Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority Annual Report 2011-2012 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

This is the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority (Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA) Annual Report for the period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

This Annual Report has been structured around reporting our progress against our Catchment Action Plan themes of community, biodiversity, soils and land use and water. It meets all the requirements of relevant NSW legislation.

The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA works to help people in our communities look after their land for future generations.

We strive for balanced production and conservation within resilient landscapes. Contents

Chair’s Foreword 4 Executive Summary 5 Locating the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA 7 Successes Facilitated by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA 8 Understanding the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA 10 Governance of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA 11 Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Staff and Structure 20 Community Achievements 25 Biodiversity and Native Vegetation Achievements 33 Soils and Land Use Achievements 37 Water Achievements 41 Summary of Funds 45 Financial Statements 47 Compliance Checklist 74 Appendices 75 4 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Chair’s Foreword

As a board member for the past 3 years and through the Australian Government’s Acting Chair for the past six months it is a Caring For Our Country initiative privilege to welcome you to the eighth Annual for the program ‘Murries on Report of the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Barwon’. This project aims to Management Authority. make a significant difference to the health of the Barwon River 2011-12 has been an extremely busy year for the CMA. and provide new employment We have continued to deliver natural resource management and training opportunities programs under the Australian Government’s Caring For for Indigenous people in the Our Country program, Australian Government’s Carbon North West. Biodiversity Fund and Catchment Action NSW. In addition, we have invested considerable time upgrading our Catchment This year we have seen the departure of 3 inaugural board Action Plan (CAP). This has involved extensive community members, Cr Mal Peters, Ms Michelle Ramsay and Chair, Dr consultation and analysis to develop a strategy that Bob Crouch. I would like to thank them for their contribution supports the community within the Border Rivers and and dedication over the past 8 years and I would also like to Gwydir catchments to withstand the social, economic and acknowledge Bob for his leadership over the past 3 years, a climatic changes that they will face in the future. period of time where our organisation has established itself as a leader in the delivery of natural resource management Over the past year, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has extension services and on-ground programs. placed importance on working collaboratively and developing strong partnerships with organisations across our catchment This annual report is a record of our achievements for to further strengthen natural resource management strategic 2011-12 for which our staff and Board can be proud of. I direction (through the CAP), delivery and outcomes. A extend my thanks to the valuable contributions made by the flagship program, Weeds of National Significance (WoNS), community and the hard work of the Border Rivers-Gwydir was undertaken in partnership with landholders, the CMA staff and Board. Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Council, Landcare and the Inverell, Glen Innes Severn and Uralla Shire Councils Leanne Savage to achieve a coordinated approach to weed management. Acting Chair Another successful partnership was between the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA, Granite Borders Landcare and Northern Rivers CMA to engage landholders in the Tenterfield region to deliver the Flood Disaster Recovery Project. All three organisations combined their resources to assist landholders that had been affected by the January 2011 flood event. Over the past year, the We have had several successes within our Aboriginal Cultural Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Heritage program over the past year. The publication of Bush Tucker, Boomerangs and Bandages has been a huge success. has placed importance on Not only has it been distributed to all schools across our catchment, it is in nearly every national library and most working collaboratively universities and is already on its third reprint. and developing strong Our Aboriginal Reference Advisory Group (ARAG) has partnerships with been reinvigorated and is generating greater awareness of natural resource management and Aboriginal cultural organisations across our heritage issues across the catchment. They have initiated catchment the ‘Kids on Country’ program which gives Aboriginal youth the opportunity to learn all aspects of their cultural heritage on country. The CMA was successful in receiving funding ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 5

Executive Summary

Since inception in 2004, the Border Rivers-Gwydir Our Stakeholders – who we work with Catchment Management Authority has invested over Our stakeholders, the people and groups whose best interests $66 million in the region to foster understanding and we represent include: adoption of best practice in sustainable natural resource > landholders and landholder groups; management. This figure is substantially supported by > Aboriginal people; landholders and the broader community through their significant contribution of over $44 million. > Landcare and other community groups; > schools and education providers; In 2011-2012 the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA invested almost $4.4 million in the region and developed 145 partnerships > industry; with community groups, schools, government departments > local government; and agencies as well as industry which resulted in the > NSW Government; and management of over 83,000 hectares of land for improved > Australian Government natural resource management outcomes. A further 912,000 hectares was subject to aerial control of feral pigs. With the dedication of landholders, community members Explaining simply what the Border and other partners there are now over 1.6 million hectares Rivers-Gwydir CMA is and does under management for control of feral animals and invasive The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management weed species and soil condition and water quality has Authority is an advocate for natural resources in the improved through projects on 330,144 hectares of land catchment area. Through education, extension, funding across the catchment. and advice, we work with landholders and community to foster practices that yield a positive outcome for natural About the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA resources and productive agriculture. The Border Rivers- Gwydir CMA works to help people in our communities The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA covers an area of look after their land for future generations. 50,000 square kilometres in Northern NSW. It is bounded by the Queensland border to the north, the Great Dividing Range in the east, runs south to Uralla and west to the Barwon River at Collarenebri. The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment is home to a complex diversity of plants, birds, animals, soils, land use and communities. There are three principal Aboriginal nations within the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment area. These are the Kamilaroi, Banbai and Anaiwan nations. Each of these nations comprise of various tribes which are recognised as members of their respective tribal nation. One of 13 Catchment Management Authorities in NSW established under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is responsible for engaging with its local communities in the management of the catchment’s natural resources. We do this by implementing the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Catchment Action Plan, known as the “CAP”. The CAP is a 10-year plan, approved by the Minister for Natural Resources in 2006, that outlines clear and specific targets for the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA to achieve in delivering improvements in the condition of our natural resources. It is currently being upgraded to reflect a whole- of-government and whole-of-community approach to natural resource management. This Annual Report documents our achievements in the four CAP “theme” areas: Community, Biodiversity, Soils and Land Use and Water. 6 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Why our work is important The vision of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is to balance production and conservation within resilient landscapes. Working together, individuals and communities have the Resilience, in this context, is the ability of the system to knowledge, resources and clear vision of what they can absorb disturbance and still retain its basic function and do in their daily lives that will “make a difference” to structure (Walker and Salt, 2006). sustainable natural resource management. The Border The overriding principles of this concept are: Rivers-Gwydir CMA works hard to provide the knowledge and resources required. > We are all part of linked systems of humans and nature (socio-ecological systems). Everyday the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA engages with people as individuals or in community groups to provide > These systems are complex adaptive systems. expert advice, education and training on what can be done > Resilience is the key to the sustainability of to better manage the natural resources in our region. these systems. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is actively involved in its community, working with community groups, schools, government departments and agencies as well as industry to encourage adoption of best practice in sustainable natural resource management. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 7

Locating the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA

The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA extends across 50,000 based at the University of New England to better service square kilometres of northern NSW, adjoining the state Northern Tablelands communities. border with Queensland. There are 11 local government The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA also has an office in areas operating within the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Glen Innes which is shared with the National Parks & region, with a combined estimated population of 65,000. Wildlife Service and GLENRAC Landcare and enables the Moree and Inverell are the two major townships located Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA to tailor suitable solutions to within the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment area. The local issues in that area. Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has an office in each location. Our recently opened office in Goondiwindi, which is Armidale is one of the major service cities in northern NSW shared with the Queensland Murray Darling Committee, and is the hub of the Northern Tablelands. While Armidale makes the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA staff more accessible is located just outside the eastern boundary of the Border to communities such as Croppa Creek, North Star and Rivers-Gwydir catchment, we have an office in Armidale Mungindi, in the north of the catchment.

The Border Rivers- Gwydir CMA tailors suitable solutions to

The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment local issues. 8 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Successes Facilitated by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA

In 2011-2012 the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA successfully dispersed almost $4.4 million in 3. Weeds of National Significance Project investment funds by contracting with individuals, community groups, industry, and government In 2011-2012 the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Weeds agencies to implement and deliver best management of National Significance (WoNS) program invested practice natural resource management. Investment almost $270,000 in the east of the catchment to manage was received from natural resource management 11,600 hectares of land to reduce the impact of Chilean funding programs Caring For Our Country (CFOC), Needle Grass, Serrated Tussock, Blackberry and Willow. These WoNS projects also developed partnerships with Biodiversity Fund and NSW Catchment Action. 110 landholders, the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory While every contract stands alone as a significant Council, Landcare and the Inverell, Glen Innes Severn and achievement designed to deliver specific and measurable Uralla Shire Councils in a coordinated approach to weed natural resource management outcomes, some projects and management and control. The WoNS project reduced threats activities deserve special mention. to native habitat and improved biodiversity. 4. Highlights Tycannah Creek The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is working with six 1. Aboriginal Reference Advisory Group (ARAG) landholders with adjacent properties along a 41 kilometre stretch of Tycannah Creek to manage threats from invasive A very stable and enthusiastic Aboriginal Reference Advisory weed African Boxthorn and vertebrate pests (pigs, foxes Group (ARAG) has generated greater awareness of natural and cats) to remnants of native vegetation that are either resource management and Aboriginal cultural heritage issues Threatened Ecological Communities or Habitat for across the catchment in 2011-2012. The ARAG comprises of Threatened Species. representatives from the ten Local Aboriginal Land Councils All six landholders are also managing or revegetating within our catchment. There have been several initiatives grassed waterways to increase the ecosystem services to from the ARAG, including the ‘Kids on Country’ program, their agricultural production by addressing soil erosion and which gives Aboriginal youth the opportunity to learn all the supporting insect pest management by the provision of aspects of their cultural heritage on country. In 2011-2012, habitat for beneficial insects. Invertebrate monitoring will be the ARAG hosted three ‘Kids on Country’ events – one at undertaken by University of New England entomologists to Bassendean Indigenous Protected Area at Tingha (year 5 assess the benefits of grassed waterways. students), Aboriginal Site Awareness training at Mungindi (year 10 and 11 students) and a field study of Boobera Lagoon at Boggabilla with Moree Secondary College. 5. All Land Councils were effectively engaged in natural Flood Disaster Recovery Project 2011-2012 resource management as a result of ARAG activities. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA entered into a partnership with Granite Borders Landcare and Northern Rivers CMA 2. to engage landholders in the Tenterfield region to deliver Coordinated Pest Animal Control the Flood Disaster Recovery Project 2011-12. All three organisations combined their resources to assist landholders Pest animal control activities, with a particular focus that had been affected by the January 2011 flood event. on pigs and foxes, were carried out across six adjoining Ten landholders entered into contracts with the Border properties in the Milly, Gurley, Boggy and Tycannah Rivers-Gwydir CMA to address flood related works. This areas. The activities spanned an area of 5,000 hectares. is in addition to 53 landholders contracted through the The impact of these pest species on native flora and fauna Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Flood Recovery Funding in the and agricultural production is enormous. This project previous year. In 2011-12 an additional 17 landholders were improved landholders’ understanding of the value of also assisted by Granite Borders Landcare in the Border a coordinated approach to pest control as it is widely Rivers catchment. This project has improved the condition understood among professionals that the benefits of of riparian areas by improving soil condition, aiding the coordinated and strategic management of feral animals is far recovery of threatened species and rehabilitating stream beds more effective than targeting one property at a time. and banks. The coordinated pest animal control project was complemented by a series of Pest Animal Management workshops that were well attended by landholders and the broader community. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 9

Invertebrates & Fauna in Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) on 8. 6. Purple Spotted Gudgeon Travelling Stock Routes Students at Mingoola Public School netted a rare An initial survey of invertebrates in TECs south of Moree along ‘Purple Spotted Gudgeon’ while taking part in a the Newell Highway revealed some startling results. Some Waterwatch day on the Severn River, facilitated by the of the outstanding results were for an area of Weeping Myall Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. The Purple Spotted Gudgeon Woodland where, of the 41 wasps captured 40 species were is listed as an endangered species in NSW. It was once identified, all of which are parasitoids that could be assisting widespread throughout inland waters but is now extremely with crop pest management. Of the 43 beetles captured, rare, however there have been sightings of the Gudgeon in 14 species were identified and from the 15 spiders captured, the upper reaches of the Border Rivers catchment where 11 species were identified. Further invertebrate sampling will breeding populations continue to survive. The Gudgeon be conducted in conjunction with Tycannah Creek landholders. recorded by the students in the Severn River at Mingoola A 14 day fauna survey was conducted at 11 native vegetation provides an important addition to scientific knowledge about sites of either Threatened Ecological Communities or the distribution of the unusual fish and indicates healthy habitat for threatened species on Bellata/Millie/Gurley in-stream vegetation and good water quality. At the Travelling Stock Reserves and revealed some amazing Waterwatch day at Mingoola the school students were also results. 155 native fauna species have persisted in the searching for water bugs and testing for salinity, pH levels, area, however many common and rare species which were turbidity and water temperature. expected to occur were not found. Overall 12 species that are listed as either vulnerable or endangered, were found. The survey results demonstrated that these remnant areas 9. Community Support & Engagement are in excellent condition and are extremely valuable to Schools Project biodiversity in adjacent areas. It also demonstrated the importance of their preservation and our understanding The Community Support and Engagement Schools project of the systems. held 22 school activities or workshops across the catchment from Tenterfield to Mungindi and from Bingara to Uralla. These activities have increased awareness of natural 7. Murries on Barwon resource management among over 1100 students. Activities included testing and assessing water quality and catchment In 2011-2012, the Murries on Barwon project, funded by the management and health, biodiversity, frogs, seed collection Caring For Our Country initiative, employed seven Aboriginal and propagation as well as events such as National Water participants to undergo training in Conservation and Land Week, the Frog Dreaming Conference and Keep Australia Management and complete on-ground works applicable Beautiful’s Eco Mentors – Waste program which was to their studies and the local environment. The project is delivered to all primary schools in the Inverell Shire. scheduled for completion in June 2013 in which time the trainees will have completed a number of training certificates that will enable them every opportunity to gain employment. 10. While undertaking training, the program will deliver a range Service Delivery of on-ground natural resource management activities in the As part of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s plan to foster Mungindi district. closer relationships with clients across the entire catchment, we established a local presence in both Glen Innes and Goondiwindi in 2011-2012. The CMA teamed up with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in Glen Innes in July 2011 to share an office. In January 2012 we formed a partnership with the QLD Murray Darling Committee to share the Committee’s office in Goondiwindi. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA now has offices in Inverell, Moree, Armidale, Glen Innes and Goondiwindi which makes CMA staff and services more accessible to communities throughout the catchment and enables us to tailor appropriate solutions to suit local issues.

10 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Understanding the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA

Our Purpose Our purpose is to help people in our communities look after their land for future generations.

Our Vision Our vision is balanced production and conservation within resilient landscapes.

