Annual Report 27 March – 30 June 2009

Department of Environment and Resource Management Communication objective

Purpose of the report Our partners

This annual report details the fi nancial and To deliver on the government’s agenda, DERM works non-fi nancial performance of the Department of collaboratively with other organisations that have a Environment and Resource Management (DERM) role and interest in the environment and natural from 27 March to 30 June 2009. It highlights the resource management, including other state work, achievements, activities and strategic initiatives government agencies, local and federal governments, of the department, and satisfi es the requirements of regional natural resource management bodies, other Queensland’s Financial Administration and Audit environmental authorities, industry, conservation Act 1977. groups and special interest groups, landholders, and the general community. The report also details progress against the 2008 Strategic Plans of the former Department of Your feedback Natural Resources and Water (NRW) and the former ii Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and The annual report is an important document documents how the department’s work contributes representing communication and accountability. to the government’s priority of protecting the The department values comments and welcomes environment for a sustainable future. feedback from readers. To provide feedback, please complete the electronic survey available at .

This publication can be accessed and downloaded

COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVE COMMUNICATION from our website. Alternatively, hard copies of this publication can be obtained by emailing .

Published by: Phone: +61 7 3227 8311 Department of Environment and Resource Management Email: [email protected] GPO Box 2454 Brisbane Qld 4001 If you need to access this report in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting © The State of Queensland (Department of Environment Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to and Resource Management) 2009 telephone the department’s Library Services on +61 7 3224 8412.

The department authorises the reproduction of textual material in this report, whole or in part and in any form, Published October 2009 provided the appropriate acknowledgement is given. ISBN 978-1742300290 Contact Communication Services if an alternative # 29012 format is required.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management

30 October 2009

The Honourable Stephen Robertson MP The Honourable Kate Jones MP Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister for Climate Change and and Minister for Trade Sustainability iii Level 17, 61 Mary Street Level 17, 160 Ann Street Brisbane Qld 4000 Brisbane Qld 4000

Dear Ministers LETTER OF COMPLIANCE OF LETTER I am pleased to present the Annual Report for the Department of Environment and Resource Management for the period ending 30 June 2009.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) was established in March 2009, amalgamating the former Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources and Water. This report outlines DERM’s activities and achievements from 27 March to 30 June 2009.

I certify that this Annual Report complies with:

• the prescribed requirements of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 and the Financial Management Standard and • the detailed requirements set out in the Annual Reporting Guidelines for Queensland Government Agencies.

A checklist outlining the annual reporting requirements can be accessed at .

Yours sincerely

John Bradley Director-General Department of Environment and Resource Management

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Contents

Our organisation 1 We are DERM 2 Director-General’s report 4 Our achievements 5 Executive Management Group 8 Organisational structure 9 Financial summary 10

Our past, our future 12 Our business 14 Output performance 15 Conservation and Environmental Services 21 iv Sustainable Futures 27 Land and Vegetation Services 34 Water and Catchment Services 41 CONTENTS Corporate Services initiatives 49 Service Delivery initiatives 52

Our people 54 Staff profi le 55 Awards and recognition 57 Service delivery contacts 58

Other reporting 60 Reducing our carbon footprint 61 Corporate governance 65 Legislation 69 Administration 73 Appendix 1 – Statutory bodies 76 Appendix 2 – Boards and committees 81 Appendix 3 – Queensland Trust for Nature 88

Financial statements 90 Glossary 154

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1

Our organisation

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 We are DERM Performance management framework

4OWARD1GOVERNMENT !NNUALWHOLE The Department of Environment and Resource AMBITIONSANDTARGETS OF GOVERNMENT Management (DERM) is a new department comprising PERFORMANCEREPORT the former Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural Resources and Water. It was established following a machinery-of-government 4OWARD1TARGET change—Administrative Arrangements Order (No. 1) DELIVERYPLANS INTER AGENCY 2009 and Public Service Departmental Arrangements Notice (No. 2) 2009 of 26 March 2009.

Consequently, this is DERM’s fi rst annual report and $%2-STRATEGICPLAN it covers the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009. „OBJECTIVES „STRATEGIES The report is structured around the fi ve outputs described on page 3. These outputs represent a combination of the former EPA and the former $%2-SERVICE 2 /THERSTRATEGICPLANS NRW outputs. Consequently, the fi rst three refl ect DELIVERYSTATEMENT former EPA activities and the fi nal two refl ect former NRW activities.

$%2-OPERATIONALPLAN $%2-ANNUALREPORT Departmental responsibilities

OUR ORGANISATION DERM conserves and manages the natural environment for the benefi t of all Queenslanders. It aims aim to $IVISIONALBUSINESSPLANS 0ERFORMANCEREPORTING deliver long-term sustainability for the state’s natural environment by promoting sustainable living and resource use, and by strengthening the state’s response to climate change.

The department considers social, economic and environmental outcomes when planning, allocating and managing natural resources, to ensure the state’s economic growth and its natural heritage are maintained now and in future.

DERM’s key responsibilities include: • water—securing the quality and supply of water • climate change—preparing for the impacts of climate change • land—managing land and vegetation including native title • environmental services—building resilience in natural landscapes and conserving Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Departmental functions 3. Performance and Capability focuses on the capabilities, knowledge and value of people involved DERM delivers its services through the following in environmental protection activities. It includes the fi ve outputs. Environmental Sciences group, which provides monitoring services and robust scientifi c evidence to 1. Conservation and Environmental Services refl ects support policy development and decision making. the department’s objective to provide a whole-of- landscape perspective for managing the present for 4. Land and Vegetation Services implements the an environmentally sustainable future. It does this state’s vegetation management framework; provides through two sub-outputs: land valuations, titles registration and mapping and • Queensland Parks and Wildlife which conserves spatial information; manages State land and and manages the parks and wildlife estate commercial use of its forest and quarry products; and implements effective land ownership and access • Environmental Services which enables sustainable strategies for Indigenous Queenslanders. development and improvements in business and industry environmental performance. Through this output, the department contributes to the Toward Q2 green target: Protect 50 per cent more 2. Sustainable Futures takes a strategic approach to land for nature conservation and public recreation, planning, designing and communicating about an 3 and the Toward Q2 strong target: Queensland is environmentally sustainable future, and leads the Australia’s strongest economy, with infrastructure government’s Toward Q2 green target: Cut by one-third that anticipates growth. Queenslanders’ carbon footprint with reduced car and electricity use. It has four sub-outputs: 5. Water and Catchment Services focuses on effective • Climate change—to provide a leadership role in management of the state’s water resources which OUR ORGANISATION climate change policy responses that reduce includes developing and implementing catchment-level greenhouse gas emissions and prepare Queensland water resource plans and strategies and regulations for for the impacts of climate change water supply and demand. The output incorporates activities under the state’s water reform agenda and • Sustainable communities—to inform, involve and Commonwealth–State agreements that address issues of partner with our communities and industries to catchment and reef health. It contributes to the Toward realise an environmentally sustainable Queensland Q2 strong target: Queensland is Australia’s strongest • Sustainability innovation—to lead future scanning economy, with infrastructure that anticipates growth. and innovation to infl uence and guide future actions to address existing and emerging environmental issues • Strategy and policy—to infl uence and create the future direction of environmental sustainability policy and strategy.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Director-General’s report

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) was established in March 2009 as part of a signifi cant public sector reform process, which included the consolidation of 23 stand-alone departments into 13 new departments.

These changes were designed to group like functions into larger, more effective agency groupings and to ensure that effi ciency savings were directed to frontline There are signifi cant opportunities to achieve better services for the benefi t of all Queenslanders. integration in our policy and regulatory frameworks, The newly established Department of Environment and scientifi c research and delivery of services to our Resource Management is an integration of the former customers and stakeholders. Department of Natural Resources and Water and the In our fi rst few months, key implementation priorities 4 former Environmental Protection Agency, and aims to were achieved including the declaration of Wild Rivers ensure a coordinated approach to conserving and in Cape York Peninsula, the moratorium on clearing of managing our natural environment for the benefi t of endangered regrowth, and initial work on measures to Queenslanders. The environmental and resource protect the Great Barrier Reef. management challenges facing Queensland require a coordinated approach to ensure Queensland’s long-term Internally, a key focus for the department in its

OUR ORGANISATION sustainability and economic wellbeing. fi rst three months was transitional arrangements to establish a new departmental structure, governance and The department now provides portfolio support to two operational arrangements ready for commencement on ministers, the Honourable Stephen Robertson MP, 1 July 2009. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade, and the Honourable Kate Jones MP, Service delivery was also a key focus during this Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. The period as we implemented interim operating systems new department provides an opportunity to enhance which allowed for ongoing delivery of products and our approach to management of the environment and services to our clients and the community. Now, with natural resources, ensuring that the approaches are a signifi cant regional presence across the state, we can integrated, coordinated and the synergies maximised. look at enhancing the coordination and effectiveness We believe that we can deliver better environmental of our services. outcomes by taking an integrated approach to In closing, I would like to acknowledge the efforts environmental protection and resource management. of all departmental staff for their continued focus The department leads the Toward Q2 green target: and commitment to improving service delivery to our Cut by one-third Queenslanders’ carbon footprint, with clients during the department’s foundation period. reduced car and electricity use and household waste, Thanks also to our clients and stakeholders for their and is a major contributor to the Toward Q2 green support, feedback and suggestions about the target: Protect 50 per cent more land for nature improvements which can be made through the conservation and public recreation. The department is creation of our new entity. also a signifi cant contributor to the Toward Q2 strong target: Queensland is Australia’s strongest economy, with infrastructure that anticipates growth.

With an asset base of $3.685 billion and an annual John Bradley operating budget in 2009–10 of $1.043 billion, the Director-General agency employs approximately 5400 staff throughout Queensland.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 124 hectaresofnationalpark islands. Marine ParknorthofLockhart Riverand 197 000hectaresoftheGreat BarrierReef people weresigned.These agreementscover Agreements onCapeYorkwiththeKuukuYa’u In June2009,twohistoricIndigenousLandUse park. had atotalof7959279hectaresnational were gazetted.Asat30June2009,Queensland Conway, LittabellaandD’Aguilarnationalparks Oakview, werecreatedandadditionstothe Two newnationalparks,Wrattensand moratorium from8April2009. on 30April2009,givingeffecttothe Clearing Moratorium)Bill2009wasassentedto The VegetationManagement(Regrowth improve vegetationclearinglaws. consults stakeholdergroupsaboutwaysto endangered regrowthvegetationwhileit commitment toamoratoriumontheclearingof report for2006–07,thegovernmentmadea annual StatewideLandcoverandTreesStudy Following thereleaseearlierthisyearof heritage icon. $50 millioncommitmenttoprotectthisworld a criticalpartoftheQueenslandGovernment’s and pollutantsthatflow tothereef.ThisBillis agricultural impactsbyreducingthenutrients first regulatorystepstoprotectthereeffrom Bill 2009,introducedinJune,takesthestate’s The GreatBarrierReefProtectionAmendment Our achievements ANNUAL REPORT |27 MARCH2009– 30JUNE 2009

OUR ORGANISATION 5 OUR ORGANISATION 6 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT and energyplansforhouseholds. Home Serviceprovidedhomeenergyaudits $20 millionallocationtotheClimateSmart programs possible.Forexample,the Change Fundfor2008–09madethese An allocationfromtheQueenslandClimate and ‘savewater,saveenergymoney’. households toreducetheircarbonfootprint campaigns thatencourageQueensland DERM continuedtorolloutprogramsand delivery plans. provided inputintofourothercross-agency Queensland carbonfootprinttargetand plan fortheTowardQ2:Tomorrow’s DERM leddevelopmentofthetargetdelivery Nature Refugewascompleted. and thefencearoundRichardUnderwood trapped andradiocollaredfortranslocation Downs continued.Sevenwombatswere hairy-nosed wombatpopulationatYarran Preparations toestablishasecond,northern Adventurer oilspilloffMoretonIsland. and rehabilitationfollowingthePacifi involved incoastlineclean-upandwildlifecare More than230DERMstaffwereheavily to nine. number ofdeclaredwildriversinQueensland wild riverareasinApril2009broughtthe Declaration oftheArcher,LockhartandStewart c The government’s highly successful Home WaterWise Rebate schemes wound up in June 2009. Since the start of the schemes in July 2006, approximately 569 400 applications were processed and more than $321 million in rebates were approved for the purchase of water-saving devices in Queensland homes.

To enhance analysis and communication of sustainability issues, DERM conducted 13 information sessions during the reporting period for interested parties in local government, industry and the community. The sessions covered topics such as renewable 7 energy markets, reducing household carbon footprints, behaviour change and social marketing. OUR ORGANISATION The department completed a three-year inspection program of the state’s industrial estates to characterise them and to identify and rectify any incidences of non-compliance with environmental legislation. More than 3000 facilities within 58 separate estates were inspected. Of these, 23 were high-impact industrial estates and a signifi cant number of environmental breaches were identifi ed. Issues regarding the environment and industrial land use can now be better managed with these characterisations.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Executive Management Group

The department’s Executive Management Group (EMG) The group comprises the Director-General (chair), ensures the effective management, administration and Associate Director-General, Deputy Director-General, overall strategic direction of the department, and offers and three Assistant Directors-General. high-level advice and support to the Director-General, The group regularly reviews the department’s monthly who is the department’s accountable offi cer. fi nancial performance reports and quarterly EMG plays a strong leadership role in identifying performance and human resources reports. It also priorities, setting strategic direction and driving policy considers upcoming Cabinet business. initiatives. EMG met 10 times during the reporting period of 27 March to 30 June 2009.

8 OUR ORGANISATION

John Bradley Terry Wall Debbie Best Director-General Associate Director-General Deputy Director-General

Operations and Environmental Regulator Water and Corporate Services

John leads DERM’s strategic Responsibilities: DERM’s regulatory, Responsibilities: water planning direction and priorities to ensure licensing, compliance and and management, water quality the department is aligned with enforcement functions; natural and ecosystems, and water safety government direction. He holds resource and environmental sciences; and reliability across the state; primary responsibility for planning sustainability programs; Queensland also corporate services, corporate activities, resource decisions, policy Parks and Wildlife Service; client governance and organisational initiatives and risk management. service delivery throughout the state sustainability. Chairs various As the department’s head, management committees, notably the John leads agency change and department’s Finance Committee collaboration across and outside of the department.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Organisational structure

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Chris Robson Tony Roberts Greg Withers Assistant Director-General Assistant Director-General Assistant Director-General

Land and Vegetation Services Natural Resources and Environment Offi ce of Climate Change

Responsibilities: land use (including Responsibilities: various legislation Responsibilities: policy and State land) and vegetation and policy and planning regarding planning for climate change management; forest products and the reef, wetlands, built heritage, and implementing ClimateQ: quarry materials on State-controlled biodiversity, and waste; also the toward a greener Queensland; the land; native title and Indigenous Caring for our Country policy and Queensland Climate Change Centre cultural heritage; land transfers DERM’s involvement in Cape York, of Excellence; coordination of and policy relating to land access; as well as the coordination of peak Queensland’s contribution to the mapping and spatial information, ministerial councils national climate change agenda; titles registry, and valuations management of the Queensland Climate Change Fund; operation of the Premier’s Council on Climate Change

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Financial summary

The Department of Environment and Resource HdjgXZhd[XdcigdaaZY[jcYh Management (DERM) comprises the operations and net assets of the former Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural Resources and ' ' Water following the abolition of these agencies on 26 March 2009. &- This summary highlights the department’s fi nancial position and performance for both controlled and administered activities since DERM was established. Controlled activities relate to the department’s operational objectives and arise at its discretion and . direction. Administered activities are those that the department does not control, but has responsibility for 10 administering on a whole-of-government basis. +. When DERM formed, $3.54 billion of equity was transferred into the department’s controlled ledger and $23.60 billion was transferred into the administered ledger representing the net assets of the Output revenue from Queensland Treasury 69%

OUR ORGANISATION abolished agencies. Controlled operations returned a User charges 9% favourable operating result of $9.22 million and administered activities returned a favourable Grants and other contributions 18% $26.61 million result for the period 27 March to Royalties 2% 30 June 2009. Other income 2% Recognition of land under roads (as required by AASB 1051 Land under Roads) has had a signifi cant impact on the department’s administered fi nancial position. ($154.56 million). Other key income was $20.13 million Under the Land Act 1994, land under roads not subject in user charges, principally payments for services to freehold or leasehold title or reserve tenure vests in provided, and $39.44 million in grants and other the State of Queensland. Because DERM administers contributions received, mostly from the this Act, such land is considered an administered asset Commonwealth. The sources of income are represented in of the department. the above chart. The information necessary to identify and value this asset was provided from a number of departmental Expenditure systems and databases including the Digital Cadastral DERM’s total expenditure in the reporting period was Database, the Automated Titling System and the Land $213.91 million, almost half of which was related to Tenures Ledger, and from valuations data provided by employee costs, as outlined in the chart on page 11. the State Valuation Service. Overall, Queensland has 3.44 million hectares of land under roads which Financial position of controlled activities equates to almost two per cent of the state’s total land area with a calculated value of $40.37 billion. The department had $3.56 billion of net assets at 30 June 2009. Of this, $3.51 billion was related to Financial performance of controlled property, plant and equipment—mainly national parks activities and other heritage assets ($1.41 billion) and associated infrastructure ($1.12 billion). DERM was holding Income $84.39 million in cash and cash equivalents and During the reporting period, DERM’s income from $42.33 million in receivables, of which trade debtors continuing operations was $223.13 million, most comprised $24.02 million. of which was Treasury appropriation funding

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60 OUR ORGANISATION Supplies and services 27% $ million 40 Grants and subsidies 14% 20 0 Depreciation and amortisation 8% 2008–09 Other 2% AVcYigVch[Zgh ;ZZhVcY[^cZh

Current liabilities totalled $125.53 million at 30 June Administered expenditure of $110.02 million included 2009, of which $54.55 million related to monies held $96.78 million of land transfers to non-Queensland for land purchases on behalf of other agencies. government entities.

The department’s equity included the contributed Financial position of administered equity of $3.54 billion from the former agencies activities together with a favourable $9.22 million operating result for the reporting period and $5.98 million from The value of administered net assets was $64.08 billion asset revaluations. at the end of the reporting period, including The graph (top right) provides an overview of DERM’s $40.37 billion of land under roads and $23.50 billion fi nancial position. of unallocated State land, government reserves and land held subject to operating leases. The initial Financial performance of administered inclusion of a value for land under roads has activities signifi cantly increased the reported value of land administered by the department for the state. The department received $189.66 million in the reporting period from continuing operations, including Financial statements $126.06 million from land transferred from non- Queensland government entities. Fees and fi nes, Comprehensive fi nancial statements for the reporting principally relating to Land Title Act fees, totalled period ending 30 June 2009 appear at the end of this $58.21 million. report and are available on the DERM website .

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 12 OUR PAST, OUR FUTURE OUR PAST,

Our past , our future

The year 2009 is signifi cant for the State of Queensland • opening of tenders for runs of Crown Land beyond and also the Department of Environment and Resource the settled district—announced in the fi rst Management (DERM), marking the formation of Queensland Government Gazette 150 years ago and the department this year. • passing of four Land Bills (including the Unoccupied On 6 June 1859, Queensland separated from New South Crown Land Occupation Act) in Queensland Parliament’s Wales under its own representative government, with fi rst session in 1860. Sir George Ferguson Bowen as its fi rst governor. In 1862, the Department of Lands and Works was established The colony became a state with federation in 1901. under the control of a Minister of the Crown to implement the On 26 March 2009, following the state election, the former requirements of the Land Acts. The Real Property Transfer Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) and Offi ce was established in the Colonial Secretary’s Offi ce at the former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were that time. Successor organisations since then have included amalgamated to form DERM. the Lands Department, Titles Offi ce, Valuer-General’s Department and Department of Geographic Information. Both agencies and their predecessor organisations were major contributors to shaping the fl edgling colony and the state, In 1881, the government established the Water Supply making Queensland the strong and vibrant place it is today. Offi ce in the Treasury Department to take over the water supply functions of the Harbours and Rivers Offi ce. DERM’s responsibilities can be traced back to activities This was in response to the growing population’s demand required as soon as the new colony was created, including: for better services. A Water Supply unit was created in the • surveying the colony—Augustus Charles Gregory Treasury Department in 1889 and its functions were managed became Queensland’s fi rst Surveyor-General at various times by Treasury Department, Department of Public Works, and Department of Public Lands.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 13 OUR PAST, OUR FUTURE OUR PAST,

During a world tour in 1878, Queensland pastoralist Until the late 1980s, environmental responsibilities were Robert Martin Collins learned of the world’s fi rst national scattered through several departments and smaller bodies, park, Yellowstone National Park, established in the such as the Department of the Co-ordinator General, Beach United States in 1872. Protection Authority and Noise Abatement Authority. These functions, which included pollution control, coastal On returning to Australia, Collins campaigned for the planning and cultural heritage conservation, were eventually creation of national parks in Queensland. His dream was brought together. realised 30 years later when in 1908, Witches Falls at Tamborine in south-east Queensland became the state’s QPWS became part of this larger agency, known fi rst as fi rst national park. Barron Gorge in far north Queensland, Department of Environment and Conservation, then as the however, also lays claim to being the fi rst park as it was Department of Environment and Heritage. In December 1998, declared a ‘reserve for national park purposes’ under the the EPA was created and it incorporated QPWS. Lands Act in 1900. In February 1996, the Department of Natural Resources was Queensland’s national parks were administered originally established by merging the resource management and water by the Forestry Department. In 1975 the Queensland Parks resources functions of the Department of Primary Industries and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was established, incorporating with the former Department of Lands. The department was the National Park Branch of Forestry, and the Fauna later renamed and became NRW. Conservation Branch of the Department of Primary Industries. DERM is building on this long and successful history by The Herbert River ringtail possum has been the symbol of securing the state’s water, managing the land, conserving the Service since 1976. Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage, and meeting the challenges of climate change.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 14

Our business

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 15 OUR BUSINESS

The output performance measures in the following tables are recorded in DERM’s Service delivery statement 2009–10 and are used by the department and the State Government to gauge DERM’s overall performance. They show the results achieved during the 12 month period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.

Output performance

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Conservation and Environmental Services

2008–09 Achieved Service delivery statement performance measures Notes Estimated (at 30 June target 2009)

Number of camping areas open in national parks and State forests 447 447

Percentage of statewide ranger establishments nominated as Indigenous 1 5% 3.2%

Percentage of Cape York ranger establishments nominated as Indigenous 2 20% 29%

Number of recycling systems implemented at major public sites 3 15 15

Number of planned compliance inspections of sites carrying out regulated activities: 4 • Level A (basin inspections) 390 1341 • Level B (condition audit) 800 333 • Level C (performance audit) 10 28

Number of planned industrial estate inspections to characterise actual and 16 potential environmental impacts and to determine compliance of individual 52323 sites with environmental standards

Percentage of enhanced Land and Pest Management Plans completed in accordance with best practice management of fi re, weeds and pests on 90% 90% DERM (QPWS) managed lands

Percentage of quality management assessments of national parks completed OUR BUSINESS 6 n/a n/a (Rapid Assessment program)

Percentage of DERM actions in the Queensland Tourism Strategy completed on 7 100% 90% schedule and in accordance with the strategy

Percentage of capital works completed in accordance with the project plan 8 90% 75%

Percentage of environmental authorities, development approvals and other 100% 100% approvals administered by the department that meet statutory timeframes

Percentage of valid environmental complaints responded to within stated 90% 87% timeframes (5 business days)

Delivery of intensive air monitoring programs in Townsville and Gladstone 9 completed completed

Amount invested, per camper night, on maintenance of visitor facilities in parks 10 $15.80 $17.20 and forests

Notes: 1. The variation is due to the fact that it is voluntary for employees to 7. The variance is due to adding new climate change material to the nominate as Indigenous. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Best Practice Sustainable Tourism Package and preparing it for web expects greater opportunities to attract and retain rangers in the publishing. The Tourism Park Management Strategy content has been future through the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Policy and re-drafted and re-negotiated with Tourism Queensland. by working with the Indigenous Jobs and Enterprises Taskforce in the 8. Four projects were cancelled due to amalgamation or not being Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. required, and three projects were deferred for completion in The aim is to develop a model for coordination of natural resource later years. Some projects were also delayed due to: unforseen management rangers programs across training providers in State and complications with planning approvals, contractor availability, a federal governments. prolonged wet season in far north Queensland, fl ooding in western 2. In 2008–09, the percentage is higher than expected due to quarterly Queensland, and to allow for further negotiations with traditional fl uctuations and the number of temporary employees. owners. To compensate for delayed projects, work was begun on 3. Facilities have been permanently installed at four stadiums and two additional projects. Overall capital works expenditure in 2008–09 was shopping centres. A further nine systems have been permanently 100% of the allocated annual budget. taken up by a range of private organisations, universities and local 9. The Townsville intensive air monitoring program commitment to collect councils to be used within parks and public areas, including Roma 12 months of dust monitoring data at four sites was extended to a Street Parklands (Brisbane) and Fraser Island. Temporary facilities have 15 month collection period (ending June 2009) to ensure extensive been used at 33 signifi cant public events and festivals, far exceeding rain periods in 2009 did not bias the results. The assessment report the original fi ve envisaged. will be completed in 2009–10. The Gladstone intensive monitoring 4. A higher number of Level A inspections were carried out during program commitment was to expand the air monitoring network in 2008–09 to complete the three-year statewide industrial estate the Gladstone region from three to seven stations, and increase the inspection program. Level B inspections were less than forecast as range of air pollutants monitored to include fi ne particles, metals and the focus was on Level A inspections (i.e. inspecting numerous small organic compound pollutants. The monitoring network expansion operations on industrial estates). The 2009–10 inspection targets will commitments were completed by June 2009. In 2009–10, monitoring have a greater focus on higher level performance audits and less on of the expanded range of pollutants will continue and interim health basic inspections. risk assessments based on the monitoring data will be delivered. 5. The formal inspection program concludes in 2008–09. Sites identifi ed 10. The increase in maintenance investment per camper night reinforces as high risk will continue to be monitored as part of the annual DERM’s commitment to servicing park visitor needs. Despite increased compliance program. camper numbers in the 2008–09 fi nancial year, this was more than matched by increases in maintenance spending. 6. Assessments are conducted biennially (every two years). The next assessment is in 2009–10.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Sustainable Futures

2008–09 Achieved Service delivery statement performance measures Notes Estimated (at 30 June target 2009)

Number of meetings convened by Premier’s Council on Climate Change (PCCC) 1 4 2

Number of PCCC-sponsored projects completed 3 3

Percentage of Climate Change Impact Statements included in all relevant 100% 100% Cabinet, CBRC and Budget submissions from July 2008

Number of ecoBiz participants who have completed the six steps of 40 43 eco-effi ciency and achieved partner status

Amount of greenhouse emissions cut through the ecoBiz program 2 35 000 t 25 865 t (in tonnes)

Number of hectares of Queensland gazetted as nature refuge 750 000 ha 750 984 ha

Level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of policy advice 100% 100% (monitored bi-annually) 17 Ratio of private to public investment achieved for projects supported by the 3:1 4:1 Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund

Percentage of Queensland Heritage Register recommendations referred to the 100% 100% Queensland Heritage Council within statutory timeframes OUR BUSINESS Percentage of heritage development applications determined by the department 100% 100% within statutory timeframes

Percentage of concurrence agency obligations under the Koala Conservation 3 100% 100% Plan met within IPA timeframes

Number of grid-connected solar power systems allocated to households in 4 1000 1000 south-east Queensland, Toowoomba, Fraser Coast, Rockhampton and Cairns

Notes: 1. Only second and fourth quarter meetings were held. The fi rst-quarter meeting did not take place as a meeting had been held in June 2008 and suffi cient time was needed to develop working papers for PCCC consideration. The third-quarter meeting was postponed due to the election caretaker period. 2. Non-achievement of the target refl ects a resource shift from rebate delivery to industry engagement, as demonstrated by the ClimateSmart Business program. The 2008–09 fi gures are based on the estimated potential CO2 emissions savings identifi ed by ecoBiz rebate recipients 2 only. In 2009–10 this measure will be reporting on actual CO savings realised by all ecoBiz partners. 3. Discontinued. Concurrence agency roles may change subject to development of State Planning Policy. 4. Discontinued. This measure was achieved by 1 December 2008, saving an estimated 1700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Performance and Capability

2008–09 Achieved Service delivery statement performance measures* Notes Estimated (at 30 June target 2009)

Number of customised ecosystems and moratorium maps downloaded from the 1 60 000 87 476 department’s website

Number of hectares of vegetation communities and ecosystems mapped 7 million ha 7 million ha

Percentage of south-east Queensland estuarine waterways represented 90% 90% in water management programs

Number of publications (books, reports and plans) available for download from 2 the department website: air• air• 69 52 • biodiversity 65 44 • coasts 40 40 • greenhouse 5 4 m arine• marine• 40 41 18 • water 209 127 Number of science datasets supplied to external stakeholders 20 000 25 642

Percentage of CO2-e offset to achieve a carbon neutral department 100% 100%

Number of refereed scientifi c papers published 50 55

OUR BUSINESS Percentage of Queenslanders who perceive the department as a trustworthy 3 >80% not achieved source of information

Percentage of externally funded research projects delivered within 95% 95% agreed timeframes

Number of air-quality monitoring stations operating in Queensland: • south-east Queensland 14 15 • central Queensland 8 9 • northern Queensland 7 9

Average annual operating costs of an air-quality monitoring station $34 000 $33 093 (includes labour)

Cost of vegetation survey and mapping (1:100 000 scale) per hectare $0.80 $0.80

Notes: * The numbers in this output table refer only to the former Environmental Protection Agency. 1. The release of a new map product in April 2009 for moratorium areas contributed to this large increase. 2. The variance is due to delays in web updates caused by merging departments and changing IT systems. 3. The survey was not undertaken due to machinery-of-government changes announced on 26 March 2009.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Land and Vegetation Services

2008–09 Achieved Service delivery statement performance measures Notes Estimated (at 30 June target 2009)

Number of State land applications completed 1 9500 7330

Percentage of investigations completed for very high priority notifi cations of 100% 100% alleged non-compliance with land and vegetation management legislation

Quantity of forest products and quarry materials sold (in cubic metres) • native forest timber 2 260 000 m3 239 000 m3 • quarry materials 3 3.6 million m3 3.4 million m3

Amount of operating surplus from forest product sales 4 $3.45 million $1.81 million

Proportion of resource registry records corrected 0.5% 0.28%

Percentage of records processed within customer service standards • Land Registry 90% 94% • Digital Cadastral Database 90% 91% 19 Percentage of valuation objections completed within customer service standards 5 90% n/a (60 working days of the closure of the objection period)

Percentage of Integrated Planning Act concurrence applications assessed within 100% 100% legislative timeframes

Percentage of vegetation permits processed within IPA timelines 100% 100% OUR BUSINESS

Notes: 1. Achievements were below target because of an overall reduction in the number of applications received and also the increasing proportion of outstanding applications that are more complex and require more detailed investigations, including consultations with numerous stakeholders. There has been a targeted effort over the past 10 years to improve completion rates and reduce the number of jobs on hand, which is improving turn-around times for many applications. Of all new cases opened in 2008–09, 82 per cent were completed within customer service standards. 2. The department’s log timber sales were eight per cent below target for the year. This is a relatively robust performance in a year when Queensland’s dwelling commencements fell by 34 per cent. 3. The department’s quarry material sales were six per cent below target in 2008–09. Demand for quarry materials was affected by reduced building activity during the second half of the year, but partially offset by continuing investment in key infrastructure and mine development projects. 4. The shortfall in operating surplus for 2008–09 was due to lower than expected revenue from timber and quarry materials sales as a result of a major downturn in building activity across the state. 5. On 12 February 2009, the Queensland Premier announced that revaluations would not be carried out on 17 local government areas previously nominated. Land valuations were not issued in 2008–09 due to economic uncertainty, the global economic downturn, and extreme weather conditions affecting north and north-west Queensland.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Water and Catchment Services

2008–09 Achieved Service delivery statement performance measures Notes Estimated (at 30 June target 2009)

Cumulative number of tradeable water allocations established under water 1 11 300 9187 resource plans (WRPs) and resource operations plans (ROPs)

Number of meter project areas completed 5 8

Number of applications/dealings processed regarding water licences 2 12 000 11 915

Proportion of actions under the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 3 100% 100% led by the department, assessed as progressing satisfactorily or better

Percentage of eligible regional natural resource management group investment 100% 100% strategies reviewed annually

Percentage of investigations completed for very high priority notifi cations of 100% 100% alleged non-compliance with water legislation

Number of applications approved for payment for the Home WaterWise and 100 000 129 745 20 Garden WaterWise rebate schemes

Progress with WRPs and amended WRPs • annual number progressed 4 6 2 • cumulative number completed 5 33 26

Progress with ROPs and amended ROPs OUR BUSINESS • annual number progressed 6 12 7 • cumulative number completed 6 30 21

Number of WRP reviews progressed 7 4 2

Percentage of safety conditions for referable dams issued within customer 8 100% 88% service standards

Progress with wild river declarations 9 • number progressed within timeframes 6 4 • number completed within timeframes 3 3

Percentage of new water licence application/dealings completed in 10 75% 64% 90 business days

Percentage of water licence transfers and renewals dealt with within 65% 85% 30 business days

Notes: 1. Approximately 350 water allocations were not established in the 6. The shortfall is due to (a) the need to fi nalise the Pioneer WRP and fi nal Condamine–Balonne ROP due to the decision to defer making Barron WRP amendments prior to the Pioneer ROP and Barron ROP provisions about the Lower Balonne Area. Delays in fi nalisation of amendments; (b) a focus on attaining consistency across south-east the Burdekin, Gulf, Barron Amendment, Gold Coast, Logan, Mary and Queensland ROPs; and (c) delays in the public submissions process Moreton ROPs have reduced achievable fi gures by approximately 1770 for the draft Burdekin, Gulf and Mitchell ROPs, due to fl ooding at the tradeable water allocations. ROPs for these plan areas are scheduled time of consultation. It is anticipated that the Fitzroy ROP amendment for release in the fi rst half of 2009–10. will be gazetted in July 2009. 2. Performance in the last quarter was below expectations due to delays 7. The Boyne WRP review has been deferred pending the outcome of associated with the introduction of a Water Management System. the statutory planning process review. The Burnett WRP review is 3. The Reef Intergovernmental Operational Committee has suspended scheduled to commence before the end of 2009. performance reviews until the review of the Reef Plan actions and 8. At present, 88 per cent of referable dams have applied the required targets has been endorsed by Cabinet. safety conditions. This will be brought up to 100 per cent over the 4. The draft Logan Amendment that incorporates the southern Moreton next six months. The main way of assessing dam owner compliance Bay islands has been deferred to 2009–10. The Callide and Isaac– with dam safety conditions is a comprehensive inspection undertaken Connors amendments have been amalgamated into the Fitzroy WRP by an independent engineer every fi ve years. In addition to this, review. Progress toward the targets has been made but was hindered the department has an ongoing auditing program to check on the by an inability to fi ll vacant positions with suitably skilled staff, the application of the applied dam safety conditions. A total of 13 safety State election caretaker period, and the need for additional modelling condition audits were completed in 2008–09 which exceeded the and consultation. target of 10. 5. Progress has been made but was hindered by the factors stated 9. Release of the Jacky-Jacky and Olive-Pascoe proposed wild river above (in note 4). A decision to include the Callide subcatchment and declarations was delayed to allow for further consultation with Isaac–Connors catchment in the Fitzroy WRP review will reduce this traditional owners. measure by two. 10. Resources were reallocated to assist with drought and fl ooding matters. Propsed enhancements to the Water Management System will signifi cantly improve the effi ciency of licence dealings over the next fi nancial year. Recent legislative changes, which separate the payment from the application and extend water licence terms, will also lead to further effi ciencies.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 21 OUR BUSINESS

Objective:

To enable sustainable development and the improvement of business and industry’s environmental performance

Conservation and Environmental Services

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Through this output the department makes a major Precious areas like national parks and other protected contribution to the government’s Toward Q2 green areas provide wildlife habitats and contribute to target: Protect 50 per cent more land for nature conservation outcomes for fl ora and fauna by helping conservation and public recreation. It does this through to maintain biodiversity and build resilience in natural two sub-outputs: Queensland Parks and Wildlife systems. They also provide outdoor recreation Service, and Environmental Services. opportunities.

