Annual Report 2003/04 Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) contains the largest concentration of Indigenous rock art sites in Victoria, some dating back more than 22,000 years.

Acknowledgement of Country and Indigenous Traditional Owners Parks Victoria respectfully acknowledges the original custodians of what is now known as Victoria; their rich culture, deep affinity with the land and spiritual connection to it. Parks Victoria is committed to establishing strong relationships and partnerships with the descendants of the original custodians to facilitate their active involvement in the future management of protected areas in Victoria.

ISSN 1448 – 9082 ISSN 1448 – 9090 (Online) Also published on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Copyright © Parks Victoria 2004 Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

General Disclaimer This document may be of assistance to you, but Parks Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the information it contains is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this document.

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

Photographs Cover Photographs: Golden Wattle Button Grass Nature Walk, Bunyip State Park Mornington Peninsula National Park (main photo) Other photographs throughout the report are from the Parks Victoria collection. 1

Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Contents

About Parks Victoria 2

Chair’s Foreword 3

Chief Executive’s Message 4

The Year at a Glance 6

Significant Government Initiatives 8

Caring for the Natural Environment 14

Managing Wildfire 18

Protecting our Cultural Heritage 20

Enhancing the Visitor Experience 24

Responsibly Managing our Resources 32

Financial Report 46

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 About Parks Victoria

Vision 63 other parks (including coastal regional and An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and reservoir parks) enhanced, for people, forever. 2,701 natural features reserves and conservation reserves Purpose 8,400 Aboriginal Affairs Victoria registered Indigenous We exist to: cultural heritage sites/places • conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural 2,500 (non-Indigenous) historic places assets; 4.1 million hectares (18 per cent of Victoria) – •responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality total area of park estate including the bays information, services and experiences; •provide excellence and innovation in park management; Significant environmental values (with percentage of Victorian total) 2 and •contribute to the social and economic well-being of 1,131 threatened flora species (68 per cent) Victorians. 232 threatened fauna species (9 per cent) 19 threatened communities (83 per cent) Who we are 109 reference areas (79 per cent) Parks Victoria was established in 1996 and is a statutory authority that reports to the Minister for Environment, the Visitor services and facilities Hon. John Thwaites. Since its establishment, Parks Victoria 69.1 million visits per year, comprising: has developed a strong reputation nationally and internationally as a leading park management agency. Parks Victoria has: 36.5 million to terrestrial parks 120 workcentres (75 per cent of them in regional Victoria) 29.9 million to piers and jetties around the bays 1,041 direct employees (905 ongoing full time or part time) 2.7 million to marine national parks and of whom 625 are trained emergency wildfire response sanctuaries personnel who work in partnership with the 1,397 visitor sites Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 12,400km roads 3,673km walking tracks What we manage 54 visitor centre buildings Parks Victoria is the custodian of a diverse estate of significant 436 viewing lookouts parks in Victoria, and is also responsible for the recreational management of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the Yarra 591 park structures, e.g. information/picnic shelters, and Maribyrnong rivers. The park estate comprises: bird hides 52 playgrounds 39 national parks 900 pedestrian and vehicular bridges 13 marine national parks 105 piers and jetties 11 marine sanctuaries 309 vessel platforms, e.g. piers, landings, marinas, 3 wilderness parks wharves 30 state parks 66 water access points, e.g. boat ramps, rowing 37 metropolitan parks launches and slippings 955 navigation aids

The Banksia Ornata is rich in nectar and attractive to honey eaters.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Chair’s Foreword

Kathryn Fagg, Chair. The Honourable John Thwaites MP, Minister for the Environment. 3 Dear Minister

On behalf of the Board I am very pleased to submit the Consistent with the Government’s policy of rotating eighth Parks Victoria Annual Report to you. membership on the Board, we farewelled Peter Galbally QC after six years of valuable service, and welcomed a During the year, Parks Victoria focused on fire recovery new member, Rob Gerrand – a marketing and public projects, planning for new metropolitan parks and managing relations specialist. the new marine and box-ironbark additions to Victoria’s park system. On behalf of the Board and Parks Victoria’s staff, I would like to express our appreciation for your support during the Aside from progress with these significant government year. I am confident that the skill, expertise and enthusiasm initiatives, other achievements included the creation of of Parks Victoria’s staff will ensure that they meet the 50 new operational positions across Victoria, delivery of challenges ahead and continue to deliver high quality services 600 on-ground environmental projects, continued emphasis for the parks, bays and waterways that they manage. on Indigenous programs and awareness, and completion of a number of significant visitor facility improvements.

This Annual Report provides a snapshot of the diverse range of projects that staff undertook during the year, many of which were carried out in partnership with other Kathryn Fagg agencies and/or volunteers. Chair

In every aspect of its operations, Parks Victoria is an October 2004 organisation committed to delivering best environmental outcomes based on ecologically sustainable principles and practices.

During the year, Parks Victoria’s Board, with your approval, re-appointed Mark Stone as Chief Executive of Parks Victoria for a third term.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Chief Executive’s Message

We finalised and launched a comprehensive strategy that sets out a consistent statewide approach for the management of all marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. Plans for individual parks were progressed, in consultation with established advisory committees, which represent community and user groups. We conducted a number of marine research projects which are providing a scientific basis for our management planning.

Mark Stone, Chief Executive. To help raise awareness of marine conservation, we ran popular coastal interpretive activities and distributed an information-packed Marine Parks Education Kit to schools. 4 It was a year of restoration, reconstruction and progress for For the new and enlarged box-ironbark parks important Parks Victoria. In 2002-03 we faced Victoria’s most extensive environmental works were undertaken, including vegetation wildfires for 60 years. During 2003-04 we focused on restoration and habitat protection for orchids and grassy rehabilitation of the natural environment and rebuilding woodlands. Surveys were conducted for a diverse range of facilities in fire-affected areas. of plants and animals and a unique research project was commenced to investigate whether ecological thinning November 2003 also marked the first full year of management (removal of individual trees) can be used to accelerate of the new additions to the park estate; the area of the development of older growth box-ironbark forest. box-ironbark country managed by Parks Victoria has doubled and we are now caretakers of 13 marine national parks and Work continued on management plans for the box-ironbark 11 marine sanctuaries. parks in close consultation with advisory groups. We also encouraged partnerships with the Indigenous community, To effectively protect a park estate that comprises 4.1 million local government, schools and other park users to ensure hectares of parks, reserves and bays, we have expanded that people in local communities have as much involvement our workforce, recruiting 50 new operational positions in rural with their parks as possible. and regional Victoria. Real involvement of Indigenous communities An energetic approach to post-fire rehabilitation I was delighted to release our draft Indigenous Partnerships Strategy for public discussion. The strategy aims to break Continuing the recovery programs that started immediately down barriers and facilitate opportunities for the real after the fires ended, we undertook significant research and involvement of Indigenous communities in the management restoration work. We began monitoring projects to assess of Victoria’s parks. the status of threatened flora and fauna in burnt areas and focused sharply on the control of pest plants in the Alpine We put the strategy into action during the year by ensuring National Park and the Mallee. a high representation of Indigenous staff in the 50 new operational positions. A total of 16 new Indigenous staff Restoring public access to burnt areas was a high priority joined the organisation during the year, taking our Indigenous and we have made good progress in clearing roads and staff numbers to 42. tracks and in rebuilding bridges, boardwalks, toilets and other facilities. Communication with local communities, A great partnership example is the commencement of tour operators and recreation groups about recovery a new education program at Brambuk the National Park progress has been a high priority throughout the year. and Cultural Centre at Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). The program, delivered jointly by Parks Victoria and Brambuk Although the fires brought great loss and hardship, they staff, is one of the first initiatives of the new cooperative also created unusual opportunities. One of the most exciting arrangement at the centre. has been the archaeological work carried out in the Alps where the fires had removed vegetation. No fewer than I am very proud to say that Parks Victoria is now well 350 new Indigenous sites and places were discovered recognised as a leader in Victoria in Indigenous employment and recorded, greatly enlarging our understanding of past and partnerships. Aboriginal use of the alpine area. Environmental projects conducted across Progress with marine national parks and half a million hectares box-ironbark parks Through the year we carried out more than 600 on-ground Turning to other key government initiatives, we continued environmental projects across the parks network (many in to implement programs for marine national parks and fire-affected areas), over approximately 525,000 hectares. box-ironbark parks. The majority of these were pest plant and animal projects.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 One of the highlights of the year was our involvement in In a new initiative to engage local communities, rural forums an award winning community project at the Aire River, were held in Halls Gap, Bendigo and Foster. The forums on Victoria's west coast. Parks Victoria, landholders, aim to build networks and encourage cooperative efforts Indigenous communities and other stakeholder groups, to protect and manage parks. The response was very signed a unique 'Memorandum of Understanding' which positive and we intend to continue these forums in the establishes agreements for the periodical opening of the coming year. Aire River estuary and sets up channels for future consultation and communication. This project was a worthy recipient of Thank you to staff and volunteers the Innovation Award from the Victorian Coastal Council. I would like to commend all Parks Victoria staff on their professionalism, continued enthusiasm and hard work Planning ahead for visitors throughout the year. A commitment by staff to ‘living our Extensive community consultation and planning was values’ has enabled Parks Victoria to lighten its ecological undertaken for major projects including the creation of six footprint by reducing use of energy, water and other 5 new metropolitan parks, the redevelopment of Queenscliff resources. Harbour, improvement works for the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the reconstruction of the historic St Kilda Pier I also thank the thousands of Friends group members and Kiosk. other volunteers who do so much to protect and enhance our parks. In total, volunteers dedicated 100,000 hours We completed significant improvements to a number of during the year to park projects. It's not all one way; visitor sites during the year, including major works at Barwon the relationship between the community and the natural River and Gem Pier (Williamstown). environment is mutually rewarding.

Spreading the word As the value of parks to community well-being becomes Our increasingly recognised Healthy Parks Healthy People increasingly accepted, I look forward to even greater interest (HPHP) program continued to expand, and has now been and involvement from Victorians in helping to care for these taken up by NSW. HPHP promulgates the benefits of a precious areas. healthy park system to the health of individuals and the community. Partnerships between Parks Victoria, several health organisations and the media are the foundation of this ongoing program.

We proudly launched a new Guide to Victoria’s Parks, Reserves and Waterways. This beautifully illustrated, Mark Stone free guide details the location of visitor facilities such as Chief Executive camping and picnic areas, along with popular walking tracks. The guide, along with growing use of our website, is improving public understanding and appreciation of the environment.

A new, free guide to Victoria’s parks, reserves and waterways is available form Parks Victoria.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 The Year at a Glance

Parks Victoria has identified five key performance areas to describe its activities. We also delivered several Significant Government Initiatives which cross these performance areas.

Performance Areas Significant Government Initiatives Caring for the Natural Managing Wildfire Environment

Objective Fire Recovery programs for areas To provide services to reduce risks To provide services and resources to affected by the 2003 wildfires; to, and improve the condition of natural DSE for the prevention and suppression programs for the management of values and resources. of wildfire in Victoria and in the recently established box-ironbark parks development of plans and procedures and marine national parks; planning for response to other emergencies. 6 for new metropolitan parks as part of Melbourne 2030.

Highlights • Quickly restored access into • Completed over 600 environmental • Contributed to the statewide Fuel fire-affected areas and replaced projects across the parks network. Reduction Burning program on many visitor facilities. The majority of these (475) were public land, involving 446 burns, • Completed significant pest pest plant and animal projects, treating 94,989 hectares (nearly plant programs for Himalayan treating approximately 525,000 double the area burnt across the Honeysuckle and English Broom, hectares. state in 2002/03). In addition to and undertook 17 monitoring • Negotiated and signed a unique the hectares burnt, other outcomes projects to assess threatened Memorandum of Cooperation include improved community flora and fauna species across (MOC) with groups in the Aire River relationships, greater protection fire-affected areas. valley. The project received the against wildfire for high risk assets, and support for biodiversity health. •Around 350 new Indigenous Innovation Award at this year’s cultural sites and places have Victorian Coastal Council Awards. • In partnership with DSE, we finalised been discovered and recorded • Strategic Management Plans guidelines and procedures for in the fire-affected area as a finalised for the remainder of ecological burning on public land. result of archaeological surveys. Victoria’s Ramsar Wetlands • Five of Parks Victoria’s most • Launched the Marine National of International Importance. experienced firefighters went Parks and Marine Sanctuaries • Parks Victoria and the Australian to the United States as part of Management Strategy 2003/10. Deer Association (Victoria) signed an international fire assistance contingent. • Developed a Marine Education a Memorandum of Cooperation Resource Kit for school and aimed at improving the management community use. 1,000 kits have of Victoria’s deer population. been distributed to schools. • The fox adaptive experimental • Commenced a research project management program resulted to investigate whether ‘ecological in new native species records thinning’ can be used to accelerate for some parks. the development of older growth box-ironbark forest.

Performance Measures

Further Details Page 8 Page 14 Page 18

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Protecting our Enhancing the Visitor Responsibly Managing Cultural Heritage Experience our Resources

To provide services and actions To provide services and built facilities To develop and improve organisational to maintain or improve the condition that sustainably satisfy visitor needs, services to support the efficient and of Indigenous and European heritage and promote enjoyment and broader effective delivery of outputs. cultural values and resources. appreciation of parks.

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• Parks Victoria’s Board endorsed • Completed concept planning for • Ran an extensive recruitment the Draft Indigenous Partnership the $20 million redevelopment of campaign that created 50 new Strategy (IPS) for release for public Queenscliff Harbour. Parks Victoria operational positions in rural and discussion. The IPS marks a has engaged with community regional Victoria. significant milestone in Parks groups and individuals to provide • Sixteen new Indigenous staff were Victoria’s commitment to working direction for the project. employed during the year. In addition with Victoria's Indigenous • Improvements to visitor sites the fire-recovery program provided communities. included the upgrading of facilities employment for some 37 Indigenous • Implemented a new school-based at Glen Nayook Bushland Reserve people as consultants. education program at Brambuk the (Neerim South), revegetation of • The expanding Healthy Parks, National Park and Cultural Centre McConchie Reserve urban Healthy People program was as part of a new cooperative environmental park on the Yarra adopted by NSW park agencies. arrangement agreement. River; construction of a new fishing platform at Barwon River and • Collaborated with other major park • Assisted the Indigenous mediation management organisations in the processes for the non-native title construction of a new visitor shelter on Gem Pier (Williamstown). establishment of Parks Forum Ltd outcome between the Yorta Yorta in Australasia with the objective of and the Government. •Produced a free full-colour Guide improving and disseminating best • Through a Victorian Heritage to Victoria’s parks, reserves and practice across the parks industry. waterways. Program Grant, Gabo Island • Parks Victoria was represented at Lightstation received $50,000 • Rural Forums were held in Halls the once in a decade IUCN World for priority maintenance works. Gap, Bendigo and Foster to engage Parks Congress, which was held local communities and encourage in South Africa in 2003. collaborative efforts to help protect and manage parks. • An energy use reduction program commenced at key workcentres.

Page 20 Page 24 Page 32

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Significant Government Initiatives

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Minister John Thwaites and former Young Australian of the Year, Sheree Marris, (pictured centre) are marine national park ambassadors.

During the year, we focused on four significant Government initiatives: • developing and implementing programs for areas affected by the 2003 wildfires; • delivering programs for the management of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries; • delivering programs for the management of box-ironbark parks; and • planning for new metropolitan parks as part of Melbourne 2030.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Fire recovery program of information that greatly assists in understanding past Parks Victoria made a major contribution to the recovery Aboriginal use of the Victorian Alps. Site protection works of fire-affected areas through research, conservation works identified from the surveys will continue into next year. and asset rebuilding, and perhaps most importantly through • An Indigenous Heritage Steering Group was established partnerships and communication with local communities. to provide advice on Indigenous heritage works following the fires. The group is made up of representatives from Environmental rehabilitation Indigenous communities, DSE, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria •We completed assessments of fire control lines, road and Parks Victoria. and tracks and undertook follow-up sediment control • During the fires, 29 high country huts within the Alpine works to protect water quality and reduce erosion. National Park were destroyed. An assessment of • Seventeen monitoring projects were developed to assess fire-affected huts was undertaken and appropriate conservation actions determined, including proposals the status of and threats to threatened flora and fauna 9 species across the Alpine National Park, the Snowy River for the reconstruction of three historic huts: Federation, National Park and other north-east parks following the Michell and McNamara’s. McNamara’s Hut has been fires. These projects are being implemented in conjunction reconstructed using traditional methods in partnership with the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) and the Department with the Victorian High Country Huts Association (VHCHA) of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). A survey of and Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre. Construction of threatened fauna has also been completed in the area Federation and Michell huts will commence in 2005. The affected by the Big Desert fire of December 2002. loss of huts during the fires inspired the formation of the VHCHA, which now works closely with Parks Victoria •A number of significant pest plant programs have been for the ongoing care and maintenance of huts. completed. Himalayan Honeysuckle control programs have been undertaken in Mt Buffalo National Park and • The fires also prompted a comprehensive survey and English Broom control programs in the eastern areas of review of all Alpine huts (including those that escaped the Alpine National Park. Other species treated included the fire). The subsequent report will inform their future Blackberry, St Johns Wort, Paterson’s Curse, Milfoil, conservation and management. Willow and Soft Rush. In addition, pest plant control was • An historic gold mining sites survey was carried out jointly undertaken after the Big Desert fire of December 2002. with DSE after the fires, taking advantage of the exposure •Significant progress was made on alpine bog restoration of mining remnants by the destruction of vegetation cover. in collaboration with the ARI. A number of sites to study The report produced will inform conservation and techniques for mossbed recovery were identified, and the management of these sites. results will be monitored over coming years. •Heritage Action Plans were completed for two of the • The management of alpine grazing following the 2003 fires more significant fire-affected sites: Maud and Yellow Girl involved complex discussions and was a time-consuming at Mount Wills Historic Area, and the Wallaby Mine in but vital exercise. A Scientific Advisory Panel was formed Beechworth Historic Park. The plans outline detailed to advise Parks Victoria on criteria to consider in conservation works due for completion in 2005. determining whether cattle should be permitted to return to grazing licences burnt in the fires. As a result a decision was made not to allow any cattle grazing on most of the 43 fire-affected licence areas for at least two years.

