Revised AGENDA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
To be held on Thursday 14 November 2019
PHCC, 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah 9:00 – 11:30am
In Attendance:
Caroline Knight Chairman Marilyn Gray Treasurer Paddi Creevey Secretary Bob Pond Member Jane O’Malley Chief Executive Officer (Minute Taker)
Apologies: Darralyn Ebsary Deputy Chair
1. Declarations of Interest
Bob may declare an interest as a DWER employee in respect to REI Peel Main Drain and Point Grey, and where appropriate, he will leave the meeting for these discussions.
Jan declared an interest in respect to potential engaging of Landcare SJ in the proposed Australian Government Cockatoo project as she is a member of Landcare SJ.
2. Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Moved: Seconded:
That the minutes of the Executive Meeting held on 10 October, 2019 be confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting.
3. Business Arising from Previous Minutes
Refer to update of Actions table at the back of the Agenda.
4. General Business – Requiring Decisions
a. Business Case Contribution $45,000 – Peel Waterways Research Infrastructure
Exec is asked to consider endorsing an underwriting of $45,000 towards the $,2,122,000 business case for the Peel Waterways Research Infrastructure, that Jane and Steve have been preparing with PDC (draft attached).
Jane is proposing the underwriting of the $45,000 from our Partnerships Account.
We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present 09_Agenda_2019_11_14_JO b. Point Grey – PHCC Position and next steps
Caroline and Jane to provide an update on status of Point Grey: - SAT outcome (yay) - PHCC media and ongoing advocacy - Eric Lumsden offer of support
c. Scholarship in honour of Mike Schultz – Criteria and considerations
A draft of the letter prepared to be sent to universities is attached for Executive’s consideration, prior to it being sent.
A copy of the letter will be provided with the Agenda.
d. Executive Committee Meeting Dates for 2020 Following the AGM held on 17 October 2019, Executive is requested to consider whether it wishes to continue holding its meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month (dates as set out below), with the exception of December, when it’s intended to move the meeting from 10th to 3rd December:
No meeting in January 14 May 10 September 13 February 11 June 8 October 12 March 9 July 12 November 9 April 13 August 3 December
e. Ramsar Report Card – Launch in 2019 Members asked to consider appropriate launch of the Ramsar Report Card (Steve’s Report Card). We need it to be this calendar year and we have requested it be considered for the Regional Cabinet meeting 8-9 December – but perhaps a slim chance of this. For consideration.
5. General Business – for Discussion
a. February Strategic Meeting
Members are asked to consider strategic matters they would like covered at this meeting, as well as potential speakers and objectives, noting that we do not need to review our Strategic Directions this year (but will report on progress against them).
Potentials: - Professor Ross Dowling, AM re Tourism opportunities? - Richard Walley, re Rename the Region? - Relevant presenter re Emergency Response in respect to supporting farmers during and post fire events impacting on productivity
b. Mentors for New Board Members Discussion regarding who would like to act as mentor for Mr Prattent and Ms Read, in accordance with Clause 6.2 of Policy 1.2 – Board Induction, “the Chairman shall seek to have an experienced member of the Board to act as mentor to the new Member”..
C:\Users\leanne.greene\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\0HPGZIQU\09_Agenda_2019_11 _14_JO.docx
c. FORM – Thomas Dambo’s Trolls Proposal – Advocacy
Members asked to consider advocacy for FORM’s proposed Trolls Proposal (see attachment). This was raised with CEO’s of Murray, Mandurah and SJ at the PRLF meeting on 15 November. They were supportive and Jane has now linked the 3 CEO’s to Lynda to meet and discuss.
6. Snapshot from the CEO:
- PHCC Community Environmental Grants –. - REI drainage – - Wetlands Weekender – 11-13 October – - NRM WA CEO Meeting – - EOY Event – - Feral Cat Working Group and Research – Lotterywest Grant –. - Cabinet meeting scheduled for 8 & 9 December.
Staff update: o Kayaking morning planned for November – has been postponed re WHS o Allison Owens – has resigned again (not yet advised to the team and final day to be determined so confidential at this stage) o Megan LeRoy – has recommenced with us
7. Occupational Health and Safety
No incidences to report.
8. Other Business
a. National NRM Knowledge Conference & National Chairs meeting – 17 – 20 November (Wodonga Victoria) a. NRM Knowledge Conference - Monday 18-Wednesday 20th November b. National Chairs Forum – Thursday 21 – Friday 22
9. Next Meeting
Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2019
C:\Users\leanne.greene\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\0HPGZIQU\09_Agenda_2019_11 _14_JO.docx Summary of Actions from 10 October, 2019 Meeting (new actions from this meeting):
No. Details Resp Status
4a Jane to ensure calendar invitation to the meeting with Jane Complete Kelli McManus taking place on 15 October is extended to Caroline. 4b Mandurah Water Towers - Jane to write to Water Jane Guidance Please – Jane Corporation, in response to Karen Willis’s letter of 12 drafted a letter from the City September, expressing the PHCC’s disappointment with (refer attachment), does this the situation, which is contrary to previous suffice and/or how should the correspondence advising the two (2) towers could be PHCC respond at this stage so used for the community engagement project, and advise not duplicating the City’s that the PHCC would now be considering its options. comments?
4c Scholarship in honour of Mike Schultz - Jane to request Leanne Completed. Draft of letter to Leanne to draft letters to be sent to all universities be sent to universities seeking confirmation of their processes, and willingness prepared, and to be to be involved in the Mike Schultz Scholarship, with the considered by Executive at responses to come back to Exec for further consideration. the next meeting.
5a Climate Change Issues Paper – Due 29 November - The Jane Pending – Andrew preparing.
PHCC to make comment on the State Governments We did not attend the Climate Change Issues Paper (due 29 November), and consultation session on 23 endeavour to have a PHCC rep attend the consultation October. session being held on 23 October. 8c Jane to write a letter of congratulations to Paul Martin Jane Complete - sent following appointment as CEO at SJ 8d Jane to write a letter of congratulations to Mellisa Teede Jane Complete - sent following her appointment as CEO at South West Development Commission 8e I.T. meeting – Paddi to send information on Cyber Paddi Security 8h Jane to organise for Jan to be offered a shredder bin Jane Complete – Jan grateful and will confirm with Jane if she would like to proceed
8h Jane to speak to consider meeting with Kathryn Fletcher, Jane Complete – Jane spoken to Freedom of Information Commissioner, about access to Kathryn (65517888) who Government data. advised that while she advocates for access to government data she doesn’t have a role here. She did suggest that if we were a government entity, we could put and access data from Landgate’s “Open Data” Platform. Jane has asked Colleen and Andrew re their awareness of this & if it is relevant for PHCC.
C:\Users\leanne.greene\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\0HPGZIQU\09_Agenda_2019_11 _14_JO.docx
Summary of Actions from 26 August, 2019 Meeting:
No. Details Resp Status
4a Jane prepare and distribute a PHCC public statement and call Jane Complete? – Does the Media to action in respect to the Point Grey Channel. Release suffice or should we wait until after we have clarity on where to from here (after talking with Eric Lumsden).
4b That Jane is authorised to spend up to $2,000 for the Jane Pending – have spoken to preparation of a paper outlining the benefits of preparing an Anika Serer re this and Anika economic case for avitourism in the Peel-Harvey, so that this is preparing the draft outline can be tabled with the Peel Alliance (PRLF) seeking to commence formally funding/support for the preparation of the economic case, engaging her for this purpose. as defined in Goal 4 of the PHCC Strategic Directions.
Summary of Actions from 11 July, 2019 Meeting: (note blue = current update and red = earlier updates)
No. Details Resp Status
4a That Jane to ask Kingsley Dixon if he knows an appropriate Jane Pending – Andrew is consultant to help with the preparation of the Northern Jarrah following up on this Forest election ask and if so Jane to engage consultant to prepare
the PHCC State Election ask for the protection of the Northern Jarrah Forest, with the proposal being ready for the end of July to enable to be submitted. Jane spoke to Kingsley. He is time poor but offered to review a draft of what we produce, and provided a link to prescribed burning information. He suggested we contact Piers at CCWA. I have done that (11.7.19) and can see he opened my email but no response as yet.
26.8.19 – Jane, Jan, Sue & Andrew to think about who can assist in this space.
10.10.19
- HUMI (Adelaide group) (Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative) – Keith Bradby mentioned – they are working on relationship between healthy ecology and human health. Jan will send link on HUMI to Jane. (Done - The main HUMI person in Australia is https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/martin.breed And HUMI itself is at https://www.humi.site/ (Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative)
- Can we get satellite shots of smoke from current burning – Landgate? Before and after photos. Jan to let Jane know when
C:\Users\leanne.greene\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\0HPGZIQU\09_Agenda_2019_11 _14_JO.docx the fire started so can ask photos / dates. (Jan advised Burning occurred on 30th Sept :parts of Coupes - Bedfordale, Chandler, Gordon,, Mundlimup, Lang, Karnet,Serpentine, Myara and more further south - more of Mundlimup went up last week but at least that was cool burn, the Serpentine one was a hot burn.
- Forest Products Commission – Dr Louise Duxbery – WALN may be of assistance.
- Paul Rosair – Jan to talk to Paul and see if he can assist – and let him know Andrew Del will call him. (Done – Jan spoke to Paul and linked to Andrew to follow up)
Jan has name of person who is running/supporting the prescribed burning at DBCA – Jan to provide contact. (Jan sent: I don’t know who is running Prescribed Burning but I did have name of person heading forest section of DBCA - Fran Stanley -Director - maybe confusion.)
4c Jane get quotes for a historic membership board to be displayed in Jane Pending – Pat has the shed with the names of all members since PHCC commenced, commenced this process and report back to Exec. – low priority 5a Paddi to liaise with Jane and Andrew Del Marco on the proposed Jane Paddi to update visit from the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Federal Minister for Agriculture. 26.8.19 – PDC have written & waiting reply for meeting with Paddi, Alan Cransberg & Andrew Hastie 10.10.19 – waiting response
Summary of Actions from previous meetings:
No. Details Resp Status
3cii Write to Newmont congratulating them on the Jane Complete – Refer attached presentation, and thanks for the partnership and advise letters and media release. we are pleased with feedback from the program
Arrange for Gareth from the Mandurah Mail to interview Mel re the Newmont partnership
Prepare article for the West Australian business news, or inside cover & ask Newmont to help with the promotion, linking in Bill Johnson (State Minister for Mines and Energy) and send to PDC to send on to e.g. Alannah MacTiernan re our role in Regional Development.
3bi Jane to prepare letter to the PDC and Mayor of Jane Complete – Sent 19.11.19 – Mandurah re PHCC concerns over Point Grey write to PDC – significant risk to regional development
C:\Users\leanne.greene\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\0HPGZIQU\09_Agenda_2019_11 _14_JO.docx 10.10.19 – send short cover letter with documentation – ask for it to be presented to the Board meeting – significant risks for the region (with attachments) Point Grey - FOI re Commonwealth process for 11.7.19 – Pending determining change of conditions Marilyn - particularly reference “These changes are 13.6.19 - FOI re briefing notes around the extension & minor administrative changes conditions. Marilyn will review and consider if as a resident and do not change the she will apply an FOI – instruments of delegation”. fundamental requirements of the original approvals.” (Declan
O’Connor, DOE, email - 3.4.19)
26.8.19 – Sussan Ley advisor confirmed delegation was appropriate and don’t need to consult
10.10.19 - Decision brief – that the decision maker files. Extension and change of condition codes – Marilyn will try to get the brief – may need FOI if no luck.
C:\Users\leanne.greene\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\0HPGZIQU\09_Agenda_2019_11 _14_JO.docx
Enquiries: Leanne Greene Our Ref: ??_2019_10_DD File No.: BU_A_800_Scholarship
11 October 2019
Name Position Organisation Address SUBURB STATE POSTCODE
Dear
Establishment of Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Peel-Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) is looking to establish a memorial scholarship fund in honour of Mike Schultz, who sadly passed away in May 2019.
It is intended that this annual scholarship will commence in 2020, consisting of $3,000 being awarded to one student undertaking postgraduate studies in the field of biodiversity (Hons or Masters). The PHCC will review the level of funding offered by this scholarship after 5 years.
A draft of the guidelines prepared in relation to the Mike Schultz Biodiversity Memorial Scholarship is attached that includes information on who can apply and the local government areas covered by the Peel-Harvey catchment.
From our viewpoint, it is important that the PHCC retains the ability to make the final determination in relation to the awarding of the scholarship and is able to make the presentation to the successful student. We would also wish to advertise the Scholarship using our existing networks.
Based on the above, I would be grateful if you could provide:
Information on the processes you use to manage scholarship applications, and how you would be formulating your recommendations to the PHCC for consideration and determination. Advise whether your university would demand exclusivity for the scholarship on offer, or if it is permissible to advertise the scholarship at other universities. A contact at your university that the PHCC could liaise with in this regard.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Leanne Greene on (08) 6369 8800 or email [email protected].
Yours sincerely
Jane O’Malley Chief Executive Officer 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah Western Australia 6210 T: +61 8 6369 8800 We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present www.peel-harvey.org.au
Mike Schultz Biodiversity Memorial Scholarship Guidelines
General Information The Mike Schultz Biodiversity Memorial Scholarship is provided by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council to honour the legacy of Mike Schultz. Mike was devoted to protecting our natural environment and sadly passed away in May 2019. This annual, one-year scholarship will assist students intending to progress their studies with a view to establishing a career in the field of biodiversity with $3,000 being awarded to one successful applicant.
Who can apply? The following eligibility criteria applies to the Mike Schultz Biodiversity Memorial Scholarship. Please ensure that you meet the following criteria prior to completing the scholarship application form:
1 Student must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree course (Hons or Masters) at an accredited tertiary institution, with a view to establishing a career in the field of biodiversity (to the satisfaction of the PHCC).
