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TASLAND.ORG.AU CONTENTS
4 REPORT FROM THE CHAIR Chair Mr Stuart Barry 6 CEO’S REPORT Vice Chair 8 ABOUT THE TLC Ms Jennie Churchill
8 YOUR SUPPORT Board 10 MISSION 1 – PROTECTING NATURE Mr Peter Cosier Mr Peter Downie 14 MISSION 2 – LOOKING AFTER NATURE Mr Josh Geelan Ms Susan Gough 16 MISSION 3 – KNOWING NATURE Ms Erika Korosi Prof Ted Lefroy 20 OUR CONSERVATION FOOTPRINT Ms Lyn Maddock Mr Nathan Males 22 MISSION 4 – INNOVATING FOR NATURE Mr Mark Temple-Smith Mr Julian von Bibra 24 MISSION 5 – INVOLVING PEOPLE 28 MISSION 6 – LEADING FOR NATURE 31 THE TLC FOUNDATION 35 AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 36 OFFICERS’ REPORT 37 OUR COMMITMENT 38 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 42 INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT
Cover: Common wombat with baby (Vombatus ursinus). Photo: Loic Le Guilly Opposite: Scaly buttons (Leptorhynchos squamatus). Photo: Andy Townsend Next page: Gordonvale Reserve. Photo: Grant Dixon OUR VISION IS FOR TASMANIA TO BE A GLOBAL LEADER IN NATURE CONSERVATION
2 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 3 REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
I am pleased to present to you the resulted in this immensely positive member of the TLC Board, Susan Tasmanian Land Conservancy’s outcome of extending the reach of Gough. Susan has given her energy 2016–2017 Annual Report. The protected areas. and dauntless commitment to this Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) organisation over many years and, has really thrived over the past year, The TLC also continues to look after while we welcome fresh perspective with much achieved through the nature, for nature, with great success; and ideas on the Board, it is always implementation of the 2016–2020 as shown through our ecological very hard to say goodbye to the highly Strategic Plan. We have bold monitoring and stewardship programs valued wisdom and insight of our ambitions, such as the identification that operate in close partnership with friends and colleagues. We are thrilled and protection of an additional the Department of Primary Industries, that Susan will continue to support 25,000 hectares of high conservation Parks, Water and Environment and the governance of the organisation value land, and we are confident private landholders. The Revolving as a member of the TLC’s Foundation that we can achieve this through Fund and New Leaf continue to Committee. partnerships and shared goals. ensure financial and ecological security on private land well beyond Finally, I wish to send a special round We have harnessed the skills, 2017. of applause to all those marvellous thoughtfulness, expertise and volunteers who contribute so much The excellence in conservation commitment of the broader in so many different ways. From my science, planning and reserve community to look for innovative fellow Board members to the keen- management that the TLC insists upon eyed folk that score thousands of ways to reach this target. The World- is the cornerstone of our success as a images of our reserves, to the tireless Class Reserve System criteria, conservation organisation. The work helpers that mail out our newsletters, developed by the TLC’s volunteer of our in-house science team, which invitations and annual reports, and act Science Council, offers a clear lens regularly collaborates with national as guides on our enormously popular through which to identify the parts of experts, is what keeps the TLC on the Discovery Days. It is due to you that Tasmania that really need protection cutting edge of conservation science the TLC presents such a dynamic and from imminent and future threats to – an achievement of which we are vital face – not just to Tasmania, but their ecological significance. We thank immensely proud. the whole world – and for that we are the Science Council and all those so very grateful. who contributed to the development The growth of the TLC Foundation of this method for the considerable is helping to achieve the financial time and effort they have spent on its sustainability and growth of the formulation. Nature Bank; enabling the TLC to respond to opportunities to The TLC has continued to work secure areas of high conservation towards protecting nature with in an efficient and timely manner. Stuart Barry the declaration of our eighteenth We sincerely thank everyone who reserve at Daisy Dell. I was lucky continues to support the TLC President – Tasmanian Land enough to attend the Discovery Day Foundation, thereby empowering us Conservancy at the Daisy Dell and Vale of Belvoir to ensure that the areas we protect reserves in February. This was a great will be managed for conservation opportunity to meet supporters forever. and TLC community members, as well as observe the synergy of the This year, we farewell and offer our Above: Stuart Barry. Photo: Matthew Newton neighbourhood partnerships that have heartfelt thanks to a long-standing Opposite: Skullbone Plains Reserve. Photo: Grant Dixon
4 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 5 CEO’S REPORT
In the previous annual report, I The protection of King’s Run, a west WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT professed excitement at the delivery coast icon, is the third partnership OUR WORK IS RIGHT NOW, of the 2016–2020 Strategic Plan. project of its kind that we have been One year into its implementation, I involved in. With the dual goals of YET IT IS THE GENERATION am confident that my excitement was conserving Tasmanian Aboriginal OF TASMANIANS TO COME culture and natural heritage, it is well founded. The Plan’s simple but THAT WILL MEASURE OUR effective goals of protecting nature, a legacy project of which we are looking after nature, innovating for enormously proud. SUCCESS, AND I FEEL SO nature, and involving people have Another community within which the CONFIDENT THAT THE offered very clear signposts for TLC is thrilled to be operating is the prioritising and decision-making. In an WORK WE UNDERTAKE Australian Land Conservation Alliance organisation like ours that is small, yet COLLECTIVELY NOW WILL (ALCA) – a national collaboration highly ambitious, this clear articulation between conservation bodies with YIELD MANY BENEFITS IN of our strategy makes it easy to work a focus on private land. When the in the present, with a keen eye to THE FUTURE. alliance met in Melbourne in late 2016, the future. If you have not already those assembled were utterly united done so, I urge you to look at our in their sense of purpose to achieve 2016–2020 Strategic Plan online at great outcomes for conservation www.tasland.org.au/aboutus. on private land across the country. art and nature collaboration was the committed farmers of the I extend my most heartfelt thanks With these goals in mind, we have The TLC is thrilled to act as host yet again supported by the Purves Tasmanian Midlands. The TLC’s to the supporters, volunteers and had a great year working to build to the ALCA community for the Environmental Fund and Purryburry Revolving Fund, supported by the landholders with whom the TLC has strong connections within Tasmania National Private Land Conservation Trust, and for this, we are extremely Australian Government through the very great honour to work. and the national and international Conference in Hobart in October 2017. grateful. the Forest Conservation Fund, conservation communities. Nowhere We know how important our work has had an outstanding year of is this more apparent than at Daisy is right now, yet it is the generation The Big Punchbowl Reserve was the On a different note, the TLC continues sales in conservation properties to Dell, where the protection of 322 of Tasmanians to come that will site for a community gathering of a to work in the carbon economy, and new landholders who want nature hectares in a new reserve was measure our success, and I feel so different kind when the TLC hosted our sale of carbon credits continues to protection to form the cornerstone of made entirely possible by the local eighteen artists for Poets and Painters deliver a strong and reliable revenue confident that the work we undertake their lifestyle. collectively now will yield many community, immediate and close – the iconic Tasmanian arts event stream, all of which is allocated to benefits in the future. So, on behalf of neighbours, and our wonderful curated by Bett Gallery owner Carol managing our private reserves. The Through the Protected Area the TLC and all those plants, animals TLC supporters, who never fail to Bett and beloved poet Pete Hay. TLC is also exploring the development Partnership Program – which we and places we seek to protect, I step up when it is time to protect Over the course of the summer, nine of market solutions to facilitate deliver on behalf of the Department offer my profound thanks for all your irreplaceable places and the life they poets and nine painters experienced nature conservation, offering the of Primary Industries, Parks, Water support. support. The formalisation of this new the nature of the reserve, including powerful potential for achieving great and Environment (DPIPWE) – we private reserve now fits neatly within the rare event of the wetland really conservation outcomes in Tasmania, continue to work with covenant another community of protected brimming with water, then spent and indeed, Australia-wide. landholders around the state, areas in the surrounding landscape, the ensuing months creating their providing guidance, advice and including the nearby Cradle Mountain- responses. As the financial year The TLC has had another strong year support on the ground. Lake St Clair Wilderness World drew to a close, magnificent works of implementing our conservation Heritage Area and the Vale of Belvoir and nuanced words were delivered programs, including our Midlands I will finish by returning to the theme Jane Hutchinson Conservation Area, as well as the to the Bett Gallery in readiness for Above: Jane Hutchinson. Photo: Matthew Newton Conservation Fund partnership of community, and I will echo the Chief Executive Officer TLC’s own Vale of Belvoir Reserve. the project’s July launch. This TLC Opposite: King’s Run. Photo: Loic Le Guilly with Bush Heritage Australia and words of our Chair, Stuart Barry, when Tasmanian Land Conservancy
6 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 7 ABOUT THE TLC
YOUR SUPPORT
The TLC began in 2001 with $50 in the bank and a handful of volunteers. Since then, we have grown to become one of Tasmania’s largest private landholders. Our mission is to look after Tasmania’s unique natural places, rare ecosystems, and the habitat of threatened plants and wildlife on private land. We value nature and the cultural, social and economic benefits it provides to all of us.