Cultural heritage discoveries • On-ground Indigenous cultural heritage surveys, anthropological research and oral history works were conducted by consultant archaeologists at 12 locations in the fire-affected area, following extensive consultation with Traditional Owner groups, relevant Indigenous communities and Native Title applicants. Some 37 Indigenous people were engaged as supervisors and site monitors, and on the Steering Committee. •Around 350 new Indigenous cultural sites and places have been discovered and recorded in the fire-affected area. This significant work has supplied a large amount

McNamara’s historic hut has been rebuilt using traditional methods.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Significant Government Initiatives (continued)

Restoring access and facilities skills, prepared strategies for managing the marine system • Access into fire-affected areas was a priority issue straight in consultation with the community and other agencies, after the fires. The prompt preparation of an Access and focused on education and interpretation programs. Re-Opening Strategy was vital in helping visitors and Licensed Tour Operators understand the priority that we Operations and planning placed on the clearing of roads and tracks in park areas. • Recruitment as part of the marine program is now • The replacement of many park assets has been completed established and there is a significant ranger presence in including boardwalks, bridges, toilets, 250 snow poles and coastal areas. Rangers are informing the public about the over 500 signs. Re-marking of the Australian Alps Walking marine park areas and the rules that apply within them. Track is also under way as part of a tri-state initiative. They are encouraging recreation, tourism, education and Replacement of visitor facilities will continue in line with research activities and working closely with community the Alpine Resorts 20/20 Strategy, which encourages groups. Staff have also focused on marine monitoring 10 all-year-round use of the Alps. and risk assessment projects during the year. •A number of interpretation and information initiatives were • The Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries undertaken throughout the year. These included tourism Management Strategy 2003/10 was launched. Drawing workshops, interpretive banners for information centres, on State legislation and policy, and best practice principles on-site interpretation signs and face-to-face activities and guidelines, the Strategy sets out a consistent delivered by rangers. A manual called ‘Fire in the Cycle statewide approach for the management of our marine of Life’ was developed and widely distributed to promote national parks and marine sanctuaries. The strategy was understanding of the fire recovery process. prepared with the participation of a community reference group. Through a formal consultation process, the wider • Stakeholder communication and cooperation was a key community was also invited to comment on the strategy. focus for Parks Victoria immediately following the fires. The tourism industry, 4WD groups and alpine hut groups •Work progressed on Draft Management Plans for seven were informed about recovery progress and in some of the 24 marine national parks and marine sanctuaries cases actively involved in projects. Regional and (Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Corner Inlet metropolitan media outlets were continually updated Marine National Park, Port Phillip Heads Marine National on specific projects. Early consultation with Licensed Park, Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, Point Danger Tour Operators and other local businesses ensured Marine Sanctuary, Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and minimal impacts to tourism and a rapid recovery Point Addis Marine National Park). All parks and of visitation to fire-affected areas. sanctuaries for which management plans are being produced have Advisory Groups. Workshops were also held with the Gunai-Kurnai and Boonerwrung peoples Marine national parks and marine sanctuaries of Gippsland to discuss and seek their input and November 2003 marked the first full year of Parks involvement in marine park management plans. Victoria’s management of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. During 2003/04 we developed staff

Regrowth after fire. A new education resource kit is bringing the marine environment into the schoolroom.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 • Parks Victoria worked with coastal and catchment land managers and agencies to implement regional catchment strategies. • Education, compliance, planning and research developments in the Port Phillip Marine Protected Area were reviewed. Operational and strategic approaches were refined and clear directions mapped out for future programs. • Parks Victoria, together with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the World Commission on Protected Areas, will co-host the first International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC1) in Geelong in October 2005. 11 Preliminary planning for the congress commenced during the year, in conjunction with national and international agencies.

Engaging the community •A Marine Education Resource Kit has been developed for school and community use. It includes a CD-ROM, a video of underwater environments, posters, a children’s activity booklet and a Rocky Shores Identification Guide. About 1000 kits have been distributed to schools. Marine National Park Ambassador Sheree Marris (Young Australian of the Year 2002) and local rangers around the state personally presented kits in 18 schools, mostly on Victoria’s east and west coasts. •A proactive information campaign advised anglers and interested community members about the fishing prohibitions applicable in all marine national parks and marine sanctuaries from 1 April 2004. Before this date, fishing was allowed to continue in some parks as a transitional arrangement. Print advertising was placed in newspapers and posters were distributed to angling stores across the state, encouraging anglers to contact Parks Victoria about the new restrictions. Additionally, parknotes and signs were updated to reflect the new restrictions. • Rangers delivered a variety of interpretation activities around the state during school holiday periods. These included slide shows, guided walks, talks and tours. They were complemented by a successful Coast Action/ Coastcare program in January, called ‘Summer By The Sea’ which communicated shared marine messages. • Distribution of marine parknotes, brochures and posters (including Boating on the Bay and Boating on Western Port) continued. Marine conservation messages and information were also highlighted at community festivals and major exhibitions. •Visitor research was conducted to investigate the volume and nature of visits by Victorians to marine areas. It is estimated that there are 2.7 million visits to these areas each year.

Yellow zooanthids occur in dense colonies (photographer Bill Boyle).

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Significant Government Initiatives (continued)

Caring for the marine environment • Parks Victoria completed the management plan for Terrick •A number of innovative marine research projects were Terrick National Park, which is due for release early in commenced, with the aim of obtaining quality baseline 2004/05. Work progressed on draft plans for Greater information across the marine park system. They include Bendigo National Park, Castlemaine Diggings National fine-scale mapping of shallow water habitats and marine Heritage Park and Broken-Boosey State Park. Local biological benchmarking. A project to prioritise threats advisory groups were established to assist in the development of these plans. We also commenced to each marine national park and sanctuary was also discussions with Indigenous communities to seek their commenced. input and involvement in management planning for these •We established models of involvement for community-based parks. research and monitoring. The development of these models • The transfer to the National Parks Act of leases and will enable community projects across the marine national licences, including apiary licences and telecommunication park system to collect comparable information. 12 leases was completed. • In a major initiative to prevent the spread of aquatic pests, •A draft of the Bendigo Open Space Strategy, prepared Parks Victoria and DSE widely disseminated information in collaboration with the City of Greater Bendigo and to the public and boating stakeholders regarding vessel Department of Sport and Recreation Victoria, was submitted cleaning and maintenance practices. A major project was to Council for review and adoption. This document also undertaken at Inverloch during the year to contain identifies and classifies all open space within the local a marine pest outbreak of northern pacific sea stars government area and will assist with the linkage and threatening Bunurong Marine National Park. This project management of parks and reserves across different won the 2004 National World Environment Day Award for land tenures. the best community-based environment project or initiative. Protecting environmental values and cultural Box-ironbark parks heritage The Victorian Government created new and expanded •Twelve threatened species projects and three catchment box-ironbark parks in October 2002. The area of box-ironbark and water projects have been completed, including fencing country now managed by Parks Victoria has more than and other habitat protection works for grassy woodlands doubled. During the year, Parks Victoria actively engaged (Wangaratta) and terrestrial orchids (Greater Bendigo with the local community to promote recreational National Park). Surveys were undertaken for Malleefowl, opportunities and increase community awareness and Brush-tailed Phascogale, Eltham Copper Butterfly and appreciation of the natural, cultural and social values of Pink-tailed Worm Lizard. Other environmental works the new park network. included vegetation restoration works in Warby Range State Park, and rehabilitation of rubbish dump areas at Operations and planning Stawell and Broken-Boosey State Park. •Twenty staff were recruited to the box-ironbark team, • Ecological burns were completed in Wangaratta Common, including planners, project officers, rangers and field staff. Boorhaman Grassland Reserve and Chiltern-Mt Pilot Two of these positions were part of the extensive National Park. recruitment campaign of 50 new operational positions.

The beautiful Waxlip Orchid is a resident of the box-ironbark parks and reserves.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 • Pest animal projects focused on fox, rabbit, goat and • In partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo, the National hare control in 14 locations and a number of projects Indigenous Cadetship Program was supported to employ were completed in conjunction with adjoining works an Indigenous student to develop a box-ironbark parks on private property. brochure and maps for Bendigo open space, including • Pest plant projects targeting control of weeds such as detail on the new national and regional parks surrounding Blackberry, Gorse, Bridal Creeper, Paterson’s Curse, the city. St John’s Wort and Wheel Cactus were conducted at • Parks Victoria is working with the Flora Hill Schools 23 locations in box-ironbark parks and reserves. Cluster Group Program in Bendigo. Outdoor Education •A unique research project was commenced to investigate students from La Trobe University and 50 students from whether ecological thinning (removal of individual or local primary and secondary schools have been selected coppiced trees or stems) can be used to accelerate the to participate in this skill development, thinking and development of older growth box-ironbark forest to a state leadership program, which focuses on environmental similar to pre-European conditions. This project is a key management and aims to raise the profile of the 13 objective of the Box-Ironbark Ecological Management box-ironbark parks in the local community. ‘Think BIB’ Strategy. During the year the experimental design was (Box-Ironbark Bendigo) is their slogan. developed, tested and modified in consultation with an •We commenced development of a Box-Ironbark external Scientific Reference Group. Research Partners Education Kit in partnership with DSE and the North from the University of Ballarat and the Arthur Rylah Institute Central Catchment Management Authority. commenced pre-thinning field survey work at a number of sites. Displaced forest workers have been engaged on the project. Melbourne 2030 • Indigenous cultural heritage surveys were completed Melbourne 2030 is a metropolitan planning strategy that for the Loddon River in Castlemaine Diggings National provides a 20 year vision for the city's open space network, Heritage Park and Broken-Boosey State Park. in which six new parks will ultimately be created – two in Werribee, two in Melton and one each in the Cranbourne/ • Repair, maintenance and safety works were undertaken Pakenham and Hume/Whittlesea areas. Local councils at key European heritage sites in Castlemaine Diggings and Parks Victoria are working together to negotiate National Heritage Park and Chiltern-Mt Pilot National management of the new parks. Park. Heron’s Reef Diggings (private property adjoining the Castlemaine Diggings) was purchased for addition • Parks Victoria and DSE are developing an Implementation to the park because of its significant cultural values. Strategy for the staged development of new metropolitan parks. A draft Concept Plan for the new Merri Creek Park Visitor and community programs was completed, and planning scheme amendments for •Twenty-five asset management projects were undertaken proposed parks in the Cranbourne and Melton growth at sites across the box-ironbark park network. These corridors were progressed. Planning for the new Werribee included repairs or upgrades to visitor facilities at River Regional Park is also well underway. Chiltern-Mt Pilot, Greater Bendigo and Terrick Terrick • Parks Victoria is represented on planning committees national parks; Warby Ranges and Paddy Ranges state including Smart Growth Committees for Wyndham, parks; Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and Melton, Pakenham, and Hume, and DSE-led projects Maldon Historic Reserve. Road maintenance and focusing on planning controls along the Lower Yarra and upgrades were also completed in a number of parks. Maribyrnong River corridors. Parks Victoria will lead the Planning was completed and contracts let for major Maribyrnong 2010 project, highlighting key infrastructure improvements at Balaclava Mine at Whroo Historic Reserve projects to improve access to the Maribyrnong River. and Woolshed Falls in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park. • Parks Victoria is also represented on the Community •Visitor research was undertaken at four key box-ironbark Working Group to advise the Minister on the proposed parks to investigate the nature of visitation by Victorians Devilbend Reservoir Park. to the parklands. This research is being used to plan for • Parks Victoria coordinated an annual Open Space Forum future demands and patterns of use. in February 2004 for land managers and metropolitan •Directional signs, entrance signs and twelve new information local governments. The Forum encouraged cooperative boards were installed in accordance with a signage plan and creative approaches to planning and management for the box-ironbark park network. of Melbourne’s open space network. •A comprehensive communications plan was prepared and ten new Parknotes were produced for box-ironbark areas. • $25,000 was secured from Regional Development Victoria to undertake a scoping study investigating the interpretive/ educational opportunities for tourism relating to box-ironbark areas in central Victoria.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Caring for the Natural Environment

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All Victoria’s Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, now have finalised management plans.

The parks and reserves system contains Victoria’s major reservoirs of biodiversity. Its protection and enhancement is critical to conserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Research Controlling native animal over-population • Parks Victoria’s Research Partners Program completed • An interactive koala population and forest dynamics its fifth and final year under the current contracts. The model for Mount Eccles National Park was developed program, established to support high-quality research into through the Research Partners Program. This model environmental issues in parks, had four partners: the Arthur enables the potential outcomes of different management Rylah Institute, Deakin University, the University of Ballarat scenarios to be explored, and has been a critical tool in and the University of Melbourne. The program has planning the koala management program at the park. supported 129 projects across the state over the past The model informed planning for a trial of contraceptive five years, and a number of these will be continued. In implants on koalas which will be undertaken at Mount addition to having direct benefits for park management, Eccles in spring 2004. Hormone implants will be given the program has supported ecological research and higher to 2,000 fecund female koalas to reduce the population education in Victoria and attracted substantial contributions and browse pressure on the largest intact Manna Gum 15 of cash and in-kind support additional to those from Parks Woodland in the state. The proposed trial gained broad Victoria. We undertook a comprehensive review this year international media coverage during the year. to assess the outputs of the program; the outcomes will • Parks Victoria, in partnership with DSE, conducted a four assist Parks Victoria to manage its research in the future. day koala catch on French Island to reduce the level of • Scientific reports produced through the Research Partners defoliation. Some 120 koalas and their young have been Program and other contracted monitoring have been captured and released into state forest in the Mt collected in a Parks Victoria Technical Series. Since it Disappointment area. A health assessment was also started in late 2003, the series has grown to include conducted on a sample of the koala population on 15 reports across a broad range of subjects. Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes following concerns over the welfare of animals due to over-browsing of •A multi-disciplinary Parks Victoria team developed a Levels Manna Gum habitat. A cooperative management of Protection framework which assesses the contribution arrangement has now been put in place. that a park (or area of a park) makes to biodiversity conservation in a landscape context, and prioritises • The Kangaroo Technical Advisory Committee discussed management actions accordingly. The conceptual kangaroo management for Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary framework will be further refined and used in program and Woodlands Historic Park. They also discussed development in future years. research at Wilsons Promontory National Park in relation to grazing interactions and fire. •To better evaluate the effectiveness of environmental programs, we also developed and trialled protocols • Kangaroo densities in the Mallee parks have declined as (standardised techniques) during the year to assist park a result of drought and culling operations were less than staff to undertake repeatable and comparable monitoring initially programmed with only a small operation at of key threats to biodiversity. Draft protocols have been Wyperfeld National Park. developed for pest plants, rabbits, goats, pigs, horses, deer, cats, kangaroos and koalas. Thirty-three trials of the Pest plants and animals programs protocols were undertaken in 20 parks during the year. • The Fox Adaptive Experimental Management Program • Parks Victoria produced its first State of the Parks report continued during the year, as part of the Research in 2000 to commence regular reporting on the condition Partners Program. This project links research and onground of the parks network in Victoria. Baseline information was work to examine the relative effectiveness of different fox established and key management issues highlighted across control programs at Coopracambra, Grampians, our estate. State of the Parks 2005 is currently being Hattah-Kulkyne, Little Desert and Wilsons Promontory developed. This will expand on the first edition, a key national parks. It has resulted in new species records difference being a focus on trends and longer-term for some parks, including Southern Brown Bandicoot, performance measures. Long-nosed Potoroo and Long-footed Potoroo at Coopracambra National Park and the presence of Onground environmental projects the Little Pygmy-possum in Little Desert National Park. Results to date indicate that continuous programs Over 600 onground environmental projects were completed operating over large areas are more effective than across the parks network in 2003/04. The majority of these seasonal or short-term programs. (475) were pest plant and animal projects, treating • The Southern Ark project is the first major attempt approximately 525,000 hectares. Additional projects in to control foxes across one million hectares of forested catchment and water management, ecological burning, native land in far east Gippsland east of the Snowy River and animal management and threatened species management bordered by the coast and the NSW/Victoria border. were also completed. Involving all public land managers, it is a joint project