Fire and pest management Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service A $10 million investment in high-quality programs to control fi re, weeds and animal pests on QPWS managed The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) lands was completed by the end of June 2009. conserves and manages terrestrial and marine protected QPWS will continue its management program in the areas. Its core business is the conservation of diverse 2009–10 fi nancial year to protect biodiversity in land and sea scapes across the state, and ensuring the Queensland’s protected areas. Approximately management of parks and forests to provide for $4.5 million will be invested to manage pests, of which equitable access to safe and sustainable recreational $1.5 million will be spent on 76 strategically targeted 22 opportunities. projects, and $5.5 million will be invested on fi re The off-estate focus is on providing information and management activities. QPWS will also undertake a educating people on their interaction with protected review of its fi re management program. native wildlife.

OUR BUSINESS Wildlife management In the reporting period, QPWS set aside more area for parks and recreation, added tourist walks, and added Queensland’s native wildlife is protected by legislation infrastructure that enables the community to continue to ensure its survival and to protect biodiversity. This to enjoy Queensland’s protected area estate in a includes all native birds, reptiles, mammals and sustainable way. QPWS also carried out its ongoing and amphibians; a limited range of invertebrates, freshwater signifi cant pest and fi re management program, and fi sh and the grey nurse shark; and indigenous plants. continued to build its community education program. Wildlife management for some species requires a Increasing protected areas balance between human safety and conservation needs and QPWS uses licensing and compliance activities to The total area of Queensland’s national parks was achieve this. 7 959 279 hectares at the end of June 2009. The table In the reporting period, QPWS implemented below shows the increase in area over the past four years. recommendations of the 2008 review of the crocodile management program and trained more than 70 staff in National parks total area (hectares) revised procedures to ensure the critical goal of public safety and the long-term conservation of crocodiles in At 01/07/2005 6 699 342 Queensland is achieved. At 01/07/2006 7 356 554 At 01/07/2007 7 469 946 Asset management At 01/07/2008 7 530 914

At 01/07/2009 7 959 279* By the end of June 2009, QPWS had invested $7.2 million over the year on infrastructure * This number includes all types of national park—recovery, scientifi c, and Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land. maintenance on its estate and $17.5 million to upgrade facilities such as roads, fi re trails, fencing, walking tracks and camp grounds. Since June 2000, the number of rangers employed by This ensured QPWS can effectively protect and manage the department has increased from 504 to 793 full-time the estate and that park visitor facilities were clean, equivalent rangers (permanent, temporary and casual safe and met visitor needs. employees) at 30 June 2009.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT More Great Walks Clean air for Gladstone

Work on the next round of Queensland’s Great Walks The government established the Clean and Healthy Air has involved creating spectacular new tracks through for Gladstone Project in response to community Cooloola, the Whitsunday Islands, the Conondale Range concerns about the potential adverse effects of in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and Carnarvon industrial emissions on air quality and community National Park. health. The project is one of the most wide-ranging scientifi c investigations of its kind to be conducted in a Carnarvon Great Walk was completed in the reporting Queensland city, and DERM is leading it in period. The remaining new walks are due for collaboration with Queensland Health. completion by June 2010. This work builds on the highly successful Great Walks of Queensland program The project commenced in 2007–08 and is expected to which was fi rst announced in 2001. conclude in 2009–10. It includes a comprehensive assessment of ambient air quality and air emissions in Tenure resolutions the region, an assessment of the health risks, and an investigation into people’s health and conditions that The fi rst two national parks to be managed jointly with may be aggravated by air pollution. traditional owners were gazetted in July and August 23 2008. Lama Lama National Park CYPAL (Cape York The network of air quality monitoring sites in the Peninsula Aboriginal Land) and KULLA National Park Gladstone region has been expanded to include six CYPAL will protect nearly 200 000 hectares of highly fi xed monitoring stations and a mobile monitoring signifi cant tropical rainforests, woodlands and wetlands unit. This state-of-the-art monitoring network is on Aboriginal freehold land. currently measuring more than 100 different pollutants, OUR BUSINESS and providing comprehensive information on the Negotiations are well advanced for at least seven other region’s ambient air quality. dealings on Cape York Peninsula and preliminary research for the remainder has begun. Results of air quality monitoring, where continuous monitoring methods are available, are reported daily through the DERM website. Results for parameters that Environmental Services require laboratory analysis are published in DERM’s monthly air quality bulletins.

Incident response The next stage of the project is to analyse the monitoring results and provide an assessment of human The department has responsibility to support, mainly health risks from any measured air pollutants. through advice, the frontline emergency response agencies that protect the environment. Its incident Townsville dust monitoring response unit deals with after-hours notifi cations, responds to major incidents, develops operational The department responded to community concerns procedures and provides internal training programs. It about Townsville’s air quality by implementing a dust manages DERM’s response requirements, largely in an monitoring program, the fi rst element of which was advisory capacity, for chemical, biological, radiological completed at the end of June 2009. The concerns were and nuclear incidents. that emissions from materials handling within the Port Response to the Pacifi c Adventurer oil spill was a of Townsville were causing elevated levels of heavy priority for the unit during the reporting period. Other metals. major incidents during this time included chemical In the reporting period, four new air monitoring sites at leaks from shipping containers, a large vegetable oil Yarrawonga, North Ward, Ross Creek and South spill, and chemical spills from road and rail transport. Townsville were added to the city’s air monitoring Next fi nancial year the unit will continue to deliver network, which has been operating for some years. All internal training programs to strengthen response new monitoring stations have been collecting data on capacity, undertake incident responses as they occur, the levels of dust in the air, and samples have also been and work collaboratively with government, business, analysed for metals such as lead, copper, zinc, nickel, and industry and community groups to improve arsenic and cadmium. industry environmental performance.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Comparison of the interim results to December 2008 The department has also played a key role in against national and international standards indicates establishing temporary recycling facilities at more than that metal concentrations are below recommended 40 major events in the past year, including Brisbane’s levels. All data will be referred to Queensland Health Riverfestival and New Year’s Eve fi reworks. for advice on potential human health risks. Five local councils have now adopted these facilities for A comprehensive report on all data gathered over a full local events. A further 11 systems are expected to be year of sampling is expected to be released before the implemented across Queensland in 2009–10 in end of 2009. Progress of the monitoring program is shopping centres and other public places. also available on the DERM website in the monthly air quality bulletins. Focusing on compliance

A selection of key monitoring sites near the Port will DERM develops an annual compliance plan for continue to operate in 2009–10. compliance issues that pose the greatest risk to the natural environment. The aim of the plan is to Cultural heritage maintenance audits minimise the risk and drive performance beyond compliance. Major achievements from the 2008–09 For the fi rst time, DERM has completed a Annual Compliance Plan at the end of June include: 24 comprehensive audit of places on the state’s Cultural Heritage Register to determine the condition of • 1702 compliance inspections were carried out—42 Queensland’s built heritage. per cent more than the target of 1200 inspections • the three-year Industrial Estate Inspection Program More than 1400 of the 1599 places on the register have was completed. The government now has a clear OUR BUSINESS been audited. picture of the cumulative environmental risk The audit program was important for ensuring that presented by industrial estates to aid industrial Queensland’s cultural heritage is preserved for all land-use planning and environmental regulation of Queenslanders to enjoy both now and into the future. industry well into the future. Recycling in public places A key project in the 2009–10 Annual Compliance Plan is to improve water and waste-water management on DERM is a champion of the Public Place Recycling mine sites and heavy industrial sites throughout the project, partnering with 19 organisations to implement state, especially in north-west Queensland where high permanent recycling facilities in key public areas such rainfall in the wet season makes this a signifi cant issue. as shopping centres and sporting stadiums.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Wetlands clean up after oil spill

Following the Pacifi c Adventurer oil spill off Moreton Island on 11 March 2009, 25 234 DERM staff from across the state assisted with the clean-up and wildlife care and rehabilitation.

The oil spill occurred during a cyclone, with associated strong seas and large waves that washed a signifi cant quantity of oil over Moreton Island beaches and

into two ecologically sensitive and culturally important freshwater wetlands. OUR BUSINESS

DERM staff put in more than 14 600 person hours (or almost nine person years of work effort) for the initial clean-up, which was completed within the reporting period; but recovery activities will continue for some time yet.

History has shown that cleaning oil from sensitive ecosystems can often lead to more degradation than the oil spill. To prevent this, DERM science staff assessed the extent of oil encroachment into the wetlands, took regular water quality samples, determined the bathymetry of the wetland, and identifi ed some of the area’s fauna and fl ora.

Staff also worked with the Indigenous owners to determine whether oil had encroached into important archaeological sites. Fortunately this did not occur, although it was noted that the wetlands were of tremendous cultural value.

The information and data were used for an oil management plan, implemented by Quandamookan trainee rangers under the guidance of DERM staff. The plan was updated as additional information was collected.

Incredibly hard work by the trainee rangers and others removed the bulk of the oil from the wetland. All oil could not be removed without compromising wetland processes so some was left to degrade naturally and to bio-remediate.

Already, plant material has started to regenerate and it is clear that these two important wetlands will have their previous functions restored.

A signifi cant outcome has been achieved in trying circumstances through the cumulative effort of different departments and people with a variety of interests and skills. Trainee rangers have developed new skills and knowledge and contributed to the restoration of important cultural sites.

An independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the oil spill response has been completed. The consultant praised the high level of care applied to the control and disposal of oily waste, and described the decontamination and strict quarantine as ‘world’s best practice’ for waste management.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 27 OUR BUSINESS

Objective: Planning, designing and communicating for an environmentally sustainable future

Sustainable Futures

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 This output takes a strategic approach to planning, NCCARF is hosted by Griffi th University with funding designing and communicating an environmentally from the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, sustainable future, and leads the Toward Q2 green to coordinate and lead the Australian research target: Cut by one-third Queenslanders’ carbon community in generating information needed to footprint with reduced car and electricity use. facilitate adaptation to climate change.

The Queensland Climate Change Fund will continue Office of Climate Change to support these in 2009–10, with the following allocations: Queensland Climate Change Fund • ClimateSmart Homes Service ($25 million) • Low Carbon Diet (ClimateSmart Living 2) The 2008-09 allocation from the Queensland Climate ($1.5 million) Change Fund included a signifi cant focus on helping • ecofundQ ($1.8 million) Queensland households to reduce their carbon footprint. • NCCARF ($0.4 million). The Queensland Climate Change Fund was established In 2009–10, the QCCF will also support the in May 2007 to provide an ongoing funding source of implementation of a number of signifi cant new 28 $30 million each year for priority climate change initiatives in Queensland’s climate change strategy, initiatives which position Queensland to respond ClimateQ. These include: strategically to climate change. • Skills development for a low-carbon economy Queenslanders will be supported by these programs to • Green Building Skills Fund make changes to improve the energy effi ciency of their OUR BUSINESS households, reduce their carbon emissions and save on • Cleaner Greener Buildings energy expenses. Queensland will be better prepared for • Low emissions energy generation in commercial natural disasters and for the challenge of adapting to buildings changed climatic conditions. • Supporting our Heroes Signifi cant allocations from the Queensland Climate • Bushfi re Community Training Package Change Fund in 2008–09 include: • Disaster Preparedness in Vulnerable Communities • ClimateSmart Homes Service ($20 million) • Extending the Rural Water Use Effi ciency Initiative • Low Carbon Diet (ClimateSmart Living 2) (RWUE) ($1.5 million) • Greening the taxi fl eet • ecofundQ ($1.2 million) • Improved fi re management in national parks. • National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) ($0.8 million). Premier’s Council on Climate Change

The ClimateSmart Home Service aims to provide The Premier’s Council on Climate Change was support for up to 260 000 Queensland homes over two established to provide strategic, high-level advice to the years. As at 30 June, 69 321 services had been Queensland Government on emerging climate change completed and another 6700 services were booked. issues, and to propose best practice solutions to the The Low Carbon Diet program (ClimateSmart Living) challenges of climate change. The Council ensures has a goal to have 500 000 Queenslanders take the Low Queensland’s efforts in addressing climate change are Carbon Diet by 30 June 2010. During the 2008–09 informed by the best available local and national fi nancial year, more than 120 000 Queenslanders were knowledge and experience. actively engaged in the Low Carbon Diet. The Council met once during the reporting period, on The ecofund will purchase land for environmental and 30 June 2009, and reports the following progress: carbon offsets and contribute to increasing protected • the government has responded to the Council’s areas in Queensland from eight million to 20 million second working paper, Building ClimateSmart in hectares by 2020. Queensland. A number of regulatory and administrative reforms are being implemented by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning to give effect to recommendations from the paper

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT • the third working paper on ClimateSmart urban The project will provide information to support decision development has been presented to the government making on cloud seeding and water resource and it will provide a response in 2009–10 management, and will contribute to national-level • an interim fourth working paper on biosequestration interest in this issue. in the rural sector was presented for discussion by the Council. It summarised an Australian-fi rst Queensland–China climate change fellowships scientifi c report from CSIRO which assessed the potential of 12 options to store carbon in the rural On 1 April 2008, the Queensland Premier signed a landscape. The fi nal working paper on memorandum of understanding in Beijing with the biosequestration investigates the policy implications Minister of Science and Technology for the People’s and opportunities that emerge from the fi ndings of Republic of China to establish a fellowship program to the CSIRO report. It is being fi nalised for exchange knowledge and advance ideas on climate consideration by the government change. • two further working papers, on transport and The program is initially for a term of three years energy issues, will be developed by the Council for (2008–10). Up to six fellowships will be offered each the government’s consideration in 2009–10. year, with three awards for applicants from Queensland 29 Cloud seeding research to travel to China, and three for applicants from China to travel to Queensland. The Fellows participate in The Cloud Seeding Research Project is designed to test short-term reciprocal exchange visits to improve the viability of cloud seeding as a strategy to increase mutual understanding of climate change, its potential gains in water storage in south-east Queensland. The impacts, mitigation strategies and adaptation responses. OUR BUSINESS project established a scientifi c process to critically The program strengthens links between research evaluate the methods and processes of cloud seeding of institutions in Australia and China. It also improves convective clouds. This internationally recognised understanding of the impacts of changing climatic research initiative has resulted in: variables on Queensland and reveals where similar • the accelerated development of a sophisticated radar issues in Queensland and China would benefi t from facility known as the CP2 radar at Redbank Plains collaborative research.

• an improved understanding of severe weather The program is jointly managed by International events Collaborations within the Department of Employment, • an increased understanding of south-east Economic Development and Innovation and the Chinese Queensland’s climate. Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology. The The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence is based in Boulder, Colorado (USA) completed the fi eld involved in managing and delivering the program. research component of the project in February 2009. Historical climate data recovery The fi nal report on the research fi ndings will be collaborations reviewed and fi nalised by 30 October 2009.

The project has also enhanced research capability The Queensland Government, through the Queensland across a range of disciplines including cloud physics, Climate Change Centre of Excellence (QCCCE), is radar technology, project management, the impact of working with British and American researchers to air pollution on precipitation, and atmospheric digitise and analyse historical weather data to better research. This enhanced capability will also improve understand the climate system. understanding of the region’s climate, which is critical This international collaboration called ACRE to understanding and appropriately responding to (Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions over the climate change. Earth) is with the Hadley Centre Meteorological Offi ce High-quality and detailed datasets such as those in the UK, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric collected during the cloud seeding project will be Administration’s (NOAA) Earth System Research important and useful for ongoing research. Laboratory and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado, USA.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 International specialists met in Queensland in April Seven animals (fi ve males and two females) were 2009 to review progress and to identify priority trapped and radio-collared between March and May applications of data. Data from the project will be 2009 in preparation for their move in late winter 2009. available publicly (through the Global Climate A predator-poof fence was completed at Yarran Downs Observing System) as it is analysed and verifi ed. in May 2009 and celebrated at a special function attended by the Minister for Climate Change and This more detailed knowledge of past weather events Sustainability and representatives from Xstrata, the will enable scientists to test and improve the reliability project sponsor. of climate modelling tools and establish a better understanding of the links between climate change and Comprehensive mapping of koala habitat in south-east extreme weather events. Queensland was completed in May 2009, as part of the government’s Koala Crisis Response Strategy. The The historical weather reconstructions being produced mapping was completed by GHD, which was assisted by the ACRE project will be invaluable for policy and with koala sighting records from DERM’s WildNet decision makers across Queensland as they will enable database and the department’s Koala Hospitals a more complete story of the infl uences of weather and Information System, and was overseen by an expert climate in their area of interest. knowledge management group. These comprehensive 30 koala habitat maps will be used for decision making Sustainable communities and the development of future policy. DERM will continue to assess koala values on State-controlled Tenure actions land intended for sale or clearing (under the Cabinet freeze initiated in December 2008 on the clearing or OUR BUSINESS The department moved closer towards the Q2 green disposal of State-owned land except where there is a target of protecting 50 per cent more land for nature need for urgent social infrastructure). conservation by 2020, with additions to the Conway, Littabella and D’Aguilar national parks as well as two ClimateSmart programs new national parks, Wrattens and Oakview. At the end DERM continued to deliver the ClimateSmart Home of the reporting period, a total of 4.61 per cent of Service to Queensland households, improving energy Queensland is now national park, protecting 7.9 million effi ciency by installing an energy monitor, energy- hectares of land with high ecological and cultural values. saving compact fl uorescent lamps (CFLs), and a Nature refuges water-effi cient shower head, and providing customers with detailed advice on ways to reduce energy use. This The department increased gazetted nature refuges by service contributes to the Toward Q2 green target to cut approximately 196 097 hectares by negotiating Queenslanders’ carbon footprint. conservation agreements for privately managed lands The department also continued to deliver the of signifi cant value through the Nature Refuge, ClimateSmart Retail program which provides training NatureAssist, and Environmental Partnerships Scheme and point-of-sale materials for almost 40 retailers to programs. By the end of the reporting period, the increase sales of appliances that are more water and Queensland Nature Refuges Program had grown to energy effi cient. The program assists Queensland 338 nature refuges covering 750 988 hectares. shoppers to choose the most appropriate energy and water effi cient products for their household. Threatened species The ClimateSmart Business program made progress, Only a single population of the endangered hairy-nosed with 33 small businesses across Queensland forming a wombat exists, and that is at Epping Forest National partnership with DERM to improve environmental Park (scientifi c) near Clermont. To spread the risk this outcomes and reduce their costs. DERM has also been small population faces from disease and natural seeking business leaders for clusters of up to 20 disasters, a new colony is being established on a businesses. The leader of each cluster will be funded to property near St George. The two-year, $3 million assist participating companies to measure their project to establish a new colony on Yarran Downs footprint, make effi ciency changes and measure the commenced in 2008 after several years investigating outcomes. This initial pilot should be completed by its feasibility. March 2010.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT More than 500 businesses are now participating in the to identify and develop by-product synergies. ecoBiz partnerships program. The ecoBiz program This is the fi rst step towards establishing an provides information, free tools, free training and eco-industrial park fee-for-service facilitators to assist industry to identify • continued to support a shared approach to clean effi ciencies in waste, water and energy for fi nancial energy uptake by: and environmental benefi ts. During the reporting – facilitating the Solar Suburbs initiative which period, six participating ecoBiz businesses completed aims to accelerate a more cost-effective uptake of the ecoBiz steps to achieve partner status. photovoltaic solar power through a bulk purchase approach. This concept has led to a commitment QSEIF by the University of Queensland to build a 1 MW The Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund solar power micro-grid at its St Lucia campus (QSEIF) is the longest running Queensland Government – running a workshop ‘Greenhouse and energy in program to specifi cally target innovation in energy and Queensland homes’, which was attended by water savings. QSEIF provides fi nancial and other experts from the public and private sectors. incentives to help stimulate the availability, uptake A discussion paper produced for the workshop is and commerciality of new sustainability technologies being widely used as a key reference document 31 and practices. by organisations such as the Brisbane City Council and the CSIRO. QSEIF Expo 09 was held in May 2009 to mark the program’s tenth year and to celebrate the achievements Other activities undertaken by the team during the of many QSEIF participants. Nine Queensland reporting period include: companies that demonstrated technical innovation • facilitating stakeholder forums and workshops, OUR BUSINESS and market leadership were recognised with QSEIF including the Waste Policy Unit’s policy achievement awards. These represented technologies development workshop and the inter-agency as diverse as water-effi cient nursery pots, biogas ‘Making the Smart State the sustainable state’ forum production from banana waste, and solar panel • coordinating sustainable behaviour workshops, coatings. The expo was part of the 2009 Brisbane City aimed at assisting government, industry and Council CitySmart Innovation Festival. communities with the development and implementation of targeted behaviour change campaigns and strategies. A project to identify how Sustainability innovation community knowledge, barriers and concerns can drive or impede engagement in sustainability issues Innovation specialists is ongoing

DERM has a specialist team that undertakes research • participating in the State of Environment review into issues, ideas and concepts on future sustainability. group by assisting with the inclusion of green The team delivers its fi ndings and advice through accounting, urban metabolism measurement, submissions and reports, and presents ideas and ecosystem services, and ecosystem health evaluation information at workshops and conferences to progress within a broader sustainability framework. innovation, create partnerships and leverage change.

To help build the resilience of Queensland’s natural environment and communities, the team is involved in identifying and supporting original, renewable and low-impact technologies and industries. In the reporting period, the team: • hosted two information sessions on industrial ecology for the Western Corridor Manufacturers Sustainability Group, in conjunction with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. As a result, a pilot waste assessment survey of manufacturing businesses in the Carole Park Industrial Estate will be undertaken

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Strategy and policy Barrier Reef safeguard

In the fi nal months of the fi nancial year, the Moreton Bay park zoning and structural department took strong action towards delivering on adjustment the Queensland Government’s $50 million commitment to protect the reef through a package of legislative Moreton Bay is a multiple-use marine park where zones reforms and industry support tools that will reduce and designated areas defi ne the types of bay activities threats to this world heritage-listed icon and give the that are appropriate based on conservation values. reef a fi ghting chance against compounding climate The Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan 2008, which change threats. came into effect in March 2009, will protect a diverse The Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Bill 2009 range of species and habitats from pressures such as was introduced into parliament in June 2009 to reduce population growth, development and climate change. the amount of nutrients, sediment and pesticides that The new zoning plan achieves a number of enter waterways fl owing to the Great Barrier Reef. The conservation goals, including increasing the amount of new regulations will apply to cane farmers and cattle area in marine national park (green) zones or ‘no-take’ graziers in certain reef catchments and include new 32 areas from less than half a per cent to 16 per cent. A controls and restrictions on pesticide use, rules for sample of all 16 different habitat types in the marine applying fertiliser, and a requirement for larger park is now protected in green zones, and vessel high-risk farms to prepare Environmental Risk go-slow areas have been expanded to reduce the risk of Management Plans for their property. boat strike on turtles and dugongs. OUR BUSINESS In February 2009, the department implemented a Protecting biodiversity structural adjustment package (or licence buy-back Half of Queensland’s plant and animal species are scheme) to help the commercial fi shing industry in unique to the world. Threats to this precious Moreton Bay adjust to the bay’s new zoning biodiversity are accelerating through climate change arrangements. This successful work was continued pressures and an ever-expanding human footprint. during the reporting period. In the reporting period, DERM began developing a state The surrender of these licences will reduce competition strategy to protect Queensland’s biodiversity and to between the remaining licence holders and help them keep pace with national approaches to biodiversity modify their fi shing operations. The department has conservation. This strategy will provide a coordinated, also been developing a package for the nine licence whole-of-landscape approach in which government, holders of the commercial aquarium fi sh fi shery to help industry and the community work together to meet the them adjust to new zoning arrangements. Queensland Government’s commitment to protect 50 per cent more land for nature conservation and public recreation.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Queensland heritage The Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability recently approved funding for another 59 key projects Encroaching development—along with the impacts of totalling $1 million on the recommendation of an drought, fi re and climate change—place pressure on the expert panel. capacity to protect and manage Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage. Amendments to the Queensland Coastal management Heritage Act 1992, which commenced on 31 March The department recently revised the state’s coastal 2008, shifted responsibility for development assessment plan in accordance with the Coastal Protection and decisions affecting privately owned registered places Management Act 1995. Coastal plans are the main from the Queensland Heritage Council to the mechanisms under the Act to infl uence planning, department. New time limits were also introduced for development and natural resource management nomination decisions, and owners were given the right outcomes. The new Queensland Coastal Plan will better to be heard by the Heritage Council before decisions integrate Queensland’s planning laws, deliver a are made. stand-alone State Planning Policy under the Integrated A set of strategic policy documents is being Planning Act 1997 (IPA), reduce unnecessary red tape developed to support this legislative change and processes, and increase resilience in the face of provide a framework for managing Queensland’s contemporary environmental pressures such as 33 heritage. These include a heritage strategy and sea-level rise. management principles for State-owned heritage places. Youth Environment Council Heritage grants OUR BUSINESS The department continued its role in advising the The Living Buildings and Places heritage grants Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability and program provided funding for many essential the Minister for Education and Training on key conservation projects such as: roof and guttering environmental sustainability issues through the replacements, stone repairs for churches, timber repairs Queensland Youth Environment Council. to community buildings and private residences, and The Council commissioned a survey on youth and the restumping and other urgent structural works— environment which was tabled in Parliament in May delivering on the government’s commitment to the 2009. The survey—which sought to address gaps in state’s cultural heritage. knowledge about young Queenslanders’ understanding, In the last few months of the 2008–09 fi nancial year, attitudes and behaviours around environmental the program had expanded with 165 conservation issues—was accessed online between October and projects across the state at a total of $3.5 million. December 2008 by approximately 4450 young people. The results suggest that most young people are very concerned about the environment and climate change. The main issues of concern were water availability, climate change and land clearing, followed closely by species extinction and the hole in the ozone layer.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 34

Objective: To provide ongoing benefits to Queensland by– • effectively managing and sustainably using the state’s OUR BUSINESS natural resources • implementing effective land ownership and access strategies, and protecting cultural heritage and native title for Indigenous Queenslanders • maintaining security of access to resources and resource information, and through this underpin the state’s economic activity

Land and Vegetation Services

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The Land and Vegetation Services output incorporates riparian areas in reef catchments—which need trees to service delivery, policy and program development, and prevent land degradation and a decline in water science to support land and vegetation management. quality. The responsibilities of this output include activities Amendments to simplify and streamline the vegetation relating to management of: management framework are also expected to progress • State land, including reserves, leasehold land, in late 2009. unallocated State land, roads and stock routes Work continued on managing the $150 million • native vegetation associated with vegetation vegetation management structural adjustment package management legislation that was introduced to assist farm businesses affected • commercial use of natural forest products, including by the introduction of the new Vegetation Management native forest timbers and quarry materials Framework in 2004. • information for planning and development The fi nancial assistance package has been managed by purposes, including land valuations, titles QRAA (formerly Queensland Rural Adjustment registration, and mapping, surveying infrastructure Authority) on behalf of the Queensland Government, and spatial data with DERM providing technical advice and assistance 35 • Indigenous services, including native title, cultural to both farm businesses and QRAA. heritage, and Indigenous access to land though the At the end of June, 1610 landholders had applied for Aboriginal Land Act 1991 and the Torres Strait enterprise assistance. A total of $109.1million has been Islander Land Act 1991. disbursed to landholders for enterprise assistance, and Vegetation framework $10.353 million for six exit properties. OUR BUSINESS

Following the release earlier in the year of the annual Land planning Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) report During the reporting period, the department continued for 2006–07, the government made a commitment to a to contribute to planning outcomes at the state and moratorium on the clearing of endangered regrowth regional levels in the areas of: vegetation while it consulted with stakeholder groups about ways to improve vegetation clearing laws. • local government planning schemes • statutory regional plans The Vegetation Management (Regrowth Clearing Moratorium) Bill 2009 gave effect to the moratorium • master planned areas from 8 April 2009 until it ends on 7 October 2009. • development schemes for Urban Development Areas

The moratorium applies to all native woody vegetation • state development areas within 50 metres of a watercourse in priority reef • State Coastal Management Plan catchments of Burdekin, Mackay Whitsundays and Wet • strategic port land-use plans. Tropics and endangered regrowth vegetation across the The department’s OnePlan approach provides a state, on freehold and agricultural and grazing framework for streamlining and simplifying regulatory leasehold land. requirements for landholders. The project was funded The moratorium covers a million hectares of under Blueprint for the Bush over four years until the endangered regrowth vegetation—i.e., vegetation which end June 2010. The OnePlan web pages were revised has been severely affected by past broad-scale clearing during the reporting period to include more practices and needs help to recover. comprehensive information on property planning and Submissions from interested stakeholders and resource management and links to industry programs. landholders were invited during the moratorium. The website content is expected to be fi nalised and Almost 400 submissions were received by the closing ready for public release later in 2009. date of 15 May 2009 and are currently being considered by government.

New regrowth regulations will come into effect after the moratorium that will secure the long-term biodiversity of Queensland and protect landscapes—like

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 The Delbessie Agreement • studies landscape processes in Queensland catchments through soil and land mapping During the reporting period, the department continued and modelling, which are critical to keeping land to implement the Delbessie Agreement as part of its management practices sustainable and productive commitment to improving rural leasehold land • develops land degradation risk strategies management. This included consultation with • studies land management processes that affect stakeholders on the requirements for land management nutrient movement and greenhouse gases. agreements, Indigenous access and use agreements, and other supporting policies and guidelines. During the reporting period, DERM used its scientifi c and technical data and information to support The State Rural Leasehold Land Ministerial Advisory government priorities such as the Delbessie Agreement Committee considered the draft template/guide for land and preparation of the Vegetation Moratorium maps. management agreements out of session, and provided The department also developed a hazard and risk its advice and recommendations to the Minister in May. framework to support land and water management These agreements will be negotiated with landholders plans. The framework is designed to use ‘best available’ and guide the way in which they manage their land for data and value-add to current knowledge. It is being future sustainable production. trialled in the Mackay region. 36 DERM specialist assessment offi cers in Cairns, Townsville, Longreach, Emerald, Roma, Charleville and Online environmental mapping service Toowoomba continued to undertake land condition DERM’s expertise and ability to deliver on government assessments to progress lease renewals under the election commitments were highlighted in the reporting OUR BUSINESS Delbessie Agreement. period when staff designed, developed and delivered Land condition assessments comprise a pre-visit the Vegetation Moratorium mapping web-based system desktop investigation and the preparation of maps and in a very short timeframe. related information to support the on-ground The government committed to a three-month assessment. Assessments are conducted in full moratorium on 15 March 2009 and DERM delivered the consultation with the lessee. Lease information is system that allowed public access to supporting captured electronically for collation into a report, and information and data on 7 April 2009, the day before provides the basis for negotiating land management the Vegetation Moratorium came into effect. agreements. The department built onto its free online map service. It is expected that the fi rst lease renewal under the This mapping facility allows the public to produce a Delbessie Agreement will be made later in 2009. range of customised, high-quality maps that provide Using science and information information about the environment and natural resources for any area of interest throughout the state. DERM undertakes scientifi c studies and monitoring Previously, applicants had to contact or visit the activities to support its delivery on State interests. It department to obtain similar maps. gathers and maintains information about Queensland’s The system produced more than 32 000 certifi ed environment, land, water and vegetation to ensure new moratorium maps from April to June. These maps legislation, policies or plans are evidence-based. were a very effective communication and information DERM’s scientifi c and technical information is mechanism for landholders and the public. packaged into decision-support tools and products and The online service is consistent with the Right to used for government policy and guidelines on the Information legislation and the public can access the sustainable management of the state’s environment and same information as the government, providing further natural resources. DERM: transparency about government processes. The • uses satellite imagery, fi eld validation and successful outcome was due to the collaboration of modelling to monitor changes in vegetation and DERM’s many data custodians and is a good land condition and use demonstration of science, service delivery and policy • provides core information for studying land use and divisions working together to achieve a climate change positive outcome.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Spatial information the Digital Cadastral Database (DCDB), with 90 per cent of these records entered in the DCDB within seven The department manages a signifi cant volume of working days of plan registration. The currency of the information related to Queensland’s land and natural DCDB is vital to both government and industry, with resources. Much of this information is required by many benefi ts ranging from enhanced land planning to other departments, other tiers of government, industry better emergency response management. and the community to enable them to carry out DERM continued to implement the Queensland their activities. Spatial Imagery Acquisition Program, which identifi es DERM provides many spatial and scientifi c information the minimum requirements for imagery to support services that support sustainable natural resource public administration across a range of activities management and assist corporate and community in Queensland. enterprises and individuals in their decision making. Being prepared and having a response capability Some key activities undertaken during the reporting for coastal surges and/or a tsunami event has been period were: a government priority since 2007. The department • progressing the development of an Address continued to coordinate topographic data collection Management Framework for Queensland with and height modelling activities for existing topographic 37 other government agencies as part of a information, and collected new data using funds from government commitment the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and the • providing ready access to natural resource and Protecting Our Coastal Communities project. administrative spatial information and scientifi c These projects are capturing land elevation data,

data, including maps, geographical data products ensuring the most vulnerable parts of the Queensland OUR BUSINESS and survey infrastructure services that defi ne the coastline are identifi ed. location and extent of features During the reporting period, the department continued • providing high-resolution pictorial records of the to ensure that it has an effective distribution network state over time through the aerial and satellite (in addition to departmental business centres). There imagery library, and coordinating imagery were seven online distributors (based in Brisbane, acquisition for government in Queensland Sydney and Melbourne) who distributed more than 96 • setting policy and standards for the maintenance per cent of land title and related searches, allowing of the state’s cadastre and survey infrastructure clients to remain in their own offi ces. There were also • providing opportunities for third-party data brokers 35 product distributors for the wholesale or resell of a to facilitate distribution of DERM datasets range of departmental physical products. • managing high-performance computing systems Titles Registry services and data storage and retrieval to support scientifi c studies and climate modelling. DERM’s Titles Registry, through its Automated Titles During the reporting period, the department continued System (ATS), provides Queenslanders and other to implement the Electronic Access for Registry stakeholders with authoritative current and historical Lodgement (EARL) program—a three-stage project to information about ownership and other interests in help improve business practices within government and land and water allocations throughout the state. the survey industry for the lodgement and transmission Stakeholders ranging from fi rst home owners to of cadastral survey information. EARL will eventually property investors, industry and government agencies allow full electronic lodgements of survey plans with all rely on ready access to timely and accurate title- the department. related information.