2 Preference will be given to applicants from areas covered by the Peel-Harvey catchment, and/or to applicants undertaking research within the Peel-Harvey catchment area, and/or to applicants that can demonstrate a strong connection to the Peel Harvey catchment area.
3 Student must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
4 Student must demonstrate academic achievement and a commitment to following a career in the field of biodiversity.
Grant Rounds The scholarship will be offered annually to one lucky applicant.
It is also possible that mentoring and support may be provided if the student conducts their research in the Peel-Harvey catchment area.
2019_10_11_Letter_M_Shultz_Scholarship Page 2 of 4
Areas covered by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Shire of Boddington Shire of Narrogin (including Narrogin town)
City of Cockburn Shire of Pingelly
Shire of Collie City of Rockingham
Shire of Cuballing Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Shire of Harvey Shire of Wandering
City of Kwinana Shire of Waroona
City of Mandurah Shire of Wickepin
Shire of Murray Shire of Williams
2019_10_11_Letter_M_Shultz_Scholarship Page 3 of 4
Ms Hazel Grunwaldt - M361
Development and Alumni Relations
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
PERTH WA 6009 [email protected]
Alumni Relations
Edith Cowan University
270 Joondalup Drive
JOONDALUP WA 6027 [email protected]
Alumni Relations
Murdoch University
90 South Street
MURDOCH WA 6150 [email protected]
Alumni and Community Relations
Curtin University
GPO BOX U1987
PERTH WA 6845 [email protected]
58 Sutton Street, Mandurah Western Australia 6210 T: +61 8 6369 8800 We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present www.peel-harvey.org.au
Enquiries: Mel Durack Our Ref: 172_2019_11_18 File No.: Project 6300
Mr J Cooper General Manager Newmont Goldcorp Boddington PO Box 48 BODDINGTON WA 6390
18 November 2019
Dear Jim
Newmont Goldcorp and PHCC Community Investment Agreement
The Peel Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) Board members wish to formally recognise the efforts of Newmont Goldcorp Boddington (NGB) at the Minerals Council of Australia Environment and Community Workshop in Melbourne on 2nd November 2019 and thank you for the invitation for PHCC’s Program Manager – Hotham Williams, Mel Durack to attend and co-present. This event was a great opportunity to speak on NGB’s and the PHCC's longstanding partnership which is supporting more effective catchment management in the Peel Region of Western Australia, as featured in the Minerals Council of Australia publication 'Sustainability in Action: Australian Mining and the Sustainable Development Goals'.
PHCC is pleased with the feedback on the project and looks forward to continuing the partnership with NGB on the five year “Hotham-Williams River and Tributaries Natural Resource Management Conservation Project” until December 2022. PHCC has formally recognised the partnership in a recent media release entitled “Hotham Williams NRM Partnership Turns One”. Please find a copy attached to this letter and electronically at https://peel-harvey.org.au/hotham-williams-nrm- partnerships-turn-one/
If you have any questions or require assistance please do not hesitate to call Mel Durack on 6369 8801 or 0455 166 780 or email [email protected]
Yours sincerely
Jane O’Malley Chief Executive Officer cc: Leesa King, Cath Pattenden, Stephanie Myles (NGB)
Enclosed: Media Release “Hotham Williams NRM Partnerships Turn One” 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah Western Australia 6210 T: +61 8 6369 8800 We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present www.peel-harvey.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE
Hotham Williams NRM Partnerships Turn One
Mel Durack (PHCC), Jim Cooper & Cath Pattenden (Newmont), Cr. Brendan Whitely (Shire of Wandering), Cr. Martin Glynn (Shire of Boddington), Jan Starr (PHCC Board), Cr. Bob Baker (Shire of Williams), Cr. Mark Conley (Shire of Cuballing) & Greg Thorne
A benchmark collaboration in natural resource management in the Hotham-Williams, has just celebrated its first birthday.
Just over a year ago, the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC), together with its corporate and local government partners, launched two significant community-based partnerships for the Hotham-Williams: a Community Investment Agreement with Newmont Goldcorp Boddington and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shires of Boddington, Cuballing, Wandering and Williams.
These partnerships were forged out of the commitment of key landcare stakeholders and the local community. Together, they will support natural resource management in the Hotham-Williams area, for five years.
Newmont Goldcorp has committed funding through to 2023 to enable the management and delivery of projects across the upper catchment under the Hotham-Williams Rivers & Tributaries‘ Natural Resource Management and Conservation Project.
In its inaugural year, the Newmont Goldcorp partnership has commenced a dedicated river action plan, supported landholders with on ground activities to protect natural assets and focussed restoration activities through a community environmental grant program, as well as delivering a number of workshops to build community capacity. The partnership has also enabled PHCC to attract further funding for the river health studies through a commitment with Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. These river health studies, along with the field work component of the river action plan, are due to commence later this year. 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah Western Australia 6210 T: +61 8 6369 8800 www.peel-harvey.org.au The MOU with the Shires of Boddington, Cuballing, Wandering and Williams delivers an investment of up to $40,000 per year to work together to build the community’s landcare capacity.
At the partnership launch last year, PHCC’s Chair Caroline Knight said the significant agreements contributed valuable resources into the Hotham Williams community.
“We are very grateful for the support from Newmont Goldcorp Boddington and the Shires of Boddington, Cuballing, Wandering and Williams which underpins this partnership.”
“The MOU is a direct result of demonstrated community need for NRM support following the re- engagement of our PHCC NRM/landcare officers in the upper catchment. The priorities are set by the community, in the Hotham-Williams NRM Plan and overarching PHCC NRM Strategy. It is great to see what can be achieved when people work together towards a shared vision.”
Newmont Goldcorp General Manager Jim Cooper added that the global organisation has long recognised the critical importance of watersheds and the connection between operational needs, community use, cultural significance and ecological requirements.
“Newmont Goldcorp has maintained a relationship with the PHCC for a number of years which included supporting the development of the inaugural Hotham-Williams NRM Plan. Formalising the Agreement was a logical step of the partnership and we are thrilled with the outcomes the PHCC is enabling to provide real on-the-ground and practical benefits to the catchment community.”
Cr Martin Glynn, president of Boddington Shire spoke on behalf of the four contributing Shires at the launch and thanked the PHCC and Newmont Goldcorp Boddington for their efforts to achieve the benchmark collaboration. Cr Glynn explained the MOU as a shared intent for the Hotham-Williams Catchment over the coming years connecting communities and linking landscapes and acknowledged the consistent contribution by the area’s Noongar people as the traditional Custodians of its land and waters. “Local Elder, Mr Greg Thorne and the Wiilman Community are to be commended for their input and continued guidance on Hotham-Williams NRM,” he said.
ENDS…
Media Contact: Jane O’Malley, Chief Executive Officer, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, Jane.Omalley@peel- harvey.org.au, (08) 6369 8800
We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present
172_2019_11_18_Newmont RE Minerals Council Presn - Media Release_MD_JO Page 2 of 2 THOMAS DAMBO’S
IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
A FORM Proposal COVER: Kukerin, Wheatbelt. Photograph by Paul Pichugin, 2016.
THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS - A RECYCLED FAIRYTALE
Standing sentry by the sea on the tiny As a creative agency working at the juncture island of Culebra, Puerto Rico; hidden in of art and place, FORM admire’s Thomas a sugar maple forest in Kentucky, USA; Dambo’s work, recognising the capacity of keeping watch over a rock garden in his sculptures to attract audiences to an Pyeonggang, South Korea and gazing environmental message. We feel there are out from a clearing in Tennessee’s Great conceptual affinities between what Dambo Smoky Mountains; dotted throughout and his team craft and the areas in which a Belgian forest in Boom, towering we work and we imagine great possibilities over a woodland of oaks in Illinois and for the installations in our State. FORM hiding beneath a bridge on outskirts of have invited Thomas Dambo to Western Copenhagen, is a recycled fairytale of Australia in 2020 with a view to creating a trolls, hand-built and huge. series of his wonderful sculptures. We belive Dambo’s work has the capacity highlight our distinctive landscapes to an international Mythic, characterful, reclaimed wood audience, thread compelling narratives creations, Thomas Dambo’s trolls are taking around our causes and add heavyweight the world by storm. The Danish artist and his tourism appeal to our regional destinations. team invented these outdoor installations to bring art out of museums and galleries and Based in Copenhagen, Dambo attended cast a spotlight on lovely, overlooked corners Kolding School of Design, and is an ardent of the natural world, while offering viewers a advocate for upcycling, the creative process new and different experience. Over the past of transforming by-products or unwanted decade, Dambo’s trolls have been breaking items into new materials to reduce waste. visitation records, raking in press coverage Dambo has created around 50 trolls across and boosting takings for local businesses at the world, each one from locally sourced sites they’ve been installed within around the scrapwood, with sticks for hair, stones for globe. jewelry and pine cones for pillows; and each one with its own story, usually one which According to the Chicago Tribune Dambo’s inspires viewers to consider how they treat 2018 installation Troll Hunt in Illinois drew the planet. more than 1.2 million visitors to Morton Arboretum. In July of that year alone, around “Trolls are popular in Denmark in folklore,” 163,000 people visited the arboretum — the Dambo has said. “They can be kind or mean most ever reported in a single month. They depending on how the humans act.” are considered among the most significant attractions in Denmark, and Dambo’s 2018 Often protectors of the forest, Dambo’s trolls creation in Breckenridge, Colorado, Isak are mischievous and meaningful, with names, Heartstone, recorded more than 3000 visitors stories and often ‘families’ forming a series on a single day. of installations constructed within the same area.
All photographs courtesy of Thomas Dambo.
2 THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA Created in Hamburg in 2016, Anna of Green, is “I think there it is a beautiful aesthetic to a troll installation created with only her head the story. Someone cut down a tree to make on ground level, and hair formed by a seven something in wood that was then discarded, metre tall tree. and now I put that wood back in a forest and made a big and beautiful sculpture. For me “Her body is within Mother Earth,” Dambo the sculptures represent this, that we should says. “To remind us that nature is within us think twice before we discard our things, all and something we must protect.” because they could become something magnificent,” Dambo told Lonely Planet. In Suwannee, Florida, Dambo’s 2018 installation Zach The Shaman holds out The setting for each installation is chosen his magic hands to create a ‘party vibe by Dambo to fit his concept, and each force field’ as a centerpiece of a festival in sculpture is made specifically to fit the Hullaween, in Suwannee Music Park. location, with design elements inspired by Dambo’s experience in the area. From pink Installed at the entrance to the Museo de salt lakes to towering Karri and Marri forests, Arte de Puerto Rico, Wilsons Car is a gigantic hulking granite outcrops to sweeping open recycled wood sculpture which Dambo and wheatfields, Western Australia, has some of his team scavenged from around San Juan the most vast, unique and stunning settings to form the seven metre tall troll smashing a for an installation of this nature in the world. car with his right fist. Finding all of the trolls in a series “is a bit of an undertaking,” the The Peel waterways, which are internationally Chicago Tribune reported of 2018’s troll Hunt significant, Ramsar-listed wetlands vital for at Morton Arboretum. “It takes several hours migratory birds’ passage across continents, to hike and see them all, even to drive it, so present as an exciting potential home to many people are coming back more than Western Australia’s first troll installation, and once … to see them over several visits.” a unique background from which to unfold an important message around how special the wetlands are to Western Australia and the world.
They had seen the sunset and sunrise a million times. The seven giant trolls, as tall as the pines. They could see past the forest to where the future emerged. They had seen civilizations crumble and new rise from the dirt. Now they see these little people, with actions so great. They could break what forever had made. And the trolls got afraid, life should never be borrowed.
It was meant to be shared with the day of tomorrow.
- from The 7 Trolls and The Magical Tower, in Boom, Belgium.
All photographs courtesy of Thomas Dambo.
4 THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA All photographs courtesy of Thomas Dambo.
A MAP OF THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS ACROSS THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
WHAT WHY
Imagine a collection of enormous, expressive Our primary marketing objective is to trolls dotted through the Peel region of drive increased visitation and enhance Western Australia. economic benefits to the Peel region through a culturally exciting installation that They are each unique characters, peeking inspires through creativity, storytelling and through trees, looking across a valley, imagination. or bird watching at a local lake. Imagine those trolls connected with a story; linked HOW through the vein of country and community and collaboration all the way through the WA’s trolls will be significant installations wetlands. throughout the Peel wetlands, boosting tourism and incentivising economies in the FORM can imagine a few of these trolls, region. dotted throughout significant parts of the wetland, creating a tourism wave that will Tourists will travel interstate and from across energise the community and boost local WA to see these world class creatures up economies. close, and to hear their stories through a range of mediums. The trolls have the capacity to bring significant numbers of visitors, as witnessed in other cities they’ve visited and with them comes spending on accommodation, activities, and other experiences.
POSITIONING FORMULA:
For interstate, intrastate, special interest groups and local community. TARGET CUSTOMERS These visitors will have an interest in an interest in large-scale art, regional tourism, cultural experiences, literature and travel. WITH AN INTEREST
A site-specific, large-scale art installation by an internationally acclaimed artist, with storytelling told in parts, designed to be interactive, exciting, SOLUTION and a first-of-its-kind for Australia.
Providing world class creativity through art in a internationally significant location unlike anything BREAKTHROUGH CAPABILITY seen in Western Australia before.
The proposed location is unique and internationally significant, and this project is unlike anything done REFERENCE COMPETITION before in this State.
A stunning, creative major drawcard to the region UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION for locals and visitors to WA, creating a lasting memory for those engaged with the trolls story, and connected throughout the world to the wider narrative.
All photographs courtesy of Thomas Dambo.
