ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Copyright © Parks 2006 Acknowledgement of Country and Indigenous Traditional Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, , Australia. Owners Parks Victoria respectfully acknowledges the original custodians ISSN 1448 – 9082 ISSN 1448 – 9090 (Online) of what is now known as Victoria; their rich culture, deep affinity Published on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au with the land and spiritual connection to it. Parks Victoria is committed to establishing strong relationships and partnerships This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process with the descendants of the original custodians to facilitate their except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. active involvement in the future management of protected areas in Victoria. General Disclaimer This document may be of assistance to you, but Parks Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the information it contains is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this document.

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

Front Cover Images (clockwise from top left) Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell rockpools, St Kilda Pier and Kiosk, National Park.

Buchan Caves. CONTENTS

2About Parks Victoria 23 Enhancing the Visitor Experience Parks Victoria is responsible for sustainably managing much 3 Chairman’s Message of the recreational infrastructure in parks and waterways across 4 Chief Executive’s Message the state. The provision of information services, educational programs and interpretation activities also contributes to visitor 6 The Year at a Glance enjoyment. Parks Victoria encourages Victorians to take an 9 Managing Wildfire and Other Emergencies active role in the management of parks and reserves through We made a major contribution to the recovery of fire-affected our community engagement and volunteer programs. It is also areas through research, conservation works and asset rebuilding, the major provider of nature-based tourism in the State. and perhaps, most importantly, through partnerships and 31 Responsibly Managing our Resources communication with local communities. In order to be effective in our role as custodian of a magnificent 13 Caring for the Natural Environment collection of parks and reserves on behalf of all Victorians, Parks Protecting and enhancing the parks and reserves is critical Victoria is committed to providing accountable management, to conserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future, developing staff, and incorporating the best of international Parks Victoria undertakes planning, research and onground park management practice into our daily work. activities as part of its natural values program. 42 Financial Report 21 Protecting our Cultural Heritage Parks Victoria manages the most extensive and diverse collection of cultural heritage places in the State, sites that evoke our past through images of indigenous culture, early settlement, coastal shipping, colonial defence, mining, natural treasures and historic huts. Protecting our shared heritage enables us to learn from the past and shape the future.

Sightseeing at Port Campbell National Park.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 1 ABOUT PARKS VICTORIA

Vision Significant environmental values protected in parks An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and (Percentage of Victorian total) enhanced, for people, forever. 1,463 threatened flora species (89%) 280 threatened fauna species (89%) Purpose We exist to: 31 threatened communities (89%)

• conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural 115 reference areas (80%) assets;

•responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality Visitor services and facilities information, services and experiences; 73.5 million visits per year, comprising: •provide excellence and innovation in park management; and 42.7 million to parks (including 2.7 million • contribute to the social and economic well-being of Victorians. to marine national parks and sanctuaries Who we are 30.8 million to piers and jetties around the bays Parks Victoria was established in December 1996 and is a 1,570 visitor sites statutory authority that reports to the Minister for Environment, 14,000km roads the Hon. John Thwaites MP. Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s responsibilities are to provide services to the 3.673km walking tracks State and its agencies for the management of parks, reserves and 53 visitor centres buildings other land under the control of the State. Since its establishment, Parks Victoria has developed a strong reputation nationally and 447 viewing lookouts internationally as a leading park management agency. Parks 617 parks structures Victoria has: 46 playgrounds 120 workcentres (75% of them in regional Victoria) 945 pedestrian and vehicular bridges 1,005 direct employees, of whom: 96 piers and jetties 625 are trained emergency wildfire response personnel who work in partnership with the 303 vessel platforms, e.g. piers, landings, Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) marinas, wharves

68 water access points, e.g. boat ramps and rowing What we manage launches and slippings

Parks Victoria is the custodian of a diverse estate of significant 957 navigation aids parks in Victoria, and is also responsible for the recreational management of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. The park estate comprises:

40 national parks

13 marine national parks

11 marine sanctuaries

3 wilderness parks

27 state parks

31 metropolitan parks

61 other parks (including regional and reservoir parks)

2,794 natural features reserves and conservation reserves

8,400 Aboriginal Affairs Victoria registered Indigenous cultural heritage sites/places

2,500 (non-Indigenous) historic places

3.95 million hectares (17% of Victoria) – total area of parks and reserves Horse riding at the Gorge, Mount Buffalo National Park.

2 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Rob Gerrand, Chairman.

Dear Minister 70 countries, and was the highlight of Parks Victoria’s program of participation in national and international park management On behalf of the Parks Victoria Board I am pleased to submit the and environmental forums. 2005-06 Annual Report. Parks Victoria and our parks estate continue to benefit greatly Parks Victoria has had a year of growth, with increased activity in from the many thousands of hours of work contributed by natural values management, fire, and tourism. We were also heavily volunteers, both from community groups caring for a particular involved in Victoria’s major events program, particularly in support park or place and under cooperative arrangements with recreational of the Commonwealth Games – where our work with the metal user groups. Our strong engagement with and support of indigenous fish and fountains in the Yarra was a highlight – the Australian Grand communities also continued through the year through the indigenous Prix and the Volvo Ocean Race stopover. The success of these graduate and business programs. Whenever the Board has visited events was in part made possible by the tremendous efforts of regional offices our members have been greatly impressed by the many Parks Victoria staff. passion of Parks Victoria staff for the parks they manage and their ability to build good and lasting relationships with local communities. The 2005-06 fire season was a challenging one for Parks Victoria On behalf of the Board I thank management and all staff for their and our partners in the statewide fire effort. The fires during January excellent work across the state. and February 2006 not only presented the immediate tragedies of lives lost and homes destroyed, but also the ongoing difficulties During the year we transferred the Committee of Management of the fire recovery process. On behalf of the Board I commend responsibilities for the Rosebud foreshore land to the Mornington the efforts of Parks Victoria staff directly involved in fire fighting, Peninsula Shire. This was a non cash asset transfer of $24.6 and in support, recovery and rehabilitation roles. The urgent nature million which is shown as an expense in Parks Victoria’s financial of the recovery effort underscores the value of parks to the state’s statements. The net result shown in the Operating Statement tourism industry, particularly in regional Victoria. of a $27.6 million loss is largely explained by this transaction.

The Board welcomes the additional funding for parks provided In 2005-06 we farewelled an outstanding Chairman, Kathryn by the government in the 2006-07 Victorian Budget for Fagg, and member, Pam Robinson, and welcomed new member the establishment of the Werribee Regional Park, the Merri Ken King. Creek Parklands, the Melton Park and the completion of the Pt Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. The new urban parks, along Finally, Minister, on behalf of the Board and Parks Victoria staff with the additional funding for Metropolitan Trail Network, will I would like to convey our appreciation for your support. help highlight the health benefits of parks for all Victorians, which has been a focus of recent years. The funding for asset renewal and repair announced in the 2005-06 Budget underpinned an extensive program of works to improve visitor experiences that continued through the year.

The International Marine Protected Areas Conference, held in Rob Gerrand Geelong in November 2005, builds on Victoria’s strong international Chairman reputation as a protector of our unique marine environments. The conference was attended by representatives of more than August 2006

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MESSAGE

refurbished, it won the Heritage Architecture Award in the 2006 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Awards. Also in Port Phillip Bay, the exciting Queenscliff Harbour Redevelopment continued to make progress. The redevelopment of Queenscliff Harbour, due for completion in 2008, has reached a significant milestone with the construction of a new ferry access road and a fisherman’s wharf access road.

We were again involved in major events throughout the year, the two most notable being the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the Volvo Ocean Race. Parks Victoria staff acquitted themselves admirably, with both events hailed as resounding successes.

We continue to make progress with our program to produce Mark Stone, Chief Executive. management plans for all national and state parks, and as at 30 June 2006 there were approved management plans for all, or parts of, 39 national parks, three wilderness parks, 26 state It is my pleasure to introduce our 2005-06 Annual Report, which parks, 14 other parks, three marine national parks and three presents the wide range of Parks Victoria’s responsibilities, and marine sanctuaries. highlights the contributions we have made to Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage, its economy, communities and the health An approved recreation framework for public land that included of its people, and the pivotal role we play in tourism in Victoria. was released in May 2006. This framework balances the dual needs of catering for a variety of recreation This past year was marked by a number of significant events, activities with protecting natural and cultural values across the arguably the most challenging being the fires in the Grampians, area and reducing impacts on park and other neighbours. Brisbane Ranges and Kinglake national parks and Moondarra State Park. Late spring rains delayed the start of the peak Volunteers were again one of our most significant partners in the fire season, but, after several years of below-average rainfall, support of environmental and cultural values and visitor service forest areas dried out very quickly. The fire season peaked in projects in parks and reserves. In 2005-06 Friends groups, January, when widespread lightning activity combined with high community associations, special interest groups, schools and temperatures to start 238 fires across the State. I commend all recreational clubs contributed over 186,000 hours of volunteer work. staff from Parks Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Department of Primary The contributions of many of these groups span decades. This Industries on their commitment and cooperative efforts to was recognised in February, when Parks Victoria celebrated the manage the impact of these major fires. contributions of eight groups which had each given over 25 years of voluntary service in parks and reserves. Elaine Carbines MLC, Following the fires, a Ministerial Bushfire Recovery Taskforce Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, presented the was formed as a focus for the Government’s response, allocating awards. funding to enable high-priority visitor and tourist sites to be reopened in the Brisbane Ranges and the Grampians national The innovative Camp Host program places volunteers at popular parks by Easter 2006. With the tremendous effort of staff and camping areas in parks across the State, to enhance camping a small army of volunteers, we met this goal. experiences for park visitors. This year saw the largest summer program to date, and in all 52 volunteers participated over summer The Premier and Minister Thwaites officially opened a new and Easter. Not only do campers benefit; the program offers young 103,000 hectares National Park for the Otways, stretching from people an opportunity to learn more about our parks and the Anglesea to Cape Otway. Great Otway National Park, now challenges of managing remote sites. the largest on Victoria’s coast, links Otway National Park and Angahook-Lorne, Carlisle and Melba Gully state parks with tracts Building on past programs to protect the natural environment in of former state forest and hosts what is now one of the world’s parks, over 500 onground environmental projects were completed great walks. Creating many great tourism opportunities, the in the parks this past year, most relating to pest plants and pest spectacular Great Ocean Walk stretches 91km from Apollo Bay animals. Protocols developed to monitor weeds, cats, deer, foxes, to Glenample Homestead, near the Twelve Apostles. It passes kangaroos, koalas and rabbits were applied in more than 30 parks. through the new national park and overlooks a marine national park. There has already been enormous domestic and international There has been an ongoing effort to control pest plants in the interest in this new walk, which has the potential to make a Alpine and Mount Buffalo national parks following the 2003 fires significant contribution to the economic health of this region. and now, in the Alpine National Park, with the cessation of cattle Minister Thwaites announced the completion of the rebuilt and grazing. Major projects to control English Broom and Himalayan refurbished St Kilda Kiosk after the fire in 2003. Restored and Honeysuckle progressed with some innovative aerial control techniques, and biocontrol agents, as well as conventional

4 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 control techniques. There were continued, coordinated programs Parks Victoria and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Protection to control willows in the Alpine and Mitchell River national parks, Authority co-hosted the inaugural International Marine Protected as well as a significant program at Baw Baw National Park, Areas Congress (IMPAC1) in Geelong over the week 23-28 involving staff and volunteers, flown into remote areas of the October 2005. This provided many opportunities to promote and Baw Baw Plateau, to cut and poison emergent willows. In the discuss approaches to marine protected area management, and bays area, there was establishment of cross-tenure weed control enabled the efforts of numerous committed people in the creation programs in association with local government, Melbourne Water and protection of Victoria’s marine national park system to be and VicRoads across Mornington Peninsula National Park. showcased to an international audience.

Among numerous cultural heritage projects and achievements Parks Victoria proudly supported the 2005 Regional Achievement was the preparation of new or updated heritage maintenance and Community Awards, the biggest regional awards program plans for key historic properties, including, the Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. This was our first year as a supporter and the first year lightstation buildings, O’Shannassy Lodge (Yarra Ranges National for the Environment and Sustainability Award. With over 50 entries, Park), Woodlands Homestead, Point Hicks and this award category was the most popular, reflecting the value that lightstations, Andersons Mill and Glenample Homestead. Victorians place on good environmental practice.

Indigenous cultural heritage archaeological surveys were We demonstrated best practice in many areas of organisational completed following fires in Brisbane Ranges, Grampians and performance. Parks Victoria was the proud winner for the second Mount Eccles national parks, Black Range and Moondarra state year running of the Public Sector Employer category for its parks, and Tyers Park. The professional production of a DVD, Indigenous Employment, Training and Community Initiatives, which Dancing and the Devil Fire – Uncovering the Hidden History of the include the development of our Indigenous Partnership Strategy. Alps, documents the post-2003 Alpine fire archaeological survey The award recognises training providers and organisations that program undertaken by Parks Victoria, DSE and Aboriginal Affairs have acknowledged the potential within Koorie communities and Victoria, in partnership with the Traditional Owners. I was delighted are working with Koories to create real outcomes for individuals that this project was a finalist in the Prime Minister’s Award of the and communities. Banksia Environmental Awards. The achievements, events, activities, and the onground work of Parks Victoria is well aware that the professional, accessible this past year of park management are all detailed in this Report. and equitable provision of information is a vital aspect of park I commend it to you and thank you for your involvement and management. In addition to producing publications and continuously interest in Victoria’s parks and their protection. I look forward developing our website, for more than five years we have developed to working with you in the coming year. our much-awarded Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) program to communicate the benefits and importance of parks to all Victorians.

This year we shared our ideas with other park management agencies at the Parks Forum Conference, held in May 2006. This conference attracted delegates involved in park management nationally and internationally, where our HPHP program was unanimously acknowledged for its innovative approach. HPHP Mark Stone also formed the basis of a short television campaign to encourage Chief Executive Victorians to get out and get healthy in our great parks.

The annual World’s Greatest Pram Stroll, now in its fourth year, expanded from two venues to 21 across the State. On the first Saturday in October 2005, parks across Victoria came alive with over 3,500 mums, dads and their families strolling at the main event at Albert Park and at other parks.

Parks Victoria received a number of awards through the year, including a Victorian Coastal Award for the Innovation in Marine Research category. This was won in partnership with Coastal Zone CRC for increasing knowledge of Victoria’s marine environment through the Mapping the Deep research program. Once again at the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated Wurreker Awards, Parks Victoria won the Public Sector Employer category for Indigenous Employment, Training and Community Initiatives.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 5 THE YEAR AT A GLANCE

Parks Victoria delivers park management services across five key program areas (see below). Each year we prepare a performance statement to report on our achievements on key activities. The Corporate Performance Measures are included in this report on page 40.

Program Areas

Wildfire Management and Caring for the Natural Protecting our Cultural Other Emergencies Environment Heritage

Objective To provide services and resources to To provide services for, reduce risks To provide services and actions to DSE for the prevention and suppression to, and improve the condition of, maintain or improve the condition of of wildfire and for responding to other natural values and resources. Indigenous and European heritage emergencies in Victoria. cultural values and resources.

Highlights • Responded to major fires in the • Continuation of the box-ironbark • The Indigenous Partnership Strategy Grampians, Brisbane Ranges, ecological thinning trial in Paddys and Action Plan, was released by Kinglake, Stawell, Erica and Range State Park, and Castlemaine Minister Thwaites. This initiative Portland areas. Diggings National Heritage Park and emphasises developing strong two other conservation reserves. relationships and sustainable • Community events were organised partnerships with Traditional Owners to enable Friends groups, other • Expansion of the marine habitat and other Indigenous communities. interest groups and community mapping and biological monitoring members of the community to programs designed to build a • Completion of Indigenous cultural actively participate in, and learn baseline of biological information heritage archaeological surveys in more about, the fire recovery across the marine national parks Churchill, Point Nepean, St Arnaud program. and marine sanctuaries. Range and Yarra Ranges (at ) national parks. • 61 prescribed burns were •Protocols (standardised techniques) conducted for fuel reduction or to monitor weeds, cats, deer, foxes, •Production of a DVD ‘Dancing ecological purposes, treating an kangaroos, koalas and rabbits in and the Devil Fire – Uncovering area of 9,481 hectares as part of more than 30 parks. the Hidden History of the Alps’, the 2005-06 statewide prescribed documenting the post-2003 Alpine • Continuation of the State of the burning program. fire archaeological survey program Parks program including development undertaken by Parks Victoria, DSE of a detailed framework of indicators and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in to assess trends in the condition partnership with the Traditional of the parks network and the Owners. effectiveness of management programs. •Preparation of new or updated heritage maintenance plans for • As at 30 June 2006 there were key historic properties, including, approved management plans for the Wilsons Promontory lightstation all, or parts of, 39 national parks, buildings, O’Shannassy Lodge three wilderness parks, 26 state (Yarra Ranges National Park), parks, 14 other parks, three marine Woodlands Homestead, Point national parks and three marine Hicks and Gabo Island lightstations, sanctuaries. Andersons Mill and Glenample Homestead.

Further Details Page 9 Page 13 Page 21

6 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Mornington Peninsula National Park.

Enhancing the Visitor Responsibly Managing our Experience Resources

To provide services and build facilities To develop and improve organisational that sustainably satisfy and sustain services to support the efficient and visitor needs, enjoyment and broader effective delivery of outputs. appreciation of parks.

• The new $2.75 million St Kilda Pier •Victorian Coastal Awards 2006 – Kiosk and Café was officially opened the Innovation in Marine Research on 27 March 2006. category was awarded to Parks Victoria and the Coastal Zone • The Redevelopment of Queenscliff CRC for improving knowledge Harbour reached Stage 2 of of Victoria’s marine environment construction. through the ‘Mapping the Deep’ • Improved visitor facilities within the research program. new Great Otway National Park, • Continued to support People including completing the Great and Parks Foundation, formally Ocean Walk offering 91km of incorporated in November 2004. walking trail from Apollo Bay to Programs include ‘Sea Search’, Glenample Homestead, completing and ‘Feel Blue, Touch Green’. works at Triplet Falls, design and construction of an Otway Ranges • Sixteen Indigenous staff Mountain Bike Trail at Lake Elizabeth successfully completed their and installing toilets at selected Certificate III in Conservation and sites across the national park. Land Management course, and were presented with certificates • Staff played an integral role by Minister Thwaites at a in supporting delivery of the graduation ceremony. Commonwealth Games and Volvo Ocean Race. •Organised the first International Marine Protected Areas Congress • Parks Victoria commenced (IMPAC1) held in Geelong, working with the Victorian October 2005. Multicultural Commission to deliver a communications strategy • Assisted with the local organisation to increase the use of parks of the Parks Forum Conference by culturally and linguistically in Melbourne during May 2006. diverse communities. • In 2005-06 Friends groups, community associations, special interest groups, schools and recreational clubs contributed over 186,000 hours of voluntary work.

Page 23 Page 31

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 7 wildfire

8 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 MANAGING WILDFIRE AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

We made a major contribution to the recovery of fire-affected areas through research, conservation works and asset rebuilding, and perhaps, most importantly, through partnerships and communication with local communities.

Victoria had a dry winter in the lead up to the 2005-06 fire season. This compares to the 30 year average annual number of wildfires This was followed by late spring rains that delayed the start of of 594 fires burning an average 134,048 hectares. For Parks the peak fire season. Because of several years of below average Victoria managed areas, 142 fires burnt 94,655 hectares of parks rainfall, forest areas dried out very quickly and fire danger increased and reserves. Of these 142 fires, 12 fires commenced in adjoining rapidly when the spring rains stopped and temperatures rose. The properties. fire season peaked in January 2006 when widespread lightning activity combined with high temperatures, to start 238 fires across Prescribed burning the State. These included major fires in the Grampians, Brisbane A total of 61 prescribed burns were completed for fuel reduction Ranges, Kinglake, Stawell, Erica and Portland areas. or ecological purposes, treating an area of 9,481 hectares as part of the 2005-06 statewide prescribed burning program. Burns not Later in autumn, dry and unstable weather conditions, followed by completed in the available time will be carried forward as part of cool and wet conditions, provided a narrow window of opportunity the normal fire operations planning process. for prescribed burning. The high level of pre-burn preparation combined with cross-state coordination of resources meant that Fire recovery full advantage was taken of the limited days available. Following the major fires, a Ministerial Bushfire Recovery Taskforce was formed as a focus for the Government’s response to the fires. Wildfires It allocated funding to enable high priority visitor and tourist sites The 2005-06 fire season was above average in both wildfire to be re-opened in Brisbane Ranges and the Grampians national occurrence and area burnt. DSE and Parks Victoria attended 753 parks before Easter 2006. wildfires which burnt a total of 188,552 hectares. Rehabilitation plans were completed for all fires, and park re-opening Cause of fires affecting Parks Victoria managed land 2005-06 plans were prepared. Staff from across the State assisted local teams to deliver recovery programs.