Detailed planning and design work for EARL Stage 2 From 27 March to 30 June 2009, the department began in March. The surveying industry will be able to processed approximately 782 000 title-related use, value-add and submit an electronic fi le of a survey information searches for customers. Over 97 per cent to DERM when this stage is completed (anticipated were conducted from the convenience of customers’ completion date in mid-2010). homes and offi ces. This included via online distributors in real-time and direct access by government agencies. DERM continued to provide a high standard of client service for entering cadastral survey plan records into

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 More than 254 000 title transactions were completed As at 30 June 2009, there were 141 native title claims during the reporting period. This fi gure included a in Queensland which remain to be settled—137 higher proportion than in previous years of complex claimant, three compensation and one non-claimant legal transactions such as community title dealings and applications. At that time, 70 consent determinations transmission of deceased estates. Approximately 94 per that native title exists had been recorded in Australia. cent of all lodgements were processed within fi ve days Of these, 41 were in Queensland, which represents over with most completed within just two days. 58 per cent of the national total.

The quality of system data remains a priority for On 25 June 2009, the Federal Court consented to the DERM’s Titles Registry. During the reporting period, KuuKu Y’au native title determination at Portland less than 0.3 per cent of registry records required Roads, north of Lockhart River. This determination correction and these were generally minor covered areas on the mainland, some islands and, for typographical errors with no signifi cant effect on the fi rst time, areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine legal entitlements. Park as well as areas of State marine park. This was the largest native title determination made by consent for Titles Registry staff continued to work closely with the an area of sea in Australia. Department of Justice and Attorney-General to improve the witnessing of prescribed forms for title transactions, Importantly, the exercise of the rights including the 38 with the aim of minimising the likelihood of title fraud taking of dugong and turtle were regulated under and reducing the State’s exposure to potential separate Indigenous Land Use Agreements between the compensation. State, the Commonwealth and the KuuKu Y’au people. The agreements also provide for training for KuuKu

OUR BUSINESS Indigenous land activities Y’au people to enable them to take up voluntary ranger positions in the parks. The department in collaboration with native title representative bodies continued to conduct training DERM oversees the transfer of land to Aboriginal sessions to equip traditional owners with governance and Torres Strait Islander people, enabling land and business management skills through the Capacity management in accordance with traditional custom. Development Offi cer Program. This program supported To date in Queensland, over 1.6 million hectares have the Queensland Government’s commitment to been transferred to Indigenous ownership under the strengthen Indigenous communities, within a natural Aboriginal Land Act and the Torres Strait Islander resource management framework. Land Act.

The Indigenous Land Trust Support Unit located in In June 2009, DERM handed back a block of Cairns assisted trustees with leasing provisions under unallocated State land on Bribie Island to the Ngunda- the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Joondoburri Land Trust, on behalf of the Joondoburri Amendment Act 2008. The unit also provided training Clan, the Kabi Kabi Nation and all Aboriginal people to trustees and the general community on leasing connected with the land. The 24 hectare site contains processes and helped Indigenous communities with a sacred bora ring. administrative processes associated with lease The Ngunda-Joondoburri Land Trust became the owner applications. of the site and is now responsible for managing the The review of the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 land. This is the 65th land trust established in continuined and is expected to be completed towards Queensland since the Aboriginal Land Act came in the end of 2009. Comprehensive consultation with to effect in 1991. Torres Strait Islander communities was ongoing during Access to land for private and social housing, economic the reporting period. development and government infrastructure purposes is DERM continued to coordinate the state’s response to a Queensland Government objective. An appropriate native title claims and litigation, and carried out tenure, survey network and effi cient land planning are required historical and anthropological assessments of native to achieve this objective. This work will be a priority title claims. for the department in 2009–10.

Since the operational provisions of the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1994 commenced, 482 claims have been lodged over Queensland land and waters.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Indigenous cultural heritage requested to provide an opinion on whether a new valuation was required in their area. Other key The department fi nalised the process for the review of stakeholders were also consulted. the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 during the State land dealings reporting period. The department administers about 71 percent of The Indigenous Cultural Heritage Acts Review aimed to Queensland under the Land Act 1994. Commonly determine how and if the legislation was working as referred to as State land, this excludes freehold land, planned and whether it provided effective recognition, Commonwealth land and land administered under protection and conservation of Aboriginal and Torres the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Strait Islander cultural heritage. The department The department fi nalised 1770 state land applications consulted widely with key stakeholders and on and dealings during the reporting period, and 7330 for 16 April 2009 a draft report was submitted to the the full fi nancial year to 30 June 2009. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade for consideration. DERM had a target to complete 9500 State land applications and dealings in 2008–09. The department Recommendations from the draft report will be could not reach this target because it received fewer 39 released in the second half of 2009 for further applications and also a larger proportion of these consultation with key stakeholders, before a fi nal applications had a higher level of complexity. report and recommendations is provided for It did complete, however, more than 80 per cent of all government consideration.

new cases opened during 2008–09, within customer OUR BUSINESS Valuations service standards. There has been a targeted effort over the past 10 years The department provides unimproved land values for to improve completion rates and reduce the total approximately 1.6 million properties in Queensland. number of jobs on hand which has resulted in Unimproved value is the amount which properties improved turnaround times for most applications. could be expected to sell for without improvements such as houses, fences and earthworks. Valuations may Signifi cant legislative, procedural and system be used by local governments to calculate rates, the improvements are expected to produce considerable Offi ce of State Revenue to calculate land tax, and the productivity benefi ts next year. department to calculate State land rental. Unallocated State land Land valuations were not issued in 2009 following a decision made in February 2009 not to revalue 17 local The department continued to manage the portfolio of government areas previously nominated. This was due unallocated State land, which comprises around to the global fi nancial and economic uncertainty and 1 026 667 hectares, consisting of about 19 077 parcels also extreme weather conditions in north and north- of land widely dispersed across the state. west Queensland at that time. Sale of timber and quarry materials During the reporting period, the State Valuation Service continued to provide: The department’s Forest Products business group • statutory valuations to keep the valuation roll works to maximise fi nancial returns to the State from up to date the sale of State-owned native forest timber and quarry • client valuations of buildings, infrastructure, materials within social, environmental and cultural plant and equipment expectations. The group’s primary customers are timber processors and quarry operators. • market rental assessments, resumptions, and valuations for government department State-owned native forests are a key source of log property disposals. timber supplies for regionally based timber-processing companies. Forest Products conducts commercial Departmental valuers have continued to monitor the forestry operations in State-owned forests under the property market as part of the annual market survey Forestry Act 1959, and in line with the Code of practice process which will inform the next valuation program. for native forest timber production on State lands 2007 All local governments were written to in June and administered by DERM.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Forest Products achieved an operating surplus of Compliance $1.7 million as at 30 June 2009. This result is down on the business unit’s budget target of $3.45 million, The department administers the Land Act 1994 and mainly due to lower-than-expected log timber sales Vegetation Management Act 1999, which have been during the year. Forest Products’ timber—most of which put in place to meet specifi c natural resource is processed for use in building construction—is closely management objectives. The department performed a linked to cyclical activity in the building industry wide range of initiatives to encourage compliance with which was suffering a major downturn. Consequently, the legislation. Forest Products sales of native forest hardwood and DERM promoted voluntary compliance with the natural cypress log timber were 239 000 cubic metres, eight resource laws through education and awareness-raising per cent below the year’s target. in the community. Staff attended local fi eld days and Forest Products sales of quarry materials, such as sand, regional shows to talk with the community and provide gravel, rock and road base, were 3.4 million cubic information and educational materials. metres, again six per cent below the year’s target. During the reporting period, investigations of all very Demand for quarry materials was affected by reduced high-priority notifi cations of alleged non-compliance building activity during the second half of the year, 40 with land and vegetation legislation were undertaken. offset in part by continuing strong investment in key infrastructure and mining projects.

Integrated Planning Act 1997

OUR BUSINESS DERM is an assessment manager and a concurrence agency for applications submitted under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 relating to clearing remnant vegetation, operational works affecting watercourses, referable dams and wild rivers. The Act sets timeframes for dealing with applications.

Following the recent machinery-of-government changes, the department has been integrating its systems and processes to provide coordinated and streamlined service delivery across legislative responsibilities. This will reduce duplication of effort and confusion for clients, lead to effi ciencies and better management of timeframes, and potentially cut development costs.

During the reporting period, 252 concurrence applications and 71 applications where the department was the assessment manager were decided within statutory timeframes across the state.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 41 OUR BUSINESS

Objective: To provide ongoing benefits to Queensland through– • the effective management of the state’s water resources • partnerships with the community and stakeholders to improve the health of catchments

Water and Catchment Services

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 The Water and Catchment Services output well as to delivering accountability and water reform incorporates service delivery, policy and program outcomes at the national level. development, and supporting science in the areas of water and Commonwealth–State agreements on Water accounting information natural resource management issues. The department monitored and managed Queensland’s The department works with other organisations that water resources using a network of 365 stream gauging have water and catchment management roles to deliver stations and approximately 5000 groundwater on the government’s agenda. These organisations observation bores. It published near-real-time water include the Queensland Water Commission, quantity information on the department’s website and infrastructure businesses, local, Commonwealth and provided the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) with data other state government agencies, and industry. for fl ood warning purposes. These water quality and During the reporting period, the department continued ecological monitoring programs will continue in to progress the state’s water reform agenda to ensure the 2009–10. sustainability, security and reliability of water supply DERM worked with the national water accounting throughout Queensland. It also reviewed and improved development committee to implement effective, some business processes to enhance the delivery of consistent reporting of water resources nationally 42 water-related programs, policies and services. and within Queensland. In 2009–10 the department will work with BOM to further enhance the development Water planning of national water accounting standards and the development and publication of a pilot national The department has responsibility for the delivery of OUR BUSINESS water account. Queensland’s water planning framework under its commitments to the National Water Initiative. Water meters This includes the development and implementation of high-quality water resource plans (WRPs) and resource Metering provides DERM with the information operations plans (ROPs) for 23 plan areas covering necessary to manage the extraction of water from 1.6 million square kilometres of the state. streams and aquifers. It also supports the government’s The development of WRPs and ROPs included water reform process. extensive hydrological, ecological, economic and social During the reporting period, the Bowen project area assessments, widespread community consultation, and was completed and consultation began with an analysis of public submissions. landholders in project areas for the 2009–10 fi nancial During the reporting period the department continued year. The department undertook the project planning to progress the development of WRPs for the Baffl e, for the new project areas. Barron, Cooper Creek, Fitzroy and Whitsunday Wild rivers catchments and ROPs for the Burdekin, Gold Coast, Gulf, Logan, Mitchell and Moreton catchments. Following an extensive consultation program with It is anticipated that many of these plans will be Cape York Peninsula stakeholders, the Government released in the coming year. declared the Archer, Lockhart and Stewart basins as wild The department also continued its collaboration with river areas on 3 April 2009. The declaration of rivers and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority in relation to the their catchments as wild river areas helps to ensure development of the draft Murray–Darling Basin Plan. current and future generations can continue to enjoy the natural values of these important environmental assets. DERM’s water planning policy provides for the allocation and sustainable management of water to meet The Wenlock Basin wild river declaration proposal Queensland’s current and future demands and respond was released in December 2008 and the consultation to the impacts of climate change on the environment. period closed on 29 May 2009. The department is currently considering over 3900 submissions on this The department’s management regime protects water declaration proposal and will provide recommendations resources and dependent ecosystems, as well as the to the Minister on how to deal with matters raised in interests and security of water entitlement holders. these submissions. This management regime is fundamental to achieving outcomes in areas subject to water resource plans, as

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Declaration proposals are one stage of the wild rivers • Draft regional water supply strategies are well program, which aims to preserve Queensland’s wild advanced for the Mackay–Whitsunday and Wide rivers by regulating future development within the Bay–Burnett regions. These draft strategies are rivers and their catchments. Wild river requirements expected to be released for public comment in the seek to balance the preservation of these river systems fi rst half of 2010 with the needs of local communities. • The draft North Queensland Regional Water Supply To date, 20 Indigenous rangers have been employed to Strategy is expected to be released for public work with landholders, communities and traditional comment in late 2010 owners to protect and promote the state’s declared wild • Work has started on the North West Queensland river systems. The Wild River Rangers program will be Regional Water Supply Strategy. expanded with additional funding of $5 million over four years to employ an additional 10 rangers. Sustainable water management

Legislation compliance Queensland is a party to the National Water Initiative (NWI), entered into by the Commonwealth and all DERM continued to investigate alleged unlawful states and territories. The NWI builds on the 1994 activities relating to its water and catchment services COAG framework for water reform. 43 output. During the reporting period, a total of 285 The COAG Work Program on Water comprises 56 key water-related investigations and desktop evaluations actions to advance reform in the priority areas of: were conducted with 18 compliance actions proceeding addressing over allocation and improving from these investigations.

environmental outcomes; enhancing water markets; OUR BUSINESS Regional water supply strategies urban water reforms; and human resources, skills and knowledge.

The regional water supply strategies prepared by the The Water for the Future package supports improved department provide a regional framework for guiding urban water security projects nationally and also the provision of adequate and secure water supplies. provides signifi cant investment to improve water This framework takes into account water effi ciency infrastructure ($5.8 billion) and water buy-backs and demand management measures, and the potential ($3.1 billion) in the Murray–Darling Basin, thereby impacts of climate change on water demand and supporting the new institutional arrangements under availability. the Agreement on Murray–Darling Basin Reform These strategies are developed in cooperation with local signed in July 2008. governments, water service providers and industry and Queensland will receive $160 million from the package community groups and they seek to manage future for its State Priority Project—Healthy Headwaters, while water supply risks and ensure that water services are $350 million is available for the Commonwealth provided at the lowest social, economic and purchase of water entitlements from willing sellers in environmental cost. the Queensland section of the basin.

The status of various regional water supply strategies A Water Management Partnership (Bilateral) Agreement is as follows at the end of the reporting period: was being negotiated with the Commonwealth for • The department continued to support the funding next fi nancial year for Queensland’s State ongoing implementation of the 2006 Central Priority Project. Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy, Queensland continued to actively participate in including the investigation of seven major water implementing the national reform agenda through its infrastructure projects ongoing participation in the COAG arrangements and • The Far North Queensland Regional Water Supply the Murray–Darling Basin reforms. Strategy is due to be fi nalised in 2009. This strategy provides short-, medium- and long-term strategies to secure water supplies for Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and surrounding councils

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Water trading A two-day workshop in April 2009 provided a forum for water educators from 18 councils around the state The Queensland water planning framework provides to share their expertise, profi le their local water for the conversion of existing water entitlements to education and community awareness programs and tradeable water allocations, allowing water to be used strategies, and learn more about the department’s and applied where the economic benefi ts are greater. approach to demand management. It was also an Water allocations are an authority to take water and opportunity for new waterwise information materials are registered on the Water Allocations Register. to be showcased and evaluated. With title separate from land, water allocations can The use of potable water on gardens is highly be held by anyone and traded as personal property. discretionary and provides a major opportunity to There are currently more than 11 000 water allocations reduce water use. The Waterwise Gardens program, in Queensland with a total volume of approximately which aims to encourage the establishment and 1 700 000 megalitres (ML). During the reporting period maintenance of water-effi cient gardens, continued 44 water allocations were transferred separately from to roll out during the reporting period, with the land, involving over 4029 ML and a total consideration development and update of web-based information of about $1.51 million. As well, one water-only lease sheets. 44 with a total volume of 32 ML was registered, as were The department’s curriculum-based water education 66 other dealings including changes of location, program Water: Learn it for life! also continued to roll subdivisions and amalgamations. out. The program encourages Queensland primary Approximately 1271 water allocations, with a total students to infl uence families and the broader

OUR BUSINESS volume of over 121 083 ML and a value of over community in valuing and conserving water. To date $74 million have been permanently traded more than 900 teachers and 650 pre-service teachers (separately from land) since 2003, when tradeable have participated in professional development sessions water allocations were fi rst introduced in Queensland. to help them deliver the program in their schools.

Water use efficiency Waterways health

The Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 The department continued to implement programs introduced a number of demand management across its science and catchment policy areas to initiatives that seek to achieve water savings and improve and maintain the health of Queensland’s promote more effi cient use of water in regional waterways, including the preparation of scientifi c tools communities outside south-east Queensland. A suite of and information to support actions in the Great Barrier guidelines is being developed to assist water service Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan). providers and their customers to implement the new Through the department’s QScape program, remote requirements, including: sensing science was used to provide better information • outdoor water use conservation plans for modelling the movement of water, sediment and • consistent residential water billing nutrients in catchments. This work led to improved • the provision of water use information to knowledge of how changes in climate and land use and non-owner residents management affect land condition, water quality and ecosystem health. • a water effi ciency management plan. The Ground Cover Index (GCI) is a satellite image-based Targeted consultation around draft guidelines was index that provides estimates of ground cover for conducted with key stakeholders throughout regional cleared areas and open woodlands across Queensland. Queensland in April and further input will be sought The GCI is determined annually and is available from prior to fi nalisation of the guidelines by the end of 2009. 1988 to 2008. Producers use GCI information as a guide The department’s regulatory initiatives are for sustainable land management practices to increase complemented by the Waterwise program, which productivity and reduce the risk of long-term provides targeted community information and degradation. Scientists use the GCI for catchment education. erosion modelling and integrated waterway quality monitoring in reef catchments.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The Great Barrier Reef is under threat from a range including large recycled water providers in south-east of pressures, including run-off that drains into the Queensland as well as smaller regional providers. reef lagoon. Two exemptions were granted in June 2009 for large Improved land management practices are being greywater treatment plants. The exemptions relate to introduced to reduce nutrient and sediment loads and commercial laundries that recycle their water to reduce improve water quality. DERM continued to monitor water use. The exemptions mean that while strict water catchment run-off to determine whether new land quality standards must be met, these commercial management practices are reducing nutrient and laundries are not required to prepare RWMPs for sediment generation. approval by the regulator.

Similarly, monitoring of Moreton Bay catchments is Dam safety helping to validate the amount of nutrients and sediment estimated in run-off. DERM monitors south- While the safety of dams is primarily the responsibility east Queensland waterways on behalf of the SEQ of the dam owner, DERM ensures regulatory Healthy Waterways Partnership (135 freshwater sites frameworks are in place for the safety of the state’s bi-annually and 254 estuarine and marine sites referable dams. Referable dams are those where failure monthly) to support the publishing of the annual could put lives at risk. Other consequences of dam 45 Report Card grades and ecosystem health modelling. failure include economic loss, damage to property and Evaluations of aquatic ecosystem health were also the environment, and loss of water supply. There are continued. The Stream and Estuary Assessment now 100 referable dams in Queensland with identifi ed Program (SEAP) was implemented to report on the populations at risk if they were to fail. OUR BUSINESS health of rivers and the health risks to these ecosystems The department uses satellite imagery to search for in Queensland’s nine freshwater biogeographic dams that may fall under this category, and these provinces (as part of the Water Act reporting are inspected if necessary. In the reporting period, requirements). The program was initiated to address 714 dams were inspected as part of an ongoing Service Delivery Performance Commission report program. Reports are produced for each dam inspected, recommendations on water quality monitoring in the and owners are advised whether they need to undertake state. The SEAP report is expected to be completed in a failure impact assessment. In the reporting period, late-2009. nine failure impact assessments were accepted, with three dams judged as having populations at risk. Recycled water A total of 13 sets of dam safety conditions were The recycled water provisions of the Water Supply reviewed during the period to ensure they remained (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 commenced on 1 July relevant and enforceable. The DERM Service delivery 2008. The primary aim of the provisions is to protect statement included a target for 2008–09 of public health and, for certain schemes known as critical ‘100 per cent of safety conditions for referable recycled water schemes, ensure continuity of operation dams issued within customer service standards’. to meet the essential water supply needs of the The actual percentage achieved by the end of 2008–09 community or industry. Under the Act, recycled water was 88 per cent, and it will be 100 per cent by the end providers must have either of the following before of 2009. supplying recycled water (unless covered by a The principal mechanism for assessing dam owner transitional period): compliance with dam safety conditions is the fi ve- • a recycled water management plan (RWMP) yearly comprehensive inspection undertaken by an approved by the regulator independent engineer. This is supported by DERM’s • an exemption from submitting a RWMP granted ongoing auditing program. Three safety condition by the regulator. audits were completed for the reporting period to bring the total for 2008–09 to 13 which exceeded the KPI During the reporting period, the Offi ce of the Water target of 10. Supply Regulator has continued to work with recycled water providers to increase awareness and understanding of the regulatory requirements. This has involved working with a range of service providers

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 The department also continued to investigate the safety customers by promoting their achievements in their of spillways. Recent spillway adequacy information is annual reports, including work on SAMPs and customer either available, or adequacy notices have been issued, service standards. for 77 per cent of the current list of referable dams; The Act also introduced new provisions for regulating notices for the rest will be issued by January 2010. drinking water quality to protect public health, with an Dam safety staff are reviewing results of these emphasis on the monitoring and reporting of drinking assessments as they become available. water quality. The regulator performs an oversight role In the reporting period, 12 notices to assess structural to ensure service provider management of drinking fl ood capacity were issued to major dam owners. water quality incidents protect public health. Owners of all 100 referable dams will be issued notices The requirement to have an approved drinking water by the end of 2009. Nine assessment reports with either quality management plan will be progressively partial or completed concept designs and cost estimates introduced from July 2011 to July 2013. for spillway upgrades were received by the end of June.

In the fi nal quarter of 2008–09, dam safety conditions Statutory authorities requiring spillway adequacy assessment reports were During the reporting period, DERM continued to provide issued for the following dams: Glenlyon, Paluma, 46 oversight of the fi nancial and governance requirements Wivenhoe, Somerset, Perseverance, Clarendon, of a range of water entities across the state. Atkinson, Bill Gunn, Cedar Pocket, Borumba, Quarry and Gold Creek. SunWater Limited (SunWater), the Mount Isa Water Board, the Gladstone Area Water Board and south-east Several dam upgrade projects continued over the

OUR BUSINESS Queensland’s new bulk water entities (SEQWater, period. These included the raising of the full supply LinkWater, WaterSecure and the SEQ Water Grid level of the Hinze Dam and the upgrading of Crooks Manager) operate under different legislation but are and Wyndham dams near Mt Garnet. Crooks and all required to act in a commercial manner. Wyndham dams should be completed by the end of 2009. The department also made progress on The department worked with each entity during the investigations into the adequacy of the spillway for year to facilitate their compliance with statutory Ibis Dam. obligations with respect to planning, project approvals, fi nancial arrangements and board appointments. Requirements for water service providers DERM also provided oversight of the administration The Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 and governance of 52 category 2 water authorities and includes provisions for registered water service 15 river improvement trusts. The department assisted providers to prepare a strategic asset management plan these entities in meeting their statutory obligations (SAMP). This ensures the continued provision of water regarding annual reporting, budgeting, works, annual supply and sewerage services operated by local borrowings and directors’ appointments. governments, statutory bodies and private entities. In March 2008, the government commissioned an There are currently 164 registered water service independent review of all statutory authorities. providers, and the Act provides for small water service The review recommended that the 52 category 2 water providers (fewer than 1000 connections for a retail authorities and 15 river improvement trusts be service) to apply for an exemption from preparing abolished with functions transferred to local a SAMP. government. The State Government supported the SAMPs, which are an integral component of the overall recommendations in principle. The department has regulatory regime of water service providers in begun scoping the issues related to implementing the Queensland, are reviewed and approved by the recommendations and will work with the authorities regulator. The SAMP is also backed by requirements for and trusts to implement the review recommendations review, independent audits and annual reporting. and establish locally appropriate transfer arrangements.

Under the Act, water service providers are required to prepare customer service standards, system leakage management plans and drought management plans. Some providers are achieving a higher profi le with their

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Great Artesian Basin sustainability Reef Plan

The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative The department continued to work with stakeholders to (GABSI) is a jointly funded initiative of the Queensland fi nalise the updated Great Barrier Reef Water Quality and Australian governments, which is addressing Protection Plan (Reef Plan). It is expected that the Great pressure decline in the basin by capping uncontrolled Barrier Reef Ministerial Council will endorse the bores and piping ineffi cient land-degrading drains. updated Reef Plan in July 2009.

Works worth approximately $12 million were The department also continued to play a key role in a completed under the GABSI program in 2008–09. number of actions within Reef Plan, in particular the Twenty-two bores were rehabilitated and approximately development and implementation of the Reef Plan 980 kilometres of bore drains were replaced with Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy. Signifi cant pipelines, saving an estimated 8600 megalitres per progress has been made in the design of the integrated annum of fl ow from the basin. ‘paddock to reef’ monitoring, modelling and reporting program through a series of stakeholder workshops. The GABSI—in conjunction with the state’s water planning draft design will go to the Reef Intergovernmental activities in the basin—has been extremely successful in Operational Committee in early August, with managing this valuable water resource. Under GABSI implementation proposed to start in September 2009. 47 stages 1 and 2 (1999–2009), 240 bores were rehabilitated and approximately 8800 kilometres of A number of special initiative projects aligned to Reef bore drains were replaced with pipelines, saving an Plan and the Commonwealth Government’s Reef Rescue estimated 98 000 megalitres per annum of fl ow from Program have also been initiated to support the the basin. monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements. OUR BUSINESS These include enhancements to the catchment loads The Commonwealth Government’s draft framework for monitoring program, modelling development activities, funding and implementation of GABSI stage 3 (2009– and new remote sensing projects to better support 14) is currently under negotiation with Queensland. reporting on targets. Regional NRM programs Integrated waterways monitoring Caring for our Country—established by the federal In response to recommendations from the Service government on 1 July 2008 to integrate delivery of the Delivery and Performance Commission, an integrated, Commonwealth’s natural resource management statewide waterway monitoring framework has been programs—replaced the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) developed, enabling a more coordinated approach to and National Action Plan for Salinity and Water waterways monitoring between government and Quality (NAPSWQ) programs. Natural Resource Management groups across A transitional arrangement and fi nancial agreement Queensland. It will primarily entail coordination and commenced in July 2008 to provide federal funding for collaboration between existing (and proposed) Caring for our Country and a complementary programs, to ensure various statutory and non- Queensland regional natural resource management statutory elements are drawn together to achieve program in 2008−09. This ensured the new regional comprehensive assessment. program would be undertaken while negotiations The draft framework has been developed and is waiting continued for Caring for our Country, which will run for fi nalisation. A statewide web portal for providing until June 2013. Negotiations are under way for new public access to waterways quality information has also agreements to be completed by 31 December 2009. been developed and will be online in coming months, with further development to be explored.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Community grants programs MBI Capacity Building program

All 600 funded projects under the Lifestyle Waterwise The department continued its involvement in the Grants program were successfully completed by 30 national Market Based Instruments Capacity Building June 2009. This $10 million program encouraged program through the maintenance of the ‘Designer Queensland not-for-profi t organisations to reduce their Carrots’ website , dependence on town water supplies by retrofi tting developed to host information on the use of market- existing facilities with water-saving devices. Grants based instruments (MBIs) on behalf of the federal, state were for a maximum of $30 000 each. and territory governments.

The Natural Resources Awareness Grants program During the reporting period, the department sought provides funding to volunteer community natural and received three years funding to maintain and resource management groups to encourage greater provide ongoing support for the website, and to produce public awareness of their achievements in protecting, and disseminate a number of ongoing communication repairing and restoring the environment, and products. This funding will allow DERM to retain its participating in local activities. In 2009, more than leadership in market-based instrument capacity $100 000 was allocated to 17 projects and two of building activities. 48 these were completed during the reporting period. OUR BUSINESS

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 49 OUR BUSINESS

Objective: Provide effective corporate capability and governance frameworks to support business delivery

Corporate Services initiatives

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Effective corporate services, systems and frameworks They were also responsible for the successful launch are critical to helping the department deliver its of a new national climate change campaign which products and services for the Queensland community. was staged at Parliament House in Brisbane on 18 June 2009. For DERM this suite of services includes providing leadership, policies, advice, programs, processes The event, hosted by Premier Anna Bligh and Minister and systems. for Climate Change and Sustainability Kate Jones (both campaign ambassadors), launched the Queensland These services are delivered across Queensland with component of the national 1 Million Women campaign support from the Shared Service Agency (SSA) and which aims to engage one million women to each CorpTech and are aligned to whole-of-government reduce their carbon footprint by one tonne of CO2. initiatives. Another communication campaign was developed for Corporate services merger managing the implementation of the moratorium on clearing high-value regrowth vegetation. The Premier Corporate Services has been managing the signifi cant and the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and challenge of maintaining its high standards of ongoing Energy and Minister for Trade, jointly introduced the service delivery while introducing signifi cant reforms moratorium on 20 April 2009, which took effect on 50 through the machinery-of-government changes. 8 April 2009. A series of web-based informational On 1 June 2009, the corporate activities of the two products were developed to help key stakeholders former agencies were amalgamated to create DERM understand and comply with their obligations during Corporate Services. Governance arrangements have the moratorium’s six-month consultation period.

OUR BUSINESS subsequently been drawn up to provide independent advice to the Director-General and the Executive Strategic projects Management Group on corporate service issues. Corporate Services released an interim intranet site The corporate services and communication functions during the reporting period. This provided all staff with of the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) are also a single point of access to the latest news on what was being consolidated into the department. DERM will now happening in the new department, and access to deliver these functions to the QWC under a service policies, procedures, delegations and other relevant level agreement. information. Corporate Services also prepared the Through this period of change, Corporate Services has department’s Right to Information policy, procedures been working to ensure that any people-related issues and guidelines, which will take effect from 1 July 2009. are effectively managed and business areas receive the Indigenous employment opportunities have been a assistance they require to achieve integration and a focus for the department. DERM participated in the smooth transition to the new organisation. Former Origin Greats inaugural regional Indigenous Careers Expos at Rockhampton and Townsville. Major communication activities The expos provided Indigenous job seekers with the opportunity to connect with Queensland’s most Corporate Services continued to manage the growing prominent employers and education and training importance of environmental and resource management organisations for one day. The department will issues to the community and media through its participate in the Cairns, Mackay and Mt Isa expos communication, media and marketing activities. in coming months. Corporate Services communication staff were responsible for the high-profi le Queensland Sustainable Industries Awards which were announced at a gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, 12 June 2009.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Initiatives for the future 3. Support efficiencies A strategy for the consolidation of DERM’s Brisbane Corporate Services has been working with other CBD locations was developed, which included plans for divisions and regions across the department to improve part of the department to relocate to a new fi ve-green- performance in major functional areas. Priorities for star building at 400 George Street, Brisbane. the future include: Once completed, the relocation strategy will result in 1. Lead organisational development DERM being one of the Queensland Government’s most Corporate Services has been implementing the integrated new departments. Workforce Sustainability Strategy to meet current Forward investment portfolios from the two previous and future agency needs for a healthy, safe and capable agencies are being merged and assessed to identify any workforce. It has also been proactive in leading duplication or potential to consolidate particular organisational sustainability and minimising the projects or programs. impacts of climate change through internal initiatives aimed at energy minimisation, resource conservation The department has decided to proceed with the and fuel effi ciency. combined SAP 4.6C version for Finance and Human Resource systems. This decision was made in At 26 March 2009, the former Environmental 51 consultation with CorpTech and the SSA, with Protection Agency was on target to achieve carbon implementation expected to be completed in the neutrality by the close of the fi nancial year. ‘Green’ second half of the next fi nancial year. purchasing practices have been implemented in DERM which has partnered with Queensland Purchasing to Amalgamation of the Information and OUR BUSINESS ensure environmental considerations are incorporated Communication Technology (ICT) facilities is on into whole-of-government purchasing agreements. schedule. Data networks are being consolidated and Corporate Services is leading the development of 2. Maintain a comprehensive governance framework technology templates and standards to facilitate system The department’s comprehensive governance amalgamation. ICT support and services are being framework, including the Finance Committee and rationalised for effi ciencies. Information and Service Delivery Committee, is supported by Corporate Services. Regular monthly fi nancial and quarterly human resource, risk management and performance reporting is provided to executive management. This framework is underpinned by a range of fi nancial, human resource and business- specifi c delegations approved by the Director-General and monitored for currency and completeness within Corporate Services.

The fi nancial integrity of the department will continue to be safeguarded through the continuous improvement of statutory and internal reporting mechanisms, and the monitoring and maintenance of fi nancial systems and fi nancial master data.

