ranger Program Parks Victoria achieved a major milestone with the public To support and enhance the delivery of visitor services during release of the State of the Parks 2000 Report, which provides summer, Parks Victoria employed 48 seasonal rangers, many a comprehensive picture of the overall environmental of them in regional areas. condition of the parks system. The report represented the culmination of more than three years’ work. Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility

Indigenous Employment Program The Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility was completed and officially opened. Built to strict environmental criteria, the We employed seven new rangers and three team leaders in centre will be a focus for the one million visitors a year who the first phase of the Indigenous Employment Program. visit this natural wonder.

Indigenous Cross-Cultural Training South Channel Fort Jetty Reconstruction In an innovation that was widely applauded, prominent elders The reconstruction of this Port Phillip Bay heritage icon was and members of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities conducted completed in time for summer, giving visitors access to the a cross-cultural awareness training program for 150 staff fort for the first time since the closure in 1997 of the old jetty. across the State.

4 Left: Minister Garbutt launches the Werribee Precinct Region of Excellence project at Shadowfax Winery, Werribee Mansion. Below: Three of the Kookaburra Award winners – Dr Malcolm Calder, Leon Costermans and Dr David Ashton.

San Remo Jetty Kookaburra Awards The Minister officially opened the rebuilt $1.5 million San Parks Victoria established the Kookaburra Awards to Remo Jetty and Pelican Walk, which have greatly improved recognise and acknowledge outstanding individuals who are foreshore access and harbour facilities. involved in preserving, enhancing and expanding Victoria’s parks system. This year’s winners were Dr David Ashton, Hooded Plover Protection Dr Malcolm Calder, Eileen Collins, Leon Costermans, Jane Calder and David Tatnall. Fox control, sea spurge control and population monitoring of Hooded Plovers along 30 kilometres of the Mornington Werribee Precinct Region of Excellence Peninsula coastline will help protect this species. Parks Victoria led a strategic partnership with the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program Government, the private sector and the community to produce a strategy for developing Werribee into a centre The Helmeted Honeyeater Team joined forces with the of excellence in conservation management, a major tourist, Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and education and recreation destination and a focus for many Healesville Sanctuary to reintroduce this critically endangered significant annual heritage and cultural events. bird species to the Diamond Creek floodplain in Bunyip State Park.

5 Clockwise from left: There is a great diversity of environmental research projects undertaken as part of the Research Partners Program; The gentle art of koala relocation in Mt Eccles National Park.

Research Partners Program Metropolitan Open Space Strategy Since its inception in May 2000, 52 targeted environmental Parks Victoria completed the draft strategy for the research projects have been established under the Parks metropolitan area. The Linking People and Spaces Strategy Victoria Research Partners Program. Program partners is a 20-year plan that envisions a partnership approach with include the University of Ballarat, Arthur Rylah Institute for local government, State and community land managers to Environmental Research, the University of Melbourne, Deakin guide sustainable open space initiatives. University and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology at the Royal Botanic Gardens. City of Greater Geelong – Study of Open Space Networks Anglesea Heathlands Private Sector Management Partnership Parks Victoria, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, developed a Study of Open Space Networks. Parks Victoria will work in partnership with Alcoa to manage The study promotes the importance of open space and the 7000-hectare Anglesea Heathland, which adjoins emphasises trail linkages. Opportunities for improving and Angahook-Lorne State Park. Under the agreement Alcoa expanding the shared trail network were identified, as well will fund a management plan and ground works. as a prioritised program for implementation.

Koala Relocation Parks Victoria continued its koala relocation program to reduce environmental damage on Snake and French Islands and at Mt Eccles National Park.

6 Clockwise from left: The Metropolitan Open Space Strategy: Linking People and Spaces will guide sustainable open space initiatives; Minister Garbutt launches the Wilsons Promontory National Park Draft Management Plan.

Wilsons Promontory National Park Draft Directions in Historic Places Management Management Plan This ground-breaking draft report outlines Parks Victoria’s This draft plan, released for community consultation in strategic long-term heritage conservation goals, which will December 2000, takes a holistic approach to managing the lead to more effective management and reporting of much loved “Prom” by integrating Tidal River’s management historic places. with that of the rest of the park. Lower Yarra River Future Directions and Ramsar Strategic Directions Statement Recreational Guidelines The Minister for Environment and Conservation launched Parks Victoria developed guidelines for the recreational use the first three in a series of draft Ramsar documents outlining of the Lower Yarra. We have begun implementing the plan’s a world-leading integrated approach to managing and recommendations and have drafted an Action Plan. protecting wetland sites. The three sites are Western District Lakes, Corner Inlet and Western Port. Westgate Park Stormwater Catchment and Retention System Rosebud Foreshore Stage one was completed, which included the completion of Parks Victoria completed the Rosebud Landscape Master a consultant’s report on the wetland design and subsequent Plan, which will guide future environmental and visitor earth works and pump installation. management and infrastructure improvements.

7 1 Chief Executive’s Message

In this our fifth Annual Report – which falls during the Protecting and conserving the natural environment in our International Year of Volunteers – I would like to take the parks and reserves will always be our primary role. Much of opportunity to recognise the marvellous contribution that our energy this year was focused on finding better ways to volunteers make to the effective management of our parks fulfil this role by prioritising the allocation of our finite across the State. financial and human resources. To address these limitations, a new three-year planning cycle was developed that would Volunteers have contributed to a plethora of projects across allow us to strike the best balance between urgent short- the State and the following examples are just a few of the term needs and long-term challenges. Underpinning this highlights: at Baw Baw National Park, volunteers helped to planning cycle was the State of the Parks 2000 report, a control willow, an insidious pest plant; at Lerderderg State comprehensive review of our parks’ natural values and their Park, the Friends group built information shelters using a distribution statewide. Minister Garbutt released the report, Centenary of Federation Community Grant; and at Seawinds an Australian first, at Wilsons Promontory National Park in nursery, volunteers propagated more than 22,000 plants, the December last year. benefits of which can be seen throughout the Peninsula. It was appropriate that the Minister chose to launch this Parks Victoria confronted many diverse challenges throughout acclaimed report at the Prom, as it also gave her an the year. The majority of these could be addressed through opportunity to announce the release of a draft integrated tried and true methods but some required an innovative management plan for this, arguably our best known approach, none more so than the issue of managing smaller National Park. This environmental initiative, flagged in the camp sites in parks as disparate as Wyperfeld and Government’s policy, ensures that in the future Wilsons Croajingolong National Parks and Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. Promontory National Park, including Tidal River, will be To complement the rangers’ supervision of these sites we managed holistically, recognising the primacy of protecting developed the volunteer Camp Host Program. In another the natural environment, while providing an enjoyable and fine example of volunteerism, Camp Hosts “keep an eye” on rewarding experience for our visitors. 19 of these sites by acting as a contact point for rangers and visitors and by providing visitor information services. In return, The desire to promote visitor safety and enjoyment drove one they gain practical experience in many facets of park of our largest capital works projects in recent times – the new management while staying at some of the most beautiful visitor facilities on private land adjacent to the Twelve places on earth. Apostles site in Port Campbell National Park. Constructed with environmental sustainability as its hallmark, the building, carpark and new walkway passing under the Great Ocean Road will ensure that the almost one million people who visit this site each year will not only have an unforgettable and safe experience, but will also create minimum impact on the precious and fragile land abutting the coastline. The facility was built for future growth and will play a major role in ensuring that this site remains one of those must-see attractions for tourists.

8 Yarra Ranges National Park.

It has been a year of considerable achievement, marked by Looking to the future, I would like to flag just a few several innovative approaches to park management, some possibilities that will have a significant positive impact on of which I have highlighted. All of us at Parks Victoria our society. As an organisation committed to protecting the acknowledge that our progress is only possible through the natural treasures in our environment, we look forward to the help of our many partners. These include the many Friends eventual inevitability of a declaration of a Marine National groups, local government and State Government departments Parks system. We are also excited about the recommendation and agencies, many organisations from the private sector, by the Environment Conservation Council to create five new academia, the media and the medical profession. National and State Parks to protect this State’s remaining Box- Ironbark forests. No other project during this year better exemplifies the benefits of working together with a shared aim than the plan to Finally, the range of resources we manage offer numerous maximise the potential of the Werribee region. Parks Victoria opportunities to build networks that are vital to maintaining played a lead role in bringing together representatives from a civil society. Many of us at Parks Victoria will be directing appropriate groups within the private and public sector to much of our energy into supporting the State Government’s examine the potential of this region. Werribee already has intention to increase our social capital by ensuring these many positive aspects to build on. With its natural assets – opportunities are firmly grasped. including the bay and the Werribee River – and its location just a short drive or train ride from the city, its potential is unlimited. A project team has been established to ensure that many of the ideas identified by the partners will eventually provide real benefits to the people of Werribee and all Victorians.

This year I also wish to recognise the increasing importance of our partnership with Aboriginal groups. Successful park management is only possible through a multifaceted approach, including the protection of significant Aboriginal cultural sites. By involving Aborigines in our planning and Mark Stone operational aspects, by initiating a program of cross-cultural Chief Executive training for a large proportion of our employees and by September 2001 employing Aboriginal rangers across the State, we are ensuring that our parks are managed for all Australians.

9 Corporate Governance

Board of Members Chief Executive The Board has ultimate responsibility for governance of Parks The Board appoints the Chief Executive in consultation with Victoria and determines its strategies and policies. The Board the Minister. The Chief Executive’s performance is reviewed by comprises nine members, including a Chairman and the Board on a regular basis. Deputy Chairman. The positions of Chairman and Chief Executive are established under the Parks Victoria Act 1998. Board Committees Members are appointed by the Governor in Council, on the The Board has established four committees, comprising: Minister’s recommendation, for no longer than three years, but are eligible for re-appointment. The Board operates in • Audit and Risk Management Committee, which meets four accordance with the provisions of the Parks Victoria Act 1998. times a year and comprises Kathryn Fagg (Chair), Peter Buzzard, Jane Gilmour, Jane Tongs and Geoff Wescott; Members provide a disclosure of interests to the Board Secretary. In the event of a conflict of interest or a direct or • Natural and Cultural Values Committee, which meets four indirect pecuniary interest in any matter before the Board, times a year and comprises Jane Gilmour (Chair), Kathryn members must disclose their interest and may not be involved Fagg, Don Saunders and Geoff Wescott; in discussion or voting. •Visitor and Recreation Values Committee, which meets four The Board directs and monitors the business on behalf of the times a year and comprises Lachlan Campbell (Chair), Peter Minister and the State Government of Victoria. The Board Galbally, Pam Robinson, Don Saunders and Jane Tongs; and delegates day-to-day responsibility for operations and • Remuneration and Human Resources Committee, which administration to the Chief Executive and his Executive Team. meets as required and comprises Peter Galbally (Chair), Board meetings are held monthly. Members participate in site Lachlan Campbell and Pam Robinson. study tours in addition to regular monthly detailed briefings from senior management. These briefings enhance the members’ knowledge of Parks Victoria’s business and assist them in assessing the performance of senior managers.

10 Kinglake National Park.

Internal Control Occupational Health and Safety The Board has overall responsibility for setting the policies The Executive Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Committee and internal control framework, with the Audit and Risk comprises a Regional Manager as Chairman, a General Management Committee focusing on detailed aspects of Manager and both senior management and organisational internal control. Corporate policies are reviewed regularly health and safety representatives. The committee meets and are available to all employees through the intranet. quarterly and is responsible for developing and implementing Major new policies and amendments to existing policies are an effective OHS management system. approved by the Board and communicated to employees.

Risk Management The Board has overall responsibility for risk management. Parks Victoria has adopted a strategic approach to managing risk and has formulated a Risk Management Plan that provides the processes and framework for managing risk in a consistent manner.