The TLC works with nature in four powerful ways:
PROTECTING NATURE in the TLC’s reserves, in partnership with private landholders, and by selling protected properties to those who wish to own land and continue to MICHAEL BENTLEY – TLC FOUNDATION EVAN HUNTER – REGULAR GIVING WALLY HERMANN – VOLUNTEER JEN AND GEORGE ETTERSHANK – protect it. BEQUESTORS I first heard of the TLC in 2006 when Almost four decades ago, I LOOKING AFTER NATURE Christine Caleidin and I chose to move Among her many talents, Christine the organisation played a pivotal role unsuspectingly went down the muddy As biologists, we understand the through reserve management to Hobart in 2011. For us, Tasmania was a silk painter. She had a discerning in securing the protection of a highly track from Leary’s Corner, past necessity to conserve our environment principles informed by robust science. was where our project of conviviality – eye for colour and revelled in the contested block of private land at Charleston’s Hut and into the Vale of so that future generations enjoy the living with the natural world – could be splendour of the ever-changing Recherche Bay in southern Tasmania, now Belvoir. It was in exhilaration that I first beauty and biological diversity of INNOVATING FOR NATURE realised. Tasmanian light. Solas is the Irish word managed as part of the TLC’s permanent sighted that unique sub-alpine meadow, Tasmania, as we have. by using smart business principles, for light. I am proud that Christine’s fascinating karst geology and hydrology, Paraphrasing from the definition of reserve estate. bold ideas and leading technologies. memory lives on through the TLC and enchanting pockets of rainforest. We first visited Tasmania more than 30 public health, we saw conservation Foundation. This was a lightbulb moment for me in My life has since been enormously years ago and it was love at first sight! as the art and science of protecting INVOLVING PEOPLE realising the crucial role that organisations enriched by many happy days spent We bought our bit of Tasmanian bush places of natural wonder. The TLC does Photo: Karen Brown by providing opportunities for them such as the TLC can play in private land rambling, picnicking, wombat-spotting, paradise, and came down for holidays this well in Tasmania and it’s why we to experience nature, achieve nature conservation. The fact that the TLC has fishing and skiing in that magic valley – when we could. We finally retired here chose to support it. Collaborations in conservation, operate mutually grown to become one of the largest land it is my spiritual home. and appreciate it more as time goes on. beneficial businesses and support the Skullbone Plains and the Big Punchbowl owners in Tasmania is testament to the It seemed natural, then, to bequeath work of the TLC. are outstanding examples of how to breadth of conservation values existing I’m delighted that it is now protected some money to the TLC so they can create a sense of wonder about this on private land. forever by the TLC; bringing their The TLC is a not-for-profit, apolitical, beautiful corner of our living planet. expertise and resources in research continue to be the guardian angels for science and community-based I contribute to the TLC because it and environmental management to all the values we ascribe to Tasmania’s Sadly, Christine died in 2016. I organisation that raises funds from is crucial for Tasmania to have an conserve its natural values. I’ve been environment. We urge readers to look established the Solas Fund in loving the public to protect irreplaceable organisation whose entire focus is on pleased to assist as a volunteer, in fauna into doing the same, if you appreciate memory of her to support the art sites by buying and managing private identifying, acquiring, protecting and monitoring, botanical surveying and Tasmania as we and so many others do. and science of the Tasmanian Land land in Tasmania. managing private land for conservation weed control. Vive la Vale! Photo: Karen Brown Conservancy. values. Photo: Heath Holden Photo: Karen Brown 8 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 9 MISSION 1
Striated pardelote (Pardalotus striatus). Photo: Peter Vaughan
Protecting nature continues as the During the trial, 120 landholders GOALS prime motivation behind the TLC’s received training in how to monitor work. This year, through the generosity birds, mammals and vegetation on Goal 1.1 By 2020, in partnership with of our supporters, we acquired our their land. Data was collected from other private landholders, manage an newest permanent reserve, Daisy Dell. 182 sites spread over 10,000 hectares, additional 25,000 hectares of highest Daisy Dell is a critical natural corridor covering 10 major habitat types, priority areas. linking the habitats of the Tasmanian from coastal wetlands to montane Progress A further 8,264 hectares of Wilderness World Heritage Area with rainforests. Fourteen mammal species high conservation value private land the forests of the northern tiers. It and more than 50 bird species were has been permanently protected and is under management. This includes the is a mosaic of sub-alpine grasslands, recorded and this data has been used protection of the trawtha makuminya sedgelands, eucalypt forests, to identify important areas for wildlife; – a 6,878-hectare property owned and woodlands and rainforest. particularly conservation-dependent managed by the Tasmanian Aboriginal species like eastern quoll and community adjoining the TLC’s Five Rivers Reserve. The TLC teamed up with the Indigenous bettong. This project was delivered Land Corporation, Aboriginal Land in partnership with the Bruny Island Property sales through the TLC New Council of Tasmania and Tasmanian Environment Network, Bruny Island Leaf project and Revolving Fund secured the protection of 1,666 Aboriginal Centre to protect Tasmanian Community Association, Kingborough Aboriginal cultural heritage and hectares of land. Perpetual covenants Council, NRM South, Huon Valley on our Gordonvale and Blue Tier natural heritage on private land. These Council, Derwent Catchment Project, reserves were also registered. partners were joined by the Bob Brown the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and Foundation and former landowner, Birdlife Tasmania. Goal 1.2 By 2017, the TLC will develop Margo King and her family, in securing a plan to secure the remaining areas King’s Run – an important West required for a world-class system of Coast icon – in memory of the late reserves. Geoff King. The conservation of this Progress Guided by the TLC extraordinary property is a legacy for Science’s Council, the World-Class all Tasmanians and we were thrilled to Reserve System GIS assessment was be part of it. finalised, with spatial refinement and preparation for publication both nearing completion. The TLC began an eight-month trial of a community-based wildlife monitoring The information gathered through program in three regions in southern this prioritisation is integrated into the TLC’s Decision Support Matrix, Tasmania. The aim was to develop informing future property purchases 1 a system for monitoring wildlife on and providing the basis for future private land that could be rolled out strategic discussions required to statewide, through actively engaging complete the reserve system. citizen scientists to collect and analyse In May, workshop participants PROTECTING ecological data. This information is identified strategic areas to help vital for the TLC to make inroads into secure a World-Class Reserve System in Tasmania. The proposition deemed increasing the area of land managed most successful was the expansion for conservation in Tasmania as part of and strengthening of private land securing a World-Class Reserve System. custodianship, including incorporating NATURE monitoring to validate conservation management. Opposite: Rainforest Glade, Daisy Dell Reserve. Photo: Chris Crerar
10 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 11 Protected Areas Partnership Program Forest Conservation Fund Revolving Fund This year the TLC, in partnership with DPIPWE, delivered services The Forest Conservation Fund to landowners of conservation Revolving Fund (also known as covenanted land. The TLC has worked the Revolving Fund) has achieved hard to ensure that landowners eight property sales, covering 823 receive the best information regarding hectares. These sales ensure that we their properties. Landowners have can continue to purchase and protect engaged in numerous ways with the more land into the future and help program, including installing wildlife other private landholders become cameras on their land, thus providing great stewards of nature. We continue information that informs future to undertake management actions at management of privately protected the remaining properties while they areas. A highlight of the year was await sale. reaching the milestone of more than 100,000 hectares of private land in Tasmania now managed under Revolving Fund Property. Photo: Matthew Newton conservation covenant. A big thank you to all involved.