8 THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA MARKETING STRATEGY
Thomas Dumbo’s giant trolls have become SPECULATIVE sensations worldwide and the potential to commission the trolls presents a golden COMMUNICATIONS TIMELINE opportunity to encourage regional dispersal to, and drive visitation to drive visitation to FEB Announcement of project. and awareness of Peels globally significant, 2020 Creation of a press kit. Ramsar-listed wetlands.
To leverage this incredible potential, the marketing approach will be executed over Develop promotional assets a 12 month period, with six months of the MAR and key touch points 2020 strategy focused on building anticipation (online tourism listings and locally and nationally, tapping into the interactive project website). fantastical narrative surrounding the trolls and playing with the notion of mystery, Placement of one troll, buzz discovery and journeys in the marketing AUG generation activations. 2020 promotions. Countdown to launch announcement. Key announcements, location specific PR activations and the development of quality promotional assets will all aid in building this SEP Artwork installation | Ministerial anticipation and driving interest. 2020 announcement.
Once the project launches, the next six months of the strategy will switch to Trolls trail launched in Peel. traditional marketing approaches with the OCT Touch points updated. School assistance of cross portfolio partners in the 2020 holiday campaign. tourism, business and creative industry space to aid in raising its profile. Visitor information in the way of maps (treasure hunt, troll trails etc), signage and an interactive trail website NOV Campaign activity and will bring to life the special narrative of trolls 2020 media visits. in the Peel region, whilst also building intent to travel regionally to view this large scale this open air sculpture trail. DEC Campaign activity | It is intended that FORM will lead the initial 2020 Competition. community engagement and promotions of the project with assistance from the Peel Harvey Catchment Council and the Shire of Murray. JAN Campaign activity. 2021
FEB Campaign activity | 2021 Last chance message.
MAR Trolls closes to the public, pack 2021 down, close with farewell event. All photographs courtesy of Thomas Dambo.
10 THOMAS DAMBO’S TROLLS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA Images Left to Right: Brenton See for PUBLIC Silo Trail Newdegate (2018), Photograph by Robert Frith. Field of Light: Avenue of Honour by Bruce Munro Studio (2018). Photograh by Mark Pickthall. ABOUT FORM ourselves and eachourselves other. with our environments, our communities, tous demand more of our relationships aptitudeown and ambitions, creativity allows welcoming to and distinctive, our finding From making aneighbourhood feel achieve. by the influenced results it cancan be government how can flourish, and business creativity and can make, places people how the We’vefor difference bonding. social seen hunger butalso not only for self-expression into communities where there a has been from Australia andpeople all over the world creative introduced we’ve because this significant return. economic often We know conversation, learning and and connection, further to it sparks responds creativity; an inspiring believe we that talk, everyone whether manifested, ahugeit is as mural or enhancing quality of life. everyone’s However and role theand essential art they play in platforms for debate culture andon action related to our areas of operation. We create and research and documentation social through cultural tourism development; cultural maintenance; promoting the regions Aboriginal development; infrastructure culturalcommissioning and strategy; place curation,community; public art creative learning and in in the schools curation development; and professional and excellence;advancement exhibition high span artistic level activities Our ‘a in state Western of creativity’ Australia. cultural organisation which to works build non-profit an is independent, FORM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrWiIFdZPEw Watch Video the art. through and words, in told their own people, ofAboriginal perspective the from Canning in Stockthe Australia Route Western of history the describes photography and media new film, culturalA majorexhibition ofpaintings, artefacts, Project: Route Stock Canning The https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_cLJXOctek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfFhpRCqbTQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBI5HNl20q4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMRvxcWomuY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcU601SVUQA Watch Videos the murals. silo towering tourism trail through six aself-drive with regions Southern Weatbelt Great and Australia’s ofWestern kilometres 1000 spanning experience tourism cultural innovative An Trail: Silo PUBLIC The https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me4zIu78G0g&t=218s Watch Video the Great the for War. Albany from departed who troops 41,000 for sight ofhome last the to mark Clarence Mt illuminating lights shining 16,000 with to Munro Anzacs the Bruce homage paying UK artist by installation art site specific immersive, An FieldThe of Avenue Light: of Honour: include: recentOur projects https://archive.form.net.au/project/first-contact/ the project: Explore returning ancestors sea. the from were their past ships, that these believed people Noongar local the arrived, European the boats As to ofEuropean Perth. arrival settlers the depicts work the Elizabeth foreshore, Perth’s Quay on at Laurel Nannup. Located artist, indigenous renowned by aluminium metre artwork cast tall, afive is Contact First ContactFirst
Kukerin, Wheatbelt. Photograph by Paul Pichugin, 2016. THANK YOU [email protected] | form.net.au 0407 771 353 | 08 9385 2200
CONFIDENTIALITY This document is the property of FORM. This document is to be considered confidential and shall not be released or otherwise made available to any third party without FORM’s written consent.
DISCLAIMER: CULTURAL SENSITIVITY WARNING FORM would like to warn people viewing this document that some sections may contain images, names or stories of Aboriginal Australians who have passed away. FORM will respect any request to remove images or names of the deceased persons from this document if necessary.
BUSINESS CASE 2020-21
FOR
Peel Waterways Research Infrastructure
Peel Harvey Catchment Council
$2,0771,850,000
VERSION 10 Jane’s modifications 18 November, 1pm, Formatted: Highlight Formatted: Highlight 15 Nov 12:30 pm
R00106-17/A6938746 [Please update the Doc Ref field once saved in Objective] (Version 1.3 2018-19)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Glossary of terms ...... 2 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 3 2. PROJECT SCOPE AND EVALUATION ...... 54 2.1. PROJECT PURPOSE ...... 54 2.2. ROYALTIES FOR REGIONS FUNDING AMOUNT ...... 54 2.3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 64 2.4. BACKGROUND ...... 118 2.5. POLICY AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK ...... 2017 2.5.1. ALIGNMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT’S STRATEGIC INTENT (2018-21) ...... 2017 2.5.2. ALIGNMENT TO RELATED STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES ...... 2118 2.6. PROJECT DELIVERABLES ...... 2320 2.7. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ...... 2624 2.8. CRITICAL ASSUMPTIONS ...... 2826 2.9. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSES ...... 2826 2.10. ASSESSMENT OF OPTIONS ...... 2927 2.11. FUNDING STRATEGY ...... 3129 2.11.1. TOTAL BUDGET ...... 3329 2.11.2. ROYALTIES FOR REGIONS FUNDING AMOUNT ...... 3430 2.11.3. SUSTAINABILITY AND ONGOING VIABILITY ...... 3531 2.12. PROJECT TIMEFRAME AND KEY MILESTONES ...... 3633 2.13. RISK ANALYSIS ...... 3734 2.14. LOCAL CONTENT ...... 4138 2.15. ABORIGINAL PARTICIPATION ...... 4138 3. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ...... 4239 3.1. COMMUNICATION PLAN ...... 4239 3.2. PROJECT MANAGEMENT...... 4441 3.3. PROJECT GOVERNANCE ...... 4441 3.4. PROCUREMENT STRATEGY ...... 4542 3.5. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ...... 4643 4. SIGNING OF BUSINESS CASE ...... 4744 4.1. SIGN-OFF ...... 4744
Page 1 of 35
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Glossary of terms In the context of this document: Agency means a Western Australian State Government Agency. Applicant means the Organisation or Agency preparing a Business Case requesting Royalties for Regions Funding for a Project. Business Case means the information prepared by the Applicant demonstrating the merits of the Project and substantiating the case for Funding the Project. Deliverables means the expected outputs and outcomes from the Project. Department means the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Industry Participation Plan means a clear statement of the Applicant’s commitment to The Building Local Industry Policy and an indication of how local industry participation will be maximised. Innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly improved product (good or service) process, new marketing method or a new organisational method in business practices, or external relations1. Leveraged Funding is the additional cash Funding obtained for the Project from other sources. Option means a feasible, alternative delivery mechanism to the Project which was considered by the Applicant when preparing the Business Case Proposal. Organisation means an incorporated entity that is not an Agency. An organisation may be a not-for-profit entity, government trading enterprise or local government. Project means the specific activities, works or services proposed in the Business Case for which Royalties for Regions Funding is being sought. Project Outcome means the intended impact that is expected as a result of undertaking the Project. Project Output means the tangible end product(s) of the Project. For example, an infrastructure asset or the services delivered. Royalties for Regions means the Western Australian State Government’s Royalties for Regions program. Stakeholder means a party with an interest in or who is affected by the Project. Sustainability refers to the financial viability of a Project and the means of support for the Project beyond the life of Royalties for Regions Funding for this Project.
1 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and Development Statistical Office of the European Communities (2005 Third Edition) Oslo Manual Guidelines for collecting and interpreting innovation data, 3rd edition, OECD and European Commission, Paris. Page 2 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY [Provide an overview of the Business Case, options, recommendation and outcomes anticipated. The Executive Summary should also include: • the total cost of the Project; • total Royalties for Regions Funding requested under this Business Case; • total Leveraged Funding required from other sources; • advise how the viability and sustainability of the Project has been established; • the status of appropriate approvals required for the Project to proceed. Note that this includes (but is not restricted to) planning approvals; land title; native title; heritage approval; incorporation; and legal requirements or licenses; • demonstrate tangible benefits aligned with the Royalties for Regions strategic outcomes (jobs growth, economic growth and capable people); and
provide a clear statement identifying opportunities for local industry and job seekers to Formatted: Justified, Indent: Left: 0.75 cm, Space participate in the ProjectThis Business Case describes the establishment of the Peel Before: 6 pt, After: 6 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.08 li Waterways Research Infrastructure. The infrastructure, consisting of a central hub and Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) a series of transportable and mobile nodes will provide a stimulus for scientific investigations, including citizen science initiatives into the health of the Peel-Harvey waterways, including the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar Site. The Project will also provide scholarships to undertake post-graduate studies to fill knowledge gaps relevant to the management of the waterways.
In addition to the international recognition of the Peel-Yalgorup Wetlands as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention, maintaining and improving the health of the Peel-Harvey waterways is the highest priority of the community, and the most valuable asset in the region in terms of tourism, economic development and ecosystem service provision. Despite these values, the Peel-Harvey Estuary is recognised as an “at-risk” estuary by the State Government of Western Australia due to historical and on-going issues of nutrient enrichment.
The Water Research Infrastructure Project is designed to be rolled out over threefour years Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) commencing 2020/2021. The total cost of the project is $2,1221,997,000 with Formatted: Justified, Space After: 6 pt, Line spacing: $2,0771,850,000 provided by the State Government through Royalties for Regions and the Multiple 1.08 li remainder sought from funding opportunities elsewherebeing contributed by the PHCC. The Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) recommendation is to provide funding for the full scope of this Business case, however, the Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) project is scaleable and options for a scaled down version of the Project at a cost of Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) $1,544401,000 tTo the State Government and a scaled up scenario to deliver the Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) aspirational Waterways Centre of Excellence at a cost of approximately $40M are also Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) presented.
Formatted: Justified, Indent: Left: 0.75 cm, Space Before: 6 pt, After: 6 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.08 li The Project will complement the investment made by the State Government through the Regional Estuaries Initiative to restore the function of the Peel-Harvey Estuary by providing providing a critical mass of facilities and knowledge to support existing science and research research projects and attracting and stimulating new research to ensure that management management of the waterways can be based on sound and relevant scientific evidence.
Page 3 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
The Project will also provide educational and training opportunities for school and community groups, including the local Noongar people who will be provided the opportunity opportunity for participation and working on country, with an ultimate aim to lead to employment opportunitiesalso be provided with opportunities for employment working on Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, English (Australia) country. The uptake of scholarships to a total value of $100,000 over the life of the project will also provide opportunity for up to 10 early career researchers and scientists. These are clearly aligned to the Royalties for Regions Strategic outcomes of jobs growth and capable people.
Formatted: Justified, Indent: Left: 0.75 cm, Space Before: 6 pt, After: 6 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.08 li The Project requires a leasing arrangement with the City of Mandurah, the owner of the land land on which the Central Hub of the WRIP will be located. The four transportable nodes will be located on land vested in the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, the City of Mandurah and the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage. Letters from each organisation stating their in-principle support have been obtained and attached to this Business Case.
• Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.75 cm, Space Before: 6 pt, After: 6 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.08 li, No bullets • The ongoing sustainability and viability of the Project is addressed through a revolving or numbering fund for maintenance and replacement of the infrastructure and equipment generated by a schedule of rates for loan and use. • .]
Formatted: Font color: Custom Color(RGB(0,102,255)), English (Australia) Formatted: Justified, Indent: Left: 1.39 cm, Space After: 6 pt
Page 4 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2. PROJECT SCOPE AND EVALUATION 2.1. Project Purpose The delivery of the purpose built research infrastructure in strategic locations throughout the Peel-Harvey waterways will enable scientists and researchers to continue to study and monitor the condition of the waterways. Improving our understanding of the system through data collection and research will inform effective decision-making and management activities that maintain and improve the catchment’s condition. The Ramsar listed Peel-Harvey estuary and waterways are ecologically significant and their condition underpins local tourism, commercial fisheries and significant recreational activity. The waterways have a long history of water quality issues relating to the discharge of nutrients from the Swan Coastal Plain. This has resulted in eutrophication, manifested as of algal bloom and fish kill events. Preventing ongoing catchment deterioration through well-informed management and decision-making will maintain the ecological, recreational, industrial and commercial benefits that are heavily reliant on the condition of the system.
2.2. Royalties for Regions Funding Amount The Peel Development Commission is seeking a Royalties for Regions allocation of $2,0771,850,000 to the Peel Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) to deliver the Peel Waterways Research Infrastructure Project (WRIP).