Community events were organised to enable Friends groups, other interest groups and members of the community to actively participate in, and learn more about, the fire recovery program. The focus of these activities included repair of visitor sites, and tracks and trails.

Projects undertaken following the fires included:

Grampians National Park An extensive assessment of the condition of 21 visitor sites, 313 assets (e.g. toilets, park furniture, signs, car parks, lookouts, 1% Burning Off Departmental and shelters), 60km of walking tracks and 673km of roads Burning Off Stubble 2% was carried out. To assist in completing this assessment, Burning Vehicle 5% 13 tour operators, whose businesses were affected by fire, were Camp Fire 16% employed to work alongside park rangers. Of these operators, five were engaged up to and during Easter, to present visitor Deliberate 11% information at major visitor sites. Exhaust 1% Fireworks 1% A survey of the impacts of the fires on heritage sites was also Lightning 41% completed. Of the 58 sites identified in the fire area, 15 suffered further damage or loss of historic fabric directly as a result of the Other 3% fires. This included the loss of four substantial structures, such as Power Transmission 1% the house at Mackenzie Falls, and extensive sections of remnants Relight 1% of the former Stawell water supply aqueduct. The survey identified Snigging, Hauling 1% a range of stabilisation works and interpretation opportunities and produced a detailed map of the former Mafeking goldfield, much Unknown 16% of which had previously been obscured by thick undergrowth.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 9 MANAGING WILDFIRE AND OTHER EMERGENCIES (CONTINUED)

A scene from the Mount Lubra Fire.

In consultation with the management of Brambuk, eight members The fires engulfed a number of former gold mining sites. Although of the local Indigenous community were engaged to monitor the remnants in most cases were generally not susceptible to fire onground works for potential impact on Indigenous cultural values damage, built remains at two sites comprised above-ground and undertake assessments of known registered sites of Indigenous timber structures, parts of which were totally destroyed. Others cultural significance. were damaged and subsequently repaired, particularly where they posed a potential risk to visitors. The Friends of Grampians/Gariwerd hosted an event on 8-9 April 2006 for Friends groups from around the State and other volunteers Moondarra State Park to participate in a working weekend to re-open the Bullaces Glen Tree risk works and a site clean-up were completed and Senninis walking track and walking tracks in the Chataqua Peak area. campground and Tyers Day Visitor Area were re-opened before Easter. Road and track rehabilitation work continues. Field Catchment management authorities and Grampians Water assessments of non-Indigenous heritage sites were completed undertook works in key catchments to protect water quality. and no substantial post-fire actions were required.

Brisbane Ranges National Park Mount Eccles National Park Work to clean-up sites, repair fencing, undertake tree risk A relatively small proportion of the park was affected, and there mitigation, replace signage, barbecues, shelters and picnic was only minor damage to infrastructure. Works to mitigate tree furniture, and repair road access and gates, progressed well at risk and repair signage and access roads were completed before key sites within the park. At Anakie Gorge Picnic Area, fencing Easter. work, car park definition and repairs to the toilet were completed to enable the site to open for Easter. In addition, there was good Kinglake National Park progress in addressing tree and other visitor safety risks along the The fire affected about 65 per cent of the Wombelano block of the Anakie Gorge walk (connecting Anakie Gorge and Stony Creek park north of Kinglake township. Following fire rehabilitation works, picnic areas). all park visitor sites, trails and camping areas were re-opened, except for the Wombelano Falls viewing platform and track, Quarantine and management protocols and risk mitigation which require further repairs. programs were implemented to reduce the spread of the fungal pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, which has increased as a result of the fire.

10 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Wilsons Promotory National Park – 12 months after the fire.

Access to parks Works to improve park roads included:

•road and bridge maintenance and upgrading of various roads in the Grampians National Park due to fire; and •road and track upgrades as part of the Public Land Fire Initiative Program (Alpine, , Lake Eildon, Grampians and Great Otway national parks and Lerderderg, Bunyip and Warrandyte state parks).

Emergency management During 2005-06 emergency management plans were reviewed and approved. Recommendations from investigations into the 2005 Wilsons Promontory National Park fire and evacuation were implemented. Emergency risk issues were addressed in parks that have high visitation and visitor accommodation infrastructure. Risk issues addressed include: vegetation management around structures, access to emergency assembly areas, signage, evacuation procedures and the provision of equipment for duty officers and lessees to ensure the efficient evacuation of park visitors.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 11 care

12 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 CARING FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Protecting and enhancing the parks and reserves is critical to conserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future, Parks Victoria undertakes planning, research and onground activities as part of its natural values program.

Best practice Marine research In planning for, and undertaking environmental programs, There were again several major research projects in marine Parks Victoria sought advice from a number of scientific advisory national parks and marine sanctuaries, including: groups including the Alpine Grazing Scientific Advisory Panel, • continuation of an important research partnership with the the Box-Ironbark Scientific Reference Group, the State of the Coastal Zone Cooperative Research Centre to map the deep Parks Scientific Advisory Group, the Kangaroo Technical Advisory water habitats in six of the largest outer coast marine national Committee, the Koala Technical Advisory Committee, and parks (Cape Howe, Discovery Bay, Point Addis, Point Hicks, specifically, the Parks Victoria Environment Committee. The Parks Twelve Apostles and part of Wilsons Promontory). Stage Two Victoria Environment Committee advised on a number of significant involved some of the most comprehensive seabed mapping in issues, including the Fire Recovery Program, research priorities Victoria’s history, at all six marine national parks. The partnership (included establishment of five-year directions for Parks Victoria’s was expanded to include a team led by Deakin University and Research Program and establishment of the Research Partners the Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority; Panel), State of the Parks indicators, adaptive experimental management projects and management of grassy ecosystems. • continuation of the expanded marine biological monitoring Parks Victoria also co-hosted the first International Marine Protected program designed to build a baseline of biological information Areas Congress (IMPAC1) held in Geelong, in October 2005, with across the marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. This the Great Barrier Reef Marine Protection Authority, providing many program focused on intertidal and subtidal reef habitats, and opportunities to promote and discuss different approaches to has amassed sufficient detailed data to be scientifically reviewed marine protected area management. for future redesign; and • implementation of some of the research outcomes from a Research partnership with the University of Melbourne (funded by an Applied research to improve the management of natural values Australian Research Council Linkage Award), aimed at developing focused on a diverse range of issues in both marine and terrestrial an assessment tool using relative risk as a means of assessing environments. threats to sub-tidal reefs in marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. Adaptive Experimental Research (AEM) The application of an AEM approach, which incorporates research Research partnerships into on-ground management, continued to be an important focus. A new Research Partners Panel was initiated with 10 research Projects that continued from last year were: institutions, to develop collaborative research in parks. The Parks Victoria Research Partners Panel addressed priority information •the fox AEM project in Coopracambra, Grampians, Hattah- needs to support and improve park management. This collaborative Kulkyne, Little Desert and Wilsons Promontory national parks. research program saw a wide range of research done over the This multi-year project is examining and improving the effectiveness past year, including: of fox control for the protection of native fauna. Initial results have demonstrated the benefits of AEM in improving the • two large-scale, multi-project research programs to examine effectiveness of fox control, through the timing of control various aspects of fire ecology. This research, focused on programs; Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset national parks and , will improve our understanding of ecologically •research into how differences in timing and types of herbicides appropriate fire regimes for biodiversity conservation in these can improve the effectiveness and reduce the costs of English parks; Broom control in the Alpine National Park. This project, which is one of the first of its type in Australia, is also assessing •a study of the habitat and breeding of the vulnerable Mallee the response of native vegetation to the various weed Emu-wren at Hattah-Kulkyne, Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld control methods; and national parks and Big Desert Wilderness Park, to identify important habitats and supply information for establishing • the ongoing box-ironbark ecological thinning trial in Paddys Range fire regimes suitable for its survival; State Park, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and two conservation reserves. This nationally significant research • ongoing work to assess the recovery of vegetation in project is being undertaken in association with research partners Hattah-Kulkyne and Wyperfeld national parks; and with guidance from an external scientific reference group, • management of over-abundant koalas in French Island and to examine whether ecological thinning can accelerate the Mount Eccles national parks using contraceptive implants; development of older-growth characteristics of box-ironbark forests. • commencement of a study to examine the ecology of Red Deer, including its diet, in the Grampians National Park;

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 13 CARING FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (CONTINUED)

• continuation of a study of herbivore diets and impacts on A major monitoring project was established in the Alpine National vegetation at Yanakie Isthmus, Wilsons Promontory National Park; Park to monitor changes in abundance of Sambar Deer. Members of the Australian Deer Association partnered Parks Victoria in • two projects (one funded by an Australian Research Council this project. Linkage Award) aimed at developing performance measurement tools that assess the ecological performance of marine national Community-based monitoring protocols were developed for use in parks and sanctuaries. One (partnered with University of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. These purpose-built Melbourne) focuses on subtidal reefs, the other, partnered with monitoring kits allow community groups to collect data that is La Trobe University, focuses on soft sediment communities; compatible with other scientific research done in marine national • continuation of a project with Deakin University to develop a parks and marine sanctuaries. Under the Sea Search Program, set of decision support tools for the artificial opening of estuary administered by the People & Parks Foundation, the kits and mouths, that takes into account environmental, social, monitoring protocols have been distributed to volunteer groups economic and recreational impacts; across the State. Monitoring has so far been carried out in more • several studies assessing biodiversity management in urban than nine sites. and urban fringe parks, including a project to determine the effectiveness of artificial nest boxes in breeding success of Work on the second State of the Parks Report focused on the endangered Powerful Owl; and establishment of long-term indicators, as well as analysis and interpretation of information relating to natural values management. •a study to assess the values and potential threats from urban Results were used to inform future management directions and development in grasslands near Melbourne. priorities.

The Alpine National Park was again the focus of several research Environmental management projects, including: Information about the values of the parks system and the risks • various examinations of alpine mossbeds to assess their to it, together with the Levels of Protection framework, formed a condition, recovery, techniques for rehabilitation and impacts basis for setting strategic priorities. Parks Victoria’s Environmental on water quality; Management Framework focuses onground works on protecting • an examination of the recovery of grasslands, heathlands and the highest values at greatest risk. herbfields following the 2003 fires; The onground environmental management program falls into eight • on-going collaborative investigation of the impacts of climate program areas: change on alpine vegetation; and • new research initiated to model the dispersal of Orange • threatened species management; Hawkweed. This will guide eradication programs to control this • ecological fire management; new and emerging weed, before it becomes a widespread • native animal management; problem in the park. • catchment and water management; Monitoring and performance evaluation • marine protection; Protocols (standardised techniques) developed to monitor weeds, • pest plant management; cats, deer, foxes, kangaroos, koalas and rabbits were applied in • pest animal management; and more than 30 parks. Standardised monitoring allows evaluation of the effectiveness of management in reducing the level of threat • grazing management. to biodiversity, posed by weeds, pest animals and other threats. Parks, where monitoring was undertaken using these protocols, As in 2004-05, there was considerable work on the environmental were: management program in fire-affected areas. The following are examples of other projects within each of the eight program areas. • Alfred, Alpine, Burrowa-Pine Mountain, Croajingolong, Dandenong Ranges, Errinundra, French Island, Grampians, Pest plant management Hattah-Kulkyne, Kinglake, Lind, Little Desert, Mount Buffalo, Mount Eccles, Murray-Sunset, Organ Pipes, Snowy River, This was the largest program area in Natural Values Management. Terrick Terrick, Wilsons Promontory, Wyperfeld and Yarra Significant control works were undertaken in the Alpine National Ranges national parks; Park as a post-grazing initiative. The Good Neighbour Program funded a number of pest plant control projects in other parks, and •Arthurs Seat, Bunyip, Warrandyte and Werribee Gorge state cooperative efforts continued with landowners and other agencies parks; to integrate pest plant control across land tenure boundaries. The • Cape Conran Coastal Park; Nooramunga Marine and Coastal willing contributions of many volunteers to several of the projects Park; and Woodlands Historic Park; and were notable and appreciated. • Plenty Gorge Parklands and Cardinia Reservoir Park.

14 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Projects of particular note included: Weed control in the Alps • coordinated programs to control willows in the Alpine and There was a concerted effort to control weeds in the Alpine and Mitchell River national parks, in partnership with East Mount Buffalo national parks following the 2003 fires and, in the and North East catchment management authorities, as well Alpine National Park, with the cessation of cattle grazing. as a significant program at Baw Baw National Park, involving staff and volunteers, flown into remote areas of the Baw Baw Major projects to control English Broom and Himalayan Honeysuckle Plateau, to cut and poison emergent willows. The program were initiated, following the 2003 wildfires, and are ongoing. These assists in protecting water quality in the proclaimed water have included some innovative aerial control techniques, and supply catchments and habitat for the critically endangered biocontrol agents, as well as conventional control techniques. An Baw Baw Frog; Adaptive Experimental Management program for English Broom has been investigating the most effective techniques to use on this • control programs in Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld national highly invasive weed. parks for Bridal Creeper, Horehound, Patersons Curse, Spiny Emex and Thornapple, responding to good spring growth Ongoing willow control works were augmented by major willow in the State’s north-west; control programs, in partnership with the East Gippsland, Goulburn •establishment of cross-tenure weed control programs in Broken and North East catchment management authorities, in the association with local government, Melbourne Water and Dargo, Wonnangatta, King, Howqua, Mitta Mitta, Kiewa, and Ovens, VicRoads in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Parks rivers. Victoria and NSW are also implementing an extensive willow Victoria facilitated the assistance of a large number of community eradication program along the length of the Snowy River and groups in weed control works in these parks. A particular focus its tributaries. Tens of thousands of willow seedlings have been for weed management is the post-fuel reduction burn control hand-pulled from alpine bogs and other wet areas on the Bogong of Bluebell Creeper, Boneseed and Sallow Wattle in Mornington High Plains and the Mount Buffalo Plateau, the vast majority by Peninsula National Park, and the removal of Pine wildings in volunteers. French Island National Park; • identification of the areas of highest biodiversity value within There was an onground project to eradicate localised infestations Great Otway National Park, and the weeds that occur in these of the new and emerging Orange Hawkweed from areas of the areas. Thirty-four locations, in which highly invasive weeds that Alps, which has spread from a garden collection. The project is are new and emerging in the region occur, were identified both being undertaken in partnership with La Trobe University, ARCUE, within and outside the park. These weeds were treated at 33 Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board and Falls Creek of these sites, as well as established infestations at 86 other Ski Lifts. priority sites, in partnership with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Conservation Volunteers Australia, local Ongoing blackberry control works are targeted to boundaries with government and community groups; and neighbours, small catchments or outlying sites disconnected from other infestations, where eradication may be achievable, important • control programs in the box-ironbark region for Blackberry, sites for biodiversity conservation (such as Spotted Tree Frog Bridal Creeper, Cape Broom, Horehound, and St Johns Wort habitat) and visitor sites where camping and access to rivers is in Greater Bendigo National Park, St Johns Wort in Chiltern-Mt required. Specific places in the Alpine National Park that were Pilot National Park, Arrowhead in Broken-Boosey State Park, targeted for blackberry control in 2005-06 included: and Gorse and Wheel Cactus in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. • the Tom Groggin area, Mayford (Dargo River), Limestone Creek, Catherine Valley, Buffalo Valley, Buckland Valley, Howqua Valley A significantly larger area of park estate was subject to weed and various other formerly grazed areas; control programs in 2005-06 with the implementation of several •Wonnangatta Valley; major government initiatives, including the Weeds and Pests on • Good Neighbour control on the boundaries of the Public Land Initiative resulting in direct weed spraying and removal Whitfield–Rose River area of the Alpine National Park and Mount works at numerous locations. Major programs included: Buffalo National Park; and • 6,500 pine wildlings treated over 1,360 hectares in the Lower • other strategic locations, including sites in the Alpine National Glenelg National Park; Park (such as Glen Dart historic site and the Wellington River •700 hectares of Bridal Creeper sprayed in the Little Desert near Licola, along the Great Alpine Road and the upper National Park; and Kiewa Valley). •200 hectares of Fairy Grass at Natimuk Lake and Miga Lake. A roving weed crew was employed to undertake further works As part of the Weeds and Pests on Public Land Initiative, Parks in the Alps, in high-profile, priority locations, and in response to Victoria, together with DSE, is undertaking a project to distribute community concerns. New blackberry rust agents were released new blackberry biological control agents across the parks and in the Germantown, Morses Creek and Buffalo Creek areas of forest estate. Parks Victoria’s Northern Goldfields area and the the Alps. Plenty Gorge Parklands were accepted as release sites for the Blackberry rust fungus.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 15 CARING FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (CONTINUED)

Pest animal management • fox programs which were aimed at reducing impacts on fauna The protection of threatened species and communities and other species susceptible to predation, particularly threatened species significant park values continued to be a focus for the management such as the Long-footed Potoroo and Mountain Pygmy-possum, of pest animals. Cooperative programs continued with private or to reduce competition for prey and habitat, such as that for landowners to control pest animals that threaten economic or the Spotted-tail Quoll. Control programs to protect Mountain ecological values. A number of pest animal control projects were Pygmy-possum were conducted in conjunction with Mount also undertaken in parks as part of the Good Neighbour Program. Hotham and Falls Creek resort management boards.