11 The Board

Peter Buzzard Lachlan Campbell Kathryn Fagg Peter Galbally BE (Hons), M.Comm FCA, FAICD Mr Campbell is a QC, BA, LLB (Hons) (Chairman) viticulturist/horticulturalist Barrister, Victorian Bar with strong rural ties (Deputy Chairman) Partner, Ernst and Young Mr Galbally specialises and a hands-on Vice President Fulfilment Mr Buzzard is a fellow of in civil, medical and involvement in land and Market Solutions, the Institute of Chartered immigration law. He was management. A past BHP Steel Accountants and has appointed Queen’s Counsel partner of a landscape With wide experience extensive financial, audit in 1989. He is a Foundation architect firm, he also gained throughout and managerial experience Trustee of Law Aid Victoria brings to the Board a Australia and New Zealand, in a wide range of public and has been Chairman solid understanding Ms Fagg brings to the and private Australian and of the Barristers’ List and appreciation of Board diverse skills gained international organisations. Committee D Victorian Bar. good design and the through senior strategic For much of his career, Mr Galbally has explored environmental aspects roles held in the petroleum, Mr Buzzard has focused on Australia’s park system of planning. He is involved consultancy and banking serving clients in the media, extensively and has owned with a number of regional and manufacturing entertainment and and operated a number of development committees industries. Ms Fagg has telecommunications sector. farming properties in and has a strong served on the boards of He has been a director of south-eastern Australia. commitment to regional the ANZ Banking Group an international trading He is currently a communities. Mr Campbell (New Zealand) and ANZ group and was the consultative member of the is a past participant in a Investment Services Financial Director of the Murrumbidgee Catchment rural leadership program (New Zealand). Victorian Division of the Area Review Committee in and is a partner in an Life Education organisation New South Wales. expanding vineyard in its formative years. enterprise, which sees him well placed to provide valuable input into rural and regional issues.

12 Jane Gilmour Jane Tongs Pam Robinson Dr Geoff Wescott Mr Don Saunders PhD, FAICD B.Bus., MBA OAM B.Sc. (Hons), B.AgriSc. Executive Director, Chairman, Netwealth Pam Robinson has M.Sc. (Melb).M.Sc. Mr Saunders was the Earthwatch Institute Investments Limited extensive experience in Dip Nat Cons (Lond) Director of National Parks Australia & MHSC Limited farming, forestry, local PhD (Deakin), MIB, for 15 years, a former Dr Gilmour brings to the Ms Tongs is a past Director government and FEIA. Chairman of the Land community development. Conservation Council Board extensive experience of Heine Management Associate Head of School, She is a former member and the Environment as Director of Earthwatch Limited and its related Ecology and Environment & of the Land Conservation Conservation Council and Australia, an organisation companies, the Victorian Associate Professor, Faculty Council and the National now works part time as the that supports a significant Women’s Trust and is a of Science and Technology, Landcare Advisory conservation co-ordinator international program of past member of the Alpine Deakin University natural and environmental Resorts Co-ordinating Committee and was of the Bird Observers Club Dr Wescott is the former field research. Dr Gilmour is Council. A former partner Chair of the State of Australia. Among his Convener of the National a member of the National at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Plantations Impact Study. many roles, he has been Parks Advisory Council Environmental Consultative she has had significant A former shire president, a member of the National and has a Ph.D. in Forum, has served on a experience with the Ms Robinson has Parks Advisory Council, Environmental Policy and number of boards and was insurance, funds participated at all levels Reference Area Advisory Management, a M.Sc. in a member of the Culture management and of local, regional, state and Committee, Murray Darling Nature Conservation, a and Heritage Reference superannuation sector. national decision-making Basin Commission, National M.Sc. in Marine Zoology Group for the Federal A member of the Institute bodies, particularly in Landcare Advisory and is the author of Government’s first State of Company Directors, natural resource Committee and a numerous park publications of the Environment Report the Institute of Chartered management. She was commissioner of the including A Field Guide released in 1996. Accountants and the awarded the OAM in Alpine Resorts Commission. to Wilsons Promontory Institute of Internal 1990 for services to local He is currently a Trustee Marine and National Park. Auditors, Ms Tongs is also government and of the Trust for Nature. an independent director conservation. Now His many awards for his of the Government Melbourne-based, she contribution to parks Superannuation Office, retains agricultural land include the 1996 Public Mayne Finance Ltd, in Victoria’s north-east. Service Medal – Australia Netwealth Investments Day Award, the 1998 Parks Limited, Bayside Health Victoria Kookaburra Award Services and RMIT and a Churchill Fellowship. University Limited.

13 The Executive

Left to right: Mark Stone, Chief Executive; Kate Brown, Legal Counsel & Board Secretary; Nigel Caswell, Regional Manager City & Bays; Carol Sweatman, Chief Ranger Port Phillip; Neil McCarthy, General Manager Resourcing & Communication; Ken King, Deputy Chief Executive, GM Metro Parks & Bays Policy & Strategy; Jennifer Lilburn, Regional Manager Melbourne Metro; Trevor Miles, Regional Manager Central Region; Geoff Bray, General Manager Corporate Services; Stuart Ord, Regional Manager East Region; David Young, Regional Manager West Region; Sarah Minchinton, Manager Executive Services; Ian Christie, General Manager National Parks Policy & Strategy; Keryn Allan, Executive Assistant.

14 Senior Management Team Mark Stone Chief Executive Parks Victoria

Kate Brown

Legal Counsel & Board Secretary

Ian Christie Stuart Ord David Young Trevor Miles Geoff Bray Neil McCarthy Ken King Nigel Caswell Jennifer Lilburn

General Manager Regional Manager Regional Manager Regional Manager General Manager General Manager Deputy Chief Executive Regional Manager Regional Manager National Parks East Region West Region Central Region Corporate Services Resourcing & GM Metro Parks & City & Bays Melbourne Metro Policy & Strategy Communication Bays Policy & Strategy

Paul Dartnell Murray Rankin Mike Goode John McIntyre Simon Mahoney Brett Cheatley Richard O’Byrne Geoff Ovens Tim Johnson

Manager Business Manager Business Manager Business Manager Manager Manager Manager Business Manager Business Manager National Parks Policy Finance Corporate Strategy Metro Parks & Bays Policy

15 Annie Volkering Chris Rose Andrew Marshall Peter Livitsanis Neil Harris Nicole Brown Mal Poulter Paul Sandells Dennis Duckett

Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Manager Manager Manager Director Manager National Parks & Alps Mallee Basalt Plains Administration Human Resources & Visitor & Asset Werribee Park Commercial Services Conservation Programs & Risk Organisation Development Programs

Sally Troy Graeme Davis Rachael Robertson Neville Byrne Phil Lenthall Alex Holt Nick Mazzarella Hamish MacLennan David Nugent

Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Manager Manager Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger National Parks & West Gippsland Grampians Murray Central Information Communications Major Projects City & Waterways Yarra Conservation Research Technology

Russell Mason Dennis Matthews Rod Newnham Rocky Barca Sue Silberberg Carole Sweatman Chris Hardman

Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger National Parks Tourism East Gippsland West Coast Central Highlands Conservation & Port Phillip Dandenongs & Visitor Programs Heritage Programs

Andrew Graystone Kate Millar Ian Walker Tony Long Bob Brinkman Lisa Court

Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Fire Liason Environment Environment Environment Mornington & East Metro & Compliance Programs Programs Programs Westernport

Peter McKay Peter Bray Pat Fricker John Nankervis Wayne Hill Tony Varcoe

Manager Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Marine Parks & Asset Programs Asset Programs Asset Programs Environment Environment Coastal Programs Programs Programs

Mimmo Bolla Andrew Paxton

Chief Ranger Chief Ranger Asset Programs Asset Programs 2 Protecting and Conserving Our Heritage

Natural Heritage Threatened Species Management Parks Victoria launched several initiatives to protect The year in review was marked by many significant threatened species, such as the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, achievements including the completion of more than 800 Hooded Plover, Spotted Tree Frog, Striped Legless Lizard and projects across the State. Driving these accomplishments was Helmeted Honeyeater. our new three-year environmental management planning cycle, which allows us to better balance long-term demands •We began a radio tracking program of the Eastern Barred and challenges with those issues that need to be dealt with Bandicoot at Woodlands Historic Park. Partly funded by the more immediately. Natural Heritage Trust, the program will monitor the release and survival of captive-bred bandicoots. The animals, which Consequently, Parks Victoria can ensure that adequate were bred at the Melbourne Zoo, have been implanted resources are directed at high-priority environmental projects with radio transmitters and will be tracked over the next across the almost four million hectares we manage. Over the 12 to 18 months. next three years we will focus on threatened species and communities, native animal management and controlled • Fox and sea spurge control were the key elements of a burning, which will minimise the risk of future fires and program to protect Hooded Plover along the Mornington ensure the regeneration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Peninsula coastline. Friends Group volunteers and parks We will also continue to tackle the perennial problem of staff regularly monitored the population of these sea birds controlling pest plants and animals. This year’s projects along 30 kilometres of coast and found fledgling and adult addressed these issues as well as our other key environmental numbers had increased. priorities, namely, catchment and marine protection and •To help protect the Spotted Tree Frog, we built a fish grazing management. barrier on White’s Creek at the Lake Eildon National Park This year’s highlights included: to stop trout moving upstream. This major project involved considerable liaison with a range of stakeholder groups and The State of the Parks 2000 Report will focus on removing trout upstream of the barrier by The information and analysis contained in the State of the electro-fishing during the 2001-2002 summer. Parks 2000 Report has reinforced our capabilities in managing the parks system. An Australian first, this landmark report • Parks Victoria released 50 endangered Striped Legless outlines the current health of Victoria’s parks and the major Lizards at Organ Pipes National Park and Laverton North factors affecting their long-term viability. It describes the Grassland in March 2001 (with funding assistance from natural values distributed across the park system and how the the Urban Land Corporation) after rescuing them from parks contribute to biodiversity conservation statewide. the Cairnlea Estate the previous Spring and Summer. Covering more than 100 important parks and 200 reserves, Melbourne Zoo cared for the animals before their release. the report will serve as a useful benchmark in the future. • The Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team reintroduced this critically endangered bird to Bunyip State Park. In 1999, five aviaries were built at the release site and the captive- bred birds introduced into them. In a major milestone for Left to right: Twelve critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeaters were reintroduced into Bunyip State Park; The spring wildflower displays, such as the the program, 12 Helmeted Honeyeaters were released from Leopard Orchid above are a reminder of the rich diversity of flora protected in the aviaries into the park. parks and reserves; The koala management program included the relocation of koalas from French Island and Mount Eccles National Park.