Midlands Conservation Fund
The Midlands Conservation Fund (MCF) continues to support landowners with high conservation value land. There are currently 10 landholders with a Conservation Agreement and 2,636 hectares managed under these agreements.
Management outcomes relating to vegetation condition and weediness remain positive and participation rates remain at 100%.
A second round of the MCF commenced in 2017. Progress includes the establishment of an additional 1,855 hectares of high conservation value land now enjoying protection through an MCF agreement.
Opposite: Grasslands at Beaufront, Midlands Conservation Fund property. Photo: MatthewNewton
12 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 13 MISSION 2
Volunteer finds snake skin, Liffey Reserve. Photo: Chris Crerar
The TLC’s website demonstrates the Reserve management activities, such GOALS impressive amount of information we as ensuring appropriate access to have accumulated about our permanent properties, undertaking planned burns, Goal 2.1 Adaptive reserve reserves; not just their special values, but and weed control, are consistent annual management will be effective and also our management and monitoring. tasks. We are pleased to report that TLC reported on annually. All reserves now have comprehensive reserves are in good condition, with Annual Reserve Reports background reports, up-to-date the trend data in many areas showing Progress align directly with each reserve’s management plans and annual reports positive progress. During 2016–2017 management plan and conservation detailing on-ground work undertaken we installed ecological monitoring on targets and are informed by throughout the year. The annual reports the Brown Mountain, Blue Tier and reserve management activities track how we are addressing threats Gordonvale Reserves and collected and ecological monitoring data. and management priorities across trend data on the condition and health These reports detail key actions our permanent reserves. We create a of the Vale of Belvoir Reserve. This and assess the effectiveness of our detailed work schedule for each reserve body of work reflects our commitment management. Trend data indicates and report against this annually, giving to maintaining the TLC’s reserves in positive progress in addressing key an indication of the effectiveness of our good ecological condition. threats. management systems. The TLC has been using scientific To read these documents in full, go to monitoring to determine the best tasland.org.au/reserves practice management of highland Poa grasslands, which occur at the Vale of Belvoir and Five Rivers TLC Permanent Ecological No. of Monitoring Trend Data reserves. The grasslands at the Reserve Monitoring Installed Sites Fauna–Flora Collected Vale of Belvoir have remained in Long Point 2015 13–30 2016 excellent condition throughout their 150-year history of low-intensity Silver Peppermint 2014 5–10 2015 cattle grazing and burning. Lutregala Marsh 2016 5–10 Due 2019 The results of our research suggest Recherche Bay 2015 4–8 Due 2018 that, without disturbance from Flat Rock 2014 10–28 Due 2017 either cattle grazing or burning, Egg Islands 2015 5–10 Due 2018 species richness will decrease. Cattle grazing alone appears to Brown Mountain 2016 4–4 Due 2019 produce little change in either Vale of Belvoir 2014 16–85 2015, 2016, 2017 species richness or community composition, while burning has Liffey 2016 4–4 Due 2019 a statistically significant positive 2 Blue Tier 2017 5–5 Due 2020 effect on both of these indicators of Gordonvale 2017 10–10 Due 2019 grassland condition.
Five Rivers (inc 2014 45–100 2014, 2015, 2016, The presence of fire appears to LOOKING AFTER Skullbone Plains) 2017 encourage the growth of grass and The Big Punchbowl 2015 9–25 Due 2018 herb species, while a lack of fire appears to favour sedge species. Tom Hay 2015 1–1 Due 2018 We continue research into fire Stony Farm 2014 3–3 Due 2017 frequency, timing and intensity, to NATURE Panatana Due 2018 Due 2018 Due 2021 understand how to best manage highland Poa grasslands.
Opposite: Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus). Photo: Heath Holden
14 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 15 MISSION 3
Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Photo: Heath Holden
Our delivery of the first year of partnerships with UTAS, NRM South GOALS the Science and Planning team’s and Sustainable Timber Tasmania ‘Knowing Nature’ Strategy produced to further develop the potential of Goal 3.1 Develop the TLC’s a very good scorecard on what acoustic monitoring, and this year Conservation Science and Planning were some ambitious targets. provided support for a UTAS PhD Strategy by the end of 2016. Actions well underway or completed scholarship. Increasing concern over Progress Implementation of the TLC’s include: improved management plan the expansion of fallow deer has led Conservation Science and Planning delivery, ecological monitoring, an to our partnership on an ARC Linkage Strategy, ‘Knowing Nature 2016– environmental accounts trial (Econd), grant application, spearheaded by 2020’, continues to achieve significant results. The strategy focuses on three private land monitoring trial, mitigation UTAS. This, and our participation in key areas where the Science and research, high-level communications the Bruny Island Cat-Free program Planning team are contributing most and continued strengthening of our with Lutregala Marsh Reserve (a key towards the organisation achieving its partnerships. management site), has strengthened 2020 strategic plan goals. Progress in our support for community-based these areas include: The Protected Areas Learning and conservation. Monitoring of the Excellence in Protecting Nature: Research Collaboration (PALRC) ptunarra brown butterfly and Further development of the criteria continues to be a significant threatened plants at the Vale of to assess and prioritise a World-Class System of Reserves, completion of partnership for the TLC and is growing Belvoir would not be possible without in size, fostering stewardship and all TLC Reserve Management Plans the help of experienced professional (two in draft), implementation of conservation management for nature. and amateur scientists. Our science long-term ecological monitoring, partnerships remain invaluable. and investigating innovative ways For more information see palrc.org to use this data to better inform Our involvement in the ABC’s management - e.g. environmental Another important collaboration, ‘Wildlife Spotter’, as part of 2016 accounts (Econd). focused on making the greatest National Science Week, put our Strengthening Our Partnerships: possible contribution to private land reserves centre stage as we enlisted The implementation of three pilot conservation, is the Australian Land the help of thousands of volunteers projects, which engage landholders Conservation Alliance (ALCA). This for community wildlife monitoring. across the country to classify our year, the TLC assumed the position of The monitoring also provides valuable fauna-monitoring images. While this Chair of ALCA and is hosting the third data on ecological condition. Skilled attracted huge media interest and a TLC volunteers have been tasked with National Private Land Conservation wide reach, our quality in-house team collecting and quantifying data to Conference in Hobart from 18–20 of volunteers and interns continued to increase effectiveness and efficiency October 2017. in monitoring activities, and are support our baseline work, especially working closely with key stakeholders 3 For more information about ALCA, see Jane Keble-Williams, Erin Harris, Jess (e.g. UTAS) to add value and increase alca.org.au, and for the conference, Brown, Frank Bird, Peter Jarman, exposure to best available knowledge. visit plc-conference.org.au. Wally Herman and Will Barker, to Leading the Way: Taking a lead role name but a few. We sincerely thank in the development of numerous KNOWING New and ongoing research, both them all. projects, including the development on and off TLC land, continues to of the World-Class Reserve System tackle a huge range of conservation methodology, citizen science initiatives, and applied research issues through strong partnerships projects on our reserves. (see table: 2016–2017 Research NATURE A full copy of the strategy is available Collaborations). We continue to foster at tasland.org.au/science.