Projects included: Threatened species management Projects undertaken in relation to threatened species management • establishment of local partnerships with the Sporting Shooters included: Association of Australia to reduce goats in Kinglake and Wyperfeld national parks and pigs in State Park. These have built • the annual survey, during the breeding season, of Major Mitchell on the successful program instigated in Murray-Sunset Cockatoos in Pine Plains (Wyperfeld National Park), including National Park; inspection of approximately 90 nesting hollows in Pine Plains, the most significant area in Victoria for this species; • fox control over a large area of public land in East Gippsland as part of the Southern Ark fox control project, including • post-fire monitoring of the nationally endangered Pincushion Lily poison-baiting in Coopracambra, Croajingolong and sections population in the Grampians National Park, which led to active of the Alpine and Snowy River national parks and in Cape management of remnant clumps for erosion control, and the Conran Coastal Park; establishment of a vital attribute monitoring program. It is the first time since the discovery of the species in 1928 that its • fox control in Lower Glenelg and Mount Richmond national response to fire can be investigated; parks and Discovery Bay Coastal Park, as part of the Glenelg Ark fox control project, a similar large-scale project on public • the re-discovery of the nationally vulnerable Grampians Bitter pea land in south-west Victoria, which has successfully reduced (Davisea laevis) by the Grampians Threatened Species Group; fox activity; •a pilot project between Parks Victoria and Conservation Volunteers •a major program of rabbit fumigation, tractor ripping, warren Australia, which successfully engaged ‘eco-tourists’ in the destruction and blasting, and follow-up shooting in the Mallee Grampians National Park mammal monitoring program. The parks, where there is a continued upward trend in rabbit numbers program records the presence of nationally threatened species, in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, northern Murray-Sunset National to measure the success of the park’s fox baiting program; Park and parts of Wyperfeld National Park. The first extensive •a 100 hectare flora and fauna survey within Kinglake National poison bait program for rabbits since the arrival of the RHD Park, during which the Blue Grass-lily Caesia calliantha was virus in 1996 was conducted this year in the Mallee parks; identified, a new record for the park; •renewal of the contract with the Australian Brumby Management • the release of two captive-bred male Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Association to remove horses from the Alpine National Park for into the Little River Gorge area of Snowy River National Park, another 12 months, with strengthened targets set; in November 2005, to supplement the remaining critically • assistance of park visitors in monitoring nationally threatened endangered wild population. Monitoring will ascertain any species to measure the success of the Grampians National breeding success related to the translocated animals; Park Fox Adaptive Experimental Management program, which •Involvement in a number of threatened orchid recovery projects, ® includes laying FoxOff baits along tracks through 74,000 such as the nationally endangered Charming Spider-orchid hectares. Monitoring, following the Mt Lubra fire, has confirmed at Plenty Gorge; and that the baiting program is assisting in maintaining low levels of fox activity; and • ongoing support for the release of Helmeted Honeyeaters at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and Bunyip State Park. • fox control in parks with high numbers of fauna species, susceptible to predation, such as Chiltern-Mt Pilot, Great Ecological fire management Otway, Hattah-Kulkyne, Little Desert, Murray-Sunset, Wilsons Burning for specific ecological objectives was undertaken in Promontory and Yarra Ranges national parks and Gippsland several parks and reserves. These burns also had a valuable Lakes Coastal Park. benefit in reducing fuel hazards for fire protection purposes. Prescribed burning specifically for ecological objectives was Pest animal management in the Alps included works to control undertaken across more than 4,000 hectares, mostly in the west. foxes, wild dogs, feral cats, feral pigs and feral horses. These works are largely focused in the Alpine National Park and include: Work continued on the development of Ecological Burn Strategies • wild dog control, which is funded through the Good Neighbour for several parks including the Great Otway, Port Campbell, Little program, was conducted in conjunction with DPI and DSE Desert, Lake Eildon, Wilsons Promontory and Alpine National across land tenures to reduce stock losses on private land; parks, , Cape Liptrap Coastal Park and •feral pig control which was also conducted across land tenure; various parks and reserves in the Basalt Plains grasslands, and Box-ironbark forests and parts of East Gippsland.

16 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Native animal management Marine protection Programs to control kangaroo and koala populations continued There was considerable research effort during the year in marine in several parks, where there is a demonstrable long term impact national parks and marine sanctuaries, to help provide a sound on park values, caused by excessive numbers. Programs were basis for the management and monitoring of these areas. undertaken in accordance with established ecological rationales, developed with the support of key stakeholders, including the Between 2003 and 2006 there has been a series of threat Kangaroo and Koala technical advisory committees. identification workshops, across Victoria, to gauge risks to the natural values of the marine national park system. Stakeholder Projects included: workshops were delivered through an Australian Research Council project with Melbourne University to audiences including Parks • ongoing kangaroo control in Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset Victoria staff, staff from other key partner agencies, including DPI national parks. The continuing effects of low rainfall and previous Fisheries and DSE, industry, and key community representatives. control programs obviated the need for control in Wyperfeld National Park in 2005-06; Identified threats have been addressed in management plans and • continuation of the large-scale trial of contraceptive implants strategies to reduce risks to natural values. to reduce the growth of the koala population in Mount Eccles National Park. This involved capturing and treating a total of Catchment impacts on marine protected areas have been 707 female koalas, and strengthened the partnership with recognised as a significant risk to marine national parks and marine the Gunditjmara community, with the involvement of the local sanctuaries. Addressing the impacts of poor water quality, including community in catch teams; sediment and nutrient loads, is an important step to protecting the • the relocation of 181 adult, 57 back young and 12 pouch young natural values of the marine national park system. Partnerships koalas captured in French Island National Park, and on freehold with a range of land and waterway managers, as well as land on French Island, to State forest near Gladysdale in the communities, have built greater awareness of the environmental Yarra Ranges; and and social values of the parks, as a focus for improving catchment efforts, such as in the development of water quality improvement • the Snake Island Koala Program, successfully completed, with plans. a total of 778 adults captured. Of these 444 were relocated, and 373 sterilised and there were four mortalities due to A project partnership between the Central Coastal Board and pre-existing conditions. Based on these figures, it is believed Parks Victoria has seen the inception of a Catchment to Coasts that the breeding rate on the island has now dropped to pilot project that focuses on catchment threats to Yaringa Marine around 10 per cent. National Park, in Western Port, from Watsons Creek, a small creek on the western shoreline of the Mornington Peninsula, that has Catchment and water management a poor water quality rating. The project will bring together key This program area continued to focus on improving the condition stakeholders, including local government, communities, local of remnant vegetation and reducing priority catchment degradation industry including agricultural producers, waterway managers risks. Projects included: and agencies, to develop integrated plans to improve the quality • onground works, including fencing and weed and pest animal of water flowing from the creek into the park. control, in various parks that form part of Ramsar wetland sites across the State, in accordance with the strategic management Future ‘Catchment to Coast’ projects have been identified for each plans for these areas; region and include other Western Port Marine National Parks, Corner Inlet Marine National Park and Marine and Coastal Parks, •revegetation and erosion control works in parks, including and Merri Marine Sanctuary. Hattah-Kulkyne, Mitchell River and Murray-Sunset national parks. A number of these projects are being undertaken To connect Victorians with their marine and coastal environments in partnership with the relevant catchment management and the marine national park system, Parks Victoria, Coast Action, authorities; the Melbourne Aquarium, and the Marine Discovery Centre in • emergency River Red Gum watering, with allocated environmental Queenscliff undertook to work together to deliver consistent water artificially pumped along creek lines, in Hattah-Kulkyne messages about marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. and Murray-Sunset national parks, together with continued During September and October, Parks Victoria, in partnership monitoring of the response of vegetation at sites that have been with Coast Action/Coastcare, conducted a series of Interpretation artificially flooded, in this joint project between Parks Victoria workshops focussing on marine and coastal values for tour and DSE; and operators, community volunteers and agency staff. • works to restore alpine mossbeds in the Alpine National Park Over 50,000 people participated in programs run by the various and monitor their recovery, involving weed removal and minor organisations during January 2006. engineering works, to reduce the affects of channelling and the speed of water flowing through the beds.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 17 CARING FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (CONTINUED)

International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC1) Management plans This inaugural Congress was held over the week 23-28 October in As at 30 June 2006 there were approved management plans Geelong. The Congress, co-hosted by Parks Victoria and the Great under the National Parks Act for all, or parts of, 39 national parks, Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, provided many opportunities to three wilderness parks, 26 State parks, 14 other parks, three promote and discuss different approaches to marine protected marine national parks and three marine sanctuaries. area management. Over 700 delegates attended the congress, where there were presentations from 38 countries and eight regions. During the year the Minister released seven approved plans. A This was a unique opportunity to share Victoria’s marine national further 16 draft plans were released for public comment and parks and sanctuaries first hand with an international audience, eight final plans were finalised for approval, to be released early meet with staff, and showcase the results of efforts in implementing in 2006-07. Victoria’s marine national park system, and to position Victoria as a world leader in marine protected area management. Work progressed with the Commonwealth’s Point Nepean Community Trust on a draft integrated plan for Point Nepean, Grazing management covering both Point Nepean national park and the 90 hectares Parks Victoria continued to manage licensed grazing on a number which will be included in the park, after it is transferred to the of park and reserves under its control across the State. Several State by 2007. The draft plan and three supporting conservation grazing licences on parks and reserves were not renewed during management plans for historic areas in Point Nepean were the year in order to allow for revegetation works to be undertaken, finalised for release early in 2006-07. especially in riparian areas, often in partnership with Catchment Management Authorities. Other plans and strategies An approved recreation framework for public land, including In Barmah State Park and the adjacent Barmah State Forest, 800 Bunyip State Park, was released in May 2006. The framework cattle grazed from July to October 2005 (part of the 2005 winter balances use for a variety of recreation activities with protecting period), 1,460 from November 2005 to May 2006 (2005-06 summer natural and cultural values across the area and reducing impacts period) and 730 from May to June 2006 (part of the 2006 winter on park and other neighbours. The framework will be a key input period). into the revised plan for the park.

Grazing continued in Barmah State Park in the single largest The final Point Cook and Cheetham Wetlands Future Directions grazing program on Parks Victoria managed land. Plan was released early in the year. The plan provides strategic management directions for the next 10 to 15 years. Focus over the All licensed cattle grazing ceased in the Alpine National Park next five years will be on providing linkages within the parklands, by 30 June 2006 in accordance with the Government’s inititative managing the potential impact of urban development adjoining and subsequent legislative changes to the National Parks Act. the parklands, promoting community involvement and developing A strategy was put in place in partnership with the Department cooperative management approaches with land managers and of Sustainability and Environment and in cooperation with State stakeholder groups. forest licensees, to manage and contain cattle grazing in the State Forest, adjacent to the Alpine National Park. Parks Victoria The Dandenong Valley Parklands Future Directions Plan was supported DSE in managing a transitional financial assistance released in June and includes the popular , Nortons program and various other initiatives to support former licencees Park, , Chesterfield Farm, Drummies Bridge and and the local communities in adapting to the removal of grazing Mulgrave Reserve. The Plan provides a framework for the licences in the Alpine National Park. management and development of these areas over the next 10 to 15 years. All licensed grazing in the box-ironbark parks ceased on 30 October 2005 in accordance with the National Parks Act. Community participation in Park planning Local advisory groups continued to give valuable assistance in Duck Season the development of many of the plans. Two community days were Parks Victoria staff, with Department of Sustainability and held to give a broader range of community members an opportunity Environment Wildlife Officers and Victoria Police, undertook to discuss their aspirations and issues for the review of the plans a joint operation to minimise the impact of Duck Season on the for and . natural environment. Overall seasonal conditions for 2006 were poor for water fowl as many traditional duck hunting lakes in north There was a series of workshops with staff and interested and western Victoria were dry. The majority of hunting occurred at community and recreation groups in July 2005. The issues raised Johnsons Swamp, Lake Murphy and Little Murray River which all are progressively being addressed to further improve management had reasonable water levels with significant numbers of waterfowl plans and planning processes. present. The wetlands in Gippsland sustained an increase of hunters due to dryer conditions in western Victoria, with less than ten hunting Penalty Infringement Notices issued.

18 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Traditional Owners and other Indigenous community members The MOU aims to promote cross-border cooperation in the were engaged in planning for many of the parks. protection and management of this highly significant conservation area. The AALC seeks to give land managers appropriate technical Creation of new parks and trails tools and sound scientific advice in management reports and Two business cases were developed for new parks and trails strategies, to assist in achieving the objectives of the MOU in in Melbourne. The State Government allocated: delivering best practice land management across the region. All participating agencies have been active contributors to the AALC • $13.3 million over four years for the development of three new and working groups. parks in Melbourne’s growth corridors (Werribee Regional Park, Merri Creek Park and Toolern Creek Park, Melton); and The benefits of coordination and sharing of knowledge during • $8.3 million over four years and relates to completing key gaps the year were realised through a range of initiatives including: in the Metropolitan Trail Network (Capital City Trail, Darebin • fire recovery – joint responses following the 2003 fires by Creek Trail, Bay Trail at Point Cook, Bay Trail at Frankston agency staff to a number of issues, benefiting from work and the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail). undertaken within the program on fire monitoring reference plots, rehabilitation techniques and monitoring and pest plant New Toolern Creek Park, Melton and animal control; Initial investigations have commenced for the New Park at Toolern • promoting community and inter – agency partnerships – Creek, Melton. These assessments will identify key values that to the fostering of strategic partnerships through: exist within the investigation area and assist with developing a Concept Plan for the future park. - Keep Winter Cool – a global warming awareness campaign in conjunction with the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council and New Merri Creek Park Australian Ski Areas Association; A Draft Concept Plan for the proposed new Merri Creek Park was - frontline communications with the tourism industry and visitor released in March this year. Over 60 submissions were received in centre staff; response to the plan. Key stakeholders, including the Merri Creek - the Huts in the Landscape workshop, which enabled Management Committee, Friends of Merri Creek, City of Kosciuszko Huts Association and Victorian High Country Huts and , developed detailed submissions. Submissions Association volunteers to work together with agency staff; are being collated and all submissions will be considered in the development of the final plan. - the Science Management Fire forum run in conjunction with the IUCN network – this brought together experts and staff New Werribee Regional Park from Alps MOU agencies as well as DSE and a range of tertiary institutions; The new Werribee Regional Park ‘Have your say’ brochure elicited over 30 submissions from interest groups, community groups and - distribution of the new Australian Alps Education Kit to over individuals. A submission summary report will be prepared in January 500 schools around the Australian Alps; and and presented to the new Werribee Regional Park Steering - Tri State Touring Alliance and a planned promotion of the Committee. A Draft Concept Plan has been prepared for Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne touring corridor. ministerial approval. Best practice management – an exchange of information and The Australian Alps Cooperative Management ideas through the running of a number of workshops on topics Program including: The program continued under the auspices of the Australian Alps • post-fire biodiversity, catchment stability and fire regime Liaison Committee (AALC). research and management implications;

This year, 2006, marked the 20th anniversary of the original • wild dog control; signing of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in relation to • hut maintenance skills; the cooperative management of the Australian Alps national parks’ • alpine ecological rehabilitation; and which now covers eleven parks and reserves in three states. In Victoria, the Alpine, Baw Baw, Mount Buffalo and Snowy River • ongoing coordination of a strategic approach to managing the national parks and Avon Wilderness Park are subject to the Australian Alps Walking Track, which included the development agreement. of an interactive web page and interpretive signage.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 19 culture

20 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 PROTECTING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE

Parks Victoria manages the most extensive and diverse collection of cultural heritage places in the State, sites that evoke our past through images of indigenous culture, early settlement, coastal shipping, colonial defence, mining, natural treasures and historic huts. Protecting our shared heritage enables us to learn from the past and shape the future.

Indigenous heritage Non-indigenous heritage Many Indigenous sites, places and landscapes within parks, Parks Victoria continued to protect, maintain and present continue to be used by Traditional Owners, for traditional and non-Indigenous heritage sites within the parks estate. As in previous contemporary cultural purposes and are very important for the years, the primary goal of the management of the large and diverse survival of Victoria’s indigenous culture and for meeting the rights, range of heritage assets, is to preserve their integrity through a aspirations and needs of Indigenous people and communities program of maintenance and other conservation works, and by including health and spiritual needs. raising public awareness of the heritage values of these places. There was a reduced program as a consequence of the fires. Of particular note during the year was the Indigenous Partnership However, there were several highlights in the management of Strategy and Action Plan, released by Minister Thwaites, which heritage areas, as follows: emphasises developing strong relationships and sustainable •external repainting of the assistant lightkeepers residence at partnerships with Traditional Owners and other Indigenous Cape Nelson lightstation, and the replacement of corroded communities. corrugated iron roof sheeting at Glenample Homestead (Port Campbell), and completion of maintenance and drainage The Wotjobaluk Native Title mediation culminated in the Federal works in preparation for leasing the sites; Court recognising the Wotjobaluk as native title holders of land along the Wimmera River, the first recognition of native title in •extensive internal plaster repairs and repainting of the Werribee Victoria. Recognition of native title was accompanied by an Park farm homestead, enabling this building to be reopened Indigenous Land Use Agreement which provides, among other to visitors; things, for cooperative management of parts of Little Desert •preparation of new or updated heritage maintenance plans and Wyperfeld national parks and Lake Albacutya Park. for key historic properties, including, the Wilsons Promontory lightstation buildings, O’Shannassy Lodge (Yarra Ranges There was also liaison with some 70 Indigenous community National Park), Woodlands Homestead, Point Hicks and Gabo groups across the State, including Traditional Owners, Native Title Island lightstations, Andersons Mill and Glenample Homestead. Determination applicants, Aboriginal Cooperatives, Indigenous These plans give highly detailed maintenance prescriptions for businesses and a number of interstate groups and agencies, the ongoing care and conservation of the heritage buildings to ensure that Traditional Owners are able to participate actively at these sites; in all aspects of park management. • ongoing identification and recording of the heritage values of Examples of projects and programs undertaken during the year in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, with a project to the protection and management of Indigenous cultural heritage are: survey, map, photograph and describe in detail the nature and extent of all technological and environmental features, associated • completion of Indigenous cultural heritage archaeological surveys with the gold rush and subsequent mining periods. Heritage in Churchill, Point Nepean, St Arnaud Range and Yarra Ranges maintenance plans were completed for key sites within the park, (at Lake Mountain) national parks; including Wattle Gully mine buildings, Herons Reef hut, Tutes • completion of Indigenous Cultural Heritage archaeological surveys, Cottage and the Vaughan Springs buildings and structures; following fires in Brisbane Ranges, Grampians and Mount Eccles • Parks Victoria led the process of rebuilding the St Kilda Kiosk national parks, Black Range and Moondarra state parks, and and Café in accordance with the heritage requirements of the Tyers Park; site, going on to win the Heritage Architecture Award from the • commencement of discussions with Indigenous community 2006 Royal Australian Institute of Architects; representatives about Indigenous aspirations and protection of •major advances in the ongoing program of cataloguing and Indigenous Cultural Heritage values in the new Great Otways conserving movable cultural heritage objects at a number of National Park; key places, including Days and Andersons Mills, Woodlands, • the professional production of a DVD ‘Dancing and the Maldon State Battery and Coolart. The extensive involvement Devil Fire – Uncovering the Hidden History of the Alps’, which of volunteers through Parks Victoria’s International And Tertiary documents the post-2003 Alpine fire archaeological survey Volunteers Program, and Conservation Volunteers Australia’s program undertaken by Parks Victoria, DSE and Aboriginal ‘Hands on Heritage’ program, as well as Friends groups input Affairs Victoria, in partnership with the Traditional Owners. contributed significantly to the success of this project; and The results of the survey will contribute to the re-writing of •return of the original lens for the Wilsons Promontory lighthouse. the Indigenous history of the Victorian Alps. This project was a Having been removed, dismantled and held in storage in a finalist in the Banksia Environmental Foundation Prime Minister’s number of crates in Queensland for many years, the components Award for 2006; and are now back in Victoria at the park, awaiting restoration and • continued development of the partnership between Parks installation in a new interpretive display at the lighthouse. Victoria and Brambuk – the National Parks and Cultural Centre.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 21 visit

22 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Parks Victoria is responsible for sustainably managing much of the recreational infrastructure in parks and waterways across the State. The provision of information services, educational programs and interpretation activities also contributes to visitor enjoyment. Parks Victoria encourages Victorians to take an active role in the management of parks and reserves through our community engagement and volunteer programs. It is also the major provider of nature-based tourism in the State.