Our Key Strategic Directions 1. Lead natural resource management investment; 2. Secure active community participation in natural resource management; 3. Implement evidence based planning; and 4. Be a well governed organisation Our Function The specific functions of CMAs, as described in Section 15 of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, are to: > Develop Catchment Action Plans (CAPs) and ensure their delivery through annual implementation programs; > Provide loans, grants, subsidies or other financial assistance for catchment activities; > Enter contracts or do any work for the purposes of catchment activities; > Assist landholders to achieve the objectives of the CAP; > Provide educational and training courses and materials in connection with natural resource management; and > Exercise any other function relating to natural resource management as prescribed by the regulations. Our Values and Guiding Principles > Excellence in delivery of Natural Resource Management > A strong commitment to service > Collaboration and teamwork > Utmost integrity Our Major Funding Providers > Personal responsibility > Australian Government – Caring For Our > Accountability for actions and decisions Country initiative > Results driven > Australian Government – Biodiversity Fund > Respect for others > NSW Government – Catchment Action NSW ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 11

Governance of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA

A NSW Government A review of the Native Vegetation Regulation commenced in 2011-2012 and plans to offer new exemptions and a Statutory Authority streamlined approach that places greater trust in landholders The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is a NSW Government to manage the land sustainably. It also plans to offer statutory authority which reports directly to the Minister increased flexibility and transparency without compromising for Primary Industries. In the formation of Catchment environmental outcomes. Management Authorities it was recognised that the people Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 best placed to respond to the challenges of sustainable natural resource management in each region are the people In 2003, as the NSW Government was establishing the that live in that community. Each CMA is governed by a 13 Catchment Management Authorities, it also established Board whose members live in the catchment and are people the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) and the Natural with diverse backgrounds and expertise in agriculture, Resources Commission Act 2003. The Natural Resources community service and natural resource management Commission Act 2003 sets a framework for: thinking and practice. In 2011-2012 the Border Rivers- > establishing a sound scientific basis for the properly Gwydir CMA operated with a seven member Board. informed management of natural resources in the social, The following legislation and Government bodies are core to economic and environmental interests of the State; the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA business. > enabling the adoption of State-wide standards and targets for natural resource management issues; and Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 > advising on the circumstances in which broadscale The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is one of 13 Catchment clearing is to be regarded as improving or maintaining Management Authorities established under the Catchment environmental outcomes for the purposes of the Native Management Authorities Act 2003. Vegetation Act 2003. The Act sets a framework for: Department of Trade & Investment, Regional > Ensuring that decisions about natural resources take Infrastructure & Services – Primary Industries into account appropriate catchment issues as well as Staff of Catchment Management Authorities are employed by State-wide standards; the Primary Industries division of the Department of Trade > Involving communities in each catchment in decision & Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services (DTIRIS). making and to make best use of catchment knowledge DTIRIS as the host agency provides people and performance and expertise; services to the CMA. These services include strategic human > Ensuring the proper management of natural resources resource management support, advice, case management in the social, economic and environmental interests of support, dispute resolution, job matching and evaluation, and the State; work health and safety programs, systems and reporting and > Applying sound scientific knowledge to achieve a fully training. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has a close working functioning and productive landscape; and relationship with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. > Financial assistance and incentives to landholders in NSW Department of Finance & Services connection with natural resource management. The NSW Department of Finance & Services provides Native Vegetation Act 2003 & Native Vegetation administrative services to the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Regulation 2005 through its commercial arm ServiceFirst. Services provided by ServiceFirst include: One of the most important roles of the NSW Catchment Management Authorities is to administer the Native > Business Services including payroll processing, Vegetation Act 2003, which aims to end broad scale land superannuation, recruitment and employee management clearing in NSW while providing long-term certainty for (entitlements and records); farmers. The regulation associated with the Act came into > Financial Management including maintenance of effect on December 31, 2005. accounting systems, GST and tax accounting services The Native Vegetation Act 2003 sets a framework for: and audit; > Information and Communication Technology including > Ending broad-scale clearing unless it improves or support, provision of specific business applications and maintains environmental outcomes; internet and email; and > Encouraging revegetation and rehabilitation of land with > Asset Services including procurement, waste reduction native vegetation; and and fleet management. > Rewarding farmers for good land management. 12 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

NSW Treasury A series of Resilience Workshops were held in Inverell The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA reports to the Department which provided invaluable feedback and information to be of Trade, Investment & Regional Infrastructure Services on integrated into the final CAP document. financial matters which are then reported to Treasury to assist Participants included a number of private landholders, in Treasury budgeting and forward estimates. as well as representatives from key organisations such as Australian Government the Department of Primary Industries, the NSW Farmers Association, Landcare, Local Government and the Rural In 2008 the Australian Government introduced its Caring Financial Counselling Service. For Our Country Program. Caring For Our Country is an Australian Government initiative that seeks to achieve an The objective of the Resilience Workshops was to bring environment that is healthy, better protected, well managed, people with different perspectives together to identify key resilient and provides essential ecosystem services in a drivers of change in our natural resources and our community, changing climate. The Australian Government provides and to consider how the CAP will need to respond to change the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA with a secure base level and future challenges. Almost 60 people took part in the funding to 2012-2013 to deliver Caring For Our Country four workshops that analysed issues affecting soil, water, targets. Under contract to the Australian Government the biodiversity and community assets in the catchment. Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA aligns national target priorities The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has now reached the final with regional Catchment Action Plan priorities to achieve stages of preparing the Catchment Action Plan upgrade and environmental outcomes. has begun the critical task of writing the new CAP for the next decade. Our Catchment Action Plan In NSW, Catchment Action Plans have been developed Investment Program for all 13 NSW CMAs as a tool to manage natural Simply put, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Investment resources sustainably. Program is the program that implements our Catchment The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA CAP was developed in Action Plan and delivers on the Australian Government’s consultation with the community to set achievable goals Caring For Our Country targets and NSW 2021 targets. that would maintain and improve the condition of natural The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s strategy for investment resources within the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA to 2016. is to get the best value for our State and Australian The CAP was approved by NSW Cabinet in 2006. Government funding. The CAP identifies the key natural resource features that we While we have primarily an extension focus, on-ground need to protect and improve, and it outlines the best ways to works are still a significant component of our investment. do it. It sets targets and guiding principles for decisions as To target our investment we assess mapping and research, we work to: conduct surveys and consult landholder and community representatives to determine their priorities to incorporate > Engage our community in understanding the impacts into our Investment Program. humans have on our landscape; > Safeguard our unique biodiversity; The Board and Management of the Border Rivers-Gwydir > Protect and improve our environment and preserve the CMA have identified the following principles which apply to health of our soils; and the Investment Program for 2011-12: > Improve the health and condition of our rivers, creeks Priority Areas: The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA will and wetlands. invest in spatially defined geographic priority areas that address multiple natural resource management targets. In the 2011-2012 financial year, the Border Rivers-Gwydir Seven new priority areas have been identified. Most CMA has been working extensively to upgrade the Catchment work in the priority areas in 2011-2012 will involve Action Plan. The upgrade commenced with 17 community baseline environmental assessment, relationship building, consultation meetings across the Border Rivers-Gwydir collaboration and education. region to determine what the community value as the most important natural and community assets. These assets were mapped and analysed and assisted the Catchment Action Plan working group to identify systems throughout the catchment on which to build the CAP. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 13

The 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Investment Program has A Focus on Extension and Practice Change: Past been applied as follows: investments have involved considerable financially induced, on-ground contracts with individual landholders to “buy” a) 45% of the investment directed to the seven new natural resource management implementation momentum. priority areas. This has been assisted by relationship building and on-farm b) 25% of the investment spent on “extension hotspots” demonstration sites. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA will identified across the region. instigate a reversal of this emphasis (more on relationships c) 20% of the investment spent in the existing priority and extension and less on “buying” participation). sub-catchments that have been the focus of investment in Relationships include Local Government, schools and higher the past two years. This occurred in 2011-12 only. education institutions, various Government departments, d) 10% of the investment spent on flood disaster Landcare and other environmental organisations and environmental recovery. This occurred in 2011-12 only. diverse philanthropic and environmental sources and more e) In 2012-13, the funding initially assigned to the one year participation by the local community. initiatives outlined above will be reassigned to implement Adaptive Management: Investment will be consistent with new CAP targets. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) State and National Priorities: Projects will only address principles. Adaptive management is a core foundation of the national priorities and State Targets and priorities that are Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s Strategic Plan. relevant to the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA catchment. Financial efficiency: All projects must be delivered in the Collaboration: Collaborative actions will be achieved most efficient manner possible. across all programs. Establishing partnerships will provide the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA with access to additional Intergenerational Equity: The Border Rivers-Gwydir investment in natural resource management within the CMA will consider the principles of intergenerational catchment as well as access to expertise and knowledge. equity and the precautionary principle in developing and designing projects. 14 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Quality Standards: The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA > Engender respect for Indigenous people; will apply the NSW Standard for Quality Natural > Recognise the social context of Natural Resource Management. Resource Management; Central to the achievement of these principles are the > Recognise the economic context of Natural following objectives that guide the delivery of the Investment Resource Management; and Program. All actions undertaken must: > Be robust to change. > Be outcomes focused; > Be based on sound education and extension practice;

Priority Areas ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 15

NSW Standard for activities undertaken by CMAs and Terms of Appointment Quality Natural Resource to facilitate improvement in natural Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board resource management in NSW. members are appointed by the Management The audit framework is based on a Minister for a term of up to three While the role of the Natural risk management approach - that is years. The former Chair of the Border Resources Commission is to provide identifying and evaluating the risks Rivers-Gwydir CMA, Dr Bob Crouch, the NSW Government with independent to effective CAP implementation. was appointed to the role of Chair advice on a range of natural resource This allows the audit to focus in October 2008 and completed his issues, it also provides guidance to on areas most likely to result in term in December 2011. Leanne Catchment Management Authorities improved performance. Savage was appointed to the position and it has done this by developing the The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA of Acting Chair in January 2012. NSW Standard for Quality Natural continues to apply an adaptive Board Attendance Resource Management. management approach to ensuring The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board compliance with the NSW Standard for The NRC, under its Act (the Natural met 11 times in 2011-2012. Board Quality Natural Resource Management. Resources Commission Act 2003), is member attendance was as follows: required to audit the effectiveness of implementation of Catchment Action Our Board Bob Crouch: 6/6; Michelle Ramsay: 3/4; Plans and compliance with the NSW Mal Peters: 3/4; Leanne Savage: 10/11; Standard for Quality NRM and NSW The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Jim Burley: 10/11; Grahame Marriott: State NRM Targets. The Catchment Board sets the strategic direction 10/11; Sue Hudson: 5/11; Angela Management Authorities Act also through the Catchment Action Plan Doering: 3/3; Jim Benton: 2/3. and the Strategic Plan. The Border requires the Minister to ensure CAPs The Board also participated in two out Rivers-Gwydir CMA Executive are audited at least every five years. of session meetings via teleconference Management Team then develops in 2011-12. The NRC’s audit framework has operational plans and allocates staff two purposes - to provide confidence and resources to achieving the Board’s to the wider community of the strategic direction. 16 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Board Members Michelle Ramsay Dr Bob Crouch Michelle has a degree in Agricultural Bob, with his wife Pauline have been Mal Peters Economics from the University of farming their 1,110 hectares on Bakers Mal Peters operates a 5460 hectare Sydney and is a partner in a family Creek near Bundarra for the past beef and sheep property near farming business in the Border Rivers seven years. After a career spanning Ashford in Northern NSW. He is catchment, as well as having her own 30 years with the NSW Soil currently a director of the Rural natural resource issues consulting Conservation Service, the property Assistance Authority and Agricultural business. Michelle’s professional provides an opportunity to put into Health Australia. experience relates practice years of research integrating Mal is a life member of the to socio- biodiversity with production. economic Australian Farm Institute and Bob and Pauline run sheep, cattle and aspects NSW Farmers’ goats on native pastures and use the of natural Association of grazing characteristics of the different resource which he is livestock types to management, a former manage and catchment President. develop the planning pasture In 2007, he and community base while was a member engagement processes and water reform looking after of an expert and management issues. panel dedicated the local to look at the impacts of drought on Michelle is a graduate of the Murray- ecosystems on farmers and rural communities for the Darling Basin Leadership Program the property. (2002 course) and has worked on Federal Government. He is currently Bob brought a combination of projects throughout the Murray Darling the Chairman of the Regional Inland scientific and technical knowledge to Basin as a Natural Resource and Socio Development Board. the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board Economist and has also worked in combined with wide experience in Mal is a passionate defender of rural China in this capacity. She was closely Government process along with his Australia working to grow opportunities involved in the water reform process practical experience. while retaining the current services and from 2000 to 2003, in the Macquarie way of life. Valley of NSW. Bob has a strong interest in natural resource management and was Mal completed his term on the In addition to her professional appointed as a Board member in 2004. Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board in experience, Michelle’s involvement in In October 2008 Bob was appointed October 2011. natural resource management in the as Chair and completed his term in Border Rivers-Gwydir comes from her December 2011. family’s mixed farming business, which straddles the Dumaresq River on both sides of the NSW/QLD border. Michelle completed her term on the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board in October 2011. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 17

Leanne Savage Jim Burley Grahame Marriott Leanne joined the Border Rivers- Jim and his wife have owned and Grahame Marriott is based in Gwydir CMA in 2009 with the aim operated their 1079 hectare beef Inverell and has followed a path in to contribute to natural resource cattle and sheep enterprise at Moree support of sustainable agriculture management on a regional level. for the past 18 years. Jim introduced and communities throughout his Leanne is a strong believer in no-till farming to the property as it life. Grahame has worked with building partnerships and the had been continuously farmed for the Commonwealth Department of community’s capacity to implement the previous thirty years. He has now Aboriginal Affairs, natural resource management on an converted the entire property back to has been a wool individual, local/business and regional natural pastures. classer in the level to ensure sustainability for our New England Jim has had an ongoing interest in current and future generations. and North natural resource management that West area, Leanne Savage was raised on and spans over 30 years. consultant to actively involved in the family property He was a member ATSIC both In located at Guyra, where her father of the Joint the Kimberley ran fine wool merinos and breeding Wool Selling region of Western cattle. Leanne’s interest in natural Organisation Australia and northern NSW, a trainer resource management began on the Board, which and then Project Manager at Inverell family property and her interest regulated the Skill Training Inc. and Managing and involvement has increased sale of all wool Director and Company Secretary of exponentially since in Australia, from BEST Employment Ltd in Inverell. graduating with 1974 – 1994. He a Bachelor Grahame considers himself fortunate to was also a trustee on the Board of the of Science have gained catchment sustainability Superannuation Fund which was the (Biology/ knowledge early in his career. He built test case that created occupational Environmental on this knowledge while working with superannuation (now known as the Science) from the Industries Assistance Commission’s Industry Superannuation funds). the University fruit growing reconstruction studies of Queensland. Prior to moving to Moree, Jim was in the Murray Valley. His work with Leanne has based in Sydney for 23 years and was cattle enterprises in the Kimberley/ undertaken water quality research an industrial advocate representing Fitzroy region of Western Australia in the Murray River and associated workers unions. reinforced his interest in sustainable wetlands and potable water supplies in “all of catchment” land use and On purchasing his property and the Adelaide region. management practices. moving to Moree in 1994 Jim became Upon returning to Guyra, she balanced a trustee, representing 19 landholders, Grahame has also spent many years being a grazier and developing an of the first (Gil Gil/Bogamilda Bores) working for and with community off-farm career in environmental Cap & Pipe System in conjunction with based not for profit organisations. management and education. Leanne the State Government. Many of these organisations have has held various positions including given him inspiration in successfully Deputy Chair of the Mid-north Coast brokering local solutions as well as Catchment Management Board, a exceeding established standards of Landcare coordinator for the Malpas corporate governance. Catchment and Project Manager for a civil engineering company. As a consultant Leanne developed and managed many environmental projects and education programs across the New England-North West Region with the aim to increase the community’s awareness and capacity of natural resource management. 18 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Sue Hudson Angela Doering Jim Benton Sue Hudson is a Wiradjuri woman Angela Doering’s interest in natural Jim is a Glen Innes cattle producer who now lives in Armidale in northern resource management stems from an who’s been farming since the 70s. Over NSW. Her husband and family are fifth involvement in the family farming the years he became disillusioned generation landholders at Uralla, where business. She and husband Andrew with traditional farming practices and they run a superfine wool and cattle take a holistic approach to their stud in 2001 when a deluge washed away enterprise. She is an archaeologist cattle and mixed farming operation at a freshly seeded pasture and caused specialising in environmental and Crooble south of Croppa Creek, where significant damage to his soil, the event Aboriginal sites and relics including they realise that for their land to be in proved the catalyst that prompted advising on preservation of these sites good health, and good shape for future him to investigate alternative land and the moral and legal aspects of generations, they have to be management strategies. site protection. good custodians. Jim has since moved to a rotational A lot of Sue’s work involves introducing Angela is also a grazing system that preserves soil Aboriginal people to environmental Gwydir Shire structure and builds projects and bringing the local Councillor, organic matter. Aboriginal and farming communities involved in Jim Benton together. She is numerous has also been particularly committees and the Chair of enthusiastic appointments, the regional about providing including Council’s Landcare advice and representative on the Border organisation training in Region/Gwydir Water working GLENRAC for the schools as it is Group and the Murray Darling Basin last three years. essential that the Advisory Committee. future managers of the catchment are knowledgeable about its history. Sue works with students from schools, TAFE colleges and universities, especially those working in Aboriginal Studies, archaeology and anthropology. She also conducts workshops for non- Indigenous people that include Cultural Awareness, Aboriginal site recognition, and working with Indigenous groups. Sue also works with agencies, training them both in the field and workplace to identify Aboriginal and European sites, how to record and document them and who to approach locally to have these sites registered and protected. She conducts Cultural Awareness Training for environmental agencies and organisations, field trips for cultural learning and workshops for documenting heritage sites and places of significance to local communities. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 19