Opposite: The Big Punchbowl Reserve. Photo: Rob Blakers
16 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 17 “I WAS DELIGHTED TO SPEND TIME THIS YEAR AT THE VALE OF BELVOIR AND FIVE RIVERS RESERVES, LOOKING AT TLC PROGRAMS AND HELPING WITH WEED CONTROL. HAVING WORKED AS AN ECOLOGIST MANY YEARS AGO, IT WAS FASCINATING TO SEE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY BEING APPLIED IN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TLC TEAMS ON THEIR EXCELLENT, SCIENCE- BASED RESERVE MANAGEMENT.”
Dr Chris Harwood
Southern grass tree (Xanthorrhoea australis). Photo: Heath Holden
GOALS 2015-2016 RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Goal 3.2 By the end of 2016, TLC will participate in forums to Research Program Partner / Investigator / University facilitate exchange of knowledge Global change in alpine conifers J Worth – Forestry Research Institute, Tsukubha for collaborative conservation Japan outcomes. Mammal monitoring in multi-use L Thomson – UTAS Progress The TLC continues to landscapes – Five Rivers ensure our work is communicated and shared in numerous arenas Ethnobotany of cider gum Vlad Jiranek – Uni of Adelaide and at a high level. This past year, Impact of fallow deer UTAS ARC Linkage Grant presentations were made at the National Private Land Conservation Aging of sphagnum peatlands on DPIPWE and ANU Conference in Melbourne and the Skullbone Plains (ongoing) World Conservation Congress in Hawaii. Through key collaborations Acoustic bird monitoring using NRM South, NRM Cradle Coast, NRM North, and partnerships we can achieve citizen science (ongoing) Sustainable Timbers Tasmania, UTAS greater and lasting outcomes. Fire history of The Big Punchbowl UTAS and ANU The Protected Areas Learning Reserve (ongoing) and Research Collaboration Status of the Tasmanian devil in the DPIPWE, Save the Tasmanian Devil Program [PALRC] is going from strength to Derwent Valley and Bronte regions strength. This year, Charles Sturt University joined the partnership Feral cat management on Bruny DPIPWE, UTAS, Kingborough Council and we have delivered the first Island round of PALRC scholarships, Status of Clarence galaxias on Inland Fisheries Service established a Community of Skullbone Plains Practice for protected areas practitioners, and delivered a Fauna monitoring in TLC’s Midlands UTAS ARC Linkage Grant further two short courses – the Threatened plants and butterfly DPIPWE, Threatened Plants Tasmania first in partnership with UTAS monitoring at the Vale of Belvoir and independent consultants, Reserve (ongoing) Conservation Management, and the second in partnership with the Global warming on grassland M Hovenden – UTAS Blue Mountains World Heritage ecosystems (ongoing) Institute. Productivity of eagle nests on TLC Forest Practice Authority, J Pay – UTAS Reserves (ongoing) and GIS eagle tracking at Silver Plains Reconstructing climate change at the M Shawn-Fletcher – ANU Vale of Belvoir (ongoing) Invertebrate fire ecology at the Vale DPIPWE of Belvoir (ongoing) Ecology of saltmarsh habitats at J Alders – UTAS Lutregala Marsh Reserve and Long Point
Opposite: James Hattam (TLC) and Dr Sally Bryant (TLC), Five Rivers Reserve. Photo: Matthew Newton
18 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 19 OUR CONSERVATION REVOLVING FUND SUCCESS • Eight properties sold this year to committed landholders, protecting 823 hectares. FOOTPRINT • $969,000 re-invested into the Revolving Fund through sales.
FIVE RIVERS CARNIVORE MONITORING PROJECT
• Fourth consecutive year of fauna monitoring. • More than 177,400 processed images across 8,045 trap nights. • 10,200 mammal detections with an average of 15 mammal species New Leaf properties Total of 13 properties (3,218 hectares) sold with a covenant since 2010. identified per year. Currently 5,128 hectares being marketed for conservation lifestyle. • Findings show the coexistence of Protected Areas on Private Land Program Six new covenants over 6,911 hectares. native carnivores and feral cats, the relative abundance of critical weight Midlands Conservation Fund Enduring, landscape-scale conservation. range small mammals and the site occupancy of the native herbivores 2,636 hectares covered by stewardship agreements. compared to feral species. Revolving Fund Eight properties (more than 823 hectares) sold this year. Total of 37 properties (3,751 hectares) sold since inception.
TLC permanent reserve Hectares** Acquisition Year Management Plan POETS AND PAINTERS – Status CELEBRATING THE BIG PUNCHBOWL Long Point Reserve 387 NRS & Donations 2005 Approved 2008 Silver Peppermint Reserve 43 Gifted 2005 Approved 2016 During an exciting and innovative union of art and nature, The Big Lutregala Marsh Reserve 42 Donations 2005 Approved 2016 Punchbowl Reserve hosted another Recherche Bay Reserve 144 Donations 2006 Approved 2007 unique species: the artist. In a unique take on the Tasmanian institution, Flat Rock Reserve 455 NRS & Donations 2006 Approved 2010 Poets and Painters, eighteen poets and painters immersed themselves Egg Islands Reserve 125 NRS & Donations 2007 Approved 2009 in the reserve, drawing inspiration for their work from the natural Brown Mountain Reserve 87 Gifted 2007 Approved 2016 environment. This was a joint project Vale of Belvoir Reserve 474 NRS & Donations 2008 Approved 2013 between the TLC and Bett Gallery and was supported by the Purves Skullbone Plains Reserve* 1,618 Grants, NRS & Donations 2010 Approved 2014 Environmental Fund and Purryburry Trust. Liffey Reserve 15 Donation 2010 Approved 2017 Blue Tier Reserve 83 Donations 2012 Draft 2017 Gordonvale Reserve 81 Donations 2013 Approved 2015 EGG ISLANDS RESERVE Five Rivers Reserve 9,280 Grants 2014 Approved 2015 WEED MANAGEMENT The Big Punchbowl Reserve 242 Donations 2015 Approved 2015 • 4.6 hectares of Spanish heath Tom Hay Reserve <1 Gifted 2015 Approved 2016 Permanent reserves threatened the critical habitat of Stony Farm Reserve 22 Gifted 2015 Draft 2017 Egg Islands when it was protected in New Leaf properties 2007. Panatana Reserve 54 Donations 2016 Draft 2017 Revolving Fund properties • The density of the infestation has Daisy Dell 105 Donations 2017 Draft 2017 decreased from 90% to less than 1% Midlands Conservation Fund through weed control undertaken by Total 13,258 volunteers and staff. Facilitated Agreements NRS – National Reserve System • This year was the eighth consecutive *Skullbone Plains accounted for separately in this table PAPL (Protected Areas year of weed control on the reserve. **These numbers may vary from year to year due to updates in the accuracy of the cadastral layers from time to time. on Private Land)
20 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 21 GOALS MISSION 4
Sharing skills with the community, Panatana Reserve. Photo: Heath Holden
The TLC continues to explore and at around 80 – signifying the loss of GOALS develop innovative conservation the Thylacine and rarity of several business projects, and a fantastic small mammals. We hope to expand Goal 4.2 By 2020, at least two example of this is the New this methodology in the future and mechanisms new to the TLC will Leaf Carbon project. New Leaf use it to interpret data from other be engaged to achieve nature was one of a small number of privately protected areas in Tasmania conservation. carbon sequestration projects to help inform statewide reporting Progress The community wildlife across Australia that successfully frameworks. monitoring program empowered transitioned from the International landholders to carry out ecological Verified Carbon Standard to the In 2016, we identified the outstanding monitoring of their own properties Australian Carbon Credit Unit system. areas needing protection in Tasmania through a coordinated citizen The project contributes to the overall in order to achieve a World-Class science approach, equipping them goals of the TLC by bringing carbon Reserve System. The number and with the resources and skills to finance to the balance sheet. The spread of these properties means that collect and quantify ecological data. TLC Science and Planning project has been a major undertaking expanding TLC reserves, and engaging the help of other private landowners, staff are continuing to explore ways by the TLC and provides important in which such programs could be income for reserve management and is critical to making this possible. utilised