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Caring for the Natural Environment (continued)

between DSE and Parks Victoria. The approach involves Work progressed on draft plans for seven of the 24 marine the establishment and maintenance of bait stations at national parks and marine sanctuaries and three of the 12 regular intervals along vehicle tracks throughout public new or extended box-ironbark parks, and also on the draft land. A number of native species are likely to benefit plan for Warrandyte State Park. as a result of fox control across large areas of public land. • Park staff commenced a Willow Removal Program along Local advisory groups were established to assist in the the Yarra River in the Studley Park picnic area. About 50 development of these plans and enable Parks Victoria to per cent of the willows were removed, and future removal understand community and stakeholder views better. The is to be staged over subsequent years to minimise visual formation of advisory groups is the first stage in the formal impact. A community planting day has been organised engagement of the community with park planning, and for the riparian area where willows have been removed. supplements a range of other opportunities for the public to participate in the planning process – such as community • Parks Victoria is represented on the Victorian Pest 16 information sessions, release of ‘have your say’ brochures Management Coordinating Committee, which determines and issues papers, meetings and discussions with park the directions and priorities for pest management across staff and planners, and agency forums. the state. The committee allocated $6 million for pest programs over the next three years. The participation of Indigenous communities in park planning Planning was increased by earlier involvement in the development of the draft plans and extensive consultation with relevant Management plans communities. A standard template for ensuring inclusion As at 30 June 2004 there were 71 current approved of Indigenous peoples’ rights and aspirations in the management plans covering 37 national parks, three management planning process was developed. It is intended wilderness parks, 31 State parks and 15 other parks. that plans will continue to incorporate respect for Indigenous tradition and customs and integrate the communities’ During the year the Minister released approved plans for four knowledge of, and aspirations for, parks. parks: Mount Richmond National Park, Cape Nelson State Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park (printed together and Metropolitan parks titled Discovery Bay Parks Plan), and Long Forest Nature Future Directions Plans for three metropolitan parks Conservation Reserve. The final plan for Terrick Terrick (Dandenong Valley Parklands, Brimbank Park and Horseshoe National Park was submitted for approval, to be released Bend, and Point Cook Coastal Park) are in the final stages in 2004/05. of approval for public release. These plans will supply strategic directions and decision-making frameworks for management Draft plans for three parks – Baw Baw and Dandenong of the parks over the next 10-15 years. Ranges national parks and Cape Conran Coastal Park – were released for public comment. When approved, the plans for the national parks will replace the existing plans.

The Long-nosed Potoroo and other endangered native species, Planning for the city’s open spaces. will benefit from a one million hectare, fox control program called the Southern Ark Project.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Ramsar planning • Murray-Sunset National Park staff, together with the Mallee Strategic Management Plans were completed during the Catchment Management Authority, have been implementing year for Kerang Wetland, Barmah Forest, and Gunbower six frontage action plan projects on the Murray River Reserve. Forest. All Victoria’s Ramsar wetlands of International These projects total $139,000 and include cleanup of Importance now have finalised management plans. hard rubbish, removing creek obstructions, fencing to protect riverine areas and prevent further erosion, cultural These plans conclude a five-year planning program for the site protection and pest plant removal. Ramsar Wetlands and form part of a statewide framework • Parks Victoria has teamed up with the Melbourne Zoo for management arrangements at these globally significant to control some major weeds and provide the Zoo with sites. fodder for giraffes, elephants, primates and the Giant Land Tortoise. Plant species suitable for browse material have Statutory and other plans been identified within the Dandenong Valley Parklands. 17 Parks Victoria was involved in a range of planning and Among favourite diet items are plants such as willows and development proposals, including the following: European ash trees, considered environmental weeds. • Responding to the Angahook-Otway Investigation • The Aire Valley Working Together Project was awarded Discussion Paper released by the Victorian Environment the Innovation Award at this year’s Victorian Coastal Assessment Council (VEAC) in September 2003. This Council Awards. This project brought together stakeholder paper addresses the policy to establish a single national groups, landowners, Indigenous communities and Parks park for the Otways. Parks Victoria has provided an initial Victoria to establish agreed protocols for opening the in-principle response to the paper. Additionally, we have Aire River estuary on the west coast and to improve been working closely with Tourism Victoria and DSE communication and consultation. to establish a whole-of-government approach to the • The Australian Alps Liaison Committee (AALC) continues sustainable management of tourism opportunities to promote cross-border cooperation in the protection and conservation in developing the proposed park. and enjoyment of all the Australian Alps national parks, •A draft Wild Dog Action Plan was released in March 2004. as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Parks Victoria has taken a strong leadership role in the the conservation Ministers of Victoria, New South Wales, North East and Gippsland Wild Dog Management Groups. Australian Capital Territory and the Australian Government. The AALC is recognised as an international example of • The Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park Master Plan cross-border management and cooperation. Parks Victoria has been incorporated into the Hobsons Bay Planning and the other participating agencies have been active Scheme. The Minister for Planning recently approved an contributors to the AALC and working groups. A highlight amendment that exempts the works in the Master Plan of AALC operations during the year included the review from planning permits and simplifies administrative and rewriting of the Alps Strategic Plan 2004/07. processes. The agencies have developed the plan together, and Partners in our environmental programs agreed to implement it, coordinated by the AALC. •A partnership between Parks Victoria and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) utilised external shooting clubs to control goats in Murray-Sunset National Park. During the year, 135 goats were destroyed over three weekend trials, and the partnership received positive comments from members of the Sporting Shooters Association. A Memorandum of Cooperation is currently being drafted. • Parks Victoria and the Australian Deer Association (Victoria) (ADA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at improving the management of Victoria’s deer population. This historic agreement establishes a cooperative approach to hunter and community education, joint deer management programs including research, population management to minimise ecological impacts, and enforcing laws against illegal deer hunting.

Jodie Godfrey of Parks Victoria and James Fizpatrick of Melbourne Zoo with Armani, the latest weapon in weed control.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Managing Wildfire

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Prescribed burning provides improved protection against wildfire.

Parks Victoria supports the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in providing an immediate response to wildfire on all public land in Victoria to protect life and property. It also undertakes fire prevention activities to minimise the risk of future fires.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responding to wildfire In partnership with DSE, we have finalised guidelines The 2003/04 fire season had few large fires, little area burnt and procedures for ecological burning on public land. by wildfire and no loss of life due to bushfires. This was a huge These guidelines set out principles, standards and planning success given that the weather conditions produced a fire procedures for ecological burning on public land in Victoria, season four months longer than normal because of ongoing and include a step-by-step approach to planning ecological dry conditions. burning to achieve idealised age-class distribution of Ecological Vegetation Classes across the State. The only fires occurring on Parks Victoria managed land were the Harrop’s Track fire (3,384ha of the Grampians International fire assistance National Park burnt); the Tonimbuk fire (804ha of the In August 2003, five of our most experienced firefighters Bunyip State Park burnt); and the Blonde Bay fire (180ha joined an international fire assistance contingent of 50 of Gippsland Coastal Reserve burnt). Australian and New Zealand firefighters heading to the United States to battle fires blazing across the country. The team 19 These fires contributed to the total of 5,047.7ha of Parks was deployed to the northern Rocky Mountains area of Victoria estate burnt by wildfire in 2003/04 (see table). Idaho to tackle large fires burning in forested mountain areas.

Wildfires across Parks Victoria managed land in 2003/04 Bushfire inquiry Region of Victoria Number of Area of On 14 October 2003 the Premier released Commissioner Wildfires Fire (ha) Bruce Esplin’s Report of the Inquiry into the 2002/03 North West 20 21.3 Victorian Bushfires and the Government’s response, accepting North East 17 14.6 all 148 recommendations either fully or in principle. The South West 26 3,752.5 Secretary of DSE, the Emergency Services Commissioner Port Phillip 17 814.7 Bruce Esplin, the Secretary of the Department of Primary Gippsland 35 444.6 Industries (DPI) and Parks Victoria’s Chief Executive gave Total 115 5,047.7 a video conference presentation on the recommendations in the report which was telecast to a number of locations Prescribed Burning Program across Victoria. The 2003/04 DSE Prescribed Burning Program (which includes fuel reduction and ecological burns) was undertaken across In response to recommendations in the Esplin Report all public land tenures including national parks and reserves. and the Auditor-General’s report into Fire Prevention Parks Victoria contributed to the statewide achievement of and Preparedness, DSE commenced the Public Land 446 burns, treating 94,989ha. This was nearly double the Fire Initiative (PLFI). This makes recommendations to the area burnt across the state in 2002/03. Almost half the area Secretary of DSE that build on the current strengths of fire treated was Parks Victoria managed land (192 burns treating management (including those of Parks Victoria) to improve 43,211ha). fire management performance. Parks Victoria is represented on the PLFI Steering Committee, the project team and the In addition to the area burnt, other positive outcomes include resource allocation working group. improved community relationships and improved protection against wildfire for high risk assets. The focused effort and Fire Advisory Board additional funding facilitated more interaction with both the In September 2003, the Secretary of DSE established the Country Fire Authority and local communities, the overall Fire Advisory Board. This Board is chaired by the Secretary result being that communities are better prepared for the and has representatives from DSE, Parks Victoria, DPI and coming fire season. Melbourne Water. It meets fortnightly, giving advice and direction to DSE Fire Management. Parks Victoria’s Chief A regional Prescribed Burning Strategy for Parks Victoria’s Executive and the Director of Fire and Emergency Services involvement in the 2003/04 autumn burn program was also are members of the Advisory Board. completed. The strategy maximises our involvement with DSE and ensures that burns in parks are planned and run by qualified Parks Victoria staff. It establishes burn teams and uses the fire training and succession plan to ensure that less-experienced staff participate with a mentor if required.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Protecting our Cultural Heritage

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A new education program at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre is one of the first initiatives of the cooperative management arrangement.

Parks Victoria manages the most extensive and diverse collection of cultural heritage places in the state. Many of these places have special significance to particular groups within the community, but all contribute to the rich tapestry of Victorian heritage which belongs to us all. Protecting our shared heritage enables us to learn from the past, explain and evaluate the present and help shape the future.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Indigenous heritage This cooperative management arrangement marks a new Parks Victoria has engaged with Indigenous communities era for public land management in Victoria and for Parks around the state to establish and strengthen ongoing Victoria. partnerships, and cooperatively preserve and interpret our diverse Indigenous heritage. Wotjobaluk Native Title Agreement Parks Victoria continued to assist the mediation processes Draft Indigenous Partnership Strategy for the Wotjobaluk Native Title Agreement. The native title Parks Victoria’s Board endorsed the Draft Indigenous claim of the Wotjobaluk people relates to the Wimmera Partnership Strategy (IPS) for release for public discussion. and includes parts of Little Desert National Park, Mount This took place during Reconciliation Week in May 2004. Arapiles-Tooan State Park, Lake Albacutya Park, Lake The IPS marks a significant milestone in Parks Victoria’s Hindmarsh and reserves along the Wimmera River. commitment to working with Victoria’s Indigenous 21 communities. It has been developed to assist in breaking Parks Victoria was represented on the mediation working down barriers and facilitate opportunities for real involvement groups and staff attended the Wimmera Indigenous Resource of relevant Indigenous communities in the management Management Partnership (WIRMP) Workshop, the aim of of Victoria’s parks as part of ‘Caring for Country’. which was to develop further working relationships and partnerships between the Wotjobaluk, government agencies New school-based program at Brambuk and local government. In January 2004, a new school-based education program Indigenous archaeological surveys was jointly delivered by both Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) and Brambuk staff, bringing together the In addition to the post-fire surveys conducted in the Alpine environmental and Indigenous cultural education programs. National Park, nine other Indigenous archaeological surveys were undertaken at various locations around the state, For over a decade Parks Victoria and Brambuk have including Grampians National Park (Gariwerd), Warrandyte managed two separate operations within Grampians State Park, Cathedral Range State Park, Kurth Kiln Park, National Park (Gariwerd), each providing similar services Coopracambra National Park and Anglesea Heath. including education programs, information, and environmental and cultural displays. In 2002 an agreement Knowledge sharing and gaining formalising cooperative management arrangements Parks Victoria staff visited Namadgi National Park in the between Brambuk and Parks Victoria was reached. The ACT and Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay to discuss merging of facilities and services is now referred to as the joint management arrangements between parks staff Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. and Indigenous communities which operate in both parks. Implementation of the education program in 2003/04 is one Parks Victoria also participated in a Commonwealth of the first initiatives of the new cooperative arrangement. Indigenous Heritage Legislation Workshop in Canberra. Its purpose was to discuss proposed new Commonwealth Yorta Yorta Cooperative Management Agreement heritage legislation in relation to Indigenous heritage and The Victorian Government has been exploring cooperative management opportunities with the Yorta Yorta peoples, outside of native title. During the year Parks Victoria provided information to assist the mediation processes and was represented on the mediation working groups. On 10 June 2004 a Cooperative Management Agreement was signed. This is the first time in Victoria that such an agreement has been reached.

Based on mutual respect and shared goals, the agreement provides for a Yorta Yorta Joint Body, with five members representing the Yorta Yorta peoples and three representing the State Government. The role of the Joint Body will be to provide advice to the land managers and the Minister for Environment, with the Minister retaining ultimate decision-making authority.

As far as Parks Victoria’s interests are concerned, the Yorta Yorta Agreement relates to the management of designated Crown land and waters in north-central Victoria, including Barmah State Park and some reserves along the Murray and Goulburn rivers for which Parks Victoria is responsible.

Surveys are uncovering ancient artefacts.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Protecting our Cultural Heritage (continued)

sites and places being registered on the National Heritage Management arrangements for historic buildings List. The forum was an opportunity for State and Territory In accordance with the 2002 Review of the Historic Buildings government agencies to discuss Indigenous heritage Management Committee, alternative management assessment, management and protection, and nominations. arrangements for six former Historic Buildings Management Committee sites were negotiated during the year. These European heritage sites have been transferred as Committees of Management Parks Victoria continued to protect, maintain and present to Mint Inc, the most notable being the Carlton Court House. non-Indigenous heritage sites within the parks estate. Seven other sites were transferred as Committees of Management to local government. Victorian Heritage Program grants The first round of Victorian Heritage Program grants included Nillumbik Council recently agreed to enter into a nine-year $75,000 to Parks Victoria for works at Buchan Caves, lease arrangement that will fund building maintenance on the 22 Gabo Island Lightstation and Castlemaine. heritage buildings in Eltham South. Council will become an active partner in developing the Artist in Residence Program • Buchan Caves Reserve received a $15,000 Heritage Victoria which utilises these buildings. The Harold Michell grant for an arborist’s assessment of the health of the Foundation has also expressed similar interest in two artist heritage-listed 1930s Hugh Linaker planting scheme. properties in Warrandyte. • Gabo Island Lightsation received $50,000 for repairs to Cataloguing movable heritage culturally significant drystone walls and the jetty shed roof, as well as funds for other priority maintenance works. An ongoing program of cataloguing movable heritage objects is being conducted with the assistance of volunteers. •Castlemaine (Butchers Gully Chinese Camp) received In 2003/04 this program focused on lightstations along the $10,000 for the conservation of significant in situ Victorian Coast, most of which are managed by Parks Victoria. archaeological remains. Cataloguing of items from the Mt Buffalo Chalet and Buchan Caves was also completed during the year. Movable heritage In addition, lessees of Parks Victoria managed historic items such as personal items, clothing and documents are properties received grants for works, comprising $15,000 crucial in enhancing our understanding of the operational to Blunts Boatyard and Slipway (Williamstown) for repair history of historic places, and their discovery adds value to and replacement of timber floor in the boat-building shed, the visitor experience. The cataloguing program incorporates and $25,500 to St Kilda Bowling Club for exterior and recommendations for the care and maintenance of historic interior repainting of the building. objects.

The drystone wall at Gabo Island Lightstation has been faithfully restored (above and facing page).

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 23

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Enhancing the Visitor Experience

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Access to parks, open space, waterways and quality recreational opportunities is crucial to the health and well-being of the community.