16 Native Animal Management • Ecological (Controlled) Burning – Programs undertaken Parks Victoria continued its kangaroo and koala population during the year included three burns in Croajingolong control programs in parks where over-population will have a National Park to regenerate heathlands and enhance detrimental long-term impact on park values. The programs the habitat of the endangered Ground Parrot; burning were conducted in accordance with established ecological of heathland in Grampians National Park to improve rationale and with the support of key stakeholders including the habitat of the threatened Heath Mouse and a burn the Kangaroo Technical Advisory Committee. at Mount Lofty in Warrandyte State Park to regenerate native grasslands. Projects undertaken during the year included the humane and successful delivery of ongoing kangaroo management • Pest Animal Management – Some notable achievements programs at Hattah-Kulkyne and Wyperfeld National Parks. included two large programs targeting wild dogs and An assessment of vegetation condition in the Murray-Sunset foxes in the Alpine and Snowy River National Parks; National Park has underpinned a kangaroo management our continued cooperative fox control program in program planned for the park. This was done by facilitating Dandenong Ranges National Park to protect Lyrebirds and the development of short- and long-term targets for other native fauna; and continued rabbit control activities vegetation recovery and providing baseline data against in the Mallee parks to reduce grazing pressure. which management actions can be assessed. • Urban Biolinks – As part of the Port Phillip Native The koala management program included the successful Vegetation Plan, we carried out large-scale revegetation relocation of 172 adults and 55 sterilised females from French works along the Middle Yarra, Dandenong Valley and Island and 1300 koalas from Mount Eccles National Park to Plenty Gorge corridors. sites across Western Victoria. • Ramsar Wetland Restoration – Adjoining landholders, Wilsons Promontory National Park communities and catchment management authorities worked with Parks Victoria to fence, revegetate and The Minister released a draft plan for the integrated rehabilitate Ramsar wetlands in the Western District and management of Wilsons Promontory National Park and Tidal Gippsland Lakes. River. The plan’s cohesive direction focuses on environmental and nature conservation projects. Environmental Information System Other Programs Parks Victoria’s Environmental Information System (EIS) • Caledonia Cattle Grazing – Cattle grazing was excluded records and reports the organisation’s environmental activities. from the area burnt by the 1998 Caledonia wildfire for It provides information to field staff on the natural values the 2000-2001 grazing season. An assistance package was of parks and reserves and helps improve the efficiency and made available to those licence holders who were excluded effectiveness of our environmental programs. During the from grazing cattle to cover the remainder of the current year we upgraded the EIS to improve information flow on licence period. Four of the seven affected licensees took threatened species, pest animals, pest plants and ecological up the offer. burns. The stored information in the EIS will help measure • Catchment and Marine Protection – We closed and our efficiency in the future. rehabilitated approximately 25 kilometres of vehicle tracks in the Windy Point and Black Snake Range areas of Bunyip Table 1 – Summary of Environmental Program Areas State Park (including 3 kilometres in the Diamond Creek Reference Area) to significantly reduce the park’s highly Program Area No. of No. of Parks fragmented nature and improve its natural condition. Projects and Reserves

• Pest Plant Management – We significantly reduced large Catchment and Marine Protection 144 81 infestations of Karamu over 70 hectares of the Dandenong Ecological Management of Fire 44 35 Ranges National Park, and our goal to eradicate the plant is within reach after further works in 2001-2002. We also Grazing Management 16 12 controlled Cestrum and Tradescantia in the park, including Native Animal Management 17 11 the latter’s complete removal from an area near the Thousand Steps at Ferntree Gully. Pest Animal Management 239 122 Pest Plant Management 402 157

Threatened Species Management 54 33

17 Left: Elders from Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Limited and Parks Victoria staff at cross-cultural training in Mooroopna near Shepparton.

Right: Minister Garbutt at a launch at South Channel Fort with Parks Victoria staff.

Cultural Heritage Indigenous Management Guidelines The completion of the draft Guidelines for Working with Strengthening our relationships by working cooperatively with Aboriginal Communities and Protection of Cultural Sites indigenous communities across the State has been one of the marked a major milestone in the development of Parks major planks in our three-year plan for managing cultural Victoria’s Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management Program. values. During the year we held cultural awareness training programs for our staff and consulted with indigenous Other Programs communities about proposed projects, planning activities and • Indigenous Cultural Heritage Surveys – Increased staff draft guidelines on working with Aboriginal communities. awareness and survey work with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria The training program, which will help staff build close helped identify new sites of Aboriginal occupation at the working relationships with Aboriginal communities and Eureka Mining Site, Leaghur State Park, Lake Boort Wildlife organisations, examined issues such as appropriate Reserve, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Wilsons Promontory consultation, relevant legislation and protecting National Park, Lysterfield Lake Park and Churchill important sites. National Park.

This year’s highlights included: • Indigenous Site Protection – With cooperation from local Aboriginal communities, we protected many indigenous Indigenous Partnerships sites at Bunyip State Park, Plenty Gorge Parklands, Coronet The indigenous community has a much stronger role in Bay, Sorrento Ocean Beach, Rosebud Foreshore, Captains determining Aboriginal cultural messages to visitors to Creek in Croajingolong National Park, Royals Creek and New Barmah State Park following an agreement with the Yorta Guinea 2 Caves in Snowy River National Park, Point Hicks Yorta Nation to deliver interpretive services at the Dharnya and the Koetong Rock Art site at Mt Lawson State Park. Centre. This agreement includes the secondment of two Parks • Wimmera Native Title Integration Group – Parks Victoria Victoria cultural officers to the Yorta Yorta Nation. We also worked closely with the Wotjobaluk Traditional Land made significant progress in planning a partnership between Council in establishing and facilitating the Wimmera Native the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Parks Victoria’s Title Integration Group. Parks Victoria will consult with this Halls Gap Visitor Centre. body in managing Little Desert National Park and other Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training regional State and National parks. Prominent Aboriginal elders and community members met with 150 staff as part of a much-lauded and ground-breaking cross-cultural training program. Staff gained a clearer understanding and knowledge of indigenous culture and more effective skills for interacting with Aboriginal communities.

18 Heritage Programs Parks Victoria has taken a more strategic and systematic approach to managing the non-indigenous heritage assets in its care, with strong support from Heritage Victoria. To ensure the long-term care of these cultural treasures, Parks Victoria has refined its management program and planning processes, developed a heritage strategy and worked to maintain and develop business partnerships. Protecting and presenting the State’s mining heritage sites has been a major focus of our work this year, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of gold discovery in Victoria. Local communities have been heavily involved in developing many of these projects.

This year’s highlights included:

Directions in Historic Places Management We have developed a draft heritage strategy that takes a historical thematic approach to managing more than 2500 historic places.

Mount Alexander Diggings We received the 2000 Innovation and Best Practice (Corporate) Award from Parks and Leisure Australia for our work with Mt Alexander Shire, NRE and Heritage Victoria in developing this historic tourism site.

Heritage Action Statements Parks Victoria completed eight Heritage Action Statements for conservation works at Pontville Homestead, Viewbank Homestead Foundations, Point Cook Homestead, Poverty Point Bridge, Wilsons Promontory Light Station, Point Hicks Light Station, Heathcote Powder Magazine and Southern

Goldfields Historic Reserves. Wilsons Promontory Light Station. Other Programs • European Heritage Identification – Survey work at Castlemaine-Chewton Historic Reserve identified 300 previously unknown sites of gold-era habitation. Parks • 150th Anniversary of Gold – Parks Victoria played a key role Victoria is assisting Heritage Victoria in investigating a with Manningham City Council and community groups to World Heritage site nomination based on European celebrate the first registered Victorian gold discovery with cultural themes for this area. a re-enactment at Warrandyte State Park.

• Restoration Projects – Our restoration program included • Buchan Caves Grant – A $605,000 Regional Infrastructure works at Wilsons Promontory Light Station, Eldorado Development Fund grant allowed the upgrading of visitor Dredge, Drysdale Free Library, Mount Buffalo Historic facilities and cave safety at Buchan Caves. Shelters, Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Rescue Station, Queenscliff Lifeboat Shed and the South Channel Fort. • Collins Settlement – We began work on a Future Directions Plan for the original 1803 Collins Settlement • Public Heritage Program – We received grants of $425,525 Site at Sorrento. for ten major conservation projects including Mount Buffalo Historic Shelters, Wilsons Promontory Light Station, Poverty Point Bridge in Mount Baw Baw National Park, Queenscliff Pier Lifeboat Shed, Skipton Courthouse and Police Stables, Lal Lal Blast furnace, Grand Duke Mine at Timor, Point Cook Homestead and Heatherlie Quarry in the Grampians.

19 3 Working with the Community and Our Partners

In this the International Year of Volunteers, Parks Victoria backgrounds and ethnic groups. Volunteers contributed more commends the help and dedication of the many passionate than 17,500 days of assistance in a diverse range of projects volunteers who offer thousands of days of labour to help across the State. They included the following: preserve and enhance our precious parklands. The assistance, •A near record number of volunteers participated in Clean dedication and expertise of the individuals and more than Up Australia Day activities in parks across the State in 2001. 700 groups who contributed to the broad range of projects carried out in parks has been integral to our success. •A record crowd of more than 10,000 people across Melbourne took part in Greening Australia’s Spring Planting Friends Groups Festival. More than 230,000 indigenous plants were planted at 23 sites. Parks Victoria greatly values and appreciates the contributions made by the many Friends and community groups that work • The marvellous work of Friends groups, students and other with us. Although there are more than 700 groups who assist volunteers has resulted in great improvements at Herring in conservation works across the State, approximately 380 Island, Westgate Park and Pipemakers Park. Albert Park’s have a direct relationship with parks and reserves managed Corroboree Tree Project has also received enthusiastic by Parks Victoria. Some of the year’s highlights were: volunteer backing.

• Friends of Wyperfeld published a book, titled Wyperfeld – •Volunteers contributed more than 750 hours to a successful Australia’s First Mallee National Park. willow control program in Baw Baw National Park. Other agencies including NRE and Baw Baw Alpine Resorts are • Friends of Cathedral Range State Park played an integral now also supporting the ongoing project. role in completing a nature trail near Cooks Mill in the Cathedral Range State Park. The trail features information • Seawinds Nursery volunteers propagated more than 22,000 panels about the Manna Gum forest found in the area. indigenous plants for revegetation projects within the Mornington Westernport District parks. •Friends of Lerderderg State Park used a Centenary of Federation Community Grant to build three information Camp Host shelters in the park. The Camp Host Program, launched in 2000-2001, operated successfully at 19 sites statewide and involved more than 50 • The Friends of Herring Island obtained a grant from Parks volunteers. Camp Hosts play a valuable role in providing Victoria to fund a sculpture by John Gollings called Falling visitor orientation and park information at campgrounds and Fence. The project included a small access trail to the acting as contact points for visitors and rangers. In turn, landing at the north end of the island. Camp Hosts have the opportunity to gain practical experience • New Friends group was formed at Kooyoora State Park. in park and visitor management.

A full list of volunteer groups is available on the Parks Victoria Parks involved in the program include Hattah-Kulkyne website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au National Park, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Buchan Caves Reserve, The Lakes National Park, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Other Volunteer Programs Park, Vaughan Springs Reserve and Grampians National Park. Parks Victoria continues to develop varied and targeted programs that are compatible with the skills and abilities Left to right: The Camp Host Program at Lake Mournpall, Hattah-Kulkyne of volunteers across a range of ages, socio-economic National Park; Friends of Mitta Mitta; Volunteers and community groups enjoy planting trees in many parks across Victoria.

20 Work Experience Volunteers Staff members from across Parks Victoria are trained to assess The Green Corps program continued to make significant grant applications and projects. The Grants Advisory Council, contributions to parks and reserves across the State. with help from the grants team, prioritises the applications Green Corps participants undergo a structured six-month and makes recommendations to the Minister. training program and on-the-job experience in park The Parks Victoria Grants Program is an ISO 9002 Quality management projects. Assurance Certified Program. Following a comprehensive Altogether more than 70 trainees participated in the external audit in November 1999, the program received Helmeted Honeyeater habitat rehabilitation at Yellingbo, the certification for a further three years. Mount Eccles Koala relocation program, Ramsar Wetlands This year’s highlights included: restoration works, the Yarra District and Dandenong Valley Biolinks project and works in the Wimmera Reserves. • Extension of Melbourne’s trail network, including significant additions to the Bay Trail at Frankston, Mornington, Parks Victoria Grants Program 2000-2001 Hobsons Bay and within the city of Bayside. Further trail links were also established at Melton and Maribyrnong. During the year, Parks Victoria’s Grants Program awarded • Five multicultural agency grants were awarded for the first over $4.2 million in grants to a variety of projects that time to a number of migrant resource centres and the reached new levels of excellence and innovation. We have Cambodian Association of Victoria. The grants will be used established firm partnerships with many grant recipients, for programs to introduce migrant groups to the diversity whose hard work and enthusiasm have produced some of recreational opportunities available in open spaces. outstanding projects. •Grants funded the restoration of indigenous vegetation on Parks Victoria awards Agency Grants to local governments Long Islands at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, and public land managers in Metropolitan Melbourne, while at Albion grasslands on the St Albans campus of Victoria Community Grants are awarded to community groups across University, on the Merri Creek escarpments and at many Victoria. We also awarded $6,500 in Start-Up Grants to other sites across the State. 13 new groups to encourage them to look after parks and open spaces. • Numerous community groups received grants for heritage works on schools, gardens, halls, cemeteries and housing settlements.