Visits to parks •replacement of a bridge on the Main Yarra Trail (Yarra Valley Parks Victoria uses a visitor number monitor survey to report Parklands); and on the number of visits to national and other parks and identify • upgrade of access structures at Mount Buffalo National Park. trends in visitation numbers. It is a biennial broad-based community survey using a sample of 12,000 people, largely from Victoria, but A wide range of works provided new or improved visitor facilities including some interstate and international visitors. The samples and minimised visitor impact on natural and cultural values, are extrapolated to calculate a total visitor number. This survey including the key projects listed in greater detail below. system was not conducted in 2005-06 as there is evidence that the numbers do not change significantly in a single year. Visitor Visitor facilities in the metropolitan and bay areas counts will be conducted again in 2006-07. • The new $2.75 million St Kilda Pier Kiosk and Café officially opened on 27 March 2006. The opening highlighted five newly A telephone survey of 1,000 Victorians is also conducted in installed interpretive panels explaining the history, social context, alternate years, to gather information from the community about reconstruction and heritage value of the Kiosk, with the event how they rate Parks Victoria. This survey was conducted during attracting extensive media coverage. Since opening, the Kiosk the year and showed little change in the community’s high satisfaction has experienced a high level of interest from visitors, and the with Parks Victoria. The number of Victorians who reported they business is enjoying very strong patronage. visited a Parks Victoria venue in the past 12 months was well above target with 79 per cent of Victorian visiting a venue. Marine • The redevelopment of Queenscliff Harbour, due for completion National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries were introduced as a new in 2008, reached a significant milestone with the construction indicator in 2005-06 and the public has similar perceptions with of a new ferry access road and a fisherman’s wharf access respect to Parks Victoria management as terrestrial national parks. road. The roads represent the two main civil infrastructure works of Stage 1 of the $20 million harbour redevelopment. New Parks Victoria also conducts a biennial onsite satisfaction survey sewerage, storm water drains, gas and telecom lines have also of approximately 3,600 visitors conducted at 50 park or pier sites been laid and connected to existing systems. Works are on across the estate. For parks, the result of the 2006 survey was time, with 15 per cent of the contract complete, with Stage 2 below the 2004 figure mainly due to visitor comfort, with the Victorian of the redevelopment ready to proceed. Stage 2 will involve fly plague in summer causing the decline. For piers, the survey the expansion of the harbour by 65 per cent to include 280 showed an improvement in 2006 when compared with 2004. wet berths and a 150-tonne travel lift. The buildings, shops and boardwalk promenade, and waterfront dining will be part Improving and developing facilities of the Stage 3 development. Parks Victoria received an allocation of $49.4 million over six years • Melbourne’s Yarra River Shuttle Service ran again from to renew and repair critical visitor facilities in parks. The first year 1 November 2005 to 23 April 2006. Operating from Federation of the six year program (constituting $5.35 million) was completed Square to Docklands during summer, the Shuttle offers a regular in 2005-06. Works included: scheduled ‘hop on hop off’ ferry service between key attractions on the Yarra. This year has seen a significant increase in • upgrade of amenity block, campsites and services at Wilsons partronage, attributed to increased marketing of the service Promontory National Park; during the lead-up to the season with a focus on major events • new toilet facilities at Grampians National Park; in the area – namely the Volvo Ocean Race and Commonwealth Games. Valuable cooperative marketing relationships were • upgrade of toilet facilities (sewerage treatment) at the fostered with , VicUrban (Docklands), and Twelve Apostles; Federation Square. • improvements to lookouts at Port Campbell National Park; • New Commercial Berths on Yarra River were set at Southgate • works to ensure the provision of safe drinking water at key and Princess Wharf precincts. remote sites; • More than 1,800 cubic metres of litter and vegetation debris •upgrade of toilet facilities at Jells Park; was removed from the trees and banks over 9km of the Yarra River upstream of Herring Island in the Elevated Litter Project in partnership with Melbourne Water and the .

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 23 ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

• Planning and design for a new toilet block at Jells Park Visitor - new entry building, relocating the Bush Food Café, Information Centre was completed as was the masterplan for the & Sales; redevelopment Fernshaw Picnic Area. - new landscaping, signage and activity areas; • The new State Mountain Bike Course at now - new information and interpretive displays; and has new information shelters and risk signage, a new toilet block, 24 hour carpark, improvements to the existing walking - new precinct entry and exit road access servicing a and equestrian trails, and, in addition to the 6.4km competition new car park incorporating car/bus drop-off area. trail, there is a further 13km of recreational trails, developed and constructed and maintained jointly with mountain bike Ensuring visitor safety riding groups. Significant projects undertaken in 2005-06 to address priority environmental and safety risk issues included: • $3.7 million of funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria was announced in October 2005 for capital improvement works • compliance program for five sites in accordance with the Safe in Albert Park. These works will focus on installing irrigation Drinking Water Regulations (2005); systems in all Albert Park grounds to ensure a healthier and • development of Asset Compliance Program to comply with the stronger park for the future. Works in 2005-06 at Albert Park Roads Management Act (2004); included: • development of risk monitoring for high risk asset classes - stabilising two sections of the lake wall; including roads, bridges, elevated structures, dams and - refurbishment of the 4.8km Albert Park Lake trail; playgrounds; - purchase of a new boat designed to remove floating litter; • completing Recreation Framework for Bunyip Public Land; - installation of four floating landings that allow rowers • completing port Safety and Environmental Management Plans to access the lake when the water level varies; and for the local ports of Port Phillip and Western Port; - a computerised irrigation system installed on 15 ovals and • implementing of Wilsons Promontory National Park fire recovery; renovated turf on six more. Irrigation was also installed at the •completing of the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Coot Picnic Area to promote grass recovery following the the Park Interim Management Guide to Visitor Services; and Grand Prix. • completion of the Marine National Parks and Marine Visitor facilities in non-metropolitan areas Sanctuaries Visitor Services Strategy. Works in 2005-06 improving visitor facilities, minimising visitor New parks impacts on park values and increasing the equity of access to all Victorians included: Plans were established for three new parks in Melbourne’s growth corridors over the next four years: Werribee Regional Park, Merri • upgrading key visitor sites in Maldon, Castlemaine and Greater Creek Park and Toolern Creek Park, Melton. Bendigo National Park in the new box-Ironbark parks; • implementing Year 3 of the Major Works Program for marine 2005-06 Metropolitan Trail Network Grants Program national parks and sanctuaries, focusing on installing of In October 2005, Minister Thwaites approved 11 projects boundary markers and risk signage; for Metropolitan Trail Network Grants funding for the 2005-06 •projects within the new Great Otway National Park, including financial year. the development of the Great Ocean Walk, offering 91km of walking trail though key camping sites from Apollo Bay to The following projects have been completed in this financial year Glenample Homestead, completing works at Triplet Falls, design from the 2005-06 grants funding: and construction of an Otway Ranges Mountain Bike Trail at •Maribyrnong City Council – Maribyrnong River Trail ($150,000); Lake Elizabeth and installing toilets at selected sites across the national park; • Melton Shire Council – Kororoit Creek Trail Tributary, Stage 2 ($55,000); • implementing Year 2 of the three-year program to repair damage caused by the 2003 wildfires, focusing on the Mount • Hobsons Bay City Council – Westgate Punt ($20,000); Buffalo National Park and other high-use visitor sites along key • City of Yarra – Gipps Street Steps ($18,305); tourist routes, including the Great Alpine Way and Bogong High •Yarra Bend Trust – Chandler Highway re-alignment ($4,740); and Plains Road; • Hobsons Bay City Council – Laverton Creek Trail ($75,000). •significant progress was made on the new Brambuk – the National Park and Cultural Centre creating a redeveloped and In addition to this funding, $250,000 from the Parks Victoria dynamic cultural tourism destination for regional Victoria. The Capital Works program went to funding the Bay Trail at Brighton. $4.2 million project comprises: This is the final payment of a three year commitment to this project.

24 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Four Wheel Drive Program • Park Notes were made available in both paper and electronic The annual Four Wheel Drive Program funded projects to maintain form for most parks and reserves. New Park Notes were or improve four wheel drive access by upgrading track surfaces, produced for several box-ironbark parks. Some 35,000 printed improving drainage and repairing creek crossings and bridges. copies of the seasonal ‘What’s On’ calendar were distributed Facilities at associated key four wheel drive campsites were also statewide. improved. Parks involved were: • Parks Victoria has again supported the production of the 2006 Victoria Cabin, Caravan and Camping Guide. This free publication • Alpine, Baw Baw, Chiltern-Mt Pilot, Croajingolong, Grampians, contains detailed information on camping opportunities, and Kinglake, Lake Eildon, Little Desert, Mitchell River, Murray-Sunset, 250,000 copies are distributed statewide. Snowy River, Wyperfeld and Yarra Ranges national parks; and • Parks Victoria’s website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au also supplied • Bunyip and Mount Samaria state parks and Angahook-Lorne a growing range of park and visitor information. Parkweb received State Park (now part of Great Otway National Park). 1,716,807 online visits. The first edition of Parks Victoria’s monthly email newsletter, Park Life, was distributed in March. It is Maps showing the seasonal track closures in parks and forests available via free subscription from the webisite’s front page across the State were produced for distribution from information and already has a subscriber list of over 850 people. centres, work centres, stakeholder groups and Parks Victoria’s website. Interpretation A Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed between Ranger and education staff delivered a wide variety of interpretive Four Wheel Drive Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department activities and programs across the state, with a focus on holiday of Sustainability and Environment in December 2005, providing periods. Over 102,000 people participated in interpretation a cooperative framework for Four Wheel Driving in Victoria, in an programs in 2005-06. environmentally sustainable and economically responsible manner. These programs were complemented by the Summer by the Sea Informing and educating visitors Program, undertaken by Parks Victoria, Coast Action, the Melbourne Aquarium and the Marine Discovery Centre in Queenscliff, with the Information services supplying current and relevant information aim of delivering consistent messages about marine national parks to visitors, potential visitors and other interested members of the and marine sanctuaries and the coast, and sharing promotional public, as well as high quality interpretation activities and education opportunities. programs, are key aspects of park management. Information services help visitors to enjoy and understand the parks, encouraging Other interpretation highlights across the State included the them and others to conserve and protect parks and understand following: park management objectives better. Information services also help manage visitor behaviour and public safety. •in partnership with Parks Victoria, the National Gallery of Victoria again hosted interpretive tours of ‘The Altered Land’ exhibition Information of paintings. Drawing from the permanent collection of Parks Victoria continued to produce and distribute a wide range Australian art, the trail highlighted environmental issues and of information to visitors and others interested in the parks across explored the ways in which artists have captured the changing the State. Australian landscape; • 500 young people participated in the ‘Festival of the Sea’ at • Over 45,000 copies of our free colour planning guide, Guide Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary; to Victoria’s Parks, Reserves and Waterways, were distributed •Grampians National Park ran educational activities for over 500 statewide. The guide describes and outlines visitor opportunities people on environmental recovery following the January fires; in all the key areas managed by Parks Victoria. Distribution included mailouts to schools and statewide accredited Visitor • ‘Rockpool Rambles’ along Portsea Ocean Beach (Mornington Information Centres. Peninsula National Park); • The Royal Melbourne Show is Victoria’s largest and longest- •‘Summer by the Sea’ activities were enjoyed at Coolart running annual public entertainment event, attracting over 540,000 Wetlands and Homestead; visitors during its 11-day program. Parks Victoria produced and • activities at the Dandenong Ranges National Park, such as staffed a display at the Show that attracted keen visitor interest. Winter Wise, The Truthful Lyrebird, Silvan Nightwalk, Rosie •A comprehensive information service for parks across the Rosella Puppet Play, Bush Detectives, Roving Ranger, a Fire State was again offered through the 24-hour Information Centre Puppet Play, and performing in the Dandenong Ranges Music (telephone 13 1963). The service, which assisted 102,265 callers Council’s Fire Cycle community production; and answered almost 5,000 email enquiries, maintains current • cultural walk and talk sessions at the Dharnya Centre near information about park conditions, temporary closures and events, Nathalia, sharing the history of the Yorta Yorta people; and and allows emergency contact with an on-duty Parks Victoria staff member at all times to ensure visitor safety. • interpretive guided tours of the Royal, Fairy and Federal Caves at Buchan Caves Reserve.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 25 ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

Education Events Parks Victoria’s School Education Program continued to raise Parks Victoria participated in a number of major exhibitions during awareness of the natural and cultural values of parks, by offering a the year, including the Royal Melbourne Show, the Great Outdoors valuable service to schools across the State, at an affordable cost. and Fishing Show and the Melbourne Boat Show. Parks Victoria The program continues to be guided by Department of Education partnered other agencies to deliver successful events, such as and Training curriculum standards. the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, Volvo Ocean Race (see below), the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and Australia’s The program includes the education centres in Dandenong Ranges, largest sailing regatta, Skandia Geelong Week. The new display Grampians and Wilsons Promontory national parks. A total of for the Royal Melbourne Show, titled ‘Discover Victoria’s parks – 24,315 fee-paying students participated in programs at these there’s so much to do in our parks’, or components from this centres during the year, an increase of 5.6 per cent from 2004-05. display, were placed at these events to encourage visitors A further 11,718 students participated in programs at other to learn about the variety of recreational opportunities available. recognised education sites. Parks Victoria undertook significant planning and consultation with river users to improve event management on the Yarra and Highlights of the education programs in 2005-06 included the Maribyrnong Rivers, including the implementation of a new Event following: Management Framework to streamline planning for the large number of events held each year on the waterways. •a Career Discovery Day for school students onsite, using ranger staff to give first-hand accounts of roles available and Parks Victoria also hosted and supported community events employment in park management; across the State, including the second Wilderness Bike Ride, which traverses some of East Gippsland’s most spectacular and •the launch of the new Parks Victoria Education Website that remote country, the international surf competition Rip Curl Pro, features expanded teacher information, an extensive range of hosted by Parks Victoria at Bells Beach, and the Anaconda worksheets and activities for primary and secondary school Adventure Race, held in what is now the Great Otway National Park. students, native animal and plant fact sheets and an interactive mountain biking game; Volvo Ocean Race •Wilsons Promontory National Park celebrated the 10th Anniversary Held every four years, this prestigious round the world yachting of Operation Prom. Operation Prom is a two day residential race stopped in Melbourne for the first time in February. To professional development program for teachers and outdoor facilitate the event’s delivery, infrastructure was installed under leaders, enabling participants to maximise the opportunities Bolte Bridge and three exclusion zones arranged in Victoria parks offer while minimising their impacts. This year, the Basin Harbour, Port Phillip and Mornington. Managing all on-water Primary School won the national ‘Hands On for Habitat’ activities associated with the Melbourne Stopover, including Threatened Species Award for its study of the Powerful Owl; the supervision and direction of a team of Melbourne Stopover • Lara Primary School has entered into a partnership with volunteers, Parks Victoria also oversaw the on-water involvement Parks Victoria to lease the Serendip Sanctuary theatrette. The of the Victorian Coast Guard volunteers, Southern Peninsula three-year lease will see all class levels from prep to Grade 6 Rescue Service and Mornington Peninsula Rescue. Marine Safety attending Serendip for two weeks each year for multimedia Victoria provided valuable assistance throughout the stopover. and environmental curriculum work; Activities at Docklands were based around Waterfront City Racing • fires in national parks across the State resulted in an increase Village where Parks Victoria promoted our marine and waterways in requests for fire-based activities. 1,500 people participated profile for the duration of the stopover. in fire recovery interpretation sessions at Wilsons Promontory National Park in 2005-06; and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games •Wilsons Promontory and Grampians national parks co-hosted Beginning and ending with a magnificent display on the Yarra Variety Kids Camps with the People and Parks Foundation – River, the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games was hailed a camps for disadvantaged children and young people. Activities resounding success. From 16-26 March, 4,500 athletes from 71 were run by park staff and (at the Grampians), local Tour Operators. nations competed in this international sporting event. To facilitate infrastructure requirements and necessary river closures, a Environment Corps Program significant roster was devised which deployed 46 Parks Victoria staff over 382 staff days/nights. During the lead up phase, staff This program continued to raise environmental awareness among had been involved in managing the moving of infrastructure at school-based students of all ages. Students from across the locations as required, supporting dress rehearsals and extensive State, working together with park staff, participated in activities, preparations for the river parade. As a legacy of the Games, including revegetation, weed control, track maintenance and Parks Victoria now manages the 36 pontoons used for the fish wildlife monitoring. These programs were facilitated by Parks sculptures, 24 of which were new. It has also gained some new Victoria and undertaken with ‘Kick Start’ funding. In total $12,263 infrastructure, such as signs and toilets, a new litter barge, and was distributed to ten schools to develop the work carried out in the world class bicycle trail network at Lysterfield Park. Supported Environment Corps partnerships. by 18 Parks Victoria managed venues across the state, Parks Victoria has received resounding accolades by the Games’

26 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 organisers for our significant support, staff expertise and commitment, A registration system requiring walkers to provide their walking and adaptability in a constantly-changing environment before and and camping intentions on the Great Ocean Walk was instituted during the event. for this first year of the Walk. Some 398 registrations were processed from January through to 30 June 2006. Tourism Parks Victoria works in partnership with industry, government and Licensed Tour Operators the community to facilitate appropriate and sustainable tourism on Licensed Tour Operators play a key role in promoting access and for public land. to Parks Victoria’s managed estate, by promoting park values and appropriate use, and by encouraging tourism and recreation Parks Victoria has provided strategic advice and input to plans in Victoria. developed with, or by other agencies including: Regional Tourism Development Plans, Victorian Trails Strategy 2005-10, Tourism As at 30 June 2006, 270 tour operators were licensed to conduct Plan for Melbourne’s Waterfront, Victoria’s Tourism Industry a range of guided activities in areas managed by Parks Victoria Strategic Plan and Victoria’s Adventure Tourism Action Plan. and in DSE-managed State forest. These operators offered more than 3,000 tourism and recreation opportunities and they included Together with Tourism Victoria and the Department of Sustainability 30 operators licensed to conduct tours in marine national parks and Environment, Parks Victoria is currently developing the Nature and sanctuaries. Based Tourism Strategy for Victoria, which will be a key driver for the State’s tourism industry and has been a major strategic planning Compliance with the Government-funded and industry-endorsed initiative over the last 12 months. Adventure Activity Standards (AAS) continues to be a condition of all tour operator permits. Standards have now been developed Parks Victoria was again strongly represented across the State on for 13 licensed activities. tourism boards, associations and committees, ensuring appropriate positioning and messaging of the parks estate and the visitor Parks Victoria continued to work with the commercial passenger experience and supported the Visitor Information Centre Summit boat operators on the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers to plan for at Beechworth, presenting to over 70 managers, staff and key future access and to identify the most effective reallocation of government officials, updating the industry on Parks Victoria commercial berths at Southgate and Princes Wharf, while improving activities. integration with commercial ferry access to Williamstown.