Parks Victoria is responsible for sustainably managing much of the recreational infrastructure in metropolitan and regional Victoria while protecting the natural and cultural values of park areas. As recreational manager of Port Phillip and Western Port, we aim to improve access and opportunities for boating. Our information services, educational programs and interpretative activities also contribute to visitor enjoyment.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Visitor numbers •The upgrade of facilities at Glen Nayook Bushland Reserve Parks Victoria uses a Visitor Number Monitor Survey to report near Neerim South has been completed. The official on the number of visits to national and other parks and launch of the restored Glen Nayook walking track and identify trends in visitation numbers. It is a broad-based reserve was held on 2 May 2004. community survey using a sample of 12,000 people, largely • The third and final year of the Alpine Toilets Renewal from Victoria, but including some interstate and international Program has been completed. visitors. The samples are extrapolated to calculate a total •A replacement toilet at Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory visitor number. This survey system was not conducted in National Park, has been completed. It was a difficult 2003/04 as there is evidence that the numbers do not operation, requiring the use of a helicopter, but this permitted change significantly in a single year. Visitor counts will be installation with minimal environmental impact and means conducted again in 2004/05. there are now high quality toilets at the visitor area.

• Point Gellibrand site remediation work has commenced. 25 A telephone survey of 1,000 people is also conducted in The site has been cleared and graded. Asbestos alternate years, to gather information from the community fragments identified in December 2003 have been about how they rate Parks Victoria. This survey was substantially removed. conducted during the year and showed significant rises • Repair works from the Melbourne floods in early December in community satisfaction. The number of Victorians who 2003, which caused significant damage to litter traps reported that they visited a Parks Victoria venue in the past along the Yarra River, were undertaken. A major silt twelve months climbed 11 per cent; the rating of Parks deposit made the Wesley Rowing Landing adjacent Victoria’s management of national, state, regional parks to Herring Island unusable and dredging beneath the and conservation reserves rose 7 per cent; and the rating Landing was required. of Parks Victoria as an environmental manager increased by 4 per cent. •We completed a joint project with the City of Yarra and other agencies to revitalise Burnley harbour and improve Parks Victoria also conducts a biennial onsite survey of the McConchie Reserve urban environmental park. approximately 4,000 visitors conducted at 53 park or pier McConchie Reserve is situated on the Yarra River, sites across the estate. The overall results of this survey opposite Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in 2004 was slightly below the 2003 figure. and is jointly managed by Parks Victoria and the City of Yarra. The project created a new trail link and improved Improving and developing facilities access along the river. New viewing areas were created and over 40,000 plants were established to create a tidal • In conjunction with the Borough of Queenscliffe and State wetland, and grassy red gum woodland. Government agencies, Parks Victoria has undertaken comprehensive planning and feasibility work for a $20 million Ensuring visitor safety redevelopment of the Queenscliff Harbour, and has engaged community groups and individuals to provide direction. Parks Victoria has responded quickly to several emerging The Queenscliff Harbour Redevelopment project comprises public risks throughout the year, including the following. three distinct phases: a concept planning phase, now • Emergency repairs to Mornington Pier following significant complete; development planning; and an implementation storm damage in June 2003. phase commencing in 2005. • In response to an assessment report identifying risks at • The Barwon River Rehabilitation Project was completed lookouts in Port Campbell National Park and Discovery in early December 2003. Works included bank stabilisation, Bay Coastal Park, and in particular at the Twelve Apostles an erosion control trial area, revegetation and construction and Loch Ard Gorge, significant works have been of a new fishing platform. Parks Victoria project-managed completed to address priority risk issues. the works, which were funded by the Corangamite • Risk mitigation works were also completed at Rhyll and Catchment Management Authority and through the Tankerton jetties and Queenscliff Harbour. Repair to the Recreational Fishing Grants Program. Planning is under Queenscliff Harbour Fuel/Loading Berth was undertaken. way to continue funding partnerships into 2004/05. Stabilisation of the sheet pile wall, and additional works • The construction of a new visitor shelter at Gem Pier to extend the concrete deck and create a straight berthing (Williamstown) is complete at a cost of $58,000. The face, have been completed. shelter is approximately 3 x 5 metres with seating, clear glazing panels and a corrugated iron roof.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Enhancing the Visitor Experience (continued)

Four Wheel Drive Program Planning for the future A Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) has been signed • Parks Victoria has been extensively involved in planning by Parks Victoria and Four Wheel Drive Victoria, establishing and delivery of the 2006 Commonwealth Games. On the basis for communication and cooperation on a range 17 February 2004, Premier Steve Bracks announced of matters of mutual interest. The MOC is a major step that Lysterfield Lake Park was to be the host for the forward from a formerly sometimes adversarial relationship Mountain Bike Competition during the games and the site to one based on mutual respect and a commitment to of a new State Mountain Bike Facility for Victoria. Other working together to achieve shared objectives. It is the first Parks Victoria sites included in public domain planning MOC in Australia between a parks agency and a four wheel and improvement works are the Yarra River, Albert Park, drive peak body. St Kilda Pier, Bendigo Regional Park and Westgate Park. We have also been involved in preparation and implementation of environmental initiatives triggered by 26 During the year, Four Wheel Drive Program funding was allocated to projects in the Alpine, Baw Baw, Coopracamba, the Games, including the construction during the year Croajingolong, Grampians, Hattah-Kulkyne, Lake Eildon, of a state-of-the-art litter barge for the Yarra River. Little Desert, Mitchell River, Murray-Sunset, Snowy River, Costing $412,000, the new barge will remove up to Wyperfeld and Yarra Ranges national parks, Angahook-Lorne, 2,000 cubic metres of rubbish every year. Bunyip, Carlisle, Cathedral Range, Mount Arapiles-Tooan, • In September 2003 the historic St Kilda Pier Kiosk was Mount Buangor, Mount Granya and Mount Samaria state destroyed by fire. As part of reinstating the kiosk, a St parks, Cape Conran Coastal Park and Lake Albacutya Park. Kilda Pier Kiosk Advisory Group was established to advise Parks Victoria and provide comment during the planning These projects enabled four wheel drive access to be phase. The Conservation Management Policy and Plan maintained or improved by upgrading track surfaces, for St Kilda Pier Kiosk has been completed and endorsed. improving drainage and repairing creek crossings and A survey identified visitor expectations and needs, which bridges, and provision of facilities at key camping sites. will form part of a design brief for the building replacement. Significant achievements included completion of works in the Community expectations are to reinstate the low-key Alpine National Park to re-instate the Dingo Hill Track. This character of the original kiosk. has been a priority since the track’s closure following the • The inaugural meeting of the ministerially-appointed Advisory Caledonia fire and Gippsland floods in 1998. The track is Committee for Point Nepean was held on 8 April 2004. scheduled to be reopened to the public in December 2004 Parks Victoria is responsible for executive support for the after normal winter closures. Committee and is represented on it. The Committee’s key functions are to advise the Minister and Secretary on Maps showing seasonal track closures in parks and forests issues associated with Point Nepean, with a focus on across the state were produced for distribution from integration of Commonwealth land into the national park. information centres, work centres, via stakeholder groups • The newly formed Yarra Valley Parklands Advisory and our website. Committee had its inaugural meeting on 17 February 2004. This committee has been set up to advise Parks Victoria

Model of proposed replacement of the historic St Kilda Pier Kiosk.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 on issues related to the management of the Parklands. During the year we began branding our vehicle fleet with Its first task will be to give feedback and community a striking new look. We have over 400 cars, utilities and perspectives on issues relating to the coming review of 4WDs, and the new design will make staff more visible the Park Management Plan, scheduled to be undertaken in the parks and community and promote our information in 2004/05. The group has broad representation from the phone number. three local councils, Friends groups, the community and the Wurundjeri people. •A successful proponent was appointed for the redevelopment of the Mt Dandenong Observatory site. Parks Victoria sought expressions of interest to significantly upgrade and operate the business on the newly leased site which occupies approximately three hectares. The redevelopment will include improved access and significant 27 upgrades to the popular tourist café and viewing areas. • On 17 February 2004, the Minister for Planning approved the appointment of four community-based trust representatives for the Yarra Bend Park Trust. Their terms will be for three years, commencing on 17 February 2004. Two community-based representatives were re-elected and two new appointments were made. A Deputy Chairperson was also appointed to the Trust.

Informing and educating our visitors Information, interpretation and education (II&E) programs continued to assist in visitor management, enjoyment and safety. They help in protecting park and heritage values, and in promoting understanding of, and support for, park management policies and practices.

II&E tools and activities include park notes, signage, displays, interpretive panels and face-to-face programs, supported by television programs such as ‘Postcards’ and ‘Coxy’s Big Break’, and the use of articles in newspapers and interviews on radio to deliver positive messages about our parks and waterways.

Information This year we produced a free, full-colour Guide to Victoria’s parks, reserves and waterways which offers a snapshot of the diversity of our parks. A proactive media campaign promoting the new guide resulted in significant public interest. We have distributed 22,000 copies of the brochures.

Parknotes and other brochures in both paper and electronic form were also produced, and a number were updated.

A comprehensive information service for parks across the state was again offered through our 24-hour Information Centre (telephone 13 1963). 119,376 calls were received during the year, an 8 per cent decrease on last year, partly attributable to a less severe fire season and therefore fewer calls relating to fires.

The Parks Victoria website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au supplied a growing range of park and visitor information. The site received 924,198 ‘visits’ this year compared to 740,638 in the previous year. Email inquiries can be directed via the website and are actioned by our Information Centre. Premier Steve Bracks tries out the track at Lysterfield Park, the site of a new state mountain bike facility.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Enhancing the Visitor Experience (continued)

Interpretation over 16,000 students. The centres increased delivery of Numerous face-to-face interpretation activities and programs Indigenous education programs, drawing on the skills of were delivered by rangers during the year, with a focus on Indigenous rangers. There was also an increased demand holiday periods. Activities varied from snowshoe shuffles at for information on wildfire management. Each centre ran a Mount Buffalo National Park to guided wildflower walks during Career Discovery Day for school students which focused Bendigo’s ‘Spring in the Bush’ festival. Wilsons Promontory on the role of rangers and park management employment National Park delivered innovative activities such as ‘Do it opportunities. Education officers from the Centres also yourself’ rockpool rambles and guided Indigenous walks. delivered professional development days for teachers and Activities at Dandenong Ranges National Park included presented sessions on environmental education at industry bat-trapping, bush survival walks and lyrebird surveys, and workshops and conferences. junior ranger activities again proved popular. There was a high demand in many Alpine parks for interpretive activities Through an initiative developed by the Variety Club and with a wildfire and fire-recovery theme. Delivering marine Parks Victoria, 16 underprivileged kids enjoyed a ‘wilderness’ 28 national park messages remained a key focus at many experience’ at Wilsons Promontory National Park. The coastal sites. ‘Connecting Youth Camp’ was a successful pilot program which will be expanded to Grampians National Park Over the last three years an II&E training package has been (Gariwerd). The camps provide a nurturing environment developed and trialled. This introduces key directions for the in which children can develop a greater connection with delivery of interpretation and education and gives staff the the natural environment. skills to develop and deliver a range of communication programs. In 2003/04 the package was finalised and rolled Delivery of marine education materials in the Marine Resource out to staff. Training began in December 2003, and over Kit for the community, schools and Parks Victoria staff has 7 per cent of our staff have now participated in the new seen around 1000 kits distributed to schools. We also training program. commenced coordination of a Box-Ironbark Education Kit in partnership with DSE and the North Central Catchment Education Management Authority. During the year, 16 schools participated in the Environment Corps Program (formerly the Victorian Youth Development Events Program). This youth leadership program focuses on Parks Victoria participated in major exhibitions during the environmental awareness and research, and engages year. They included the Royal Melbourne Show, the Great students in community projects such as revegetation Outdoors and Fishing Show, and the Melbourne Boat Show. and weed control. A highlight of the year was a Student We partnered other agencies to deliver successful events Conference Day held at Albert Park and attended by over such as Moomba Waterfest, the Australian Formula One 120 students from around the state. Rangers presented Grand Prix and Skandia Geelong Week (Australia’s largest sessions on a diverse range of park management activities, sailing regatta, which now unites the Geelong Waterfront from bat-trapping to dolphin research. Festival and the Festival of Sail).

The education centres in Dandenong Ranges, Grampians and Wilsons Promontory national parks (supported by services at Serendip Sanctuary) provided programs to

‘Spring in the Bendigo Bush’ is an interactive school holiday program.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 We also hosted and supported community events across As at 30 June 2004, 243 tour operators were licensed the State, among them: by Parks Victoria to conduct a range of guided activities in • The inaugural Wilderness Bike Ride during Easter. Some areas on public land across the state. Twenty-two of these 140 riders participated in the 212km ride which started operators were licensed to conduct guided tours in marine at Errinundra National Park, went through Cape Conran parks and sanctuaries. Coastal Park and finished in Orbost, traversing some of East Gippsland’s most spectacular and remote country. Access was progressively restored during the year to the 64 LTOs affected by the 2003 wildfires in the north east and • The international surf competition, Rip Curl Pro, hosted Gippsland. Ongoing liaison with the Victorian Tourism by Parks Victoria at Bells Beach over Easter. Operators Association and operators assisted us in setting • The 20th anniversary of the State Coal Mine (Wonthaggi) access priorities. as an open tourist mine, celebrated on Saturday 15 November with an open day. 1,100 visitors attended the Parks Victoria conducted nine workshops with LTOs 29 free day with 300 (the maximum capacity) doing the mine during the year to discuss a range of industry issues and tour and another 60 taking a bus tour of the historic facilities. development opportunities. One of the main concerns for Over 30 volunteers helped run the day, which was an tour operators is the cost and difficulty of obtaining outstanding success. A new interpretive exhibition at the appropriate public liability insurance. We have continued to State Coal Mine features a short film on the 1937 mine work with operators, industry and government in managing disaster at Wonthaggi. The film, Our men are down this complex issue. there, was scripted by a Parks Victoria ranger, and won a commendation in the Victorian Community History Parks Victoria has made compliance with the government- Awards 2004. funded and industry-endorsed Adventure Activity Standards •A Heritage Picnic Day on 8 March 2003 was the first (AAS) a condition of all Tour Operator Licences. Over a event to mark the Centenary of Tarra-Bulga National three-year period it is envisaged that AAS will be developed Park. The park’s active Friends Group and other community for all licensed adventure activities and apply to both associations hosted the picnic. Other events, including commercial and non-commercial groups. the official centenary celebration, are scheduled for the second half of 2004. Engaging and supporting the community The Parks Victoria Community Partnership Branch guides Licensed Tour Operators our approach to community engagement and capacity Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs) play a key role in facilitating building, and manages our volunteer program. access to public land, in promoting its values and appropriate use, and in encouraging tourism and recreation in Victoria.

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Enhancing the Visitor Experience (continued)

Rural Forums Rock Wallaby. In conjunction with these field activities, Rural Forums were held in Halls Gap, Bendigo and staff hosted several information nights so that the Foster to engage local communities by sharing stories and community can learn about the management and encouraging collaborative efforts to help protect and manage recovery of various species from the people involved in parks in a sustainable manner. Local teams planned and their research and management. facilitated the forums, building skills and networks and • The collection of important data about Malleefowl activity confidence in working with local communities. by the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group. Members visit some 900 Malleefowl mounds each summer, record A Bendigo community forum called ‘Stories from the Bush’ nesting activity and collect fox scats for dietary analysis was held at Shadbolts Picnic Area, the site of a former and other information which might explain changes in eucalyptus distillery in the Whipstick. The event attracted Malleefowl activity. Data collected contributes to a long- more than 50 people, who shared their stories of Bendigo’s term dataset of Malleefowl breeding numbers which is 30 bushland and their connections with the landscape that important to the ongoing assessment of risk for this species now forms the box-ironbark park network around Bendigo. and the overall health of our Mallee habitats. •A community-based project team led by the Victorian In March 2004, Parks Victoria hosted a meeting of volunteers Climbing Club has been working to enhance the bush and volunteer managers from park management agencies camping experience in Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). and departments from all states and territories, with The team prepared a strategy for the sustainable the exception of NT and WA. At this meeting a Parks management of 10 bush campsites in the central Volunteering Network Australia was formed as a national Grampians, and through working bees with Friends of the forum for skill sharing, networking and benchmarking for Grampians has been undertaking the works recommended. park volunteerism. • Sea-grass monitoring in Corner Inlet Marine National Park and Sea Spurge control at Sealers Cove by Friends of the Contributions made by volunteers Prom. Volunteers and community groups support environmental works, the protection of cultural values and visitor services • Individuals including secondary school, university and TAFE in many parks and reserves. Some 187 Friends Groups and students also contributed to projects such as assessing more than 100 other community groups continued to give rabbit activity in endangered and ‘at risk’ vegetation generous and substantial support during the year – a total communities in Grampians National Park (Gariwerd), of some 100,000 hours. Examples of the many contributions and Asparagus Fern control at Tidal River in Wilsons made by volunteers are: Promontory National Park. •Weed mapping, weed control, signage installation, fencing • The Camp Host Program in 16 parks, which enables and revegetation by a GreenCorps team based at individuals to obtain practical experience in park and Lysterfield Lake Park. This work included planting 12,000 visitor management while assisting visitors in campgrounds plants, removing 1,250 metres of fence, propagating 5,750 • The contribution of international volunteers, as part of the plants, and removing 2,890 tree guards and over 200kg International Student Program, to a wide range of activities of weed biomass. The GreenCorps team at Stawell has including track construction, building maintenance, pest just completed its partnership project between Parks Victoria plant control, landscaping, revegetation, erosion control and Project Platypus. They removed 5.5km of old fencing and water quality testing in a range of parks across the and two tonnes of rubbish, and treated 6ha of coppice state. Volunteers also worked with community groups, regrowth on newly-managed box-ironbark reserves. They assisted with the delivery of holiday programs and also closed 8km of tracks by branching and brushing in undertook a variety of minor research projects including Ararat Hills Regional Park. Pacific Seastar surveys. •A formal agreement between Parks Victoria and •A collaborative agreement developed with Conservation Holmesglen Institute of TAFE has been negotiated this Volunteers Australia for Cheetham Wetlands – a listed year will see students from the Diploma of Conservation Ramsar site. This project, one of ten sites nationally, and Land Management Course conducting part of their involves the construction of an artificial wetland at Point course in the Dandenong Valley Parklands and Wattle Park. Cook by volunteers. Shallow ponds in the new saltmarsh Students will use the parks to gain practical experience system attract birds to feed on vegetation, insects and in land management techniques. This program will run larvae. Wind and water flow have dispersed seed to various over the next few years. sites for germination, allowing a variety of plants to be •A work experience program has been re-established in scattered throughout the wetlands for roosting, wind Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). The park hosted protection and nest building materials. Weed and pest a week of work experience for four secondary students. programs, are also undertaken to enhance the site. • The newly established Grampians Threatened Species Group participated in surveys for the nationally endangered Grampians Pin-cushion Lily and Brush-tail