Page 5 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2.3. Project Description This Project will enable the PHCC will deliver purpose built research infrastructure and equipment in the Peel Region to enable scientists and researchers to continue to study and monitor the Peel Yalgorup System (PYS) and the wider Peel-Harvey Catchment. The following infrastructure and equipment will be made available for research purposes: 1) A Central hub with shared research facilities will be sited on the vacant lot adjacent to the Offices of the PHCC in central Mandurah. This land is owned by the City of Mandurah and would entail entering into a lease agreement with the City, this is principally supported by the City (Attachment 1). The central hub will be a prefabricated building and will function as the local headquarters for the Waterways Research Infrastructure and temporarily accommodate up to 2 visiting scientists operating in the Peel. Locating the hub near the PHCC will provide opportunities for the co-use of existing infrastructure (e.g. car parking and meeting spaces). The hub will also provide for school and visitor interactions and engagement, all within 200 metres of the Estuary and central Mandurah facilities (including bus and train services. The Hub will be equipped with the following: • Office office furniturefacilities • internet connection, access to power and water • meeting space • kitchen and ablution amenities. • beds for overnight accommodation • a lay-up area for boats and mobile laboratories • refrigerated sample storage area • secured storage area •
T
Page 6 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Figure 1: Conceptual images of the Central Hub
2) Transportable (demountable) laboratories will be located at four key locations, namely at Lake Clifton, Lake McLarty, the Fairy Tern Sanctuary and adjacent to the Serpentine River. The laboratories will be fully equipped to enable on-site research and will have visitor viewing capabilities to promote community and educational engagement with wetland research. The infrastructure will remain the property of the PHCC and the PHCC will manage security, insurance and maintenance of the facilities. The City of Mandurah, Department of Planning Lands and Heritage (DPLH), and Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) as managers for the proposed infrastructure sites have provided in principal support for this Project and the location of infrastructure in the proposed locations (Attachments 1-3). As detailed in this correspondence, each laboratory will be located with an independent governance arrangement. These laboratories will be equipped as appropriate to the science investigations undertaken at each with the following: • instruments for measuring water quality parameters • a wet area for water and sediment sample preparation and instrument calibration, • surveying equipment, • groundwater and surface water sampling equipment such as submersible pumps, filtration towers, groundwater interface meters, waders and other personal protection equipment, • telescopes and microscopes
Page 7 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Figure 2: Conceptual images of the remote laboratories and equipment
3) Two purpose built mobile laboratories (vehicles) will be provided to enable intensive fieldwork and provide ease of access to remote areas of the PYS. These mobile laboratories will be available both for field research and for science teaching. The vehicles will be garaged at the PHCC when not in use.
Figure 3: Conceptual images of a mobile laboratory
4) Two purpose built and fit-for-purpose river health assessment trailers will enable the ongoing monitoring of PYS water quality and overall system health. The trailers will be equipped similar to those currently used by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), who work with the PHCC on river health assessments. The trailers will also be made available for citizen science events which are growing in popularity with primary and high schools in the Peel-Harvey. The trailers will be garaged at the PHCC when not in use.
Page 8 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Figure 4: Conceptual images of the river health assessment trailers
Page 9 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
5) Two vehicles (all terrain twin cab), a research vessel (boat), research moorings and a vessel layup area will be delivered to increase access to the PYS for research purposes. The research vehicles will provide transportation for researchers with their specific equipment, to, e.g. collect samples in remote areas, undertake observations of vegetation along transects or similar, where laboratory facilities are not required on site. The research vessel, used for similar operations on the waterways will be garaged at the Marine Operations Centre, via an arrangement with the DWER.
Figure 5: Conceptual images of the research vehicles and research vessel
These facilities will be owned and managed by the PHCC and available to scientists undertaking research on the PYS. This infrastructure will increase the tools available to researchers beyond their existing facilities and enhance their capacity to undertake intensive fieldwork and on-site studies and to engage with community. To further encourage ongoing scientific research on the PYS, the PHCC will administer ten $10,000 research scholarships directed towards critical research needs in the catchment. The intended governance arrangements regarding the allocation of scholarships are outlined in Section 3.3 of this Business Case. The Project will also provide infrastructure to facilitate community engagement and information sharing. This includes the development of communications material and purchasing an events trailer to communicate research findings at excursions, school incursions and community events. Equipment for citizen science activities, such as fixed-point cameras for the Dolphin Watch program, telescopes and binoculars for assessing bird populations and microscopes to identify phytoplankton will be delivered to further encourage community engagement and wetland educational programs. The Project will support continued scientific research, monitoring of the catchment and opportunity for community engagement. Increasing the on-site tools available to researchers to complement their existing facilities will enhance their capacity to undertake intensive fieldwork and on-site studies, prepare for meetings and deliver community engagement events remotely. The Project will be delivered concurrently to the City of Mandurah’s Data Array Project (not the subject of this Business Case) which will establish a network of sensors to collect water and soil data from various locations in the Peel-Harvey waterways. The availability of data will be available to the scientific community and provide information to enable farmers and land managers to reduce nutrient discharge, regenerate their lands and increase agricultural productivity. Collectively, the WRIP and Data Array projects will support the delivery of collaborative and coordinated water science activities in the Peel region and enable robust, research-
Page 10 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
based decision-making and management initiatives relating to the PYS and broader catchment. Ongoing research and monitoring of the wetlands is central to the continued preservation of the highly valuable PYS, and the economic, ecological and recreational values that it supports. Longer term, the successful delivery of the WRIP Data Array Project and Data Array Project WRIP will establish a solid foundation and culture of water research and data collection in the Peel region which will attract the water research community and science based activities to the region. Increasing the region’s specialisation in water science research activities presents valuable opportunities to establish a Waterways Centre of Excellence in Mandurah. Such a centre would formalise existing relationships and collaborations between research, business activities and eco-tourism which are already present in the region and realise efficiencies and opportunities for innovation in the sector.
2.4. Background The Peel-Harvey Catchment (Catchment) is a 1.1 Million ha system encompassing the Peel Region and extending 150km east into the southern Wheatbelt. The system comprises the sub-catchments of the Serpentine, Harvey and Murray Rivers spanning fourteen Local Government areas. The catchment can be categorised into four zones2, as shown in Figure 6 below 1. ‘Ramsar Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore’ is the westernmost zone in the catchment which comprises the Peel inlet, Harvey Estuary and a Lake systems. At 62,751 ha, this is the smallest zone in the catchment and represents the region’s lifestyle and residential hub. Surrounding land uses can be characterised as being predominantly urban residential and rural land uses.
2. ‘The Coastal Plain’ is a flat area of wetland transected by the Murray and Serpentine rivers. This zone spans 188,337 ha and has seen significant clearing and drainage modifications to the landscape. Land uses within this zone are predominantly rural such as cattle, equine, mixed grazing and annual pasture production. The zone is host to rural residential living and mining activities.
3. ‘Forests and Scarp’ is a broad area of eucalypt forest to the east of the Darling Scarp. The zone has an area of 349,198 characterised by native vegetation and State Forests. Significant land uses within the area include mining activity, forestry and conservation estates. Farming activity is scarce, mostly comprising orchards or pastoral grazing.
4. The largest zone, at 573,349 ha is ‘Hotham Williams’, which encompasses the Boddington, Wandering, Williams and Cuballing Local Government Areas to the east of the catchment. This zone is agriculturally significant, with access to the Hotham and Williams rivers. Approximately one third of the zone is vegetated, with the largest vegetative area being the Dryandra woodland forest to the west. Land uses are predominantly rural farming and a number of small areas are used for mining activity.
2 Peel Harvey Catchment Council, ‘Our Catchment’, https://peel-harvey.org.au/about-us/our-catchment/ Page 11 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Conservation • Public water supply • Rural res. & Residential • Mining • Recreation • Recreation & tourism • Ag cropping & grazing • Grazing • Forestry • Conservation • Lifestyle • Rural residential
2 627 km 2 5733 km
2 1883 km
2 3491 km • Cattle for beef • Intensive Ag
• Rural residential & residential
Figure 6: The Peel-Harvey Catchment showing four zones of differing landscapes and land uses.
Page 12 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Environmental and Ecological Significance The Ramsar wetlands zone (comprising the Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary, Lake McLarty, Lake Mealup Yalgorup National Park), also referred to as the Peel-Yalgorup System (PYS) is the most ecologically significant part of the Peel-Harvey catchment and was internationally recognised3 at the 1990 Ramsar convention, due to the site: • Being the most diverse estuarine complex in South-Western Australia comprising coastal saline lakes and freshwater marshes, • Being one of only two locations in the world where living thrombolites occur in hyposaline water, • Being the most important area for waterbirds in South-Western Australia, supporting more than 20,000 waterbirds annually, and • Supporting 1% of the population of at least six species of shorebird, including the Red-Necked Avocet, Red-Necked Stint, Red-Capped Plover, Banded Stilt, Caspian Tern and Fairy Tern. The existence of thrombolite structures at Lake Clifton is ecologically significant, being one of only two known sites in the world where such structures exist in hyposaline water. Thrombolite structures form through microbial activity at the bottom of the lake and the precipitation of calcium carbonate to form rock like structures. The community of thrombolites at Lake Clifton is currently listed as critically endangered under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 19994. The PYS has demonstrated ecological value as a significant habitat for local and migratory waterbirds. The Ramsar site has been identified as the most important area in south-Western Australia for waterbirds, recording up to 86 different species being supported by the estuarine system, representing in excess of 176,000 birds at any one time5. 35 waterbird species observed in the PYS are currently protected under the Commonwealth’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) and are registered under both the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA). Economic Significance The PYS and specifically, the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary are of high importance to the local community and recognised as being a key driver of economic growth in the region. The PYS directly supports: • An important commercial fishing industry, • Recreational boating, fishing and associated services, • Tourism industries and day use recreation, and • Ecological service values The Peel-Harvey waterways directly supports an important commercial and recreational fishing industry. There are currently 9 Commercial fishing licenses operating in the waterways, with a combined value of $3.15 million (approximately $350,000-$400,000 per license). This value is based on conservative estimates provided by the Mandurah Licensed Fishermen’s Association (MLFA)6. The system is a habitat for variety of sought-after fish species such as blue swimmer crabs, sea mullet and sand whiting. The
3 Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management, 2003, ‘Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands – Peel Yalgorup System’ 4 Department of Environment, 2019, ‘Thrombolite (microbialite) Community of a Coastal Brackish Lake (Lake Clifton) in Community and Species Profile and Threats Database’, http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat 5 Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management, 2003, ‘Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands – Peel Yalgorup System’ 6 Personal Correspondence, M, Watts, President MLFA, 8-11-2019 Page 13 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
commercial value of the fishery’s catch in 2017-18, based on estimates provided by DPIRD and MLFA was between $0.95 million (raw value) and $1.7 million (market value), as outlined in Table 1.
Table 1: Raw and Market value of the Peel-Harvey Fishery (2017-18)
Fishery Current Beach Current Market Tonnes Total raw Total market Price ($/kg)7 Price ($/kg)6 caught7 value value
Blue Swimmer Crab 6.16 10 96.9 596,904 969,000
Sand Whiting 4 10 12 48,000 120,000
Sea Mullet 2.41 6 102 245,820 612,000
Other species - - - 59,276 -
Total $950,000 1,701,000
The recreational value derived from boating and fishing on the Peel waterways is significant, with blue swimmer crabs being the most important recreationally-fished inshore species in the southwest of WA (in terms of participation rate)8. Industry research indicates that recreational fishermen in the Peel region represent the most avid fishermen in the State and directly support $217 million in expenditure on recreational fishing activities in the Peel annually9. The number of private recreational boats in the Peel has grown consistently in the long term. A total of 8,733 recreational vessels were registered in the Peel in 200910 with an estimated capital value of $425 million11. Aside from the vessel’s capital value, the culture of recreational boating in the Peel contributes to the local economy through boating support services and storage. ECS 2019 estimate that Peel boat owners collectively incur up to $40 million in annual costs associated with boat maintenance and operations11. The storage of boats in the seven marinas in the PYS may also generate up to $1.8 million in direct revenue from the 715 available pens (with an average annual fee of $2,500)12.Future growth in recreational boat ownership in the Peel is predicted to increase to 14,922 vessels by 202411. The Peel region’s is a growing tourist destination, with Mandurah currently the number one day-trip destination in WA, receiving twice as many day trippers than Bunbury11. In 2008, the wetlands were found to be an important attractor of tourists, accounting for (on average) 0.46 million visitors and $105 million in local expenditure12. Current statistics13 demonstrate significant growth in Mandurah’s tourism industry, with approximately 2.32 million tourists visiting Mandurah in 2018, this amounted to approximately $318.2 million in local expenditure. As outlined further in table 2, the majority of visitors (1.7 million) were domestic day trips and tourism expenditure was mostly represented by domestic day and overnight visitors ($292.5 million).