For the fourth successive year, Parks Victoria attended the Engaging and supporting the community Australian Tourism Exchange, Australia’s premier international Parks Victoria seeks to engage with communities, organisations tourism trade event. and individuals across the State through a range of initiatives. These include programs to recognise cultural diversity, the Healthy Parks Victoria is also an industry partner of the Sustainable Parks Healthy People (HPHP) program of activities, hosting rural Tourism Cooperative Research Centre. This major research forums and working with volunteers, and the Indigenous and development centre was established to boost Australia’s Partnerships Strategy. competitiveness by strengthening collaborative links between industry, research organisations, educational institutions and Community inclusiveness relevant government agencies. Parks Victoria recognises barriers which may prevent multicultural participation, such as language, cultural issues and the ways Great Ocean Walk different groups use the environment. Parks Victoria have undertaken One of the major advances in tourism this past year was the a number of initiatives to overcome these barriers and build launch of the Great Ocean Walk. The response has been significant, relationships with culturally diverse groups. Parks Victoria strategies with over 30 domestic media articles and the major Australian and programs have been recognised with a number of awards travel shows profiling the Walk and Parks Victoria. There have also (see pages 37-38). Highlights of Parks Victoria’s commitment to been over 20 international articles printed in the key markets of community involvement for 2005-06 included the following: Germany, USA and United Kingdom. Parks Victoria has provided extensive briefings and familiarisations to the tourism community, • Parks Victoria proudly supported the 2005 Regional media and trade. Tourism Victoria have been profiling the Great Achievement and Community Awards, arguably the biggest Ocean Walk as one of the key nature-based icons in the State, regional awards program in Victoria. The awards aim to including international trade missions and media walkabouts. encourage and reward the valuable contributions that individuals and communities are making in their local communities. This Parks Victoria also developed and implemented an innovative was Park Victoria’s first year as a supporter and the first year for partnership with Great Ocean Road Marketing Inc. and the the Environment and Sustainability Award. With over 50 entries, tourism industry to conduct an integrated cooperative marketing this award category was the most popular, reflecting the value campaign, including a motivational brochure, dedicated website that Victorians place on good environmental practices; and media kit. Strategic advice regarding product development, industry professionalism and updates where provided in a number of forums and briefings held in the Otways.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 27 ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

•a long time supporter of Clean Up Australia Day, and as part of • the Mossbed Rehabilitation Program in the Alpine National Park the ‘The Alps; A fresh start – a healthy future’ program, Parks commenced in the summer of 2004-05 and has continued Victoria developed a new inititative with Clean Up Australia, to attract a range of volunteers to this delicate and vital Conservation Volunteers Australia and local communities to environmental restoration work. This year 70 hectares of ‘Clean Up the Alps’; mossbeds were treated, which included placing 2,500 small weirs. Groups involved included the Federation of Victorian • Parks Victoria is working with the Victorian Multicultural Bushwalking Clubs, the Victorian National Parks Association, Commission, to produce a communications strategy with an Melbourne Uni Mountaineering Club, Charles Sturt and La Trobe aim to increase the use of parks by culturally and linguistically University students, Landrover and Pajero Four Wheel Drive diverse communities. The program includes: clubs and the Falls Creek Landcare Group; - development of a concise and generic Park Note that • the Camp Host Program places volunteers at popular camping welcomes the reader to Victoria’s park system and contains areas in parks across the State to enhance camping experiences important visitor information; for park visitors, through the provision of information. This year - translation of this material into around 30 languages spoken saw the largest summer program to date; 52 volunteers in Victoria; and participated in the summer and Easter program. Sites included: - training of Information Centre staff to increase their capacity to Grampians, Cathedral Ranges, Lake Eildon, Great Otway, deal with callers from non-English speaking backgrounds, Mount Buffalo, Kinglake, Croajingolong national parks, Upper including the use of interpreter services; Yarra Reservoir Park and Buchan Caves Reserve; •the City of Whittlesea’s International Womens’ Day celebrations • in February Parks Victoria celebrated with eight volunteer included the ‘Women in the Park Day’ which attracted over 500 groups, which had given over 25 years each of voluntary service people to the event in Hawkestowe Park; in parks and reserves. Elaine Carbines MLC, the Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, presented the awards, which went • in March 2006, ‘Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week,’ to the Friends of Organ Pipes National Park, the Friends of provided Victorians with an opportunity to celebrate our cultural, Wyperfeld, the Friends of Coolart, Seawinds Nursery Volunteers linguistic and religious diversity. Events in parks included a (inc Friends of Nepean Park), the Friends of Sherbrooke Forest, ‘Harmony Day Walk’ at and an ‘Exhibition the Friends of Baw Baw National Park, Mount St Gwinear Ski of Diverse Women’s Creativity’ at Hawkestowe Park; and Patrol and the Lyrebird Survey Group; • Parks Victoria continued its partnership with the Australian • Parks Victoria welcomed several new Friends groups, including Multicultural Foundation through the ‘Step into Volunteer the Friends of Point Addis Marine National Park, Friends of Training’ program, in which participants are trained in strategies Cassilis (supporting the Cassilis Historic Area), and Friends of and tools to increase the involvement and voluntarism of Merri Marine Sanctuary, who commenced monitoring in the people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. sanctuary this past year; and In 2005-06 a number of representatives from Friends groups also attended the training. • over 100 volunteers from 17 Friends groups and other community groups enjoyed an excursion organised by Parks Contributions by volunteers Victoria to the Forest Creek Historical Gold Diggings, near Volunteers are one of Parks Victoria’s most significant partners in Castlemaine, in May 2006. Local parks staff conducted guided the support of environmental and cultural values and visitor service walks and demonstrated some of the historical equipment and projects in parks and reserves. activities at the park. This excursion was designed to build contacts and networks between volunteers and to recognise In 2005-06 Friends groups, community associations, special their much-appreciated efforts. interest groups, schools and recreational clubs contributed over 186,000 hours of voluntary work. Partnerships A feature of the year has been the continued focus on the 75 per cent of the volunteer contribution focused on natural development of partnerships with the community and special values management projects, 20 per cent on visitor service interest groups. This has resulted in cooperation on programs related projects and 5 per cent on cultural values management. such as fire recovery, environmental monitoring, pest animal management, and Four Wheel Drive track maintenance. Partnerships Friends groups are the largest group type to volunteer across saw the expansion of the feral animal control program with the Parks Victoria, contributing 74,000 hours of service. Sporting Shooters Association Australia – Victoria. Volunteer marksmen participated in Murray-Sunset National Park, Barmah Examples of other generous and valued contributions by State Park and Kinglake National Park, volunteering over 1,500 volunteers included the following: hours. The Victorian Field and Game Association participated in habitat improvements at Mansfield Swamp, Johnson Swamp, • volunteering in the Dandenongs District makes up 15 per cent Reedy Lake and Lake Connewarre. The Australia Deer Association of total volunteer hours across the State. The highly successful also volunteered for 500 hours at Sale and Mount Buffalo. International Program and a number of Friends groups undertake a range of environmental works and flora and fauna monitoring;

28 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Significant partnerships included: • the second Bike Path Discovery Day was held on 7 May 2006, encouraging school children and their families to cycle through • Four Wheel Drive Victoria; Victoria’s wonderful parks and along bike trails, to a central • Australian Deer Association (Vic) (ADA); festival site in Melbourne. Partnership agencies include Bicycle • Conservation Volunteers Australia; Victoria and City of Melbourne. The major aims of the event are to increase knowledge and usage of Melbourne’s bike paths, •Mountain Bike Australia; offer a participatory experience that may lead to increased and • Sporting Shooters Association Australia – Victoria (SSAA); ongoing physical activity, offer a free family day out to explore •Vic Walk; and and discover Melbourne, and improve the physical and mental health, fitness and wellbeing of participants; and • Bicycle Victoria. •this year, Parks Victoria produced a new display for the Royal Healthy Parks, Healthy People Melbourne Show, titled ‘Discover Victoria’s parks – there’s so much to do in our parks’. The display encouraged visitors to During the year this highly successful program expanded. Parks learn about the variety of recreational opportunities available Victoria has shared its HPHP ideas and program with other park in Victoria’s system of magnificent parks, highlighting activities management agencies nationally and internationally and was such as bushwalking, fishing, bike riding, dog walking, camping, showcased at the Parks Forum Conference, held in May 2006. water activities and four wheel driving. During the Show more than 50 Parks Victoria staff came from across the State to The following promotional activities were highlights of the Victorian answer questions and advise visitors. Some 320,000 Show campaign during the year: visitors came to the stand. •VicHealth produced and distributed a special edition of the VicHealth Letter in March, focusing on how health is inseparably People and Parks Foundation linked to the environment. Parks Victoria and many others During 2005-06, Parks Victoria continued to support the contributed to the publication, which was distributed to thousands establishment of the People and Parks Foundation. The Foundation of targeted stakeholders. The Chief Executives of VicHealth and is a not-for-profit organisation focussed on pioneering programs Parks Victoria co-signed an accompanying letter distributed to and supporting research that will ultimately improve the physical, Parks Victoria’s stakeholders; mental and social health and wellbeing of people and ensure the • the annual World’s Greatest Pram Stroll, now in its fourth year, sustainability of parks. Highlights from the past financial year was expanded from two venues to 21 across the State. On included: the first Saturday in October 2005, parks across Victoria came • continued financial support from corporate partners for program alive, as over 3500 mums, dads and their families strolled at the delivery including support from Cadbury Schweppes Pty Ltd main event at Albert Park or one of 20 other locations. This free to fund the WILD program at the Royal Children’s Hospital community event raises awareness of the issue of social isolation and resources from Exxon-Mobil to fund the Sea Search for new parents and highlights the idea that parks are great program; and places to meet and get healthy. The main event at Albert Park, supported by the Sunday Herald Sun, was officially opened by • The ‘Sea Search’ program’s expansion into a total of 14 Marine Sally Cockburn (aka Dr Feelgood) and Linley Frame, world National Parks/Marine Sanctuaries/Coastal Parks/Coastal champion swimmer and mum. New families enjoyed a morning Reserves. This is an expansion into nine more protected areas of socialising, fun, festivities and entertainment and received key since 2005. The program involved a total of 14 Friends groups health messages. Participants had the opportunity to engage and schools/TAFE groups including more than 200 participants with important support organisations, including Playgroup delivering in excess of 800 volunteer hours for the delivery of Victoria, the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the City of a state-wide monitoring program of Victoria’s Marine National Port Phillip Maternal & Child Health Service, the National Heart Parks and Sanctuaries. Foundation, the Australian Multiple Birth Association, the Monash Medical Centre and Freemasons Hospital; • Parks Victoria ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People’ television advertisements aired for two weeks from 12 April 2006 on metropolitan channels 7, 9, 10 and SBS, and on regional television, Prime, WIN, and Southern Cross. The campaign was very well received by the general community, staff and stakeholders. Enquiries to the Parks Victoria Information Centre and website traffic increased during the period of the campaign. Copies of the free colour ‘Guide to Victoria’s Park Reserves & Waterways’ were mailed out to callers;

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 29 resources

30 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RESOURCES

In order to be effective in our role as custodian of a magnificent collection of parks and reserves on behalf of all Victorians, Parks Victoria is committed to providing accountable management, developing staff, and incorporating the best of international park management practice into our daily work.

Park Victoria’s people 30 June 2006). The terms of reference set out requirements for The Board the Committee’s composition. Senior financial and management staff, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (internal auditors) attend Audit The Board, which consists of a Chairman and no more than eight Committee meetings. Representatives from the external auditors members, has ultimate responsibility for the governance of Parks also attend meetings annually. The terms of reference provide for Victoria and determines strategies and policies to be adopted. unlimited access to auditors and senior management and enable Members are appointed by the Governor in Council, on the the committee to seek independent advice if necessary. recommendation of the Minister, for a period not exceeding three years, but are eligible for reappointment. The Board operates in The Committee meets four times a year and may meet more accordance with the provisions of the Parks Victoria Act 1998. frequently if required.

Members present a disclosure of interests to the Board Secretary. Remuneration and Human Resources Committee In the event of a conflict of interest or a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter before the Board, the member must disclose This Committee makes recommendations to the Board on his or her interest and may not be involved in discussion or voting. remuneration arrangements, terms of employment for executives and strategic workforce issues. Remuneration is set at levels The Board is responsible for directing and monitoring the business consistent with State Government policy. The committee meets on behalf of the Minister and the State Government of Victoria. biannually if required; after the meeting of any Committee a report It delegates day-to-day responsibility for operations and is provided to the Board. administration to the Chief Executive and his Executive Team. Members of the Executive Team and key staff are invited to Environment Committee Board meetings, when their areas of operational responsibility The Environment Committee provides frank and independent are considered. Members receive regular written management advice to assist Parks Victoria to develop a strategic and reports and presentations on corporate and business activities, scientifically credible approach to the environmental management and participate in site study tours, in addition to regular monthly of parks. During 2005-06 the committee comprised eight senior meetings. These tours and meetings are designed to enhance scientists with environmental expertise (six external and two Board members’ knowledge of Parks Victoria’s business and assist members, Don Saunders and Sheree Marris). The committee met them in assessing the performance of the organisation and its twice in 2005-06. A brief report is given to the Board after each senior officers. meeting. The committee reports annually on major priorities for environmental management in parks. Chief Executive The Chief Executive is appointed by the Board following Internal Control consultation with the Minister. The performance of the Chief The Board has overall responsibility for setting the policies and Executive is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis. internal control framework, the Audit and Risk Management Committee focusing on detailed aspects of internal control. Board Committees Corporate policies are reviewed regularly and are available Audit and Risk Management Committee to all employees through the intranet. The primary role of this Committee is to assist the Board Risk Management in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to financial reporting, accounting, risk management systems, operational control The Board has overall responsibility for risk management. Parks practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Victoria has adopted a strategic approach to managing risk and Committee’s terms of reference include facilitating communication has formulated a Risk Management Plan which sets out the between the internal and external auditors and the Board to processes and framework for managing risk in a consistent maintain open communication among the Board, auditors and manner across Parks Victoria. management.

The Audit Committee comprised Rosemary Martin (Committee Chair), Kathryn Fagg, Steve Hibbard, Jane Harvey (independent committee member from 1 July to 22 November 2005) and Laurie Cato-Smith (independent committee member from 27 January to

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 31 RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

Board Members

Kathryn Fagg, BE, MComm (Chairman) President Asian Building and Manufacturing Markets, BlueScope Steel With wide experience gained throughout Australia and New Zealand, Ms Fagg brings to the Board diverse skills gained through senior strategic roles held in the petroleum, consultancy and banking industries. She has served on the Boards of the ANZ Banking Group (New Zealand) and ANZ Investment Services (New Zealand). Ms Fagg resigned from the Board on 15 May 2006.

Rob Gerrand, BA, FAMI, MPRIA (Interim Chairman) Principal, Gerrand & Associates Mr Gerrand brings to the Board wide business experience in finance, transport, agriculture and telecommunications. He is a former General Manager, Group Public Affairs at ANZ, where he also established the Group Marketing Division. He is a Director of the Financial Planning Association of Australia, a former Member of the Koorie Heritage Trust, a former Chair of Theatreworks, founding President of the Monash Alumni Association and a Board Member of the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria. Mr Gerrand was appointed an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University and is a published author. Mr Gerrand was appointed as Interim Chairman on 16 May 2006.

Steven Hibbard, BA, MBA Mr Hibbard has deep experience in the travel and publishing industry. As former Chief Executive and Director of Lonely Planet Publications he developed a keen interest in responsible corporate practices, triple bottom line results and brand management. In an earlier career he traded interest rate swaps and options in New York and London. Mr Hibbard is now consulting and is involved in several start-ups as well as teaching at the Melbourne Business School.

Mr Ken King, Dip For, BSc (Hons) Executive Director, Regional Services, Department of Sustainability and Environment Mr King has some 35 years of experience in public land management in Victoria. He is also a board member of the Country Fire Authority, the Habitat Trust and the Natural Resources Conservation League.

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

32 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Rosemary Martin, BA (Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM, MAICD Principal, Martin & McLean Lawyers Ms Martin brings to the Board extensive experience in environmental law and government, gained in both the public and private sectors. In the early 1990s she was a founding member of the Environment and Planning practice of a national law firm. On her return to Melbourne from Sydney, she worked with the (then) Department of Health and Community Services before taking up the role of Solicitor to the Environment Protection Authority (Vic). Ms Martin has since left the EPA and now runs her own legal firm, which provides advice on environmental law, public sector issues, governance and commercial law.

Pamela Robinson, OAM Ms Robinson brings with her extensive experience from farming, forestry, local Government and community development. She is a former Shire President and a former member of the Land Conservation Council and the National and State Landcare Advisory Committees. She has participated in all levels of local, regional, state and national decision making bodies, particularly in rural/urban natural resource management and was awarded the OAM in 1990 for services to local government and conservation. Former Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council’s Independent Community Engagement Panel (Living Murray), Ms Robinson is currently a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Victorians.

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

Lois Peeler An Aboriginal woman from the Yorta Yorta tribe, Ms Peeler has had extensive experience in the area of Aboriginal Affairs having held senior positions within Federal and State Government departments managing Aboriginal Affairs, as well as at the Aboriginal community level where she has been involved in the delivery of Aboriginal education, Aboriginal employment and training and cultural heritage. Ms Peeler is Chairperson of Aboriginal Tourism Australia and Vice President of Worawa Aboriginal College.

Board Members’ attendance Total Meeting Attendance Kathryn Fagg (a) Attended 9 meetings out of 10 meetings Rosemary Martin Attended 11 meetings out of 12 meetings Pam Robinson Attended 12 meetings out of 12 meetings Rob Gerrand Attended 11 meetings out of 12 meetings Don Saunders Attended 11 meetings out of 12 meetings Steven Hibbard Attended 11 meetings out of 12 meetings Sheree Marris Attended 11 meetings out of 12 meetings Lois Peeler Attended 8 meetings out of 12 meetings Ken King (b) Attended 8 meetings out of 8 meetings (a) Ms Kathryn Fagg resigned her position on the Board effective 15 May 2006. (b) Mr Ken King joined the Board on 2 November 2005.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 33 RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

Executive Management

Left to right: Mark Stone, Trevor Miles, Dianne Kinsey, Gerard O’ Neill, Rod Newnham, Neil McCarthy, Stuart Ord, Chris Rose, Annie Volkering and Geoff Vincent.

Organisational chart

Mark Stone

Chief Executive

Dianne Kinsey

Executive Assistant Chief Legal Counsel

Gerard O’Neill Neil McCarthy Geoff Vincent

General Manager Regional General Manager Corporate Deputy Chief Executive Management Strategy & Services General Manager Parks Marine

Ian Christie Brett Cheatley

Deputy General Manager Deputy General Manager & & Director Director Community, Tourism Fire & Emergency Services and Communication

Rod Newnham Annie Volkering Trevor Miles Chris Rose Stuart Ord

Regional Manager West Regional Manager Melbourne Regional Manager Central Regional Manager East Regional Manager City & Bays Metro

34 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 The Office of the Chief Executive provides executive support 2005-06 2004-05 to the Board and Chief Executive, and manages Freedom of Male 683 690 Information, legal services and support to the Government and Female 322 331 Minister responsible for Parks Victoria. Total 1,005 1,021 1. Last year’s figures were incorrect, published as 639 males, 382 females. The Parks and Marine Division manages the policy research, *Remuneration figures represent base salary. strategic planning and organisation-wide programming for the ** Includes Rangers, Rangers in Charge, Team Leaders and Field Service development of metropolitan parks, river and bay recreational Officers. facilities and services for the conservation, protection and *** Includes administrative, planning and project management roles. enhancement of the natural and cultural values of the terrestrial and marine estate. In addition the Division is responsible for Staff development the Indigenous Partnership Strategy and Action Plan. A competency assessment program commenced in partnership The Corporate Strategy and Services Division manages short with Swinburne University. After a pilot program of 20 participants, and long term ‘whole of business’ corporate planning; management the program was made available to all rangers, Field Service of human resources, governance, finance, information services, Offices and Business Support Officers in October. Sixty-two staff business management services, commercial product development, enrolled in the program that enables them to have their skills and community and communications and tourism partnerships. knowledge assessed against national competency standards and to apply for qualifications at either Certificate III or Certificate IV The Regional Management Division manages five Regions in level in the applicable stream (mostly in Conservation and Land the on-ground delivery of services throughout the estate, including Management). The program continues to attract further enrolments. environmental and cultural values conservation, protection and enhancement programs, asset maintenance, fire and emergency OH&S and equal opportunity awareness sessions were run during services support, visitor and tourist services, and recreational the year for new staff joining the organisation. Programs to maintain programs. The Division is also responsible for the precinct currency in a range of required skills continued, including Four management of commercial operations and the delivery of Wheel Drive, chainsaw, and authorised officer training. the $22 million capital infrastructure program. Fire training continued to be a high priority. Programs are delivered Staff Profile by DSE Fire Management Branch. As at 30 June 2006, Parks Victoria had 1,005 direct employees Nine staff members were enrolled part time in the Deakin Degree comprising 824 full time, 106 part time, 49 fixed term and 26 in Park Management during 2005-06. Parks Victoria supports casual staff. these staff through a scholarship scheme. Three staff successfully completed the course during the year, the remainder being Under the Summer Ranger Program, 33 rangers (three of whom part–way through their studies. were Indigenous) were recruited to support visitor services programs during the summer period. Their induction and training included a A new staff exchange program with Parks Canada was undertaken general introduction to Parks Victoria, interpretation, customer during the year. Six Parks Victoria staff members relocated to service, occupational health and safety, equal opportunity and Canada for six months working in a range of national parks in basic wildfire awareness. Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. These employees returned in November 2005, at which time six Statement of workforce data Canadian staff joined Parks Victoria for a six-month term, working As at 30 June 2006, Parks Victoria employed 1,005 staff compared at key Victorian locations including Wilsons Promontory, Grampians with 1,021 as at 30 June 2005. Overall numbers have dropped, and Mount Buffalo national parks. In May 2006, the Canadians however the operational staff numbers including Rangers, Rangers returned to Parks Canada and the initial six Parks Victoria employees in Charge, Team Leaders and Field Services Officers has increased commenced a second rotation in Canada which will end in from 576 to 588. The reduction in numbers is directly attributed to November 2006. One staff member undertook a 12 month a reduced number of staff in support roles. The breakdown of staff secondment to Kakadu National Park, commencing on in 2005-06 is as follows: 10 January 2005. 2005-06 2004-05 Executive Officers Indigenous recruitment and training (salary greater than $100,000*) 9 13 Parks Victoria’s on-going Indigenous Employment Program Senior Management resulted in five Indigenous staff members moving from fixed term (salary less than $100,000*) 59 57 contracts to ongoing full-time employment. Sixteen Indigenous Operational staff** 588 576 staff successfully completed their Certificate III in Conservation Support staff*** 325 350 and Land Management course, and were presented with certificates Finance staff 24 25 by Minister Thwaites at a graduation ceremony. Indigenous staff 51 51 Total 1,0051 1,021