The department’s fi nancial, human resource, administration and information management policies, procedures and standards will undergo a major review to align the practices of both former agencies into a comprehensive suite for the new department. These will be continually reviewed over time to ensure currency and relevance. More detailed information is available in the ‘corporate governance’ section of this report.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 52 OUR BUSINESS

Objective: To be an innovative, collaborative and service-oriented organisation at the forefront of Queensland Government service delivery

Service Delivery initiatives

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT In the reporting period, the department continued to business centres and online to inform clients about merge the service delivery elements of the two former the moratorium, and also established services to agencies (EPA and NRW) to build a unifi ed, client- promptly respond to telephone and email enquires. service culture. The department’s approach generated positive feedback from clients. The major focus has been to provide a reasonable choice of access to departmental information, products • Web-conferencing has been implemented within the and services with an emphasis on client needs, smarter department as a way to improve effi ciency, reduce provision of services, and delivering services travel requirements and reduce the agency’s carbon electronically. DERM is achieving this by: footprint. The use of web-conferencing has allowed documents, presentations and information to be • listening to clients when they visit DERM business shared through a secure website in real-time from centres individual’s desktops. Clients are benefi tting • conducting client feedback surveys to understand because staff access up-to-date information and how the department can improve its delivery of receive appropriate training effi ciently. products and services • building website capability and online services Transition initiatives 53 • working with other government agencies to deliver Service delivery initiatives in the reporting period have information, reduce duplication and promote focused on maintaining client services while broader consistency machinery-of-government actions are fi nalised. Two • including service delivery training in staff induction key projects regarding service delivery were initiated in programs. the timeframe: integrating business centres and OUR BUSINESS Consequently, the following service delivery integrating planning and development functions of the improvement initiatives have been introduced or two former agencies. progressed during the reporting period. • DERM has made progress on the integration of business centres from the former EPA and NRW. Electronic service delivery Services to be delivered, site selection, staffi ng • The department led a whole-of-government project needs and infrastructure requirements are currently to develop a new web-based service for the public being assessed, for implementation next fi nancial to access and order digital information online. year. Clients will benefi t from the coordinated DERM has made a range of information available approach to information provision and well- through the new Queensland Government informed staff trained in service delivery. Information Service, including geospatial and • The department has key planning and development associated data. Other agencies are also placing data functions related to the Integrated Planning Act on this ‘one-stop’ information service. 1997 which were inherited from the former EPA • Plans are well under way to implement electronic and NRW. In the reporting period, DERM has payment methods for annual water licence fees in developed a framework to support these functions, the 2009–10 fi nancial year. integrate the responsibilities of the former agencies, and deliver planning and development services to • Self-service terminals were installed in six more clients. Key internal stakeholders were consulted business centres to allow clients to access a range of and implementation is expected to begin in early products online. The expansion of this pilot project 2009–10. Benefi ts of the integration for DERM (10 terminals in total) is providing DERM with clients will include: a coordinated assessment of information about client needs for a range of online applications, coordinated input into regional plans products and services. and other planning schemes, and a single agency Strong client-service culture response to development applications.

• The recent moratorium on clearing high-value regrowth vegetation was ideal for showcasing the department’s coordinated approach to providing former EPA and NRW products and information. DERM provided maps and supporting material at its

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 54

The department employs a diverse range of talented people who work together to manage Queensland’s environment and natural resources.

DERM aims to create workplaces where business outcomes are achieved, diversity is encouraged, health and safety are valued, and the wellbeing of employees is supported.

Our people

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Staff profile Total number by occupation (FTE at 30 June 2009) During the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009, Occupational stream Female Male Total the department employed 5434.2 full-time equivalent Administrative 1580.4 1095.8 2676.2 (FTE) employees. Approximately 88 per cent of Operational 16.1 56.1 72.2 employees were permanent. Professional 499.4 916.2 1415.6 DERM employee data as at 30 June 2009 are Ranger 158.2 634.9 793.1 summarised in the tables opposite (excludes staff Technical 47.0 149.5 196.5 on leave without pay and board members). Forestry offi cer 18.5 52.7 71.2 Workforce planning Forestry employee 3.0 43.0 46.0 Other 0.0 3.7 3.7 Reviews of human resource policies, plans and SO 20.8 97.0 117.8 strategies commenced during the reporting period SES 6.0 30.0 36.0 in response to machinery-of-government changes. S122 1.0 5.0 6.0 Those under review included the workforce strategic Total 2350.4 3083.9 5434.3 and sustainability plans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait 55 Islander employment plans, workforce diversity strategies, workforce planning frameworks and Total number by employee type workforce policies. FTE % total FTE % Employment Total total OUR PEOPLE type FTE Consultation about the draft DERM Aboriginal and Female Male Female Male FTE Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Plan Casual 15.8 23.9 0.7% 0.8% 39.7 0.7% occurred during June 2009, and the revised workforce Contract 6.0 31.0 0.3% 1.0% 37.0 0.7% planning framework is ready for implementation in the Permanent 1987.9 2791.6 84.5% 90.5% 4779.4 88.0%

fi rst quarter of next fi nancial year. Temporary 340.7 237.4 14.5% 7.7% 578.1 10.6% The department’s Strategic Workforce Plan and Total 2350.4 3083.9 100% 100% 5434.2 100% Aboriginal and Torres Strait employment plans are scheduled for release during the 2009–10 fi nancial year. Ranger numbers Workplace health and safety (FTE at 30 June 2009) Employment type Female Male Total Intervention strategies to reduce physical and Casual 8.0 15.3 23.3 psychological incidents in the department were Permanent 113.2 544.6 657.8 continued, along with various training and information Temporary 37.0 74.9 111.9 sessions. An external audit of the former Environmental Total 158.2 634.8 793.0 Protection Agency’s programs was conducted and the department is waiting for the results to determine which programs will be required in 2009–10. Initial feedback has been very positive and, depending The department again offered staff the infl uenza on results of an evaluation of the program, staff may vaccination, following the spread of the H1N1 be offered this challenge again. (swine fl u) virus in Australia, and piloted an exercise challenge with 256 employees across the state. Initiatives for women

The ‘Working together – Walking together’ 10-week The department is committed to increasing the exercise challenge was trialled in response to the representation of women throughout the agency and Toward Q2 goal of making Queensland healthy. In this providing training and professional development challenge, employees were credited ‘steps’ for exercise opportunities. Women comprise 41.4 per cent of the they undertook (e.g. walking, cycling, aerobics, total agency workforce with 20 per cent of Senior swimming and squash) and an online program plotted Offi cer positions and Senior Executive Service their virtual walk around New Zealand and Australia. positions held by women.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 A review of the former EPA and NRW initiatives The association is independent of the department, and for women is scheduled for next fi nancial year and has the endorsement of the Director-General as it fi ndings will be refl ected in DERM’s Workforce supports the broader direction of ‘valuing our people’. Strategic Plan. It raises money through membership contributions, Volunteers collected fortnightly through payroll deductions. The money is used to provide fi nancial assistance to The department’s former agencies have long enjoyed any current or retired employee and their families in the valuable support of the community through a range times of need or hardship. of volunteer programs and initiatives. The association is administered by an elected Approximately 1200 dedicated volunteers management committee. The management committee participated in activities across the state over the also includes a representative nominated by the past year, donating their time, skills and experience. Director-General, and receives in-kind support from These activities included approximately 30 seasonal the department. and permanent programs as well as many local national park arrangements. Public Sector Ethics Act 1994

56 Most volunteers supported the business of The Code of Conduct outlines the department’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and expectations and the standards of behaviour required Environmental Sciences through roles such as public of all staff. Departmental offi cers are trained in the contact and interpretation, research and monitoring, Code of Conduct to ensure they understand their

OUR PEOPLE wildlife rescue and care, weed removal and repair responsibilities in relation to their conduct and their of degraded areas, campground hosting, and helping ethical obligations as public servants under the staff. Their help has enabled the department to deliver Public Sector Ethics Act 1994. a broader range of environmental programs. A review of the Code of Conduct for the former EPA The department is looking forward to fostering and NRW began in May 2009. A draft Code for DERM an even more cooperative relationship with the is currently under consideration and is expected to be Queensland community through the Toward Q2 fi nalised later in 2009. policy which encourages a greater level of volunteer participation. Voluntary Early Retirement

Staff Welfare Association One voluntary early retirement package was offered during the reporting period at a cost of $148 425. The former EPA set up the Staff Welfare Association in 2006. Members of the association unanimously Retrenchments voted to include all DERM employees following the One retrenchment occurred during the reporting machinery-of-government changes in March 2009. period at a cost of $341 582.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Awards and recognition The environment category winners were: • Innovation and improvement—Queensland Water The inaugural DERM Excellence Awards, held in and Energy Sustainable Technology Network for Brisbane on 26 June 2009, acknowledged outstanding their network initiative efforts and staff achievements. Entries were based on • Focusing on our people—Donna Walsh for work completed prior to the formation of DERM. establishing the staff welfare fund Thirteen winners received trophies from John Bradley • Health and safety—Noelene Lucjan for driving (then Acting Director-General) and Minister for Climate safer work practices Change and Sustainability Kate Jones. • Technical and professional excellence—Steven There were two pinnacle awards: Howell for biodiversity resource management • Director-General’s award—best overall of the • Leadership excellence—Colin Lawton for leadership environment categories—was presented to Michael in conservation Short for his leadership and direction in the Pacifi c • Partnerships, collaboration and volunteering—joint Adventurer oil spill clean-up winners—Carnarvon Gorge visitor engagement team • Fenwick trophy—best overall of the resource and Mamu Canopy Walkway construction team. management categories—was awarded to the Wild 57 River Rangers program in far north Queensland. The Fenwick perpetual trophy was adopted by NRW in 2001 in honour of the department’s former Director-General, Tom Fenwick. OUR PEOPLE

The resource management winners were: • Sustainable environment (service award)—Forest Products team for world-class forestry certifi cation • Sustainable environment (departmental award)— State Land Management team and technical group for the Delbessie Agreement guidelines • Engaging and serving communities (departmental award)—Wild River Rangers team for their Indigenous ranger program in far north Queensland • Leadership excellence (service award)—State Land Asset Management team for putting service fi rst across the state • Leadership excellence (departmental award)— Vegetation management team for their work on the vegetation regrowth moratorium.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Service delivery contacts

DERM business centre districts Location Location details

Atherton 29B Mable Street, Atherton Qld 4883 (moving to 25 Mable Street)

Ayr Little Drysdale Street, Ayr Qld 4807

Beenleigh Ground Floor, 32 Tansey Street Beenleigh Qld 4207

Brisbane CBD Landcentre, cnr Main and Vulture Streets, Woolloongabba Qld 4102

Bundaberg 16–32 Enterprise Street Bundaberg Qld 4670

Caboolture Level 4, 33 King Street Caboolture Qld 4510

Cairns William McCormack Building 5B Sheridan Street, Cairns Qld 4870 58 Charleville Hood Street, Charleville Qld 4470

Cloncurry Ground Floor, 72 Uhr Street Cloncurry Qld 4824

Dalby Level 3, 30 Marble Street OUR PEOPLE Dalby Qld 4405

Emerald 99 Hospital Road, Emerald Qld 4720

Gold Coast Level 1, AVC Building 14 Edgewater Court, Robina Qld 4226

Goondiwindi 24–26 McLean Street Goondiwindi Qld 4390

Gympie O'Connell Street, Gympie Qld 4570

Ipswich Level 4, Hayden Centre, cnr South and East Streets, Ipswich Qld 4305

Kingaroy Shop 2, 16 Alford Street Kingaroy Qld 4610

Longreach Landsborough Highway Longreach, Qld 4730

Mackay 22–30 Wood Street Mackay Qld 4740

Mareeba Blk B, Floor 1, 28 Peters Street Mareeba Qld 4880

Maryborough Station Chambers, 120 Lennox Street Maryborough Qld 4650

Mount Isa 13 Isa Street, Mount Isa Qld 4825

Nambour Centenary Square, 52–64 Currie Street Nambour Qld 4560

Rockhampton State Government Building 209 Bolsover Street Rockhampton Qld 4701

Roma 1–3 Alfred Street, Roma Qld 4455

St George 126 Alfred Street, St George Qld 4487

Toowoomba 203 Tor Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350

Townsville Floor 3, State Government Building 187–209 Stanley Street Townsville Qld 4810

Floor 1, Government Offi ce, cnr Guy and Warwick Fitzroy Streets, Warwick Qld 4370

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service boundaries Location Location details

Terrestrial Wet Tropics 1st Floor, 5B Sheridan Street Cairns Qld 4870

Sunshine 29 The Esplanade Coast/ Cotton Tree Qld 4558 Burnett

Cape York/ 1st Floor, 5B Sheridan Street Savanna Cairns Qld 4870

Capricornia 30 Tennyson Street Mackay Qld 4740

South East 60 Mt Nebo Road The Gap Qld 4061

Landsborough Highway 59 Western Longreach Qld 4730

Marine OUR PEOPLE North Ground Floor, Pallarenda Road Queensland Townsville Qld 4810 Marine

Central Corner Mandalay Road and Queensland Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket, Marine Airlie Beach Qld 4802

Great Sandy Corner Lennox and Alice Streets Marine Maryborough Qld 4650

Moreton Bay 127 Russell Street, Cleveland Qld 4163 Marine

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 60

Other reporting

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Reducing our carbon Common examples of these sources include: • employee business travel (in vehicles or aircraft not footprint owned or controlled by the reporting organisation) • employees commuting to and from work • outsourced activities DERM is well placed to achieve the government’s Toward Q2 and Climate Smart 2050 targets in advance • transportation of products, materials and waste. of the required date, and to lead other government Six gases have been identifi ed under the agencies in achieving these goals because they support Kyoto Protocol as the main greenhouse gas the department’s own internal initiatives of energy emissions that need to be reduced: carbon dioxide, minimisation, resource conservation and fuel effi ciency. hydrofl uorocarbons, methane, nitrous oxides, perfl uorocarbons and sulphur hexafl uoride. Environmental sustainability report As part of standard emission measurement practices, these gases are mainly reported as carbon dioxide DERM is committed to supporting the Queensland equivalent emissions (CO2-e). Government’s Toward Q2 target to cut Queensland’s The key greenhouse gas emissions for DERM are greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2020. 61 those linked to electricity consumption and fuel This commitment includes implementation of the consumption (in vehicles, vessels and generator usage). government’s climate change (ClimateQ: toward a The department has also calculated its emissions for greener Queensland) and other environmental strategies. owned assets that have a fuel card, electricity As the lead agency in Queensland for environmental distribution and transmission line losses, and emissions sustainability, DERM aims to achieve or exceed these REPORTING OTHER associated with fuel extraction, refi nement and transport. targets well ahead of the stipulated schedule wherever possible. It should be noted that comprehensive reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by agencies can be limited by The Queensland Government continues to develop and operational complexities within the public sector, improve whole-of-government data collection processes especially where government shared-service providers and systems to standardise reporting of its greenhouse are used. gas emissions. The basis for this reporting is consistent with acknowledged national and international While the best available data have been used, in some standards, including the defi nitions (see below) outlined instances estimates have been reported due to the in the AS ISO 14064 standards and the Australian limitation of data collection systems. For example, in Government’s National greenhouse accounts factors government-owned offi ce buildings where there are workbook. An organisation’s operational boundaries multiple tenants and electricity usage cannot be need to be considered when including these emissions attributed to a single agency, it is calculated on in any reporting. occupied leased fl oor area.

Scope 1 emissions occur directly from sources that are The emissions relating to DERM outlined in the table owned or controlled by an organisation (e.g. emissions (see over) have been calculated from emissions created from departmental vehicles, on-site diesel generators, by the service areas that were: gas boilers, etc.). • wholly transferred (not abolished) to the new Scope 2 emissions occur indirectly and are due solely department, for the period 1 July 2008 to to an organisation’s consumption of electricity or steam 30 June 2009 or heating/cooling, generated by the burning of fuels • absorbed into the newly formed department for the (coal, natural gas, etc.) at power stations or other post machinery-of-government period facilities not controlled by the organisation. (approximately three months) in 2008–09.

Scope 3 emissions occur indirectly and result from the Emissions created by the abolished departments for the organisation’s actions, but they are from sources not nine months prior to the machinery-of-government owned or controlled by the organisation (i.e. outside its period have been provided in a separate report. operational boundary).

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Emissions relating to DERM (1 April 2009 to 30 June 2009)

Greenhouse gas Scope Activity emissions Notes (tonnes of CO2-e) 1 Department vehicles and equipment • QFleet vehicles 1323 1 • Other fuel card 467 2 2 Electricity consumption • Purchased directly from electricity retailer 2248 3 • Sourced through a third party 5046 4 3 Electricity line losses • Purchased directly from retailer 301 5 • Sourced through a third party 680 5 Travel • Domestic air travel on commercial airlines 359 6 • International travel on commercial airlines 6 6 • Fuel card data—emissions associated with fuel extraction, refi nement and transport 137 7 Hire car • Avis 22 8 62 Notes:

Th e CO1. The CO1. 2-e emissions fi gure for the period 1 April to 30 June 2009 has tenants and 45 per cent to the owner—in line with industry practice been aggregated using National Greenhouse Emissions Reporting and historical benchmarking. (NGER) guidelines and represents emissions for four primary fuel 5. Transmission and distribution losses are defi ned as emissions from types: unleaded petrol, diesel, liquifi ed petroleum gas (LPG) and E10. the extraction, production and transport of fuels used to produce Actual emissions, based on available fuel consumption records, and the purchased electricity (i.e. fugitive emissions and stationary and total estimated emissions are shown. mobile fuel combustion emissions), and to deliver the electricity to

OTHER REPORTING OTHER 2. This data relates to fuel card purchases for agency-owned vehicles, the consumer (from both fuel combustion and fuel extraction). These vessels and other sundry purposes. It does not include Qfl eet-related emission losses have been converted to carbon emissions using the fuel purchases or bulk fuel purchases. scope 3 conversion factor of 0.12 kg CO2-e/kWh as recommended in 3. The reported emissions are linked to electricity DERM purchased the National greenhouse accounts factors workbook (June 2009). directly from an energy retailer for its buildings and any space it leases. 6. Air travel includes all fl ights (international and domestic air travel The fi gure is largely based on actual electricity consumption records on all airlines) recorded by the Queensland Government Chief available for the period 1 April to 30 June 2009. Incomplete electricity Procurement Offi ce (QGCPO) for DERM during the period 1 April to consumption records have been extrapolated where necessary. All 30 June 2009. Since 1 January 2009, the formula used by QGCPO electricity consumption has been converted to carbon emissions using to calculate carbon emissions (in tonnes CO2-e) per passenger/per the scope 2 conversion factor of 0.89 kg CO2-e/kWh as recommended journey is number of kilometres x .0001253. in the National greenhouse accounts factors workbook. 7. This fi gure relates to emissions associated with other fuel card 4. This fi gure is largely based on emissions associated with electricity purchases not covered in note 2 above. use in leased spaces where electricity is not directly purchased by 8. The hire car emissions are calculated by Avis Australia and show DERM from an energy retailer (e.g. electricity costs are part of the only emissions for AVIS vehicles booked under a standing offer lease charges). The fi gure includes actual consumption records from arrangement managed by the QGCPO. landlords and apportioned/extrapolated data for incomplete records. For example, in Department of Public Works-owned offi ce buildings that have no separated sub-metering, 55 per cent of carbon emissions associated with electricity consumption have been assigned to

Energy and carbon neutrality meet this commitment. It is also developing a carbon emissions manual that outlines the scope, assumptions DERM is in the process of amalgamating the policies and calculations used for the inventory. of the two agencies from which it emerged. This presents a number of opportunities to improve DERM will base its assessment and carbon emissions its environmental performance, as the best elements manual on the same methodology used for the former of these policies become the dominant paradigms for EPA 2007–08 carbon inventory, which received a the new department. limited assurance statement from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Carbon neutrality The department’s two major emission sources identifi ed The former EPA committed to be a carbon neutral from the inventory are: electricity consumption, which organisation in 2008–09, although this was not a relates mainly to offi ce tenancy activities, and fuel requirement under legislation. DERM is currently in consumption from motor vehicle operation, vessels the fi nal stages of accounting for the ex-EPA emissions and generators. (an emissions inventory), and purchasing offsets to

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuel powered generators. DERM is also investigating the options for increased As the lead department for sustainability, DERM has use of alternative energy sources for water heating and continued the innovative energy reduction programs of air conditioning. its former agencies, but it is still determining which Virtual server technology. DERM has introduced virtual programs may be extended across the new department server technology to some of its data centres and will next fi nancial year. Projects being investigated for continue to roll this out across the department. This inclusion include: technology will deliver substantial reductions in energy Carbon neutrality. The former EPA accounted for all consumption by decreasing the number of servers in emissions it generated and put strategies in place to use and the associated air-conditioning costs. avoid, reduce or offset them. DERM has committed to Video and desktop conferencing standard. developing a carbon emissions inventory for 2009–10. This standard provides real-time sharing of audio, video Local actions. In many instances, the greatest feeds and applications. For a geographically diverse opportunities for improvement come from local actions department like DERM, video and desktop conferencing focused on behavioural change. The department’s delivers energy savings and reduces travelling (and the ‘switch off and save’ initiative targeted staff behaviour department’s carbon footprint). Numerous sites already 63 at work and home, prompting them to turn off lights employ this technology, and its roll out will continue when not being used, and also offi ce equipment, phone across DERM sites. chargers and kitchen appliances. Many employees ‘Wake on LAN’. This capability would allow DERM to already follow best practice and are helping DERM to shut down its desktop personal computers that may be save energy. Their actions support broader corporate

left on after-hours. It would complement the monitor REPORTING OTHER energy-reduction initiatives centred on local auto shut-down feature already included in a behavioural change. signifi cant proportion the department’s PCs. Carbon champions. To reduce energy consumption, the department sought volunteers among employees to be Efficient transport ‘carbon champions’ to help motivate staff, identify local The diverse nature of the department’s operations, opportunities and support the implementation of much of it conducted in regional, rural and remote department-wide programs. Currently, DERM has 68 areas of Queensland, requires extensive use of motor carbon champions across the state. These provided vehicles. Activities such as wildfi re fi ghting and strong leadership with the ‘switch off and save’ forestry operations affect the type of vehicles required program and will be incorporated into future programs. and level of vehicle use. Wherever possible the Move to George Street. At the end of 2009, department aims to reduce the distances travelled and approximately 1100 employees will be relocating from the impact of travel by using alternative fuels and other offi ce spaces in the Brisbane CBD to the fi ve- appropriate fuel-effi cient and lower-emission vehicles. green-star rated accommodation at 400 George Street, The QFleet Climate Smart Action Plan 2007–10 sets Brisbane. This new building includes energy effi cient overall targets for emission reductions from the lighting and consolidates offi ce equipment in specifi c government vehicle fl eet of 15 per cent reduction by utility rooms. Work stations are equipped with a kill 2010, 25 per cent by 2012 and 50 per cent by 2017. switch that eliminates power wastage (e.g. from battery Under this plan, individual departmental targets have chargers and appliances on stand-by). The building’s air been negotiated to recognise initiatives already conditioning system is expected to save 700 000 litres undertaken and an agency’s capacity for change. of water per annum compared to that in other buildings of the same size. An environmentally friendly printing As at 30 June 2009, DERM had 30 hybrid vehicles in strategy will be implemented to save an estimated the fl eet making up 12 per cent of the passenger fl eet. $320 000 per annum in paper, transaction and Alternative vehicles, such as small diesel vehicles with electricity costs. a high fuel economy, continue to be assessed for departmental use. Renewable energy generation. The department has a range of renewable energy systems in place across the state. In the next 12 months, existing Remote Area Power Supply systems will be upgraded or refurbished

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Under the QFleet Action Plan, all new vehicles leased reviewing the supply chain, producer responsibility, are required to meet minimum greenhouse gas ratings and waste materials that may have a greater of 5.5 for passenger vehicles and 3.5 for light environmental impact. Specifi c areas identifi ed for commercial vehicles under the Green Vehicle Guide. further investigation include electronic waste (e-waste) DERM has set a target of six for passenger vehicles and and fl uorescent tube recycling. four for commercial vehicles (other than fi re vehicles) e-waste. DERM aims to minimise the environmental for internal requirements. impact of obsolete equipment by recycling as much as The department has 59 vehicles that do not meet the possible. All coastal regional offi ces of the former EPA QFleet minimum requirements. When their lease term recycled e-waste in 2008–09. The possibility of ends, these vehicles will be replaced with ones that expanding e-waste recycling across all DERM will be meet internal DERM requirements wherever possible. assessed in 2009–10. In the reporting period to 30 June 2009, it is estimated that approximately 900 kg of DERM continues to support and promote the use of e-waste has been recycled by DERM. ethanol-blended E10 fuel within the department. From 1 April to 30 June 2009, DERM purchased 18 903 Fluorescent tube recycling. DERM has commenced a litres of E10 fuel, representing almost 26 per cent of all fl uorescent tube collection program, beginning with the petrol used by DERM QFleet vehicles. lighting retrofi t of its Rockhampton offi ce. This 64 program will form the basis for collection programs in other departmental buildings. These lamps will be sent Water management for recycling with almost 100 per cent recovery of materials expected. DERM is the primary management agency for water in Queensland, and as such is at the forefront of water Paper consumption. Paper consumption is being OTHER REPORTING OTHER conservation, setting an example to both business and reduced by raising staff awareness and eliminating the public sector. printers that cannot print double-sided. Over 90 per cent of white A3 and A4 paper that was purchased A water effi ciency management plan (WEMP) was from DERM’s preferred supplier had recycled content. prepared in 2007 for the department’s science precinct at Indooroopilly, and was approved by the Brisbane Mobile phones. Obsolete and unserviceable mobile City Council (BCC). This WEMP covered sites that at the phones (work and personal) are being collected in time belonged to NRW, EPA and the Department of Brisbane offi ces, and sent to the Aussie Recycling Primary Industries and Fisheries. DERM complies with Program. They are remanufactured and sold, with some all requirements under the WEMP and has put of the profi ts from sales going to the Queensland signifi cant resources into making water savings beyond Cerebral Palsy League. the initial targets. Ongoing quarterly reports are lodged Cartridge recycling. Toner bottles from photocopiers online to comply with current BCC requirements. and toner cartridges from printers and fax machines are Wherever possible, the department reduces mains water being recycled as part of the department’s drive to consumption by replacing it with rain water for specifi c increase offi ce recycling practices. services and retrofi tting to water effi cient devices. The Surplus offi ce supplies. Cleaning up for the move to current DERM Water Management Standard provides the new George Street headquarters in late 2009 has staff with information on reducing water losses, generated many useful surplus offi ce items. These items reducing consumption and reusing waste water. are available for reuse by other departmental offi ces and charitable institutions. Items currently being Resource consumption and waste collected and separated for reuse and recycling include: folders, CDs and fl oppy discs, suspension fi les, offi ce management furniture, and general stationery and paper. Every The department is a leader in the public sector, putting effort has and is being made to minimise waste much effort into ensuring sustainable acquisition associated with the relocation. processes are in place and managing the disposal of used items. It is currently drafting a new Strategic Waste Management Plan that shifts the focus from end-use practices such as standard offi ce recycling, to

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The group comprises the department’s most senior Corporate governance offi cers (see page 8 of this report) and is chaired by the Director-General. The department obtains information about its operational and fi nancial performance through its Policy and Legislative Strategy Group performance management framework, governance After 27 March 2009, the department began to structure and fi nancial systems. develop a new structure and with this established a The performance management framework includes the Policy and Legislative Strategy Group to coordinate strategic plan, annual report, service delivery statement the development of DERM policies and regulations. (SDS), key business performance measures and targets, The group will oversee and report on regulation reform, and also a structured risk-assessment process. the department’s legislative agenda and other policy- related issues. The DERM Executive Management Group (EMG) oversees departmental performance. EMG uses monthly The group is made up of the senior offi cers from the fi nancial reports and quarterly business performance Water, Land and Vegetation, Natural Resources and and human resource management reports for this Environment, Offi ce of Climate Change, and purpose. It is assisted by a Finance Committee, Audit Governance and Strategy business groups. 65 and Governance Committee, and business leadership A senior offi cer nominated from the Operations and and other governance groups. Environmental Regulator group will also be a part of the group. Business performance reports provide details of actual business performance against SDS measures, Business strategy groups departmental measures and targets, risk management REPORTING OTHER and specifi c election commitments. Business strategy groups ensure there are good linkages between policy development and implementation and are the vehicle for discussing DERM governance groups priorities, resources, risk, performance and business improvement. They are also an effective means for These groups and committees are the core of the checking that performance reporting is in line with department’s governance arrangements. They ensure that requirements of the Financial Administration and the department has a clear direction, operates effi ciently Audit Act 1977 and the Queensland Audit Offi ce. and fulfi ls its legislative responsibilities. They oversee all major activities and areas of decision making. The groups promote a partnership of service delivery, • Executive Management Group (EMG) regulation, and science and policy areas and include regional and head offi ce staff. Each group provides an • Policy and Legislative Strategy Group advisory and support role for its members and EMG. • Business strategy groups It has reporting requirements but no line • Finance Committee accountabilities. Recommendations on issues go • Audit and Governance Committee through the relevant EMG member(s), via the • Workplace Health and Safety Committee appropriate representative(s). • Establishment and Vacancy Management Committee Finance Committee • Information Systems and Strategy Committee As soon as DERM was created, a Finance Committee EMG was quickly formed to advise EMG on fi nancial matters. The committee coordinates the budget The Executive Management Group (EMG) is allocation process, monitors performance against fi scal responsible for the overall management, administration targets, and makes recommendations on a wide range and strategic direction of the department. It advises and of fi nancial policy, resourcing and strategic issues. supports the Director-General and assists him to meet statutory responsibilities under the Financial Committee membership was approved in May 2009 Administration and Audit Act 1977 and other and the committee met twice before the end of the relevant legislation. reporting period.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Finance Committee membership (at 30 June 2009) Audit and Governance Committee

Debbie Best (chair) Deputy Director-General, The former EPA and NRW Audit and Governance Water and Corporate Services Committees continued to oversee their respective Tony Roberts Assistant Director-General, Natural Resources and Environment functions so that they could approve the signing of Chris Robson Assistant Director-General, the fi nal fi nancial statements of the former agencies. Land and Vegetation Services Each committee met once during the reporting period Damien Brown Assistant Director-General, to 30 June 2009. Regional Service Delivery Andrea Leverington Assistant Director-General, These committees were established in accordance Queensland Parks and Wildlife with the Financial Management Standard 1997 (s82). Service During the reporting period, they observed the terms of Liz Dann General Manager, Governance and Strategy their charters, followed the Queensland Treasury’s Audit Doug Watson A/Executive Director, Committee Guidelines, and supported the Director- Corporate Services General in discharging his responsibilities under the Peter Philipson General Manager, Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977. Finance and Asset Management The committees achieved this by giving independent 66 In the period to 30 June 2009, the committee’s major advice to the Director-General on matters including achievements were as follows: corporate governance practices, risk management, • set its charter and agreed on the roles and fi nancial reporting and internal control systems. responsibilities of members They also acted as a forum for dialogue between the • determined the 2009–10 interim DERM budget Director-General, senior management, Internal Audit

OTHER REPORTING OTHER allocation model after an extensive review of the and the Queensland Audit Offi ce. former EPA and NRW models The committees did not diminish the statutory and • agreed on the desired approach to fi nancial regulatory duties and responsibilities of the Director- management in DERM by outlining the fi scal General, nor did they detract from management’s responsibilities and objectives of those who manage responsibilities in relation to corporate governance, departmental funds internal control, fraud prevention and risk • established the Business Group capital and management. operating budgets for 2009–10. The Department of Environment and Resource During 2009–10 the committee will work to: Management Audit and Governance Committee will • fi nalise the desired DERM budget allocation model be established on 1 July 2009. for adoption from 2010–11 • consolidate the fi nancial management reporting Audit and Governance Committee membership framework and requirements for EMG and business (NRW) areas Chris Robson (chair) Assistant Director-General, Land and • monitor fi nancial performance targets and Vegetation Services recommend actions as required to help business Debbie Best Deputy Director-General, Water and Catchment Services (resigned February areas achieve targets 2009) • ensure that departmental fi nancial resources Neil Lawson Executive Director, Land Information contribute towards achieving priority business and Titles (retired April 2009) objectives Mark Cranitch Regional Services Director, North Region • foster a strong fi nancial management culture in the Brian Vandersee Executive Director, Natural Resource new organisation through communication, training Sciences and improved reporting for staff at all levels. Max Locke General Manager, Titles Registration Graeme Milligan General Manager, Water Accounting and Management Luigi Demichelis External member

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Audit and Risk Management Committee information management and communications membership (EPA) technology that affect DERM, including the provision of online services. Doug Watson (chair) Assistant Director-General, Performance and Capability The committee is responsible for recommending priority Terry Wall Director-General investments to EMG and reporting on ICT (information Terry Harper Executive Director, and communications technology) projects, progress, Corporate Sustainability directions and risks. Andrea Leverington Executive Director, Environmental Services The committee will commence operations from 1 July Christine Williams Executive Director, 2009. Membership will be reviewed every three years. Environmental Sciences Geoff Clare Executive Director, Sustainable Communities Other governance roles Greg Withers Executive Director, Offi ce of Climate Change In addition to governance committees and groups, the Tony Roberts Executive Director, Strategy and Policy department has other established roles to audit its Alan Feely Executive Director, Queensland Parks and Wildlife (resigned May 2009) programs, reduce risks and safeguard against fraudulent 67 Robert McDonald External member activity, and ensure business continuity. Internal Audit

Workplace Health and Safety Committee Internal Audit provides independent assurance and advice to the Director-General and senior management,

This committee sets strategic objectives and provides REPORTING OTHER leadership and direction for the department’s Workplace and reports to the Audit and Governance Committee on Health and Safety (WHS) program. a quarterly basis. It enhances the department’s corporate governance by objectively and systematically The committee makes recommendations to EMG on evaluating governance processes, internal controls, risk workplace health and safety issues and initiatives, assessment and management practices. and reports on the impact of the department’s WHS program and compliance with relevant legislation. The Director, Internal Audit, acts as the department’s It oversees the development and implementation of liaison offi cer with the Crime and Misconduct Commission. the department’s WHS management systems and The Internal Audit charter establishes the major procedures, and promotes a positive attitude to safety, responsibilities, operating environment and parameters health and wellbeing to create a productive culture in of the Internal Audit unit. The unit’s work program is DERM. set by the annual audit plan and its activities are designed to: Establishment and Vacancy Management • discharge the responsibilities established in the Committee charter by executing the annual audit plan prepared as a result of risk assessments, materiality, and This committee was created to help DERM manage a contractual and statutory obligations tight labour market and/or fi scal environment. EMG may decide to suspend or maintain this committee, • support and enhance the self-audit process for depending on the fi scal environment. The committee business groups and regional offi ces approves the creation, upgrading and fi lling of all new • advise management on corporate governance and permanent and temporary positions for periods greater related issues, including fraud and corruption than three months. prevention programs • review and report on the department’s risk Information Systems and Strategy management programs Committee • allocate audit resources to areas of greatest risk, and The department has a large investment in information where they will provide positive assurance or lead systems. This committee has the expertise and to positive change knowledge to oversee systems development and • monitor and report on the implementation of audit direction, and advise EMG on matters regarding recommendations to the Audit and Governance Committee. Management is responsible for the implementation of audit recommendations.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 The 2008–09 audit plans were prepared using a • The Audit and Governance Committee reviews risk-based methodology that included an assessment of the effectiveness of the department’s risk the overall control environment of the department. management approach and recommends any While this approach covered a reasonable part of the required action to EMG department’s internal control systems, it was not • The Strategic Planning and Reporting unit, within intended to cover all areas of the organisation or every Governance and Strategy, coordinates the risk possible risk area. In regard to resource management management framework and reports to the Audit functions, the audit plan was complemented by the and Governance Committee on a quarterly basis introduction of self-audits by regional and business regarding risk management and the department’s unit staff. This allowed internal audit resources to be performance management framework. directed to higher-risk areas of the department and so add more value to audit outcomes for the department. Business continuity management DERM’s internal control environment minimises the The department has policies and procedures for opportunity for fraud and misuse of assets and business continuity management and maintains suffi cient detective and preventative measures were in relevant plans in accordance with government asset place to ensure any instances were detected and dealt protection requirements. Business continuity 68 with appropriately. management is coordinated by the Executive and Administration Services unit within Corporate Services. Risk management Key business continuity management activities during The department currently has two separate risk the reporting period included updating and management policies, procedures and systems from its implementing strategies to respond to outbreaks and OTHER REPORTING OTHER former agencies (EPA and NRW). These are based on spread of human swine fl u among staff. the Australian–New Zealand Risk Management Standard and are being reviewed to determine the most appropriate risk management framework for DERM.