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Recognising our volunteers • The Park Community Association – Albert Park has been Parks Victoria undertook initiatives during the year to increase working with the local Indigenous representatives to restore the recognition of, and support for, volunteers in the Victorian the condition of the Corroboree Tree Grasslands area park system. Exchange trips for Friends and volunteers with weed control, propagation of indigenous grasses were organised, including a day trip to the Melbourne and creation of a ‘Meeting Place’ – an artistic mosaic Aquarium. The Aquarium visit recognised the efforts made created with indigenous groups to commemorate the by Friends groups in the last 12 months and increased formation of the Kulin Nation ($8,500 grant). awareness in the broader Friends community about the • The Friends of Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve (Mildura) role and activities of marine Friends groups. have constructed a bird hide/viewing area with access for all abilities. Supported jointly by Mildura Rural City Council A Friends exchange day was also held at Barwon Heads and other organisations, this project contributes to local to assist the promotion of marine national parks and marine tourism products and gives all visitors the opportunity to sanctuaries and increase the capacity of marine Friends view and explore this wonderful red gum floodplain 31 groups. ($10,000 grant). •Two grant projects were undertaken in Castlemaine We hosted day visits to both Mornington Peninsula National Diggings National Heritage Park. Members of the Golden Park and You Yangs Regional Park for newly-arrived Point LandCare group completed environmental Lebanese communities. These trips aimed to increase the landscaping works which included removal of large woody diversity of potential volunteers. weeds and revegetating the Forest Creek Diggings area with indigenous species. Chewton Primary School students Volunteer Group Grants raised and helped plant the seedlings. In a separate project, The Volunteer Group Grants are now the focus of the the Bush User Group and Parks Victoria staff worked Community Grants Program, with funds available to Friends together to select and signpost sites of historic gold groups undertaking works on Parks Victoria managed land. locations within the park. Both projects have enhanced Parks Victoria Volunteer Group Grants are available to the visitor experience within the park and strengthened community groups that wish to undertake projects relating ties between Parks Victoria and the community to Parks Victoria managed areas. There are five grant ($6,600 grant). categories: environment, recreation, heritage, community •Friends of Angahook-Lorne State Park completed a awareness and multicultural support. Groups work in close beautifully photographed Short Walks booklet on 28 conjunction with local Parks Victoria staff to develop and specially selected walks, giving distances and notes implement projects. on aspects of interest. The project required extensive involvement from group members and generated broad Altogether 143 Volunteer Group Grant projects worth more community interest ($7,500 grant). than $500,000 were funded across the state in 2003/04. Examples of Volunteer Group Grants in 2003/04 are:

Volunteers contributed 100,000 hours to park projects in 2003/04.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responsibly Managing our Resources

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Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Parks Victoria is committed to continuous development to incorporate the best of international park management experience into our daily work. We are also committed to operating in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Park Victoria’s People The Committee’s terms of reference include facilitating The Board communication between the internal and external auditors and the Board to maintain open communication among The Board, which consists of a Chairperson and no more the Board, auditors and management. than eight members, has ultimate responsibility for the governance of Parks Victoria and determines strategies The Audit Committee comprised Peter Galbally QC (Chair), and policies to be adopted. Members are appointed by the Kathryn Fagg, Rosemary Martin, Jane Harvey and Geoff Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister Wescott. The independent members of the committee in for a period not exceeding three years, but are eligible for accordance with the Financial Management Compliance reappointment. The Board operates in accordance with Framework criteria are Jane Harvey and Geoff Wescott. the provisions of the Parks Victoria Act 1998.

The terms of reference set out requirements for the Members provide a disclosure of interests to the Board committee’s composition. Senior financial management 33 Secretary. In the event of a conflict of interest or a direct and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, internal auditors, attend or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter before the Board, Audit Committee meetings. Representatives from the external the member must disclose his or her interest and may not auditors also attend meetings annually. The terms of reference be involved in discussion or voting. provide for unlimited access to auditors and senior management and enable the committee to seek independent The Board is responsible for directing and monitoring the advice if necessary. business on behalf of the Minister and the State Government of Victoria. Day-to-day responsibility for operations and The committee meets four times a year and may meet more administration is delegated by the Board to the Chief frequently if required. Executive and his Executive Team. Members of the Executive Team and key staff are invited to Board meetings when their Remuneration and Human Resources Committee areas of operational responsibility are considered. Members This Committee makes recommendations to the Board receive regular written management reports and presentations on remuneration arrangements, terms of employment for on corporate and business activities, and participate in site executives and strategic workforce issues. Remuneration study tours in addition to regular monthly meetings. These is set at levels consistent with state government policy. tours and meetings are designed to enhance members’ The committee meets biannually if required; after the meeting knowledge of Parks Victoria’s business and assist them of any committee a report is provided to the Board. in assessing the performance of the organisation and its senior officers. Internal Control The Board has overall responsibility for setting the policies Chief Executive and internal control framework, the Audit and Risk The Chief Executive is appointed by the Board following Management Committee focusing on detailed aspects of consultation with the Minister. The performance of the internal control. Corporate policies are reviewed regularly Chief Executive is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis. and are available to all employees through the intranet. Board Committees Risk Management Audit and Risk Management Committee The Board has overall responsibility for risk management. The primary role of this Committee is to assist the Board Parks Victoria has adopted a strategic approach to managing in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to financial reporting, risk and has formulated a Risk Management Plan which sets accounting, risk management systems, operational control out the processes and framework for managing risk in a practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. consistent manner across Parks Victoria.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responsibly Managing our Resources (continued)

Board members

Kathryn Fagg, BE, MComm (Chairperson) President Market & Logistics Solutions, BlueScope Steel With wide experience gained throughout Australia and New Zealand, Ms Fagg brings to the Board diverse skills gained through senior strategic roles held in the petroleum, consultancy and banking industries. Ms Fagg has served on the Boards of the ANZ Banking Group (New Zealand) and ANZ Investment Services (New Zealand).

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Peter Galbally, QC, BA, LLB Barrister, Victorian Bar Mr Galbally specialises in civil, medical and immigration law. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1989. He is a Foundation Trustee of Law Aid Victoria and has been Chairman of the Barristers’ List Committee D Victorian Bar. Mr Galbally has explored Australia’s park system extensively and has owned and operated a number of farming properties in south east Australia. He is currently a consultative member of the Murrumbidgee Catchment Area Review Committee in New South Wales.

Rob Gerrand, BA, FAMI, MPRIA Principal, Gerrand & Associates Mr Gerrand brings to the Board wide business experience in finance, transport, agriculture and telecommunications. He is a former General Manager, Group Public Affairs at ANZ, where he also established the Group Marketing Division. He is also a former Member of the Koorie Heritage Trust, a former Chair of Theatreworks, founding President of the Monash Alumni Association and a Board Member of the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria. Mr Gerrand is an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University and a published author. His latest book, Rewrite Your Relationships!, co-written with psychologist Eve Ash, has recently been released.

Esmai Manahan Manager Koori Business Network Ms Manahan brings with her extensive experience in the field of Indigenous development and welfare, arts, tourism, education, training and administration. In her current role as Manager of the Koori Business Network, she has built on her 15 years of leadership experience in developing, managing and evaluating a range of successful community driven and managed projects and programs. Ms Manahan is a current member of the Koori Horticultural Project Steering Committee (Mildura); Life Member, Margaret Tucker Hostel for Indigenous Women; Chairperson, Indigenous Arts Management, Victorian College of the Arts; and Member, Diversity at Work Aboriginal Employment Program.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Rosemary Martin BA(Hons), LLB (Hons), LLM, MAICD Special Counsel, Francis Abourizk Lightowlers Ms Martin brings to the Board extensive experience in environmental law and government, gained in both the public and private sectors. In the early 1990s she was a founding member of the Environment and Planning practice of a national law firm. On her return to Melbourne from Sydney, she worked with the (then) Department of Health and Community Services before taking up the role of Solicitor to the Environment Protection Authority (Vic). Ms Martin has since left the EPA to return to private legal practice, where she advises in environmental, commercial and technology law.

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Pamela Robinson, OAM Ms Robinson brings with her extensive experience from farming, forestry, local government and community development. She is a former Land Conservation Council and National Landcare Advisory Committee member and was Chair of the State Plantations Impact Study. Ms Robinson, a former Shire President, has had participation in all levels of local, regional, state and national decision-making bodies, particularly in natural resource management. She was awarded the OAM in 1990 for services to Local Government and Conservation. Now Melbourne-based, she retains agricultural land in the north east of the state.

Don Saunders, B.Agri. Sc. Mr Saunders was the Director of National Parks for 15 years and former Chairman of the LCC and ECC, and now works as Conservation Coordinator at the Bird Observers Club of Australia. He has been a member of the National Parks Advisory Council, Reference Area Advisory Committee, Murray Darling Basin Commission and National Landcare Advisory Committee and a Commissioner for the Alpine Resorts Commission, and is currently a Trustee of the Trust for Nature and a member of the Birds Australia Strategic Conservation Committee.

He has been awarded the Public Service Medal – Australia Day Award in 1996 for outstanding public service to the development and management of Victoria’s National Parks, the 1998 Parks Victoria Kookaburra Award for outstanding contribution to Victoria’s park system, the National Medal for fire services, and a Churchill Fellowship.

Geoff Wescott, B.Sc (Hons), M.Sc. (Melb), MSc., Dip Nat Cons (Lond), PhD (Deakin), MIB, FEIA (Deputy Chairperson) Associate Head of School of Ecology and Environment, Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology at Deakin University Dr Wescott is the former Convener of the National Parks Advisory Council, with a PhD in Environmental Policy and Management, M.Sc. in Nature Conservation, M.Sc. in Marine Zoology. He is the writer of numerous park publications including A Field Guide to Wilsons Promontory Marine and National Park.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responsibly Managing our Resources (continued)

Executive management

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(Left to right) Mark Stone, Brett Cheatley, Di Kinsey, Ian Christie, Stuart Ord, Neil McCarthy, Geoff Vincent, Gerard O'Neill, Michonne van Rees, Geoff Bray, Fiona McAuliffe. Trevor Miles (not pictured).

Organisational chart

Mark Stone Executive Management Team Chief Executive

Geoff Vincent

Fiona McAuliffe Deputy Chief Executive General Manager National Parks Legal Counsel Board Secretary

Neil McCarthy Gerard O’Neil Geoff Bray Michonne van Rees

General Manager Corporate General Manager Metro General Manager General Manager Regional Strategy and Services Parks and Bays Commercial Business Management, Regional Manager Melbourne Metro

Regional Management Team

Stuart Ord Brett Cheatley Trevor Miles Ian Christie

Regional Manager Regional Manager West Regional Manager Central Director Fire and City and Bays Emergency Services, Regional Manager East

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 The Office of the Chief Executive provides executive Staff development support to the Board and Chief Executive. It manages Leadership development training continued at all levels Freedom of Information, legal services and support to the of the organisation. As staff are appointed to supervisory Government and Minister responsible for Parks Victoria. positions they participate in a management training course. A personal development program for staff below supervisory The National Parks Division manages the research, level continued throughout the year and it is expected to take strategic planning and organisation-wide programming for a further three years for all staff to go through this program. the conservation, protection and enhancement of the natural and cultural values of the terrestrial and marine estate; and Fifteen staff members were enrolled part time in the Deakin the development of partnerships with the Indigenous Degree in Park Management during 2003/04. These staff community. are supported by Parks Victoria through a scholarship scheme. Five staff successfully completed the course during the year, The Metro Parks and Bays Division manages the research, the remainder are part-way through their studies. 37 strategic planning and organisation-wide programming for the development of metropolitan parks, river and bay Twelve new and nine existing Indigenous field staff recreational facilities. It is responsible for the statewide commenced Commonwealth Traineeships, undertaking the management of infrastructure, the delivery of recreational Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management course and tourism services and new infrastructure projects. at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (Yarra Bend) and Forestech (East Gippsland). The Corporate Strategy and Services Division manages the short and long term ‘whole of business’ corporate Indigenous recruitment and training planning; the recruitment, development and support of staff; The Indigenous Employment Program resulted in 16 internal and external corporate communications; and the Indigenous staff joining Parks Victoria on an ongoing or delivery of administration, financial, information technology fixed term basis during the year. Twelve of these staff were and other support services. employed as rangers or field service officers as part of the wider recruitment program to fill 50 new operational positions. The Commercial Business Division manages the As at 30 June 2004, Parks Victoria had 42 Indigenous staff establishment, and monitors the performance, of commercial in total. facilities, and the planning and programming for pay-for-use services on the Parks Victoria estate, with a view to ensuring One of the positions created through the Indigenous that such activities comply with policy and governance Employment Program is an Indigenous Project Officer within requirements and enhance the visitor experience of the estate. the Human Resources Branch. This position will take overall responsibility for developing and implementing Indigenous The five Regions manage the on-ground delivery of services training, mentoring and support services to managers throughout the estate, including environmental and cultural and staff. values conservation, protection and enhancement programs, asset maintenance, fire and emergency services support, Recognition of Service visitor and tourist services, and recreational programs. Parks Victoria continued its program of recognising and rewarding the valuable contribution staff make through years Staff profile of service. A range of recognition items such as badges has As at 30 June 2004, Parks Victoria had 1,041 direct been established to acknowledge the achievements of employees comprising 905 ongoing full time and part time longer-serving staff. staff, 69 fixed term staff and 67 casuals. Conditions of employment Under the Seasonal Ranger Program, 22 seasonal rangers Parks Victoria together with staff and union representatives were recruited to run visitor services programs during the negotiated a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement during summer period. Their training program covered a general the year. An ‘in principle’ Agreement was reached and lodged introduction to Parks Victoria, interpretation, occupational with Industrial Relations Victoria. health and safety, and basic wildfire awareness. Equal Opportunity Creation of 50 new operational positions Parks Victoria continued its implementation of the three-year An extensive recruitment program resulted in 50 new ranger Equal Opportunity Management Plan 2002/04 to raise and and field service officer positions being filled in rural and maintain awareness and understanding of equal opportunity regional Victoria. Induction sessions for new staff were held and to eliminate barriers to equal opportunity within the and staff recruited to these positions are now managing organisation. 525 staff participated in equal opportunity parks and supporting fire suppression and fuel reduction awareness training. burning efforts. The additional staff are located across the state in areas of greatest need, including Portland, Parks Victoria is committed to ensuring compliance with the Grampians, the Wimmera, the Alps and Wilsons legislation and the development of a working environment Promontory. that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responsibly Managing our Resources (continued)

Occupational Health and Safety Parks Victoria has pursued further research into the health Parks Victoria continued to implement the priority actions benefits of interacting with nature with Deakin University’s of OH&S Strategic Framework, including the implementation Faculty of Health and Behavioural Science to assist in of an OH&S Management System and conducting audits at decision-making and positioning in relation to the contribution workcentres. The OH&S Statewide Project Team, created of parks to social capital. to ensure communication, consistency and compliance with legislation, produced guidelines and procedures for staff to Participation in peak industry bodies and conduct risk assessments relating to plant and equipment, conferences and to manual handling. During the year we participated in the following park management initiatives: Organisational performance • Parks Victoria was a major contributor to the highly Parks Victoria is committed to continuous development successful ‘Parks in Society’ best practice conference 38 to incorporate the best of international park management in Canberra in May 2004. experience into our daily work. We are also committed •We coordinated preparation of the best practice publication to operating in an environmentally sustainable manner. Working together for excellence in park management: the International Parks Strategic Partners group 1994/2004, During the year we undertook initiatives to share best practice with contributions from members of the IPSP group. knowledge and take a leadership role in park management •We collaborated with other major park management nationally and internationally. organisations in the establishment of Parks Forum Ltd in Australasia with the objective of improving and Healthy Parks, Healthy People disseminating best practice across the parks industry. During the year we expanded on our highly successful Parks Forum Ltd, formally incorporated on 27 April 2004 Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) Program. HPHP and officially launched by Sir Edmund Hillary, is a new is a partnership between Parks Victoria and several health not-for-profit organisation for Australasia, with a charter organisations to promote the community health benefits to be a highly respected and influential peak body leading of parks. and developing the interests of the parks industry. Parks Forum will support the growth of a strong, vibrant and Parks Victoria has shared its HPHP ideas and program cohesive park industry, provide leadership in parks with other park management agencies and has invited park management in Australia and New Zealand and improve agencies nationwide to adopt the program. Park agencies the standing of the industry as a whole. in NSW launched their HPHP campaign in October 2003. •A number of collaborative international initiatives are being A highlight of the Victorian campaign during the year was explored with organisations including the Singapore the World’s Greatest Pram Stroll. For the second year running National Parks Board, Parks Canada and the Royal Parks we held the Pram Stroll at Albert Park (and in Bendigo) on Agency (UK). 4 October 2003. This growing event encourages new mothers • PV staff presented at the World Parks Congress in South to use parks and helps counteract social isolation. Africa in September 2003.