Number of Projects Total funding

Start-up Grants 13 6,500.00

Volunteer Group Grants 143 736,570.00

Community Grants

Environment 40 150,731.00

Heritage 11 28,164.00

Recreation 28 139,623.00

Community Awareness 21 176,176.00

Increasing Multicultural Diversity 4 13,808.00

104 508,502.00

Agency Grants

Environment and Heritage 19 1,002,960.50

Multicultural 5 193,156.00

Recreation 11 807,695.00

Trails 10 983,550.00

45 2,987,361.50

TOTAL 305 4,238,933.50

21 Partnerships at Work to observe threatened reptiles such as the Curl Snake, Tessellated Gecko and Striped Legless Lizard, and other fauna Parks Victoria continues to develop, maintain and strengthen in the park’s newly acquired grasslands. partnership links with a variety of private and public organisations. Some of the activities involving these important Mount Eccles National Park – In studying the impact of Koalas partnerships included: on Manna Gums at Mount Eccles National Park, researchers mapped the distribution of defoliated trees and established Healthy Parks Healthy People monitoring plots to assess the damage Koalas caused.

Parks Victoria and its medical industry partners continued the Werribee Precinct Region of Excellence Project successful Healthy Parks Healthy People campaign to promote the beneficial effects of healthy parks on physical and mental Parks Victoria has launched a plan to maximise the potential health. Our partners included the Heart Foundation, Asthma of the Werribee region by creating an integrated recreation Victoria and Arthritis Victoria, with endorsement from the and tourism precinct of national and international Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. significance. Involving State and local Government, the private sector and community groups, the vision includes:

The Australian Alps Liaison Committee •creating eco-tourism opportunities around the area’s Although the Commonwealth Government withdrew direct natural attractions; financial support for the Australian Alps Liaison Committee • expanding recreational opportunities around the bay and beyond the 2000-2001 financial year, the program still Werribee River; produced some highlights during the year. • developing a residential, educational and research precinct The program included the Best Practice Walking Track based on the area’s diverse cultural, historical, Workshop held at Dinner Plain and Mount Buffalo. environmental, tourism and agricultural characteristics; Participants from all over Australia, as well as guests from Scotland, New Zealand and Nepal shared their best practices • further developing the range of established and nationally for planning and managing mountain trails. Another training renowned art and cultural events. highlight was the successful Communicating Across Cultures workshop held in 2000. Mornington Westernport Biosphere Reserve

Work continues on the management and control of English Parks Victoria strengthened its strategic partnerships by Broom, and program members are also preparing for the Year working on a project to have the Mornington Westernport of Mountains in 2002. region declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Parks Victoria produced a brochure for the project and had considerable Research Partners Program input into the ad hoc committee meetings. Our work on the Biosphere Reserve continues. The Research Partners Program, which attracts funding of $1 million over three years, reflects Parks Victoria’s goal Educating our Park Managers to integrate high-quality research into environmental management. Partnerships are formed with research Parks Victoria continues to build links with tertiary providers institutions who undertake targeted projects that involve of park management education. Deakin University has agreed scientists as well as undergraduate and post-graduate to augment its Bachelor of Park Management course with students, community groups, consultants and other an associated postgraduate program and off-campus study researchers. from 2003.

Research highlights included: Five more staff members received internal scholarship support to do the course, bringing to 17 the total number of staff Cheetham Wetlands – The health of Cheetham Wetlands doing the degree. One place was offered as part of the depends on regular flows of water. This research project tried National Indigenous Cadetship Program (NICP). The successful to find cheaper alternatives to the current pumping system candidate is progressing through the Deakin Park that costs $8000 a year to operate. Three pumping systems Management degree program. were found to reduce electricity costs short term, but were found to be more costly in the long term. The project found Parks Victoria also collaborated with the University of that the existing system operated under a different pumping Melbourne to organise a one-week residential National School schedule was the best alternative. in Park Management. This, the fourth year of the School, attracted 22 middle managers from across Australasia. Five Terrick Terrick National Park – This project investigated the senior Parks Victoria Managers gave presentations as part of habitat requirements of threatened reptiles in grasslands at the program. Terrick Terrick National Park. Artificial log refuges were used

22 Clockwise from left: The Healthy Parks Healthy People partnership brochure was distributed to General Practitioners; One of our key media partners, FOXFM, at the Parks Festival; Mapping is a key activity in the Research Partners Program.

Partnerships with Park Agencies To promote the message to the non-English speaking groups in our community – who are generally under-represented The close relationship we maintain with other park agencies, among the visitors we receive – Parks Victoria targeted the nationally and internationally, allows us to conduct ethnic print media to help us communicate the Healthy Parks performance benchmarking and provides staff with Healthy People message. professional development opportunities. The Romanian community took the initiative in promoting We embarked on a staff secondment program with Victoria’s parks by producing a colourful booklet in Romanian. Environment Australia, for example, that saw a staff member Funded by a Parks Victoria Community Grant, the publication from Kakadu National Park working in Victoria and a Parks was greeted with much interest by other migrant Victoria Ranger-in-Charge spending 12 months at Kakadu to communities, who we hope will consider similar projects. gain a better understanding of co-management. Parks Victoria staff supported the Olympic Torch Relay at Media Partnerships Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, while another three field staff assisted the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service in Parks Victoria maintains strong media partnerships to help managing the Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay National communicate the custodial role we play in managing and Parks during the Olympic Games. protecting our parklands while providing recreational opportunities. Several government delegations from Japan, Taiwan and China also visited Parks Victoria during the year, as did six One example is Parks Victoria’s partnership with the Herald Sun, leading representatives from park organisations in Canada, which has been crucial to the success of Victoria’s Parks Festival. the United States, South Africa and New Zealand. These Another is Channel 9’s Postcards program, which allows us to included Parks Canada’s science advisor and the Director reach a mass audience with important conservation stories such of San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. as the Koala relocation program and features on parks such as Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. Providing for a Multicultural Society During the Parks Festival we were able to take our message to a younger audience through our radio partnership with The Healthy Parks Healthy People campaign was designed FOX-FM, while at the other end of the spectrum, regular to inspire affection and support for the Victorian parks and weekly park updates on 3AK also ensured consistent exposure waterways system by linking the benefits of a healthy park among mature listeners. system with a healthy community.

23 4 Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Parks Victoria strives to make each visitor’s experience The Website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au enjoyable, safe, informative, uplifting and restorative. This Parks Victoria’s various websites received almost 12 million goal underlies much of the work we do. One of the most hits, a substantial increase of almost four million hits over the important tasks we completed during the year was the first previous year. This growth can be partly attributed to a comprehensive assessment of the level of service we provide. marketing campaign targeting youth hostels, Internet cafes, This study examined the adequacy of facilities and services at Tourism Victoria’s overseas offices and Tourist Information 1500 visitor sites, which will enable us to set priorities and Centres. Visitors to the website are able to download identify where improvements need to be made. We also documents such as the annual report, parknotes, brochures, employed 48 seasonal rangers, mainly in regional areas, to approved management plans, discussion papers and ensure we provide quality service to visitors during our other reports. busiest times. The website will play an increasingly important Information, Interpretation and Education communication role as Internet usage increases, allowing us to reduce the numbers and volume of brochures produced in Parks Victoria’s Information, Interpretation and Education print form, in line with our commitment to environmental (II&E) policy is designed to help manage visitor behaviour and sustainability and best practice. public safety, conserve and protect park values and promote understanding and support for park management policies Interpretation and practices. One of Parks Victoria’s most important roles is to educate An integrated II&E training program was developed to ensure visitors – in relevant and entertaining ways – about the Parks Victoria staff have excellent skills in planning and natural and cultural wonders that abound in Victoria’s parks delivering these integrated II&E programs. Staff will begin and heritage sites. This interpretation process can take the training in 2001-2002. form of ranger-led activities, guided walks, campfire nights, slide shows, information signs, publications and other media. Information More than 12,000 visitors participated in a wide range of The Information Centre 13 1963 face-to-face interpretation programs led by rangers, Camp Public awareness of Parks Victoria’s 24-hours-a-day, seven- Hosts and volunteers. The following table overleaf provides days-a-week information line has continued to grow each details of some of these programs. It does not include year, with 140,603 calls received, an increase of 6.3 percent. participation in tours that represent a major component of Our experienced operators answer a wide range of enquiries a park visit, such as tours at The Mansion at Werribee Park. about parks, camping, events and the organisation.

Left to right: A new walkway for visitors at Wilsons Promontory National Park; Primary School Children learning more about the exciting aspects of the environment with a Parks Victoria Ranger; Parks Victoria Ranger enhancing the visitor experience at Crystal Brook Falls, Mount Buffalo National Park.

24 Park Examples of activities No. of participants

Wilsons Promontory NP Junior Rangers, Rockpool Rambles, spotlight walks, etc. 4860 (summer)

800 (autumn/Easter)

Mt Buffalo and Alpine NPs Guided walks, slide shows, spotlight walks 1286 (summer)

Buchan Caves Reserve Special cave tours, children’s activities 335 (summer) [54,221 people went on standard guided cave tours over the year]

Dandenong Ranges NP Children’s activities 300 (spring/summer)

Cape Conran CP Rockpool Rambles, geology walk, Breakfast with the Birds 584 (summer)

Croajingolong NP Spotlight walks, slide talks 400 (summer)

Grampians NP Campfire nights, rock art tours 361 (Easter)

The Mansion at Werribee Park Billy tea and damper, craft activities 2680

As well as these face-to-face programs, visitors benefited Education Centres from new interpretive displays and signs at numerous sites Parks Victoria operates four Education Centres that provide across the State. Some of the key messages contained in excellent service to schools across the State. These centres the State of the Parks 2000 Report were also incorporated are located at Wilsons Promontory, Grampians and into displays. Dandenong Ranges National Parks and at the Mansion at Werribee Park. As well as a diverse range of quality Education interpretive activity programs provided by our education Education website staff, the year’s highlights also included the fourth annual residential development program for teachers at Wilsons Parks Victoria’s education website is continuously being Promontory; a Careers Information Day at Grampians improved with the addition of new features. Teachers can National Park in which students learned about being park make bookings for staff-led activities on-line and student and rangers; successful Teacher Open Days at the Mansion at teacher enquiries can also be addressed on-line. An on-line Werribee Park; and the extremely popular Careers Discovery environmental quiz has been added to the features and Day and school holiday programs at Dandenong Ranges schools are now able to post their stories directly onto the National Park. site. The site exceeded expectations with approximately 270,000 hits during the year. The numbers of students involved in activities at the Parks Victoria’s Education Centres are shown below:

Student Category Dandenong Grampians NP Wilsons The Mansion at Ranges NP Promontory NP Werribee Park

Primary 1579 2706 3632 6659

Secondary 1938 2424 3410 283

Tertiary/Other 72 507 370 142

Total 3589 5637 7412 7084

25 School Partnerships The Victorian Youth Development Program focuses on environmental awareness and research, revegetation, tree planting, weed control, park/reserve management and fauna protection. Seventeen schools are involved in the program and during 2000-2001 six schools joined the ever-increasing list of school partners. Participating schools are listed below:

School Location Year joined

Casterton Secondary College Casterton 2001

Castlemaine Secondary College Castlemaine 1999

Chaffey Secondary College Mildura 1999

Eumemmering Secondary College, Gleneagles Campus Hallam 1997

Footscray Secondary College Footscray 1999

Gilmore College for Girls Footscray 1999

Kooweerup Secondary College Kooweerup 1999

Lyndhurst Secondary College Cranbourne 1999

Mirboo North Secondary College Mirboo North 2001

Mortlake College Mortlake 1999

Mount Clear Secondary College Mount Clear 1999

Nhill Secondary College Nhill 1998

Patterson River Secondary College Carrum 2001

South Gippsland Secondary College Foster 2001

Traralgon Secondary College, West Campus Traralgon 2000

Wantirna College Wantirna 2001

Yarrawonga Secondary College Yarrawonga 2001

Major Events and Exhibitions Victoria’s Parks Festival at Albert Park Victoria’s Parks Festival, held in May 2001, is Parks Victoria’s By participating in events ranging from large public shows most significant event. This festival at Albert Park showcased and exhibitions to small regional festivals across the State, the State’s parks and their important role in conserving the Parks Victoria can communicate its important messages to natural environment and promoting the wellbeing of the a wide audience. Through this involvement, we hope to raise community. More than 70 tour operators, community groups awareness of the variety and diversity of this State’s parks, and associations, as well as Friends groups and park rangers, the recreational opportunities they offer and their role in provided information and demonstrations to an estimated promoting both a healthy society and healthy individuals. 20,000 visitors. These events are also useful to strengthen links with our many stakeholders and to encourage more people to get The 2000 Royal Melbourne Show out and discover Victoria’s great outdoors. Parks Victoria made its debut at the 2000 Royal Melbourne Show as part of the Victorian State Government Expo Centre. With approximately 300,000 visitors attending the Expo Centre, the Parks Victoria brand and the Healthy Parks Healthy People message received excellent exposure.