7 Personal Correspondence, T. Nicholas, Manager South West Bioregions DPIRD, 7-11-2019 8 Johnston, D., Marks, R. and O’Malley, J. West Coast Blue Swimmer Crab Resource Status Report 2017 9 Recfishwest, 2019, ‘Western Australia’s $2.4 Billion Lifestyle’, https://recfishwest.org.au/media-release/western-australias-2-4-billion- lifestyle/ 10 Department of Transport, 2010, ‘Peel Region – Recreational Boating Facilities Study 2010’ 11 Economics Consulting Services, 2019, ‘Peel Waterways – An Economic Valuation’ 12 Economic Consulting Services, 2008, ‘Peel Waterways – An Economic Valuation’ 13 Tourism Research Australia, 2018, Local Government Area Profiles – Mandurah (C), Western Australia.’ Page 14 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Table 2: Tourism Research Australia – Mandurah Statistics (2018)13 No. (000s) Average spend ($) Total spend ($ millions) International Visitors 25 1,031 25.7 Visitors - Domestic Day 1,790 81 144.9 Visitors - Domestic Overnight 417 354 147.6 Total 2,232 - 318.2
It is acknowledged that the PYS waterways are not the only tourism drawcard in the Peel Region. The Peel waterways hold substantial value from indirect uses derived from the interactions between plants, animals, microorganisms and the non-living environment in the Peel-Harvey ecosystems. The human benefits that these systems generate are broad and can include: • Nutrient cycling processes and carbon sequestration, • Purification, filtration and detoxification, • System regulation and stabilisation (i.e. climate regulation or pest control), • Habitat provision and natural biodiversity, • Regenerative and production services (i.e. biomass, pollination or seed dispersal), and • Information or life fulfillment (i.e. aesthetic, recreation or spiritual benefits) The total monetary value of ecosystem services derived from Peel-Harvey’s coastal and inland wetland ecosystems was quantified in 2013 to be approximately $3.35 billion (2007 prices)14. By comparison, the Peel’s Gross Regional Product at the time was estimated at $5.6 billion. The PYS is a sensitive system which has been affected by water quality issues for a number of years. The nutrient loads entering the system are typically twice the tolerable limits, due in part to: • the poor nutrient holding capacity of catchment soils, • high groundwater levels in the catchment, • nutrient producing land uses throughout the catchment, and • an efficient drainage system delivering sediments and nutrients to the lower waterways. Catchment water quality assessments15 undertaken in 2011 identified that the nutrient content in the majority of tributaries had high (0.165 mg/L) to very high (0.56 mg/L) levels of total phosphorous, and high (0.98 mg/L) to very high (4.4 mg/L) flowing into the estuary. An observation that has remained relatively consistent over the past two decades16. Abnormalities in catchment water quality have in many cases, resulted in eutrophication events, algal blooms and fish kills. Additional factors predicted to impact on the ecological health of the catchment include11: • Watercourses in the coastal plain and Hotham/Williams zones are often degraded, infested by weeds and have erosion prone banks,
14 Arkwright D, 2013, Peel Development Commission Occasional Paper 2.8: Valuing the Eco-System Services in the Peel Region. 15 Department of Water, 2011 (unpublished), ‘Draft analysis of water quality monitoring results from Department of Water Win Database, Mandurah, 2011, Mandurah, Western Australia’ 16 Peel Harvey Catchment Council, 2011, ‘Catchment condition and priorities, Peel-Harvey Catchment 2011’, a report by Ironbark Environmental to the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and Regional Development Australia (Peel), Mandurah, WA Page 15 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Wetlands on the coastal catchment are under increased pressure from reduced rainfall, ongoing threats associated with grazing, fires, weed invasion and illegal clearing and filling of land, and • Considerable areas where development is planned around the estuary pose a high to moderate risk of acid sulphate soil disturbance. In 2010, Rogers, Hall and Valesini17 stated that “The lower reaches of the Serpentine River, as an effective ecosystem, could now be described as biologically dead…and there are indications that the health of the lower reaches at both the Murray and Harvey rivers are in a parlous biological state”. It is noted that “without corrective action, the Peel Waterways will not be able to sustain the increased recreational demands of expected population growth18” nor draw economic benefits from the ecological, commercial and recreational values that that are reliant on the waterway’s condition. Peel Harvey Catchment Council The Peel Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, community based natural resource management organisation who advocate for the sustainable management of the Peel-Harvey Catchment. Since incorporation in 1999, the PHCC has partnered with Government, industry and other community organisations to coordinate and deliver natural resource management projects to support and protect the health of the Catchment. A broad range of projects and on ground activities have been delivered to date. These include catchment management coordination and advocacy, technical initiatives in water resources and biodiversity, and more specifically facilitating and advocating for collaborative management of the PYS Ramsar Site19. The PHCC currently manages an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million and has delivered 64 projects worth $22,265,124 in the last 10 years. In addition to this, the PHCC have secured a further $17,300,00 to deliver 17 projects over the next 5 years (to 2023). Part of this $17 million, is a $12 million tender with the Australian Government, across 4 complex projects to protect matters of national environmental significance, including the PYS. This tender was the 5th highest national allocation, demonstrating the PHCC’s sound governance and ability to manage complex projects. With a multiplier effect of 3.5 the PHCC has bought an economic value to the Peel-Harvey of approximately $138,477,934. From 2002 to 2008, the PHCC delivered the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI) ‘The Water Campaign TM’ in Western Australia. The PHCC collaborated with nine of the fourteen Local Governments in the catchment to monitor community water usage, and developed water management action plans to reduce usage. The project embedded water saving and water quality mechanisms into participating Local Government’s day to day activities. In 2006, the PHCC was closely involved in the development of the ‘Peel-Harvey Coastal Catchment’s Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Technical Guidelines’. The PHCC subsequently worked with five Local Governments to develop and adopt WSUD local planning to implement these guidelines. Primarily, this resulted in Local Governments placing greater attention to sensitive storm water designs in new developments and retrofitting old drainage infrastructure. Broadly, the PHCC (in current and previous forms) has had an ongoing role delivering waterways management activities. From 1992 to 2010, significant efforts have been
17 Rogers, Hall and Valesini, 2010, ‘Science Strategy for the Peel-Harvey Estuary’ page 31 18 Economic Development and Recreation Management Plan for the Peel Waterways, 2002, page 11 19 Peel Harvey Catchment Council, 2012, ‘The First Decade – Peel-Harvey Catchment 2000-2010, A report by Ironbark Environmental to the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council Mandurah, Western Australia. Page 16 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
placed in erosion control works through riparian revegetation and protection, weed control and riverbank stabilisation throughout 5,636 ha of the catchment. In addition, multi-faceted technical, collaborative, construction and educational programs to address management issues have been delivered through the establishment of monitoring systems to model water quality impacts under different land use and management scenarios. The PHCC plays an active role in facilitating scientific research and citizen science activities in the PYS. Since 201420,21, the PHCC has been delivering the Science Integration project in partnership with the DPIRD and the City of Mandurah. The intent of the project is to provide scientific leadership to communities as to the state of the Peel-Harvey Catchment and to encourage greater protective investment and activities that are based on scientific evidence. In doing so, the PHCC has: • Completed a Baseline Ramsar 482 report card summarising the condition of the Peel-Harvey Ramsar site • Had continued engagement with community members and school students through community presentations, radio interviews, school excursions and magazine publications • Provided ongoing expertise to assist Technical Advisory Groups and Steering Committees across all tiers of Government • Had ongoing involvement with 6 universities, 6 government partners and over 20 scientists undertaking research related to the catchment • Initiated three large projects to enhance the condition of the Peel-Harvey waterways and the Ramsar site. The PHCC are currently involved in the delivery of 38 science and research projects in the PYS, delivered in partnership with Government, Universities and Industry. A summary of science and research projects the PHCC is involved with is provided at Attachment 4). The PHCC engages with a strong network of 2460 who assist in catchment management and citizen science activities. Citizen science plays an important role in the management of the system, as well as a key role in engaging community in the stewardship of the waterways. Citizen science projects and programs include, the annual Shorebird 2020 count (consistently the most successful count in Australia in terms of the number of people involved and the number of birds counted); aquaculture with John Tonkin College (production of diet for and grow out of juvenile black bream); monitoring motion camera footage; monitoring plant survival rates and similar, as demonstrated in Figure 7 below:
20 Peel Harvey Catchment Council, 2019, ‘Peel Harvey Catchment Council Annual Report 2018-19’ 21 Peel Harvey Catchment Council, 2018, ‘Peel Harvey Catchment Council Annual Report 2017-18’ Page 17 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Figure 7: A montage showing various citizen science initiatives conducted by PHCC
Page 18 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
In 2007 the PHCC initiated the Ramsar Technical Advisory Group, as part of the preparation of the PYS Management Plan and Ecological Character Description (both prepared by and/or on behalf of the PHCC). The TAG meets annually, bringing 27 stakeholder organisations together to discuss the collaborative management of the system (Attachment 5 and Figure 8). The PHCC will continue to provide this important role, including all coordination, administration, data collection and dissemination against Ramsar frameworks, as well as chairing the meetings. The research infrastructure is strongly supported by the TAG to assist in increasing research opportunities across the PYS.
Figure 8- Ramsar TAG Meeting, March 2019 Long term scientific monitoring and research into the catchment’s condition, and specifically the Ramsar listed PYS is an ongoing priority for the PHCC and TAG members. The collection of high quality data supported by science, monitoring and research will be made available to communities, Government and Industry inform effective decision-making. Taking steps to improve catchment health through effective management practices will preserve and potentially enhance the ecological, recreational and industrial values associated with the PYS and broader catchment. Further deterioration of the catchment condition threatens the longevity of the economic, ecological and ecosystem benefits it provides to the both the Peel region and broader Western Australia.
Page 19 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2.5. Policy and Strategic Framework The Project is well aligned to State Government objectives and regional initiatives for the Peel region and Western Australia. The following section outlines the project’s alignment to relevant State Government strategies, objectives and initiatives.
2.5.1. Alignment to The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Strategic Intent (2018-21) The Project aligns with four of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s priorities as outlined in the organisation’s strategic intent. 1. Sustainability – The Project proposes to provide infrastructure which will support the ongoing management of one of WA’s more valuable ecological assets through enabling continued scientific research and wetland monitoring programs. The availability of robust information will inform effective catchment management strategies and decision-making relating to the wetland and surrounding land uses. The Project is strongly aligned to DPIRD’s priorities in sustaining the State’s land, water and aquatic resources, reputation and competitive advantage. The Project is specifically aligned to key initiative 2.2 – natural resource management planning and assessment.
2. Regional Opportunities – The Project will capture regional opportunities for economic growth and maintaining social amenity through enabling ongoing research and monitoring of the PYS and informing management activities for the health of the wetlands. The health of the waterways underpins a strong tourism and commercial fishing industry, as well as significant recreational boating and fishing activities and associated local expenditure. The availability of data resulting from ongoing research may identify opportunities to pursue new economic ventures in the Peel (such as geo/ecotourism or inland agriculture) whilst maintaining catchment health. The Project also presents local content opportunities through engaging regional suppliers and contractors to provide and deliver the research infrastructure. The Project specifically aligns to DPIRD’s key initiatives 4.1 – Regional growth opportunities, 4.2 – Local content in regional WA and 4.4 – recreational fishing development.
3. Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) – One of the Project’s central tenants is to enable ongoing scientific research and wetland monitoring through availability of wetland research infrastructure. Increasing our understanding of the PYS and identifying compatible economic development opportunities may present significant regional development outcomes. Further establishing the Peel region as an exemplar waterways research hub in the longer term and developing the Waterways Centre for Excellence will provide substantial regional development outcomes for the region. The Project specifically aligns to key initiatives 5.1 – A dynamic RD&I environment, 5.2 New regional RD&I capacity.
4. Enabling Environment – The Project will facilitate ongoing scientific research and citizen science opportunities through the provision of key research infrastructure and scholarships. Increasing the waterway-science activities in the region will help enable the Peel region to establish itself as an exemplar waterways research hub, with scholarships available to direct scientists to deliver targeted research. Increasing Government, industry and community understanding of the wetlands through research and increasing data availability will inform future management activities and enable effective decision-making to support both economic
Page 20 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
development opportunities and the ongoing conservation of the PYS. The Project specifically aligns key initiative 6.1 – unlock land and water expansion opportunities.
2.5.2. Alignment to Related Strategic Imperatives The following table highlights the alignment of the project with key Government and regional policies and relevant strategies.
Strategy Document Description Alignment
Royalties for Regions Act The object of the Act is to promote and The $2,1221.85 million will be expended in (2009) (the Act) facilitate economic, business and social the Peel region to support and enable development in Regional WA. The RfR ongoing science, research and development fund is to be expended for the following activities in the PYS and Catchment. purposes: The PYS is recognised as being ecologically (a) To provide infrastructure and significant, vital to the local economy and services in regional WA supports local employment in tourism, fishing (b) To develop and broaden the and recreational boating industries. economic base of regional WA (c) To maximise job creation and improve career opportunities in regional WA
Peel Regional Investment The Blueprint establishes a strategic Providing research infrastructure will improve Blueprint (Blueprint) – framework to facilitate regional economic the scientific community’s capacity to Capable People development. The Capable people undertake research through increasing priority seeks to establish a highly skilled access to on-site equipment and vehicles. workforce and implement technological Scholarships will improve wetland research changes that support a strong, diverse in priority areas to fill an observed and high performing economy in the knowledge gap and address key research Peel. needs. The following priority goals have been The project is expected to result in more identified under the Capable People robust data and knowledge which will priority; enhance decisionmakers’ capacity to make informed decisions relating to the PYS. (a) Investing in education and training infrastructure Facilitating the communication of knowledge (b) Strengthening community knowledge and scientific findings through community and understanding and educational engagement, citizen science programs will enhance communities understanding of the importance of the wetland and may generate interest in STEM learning areas.
Our Priorities: Sharing The State Government has identified 6 Providing research infrastructure is intended Prosperity 2019 key outcomes required to achieve to generate continued scientific research on prosperity in Western Australia. Two the PYS, and to meet targeted research strategies which relate to the project are: gaps through the availability of scholarships. Robust data and findings will be available to (a) A liveable Environment - the State decision-makers to manage the PYS and will work to ensure a sustainable surrounding areas to ensure environmental future through the protection of our conservation and economic development unique landscapes, wildlife and opportunities are both protected. marine life. The protection of the wetlands is critical to (b) Regional Prosperity - the State will supporting the local economy and retention deliver new infrastructure and of regional employment, with the wetland support investment to drive supporting the local tourism and fishing employment in regional WA and industry and recreational boating. diversify the economy. Aiming to create 30,000 regional jobs by mid- Longer term, establishing the Peel as a 2024. wetland research hub will generate growth in the local scientific and research industries.