Governance - Board Committees Strategic Natural Resource Management Committee (formerly Biodiversity Committee) Consistent with achieving good corporate governance of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA, the Board has established The Strategic Natural Resource Management Committee several committees that aid the operations of the organisation. ensures that strategy developed within the organisation These Committees are briefly described below: balances production and conservation within resilient landscapes. During the 2011-2012 financial year the Corporate Governance, Audit and Strategic Natural Resource Management Committee met Risk Committee four times and was convened by Jim Burley with members The Corporate Governance, Audit and Risk Committee’s Jim Benton and Grahame Marriott. particular focus is transparent accountable and best practice Climate Variability Committee (formerly Climate business management. During the 2011-2012 financial year Change Committee) the Corporate Governance, Audit and Risk Committee met four times. The Committee was convened by Leanne Savage The Climate Change Committee’s main responsibility is to with members Jim Burley, Grahame Marriott and Sue Hudson develop and recommend Climate Change policy to the Board. and was supported by the Business Manager and Business During the 2011-2012 financial year the Climate Variability & Investment Officer – Governance. Committee met three times and was convened by Grahame Marriott with members Bob Crouch and Michelle Ramsay. Finance Committee Recruitment Committee The Finance Committee’s primary role is to ensure complete, accurate and reliable financial performance The Recruitment Committee’s role is to carry out the of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. It has delegated recruitment of Board members and the General Manager of functions in accordance with Section 18 of the Catchment the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. It meets as required and, Management Act 2003. The Board’s Finance Committee met due to Board recruitment during the 2011-2012 financial 11 times and was convened by Jim Burley with members year, the Recruitment Committee met twice. The Recruitment Leanne Savage and Michelle Ramsay and was supported Committee was convened by the Chair Bob Crouch until by the Business Manager. December 2011 and then Leanne Savage from February to June 2012 with members Jim Burley, Michelle Ramsay and Performance Review Committee Sue Hudson. The Performance Review Committee assists the Border Strategic Planning Days Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board to discharge its responsibility to measure the performance of the Board, Board The Board held four strategic planning sessions in committees, the Chair, individual Board members and the 2011-2012. Strategic issues discussed during the year General Manager as part of its commitment to achieving included: the Natural Resources Commission Audit and continuous improvement. the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Investment Program. During the 2011-2012 financial year the Performance Review Committee met six times and was convened by the Chair Bob Crouch until December 2011 and then by Leanne Savage from February to June 2012 with members Jim Burley and Grahame Marriott. 20 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Staff and Structure

Message from General Manager Local People, Local Service This year, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA deployed our Overview decentralised business model, opening new offices in The 2011-12 financial year will be remembered as the year Glen Innes in July 2011 and Goondiwindi in January 2012 in which the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA demonstrated and consolidating our Armidale office. This brings the strong performance in the implementation of our Catchment number of service centres in our region to five, including Action Plan as evidenced by the Natural Resources Moree and our Head Office in Inverell. Commission Audit. The purpose in creating the new service centres was to The second performance audit conducted by the Natural ensure that our staff were living locally, engaging in the Resources Commission demonstrated the significant progress local communities and consequently in a better position to made by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA since 2009 in understand and respond to local issues. meeting the requirements of the NSW Standard for Quality Natural Resource Management. Securing Investment For Our Region I commend the Board and our dedicated team of staff who In 2011-12 we were successful in securing additional funding have worked so hard to create an organisation to be proud of. towards achieving a balance of production and conservation within our region including: Business Focus for 2011-12 > Two projects valued at $5,017,600 over 6 years through The strong NRC Audit outcome was a result of a strategic the Australian Government Biodiversity Fund to restore, and adaptive approach by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA revegetate and manage threats to native vegetation within to ongoing business improvement. Business improvement priority areas identified to enhance connectivity across initiatives within the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA for the landscape. 2011-12 focused on achieving the following core priorities: > $120,000 to contain and reduce the impact of Harissia 1. Increase organisational capacity and resilience. cactus on biodiversity. 2. Embed natural resource management extension and > $238,000 to assist landholders to be better prepared to advisory services as core business. respond to climate change and natural disasters under the 3. Review and upgrade the Catchment Action Plan. Rebuilding the West: flood recovery and future readiness 4. Embed adaptive management within CMA business for climate variability project. and culture. > $376,000 over two years for Murries on Barwon Project 5. Align the Programs to reflect the functional which aims to protect critical aquatic ecosystems on responsibilities of the Strategic Plan. the Barwon River utislising a local Aboriginal team to 6. Embed high standards of Quality Assurance and undertake strategic on-ground actions. consistency of business systems across the CMA. Catchment Action Plan These core priorities focused the efforts of the The Review of our Catchment Action was a core business Management Team throughout the year, with progress focus for 2011-12, with a draft CAP due for release before monitored by the Board. December 2012. Our new Catchment Action Plan will be underpinned by Resilience Thinking and will use socio-ecological landscapes as a focus for future planning and investment in the region. New Priority Investment 2011-12 saw the deployment of investment to new priority areas across the NSW Border Rivers and Gwydir valleys. An analysis of new biophysical datasets available to the CMA and alignment with funding programs of the NSW and Australian Government resulted in the identification of new landscapes for focusing investment activity. These priority areas are located primarily in the Darling Riverine Plains where native vegetation and riverine landscape priorities intersected. Further information can be found on our website www.brg.cma.nsw.gov.au. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 21

Business Focus for 2012-13 The Future Structural reform associated with the Review of Regional Looking to 2012-13 and beyond presents significant Service Delivery represents alternative futures and new opportunity for the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA and all opportunities for the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. practitioners of natural resource management in our region. Under a newly established Catchment Action The 2012-13 strategy for enhancing the capacity of the Plan, I look forward to a coalition of partners – CMA, Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA team to deliver services to Government, Landcare, industry, landholders and others our community in an uncertain environment is based on working to achieve a resilience based CAP, operating on a 4 principles: shared understanding of each partners’ strengths and the 1. Consolidation of core business. opportunities for synergy and effectiveness offered by an 2. Reduction of business scope. effective regional adaptive governance model. 3. Retention of current staff. This future will involve embracing and adapting to change, 4. Risk management. driving innovation and above all recognising that natural Core to the business focus for 2012-13 is consolidation and resource management is about helping people in our embedding what we have already created. In addition to communities look after their land for future generations. consolidating the business priorities established for 2011-12, Once again, I would like to thank the team of staff that are the two additional priorities will provide a business improvement Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA for their positive attitude, hard focus in the year ahead: work and dedication and the Board for their leadership. > Community engagement and advocacy. I would also like to extend my thanks to all the partners and > Effective delivery of Native Vegetation Management contributors who have worked with us over the last year and legislation. continue to work with us in the future – our business exists for you. Paul Hutchings General Manager 22 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Management Team Annabel Sides Business Manager Paul Hutchings Annabel Sides has a Bachelor of Business and prior to General Manager commencing with the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA in Paul was appointed as General Manager in September April 2005, she was involved in Corporate Governance and 2010, having joined the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA finance in Brisbane. Annabel’s role was to ensure transparent team as Program Manager (Operations) in May 2005. financial and operational management. Paul has extensive management experience in leading the development and implementation of catchment Previous to this Annabel held various positions in scale programs to build community capacity in natural administration and financial management, as well as resource management. owning and operating a small business for several years. In a “farm focused” career in NSW Government, Paul Annabel and her family operate a grazing enterprise east has worked across the Murray Darling Basin in a range of of Inverell. management and extension roles. This has included working She is also a director on the New England Livestock Health in the Murrumbidgee CMA and in varied roles under former & Pest Authority Board. State Agencies such as Department of Land and Water Conservation. These included: Senior Natural Resource Amanda Bigelow Officer and Regional Environmental Review Coordinator in Program Manager (Planning & Engagement) Wagga-Wagga, Catchment Manager in Hay and Deniliquin, Amanda Bigelow has a well established career in Crown Reserves Administration Officer in Blacktown, and conservation and natural resource management, particularly Clearing Cultivation Licensing Officer in Dubbo. in the development of regional and river catchment management. She has worked both in Australia and Paul has also worked with Sydney Water Corporation as internationally, with a focus on developing partnerships and a Systems Management Engineer and holds a Bachelor of strategies for the better management of natural resources. Science and Graduate Diploma of Natural Resources from the University of New England, with geomorphology, soil and Amanda has worked for such organisations as Land and water engineering as the majors. Water Australia and the International River Foundation, on a diverse range of issues and landscapes across the country In early 2012, Paul was appointed Chair of the Environmental from Victoria through to northern and eastern Australia, Contingency Allowance Operations Advisory Committee central Queensland, and the Wet Tropics. Amanda has also which advises Government on the use of environmental water been involved in creating partnerships with Indigenous in the Gwydir Valley. Paul is Convenor of the NSW CMAs Australians for their co-management in the Wet Tropics of Native Vegetation Working Group that represents all CMAs in Queensland World Heritage Area, and in several National native vegetation matters. Parks in Queensland. Amanda is a recipient of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship where she investigated Indigenous and local peoples’ engagement in natural resource management in Canada, New Zealand and Africa. Prior to joining the Border Rivers–Gwydir CMA she was involved in developing national guidelines for wetland protection and management in China. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 23

Gully erosion repairs

Our Staff As staff, we are also part of the community. We have participated as volunteers in community activities during Our team is highly skilled, experienced and motivated. 2011-2012 including the Clean Up Australia Day campaign All demonstrate exceptional dedication to their duties in Inverell, Relay for Life and Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA and have contributed to delivering significant natural Inverell and Moree Offices hosted a Cancer Council’s Biggest resource outcomes. Their achievements were despite the Morning Tea. impact of climate variability on our clients in 2011-2012, particularly the flood events in the west of our catchment. The staff of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA work extremely hard to help people in our communities look after their land for future generations. 24 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Organisational Structure

Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Board

General Manager Personal Assistant Communications to the Officer General Manager

Program Manager Program Manager Business (Planning & (Works & Services) Manager Engagement)

Catchment Catchment Catchment Catchment Catchment Business and Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Investment Officer - (Engagement) (Planning) (PVP) (West) (East) Governance

Catchment Catchment Officer Catchment Catchment Officer Officer (Planning) Officer Catchment Officer Business and (GIS & Projects) (Property Planning) (PVP) (Projects) Investment Officer

Catchment Officer Catchment Catchment Officer (Investment & Catchment Officer Officer Implementation (Aboriginal Partnerships) (Riparian & Administration (PVP) Officer Support) Projects) Officer

Catchment Officer Catchment Officer Catchment Officer (Spatial Analyst) Special Project (PVP Advisory (Property Planning) Officer (Gwydir) Catchment Officer Administration Support) (Invasive Species) Officer

Executive Implementation Support Officer Aboriginal CSO Administration Officer Implementation Officer Officer Catchment Officer (Community Catchment Officer Catchment Officer Support) (Property Planning) (Projects) Administration Aboriginal CSO Officer

Catchment Officer Catchment Officer (Property Planning) (Projects)

Planning and Engagement Program Works and Services Program Business and Investment

Inverell Moree Glen Innes Armidale Vacant Temporary Permanent Community Achievements 26 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Community Achievements

Setting the Scene To be effective in providing advice and information to people about catchment landscapes and their central role in sustainable natural resource management, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has adopted a successful community engagement model with an extension and service delivery focus. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has offices in both Inverell and Moree, the two major towns within the catchment. There is also Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA staff located in Armidale and, more recently, Glen Innes and Goondiwindi.

Our Community Targets The following outcomes demonstrate work achieved against 2015 State Catchment Action Plan targets and Caring For Our Country targets.

C1 - Facilitate the engagement of the community > The Community Support and Engagement Native Habitat in collaborative actions that will improve natural project saw the development of three “Meet the Locals” resource management and productivity across posters on frogs, lizards and invertebrates. These the Catchment. posters support the fauna awareness workshops that are delivered under the same project. Six fact sheets on 2011-2012 Progress: Threatened Ecological Communities were also produced > The Community Support and Engagement Schools project under this project. held 22 school activities/workshops across the catchment > A demonstration of the Direct Drill Tree Seeder (part reaching over 1100 students. Activities included testing of the range of biodiversity and native vegetation and assessing water quality and catchment management equipment owned by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA for and health, biodiversity, frogs, seed collection and lending to landholders) was held under the Seed Supply propagation as well as events such as National Water Strategy project in collaboration with the Armidale Tree Week, the Frog Dreaming Conference and Keep Australia Group and the Inverell Research Centre. The Field Beautiful’s Eco Mentors – Waste program (delivered to all Day attracted 28 participants who learnt how to use the primary schools in the Inverell Shire). machinery and how it can benefit the resilience of their > Other school-based activities included supporting the agricultural enterprise. New England Small Schools Conference in both 2011 > Fauna Surveys and “Show & Tell” workshops were held and 2012. An education for sustainability workshop was in Threatened Ecological Communities on Travelling delivered at the 2012 conference. These conferences Stock Reserves from Bellata to Gurley. A workshop was reached around 200 teachers at each. The schools project held in Brigalow Woodland at Bellata School at which also saw the delivery of a Professional Development 18 people participated and a workshop was held at a workshop for 17 teachers on education for sustainability Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket and ‘Kids Teaching Kids’. site on the Newell Highway > The CATCHee Hub website was developed and launched. with 19 participants. 100% This website is a hub of resources and information for of target met environmental education in the region. since 2005

C2 - Through education and awareness programs, 12 participants who were a mix of landholders and 500 landholders adopt contracts with the Border general interest community members. Rivers-Gwydir CMA for on-ground work. > The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Sustainable Farming 2011-2012 Progress: Practices Project engaged Southern New England Landcare to implement a project titled Increased > 108 contracts have been entered with landholders for Diversity of Established Dung Beetle Species Populations. on-ground works. The project included a workshop and field session, dung > The Community Support and Engagement Native Habitat beetle distribution among participants’ properties and project saw the roll out of two fauna awareness workshops surveyed those properties for survivability data. for landholders. One was held at ‘Oakleigh’ (near Glen There were 100% Innes) with 40 participants (primarily landholders) 56 participants of target met since 2005 and was supported by Glenrac Landcare. The second in the project. workshop was held at ‘The Oaks’ (near Yetman) with (we have tripled this target) ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 27

C3 - Increase the number of Border Rivers- Community Activities Gwydir CMA projects that incorporate Aboriginal participation and Aboriginal Promoting the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA cultural heritage values. The media provides an effective platform for the 2011-2012 Progress: Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA to gain community support, co-operation and resources to assist us in implementing > The Aboriginal Reference Advisory Group (ARAG) our Catchment Action Plan. The Border Rivers-Gwydir hosted three ‘Kids on Country’ events – one at CMA engages with the media on a regular basis, issuing Bassendean Indigenous Protected Area at Tingha (year media releases and providing media briefings promoting 5 students), Aboriginal Site Awareness training at the full range of our activities as well as providing expertise Mungindi (year 10 and 11 students) and a field study on issues relating to natural resource management. of Boobera Lagoon with Moree Secondary College. Throughout the 2011-2012 financial year, 65 media releases > In 2011-12, the Murries on Barwon project, funded and media alerts were prepared and distributed. by the Caring For Our Country initiative, employed seven Aboriginal participants to undergo training in Twelve Chair’s Columns were written and distributed on Conservation and Land Management and complete on- a monthly basis to the Border News and Country Leader ground works applicable to their studies and the local (inserts into regional newspapers that span the catchment) environment. The project is scheduled for completion and to Agriculture Today (NSW DPI insert in The Land in June 2013 in which time the trainees will have newspaper which is distributed state-wide). completed a number of training certificates that will For the 2011-2012 financial year 54 articles have been enable them every opportunity to gain employment. printed in the Border News, Country Leader, North West > A Water Quality Training workshop, hosted by the Magazine, The Moree Champion, The Inverell Times, Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA, was held at Tarriwa The Land, and a small number of local publications and Kurrukun Indigenous Protected Area, at which eight newsletters as a result of media materials distributed by people participated. the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. Eight articles have been > 15 Murries on Barwon participants and 25 Mungindi printed that were submitted by external organisations that High School students undertook Water Quality mention the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. Training at Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Council and Boggabilla Public School year 6 students The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA coordinated and edited undertook Waterwatch activities with the Border a quarterly, full-page advertorial in a regional newspaper Rivers-Gwydir CMA. insert, showcasing the collaborative projects between the Landcare networks and the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. > The Indigenous Cultural Heritage Program at the Border 18 events and activities were promoted via paid Rivers-Gwydir CMA engaged two local Aboriginal advertisements and/or advertorials. women to carry out a Native Vegetation and Weed Survey at Boobera Lagoon near Boggabilla. The project also engaged Aboriginal surveyors and a local Elder to conduct a concurrent Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Investigation and Ecological survey 100% at Little Bumble of target met Creek south of Moree. since 2005 28 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Events/Small Community Grants The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is regularly approached by groups and organisations from around the catchment to request financial and/or in-kind support of events and activities. We have assisted these groups and organisations to complete Small Community Grant application forms, have assessed these requests and, as a result, have noted in the table below, which events were supported throughout the 2011-2012 financial year. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA either hosted, provided a Small Community Grant or participated in the following events and activities during the period:

Event Location Date Outcomes NAIDOC Week Catchment-wide 03-10/07/11 Increased community awareness of Indigenous cultural heritage (ICH) Community Consultation & Asset Inverell & Glen Innes 21-22/07/2011 Improved understanding Identification for CAP upgrade of natural assets valued by Asset Identification for CAP upgrade Tenterfield, Bonshaw, 26-29/7/2011 the community, to inform the Ashford & Yetman new CAP. Community Consultation & Asset Boggabilla, Mungindi & 2-4/08/2011 Identification for CAP upgrade Boomi Community Consultation & Asset Moree, Bellata, Bingara 9-12/08/2011 Identification for CAP upgrade & Warialda Holy Trinity School Geography Excursion Nullamanna Station 15/08/2011 Increased awareness of & Goonoowigall natural resource management Conservation Area (NRM) among youth AgQuip & Property Planning Competition Gunnedah 16-18/08/2011 Awards Presentation Wildlife Management Workshop Gurley 22/08/2011 Improved understanding among 19 participants of managing Threatened Ecological Communities Community Consultation & Asset Bundarra, Uralla, Guyra 23-25/08/2011 & Improved understanding of Identification for CAP upgrade & Collarenebri 29/08/2011 natural assets valued by the community, to inform the new CAP Schools Tree Day Inverell 24/08/2011 Increased awareness of NRM among youth Indigenous Cultural Heritage Book Preview Inverell 24/08/2011 Increased adoption of ICH with GWYMAC Landcare among partners Aboriginal Services Network Meeting Inverell 31/08-01/09/2011 Strengthened partnerships among the Aboriginal community Inverell Careers Expo Inverell 01/09/2011 Increased awareness of opportunities for youth in NRM St Philomena’s School Gwydir Wetlands Gwydir Wetlands 21/09/2011 Increased awareness of NRM Excursion among youth with a particular focus on riparian areas ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 29

Event Location Date Outcomes World Rivers Day Catchment-wide 25/09/2011 Increased awareness of the importance of riverine ecosystems Indigenous Cultural Heritage Book Preview Armidale 06/10/2011 Increased adoption of ICH with Southern New England Landcare among partners A Catchment Story – Kindamindi Inverell 12/10/2011 Increased awareness of NRM Preschool among youth Frog Dreaming Conference Uralla 18-19/10/2011 Provided an opportunity for youth to participate in cultural activities Sustainable Living Expo Armidale 21-23/10/2011 Increased awareness of the CMA and NRM on the Tablelands Glen Innes Schools Waterwatch Activities Glen Innes 27/10/2011 Increased awareness of the value of waterways to catchment health PVP Information Session Bundarra 08/11/2011 Improved understanding of the role of the CMA in administering the Native Vegetation Act Boomi Public School Native Seed Boomi 09/11/2011 Increased awareness of Collection Workshop the importance of local Mungindi Central School Seed Collection Mungindi 10/11/2011 provenance seed and flora Excursion identification Inverell High School Gwydir Wetlands Gwydir Wetlands 15/11/2011 Increased awareness of NRM Excursion among youth with a particular focus on riparian areas Native Vegetation Regulation Review Ashford 18/11/2011 Provided an opportunity Meeting for the community to input into the draft Native Vegetation Regulation Flora & Fauna Survey Workshop Bellata 18/11/2011 Improved understanding of species in the area and the management actions for improving habitat CAP Upgrade Targeted Group Consultation Armidale, Glen Innes, 21-22, 24 & Information gathered to Moree & Uralla 28/11/2011 contribute to the CAP upgrade and strengthened partnerships Australasia Pacific Extension Network Armidale 28-30/11/2011 Two staff were trained in best National Forum practice extension CAP Upgrade Targeted Group Consultation Moree 30/11/2011 Information gathered to with Local Aboriginal Land Councils contribute to the CAP upgrade & ARAG and strengthened partnerships Tenterfield Schools Healthy Creeks Tenterfield 03/12/2011 Increased awareness of NRM Workshop among youth with a particular focus on riparian areas 30 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Event Location Date Outcomes CAP Upgrade Targeted Group Consultation Goondiwindi & Inverell 5-6/12/2011 Information gathered to contribute to the CAP upgrade and strengthened partnerships PVP Information Session Tenterfield 13/12/2011 Improved understanding of the role of the CMA in administering the Native Vegetation Act CAP Upgrade Targeted Group Consultation Bingara 14/12/2011 Information gathered to with UGLA contribute to the CAP upgrade and strengthened partnerships Glen Innes Show Glen Innes 10-12/02/2012 Increased awareness among Inverell Show Inverell 23-25/02/2012 communities of the CMA and NRM Fauna Awareness Workshop Yetman 03/03/2012 Improved understanding of species in the area and the management actions for improving habitat Native Vegetation Act Rural Advisors’ Moree 16/03/2012 Improved understanding Information Session among professionals of the role of the CMA in administering the Native Vegetation Act Seniors’ Week Biodiversity Presentation Moree 20/03/2012 Increased awareness of the importance of biodiversity in NRM New England North West Landcare Inverell 26-27/03/2012 Increased participation Adventure in NRM activities and strengthened partnerships with Landcare New England Region Small Schools Tamworth 22-23/04/2012 Increased awareness Conference among professionals of the role of the CMA in environmental education River Management Training Day on Moree 27/04/2012 Five individuals were Tycannah Creek trained in best practice river management New England Expo Armidale 11-13/05/2012 Increased awareness of the CMA and NRM among Tablelands communities Walgett Show Walgett 12-13/05/2012 Increased awareness of the importance of biodiversity in NRM Farm Planning Course Information Session Tenterfield, Warialda & 14-15 & Increased awareness of the Yetman 17/05/2012 services provided by the CMA Direct Drill Tree Seed Field Day Inverell Inverell 16/05/2012 28 people were trained in the use of CMA native vegetation and biodiversity equipment ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 31

Event Location Date Outcomes BEST Employment Inverell Business Inverell 19/05/2012 Increased awareness of Awards Dinner the role of the CMA in the community CAP Focus Group Emmaville 22/05/2012 Information was gathered to contribute to the CAP upgrade Mungindi ‘Access to Service Providers’ Mungindi 23/05/2012 Increased awareness of the Day role of the CMA and provided access to CMA services CAP Focus Group Gravesend 14/06/2012 Information was gathered to contribute to the CAP upgrade CAP Community Meeting Tenterfield, Glen 18-20/06/2012 Improved understanding Innes, Guyra, Walcha, of natural assets valued by Armidale the community, to inform the new CAP. Landcare Integrated Pest Management Mungindi 21/06/2012 Improved understanding Workshop of ecosystem services and management actions to improve them NAIDOC Week High School Public Inverell 25/06/2012 Improved understanding of Speaking Challenge ICH in Indigenous youth

Landcare Partnerships Support for Landcare networks and community activities Five Landcare networks are located within the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment. These are the Upper Gwydir Landcare Association (UGLA); Granite Borders Landcare Committee (GBLC); Southern New England Landcare (SNEL); Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) and the Gwydir and Macintyre Resources Committee (GWYMAC). There are 85 active Landcare groups working across the catchment. In 2011-2012, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA provided $320,000 in funding for the Landcare Community Support Officer positions based at Bingara, Inverell, Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield. The aim was to help build the capacity of the community to undertake natural resource management and to participate in natural resource management decision making programs and on-ground activities. This funding also contributed to the Regional Landcare Facilitator position based in Moree to service the west of the catchment. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA and Landcare Networks worked together in 2011-2012 to deliver components of many on-ground works projects including the Flood Disaster Recovery Project, Weeds of National Significance, Vertebrate Pest Control, Sustainable Farm Practices, and Inverell and Myall Creek Priority Areas to name a few. 32 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Joint partnership between Northern Rivers CMA and under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995; weed Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA control; resource and water use efficiency; and ratepayer The Community Support Officers on the Northern Tablelands and tourist education. operate in partnership with Northern Rivers CMA. The total The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA continued a collaborative investment in the positions in 2011-2012 was $267,900 project with Inverell Shire Council in 2011-12 called with the Northern Rivers CMA contributing $137,900 and ‘Bridge to Bridge’ to improve water quality, biodiversity and the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA contributing $130,000. community engagement along a six kilometre stretch of the The contracts were negotiated and procured by Northern Macintyre River in Inverell. Rivers CMA with significant input from the Border Rivers- Gwydir CMA to ensure that each CMA’s respective targets Nine Shire Councils partnered with the Border Rivers- and milestones were met in a timely manner. In return Gwydir CMA, NSW Department of Primary Industries, for Northern Rivers CMA administering the contract, the landholders and Landcare networks to deliver the Weeds of Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA offered a Property Management National Significance program that involved the coordinated Planning Service, Frog Dreaming Conference, Waterwatch management of invasive species over a 325,000 hectare area project equipment and extension services to all landholders of the catchment. across the Northern Tablelands. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is also an active member Local Government of the Border Regional Organisation of Councils which incorporates the Shire Councils of Warwick, Stanthorpe, Local government is a key partner to help improve Inglewood, Waggamba, Inverell, Tenterfield, Gwydir, natural resource condition. They are major contributors to Moree Plains and the town of Goondiwindi. Participation achieving natural resource management targets through in this group provides cross border opportunities as well as actions including land-use planning to provide an avenue collaboration within the catchment. to assist in the protection of species and communities listed ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 33

Biodiversity and Native Vegetation Achievements 34 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Biodiversity and Native Vegetation Achievements Setting the Scene Nandewar Major towns in the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment in There are four designated Interim Biogeographical this Bioregion are Bingara and Inverell. This bioregion is Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) regions within the considered mostly fairly warm and dry although average Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA area making the Border annual temperatures and rainfall vary markedly in relation to Rivers-Gwydir catchment area one of the most diverse elevation. Average rainfall is characterised by frequent rains in NSW in terms of topography, climate, and subsequent of high intensity and high run-off caused by the steep slopes occurrence of flora and fauna. The regions are: and shallow soils that feature prominently in the bioregion. Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion New England Tableland Major towns in the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment in this Major towns in the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment in Bioregion are Collarenebri, Mungindi and the hinterland this Bioregion are Guyra, Glen Innes and Tenterfield. This north and north-west of Moree. The climate of this bio-region area has a mainly temperate to cool temperate climate, is described as semi-arid, hot and persistently dry. Despite characterised by warm summers with uniform rainfall. this significant wetlands occur and provide important habitat This bioregion is a stepped plateau of hills and plains with for a variety of birds and animals. elevations between 600 and 1500 metres. Vegetation is very Brigalow Belt South diverse and a large number of plants are endemic to small areas within the region. Major towns in the Border Rivers-Gwydir catchment in this Bioregion are Moree and Warialda. The climate of this region is described as subhumid with no dry season and hot summer. Our Biodiversity Targets The following outcomes demonstrate work achieved against 2015 State Catchment Action Plan targets and Caring For Our Country targets. These targets are under review as part of the Catchment Action Plan upgrade and new targets will be set and will be underpinned by resilience thinking.

NV1 - Increase the area actively managed for > Weeping Myall, Brigalow, Natural Grasslands and conservation by 25,000 hectares, ensuring Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket Threatened Ecological that priority is given to high conservation value Communities (TECs) in the Millie, Boggy, Gurley & vegetation and the recovery of threatened species, Tycannah Priority Area were managed to protect against populations, communities and their habitats, pest animal and weed species across 158 hectares of land. consistent with the Threatened Species Conservation > Also in the Millie, Boggy, Gurley & Tycannah Priority Act Priority Action Statement and Environmental Area 1,229 hectares of habitat for threatened species Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act. (including areas of River Red Gum, Carbeen, Belah and Bimble Box Woodland remnant vegetation) was managed 2011-2012 Progress: to reduce the impact of pest animal and weed species. > Landholders in the north of the catchment were funded > Under the Reducing Critical Threats to Biodiversity under the Flood Disaster Recovery Project 2011-12 to project, the Croppa Creek Koala Group was formed to remove flood debris and protect the riparian zone through monitor koala populations, health, movement, activities fencing on 29 hectares of land. and generate community awareness about managing habitat > Under the Sustainable Farming Practices Project, for koalas and other threatened species. The Croppa Creek 46 hectares of high conservation value native vegetation Koala Group project has resulted in 86 hectares of remnant were protected. vegetation being managed to control aggressive weeds, pest > The Lower Horton, Warialda and Mosquito Creek Priority animals and to improve grazing regimes. Project saw 16 hectares of native habitat and vegetation > Also under the Reducing Critical Threats to Biodiversity fenced so that stock can be managed to reduce critical project, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA developed a threats to biodiversity and enhance the condition, partnership with Moree Plains Shire Council to undertake connectivity and resilience of habitats and landscapes. management to reduce the impact, spread and future > 1,000 hectares of land were managed in the Boggabilla incursion of Coolatai Grass in six hectares of TECs on Priority Area by engaging six landholders to reduce pest Travelling Stock Routes (TSRs) plants and animal threats to Endangered Ecological and roadside vegetation to 75% Communities and High Conservation Value vegetation. 30 provide habitat for threatened of target met hectares of land were managed for conservation in the same species within the Moree Shire. since 2005 area by reducing grazing pressure and managing weeds. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 35

NV2 - Re-establish an additional 5000 hectares Communities of Brigalow found in the Boggabilla of native vegetation in the Catchment through Priority Area. replanting and/or natural regeneration (with > The Koala project developed under the Reducing Critical priority given to improving the condition of remnant Threats to Biodiversity project included regeneration native vegetation within priority sub-catchments). of 52 hectares of remnant vegetation which improves 2011-2012 Progress: connectivity between remnant vegetation patches. > Nine hectares of grassland waterways and two hectares > Landholders in the Lower Horton Warialda and Mosquito of Weeping Myall and Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket Creek priority area were funded to establish four hectares Threatened Ecological Communities were regenerated in of native vegetation. the Millie, Gurley, Boggy & Tycannah Priority Area. > Under the Terry Hie Hie Priority Area Project landholders were funded to establish four hectares of native vegetation. 25% > Five hectares of native vegetation were planted to of target met enhance biodiversity corridors in Threatened Ecological since 2005

NV3 - Land managers will have implemented > Also in partnership with the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA, management practices that reduce weeds and feral the Upper Gwydir Landcare Association has engaged pests on 25,000 hectares. six landholders to undertake rabbit control and harbour 2011-2012 Progress: removal in the Bingara area. > The Rummerys Hill Landcare group north of Glen Innes > Under the Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) program, coordinated a fox control and pest planning workshop 70 landholders participated in Chilean Needle Grass with assistance from the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. control projects in the Swanbrook area east of Inverell over The CMA also provided funding for the two-year program 4,455 hectares of land. Serrated Tussock was also managed which has engaged 11 landholders and covers an area of across 3,000 hectares of land in this area. 16,549 hectares. > Along the Macintyre River and Frasers Creek east of > The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Vertebrate Pest Inverell, 40 landholders were engaged in a Blackberry Program collaborated with the National Parks & Wildlife control program along 70 kilometres of riparian zone that Service on two feral pig control programs in 2011-12. covered an area of 400 hectares. In the Uralla area, 3,181 The Department of Primary Industries conducted some hectares are also under management for Blackberry control. research into pig diseases by taking 12 blood samples > Also under the Weeds of National Significance program during one of the control programs to test for Brucella 20 hectares of land along Tenterfield Creek have been suis, Leptospira pomona and Leptospira hardjo and found managed for willow control along with an additional ten that all the samples taken were negative. hectares along Booralong Creek located west of Armidale. > The Sustainable Farm Practices project implemented > The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA hosted a Western Weeds 91 hectares of weed control which was funded Bus Tour on which members of the Northern Inland by landholders. Weeds Advisory Council travelled to Lightning Ridge, > Through engagement of project partners - Inverell, Moree Bourke and Narromine. The purpose of the tour was to Plains and Gwydir Shire Councils and 25 landholders – expose the Shire Council Weed Officers from the Border 31,400 hectares of ecological communities threatened Rivers-Gwydir catchment area to western weeds that by Harrisia Cactus infestations, were protected. have the potential to invade the Border Rivers-Gwydir > In the Millie, Gurley, Boggy, Tycannah Priority Area, catchment. This is particularly likely if the catchment the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA worked with six warms due to climate variability, as more of the western landholders to implement pest animal control activities weed species have the potential to establish further east. over 5,000 hectares of land. > Under the Reducing the Impact of Rabbits project, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA partnered with the 100% New England Livestock Health & Pest Authority to of target met since 2005 host three workshops to coordinate rabbit control across (we have met this target 500 hectares of land using the deep ripping method. 66 times over) 36 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Property Vegetation Plans PVP Outcomes NSW Catchment Management Authorities have a In the 2011-2012 financial year, 34 applications for Property responsibility to deliver Property Vegetation Plans under Vegetation Plans were received. Of those 34 applications, the Native Vegetation Act 2003. 13 have been completed which included six Property Vegetation Plans that were entered into with landholders Property Vegetation Plans have the following objectives: (the remaining seven did not result in a PVP), six are > To assess clearing applications in accordance with the currently under negotiation with landholders, five are Native Vegetation Act 2003; and awaiting assessment, and ten applications are yet to be > To provide vegetation management advice to land finalised as details of proposed native vegetation management managers and other interest groups. activities are yet to be provided by the landholders. Property Vegetation Planning is conducted across the Border Of the 23 pre 2011-2012 financial year applicants, Rivers-Gwydir catchments where interest occurs. They also 20 are completed, and three are on hold at the request of operate within a NSW-wide CMA network, liaising with the the landholders. Office of Environment and Heritage to review and implement The delivery of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s Property assessment tools and procedures relating to the Native Vegetation Planning activities has resulted in securing Vegetation Act 2003 and Native Vegetation Regulation 2005. in-perpetuity protection and management of high quality The Native Vegetation Regulation 2005 is currently under remnant native vegetation via offsets to clearing. It has review along with the Environmental Outcomes Assessment also improved habitat for threatened fauna and flora, Methodology used by Catchment Management Authorities improved management of invasive native species, increased to assess clearing proposals, and the Private Native Forestry groundcover and flora and fauna diversity, and improved Code of Practice. The review will be finalised in 2012-2013. associated ecosystem services. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 37