26 Clockwise from left: Passing on park values to the next generation; Visitors explore the Parks Victoria display at the Royal Melbourne Show; Parks Victoria at one of the largest recreational and tourism exhibitions, the Caravan Camping 4WD and Destination Show.

Caravan Camping 4WD and Destination Show The Yarra River reverberated to the colour of the Moomba Held in April 2001, this show has become one of Australia’s Fireworks display, the Melbourne Masters Waterskiing, the largest recreational and tourism exhibitions, attracting crowds International Dragon Boat festival and New Year’s Eve of more than 60,000. Parks Victoria rangers engaged visitors celebrations, while the banks of the Maribyrnong saw the with their expert knowledge, dispensing information about Spring Racing Carnival and Moonee Valley Festival. camping and four-wheel drive touring in parks and about our Herring Island provided a perfect setting for The Age Summer environmental management programs. Arts Program from October 2000 to March 2001; jazz fans Other Events and Exhibitions enjoyed two days of music, food and wine at the Coolart Jazz Festival; while picturesque Seawinds showcased the works of Metropolitan parks and other Parks Victoria venues proved to some of the country’s leading sculptors. be perfect locations for a rich and colourful range of events and festivals. Albert Park boasted a full calendar of fun activities, including Carols by the Lake, the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk, Kids Come ‘n’ Try Fishing and the Great Melbourne Bike Ride.

27 Clockwise from left: Tour operator with canoeists on the Murray River near Barmah State Park; Visitors exploring static interpretation in the Mallee parklands; An afternoon stroll through the rolling hills in the Alpine National Park.

Tour Operators Visitor Facilities Tour operators play an important role in promoting the Our commitment to the ongoing improvement of facilities, environmental and social values of our parks and reserves access and visitor safety was highlighted by our major works and facilitating recreation and tourism in these areas. and risk management programs. Parks Victoria’s Strategic Asset Management Report will help us achieve our goal of Parks Victoria manages the licensing of tour operators providing visitors with the best facilities possible. The report who operate in parks and reserves and also licenses those details the current condition of our visitor assets and forecasts operating on other public land, such as State forest, on behalf their maintenance requirements. of NRE. At 30 June 2001 there were 292 tour operators licensed to operate on public land, the majority of which Major Works operate in areas managed under the National Parks Act. Parks Victoria completed 122 projects in the 2000-2001 During the year we implemented the Tour Operator Major Works Program, spending $13.8 million. Management System (TOMS), which enables us to more efficiently process permits and conduct subsequent licence The Major Works Program is financed by both internal checks. We also continued our regular program of and external funding sources including funding from the information and training workshops for both staff and tour Economic Review Committee (ERC), the Central Coastal operators. These gatherings provide tour operators with the Board, VicRoads, the Public Heritage Program and the State opportunity to raise important issues and to share information Boating Council. It comprises asset creation, major asset with Parks Victoria and NRE. renewal and refurbishment, risk mitigation and heritage restoration works.

28 Left: A spectacular view of the Twelve Apostles and the new visitor facility.

Right: A popular landmark – Mackenzie Falls in Grampians National Park.

Among the projects completed: • Major improvements were made to the Harbison Picnic Area at Mount Macedon, including a new toilet picnic • The new $5.5 million Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility was tables, barbecues and paths. officially opened in April 2001. Embracing sustainable design principles, the new visitor facilities are world-class, • Reconstruction of the San Remo Jetty and Pelican Walk, providing toilets, parking, pedestrian underpass, greatly improving foreshore and harbour facilities and information and interpretation services. increasing opportunities for the fishing, boating and tourism industries. • Reconstruction of the South Channel Fort Jetty, providing visitors with access to the significant heritage and • Major restoration works of the heritage-listed Wilsons environmental site in Port Phillip Bay for the first time Promontory Lighthouse to improve walker accommodation. since the unsafe old jetty was closed in 1997. We also completed a new ranger station and interpretive displays at Tidal River and upgraded the Sealers Cove Track. • The upgrade of visitor and camper facilities at Rosebud Foreshore, including new toilets and walkways, • The installation of a major composting toilet system in revegetation works and the launch of the Rosebud The Lakes National Park in conjunction with the Gippsland Landscape Master Plan. Coastal Board.

• The refurbishment of the Point Nepean Visitor Centre with • The completion and opening of the Taylors Crossing design, production and installation of artwork, interpretive suspension bridge on the Alpine Walking Track in the displays and a new audiovisual presentation. Alpine National Park.

• The construction of new lookouts at Mackenzie Falls and • The construction of a new toilet at Venus Bay in the Pinnacles in Grampians National Park. Cape Liptrap Coastal Park.

• The completion of works on dams at Lake Catani and The Reservoir (Mount Buffalo National Park). Since 1997, ongoing works totalling more than half a million dollars have been carried out to ensure the complete safety of Lysterfield Lake Dam in Lysterfield Lake Park.

29 Nature enthusiasts can explore plenty of natural places by mountain bike, on horseback or four-wheel-drive.

Tracks and Trails Maps showing seasonal tracks closures in parks and forests across the State were produced and distributed at information Parks Victoria is represented on the Victorian Trails centres, work centres and via 4WD groups and Parkweb. Coordinating Committee (VTCC) alongside representatives from NRE, Tourism Victoria, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Access to Parks Program VicRoads and the cycling, walking and horse riding communities. Previously managed by Tourism Victoria, this The ongoing task of improving access roads leading to the committee is now under Parks Victoria’s administration. State’s parks continued during the year. These significant road During the year, the committee released the Draft Victorian projects included those in Alpine, Grampians, Kinglake, Lower Trails Strategy for public comment. Glenelg and Mornington Peninsula National Parks and in Kara Kara, Cathedral Range, Lerderderg and Kooyoora State Parks. Four-Wheel-Drive Program Each year, funds are allocated to the Four-Wheel-Drive Program to enable 4WD tracks in parks to be maintained and improved. This year, 46 projects in 20 parks received funding, including key access routes in Alpine, Errinundra, Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, Little Desert, Wyperfeld, Murray-Sunset and Snowy River National Parks, in Angahook-Lorne, Bunyip, Barmah, Carlisle and Lerderderg State Parks and at Cape Conran Coastal Park.

30 Parks Victoria staff strive to make each visitor’s experience enjoyable, safe, informative, uplifting and restorative through interpretation activities.

Improving Visitor Safety • The Phantom Falls Footbridge in Angahook-Lorne State Park was replaced, as were the Madsens Track footbridges The safety of park visitors continues to be a paramount in Melba Gully State Park. objective. With a diverse range of park settings and recreational activities to manage and an ageing suite of park • The replacement of several bridges in the West Kiewa facilities and infrastructure to maintain, we have planned a valley in the Alpine National Park as part of upgrading broad-ranging and systematic approach to visitor safety. the Mount Hotham power supply, partly funded by TXU Electricity Limited. To ensure visitor safety, we completed the following risk management works: •Trails and facilities at key sites along the Great Alpine Road were upgraded. Works included track upgrading on the • Risk management works were completed across the State, Mount Feathertop Tracks and installing a viewing platform including the upgrading of structures at Cape Schanck and upgrading access tracks at Carmichael Falls. Light Station, O’Shannassy Bridge in Yarra Ranges National Park and Mt Warby lookout tower in Warby Range State •Works were undertaken at Balaclava Mine, Whroo Historic Park. We also completed works on a viewing platform and Reserve, to alleviate the risk associated with mineshafts and access tracks at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. access around the site.

• Repairs were made to flood-damaged facilities at Vaughan • Significant repair works were made to the El Dorado Springs Reserve, Lerderderg State Park and Brisbane Ranges Dredge to avoid rapid deterioration of the main National Park. dredge structure.

•Works to improve access, including disabled access, to Portsea Pier were completed at a total cost of $300,000 on behalf of the Central Coastal Board.

31 5 Wildfire Management

In its management activities, Parks Victoria deals with fire in The largest fires on public land occurred in early January its dual aspects – both as a destroyer of life and property and when the Portland area and the Alpine National Park as a regenerator of landscapes and natural values. Our staff experienced severe lightning activity, resulting in are well trained in both fighting fires – whether started approximately 150 fires over three days. Fortunately, these naturally by lightning strikes or deliberately or carelessly by fires were contained without a significant area being burnt. people – and in using fire during prescribed burning programs Following last calendar year’s central and regional fire training to reduce fuel and ensure that fire-dependent ecosystems programs, Parks Victoria now has 556 trained firefighters remain healthy. out of a total combined firefighting force of 1200 full-time NRE/Parks Victoria staff. In addition, as many as 780 temporary Wildfires firefighting staff work during summer to undertake wildfire Parks Victoria works in partnership with the Department prevention and suppression works. of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) to play a Season Statistics: significant role in preventing and suppressing wildfire on public land. During the year, as in the previous three years, Number of Fires Hectares Burnt below-average rainfall resulted in a severe fire season that kept both Parks Victoria and NRE firefighters in a state of 740 732 120,000 heightened preparedness. 108,654 720 During the 2000-2001 fire season, the benefits of increased 100,000 staff training, technology advances and the use of specialised 700 80,000 aircraft became clearly evident. Despite the 732 wildfires that 680 NRE/Parks Victoria staff attended – well above the 20-year average of 630 wildfires – just 32,550 hectares of land 660 60,000 was burnt, significantly below the 20-year average of 640 108,654 hectares. 630 40,000 32,550 620 Many of the major fires these crews attended were on 20,000 private land adjacent to public land. The most serious of 600 these was a large grass and woodland fire near Stawell that 580 0 burnt approximately 15,000 hectares of private land. In total, This 20 Year This 20 Year NRE/Parks Victoria staff responded to 150 wildfires on private Season Average Season Average property in Country Victoria at the request of the Country Fire Authority.

Left to right: Parks Victoria plays a significant role in preventing and suppressing wildfire on public land.

32 Wildfire Causes A third of all wildfires on public land during the 2000-2001 Of the fires that occurred on land managed by Parks Victoria, fire season were caused by lightning and a further third by 61 percent were started by lightning, resulting in 2275 suspected deliberate and malicious lighting. These incidence hectares of land burnt. The table below details the most rates compare with annual averages of 26 percent for significant causes of wildfires. lightning and 24 percent for arson.