At present, responsibility for risk management is as follows: • Risk registers are maintained by individual business units, regions and business groups • Managers are responsible for identifying risks and implementing risk treatments • EMG oversees the department’s risk management processes and strategic risks

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Legislation

Legislation administered by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (as at 30 June 2009)

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade portfolio

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (except to the extent administered by the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations and the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability) Acquisition of Land Act 1967 Allan and Stark Burnett Lane Subway Authorisation Act 1926 Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (except to the extent administered by the Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading; sections 5, 5A, 119, 133 and 134 jointly administered with the Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading) Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 (Parts 3 and 4, Part 6 s25–27), (Parts 1, 5, 6 s28–29 and Part 7 jointly administered with the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability) Century Zinc Project Act 1997 (section 9) Foreign Governments (Titles to Land) Act 1948 Foreign Ownership of Land Register Act 1988 69 Forestry Act 1959 (jointly administered with the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability; except to the extent administered by the Treasurer and the Minister for Employment and Economic Development and the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland) Ipswich Trades Hall Act 1986 Lake Eyre Basin Agreement Act 2001 Land Act 1994 OTHER REPORTING OTHER Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (to the extent that it is relevant to Stock Route Management) (jointly administered with the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland) Land Title Act 1994 Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1909 Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993 New South Wales–Queensland Border Rivers Act 1946 Place Names Act 1994 Registration of Plans (H.S.P. [Nominees] Pty Limited) Enabling Act 1980 Registration of Plans (Stage 2) (H.S.P. [Nominees] Pty Limited) Enabling Act 1984 River Improvement Trust Act 1940 Soil Conservation Act 1986 Soil Survey Act 1929 South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 2007 (in so far as the Minister is a responsible Minister for the purposes of Chapter 2 of this Act) Starcke Pastoral Holdings Acquisition Act 1994 Survey and Mapping Infrastructure Act 2003 Surveyors Act 2003 Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 (except to the extent administered by the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations and the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability) Valuation of Land Act 1944 Valuers Registration Act 1992 Vegetation Management Act 1999 Vegetation Management (Regrowth Clearing Moratorium) Act 2009 Water Act 2000 (except to the extent administered by the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade through the Queensland Water Commission) Water (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2008 Water Effi ciency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 Wild Rivers Act 2005 Yeppoon Hospital Site Acquisition Act 2006

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability portfolio Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (s132A(2)–(1); s134 (as is applies to the provisions of the Act administered by the Minister)) Alcan Queensland Pty Limited Agreement Act 1965 (sch—to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Brisbane Forest Park Act 1977 Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 (Part 2, Part 6 s24), (Parts 1, 5, 6 s28–29 and Part 7 jointly administered with the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade) Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act 1968 (sch 1 pt III – to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 Commonwealth Aluminium Corporation Pty Limited Agreement Act 1957 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Currumbin Bird Sanctuary Act 1976 Environmental Protection Act 1994 Forestry Act 1959 (jointly administered with the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade; except to the extent administered by the Treasurer and the Minister for Employment and Economic Development and the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland) Gurulmundi Secure Landfi ll Agreement Act 1992 Marine Parks Act 2004 Mineral Resources Act 1989 (except to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) 70 Mount Isa Mines Limited Agreement Act 1985 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) National Environment Protection Council (Queensland) Act 1994 National Trust of Queensland Act 1963 Nature Conservation Act 1992 Newstead House Trust Act 1939

OTHER REPORTING OTHER Queensland Heritage Act 1992 Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 Thiess Peabody Coal Pty Limited Agreement Act 1962 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 (s80(2)–(11); s131 (as it applies to provisions of the Act administered by the Minister)) Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypassing Project Agreement Act 1998 Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993

Acts repealed in 2008–09 Legislation passed (27 March to 30 June 2009) (27 March to 30 June 2009)

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Passed by the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Minister for Trade portfolio and Energy and Minister for Trade

Water and Another Act Amendment Act 2009 Water and Another Act Amendment Act 2009 Introduced 20 May 2009 (G Wilson) Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability portfolio Passed 4 June 2009 Assent 12 June 2009 No Acts administered by the Minister were repealed Commenced 19 June 2009 during this reporting period.

Vegetation Management (Regrowth Clearing Moratorium) Act 2009 Introduced 22 April 2009 Passed 23 April 2009 Assent 30 April 2009 was taken to have commenced on Commenced 8 April 2009

Passed by the Minister Climate Change and Sustainability

No legislation was passed by the Minister during this reporting period.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Administration of the Environmental The Act provides for proclamation of subordinate Protection Act 1994 legislation in the form of regulations and conservation plans. These are as follows: The objective of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 • Nature Conservation (Administration) is to protect Queensland’s environment while allowing Regulation 2006 for development that improves the quality of life and • Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation maintains the ecological processes on which life depends. Plan 1999 The Act provides that protecting Queensland’s • Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) environment is to be achieved by an integrated Conservation Plan 2007 management program consistent with ecologically • Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) sustainable development. Regulation 2000 The policies and regulations that support this legislation • Nature Conservation (Koala) are as follows: Conservation Plan 2006 • Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 • Nature Conservation (Macropod) • Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Conservation Plan 2005 Regulation 2000 • Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Period 71 • Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 2009) Notice 2008 • Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 • Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) • Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2006 Policy 2000 • Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) OTHER REPORTING OTHER • Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997. Regulation 1994 • Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) A separate report on the administration of this Act can Conservation Plan 2000 be found in the annex to this annual report and will be tabled in parliament in accordance with the reporting • Nature Conservation (Protected Plants Harvest requirements outlined in this legislation. Period) Notice 2009 • Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Administration of the Nature Conservation Conservation Plan 1997 Act 1992 • Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) The Nature Conservation Act 1992 aims to achieve Regulation 2006 an integrated and comprehensive approach to • Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. conserving nature. It provides a legislative basis A separate report on the administration of this Act can for research and community education; dedicating, be found in the annex to this annual report and will be declaring and managing protected areas; and tabled in parliament in accordance with the reporting protecting native wildlife and its habitat. requirements outlined in this legislation. The Act allows for the ecologically sustainable use of wildlife and protected areas, and recognises the Administration of the Marine Parks Act interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2004 in nature and their cooperative involvement in its The Marine Parks Act 2004 provides for the conservation. The roles of landholders and the conservation of Queensland’s marine environment community are recognised and the Act encourages by implementing a range of management strategies their involvement in conserving nature through including the declaration of marine parks and the voluntary agreements and sustainable use of land establishment of zones, designated areas and highly and natural resources. protected areas within the parks. These management arrangements are formalised through the gazettal of zoning plans and development of management plans.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Public authorities and other interested groups, The Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 1997 was including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander repealed and replaced with the Marine Parks (Moreton communities, are encouraged to assist in managing Bay) Zoning Plan 2008 on 1 March 2009. marine parks and to further the public’s appreciation, A separate report on the administration of this Act can understanding and enjoyment of the marine be found in the annex to this annual report and will be environment. tabled in parliament in accordance with the reporting The Marine Parks Act 2004 aims to achieve a requirements outlined in this legislation. coordinated and integrated approach with other environment conservation legislation, and recognises Regulator’s report, Water Supply (Safety the relationships between marine parks and their and Reliability) Act 2008 adjacent lands and waters. On 1 July 2008, the Water Supply (Safety and Australia’s international responsibilities and Reliability) Act 2008 introduced new provisions to intergovernmental agreements are important protect public health by regulating recycled water and considerations in park management. Marine parks drinking water quality, as well as incorporating some extend across areas adjacent to the Queensland coast of the existing service provider provisions of the which are under the control of both the Commonwealth 72 Water Act 2000. and Queensland governments. Both governments have agreed that as far as practicable, in conserving marine The Act provides for a regulator (currently the Director- parks, state legislation will be in line with the relevant General of DERM) to undertake certain duties under Commonwealth legislation. these provisions. A report on activities relating to these provisions for the period 27 March to 30 June 2009 can The plans and regulations that support this legislation OTHER REPORTING OTHER be found in the annex to this annual report. are as follows: • Marine Parks (Declaration) Regulation 2006 • Marine Parks (Great Barrier Reef Coast) Zoning Plan 2004 • Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2006 • Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2008 • Marine Parks Regulation 2006.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT services in disciplines including engineering, science Administration and environmental management—particularly in relation to water. Overseas travel

Overseas travel by departmental offi cers on offi cial Consultancy expenses by category business during the reporting period is summarised in the following table. The Director-General and relevant Category Total* by category Minister approved all travel. Information technology $57 646

Travel was undertaken for a range of reasons including: Management $10 096 Financial 0 • participating and presenting at scientifi c conferences Scientifi c and technical $27 430 and workshops Human resource management 0 • participating in collaborative research projects Communication 0 • collaborating in government decision-making Professional/technical $621 159 groups. Total $716 331 Expenditure on overseas travel from 27 March 2009 to *Figures have been rounded to the nearest dollar and do not include GST. 73 30 June 2009 totalled $18 055 of which $11 627 was funded externally. Sponsorships Consultancies Projects involving partnerships to encourage the Queensland community to reduce its carbon footprint,

Consultancy services to the department totalled REPORTING OTHER $716 331 for the period 27 March to 30 June 2009. protect the environment, and use best practice in The department used consultancy services to supplement resource management were supported by departmental internal resources to meet the demands associated with sponsorships. Sponsorship arrangements from a number of high-priority projects and short time 27 March to 30 June 2009 included the following frames. External resources and expertise were used events and activities: where independent advice was required, or where the • Local Government Week required skills were not available within • Greenfest 2009 the department. • Ideas Festival Approximately 87 per cent ($621 159) of the • 1st Asia Pacifi c Biochar Conference (Biochar is a department’s total consultancy requirements during this charcoal made from biological waste, which is then period was for professional and technical advice and applied to soil.) • Queensland Coastal Conference • One Million Women Campaign.

Overseas travel for official business in order of travel

Offi cer/ member Agency Contribution from Destination Reason for travel and position cost other sources Stephen Walker, New Zealand Business development opportunity: identify $3566 General manager opportunities to improve forest policy and management practices Yahya Abawi, Indonesia Project activity: review of the Australian Centre for $2580 (ACIAR) Chief scientist International Agricultural Research project Lynne Turner, India Business development opportunity: explore the $2862 Senior director development of targeted research programs and projects Xike Zhang, China Business development opportunity: 2008 $4705 (Fellowship Principal scientist Queensland–China Climate Fellowship Program Program, Department to cultivate strategic links between Queensland of Premier and and China Cabinet) David Cobon, Papua New Project activity: handover of the Australian Centre $4342 (ACIAR) Principal scientist Guinea for International Agricultural Research project ‘Early warning and drought preparedness for improved crop production in PNG’

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Departmental offi cers worked with industry, not-for- Publications profi t organisations and communities to disseminate information through sponsorship arrangements. Extensive information about the department was Working with these groups achieved more effective available through a range of publications. Many of diffusion of best practice in sustainability and resource these publications were available in full text from the management. These partnerships aligned with and department’s website . supported Queensland Government priorities about the The types of publications prepared by DERM included: environment. • Corporate documents—these reported on For example, a sponsorship arrangement with departmental activities, future direction and the Local Government Association of Queensland expenditure. They included the department’s provided opportunities to showcase the Queensland Strategic Plan, Service Delivery Statement, Annual Government’s Toward Q2 target around climate change. Report and Statement of Affairs Programs about sustainability such as the Low Carbon • Books, reports and plans—information about the Diet, ClimateSmart Living, ClimateSmart Retail, department’s work and achievements was ClimateSmart Business and ClimateSmart Home documented in the form of books, reports and plans. Service were explained and promoted to delegates These documents included project status reports, 74 and the community. fi nal reports, terms of reference, and draft Another example is Greenfest 2009 held at the City documents for comment. Some were supported by Botanic Gardens in Brisbane. The festival attracted a lot guidelines that provided information and advice on of families and fostered ways of working together to win processes and requirements to carry out activities the race against climate change. Greenfest convenors • Fact sheets—there were more than 100 fact sheets OTHER REPORTING OTHER practised the messages they promoted by offsetting their covering topics such as biodiversity, coastal greenhouse gas emissions. management, sustainable use of natural resources, DERM also benefi ted from sponsorship received from environmental planning, soil science, forests, external organisations. The 2009 Sustainable Industries Indigenous issues, national and marine parks, Awards, conducted in June to complement Queensland natural and cultural heritage, pollution, water and Week celebrations, were supported by nine industry wildlife sponsors who provided funding to promote innovation, • Codes —the compliance codes and Codes of Practice excellence and setting benchmarks in business provided information about the conditions that sustainability. must be met for commercial activities to occur in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly manner • Newsletters and journals—current information on specifi c topics was provided on a regular basis through departmental newsletters and journals • Operational policies—these documents provided a framework for consistent application and interpretation of legislation and for the management of non-legislative matters by DERM.

Further information about DERM publications can be obtained from the department’s business centres listed on page 58 of this report.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Recordkeeping Whistleblowers Protection Act

The Public Records Act 2002 and Information Standard One public interest disclosure was made in the period 40: Recordkeeping require the department to develop to 30 June 2009. The disclosure was verifi ed and and implement plans and strategies to ensure that full appropriate action was taken. and accurate public records are created, identifi ed, captured and retained in an accessible and useable Freedom of Information format. This process will preserve the integrity of those Between 27 March 2009 and 30 June 2009, DERM records for as long as they are required. received 54 applications for access to documents under Between March and June 2009, the department’s the Freedom of Information Act 1992. For processed Strategic Recordkeeping Implementation Project applications during this period, 20 003 documents were continued activities to help the department comply with captured for consideration. At 1 July 2009, there were legislation and relevant recordkeeping standards. In the 36 applications on hand. reporting period, more than 500 additional staff were trained and began to use the department’s electronic Shared service initiative document and records management system (eDRMS). In the department the system has been named Keeper. During the reporting period, the Shared Service Agency 75 (SSA) provided various functions for the department, Keeper enabled staff to manage electronic documents including operational fi nancial management, workforce and records, including emails and paper-based records. management, fl eet and facilities management, Approximately 1300 DERM staff from Environment and procurement advice, mail services and selected Resource Sciences, Corporate Services, and South East information and communication technology services. OTHER REPORTING OTHER Region were Keeper uses. The activities of the SSA and CorpTech are reported in A plan to integrate recordkeeping areas of the former the annual report of the Department of Public Works. agencies (EPA and NRW) and an interim structure have been developed. File sharing between the three existing recordkeeping systems will continue while a strategy for a consolidated system and unifi ed approach to policy and procedures is developed.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 76 OTHER REPORTING OTHER

Appendix 1 — Statutory bodies

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Statutory bodies

Annual reporting Class and name Entity Constituting Act Control of funds arrangements

Boards

Gladstone Area Water Board1 Body corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds Annual report to parliament Mount Isa Water Board1 Body corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds Annual report to parliament Land Protection (Pest and Stock Instrumentality Land Protection (Pest and Funds provided by Included in the Route Management) Council2 Stock Route Management) and administered annual report of the Act 2002 by the former DPI&F former Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Water authorities3 (52) Bodies corporate Water Act 2000 Control own funds Summary of annual reports to parliament Queensland Bulk Water Supply Statutory body South East Queensland Controls own funds Annual report to Authority Water (Restructuring) Act parliament 2007 77 Queensland Bulk Water Transport Statutory body South East Queensland Controls own funds Annual report to Authority Water (Restructuring) Act parliament 2007 Queensland Manufactured Water Statutory body South East Queensland Controls own funds Annual report to Authority Water (Restructuring) Act parliament 2007 SEQ Water Grid Manager Statutory body South East Queensland Controls own funds Annual report to Water (Restructuring) Act parliament 2007 REPORTING OTHER Administrative boards Surveyors Board of Queensland Body corporate Surveyors Act 2003 Controls own funds Annual report to parliament Valuers Registration Board of Instrumentality Valuers Registration Act Controls own funds Annual report to Queensland 1992 parliament Trusts Board of Trustees of Newstead Statutory body Newstead House Trust Act Controls own funds Included in this report House 1939

National Trust of Queensland Statutory body National Trust of Controls own funds Annual report to Queensland Act 1963 parliament River improvement trusts (15) Bodies corporate River Improvement Trust Control own funds Summary of annual Act 1940 reports to parliament Administrative bodies Dumaresq–Barwon Border Rivers Instrumentality New South Wales– Controls own funds Annual report to Commission Queensland Border Rivers parliament Act 1946 Queensland Heritage Council Statutory authority Queensland Heritage Act Balances Included in this report 1992 incorporated in Agency fi nancial statements Wet Tropics Management Authority Statutory authority Wet Tropics World Balances Annual report to Heritage Protection and incorporated in parliament Management Act 1993 Agency fi nancial statements

Notes: The former Department of Natural Resources and Water administered 1. Category 1 water authorities this council in relation to stock route management. All future annual 2. Under machinery-of-government changes on 1 March 2007, this report information for this council will be included in the annual report council became jointly administered with Queensland Primary for Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries. Industries and Fisheries. 3. Category 2 water authorities

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Newstead House National Trust of Queensland

The Board of Trustees of Newstead House is constituted The National Trust of Queensland is established under under the Newstead House Trust Act 1939. The Board the National Trust of Queensland Act 1963. is required to govern, manage and control Newstead The Trust is constituted to promote: House, Brisbane. Details of the Board’s operations and • preservation and maintenance of lands, buildings, audited fi nancial statements are submitted in a report furniture, pictures and other chattels of beauty or of to the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. national, historic, scientifi c, artistic or architectural A copy of that report can be found in the annex to this interest for the benefi t of the public generally annual report. • restoration or completion of a building (referred to above) consistent and in harmony with the original design or intention with regard to its architectural style • protection and augmentation of the amenities of such lands, buildings and chattels and their 78 surroundings • access to, and enjoyment of, such lands, buildings and chattels by the public.

The Trust is a statutory authority, and its transactions are not accounted for in DERM’s fi nancial statements.

OTHER REPORTING OTHER The Trust details its operations and audited fi nancial statements in a separate report to the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Queensland Heritage Council DERM supports and funds Council operations. Its Heritage branch provides administrative and technical The Queensland Heritage Council was established under assistance to help the Council carry out its statutory the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. responsibilities. Administration of the Queensland Heritage Register and deciding development and The Council’s functions are to: exemption certifi cate applications were transferred • provide strategic advice the Minister about matters from the Heritage Council to the former EPA on relating to Queensland’s cultural heritage 31 March 2008, following amendments to the • provide information to the community to encourage Queensland Heritage Act 1992. interest in, and understanding of, Queensland’s During 2008–09 the Council: cultural heritage • provided recommendations about the development • advise government entities and community of heritage places proposed by the State organisations about conserving Queensland’s cultural heritage • resolved to enter in the Queensland Heritage Register, 77 State heritage places, four • encourage the appropriate management of places of archaeological places, and one protected area. cultural heritage signifi cance Twenty-one nominated places were not entered in • perform other functions given to the Council by the 79 the register and decisions were made on fi ve ‘part Act or the Minister. removal’ nominations The Council comprises 12 people nominated by the • provided strategic input into the Queensland Minister and appointed by the Governor-in-Council. Heritage Strategy, the State Planning Policy Five members represent organisations of interest groups for Heritage and the State Heritage OTHER REPORTING OTHER specifi ed in the Act and seven have knowledge, Management Principles expertise and interest in heritage conservation. Current • advised DERM about its ongoing statewide survey members of the Council are: of heritage places which commenced during 2006 • David Eades (property consultant), chair • participated in a national Heritage and • Deputy chair vacant (Margaret Strelow resigned in Sustainability project conducted under the auspices June 2009) of the Heritage Chairs and Offi cials of Australia and • Gordon Grimwade (National Trust representative) New Zealand • Donna Neilson (local government representative) • conducted a research project into education and • Christine Campbell (rural industries representative) heritage with the assistance of two interns from Queensland University of Technology • Rod Litster (property industry representative) • commenced investigations into making heritage • Peter Marquis-Kyle (heritage architect) resources more readily accessible via the internet • Ruth Woods (architect) • continued investigations into the establishment of • Andrew Barnes (engineer) a heritage trust fund to benefi t the material • Christopher Buckley (town planner) conservation of registered places in Queensland • Jane Lennon (heritage consultant) • continued a project to assist owners of rural • Howard Guille (union representative). heritage places by providing access to expert advice and incentives. The Council is supported by two committees—the Strategic Register Committee and the Policy The Queensland Heritage Council Support is located at Committee—which help the Council to make decisions Level 9, 400 George Street, Brisbane. The postal address about nominations and the Queensland Heritage is PO Box 15155, Brisbane City East, Queensland, 4002. Register, and develop policy and strategic projects to conserve Queensland’s heritage.

David Eades (chair) Queensland Heritage Council

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Wet Tropics Management Authority The Authority’s primary goal is to ensure Australia meets its obligations under the World Heritage The constitution of the Wet Tropics Management Convention in relation to the Wet Tropics World Authority is drawn from the following Queensland Heritage Area. It works closely with DERM to and Commonwealth government legislation manage the area. and agreements: The Authority’s functions are to: The • The Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and • develop and implement policies and programs Management Act 1993 was proclaimed in for managing the World Heritage Area Queensland on 1 November 1993. Complementary • formulate and implement performance indicators Commonwealth legislation, the Wet Tropics of for approved policies and programs Queensland World Heritage Area Conservation Act 1994, was proclaimed on 15 March 1994 • prepare and implement management plans, and facilitate and enter into cooperative • The Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 was management agreements gazetted on 22 May 1998 and commenced on 1 September 1998 • administer funding arrangements • monitor the state of the area and rehabilitate and 80 • The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Management Scheme, signed in 1995 by the (then) Australian restore the area Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories and • gather, research, analyse and disseminate the Queensland Minister for Environment and information about the area Heritage, is scheduled in the Queensland Act and • develop public and community education programs given effect by section three of the • promote the area locally, nationally and Commonwealth Act. internationally OTHER REPORTING OTHER • liaise with state and federal governments, agencies and international organisations • report and make recommendations to the Minister and the Ministerial Council.

In performing its functions, the Authority must, as far as practicable, consider Aboriginal tradition and liaise and cooperate with Aboriginal people who are particularly concerned with the area.

The Authority’s transactions are included in DERM’s fi nancial statements. The Authority also details its operations and fi nancial statements in a separate report to the Queensland Parliament, tabled by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. It is published on the Authority’s website after tabling in the Queensland and Australian Parliaments.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Remuneration of boards and committees There are 49 boards and committees in the scope of the Department of the Environment and Resource Management. Of these, 11 boards and committees made some remuneration to their members. Details of the roles, responsibilities and remuneration of these bodies are outlined below.

Total remu- Board or committee neration1 Animal Ethics Committee $304 Cape York Peninsula Regional Advisory Committee $12 537 Cape York Peninsula Region Scientifi c and Cultural Advisory Committee $3602 81 Premier’s Council on Climate Change $17 900 Queensland Great Artesian Basin Advisory Council $7903 Queensland Sustainable Energy Advisory Council $2077 Queensland Youth Environment Council $184 Referral Panel (Moratorium) $1117 Referral Panel (Resource Operations Plan) $5400 OTHER REPORTING OTHER Scientifi c Advisory Group (SAG) for Cloud Seeding Research Project $4000 State Rural Leasehold Land Ministerial Advisory Committee $7824 Total $59 606

Notes: 1. The amounts listed in the table have been rounded to the nearest whole dollar. 2. Not all expenses from the meeting held during the 27 March – 30 June 2009 reporting period have been included as they have been incurred but not yet paid. These fi gures will be captured upon receipt of all board member remuneration forms and will be reported in the 2009–10 fi nancial period.

Appendix 2 — Boards and committees

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Boards and committees

Total remuneration Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (27 March – 30 June 2009) Animal Ethics Committee Ensure animal studies by DERM staff Assess and grant approval for specifi c $304 meet the requirements of the Animal animal science projects conducted by Care and Protection Act 2001 and the DERM staff Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientifi c Purposes Cape York Peninsula Regional Provide advice to the Minister for Advise the Ministers about matters $12 536.88 Advisory Committee Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, relating to the declaration of: and the Minister for Climate Change a. areas of international conservation and Sustainability signifi cance b. Indigenous community use areas

Advise on other matters the Ministers consider appropriate having regard to the objects of the Cape York 82 Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 (e.g. land management) Cape York Peninsula Region Provide advice to the Minister for Advise the Ministers about matters $359.501 Scientifi c and Cultural Advisory Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, relating to the natural and cultural Committee and the Minister for Climate Change values of land proposed to be: and Sustainability a. an area of international conservation signifi cance b. an Indigenous community use area OTHER REPORTING OTHER

Advise on other matters the Ministers consider appropriate having regard to the objects of the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 Chief Executive Offi cer’s • Provide advice to the Regional Coordinate implementation of the nil Committee for Natural Coordination Committee (RCC) South East Queensland Natural Resource Management on natural resource management Resource Management Plan 2009– (South East Queensland) and waterways 2031—in particular, the desired regional outcomes related to the SEQ • Support relevant Ministers and Regional Plan, that are identifi ed in the mayors in providing information committee’s terms of reference and policy advice to the RCC, according to their portfolio interests • Coordinate the integration of policy and programs of government, industry and community partners relating to natural resource management and waterways—to support the implementation of specifi c principles and policies of the SEQ Regional Plan 2009–2031 Coastal Algal Bloom Reference Facilitate information sharing and Assist with the strategic management nil Group networking through this multi- and contingency response to coastal stakeholder consultative forum algal blooms, including Lyngbya and Hinksia, by: a. providing feedback about research outcomes and management actions that are planned and implemented b. seeking funding to research and strategically manage coastal algal blooms in south-east Queensland Coastal Protection Advisory Provide the Minister for Climate Change Meet on an as-needs basis to prepare nil Council and Sustainability with community advice for the Minister responsible counsel on matters relating to for the Coastal Act regarding coastal statewide management and planning protection and management matters of Queensland’s coast. The Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (the Coastal Act) sets the requirement for this function.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT cont. boards and committees Total remuneration Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (27 March – 30 June 2009) Collaborative Management Oversee the development of the Oversee the overall implementation no sitting fees are Group on Bushwalking memorandum of understanding and review of the MOU payable between Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs Crocodile Egg Ranching expert Assess available data and advise DERM Assess available data on the ecological no sitting fees are panel on the commercial harvest of wild sustainability of this practice payable estuarine crocodile eggs. The Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 includes provision for research into the possibility of ecologically sustainable harvesting of crocodile eggs from a study area in Central West Cape York Peninsula. Crocodile Management Advise the Minister for Climate Contribute to the review and no sitting fees are Advisory Committee Change and Sustainability on a range development of policies, procedures payable of conservation and management and legislation concerning crocodiles issues affecting crocodiles Crocodylus in Queensland porosus and C. johnstoni in Queensland including, but not limited 83 to, public education, public safety, ‘problem’ crocodiles, commercial use of crocodiles and crocodile research Day-to-day Management As the key decision-making forum • Help identify program priorities no sitting fees are Operations Group (DDM) for operational matters in the Great and prepare draft strategies, payable (Field Management Operations Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) and programs and service-level Group since January 2009) World Heritage Area (WHA), the DDM’s agreements OTHER REPORTING OTHER primary roles are to: • Deliver effective and effi cient • Communicate clearly, to the programs, consistent with the Strategy Group and Marine Park priorities of the MPA Board Authority (MPA) Board, about the operational management needs of • Provide advice and project the GBRMP and WHA management of Strategy Group initiatives • Service the needs of the Strategy Group and MPA Board Day-to-day Management Provide the key decision-making forum Provide the MPA Board with: no sitting fees are Strategy Group for strategic governance of the DDM a. three-year business strategy for payable (Field Management Strategy program in the GBRMP, GBR Coast the DDM program Group since January 2009) Marine Park (State), island national b. an annual program that confi rms parks, and WHA MPA Board priorities and serves as an implementation plan to achieve them Fraser Island World Heritage • Provide advice on the Provide input into setting priorities for no sitting fees are Area effectiveness of management the management of the Fraser Island payable • Community Advisory of the Fraser Island WHA. WHA Committee Management Committee has an overarching role and integrates the • Indigenous Advisory advice of the other committees Committee • Provide feedback on the priorities • Scientifi c Advisory for management Committee • Management Committee Gondwana Rainforests of • Provide advice as to the Provide input into setting priorities no sitting fees are Australia World Heritage Area effectiveness of management of for the management of the Gondwana payable • Community Advisory the Gondwana Rainforests of Rainforests of Australia WHA Committee Australia World Heritage Area and feedback on the priorities • Technical and Scientifi c for management Advisory Committee • Provide feedback on the priorities for research (T&SA Committee only) Heron Island Management Decide substantive policy matters The Board was abolished on 30 April no sitting fees are Board relating to the use and conservation of 2009. payable Heron Island and reef Heron Island Management Supervise the implementation of the The Board was abolished on 30 no sitting fees are Committee Heron Island Management Guidelines April 2009 and the committee was payable and resolve any day-to-day matters discontinued. concerning the use and conservation of Heron Island and its reef

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 cont. boards and committees Total remuneration Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (27 March – 30 June 2009) Jurisdictional Projects Group Identify or evaluate projects to be • Develop project proposals nil – voluntary (Qld) funded under the National Packaging consistent with priority funding Covenant at a jurisdictional level. The areas JPG (Qld ) works within the context, • Manage programs within their own directions and criteria agreed by the jurisdiction National Projects Group, cooperates across jurisdictions to prevent project • Promote the Covenant and its duplication, and proposes national or outcomes within their jurisdiction collaborative projects. All decisions are reached by consensus. Lower Balonne Ministerial • Provide advice to the Minister for Provide advice on: nil Water Resources Advisory Natural Resources, Mines and a. the implementation and operation Council Energy on implementing the Water of event-based fl ow management Resource (Condamine and b. the development of real-time Balonne) Plan 2004 monitoring to support event-based • Assist the Chief Executive to fl ow management develop the Condamine and c. the further development and use Balonne Resource Operations Plan of the Lower Balonne decision 84 support tool d. the fi ve- and ten-year reviews of the Plan for the Minister Macropod Management Provide the Minister for Climate Change This committee did not meet in nil – voluntary Advisory Committee and Sustainability with advice on a 2008–09 and has been discontinued range of issues affecting macropod on recommendation of the Webb management and conservation report.