Soils and Land Use Achievements 38 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Soils and Land Use Achievements

Setting the Scene bioregions. Many of the soils in the region are subject to some form of degradation and the extent of this degradation varies The healthier a soil is, the better it functions. When in its intensity. Appropriate management has the potential to the physical, chemical and biological functions of soil arrest or reduce its effects. Soil degradation issues include are performing at their peak, there is an improvement the loss of organic matter and soil structure decline, erosion, in the capacity of the soil to sustain plant and animal decreasing fertility, acidification and salinity. productivity, maintain or enhance water and air The soil and land use targets identified in the CAP are quality, and provide habitat and nutrient cycling. intended to ensure the community understands the A healthy soil has a resilience that allows the soil to recover connection between improved management practices and from occasional shocks. A healthy soil should therefore, soil health. improve the ability to grow healthier crops with better yield Another objective of the CAP is to increase the number potential. Soil health ultimately determines the viability of of resource managers developing and implementing the catchments’ farming, grazing, horticultural and forestry integrated property management plans. With integrated enterprises. Soil health impacts directly on the economic property plans landholders are better equipped to plan future of our towns. and implement management practices that will benefit Soils in the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA are diverse and production and the environment. cover a range of landscapes, geology, climatic zones and

Our Soils and Land Use Targets The following outcomes demonstrate work achieved against 2015 State Catchment Action Plan targets and Caring For Our Country targets. These targets are under review as part of the Catchment Action Plan upgrade and new targets will be set and will be underpinned by resilience thinking.

SL1 - An additional 15,000 hectares of land will > Under the Lower Horton, Warialda and Mosquito Creek be sustainably managed using industry agreed best Priority Project grazing practices have been improved by management practices in accordance with the Land fencing to land and soil capability and reducing the size and Soil Capability system. of paddocks to better implement rotational grazing across 65 hectares of land. 2011-2012 Progress: > The Sustainable Farming Practices Project managed > Under the Flood Disaster Recovery Project 2011-12, 50 hectares of land to soil capability by fencing 34 hectares of land was managed for groundcover riparian areas to exclude stock and providing alternative establishment to prevent erosion and improved grazing water supplies. which included the installation of eight kilometres > In the Inverell Priority Area, 372 hectares of land of fencing. were managed across five properties by fencing to land capability. 100% of target met since 2005 + 25% over target ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 39

SL2 - An additional 15,000 hectares of land > The Sustainable Farming Practices Project facilitated will be managed to improve soil condition, the management of 1,276 hectares of land to improve with priority given to ground cover and the soil condition by establishing alternate grazing regimes, most limiting soil health indicators, within each excluding stock from riparian areas and installing priority sub-catchment. alternative water supplies. 2011-2012 Progress: > 260 hectares of land were actively managed in the Boggabilla Priority Area for groundcover through > The Flood Disaster Recovery Project 2011-12 assisted grazing management and fencing to land capability. five landholders to stabilise the soil on their properties > In the Inverell Priority Area, 196 hectares of land through earthworks across 77 hectares of land and were managed across 5 properties through increasing included the installation of five kilometres of fencing. groundcover to a minimum of 70 percent to boost > Under the Lower Horton, Warialda and Mosquito Creek soil health. Priority Project, 58 hectares of land were managed > 68 hectares of cropping land in the Millie, Gurley, to reduce erosion and improve soil condition and Boggy, Tycannah Priority Area were managed to reduce ecosystems services. erosion, promote > The Terry Hie Hie Priority Area Project saw 103 regeneration 100% hectares of cropping land converted to pasture to and manage of target met improve soil condition. pest animals. + 25% over target

SL3 - 1,500 farmers will have developed >> Calculating indicators of farm financial performance. property plans and at least 500 of these will have >> Using Rainfall Use Efficiency to measure the implemented improved farm management measures. performance of the farm’s natural resource base – 2011-2012 Progress: linking profit to natural resource management. >> Soils, land capability and vegetation mapping. > 51 farmers participated in the 7-day Farm Planning >> Written and mapped farm business strategic plan. Course through 4 localised groups at Delungra, Warialda, Glen Innes and Inverell, to develop individual The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA regularly reviews the Farm property plans. Planning course content to ensure its relevance to farmers. > More than 800 farming families in the Border Rivers- Gwydir catchment area have participated in 75% the Farm Planning course which runs for of target met 6 to 8 days. It is free of charge and covers the following: since 2005 >> Understanding the relationship between sustainability, profit, income and production. 40 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

SL3 - 1,500 farmers will have developed property plans and at least 500 of these will have implemented improved farm management measures. 2011-2012 Progress (continued):

Farm Planning Properties 2004-2012

SL4 - 19,500 hectares of land is managed by practices that maximise the use of water in the root zone in strategic priority locations. 2011-2012 Progress: Due to changes in priorities, the availability of new information and the requirement to maximise environmental outcomes for investment, works were focussed in other target areas and not undertaken in this target area.

100% of target met (we have met this target 4 times over)

SL5 - Manage a minimum of 500 hectares of saline discharge areas to reduce runoff and erosion. 2011-2012 Progress: Due to changes in priorities, the availability of new information and the requirement to maximise environmental outcomes for investment, works were focussed in other target areas and not undertaken in this target area.

100% of target met (we have met this target 13 times over) ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 41

Water Achievements 42 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Water Achievements

Setting the Scene The threats to water quality include clearing of vegetation; inappropriate use of chemicals; weeds (both in-stream and The water quality of a region provides a good overall along waterways); overgrazing and reduced stream flow. indicator of catchment health. Ensuring the quality and quantity of water is maintained or improved is The Gwydir and Border Rivers catchments are located at the headwaters of the Murray-Darling Basin system. the main focus of the CAP water targets. The condition of the river systems in the region varies. Changes in land management practices, the establishment The Macintyre and Gwydir rivers are highly regulated of native vegetation and improving the condition of soil and modified. Other systems or sub-catchments such will all improve the quality of water. Reduced erosion will as Georges Creek, parts of the Barwon, Glen Innes and lessen the sediment loads in rivers, decrease salinity and Tenterfield Creek sub-catchments are considered to have improve the flow of river systems. Management systems high conservation value systems and the mid-catchment that increase ground cover and the areas planted to deep- tributaries such as the Horton River, Myall, Warialda and rooted perennials as well as reducing fertiliser, herbicide Tycannah Creeks, have the highest salt concentrations in and pesticide application will also lead to an improvement the Gwydir catchment. in water quality.

Our Water Targets W2 - Improve river systems through the rehabilitation of 100 kilometres of stream to The following outcomes demonstrate work achieved against decrease the rate of erosion and sedimentation 2015 State Catchment Action Plan targets and Caring For Our in priority locations as identified through the Country targets. These targets are under review as part of the RCA index. Catchment Action Plan upgrade and new targets will be set and will be underpinned by resilience thinking. 2011-2012 Progress: W1 - Water quality in all sub-catchments is > The Flood Disaster Recovery 2011-12 project improved maintained or improved to ensure that the quality water quality on the of the water is consistent with the ANZECC and Little Beardy River near Emmaville through a ARMCANZ trigger values for aquatic ecosystem 50% reduction in erosion protection 80 per cent of the time. sedimentation along two of target met 2011-2012 Progress: kilometres of stream. > 160 hectares of riparian zone and 20 kilometres of stream was protected through fencing for stock W3 - Manage and protect riparian areas to exclusion from riparian areas to improve water quality, improve vegetation condition and establish under the Sustainable Farming Practices Project. vegetation in an additional 500 kilometres of > In the Inverell Priority Area, 173 hectares of riparian riparian zone in strategic priority locations. zone were managed across properties to enhance water 2011-2012 Progress: quality and protect riparian vegetation > 30 hectares of land in the Boggabilla Priority Area were actively managed to protect riparian vegetation through grazing 75% management and the through fencing riparian areas and installing alternate installation of alternate of target met water supplies. This project also protected 2 kilometres water supplies. of stream. > 41 kilometres of the Tycannah Creek were managed to improve and ANZECC – Australian and New Zealand Environment establish native 100% and Conservation Council vegetation by target met six adjoining + 25% over ARMCANZ – Agriculture and Resource Management landholders. Council of Australia and New Zealand target ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 43

W4 - Maintain or improve native aquatic W6 - Reduce the salt load at Mungindi by biodiversity by improving the condition 2,500 tonnes per annum and at Bronte of 100 kilometres of stream in strategic (Mehi River) by 650 tonnes. priority locations. 2011-2012 Progress: 2011-2012 Progress: > $186,000 was invested under the Protecting Ramsar > Through the Lower Horton, Warialda and Mosquito Wetlands project to address point source salinity by Creek Priority Project two gully stabilisation structures rehabilitation of bore drains. The objectives of the were installed on-farm to improve the condition of the project are to: stream for native aquatic biodiversity. >> Rehabilitate bore drains > 2.3 kilometres of stream was fenced to improve the >> Remediate drains so that the landscape more condition of the stream for native aquatic biodiversity closely resembles its natural state topography and in the Terry Hie Hie Priority Area. drainage patterns >> Reduce salt movement into wetlands and 100% river systems target met >> Improve the environmental value of the landscape (we have tripled and receiving wetlands. this target) Project works will commence in 2012-2013 due to flood events in the 2011-2012 financial year.

W5 - Maintain or improve the condition of 5,000 hectares of land comprising or influencing 100% wetlands, with priority given to regionally target met significant wetlands and Ramsar listed sites. 2011-2012 Progress: > Pest animal control measures were continued from 2010-2011 in the Protecting Ramsar Wetlands project over 50,000 hectares of land to address threats posed by foxes, cats, and pigs. A partnership with the North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority achieved an integrated approach to feral animal control. The program was delivered in the Gwydir, Gingham, Mehi and Mallawa sub catchment areas. Invasive weeds were also targeted for treatment by landholders surrounding core wetland areas totalling 136 hectares. > Also under the Protecting Ramsar Wetlands project, management agreements were entered with landholders to limit access of grazing stock to native grasslands and woodland communities as well as removal of stock from core wetland areas in wet periods to improve species diversity and reduce the impact of weeds over 353 hectares of land.

100% target met (we have met this target 26 times over) 44 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Project Scale: MERI was applied to the Harrisia cactus project to strengthen our understanding of the responses Improvement (MERI) Program of the weed to different methods of control. Importantly The Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement the responses of the surrounding ecological communities (MERI) Program ensures that the projects delivered by the of weeping Myall and Basalt alluvial grasslands will be Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA are effective in achieving the considered in determining the success of the project. This Catchment Action Plan targets in accordance with the NSW work commenced in 2012 and will be completed in 2015. Government’s Natural Resources Monitoring, Evaluation Funding has also been provided to the University of New and Reporting Strategy 2010–2015. The success of natural England to complete a study into the resilience of the resource management in NSW depends on having appropriate Tenterfield community towards future floods and potential information available to support decision-making at each natural disasters. This study will evaluate the ability of stage of the adaptive management cycle. Monitoring, the community to respond to flooding and identify how the evaluation and reporting are therefore integral components CMA can support them. The project will seek to answer the of natural resource management delivery. Additionally question “Has the funding provided to the community to projects and programs should be delivered in a manner assist with flood mitigation works improved the social and that is efficient and engages with the Border Rivers-Gwydir environmental resilience of the community between Bonshaw CMA’s clients. and Tenterfield?” The MERI Program, which invested $488,047 in 2011-2012 Investment Program Scale: The upgrade of the CAP delivered activities at a: has identified eight socio-ecological landscapes. These > Site scale; landscapes represent areas of common interest and land use > Project scale; that will be used for future planning. > Investment Program scale; and Six monthly output reports have been provided to the State > Catchment Action Plan scale. Government for use by other natural resource management Site Scale: A contract was let to repeat sampling on sites agencies that provide State of the Environment and State of established in 2008 and 2009. As at the time of preparing the Catchment reports. this report the 2008 sites have been sampled. In total 38 from Catchment Action Plan Scale: The upgrade of the CAP a possible 50 sites have been resampled. This would not have included an analysis of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s been possible without the cooperation of landholders and it stakeholders. As a result, an up to date stakeholder database is important to recognise their contribution to the project. is being developed to show individual and collective needs Following the compilation of all results, summary reports will and priorities. This will enable more targeted message be sent to all participating landholders. At the catchment content and delivery based on stakeholder’s requirements. scale this information will be combined with the data from the 2009 sites to assess the change in resource condition through the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s investment. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 45 46 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Summary of Funds

Summary of Funds Received The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA received $8,446,829 investment funding, as per financial statements, for the 12 month period ending 30 June 2012. These funds were made up as follows:

Category 1 Funds (operational budget) $3,017,292 Category 2 Funds (investment funds) $4,015,868 Category 3 Funds (other sources) $1,413,669 Total $8,446,829

Summary of Funds Granted To External Parties During the reporting period the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA granted a total of $2,964,832 to external parties. This is detailed in the table below. Recipients included landholders, community groups, and government and non-government agencies.

Category 2 (investment funds) Caring For Our Country $1,076,419 NSW Catchment Action $1,113,972 Other $37,410

Category 3 (other funds) Biodiversity Fund $200,000 Biodiversity Assessment $150,000 Caring For Our Country $241,700 Interest $39,580 Other $105,751

Total Grant Expenditure $2,964,832

Total funding for community groups (excluding on ground works) for the reporting period totalled $320,000. These projects included the contracting of Landcare Community Support Officers and Regional Landcare Facilitator. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 47

Financial Statements For the financial year ended 30 June 2012 48 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Financial Statements Contents Statement by Board Members 49 Independent Auditor’s Report 50 - 51 Statement of comprehensive income 52 Statement of financial position 53 Statement of changes in equity 54 Statement of cash flows 55 Notes to and forming part of the financial statements 56 - 73 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 49

Statement By Board Members Certificate under Section 41 C (1B) and (1C) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 Pursuant to the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, we declare that in our opinion: (a) The accompanying financial statements exhibit a true and fair view of the financial position of the Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority as at 30 June 2012, and transactions for the year ended. (b) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with: >> The applicable Australian Accounting Standards, which include Australian Accounting Interpretations and other mandatory professional reporting requirements; >> The requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2010 and the Treasurer’s Directions; and >> The financial reporting directions published in the Financial Reporting Code for NSW Government Sector Entities or issued by the Treasurer. (c) There are no circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate. For and on behalf of the Board

Hans Hietbrink Leanne Savage Jim Burley Chair Former Acting Chair Board Member

Dated: 21st September 2012 50 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Independent Auditor’s Report ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 51 52 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Start of audited financial statements

Statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 June 2012

Actual Budget Actual 2012 2012 2011 NOTES $’000 $’000 $’000 Revenue Grants and Contributions 3 8,075 7,093 15,244 Investment Income 4 201 100 249 Other Revenue 5 171 600 154 Total revenue 8,447 7,793 15,647

Expenses excluding losses Employee related expenses 6 126 5 38 Personnel services expenses 6 3,310 - 3,239 Other operating expenses 6 1,870 4,379 1,479 Depreciation and amortisation 6 35 65 26 Grants & subsidies 6 2,965 4,016 10,914 Total expenses excluding losses 8,306 8,465 15,696

NET RESULT 141 (672) (49) Other comprehensive income - - - Total other comprehensive income - - TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 141 (672) (49)

The above statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 53

Statement of financial position as at 30 June 2012

Actual Budget Actual 2012 2012 2011 NOTES $’000 $’000 $’000 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 7, 13 3,608 2,920 3,836 Receivables 8 1,041 210 215 Total current assets 4,649 3,130 4,051

Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Leasehold Improvements 9 187 - - Plant and equipment 9 72 36 78 Total property, plant and equipment 259 36 78

Total non-current assets 259 36 78

Total assets 4,908 3,166 4,129

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Payables 10 1,880 1,086 1,312 Provisions 11 414 194 460 Total Current Liabilities 2,294 1,280 1,772

Non-current liabilities Provisions 11 128 213 12 Total non-current liabilities 128 213 12

Total liabilities 2,422 1,493 1,784

Net assets 2,486 1,673 2,345

EQUITY Accumulated Funds 2,486 1,673 2,345 Total equity 2,486 1,673 2,345

The above statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes. 54 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Statement of changes in equity for the year ended 30 June 2012

Accumulated Funds Total Note $’000 $’000

Balance as at 1 July 2011 2,345 2,345 Net result for the year - 141 141 Other comprehensive income for the year - - - Balance as at 30 June 2012 2,486 2,486

Balance as at 1 July 2010 2,394 2,394 Net result for the year - (49) (49) Other comprehensive income for the year - - - Balance as at 30 June 2011 2,345 2,345

The above statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 55

Statement of cash flows for the year ended 30 June 2012

Actual Budget Actual 2012 2012 2011 NOTES $’000 $’000 $’000 Cash flows from operating activities Payments Employee related (126) (5) (38) Personnel service related ( 3,127) - (3,092) Grants and subsidies (2,965) (4,016) (10,914) Other (1,840) (4,512) (2,960) Total payments (8,058) (8,533) (17,004) Receipts Grants and contributions 7,280 - 15,238 Interest 201 100 249 Other 560 7,539 1,987 Total receipts 8,041 7,539 17,473 Net cash flows from operating activities 13 (17) (894) 469

Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment (211) (23) (28) Net cash flows from investing activities (211) (23) (28)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (228) (917) 441 Opening cash and cash equivalents 3,836 3,837 3,395 Closing cash and cash equivalents 13 3,608 2,920 3,836

The above statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes. 56 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 1 - Reporting Entity > The applicable Australian Accounting Standards, which include Australian Accounting Interpretations and other The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management mandatory professional reporting requirements; Authority (the Authority) was established pursuant to the > The requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003. The objects 1983, the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2010 and of the Act are: the Treasurer’s Directions; and (a) to establish Authorities for the purpose of devolving > The Financial reporting directions published in the operational, investment and decision-making natural Financial Reporting Code for NSW Government Sector resource functions to catchment levels; Entities or issued by the Treasurer. (b) to provide for proper natural resource planning at a Property, plant and equipment, assets (or disposal groups) catchment level; held for sale and financial assets at ‘fair value through profit (c) to ensure that decisions about natural resources take into or loss’ and available for sale are measured at fair value. account appropriate catchment issues; Other financial statement items are prepared in accordance (d) to require decisions taken at a catchment level to take with the historical cost convention. into account State-wide standards and to involve the All amounts are rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars Natural Resources Commission in catchment planning and are expressed in Australian currency. where appropriate; (e) to involve communities in each catchment in decision (b) Statement of compliance making and to make best use of catchment knowledge The financial statements and notes comply with the and expertise; Australian Accounting Standards, which include Australian (f) to ensure the proper management of natural resources Accounting Interpretations. in the social, economic and environmental interests of the State; (c) Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (g) to apply sound scientific knowledge to achieve a fully functioning and productive landscape; and (i) Significant accounting judgement (h) to provide a framework for financial assistance and In the preparation of the financial statements, management incentives to landholders in connection with natural is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions resource management. about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and The Authority is a Statutory Body and a separate reporting associated assumptions are based on historical experience entity. There are no other entities under its control. The and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable reporting entity is consolidated as part of the NSW Total under the circumstances, the results of which form the State Sector Accounts. basis of making the judgements. Actual results may vary The Authority is a not-for-profit entity (as profit is not its from these estimates. principal objective) and it has no cash-generating units. Key judgements are disclosed as part of accounting These financial statements have been authorised for issue policies notes. by the Board of the Authority on 21st September 2012. (ii) Significant accounting estimates and assumptions The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed Note 2 - Summary of Significant on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are Accounting Policies recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the The following significant policies have been adopted in the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current preparation and presentation of the financial statements: and future periods. Judgements made by management in the (a) Basis of preparation application of the Australian Accounting Standards that have significant effects on the financial statements and estimates, The Authority’s financial statements are general purpose with a significant risk of material adjustments in the next year financial statements which have been prepared in are disclosed, where applicable, in the relevant notes to the accordance with: financial statements. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 57

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

(d) Revenue recognition (g) Acquisition of assets Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration The cost method of accounting is used for the initial or contribution received or receivable. Additional comments recording of all acquisitions of assets controlled by the regarding the accounting policies for the recognition of Authority. Cost is the amount of cash or cash equivalents revenue are discussed below: paid or the fair value of the other consideration given to acquire the asset at the time of its acquisition or construction (i) Contributions from Government and other bodies are or, where applicable, the amount attributed to the asset generally recognised as income when the agency obtains when initially recognised in accordance with the specific control or the right to receive the contributions. Control requirements of other Australian Accounting Standards. over contributions is normally obtained upon the receipt of cash. Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are (ii) Sale of Goods: Revenue from the sale of goods is initially recognised as assets and revenues at their fair value recognised as revenue when the agency transfers the at the date of acquisition. Fair value is the amount for which significant risks and rewards of ownership of the assets. an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing (iii) Rendering of Services: Revenue is recognised when parties in an arm’s length transaction. the service is provided or by reference to the stage of Where payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal completion (based on labour hours incurred to date). credit terms, its cost is the cash price equivalent, i.e. (iv) Investment Income: Interest revenue is recognised using deferred payment amount is effectively discounted at an the effective interest method as set out in AASB 139 asset-specific rate. Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. (h) Capitalisation thresholds (v) Rental Revenue: Rental revenue is recognised in accordance with AASB 117 Leases on a straight-line Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets costing basis over the lease term. $5,000 and above individually (or forming part of a network costing more than $5,000) are capitalised. All amounts below (e) Insurance $5,000 are expensed to profit and loss as incurred. The Authority’s activities are insured through the NSW (i) Revaluation of property, plant and equipment Treasury Managed Fund scheme of self insurance for Government agencies. The expense (premium) is determined Physical non-current assets are valued in accordance with by the Fund Manager based on past experience and the the “Valuation of Physical Non-Current Assets at Fair Value” insurance coverage is reviewed periodically to ensure that it Policy and Guidelines Paper (TPP 07-01). This policy adopts is adequate. fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment and AASB 140 Investment Property. (f) Accounting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Property, plant and equipment is measured on an existing Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the use basis, where there are no feasible alternative uses in amount of GST, except that: the existing natural, legal, financial and socio-political > The amount of GST incurred by the Authority as a environment. However, in the limited circumstances where purchaser that is not recoverable from the Australian there are feasible alternative uses, assets are valued at their Taxation Office is recognised as part of the cost higher and best use. of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item of Fair value of property, plant and equipment is determined expense, and based on the best available market evidence, including > Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of current market selling price for the same or similar assets. GST included. Where there is no available market evidence, the asset’s The net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to the fair value is measured at its market buying price, the best Australian Taxation Office is included as part of receivables indicator of which is depreciated replacement cost. or payables respectively. The Authority revalues each class of property, plant and Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on equipment at least every five years or with sufficient a gross basis. However, the GST components of cash flows regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset arising from investing and financing activities which is in the class does not differ materially from its fair value at recoverable from, or payable to, the Australian Taxation reporting date. Office are classified as operating cash flows. Non-specialised assets with short useful lives are measured at depreciated historical cost, as a surrogate for fair value. 58 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

When revaluing non-current assets by reference to The following depreciation and amortisation rates were current prices for assets newer than those being revalued applied in 2011/12 and 2010/11: (adjusted to reflect the present condition of the assets), the gross amount and the related accumulated depreciation are 2012 2011 separately restated. Buildings - 2.5% For other assets, any balances of accumulated depreciation Leasehold Improvements Life of lease Life of lease at the revaluation date in respect of those assets are credited agreement agreement to the asset accounts to which they relate. The net assets accounts are then increased or decreased by the revaluation Plant and equipment: increments or decrements. Computer equipment 25.0% 25.0% Revaluation increments are credited directly to the asset Other plant and 6.67% - 20% 6.67% - 20% revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an equipment increment reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an expense in (l) Major inspection costs the net result, the increment is recognised immediately as When each major inspection is performed, the labour cost revenue in the net result. of performing inspections for faults is recognised in the Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as carrying amount of an asset as a replacement of a part, if the expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent that recognition criteria are satisfied. a credit balance exists in the asset revaluation reserve in (m) Restoration costs respect of the same class of asset, they are debited directly The estimated cost of dismantling and removing an asset and to the asset revaluation reserve. restoring the site is included in the cost of an asset, to the As a not-for-profit entity, revaluation increments and extent it is recognised as a liability. decrements are offset against one another within a class of (n) Maintenance non-current assets but not otherwise. The day-to-day servicing or maintenance costs are charged Where an asset that has previously been revalued is disposed as expenses as incurred, except where they relate to the of, any balance remaining in the asset revaluation reserve in replacement of a part or component of an asset, in which case respect of that asset is transferred to accumulated funds. the costs are capitalised and depreciated. (j) Impairment of property, plant and equipment (o) Investments As a not-for-profit entity with no cash-generating units, the Investments are initially recognised at fair value plus, Authority is effectively exempt for AASB 136 Impairment of in the case of investments not at fair value through profit Assets and impairment testing. This is because AASB 136 or loss, transactions costs. The Authority determines the modifies the recoverable amount test to the higher of fair classification of its financial assets after initial recognition value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost. and, when allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this at each This means that, for an asset already measured at fair value, financial year end. impairment can only arise if selling costs are material. Selling costs are regarded as immaterial. • Fair value through profit or loss-The Hour-Glass Investment Facilities are designated at fair value (k) Depreciation and amortisation of property, through profit or loss using the second leg of the fair plant and equipment value option i.e. these financial assets are managed and Depreciation is provided for on a straight line basis for all their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis. In depreciable assets, as detailed below, so as to write off the accordance with the Authority’s risk management strategy, depreciable amount of each asset as it is consumed over its information about these assets is provided internally on useful life to the Authority. that basis to the Authority’s key management personnel. Designation at fair value through profit or loss is consistent All material separately identifiable components of assets with the Authority’s risk management policy. are depreciated over their shorter useful lives. Estimates of remaining useful lives are made on a regular basis for The movement in the fair value of the Hour-Glass Investment all assets, with annual reassessments for major items. facilities incorporates distributions received as well as unrealised movements in fair value and is reported in the line Land is not a depreciable asset. item ‘investment revenue’. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 59

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

(p) Impairment of financial assets (t) Liabilities All financial assets, except those measured at fair value (i) Payables through profit and loss, are subject to an annual review for These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services impairment. An allowance for impairment is established provided to the Authority and other amounts. Payables when there is objective evidence that the Authority will not are recognised initially at fair value, usually based on the be able to collect all amounts due. transaction cost or face value. Subsequent measurement For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of is at amortised cost using the effective interest method. the allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying Short-term payables with no stated interest rate are measured amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, at the original invoice amount where the effect of discounting discounted at the effective interest rate. The amount of the is immaterial. impairment loss is recognised in the net result for the year. (ii) Personnel Services Any reversal of impairment losses are reversed through (a) Personnel services net result for the year, where there is objective evidence, The Authority does not employ staff but utilises the personnel except reversals of impairment losses on an investment in an services of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional equity instrument classified as “available for sale” must be Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS). The costs of personnel made through the reserve. Reversals of impairment losses of services in respect of wages and salaries, superannuation, financial assets carried at amortised cost cannot result in a annual leave, long service leave, and for sick leave are carrying amount that exceeds what the carrying amount would recognised when it is probable that settlement will be have been had there not been an impairment loss. required and they are capable of being measured reliably. (q) Derecognition of financial assets and Provision made in respect of benefits that fall due within financial liabilities 12 months are measured at their nominal values using the A financial asset is derecognised when the contractual rights remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of settlement. to the cash flows from the financial assets expire; or if the Authority transfers the financial asset: Provisions made in respect of employee benefits which do not fall due within 12 months are measured at the present • Where substantially all the risks and rewards have been value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by the transferred or; Authority in respect of services provided by employees up to • Where the Authority has not transferred substantially all reporting date. the risks and rewards, but has not retained control. The outstanding amounts of payroll tax, workers Where the Authority has neither transferred nor retained compensation insurance premium and fringe benefits tax, substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership or which are consequential to employment are recognised as transferred control, the asset is recognised to the extent of liabilities and expenses when the benefits to which they the Authority’s continuing involvement in the asset, and an relate have been recognised. associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. Unused non-vesting sick leave does not give rise to a liability (r) Other assets as it is not considered probable that sick leave taken in the Other assets are recognised on a cost basis. future will be greater than the benefits accrued in the future. (s) Receivables (b) Defined contribution plans Receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed Contribution to a defined contribution funds, such as Basic or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active Benefit and First State Super, are expensed when incurred. market. These financial assets are recognised initially at It is calculated as a percentage of the employees’ salary. In fair value, usually based on the transaction cost or face 2009/10 and 2011/11, 9% was contributed. value. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using (c) Long service leave and defined benefits the effective interest method, less an allowance for any superannuation impairment of receivables. Any changes are accounted for in the statement of comprehensive income when impaired, The Authority has no liability for long service leave and derecognised or through the amortisation process. defined benefit superannuation. Personnel services are acquired from the Department of Trade and Investment, Short term receivables with no stated interest rate are Regional Infrastructure and Services and the liability of these measured at the original invoice amount where the effect of items has been assumed by the Crown Entity. discounting is immaterial. 60 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

(iii) Provision for restoration of leased premises (x) New Australian accounting standards issued A provision has been made for the present value at but not effective anticipated costs for future restoration of leased premises. In the current year the Authority has adopted all of the new Changes to the estimated future costs are recognised in the and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Statement of financial position. AASB that are relevant to the operations and effective for the current reporting period. Details of the impact of the adoption (u) Assistance provided by other organisations at of these new accounting standards are set out in the individual no cost to the CMA accounting policies notes in the financial statements. The maintenance of the Authority’s accounting records and provision of corporate services (excluding IT services) were Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have provided by ServiceFirst, a unit of the Department of Finance been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2012 and Services and the Department of Trade and Investment, reporting period. In accordance with the NSW Treasury Regional Infrastructure and Services, under the provisions mandate (TC 12/04), the Authority did not early adopt any of of the Corporate Services, Service Level Agreement. Some these accounting standards and interpretations that are not agreed services were provided by “ServiceFirst” on a cost yet effective. recovery basis. The Authorities assessment of the impact of these new The Office of Environment and Heritage a unit of the standards and interpretations is that they will not materially Department of Premier and Cabinet, provide services on affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial native vegetation and environmental issues. statements or significantly impact the disclosures in relation to the Authority. The Department of Finance and Services, Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services and It is considered that the impact of these new standards and Department of Premier and Cabinet cannot reliably estimate interpretations in future years will have no material impact on the fair value of these services to individual Authorities. the financial statements of the Authority. In addition, other organisations including community groups provide in kind assistance at no cost to the CMA. Note 3 - Revenue

(v) Budgeted Amounts 2012 2011 The budgeted amounts are drawn from the original budgeted $’000 $’000 financial statements presented to Parliament in respect Contributions received from: of the reporting period, as adjusted for section 24 of the Joint State/Commonwealth PFAA where there has been a transfer of functions between 4,016 3,697 departments. Other amendments made to the budget are not contributions (i) reflected in the budgeted amounts. (Refer to Note 12) Operating grant funding 2,918 2,886 (w) Comparative information Other contributions (ii) 1,141 8,661 Except where an Australian Accounting Standard permits or 8,075 15,244 requires otherwise, comparative information is disclosed in respect of the previous period for all amounts reported in the (i) Contributions were received from the Department of Trade and financial statements. Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, towards achieving pre-negotiated natural resources management outcomes of this total received $150,000 remained unspent at 30 June 2012. (ii) Other contributions were received for specific agreed works towards achieving natural resources management outcomes. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 61

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 4 - Investment Income

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Interest received – Bank 16 23 Interest received – NSW TCorp 185 226 201 249

Note 5 - Other Income

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Moree Office rent 46 13 Other 26 27 The following liabilities and / or expenses have been assumed by the Crown Entity or other government entities. Liability assumed by the crown Long Service leave 91 81 Superannuation 7 31 Payroll Tax 1 2 171 154 62 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 6 - Expenses