Wildfire causes - National Parks

Relight – Burning off 1.6%

Burning Off (Departmental Prescribed) 950ha. (25.3%)

Burning Off (stubble, grass, scrub) 8.2%

Campfire, barbecue 0.2%

Deliberate lighting (malicious) 114ha. (3.6%)

Lightning 2,275ha. (60.8%)

Prescribed Burning Although Parks Victoria had planned to conduct approximately 1200 prescribed burns covering an area of While Parks Victoria plays an important role with NRE 294,000 hectares during the burning season from March in fire prevention and suppression, our management activities to May 2001, unfavourable weather conditions resulted in to minimise the risk of future fires and to ensure the the completion of only 415 burns involving 71,000 hectares. regeneration of fire-dependent ecosystems are equally Significant rainfalls in mid-April 2001 hampered the important. Parks Victoria plans and implements all ecological prescribed burning program in the State’s Southern and burning on its estate, which is governed by the Interim Eastern Districts, and while burning continued in the north- Guidelines and Procedures for Ecological Burning on Public east, Grampians and Mallee Districts, moist conditions and Land in Victoria. cooler temperatures meant we did not achieve the target burn coverage.

Prescribed Burn Performance:

Planned Complete Total Completed Burns

Ecological Fuel Reduction

No. Area No. Area No. Area No. Area No. Area

Parks Victoria Managed Estate 136 46849 78 27048 214 73897 19 1996 59 25052

All Public Land 649 209470 415 65749 1064 275219 32 936 139 64807

* Note: The table above does not include statistics for silviculture burns (burns designed to create regrowth of original forest species).

33 Left: Parks Victoria has over five hundred trained firefighters to undertake wildfire prevention and suppression works. Right: Wildfires in the US states of Idaho and Montana were the worst seen in many years.

Fire Planning Standards of Cover Before each fire season, NRE’s Fire Management Division The Standards of Cover for Fire Management is a series of prepares fire operations plans for each fire district. These four measures that identify NRE/Parks Victoria’s ability to plans cover the prescribed burning, fire access track works respond to wildfire incidents. NRE completed a review of and fire infrastructure maintenance to be done. Parks Victoria the standards before the 2000-2001 fire season and advised staff help to develop these plans by preparing the program Parks Victoria that it had met its obligations for all four for ecological and fuel reduction burns and scheduling the measures. In the lead-up to the 2001-2002 fire season, fire operations in parks. maintaining and in some cases increasing our current levels of trained and accredited firefighters will be a key challenge During the year, Parks Victoria helped complete NRE’s for the organisation. Fire Protection Plans for the Gippsland Fire Region and Alexandra and Broadford Fire Districts. Following community consultation, the Fire Protection Plan for Port Phillip is being US Fires amended and is expected to receive Ministerial approval by In July 2000, the United States experienced the worst wildfire December 2001. Fire Protection Plans for the Bendigo and season in many years. Parks Victoria sent 14 staff as part Portland Fire Districts are also well advanced and will be of a 92-member team from Australia and New Zealand who released for public comment by November 2001. travelled to the Northern Rocky Mountain states of Idaho and Montana to provide incident management and aviation support to the US firefighting agencies. The Australians and New Zealanders received extensive acknowledgement from the US authorities for their contribution.

34 Parks Victoria aims to conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural assets.

35 6 Organisational Performance

At Parks Victoria, we value the opinions and ideas of our staff Staffing trends and recognise that organisational change will not produce the 2000/01 1999/200 desired results unless staff embrace and are committed to those changes. With this in mind we conducted 11 staff Managing Performance forums during the year on the theme “Progressing Parks (percentage of non-casual Victoria.” Staff and management discussed the organisation’s employees subject to performance, areas requiring improvement, resourcing performance planning process) 100% 100% priorities and what was needed to drive future cultural Average sick days taken change. Staff embraced the Progressing Parks Victoria per employee 4.1 3.8 concept and have taken the responsibility of addressing specific issues as well as expanding it at a local level. Occupational Health and Safety • Lost time injuries per employee 0.32 0.35 Reinforcing the goodwill between management and staff • Number of claims per employee 0.06 0.1 was the successful culmination of negotiations for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, which includes new Employee Relations performance measures that will lead to better staff rewards. Total lost days in industrial disputations 0 0

Staff Profile As of 30 June 2001, Parks Victoria had 984 direct employees, Staff Development of whom 879 were full-time staff, 41 were part-time staff and Staff participated in a wide range of development programs 64 were casual employees. Sixty-six percent of these employees during the year, including a Focused Manager Program, are men and 34 percent women. involving 80 staff, and a session on Advanced Conflict In comparison, in 1999/2000 Parks Victoria had 947 direct Management skills, in which 130 staff participated. employees comprising 799 full-time staff, 51 part-time staff The Workplace English Language and Literacy program, and 97 casual employees. Of these employees, 68 percent aimed at improving staff communication skills, continued in were men and 32 percent were women. all regions. The program focuses on the use of e-mail and Parks Victoria is aware of merit and equity principles InfoWeb for employees with limited exposure to these newer and all appointments are made in accordance with communication tools. Staff across the State also benefited government guidelines. from programs on presentation skills, time management and project and contract management. Occupational Health and Safety Freedom of Information Parks Victoria appointed a dedicated Occupational Health and Safety coordinator and a statewide project team to develop We received nine requests for documents and information and implement a Health and Safety Management System. under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. All were This system will ensure Parks Victoria’s compliance with OHS responded to in a timely and professional manner. legislation and safe working environments for staff, visitors and contractors.

Above: Dandenong Ranges National Park.

36 Compliance with Building Act 1993 Sponsors Parks Victoria is managing all of its buildings and work sites in Parks Victoria would like to thank the following organisations accordance with the requirements of the Building Act 1993. for their support:

3AW National Competition Policy 3AK In February 2000, PriceWaterhouseCoopers prepared a report Fox-FM for Parks Victoria that developed a cost allocation model to Channel 9 allow Parks Victoria to introduce market-based fees and Ford Australia charges to its various sites. At the time the report was Sunday Herald-Sun finalised, it was recognised that there were a number of gaps to be addressed before the cost allocation model could be Consultancies completed and used by Parks Victoria. Consultants engaged in 2000-2001 over $100,000: Work undertaken to date includes: None.

• Engagement of consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers to Total number of consultants engaged in 2000-2001: develop a Cost Allocation Model expanded to incorporate One, value $90,400. the Melbourne Metropolitan Region;

• Identification and analysis of data requirements; Management Plans

• Identification and implementation of model improvements As of 30 June 2001, there were 63 approved management and revisions; plans covering 34 National Parks, three Wilderness Parks, 30 State Parks and nine other parks. In December, the Minister • Population of the model with current data where available. released a draft plan reviewing the integrated management Future work in this area will include revisiting areas of of Wilsons Promontory National Park and Tidal River. concern and updating the model (where possible) for any We continued consultations with indigenous communities changes in Parks Victoria's operating environment and and Native Title claimants regarding the final plan for Yarra allowing it to be used to assist in the completion of a Ranges National Park and are continuing similar discussions review of the competitive neutrality of Parks Victoria's for the final plans for Grampians National Park and the pricing policies. Discovery Bay Parks (Mount Richmond National Park, Cape The work will therefore include: Nelson State Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park).

•a review of fees and charges to include mooring fees; We also worked on draft plans for Terrick Terrick National Park, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Beechworth Historic Park, • determining the GST impact on the model; Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Cape Conran Coastal • applying the Cost Allocation Model to fees & charges, Park and Long Forest Flora Reserve. ensuring that fees are benchmarked against the model; We continued to monitor the priority tasks contained in • making recommendations to the Parks Victoria Board. management plans to ensure they were being implemented. Parks Victoria contributed to a series of ‘Best Practice in Park Additional Departmental Information Management’ reports as part of the Australian and New Details in respect of the information items contained in section Zealand Environment and Conservation Council’s (ANZECC) 9.1.3 (iv) of the Financial Management Act 1994 have been Working Group on Protected Area Management. Two reports retained by the accountable officer and made available to were published during the year, namely, Best Practice in Ministers, Members of Parliament and the public on request. Protected Area Management Planning and Best Practice in Historic Places Management.

37 Kinglake National Park.

Changes to the Park System Corporate Performance Indicators Parks Victoria’s estate grew by a further 13,261 hectares after Increased visits to parks close to Metropolitan Melbourne, the following additions to parks were made on 25 January particularly to Mornington Peninsula National Park, Albert 2001 under the National Parks (Amendment) Act 2000: Park and St Kilda Pier, boosted the number of visit days by 300,000 to 38.3 million, exceeding our target range of • Alpine National Park (13,135 hectares) – including the 34.3 – 38 million visit days. Mount McKay/Rocky Valley area that was excised from the park in 1997 (285 hectares) and the Wongungarra Community perception of our performance as an efficient wilderness (12,850 hectares); environmental and cultural heritage manager also increased from the previous financial year, with rates all slightly • Organ Pipes National Park (13 hectares) – an area along exceeding the target ranges set. The community perception of Jacksons Creek donated by the City of Brimbank; the adequacy of recreational opportunities in country Victoria •Yarra Ranges National Park (3 hectares) – four smaller areas also improved, with the rate exceeding its target range by in or on the boundaries of the Armstrong Creek and Upper 4 percent, to a high level of 91 percent. Yarra catchments; General community awareness of Parks Victoria (aided • Kamarooka State Park (94 hectares) – an area on the awareness) exceeded the target range by 7 percent. southern edge of the park including Whipstick Mallee and Box-Ironbark vegetation, which was purchased with assistance from the City of Greater Bendigo;

• Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (16 hectares) –former freehold land on the Boole Poole Peninsula.

38 Table 1: 2000-2001 Corporate Performance Measures Indicator Actual Actual Actual Target Actual Result against 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2000/01 Target Missed Met Exceeded

Visit days (million)

Parks 25.2 27.8 27.8 27.6 - 30.6 29.9 Piers 7.0 6.6 6.9 6.7 - 7.4 TOTAL 32.2 34.4 34.7 34.3 - 38 38.3 • Visitor Satisfaction Index Parks 70 73 69 70 - 75 66 • Piers 50 66 54 60 - 65 52

Community Satisfaction (%)

Community Satisfaction of Parks Victoria as an environmental manager – “Good” or “Very Good” 75 72 80 75 - 80 83 • Parks Victoria as an “efficient” or “very efficient” manager 76 77 80 75 - 80 83 • Adequacy of Metropolitan Recreational Opportunities – “Good” or “Very Good” 88 87 87 85 - 90 86 • Adequacy of Country Victoria Recreational Opportunities – “Good” or “Very Good” 83 84 80 82 - 87 91 • Parks Victoria’s management performance relating to National, State and Regional Parks and Conservation Reserves – “Good” or “Very Good” 78 75 82 79 - 84 82 • Parks Victoria’s management performance relating to Melbourne’s major metropolitan parks “Good” or “Very Good” 72 74 65 70 - 75 67 • Parks Victoria’s management performance relating to bays, piers and selected waterways “Good” or “Very Good” 54 55 56 55 - 60 59 • Parks Victoria’s management performance relating to cultural heritage assets “Good” or “Very Good” na na 56 53 - 58 70 • 13 1963

Number of calls to Parks Victoria’s telephone information service 106,498 115,689 132,280 135,000 140,603 • Customer satisfaction with information available from Parks Victoria’s telephone information service 86 90 91 87 - 92 88 • Visits to Parks Victoria Websites na 4.3M 7.8M 8.0M 11.9M • Community awareness of Parks Victoria (aided awareness) 62 84 79 70 – 75 82 • % of structures with less than 5 years expected life for assets managed in the bay 18 14.9 14 13 13 • Number of volunteer days contributed towards delivery of Parks Victoria’s programs and services na 27,222 22,015 17,000 - 19,000 17,533 •

39 7 Financial Statements

40 Financial Review of Operations and Financial Condition

Three Year Financial Summary* 2001 2000 1999 $’000 $’000 $’000

Revenue From Government 104,464 99,550 85,201 Other Revenue 20,085 30,595 26,387

Total Revenue 124,549 130,145 111,588

Net Operating Result (2,063) 12,704 (3,229)

Net Cash Flow From Operations 7,571 (4,289) 12,660

Total Assets 611,627 607,245 606,520

Total Liabilities 26,865 23,705 35,684

* Parks Victoria was formed as a public authority on 3 July 1998.