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 35 RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

As at 30 June 2006, Parks Victoria had 51 Indigenous staff, Participation with peak industry bodies and conferences representing 5.2 per cent of the total workforce (excluding casuals). During the year Parks Victoria participated in the following park management initiatives: Reward and recognition •organised the first International Marine Protected Areas Parks Victoria continued its program of recognising and rewarding Congress (IMPAC1) held in Geelong, October 2005; the valuable contribution staff make through years of service. A range of items such as badges and certificates are presented to •presented on Healthy Parks Healthy People to the World recognise staff with ten years or more service. The program also Commission on Protected Areas – Steering Committee Meeting, recognises outstanding achievements by staff with the presentation Geelong, October 2005; of staff awards annually. • continued to support People and Parks Foundation, formally incorporated in November 2004. Programs include Sea Search, Equal Opportunity Sea Search is a monitoring program for community groups Parks Victoria continued its implementation of the three-year Equal volunteering in Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries, Opportunity Management Plan to raise and maintain awareness and ‘Feel Blue, Touch Green’, an innovative research project and eliminate barriers to equal opportunity within the organisation. which explores how people suffering from stress, anxiety disorders, depression or social isolation might benefit from Occupational Health and Safety being involved with activities in the natural environment; In response to greater social and legal responsibilities, Parks • participated in the 3rd annual Parks Victoria Tourism Forum Victoria commenced a redesign of the OHS Strategic Framework. held in November 2005 at the Yarra Valley Conference Centre; Priority actions identified in the existing Framework continued • continued to contribute to the functioning of Parks Forum to be addressed, including asbestos management, dangerous (the Australasian peak body representing park management goods/hazardous substances audits and refining OHS policy organisations established in April 2004) through representation and procedures. on its Board and standing committees; Merit and equity • assisted with the local organisation of the Parks Forum The Public Administration Act 2004 specifies a number of Conference in Melbourne during May 2006; employment and conduct principles that must be observed by • assisted a number of staff to attend the 5th International Ranger public sector organisations and their employees. Federation World Congress in Stirling, Scotland, June 2006; • participated in the National Ecotourism Conference held in Employers must ensure that: Tasmania 28 November – 2 December 2005; • decisions are based on merit; • participated as invited international speakers at CABESpace • employees are treated fairly and reasonably; Leaders Program in Sheffield, UK, in March 2006; • equal employment opportunity is provided; and • Parks Victoria were invited to participate in the World Protected Areas Leadership Forum in Mexico, in May 2006. The only •reasonable avenues of redress against unfair sub-national agency to be invited, Parks Victoria presented or unreasonable treatment. on the Healthy Parks Healthy People program and the development of partnerships; Employees must: •presented a number of papers at the Parks and Leisure • act with impartiality; Australia National Conference in Hobart; • display integrity, including avoiding real or apparent • worked in partnership with Parks and Leisure Australia to conflicts of interest; develop a series of professional development seminars for • show accountability for actions; and open space managers and planners, as outlined in the Key Outcomes of ‘Linking People and Spaces’; •provide responsive service. •provided an off site presentation and workshop at the Parks Forum – Future Generation Parks Conference in Melbourne; Organisational performance • participated in the 4th Annual Tracks and Trails Conference During the year we undertook initiatives to share best practice in Hobart; knowledge and take a leadership role in park management nationally and internationally. •a key participant on the Smart Growth Committees, a whole of government approach to planning future urban development in Melbourne’s growth corridors. This commitment was outlined in ‘Melbourne 2030’; • participated in the identification of State Government commitments of ‘environmental infrastructure’ for the Growth Area Framework Plans; •represented on the Victorian Bicycle Advisory Committee;

36 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 • continued to work closely with and maintain a strong As well as dealing with the development of proposed and current professional relationship with Bicycle Victoria; exploration and mining programs, significant effort was directed during the year to site inspections and rehabilitation advice for • building a strategic relationship with Vic Walk and a Memorandum completed mining operations prior to the release of the rehabilitation of Cooperation has been developed, and is ready to be signed, bond by Department of Primary Industrues. Approximately six bond to define this new relationship; and releases occurred on Parks Victoria managed land during the year. • participated in a ‘Whole of Government’ steering committee, convened by Sport and Recreation, to develop an Active City Approximately eight site inspections were undertaken for work Strategy for Melbourne. authorities under the Extractive Industries Development Act during the year. No new authorities for quarraying activities on Parks Business improvements Victoria managed land were approved in 2005-06. An ongoing and systematic review of the rents and existing arrangements, across a range of leased premises on Parks Our ecological footprint Victoria managed land, has resulted in business improvements Like all public and private sector organisations, Parks Victoria and improved financial returns to the organisation. must be responsible and accountable for the use of resources in providing services to the community. During the year we took the New leases and licences finalised during the year include: following steps to minimise the broader environmental impacts of commercial boat berthing allocations on the Yarra River and our operations: at Williamstown, the leasing of the restored St Kilda Pier Kiosk, the redevelopment of the Jells Park Teahouse, and the new • implemented improvements to the Parks Victoria buildings to Anchorage Marina at Williamstown. These have all resulted in reduce energy use, and investigated use of renewable energies; an improved product for the customer and cost-efficiencies for • implemented an environmental Purchasing Policy to increase Parks Victoria. the use of sustainable suppliers and resources; • undertook a review of fleet management policy to further reduce The annual adjustment of Parks Victoria’s Unregulated Fees & greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and distance Charges is complete. The fees have increased in accordance with travelled; and government guidelines by approximately 2.5 per cent and were approved in June 2006. They cover all discretionary services such • established a Public Place Recycling program at Gabo Island as camping, roofed accommodation and other value added services. as well as completing programs at Tidal River, Port Campbell and Albert Park. Earth Resources Activities The past 12 months has seen an increase in the number of mining Awards companies submitting work plans for exploration and/or mining Parks Victoria featured prominently in several prestigious tourism, proposals across various land categories within the estate managed government and environmental award programs with a wide range by Parks Victoria. The majority of these work plans are focussed of projects nominated. The following were category winners and on the search for gold and antimony within landscapes with a finalists. previous history of mining. While the majority of the work plans are for exploration activities under either Exploration or Mining • Victorian Coastal Awards 2006 – the Innovation in Marine Licences issued under the Mineral Resources Development Act Research category was awarded to Parks Victoria and the a few new mining operations have commenced. Coastal Zone CRC for improving knowledge of Victoria’s marine environment through the ‘Mapping the Deep’ research program. Parks Victoria staff consult with proponents and provide advice This program has been comprehensively mapping the deep during the preparation of work plans and comment on all draft sections of our marine national park system over 18 months. work plans before approval by Department of Primary Industries. Images, video footage and detailed data on habitats and Approximately 40 preliminary work plans were submitted to Parks bathymetry have been collected as a part of the research Victoria for information and advice prior to formal consultation. partnership program between Parks Victoria and the Coastal Of these, around 24 were submitted, or are likely to be submitted, Zone Cooperative Research Centre. for approval. • Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Awards of Excellence 2005 – Karkarook Park won the Open Space Management As the majority of land categories managed by Parks Victoria category of the Victorian Division of the PLA Awards of Excellence. are classified as Restricted Crown Land under Mineral Resources Formerly a sand quarry, Karkarook Park is now a thriving area Development Act, Parks Victoria is responsible for the drafting of with diverse ecosystems and landscapes that balance the needs Ministerial Consent for consideration under Section 44 of the Act. of both the environment and 160,000 visitors a year. It was In the 2005-06 financial year, 21 applications for such consent developed in partnership with Readymix/Boral Pty Ltd and the were considered and all were subsequently granted, demonstrating local community. the high level of involvement with proponents prior to submission of applications. Of the 21 applications for consent 12 were for exploration activities alone and nine for activities associated with mining operations.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 37 RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

• Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated Sector and to provide a framework for the investigation of these Wurreker Awards 2005 – Parks Victoria was the proud winner matters. Since the commencement of the Act in January 2002, for the second year running of the Public Sector Employer no disclosures have been received by Parks Victoria. category for its Indigenous Employment, Training and Community Initiatives, which includes the development of Parks Victoria’s Parks Victoria has established a Whistleblowers Protection policy Indigenous Partnership Strategy. The award recognises training and departmental procedures for managing disclosures. Disclosures providers and organisations that have acknowledged the may also be made directly to the Ombudsman. The contact details potential within Koorie communities and are working with for the Protected Disclosure Coordinator and Ombudsman are: Koories to create real outcomes for individuals and communities. Protected Disclosure Coordinator • Go for Your Life Sport and Recreation Awards 2005 – The C/O Chief Legal Counsel State Mountain Bike Course (SMBC) at Lysterfield Park was a Parks Victoria finalist for the Community Facility Design category of the 2005 Telephone: 13 1963 Go for Your Life Sport and Recreation Awards. The SMBC is an environmentally sustainable world-class 6.4km mountain bike The Ombudsman Victoria course built for international competition during the March 2006 Telephone: 9613 6222 or toll free: 1800 806 314 Commonwealth Games. It links with the park’s pre-existing and upgraded 14km mountain bike track network to create a permanent community venue for competition and recreational Building Act mountain biking, suitable for riders of all abilities. All new works are managed in accordance with the Building Act 1993, and existing buildings are assessed in accordance with • United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Awards 2005 Parks Victoria’s asset management system. – Parks Victoria was runner-up in the DSE Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management category for a submission on Sponsors ‘Managing Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries’. Since their establishment in 2002, marine national parks and Parks Victoria would like to thank the following organisations marine sanctuaries have been managed as an important and for their support: Fox-FM, Channel 7, Sunday Herald-Sun, The high-profile component of Victoria’s protected area estate. Weekly Times, WTFN. Initiatives put forward were: using community expertise in management planning, innovation in delivering information, Consultancies interpretation and education, managing recreation with The total number of consultants engaged in 2005-06 was three tourism partners, using cutting edge technology in science with a total value of $101,391. There were no consultancies and research, and agency partnerships for compliance. over $100,000. • St Kilda Pier Kiosk and Café won the Heritage Architecture Award in the 2006 Royal Australian Institute of Architects – Major contracts Victorian Architecture Awards and was also a finalist in the Parks Victoria did not enter into any contracts greater than Master Builders Association of Victoria – Excellence in $10 million in value during the reporting period. Construction Awards. Additional Parks Victoria information Corporate compliance Other relevant information, in relation to the financial year, is Freedom of Information retained by the accountable Parks Victoria officer and is available The Freedom of Information Act 1982 allows the public a right to the Minister, Members of Parliament or the public on request. of access to documents held by Parks Victoria. In the reporting period Parks Victoria received 13 requests for documents and National Competition Policy information under the Act. All were responded to in a timely and Competitive neutrality is a guiding principle of the National professional manner. Competition Policy and requires that government-owned businesses should compete with private sector businesses on the same footing. Freedom of Information requests are made in writing describing the documents requested and including payment of the $21.50 Legislative Framework application fee. Requests should be sent to: Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s responsibilities Freedom of Information Officer are to provide services to the State and its agencies for the Parks Victoria management of parks, reserves and other land under the control Telephone: 13 1963 or email: [email protected] of the State. With the approval of the Minister, it may also provide services to the owner of any other land used for public purposes Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 for the management of that land. The Act requires that Parks The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 came into effect on Victoria must not act in a way that is not environmentally sound 1 January 2002. It is designed to protect people who disclose in carrying out its functions. information about serious wrongdoing within the Victorian Public

38 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 One of the fish sculptures from the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Parks Victoria received many letters of commendation for its role in the Games.

Overall arrangements regarding the relationships and •reserved and unreserved Crown land including conservation responsibilities for the provision of services to the Department and other reserves, metropolitan parks, regional parks and of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are set down in the historic areas; ‘Management Agreement 2001-2006’ between Parks Victoria •recreational and other activities on waterways land in the and the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Planning and metropolitan area as defined in the Water Industry Act 1994; the Secretary to DSE. Parks Victoria’s management services are delivered within State policy, and contractual agreements, and • piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Western Port and recreational in accordance with specific statutory responsibilities. boating on these bays pursuant to powers conferred on it as a port manager under the Port Services Act 1995; and The Parks Victoria Act 1998 also allows Parks Victoria to act as •a number of other areas under leases or other arrangements a committee of management of various reserves. It is currently (including , land leased by Alcoa at Anglesea appointed as the committee of management for a range of and reservoir parks). reserves including Albert Park, Werribee Park, several gardens in the Dandenong Ranges and piers and jetties in Port Phillip Changes to areas managed and Western Port. Under the Management Agreement the Minister may advise Parks Victoria of any addition to or deletion of land from the Register of Parks Victoria participated in a number of regulation making Parks and Reserves managed by Parks Victoria. In 2005-06 the projects that were completed within the financial year including Minister made two such notifications (October 2005 and January National Parks (Fees and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2006) which resulted in 16 new areas covering 1,175 hectares 2005, National Parks (Cape Howe Marine National Park) coming under Parks Victoria’s management and a further 62,705 Regulations 2006. hectares of additions to parks and reserves already managed by Parks Victoria. The largest addition was about 55,000 hectares Parks Victoria participated in a number of regulation making in the Otways to create the Great Otway National Park. projects that were progressed but not completed within the financial year including National Parks (Fees and Charges) Sixty-six reserves totalling 8,689 hectares were formally removed (Amendment) Regulations 2006 and Yarra Bend Park Regulations. from Parks Victoria’s management.

Parks Victoria is responsible for managing: As of 30 June 2006 Parks Victoria managed 41 fewer parks • all areas under the National Parks Act 1975 – nearly and reserves than at 30 June 2005 but the total area managed 3.3 million hectares; increased by 70,000 hectares.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 39 RESPONSIBLY MANAGING OUR RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

Annual Report Corporate Performance Measures

Result Against Target Indicator 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Missed Met Exceeded

Quantity Area treated in parks to Target 400-450 400-450 780 eradicate or control pest Actual 525.5 684.7 1,126 •• plants and animals (Hectares 000’s) National Park Act parks schedules Target 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 with approved Actual 100 75 management plans (less than 86 57 68 • 10 years old) (Per cent) Number of heritage places with Target 50 ongoing site visitor interpretation Actual – 10 30 • enhancements delivered Proportion of Indigenous Target 5 5 5 • staff (Per cent) Actual 5.3 5.3 5 Total number of visits Target 63-73 65-75 75-85 • Visit days (million) Actual 66.4 73.5 75.0 Victorians that have visited Target 70-75 71-76 71-76 •• a Parks Victoria managed park Actual 81 81 79 over the past 12 months (Per cent) Number of Parks Victoria Target 615 625 625 •• personnel required to assist Actual 625 625 648 in wildfire preparedness and suppression Incident rate (Per cent) Target 17 16 16 •• (no. of reported OHS Actual 20 18 9 incidents/no. of staff) Number of training days Target 10 10 10 • per employee Actual 7-12 10 10 Completion of Business Target 95 90 95 • Plan priority actions Actual 88 90 98

Quality Percentage of park assets Target 83 80-85 80-85 • with greater than five years Actual 82 82 83 life expectancy (Per cent) Percentage of bay assets Target 88 87 80-85 • with greater than five years Actual 86 81 83 life expectancy (Per cent) length of 2WD drive roads Target 72 70-75 80 • maintained in ‘fair’ to Actual 71 85 80 ‘good’ condition (Per cent) Compliance with Model of Target 100 100 100 • Cover requirements (Per cent) Actual 100 100 100

40 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 Disclosure index The Annual Report of Parks Victoria is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of our compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

Financial Reporting Direction Disclosure Page

22A Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers 2 22A Objectives, functions, powers and duties 2, 35 22A Nature and range of services provided 2, 35-36 22A Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of senior officers 34 22A Names of Board members 31-33 22A Statement of workforce data for current and previous financial year 35 22A Merit and equity 36 15A Executive officer disclosures 35, 66 22A Five year summary of the financial results 43 22A Significant changes in financial position during the year 43 22A Objectives and performance against objectives 40 22A Major changes or factors affecting performance 4-5 22A Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 37 22A Details of consultancies > $100,000 38 22A Details of consultancies – total number and cost < $100,000 38 12A Disclosure of major contracts 38 22A Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 38 22A Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 38 22A Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 38 22A Statement on NCP 38 22A OHS 36 10 Disclosure index 41 22A Statement of availability of other information 38

Parks Victoria Rangers at Lysterfield Park have introduced patrols on mountain bikes in addition to their regular vehicle and foot patrols.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 41 FINANCIAL REPORT

43 Financial Review of Operations and Financial Condition 44 Auditor’s Report 46 Operating Statement 47 Balance Sheet 48 Statement of Changes in Equity 49 Cash Flow Statement 50 Notes to the Financial Statements 75 Statutory Certificate

42 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 FINANCIAL REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 Five Year Financial Summary $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Total Income 148,785 136,825 118,305 127,632 119,464

Net Operating Result before asset transfers* (3,554) (11,123) (5,424) (1,891) (6,883)

Net Operating Result (27,586) (9,074) (10,771) (889) (6,732)

Net Cash Flow from Operations 9,620 1,650 (2,724) 7,215 147

Total Assets 948,770 969,524 934,402 846,688 610,550

Total Liabilities 43,702 38,383 26,768 28,807 27,446

* Excludes assets transferred free of charge between Government organisations.

Significant aspects of this year’s results were: • Rosebud Foreshore assets, with a net book value of $24.6 million, transferred to the Mornington Peninsula Shire; and • additional $8.0 million major works funding received.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 43 AUDITOR’S REPORT

44 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 45 OPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

2006 2005 Notes $’000 $’000

Income Parks and Reserves Trust funding 3 60,388 58,578 Government funding 4 61,940 52,803 Other revenue 5 24,509 21,163 Assets received free of charge 6 520* 2,964 Interest revenue 1,428 1,317

Total Income 148,785 136,825

Expenses Operations 7 145,617 138,555 Parks Victoria Grants Program 8 1,513 1,057 Assets provided free of charge 9 24,552* 915 Finance costs 10 27 19 Depreciation 11 4,662 5,353

Total Expenses 176,371 145,899

Net Result for the Period 22 (27,586)* (9,074)

* The net loss for the period includes substantial asset transfers, refer notes 6 and 9.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

46 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2006

2006 2005 Notes $’000 $’000

Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 12 12,913 8,177 Receivables 13 4,632 7,515 Inventories 14 233 254 Other Current Assets 15 238 357

Total Current Assets 18,016 16,303

Non-Current Assets Receivables 13 99 98 Property, Plant and Equipment 16 930,655 953,123

Total Non-Current Assets 930,754 953,221

Total Assets 948,770 969,524

Current Liabilities Payables 17 16,015 16,667 Provisions 18 20,760 19,982 Deferred revenue 19 3,021 0

Total Current Liabilities 39,796 36,649

Non-Current Liabilities Provisions 18 2,005 1,734 Deferred revenue 19 1,901 0

Total Non-Current Liabilities 3,906 1,734

Total Liabilities 43,702 38,383

Net Assets 905,068 931,141

Equity Contributed Capital 20 284,056 282,543 Reserves 21 652,175 670,504 Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) 22 (31,163) (21,906)

Total Equity 905,068 931,141

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 47 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

2006 2005 Notes $’000 $’000

Total equity at the beginning of the financial year 931,141 907,903

Adjustment on adoption of A-IFRS to Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) 36 0 (269)

Re-stated total equity at the beginning of the financial year 931,141 907,634

Net asset revaluation increment 21 0 39,226

Net income recognised directly in equity 0 39,226

Net result for the period 22 (27,586) (16,999) Correction of accounting treatment error 35 0 7,925

Total recognised income and expense for the period (27,586) 30,152

Net movement in contributed capital 20 1,513 1,280 Correction of accounting treatment error 35 0 (7,925)

Total equity at the end of the financial year 905,068 931,141

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

48 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

2006 2005 Notes $’000 $’000

Cash Flows from Operating Activities Receipts from Parks Charge 60,388 58,578 Receipts from Government for Operations 60,318 50,132 Receipts from Customers/Other Sources 36,213 21,153 Interest received 1,377 1,264 Receipts relating to Goods and Services Tax 15,908 14,253 Payments to Suppliers and Employees (142,432) (124,013) Payments to Government for Revenue collected from National Parks (5,018) (5,127) Payments to Parks Victoria Grants Program (1,324) (347) Payments relating to Goods and Services Tax (15,810) (14,243)

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities 23 9,620 1,650

Cash Flows from Investing Activities Payments for Property, Plant and Equipment (7,700) (2,614) Proceeds on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment 83 48

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Investing Activities (7,617) (2,566)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities Receipts from Government – Contributed Capital 2,733 1,280

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Financing Activities 2,733 1,280

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash held 4,736 364

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 8,177 7,813

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 12 12,913 8,177

Consisting of: Committed cash 10,861 5,296 Non-committed cash 2,052 2,881

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 49 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

These notes form part of, and should be read in conjunction with, the financial statements of Parks Victoria for the financial year ended 30 June 2006.