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Employee related expenses Contractors and temporary staff 126 38 126 38 Personnel services expenses Salaries and wages (including recreation leave) 2,761 2,696 Staff on-costs 549 543 3,310 3,239 Other operating expenses Auditors remuneration (i) 13 13 Board Member’s remuneration (ii) 141 164 Board Member’s and Committees costs 138 81 Consultancy Fees - 3 Fees for services 464 315 Operating lease expenses – minimum lease payments 245 214 Insurance 7 8 Accommodation and related expenses 128 95 Stores, materials and minor equipment 272 251 Plant/vehicle expenses 71 60 Travel 102 88 Advertising 86 51 Other 203 137 1,870 1,479 Depreciation and amortisation 35 26 Grants and subsidies Caring for Our Country 1,318 1,903 Catchment Action NSW 1,114 1,012 Sustaining the basin - 4,612 Water use efficiency project - 2,725 Other 533 662 2,965 10,914 Total 8,306 15,696

(i) Audit fee to The Audit Office of New South Wales for audit of financial statements. The auditors received no other benefits. (ii) Board members received no other benefits. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 63

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 7 - Current Assets - Cash and Cash Equivalents

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Current assets – Cash and Cash equivalents Cash at bank and on hand 1,016 578 NSW Treasury Corporation – HourGlass cash facility 2,592 3,258 3,608 3,836

Also refer to Note 13 & 17. Note 8 - Current Assets - Receivables

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Accounts receivable 110 41 Less Allowance for impairment (100) (27) 10 14 Goods & Services Tax recoverable 225 190 Accrued income 806 11 1,041 215 Allowance for impairment: Opening balance (27) (31) (Increase)/decrease in provision (73) 4 Closing balance (100) (27)

$Nil of debts were written off during the year (2011 - $4,500). Details regarding credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk, including financial assets that are either past due or impaired, are disclosed in Note 17. 64 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 9 - Non-Current Assets – Property, Plant and Equipment

Leasehold Plant & Improvement Equipment Total $’000 $’000 $’000 At 1 July 2011 – fair value Gross carrying amount 125 155 280 Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (125) (77) 202 Net carrying amount - 78 78 At 30 June 2012 – fair value Gross carrying amount 318 165 483 Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (131) (93) (224) Net carrying amount 187- 72 259

Reconciliation A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current reporting year is set out below. Year ended 30 June 2012 Net carrying amount at start of year - 78 78 Additions 193 24 217 Disposals - (5) (5) Transfers - 4 4 Depreciation and amortisation expense (6)- (29) (35) Net carrying amount at end of year 187 72 259 At 1 July 2010 – fair value Gross carrying amount 125 126 251 Accumulated depreciation (125) (50) (175) Net carrying amount - 76 76 At 30 June 2011 – fair value Gross carrying amount 125 155 280 Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (125) (77) 202 Net carrying amount - 78 78

Reconciliation A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current reporting year is set out below. Year ended 30 June 2011 Net carrying amount at start of year - 76 76 Additions - 28 28 Depreciation and amortisation expense - (26) (26) Net carrying amount at end of year - 78 78 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 65

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 10 - Current Liabilities - Payables

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Accrued personnel services 62 48 Creditors 1,143 290 Accruals 122 158 Other 553 816 1,880 1,312 All payables are expected to be paid in the next 12 months. Details regarding credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk, including the maturity analysis of the above payables, are disclosed in Note 17.

Note 11 - Current/Non-Current Liabilities - Provisions

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Personnel services provision 321 270 On-costs 96 77 Personnel services provisions and related on-costs 417 347 Restoration of lease premises 125 125 Total provisions 542 472

Provisions – current 414 460 Provisions – non current 128 12 542 472

All current provisions are expected to be settled within the next 12 months.

Movement in provisions (other than employee benefits) Provision for leased premises Carrying amount at beginning of the financial year 125 125 Additional provisions recognised - - Carrying amount at end of financial year 125 125 66 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 12 – Budget Review The Catchment Management Authority’s Income and Expenditure budgets are allocated by NSW Treasury on a source of funds and category basis. The actual figures in these Financial Statements are on a total funds basis regardless of source or category. Therefore a reliable comparison between budget and actual figures should only be made in total. The table below presents the Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2012 aligning the Actual and Budget figures on a more consistent basis. The actual figures have been aligned with the Treasury Budget and variances explained.

Actual Budget Variance $’000 $’000 $’000 Explanation Revenue Grants & contributions (Treasury allocated funds) Recurrent operating 2,918 2,918 0 NSW Catchment Action 1,896 1,896 0 Commonwealth Caring for our Country 2,120 2,120 0 Long service leave & superannuation 99 159 (60)

Investment Income Interest on bank and NSW TCorp 201 100 101

Other revenues Additional funding obtained by the Other revenues and contributions 1,213 600 613 Authority from external sources other than Treasury.

Total Revenue 8,447 7,793 654

Expenses Employee related expenses Contractors & short term staff 35 5 30 Other Operating expenses Personnel services 2,134 2,281 (147) Other operating 2,236 2,098 138

Depreciation 35 65 (30)

Grants & Subsidies

(Treasury investment funding) January flooding delayed works and Personnel services 1,176 1,606 (430) completion of milestones. Other operating 2,690 2,410 280

Total Expenses 8,306 8,465 (159)

Net Result 141 (672) 813 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 67

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

The budget process is finalised prior to the beginning of each financial year. Events can arise after finalisation that necessitates variations to the planned activities of the Authority for that year. This in turn may cause variations to the financial activities. Main reasons for variations are outlined below. Net result The Authority accrued $731k of additional Commonwealth Biodiversity funding of which $531k has been carried over into 2012/13 financial year for expenditure. January flooding delayed completion of Investment works resulting in $150k carried over into the 2012/13 financial year. These were the main contributing factors to the $813k variance to budget. Assets and liabilities Variation to budget of Receivables balance is mainly the Commonwealth Biodiversity funding in accrued income. Cash held at bank and Payables variation was due to payments to State Properties Authority for Moree office refurbishment $225k, Caring for our Country contestable grant of $156k and Bioregional assessment grant payment of $165k being delayed. Cash flows Variations to the total payments and receipts relate to additional funds generated and the timing of payments made by the CMA for priority natural resource outcomes

Note 13 - Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows Cash For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand, at bank and investments in NSW Treasury Corporation Hour Glass facilities. Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the Statements of cash flows is reconciled to the Statement of financial position as follows :

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 Cash and cash equivalents – Note 7 3,608 3,836 Closing cash and cash equivalents (per Statement of cash flows) 3,608 3,836 Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to net result. Net cash used on operating activities (17) 469 Depreciation and amortisation (35) (26) Allowance for impairment (73) 4 (Increase) in provisions (70) (27) Increase/(Decrease) in receivables 898 45 Decrease/(Increase) in payables (562) (514) Net result 141 (49)

The Authority operates on a multi year investment strategy, consequently the net result for any one financial year should not be viewed in isolation. 68 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 14 - Commitments for Expenditure

2012 2011 $’000 $’000 (a) Capital commitments Aggregate capital expenditure for the refurbishment of Moree Office contracted at balance date and not provided for: Not later than one year - 208 Later than one year and not later than 5 years - - Later than 5 years - - Total - 208

The commitments above include GST of $Nil (2011: $18,925) expected to be recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office.

(b) Other expenditure commitments Not later than one year 1,210 505 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 315 - Later than 5 years - - Total 1,525 505

The commitments above include GST of $129,143 (2011: $43,953) expected to be recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office.

(c) Operating lease commitments Aggregate operating lease commitments for office accommodation and motor vehicles. Contracted but not provided for at balance date, payable: Not later than one year 162 291 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 238 745 Later than 5 years 267 - Total 667 1,036 The commitments above include GST of $60,618 (2011: $94,163) expected to be recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. Operating lease commitments include contracted amounts for various offices and motor vehicles under operating lease contracts. Office leases vary from 1 to 10 years with, in some cases, options to extend. These leases have various escalation clauses. On renewal, the terms of the leases are renegotiated. (d) Finance lease commitments The Authority did not have any finance lease payable commitments at balance date. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 69

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 15 - Contingent Liabilities Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority is a member of the NSW Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) self insurance scheme. The fund is presently managing two liability matters against the Authority in relation to defamation claims. Costs presently exceed $800,000 and are covered under the Authorities TMF coverage. Apart from this matter the Authority is not aware of any other material contingent liabilities.

Note 16 - Contingent Assets There is no known contingent assets at balance date.

Note 17 - Financial Instruments The Authority’s principal financial instruments are outlined below. These financial instruments arise directly from the Authority’s operations or are required to finance the Authority’s operations. The Authority does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes. The Authority’s main risks arising from financial instruments are outlined below, together with the Authority’s objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk. Further quantitative and qualitative disclosures are included throughout this financial statement. The Authority’s Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of risk management and reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks. Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Authority, to set risk limits and controls and to monitor risks. Compliance with policies is reviewed by the Authority’s Board on a continuous basis. a) Financial instrument categories

Carrying Carrying Amount Amount 2012 2011 Note Category $’000 $’000 Financial Assets Class: Cash and cash equivalents 7, 13 N/A 3,608 3,836 Receivables1 8 Loans and receivables (at amortised cost) 816 25 Financial Liabilities Payables2 11 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 1,807 1,312

Notes 1. Excludes statutory receivables and prepayments (i.e. not within scope of AASB 7). 2. Excludes statutory payables and unearned revenue (i.e. not within scope of AASB 7). 70 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

b) Credit risk Credit risk arises when there is the possibility of the Authority’s debtors defaulting on their contractual obligations, resulting in a financial loss to the Authority. The maximum exposure to credit risk is generally represented by the carrying amount of the financial assets (net of any allowance for impairment). Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Authority, including cash, receivables and Authority deposits. No collateral is held by the Authority. The Authority has not granted any financial guarantees. Credit risk associated with the Authority’s financial assets, other than receivables, is managed through the selection of counterparties and establishment of minimum credit rating standards. Authority’s deposits held with NSW TCorp are guaranteed by the State. (i) Cash and cash equivalents Cash comprises cash on hand, in banks and investment with the NSW Treasury Corporation Hour-Glass facilities. The NSW TCorp Hour Glass cash facility is discussed in para (f) below. (ii) Receivables - trade debtors All trade debtors are recognised as amounts receivable at balance date. Collectibility of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Procedures as established in the Treasurer’s Directions are followed to recover outstanding amounts, including letters of demand. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. An allowance for impairment is raised when there is objective evidence that the entity will not be able to collect all amounts due. This evidence includes past experience, and current and expected changes in economic conditions and debtor credit ratings. No interest is earned on trade debtors. Sales are made on 30 day terms. The Authority is not materially exposed to concentrations of credit risk to a single trade debtor or group of debtors. Based on past experience, debtors that are not past due (2012: $Nil; 2011: $14,119) and not less than 1 month past due (2012: $Nil, 2011: $Nil) are not considered impaired and together these represent 0.007% of the total trade debtors (2011:34%). Most of the Authority’s debtors have a good credit rating. The only financial assets that are past due or impaired are ‘sales of goods and services’ in the ‘receivables’ category of the statement of financial position.

Total Past due but not impaired Considered impaired ($’000) 1,2 ($’000) 1,2 ($’000) 1,2 2012 < 3 months overdue 3 months – 6 months overdue > 6 months overdue 109 10 99 2011 < 3 months overdue 9 - 9 3 months – 6 months overdue - - > 6 months overdue 18 18

1. Each column in the table reports ‘gross receivables’; 2. The ageing analysis excludes statutory receivables, as these are not within the scope of AASB7 and excludes receivables that are not past due and not impaired. Therefore, the ‘total’ will not reconcile to the receivables total recognised in the statement of financial position. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 71

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

(iii) Other financial assets The Authority has placed funds on deposit with NSW TCorp, which has been rated “AAA” by Standard and Poor’s. These deposits are similar to money market or bank deposits and can be placed “at call” or for a fixed term. For fixed term deposits, the interest rate payable by NSW TCorp is negotiated initially and is fixed for the term of the deposit, while interest rate payable on at call deposits can vary. Deposits at 30 June 2012 were earning an interest rate of 3.96% (2010/11: 4.75%), while over the year the weighted average interest rate was 4.90% (2010/11: 5.37%). None of these assets are past due or impaired. c) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Authority will be unable to meet its payment obligations when they fall due. The Authority continuously manages risk through monitoring future cash flows and maturities planning to ensure adequate holding of high quality liquid assets. The objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and expenditure. During the current and prior years, there were no defaults or breaches on any payables. No assets have been pledged as collateral. The Authority’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. The liabilities are recognised for amounts due to be paid in the future for goods or services received, whether or not invoiced. Amounts owing to suppliers (which are unsecured) are settled in accordance with the policy set out in NSW Treasury Circular 11/12. For small business suppliers, where terms are not specified, payment is made not later than 30 days from date of receipt of a correctly rendered invoice. For other suppliers, if trade terms are not specified, payment is made no later than the end of the month following the month in which an invoice or a statement is received. For small business suppliers, where payment is not made within the specified period, simple interest must be paid automatically unless an existing contract specifies otherwise. For payments to other suppliers the Head of an authority (or a person appointed by the Head of an authority) may automatically pay the supplier simple interest. The rate of interest applied during the year was Nil% (2011 : Nil%). The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Authority’s financial liabilities, together with the interest rate exposure.

Interest Rate Exposure Maturity Dates Weighted Variable Average Nominal Fixed Interest Effective Amount Interest rate rate < 1 year 1-5 years > 5 years 2012 Int. Rate $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Payables: Accrued salaries and wages 62 62 - - N/A N/A 1,818 1,818 - - Creditors and accruals 1,880 1,880 - - 2011 Payables: Accrued salaries and wages 48 - - 48 - - N/A N/A 1,264 - - 1,264 - - Creditors and accruals 1,312 - - 1,312 - - 72 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

d) Market risk Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The Authority’s exposures to market risk are primarily through price risks associated with the movement in the unit price of the Hour Glass Investment facilities. The Authority does not have any borrowings. The Authority has no exposure to foreign currency risk and does not enter into commodity contracts. The effect on profit and equity due to a reasonably possible change in risk variable is outlined in the information below, for interest rate risk and other price risk. A reasonably possible change in risk variable has been determined after taking into account the economic environment in which the Authority operates and the time frame for the assessment (i.e. until the end of the next annual reporting period). The sensitivity analysis is based on risk exposures in existence at the statement of financial position date. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2011. The analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant. e) Interest rate risk As the Authority has no interest bearing liabilities its exposure to interest rate risk is minimal. The Authority does not account for any fixed rate financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss or as available for sale. Therefore for these financial instruments a change in interest rates would not affect profit or loss or equity. A reasonably possible change of +/- 1% is used, consistent with current trends in interest rates. The basis will be reviewed annually and amended where there is a structural change in the level of interest rate volatility. The Authority’s exposure to interest rate risk is set out below.

$’000 Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity 2012 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 3,608 (36) (36) 36 36 Receivables 1,041 Financial liabilities Payables 1,880 2011 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 3,836 (38) (38) 38 38 Receivables 25 - - - - Financial liabilities Payables 1,312 - - - - ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 73

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 f) Other price risk Exposure to ‘other price risk’ primarily arises through the investment in the NSW TCorp Hour Glass Investment facilities, which are held for strategic rather than trading purposes. The Authority has no direct equity investments. The Authority holds units in the following Hour-Glass investment trusts:

2012 2011 Facility Investment Sectors Investment Horizon $’000 $’000 Cash Facility Cash, Money market instruments Up to 2 years 2,593 3,258 The unit price of each facility is equal to the total fair value of net assets held by the facility divided by the total number of units on issue for that facility. Unit prices are calculated and published daily. NSW TCorp as trustee for each of the above facility is required to act in the best interest of the unit holders and to administer the trusts in accordance with the trust deeds. As trustee, NSW TCorp has appointed external managers to manage the performance and risks of each facility in accordance with a mandate agreed by the parties. However, NSW TCorp, acts as manager for part of the Cash Facility. A significant portion of the administration of the facilities is outsourced to an external custodian. The Authority uses Level 2 hierarchy for the Hour Glass Investment Cash Facility as the prices are observable, however, no active market exists for the facilities as they are only accessible to government agencies. Investment in the Hour Glass facilities limits Authority’s exposure to risk, as it allows diversification across a pool of funds, with different investment horizons and a mix of investments. NSW TCorp provides sensitivity analysis information for each of the facilities, using historically based volatility information collected over a ten-year period, quoted at two standard deviations (i.e., 95% probability). The NSW TCorp Hour Glass Investment facilities are designated at fair value through profit or loss and therefore any change in unit price impacts directly on profit (rather than equity). A reasonably possible change is based on the percentage change in unit price (as advised by NSW TCorp) multiplied by the redemption value as at 30 June each year for each facility (balance from Hour-Glass statement).