Page 21 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Ramsar Convention on The PYS has been listed under the Achieving the obligations under the Ramsar Wetlands Ramsar convention since 1990. Australia convention is a critical component of the has a number of contractual obligations Project. to uphold under the Ramsar convention22, including: The Project will enable data collection, monitoring and research to inform decision- (a) Formulating and implementing making and wetland conservation strategies. planning to promote conservation of Decision-makers will be well informed to listed wetlands both continue to conserve the PYS, whilst (b) Arrange to be informed if the pursuing economic development ecological character of a listed opportunities. wetlands has changed (c) Promote the conservation of Wetland conservation and awareness will be wetlands raised through citizen science activities, and (d) Encourage research and exchange educational and community engagement of data and publications initiatives facilitated through the Project. (e) Promote training of personnel in Research scholarships will enable the wetland research and management delivery of research in targeted areas to meet existing research and knowledge gaps.
Mandurah & Murray: The Strategy and Implementation plan is The Project will enable data collection, Regional Economic targeted to the reversal of current trends monitoring and research to inform decision- Development Strategy of worsening socio-economic conditions making and wetland conservation strategies. 2018 (draft) across the two local government areas. Decision-makers will be well informed to The documents provide a strategy to both continue to conserve the PYS, whilst create a self-sustaining region with pursuing economic development Mandurah & Murray: access to employment opportunities and opportunities. Regional Economic providing the foundation for improved prosperity and quality of life. The protection of the wetlands is vital to the Development Strategy local economy and supports local Implementation Plan The ‘Water Economy – Wetlands and employment in tourism, fishing and 2018 (draft) Industry Integration’ is a priority program recreational boating industries. which recognises that developments in agriculture, tourism and fisheries industries are highly dependent on the sustainable management of the land and waterways.
PHCC – Wetlands and The plan identifies 9 objectives to Achieving the obligations under the Ramsar People Plan for the Peel- encourage wise use and advocacy to convention is a critical component of the Yalgorup System protect the PYS and increase Project. collaborative community stewardship and support for the PYS. The below The Project will enable data collection, objectives are of relevance: monitoring and research to inform decision- making and wetland conservation strategies. (a) Decision makers are supported to Decision-makers will be well informed to understand the PYS values, threats, both continue to conserve the PYS, whilst protection and management needs pursuing economic development (b) Develop Government’s capacity to opportunities. engage in collaborative management and protection of the wetlands Wetland conservation and awareness will be (c) Community stakeholders are raised through citizen science activities, and engaged and supported in active educational and community engagement environmental stewardship of the initiatives facilitated by the Project. PYS Research scholarships will enable the (d) The local and regional communities, delivery of research in targeted areas to are provided opportunities and meet existing research and knowledge gaps. information to increase their understanding of the Site’s values (e) Opportunities are created to share stories of the wetlands across all sectors
22 Australian Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, 2012, ‘Australia’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention: Legislative support for wetlands – fact sheet’ Page 22 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2.6. Project Deliverables
Performance Measure Outputs Performance Measure method
A Central hub and Installation of a Prefabricated building to • Executed lease shared space/facilities function as a headquarters for the Peel arrangement with the with access to Waterways Research Infrastructure as a City of Mandurah technology precursor to the (Phase 2) Innovation Hub • Certificate of Completion equipped with the following: of installation of • Office furniture prefabricated • internet connection (demountable) building 1 • kitchen and ablution amenities • Photos and usage logs sufficient to support 2 scientists. • beds for overnight accommodation • a lay-up area for boats and mobile laboratories • refrigerated sample storage area. • Secure storage area
Purpose built and Purpose built and transportable laboratories • Certificates of practical transportable/mobile are delivered at the following locations completion laboratories (highest priority listed first): • Adjacent to the Serpentine River at site • Photographs of the of proposed restoration works near laboratories in use Karnup. • At the Thrombolites at lake Clifton • Log of laboratory 2 • At Lake McLarty equipment • At the Fairy Tern Sanctuary
The laboratories will be equipped with instruments and technology to enable on- site scientific waterways research.
Equipment for • An events trailer for use at excursions, • Department of promotional materials incursions and community events. Transport registration documents • Promotional and communications • Photographs of materials (plaques and signage) promotional and 3 community events • Digital copies of promotional and communications materials
Research vessel and • Procurement of a small research boat • Department of mobile laboratories and trailer Transport registration • Procurement and fit-out of 2 mobile documents for boat and 4 laboratories moorings • Installation of 4-6 research moorings • Photos • Provision of a dedicated boat layup area
Page 23 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Performance Measure Outputs Performance Measure method
Vehicles for research • Procurement of two twin cab all terrain • Department of 5 access vehicles Transport registration documents
Water quality • Two trailers fully equipped to perform • Department of monitoring equipment river health assessments according to Transport registration the DWER’s South West Index of documents River Condition protocols (SWIRC). • Photographs of the 6 • Water quality equipment to monitor equipment deployed condition of the Ramsar site and • Inventory of equipment associated rivers, streams and drains purchased and inclusion and groundwater . in PHCC asset management plan
Monitoring equipment • (Number of)Telescopes/Binoculars for • Inventory of equipment Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Bulleted + Level: 1 + for citizen science observing and identifying waterbirds purchased and Aligned at: 2.02 cm + Indent at: 2.66 cm initiatives • (Number of)Microscopes for description and inclusion community to identify microfauna (e.g. in PHCC asset invertebrates) and phytoplankton management plan 7 • The water quality equipment and the River Health Assessment trailers and • Photographs Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Bulleted + Level: 1 + equipment shown will also be used to Aligned at: 2.02 cm + Indent at: 2.66 cm inspire community group involvement and ownership of citizen science initiatives.
Delivery of research Administration of ten $10,000 research • Delivery of Research Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Bulleted + Level: 1 + scholarships scholarships meeting critical research gaps scholarships Aligned at: 2.02 cm + Indent at: 2.66 cm involving: • Identifying research groups / • Publications Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Bulleted + Level: 1 + supervisors Aligned at: 2.02 cm + Indent at: 2.66 cm 8 • Development of research briefs • Public recognition of Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Bulleted + Level: 1 + • Appointment of suitable candidate(s) research (e.g. awards Aligned at: 2.02 cm + Indent at: 2.66 cm nominations)
• Acquittal of scholarship Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm, Bulleted + Level: 1 + funds Aligned at: 2.02 cm + Indent at: 2.66 cm
Performance Performance Outcomes RfR Outcomes Measure Measure method
Attract scientists and Number of science or 1 Facilitate ongoing researchers to undertake research projects research and investigations in the facilitated by the Peel monitoring of the PYS Region Waterways Research waterways and Infrastructure. Catchment
Page 24 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Performance Performance Outcomes RfR Outcomes Measure Measure method
Number of researchers / scientists (including scholarship recipients) involved in projects facilitated by the Peel Waterways Research Infrastructure
Logs of infrastructure and equipment usage
Addressing / filling Number of knowledge 3 Increase the knowledge gaps identified gaps filled and availability of scientific in the Ecological research projects research to inform Character Description for published decision-making and the Peel-Yalgorup management of the Ramsar Site 2nd Edition PYS and Catchment. Number and scale of (Hale 2019) and significant associated waterways. management decisions made relating to the PYS and Catchment
Monitoring programs Number of monitoring 4 Ongoing monitoring implemented to fill gaps in programs and assessment of the the Monitoring and implemented health of Peel Evaluation Guide for the waterways. PYS system (Hale 2009) and associated waterways
Growth in scientists and Number of Research 5 Attract industry and researchers conducting Institutes and Industry activity to locate in research in the PYS and partners cofounding proximity to the Peel peel waterways science and research waterways as a activities in the region recognised and
desired location for Informed and sustainable science and research. growth in other industry sectors through research Dollar value of findings and scientific investment by Industry information and Research Institutes in Establish the Peel’s waterways science reputation as a centre for and research activities excellence in waterways in the region. research.
Attract third party funding to deliver waterways
Page 25 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Performance Performance Outcomes RfR Outcomes Measure Measure method
science and research projects on the PYS
Ongoing growth and economic development opportunities in ancillary industries that are dependent on the health of the wetlands (i.e. tourism, fishing etc.)
Community are engaged Number of 6 Ongoing community in PYS science research engagement events and educational through events and and attendance engagement regarding communications PYS scientific activity Number of Educational programs are communications delivered to engage students and communicate PYS science research activities and findings
2.7. Stakeholder Engagement The PHCC has undertaken informal surveys and workshops with researchers and stakeholders to identify research needs / support required for the Peel region. This consultation identified that having office space, a secure location to store equipment including a boat, overnight accommodation, refrigerated space for sample storage and access to on-site facilities at field sites would greatly enhance their efficiency in delivering projects and make staying in the region for extended periods rather than commuting to Perth more feasible. In 2018, the City of Mandurah delivered “Mandurah Matters”, a comprehensive community and stakeholder consultation exercise to guide and inform a review of the City’s Strategic directions. The City included over 2,000 community members through survey responses, workshops, summits and engagement events23. The Community identified the Peel waterways as being central to the City’s identity and Mandurah’s greatest asset. Further, the waterways were recognised as being of significant importance for opportunities in tourism and events, primary industry development and international education24. The ability to enable further scientific research and wetland monitoring to promote wetland health through the delivery of the WRIP is reflective of the findings from ‘Mandurah Matters’ and the community’s views on the wetland.
In 2015 the PHCC prepared “Binjareb Boodja Landscapes 2025 – A Strategy for Natural Resource Management in the Peel-Harvey Region”. The preparation of the Strategy included a robust community consultation process resulting in over 300 comments from community group members, growers, industry and local government. The consultation
23 City of Mandurah, ‘Connecting Communities Award Nomination – Mandurah Matters’ 24 City of Mandurah, 2019, ‘Mandurah and & Diversify WA – Premier Briefing’ Page 26 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
process included workshops and targeted meetings across the Catchment, summary publications and surveys and presentations. The process identified the diversity of issues and priorities across each of our four subsystems. The objectives from the Strategy are: 1) People (Baalap) – An Engaged and Active Community 2) Biophysical (Boodja) – A Healthy Catchment that Supports Life and Livelihood 3) Knowledge (Kaadadjan) – Science and Knowledge Underpin Natural Resource Management The Strategy then looks at Goals, Strategies and Activities to achieve the objectives (against the overarching vision). This projecte project directly aligns with the desires of the community, as expressed and captured in Binjareb Boodja Landscapes 2025. The WRIP Project is also consistent with the City of Mandurah’s community perceptions survey, where 401 residents evaluated the City’s performance in 200525. This survey identified protection of waterways as the single most important priority for the City of Mandurah with 51% of long term residents and 37 % of respondents overall rating this as their most important priority. Furthermore, although there was a general satisfaction with the quality of the waterways, there was concern with the condition of the Serpentine River (61 % dissatisfied or neutral) and Murray Rivers (47%). A survey commissioned by the Peel Development Commission in 200626 also identified Protecting Waterways (> 95%) and Environmental Preservation (> 93%) in the top ten issues of importance for residents.
Figure 9: Community Priorities identified in community survey: Peel 2020
25 City of Mandurah 2005, 2005 Community Perceptions Survey Research Findings 26 Peel Development Commission (2006). Peel 2020 Sustainability Strategy’ Page 27 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Figure 10: Community Perceptions Survey Results (2005)25
PHCC has already formed strong links to local primary schools and high schools, especially John Tonkin College who have embedded marine science into their curricula and see the establishment of a water research facility such as the WRIP as a valuable pathway for their students to pursue a career in marine science through educational opportunities and citizen science initiatives and see opportunities to add value to the Centre through use of their Maritime Science Centre at Dawesville. The PHCC has had preliminary discussions with the City of Mandurah, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) who have provided letters in support of this Project (Attachments 1 – 3).
2.8. Critical Assumptions The Following critical assumptions have been made and considered in the preparation of this Business Case: • That protecting and improving the condition of Peel-Harvey Waterways is a priority for the State Government. This assumption is based on the logic underpinning the Regional Estuaries Initiative which recognises the Peel-Harvey Estuary as an at-risk estuary. • That significant investment is required to restore the condition of the Peel-Harvey waterways. • That the community continues to identify protection of the waterways as a main priority as it did in the 2005 Community Perceptions Survey. • That the strong connection between tourism and healthy waterways is maintained into future. • That the appetite shown by the scientific community for waterways research in the Peel-Harvey continues into the near-term future. • That the outcomes of the science and research inform and translate into management actions that can be implemented to protect and restore the waterways.