1. Background 1.1 Establishment Parks Victoria was formed as a public authority on 3 July 1998 under the Parks Victoria Act 1998. The Parks Victoria Act 1998 was given Royal Assent on 26 May 1998 and was proclaimed on 3 July 1998.

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

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

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 2.1 General Statement of Compliance This financial report of Parks Victoria is a general purpose financial report that consists of an Operating Statement, a Balance Sheet, a Statement of Changes in Equity, a Cash Flow Statement, and notes accompanying these statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Ministerial Directions. Accounting Standards include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS).

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

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

The financial statements were authorised for issue by S Mahony (Chief Financial Officer – Parks Victoria) on 15 August 2006.

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

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

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

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

Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is reported.

Parks Victoria changed its accounting policies on 1 July 2005 to comply with A-IFRS. The transition to A-IFRS is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1 First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards, with 1 July 2004 as the date of transition. An explanation of how the transition from superseded policies to A-IFRS has affected Parks Victoria’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows is discussed in Note 36.

50 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2.2 Basis of Accounting (continued) Parks Victoria has also elected to apply Accounting Standard AASB 2005-04 and 2005-06 Amendments to Accounting Standards (June 2005), even through the Standard is not required to be applied until annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2006, the comparative information presented in these financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2005, and in the preparation of the opening A-IFRS Balance Sheet at 1 July 2004, Parks Victoria’s date of transition, except for the accounting policies in respect of financial instruments. Parks Victoria has not restated comparative information for financial instruments, including derivatives, as permitted under the first-time adoption transitional provisions. The accounting policies for financial instruments applicable to the comparative information and the impact of the changes in these accounting policies are discussed further in Note 2.19.

The classification and presentation of items are consistent with those of the previous year, except where a change is required to comply with an Australian accounting standard or Urgent Issues Group interpretation, or where an alternative accounting policy is permitted by an Australian accounting standard is adopted to improve the relevance and reliability of the financial report. Where practicable, comparative amounts are presented and classified on a basis consistent with the current year.

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

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

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

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

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

•Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements; • Piers, Jetties and River Improvements; • Buildings and Improvements; • Antiques; •Other including Plant, Machinery and Equipment, Office Machines, Computers, Vehicles, Furniture and Fittings; and •Works in Progress. used by Parks Victoria in its operations. Items with a cost or value of $1,200 or more, and a useful life of more than one year are recognised as an asset. Items less than $1,200 are expensed.

Restrictive Nature of Cultural and Heritage Assets, Crown Land and Infrastructures During the reporting period, Parks Victoria may hold cultural assets, heritage assets, Crown land and infrastructures.

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

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

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 51 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

2.5 Revaluations of Non-current Assets (continued) Non-current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset does not differ materially from its fair value. This revaluation process normally occurs every five years.

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

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

The financial statements list the location, area and values of Crown Land over which Parks Victoria is the committee of management (note 16.2). This Crown Land remains the property of the State of Victoria.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asset Category Expected Life (Years) Buildings and Improvements 50 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 20–50 Land Improvements 10–20 Plant, Equipment and Machinery 10 Motor Vehicles 4 Other 3.3–10

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

• trade and other receivables (refer note 2.11); and • inventories (refer note 2.16).

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

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

52 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2.9 Leased Assets Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

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

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

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

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

Employee benefit provisions that are reported as non-current liabilities also include long term benefits such as non vested long service leave (i.e. where the employee does not have a present entitlement to the benefit) that do not qualify for recognition as a current liability, and are measured at present values.

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

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

Disclosure of superannuation contributions by Parks Victoria is provided in Note 26.

2.11 Trade and Other Receivables Trade and other receivables are recorded at amortised cost, using the effective interest method, less impairment.

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

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

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

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

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 53 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

2.12 Payables Payables are recognised when Parks Victoria becomes obliged to make future payments resulting from the purchase of goods and services.

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

2.13 Revenue Recognition Amounts disclosed as revenue are, where applicable, net of returns, allowances and duties and taxes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

54 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2.18 Provisions (continued) Provision for Dismantling When an asset is initially recognised, AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment requires the capitalisation of costs of dismantling and removing an asset and restoring the site on which the asset was created, together with the recognition of this provision determined at present value in accordance with AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. As a consequence, there is an increase in depreciation expense as a result of the increase in the carrying amounts of assets and also an interest expense would be incurred as the present value discount on the dismantling unwinds.

2.19 Comparative Information – Financial Instruments Parks Victoria has elected not to restate comparative information for financial instruments within the scope of AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation and AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, as permitted on the first-time adoption of A-IFRS.

The accounting policies applied to accounting for financial instruments in the current financial year are detailed in notes 2.11, and 2.12. The following accounting policies were applied to accounting for financial instruments in the comparative financial year:

(a) Trade and Other Receivables All trade and other receivables are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlement at no more than 30 days from the date of recognition. Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists.

(b) Payables Payables represent liabilities for goods and services provided to Parks Victoria prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Effect of Changing the Accounting Policies for Financial Instruments There was no material effect of changes in the accounting policies for financial instruments on the balance sheet as at 1 July 2005. Accordingly, there were no adjustments necessary that would make the comparative financial statements comply with AASB 132 and AASB 139.

2006 2005 $’000 $’000

3. Parks and Reserves Trust Funding The Parks and Reserves Trust Funding is a charge levied on commercial and domestic properties throughout the Melbourne and metropolitan area, the majority of which is paid to Parks Victoria. Parks Charge 60,388 58,578

Total Parks and Reserves Trust Funding 60,388 58,578

4. Government Funding National/State Parks and Reserves funding 38,375 37,442 Government Grants for special projects 4,878 4,708 Program Initiatives (including Tracks and Trails and Good Neighbour programs) 1,733 1,651 Major Works funding provided by the Department of Sustainability and Environment 11,273 8,344 Major Works funding provided by the Department of Victorian Communities 3,950 500 Major Works funding provided by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 1,731 158

Total Government Funding 61,940 52,803

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 55 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

2006 2005 $’000 $’000 5. Other Revenue Accommodation/Camping fees 3,910 3,913 Funding sponsored by external parties 815 637 Rent, Leases and Licences 4,797 4,498 Park entrance fees 1,450 1,553 External sales 1,486 1,689 Insurance claims 4,413 1,382 Yarra Bend Trust 1,416 1,435 Berthing/Mooring fees 355 429 Cave tour fees 455 447 Gift shop sales 104 115 Fire Suppression costs, recovered 3,250 2,895 Other 2,058 2,170

Total Other Revenue 24,509 21,163

6. Assets Received Free of Charge Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MAFRI) assets transferred from the Department of Sustainability and Environment 0 2,964 Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) assets transferred from the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 520 0

Total Assets Received Free of Charge 520 2,964

7. Operations Labour 68,325 65,724 Materials 5,303 6,053 Transport 7,305 6,463 Contracts 34,732 34,593 External Services 18,923 16,484 Payments to Government for Revenue collected from National Parks 5,950 5,359 Other 4,671 3,751 Payments for works sponsored by external parties 408 128

Total Operations 145,617 138,555

8. Parks Victoria Grants Program Payments are made to Local Government, Other Agencies, Community Groups and for Program Operating Costs 1,513 1,057

Total Parks Victoria Grants Program 1,513 1,057

9. Assets Provided Free of Charge Historic Building assets transferred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment 0 915 Rosebud Foreshore assets transferred to the Mornington Peninsula Shire 24,552 0

Total Assets Provided Free of Charge 24,552 915

10. Finance Costs Unwinding of discount and effect of changes in the discount rate for: Provision for dismantling (see note 18) 27 19

Total Finance Costs 27 19

56 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2006 2005 $’000 $’000 11. Depreciation Land Improvements 1,375 1,519 Buildings and Improvements 1,562 1,670 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 1,052 1,405 Other 673 759 Total Depreciation 4,662 5,353

12. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash at Bank 12,913 8,177 Total Cash and Cash Equivalents 12,913 8,177

13. Receivables Receivables – Current Debtors 4,895 7,790 Less Provision for Doubtful Debts (263) (275) Total Receivables – Current 4,632 7,515

Receivables – Non-Current Other Receivables 99 98 Total Receivables – Non-Current 99 98 Total Receivables 4,731 7,613

An amount of $430 (2004-05 $5,903) was written off to bad debts during the year.

14. Inventories Stock on Hand (at cost) 233 254 Total Inventories 233 254

15. Other Current Assets Prepayments 238 357 Total Other Current Assets 238 357

16. Property, Plant and Equipment 16.1 Asset Category Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements Crown Land Opening Balance 759,826 743,744 Additions 0 2,500 Transfers (20,053) (8,244) Revaluations 0 21,826 Closing Balance – Crown Land (at independent valuation) (note 16.2) 739,773 759,826

Land Opening Balance 27 27 Closing Balance – Land (at independent valuation) 27 27

Land Improvements Opening Balance 45,140 40,549 Additions 4,873 1,594 Retirements (2,465) (22) Revaluations 0 3,019 Closing Balance – Land Improvements (at independent valuation) 47,548 45,140 Closing Balance – Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements (at independent valuation) 787,348 804,993

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 57 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

2006 2005 $’000 $’000 16.1 Asset Category (continued) Accumulated Depreciation – Land Improvements Opening Balance 2,016 3,627 Depreciation for the Year 1,375 1,519 Retirements (21) (5) Revaluations 0 (3,125)

Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation – Land Improvements 3,370 2,016

Net Book Value – Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements 783,978 802,977

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuer for G.M. Brien & Associates Pty. Ltd., a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements at fair value, was to assess the land based on comparable sales values and add to this the depreciated replacement or reproduction cost of any improvements, giving due consideration to size, zoning and current use. These assets were revalued during a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process, conducted over the financial years ended 30 June 2003 to 30 June 2005.

2006 2005 $’000 $’000

Piers, Jetties and River Improvements Opening Balance 68,034 63,718 Additions 1,901 1,712 Retirements 00 Revaluations 0 2,604

Closing Balance Piers, Jetties and River Improvements (at independent valuation) 69,935 68,034

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 1,225 2,886 Depreciation for the Year 1,052 1,405 Retirements 00 Revaluations 0 (3,066)

Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 2,277 1,225

Net Book Value – Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 67,658 66,809

Buildings and Improvements Opening Balance 78,253 74,349 Additions 3,421 409 Retirements (3,443) (647) Revaluations 0 4,142

Closing Balance Buildings and Improvements (at independent valuation) 78,231 78,253

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 2,395 2,236 Depreciation for the Year 1,562 1,670 Retirements (52) (67) Revaluations 0 (1,444)

Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 3,905 2,395

Net Book Value – Buildings and Improvements 74,326 75,858

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuer for G.M. Brien & Associates Pty. Ltd., a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Piers, Jetties, River Improvements and Buildings and Improvements at fair value, was to assess the depreciated replacement cost of any improvements, except for those with Heritage Victoria listings, in which case, assess the depreciated reproduction cost of any improvements. These assets were revalued during a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process, conducted over the financial years ended 30 June 2003 to 30 June 2005.

58 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2006 2005 $’000 $’000

Antiques Opening Balance 1,268 1,404 Additions 07 Revaluations 0 (143)

Closing Balance Antiques (at independent valuation)* 1,268 1,268

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuers for Colliers International Consultancy and Valuation Pty. Limited, one a government approved valuer, the other a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Antiques at fair value, was to assess the dollar value, with reference to the active and liquid antiques’ auction market, having regard to the highest and best use of the asset, for which market participants would be prepared to pay. These assets were revalued during a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process, conducted over the financial years ended 30 June 2003 to 30 June 2005.

* The William Ricketts Sanctuary is located in the Dandenong Ranges Gardens and contains over 70 in-ground aboriginal sculptures created by the late William Ricketts. These assets are of cultural and heritage significance. A valuation of these assets is not able to be determined.

2006 2005 $’000 $’000

Other Opening Balance 8,130 7,884 Additions 672 342 Retirements (645) (96)

Closing Balance Other (at cost) 8,157 8,130

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 5,778 5,047 Depreciation for the Year 673 759 Retirements (565) (28)

Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 5,886 5,778

Net Book Value – Other 2,271 2,352

Works in Progress Opening Balance 3,859 4,901 Additions 8,078 5,523 Completed Property, Plant and Equipment (10,783) (6,565)

Closing Balance Works in Progress (at cost) 1,154 3,859

Total Property, Plant and Equipment Net Book Value 930,655 953,123

Summary Assets (at independent valuation): Property, Plant and Equipment 936,782 952,548 Less Accumulated Depreciation (9,552) (5,636)

Total Net Book Value of Assets (at independent valuation) 927,230 946,912

Assets (at cost): Property, Plant and Equipment 9,311 11,989 Less Accumulated Depreciation (5,886) (5,778)

Total Net Book Value of Assets (at cost) 3,425 6,211

Total Property, Plant and Equipment Net Book Value 930,655 953,123

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 59 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

16.2 Crown Land 2006 2005 Area 2006 Area 2005 (Hectares) $’000 (Hectares) $’000

Location You Yangs Regional Park 1,960 2,973 1,960 2,973 Eildon Water Reserve 533 960 533 960 Dandenong Police Paddocks 499 62,375 499 62,375 Bays Assets* 498 Not valued 498 Not valued Lighthouse Reserves 329 1,428 329 1,428 Dandenong Ranges Gardens 278 2,230 278 2,230 Buchan Caves Reserve 260 238 260 238 Albert Park 229 526,075 229 526,075 Serendip Sanctuary 227 455 227 455 Plenty Gorge 222 1,998 222 1,998 Yarra Valley 139 82,909 139 82,909 Werribee Park(a) 130 3,275 135 3,478 Vaughan Springs 100 114 100 114 Rosebud Foreshore(b) 0091 19,850 Coolart 79 4,200 79 4,200 Mt Dandenong Observatory Reserve 72 1,800 72 1,800 Olinda Golf Course 34 480 34 480 Westgate 34 35,287 34 35,287 Maribyrnong Valley 22 1,122 22 1,122 Dandenong Valley 6 1,680 6 1,680 Peach Tree Creek 4 20 4 20 Point Cook/Cheetham 4 51 4 51 Herring Island 3 4,800 3 4,800 Queenscliff (not including Bays Assets* component) 3 2,500 3 2,500 Orbost Rain Forest 1 128 1 128 Rosebud 1 2,300 1 2,300 San Remo 1 375 1 375

Total Crown Land 5,668 739,773 5,764 759,826

* 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.

(a) 4.519 hectares of Werribee Park crown land was transferred to the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board. (b) Rosebud Foreshore crown land was transferred to the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

60 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2006 2005 $’000 $’000

17. Payables Payables – Current Unsecured Creditors and Accruals 16,015 16,667

Total Payables 16,015 16,667

18. Provisions Provisions – Current Annual Leave (see (a) below) 4,994 4,733 Long Service Leave (see (a) below) 15,766 15,249

Total Provisions – Current 20,760 19,982

Provisions – Non-Current Long Service Leave (see (a) below) 1,508 1,355 Dismantling (see (b) below) 497 379

Total Provisions – Non-Current 2,005 1,734

Total Provisions 22,765 21,716

(a) Employee Entitlements:

Current All annual leave and long service leave entitlements representing seven plus years of continuous service:

Short term employee benefits, that fall due within 12 months after the end of the period measured at nominal value 17,568 16,808 Other long term employee benefits that do not fall due within 12 months after the end of the period measured at present value 3,192 3,174

20,760 19,982

Non-Current Long service leave representing less than seven years of continuous service measured at present value 1,508 1,355

Total $’000

(b) Movement in Non-current Provision for Dismantling:

Balance at 1 July 2005 379 Additional provisions recognised 91 Unwinding of discount and effect of changes in the discount rate 27

Balance at 30 June 2006 497

The provision for dismantling represents the present value of expected future payments that Parks Victoria will be obligated to make in respect of the costs of dismantling and removing leasehold improvements and restoring the leased premises to its original state. The estimate may vary as a result of utilisation of the leased premises and additional leasehold improvements where applicable. As at 30 June 2006, the unexpired term of the lease is about five years.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 61 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

2006 2005 $’000 $’000

19. Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue – Current Opening Balance 00 Movement in Deferred Revenue – Current: Payments received in advance for works to be carried out within 12 months, with the amounts to be refunded if not undertaken 3,021 0

Net Movement in Deferred Revenue – Current 3,021 0

Total Deferred Revenue – Current 3,021 0

Deferred Revenue – Non-Current Opening Balance 00 Movement in Deferred Revenue – Non-Current: Payments received in advance for works to be carried out between two and 10 years, with the amounts to be refunded if not undertaken 1,901 0

Net Movement in Deferred Revenue – Non-Current 1,901 0

Total Deferred Revenue – Non-Current 1,901 0

Total Deferred Revenue 4,922 0

20. Contributed Capital Opening Balance 282,543 289,188 Movement in Contributed Capital: Albert Park land (Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre site) transferred to the Department of Victorian Communities (State Sport Centres Trust) 0 (7,925) Werribee Park assets transferred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (Zoological Parks and Gardens Board) (1,220) 0 Capital Contributions from the Department of Sustainability and Environment 2,733 1,280

Net Movement in Contributed Capital 1,513 (6,645)

Total Contributed Capital 284,056 282,543

21. Reserves Movement in Asset Revaluation Reserve Opening Balance 670,504 637,107 Revaluation of Parks Victoria Assets: Crown Land and Land Improvements 0 27,969 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 0 5,671 Buildings and Improvements 0 5,586

Net Revaluation Increment on Parks Victoria Assets 0 39,226

Transfer prior year revaluation increment on assets provided free of charge to Accumulated Surplus/Deficit (refer note 22) (18,329) (5,829)

Total Reserves 652,175 670,504

22. Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) Opening Balance (21,906) (18,661) Transfer from Asset Revaluation Reserve (refer note 21) 18,329 5,829 Net result for the period from Operating Statement (27,586) (9,074)

Closing Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) (31,163) (21,906)

62 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 2006 2005 $’000 $’000 23. Reconciliation of Net Result for the Period to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net Result for the Period (27,586) (9,074) Depreciation for the Year 4,662 5,353 Provision for doubtful debts (12) 24 Net assets (received)/provided free of charge 24,032 (2,049) Loss/(gain) on sale, retirement and/or revaluation of assets 171 213 Finance costs 27 19

Change in Assets and Liabilities Decrease/(Increase) in receivables 2,894 (4,476) Decrease/(Increase) in inventories 21 (141) Decrease/(Increase) in other current assets 119 184 Increase/(Decrease) in provisions 1,022 1,902 Increase/(Decrease) in payables (652) 9,695 Increase/(Decrease) in deferred revenue 4,922 0

Net Cash from Operating Activities 9,620 1,650

24. Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 24.1 Contingent Liabilities – Other Outstanding Claims There are minor claims against Parks Victoria, arising out of various matters connected with its business dealings that do not have a material impact.