In the financial year ending 30 June 2001, Parks Victoria’s operating result was not significantly affected by any unusual events.

Some significant aspects of this year’s results compared to the prior year were:

• Land sales revenue of $5.2M is an increase of $4.1M on the previous year. This level of funding is not expected to continue beyond next year and will be at a reduced level.

• No revenue was recognised for “assets provided from external parties for nil consideration”; last year an amount of $10.2M was included.

• Expenditure increased from previous year due to increases in environmental programs and additional expenditure on programs which were carried over from the previous year.

Subsequent events

Nil

41 Statement of Financial Performance for Year Ended 30 June 2001

Notes 2001 2000 $’000 $’000

REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Revenue from Operating Activities Parks & Reserves Trust Funding 4 62,038 55,662 Government Funding 5 42,426 43,888 Assets Provided from External Parties at Nil Consideration 6 0 10,176 Other Revenue 7 18,455 18,656

Total Revenue from Operating Activities 122,919 128,382

REVENUE FROM OUTSIDE OPERATING ACTIVITIES Interest Revenue 1,400 1,611 Proceeds on Sale of Plant and Motor Vehicles 230 152

Total Revenue from Outside Operating Activities 1,630 1,763

Total Revenue from Ordinary Activities 124,549 130,145

EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Operations 8 116,031 107,525 Parks Victoria Grants Program 9 3,931 4,046 Depreciation 10 6,650 5,870

Total Expenses from Ordinary Activities 126,612 117,441

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (2,063) 12,704

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Asset Revaluation Reserve 17 3,285 0

TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS AS OWNERS 1,222 12,704

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

42 Statement of Financial Position at 30 June 2001

Notes 2001 2000 $’000 $’000

CURRENT ASSETS Cash 13,523 8,743 Receivables 11 2,881 1,936 Prepayments 12 25 635

Total Current Assets 16,429 11,314

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Receivables 11 92 93 Fixed Assets 13 595,106 595,838

Total Non-Current Assets 595,199 595,931

TOTAL ASSETS 611,627 607,245

CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors and Accruals 14 11,253 9,753 Provisions 15 5,422 4,509

Total Current Liabilities 16,675 14,262

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Provisions 15 10,190 9,443

Total Non-Current Liabilities 10,190 9,443

TOTAL LIABILITIES 26,865 23,705

NET ASSETS 584,762 583,540

EQUITY Contributed Capital 16 271,935 271,935 Asset Revaluation Reserve 17 305,415 302,130 Retained Earnings 18 7,412 9,475

TOTAL EQUITY 584,762 583,540

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

43 Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2001

Notes 2001 2000 $’000 $’000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from Parks Charge 62,038 55,662 Receipts from Government for Operations 42,266 46,554 Receipts from Customers/Other Sources 15,099 10,812 Interest received 1,400 1,611 Receipts relating to Goods and Services Tax 11,599 0 Payments to Suppliers and Employees (105,889) (109,947) Payments to Parks Victoria Grants Program (3,048) (4,376) Payments to Government for Revenue collected from National Parks (4,384) (4,605) Payments Relating to Goods and Services Tax (11,510) 0

Net Cash from Operating Activities 19 7,571 (4,289)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payments for Property, Plant, Equipment (3,021) (2,948) Proceeds from sale of Property, Plant and Equipment 230 152

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (2,791) (2,798)

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash 4,780 (7,087)

Cash at the Beginning of the Year 8,743 15,830

CASH AT THE END OF THE YEAR 13,523 8,743

CONSISTING OF: COMMITTED CASH 6,912 6,167 NON-COMMITTED CASH 6,611 2,576

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

44 Notes to the Financial Statements

These notes form part of and should be read in conjunction Parks Victoria manages capital works for both the Government with the financial statements of Parks Victoria for the year (through the Department of Natural Resources & Environment) ended 30 June 2001. and Melbourne Parks & Waterways. Those assets are funded by and handed back to the Government and Melbourne Parks 1.1 ESTABLISHMENT & Waterways once completed.

Parks Victoria was formed as a public authority on 3 July 1998 Valuations are at cost except where otherwise stated. under the Parks Victoria Act 1998. The Parks Victoria Act 1998 was given Royal Assent on 26 May 1998 and was proclaimed For the purposes of government accounting, independent on 3 July 1998. valuations are undertaken at least every five years by the Valuer General’s Office, based on the adjacent site 1.2 OBJECTIVES AND FUNDING methodology, which is a means of estimating fair value for assets controlled by Parks Victoria (see note 13.2). The objective of Parks Victoria is ‘to provide an outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced for Assets acquired from other government entities are recorded people, forever’. either at values shown in the balance sheet of the acquired entity or at an estimated fair value. Parks Victoria receives the majority of its funding from the Victorian Government for the management of Victoria’s Crown Land National/State Parks and Reserves and from the Parks and The financial statements list location and values of Crown Reserves Trust for the management of metropolitan parks Land over which Parks Victoria is committee of management. and waterways. The Trust is funded by a charge levied on This Crown Land remains the property of the State of Victoria. properties within the metropolitan area. Crown Land is used for heritage and environmental 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT conservation, recreation, leisure, tourism and navigation. ACCOUNTING POLICIES 2.3 Depreciation 2.1 General Depreciation is applied to completed fixed assets including The financial statements are prepared in accordance with land improvements, buildings and improvements, piers and the Financial Management Act 1994, as amended, and jetties and river improvements, plant and machinery and incorporate Australian Accounting Standards and other motor vehicles. mandatory professional requirements. Work in progress is valued at cost and depreciation Unless otherwise stated, amounts in the financial statements commences on completion of the works. have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off 2.2 Basis of Accounting the net cost or revalued amount of each non-current asset The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual over its expected useful life to the entity. The expected useful and a going concern basis. Unless otherwise stated, values life of each asset category is as follows: reported are stated at historical cost. Revenue is brought to account as detailed in the Revenue Recognition Policy Asset Category Expected Life (Years) (note 2.8). Land Improvements 10 – 20 Buildings and Improvements 50 Valuation of Assets Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 20 – 50 Plant and Machinery 10 Parks Victoria only recognises assets on land it controls as Motor Vehicles 4 committee of management. Parks Victoria also manages Other 3.3 – 10 parks on land owned by the Crown and Melbourne Parks & Waterways and those assets are recorded in the land owners’ Depreciation rates are reviewed annually and, if necessary, financial records. adjusted to reflect the most recent assessments of the useful lives of the respective assets. Land and antiques are not depreciated.

45 Notes to the Financial Statements

2.4 Leasing 2.6 Receivables Operating Leases are not capitalised as Parks Victoria does not Trade receivables are carried at amounts due less a provision substantially assume all the risks and benefits associated with for doubtful debts. A provision for doubtful debts is the leased assets. recognised to the extent that recovery of the outstanding receivable balance is considered less than likely. Credit sales 2.5 Employee Entitlements are normally on 30-day terms. Employee entitlement on-cost expenses such as payroll tax, Work Cover and similar on-costs have been included in the 2.7 Creditors and Accrued Expenses recognition of the following liabilities. Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the future for goods and services received, whether or not billed to the Wages and Salaries, Annual Leave and Sick Leave entity. Trade liabilities are normally settled on 30 days from Liabilities for wages and salaries and annual leave are statement or earlier. recognised and measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at nominal pay rates in respect of employee 2.8 Revenue Recognition Policy services rendered up to that date. Revenue is recognised when invoiced by Parks Victoria or when external grants/funding are received. Sick leave payments are charged as an expense when incurred and no provision is made for sick leave entitlements in the Where external grants/funding received has not yet been spent financial statements. and there is a reciprocal transfer of the asset to the external party upon completion, then Parks Victoria records this Long Service Leave amount as deferred revenue. A liability for long service leave is recognised based on the present value of expected future payments to be made 2.9 Recoverable Amounts of Non-Current Assets in respect of service provided by employees up to the As Parks Victoria is a not-for-profit entity the recoverable reporting date. amounts test in the Australian Accounting Standard AAS10 “Accounting for the Revaluation of Non-Current Assets” has The basis for calculating the current liability for long service not been applied. leave is a percentage of the total provision based on prior experience. 3 CASH FLOWS Superannuation For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, cash includes The majority of Parks Victoria employees are covered for cash on hand and cash at bank. Superannuation by the Local Authorities Superannuation Board and the Victorian Superannuation Board.

The range of employer contribution rates to these funds is between 8 percent and 18 percent. There are no loans between the Super Funds and Parks Victoria. At the reporting date there were outstanding contributions owing of $11,161.

Parks Victoria contributes as recommended by the Actuary of each Fund an agreed percentage of total salaries and wages to the Funds.

There are no unfunded liabilities in respect of Parks Victoria employees who are members of the superannuation schemes. The last actuarial assessment date was 30 June 2000.

The Unfunded Superannuation Liability relating to Parks Victoria staff who are currently members of the State Super Board is assumed by the Department of Treasury and Finance.

46 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

4PARKS & RESERVES TRUST FUNDING The Parks & Reserves Trust Funding is a charge levied on commercial and domestic properties throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area of which the bulk is paid to Parks Victoria. Parks Charge 56,756 54,483 Land sales 5,282 1,179

Total Parks & Reserves Trust Funding 62,038 55,662

5 GOVERNMENT FUNDING National/State Parks and Reserves funding 33,652 34,248 Program initiatives (including 4WD Program, Good Neighbour Program) 2,360 2,008 Capital works for the Department of Natural Resources & Environment 6,414 7,632

Total Government Funding 42,426 43,888

6 ASSETS PROVIDED FROM EXTERNAL PARTIES AT NIL CONSIDERATION Assets transferred from Historic Buildings Management Committee 0 5,244 Assets transferred from Rosebud Foreshore Committee of Management 0 3,662 Other 0 1,270

Total Assets Provided from External Parties at Nil Consideration 0 10,176

7 OTHER REVENUE Accommodation/camping fees 3,667 3,548 Funding sponsored by external parties 1,654 1,954 Government grants 1,705 1,400 Rent, leases & licenses 3,371 2,941 Park entrance fees 2,001 2,057 Yarra Bend Trust 1,604 1,634 Services provided to the Department of Natural Resources & Environment 1,070 1,096 Fire suppression costs, recovered 763 737 Other 2,620 3,289

Total Other Revenue 18,455 18,656

8 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES Labour * 46,337 44,046 Materials 6,586 4,490 Transport 5,927 5,090 Contracts 33,612 29,968 External services 15,741 16,140 Payment to Government for revenue collected from National Parks 4,384 4,607 Other 2,784 1,413 Payments for works sponsored by external parties 660 1,771 *Includes contributions to the Superannuation Funds amounting to $3.6 million (last year $3.5 million).

Total Operating Expenses 116,031 107,525

47 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

9PARKS VICTORIA GRANTS PROGRAM Payments are made to Local Government, other agencies, community groups and program operating costs 3,931 4,046

Total Parks Victoria Grants Program 3,931 4,046

10 DEPRECIATION Land improvements 2,649 2,169 Buildings and improvements 1,720 1,562 Piers, jetties and river improvements 1,411 1,252 Other 870 887

Total Depreciation 6,650 5,870

11 RECEIVABLES Gross receivables 3,257 2,270 Provision for doubtful debts (284) (241) (An amount of $6,437 was written off to bad debts during the year).