to achieve even greater scientific programs on TLC reserves. The overwhelming success of our nature conservation outcomes We have been successful in selling community-based wildlife monitoring (e.g. creating formal, informal or a sub-set of our Australian Carbon trial this year validates the genuine temporary protected areas). Credits Units to Virgin Australia. willingness of people everywhere to We look forward to continuing to play a role in looking after nature. If Goal 4.3 Expand returns from strengthen that relationship and we can galvanise and expand private ecosystem service enterprises. expanding our engagement in existing land contributions then there is every Progress The New Leaf Carbon ecosystem services markets (such as chance of success. project remains a first class example the carbon market). of the significant successes and outcomes – both environmental and Our decision to trial the Wentworth financial – that are possible through Group’s ‘Accounting for Nature’ a well-developed ecosystem service model to express and compare the enterprise. health of our reserves is proving to Through our established networks, be successful. The model converts the TLC continues to seek new our scientific information into an opportunities to expand ecosystem 4 accounting framework, using a service enterprises, such as water markets, mitigation banking and common unit of measure (i.e. the biodiversity markets. Momentum in Econd). From this, we have produced these areas is building globally and a detailed set of environmental the TLC is well positioned to respond INNOVATING FOR accounts for the Five Rivers Reserve, to opportunities as they arise – with showing an Econd score for flora multidimensional data from our steady at around 90, and for fauna long-term ecological monitoring program and a demonstrable example of a detailed set of NATURE environmental accounts through the Econd trial at Five Rivers Reserve.
Opposite: Five Rivers Reserve. Photo: Andy Townsend
22 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 23 MISSION 5
Artist at work, The Big Punchbowl Reserve. Photo: Matthew Newton
Involving people is a fundamental Poets and Painters – Celebrating The GOALS pillar of the TLC’s efforts to protect Big Punchbowl was a joint initiative nature and achieve our mission for between Bett Gallery and the TLC Goal 5.1 The TLC’s volunteer strategy Tasmania to be a global leader in nature that brought together 18 creative will provide an opportunity for conservation. The skills, knowledge and practitioners to experience and volunteers to collectively contribute expertise of the TLC community has interpret The Big Punchbowl Reserve. more than 2,000 days per year formed the basis of the organisation’s After a three-day retreat on site towards the TLC’s conservation successes over the years. The in October 2016, artists and poets activities by 2020. commitment and dedication of our worked in pairs to create work that was Progress 929.59 volunteer days supporters, volunteers, landholders subsequently exhibited and published. were contributed by 321 individual and partners ensures the protection Related exposure for the TLC has volunteers (83 more volunteers of important ecosystems, security of included interstate and local print than in the 2015–2016 financial critical habitats and management of media, national news coverage and year). The conservative replacement key threats. festival book launches. The TLC thanks cost of this contribution equals project supporters, participants and $261,847.97*, for which the TLC is Connecting our supporters to the co-curators/editors, Carol Bett and extremely grateful. landscapes and ecosystems that they Pete Hay for showcasing this incredible The overall value to the broader have helped to protect remains a reserve to a new audience. Tasmanian community of priority for the TLC. Exploring our involving volunteers in the TLC’s reserves as part of a conservation The bequest program continues to work represents a phenomenal community is one of the most powerful grow, and this year we introduced our $1,036,379*. vehicles for driving conservation; Natural Guardians group, recognising The implementation of the highlighting the numerous benefits of and bringing together supporters who Volunteer Strategy continues with nature conservation to the broader have made a profound commitment to steady improvement. community. nature by leaving a gift to the TLC in their Will. Bequests play a crucial role *Volunteer contribution replacement cost and overall value Reserve Discovery Days provide an in ensuring our long-term vision, and of volunteering to the community opportunity for the TLC to report we are so grateful to those people who on stewardship and monitoring, was calculated using Volunteering have had the generosity and foresight Tasmania’s ‘Value of Volunteering management challenges and to leave a gift to the TLC. Calculator’. progress, as well as to celebrate the role volunteers, community and partnerships play in helping us achieve Goal 5.2 By the end of 2017, measurement of the cultural, our conservation goals. community and commercial benefits 5 This year, we hosted more than 270 of nature conservation will be possible. supporters at our Panatana, Vale of Belvoir and Daisy Dell Discovery Days. Progress Community involvement For many participants, Discovery Days and visitation are currently being INVOLVING represent a chance to experience, in measured and reported in Annual action, what their support enables. Reserve Reports. A detailed metric to incorporate cultural, community and commercial benefits across our reserve estate is at draft PEOPLE development stage and will be trialled in the year ahead.
Opposite: Volunteers at the Vale of Belvoir Reserve. Photo: Phill Roach
24 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 25 “WE REALLY APPRECIATED THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT AND ‘CONNECT’ WITH THE TLC PROPERTIES. WE WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE OF THAT WHILE OUR DAUGHTER IS STILL YOUNG SO THAT SHE LEARNS TO LOOK AT THE LANDSCAPE THROUGH ECOLOGICAL EYES.”
Tim and Andrea on visiting the Vale of Belvoir Reserve with their daughter Caitlin.
The next generation, Blue Tier Reserve. Photo: Chris Crerar
GOALS TLC volunteers are active in every By completing an 80-hour placement, team and across almost every project postgraduate Masters students gain Goal 5.3 By the end of 2016, the we undertake. From core sampling valuable applied experience in a real TLC’s communications plan will be at the Big Punchbowl Reserve and work setting. The TLC benefits from developed, with the aim that 10,000 designing artwork and architectural the extra bandwidth that these skilled people will receive regular TLC plans for our ‘Loo With A View’ volunteers provide. This financial year, communications by 2020, and 50% of crowdfunding campaign, to reviewing three placements included an analysis Tasmanians will be aware of the TLC. our People and Culture Policy and of the fire-sensitive values across Progress The TLC Future providing strategic guidance on the TLC reserve estate, assessing Communication Strategy has been our Advisory Science Council, TLC the impact of fallow deer on carbon drafted and is undergoing final review. volunteers are passionate enablers and stocks, and conducting analysis of, and we can’t possibly thank them enough. producing a strategy for, our social 4,678 people are receiving regular (newsletter) TLC communications. Every volunteer role at the TLC relates media engagement. directly to the achievement of a 33,633 social media users and 16,774 strategic goal and every volunteer Without the incredibly generous web visitors are viewing TLC posts. at the TLC is a vital partner in our support of so many people, we Continued growth in traditional media conservation journey. could not have achieved so much for coverage provides positive results – nature. A special thanks also to our e.g. the TLC has appeared online and Our Work Integrated Learning photographers, graphic designers and on ABC television, radio and in print Placement partnership with the videographers, and to Pemberton (Island magazine, Green magazine and University of Tasmania continues to Productions, Fullers Bookstore and the 40 Degrees South magazine). deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. State Cinema.