The World’s Greatest Pram Stroll is an annual event which promotes the Healthy Parks, Healthy People message.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 • Parks Victoria assisted with the launch of the P2 – People •Two education and tree planting days for staff were held and Parks Foundation, a non-government philanthropic in the metropolitan area to offset vehicle carbon emissions. organisation. The Foundation aims to provide opportunities •A cigarette butt disposal campaign was conducted at for people to participate in physical, spiritual, cultural, Twelve Apostles (Port Campbell National Park). sensory or creative experiences in the unique natural setting of a park. One of the first P2 initiatives is a collaborative Awards agreement with two non-government organisations – Greenfleet and Greening Australia Victoria – to undertake Parks Victoria participated in a range of initiatives which were thousands of hectares of strategic revegetation activity recognised through various award programs. These included: across Victoria. Greenfleet and Greening Australia Victoria • The Victorian Unit Meritorious Service Award was will seek external sponsorship for the ‘Green Connections’ presented to Parks Victoria for our role in the rescue that initiative. followed the collapse of the Arthurs Seat Chairlift in January 2003. 83 people were rescued over a period of 39 Our ecological footprint several hours. Victoria Police and Emergency Service Like all public and private sector organisations, Parks Victoria Minister, Andre Haermeyer, presented the award to the must be responsible and accountable for the use of resources 11 agencies involved to recognise the Government’s in providing its services to the community. During the year appreciation of the contribution to the safety and welfare we took the following steps to minimise the broader of the people of Victoria. environmental impacts of our operations: • The Aire Valley Working Together Project was awarded • An energy use reduction program commenced at a the Innovation Award at this year’s Victorian Coastal range of high energy use sites including 535 Bourke Council Awards. The project brought together stakeholder Street (Head Office), Albert Park, Werribee Park, Yarra groups, landowners, Indigenous communities and Parks Bend and Brimbank. Victoria to establish agreed protocols for opening the •We met our target for water use reduction. During the Aire River estuary and to improve communication and year we used 232 megalitres compared to 320 megalitres consultation. in the previous year. • The Inverloch Northern Pacific Seastar Project won the •A $20,000 Public Place Recycling (PPR) grant was awarded 2004 National World Environment Day Award for the to Parks Victoria to assist with the implementation of a Best Community Based Environment Project or Initiative. best practice PPR system at Rosebud Foreshore reserve. •A short film, on the 1937 mine disaster at Wonthaggi, • Sustainable Practices sessions are now a component of Our men are down there, won a commendation in the our staff induction process. Sessions were conducted for Victorian Community History Awards 2004. The script the recent bulk intake of new rangers. was written by a Parks Victoria ranger and the film was funded through a Parks Victoria volunteer grant received • Draft Environmental Purchasing Policy and Guidelines by the Friends of the State Coal Mine. were produced. • Parks Victoria exhibited in the Sustainable Living Festival in February 2004.

Minister André Haermeyer presents an award to Terry Condie for Parks Victoria’s role in the Arthurs Seat Chairlift rescue.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responsibly Managing our Resources (continued)

Corporate compliance Sponsors Freedom of Information Parks Victoria would like to thank the following organisations for their support: We received 18 requests for documents and information under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. All were 3LO , Fox-FM, Channel 9, Channel 7, the Weekly Times, responded to in accordance with the Act, and in a timely the Herald Sun and the Sunday Herald-Sun. and professional manner. Consultancies Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 The number of consultants engaged in 2003/04 whose The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 came into effect value exceeded $100,000 was nil. The total number of on 1 January 2002. The Act is designed to protect people consultants engaged was 11 with a total value of $56,000. who disclose information about serious wrongdoing within Major contracts 40 the Victorian Public Sector and to provide a framework for the investigation of these matters. Parks Victoria did not enter into any contracts greater than $10 million in value during the reporting period. Since the commencement of the Act in January 2002, no disclosures have been received by Parks Victoria. Overseas travel Four overseas study visits were made during the reporting Building Act period by staff members. The visits were undertaken as part All new works are managed in accordance with the Building of the professional development of these staff, to observe Act 1993 and existing buildings are assessed in accordance latest industry best practice. with Parks Victoria asset management system. During the year works continued to remove asbestos from existing Additional Parks Victoria information buildings as identified by an asbestos audit. Other relevant information, in relation to the financial year, is retained by the accountable Parks Victoria officer and is available to the Minister, Members of Parliament or the public on request.

National Competition Policy Competitive neutrality is a guiding principle of the National Competition Policy and requires that government-owned businesses should compete with private sector businesses on the same footing. Parks Victoria is committed to the ongoing implementation of the National Competition Policy.

In July 2002, PriceWaterhouseCoopers finalised a report and Cost Allocation Model to allow Parks Victoria to review market based fees and charges to its various sites. The Cost Allocation Model was used to review boat berthing and mooring fees in Port Phillip and Western Port in 2002/03. During the reporting period we collected further data on fees and charges across other sites and conducted a preliminary assessment as to the most appropriate way of applying the PriceWaterhouseCoopers Model to those fees. The model will inform future pricing changes, if appropriate, taking into account public benefit, competition within the local area and cost recovery issues.

Legislative framework Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s responsibilities are to provide services to the State and its agencies for the management of parks, reserves and other land under the control of the State. With the approval of the Minister, it may also provide services to the owner of any other land used for public purposes for the management of that land. The Act requires that Parks Victoria must not act in a way that is not environmentally sound in carrying out its functions.

Parks Victoria is recreational manager for Port Phillip and Western Port.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Overall arrangements regarding the relationships and responsibilities for the provision of services to DSE are set down in a Management Services Agreement between Parks Victoria and the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Planning and the Secretary to DSE. Parks Victoria’s management services are delivered within State policy, contractual agreements and in accordance with specific statutory responsibilities.

The Parks Victoria Act 1998 also allows Parks Victoria to act as a committee of management of various reserves, which currently include Albert Park, Werribee Park, several gardens in the Dandenong Ranges and piers and jetties in 41 Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.

Parks Victoria is responsible for managing: • all areas under the National Parks Act 1975; •reserved and unreserved Crown land including conservation and other reserves, metropolitan parks, regional parks and historic areas; •recreational and other activities on waterways land in the metropolitan area as defined in the Water Industry Act 1994; • piers and jetties in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port and recreational boating on these bays pursuant to powers conferred on it as a port manager under the Port Services Act 1995; and •a number of other areas under leases or other arrangements (including Yarra Bend Park, land leased by Alcoa at Anglesea, and reservoir parks).

Changes to the parks estate The Minister for Environment on 20 October 2003, in accordance with the Management Services Agreement, made changes to Parks Victoria’s land management responsibilities.

These included the addition of 10 blocks of land totalling 1,442ha intended either to be added to existing Nature Conservation and other reserves already managed by Parks Victoria, or to create new Nature Conservation Reserves; and 15 blocks totalling 525ha for future additions to parks under the National Parks Act.

Thirteen Bushland Reserves totalling 644ha were removed from Parks Victoria’s management responsibility as a result of land sale or revocation of relevant Land Conservation Council/Environment Conservation Council recommendations.

The Australasian Gannet is a familiar sight along the Victorian coast.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Responsibly Managing our Resources (continued)

Corporate performance measures

Measure/indicator 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 Missed Met Exceeded

Quantity: Area treated in parks to eradicate Target 117 111-129 400-450 • or control pest plants and animals Actual n/a 266 525.5 (‘000 hectares) National Parks Act parks (national, wilderness and state parks) with Target 94 93 100 • approved management plans Actual 100 93 86 (961) (per cent) 42 Number of Indigenous cultural heritage sites/places and non- Target 67 65 65 • Indigenous historic places where Actual 67 55 79 works/surveys are undertaken Proportion of Indigenous staff Target 3 4 5 • (per cent) Actual 3 4 5 Total number of visit days (million) Target 39-40 66-69 67-73 • Actual 65.6 66.4 66.42 Victorians who have visited a Parks Target n/a 71-76 70-75 • Victoria managed park over the past Actual 74 70 81 12 months (per cent) Number of Parks Victoria personnel Target 556 556 615 • required to assist in wildfire Actual 556 615 625 preparedness and suppression Incident rate (no. of reported OHS Target 18 18 17 • incidents/no. of staff) (per cent) Actual 18 20 203 Number of training days per employee Target 10 10 10 Actual 10 8-9 7-12 • Water use (megalitres) Target 770 700 300 • Actual 770 320 2324 Completion of Business Plan priority Target 100 95 95 • actions Actual 93 845 88

1. Percentage of management plans including those currently with the Minister for approval. 2. Visit days were not counted in 2003/04, number is based on count from 2002/03. 3. Increase in number of reported incidents due to increased awareness of OH&S issues. 4. Reduction due to improved water practices and ongoing enforced water restrictions still in place. 5. 98 per cent of priority actions complete when impact of wildfires is removed.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Measure/indicator 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 Missed Met Exceeded

Quality: Community satisfaction with Parks Target 90-95 90-95 83-86 • Victoria as an environmental manager Actual 92 84 88 (‘good’ or ‘very good’) (per cent) Community satisfaction with management of national, state, Target 88-93 88-93 80-85 • regional parks and conservation Actual 91 81 88 reserves (‘good’ or ‘very good’) (per cent) 43 Community satisfaction with Target 91-96 92-97 92-97 • management of historic places Actual 94 97 94 (‘good’ or ‘very good’) (per cent) Community satisfaction with management of major metropolitan Target 87-93 88-93 88-93 • parks, bays and waterways (‘good’ Actual 91 88 89 or ‘very good’) (per cent) Community satisfaction with adequacy Target 87-92 87-92 87-92 • of recreational opportunities (‘good’ Actual 90 92 93 or ‘very good’) (per cent) Visitor satisfaction: Parks (Weighted Target 70-75 68-73 69-74 • Index) Actual 68 72 72 Visitor satisfaction: Piers (Weighted Target 60-65 54-59 57-62 • Index) Actual 53 62 56 Visitor assets: Visitor facilities with Target 90 85 83 • greater than five years life expectancy Actual 90 82 82 (per cent) Marine structures with greater than Target 87 88 87 • five years life expectancy (per cent) Actual 87 86 811 2WD drive access roads in ‘fair’ to Target 90 90 72 • ‘good’ condition (per cent) Actual 90 71 71 Compliance with Model of Cover requirements (per cent) Target 100 100 100 • Actual 100 100 100 Community satisfaction with Parks Target 91-96 91-96 91-96 • Victoria as an efficient manager Actual 94 91 92 (‘good’ or ‘very good’) (per cent)

1. Due to an increase in the number of assets with a life expectancy of less than five years.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Disclosure Index

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

Legislation Requirement Page Number

Ministerial Directions Report of Operations Charter and purpose FRD 22 Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers 2 FRD 22 Objectives, functions, powers and duties 2 FRD 22 Nature and range of services provided 2

44 Management and structure FRD 22 Organisational structure 36

Financial and other information FRD 22 Statement of workforce data and merit and equity 37 FRD 22 Summary of the financial results for the year 47 FRD 22 Significant changes in financial position during the year 47 FRD 22 Operational and budgetary objectives and performance against objectives 42 FRD 22 Major changes or factors affecting performance 42 FRD 22 Subsequent events 66 FRD 22 Application and operation of Freedom of Information Act 1982 40 FRD 22 Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 40 FRD 22 Statement on National Competition Policy 40 FRD 22 Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 40 FRD 22 Details of consultancies over $100,000 40 FRD 22 Details of consultancies under $100,000 40 FRD 12 Disclosure of major contracts 40 FRD 22 Statement of availability of other information 40 FRD 22 Occupational health and safety 38 FRD 15 Executive officer disclosures 65 FRD 10 Disclosure index 44 FRD 24 Reporting of office-based environmental impacts 39 FRD 25 Victorian Industry Participation Policy disclosures Nil FRD 8 Budget portfolio outcomes 42

Financial Statements Financial statements required under Part 7 of the FMA SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Australian accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements 52 SD 4.2(c) Compliance with Ministerial Directions 52 SD 4.2(d) Rounding of amounts 52 SD 4.2(c) Accountable officer’s declaration 67 SD 4.2(f) Model Financial Report 46 SD 4.2(b) Statement of financial performance 49 SD 4.2(b) Statement of financial position 50 SD 4.2(b) Statement of cash flows during the year 51

Other disclosures in notes to the financial statements FRD 9 Departmental disclosure of administered assets and liabilities Nil FRD 11 Disclosure of ex-gratia payments Nil FRD 13 Disclosure of parliamentary appropriations Nil FRD 21 Responsible person and executive officer disclosures 64 FRD 23 Superannuation liabilities and disclosure 63

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 45

The Western Pygmy-possum is the size of a mouse.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 46 46

Melba Gully State Park.

Financial Contents

Financial Report 46

Auditor’s Report 48

Statement of Financial Performance 49

Statement of Financial Position 50

Statement of Cash Flows 51

Notes to the Financial Statements 52

Statutory Certificate 67

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Financial Report

2003/04 was the second year of a three year revaluation process by the Valuer General which saw $46 million worth of assets revalued.

This resulted in an increase in the value of our assets of $98 million.

Summary of Financial Performance Revenue $’000 Parks charge 56,178 Government funding 40,207 Other revenue 21,920 Total 118,305

Expenditure $’000 47 Operations 117,264 Grants program 505 Asset transfers 5,347 Depreciation 5,960 Total 129,076

Net Deficit 10,771

Some Significant Aspects of this Year’s Results Fire suppression costs were recovered from DSE for the fire season, totalling $2.6 million, compared with $5.3 million in 2002/03.

Parks Victoria received government funding for fire rehabilitation in advance in 2002/03, with no further amount funding received in 2003/04.

Various Parks Victoria Committee of Management properties were transferred to new Committees of Management throughout the year at no charge. The value of these properties, about $5.4 million, was treated as expenditure.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Auditor’s Report

48

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Statement of Financial Performance For Year Ended 30 June 2004

2004 2003 Notes $’000 $’000

REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Revenue From Operating Activities Parks & Reserves Trust Funding 4 56,178 56,416 Government Funding 5 40,207 46,394 Assets Provided from External Parties at Nil Consideration 6 0 1,002 Other Revenue 7 20,600 22,927 Total Revenue From Operating Activities 116,985 126,739

Revenue From Non-Operating Activities 49 Interest Revenue 1,315 769 Proceeds on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment 5 124 Total Revenue From Non-Operating Activities 1,320 893 Total Revenue From Ordinary Activities 118,305 127,632

EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Operations 8 117,264 119,621 Parks Victoria Grants Program 9 505 1,912 Assets Provided to External Parties at Nil Consideration 10 5,347 0 Depreciation 11 5,960 6,988 Total Expenses From Ordinary Activities 129,076 128,521 NET RESULT FOR REPORTING PERIOD 21 (10,771) (889)

MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY Net Increase/(Decrease) in Asset Revaluation Reserve 20 98,672 233,020 Total revenues, expenses and revaluation adjustments directly recognised in equity 87,901 232,131 Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with the State Government as owner 87,901 232,131

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Statement of Financial Position At 30 June 2004

2004 2003 Notes $’000 $’000

CURRENT ASSETS Cash Assets 12 7,813 12,333 Receivables 13 3,055 2,274 Inventories 14 112 0 Other Current Assets 15 542 225 Total Current Assets 11,522 14,832

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 50 Receivables 13 100 92 Property, Plant and Equipment 16 922,780 831,764 Total Non-Current Assets 922,880 831,856 TOTAL ASSETS 934,402 846,688

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 17 6,973 10,941 Provisions 18 6,407 5,954 Total Current Liabilities 13,380 16,895

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Provisions 18 13,119 11,912 Total Non-Current Liabilities 13,119 11,912 TOTAL LIABILITIES 26,499 28,807 NET ASSETS 907,903 817,881

EQUITY Contributed Capital 19 289,188 287,067 Reserves 20 637,107 538,435 Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) 21 (18,392) (7,621) TOTAL EQUITY 907,903 817,881

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Statement of Cash Flows For Year Ended 30 June 2004

2004 2003 Notes $’000 $’000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from Parks Charge 56,178 56,416 Receipts from Government for Operations 42,856 52,254 Receipts from Customers/Other Sources 18,609 19,502 Interest Received 1,256 740 Receipts Relating to Goods and Services Tax 12,462 12,411 Payments to Suppliers and Employees (115,148) (115,295) Payments to Parks Victoria Grants Program (551) (2,538) 51 Payments to Government for Revenue collected from National Parks (4,877) (4,756) Payments relating to Goods and Services Tax (13,509) (11,519) Net Cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities 22 (2,724) 7,215

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payments for Property, Plant and Equipment (3,922) (4,682) Proceeds on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment 5 124 Net Cash provided by/(used in) Investing Activities (3,917) (4,558)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Receipts from Government – Contributed Capital 2,121 2,646 Net Cash provided by/(used in) Financing Activities 2,121 2,646

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash (4,520) 5,303 Cash at the Beginning of the Year 12,333 7,030 Cash at the End of the Year 12 7,813 12,333 Consisting of: Committed cash 6,349 8,255 Non-committed cash 1,464 4,078

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004

These notes form part of, and should be read in conjunction with, the financial statements of Parks Victoria for the year ended 30 June 2004.