Impact on profit/loss 2012 2011 Change in unit price $’000 $’000 Hour Glass Investment Cash Facility +1% 26 33 -1% (26) (33) g) Fair value Financial instruments are generally recognised at cost, with the exception of the NSW TCorp Hour Glass facilities, which are measured at fair value. As discussed, the value of the Hour Glass Investments is based on Authority’s share of the value of the underlying assets of the facility, based on the market value. All of the Hour Glass facilities are valued using ‘redemption’ pricing. The amortised cost of financial instruments recognised in the Statement of financial position approximates the fair value, because of the short-term nature of many of the financial instruments.

Note 18 - After Balance Date Events There are no significant events subsequent to balance date. End of audited financial statements 74 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Compliance Checklist

Compliance Area Pg # / Appendix Compliance Area Pg # / Appendix Access/Addresses 86 Investment Performance 80, U Additional Matters for Inclusion 80, 85, S Land Disposal NA Agreements with the Community 79, O Legal Change 82, AA Relations Commission Letter of Submission to the Minister 45 Aims and Objectives 10 Liability Management Performance NA Audited Financial Statements 52-73 Management Activities 25-44 Budgets 80, R Management and Structure 15-24 Charter 10-11 Multicultural Policies and Services 79, N Consultants 76, C Program Consumer Response 77, H Payment of Accounts 77, I Credit Card Certification 81, Z Performance and Numbers of 81, V Disability Plan 76, E Executive Officers Disclosure of Controlled Entities NA Production Costs 85 Disclosure of Subsidiaries NA Promotion/publications 27, 77, G Economic or Other Factors 23 Public Availability 85 Electronic Service Delivery 80, T Public Interest Disclosures 81, X Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 76, D Requirements Arising From NA Employment Arrangements Evaluation 44 Research and Development 76, A Executive (principal officers) 22, 81, V Risk Management and Insurance 78, K Exemptions NA Activities Financial Statements 52-73 Summary Review of Operations 5-9 Funds Granted to Non-government 46 Time For Payment of Accounts 78, J Community Organisations Waste 80, Q Government Information Act 81, W Workplace Health and Safety 80, P Human Resources 76, B Identification of Audited Financial 52-73 Statements Implementation of Price Determination NA Inclusion of Unaudited Financial NA Statements Internal Audit and Risk Management 83-84 Policy Attestation ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 75

Appendices 76 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Appendices

A. Research and Development of Catchment Management Authorities The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA undertakes research projects as part of its monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) program which invested $488,047 in 2011-2012, made up as follows:

Category 2 – MERI $281,047 Category 3 – MERI $207,000 Total $488,047 B. Human Resources Following is a summary of staff employed by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA as at 30 June, 2012 compared to staff employed in 2011 and 2010.

2012 2011 2010 Category Permanent Temporary Total Permanent Temporary Total Permanent Temporary Total Administration 2 6 8 3 5 8 3 6 9 Catchment Officers 7 15 22 8 10 18 8 9 17 Regional Facilitators 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Managers 3 0 3 4 0 4 3 0 3 Aboriginal and/ 1 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 or Torres Strait Islanders Totals 13 23 36 16 16 32 15 16 31 Personnel Policies and Practices The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operates under the Department of Trade & Investment Code of Conduct. This Code describes the ethical framework that guides the decisions, actions and behaviour of staff as employees of the Department of Trade & Investment. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is committed to maintaining a workforce that displays the highest standards of conduct and ethics. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA also operates under other Department of Trade & Investment workplace policies and practices such as flexible work practices, performance management, recruitment and work health and safety. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has also implemented other workplace policies and procedures specifically related to its business including Probity Policy, Managing Financial and Purchasing Delegations Policy, Managing Pecuniary and Conflict of Interest Policy and Staff Induction and Staff Exit Procedures.

C. Consultants No consultants were engaged by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA during the 2011-2012 financial year.

D. Equal Employment Opportunity Not applicable for 2011-2012. Next report due 2013-2014.

E. Disability Plans Not applicable for 2011-2012. Next report due 2013-2014. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 77

F. Land Disposal Not Applicable.

G. Promotion The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has a Communications Officer who is responsible for the implementation of the Communications Plan. For further information on our promotion activities see body of text (Community Activities). No staff have conducted overseas visits during the 2011-2012 year.

H. Consumer Response Feedback received from the community regarding Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operations was overwhelmingly positive. No complaints were received from the community regarding Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operations for the 2011-2012 year.

I. Payment of Accounts Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA (BR-G CMA) [Co. 7800] Quarterly Schedule of Accounts Payable – Aged Analysis at the end of each quarter

Quarter Current (ie Less than Between 30 days Between 60 and More than within due date) 30 days overdue and 60 days overdue 90 days overdue 90 days overdue $ $ $ $ $ September (14,449) 0 0 0 0 December (6,654) 0 0 0 0 March (1,136) 0 851 0 0 June (1,136,869) 0 0 0 0 Accounts due or paid within each quarter

All Suppliers Measure Sept Dec March June Number of accounts due for payment 348 251 348 462 Number of accounts paid on time 346 249 336 459 Actual % of accounts paid on time 99.43% 99.20% 96.55% 99.35% (based on number of accounts) $ amount of accounts due for payment (1,469,223) (391,019) (972,740) (2,904,471) $ amount of accounts paid on time (1,468,776) (390,722) (968,809) (2,680,242) Actual % of accounts paid on time (based on $) 99.97% 99.92% 99.60% 92.28% Number of payments for interest on overdue 0 0 0 0 accounts Interest paid on overdue accounts 0 0 0 0

Notes on above tables: Due date is calculated based on Government Terms – payment made by the end of the month following the month in which an invoice is received excluding Small Business Vendors. This report selects transactions made in SAP under document type “RE”, “KR”. 78 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

J. Time for Payment of Accounts The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA aims to achieve a 30 day turnaround on payment of invoices. Invoices are paid by ServiceFirst which is located in Parramatta. All invoices are processed immediately by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA and forwarded to ServiceFirst for payment. No interest has been paid due to late payments.

K. Risk Management and Insurance Activities Effective risk management is a core management requirement. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has a comprehensive Risk Management Business System in place which considers all levels of CMA operations in the normal process of activities. In November 2011 an internal risk analysis was conducted with priority risks identified. Control measures, through a Risk Treatment Action Plan, are now being implemented. NSW Trade & Investment provides cover to the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA by way of participation in the NSW Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) self-insurance scheme. Worker’s Compensation insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd and GIO General Limited underwrites the motor vehicle, public liability, property and miscellaneous insurance. One of the conditions of the insurance coverage is a requirement to place a high priority on the implementation of sound risk management practices.

L. Disclosure of Controlled Entities Not applicable. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 79

M. Disclosure of Subsidiaries Not applicable.

N. Multicultural Policies and Services Program Not applicable for 2011-2012. Next report due 2013-2014.

O. Agreements with the Community Relations Commission The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operates under NSW Trade & Investment Equity and Diversity Policy. Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is committed to the development and maintenance of a culture that supports equity and diversity. This commitment is founded on recognition of the value of and respect for social and cultural diversity, and support for the: > NSW Government goals of workplace cultures displaying fair practice and behaviours and improved employment access and participation for Equal Employment Opportunity groups > NSW Government vision of people with a disability being able to access meaningful work > Principles of multiculturalism as enshrined in the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is committed to further promoting and supporting equity and diversity through the provision of regular information and training to employees, and working to ensure that all employees treat others in a fair and equitable manner, which promotes and is consistent with equity and diversity principles and the policy. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA also has in place strategies that offer programs and services that reflect the needs of the entire community; policies that are sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients; providing information in ways that will reach all staff and clients; providing language services for clients; ensuring that the Board and committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community and using flexible and inclusive consultation processes. 80 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

P. Workplace Health and Safety Not applicable for 2011-2012. Next report due 2013-2014.

Q. Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy Not applicable for 2011-2012. Next report due 2013-2014.

R. Operating Budgets The operating budget received from the NSW Government for the reporting period totalled $3,017,292 for the purpose of salaries and overheads (excluding liabilities assumed by the Crown). This did not include project staff salaries and on-costs. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s operating budgets for 2012-2013 is:

Revenue excl Crown $2,798,000 Expenditure $2,863,000 Accounting Net Cost of Service ($65,000)

S. Privacy and Personal Information Protection Statement In the 2011-2012 reporting period, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA received no requests for access to documents, no applications for internal review, and no complaints under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has a Privacy Management Plan that governs the collection, retention, accuracy, use and disclosure of personal information, including rights of access and correction.

T. Electronic Service Delivery The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA believes that Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) is a key factor for a positive transformation of public services and aids to deliver customer-focused services to the New South Wales community through the use of electronic technology. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has a wide range of information available through its public website www.brg. cma.nsw.gov.au. The website publishes information about the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA and its services and allows internet users the opportunity to browse and interact. All publications and application forms for incentive and educational funding or expressions of interest (EOI), together with electronic copies of our Annual Reports are available through our website.

U. Investment Performance The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA holds an operating account with Westpac Banking Corporation. Throughout the reporting period the account returned a minimum of 4.27% interest. Additionally the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA held an Investment Account with the New South Wales Treasury Corporation which returned a minimum of 4.90% at call. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 81

V. Performance and Numbers of Executive Officers It is a requirement of legislation that the performance and remuneration of the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA General Manager is reported. As at 30 June, 2012 details of the General Manager are as follows:

Name Paul Hutchings Date appointed 10th September, 2010 Performance Review Bi-Annual Remuneration Package SO1

W. Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is committed to complying with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and all requests for information are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Act. There have been no applications received under the Act during the 2011-2012 year.

X. Public Interest Disclosures The Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 (PID Act) provides protection for staff members reporting genuine concerns regarding corruption, maladministration, substantial waste of public money or government information contraventions. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operates under the Department of Trade & Investment Public Interest Disclosures policy. This policy establishes the reporting procedures for staff to make public interest disclosures in accordance with the requirements of that Act. New legislative changes to the Act came into effect in November 2011. There have been no concerns reported under the Act during the 2011-2012 year.

Y. Implementation of Price Determination Not applicable.

Z. Credit Card Certification The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has one corporate credit card ($5,000 limit). Corporate credit card expenditure is monitored for compliance with Treasury and the Auditor General’s guidelines. The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operates a MasterCard credit card facility with the Westpac Banking Corporation. The credit card expenditure is paid by electronic funds transfer. All expenditure is verified by the cardholder (Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA General Manager) on a monthly basis. During this year all MasterCard credit card payments were made on time and no interest charges were incurred. Expenditure on credit cards issued to the General Manager is certified by the cardholder and independently verified by the Business Manager. Authorisation of payment is undertaken on a monthly basis by the Business Manager. 82 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

AA. Legislation In carrying out its role, the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA operates under the following key NSW Legislation: > A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 > Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 > Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 > Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 No 104 > Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 > Disability Services Act 1993 > Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 > Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Act 2008 > Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 > Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 > National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 > Native Vegetation Act 2003 > Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 > Noxious Weeds Act 1993 > Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 > Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 > Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 > Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 > Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 > Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 > Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 > Rural Lands Protection Amendment Act 2008 > Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 > Soil Conservation Act 1938 > State Records Act 1998 > Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 > Water Management Act 2000 > Work Health and Safety Act 2011 > Workers Compensation Act 1987 and its associated amendments in 2000, 2005 and 2012 > Workplace Injury Management And Workers Compensation Act 1998 > Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 Regulations relating to the above Acts also apply to the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA. ANNUAL REPORT 2011 – 2012 83

Internal Audit and Risk Management Statement for the 2011-2012 Financial Year for the Border Rivers- Gwydir Catchment Management Authority I, Leanne Savage, Acting Chair of the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, am of the opinion that the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority has internal audit and risk management processes in place that are, excluding the exceptions described below, compliant with the core requirements set out in Treasury Circular NSW TC 09/08 Internal Audit and Risk Management Policy. I, Leanne Savage, am of the opinion that the internal audit and risk management processes for the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority depart from the following core requirements set out in Treasury Circular NSW TC 09/08 and that (a) the circumstances giving rise to these departures have been determined by the Portfolio Minister and (b) the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority has implemented the following practicable alternative measures that will achieve a level of assurance equivalent to the requirement:

Reason for Departure and Description of Ministerially Determined Departure Practicable Alternative Measures Implemented Core Requirement 1: Internal Audit Function >> All thirteen Catchment Management Authorities are An internal audit function has been established and maintained. covered by a comprehensive Corporate Governance Manual which has been prepared with the assistance Core Requirement 2: Audit and Risk Committee of the NSW Internal Audit Bureau. A copy of this The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority Manual can be provided to NSW Treasury upon has established an Audit and Risk Committee. request for assessment purposes. Core Requirement 3: Independent Chairs and Members >> The basis for this exception from the core The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority has requirements is that Catchment Management aan independent Chair and a majority of independent members. Authorities operate as independent organisations The Audit and Risk Committee has at least three members and governed by boards separate to the Department no more than five members. of Trade & Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services (DTIRIS). The membership of the Committee is reviewed on an annual >> The existence of independent audit committees basis by the Board. The last review was in June 2012. reporting to statutory boards is an important feature Core Requirement 4: Model Charter and Committee of good corporate governance and we are seeking Operations to maintain internal audit and risk committee The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority arrangements independent of DTIRIS. Audit and Risk Committee has a charter consistent with the Submissions have been made to Treasury requesting model charter. a more permanent solution for the audit committees Core Requirement 5: Risk Management Standards for a number of the statutory bodies under the Super Department structure. The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority has an enterprise risk management process that is appropriate to the The NSW Catchment Management Authorities sought department or statutory body. The process has been established an exception from the core requirements from the and is maintained. The enterprise risk management process is Portfolio Minister. consistent with the current International (IS) and Australian/New The Portfolio Minister granted the exception from Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) on risk management (ISO31000). compliance with the terms of the policy. 84 Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Reason for Departure and Description of Ministerially Determined Departure Practicable Alternative Measures Implemented Core Requirement 6: Internal Audit Standards The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority operates an Internal Audit function consistent with the IIA International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audit. In addition, the following requirements have been met: a. The Chief Audit Executive has implemented a risk-based audit methodology for assessing and responding to audit findings, and this approach has been endorsed by the Audit and Risk Committee b. The Chief Audit Executive has ensured a risk rating has been provided on every audit finding and those audit findings are considered by the Chief Audit Executive to be the most significant have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee c. The Chief Audit Executive has recommended a course of action for every audit finding and these actions have been referred to operational management for response d. The department head or governing board of the statutory body has ensured that operational management has prepared an “agreed action plan” for every internal audit e. The department head or governing board of the statutory body has ensured that operational management has reported and tracked the implementation of “agreed action plans” to both the Audit and Risk Committee and the department head or governing board of the statutory authority to ensure all agreed actions are implemented within agreed timeframes.

These processes, including the practicable alternative measures implemented, provide a level of assurance that enables the senior management of the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority to understand, manage and satisfactorily control risk exposures.

Leanne Savage Acting Chair Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority 21 September 2012 The 2011-2012 Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Annual Report includes contributions from staff. Edited by Communications Officer, Annabelle Monie. Final version approved by General Manager, Paul Hutchings. Photo credits: Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA Staff and Boomi Public School. Graphic Design by Sprout Creative. Printed by Greenridge Press. In accordance with section 17(2) of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 this document is the Annual Report of the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority. This report is available for free download via the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA website: www.brg.cma.nsw.gov.au This annual report has been produced at a total cost of $3,819 (inc GST). ISBN 978-0-9808669-8-8 The Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority is an independent Statutory Authority established in 2004 by the NSW Government to ensure the protection and sustainable development of land, vegetation and water resources within the catchment. Our Office Locations

Inverell Office Moree Office Armidale Office Glen Innes Goondiwindi (Attended (Attended Trevanna Road National Parks & Waggamba Square 8.30am to 4.30pm 8.30am to 4.30pm ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350 Wildlife Office Brooke Street, Monday to Friday) Monday to Friday) Phone: 02 6773 5270 Oliver Street, Goondiwindi, QLD, 4390 Fax: 02 6773 5288 GLEN INNES, Phone: 07 4671 4302 15 Vivian Street, 66-68 Frome Street, NSW, 2370 PO Box 411 PO Box 569 Phone: 02 6732 2992 INVERELL, NSW, 2360 MOREE, NSW, 2400 Fax: 02 6732 5995 Phone: 02 6728 8020 Phone: 02 6757 2550 Fax: 02 6728 8098 Fax: 02 6757 2568

www.brg.cma.nsw.gov.au email: [email protected]