2.9. Economic and Financial Analyses The economic benefits of this Project are derived from protecting and maintaining the significant value that the PYS supports through the associated commercial industries, Page 28 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
recreational usage and ecological value the system underpins. The increased availability of quality wetland information through science and research activities will assist Government, industry and the community to maintain and improve the health of the PYS through effective and well-informed decision-making, thus protecting and retaining the economic and ecological values that the system supports, including: • $217 million in annual expenditure on recreational fishing activities • $40 million in annual expenditure on boat maintenance and operations in the Peel • $1.8 million in annual revenue generated through storing boats in PYS Marinas • Between $0.9 million and $1.7 million in annual catch from commercial fishing • $318.2 million in annual tourism expenditure spent in Mandurah • $3.15 million derived from the value of 9 commercial fishing licenses • $3.35 billion in indirect ecosystem services generated from the system annually Further deterioration of the PYS health may present significant ecological impacts and threaten the local expenditure and revenue associated with the wetland condition. Of the $1.99 million Project budget, it is expected that up to $894,000 will be spent locally on the construction and installation of the Central Hub and onsite laboratories, and $519,000 spent on the procurement of vehicles. Local businesses are likely to have the capacity to provide these goods and services, however the procurement of specialty equipment is unlikely to be available locally. A Remplan assessment (Attachment 6) indicates that the local expenditure of $894,000 on construction, and $519,000 on associated vehicles (retail) will generate $2.508 million in local economic benefit and create 6 direct jobs, 2 in-direct jobs and 1 job through consumption effects, which generates up to 591,000 in additional wages in the Peel. An economic assessment resulting from the deteriorating health of the waterways has not been undertaken. Instead, a Remplan assessment on the broader economic impact resulting from a 1% reduction in the value of the local commercial fishery ($17,000), tourism expenditure ($3.18 million), recreational boating expenditure ($400,000) and recreational fishing expenditure ($2.17 million) over 5 years has been modelled. Such a decline is estimated to result in the loss of 39 jobs and $2.331 million in wages. This is estimated to result in a broader $45.6 million reduction in broader economic outcomes. Whilst this reduction is not directly related to the health of the PYS, this conservative reduction in the value of industries that are known to have strong linkages to the PYS has a significant 5 year impact. High level local content opportunities
Commented [P1]: Have other options been considered? What 2.11.2.10. Assessment of Options are the highest priority infrastructure that need including is this The Project can be scaled in size both upwardly and downwardly. As discussed above, scalable? (fewer vehicles, labs) non negotiables the long-term vision is for the Water Research Infrastructure to be a precursor to and catalyst for the Waterways Centre of Excellence. We have therefore scaled it accordingly to establish a critical mass of research infrastructure to support current waterways science and research and stimulate future activity. We have, however, considered four options in the Table below, with the full scope of the WRI as proposed in this business case being the preferred option.
Option No. Description Likely Outcome Cost Formatted Table
Page 29 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
1.WRI as Financial support for The WRI will enhance and provide $2.0771.85M proposed the full scope of this a focal point for existing waterways (Preferred business case science and research activities Option) through a central hub and a network of transportable and/or mobile nodes. It will attract scientists and stimulate new science and research initiatives into the Peel Region to protect the values of the waterways; provide training and employment opportunities for Peel residents, including the local Noongar Community; and promote science as a career pathway. It will also meet the needs of the scientific community as identified in the PHCC’s stakeholder consultation 2. WRI Partial financial The WRI still has a critical mass to $1.54440167M Non- support for the support and stimulate science and negotiables proposal by omitting: research in the Peel Region but one of the offers less support for the on-going transportable future research into the Fairy laboratories (Fairy Terns (Threatened Species in the tern Sanctuary or vulnerable category) or restoration Serpentine River) and works to improve the condition of downgrading the the Serpentine River. Further, only transportable 6 of the proposed 10 scholarships laboratory at Lake would reduce the opportunity for Clifton to be similar to tertiary students to further pursue a others; one mobile career in waterways science. Any laboratory, one further reductions in funding and vehicle, boat activities would not provide a moorings and 4 critical mass for the initiative to scholarships achieve its objectives. 3 Do Rejection of this Waterways science and research $0 nothing / project proposal in full will continue as it does currently in Business i.e. no investment in an ad-hoc manner with no as usual the WRI infrastructure to support or attract future activities and limited or no synergy between these activities. Under this scenario further future scientific research on the PYS will likely be reactive, rather than
Page 30 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
preventing further deterioration in catchment health. 4 Funding extended to This option has been explored by $40M approx.. Waterways realise a Waterways the City Of Mandurah but not Centre of Centre of Excellence beyond the concept stage. Excellence Establishing the WRI is considered to be a practical, low risk step towards assessing the viability and building a business case for this much larger infrastructure. (An artist’s impression and brief overview of the Centre of Excellence facility is shown below.)
2.12.2.11. Funding Strategy The overall budget is $2,1221,977,000 with $1,852,0770,000 being sought from Royalties for Regions program. These costs include all infrastructure and equipment, scholarships, signage equipment and 3 years funding for project establishment, management (including 1 FTE), communications and marketing and shifting to ongoing maintenance. Project will be staged with priority aspects being purchased and/or constructed in the first 18 months, followed by lesser priority aspects, as defined by research needs. Commented [JO2]: Need some more here – I can put more in soon.
Page 31 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
The balance of funding has been committed by the PHCC, from their project partnerships accountwill be sought from key stakeholders, including the five (5) Local Governments within the Peel Region and the PHCC will look to apply to Lotterywest for additional funding, seek philanthropic contributions and look to providing some cash contribution from its own equity and/or appropriate project interest (where allowed via funding conditions). $6,740,460 has been secured as leveraged funding from the Australian Government’s Wetlands and People ‘A community restoring the Ecological Character of the Peel- Yalgorup Ramsar 482 Wetlands’ ($4990,000); Alcoa Foundations ‘Connecting Corridors and Communities ($1,025,460); Newmont Goldcorp Boddington’s ‘Hotham-Williams Rivers’ ($500,000); and Local Government contributions to relevant projects ($225,000). These funds will support the sustainability of the Waterways Infrastructure by providing ‘user pays’ funding for maintenance, user demands, and support for planning, design, implementation, mentoring and support additional research and citizen science.
Page 32 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2.12.2.2.11.1. Total Budget Source of Quality of Has the Commented [P3]: Please provide cost estimates Budget Item of Expenditure Funds Estimates Funding been ($) Secured? Central hub and shared Previous business Formatted: Font: 10 pt space 414,000 RfR case for similar smaller facility Remote laboratory -– RfR Previous project Formatted: Font: 10 pt Peel Main 90,000 experience and DrainSerpentine River website research Remote laboratory - 210,000 RfR Previous project experience and Clifton website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt Remote RfR Previous project laboratory/viewing - Fairy 90,000 experience and Terns website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt Remote RfR Previous project laboratory/viewing - 90,000 experience and McLarty website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt Mobile Lab (vehicle RfR research & science 264,000 Website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt teaching) (x 2) Science Trailer - events RfR & activities & field days (x 22,000 Website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt 1) River Health Assessment RfR Discussion with 43,000 Trailer industry Formatted: Font: 10 pt Vehicles x 2 - all terrain RfR Previous twin cab 120,000 Purchase & Website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt Freezer/fridge/other RfR 4,000 Website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt Boat RfR 30,000 Website research Formatted: Font: 10 pt Discussion with Layup Area Boat 3,000 RfR industry Formatted: Font: 10 pt Discussion with Moorings 7,000 RfR industry Formatted: Font: 10 pt Maintain & Support & RfR - Based on PHCC manage 374499,0 $247454,000 wage model (including hosting NoYes Formatted: Centered 00 Other PHCC - and overheads eg $45127,000 insurances) Formatted: Font: 10 pt Scholarships RfR 1200,000 Self set limit Formatted: Font: 10 pt Equipment - water quality RfR Previous purchase & 72,000 discussion with industry Formatted: Font: 10 pt Equipment - loan (scopes RfR 18,000 Website research etc.) Formatted: Font: 10 pt
Page 33 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Source of Quality of Has the Commented [P3]: Please provide cost estimates Budget Item of Expenditure Funds Estimates Funding been ($) Secured? Signage, plaques, RfR Previous communications and 3,000 experience promotional material Formatted: Font: 10 pt Dolphin Monitoring RfR Previous 23,000 Cameras purchase (2019) Formatted: Font: 10 pt 2,1221,97 Total Budget 7,000
2.12.3.2.11.2. Royalties for Regions Funding Amount Total 2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 Item of Expenditure 2020 to 2024 $ $ $ $ $
Central hub and shared space 314,000 95,000 5,000 414,000
Remote laboratory -– Peel 15,000 8575,000 4,500 90,000 Main DrainSerpentine River
Remote laboratory - Clifton 7,500 199,500 103,0500 210,000
Remote laboratory/viewing - 5,500 805,000 4,500 90,000 Fairy Terns
Remote laboratory/viewing - 85,000 4,5005,00 90,000 McLarty 0
Mobile Lab (vehicle research & 132,000 132,000 264,000 science teaching) (x 2)
Science Trailer - events & 22,000 22,000 activities & field days (x 1)
River Health Assessment 43,000 43,000 Trailer
Vehicle - all terrain twin cab 114,000 6,000 120,000
Freezer/fridge/other 4,000 4,000
Boat 28,500 1,500 30,000
Layup Area Boat 3,000 3,000
Moorings 7,000 7,000
Maintain & Support & manage 74,500114 57,500114 57,500114 57,500112 247,000454, ,000 ,000 ,000 ,000 000
Scholarships* 3546,000 3546,000 3280,000 1200,000 Formatted: Not Highlight
Page 34 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Total 2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 Item of Expenditure 2020 to 2024 $ $ $ $ $
Equipment - water quality 52,000 20,000 72,000
Equipment - loan (scopes etc.) 18,000 18,000
Signage, plaques, 1,000 1,000 1,000 communications and 3,000 promotional material
Dolphin Monitoring Cameras 23,000 23,000
586,50065 1,024,500 146,50020 87,500140 1,850,0002,0 Formatted: Not Highlight Total 4,000 1,077,000 6,000 ,000 77,000 Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Not Highlight *Includes management and expenses Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Font: 10 pt, Italic 2.12.4.2.11.3. Sustainability and Ongoing Viability Infrastructure will be managed by the Co-ordinator in a similar manner to the a property manager for real-estate purposes, with tertiary institutions being required to enter into loan agreements and depending on established relationships a suitable bond will be required. The PHCC will manage asset infrastructure, maintenance and replacement via an established system, which includes management of depreciation and a revolving fund for maintenance and replacement. There will be a schedule of rates for the use of infrastructure to ensure that cleaning, maintenance and replacement are suitably covered, as well as relevant insurance costs. Rates will be considered against applications in a similar manner to how the PHCC manage the renting of their community space. This space, which can accommodate ~60 people has been renovated, maintained and upgraded over time via a system which enables community to use the facility for a waived fee, which the PHCC cover through project delivery funds from e.g. Australian Government where the provision of the service enables the PHCC to meet project outputs with the Government. In the case where commercial companies use the facility, the PHCC charge a commercial fee. All funds are then quarantined for the purpose of maintaining and upgrading the facility. This model will be modified to meet the sustainability and ongoing viability of the project. Agreement has been reached with City of Mandurah, WAPC and DBCA in respect to allowing infrastructure to be located on their managed land, at no cost, or for the central hub, a peppercorn lease (with the City of Mandurah). There is also a commitment from the City to support relocation of the hub, should that be required into the future.
Page 35 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2.13.2.12. Project Timeframe and Key Milestones Main Activities (Milestones) Milestone Date Responsibility Agreement executed 1/07/2020 DPIRD / PDC Recruitment and Appointment to fill 1 FTE (Communications, Marketing and 31/08/2020 PHCC Maintenance) position completed Water quality instrument and sampling equipment for groundwater and surface 30/09/2020 PHCC water purchased Detailed design of prefabricated central hub 30/09/2020 PHCC building and mobile laboratories finalised Lease agreement with City of Mandurah PHCC & City of 31/10/2020 signed Mandurah Scholarship partners identified, scope of PHCC & University scholarships finalised and advertised for 31/10/2020 Partners 2021 academic year Detailed design, procurement and purchase of vehicle and Mobile Laboratories 31/12/2020 PHCC completed Citizen Science equipment (e.g. telescopes, 31/12/2020 PHCC microscopes, cameras) purchased
Procurement of central hub building and Formatted Table 31/01/2021 PHCC facilities completed Scholarships (2021) allocated to projects PHCC & University 31/01/2021 and students Partners Procurement and purchase of River Health Assessment trailers and equipment and 31/03/2021 PHCC research vessel completed Installation of Central Hub building and 31/03/2021 PHCC facilities completed Detailed design of Transportable 31/03/2021 PHCC Laboratories completed Fit out of Central Hub completed ready for 31/05/2021 PHCC use by scientists Approvals for temporary installation of PHCC & 31/05/2021 Transportable Laboratories finalised Landholders Procurement and installation of 2 x 30/06/2021 PHCC & Landholder Transportable Laboratories completed Scholarship partners identified, scope of PHCC & University scholarships finalised and advertised for 31/10/2021 Partners 2022 academic year Scholarships (2021) delivered and PHCC & University 30/11/2021 completed Partners Scholarships (2022) allocated to projects PHCC & University 31/01/2022 and students Partners
Page 36 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Main Activities (Milestones) Milestone Date Responsibility Procurement and installation of 2 x PHCC & 31/03/2022 Transportable Laboratories completed Landholders Fitout of transportable laboratories 30/04/2022 PHCC completed suitable for use by scientists Scholarship partners identified, scope of PHCC & University scholarships (balance of 10) finalised and 31/10/2022 Partners advertised for 2023 academic year Scholarships (2022) delivered and PHCC & University 30/11/2022 completed Partners Scholarships (2023) allocated to projects PHCC & University Formatted Table 31/01/2023 and students Partners PHCC & University Scholarships (2023) delivered 30/0611/2023 Partners Record of use/participation 30/06/2023 PHCC
Record of use and ongoing management Formatted Table 1/08/2024 PHCC arrangements in final report Project Completion 30/06/20232024
2.14.2.13. Risk Analysis
PHCC has developed an overarching Risk Management Plan that addresses risks at an organisational level that PHCC is likely to face over the period 2017-2020 (Attachment 7). This analysis includes Financial Risks, Strategic Risks, and Operational Risks. An analysis of the risks specific to this project, in particular focusing on risks to the reputation of the State Government and Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and project delivery risks is shown in the table below.