Goal 5.4 An annual income from donations of at least $2 million. VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT 2016-2017
Progress Implementation of the Volunteer Activity Total $ Replacement TLC’s Fundraising Plan ‘Positively Volunteer Cost of Philanthropic’ continues and is Hours Activities achieving significant results. Ongoing review of the plan will inform 15/16 Total 16/17 Total 15/16 Total 16/17 Total priorities and fundraising activities. Governance 689 993.75 24,259.69 34,989.94 (124.22 days) Across fundraising programs in 2016– 17, the TLC raised $2.2m in donations Conservation Science 1770 3181 62,321.70 112,003.01 from the public. and Planning There are currently 916 active donors. Reserve Management 3057 2064 107,636.97 72,673.44 Administration Support 12 0 422.52 0 Community Engagement 643 1198 22,640.03 42,181.58 Conservation Business 0 0 0 0 Grand Totals 6171 7436.75 217,280.91 261,847.97 (771 days) (929.59 days)
* Replacement cost calculated at $35.21 per hour as defined within the Tasmanian State Government-commissioned The Economic Value of Volunteering in Tasmania Report, May 2014, and as endorsed by Volunteering Tasmania. This figure is considered to be conservative. Overall value of volunteering to the community was calculated using Volunteering Tasmania’s ‘Value of Volunteering Calculator’. White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster). Photo: Peter Vaughan
26 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 27 GOALS
Goal 6.1 By 2016, the TLC will have developed and implemented a Good Governance Plan. Progress The TLC’s Good Governance Policy was adopted by MISSION 6 the TLC Board this year. The TLC is committed to having effective governance at all levels within the organisation, starting with the Board, CEO and management team. The TLC is also committed to continuous improvement in governance performance. The TLC has implemented random testing of our Risk Management Framework to ensure the framework responds effectively in The TLC continues to press the level, with many staff presenting at mitigating and managing risk. boundaries and aims to lead by international meetings such as the example across all aspects of the World Conservation Congress, the Goal 6.2 By 2020, long-term work we do; from undertaking National Private Land Conservation financial sustainability will be cutting edge research, developing Conference, IUCN Symposium achieved, based on diverse income streams and a sustainable business innovative and robust conservation on Maintaining Australia’s Natural model. programs, and engaging with our Wealth, Australian Mangrove and supporters, to leading national and Saltmarsh Conference, Australian Progress The TLC continues to international collaborations for Women’s Leadership Symposium, employ a multi-pronged approach to providing income for continuing the benefit of nature conservation RMIT Workshop on Private financial stability: beyond our shores. We aim to lead Land Conservation Research, in the development and support of NSW Conservation Council Philanthropy The TLC Foundation our people, not only to be efficient Bushfire Conference, The Hut is an ongoing source of reliable and sustainable income for and effective in ensuring the and Environmental Community supporting the TLC’s Reserves (see organisation is well governed and Association Conference, Global Eco Foundation Report). In addition, managed, but to have the highest Asia Pacific Tourism Conference, supporter donations to the TLC’s possible level of staff, volunteer and Australian Environmental Public Fund ensure that the work supporter satisfaction while letting Grantmakers Network Conference, the TLC undertakes away from our our conservation results speak for and Public Pedagogies Institute Reserves increases in scale and themselves. Conference. TLC staff continue to go scope. above and beyond, volunteering many Private sector business Fee-for- In this relentless pursuit of excellence, hours because of their commitment service and other conservation the TLC has revised and implemented and passion for nature. business opportunities, such as its Board Plan, developed and biodiversity market opportunities, implemented a Good Governance We are making solid progress towards continue to support TLC’s Policy, undertaken random testing diversifying income streams, through operations. of risk controls, identified areas for ensuring the TLC Foundation achieves Government support Project improvement under governance self- its goal of providing sufficient income grants present excellent assessment processes, developed and to resource the effective conservation opportunities for securing funding, implemented a People and Culture management of TLC’s Permanent particularly for on-ground reserve work. Policy, and reviewed governance and Reserves, and generating income operational processes and procedures from social enterprise activities such in line with an annual work plan. Our as carbon credit sales and consultancy 6 TLC Board and sub-committee teams services. Our fundraising efforts have contributed 994 hours of time, have continued to deliver our most equating to more than $35,000. This important revenue source: donations. is an extraordinary commitment of We are so grateful for every dollar LEADING FOR time and skills for which we are very contributed towards our conservation grateful. work.
TLC staff have continued to excel NATURE at a national and international
Mount Communication Revolving Fund property. Photo: Andy Townsend
28 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 29 TLC FOUNDATION FUNDS THE TLC as at 30 June 2017
AKSW Fund FOUNDATION Barry Family Fund Biodiversity Management Fund (TLC) Bird Conservation Fund Bird Conservation Fund (TLC) Bosworth Family Fund Brown Mountain Fund Bryant Bird Fund Carolyn Parsons Bequest Cathy Gibbons Fund The TLC Foundation is an endowment Through these well-established fund established in 2009 to secure planning systems, and information Chris Harwood Fund the independent, long-term gathered through our monitoring Dorothy Reeves Fund resourcing required to ensure the program, the TLC is well positioned Elizabeth Ann James Bequest effective and crucial management of to assess, prioritise and implement our reserves. targeted management activities and Endemic Crustacean Fund ensure that these unique natural Five Rivers Endowment Fund From the remote mountain tops to places, rare ecosystems and critical coastal environments, woodlands, habitats are protected. Ginny Jackson Fund wetlands and grasslands, our reserves Hawkins Family Fund protect some of the most important The Foundation Committee, a sub- natural areas in Tasmania. They committee of the TLC Board, provides Hope Family Fund conserve critical habitat for our rare governance and accountability in Jack and Norah Donne Fund and threatened species and serve as overseeing the investment and safe havens for the future. expenditure of the foundation. The Joseph Bedford Bequest Committee members are: Jennie Julie Fakes Fund While acquiring and protecting land is Churchill (Chair), Susan Gough, critically important, effective long- Erika Korosi, Sam McCullough June Fisher Fund term management of these areas is (independent/former TLC Board Jupe Family Fund fundamental to ensure they remain member), Roderic O’Connor Luan and Yoong Fund safeguarded for future generations. (independent/former TLC Board To achieve this, the capital of the member) and Stephen Atkinson Marshall Family Fund TLC Foundation is invested through (independent). Strong and transparent Michael Buxton Bequest a rigorous environmental and governance arrangements are critical ethical screen. The TLC will not to the TLC and its supporters. The Naylor Bird Fund knowingly invest in an organisation TLC Foundation is invested with, and Peter Riedel Fund that operates at the expense of the managed by, JB Were. Investments environment, human rights, public are guided by an Investment Policy Potts Family Fund safety, the dignity of its employees Statement, which includes a robust, Samantha Jane Hignett Fund or the communities in which the environmentally responsible ethical Snack Fund organisation operates. The funds screen. Gifts are honoured and generated through investments preserved to generate a reasonable Solas Fund provide the TLC with a permanent, return while managing risk. reliable and vital source of income for Stephen Geoffrey Blanden Bequest our reserves. Susan Gough Fund
The TLC Foundation has enabled the T. Stadler Fund important development of a rigorous, Thomas and Grace Couser Fund long-term, scientific ecological Tom Hay Bequest monitoring program which captures a multitude of data from across Twin Gums Fund our reserves; data that is key to us von Bibra Fund understanding these ecosystems. Warwick Ashley Elpidos Fund
Opposite: Sunrise over Long Point Reserve. Photo: Heath Holden
30 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 31 “THE TLC FOUNDATION GAVE OUR FAMILY THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LONG TERM PROTECTION OF OUR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. IT’S DEEPLY COMFORTING FOR US TO KNOW THAT WE ARE HELPING TO ENSURE THAT OUR GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT INTO THE FUTURE.”