OTHER REPORTING OTHER in Queensland, in particular (but not confi ned to) harvest period conditions and conservation plan and management program provisions Northern Tourism Industry Facilitate ongoing communication Consider issues relating to the no sitting fees are Forum between the department, the tourism management of tourism activities on payable industry and relevant stakeholders the DERM estate in northern region and advise the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability on these, through the statewide Tourism Industry Forum Premier’s Council on Climate Provide strategic high-level advice • Provide high-level advice about No sitting fees Change to the Queensland Government on priorities for Queensland are payable. emerging climate change issues, and Government action to reduce Administrative propose best-practice solutions to the greenhouse gas emissions and to expenditure challenges of climate change assist communities and industries for travel and with mitigation and adaptation accommodation measures totalled $17 900 • Suggest broad climate-change priorities to guide the allocation of revenue from the $430 million Queensland Climate Change Fund Proserpine Rock Wallaby Undertake recovery planning and The team was abolished in June 2009. no sitting fees are Recovery Team implement actions payable Queensland Great Artesian Provide the Minister for Natural Advise the Minister on issues affecting: $7903.20 Basin Advisory Council Resources, Mines and Energy a. sustainable use of GAB water with strategic policy advice on the resources management of the Great Artesian b. improved management of GAB Basin (GAB) resources c. effective industry, community and other stakeholder input into the management of the GAB Queensland Sustainable Evaluate and recommend projects Recommend projects to be funded by $2077 Energy Advisory Council to be funded by the Queensland the QSEIF program to the Minister for Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund Climate Change and Sustainability (QSEIF) and other similar funding schemes (i.e. Queensland Renewable Energy Fund, QREF) as required

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT cont. boards and committees Total remuneration Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (27 March – 30 June 2009) Queensland Youth • Prepare policy advice from a youth Progress the work of the Council $184.25 Environment Council perspective on issues of through membership meetings (two environmental sustainability, for or three times annually) and the QYEC the Minister for Climate Change Executive meetings (monthly) and Sustainability and the Minister for Education and Training • Inspire and engage young people, through the QYEC website and attendance at events, to live increasingly sustainable lives Referral Panel (Moratorium) Make recommendations to the Consider landowner applications to $1117 Minister for Natural Resources, Mines vary the effect of moratorium notices and Energy about applications to to allow additional time to complete the Minister to vary the effect of relevant works to take or interfere with moratorium notices water (as per the Water Act), and to make recommendations to the Minister about whether the applications should be granted 85 Referral Panel (Resource Review certain public submissions Consider submissions by water $5400.22 Operations Plan) made on draft resource operations entitlement holders seeking to plans and make recommendations vary a proposed water allocation, to the department’s Chief Executive. environmental management rule, water In fi nalising the resource operations sharing rule and/or an implementation plans, the Chief Executive considers schedule, and make recommendations both public submissions and the to the department’s Chief Executive panel’s recommendations about whether the issues raised in the OTHER REPORTING OTHER submissions should be considered for the fi nal plan Regional Consultative Group • Provide consultative This committee did not meet in nil for the Mackay–Whitsunday communication between 2008–09 and has been discontinued Regional Coastal Management government and non-government on recommendation of the Webb stakeholders on issues pertaining report. to development of the Mackay– Whitsunday coastal areas • Provide the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability with regionally based community counsel on matters relating to a draft coastal management plan for the Mackay–Whitsunday region Riversleigh World Heritage • Facilitate and participate in the Advise the State and Commonwealth no sitting fees are Area Community and Scientifi c implementation of the Riversleigh on matters relating to the protection, payable Advisory Committee Management Strategy conservation, presentation and management of the Riversleigh • Advise on matters concerning component of the Australian Fossil funding requirements, sources and Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) priorities and the development of WHA from a community and scientifi c management plans viewpoint • Consult with relevant State, Commonwealth and local government agencies, local landholders and traditional owners concerning management of Riversleigh Scientifi c Advisory Group Provide independent expert technical • Provide independent scientifi c approximately (SAG) for Cloud Seeding advice to the cloud seeding project and technical advice to ensure $4000 Research team. There are fi ve non-public sector that the planning, design and members in the SAG. implementation of the cloud seeding research project is realistic, scientifi cally defensible and achievable • Review the interim and fi nal project reports, provide content feedback, and identify knowledge gaps and technical limitations that may impede the development of on-going operational cloud seeding

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 cont. boards and committees Total remuneration Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (27 March – 30 June 2009) South East Queensland Coordinate implementation of the • Coordinate implementation of the nil Regional Coordination Group SEQ Regional Plan 2009–2031: DROs covered in the South East Desired Regional Outcomes (DROs) Queensland Natural Resource 1(sustainability and climate change), Management Plan 2009–2031 2 (natural environment), 4 (natural • Provide clear, transparent and resources), and 11 (water management) objective whole-of-government advice to agencies, and support the CEO Committee for Natural Resource Management (SEQ) State Rural Leasehold Provide scientifi c, technical and policy Advise the Minister about the: $7824 Land Ministerial Advisory advice to the Minister for Natural a. management and use of State rural Committee Resources, Mines and Energy on issues leasehold land including policy related to rural leasehold land and the initiatives and community and Delbessie Agreement sectoral concerns b. guidelines for assessing land condition c. framework for land management 86 agreements, covenants, and use and access agreements under the Land Act, and for monitoring land condition Statewide Tourism Industry Improve communication between Consider and resolve strategic or no sitting fees are Forum DERM’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife statewide issues that affect tourism payable Service (QPWS) and the tourism activities in protected areas, forests industry relating to statewide strategic and marine parks managed by DERM

OTHER REPORTING OTHER issues affecting tourism management in protected areas, forests and marine parks Southern Tourism Industry Facilitate ongoing communication Consider issues relating to the no sitting fees are Forum between DERM, the tourism industry management of tourism activities payable and relevant stakeholders on the DERM estate in the southern region, and advise the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability on these issues through to the Statewide Tourism Industry Forum Sustainability and • Provide a whole-of-government Coordinate environmental and nil Environmental Reporting mechanism to develop, sustainability reporting activities in Interdepartmental Committee implement and review a full range Queensland, including: of environmental monitoring and a. State of the Environment sustainability reporting in Queensland 2011 Queensland b. State of the Region reporting for • Provide strategic oversight and ‘Caring for our Country’ support regional and statewide c. sustainability reporting reporting by a range of requirements of the SEQ stakeholders in accordance with Regional Plan Queensland Government policies and emerging reporting principles and practices Tweed River Entrance Sand Give advice on the preparation of Provide advice to ensure that project nil Bypassing Project Advisory environmental impact assessment objectives are met, that is: Committee (established in and tender documents for the bypass; a. NSW—to establish and maintain a accordance with the Tweed the tender process; management and safe, navigable entrance to the River Entrance Sand Bypassing implementation of the works; issues of Tweed River Project Agreement Act 1998) relevance to the local community; and b. Qld—to provide a continuing sand any other matters referred to it by the supply to the southern Gold Coast Ministers beaches and any sand needed to restore and maintain recreational amenity of the beaches Waanyi Ministerial Advisory Meet quarterly with DERM staff to Advise the Minister for Climate Change no sitting fees are Committee provide advice on the protection and and Sustainability on the management payable presentation of cultural values within of Indigenous cultural heritage for Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Wet Tropics Community Advise the Wet Tropics Management Provide advice to the Authority Board, no sitting fees are Consultative Committee Authority Board on community views of identify and report on issues of payable (established under s40(3) of the Authority’s policies and programs community interest, and assist with the Wet Tropics World Heritage in relation to the wet tropics area community engagement activities Protection and Management Act 1993)

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT cont. boards and committees Total remuneration Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (27 March – 30 June 2009) Wet Tropics Conservation Facilitate communication and Identify, discuss and seek to resolve no sitting fees are Sector Liaison Group engagement between regional conservation issues relating to the Wet payable community conservation groups and Tropics World Heritage Area and assist the Wet Tropics Management Authority with information sharing between the Board Authority and the conservation sector Wet Tropics Rainforest Facilitate effective engagement of Advise the Authority Board on rainforest no sitting fees are Aboriginal Advisory Committee rainforest Aboriginal people in the Aboriginal community issues pertinent payable management of the Wet Tropics WHA to the Authority’s functions and facilitate consultation with and between rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups Wet Tropics Scientifi c Advisory Advise the Wet Tropics Management Consider and provide scientifi c advice no sitting fees are Committee (established under Authority on scientifi c research and to the Authority Board to help ensure payable s40(2) of the Wet Tropics developments that will contribute to high standards of management and World Heritage Area Protection the protection and conservation of the that the Authority is aware of important and Management Act 1993) wet tropics area scientifi c developments relating to management of the area Wet Tropics Tourism Industry Facilitate communication and Identify, discuss and seek to resolve no sitting fees are Liaison Group engagement between the regional tourism and recreation issues relating payable 87 tourism industry and the Wet Tropics to the Wet Tropics WHA and assist Management Authority Board with information sharing between the Authority and the tourism industry Whitsunday Tourism Industry Facilitate ongoing communication Consider issues relating to the no sitting fees are Forum between the department, the tourism management of tourism activities on payable industry and relevant stakeholders the DERM estate in the Whitsunday, and provide advice to the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability REPORTING OTHER through the Statewide Tourism Industry Forum Wooroonooran Indigenous Oversee the development of the Provide advice to QPWS on the process no sitting fees are Working Group and Steering Wooroonooran National Park and content of the Wooroonooran payable Committee (comprises four Management Plan in the QPWS Wet National Park Management Plan, traditional owner groups) Tropics region endorse the draft prior to forwarding to the Minister, consider public responses to the draft plan, and contribute advice to the Minister on adoption of the plan Yalanji ILUA Implementation Oversee implementation of the Oversee the overall implementation of no sitting fees are Steering Committee proposals in the Indigenous Land Use the Yalanji ILUAs payable Agreements (ILUAs) negotiated during mediation of the Eastern Yalanji Native Title Determination application Yalanji ILUA Implementation Ensure proposals set out in ILUAs are Give effect to activity guidelines, site no sitting fees are Operational Committee implemented planning, nature refuge management, payable national park management planning, and community development areas for the ILUAs

Note: 1. Not all expenses from the meeting held during the 27 March – 30 June 2009 reporting period have been included as they have been incurred but not yet paid. These fi gures will be captured upon receipt of all board member remuneration forms and will be reported in the 2009–10 fi nancial period.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 88 OTHER REPORTING OTHER

Appendix 3 — Queensland Trust for Nature

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Queensland Trust for Nature In 2008–09, the Trust sold: (for the reporting period 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009) • Mimosa Park Nature Refuge – This 8850 hectare grazing property approximately two hours drive west of Rockhampton contains ‘endangered’ and The Queensland Trust for Nature has continued to ‘of concern’ vegetation protect land of signifi cant conservation value through • Eversfi eld Station Nature Refuge – This 17 985 the administration of the revolving fund. hectare grazing property south-west of Mitchell Since the Trust was established in 2004, it has acquired contains ‘endangered’ and ‘of concern’ vegetation 11 properties, sold six, and managed in excess of • The Sanctuary Nature Refuge – This property was 101 000 hectares of land for conservation. purchased in August 2008 and sold in May 2009.

The Trust sold three and acquired four properties in The Trust has continued to manage the following 2008–09. It bought: properties for conservation: • The Sanctuary – This 64 hectare property adjoins • Gilmore (under contract) – This 74 000 hectare Girraween National Park and contains ‘of concern’ grazing property north-west of Charleville is vegetation and habitat for a number of threatened adjacent to Idalia National Park species, including the vulnerable spotted-tailed 89 • Avoid Island Nature Refuge (for sale) – This 64 quoll and rare Acacia latisepala, Dodonaea hirsuta hectare island contains a signifi cant rookery for and common wombat the east Australian population of fl atback turtles. • Pellings Scrub – This 22 hectare freehold property The island is within the Habitat Protection Zone of joins a corridor of other existing nature refuges on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park the Atherton Tableland. The Trust will begin to • Mount Samson (for sale) – This elevated 211 revegetate part of an adjoining creek that forms a REPORTING OTHER hectare property adjoining the recently dedicated boundary of the property in the coming months, to D’Aguilar National Park has spectacular views of improve water quality and habitat connectivity Brisbane and Lake Samsonvale. • Rainforest Ridge – This property contains critical The Trust will continue to revolve the fund in 2009–10 habitat for the regionally vulnerable koala. It by purchasing, protecting and on-selling land of contains 60 hectares of remnant vegetation signifi cant conservation value. including two ‘of concern’ ecosystems, and provides increased catchment protection for the Mary River There were changes to trustees and committee system membership in 2008–09. In August 2008, Terry Wall • Eukey Road – This 84 hectare property adjoining was appointed as the new trustee when James Purtill Girraween National Park may be subdivided to retired. A second trustee, Graham Marshall, was also establish two separate nature refuges. The property appointed in this period to increase the Trust’s capacity boasts spectacular views and contains a number of to pursue public donations and diversify its funding threatened plant and animal species. base. Molly Robson and Warwick Willmott continued as Fund Management Committee members. Wally Kearnan joined the committee in March 2009.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Contents General information Statement of Comprehensive Income 91 These fi nancial statements report on the Department of Environment and Resource Management for the Statement of Financial Position 93 reporting period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009. Statement of Changes in Equity 95 The Department of Environment and Resource Manage- Statement of Cash Flows 96 ment is a Queensland Government department estab- lished under the Public Service Act 2008. Statement of Comprehensive Income by Outputs / Major activities 98 It is controlled by the State of Queensland which is the ultimate parent. The head offi ce and principal place of Statement of Assets and Liabilities by business of the department is: Outputs / Major activities 100 Level 13, Mineral House Notes to and forming part of the 41 George Street fi nancial statements 102 Brisbane Qld 4000 Management certifi cate 151 A description of the nature of the operations and principal activities of this department is included in 90 the notes to the fi nancial statements. The Department of Environment and Resource Manage- ment was established as a result of the Public Service Departmental Arrangements Notice (No.2) 2009. Further details on this administrative restructuring is included in the notes to the fi nancial statements. For information in relation to these fi nancial state- ments please call (07) 3247 4259. Amounts shown in these fi nancial statements may not add to the correct sub-totals or totals due to rounding.

Financial statements

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT for the period 27 March 2009 to March 27 30 June period 2009* the for Statement of Comprehensive Income

actual expenditure of $14.125 million was not determined until cessation of this scheme at 30 June 2009. at30June2009. this scheme cessationof until wasnotdetermined of$14.125million actual expenditure tobelodgedinthewindupofHomeWaterWiseRebateScheme.Thefinal 2009, ofthenumberandextentclaimslikely at 26 March ofNaturalResourcesandWater Department statements bytheformer toanoverestimation relates ** Thenegativeexpenditure these of part Environment andResourceManagement. form notes oftheDepartment * Refertonote(a)regarding themachinery-of-Governmentchangesthatledtoestablishment accompanying The income comprehensive Total income comprehensive other Total income comprehensive Other operations continuing from result Operating operations continuing from expenses Total operations continuing from Expenses operations continuing from income Total Gains Revenue and Resource Management Department of Environment nraei se eauto eev 3 5,975 32 reserve revaluation Increaseinasset operations continuing from Income Supplies and services andservices Supplies ano aeo rpry ln n qimn 8 225 8 Grants andsubsidies Employee expenses equipment plantand Gain onsaleofproperty, Output revenue User charges Other revenue Other expenses Finance/borrowing costs costs Finance/borrowing amortisation Depreciation and Rebates ** Interest revenue revenue andotherterritorial Royalties, property contributions Grants andother ANNUAL REPORT |27 MARCH– 30 JUNE 2009 Notes Notes 14 11 13 12 16 10 4 9 1 7 5 2 3 223,126 15,195 5,975 9,220 213,906 107,057 154,562 (6,856) 31,035 20,125 39,441 17,972 60,422 $’000 $’000 4,282 4,436 4,219 2009 2009 57 55

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 91 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009*

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis 2009 Notes $’000 Income from continuing operations Revenue Administered appropriation revenue ** 1 (1,044) Fees and fines 2 58,210 Grants and other contributions 3 5,141 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 4 199 Interest revenue 5 564 Land transfers from non-Queensland Government entities 6 126,062 Gains 92 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 8 528

Total income from continuing operations 189,660

Expenses from continuing operations Supplies and services 10 372 Grants and subsidies 11 7,196

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Depreciation 13 92 Finance/borrowing costs 14 1 Land transfers 15 96,779 Other expenses 16 5,578 Total expenses from continuing operations 110,018 Net operating result before transfers to government 79,642 Transfers of administered item revenue to government 53,034 Operating result from continuing operations 26,608

Other comprehensive income Increase in asset revaluation reserve 32 40,460,551 Total other comprehensive income 40,460,551 Total comprehensive income 40,487,159

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

** Subsequent to the abolition of the Department of Natural Resources and Water on 26 March 2009, appropriation funding received by the former department was determined to be in excess of requirements and returned by the new Department of Environment and Resource Management to Consolidated Fund on behalf of the former entity. The funding requirements of the new department for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 were subsequently less than the amount returned to Consolidated Fund thus resulting in net negative appropriation funding for the new entity.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2009*

2009 Notes $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 17 84,390 Receivables 18 42,328 Inventories 20 2,104 Unexpended advances 21 8,126 Other 22 11,376 148,324

Non current assets classified as held for sale 23 161 Total current assets 148,485 93 Non current assets Receivables 18 399 Property, plant and equipment 24 3,511,102 Intangible assets 25 25,413 Total non current assets 3,536,914

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Total assets 3,685,399

Current liabilities Payables 26 38,630 Accrued employee benefits 28 10,650 Unearned revenue 29 21,161 Other financial liabilities 27 529 Proposals and deposits 30 10 Other 31 54,546 Total current liabilities 125,526 Non current liabilities Other financial liabilities 27 1,896 Total non current liabilities 1,896

Total liabilities 127,422

Net assets 3,557,977 Equity Contributed equity 34 3,542,782 Retained surpluses 9,220 Asset revaluation reserve 32 5,975

Total equity 3,557,977

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2009*

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis 2009 Notes $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 17 37,638 Receivables 18 68,485 106,123

Non current assets classified as held for sale 23 8,269 Total current assets 114,392

Non current assets 94 Receivables 18 50,918 Property, plant and equipment 24 63,983,240 Total non current assets 64,034,158

Total assets 64,148,550

Current liabilities

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Payables 26 30,300 Proposals and deposits 30 35,449 Other 31 2,418 Total current liabilities 68,167

Total liabilities 68,167

Net assets 64,080,383

Equity Contributed equity 34 23,593,224 Retained surpluses 26,608 Asset revaluation reserve 32 40,460,551 Total equity 64,080,383

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Changes in Equity for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009*

Contributed Retained Asset revaluation equity surpluses reserve (note 34) (note 32) 2009 2009 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance at 27 March 2009 - - - Total comprehensive income - 9,220 5,975 Transactions with owners as owners Equity injections (note 1) (439) - - Equity withdrawals (note 1) (4,370) - - Non-appropriated equity withdrawals (2,064) - - Net transfer of assets / liabilities from other government agencies 6,711 - - Correction of error ** (71) - - 95 Net assets received via machinery-of-Government change 3,543,015 - - Balance at 30 June 2009 3,542,782 9,220 5,975

** Refer note 44

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Contributed Retained Asset revaluation equity surpluses reserve (note 34) (note 32) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 2009 2009 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance at 27 March 2009 - - - Total comprehensive income - 26,608 40,460,551 Transactions with owners as owners Equity injections (note 1) - - - Equity withdrawals (note 1) (527) - - Non-appropriated equity withdrawals (8,078) - - Transfers of land (to) from other government and related agencies (2,001) - - Prior period adjustment ** 19,286 - - Net assets received via machinery-of-Government change 23,584,544 - - Balance at 30 June 2009 23,593,224 26,608 40,460,551

** Refer note 44

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Cash Flows for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009*

2009 Notes $’000 Cash flows from operating activities Inflows: Output receipts 159,718 User charges 25,687 Grants and other contributions 37,306 Royalties, property and other territorial receipts 4,039 Interest receipts 112 GST input tax credits received from Australian Taxation Office 9,769 GST collected from customers 853 Other 11,279

Outflows: 96 Employee expenses (108,920) Supplies and services (76,573) Grants and subsidies (31,311) GST remitted to Australian Taxation Office (1,941) GST remitted to suppliers (3,333) Borrowing costs (57) Rebates (14,210) Other (4,196) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Net cash from operating activities 35 8,222

Cash flows from investing activities Inflows: Sales of property, plant and equipment 1,049 Loans and advances redeemed 171

Outflows: Payments for property, plant and equipment and intangibles (19,353) Net cash (used in) investing activities (18,133)

Cash flows from financing activities Inflows: Equity injections 8,158

Outflows: Borrowing redemptions (125) Equity withdrawals (13,106) Non-appropriated equity withdrawals (2,064) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (7,137)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (17,048) Transfer of cash due to machinery-of-Government change 101,438 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of reporting period - Cash and cash equivalents at end of reporting period 17 84,390

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Cash Flows for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009*

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis 2009 Notes $’000 Cash flows from operating activities

Inflows: Fees and fines 53,820 Grants and other contributions 280 Royalties, property and other territorial receipts 4,257 Interest receipts 544 GST input tax credits received from Australian Taxation Office 45 Other 5,997

Outflows: 97 Administered appropriation revenue returned to Queensland Treasury (2,964) Transfers of administered item revenue to government (62,975) Supplies and services (764) GST remitted to Australian Taxation Office (665) Other (3,167) Net cash (used in) operating activities 35 (5,592)

Cash flows from investing activities STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Inflows: Sales of property, plant and equipment 11,327 Finance leases redeemed 827

Outflows: Payments for property, plant and equipment (1,839) Loans and advances made (22) Net cash provided by investing activities 10,293

Cash flows from financing activities

Outflows: Equity withdrawals (527) Non-appropriated equity withdrawals (8,078) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (8,605)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (3,904) Transfer of cash and cash equivalents due to machinery-of-Government 41,542 Administered cash and cash equivalents at beginning of reporting period - Administered cash and cash equivalents at end of reporting period 17 37,638

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Outputs / Major Activities for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009*

Water and catchment Land and vegetation Conservation and Sustainable futures Performance Total services services environmental services capability 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Income** from continuing operations Revenue Output revenue 40,584 42,407 57,097 10,056 4,418 154,562 User charges 2,061 16,328 330 1,184 222 20,125 Grants and other contributions 19,461 227 3,251 14,263 2,239 39,441 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 31 4,251 - - - 4,282 Interest revenue 42 13 - - - 55 Other revenue 113 165 4,109 6 43 4,436 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 4 15 211 1 (6) 225 Total income from continuing operations 62,296 63,406 64,998 25,510 6,916 223,126 Expenses** from continuing operations Employee expenses 22,257 38,910 32,415 9,910 3,565 107,057 Supplies and services 13,690 17,152 18,611 8,844 2,125 60,422 Grants and subsidies 26,566 (427) 179 4,552 165 31,035 Rebates (6,952) 96 - - - (6,856) Depreciation and amortisation 1,136 2,573 13,686 154 423 17,972 Finance/borrowing costs - - - - 57 57 Other expenses 334 2,848 658 325 54 4,219 Total expenses from continuing operations 57,031 61,152 65,549 23,785 6,389 213,906 Operating result from continuing operations 5,265 2,254 (551) 1,725 527 9,220

**Allocation of corporate services income and expenses to outputs (disclosure only):

Income from ordinary activities 12,560 21,957 5,319 1,206 567 41,609 Expenses from ordinary activities 12,560 21,957 6,358 1,441 678 42,994

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE OF DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 98 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 99

Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Outputs / Major Activities for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009*

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Water and Land and Conservation and Sustainable futures Performance Total catchment services vegetation services environmental capability services 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Income Revenue Administered appropriation 322 (1,366) - - - (1,044) Fees and fines 2,118 48,588 7,504 - - 58,210

Grants and other contributions 5,141 - - - - 5,141 2009 – 30 JUNE MARCH | 27 REPORT ANNUAL Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 174 (65) 90 - - 199 Interest revenue 1 563 - - - 564 Land transfers from non-Queensland government entities - 126,062 - - - 126,062 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment - 528 - - - 528 Total income 7,756 174,310 7,594 - - 189,660 Expenses Supplies and services 372 - - - - 372 Grants and subsidies 4,849 2,347 - - - 7,196 Depreciation - 92 - - - 92 Land transfers - 96,779 - - - 96,779 Finance/borrowing costs - - 1 - - 1 Other expenses - 5,561 17 - - 5,578 Total expenses 5,221 104,779 18 - - 110,018 Net operating result before transfers to government 2,535 69,531 7,576 - - 79,642 Transfers of administered item revenue to government 2,227 45,994 4,813 - - 53,034 Operating result from continuing operations 308 23,537 2,763 - - 26,608

The accompanying notes form part of these statements

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Outputs / Major Activities as at 30 June 2009* Water and Land and Conservation and Sustainable Performance General–not Total catchment services vegetation services environmental services futures and capability attributable 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents - - - - - 84,390 84,390 Receivables 7,063 17,221 - - - 18,044 42,328 Inventories 1,799 15 200 7 83 - 2,104 Unexpended advances 6,221 - - - - 1,905 8,126 Other 2,689 3,636 - - - 5,051 11,376 17,772 20,872 200 7 83 109,390 148,324 Non current assets classified as held for sale 76 85 - - - - 161 Total current assets 17,848 20,957 200 7 83 109,390 148,485 Non current assets Receivables - 399 - - - - 399 Property, plant and equipment 72,282 103,260 3,258,820 39,320 37,420 - 3,511,102 Intangibles 5,172 13,337 4,481 1,575 848 - 25,413 Total non current assets 77,454 116,996 3,263,301 40,895 38,268 - 3,536,914 Total assets 95,302 137,953 3,263,501 40,902 38,351 109,390 3,685,399 Current liabilities Payables 10,756 15,503 - - - 12,371 38,630 Accrued employee benefits 328 5,820 - - - 4,502 10,650 Unearned revenue 10,101 7,121 1,447 1,916 576 - 21,161 Proposals and deposits - 10 - - - - 10 Other financial liabilities - - - - 529 - 529 Other (520) 55,066 - - - - 54,546 Total current liabilities 20,665 83,520 1,447 1,916 1,105 16,873 125,526 Non current liabilities Other financial liabilities - - - - 1,896 - 1,896 Total non current liabilities - - - - 1,896 - 1,896 Total liabilities 20,665 83,520 1,447 1,916 3,001 16,873 127,422 Net assets 74,637 54,433 3,262,054 38,986 35,350 92,517 3,557,977

The department has systems in place to allocate assets and liabilities by output.

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE OF DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 100 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 101

Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Outputs / Major Activities as at 30 June 2009*

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Water and Land and Conservation Sustainable Performance General–not Total catchment vegetation and futures capability attributable services services environmental services 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents - - 4,320 - - 33,318 37,638 2009 – 30 JUNE MARCH | 27 REPORT ANNUAL Receivables 5,504 56,220 6,761 - - - 68,485 5,504 56,220 11,081 - - 33,318 106,123 Non current assets classified as held for sale - 8,269 - - - - 8,269 Total current assets 5,504 64,489 11,081 - - 33,318 114,392 Non current assets Receivables - 50,918 - - - - 50,918 Property, plant and equipment 116,538 63,866,702 - - - - 63,983,240 Total non current assets 116,538 63,917,620 - - - - 64,034,158 Total assets 122,042 63,982,109 11,081 - - 33,318 64,148,550 Current liabilities Payables 4,312 24,368 1,620 - - - 30,300 Proposals and deposits - 35,449 - - - - 35,449 Other liabilities - 2,418 - - - - 2,418 Total current liabilities 4,312 62,235 1,620 - - - 68,167 Total liabilities 4,312 62,235 1,620 - - - 68,167 Net assets 117,730 63,919,874 9,461 - - 33,318 64,080,383

The department has systems in place to allocate assets and liabilities by output.

* Refer to note (a) regarding the machinery-of-Government changes that led to the establishment of the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

Note Note title

Objectives and principal activities of the department Summary of significant accounting policies 1 Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund 2 User charges, fees and fines 3 Grants and other contributions 4 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 5 Interest revenue 6 Land transfers from non-Queensland Government entities 7 Other revenue 8 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 9 Employee expenses 10 Supplies and services 11 Grants and subsidies 12 Rebates 102 13 Depreciation and amortisation 14 Finance/borrowing costs 15 Land transfers 16 Other expenses 17 Cash and cash equivalents 18 Receivables 19 Leases 20 Inventories 21 Unexpended advances

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 22 Other current assets 23 Non current assets classified as held for sale 24 Property, plant and equipment 25 Intangibles 26 Payables 27 Other financial liabilities 28 Accrued employee benefits 29 Unearned revenue 30 Proposals and deposits 31 Other liabilities 32 Asset revaluation reserve 33 Net assets received via machinery-of-Government 34 Contributed equity reconciliation 35 Reconciliation of net operating result from continuing operations to net cash 36 Non-cash financing and investing activities 37 Commitments for expenditure 38 Contingencies 39 Events occurring after balance date 40 Interest in joint ventures 41 Financial instruments 42 Trust transactions and balances 43 Agency transactions 44 Correction of error

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

Objectives and principal activities of the department

The objectives of the Department of Environment and Resource Management are to: x effectively manage the state’s water resources; x partner with the community and stakeholders to enhance catchment health; x facilitate effective management and sustainable use of the state’s natural resources; x implement effective land ownership and access strategies and protection of cultural heritage and native title, for Indigenous Queenslanders; x provide security of access to resources to underpin the state’s economic activity; x provide environmentally sustainable solutions for Queensland’s future through leadership in: o conservation of Queensland’s landscapes; o enablement of sustainable development; 103 o improvement of business and industry’s environmental performance; o developing climate change policy responses; and o building community knowledge and participation. x develop and support staff in fulfilling their roles to enable business areas to deliver their outcomes.

The department is funded for the outputs it delivers principally by parliamentary appropriations. It also provides the following on a fee for service

basis: STATEMENTS FINANCIAL x land and environmental information services including maps, publications, statistics, surveys, valuations and searches and other products and the provision of services for the Queensland Government Agency Project and Smart Services Queensland; x native vegetation information and services including publications, research and scientific analysis; x provision of training and technical and science support; and x sale of timber and quarry materials.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Basis of accounting These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. In addition, the financial statements comply with the Treasurer’s Minimum Reporting Requirements for the period ending 30 June 2009 and other authoritative pronouncements.

These financial statements constitute a general purpose financial report. Except where stated, the historical cost convention is used.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management was formed by the amalgamation of the former Department of Natural Resources and Water and the former Environmental Protection Agency. Under Public Service Departmental Arrangements Notice (No.2) 2009, effective 26 March 2009, responsibility for the functions previously undertaken by these former entities was transferred to the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

(b) The reporting entity The financial statements include the value of all revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity of the department.

104 The outputs/major activities undertaken by the department are disclosed in paragraph (y).

These financial statements also incorporate the financial balances of the Wet Tropics Management Authority and Joint Field Management Program of the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority as performed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife.

(c) Administered transactions and balances The department administers, but does not control, certain resources on behalf of the Government. In doing so, it is responsible and is accountable for administering related transactions and items, but does not have the discretion to deploy the resources for the achievement of the department’s objectives.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL The principal resource administered by the department is state-owned land (which includes leasehold land, land under roads, unallocated state land and reserves) with associated activities being the allocation and management of this land.

(d) Trust and agency transactions and balances The department holds cash and bank guarantees on behalf of companies and individuals for the following:

a. As a condition of volumetric leases entered into under the Land Act 1994, the lessee is required to provide a security in the form of a bank guarantee to be retained by the department to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The security together with the lease agreement commits the lessee to perform specific reparation conditions set out in the lease.

b. As a condition of the environmental authority for petroleum leases under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004, applicants are required to provide financial security in the form of cash or bank guarantee to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The security is held to protect the State should the lessee not meet the conditions set out in the environmental authority.

c. As a condition of forestry products timber sales contracts, a financial security of cash or bank guarantee must be provided to the department to ensure achievement of specific requirements. Upon receipt of the cash deposits, the department recognises interest accrued during the period the department has custody of the moneys. The amount of interest accrued each year is recognised as an expense.

d. For development applications under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Integrated Planning Act 1997, applicants may be required to provide financial security of cash or bank guarantee as a means of meeting a particular aspect of a vegetation management code. The security together with the agreement commits the developer to providing a vegetation offset within twelve months. No interest is paid by the department in respect to the cash security held.

e. At balance date the department also held, in a fiduciary capacity, monies deposited in the various Single Holding Accounts representing funding provided by the Commonwealth Government yet to be released or distributed to specific proponents.

As the department acts only in a custodial role in respect of these transactions and balances, they are not recognised in the financial statements, but are disclosed in note 42. Applicable audit arrangements are also shown.

The department acts as an agent in the collection and distribution of charges and levies for various public sector agencies and local governments both through its Queensland Government Agency Project (QGAP) offices and the Smart Service Queensland Project.

The department also acts as an agent for employees in the collection and distribution of certain moneys through the salary sacrifice facility of the departmental payroll system. Refer to note 43.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(e) Output revenue/administered revenue Appropriations provided under the annual Appropriation Act are recognised as revenue when received. Approval has been obtained from Queensland Treasury to recognise specific adjustments to output revenue. Refer to note 1.

Amounts appropriated to the department for transfer to other entities in accordance with legislative or other requirements are reported as ‘administered’ item appropriations. Approval has been obtained from Queensland Treasury to recognise specific adjustments to administered appropriation revenue. Refer to note 1.

(f) User charges, fees and fines User charges and fees controlled by the department are recognised as revenues when invoices for the related services are issued. User charges and fees are controlled by the department where they can be deployed for the achievement of departmental objectives. Refer to note 2.

Fees and fines collected, but not controlled, by the department are reported as administered revenue. Refer to note 2.

(g) Grants and other contributions Grants, contributions, donations and gifts that are non-reciprocal in nature are recognised as revenue in the year in which the department obtains 105 control over them. Where grants are received that are reciprocal in nature, revenue is accrued over the term of the funding arrangements.

Contributed assets are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are recognised only when a fair value can be determined reliably and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents For the purposes of the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Cash Flows, cash assets include all cash and cheques receipted but

not banked at 30 June 2009, as well as deposits with financial institutions. STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

(i) Receivables Trade debtors are recognised at the nominal amounts due at the time of sale or service delivery. Settlement of these amounts is required within a ranged trading term from 14 days to 30 days from invoice date depending on the service provided.

The collectability of receivables is assessed periodically with provision being made for impairment. All known bad debts were written-off as at 30 June 2009.

Other debtors generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the department and are recognised at their assessed values. Other than receivables from government, settlement terms of these debtors are between 14-30 days net, with the exception of loan and finance lease receivables that range from 2-40 years.

Collateral in the form of security over property is held for loan and finance lease receivables. On full repayment of finance leases, the title for the relevant land is transferred to the purchaser. Refer to notes 18 and 19.

(j) Inventories Inventories held for sale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is assigned on a weighted average basis and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing condition.

Net realisable value is determined on the basis of the department’s normal selling pattern.

Expenses associated with marketing, selling and distribution are deducted to determine net realisable value.

(k) Non current assets classified as held for sale Non current assets held for sale consists of those assets which management has determined are available for immediate sale in their present condition, for which their sale is highly probable within the next twelve months.

These assets are measured at the lower of the assets’ carrying amounts and their fair values less costs to sell. These assets are not depreciated.

(l) Work in progress Work in progress is recognised at cost. All costs relating to items of property, plant and equipment and intangibles constructed in-house are recorded as work in progress until completion of the project using all direct costs and, where reliably attributable, indirect costs. Work in progress performed under external contracts is recorded using the invoice amount supplied by the contractor.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(m) Acquisitions of assets Actual cost is used for the initial recording of all non current physical and intangible asset acquisitions. Cost is determined as the value given as consideration plus costs incidental to the acquisition, including all other costs incurred in getting the assets ready for use, such as architects’ fees and engineering design fees. However, any training costs are expensed as incurred.

Where assets are received free of charge from another Queensland Government department (whether as a result of a machinery-of-Government or other involuntary transfer), the acquisition cost is recognised as the gross carrying amount in the books of the transferor immediately prior to the transfer together with any accumulated depreciation.

Assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration, other than from an involuntary transfer from another Queensland Government department, are recognised at their fair value at date of acquisition in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment.

(n) Property, plant and equipment Items of property, plant and equipment with a cost or other value equal to or in excess of the following thresholds are recognised for financial reporting purposes in the year of acquisition:

106 Asset Class Threshold Land $ 1 Buildings and Infrastructure $ 10,000 Other (including heritage and cultural) $ 5,000

Items with a lesser value are expensed in the year of acquisition.

Land improvements undertaken by the department are included with Buildings or Infrastructure based on the proximity of the asset to which they relate.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Research, design and appraisal studies Preliminary appraisal costs, cost estimates and/or investigating study costs that precede management decisions on the acceptance of particular projects are expensed as incurred.

Land Under Roads In Queensland, land under roads not subject to freehold or leasehold title or reserve tenure vests in the State of Queensland as per the Land Act 1994. The Department of Environment and Resource Management administers the Land Act 1994 on behalf of the State and land under roads that is not subject to such title is therefore considered an administered asset of the department. Land under roads subject to freehold or leasehold title or reserve tenure is recorded by the entity that holds the freehold or leasehold title or trusteeship of a reserve. In accordance with AASB 1051 Land Under Roads and Queensland Treasury policy, the former Department of Natural Resources and Water elected to recognise only land under roads acquired post 1 July 2008. Upon the creation of the Department of Environment and Resource Management on 27 March 2009, this department assumed administrative responsibility for land under roads from the former department and in so doing, recognised the balance of the value of all land under roads that had not been previously recognised. The unrecognised balance at 27 March 2009 was recorded as a revaluation and accounted for through the asset revaluation reserve. Quarries Quarries have not been valued on the basis that it is not practicable to determine the surrounding reserves available for extraction. Revenue from extraction of quarry materials is recognised when the permittee lodges a return of material extracted.