Page 37 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Type of Risk Description of Risk Likelihood Impact Maximal Control strategies Residual Risk Risk Rating Rating Reputational Central Hub facility not Possible Moderate High • Central hub situated adjacent to Medium fully occupied by PHCC Offices (Rare / Moderate) researchers in 1 – 3 years • Facility can be temporarily following project occupied by PHCC staff commencement, giving • Employment of Coordinator, impression the facility is Waterways Research under-utilised Infrastructure to coordinate occupancy of the facility • Exiting relationships with research scientists active in the region. Resources / Loss/theft/damage to Possible Moderate High Likelihood reduced to rare through: Medium Reputational assets and / or equipment • The Central hub situated adjacent (Rare / Moderate) from Central Hub to PHCC Offices • Employment of Coordinator, Waterways Research Infrastructure to oversee the operation and maintenance of the facility • Ensuring facility security is factored into design and procurement processes
Page 38 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Type of Risk Description of Risk Likelihood Impact Maximal Control strategies Residual Risk Risk Rating Rating Reputational Transportable laboratories Possible Moderate High 1. The likelihood is reduced to Medium not sufficiently utilised Unlikely through assigning the (Rare / Moderate) initial location of the transportable laboratories to areas where: • PHCC has existing funded projects until 2022/23 (Lake Clifton) and Lake McLarty. • Is confident that existing projects will be extended to at least 2022/23 (Serpentine River) • an active community group exists i.e. Friends of Lake McLarty and Lake Clifton Heron Landcare Group • an active research or citizen science program exists i.e. Mandurah Fairy Tern Sanctuary,(City of Mandurah, Conservation Council of WA) 2. The purchase and installation of Medium the laboratories will be staged to (Rare / Minor) allow for alternative sites to be identified to meet demand, reducing likelihood and consequence. Resources / Loss/theft/damage to Possible Moderate High As above Medium Reputational assets and / or equipment (Unlikely / Moderate) from Reputational Mobile laboratories under Possible Minor Low As above Low utilised
Page 39 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Type of Risk Description of Risk Likelihood Impact Maximal Control strategies Residual Risk Risk Rating Rating Project delivery / Leasing agreement with Unlikely Major High The likelihood is reduced to Rare Medium (Rare / Major) performance City of Mandurah for site through: for Central Hub not • The City of Mandurah has obtained provided in-principle agreement to the leasehold (see attached). • PHCC has a long-standing good relationship with the City, including an existing leasehold on its offices
Project delivery / Approvals not granted by Unlikely Moderate Medium The likelihood is reduced to Rare Low performance land managers to locate through: Rare / Minor transportable laboratories • DBCA and DPLH have provided in principle support for these approvals • The laboratories are by design transportable and so approvals do not need to exceed the life of the project. Project delivery / Cost escalation and Possible Moderate High The likelihood is reduced to Rare Low performance available funding through: Rare / Minor Commented [P4]: Please amend as appropriate insufficient to deliver • project to scope Staging the Project delivery to ensure priority / critical items are completed • Close monitoring of project budgets by Project Officer and Project Steering Group
Page 40 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2.15.2.14. Local Content Local procurement will be a priority for the purchase and construction of the infrastructure components, in line with the PHCC procurement policy which gives a weighting of preference to local procurement as well as Noongar procurement (Attachment 8). As an example, with the assistance of the Local Content Adviser for the PDC, the PHCC are aware of at least two (2) local companies that would be offered a request for quote for the transportables/demountables. These companies are located in Byford and Dwellingup. With respect to earthworks and construction, the PHCC currently works with local companies that have established reputations in this field, and again, these local providers will be selectively targeted to provide a request for quote. In March 2019 the PHCC hosted a Peel Chamber of Commerce ‘Business After Hours”. At this event we demonstrated that, in the 2018-19 financial year, the PHCC had already worked with 89 suppliers across project delivery; 57 suppliers on corporate needs; and 11 suppliers for employment and training. The procurement processes always favour local providers. It should be noted that some of the specialised equipment and other facilities are likely to not be available locally, and perhaps not all within WA. However, the PHCC is committed, as per their procurement policy, to sourcing all aspects of the project from local suppliers, wherever possible.
2.16.2.15. Aboriginal Participation
In 2016, Mandurah had a population of 80,813 people of which 2.1% (1,718 people were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples of which the median age was 20 years old. Across all demographics, Mandurah had the highest unemployment rate in Western Australia at 9.3%27.
PHCC has a strong record in engagement with the local Noongar community where it aims to develop, monitor, evaluate and improve all consultation, engagement and participation protocols and procedures through implementation of its Noongar Participation Plan (Attachment 8).
• PHCC identifies opportunities for consultation and engagement with the local Noongar Elders and community linked to working on country and works with organisations such as Indigenous Management Services to realise employment opportunities. • According to the agreement between the Australian Government and PHCC regarding delivery of the National Landcare Program/ Regional Land Partnership (NLP/RLP), PHCC is working towards a target of 4% of expenditure directed to procurement through Aboriginal people. • Through existing projects PHCC works with the local community to identify and protect sites of significance and cultural value as well as working under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 to protect all Aboriginal Heritage sites within WA, EPBC Act 1999 to protect Indigenous Heritage and the Heritage Act 2018. These projects include in particular:
27 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 13 November 2019 from Australian Bureau of Statistics : http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/LGA55110?opendocument. Page 41 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Connecting Corridors and Communities: Restoring the Serpentine River (funded by the Alcoa Foundation) • Wetlands and people – a community restoring the ecological character of the peel-Yalgorup Ramsar 482 wetlands (Australian Government NLP/RLP) • Saving Lake McLarty Stage 1: Addressing acidification, hydrology and habitats (State NRM Program)
The above-mentioned projects are currently being delivered by the Science and Waterways Program at PHCC, which will also be responsible for the delivery of the this Project. The locations of the transportable laboratories have been chosen to align with the areas at which on-ground components of these projects are being delivered, and will therefore provide a base from which local Noongar folk can work on country. Training and employment opportunities through these projects include:
• training in River Health Assessments of the Serpentine River, also using the fully equipped River Health Assessment Trailers supplied by the WRI • training in taking water quality measurements at the Serpentine River, Lake McLarty, and / or Lake Clifton, also using the WRI water quality equipment • Training and employment in weed control at the Serpentine River, Lake McLarty • Delivering interpretative field days at Lake Clifton, Serpentine River, Lake McLarty, and the Mandurah Fairy Tern Sanctuary. 3. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 3.1. Communication Plan
The PHCC will prepare and implement a communications plan for the Peel Waterways Research Infrastructure Project, to ensure that the objectives of the project are met, and the state is appropriately acknowledged as the funding body.
The communications plan will be in line with the PHCC’s Communications Plan (Attachment 9) and Community Engagement Plan and associated toolkits (Attachment 10).
The objectives of PHCC community engagement are to:
• Raise Awareness: Increase knowledge of the pressures facing our catchment and lift the ability of the PHCC to lead positive change • Share Knowledge: Learn from other’s experiences and build, preserve and share a hub of knowledge about our catchment • Drive and Inspire Behavioural Change: Lift pride, performance, teach skills and guide our community to become champions of the catchment • Promote Inclusiveness: Respectfully work with others to strengthen project partnerships and community relationships. Build cultural respect into the foundations of our work • Build Capacity: Provide support to increase knowledge, opportunities and skills that help our community do great things in caring for the environment.
Communications will be undertaken in a variety of ways, responding to the most effective form for different sectors of our community. The PHCC have an active social
Page 42 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
media presence with over 1,500 followers on Facebook, approximately 500 followers on Twitter, approximately 400 followers on Instagram and most project officers are active on personal twitter and Instagram promoting work related issues/successes.
Traditional media is complemented with regular Radio and a growing television presence. We regularly submit articles to various magazines and newsletters. We also intend to continue to prepare and promote Youtube videos relevant to the Project.
An Annual Report is prepared and distributed to our community, as well as being made available on our website and promoted via social media.
We have an electronic newsletter that is published every 8 weeks, in line with the Noongar seasons. This has a current audience of approximately 460 and is rapidly growing.
Communications will be the responsibility of the PHCC project officers, supported by our Communications Co-ordinator.
Any communications relating to the Project including presentations, publications, signage, articles, newsletters, or other literary works relating to the Project will:
• equally represent the PHCC and State Government of Western Australia when logos are displayed, including containing the State’s and PHCC's logos and names in an equally prominent position; and • be consistent with the State’s Marketing, Communications and Acknowledgements Policy. • acknowledge the respective roles of the State and other parties at relevant fora, conferences, and project launches where the Project is promoted.
The PHCC and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, will: • work cooperatively at the senior management and officer levels; • maintain open communication, both formal and informal, to progress the objectives of the Project; • share information and knowledge as practicable; and • advise any stakeholders in the Project about arrangements between the Parties. • coordinate joint communications when dealing with the media and stakeholders in the Project in relation to the Project on issues of significance or mutual concern, including circulating draft media statements, advertising proposals and advertisements between the Parties for comment prior to publication. • liaise with the State prior to releasing, and gain the prior written approval of the State to the release of, any media statement, advertising proposal or advertisement in relation to the Project.
Page 43 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
3.2. Project Management
The project will be managed under the overarching direction of the PHCC Program Manager, Science and Waterways. A governance structure will be put into place to enable the proposed Full Time Employee that would be funded via the project, to manage the leasing and borrowing of infrastructure, in a similar fashion to a property manager for rental properties. This position will be responsible for overseeing the process of expressions of interest, selection (with an approved panel) and contract agreements. Loaning of short term equipment would be via a loan system. Asset management, maintenance of equipment, cleaning and repairs and replacement will also managed by this position.
The Project Manager would be supported by the Program Manager and the whole PHCC team, including the corporate services staff (Finance Manager, Office Manager, Administration and Communications Co-ordinator). Technical support will be provided predominately from the Science and Waterways team, as shown in the attached Staff structure (Attachment 11).
Project management will include the preparation of an annual project plan, which would be scrutinised and approved by the Steering Committee. The project plan will provide the structure for delivery.
3.3. Project Governance Governance of the project will be in accordance with PHCC’s governance framework. PHCC is governed by a Board of Management which operates within the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA). The board has the responsibility to provide strategic direction and management to the oversight of the organisation and help the organisation in achieving its objectives. These responsibilities and operations are detailed in PHCC’s Board of Management policy (Attachment 12) The project will be overseen by a Project Steering Sub-Committee comprising PHCC at least one Board member and representatives from the Peel Development Commission, DBCA and the DWER, operating in accordance with the following Terms of Reference (Attachment 13). The primary function of a Steering Sub-Committee is to provide sound governance and support to oversee the successful project delivery in accordance with Project Funding Guidelines and Service Agreement. To do this Sub-Committee Members will contribute their skills, knowledge, insight and experience to project development and delivery. Sub-Committee Members will understand the projects scope, funding guidelines and delivery requirements. The key roles and responsibilities of Project/Program Steering Sub-Committees are: • Project Officer presents individual project plans to Program Manager for review for accuracy and compliance with funding requirements. Program Manager then presents them to Sub-Committee for endorsement and recommendation to CEO/Board as per delegations • Monitor progress of project delivery • Monitor the financial performance of the project in accordance with the approved budget • Recommend against budget variations, for approval by the delegated officer • Review, verify and/or endorse changes against the project plan
Page 44 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Review, suggest solutions for risk and any issues critical to achieving success of project delivery • Be part of assessment panels for grant applications or similar, as required • Assist in resolution of conflicts • Deliberate, make recommendations, advise and serve as an advocate for the Board • Sub-Committee meeting minutes and/or presentations will be provided as Project progress reports to the Board and/or Executive. Governance of Scholarships It is intended to award $100,000 in research scholarships to students undertaking postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters or PhD) in the field of natural resource management, and particularly waterways science. The following eligibility criteria is proposed: 1) Student must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree course (Hons or Masters) at an accredited tertiary institution, with a view to establishing a career in the field of natural resource management (to the satisfaction of the PHCC).
2) Preference will be given to applicants from areas covered by the Peel-Harvey catchment, and/or to applicants undertaking research within the Peel-Harvey catchment area, and/or to applicants that can demonstrate a strong connection to the Peel Harvey catchment area.
3) Students must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
4) Students must demonstrate academic achievement and a commitment to following a career in the field of natural resource management.
5) Where a candidate is enrolled in a multi-year course of study, the scholarship will be reviewed annually and may be extended, subject to satisfactory progress made by the candidate. It is also possible that mentoring and support may be provided if the student conducts their research in the Peel-Harvey catchment area, via Peel-Harvey staff and/or colleagues. The PHCC will approach relevant tertiary institutions to identify those with a governance framework for advertising and recommending eligible applicants. the PHCC will establish a purpose panel to assess and make the final decision on the recipients. The PHCC would also advertise and encourage applications via our established networks as well as communicate the successes of the scholarships over time.
3.4. Procurement Strategy Purchasing and procurement will be conducted through an open, impartial, equitable and transparent process in line with PHCCs Procurement Policy (Attachment 14) Local industry will receive a full, fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in the process. Where possible, the PHCC will engage with DPIRD’s Peel Local Content Adviser to maximise the Project’s Local Content outcomes.
Page 45 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
3.5. Supporting Documents • Attachment 1: Letter of Support – City of Mandurah • Attachment 2: Letter of Support – DBCA • Attachment 3: Letter of Support – DPLH • Attachment 4: Summary of current research and science initiatives undertaken in Peel waterways • Attachment 5: Ramsar TAG Sheet • Attachment 6: Remplan Assessment report • Attachment 7: Risk Management Plan 2017-2020 • Attachment 8: Noongar Participation Plan and Protocols • Attachment 9: PHCC Communications Plan • Attachment 10: Community Engagement Plan and associated toolkits • Attachment 11: PHCC Staff Structure • Attachment 12: PHCC Policy – Board of Management • Attachment 13: PHCC Policy – Subcommittees (Internal and External) • Attachment 14: PHCC Policy - Procurement
Page 46 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
4. SIGNING OF BUSINESS CASE 4.1. Sign-off I confirm that the information contained in this Business Case is true and correct.
CEO / DG Business Signed Case Author
Signed Completed by Approved by
Position Position
Date Date
Page 47 of 41 RfR Business Case Template - Standard 2018-19