Jannie Marshall – Marshall Family Fund
Volunteers weeding, Liffey Reserve. Photo: Chris Crerar
Thanks to the generosity of many 2016–17 KEY ON GROUND RESERVE • Continued maintenance of weeds at conference on climate change • Completed Open Standards supporters, the TLC Foundation MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Lutregala Marsh Reserve by staff and impacts on highland vegetation, using Management Plans for Stony Farm, has seen continued growth since volunteers. Five Rivers Reserve as a case study. Liffey and Brown Mountain Reserves its establishment. This year is no (Please note: many activities are and annual reserve reports for all TLC • Foxglove control undertaken at Liffey • Developed an Environmental Account exception, with a further $977,204 undertaken on an annual basis, as reserves. Reserve by volunteers and staff for and Econd for the Five Rivers in capital contributions to the demonstrated below, with annual the fifth consecutive year, with weed Reserve; the first case study on a • Completed a proposal to improve Foundation. As the Foundation events across a range of Reserves density now sparse in most areas. private reserve in Australia. the status of the Clarence galaxias on grows, through gifts from dedicated targeting long term issues. The key Skullbone Plains Reserve in trout-free supporters and positive returns on to much of our Reserve management • Road upgrade at Panatana Reserve. • Completed a successful trial of areas. investments, we continue to close the work is follow up.) private land monitoring in three • Updating of infrastructure and gap in reaching our goal to achieve regions of Tasmania, involving 124 • Continued collaboration with NRM • Central Highlands volunteer program interest point maps across a range of sustainable funding for the effective landholders and 182 properties and and UTAS on acoustic monitoring of – 75 days of work (weeding). The main reserves. conservation management of our focus of other on-ground work has covering 10,165 hectares. bird communities and with UTAS on reserves in perpetuity. • Hosting of International Student fallow deer in Tasmania. been a 3.5km fence construction and • Partnered with ABC Science and trenching to prevent illegal access, Volunteers, spending two weeks The income generated in 2016–17 has the Australian National Museum on • Mentored two international students and two weeks of general road across a number of Reserves. funded the implementation of critical the Wildlife Spotter citizen science for six weeks and harnessed the effort maintenance to allow for safe visitor conservation management activities • All Reserves Fire Strategy started. project, which involved more than of more than 200 skilled volunteers access. Grasslands in full bloom, Vale of Belvoir Reserve. 50,000 people from around Australia who contributed 3,000+ hours to across our reserve estate. • Correspondence with TFS Photo: Heath Holden in TLC’s ecological monitoring work. progress our applied conservation • Surveys for endangered ptunarra regarding planned burning of areas works. brown butterflies at the Vale of neighbouring several TLC Reserves. • Showcased our science programs with Belvoir Reserve; observation of a workshops at the Festival of Bright • Hosted two UTAS work placement healthy population persisting in the Ideas, Sustainable Living Festival, students, who completed risk burn area and in unburned areas. 2016–17 KEY ON GROUND Public Pedagogies Institute and assessments on feral animal and • Continued management effectiveness RESERVE CONSERVATION BioBlitz. bushfire impacts on TLC Reserves. SCIENCE ACTIVITIES monitoring at the Vale of Belvoir • Continued involvement with the Reserve to determine the effects • Installed ecological monitoring on Bruny Island Cat-Free program, with of cattle grazing and ecological Brown Mountain, Gordonvale and Lutregala Marsh Reserve adopted as a burning on the floral diversity of the Blue Tier Reserves and collected key cat management site. grasslands. trend data for the Vale of Belvoir • Long Point Reserve – gorse control Reserve post-ecological burning. undertaken with only 20% of the • Trialled the use of 360° photospheres original gorse (50 hectares) extent as a method for monitoring TLC FOUNDATION 2016-17 OVERVIEW remaining. The very wet conditions vegetation change, with the potential Opening balance $10,011,772 at times throughout the year appear to replace traditional photo- to have led to further germination; monitoring on TLC reserves. Capital contribution $977,204 planning for works over summer Total income generated by the TLC Foundation $516,750 2017–18 complete. • Repeated fauna monitoring on Five Rivers Reserve, analysed four years of Income remitted to the TLC $510,643 • Egg Islands Reserve – Spanish heath mammal monitoring data and had an Closing balance $ 10,995,083* control completed by volunteers and abstract accepted at the International staff for the eighth consecutive year. Mammal Congress, Perth 2017. *The Foundation achieved an investment return of 6.81% over the 12 months 30 June 2017 (after all contributions and We continue to observe a decrease in distributions). weed population. • Presentation at State of GIS national
32 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 33 AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
2050 MISSION
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS, COMMUNITIES, TO TASMANIAN LAND CONSERVANCY INC. INDIVIDUALS AND GOVERNMENTS, THE TLC WILL:
As engagement partner for the audit of Tasmanian Land Conservancy Inc. for the year ended 30 June 2017, I declare that, to the best of my 1 TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN BUILDING A LANDSCAPE-SCALE knowledge and belief there have been no contraventions of: APPROACH TO CONSERVATION, INCLUDING A WORLD-CLASS (i) the auditor independence requirements of Tasmanian Land Conservancy Inc. and the Australian Charities and Not-for- SYSTEM OF RESERVES profits Commission Act 2012 (ACNC Act) in relation to the audit; and
2 DEMONSTRATE EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT FOR NATURE (ii) any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the CONSERVATION audit.
3 CONTRIBUTE TO TASMANIA BECOMING A CENTRE FOR
KNOWLEDGE IN NATURE CONSERVATION AND PLANNING Bentleys Tasmania Audit Pty Ltd Registered Audit Company Michael Ian Derbyshire 4 DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE MECHANISMS FOR Director ACHIEVING NATURE CONSERVATION Date: 17 October 2017 5 PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES AND MECHANISMS FOR COMMUNITIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO ACHIEVE NATURE CONSERVATION
6 DEMONSTRATE ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL GOVERNANCE, A POSITIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT, AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
34 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 35 OUR OFFICERS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 COMMITMENT
Your officers present this report to the members of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy Inc. OFFICERS The names of each person who has been an officer during the year and to the date of this report are:
Name Position Date Date of Meetings eligible Meetings appointed cessation to attend attended Mr Stuart Barry Chair Oct-09 - 6 5 Ms Jennie Churchill Vice Chair Nov-12 - 6 5 Mr Peter Cosier Member Oct-10 - 6 5 Mr Peter Downie Member Nov-12 - 6 6 Mr Josh Geelan Member Aug-14 Dec-16 - - Ms Susan Gough Member Nov-07 - 6 6 Ms Erika Korosi Member Nov-15 - 6 5 Prof Ted Lefroy Member Nov-15 - 6 6 Ms Lyn Maddock Member Oct-09 - 6 3 Mr Nathan Males Member Nov-15 - 6 4 Mr Mark Temple-Smith Member Nov-16 - 6 4 Mr Julian von Bibra Member Nov-16 - 6 3
PERFORMANCE MEASURES The association measures performance through the establishment and monitoring of benchmarks and budgets. These are reviewed in detail by the board monthly and any exceptions investigated further.