24.2 Contingent Assets There are no claims lodged by Parks Victoria arising out of matters connected with its business dealings.

25. Commitments 25.1 Capital Commitments Value of commitments for capital expenditure at 30 June 2006 for the supply of works, services and materials not provided for in the financial statements:

Not Later than One Year 2,775 2,378 Later than One Year and Not Later than Five Years 0 0 Later than Five Years 00

Total Capital Commitments 2,775 2,378

25.2 Lease Commitments Total lease expenditure contracted for at balance date but not provided for in the financial statements in relation to non-cancellable operating leases is as follows: Not Later than One Year 7,188 6,904 Later than One Year and Not Later than Five Years 13,319 13,296 Later than Five Years 35 119

Total Non-Cancellable Operating Leases 20,542 20,319

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 63 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

26. Superannuation Parks Victoria contributes, in respect of its employees, to the superannuation schemes as shown in the following table:

Contribution 2006 2005 Scheme Type of Scheme Rate $’000 $’000

ANZ Personal Super Bond Accumulation 9% 60 20 Asgard Capital Management Ltd. Accumulation 9% 12 13 Asteron Capital Management Ltd. Accumulation 9% 2 0 Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Accumulation 9% 2 0 Australian Primary Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 1 0 Australian Retirement Fund Accumulation 9% 1 0 BT Funds Management Accumulation 9% 27 27 Colonial First State Accumulation 9% 23 0 Colonial Mutual Superannuation Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 1 0 Construction and Building Union Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 6 0 Eight Dragons Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 3 0 Emergency Services Superannuation Fund Defined 15.5% 17 16 Emergency Services Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 25 0 Government Superannuation Office – New Scheme Defined 8.8-10.5% 1,361 1,258 Government Superannuation Office – Revised Scheme Defined 17% 205 233 Government Superannuation Office – State Employees Retirement Benefit Scheme Defined 12.8% 16 14 Lifetrack Employer Superannuation Accumulation 9% 1 0 Macquarie Personal Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 12 0 Nulis Nominees (Aust) Ltd. – Navigator Personal Retirement Plan Accumulation 9% 20 55 Perpetual Nominees Accumulation 9% 0 1 Perpetuals Investor Choice Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 12 8 Private Superannuation Funds Accumulation 9% 67 21 Sunsuper Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 4 0 Superannuation Trust of Australia (STA Super) Accumulation 9% 2 0 Superwrap Accumulation 9% 1 0 Symetry Personal Retirement Fund Accumulation 9% 3 0 The Select Master Superannuation Fund Accumulation 9% 1 0 UniSuper Ltd. Accumulation 9% 2 0 VicSuper Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 934 535 Vision Super – Albert Park Scheme Defined 9.25% 6 7 Vision Super – Dandenong Valley Scheme Defined 9.25% 10 5 Vision Super – PORTS Port of Melbourne Authority Scheme Defined 18% 7 7 Vision Super – PORTS Revised Scheme Defined 17% 7 7 Vision Super – PORTS Transport Scheme Defined 12-18% 51 49 Vision Super – Water Industry Superannuation Fund Scheme Defined 7-15.25% 750 738 Vision Super Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 1,873 1,463 Westpac Personal Superannuation Accumulation 9% 6 9

Total Contributions to All Funds 5,531 4,486

As at the reporting date, there were outstanding contributions payable to the above funds of $22,525. There were no loans to or from Parks Victoria to or from any of the above funds. Parks Victoria is not liable for any unfunded liability in respect of the above employer sponsored defined benefits superannuation schemes.

64 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 27. Volunteer Resources Provided Free of Charge During 2005-06 significant community input in the form of voluntary labour was provided to Parks Victoria. Volunteers came from all sections of the community, and included individual volunteers, Friends groups and community groups who provided in excess of 23,000 days (2004-05 18,000 days) of voluntary support. Volunteers undertook a diverse range of activities including tree planting, revegetation, landscaping, camp hosting, cultural site protection and interpretation, flora and fauna monitoring, nursery maintenance and propagation, track clearing and construction, visitor information and interpretation, research and participation in the Community Grants, Camp Host and Work for the Dole programs, festivals and events. No estimate of the value of these resources has been included in the financial report as there is no practical way of determining an appropriate valuation basis.

2006 2005 $’000 $’000 28. Auditor’s Remuneration Amounts paid/payable to: Victorian Auditor-General’s Office for the audit of the financial statements 48 46

29. Related Parties 29.1 Responsible Persons The names of persons who were Board Members at any time during the financial year ended 30 June 2006 were: K Fagg (resignation date: 15 May 2006), R Gerrand, S Hibbard, K King (appointment date: 2 November 2005), S Marris, R Martin, L Peeler, P Robinson (resignation date: 30 June 2006) and D Saunders.

The name of the responsible Minister from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 was The Honourable John Thwaites MP.

The name of the accountable officer for the whole of the financial year ended 30 June 2006 was M Stone.

29.2 Board Members Remuneration Total remuneration received or due and receivable by Board Members from the reporting entity was: 120 87

Number Number

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

Income of: $0 to $9,999 13 $10,000 to $19,999 74 $20,000 to $29,999 11

29.3 Executive Officers Remuneration The number of executive officers, other than Ministers and Accountable Officers, and their total remuneration during the reporting period are shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of executive officers is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long-service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits.

Several factors have affected total remuneration payable to executives over the year. A number of employment contracts were completed during the year and renegotiated and a number of executives received bonus payments during the year. These bonus payments depend on the terms of individual employment contracts. Some contracts provide for an annual bonus payment whereas other contracts only include the payment of bonuses on the successful completion of the full term of the contract. A number of these contract completion bonuses became payable during the year.

A number of executive officers retired or resigned during the financial year. This has had a significant impact on total remuneration figures due to the inclusion of annual leave, long-service leave and retirement payments.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 65 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

29.3 Executive Officers Remuneration (continued) Income Band Total Remuneration Base Remuneration 2006 2005 2006 2005 Number Number Number Number

$100,000 to $109,999 2 1 0 1 $110,000 to $119,999 1 1 0 3 $120,000 to $129,999 0 2 1 0 $130,000 to $139,999 1 0 2 2 $140,000 to $149,999 2* 3 3 4 $150,000 to $159,999 3 1 1 2 $160,000 to $169,999 0 3 2 1 $170,000 to $179,999 1 1 0 0 $180,000 to $189,999 2 1 1 0 $190,000 to $199,999 0 0 0 1 $200,000 to $209,999 1 1 0 0 $220,000 to $229,999 0 0 1 0 $250,000 to $259,999 1 0 0 0 $310,000 to $319,999 1* 0 0 0

Total numbers 15 14 11 14

Total amount $2,529,919 $2,134,170 $2,088,489 $1,954,654

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

* Includes entitlements paid out under the terms of the contracts specific to the resignation of two executive officers.

2006 2005 $’000 $’000

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

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

32. Financial Instruments (a) Financial Risk Management Objectives Parks Victoria’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates. Parks Victoria does not enter into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk.

Parks Victoria does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Parks Victoria’s policies approved by its board, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives.

The policies for managing these risks are discussed in more detail below.

(b) Significant Accounting Policies Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 2 to the financial statements.

(c) Significant Terms and Conditions There are no significant terms and conditions applicable to Parks Victoria, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument.

66 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 32. Financial Instruments (continued) (d) Interest Rate Risk The weighted average cash interest rate earned for 2005-06 was 5.15 per cent (2004-05 5.15 per cent).

(e) Credit Risk Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to Parks Victoria. Parks Victoria has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. Parks Victoria measures credit risk on a fair value basis.

Parks Victoria does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having similar characteristics. The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents Parks Victoria’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained.

(f) Fair Value Management considers that the carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements approximates their fair values (2005: net fair value).

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

• the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions and traded on active liquid markets are determined with reference to quoted market prices; and • the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis.

Transaction costs are included in the determination of net fair value.

Fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model, which includes some assumptions that are not supportable by observable market prices or rates. Changes in these assumptions do not significantly change the fair value recognised.

Total Carrying Amount As Per Balance Sheet Aggregate Fair Value 2006 2005 2006 2005 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Cash and Cash Equivalents 12,913 8,177 12,913 8,177 Receivables 4,731 7,613 4,731 7,613

Total Financial Assets 17,644 15,790 17,644 15,790

Payables 16,015 16,667 16,015 16,667

Total Financial Liabilities 16,015 16,667 16,015 16,667

Cash and 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.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 67 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

33. Consolidation Elimination Entries Intra* Intra* Inter** Inter** 2006 2005 2006 2005 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

During 2005-06 transactions were undertaken with other State Government controlled entities that amounted to: Assets 0 2,049 520 (7,925) Liabilities and Equity 5,719 1,280 715 (7,925) Revenues 119,921 115,471 7,431 2,565 Expenses 9,923 10,013 5,037 4,710

* Intra transactions are those transactions undertaken within the Department of Sustainability and Environment portfolio. ** Inter transactions are those transactions undertaken outside the Department of Sustainability and Environment portfolio.

34. Post Balance Date Events Parks Victoria is unaware of any events subsequent to the reporting date that will have a material impact on its financial position or future financial performance.

35. Correction of Accounting Treatment Error Correction of Accounting Treatment Error in Recording Assets Provided Free of Charge in the Previous Financial Year The transfer of Crown land to the Department of Victorian Communities was expensed as assets provided free of charge during the year ended 30 June 2005. Subsequent to issuing the financial report, Parks Victoria received further advice that the asset transfer should have been treated as a reduction of contributed capital.

Due to the incorrect accounting treatment of the transfer of assets, the assets provided free of charge expense for the year ended 30 June 2005 was overstated by $7,925,000. This accounting treatment error had the effect of overstating the accumulated deficit and contributed capital by $7,925,000 as at 30 June 2005. The accounting treatment error also had the effect of understating the net result by $7,925,000 for the year ended 30 June 2005.

The accounting treatment error has been corrected by restating each of the affected financial statement line items for the prior year, as described above.

68 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 36. Impacts of the Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS) Parks Victoria changed its accounting policies, other than its accounting policies for financial instruments, on 1 July 2004 to comply with A-IFRS. The transition to A-IFRS is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1 First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards with 1 July 2004 as the date of transition. Parks Victoria changed its accounting policies for financial instruments effective from 1 July 2005 (refer note 2.19).

An explanation of how the transition from superseded policies to A-IFRS has affected Parks Victoria’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows is set out in the following tables and the notes that accompany the tables.

Effect of A-IFRS on the Balance Sheet as at 1 July 2004 Effect of Superseded Transition to Policies* A-IFRS A-IFRS Notes $’000 $’000 $’000

Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,813 7,813 Receivables 3,055 3,055 Inventories 112 112 Other Current Assets 542 542

Total Current Assets 11,522 11,522

Non-Current Assets Receivables 100 100 Property, Plant and Equipment 922,780 922,780

Total Non-Current Assets 922,880 922,880

Total Assets 934,402 934,402

Current Liabilities Payables 6,973 6,973 Provisions a 6,407 (92) 6,315

Total Current Liabilities 13,380 (92) 13,288

Non-Current Liabilities Provisions a 13,119 361 13,480

Total Non-Current Liabilities 13,119 361 13,480

Total Liabilities 26,499 269 26,768

Net Assets 907,903 (269) 907,634

Equity Contributed Capital 289,188 289,188 Reserves 637,107 637,107 Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) d (18,392) (269) (18,661)

Total Equity 907,903 (269) 907,634

* Reported financial position for the financial year ended 30 June 2004.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 69 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

36. Impacts of the Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS) (continued)

Effect of A-IFRS on the Operating Statement for the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2005 Effect of Superseded Transition to Policies* A-IFRS A-IFRS Notes $’000 $’000 $’000

Income Parks and Reserves Trust funding 58,578 58,578 Government funding b 48,095 4,708 52,803 Other revenue b 25,871 (4,708) 21,163 Assets received free of charge 2,964 2,964 Interest revenue 1,317 1,317 Other income b 48 (48) 0

Total Income 136,873 (48) 136,825

Expenses Operations a,b 138,590 (35) 138,555 Parks Victoria Grants Program 1,057 1,057 Assets provided free of charge c 8,840 (7,925) 915 Finance costs a 0 19 19 Depreciation 5,353 5,353

Total Expenses 153,840 (7,941) 145,899

Net Result for the Period (16,967) 7,893 (9,074)

Movements in Equity Net Increase/(Decrease) in Asset Revaluation Reserve 39,226 39,226

Total revenues, expenses and revaluation adjustments directly recognised in equity 22,259 7,893 30,152

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with the State Government as owner 22,259 7,893 30,152

* Reported financial results for the year ended 30 June 2005.

70 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 36. Impacts of the Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS) (continued)

Effect of A-IFRS on the Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2005 Effect of Superseded Transition to Policies* A-IFRS A-IFRS Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 8,177 8,177 Receivables 7,515 7,515 Inventories 254 254 Other Current Assets 357 357

Total Current Assets 16,303 16,303

Non-Current Assets Receivables 98 98 Property, Plant and Equipment 953,123 953,123

Total Non-Current Assets 953,221 953,221

Total Assets 969,524 969,524

Current Liabilities Payables 16,667 16,667 Provisions a 6,471 13,511 19,982

Total Current Liabilities 23,138 13,511 36,649

Non-Current Liabilities Provisions a 14,944 (13,210) 1,734

Total Non-Current Liabilities 14,944 (13,210) 1,734

Total Liabilities 38,082 301 38,383

Net Assets 931,442 (301) 931,141

Equity Contributed Capital c 290,468 (7,925) 282,543 Reserves 670,504 670,504 Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) d (29,530) 7,624 (21,906)

Total Equity 931,442 (301) 931,141

* Reported financial position for the financial year ended 30 June 2005.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 71 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

36. Impacts of the Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS) (continued)

Effect of A-IFRS on the Cash Flow Statement for the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2005 There are no material differences between the Cash Flow Statement presented under A-IFRS and the Statement of Cash Flows presented under the superseded policies.

(a) Provisions Employee Benefits Under previous Australian generally accepted accounting standards (AGAAP), employee benefits, such as wages, salaries, annual leave, sick leave, and rostered days off, were measured at their nominal amount regardless of whether they were expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date. On adoption of A-IFRS, a distinction is made between short term and long term employee benefits and AASB 119 Employee Benefits requires liabilities for short term employee benefits to be measured at nominal amounts and liabilities for long term employee benefits to be measured at present value. AASB 119 defines short term employee benefits as benefits that fall due wholly within twelve months after the related period of service. Therefore, liabilities for long term employee benefits are measured at present value where they are not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.

Further, on adoption of A-IFRS, AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements requires that, irrespective of the measurement basis, an employee benefit should be classified as a current liability if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after reporting date. Consequently, the current portion of the employee benefit provision can include both short term benefits, that are measured at nominal values, and long term benefits (e.g. unconditional long service leave entitlements), that are measured at present values. Employee benefit provisions that are reported as non-current liabilities also include long term benefits such as non vested long service leave (i.e. where the employee does not have a present entitlement to the benefit) that do not qualify for recognition as a current liability, and are measured at present values.

The impact of the above requirement is:

(i) At 1 July 2004 There has been a reduction in the current annual leave provision of $91,781 and a corresponding reduction in accumulated deficit.

(ii) At 30 June 2005 There has been a reduction in the current annual leave provision of $78,248 and a corresponding reduction in accumulated deficit. There is also an increase in current long service leave provision of $13,589,327 and a corresponding reduction in non-current long service leave provision.

(iii) For the year ended 30 June 2005 Labour expenses (operations) were increased by $13,533, being the unwinding of the present value discount on provision for annual leave.

Dismantling When an asset is initially recognised, AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment requires the capitalisation of costs of dismantling and removing an asset and restoring the site on which the asset was created, together with the recognition of a provision determined at present value in accordance with AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. These costs (and related provisions) were not capitalised under AGAAP and Parks Victoria expensed such costs as they were incurred. As a consequence, there can be an increase in depreciation expense as a result of the increase in the carrying amounts of assets and also an interest expense is incurred as the present value discount on the dismantling unwinds.

The impact of the above requirement is:

(i) At 1 July 2004 There has been an increase in non-current provisions as a result of the recognition of a provision for dismantling costs of $361,130 and a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit.

(ii) At 30 June 2005 There has been an increase in non-current provisions as a result of the recognition of a provision for dismantling costs of $379,873 and a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit.

72 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 (a) Provisions (continued) (iii) For the year ended 30 June 2005 Finance cost is increased by $18,743, being the unwinding of the present value discount on the provision for dismantling costs.

The impact of this change to the carrying amounts of assets was nil on the basis that the asset to which the dismantling costs relate, being leasehold improvements, had a carrying amount of nil at 1 July 2004.

(b) Revenue Classification Between Revenue and Income Under superseded policies, Parks Victoria recognised Government grants for special projects as revenue. Under A-IFRS these items are classified as income. Accordingly, the Government grants for special projects have been reclassified in the operating statement from Other revenue to Government funding.

The impact of the above requirement is:

(i) At 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2005 There is no effect on the Balance Sheet.

(ii) For the year ended 30 June 2005 There is no effect on the Operating Statement except for the reclassification of certain items of revenue and income.

Gain or Loss on Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment In addition, any gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment was recognised by Parks Victoria on a ‘gross’ basis by recognising as revenue and expenses, the proceeds from sale, and the carrying amount of the property, plant and equipment disposed. Under A-IFRS, the gain or loss on disposal is recognised on a ‘net’ basis, and is classified as income or expense, rather than revenue. Accordingly, the ‘gross’ amounts have been adjusted out of the operating statement for A-IFRS reporting purposes.

The impact of the above requirement is:

(i) At 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2005 There is no effect on the Balance Sheet.

(ii) For the year ended 30 June 2005 There has been a reduction in Other income of $48,461 and a corresponding reduction in Operations expense.

(c) Correction of Accounting Treatment Error made under previous AGAAP The transfer of Crown land to the Department of Victorian Communities was expensed as assets provided free of charge during the year ended 30 June 2005. Subsequent to issuing the financial report, Parks Victoria received further advice that the asset transfer should have been treated as a reduction of contributed capital.

Due to the incorrect accounting treatment of the transfer of assets, the assets provided free of charge expense for the year ended 30 June 2005 was overstated by $7,925,000 (refer to note 35). Under previous AGAAP, this accounting treatment error would have been corrected in the period it was discovered (the year ended 30 June 2006). Under AIFRS, the 2005 comparatives have been adjusted to reflect the correction of the accounting treatment error.

The effect of this accounting treatment error correction is:

(i) At 1 July 2004 There is no effect on the Balance Sheet.

(ii) At 30 June 2005 There has been a reduction in contributed capital and accumulated deficit of $7,925,000.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 73 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 (CONTINUED)

36. Impacts of the Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS) (continued)

(c) Correction of Accounting Treatment Error made under previous AGAAP (continued) (iii) For the year ended 30 June 2005 There has been a reduction of assets provided free of charge and net deficit for the year of $7,925,000.

(d ) Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) The effect of the above adjustments on accumulated surplus/(deficit) is as follows: 1 July 2004 30 June 2005 Notes $’000 $’000

Provision for employee benefits a 92 78 Provision for dismantling a (361) (379) Revenue – Classification between revenue and income b 0 0 Revenue – Gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment b 0 0 Correction of accounting treatment error made under previous AGAAP c 0 7,925

Total adjustment to accumulated surplus/(deficit) (269) 7,624

74 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 STATUTORY CERTIFICATE

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

We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and notes to and forming part of the financial statements, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2006 and financial position of Parks Victoria at 30 June 2006.

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

R Gerrand Chairman

M Stone Chief Executive

S Mahony Chief Financial Officer

Dated at Melbourne, 15 August 2006.

PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06 75 76 PARKS VICTORIA – ANNUAL REPORT 2005-06

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