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

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

Parks Victoria receives the majority of its funding from the Victorian Government for the management of Victoria’s National/State 52 Parks and Reserves and the Parks and Reserves Trust for the management of metropolitan parks and waterways. The Trust is funded by a charge levied on properties within the metropolitan area.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 2.1 General This financial report of Parks Victoria is a general purpose financial report that consists of a Statement of Financial Performance, a Statement of Financial Position, a Statement of Cash Flows and notes accompanying these statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Ministerial Directions.

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

2.2 Basis of Accounting The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual and a going concern basis. Unless otherwise stated, values reported are stated at historical cost.

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

2.4 Asset Acquisition The purchase method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of assets, being the fair value of the assets provided as consideration at the date of acquisition plus any incidental costs attributable to the acquisition.

Where assets are constructed by Parks Victoria, the cost at which they are recorded includes an appropriate share of fixed and variable overheads and any associated borrowing cost.

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

Property, Plant and Equipment represent non-current assets comprising: •Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements • Piers, Jetties and River Improvements • Buildings and Improvements • Antiques •Other including Plant, Machinery and Equipment, Office Machines, Computers, Vehicles, Furniture and Fittings •Works in Progress

Used by Parks Victoria in its operations. Items with a cost or value of $1,200 or more, and a useful life of more than one year are recognised as an asset. Items less than $1,200 are expensed.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 2.5 Asset Repairs and Maintenance Routine maintenance, repair costs and minor renewal costs are expensed as incurred. Where the repair relates to the replacement of a component of an asset and the cost exceeds the capitalisation threshold the cost is capitalised and depreciated.

2.6 Asset Revaluation Subsequent to the initial recognition of assets, Land, Buildings, Piers, Jetties, River Improvements and Antiques are measured at fair value, being the amount for which the assets could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arms’-length transaction. At balance date, Parks Victoria reviews the carrying value of the individual classes of non-current assets to ensure that the carrying value of each asset in a class approximates its fair value. Where the carrying value materially differs from the fair value, the carrying value of that class of assets is written down to its fair value. 53

Parks Victoria undertakes formal revaluations (by independent experts) of its non-current assets on a systematic three-year progressive basis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

2.9 Leasing Operating leases are not capitalised, as Parks Victoria does not substantially assume all the risks and benefits associated with the leased assets.

Operating lease payments are charged recognised as an expense in the periods in which they are incurred, as this represents the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets by Parks Victoria.

2.10 Employee Benefits Wages and Salaries and Sick Leave Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits are measured at their nominal amounts in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. The nominal basis of measurement uses employee remuneration rates that 54 the entity expects to pay as at each reporting date and does not discount cash flows to their present value. Non-vesting sick leave is not expected to exceed current and future sick leave entitlements, and accordingly, no liability has been recognised.

Annual Leave Annual leave entitlements are accrued on a pro rata basis in respect of services provided by employee up to balance date, having regard to current rates of pay and on-costs. Annual leave entitlements are provided for at their nominal value as above.

Long Service Leave Long service leave expected to be paid within 12 months of the reporting date is recognised in the provision for employee benefits and is recorded as a current liability in the Statement of Financial Position at its nominal value. Long service leave expected to be paid later than one year is recognised in the provision for employee benefits and is measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for these entitlements and recorded as a non-current liability. Consideration is given to expected future employee remuneration rates, employment related on-costs and other factors including experience of employee departures and periods of service. Commonwealth Bond rates are used for discounting future cash flows.

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

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

Disclosure of superannuation contributions by Parks Victoria is provided in Note 25.

2.11 Receivables Trade receivables are carried at amounts due less a provision for doubtful debts. A provision for doubtful debts is recognised to the extent that recovery of the outstanding receivable balance is considered less than likely. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are recognised. Credit sales are normally on 30-day terms.

2.12 Payables Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the future for goods and services received, whether or not billed to the entity. Trade liabilities are normally settled on 30 days from statement or earlier. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are recognised.

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

Where the external grants funding received has not been expended and a reciprocal agreement exists, whereby the revenue is required to be repaid if not used or an asset transfer to the external party is to occur upon completion of the asset, Parks Victoria records this revenue as deferred revenue.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 2.14 Recoverable Amounts of Non-Current Assets As Parks Victoria is a not-for-profit entity the recoverable amounts test in the Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1041 “Accounting for the Revaluation of Non-Current Assets” has not been applied.

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

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the Statement of Financial Position. 55 The GST component of cash flows arising from operating, investing and financing activities, which is recoverable or payable to the ATO, is classified as operating cash flows and disclosed there in.

2.16 Inventories Inventories comprise stores and materials and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assigned to inventory quantities on hand at balance date on a first-in, first-out basis.

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

3. Impacts of Adopting AASB Equivalents to IASB Standards For financial reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005, all Australian reporting entities are required to adopt the financial reporting requirements of the Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). Parks Victoria has taken the following steps in managing the transition to Australian equivalents to IFRSs: • Commenced activities to identify key issues and the likely impacts resulting from the adoption of Australian equivalents to IFRSs; • An education process for all stakeholders to raise awareness of the changes in reporting requirements; and

In the coming financial year, Parks Victoria will: •Reconfigure and test user systems to enable the new requirements to be met. •Identify and implement changes to any existing accounting policies that have a material impact on its financial position and future financial performance on the adoption of the requirements of the Australian equivalents to IFRSs.

Parks Victoria does not expect the adoption of the requirements of the Australian equivalents to IFRSs to have a material impact on its financial position or future financial performance.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

2004 2003 $’000 $’000 4. Parks & Reserves Trust Funding The Parks & Reserves Trust Funding is a charge levied on commercial and domestic properties throughout the Melbourne and metropolitan area, the majority of which is paid to Parks Victoria. Parks Charge 56,178 54,416 Land Sales 0 2,000 Total Parks & Reserves Trust Funding 56,178 56,416

56 5. Government Funding National/State Parks and Reserves funding 34,372 40,541 Program Initiatives (including 4WD, Good Neighbour and Rabbit Buster programs) 1,212 1,791 Capital Works for the Department of Sustainability and Environment 4,488 3,457 Capital Works for the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 135 605 Total Government Funding 40,207 46,394

6. Assets Provided From External Parties at Nil Consideration Assets transferred from the Department of Sustainability and Environment 0 1,002 Total Assets Provided from External Parties at Nil Consideration 0 1,002

7. Other Revenue Accommodation/Camping fees 4,047 3,927 Funding sponsored by external parties 495 643 Government Grants 2,877 2,063 Rent, Leases and Licences 3,973 3,680 Park entrance fees 1,556 1,431 Yarra Bend Trust 1,440 1,456 Services provided to the Department of Sustainability and Environment 373 876 Fire Suppression costs, recovered 2,589 5,289 Other 3,250 3,562 Total Other Revenue 20,600 22,927

8. Total Operating Expenses Labour 55,831 58,489 Materials 4,074 4,164 Transport 6,831 6,805 Contracts 26,294 25,986 External Services 14,490 15,359 Payments to Government for Revenue collected from National Parks 5,545 5,069 Other 3,726 2,682 Payments for works sponsored by external parties 473 1,067 Total Operating Expenses 117,264 119,621

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 9. Parks Victoria Grants Program Payments are made to Local Government, Other Agencies, Community Groups and for Program Operating Costs 505 1,912 Total Parks Victoria Grants Program 505 1,912

10. Assets Provided to External Parties at Nil Consideration Assets transferred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment 5,347 0

Total Assets Provided to External Parties at Nil Consideration 5,347 0 57

11. Depreciation Land Improvements 1,975 2,823 Buildings and Improvements 1,685 1,757 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 1,408 1,526 Other 892 882 Total Depreciation 5,960 6,988

12. Cash Assets Cash at Bank 7,813 12,333 Total Cash Assets 7,813 12,333

13. Receivables Receivables – Current Debtors 3,312 2,438 Less Provision for Doubtful Debts (257) (164) Total Receivables – Current 3,055 2,274 Receivables – Non-Current Other Receivables 100 92 Total Receivables – Non-Current 100 92 Total Receivables 3,155 2,366 (An amount of $792 (2002/03 $15,645) was written off to Bad Debts during the year.)

14. Inventories Stock on Hand (at cost) 112 0 Total Inventories 112 0

15. Other Current Assets Prepayments 542 225 Total Other Current Assets 542 225

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

2004 2003 $’000 $’000 16. Property, Plant and Equipment 16.1 Asset Category Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements Crown Land Opening Balance 693,115 487,202 Additions 0 1,002 Retirements (3,367) 0 Revaluations 53,996 204,911 58 Closing Balance – Crown Land (at independent valuation) (note 16.2) 743,744 693,115

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

Land Improvements Opening Balance 35,829 52,480 Additions 939 747 Retirements (103) 0 Revaluations 3,884 (17,398) Closing Balance – Land Improvements (at independent valuation) 40,549 35,829 Closing Balance – Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements (at independent valuation)784,320 728,971

Accumulated Depreciation – Land Improvements Opening Balance 3,348 10,233 Depreciation for the Year 1,975 2,823 Retirements (23) 0 Revaluations (1,673) (9,708) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation – Land Improvements 3,627 3,348 Net Book Value – Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements 780,693 725,623

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuer for G.M. Brien & Associates Pty. Ltd., a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Crown Land, Land and Land Improvements at fair value, was to asses the land based on comparable sales values and add to this the depreciated replacement or reproduction cost of any improvements, giving due consideration to size, zoning and current use. Parks Victoria has completed its second year of a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process to revalue its assets at fair value.

Piers, Jetties and River Improvements Opening Balance 41,458 23,330 Additions 2,555 1,752 Retirements (254) 0 Revaluations 19,959 16,376 Closing Balance Piers, Jetties and River Improvements (at independent valuation) 63,718 41,458

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 4,898 5,296 Depreciation for the Year 1,408 1,526 Retirements (4) 0 Revaluations (3,416) (1,924) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 2,886 4,898 Net Book Value – Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 60,832 36,560

Buildings and Improvements 59 Opening Balance 61,868 49,342 Additions 1,029 84 Retirements (2,056) 0 Revaluations 13,508 12,442 Closing Balance Buildings and Improvements (at independent valuation) 74,349 61,868

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 3,157 6,447 Depreciation for the Year 1,685 1,757 Retirements (155) 0 Revaluations (2,451) (5,047) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 2,236 3,157 Net Book Value – Buildings and Improvements 72,113 58,711

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuer for G.M. Brien & Associates Pty. Ltd., a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Piers, Jetties, and River Improvements and Buildings and Improvements at fair value, was to asses the depreciated replacement cost of any improvements, except for those with Heritage Victoria listings, in which case, asses the depreciated reproduction cost of any improvements. Parks Victoria has completed its second year of a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process to revalue its assets at fair value. Antiques Opening Balance 1,488 1,479 Revaluations (84) 9 Closing Balance Antiques (at independent valuation)* 1,404 1,488

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuers for Colliers International Consultancy and Valuation Pty. Limited, one a government approved valuer, the other a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Antiques at fair value, was to asses the dollar value, with reference to the active and liquid antiques’ auction market, having regard to the highest and best use of the asset, for which market participants would be prepared to pay. Parks Victoria has completed its second year of a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process to revalue its assets at fair value.

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

Other Opening Balance 7,173 6,826 Additions 728 400 Adjustments 0 (2) Retirements (17) (51) Closing Balance Other (at cost) 7,884 7,173

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

16. Property, Plant and Equipment (Continued) 16.1 Asset Category (Continued) 2004 2003 $’000 $’000

Accumulated Depreciation Opening Balance 4,157 3,283 Depreciation for the Year 892 882 Adjustment 0 (1) Retirements (2) (7) Closing Balance Accumulated Depreciation 5,047 4,157 60 Net Book Value – Other* 2,837 3,016

* Antiques were included within the asset class Other in 2002/03.

Works in Progress Opening Balance 6,366 4,805 Additions 3,786 5,546 Completed Property, Plant and Equipment (5,251) (3,985) Closing Balance Works in Progress (at cost) 4,901 6,366 Total Property, Plant and Equipment Net Book Value 922,780 831,764

Summary Property, Plant and Equipment (at independent valuation) 923,791 833,785 Property, Plant and Equipment (at cost) 12,785 13,539 Less Accumulated Depreciation (13,796) (15,560) Total Property, Plant and Equipment Net Book Value 922,780 831,764

16.2 Crown Land 2004 2004 2003 2003 Area (Hectares) $’000 Area (Hectares) $’000

Location You Yangs Regional Park 1,960 2,973 1,960 1,960 Eildon Water Reserve 533 530 533 530 Dandenong Police Paddocks 499 62,375 499 4,240 Bay Assets* 498 Not valued 498 Not valued Lighthouse Reserves 329 1,428 348 1,440 Dandenong Ranges Gardens 278 3,100 278 3,100 Buchan Caves Reserve 260 200 260 200 Albert Park 234 534,000 234 534,000 Serendip Sanctuary 227 700 227 700 Plenty Gorge 222 1,998 222 2,880 Yarra Valley 139 82,909 139 82,909 Werribee Park 135 3,478 164 6,000 Vaughan Springs 100 190 100 190 Rosebud Foreshore 91 4,989 91 4,989 Coolart 79 1,400 79 1,400 Mt Dandenong Observatory Reserve 72 480 72 480 Olinda Golf Course 34 370 34 370 Westgate 34 35,287 34 35,287

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 2004 2004 2003 2003 Area (Hectares) $’000 Area (Hectares) $’000 Maribyrnong Valley 22 1,122 25 930 Dandenong Valley 6 1,005 6 1,005 Peach Tree Creek 4 50 4 50 Point Cook/Cheetham 4 12 4 20 Herring Island 3 4,800 3 7,000 Orbost Rain Forest 1 30 1 30 Historic Buildings 1 318 5 3,405 Total Crown Land 5,765 743,744 5,820 693,115 * Represents sea beds located at Swan Bay (220 Ha), Queenscliff (137 Ha) and 141 Ha being sea beds under 31 piers located within Port Phillip Bay 61 and Western Port Bay.

Some parcels of Crown Land were transferred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment during the year. The revaluation process has ensured that the most accurate area (hectares) and dollar value has been disclosed.