Net Receivables 2,973 2,029

Current Assets 2,881 1,936 Non-Current Assets 92 93

Net Receivables 2,973 2,029

12 PREPAYMENTS Prepayments 25 635

Total Prepayments 25 635

13 FIXED ASSETS 13.1 Asset Category Land (at cost) Opening Balance 27 27 Additions 00

Closing Balance Land (at cost) 27 27

Crown Land (at fair value) Opening Balance 485,875 478,808 Additions 1,327 7,067

Closing Balance Crown Land (at fair value) (Note 13.2) 487,202 485,875

48 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

Antiques (At cost) Opening Balance 1,479 1,479 Additions 00

Closing Balance Antiques (at cost) 1,479 1,479

Works in Progress (at cost) Opening Balance 3,142 5,573 Additions 2,839 3,833 Completed Fixed Assets (3,292) (6,264)

Closing Balance Works in Progress (at cost) 2,689 3,142

Land improvements (at cost) Opening Balance 45,253 48,593 Additions/Adjustments 841 *(3,340) Closing Balance land improvements (at cost) 46,094 45,253

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 4,819 7,835 Depreciation for the Year 2,649 2,169 Adjustments 7 *(5,186) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 7,475 4,819

Net Book Value – Land Improvements 38,619 40,435

Piers, Jetties and River Improvements (at cost) Opening Balance 19,604 19,362 Additions/Adjustments 2,939 *242 Closing Balance – Piers, Jetties and River Improvements (at cost) 22,543 19,604

Accumulated depreciation Opening Balance 2,436 3,855 Depreciation for the year 1,411 1,252 Adjustments 1 *(2,670) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 3,848 2,436

Net Book Value – Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 18,695 17,167

Buildings and Improvements (at cost) Opening Balance 45,950 46,321 Additions/Adjustments 1,272 *(371) Closing Balance Buildings and Improvements (at cost) 47,222 45,950

Accumulated depreciation Opening Balance 3,022 5,200 Depreciation for the year 1,720 1,562 Adjustments (6) *(3,740) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 4,736 3,022

Net Book Value – Buildings and Improvements 42,486 42,928

49 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

Other (at cost) Opening Balance 6,603 8,646 Additions/Adjustments 377 *(2,043) Retirements (603) 0 Closing Balance Other (at cost) 6,377 6,603

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 1,818 3,340 Depreciation for the year 870 887 Adjustments/Retirements (220) *(2,409) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 2,468 1,818

Net Book Value – Other 3,909 4,785

TOTAL FIXED ASSETS NET BOOK VALUE 595,106 595,838

Summary Fixed Assets (at fair value) 487,202 485,875 Fixed Assets (at cost) 126,431 122,058 Less Accumulated Depreciation (18,527) (12,095)

TOTAL FIXED ASSETS NET BOOK VALUE 595,106 595,838

* Reflects adjustment to Fixed Assets opening balance at 3 July 1998.

The William Ricketts Sanctuary, located in the Dandenong Ranges, contains more than 70 in-ground Aboriginal sculptures made by the late William Ricketts. These assets are of cultural and heritage significance. A valuation of these assets is not able to be determined.

Area $M (Hectares)

13.2 CROWN LAND Location You Yangs Regional Park 1,960 1.96 Eildon Water Reserve 533 0.53 Dandenong Police Paddocks 499 4.24 Bay Assets *498 Not Valued Lighthouse Reserves 348 1.44 Dandenong Ranges Gardens 278 3.10 Buchan Caves Reserve 260 0.20 Serendip Sanctuary 227 0.70 Albert Park 225 403.11 Plenty Gorge 208 2.88 Werribee Park 164 6.00 Yarra Valley 139 31.16 Vaughan Springs 100 0.19 Coolart 79 1.40

50 Notes to the Financial Statements

Area $M (Hectares)

Mt Dandenong Observatory Reserve 72 0.48 Westgate 35 12.01 Olinda Golf Course 34 0.37 Maribyrnong Valley 25 0.93 Dandenong Valley 6 1.01 Historic Buildings 5 3.41 Peach Tree Creek 4 0.05 Point Cook/Cheetham 4 0.02 Herring Island 3 7.00 Orbost Rain Forest 1 0.03 Rosebud Foreshore 91 4.99

Total Crown Land 5,798 487.2

* This 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.

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

14 CREDITORS AND ACCRUED EXPENSES Current Creditors and Accruals 11,051 6,045 Deferred Revenue 202 3,708

Total Creditors and Accrued Expenses 11,253 9,753

15 PROVISIONS Employee Provisions – Current Annual Leave 4,511 3,666 Long Service Leave 911 843 Total Employee Provisions – Current 5,422 4,509

Employee Provisions – Non-Current Long Service Leave 10,190 9,443 Total Employee Provisions – Non-Current 10,190 9,443

Total Provisions 15,612 13,952

16 CONTRIBUTED CAPITAL Opening Balance 271,935 271,935

Total Contributed Capital 271,935 271,935

51 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

17 ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE Opening Balance 302,130 302,130 * Revaluation of Rosebud Foreshore Assets 3,285 0

Total Asset Revaluation Reserve 305,415 302,130

* Parks Victoria was appointed committee of management for the Rosebud Foreshore on 13 June 2000. A discounted cashflow methodology was used to value the assets transferred from the previous committee. These assets were subsequently valued by the Valuer-General using the adjacent site method at $6.95 million.

18 RETAINED EARNINGS Movement in Retained Earnings Opening Balance 9,475 (3,229) Add transfer (from)/to Statement of Financial Performance (2,063) 12,704

Closing Retained Earnings 7,412 9,475

19 RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) Operating Profit/(Loss) (2,063) 2,528 Depreciation 6,650 5,870 Provision for doubtful debts expense 49 170 Loss/(Gain) on sale of assets 152 (152)

Change in Assets and Liabilities Decrease/(Increase) in receivables (987) (221) Decrease/(Increase) in other current assets 610 (506) Increase/(Decrease) in provisions 1,660 396 Increase/(Decrease) in creditors and accrued expenses 1,500 (12,374)

Net Cash from Operating Activities 7,571 (4,289)

20 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 20.1 Other Outstanding Claims There are minor claims against Parks Victoria arising out of various matters connected with its business dealings.

21 COMMITMENTS Capital Commitments Value of commitments for Capital Expenditure at 30 June 2001 for the supply of works, services and materials not provided for in the financial statements: Not later than one year 6,639 6,167 Later than one year and not later than five years 600 0 Later than five years 00

Total Capital Commitments 7,239 6,167

52 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

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 3,950 3,723 Later than one year and not later than five years 4,886 2,445 Later than five years 0 692

Total Non-Cancellable Operating Leases 8,836 6,860

22 RESOURCES PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE During 2000/01 significant community input in the form of voluntary labour was provided to Parks Victoria. Volunteers and Friends were involved in a range of activities including tree planting, revegetation, landscaping, development of interpretation programs, delivery of education and school holiday programs, Camp Hosting, wild life monitoring, nursery maintenance and propagation, track clearing and construction, research, Friends Conference, Clean Up Australia, Spring Planting Festival and other events. Volunteers have also been involved through volunteer programs such as Environment Corp, Green Corp and Conservation Volunteers Australia.

23 AUDITOR'S REMUNERATION Amounts paid/payable to –

Victorian Auditor General’s Office for the audit of the financial statements 40 38

24 RELATED PARTIES 24.1 Responsible Persons The names of persons who were Board Members at any time during the year ended 30 June 2001 were: P. Buzzard, L. Campbell, K. Fagg, P. Galbally, J. Gilmour, P. Robinson, D. Saunders, J. Tongs and G. Wescott.

The name of the responsible Minister for the whole of the year ended 30 June 2001 was The Hon. Sherryl Garbutt MP.

The name of the accountable officer for the whole of the year ended 30 June 2001 was M. Stone.

53 Notes to the Financial Statements

2001 2000 $’000 $’000

24.2 Board Members Remuneration Total remuneration received or due and receivable by Board Members from the reporting entity was: 113 111

The number of Board Members of the reporting entity included in this figure is shown below:

Income of: Number Number $0 to $9,999 10 $10,000 to $19,999 78 $20,000 to $29,999 11

24.3 Executive Officers Remuneration Income received by Executive Officers whose income is more than $100,000 from the reporting entity was: 1,893 1,962

The number of Executive Officers of the reporting entity included in this figure is shown below:

Income of : Number Number $100,000 to $109,999 22 $110,000 to $119,999 32 $120,000 to $129,999 04 $130,000 to $139,999 44 $140,000 to $149,999 21 $150,000 to $159,999 11 $160,000 to $169,999 10 $180,000 to $189,999 01 $190,000 to $199,999 10

Remuneration includes total employment package (including superannuation) paid plus bonuses earned for the prior year, annual leave and long service leave accrued over a number of years and paid on resignation.

24.4 Other Transactions of Board Members and Board Member-related Entities Nil Nil

54 Notes to the Financial Statements

25 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Total carrying amount as per the balance sheet Aggregate net fair value 2001 2000 2001 2000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Cash 13,523 8,743 13,523 8,743 Receivables – Trade 2,973 2,029 2,973 2,029

Total Financial Assets 16,496 10,772 16,496 10,772

Trade Creditors and Accruals 11,253 9,753 11,253 9,753

Total Financial Liabilities 11,253 9,753 11,253 9,753

Cash, cash equivalents: The carrying amount approximates fair value because of their short term to maturity.

Trade receivables and payables: The carrying amount approximates fair value.

The weighted average cash interest rate earned for 2000/01 was 5.5%.

26 CONSOLIDATION ELIMINATION ENTRIES

*Intra *Intra **Inter **Inter 2001 2000 2001 2000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

During 2000/01 transactions were undertaken with other State Government controlled entities that amounted to: Assets 0 8,974 0 0 Liabilities 0 0 0 0 Revenues 105,305 99,384 977 824 Expenses 8,566 8,674 3,946 3,927

* Intra-transactions are those transactions undertaken within the Department of Natural Resources & Environment portfolio.

** Inter-transactions are those transactions undertaken outside the Department of Natural Resources & Environment portfolio.

27 POST-BALANCE DATE EVENTS Nil

55 Statutory Certificate

We certify that the Financial Statements of Parks Victoria have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994.

In our opinion, the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Financial Performance, Statement of Cash Flows and Notes to the Financial Statements, present fairly the financial transactions for the year ended 30 June 2001 and the financial position of Parks Victoria at that date.

At the date of signing the statements we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the Statements misleading or inaccurate.

P. Buzzard Chairman

M. Stone Chief Executive

Dated at Melbourne, 24 August 2001.

56 Legislative Framework Parks Victoria was established in 1996 and reports to Parks Victoria’s responsibilities encompass the the Minister for Environment and Consrvation, the management of: Hon. Sherryl Garbutt. • All areas reserved under the National Parks Act 1975 Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria • Open space, parks and waterways under section 110 provides services to the State and its agencies for the of the Water Industry Act 1994 management of parks, reserves and other land under the control of the State. With the approval of the • Nominated Crown land reserved under the Crown Minister it may also provide services to the owner of Land (Reserves) Act 1978 any other land used for public purposes for the •Conservation reserves reserved under the Crown management of that land. The Act requires that in Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and managed in carrying out its functions, Parks Victoria must not act in accordance with approved land use a way that is not environmentally sound. recommendations under the Land Conservation Overall arrangements regarding the relationships and Act 1970 responsibilities for providing services to the Department •Areas reserved under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) are set down in a Management Services Agreement (MSA) • Planning for all Ramsar sites and management of between Parks Victoria, the Minister for Environment some sites and Conservation, the Secretary of the DNRE and • Piers and jetties in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Melbourne Parks and Waterways. Parks Victoria’s and recreational boating on these bays pursuant to management services are delivered within State policy, powers conferred by the Marine Act 1988 and the contractual agreements and the specific responsibilities Port of Melbourne Authority Act 1958 and powers of the Secretary (DNRE) under the recently amended National Parks Act 1975. • Other areas as specified under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 In addition to the Management Services Agreement, Parks Victoria provides management services to Yarra Bend Trust (for Yarra Bend Park) and to Melbourne Water (for the reservoir parks). These agreements are between the respective client organisations and Melbourne Parks and Waterways and are covered under the broader arrangement for service provision to DNRE. Designed by Scimitar and printed SR Written and edited by Diny Slamet. Frankland on 100% recycled paper. Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Facsimile: (03) 9629 5563

Information Centre Phone 13 1963 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au