Native Forests The department is currently overseeing the final harvesting of forest timber from state owned native forests and certain leasehold lands. This activity is part of a process of transitioning native forests into nature conservation reserves managed by the department. Under the guidelines of AASB 141 Agriculture the department considers that it does not meet the criteria of managing agricultural activity which would require the valuation of available timber as biological assets. Consequently, the value of native forest products has not been recognised in the Balance Sheet. This assessment will be reviewed should circumstances change.

Deeds of grant in trust The department administers certain parcels of land, which are granted to and controlled by other entities in terms of Deeds of Grant in Trust under the Land Act 1994. The value of this land should be recognised in the financial statements of the entities using the land and are therefore not included in the department’s financial statements. At 30 June 2009, the department administered 429 parcels of land in this category.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(n) Property, plant and equipment (continued) Land transfers from non-Queensland Government entities Land is transferred from non Queensland Government entities for public use at no charge in accordance with certain planning and legislative requirements. Assets acquired at no value are recognised as revenue, using fair value, at the time of transfer. Refer note (g). Land transfers to non-Queensland Government entities Land, no longer required and transferred to non Queensland Government entities at no charge in accordance with certain planning and legislative requirements, is recognised as expenditure, using fair value, at the time of transfer. Refer note (g).

Library materials Items in the department’s technical library are expensed on acquisition.

Repairs and maintenance Expenditure incurred in normal operations to ensure that an asset realises its normal operating capacity until the conclusion of its useful life is regarded as repairs and maintenance and is expensed. 107 Expenditure that enhances an existing asset, significantly replaces or refurbishes an asset, or extends the asset’s useful life, capacity, function and/or efficiency is capitalised into the carrying amount of the asset.

(o) Intangibles Intangible assets with a cost or other value greater than $100,000 are recognised in the financial statements, items with a lesser value being expensed. Each intangible asset is amortised over its estimated useful life to the department, less any anticipated residual value. The residual value is zero for all the department's intangible assets.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL It has been determined that there is not an active market for any of the department's intangible assets. As such, the assets are recognised and carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Internally Generated Software Expenditure on research activities relating to internally generated intangible assets is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.

Costs associated with the development of computer software have been capitalised and are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of expected benefit to the department, namely 3 – 10 years.

Purchased Software The purchase cost of this software has been capitalised and is being amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of the expected benefit to the department, namely 3 – 10 years.

(p) Amortisation of intangibles and depreciation of property, plant and equipment Land is not depreciated as it has an unlimited useful life.

Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis so as to allocate the net cost or revalued amount of each asset, less its estimated residual value, progressively over its estimated useful life to the department.

Assets under construction (work in progress) are not depreciated or amortised until they reach service delivery capacity.

Where assets have separately identifiable components that are subject to regular replacement, these components are assigned useful lives distinct from the asset to which they relate and are depreciated accordingly.

Any expenditure that increases the originally assessed capacity or service potential of an asset is capitalised and the new depreciable amount is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset to the department.

Major spares purchased specifically for particular assets are capitalised and depreciated on the same basis as the asset to which they relate. The depreciable amount of improvements to or on leasehold land is allocated progressively over the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease, whichever is the shorter. The unexpired period of leases includes any option period where exercise of the option is probable.

Plant and equipment subject to a finance lease is amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, or, where it is likely that the department will obtain ownership of the asset, the expected useful life of the asset to the department.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(p) Amortisation of intangibles and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (continued) For each class of depreciable asset the following depreciation and amortisation rates are used:

Physical asset class Rate %

Buildings 1.25 - 14.3 Heritage 0 Infrastructure 1.0 - 7.0 Plant and equipment Motor vehicles 10.0 20.0 Heavy vehicles 10.0 - 20.0 Scientific and technical equipment 6.7 - 33.3 Office equipment 10.0 - 20.0 Computer equipment 20.0 - 33.3 Leasehold improvements 10.0 - 14.3 Boats and boating equipment 7.0 - 10.0 Other equipment 5.0 - 33.3 Intangible asset class 108 Internally generated software 10.0 - 33.0 Purchased software 10.0 - 33.0

(q) Impairment of non current assets All non current physical and intangible assets are assessed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis. If an indicator of possible impairment exists, the department determines the asset's recoverable amount. Any amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount is recorded as an impairment loss.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL The asset's recoverable amount is determined as the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost.

An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount. When the asset is measured at a revalued amount, the impairment loss is offset against the asset revaluation reserve of the relevant class to the extent available.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase. Refer also note (r).

(r) Revaluations of non current physical and intangible assets Land, buildings, infrastructure, major plant and equipment and heritage and cultural assets are measured at fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment and Queensland Treasury’s Non-Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector.

Where intangible assets have an active market, they are measured at fair value, otherwise they are measured at cost.

Plant and equipment are measured at cost. The carrying amounts for plant and equipment at cost should not materially differ from their fair value.

Heritage and cultural assets, excluding land gazetted under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 are indexed on an annual basis.

Non current physical assets measured at fair value are comprehensively revalued at least once every five years with interim valuations, using appropriate indices, being otherwise performed on an annual basis where there has been a material variation in the index.

Any revaluation increment arising on the revaluation of an asset is credited to the asset revaluation reserve of the appropriate class, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrement for the class previously recognised as an expense. A decrease in the carrying amount on revaluation is charged as an expense, to the extent it exceeds the balance, if any, in the revaluation reserve relating to that class. On revaluation, accumulated depreciation is restated proportionately with the change in the carrying amount of the asset and any change in the estimate of remaining useful life.

Only those assets, the total values of which are material compared to the value of the class of assets to which they belong, are comprehensively revalued.

Separately identified components of assets are measured on the same basis as the assets to which they relate.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(s) Leases A distinction is made in the financial statements between finance leases that effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all risks and benefits incidental to ownership, and operating leases, under which the lessor retains substantially all risks and benefits.

Where a non current physical asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is recognised at an amount equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments. The lease liability is recognised at the same amount.

Lease payments are allocated between the principal component of the lease liability and the interest expense.

Operating lease payments are representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets and are expensed in the periods which they are incurred.

Incentives received on entering into operating leases are recognised as liabilities. Lease payments are allocated between rental expense and reduction of the liability.

(t) Payables 109 Trade creditors are recognised upon receipt of the goods or services ordered and are measured at the agreed purchase/contract price, gross of applicable trade and other discounts. Amounts owing are unsecured and are generally settled on 30 day terms.

(u) Financial instruments Recognition Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position when the department becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.

STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Classification Financial instruments are classified and measured as follows: - Cash and cash equivalents – held at fair value through profit or loss - Receivables – held at amortised cost - Payables – held at amortised cost

All borrowings are held at amortised cost. Any borrowing costs are added to the carrying amount of the borrowing to the extent they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

The department does not enter transactions for speculative purposes, nor for hedging. Apart from cash and cash equivalents, the department holds no financial assets classified at fair value through profit or loss.

All other disclosures relating to the measurement and financial risk management of financial instruments held by the department are disclosed in note 41.

(v) Employee benefits Wages, salaries, and sick leave Wages and salaries due but unpaid at reporting date are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position at the nominal salary rates. Payroll tax and workers’ compensation insurance are a consequence of employing employees, but are not counted in an employee’s total remuneration package. They are not employee benefits and are recognised separately as employee related expenses. Employer superannuation contributions, annual leave levies and long service leave levies are regarded as employee benefits.

Prior history indicates that on average, sick leave taken each reporting period is less than the entitlement accrued. This is expected to continue in future periods. Accordingly, it is unlikely that existing accumulated entitlements will be used by employees and no liability for unused sick leave entitlements is recognised.

As sick leave is non-vesting, an expense is recognised for this leave as it is taken.

Annual leave The Queensland Government’s Annual Leave Central Scheme became operational on 30 June 2008 for departments, commercialised business units and shared service providers. Under this scheme, a levy is made on the department to cover the cost of employees' annual leave (including leave loading and on-costs). The levies are expensed in the period in which they are payable. Amounts paid to employees for annual leave are claimed from the scheme quarterly in arrears. Effective 30 June 2008, no provision for annual leave has been recognised in the department's financial statements, the liability being held on a whole-of-Government basis and reported in those financial statements pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(v) Employee benefits (continued) Long service leave Under the Queensland Government’s long service leave scheme, a levy is made on the department to cover the cost of employees' long service leave. The levies are expensed in the period in which they are payable. Amounts paid to employees for long service leave are claimed from the scheme quarterly in arrears.

No provision for long service leave is recognised in the financial statements, the liability being held on a whole-of-Government basis and reported in those financial statements pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting.

Superannuation Employer superannuation contributions are paid to QSuper, the superannuation plan for Queensland Government employees, at rates determined by the Treasurer on the advice of the State Actuary. Contributions are expensed in the period in which they are paid or payable. The department’s obligation is limited to its contribution to QSuper.

Therefore, no liability is recognised for accruing superannuation benefits in the department’s financial statements, the liability being held on a whole- of-Government basis and reported in those financial statements pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government 110 Sector Financial Reporting.

Executive remuneration The executive remuneration disclosures in the employee expenses note (note 9) in the financial statements include: – the aggregate remuneration of all senior executive officers (including the Chief Executive Officer) whose remuneration for reporting period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 is $25,000 or; and – the number of senior executives whose total remuneration for the reporting period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 falls within each successive $5,000 band equivalent, commencing at $25,000.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL The remuneration disclosed is all remuneration paid or payable, directly or indirectly, by the department or any related party in connection with the management of the affairs of the department or any of its subsidiaries, whether an executive or otherwise. For this purpose, remuneration includes: – salaries and wages; – accrued leave (that is, the increase/decrease in the amount of annual and long service leave paid to an executive, inclusive of any increase in the value of leave balances as a result of salary rate increases or the like); – performance pay paid or due and payable in relation to the financial year, provided that a liability exists (namely a determination has been made prior to the financial statements being signed), and can be reliably measured even though the payment may not have been made during the financial period; – accrued superannuation (being the value of all employer superannuation contributions during the financial period, both paid and payable as at 30 June 2009); – car parking benefits and the cost of motor vehicles, such as lease payments, fuel costs, registration/insurance, repairs/maintenance and fringe benefits tax on motor vehicles incurred by the department during the financial period, both paid and payable as at 30 June 2009, net of any amounts subsequently reimbursed by the executives; – housing, being the market value of the rent or rental subsidy, where rent is part-paid by the executive during the financial period, both paid and payable as at 30 June 2009; – allowances (which are included in remuneration agreements of executives, such as airfares or other travel costs paid to/for executives whose homes are situated in a location other than the location they work in); and – fringe benefits tax included in remuneration agreements.

The disclosures apply to all senior executives appointed by Governor-in-Council and classified as SES1 and above, with remuneration above $100,000 in the financial year. ‘Remuneration’ means any money, consideration or benefit, but excludes amounts: – paid to an executive by the department where the person worked during the financial year wholly or mainly outside Australia during the time the person was so employed; or – in payment or reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred for the benefit of the entity or any of its subsidiaries.

In addition, separate disclosure of separation and redundancy/termination benefit payments is included.

(w) Financing/borrowing costs Finance costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. (x) Allocation of corporate services revenue and expenses to outputs The department discloses income and expenses attributable to corporate services in the Income Statement by Outputs/Major Activities.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(y) Outputs/major activities of the department The identity and purpose of the outputs/major activities undertaken by the department during the reporting period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 are as follows: x Conservation and environmental services

The activities delivered by the conservation and environmental services output provide a whole of landscape perspective for managing the present for an environmentally sustainable future. x Land and vegetation services

The land and vegetation services output encompasses land, vegetation, forest products, registry and information, and Indigenous services relating to natural resources. x Performance and capability

This output leads organisational sustainability in environmental protection activities through the valuing of people, their capability and knowledge. 111 x Sustainable futures

The sustainable futures output takes a strategic approach to planning for, designing and communicating an environmentally sustainable future. x Water and catchment services

The water and catchment services output incorporates activities under the State’s water reform agenda, Commonwealth-State bilateral STATEMENTS FINANCIAL agreements on natural resource management issues, and activities in relation to whole-of-Government preparedness for climate change.

(z) Insurance The department’s non current physical assets and other risks are insured through the Queensland Government Insurance Fund, premiums being paid on a risk assessment basis. In addition, the department pays premiums to WorkCover Queensland in respect of its obligations for employee compensation.

(aa) Services received free of charge or for nominal value Contributions of services are recognised only if the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated and their fair value can be measured reliably. Where this is the case, an equal amount is recognised as revenue and as an expense.

(ab) Contributed equity Non-reciprocal transfers of assets and liabilities between wholly-owned Queensland State Public Sector entities as a result of machinery-of- Government changes are adjusted to ‘Contributed equity’ in accordance with Interpretation 1038 Contributions by Owners Made to Wholly Owned Public Sector Entities. Appropriations for equity adjustments are similarly designated.

(ac) Taxation The department is a State body as defined under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and is exempt from Commonwealth taxation with the exception of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST). FBT and GST are the only taxes accounted for by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. As such, GST credits receivable from/payable to the Australian Taxation Office is recognised (refer note 18).

(ad) Issuance of Financial Statements These financial statements are authorised for issue by the Director-General and the General Manager, Finance and Asset Management at the date of signing the Management Certificate.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

(ae) Judgements and assumptions Land under roads is valued at fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment by multiplying the total area of land under roads within each local government area by the average unimproved value of all freehold and leasehold land within the corresponding local government area. The average unimproved value for each local government area is calculated by dividing the total value of such land by the total area of that land. This approach has been adopted as it best reflects the fact that all such properties in a local government area are serviced by the local road network. The initial recognition of land under roads previously not recognised by the former Department of Natural Resources and Water, and any movements in such land during the period, have been identified using departmental databases that manage the land and land title registry of Queensland. The former Department of Natural Resources and Water and the former Environmental Protection Agency used a proxy cut off date of 31 March 2009 for 26 March 2009. Any movement in financial balances between these dates that were considered material were adjusted for. The closing balances for these abolished agencies using these judgements were then assumed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

(af) Rounding and comparatives Amounts included in the financial statements are in Australian dollars and have been rounded to the nearest $1,000 or, where that amount is $500 or less, to zero, unless disclosure of the full amount is specifically required. 112 As this is the first financial report of the Department of Environment and Resource Management there are no comparatives included in this report.

(ag) New and revised accounting standards The department did not voluntarily change any of its accounting policies during the reporting period. The significance of those new and amended Australian accounting standards that were applicable for the first time in the 2008-09 financial year and have had a significant impact on the department's financial statements is as follows.

A review has been undertaken of revised accounting standard AASB 1004 Contributions and it is considered the financial statements adequately

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL reflect the matters required to be disclosed, given the department's present operating circumstances.

New accounting standard AASB 1052 Disaggregated Disclosures now requires disclosure of the amounts of assets and liabilities attributable to each departmental output. This is set out in the new Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Outputs/Major Activities.

The department is not permitted to early adopt a new or amended accounting standard ahead of the specified commencement date unless approval is obtained from the Treasury Department. Consequently, the department has not applied any Australian accounting standards and interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective. The department will apply these standards and interpretations in accordance with their respective commencement dates.

All other Australian accounting standards and interpretations with future commencement dates are either not applicable to the department, or have no material impact on the department.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 1. Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund

Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund to output revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income Budgeted output appropriation revenue - Transfers from (to) other departments Former Department of Natural Resources and Water 121,766 Former Environment Protection Agency 89,197 Transfers to other headings (2,166) Less lapsed appropriations (49,079) Total output receipts 159,718

Plus: Closing balance of output revenue receivable 3,504 Less: Opening balance of output revenue receivable* (8,660) 113 Output revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 154,562

* Transferred from former Department of Natural Resources and Water

Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund to equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Budgeted equity adjustment appropriation - Transfers from (to) other departments Former Environmental Protection Agency (6,975) Transfers from other headings 2,166 Total equity adjustment receipts (4,809)

Equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity (4,809)

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 1. Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund (continued)

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis

Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund to administered appropriation revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income Budgeted administered appropriation revenue - Transfers from (to) other departments Former Department of Natural Resources and Water 967 Department of Infrastructure and Planning 5,819 Less lapsed appropriation (9,750) Total administered appropriation receipts ** (2,964) 114 Plus: Closing balance of administered appropriation revenue receivable 7,568 Less: Opening balance of administered revenue receivable* (5,648) Administered appropriation revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income ** (1,044)

* Transferred from former Department of Natural Resources and Water

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Reconciliation of payment from Consolidated Fund to equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity Budgeted administered equity adjustment - Transfers from (to) other departments Former Department of Natural Resources and Water 17,386 Less lapsed equity adjustment (17,913) Total administered equity adjustment (payments) ** (527) Equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity ** (527)

** Subsequent to the abolition of the Department of Natural Resources and Water on 26 March 2009, appropriation funding received by the former department was determined to be in excess of requirements and returned by the new Department of Environment and Resource Management to the Consolidated Fund on behalf of the former entity. The funding requirements of the new department for the period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 were subsequently less than the amount returned to the Consolidated Fund thus resulting in net negative appropriation funding for the new entity.

2. User charges, fees and fines

Services rendered 19,483 Sale of goods 497 Rent 52 Other 93 20,125

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Fees 58,245 Fines (35) 58,210

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 3. Grants and other contributions

Commonwealth grants 37,899 Funding from external bodies, state and local governments 1,336 External and Industry contributions (2,268) Donations 1,586 Goods and services received at below fair value 888 39,441

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Dam spillway grant 5,141 5,141

115

4. Royalties, property and other territorial revenue

Forest products and quarries royalties 3,859 Property and territorial revenue 123 Joint venture royalties 300 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 4,282

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Riverine quarry material royalties 174 Other 25 199

5. Interest revenue

Interest received on fund balances 36 Other interest 19 55

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Finance lease interest 442 Other interest 122 564

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 6. Land transfers from non-Queensland Government entities

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Land transfers from non-Queensland Government entities 126,062 126,062

7. Other revenue

Insurance recoveries 1,225 Recoveries 55 Fees, permits and fines 2,865 116 Property rental 2 Other 289 4,436

8. Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Gain on sale of plant and equipment 223 Gain on sale of buildings 2 225

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Gain on sale of land 528 528

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 9. Employee expenses

Employee benefits Salaries and wages 85,848 Employer superannuation contributions * 10,496 Long service leave levy * 4,462 Other employee benefits 3,188 Capitalised salary expenses (108)

Employee related expenses Salary related taxes ** 2,999 Workers’ compensation ** 172 107,057 117

* Employer superannuation contributions, and the long service leave levy are regarded as employee benefits. ** Costs of workers’ compensation insurance and payroll tax are a consequence of employing employees, but are not counted in employees’ total remuneration package. They are not employee benefits, but rather employee related expenses.

The number of employees at balance date including both full-time employees and part-time employees measured on a full-time equivalent basis is: 2009 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Number of employees: 5,449

Executive remuneration: The number of senior executives who received, or were due to receive, total remuneration of $25,000, ($100,000 full financial year) or more for period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009: $25,000 to $29,999 (Annual: $100,000 to $119,999) - $30,000 to $34,999 (Annual: $120,000 to $139,999) 2 $35,000 to $39,999 (Annual: $140,000 to $159,999) 4 $40,000 to $44,999 (Annual: $160,000 to $179,999) 7 $45,000 to $49,999 (Annual: $180,000 to $199,999) 8 $50,000 to $54,999 (Annual: $200,000 to $219,999) 10 $55,000 to $59,999 (Annual: $220,000 to $239,999) 4 $60,000 to $64,999 (Annual: $240,000 to $259,999) 2 $65,000 to $69,999 (Annual: $260,000 to $279,999) 2 $100,000 to $104,999 (Annual: $400,000 to $419,999) 1 40

2009 $’000 Total remuneration of executives shown above: * 2,011

* The amount calculated as executive remuneration in these financial statements includes the direct remuneration received, as well as items not directly received by senior executives, such as the movement in leave accruals and fringe benefits tax paid on motor vehicles. This amount will therefore differ from advertised executive remuneration packages which do not include the latter items. 2009 $’000 Aggregate amount of separation and redundancy/termination benefit payments to executives shown above: 542

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 10. Supplies and services Advertising 597 Building fitouts 313 Computer expenses 3,266 Consultants and contractors 18,031 Electricity 956 Land development and maintenance 581 Materials 5,152 Minor plant and equipment 1,899 Motor vehicles 1,270 Office accommodation 885 Operating leases 5,197 118 Personnel costs 1,170 Postage and freight 592 Printing 459 Rental lease and hire 3,371 Repairs and maintenance 5,609 Rural land protection 436 Service costs other Government agencies 255 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Shared service provider costs paid to Shared Service Agency 2,557 Staff and client travel 3,764 Stock consumption 339 Storage and archive services 596 Subscriptions and memberships 181 Telephone and facsimile 1,791 Testing and analytical services 574 Other 581 60,422

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Contractors 567 Other 197 Capitalised Supplies and Services (392) 372

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 11. Grants and subsidies

Caring for our country 17,997 Community service obligation payments to SunWater 625 Community Service obligation payments to SEQ Water 2,045 Contribution to cooperative research centres 719 Dam safety program 280 Development of International River Symposium 350 Energy rebates 1,890 Natural disaster relief assistance 384 Nature refuges 469 Queensland heritage 484 Rural water use efficiency initiative 568 SEQ irrigation futures 507 SEQ urban water security research alliance 1,250 119 SEQ healthy waterways 1,554 Sustainable industry grants 473 Trust extension 1,174 Sponsorships of external groups 34 Scholarships 1 Other * 231

31,035 STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

* These grants and subsidies represent individual amounts that are less than $250,000.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Land grants to Indigenous bodies 5,600 Logan Reserves Project 1,596 7,196

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 12. Rebates

Home water wise rebates * (6,952) Forestry rebates 96 (6,856)

* The negative expenditure relates to an over estimation by the former Department of Natural Resources and Water at 26 March 2009, of the number and extent of claims likely to be lodged in the wind up of this scheme. The final actual expenditure of $14.125 million was not determined until cessation of this scheme at 30 June 2009.

13. Depreciation and amortisation

Incurred in respect of: Buildings 4,633 120 Heritage 13 Infrastructure 9,083 Plant and equipment 3,192 Water facilities 296 Intangibles 755 17,972

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Incurred in respect of: Buildings 53 Infrastructure 39 92

14. Finance/borrowing costs

Interest on promissory note * 57 57 * Promissory note relates to financing for the Tweed River Sand Bypassing System, refer note 27.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Finance/borrowing costs 1 1

15. Land transfers

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Land transfers to non-Queensland government entities 96,779 96,779

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 16. Other expenses

Legal fees 2,620 Insurance premiums - Queensland Government Insurance Fund * 872 External audit fees** 186 Bank and statutory fees 31 Bad and impaired debts (97) Assets written off 108 Insurance premiums – general 29 Losses from disposal of property, plant and equipment 9 Goods and services provided below fair value 216 Donations and gifts 5 Special payments: 121 Ex -gratia payments 6 Sponsorships 216 Commission paid 6 Expenses on sale of land 6 Other 6 4,219

STATEMENTS FINANCIAL * Certain losses of public property are insured by the Queensland Government Insurance Fund (QGIF). The claims made in respect of these losses have yet to be assessed by QGIF and the amount recoverable cannot be estimated reliably at reporting date. Upon notification by QGIF of the acceptance of the claims, revenue will be recognised for the agreed settlement amount and disclosed as ‘Other revenues – Insurance recoveries’.

** Total external audit fees relating to the reporting period 27 March 2009 to 30 June 2009 are estimated to be $160,000. There are no non-audit services included in this amount.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Bad and impaired debts 16 Commissions 1,746 Discounts on early settlement of finance leases 455 Special payments* 494 Rent remissions 3 Loss on sale of land 2,863 Other 1 5,578

* The 2009 amount includes payments made in lieu of mining royalties.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 17. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and on hand 84,303 Imprest accounts 87 84,390

Specifically identified cash holding with the Queensland Treasury Corporation earned interest at rates between 2.11% and 6.11% for the period 27 March to 30 June 2009.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Cash at bank 37,638 37,638 122

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 18. Receivables

Trade debtors 18,880 Accruals of an operating nature 5,413 Less: Provision for impairment (275) 24,018

GST receivable 4,357 GST payable (874) 3,483

Finance leases (note 19) 170 Less: Provision for impairment (22) 123 148

Annual leave claim receivable 6,873 Grants revenue 1,890 Output revenue 3,504 Long service leave reimbursements 2,023

Loans and advances 116 STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Interest revenue 44 Other 229 42,328 Non current Finance leases (note 19) 399 399

Movements in the allowance of provision for impairment Balance at 27 March 2009 405 Amounts recovered during the period (172) Amounts written off during the period (7) Decrease in allowance recognised in profit or loss 71 Balance at 30 June 2009 297

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 18. Receivables (continued)

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis

Current Trade debtors 7,095 Less: Provision for impairment (15) 7,080

GST receivable 11 124 GST payable (400) (389)

Finance leases (note 19) 3,657 Less: Provision for impairment (85) 3,572

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Operating leases (note 19) 2,091 Less: Provision for impairment (1,820) 271

Prepayments to Queensland Treasury * 35,449 Valuation fees 12,604 Administered appropriation receivable 7,568 Regulatory fees receivable 1,424 Land sales 253 Interest revenue 653 68,485 Non current Finance leases (note 19) 50,918 50,918

* Represents remittances to Queensland Treasury that relate to proposals and deposits on administered land sales before the transactions are legally finalised.

Movements in the allowance of provision for impairment Balance via machinery-of-Government 27 March 2009 1,932 Amounts recovered during the period (6) (Increase) decrease in allowance recognised in profit or loss (6) Balance at 30 June 2009 1,920

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

19. Leases

Finance leases The department issues finance leases under the provisions of the Land Act 1994 whereby the lessee elects to pay the purchase price over a number of years. The aggregate of the minimum lease payments for lease receivables is as follows: Finance lease receivables 1 year or less 1-5 years Greater than 5 years Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current 170 - - 170 Non current - 216 183 399 170 216 183 569

Operating leases The department issues operating leases, both term and perpetual, including permits and licences, as conditional contracts under the 125 provisions of the Land Act 1994. Rent is determined as a percentage of unimproved capital value, dependent on the purpose and category of the allocated asset.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis

Finance leases

The department issues finance leases under the provisions of the Land Act 1994 whereby the lessee elects to pay the purchase price over STATEMENTS FINANCIAL a number of years. The aggregate of the minimum lease payments for lease receivables is as follows: Finance lease receivables 1 year or less 1-5 years Greater than 5 years Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current 3,657 - - 3,657 Non current - 12,055 38,863 50,918 3,657 12,055 38,863 54,575

Operating leases The department issues operating leases, both term and perpetual, including permits and licences, as conditional contracts under the provision of the Land Act 1994. Rent is determined as a percentage of unimproved capital value, dependent on the purpose and category of the allocated asset.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 20. Inventories Current Held for resale: Maps, publications and souvenirs 319 Less: Provision for impairment (110) 209

Not held for resale: Casing and piping 1,112 Other 783 1,895

2,104

21. Unexpended advances

126 Current Grants 8,126 8,126

22. Other current assets

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Current Prepayments 11,376 11,376

23. Non current assets classified as held for sale

Current Land 18 Buildings 143 161

Assets are continually reviewed to ensure they support the service delivery objectives of the department. The assets identified as held for sale are surplus to departmental requirements in meeting these objectives. The sale of these assets is actively pursued by the department with an expectation they will be sold within 12 months of the date of classification. The assets are not depreciated during this time.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Land 8,269 8,269

Assets are held for sale as directed by the Queensland Government after an assessment to determine the most efficient use of the land has occurred. The sale of these assets is being actively pursued by the department with an expectation that they will be sold within 12 months of the date of classification.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 24. Property, plant and equipment

Non current Land At valuation 670,256 670,256

Buildings At valuation 459,783 Less: accumulated depreciation (251,385) 208,398

Heritage 127 At cost 1,405,532 Less: accumulated depreciation (147) 1,405,385 Infrastructure At valuation 1,712,292 Less: accumulated depreciation (575,214) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 1,137,078

Plant and equipment At cost 119,706 Less: accumulated depreciation (74,419) 45,287

Work in progress At cost 44,698 3,511,102

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

24. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Property, plant and equipment reconciliation Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the current reporting period

Net assets received via Transfers machinery- to assets Transfers Revaluation Carrying of- External held for between increments amount at Government Acquisitions Depreciation transfers sale classes (decrements) Disposals 30 June 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land 633,832 26,157 - 6,778 - - 3,656 (167) 670,256 Buildings 201,446 682 (4,633) - - 9,619 1,601 (317) 208,398 128 Heritage 1,405,268 25 (13) - - 105 - - 1,405,385 Infrastructure 1,138,919 6 (9,379) - - 6,873 718 (59) 1,137,078 Plant and equipment 43,885 3,564 (3,192) - - 1,213 - (183) 45,287 Work in progress 54,306 8,202 - - - (17,810) - - 44,698 3,477,656 38,636 (17,217) 6,778 - - 5,975 (726) 3,511,102

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Land was revalued to fair value using indices, where material, provided from the department’s State Valuation Services as at 30 June 2009.

Buildings and infrastructure were revalued to fair value using the Implicit Price Deflator for the relevant construction types as at 30 June 2009.

Plant and equipment is valued at cost as prescribed in Queensland Treasury’s Non-Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector.

All building and infrastructure assets have been comprehensively valued in the last five years by the Department’s State Valuation Services.

Land (including National Parks disclosed as Heritage and Cultural assets) have been comprehensively valued within the last five years.

The department has property, plant and equipment with an original cost of $52.759 million with a written down value of zero still being used in the provision of services.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 24. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Non current Land At valuation 63,969,727 63,969,727 Buildings At valuation 3,158 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,230) 1,928 Infrastructure At valuation 13,326 129 Less: accumulated depreciation (5,645) 7,681 Work in progress 3,904 3,904 63,983,240

STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

Property, plant and equipment reconciliation Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the current reporting period.

Net assets received via Transfers Carrying machinery- to assets Transfers Revaluation amount at of- External held for between increments 30 June Government Acquisitions Depreciation Transfers sale classes (decrements) Disposals 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land * 23,482,102 19,286 - 118,425 (18) - 40,460,366 (110,434) 63,969,727 Buildings 1,912 - (53) 35 - - 34 - 1,928 Infrastructure 7,569 - (39) - - - 151 - 7,681 Work in progress 3,513 391 ------3,904 23,495,096 19,677 (92) 118,460 (18) - 40,460,551 (110,434) 63,983,240

Land was revalued to fair value using indices, where material, provided from the department’s State Valuation Services as at 30 June 2009. The value of land under roads included in land is $40.370 billion.

Unallocated state land and reserves are measured at fair value and are comprehensively revalued every three to five years. Each property has an individual factor change applied which is derived from the review of market transactions. These movements are determined having regard to the review of unimproved land values undertaken for each local government area by the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

Land subject to operating leases is valued at fair value.

The remaining state land, buildings, and infrastructure administered on a whole-of-Government basis were revalued to fair value using indices provided by the Department’s State Valuation Services as at 30 June 2009.

The department has property, plant and equipment with an original cost of $1.116 million and a written down value of zero still being used in the provision of services.

* Land valued at $19.286 million has been brought to account as a prior period adjustment as a result of a continuing asset identification and validation project. This has been reflected as an acquisition adjustment.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 25. Intangibles

Internally generated software At cost 27,577 Less: accumulated amortisation (17,219) 10,358

Purchased software At cost 11,082 Less: accumulated amortisation (7,159) 3,923

130 Software development in progress At cost 11,132 25,413

The department has internal use software with an original cost of $5.469 million and a written down value of zero still being used in the provision of services.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Intangibles reconciliation Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the current reporting period Net assets received via Transfers Carrying machinery- of- between amount at Government Acquisitions Depreciation classes Transfers Disposals 30 June 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Internally generated 6,627 - (547) 4,278 - - 10,358 Purchased software 3,012 - (208) 1,119 - - 3,923 Software development in progress 14,822 1,707 - (5,397) - - 11,132 24,461 1,707 (755) - - - 25,413

Amortisation of intangibles is included in the line item ‘Depreciation and amortisation’ in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

All intangible assets have finite useful lives and are amortised on a straight line basis (note (p)).

No intangible assets have been classified as held for sale or form part of a disposal group held for sale.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 26. Payables

Current Trade creditors 24,703 Grants and subsidies payable 9,834 Taxes payable 2,060 Capital items payable 1,332 Other creditors 701 38,630

131 Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Transfer of administered item revenue to government payable 16,927 Payables of an operating nature 5,705 Interest payable 6 Special payments payable 7,521

Stamp duties and zoning fees payable 128 STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Other 13 30,300

27. Other financial liabilities

Current Promissory note 529 529

Non current

Promissory note 1,896 1,896

The promissory note which relates to the Tweed River Sand Bypassing system, is in Australian dollar denominated amounts and is recognised at face value, interest being expensed as it is accrued. No interest has been capitalised during the reporting period. Repayment dates vary over the note’s term to 4 May 2013. Principal and interest repayments are made quarterly in arrears. The fair value of this note is disclosed in note 41.

28. Accrued employee benefits

Current Annual leave levy payable 8,906 Salary and wages related payable 185 Long service leave levy payable 1,559 10,650

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000

29. Unearned revenue

Current Commonwealth grants 6,221 Other grants and contributions 14,625 User charges 315 21,161

30. Proposals and deposits

Current Proposals and deposits on land sales and leases 10 132 10

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Proposals and deposits on land sales and leases 35,449 35,449 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

These monies represent funds paid by applicants in relation to prospective land dealings and are held by the department contingent upon the applicant progressing the dealing to finalisation. Failure to finalise the dealing requires the department to return all monies to the applicant.

31. Other liabilities

Current Other agencies’ land purchases 54,546 54,546

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Other agencies’ land sales 2,418 2,418

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

32. Asset revaluation reserve

Asset revaluation reserve by class: Transfer to Net assets received contributed Revaluation Carrying via machinery-of- equity at 27 increments amount at 30 Government March 2009 * (decrements) June 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Land 93,175 (93,175) 3,656 3,656 Buildings 28,142 (28,142) 1,601 1,601 Infrastructure 20,383 (20,383) 718 718 141,700 (141,700) 5,975 5,975

The asset revaluation reserve represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value. 133 * Pursuant to Queensland Treasury instruction, the closing balance of the asset revaluation reserve the abolished Department of Natural Resources and Water and Environmental Protection Agency was transferred to Contributed Equity as at 27 March 2009.