2004 2003 $’000 $’000 17. Payables Current Unsecured Creditors and Accruals 6,973 10,941 Total Payables 6,973 10,941

18. Provisions Employee Benefits Provisions – Current Annual Leave 4,949 4,890 Long Service Leave 1,458 1,064 Total Employee Benefits Provisions – Current 6,407 5,954

Employee Benefits Provisions – Non-Current Long Service Leave 13,119 11,912 Total Employee Benefits Provisions – Non-Current 13,119 11,912 Aggregate Employee Benefits Liability 19,526 17,866 Number of Employees at Year-end 970 928

19. Contributed Capital Opening Balance – Contributed Capital 287,067 284,421 Capital Contributions from the Department of Sustainability and Environment 2,121 2,646 Total Contributed Capital 289,188 287,067

20. Reserves Movement in Asset Revaluation Reserve Opening Balance 538,435 305,415 Revaluation of Parks Victoria Assets: Crown Land and Land Improvements 59,553 197,221 Piers, Jetties and River Improvements 23,171 18,300 Buildings and Improvements 15,958 17,489 Other (10) 10 Net Increase/(Decrease) in Asset Revaluation Reserve 98,672 233,020 Total Reserves 637,107 538,435

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

2004 2003 $’000 $’000 21. Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) Movement in Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) Opening Balance (7,621) (6,732) Net Result for Reporting Period from Statement of Financial Performance (10,771) (889) Closing Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit) (18,392) (7,621)

22. Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities to Net Result for Reporting Period 62 Net Result for Reporting Period as per Statement of Financial Performance (10,771) (889) Depreciation for the Year 5,960 6,988 Provision for doubtful debts expense 94 52 Assets provided to/(from) external parties at nil consideration 5,347 (1,002) Loss/(Gain) on sale, retirement and/or revaluation of assets 265 44

Change in Assets and Liabilities Decrease/(Increase) in receivables (883) 624 Decrease/(Increase) in inventories (112) 0 Decrease/(Increase) in other current assets (316) 37 Increase/(Decrease) in provisions 1,660 1,107 Increase/(Decrease) in payables (3,968) 254 Net Cash from Operating Activities (2,724) 7,215

23. Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 23.1 Contingent Liabilities – Other Outstanding Claims There are minor claims against Parks Victoria arising out of various matters connected with its business dealings. 23.2 Contingent Assets There are no claims lodged by Parks Victoria arising out of matters connected with its business dealings.

24. Commitments 24.1 Capital Commitments Value of Commitments for Capital Expenditure at 30 June 2004 for the supply of Works, Services and Materials not provided for in the financial statements: Not Later than One Year 1,843 2,464 Later than One Year and Not Later than Five Years Later than Five Years Total Capital Commitments 1,843 2,464

24.2 Lease Commitments Total lease expenditure contracted for at balance date but not provided for in the financial statements in relation to non cancellable operating leases is as follows: Not Later than One Year 6,688 5,702 Later than One Year and Not Later than Five Years 11,227 9,240 Later than Five Years 1,447 2,577 Total Non Cancellable Operating Leases 19,362 17,519

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 25. Superannuation Parks Victoria contributes, in respect of its employees, to the superannuation schemes as shown in the following table:

Type of Contribution 2004 2003 Scheme Scheme Rate $’000 $’000 ANZ Personal Super Bond Accumulation 9% 13 18 Asgard Capital Management Ltd. Accumulation 9% 13 19 BT Funds Management Accumulation 9% 13 44 Emergency Services Superannuation Fund Defined 15.50% 15 15 Government Superannuation Office - New Scheme Defined 9-10% 1,190 1,176 63 Government Superannuation Office - Revised Scheme Defined 15.50% 200 203 Government Superannuation Office - State Employees Retirement Benefit Scheme Defined 12.50% 14 13 Local Authorities Superannuation - Port Employees Scheme Defined 12-18% 0 8 Local Authorities Superannuation - Port of Melbourne Authority Scheme Defined 18% 8 10 Local Authorities Superannuation - Revised Scheme Defined 15.25% 7 9 Local Authorities Superannuation - Transport Scheme Defined 12-18% 62 61 Local Authorities Superannuation Benefits - Albert Park Scheme Defined 9.25% 7 7 Local Authorities Superannuation Benefits - Dandenong Valley Scheme Defined 9.25% 8 9 Local Authorities Superannuation Plan - Water Industry Scheme Defined 7-15.25% 649 706 Nuis Nominees (Aust) Ltd. – Navigator Plan Accumulation 9% 9 62 Perpetual Investor Choice Retirement Fund Accumulation 9% 8 8 Perpetual Nominees Accumulation 9% 1 1 Potter Warburg Accumulation 9% 2 3 Private Superannuation Funds Accumulation 9% 9 10 UniSuper Ltd. Accumulation 9% 1 1 VicSuper Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 361 278 Vision Super Pty. Ltd. Accumulation 9% 1,189 1,206 Westpac Personal Superannuation Accumulation 9% 8 8 Total Contributions to All Funds 3,787 3,875

As at the reporting date there were outstanding contributions payable to the above funds of $13,781.

As at the reporting date, there were no loans to or from Parks Victoria to or from any of the above funds.

Parks Victoria is not liable for any unfunded liability in respect of the above employer sponsored defined benefits superannuation schemes.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

26. Resources Provided Free of Charge During 2003/04 significant community input in the form of voluntary labour was provided to Parks Victoria. This input included individual volunteers, Friends groups and community groups who provided approximately 19,000 days (2002/03 14,000 days) of voluntary support. Volunteers were involved in a range of activities including tree planting, revegetation, landscaping, camp hosting, cultural site protection and interpretation, flora and fauna monitoring, nursery maintenance and propagation, track clearing and construction, visitor information and interpretation, research and participation in the, Clean Up Australia Day, Spring Planting Festival and other events.

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

64 27. Auditor’s Remuneration Amounts paid/payable to: Victorian Auditor-General’s Office for the audit of the financial statements 44 44

28. Related Parties 28.1 Responsible Persons The names of persons who were Board Members at any time during the year ended 30 June 2004 were: K Fagg, P Galbally, R Gerrand, E Manahan, R Martin, P Robinson, D Saunders and G Wescott.

The name of the responsible Minister from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 was The Honourable John Thwaites MP.

The name of the accountable officer for the whole of the year ended 30 June 2004 was M Stone.

28.2 Board Members Remuneration Total remuneration received or due and receivable by Board Members from the reporting entity was: 97 106

2004 2003 Number Number

The number of Board Members of the reporting entity included in this figure is shown below: Income of: $0 to $9,999 11 $10,000 to $19,999 66 $20,000 to $29,999 11

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 28.3 Executive Officers Remuneration 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 Income received by Executive Officers whose income is more than $100,000 from the reporting entity was: 1,544 1,959

2004 2003 Number Number

The number of Executive Officers of the reporting entity included in this figure is shown below: Income of : 65 $100,000 to $109,999 01 $110,000 to $119,999 13 $120,000 to $129,999 02 $130,000 to $139,999 11 $140,000 to $149,999 32 $150,000 to $159,999 23 $160,000 to $169,999 10 $170,000 to $179,999 11 $200,000 to $209,999 11 Remuneration includes total employment package (including superannuation) paid plus bonuses earned for the prior year, annual leave and long service leave accrued over a number of years and paid on resignation and payments received for fire related activities.

2004 2003 $’000 $’000

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

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

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Notes to the Financial Statements For Year Ended 30 June 2004 (Continued)

30. Financial Instruments Total carrying amount as per Statement of Aggregate Financial Position net fair value 2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Cash Assets 7,813 12,333 7,813 12,333 Receivables 3,155 2,365 3,155 2,365 Total Financial Assets 10,968 14,698 10,968 14,698

66 Payables 6,973 10,941 6,973 10,941 Total Financial Liabilities 6,973 10,941 6,973 10,941

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

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

The weighted average cash interest rate earned for 2003/04 was 4.71 per cent (2002/03 4.45 per cent).

Intra* Inter** 2004 2003 2004 2003 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 31. Consolidation Elimination Entries During 2003/04 transactions were undertaken with other State Government controlled entities that amounted to: Assets (5,347) 1,002 Liabilities and Equity 2,121 2,646 Revenues 102,667 110,732 998 1,762 Expenses 11,015 13,540 4,178 5,278 * Intra transactions are those transactions undertaken within the Department of Sustainability and Environment portfolio. ** Inter transactions are those transactions undertaken outside the Department of Sustainability and Environment portfolio.

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

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Statutory Certificate

We certify that the Financial Statements of Parks Victoria have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Directions and Business Rules of the Financial Management Act 1994, Australian accounting standards (AAS and AASB standards) and other mandatory professional reporting requirements (including Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and Statements of Accounting Concepts).

In our opinion, the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Financial Performance, Statement of Cash Flows and Notes to the Financial Statements, present fairly the financial transactions for the year ended 30 June 2004 and the financial position of Parks Victoria at that date. 67

In our opinion, the financial statements comply with Financial Reporting Directions and Business Rules of the Financial Management Act 1994, Australian accounting standards (AAS and AASB standards) and other mandatory professional reporting requirements (including Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and Statements of Accounting Concepts).

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

K. Fagg Chairperson

M. Stone Chief Executive

J. Watson Chief Finance and Accounting Officer

Dated at Melbourne, 20 August 2004.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 Parks Victoria 1997-2004, A Snapshot

2003/04 •Major programs were undertaken in fire-affected areas. • Strategic Management Plans were finalised for the Visitor access was restored and many visitor facilities remainder of Victoria's Ramsar Wetlands of International replaced. Significant pest plant programs and monitoring Importance. projects to assess threatened flora and fauna species • Repairs and upgrades to visitor facilities were undertaken were undertaken. at sites across the box-ironbark park network. Directional • Improvements to a number of visitor sites were completed signs, entrance signs and information boards were during the year including the upgrading of facilities at Glen also installed. Nayook Bushland Reserve (Neerim South), revegetation • Launched the Marine National Parks and Marine of McConchie Reserve (City of Yarra); construction of a Sanctuaries Management Strategy 2003/10 and new fishing platform at Barwon River and construction developed a Marine Education Resource Kit for school of a new visitor shelter on Gem Pier (Williamstown). and community use.

2002/03 • The biggest wildfires since 1939 burnt 600,000ha • Agreements were reached with Indigenous communities of the parks system, affecting 38 parks and reserves in relation to Brambuk the National Park and Cultural 68 particularly in north east Victoria. 600 Parks Victoria Centre and Grampians National Park Management staff were involved in firefighting and rehabilitation works. Plan, and with Wotjobaluk Traditional Land Council. • 105,000ha of box-ironbark parks were added to • External assessments of the condition and value of the parks estate and 13 marine national parks and Parks Victoria’s visitor assets were completed to assist 11 marine sanctuaries were declared. 38 staff were in future planning and budgeting. appointed to plan and manage the new parks.

2001/02 • Over 1,000 environmental projects ($5.36 million) were •A Metropolitan Open Space Strategy called, ‘Linking implemented, in the largest on-ground program in the People + Spaces’ has been finalised, to protect and history of park management in Victoria. preserve Melbourne’s open space and ensure equitable • Launch of the approved management plan for Wilsons access for visitors. Promontory National Park. The new plan integrates • Redevelopment of the Rosebud foreshore in 2001/02 management of the park and of Tidal River. included a carpark and new toilet blocks and an extension of the Bay Trail.

2000/01 • The ‘State of the Parks 2000’ report was a world first – • The Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre was completed and the culmination of several years’ auditing work results officially opened. Built to strict environmental criteria the in a comprehensive report to guide future environmental Centre was a finalist in the 2001 Savewater Award for management of the estate. Water Conservation. • Changes to the NP Act 1997 added over 23,000 •Official opening of the rebuilt $1.5 million San Remo hectares to the estate and created six new parks: Jetty and Pelican Walk, which have greatly improved - Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP - French Island NP foreshore access and harbour facilities. - Lake Eildon NP - Bay of Islands CP -Cape Conran CP - Cape Liptrap CP

1999/00 • Parks Victoria joined with leading academic institutions • 22 projects were undertaken benefiting threatened to create the Environmental Research Partners Program. species, such as the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery This program develops research projects that will provide Project, which included partners from DNRE and a sound basis for managing the natural environment. Healesville Sanctuary, These critically endangered birds • Ecological burns stimulate seeding and regrowth were cared for in aviaries, prior to their reintroduction of many species that depend on fire to regenerate. to Bunyip State Park. In 1999/00, a large program of ecological burning •Completion of a $2.9 million asset renewal program was conducted in 29 parks and reserves. in East Gippsland and north east Victoria following the massive floods in 1998. We also completed an elevated structures risk management program.

1998/99 •A koala relocation program was undertaken at Mt Eccles • 150 Community and Friends Groups were involved in NP to maintain the park’s environmental balance after park management activities across the State, providing damage to the Manna Gum community. Kangaroo control a contribution equivalent to 120 extra full-time staff. A programs were also implemented at Woodlands Historic total of $5.3 million in grants was provided to community Park and Wyperfeld NP to alleviate damage to complex groups and local government to improve parklands ecosystems. Native animal management programs in throughout the State. Grant programs run each year. subsequent years are restoring ‘lost’ ecosystems •Official opening of the $8 million Karkarook Wetlands across the parks estate. in the south east of Melbourne and the $750,00 treetop walkway at Donna Buang Rainforest Gallery.

1997/98 • Parks Victoria, began a ‘stock take’ of the environmental •William Ricketts Sanctuary was upgraded to world condition of parks, their values and threats to those renowned tourist venue with completion of a new values. Parks across the state were audited. visitor gatehouse and other facilities. • In 1998 Victoria celebrated the centenary of two of our • Reconstruction of St Kilda Breakwater completed, first and best-loved national parks, Wilsons Promontory providing a safe harbour and an enhanced habitat and Mt Buffalo. Parks Victoria hosted major festivals at for the penguin colony. both parks.

Parks Victoria – Annual Report 2003/04 • Parks Victoria’s Board endorsed the Draft Indigenous • An extensive recruitment campaign created 50 new Partnership Strategy (IPS) for release for public operational positions in rural and regional Victoria. discussion, marking a milestone in Parks Victoria’s 16 new Indigenous staff were employed during the commitment to working with Victoria’s Indigenous year taking Indigenous staff numbers to 42. communities. • The expanding Healthy Parks, Healthy People program • Implemented a new school-based education program was adopted by NSW park agencies. at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre as •Produced a free, full-colour Guide to Victoria’s parks, part of a new cooperative arrangement agreement. reserves and waterways.

• The first stage of the Great Ocean Walk (Apollo Bay • Sustainable practices in resource, water and energy to Cape Otway) was opened (planned to extend to consumption were adopted across Parks Victoria. Glenample Homestead, Port Campbell National Park). A 30 per cent reduction in water use in metropolitan Major works were also completed at Boroka Lookout parks was particularly noteworthy. (Grampians National Park), Sorrento Pier and Rosebud Foreshore.

• Major works to piers and jetties and restoration of • Through a partnership with health organisations, the navigational aids in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. Healthy Parks, Healthy People campaign is promoting • Major works during the year included the establishment the contribution of parks to the health of individuals and society. It was state winner of the Australian Marketing of 800 metres of trail and two shared pedestrian and Institute Award and the 2002 Banksia Communications bicycle bridges across the Barwon River. Award. • Improving Parks Victoria’s sustainable practices included • Acclaimed Indigenous Cross-Cultural Training Prominent converting over 14 per cent of the vehicle fleet to LPG. elders and members of Victoria’s Indigenous communities conducted cultural awareness training for staff.

•Proclamation of a world leading integrated approach •To address peak demand for information and to managing and protecting wetland sites. interpretation in the summer, Parks Victoria employed •Provision of support to Melbourne’s major cultural and 48 seasonal rangers, many of them in regional areas. carnival events each year including, Australian Formula This is now an annual program. One Grand Prix, Sail Melbourne on Port Phillip Bay and •Produced Victoria’s National Parks, A Centenary History Moomba on the Yarra. (with the State Library of Victoria) – the first definitive •Programs to recognise and thank our volunteers were history of our national parks, from their geological implemented to celebrate International Year of Volunteers. origins to the present day.

• The reconstruction of South Channel Fort, a Port Phillip • The Indigenous Employment Program commenced Bay heritage icon was completed in time for summer, with the placement of seven Indigenous rangers and giving visitors access to the fort for the first time since three Indigenous cultural heritage specialists. This program 1997. won the 2001 Office of Public Employment’s Diversity • Completion of a comprehensive asset inventory of all at Work Award. our built structures. • The Victoria’s National Parks Explorer’s Guide was published in partnership with the private sector. This publication was the first comprehensive guide to all the major parks of Victoria.

• Completion of the iconic pedestrian bridge over Tidal • Parks Victoria established the Kookaburra Awards to River and a 7.5 kilometre section of the Great Prom Walk recognise outstanding individuals who are involved in at Wilsons Promontory NP. Aslo completed a $1.8 million protecting, enhancing and expanding Victoria’s parks initiative to reduce environmental impacts of wastewater system. at Tidal River and to provide a clean, safe water supply. • An education website launched and Centres of Education • Restoration and relocation of the South Channel Pile Excellence developed at four strategic sites. Light completed in Port Phillip Bay.

• Revegetation of 1,000 hectares completed at the site •A monitoring system was established to record visits of the Caledonia Fire in the Alpine NP as part of an to parks. More than 30 million visits were recorded ongoing rehabilitation program. in 1997/98. Under a more comprehensive monitoring • More than 37km of the Bay Trail completed with funding system introduced in 2001/02, visitor numbers more from the Parks Victoria Community Grants Program. than doubled, to 65 million. • Melbourne’s first ever Environmental Sculpture Park created • Parks Victoria’s Information Line, 13 1963, was established at Herring Island as part of the Melbourne Festival. to provide easy access to information about parks, Now a permanent feature of the arts scene. bays and rivers. • Popular Yarra Bend Park received a $1 million upgrade. Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Facsimile (03) 9629 5563

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

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