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE
The auditor’s declaration of independence appears on page 4 and forms part of the officers report for the year ended 30 June 2017.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the officers. On behalf of the committee: The TLC believes in a transparent and accountable approach for reporting how every supporter dollar is used to achieve our nature conservation
work. Our passion for conserving nature for nature’s sake, and the trust our supporters have in the TLC to maximise the benefits of their generosity, is what drives our commitment to achieve efficient and effective results. Despite the lack of any national standards or guidelines in relation to Stuart Barry fundraising and administration costs of Australian charities*, the TLC is President drafting an approach to consistent, transparent and accountable reporting Tasmanian Land Conservancy Hobart, 17 October 2017 that sets a benchmark for best practice in our sector. *Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissions
The Big Punchbowl Reserve. Photo: Andy Townsend
36 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 37 STATEMENT OF STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
NOTE 2017 2016 Note 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES INCOME Donations & Bequests 1,725,774 1,162,481 Conservation Grants 360,658 63,592 Project & Consultancy Services 2 899,180 936,589 Grants received 360,658 63,592 Carbon Income 3 365,652 442,272 Carbon Income 365,652 259,440 Interest Income 42,749 37,963 Interest received 42,749 37,963 Foundation Income 390,779 22,561 Consultancy services 385,942 271,177 Five Rivers Endowment Income 240,000 57,143 Reserve Income 20,661 22,794 Sale of Properties 117,510 - Payments to suppliers and employees (1,672,120) (1,894,908) Donations & Bequests 4 2,691,196 2,812,481 Other 29,025 138,093 Donation of Land - 100,000 Net cash flows from operating activities 21 1,258,341 60,632 Sundry Income 5 51,024 - TOTAL INCOME 5,158,749 4,472,601
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from sales of property 1,531,543 750,275 EXPENSES Purchases of Plant and Equipment (40,785) (20,663) Office & Admin overheads 6 213,722 202,683 Property Development (584,801) (161,037) Travel & Accommodation 6 50,644 40,101 Total cash flows from investing activities 905,957 568,575 Insurance 6 11,827 10,032 Depreciation 51,809 64,952 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Employment 7 1,653,645 1,682,455 Repayment of Borrowings (217,017) (194,092) Fundraising 8 70,151 51,646 Reserves - Land Management 9 544,438 316,768 Total cash flows from financing activities (217,017) (194,092) TOTAL EXPENSES 2,596,236 2,368,638
NET OPERATING SURPLUS 2,562,513 2,103,963 Net increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,947,281 435,115
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 12,801,811 12,366,695 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 9, 10 14,749,093 12,801,811 Revaluation Increments - Land - -
This statement can be read in conjunction with the notes found at TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 2,562,513 2,103,963 www.tasland.org.au/about-the-tlc/newsletters-and-annual-reports/ This statement can be read in conjunction with the notes found at www.tasland.org.au/about-the-tlc/newsletters-and-annual-reports/
38 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 39 STATEMENT OF BALANCE SHEET CHANGES IN EQUITY AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
NOTE 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ ASSETS Retained Earnings Current Assets Opening Balance 1 July 33,427,409 31,325,348 Cash Assets 10 3,754,011 2,790,039 Add: Comprehensive income 2,562,513 2,103,963 TLC Foundation Funds 11 10,995,083 10,011,772 Less: Transfer to Reserves - (1,902) Receivables 12 247,755 416,444 Closing balance 30 June 35,989,922 33,427,409 Total Current Assets 14,996,849 13,218,256 Reserves Non - Current Assets Opening Balance 1 July 210,000 208,098 Permanent Reserves 13 15,388,647 14,803,847 Add: Revaluation movements - 1,902 Revolving Fund Land 14 3,477,877 4,264,302 Closing balance 30 June 210,000 210,000 New Leaf Land 15 8,846,632 9,439,185 Plant & Equipment 16 67,803 86,907 TOTAL MEMBERS EQUITY 36,199,922 33,637,409 Total Non - Current Assets 27,780,959 28,594,241 This statement can be read in conjunction with the notes found at TOTAL ASSETS 42,777,808 41,812,496 www.tasland.org.au/about-the-tlc/newsletters-and-annual-reports/
LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Payables 17 176,958 294,423 Unexpended Grants 18 4,619,262 4,905,852 Provision for Employee Entitlements 19 144,794 125,884 Total Current Liabilities 4,941,014 5,326,159
Non - Current Liabilities Private Loans 20 1,296,405 2,478,844 Capital Provisions 21 264,735 280,000 Provision for Employee Entitlements 19 75,733 90,085 Total Non - Current Liabilities 1,636,873 2,848,929
TOTAL LIABILITIES 6,577,886 8,175,088
NET ASSETS 36,199,922 33,637,409
EQUITY Asset Revaluation Reserve 210,000 210,000 Retained Earnings 33,427,409 31,325,348 Current Year Earnings 2,562,513 2,103,963 Transfer to Reserves - (1,902) TOTAL EQUITY 36,199,922 33,637,409
This balance sheet can be read in conjunction with the notes found at www.tasland.org.au/about-the-tlc/newsletters-and-annual-reports/
40 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 41 INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT
Responsibility of the Board for the Financial Report The Board of Management of the registered entity are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and have determined that the basis of preparation described in Note 1 to the INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS financial report is appropriate to meet the requirements of the ACNC Act OF TASMANIAN LAND CONSERVANCY INC. and the needs of the members. The Board’s responsibility also includes such internal control as the Board determines is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free Opinion from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. We have audited the special purpose financial report of Tasmanian Land Conservancy Inc. (the Association), which comprises the statement of In preparing the financial report, the Board is responsible for assessing financial position as at 30 June 2017, the statement of comprehensive the registered entities ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, income, statement of changes in equity, statement of cash flows, notes as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting concern basis of accounting unless the Board either intends to liquidate policies, and the statement by the members of the Board. the registered entity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of Tasmanian Land Conservancy Inc. has been prepared in accordance with Division 60 of Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012, Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the including: financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our a) giving a true and fair view of the registered entity’s financial opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a position as at 30 June 2017, and of its financial performance for guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian the year ended on that date; and Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards to the extent exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered described in Note 1, and Division 60 the Australian Charities and material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013. expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing As part of an audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, we Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial throughout the audit. We also: Report section of our report. We are independent of the Entity in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for in accordance with the Code. our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Emphasis of Matter – Basis of Accounting Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial report, which describes the order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the basis of accounting. The special purpose financial report has been circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion prepared for the purpose of fulfilling the responsible entities’ financial on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. reporting responsibilities under the ACNC Act. As a result, the financial Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the report may not be suitable for another purpose. Our opinion is not reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures modified in respect of this matter. made by the Board.
42 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 43 The TLC acknowledges Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land.
The TLC also wishes to thank the many individuals and organisations with whom we work — through partnerships, collaborations PARTNERS and in-kind support.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with the Board regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Michael Ian Derbyshire Director
Hobart
17 October 2017
4 Tasmanian Land Conservancy Annual Report 2016-17 Tasmanian Land Conservancy
PO Box 2112 Lower Sandy Bay Tasmania 7005 Ph +61 3 6225 1399 tasland.org.au ABN 88 743 606 934
@tas_land @taslandconservancy @tasland @Taslandconservancy
TASLAND.ORG.AU