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis

STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Asset revaluation reserve by class: Net assets Transfer to received via contributed Revaluation Carrying machinery-of- equity at 27 increments amount at 30 Government March 2009 * (decrements) June 2009 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land 17,744,178 (17,744,178) 40,460,366 40,460,366 Buildings 440 (440) 34 34 Infrastructure 747 (747) 151 151 17,745,365 (17,745,365) 40,460,551 40,460,551

The asset revaluation reserve represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value. * Pursuant to Queensland Treasury instruction, the closing balance of the asset revaluation reserve for the abolished Department of Natural Resources and Water and Environmental Protection Agency was transferred to Contributed Equity as at 27 March 2009.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

33. Net assets received via machinery-of-Government As a result of the Public Service Departmental Arrangements Notice (No.2) 2009, dated 26 March 2009, responsibility for the functions previously undertaken by the abolished department of Natural Resources and Water and the abolished Environmental Protection Agency were transferred to the Department of Environment and Resource Management. As a result of these changes, the following assets were transferred and liabilities assumed:

Department of Natural Environmental Net assets received via Resources and Water Protection Agency machinery-of- Government $’000 $’000 $’000 Assets Cash and cash equivalents 71,323 30,115 101,438 Receivables 51,316 49,602 100,918 Inventories 1,876 287 2,163 Unexpended advances 21,088 - 21,088 134 Other current assets 3,046 3,480 6,526 Non current assets classified as held 372 - 372 for sale Property, plant and equipment 169,605 3,308,052 3,477,657 Intangible assets 17,336 7,125 24,461 Total assets 335,962 3,398,661 3,734,623

Liabilities Payables 57,074 24,063 81,137 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Accrued employee benefits 19,741 14,328 34,069 Unearned revenue 32,161 - 32,161 Proposals and deposits 191 - 191 Other financial liabilities - 2,550 2,550 Other liabilities 37,898 3,602 41,500 Total liabilities 147,065 44,543 191,608 Net assets 188,897 3,354,119 3,543,015

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Department of Environmental Monies Net assets received Natural Resources Protection transferred to via machinery-of- and Water Agency Fiduciary Government Trust * Assets $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Cash and cash equivalents 35,845 9,052 (3,355) 41,542 Receivables 93,063 4,012 - 97,075 Non current assets classified as held for sale 8,402 - - 8,402 Property, plant and equipment 23,495,096 - - 23,495,096 Total assets 23,632,406 13,064 (3,355) 23,642,115

Liabilities Payables 34,812 3,004 (3) 37,813 Proposals and deposits 16,651 - - 16,651 Other liabilities 3,107 3,352 (3,352) 3,107 Total liabilities 54,570 6,356 (3,355) 57,571 Net assets 23,577,836 6,708 - 23,584,544

* Refer note 44

P45

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000

34. Contributed equity reconciliation

Balance at 27 March 2009 - Equity injections (439) Equity withdrawals (4,370) Non-appropriated equity withdrawals (2,064) Correction of error * (71) Net assets received via machinery-of-Government change 3,543,015 Net transfer of assets / liabilities from other government agencies Department of Environment and Resource Management (Administered) 2,271 135 Department of Infrastructure and Planning 4,507 Former Department of Natural Resources and Water (67) Balance at 30 June 2009 3,542,782

* Refer note 44

STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis

Balance at 27 March 2009 - Equity injections (527) Non-appropriated equity withdrawals (8,078) Prior year adjustment * 19,286 Net assets received via machinery-of-Government change 23,584,544 Transfers of assets (to) from other government agencies: Department of Environment and Resource Management (Controlled) (2,271) Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation 270 Balance at 30 June 2009 23,593,224

* Refer note 44

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 35. Reconciliation of operating result from continuing operations to net cash

Operating result from continuing operations 9,220

Depreciation and amortisation expense 17,972 Bad and impaired debts (97) Assets written off 108 Inventory impairments and losses (writeback) (18) Net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (216)

Change in assets and liabilities (Increase) decrease in output revenue receivable 5,156 136 (Increase) decrease in net receivables 10,799 (Increase) decrease in long service leave reimbursement receivables 121 (Increase) decrease in annual leave claim receivable 10,456 (Increase) decrease in GST input tax credits receivable 1,386 (Increase) decrease in grants receivable 7,348 (Increase) decrease in inventories 76 (Increase) decrease in prepayments 10,017 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (34,186) Increase (decrease) in grants payable (8,995) Increase (decrease) in annual leave levy payable (8,720) Increase (decrease) in provision for tax 90 Increase (decrease) in long service levy payable 104 Increase (decrease) in GST payable 530 Increase (decrease) in accrued employee benefits (14,802) Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue (14,602) Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 16,475 Net cash from operating activities 8,222

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 35. Reconciliation of operating result from continuing operations to net cash (continued)

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis

Operating result from continuing operations 26,609

Bad and impaired debts (6) Land grants to Indigenous bodies 5,600 Discounts on early settlement of finance leases 455 Depreciation expense 92 137 Land transfers 96,779 Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 2,421 Rent remissions 3 Land transfers from non-Queensland Government entities (126,061)

Change in assets and liabilities:

(Increase) decrease in administered appropriation revenue receivables (1,920) STATEMENTS FINANCIAL (Increase) decrease in net receivables (1,852) (Increase) decrease in GST input tax credits receivable 21 Increase (decrease) in other payables 2,428 Increase (decrease) in transfers to Government payable (9,942) Increase (decrease) in GST payable 309 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities (528) Net cash (used in) operating activities (5,592)

36. Non-cash financing and investing activities Assets received by the department are recognised as revenues and are set out in note 3.

Assets received by the department as a result of machinery-of-Government changes are set out in note (33).

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000 37. Commitments for expenditure

(a) Non-cancellable operating lease commitments

Commitments under operating leases at reporting date are inclusive of anticipated GST and are payable as follows: Not later than one year 31,357 Later than one year and not later than five years 66,778 Later than five years 9,308 107,443

Operating leases are entered into as a means of acquiring access to office accommodation and storage facilities. Lease payments are generally fixed, but with inflation escalation clauses and periodic market reviews. 138

Some of the operating leases contain renewal and extension options. No operating lease contains restrictions on financing or other leasing activities.

(b) Capital expenditure commitments

Material classes of capital expenditure commitments inclusive of GST, contracted for at reporting date but not recognised in the accounts are payable as follows: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Borrowings 1,681 Buildings 1,668 Infrastructure 4,041 Plant and equipment 2,314 Intangibles 1,027 10,731

Payable: Not later than one year 10,446 Later than one year and not later than five years 285 10,731

Administered on a of whole-of-Government basis

Material classes of capital expenditure commitments inclusive of GST, contracted for at reporting date but not recognised in the accounts are payable as follows:

Water facilities 1,792 1,792

Payable: Not later than one year 1,792

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000

37. Commitments for expenditure (continued)

(c) Commitments for subsidies

As at 30 June 2009, in accordance with a formal agreement, approval has been given to pay the following subsidies provided certain criteria are met: Payable: Not later than one year 9,783 Later than one year and not later than five years 768 10,551

139 (d) Other commitments

Further material expenditure commitments inclusive of GST, contracted for at reporting date, but not recognised in the accounts are payable as follows: Payable: Not later than one year 27,654 Later than one year and not later than five years 3,300 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL 30,954

38. Contingencies

Contingent liabilities Guarantees and undertakings The following guarantees/undertakings are not recognised as liabilities in the Balance Sheet.

The department has been a party to numerous indemnity capped procurement arrangements. These contracts are primarily with suppliers of information technology infrastructure and software and related maintenance with indemnity caps of various levels of up to AUD$1.2 million per occurrence and/or a ceiling of up to AUD$10.0 million over the life of the contracts. Contract lives are up to 3 years. As some of the capping amounts are in US dollars, the final AUD capping amount would be dependent on the prevailing foreign exchange rates at the time of any claim.

Litigation in progress At 30 June 2009, the following claims against the department were filed in the courts or lodged with the department:

2009 Claims

Supreme Court 15 District Court 1 Magistrates Court 1 Jurisdiction not available – lodged with department * 44 61

At reporting date it is not possible to estimate any probable outcome of these claims, or of any financial effect. Depending on the outcome of the litigation process, indemnity for the department may be sought in respect of some of the above matters through the Queensland Government Insurance Fund.

* The department has received notification of claims which are not yet subject to court action. These cases may or may not result in subsequent litigation.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements 38. Contingencies (continued)

Native title claims over departmental land At 30 June 2009, there remained 287 unresolved native title claims over lands (including marine and terrestrial parks and offshore islands) either controlled or administered by the department.

At reporting date it is not possible to make an estimate of any probable outcome of these claims, or of any financial effects.

Land acquisitions The department is currently engaged in a program of land acquisitions which will be used to further natural resource management objectives, the quantum of which is unable to be reliably measured at balance date.

Compensation for infrastructure on expired leases over the protected area estate Currently the department issues leases or permits which allow activity such as grazing, tourist resorts etc to occur on parks and forestry estate it administers. On expiry of the lease or permit, the department may be required to pay compensation to the lessees for improvements made to the leased properties over the duration of these leases.

140 The amount of this liability is not quantifiable as the extent of the improvements to be valued will not be known until the expiration of the relevant leases or permits. Leases will progressively expire until the year 2045.

Contingent asset

SunWater land An agreement entered into with SunWater in 2001 carries an obligation on SunWater to pay the department 50% of the net sale proceeds of a land parcel (5.8 hectares) at Rocklea. Due to changing circumstances surrounding the usage of the land, the variability of the presale holding period and council requirements for works to be completed before sale, no reliable estimate of

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL the value of the land can be provided at balance date.

39. Events occurring after balance date The Department of Environment and Resource Management will be subject to several administrative arrangements early in the 2009-10 financial year, including the inwards transfer of the corporate services responsibility of the Queensland Water Commission and the outwards transfer of the mining and petroleum Native Title assessment team to the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Industry. It is anticipated that the net impact of these transfers will be immaterial.

40. Interest in joint ventures The department has interests in one joint venture entity and four joint venture operations, which are subject to agreements made with the relevant parties. The department’s interests are limited to its rights and obligations under each of the agreements.

Public sector mapping venture

This venture is composed of the public sector mapping agencies of the Commonwealth, states and territories. It was established to create and facilitate access to national spatial datasets for both governmental and commercial use.

The joint venture arrangement involved the incorporation of a company, PSMA Australia Limited (PSMA), to coordinate, assemble and commercially deliver the various PSMA datasets on a national basis and to contribute to the establishment of the Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure.

The department in its capacity as the Queensland representative holds an equal one-eighth share in this company, which was established on 20 June 2001. The department made $nil cash or in-kind contributions to the company in 2008-09, nor was any revenue derived from its operations. PSMA made royalty payments of $0.286 million to Queensland during this reporting period.

Joint mapping venture with Hema Maps Pty Ltd

This venture is between the department and Hema Maps Pty Ltd with each holding an equal share in the joint venture arrangement. This venture was established to produce, promote, distribute and sell maps from the Sunmap Regional Map series.

Based on the undertaking signed, proceeds from the sale of the product are to be distributed in equal shares following the reimbursement of all related external costs. At 30 June 2009, the department received a total of $0.014 million, which is made up of production cost recovery plus revenue from sales of the product.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements 41. Financial instruments (a) Categorisation of financial instruments

The department has the following categories of financial assets and financial liabilities:

2009 Category Note $’000 Financial assets Cash 17 84,390 Receivables 18 42,727

127,117

Financial liabilities

Payables 26 38,630 Promissory note 2,425 41,055 141

(b) Financial Risk Management

Financial risk management is implemented as per the whole-of-Government policy. This focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Department.

STATEMENTS FINANCIAL The Department measures risk exposure using a variety of methods as follows:

Risk Exposure Measurement Method Credit risk Ageing analysis, earnings at risk Liquidity risk Sensitivity analysis Market risk Interest rate sensitivity analysis

(c) Credit risk exposure

Credit risk exposure refers to the situation where the department may incur financial loss as a result of another party to a financial instrument failing to discharge their obligation.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the gross carrying amount of those assets inclusive of any provisions for impairment.

The following table represents the department’s maximum exposure to credit risk based on contractual amounts net of any allowances:

Maximum exposure to credit risk

2009

Note $’000

Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 17 84,390

Receivables 18 42,727 127,117

No collateral is held as security relating to these financial assets.

The department manages credit risk through the use of the credit management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to credit default by ensuring that the department invests in secure assets and monitors all funds owed on a timely basis. Exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

41. Financial instruments (continued)

(c) Credit risk exposure (continued)

The method for calculating provisional impairment for risk is based on past experience of aged collection, current and expected changes in economic conditions and changes in client credit ratings. The main factors affecting the current calculation for provisions are disclosed below as loss events. These economic and geographic changes form part of the department's documented risk analysis assessment in conjunction with historic experience and associated industry data.

The recognised impairment is $0.297 million for the current period. This is a movement of $0.180 million and is due to a number of loss events: the movement in impaired debtors through collections, write-offs or newly identified during the financial period. Refer note 18.

No financial assets have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired and are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated.

Ageing of past due but not impaired as well as impaired financial assets are disclosed as follows: 142 2009 Financial assets past due but not impaired

Contractual Repricing/Maturity Date: Not overdue Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total Total days 90 days overdue financial assets $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Financial assets Receivables 29,280 7,972 2,420 1,597 1,458 13,447 42,727 29,280 7,972 2,420 1,597 1,458 13,447 42,727

2009 Impaired financial assets

Contractual Repricing/Maturity Date: Not overdue Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total Total days 90 days overdue financial assets $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Financial assets Receivables - - - - 297 297 297 - - - - 297 297 297

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

41. Financial instruments (continued) (d) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk refers to the situation where the department may encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.

The department is exposed to liquidity risk through its trading in the normal course of business and borrowings from promissory notes.

The department manages liquidity risk through the use of a liquidity management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to liquidity risk by ensuring the department has sufficient funds available to meet employee and supplier obligations as they fall due. This is achieved by ensuring that minimum levels of cash are held within the various bank accounts so as to match the expected duration of the various employee and supplier liabilities.

The following table sets out the liquidity risk of financial liabilities held by the department. It represents the contractual maturity of financial liabilities, calculated based on cash flows relating to the repayment of the principal amount outstanding at balance date.

143 2009 Payable in: <1 Year 1-5 Years >5 Years Total Note $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial liabilities Payables 26 38,630 - - 38,630

Promissory note 27 529 1,896 - 2,425 STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Total 39,159 1,896 - 41,055

(e) Market risk

The department does not trade in foreign currency and is not materially exposed to commodity price changes. The department is exposed to interest rate risk through its finance leases. The department does not undertake any hedging in relation to interest risk and manages its risk as per the liquidity risk management strategy.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis

The following interest rate sensitivity analysis depicts the outcome to profit and loss if interest rates would change by +/- 1% from the year end rates applicable to the department’s financial assets. The interest rate payable on the Promissory Note is fixed for the term of the borrowing and is not subject to interest rate sensitivity.

2009 Interest rate risk Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - non-interest bearing 84,390 Receivables - non-interest bearing 42,180 - variable interest rate 547 (5) (5) 5 5 Total 127,117 (5) (5) 5 5

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

41. Financial instruments (continued) (e) Market risk (continued) Fair value The fair value of financial assets and liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement and for note disclosure purposes. The fair value of cash and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and payables approximate their carrying amounts as reported in the Balance Sheet. The fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on market prices where a market exists, or is determined by discounting expected future cash flows by the current interest rate for financial assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The fair value of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their nominal value less estimated credit adjustments. The carrying amounts of all financial assets are representative of their fair value.

2009 144 Carrying amount Fair value Note $’000 $’000

Financial liability Promissory note 2,425 2,627 Total 2,425 2,627

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (a) Categorisation of financial instruments

The department has the following categories of financial assets and liabilities:

2009 Category Note $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 17 37,638 Receivables 18 119,403 157,041

Financial liabilities Payables 26 30,300 30,300

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements 41. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued)

(b) Financial risk management Financial risk management is implemented as per the Whole-of-Government policy. This focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Department.

The Department measures risk exposure using a variety of methods as follows:

Risk Exposure Measurement Method Credit risk Ageing analysis Liquidity risk Sensitivity analysis Market risk Interest rate sensitivity analysis

(c) Credit risk exposure

Credit risk exposure refers to the situation where the department may incur financial loss as a result of another party to a financial instrument failing to discharge their obligation. 145

The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the gross carrying amount of those assets inclusive of any provisions for impairment.

The following table represents the department’s maximum exposure to credit risk based on contractual amounts net of any allowances:

Maximum exposure to credit risk

2009 STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Note $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 17 37,638 Receivables 18 119,403 157,041

No collateral is held as security relating to these financial assets.

The department manages credit risk through the use of the credit management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to credit default by ensuring that the department invests in secure assets and monitors all funds owed on a timely basis. Exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.

The method for calculating provisional impairment for risk is based on past experience of aged collection, current and expected changes in economic conditions and changes in client credit ratings. The main factors affecting the current calculation for provisions are disclosed below as loss events. These economic and geographic changes form part of the department's documented risk analysis assessment in conjunction with historic experience and associated industry data.

The recognised impairment is $1.920 million for the current period.

No financial assets have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired and are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

41. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued) (c) Credit risk exposure (continued)

Ageing of past due but not impaired as well as impaired financial assets are disclosed as follows:

2009 Financial assets past due but not impaired

Contractual Repricing/Maturity Date: Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total Total days 90 days overdue financial assets 2 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Financial0 assets Receivables0 118,921 91 233 4 154 482 119,403 9 118,921 91 233 4 154 482 119,403

146 2009 Impaired financial assets

Contractual Repricing/Maturity Date: Not overdue Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total Total (d) days 90 days overdue financial assets (e) $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Financial(f) assets FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Receivables(g) 1,281 - - - 639 639 1,920 (h) 1,281 - - - 639 639 1,920 (i)

(d) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk refers to the situation where the department may encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.

The department is exposed to liquidity risk through its trading in the normal course of business.

The department manages liquidity risk through the use of a liquidity management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to liquidity risk by ensuring the department has sufficient funds available to meet employee and supplier obligations at all times. This is achieved by ensuring that minimum levels of cash are held within the various bank accounts so as to match the expected duration of the various employee and supplier liabilities.

The following table sets out the liquidity risk of financial liabilities held by the department. It represents the contractual maturity of financial liabilities, calculated based on cash flows relating to the repayment of the principal amount outstanding at balance date.

2008-09 Payable in: <1 Year 1-5 Years >5 Years Total Note $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial liabilities Payables 26 30,300 - - 30,300 Total 30,300 - - 30,300

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements 41. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued) (j) Market risk

The department does not trade in foreign currency and is not materially exposed to commodity price changes. The department is exposed to interest rate risk through its finance leases. The department does not undertake any hedging in relation to interest risk and manages its risk as per the liquidity risk management strategy.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis

The following interest rate sensitivity depicts the outcome to profit and loss if interest rates would change by +/- 1% from the year end rates applicable to the department’s financial assets.

2009 Interest rate risk Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 147

Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - non-interest bearing 37,638 - - - - Receivables - non-interest bearing 64,642

- variable interest rate 54,761 (548) (548) 548 548 STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Total 157,041 (548) (548) 548 548

Fair value

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement and for note disclosure purposes. The fair value of cash and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying amounts as reported in the Balance Sheet. The fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on market prices where a market exists, or is determined by discounting expected future cash flows by the current interest rate for financial assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The fair value of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their nominal value less estimated credit adjustments. The carrying amounts of all financial assets are representative of their fair value.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

42. Trust transactions and balances The department holds cash and bank guarantees on behalf of companies and individuals for the following:

a. As a condition of volumetric leases entered into under the Land Act 1994, the lessee is required to provide a security in the form of a bank guarantee to be retained by the department to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The security together with the lease agreement commits the lessee to perform specific reparation conditions set out in the lease.

b. As a condition of the environmental authority for petroleum leases under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004, applicants are required to provide financial security in the form of cash or bank guarantee to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The security is held to protect the State should the lessee not meet the conditions set out in the environmental authority

c. As a condition of forestry products timber sales contracts, a financial security of cash or bank guarantee must be provided to the department to ensure achievement of specific requirements. Upon receipt of the cash deposits, the department recognises interest accrued during the period the department has custody of the moneys. The amount of interest accrued each year is recognised as an expense.

148 d. For development applications under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Integrated Planning Act 1997, applicants may be required to provide financial security of cash or bank guarantee as a means of meeting a particular aspect of a vegetation management code. The security together with the agreement commits the developer to providing a vegetation offset within twelve months. No interest is paid by the department in respect to the cash security held.

e. At balance date the department also held, in a fiduciary capacity, monies deposited in the various Single Holding Accounts representing funding provided by the Commonwealth Government yet to be released or distributed to specific proponents.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

As the department performs only a custodial role in respect of these transactions and balances, they are not recognised in the financial statements but are disclosed in the notes for the information of users.

2009 Trust collections and distributions $’000

Collections Forestry security deposits 182 Single holding accounts 7,425 Environmental securities 233 Total collections 7,840

Distributions Forestry security deposits (53) Single holding accounts (798) Total distributions (851) Increase (decrease) in trust assets 6,989

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

2009 $’000

42. Trust transactions and balances (continued)

Trust assets and liabilities

Current assets Cash 11,935 Total trust assets 11,935

Current liabilities

Forestry security deposits 131 Vegetation management 60 149 Single holding accounts 7,425 Total current liabilities 7,616

Non current liabilities Forestry security deposits 731 Environmental securities 3,588 Total non current liabilities 4,319 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL Total trust liabilities 11,935

At 30 June 2009, the department held bank guarantees to the value of, and in relation to, the following: x $8.451 million in accordance with lease conditions under the Land Act 1994; x $51.341 million relating to financial security to ensure compliance with Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004; x $4.453 million relating to forestry products timber sales contracts and agreements; x $4.477 million relating to environmental management activities; and x $1.349 million relating to vegetation management development applications.

This represents the maximum value the department is potentially entitled to if agreed conditions are not fulfilled. The Queensland Audit Office has incorporated a sample of trust transactions within the audit undertaken for the period.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

43. Agency transactions At balance date, the department holds monies from several different agency relationships.

The department acts as an agent in the collection and distribution of charges and levies for various public sector agencies and local governments both through its Queensland Government Agency Project (QGAP) offices and the Smart Service Queensland Project.

Additionally, its business unit Ecofund acts as an agent in the purchase of carbon and environmental offsets for various public sector agencies.

The department also collects authorised deductions from employees’ salaries for on-payment to third parties.

A reconciliation of the amounts collected and distributed follows:

2009 $’000 150 Balance as at 27 March 2009 2,047 Collections during reporting period 1 Distributions paid during reporting period (888) Balance as at 30 June 2009 1,160

During the reporting period, the department received fees of $0.001 million for providing these agency services which are

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL recognised as user charges.

44. Correction of error (a) Prior period adjustment An adjustment was made to Contributed Equity (refer to Statement of Changes in Equity) of $19.286 million representing correction to the opening land balance transferred from the former Department of Natural Resources and Water. This adjustment is associated with land verified through a continuing project to confirm and validate all land held by the Administered entity. In previous years this adjustment has been performed against the comparatives as a prior period adjustment. However, due to the newly created Department of Environment and Resource Management not having a comparative year, the adjustment must be recognised through contributed equity. (b) Fiduciary Trust monies The former Environmental Protection Agency previously recognised fiduciary monies held within the reported cash and cash equivalents balance of their Administered entity. Within the balance of administered cash and cash equivalents of $9.052 million that transferred into the Department of Environment and Resource Management, $3.355 million represented fiduciary monies. On receipt of these monies, the Department of Environment and Resource Management reclassified $3.355 million as Fiduciary Trust monies, resulting in a decrease of administered cash and cash equivalents transferred from the former Environmental Protection Agency to $5.697 million. Refer notes 33, 42.

(c) Correction of error

During the current reporting period, an adjustment of $0.071 million was made to Contributed Equity (refer to Statement of Changes in Equity), representing a correction of error associated with the timing of revenue attribution relevant to a sundry debtor that transferred to the Department of Environment and Resource Management from the former Environmental Protection Agency.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT |27 MARCH– 30 JUNE 2009

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 151 152 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT |27 MARCH– 30 JUNE 2009

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 153 Glossary

Term Defi nition address management framework Whole-of-government framework to provide for a more up-to-date and accurate location address dataset anthropological Relating to the study of humankind, especially the study of cultures aquatic ecosystems Any watery environment, from small to large and temporary to permanent, including surface and groundwater, in which plants and animals interact with the chemical and physical features of the environment ACRE – Atmospheric Circulation A project to fi ll in temperature gaps and re-analyse climate by studying weather data from the log Reconstructions over the Earth books of early navigators and other historical sources. The research is looking at links between climate change and extreme weather events with a view to improving the reliability of current climate models. automated titles system A system to lodge and register title transactions electronically, which is managed by the department bathymetry A measurement of the depths of oceans, seas, or other large bodies of water biogeographic provinces An area of the Earth determined by the distribution of fl ora and fauna 154 bio-remediate The use biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, or green plants, to remove or neutralise contaminants in polluted soil or water biosequestration The removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by plants and its storage in vegetation and soils biovidersity Life in all its forms—different plants, animals and micro-organisms; the genes they contain and the

GLOSSARY ecosystems they form Blueprint for the Bush A 10-year partnership plan between the Queensland Government, AgForce and the Local Government Association of Queensland to foster and support sustainable, liveable and prosperous rural communities in Queensland cadastre An offi cial register containing information on the value, extent, and ownership of land Capacity Development Offi cer A departmental program established in 2004 to provide funding to native title representative bodies Program to support traditional owner group participation in mineral exploration processes while protecting native title rights and interests carbon footprint A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organisation or location at a given time carbon offsets A fi nancial instrument aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2-e) and may represent six primary categories of greenhouse gases. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. Caring for our Country A program that delivers the Australian Government’s previous natural resource management programs (including the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program and the Working on Country Indigenous land and sea ranger program) and a range of other natural resource management funding (including Community Coastcare, World Heritage, regional investments and relevant 2007 election commitments) catchment An area of land on which runoff from rainfall is collected and transferred to a waterway climate change impact A succinct summary of the climate change impacts associated with the relevant project, policy or statements legislation being considered by Cabinet climate change management A plan to align actions needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the plan impacts of climate change cloud seeding A weather modifi cation technique used to increase rainfall and snowfall coastal surges Extreme tidal movement on the coastline Cultural Heritage Register A list of places, trees, natural formations and buildings of cultural heritage signifi cance; also known as the Queensland Heritage Register in this state Delbessie Agreement A partnership (formerly the State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy) between the Government, AgForce and the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society that came into effect in January 2008. It affects approximately 1800 rural leases, or about 86.6 million hectares or half of Queensland. It is a major land management initiative that focuses on achieving best practice management of natural resources on these leases, through sustainable and profi table primary enterprises. Digital Cadastral Database A database managed by the department which contains a graphical representation of the land parcel boundaries and natural features forming the cadastral boundaries of all Queensland properties ecosystems A community of organisms interacting with one another and their environment EARL – Electronic Access for A departmental program to develop the technologies and processes to improve the fl ow of cadastral Registry Lodgement survey information within and between government and the surveying industry

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Term Defi nition environmental offsets An action taken to counterbalance unavoidable, negative environmental impacts that result from an activity or a development. An offset may be located within or outside the geographic site of the impact. fi eld validations An activity where information, data and hypotheses are validated on the ground or tested in the fi eld; sometimes called ‘ground-truthing’ geospatial Information related to a position on the Earth groundwater Water below the surface found in cracks, voids, pores or other spaces between particles of clay, silt, sand, gravel or rock within the saturated zone of a geological formation greenhouse gas A gas that contributes to the warming of Earth’s atmosphere by refl ecting radiation from the Earth’s surface (e.g. carbon dioxide) ground cover index Living or dead plant material on the soil surface, including grasses and forbs, leaves and branches, and cryptogams such as mosses and lichens. The ground cover index is derived using a model that combines satellite imagery from the Landsat program and fi eld measurement to quantify changes in ground cover over time. Indigenous Land Use Agreements An agreement (commonly known as ILUAs) made with native title parties under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 land tenures Land tenures include term, perpetual and freehold leases, as well as reserves. The department administers these tenures and related road licences and permits to occupy. Looking After Country Together A whole-of-government strategy led by DERM to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people’s 155 access to and management of traditional land and sea country, and their involvement in and infl uence on broader natural resource planning and policy development low carbon diet A campaign encouraging people to make lifestyle choices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from

energy use GLOSAARY machinery-of-government An administrative change that effects the overall structure and functions of government agencies change marine park An area declared under the Marine Parks Act 2004 for conservation of the marine environment market-based instruments Policy approaches that use market forces to achieve environmental natural resource management change. modelling Modelling is a substitute for direct measurement and experimentation used by scientists and mathematicians to simulate a situation or provide a simplifi ed view of something quite complex. National Action Plan for Salinity A joint Australian and Queensland Government initiative that encourages governments and regional and Water Quality communities to work together to address salinity and water-quality issues in priority catchments throughout Queensland NOAA – National Oceanic and A scientifi c agency based in the USA that provides information to aid understanding, research Atmospheric Administration and projections of changes in the Earth’s environment. NOAA’s Earth Systems Laboratory is a partner in the ACRE project with the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence and the UK Meteorological Offi ce. national water initiative An intergovernmental agreement—signed by the Commonwealth, states and territories in 2004— commits jurisdictions to specifi c actions to increase the productivity and effi ciency of Australia’s water use. This will ultimately provide greater certainty to water users, investors and the environment. Natural Environment Recovery A multi-agency task force that coordinated clean-up efforts after the Pacifi c Adventurer oil spill in Group March 2009 natural resource laws Departmental legislation, in relation to compliance with natural resource laws under the legislation nutrient movement Usually refers to the amount of nutrients transported in soils and run-off from farming and grazing lands memorandum of understanding A non-binding agreement that captures the intent of parties to cooperate regarding the matters outlined in the agreement document Offi ce of the Water Supply The Offi ce of the Water Supply Regulator administers the water infrastructure regulation function Regulator of the department—for dam safety, water and waste water, as well as the production and supply of drinking and recycled water in Queensland. OnePlan A framework for streamlining and simplifying regulatory requirements for landholders through existing property-level planning and best-practice farm management systems. It is part of the Blueprint for the Bush initiative. ozone layer The upper layer of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. It is important to the health of all life forms on Earth. potable water Drinking water Queensland Rural Adjustment The Authority manages the $150 million structural adjustment program introduced to assist farm Authority businesses affected by cessation of broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation on 31 December 2006.

ANNUAL REPORT | 27 MARCH – 30 JUNE 2009 Term Defi nition Queensland Climate Change QCCCE provides policy advice, information and science on climate change, climate variability and Centre of Excellence extreme events and the impact of these on the community, economy and the environment. Queensland Youth Environment A ministerial advisory council that provides policy advice and youth engagement on issues of Council environmental sustainability recycled water management plan The plan is a documented risk-based system for managing the production and supply of recycled water. referable dams Dams that could put people, property, the environment and water supply at risk if they were to fail. Queensland has 100 referable dams. regional water supply strategy A framework of preferred solutions to achieve a safe, secure and sustainable water supply to meet a region’s short-, medium- and long-term water needs at least cost resource operations plan The implementation plan for the objectives, strategies and outcomes specifi ed in the related water resource plan. The ROP outlines the day-to-day rules and management arrangements for water users and infrastructure operators. spatial information Information and data that relate to a position or place on Earth stakeholders Individuals, groups or organisations with specifi c interest in and/or infl uence on a project State Rural Leasehold Land See Delbessie Agreement Strategy 156 State Rural Leasehold Land A committee within the department that assists the Minister and provides advice on the Delbessie Ministerial Advisory Committee Agreement. Statewide Landcover and Trees A departmental report released annually on the woody vegetation clearing rates and overall cover of Study woody vegetation across Queensland

GLOSSARY stock routes Queensland has a 72 000 kilometre network of stock routes that allow pastoralists to move stock around the state on foot as an alternative to trucking. strategic asset management plan A document prepared by the water service provider in accordance with the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. In it, the provider sets out service standards for its water and sewerage infrastructure and the strategies (operation, maintenance and renewal) it will employ to meet those standards. Stream and Estuary Assessment SEAP studies and records the condition of ecosystems in Queensland and monitors trends to Program identify any decline in condition and potential causes surveying infrastructure The underlying framework for surveying, including the coordinate reference system, survey marks, records of survey measurements, and supporting legislation and standards topographic Features on the land surface, including natural features such as mountains and rivers and constructed features such as roads and railways, that are mapped tradeable water allocations An authority to take water as set out in the resource operations plan. Water allocations are separate from land, are registered on the Water Allocations Register and are tradeable. The Water Act 2000 details the attributes to be specifi ed on a water allocation. traditional owners Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a particular connection to land under tradition tsunami A moving ridge of water or very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake, subsidence or volcanic eruption. It can be very destructive when it strikes land. unallocated State land State land that has not been allocated for a particular use, managed by the department vegetation moratorium map A map developed for Queensland’s vegetation moratorium, which shows the location of all native woody vegetation within 50 metres of a watercourse in priority reef catchments and endangered regrowth vegetation on freehold and leasehold (agricultural and grazing) land water accounting Applying a consistent and structured approach to identifying, measuring, recording and reporting information about water water effi ciency management A plan prepared by non-residential customers of water service providers that identifi es water plan consumption and actions that will be taken by that customer to reduce water consumption and improve effi ciency of water use. water resource plan A plan for sharing water between human and environmental needs and striking a balance that provides for present demands and future requirements. Water resource plans are a blueprint for future sustainability and are produced in accordance with the Water Act 2000. Water: Learn it for life! A statewide education program about water that promotes long-term changes in people’s attitudes and behaviours waterway A passage for or body of water, including all perennial and ephemeral streams, rivers and other wetlands, and bays wild river rangers Indigenous natural resource rangers employed through the Wild River Rangers program to protect and promote the values of Queensland’s wild rivers woody vegetation There are many defi nitions of what constitutes a forest or woody vegetation. A common defi nition used by foresters is 20 per cent crown cover which equates to approximately 12 per cent foliage projective cover.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Printed on 100% recycled paper Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 27 March – 30 June 2009 www.derm.qld.gov.au