The Wimmera Catchment

The Wimmera catchment in Western Victoria extends from The Wimmera catchment also encompasses a large number the Grampians north to Lake Albacutya, and from the South of cultural and environmental heritage sites, such as the Australian border east to Navarre. It includes the Grampians. It also has the Wimmera River between municipalities of Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Northern Polkemmet and Wirrengren Plain, which has been Grampians, West Wimmera and Horsham Rural City as well proclaimed as a Victorian Heritage River. Such sites are as parts of Ararat Rural City and Buloke and Pyrenees shires. significant in terms of displaying the region’s natural diversity Centred on the rural city of Horsham, the region represents and pre and post European cultural heritage. More than 2000 about 10.3 percent of Victoria's total land area, with a sites of Aboriginal archaeological significance are associated population of around 44,000. The Melbourne-Adelaide with the reserves, waterways, floodplains and wetlands of the transport corridor traverses the region, strategically placing region. the Wimmera within an important regional and national context. This diverse environment, combined with a broadscale agricultural landscape and an ageing and declining population, The Wimmera catchment contains the Wimmera River and presents a challenging mix to natural resource management part of the Millicent Coast Basin to the South Australian in the region. border. The landlocked region covers about 23,500 square kilometres and forms the southwest part of the Murray The Wimmera is experiencing positive economic change as Darling Basin. It is a diverse region with mountains, plains, the result of agricultural diversification, an expanding tourism desert, moist foothill forest, box ironbark forest, woodlands, industry, and development of value-adding and extractive grasslands, and mallee heath. Annual rainfall varies from up to industries. These economic developments place additional 1000 millimetres in the Grampians to as low as 300 demands on the region’s natural resources, particularly millimetres on the northern plains. water, and additional responsibilities on Wimmera Catchment Management Authority to manage these Before European settlement, the catchment supported a resources in a sustainable manner. Continued agricultural diverse range of vegetation. The upper catchment was productivity is dependent upon the effective management of covered in dense eucalypt woodland with an understorey of the region’s soil and water resources, while many shrubs, perennial grasses and herbs. On the plains, vegetation recreational activities also rely on healthy natural thinned out to open woodland of buloke, native pine and ecosystems. mallee communities as well as open grassland. The remaining uncleared native vegetation cover in the Wimmera extends Wimmera CMA can expect a significant increase in workload to 14 percent of the region. This is predominantly within the and responsibility as the progressive piping of the Wimmera Grampians and Little Desert National Parks, Black Range and Mallee stock and domestic channel system through the Mt. Arapiles-Tooan State Parks, and numerous flora and Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project gains momentum. This fauna, wildlife, bushland and forest reserves. responsibility includes analysis and decisions in respect to the substantial increase in water available to the environment The Wimmera catchment boasts some 1500 plant species and for recreational uses. and 420 animal species, including 20 mammal species, 40 reptile species and more than 250 bird species. Of these, 84 are rare, 60 are vulnerable and 29 are endangered (listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), while 61 are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998. Habitats for these species occur across the landscape, in the parks and reserve system, state forests and on private land.

The Wimmera River is the largest landlocked river in Victoria. Its tributaries flow from Mt Cole and the Pyrenees Ranges in the southeast and the Grampians in the south to a series of terminal lakes including Lake Hindmarsh and Lake Albacutya, two of the largest freshwater lakes in Victoria. Due to changes in land and water use in the catchment, Lake Albacutya and beyond into Wyperfeld National Park are frequently dry. Lake Albacutya, internationally recognised for its environmental value as a 'Ramsar' wetland, has only filled four times in the 20th century; the last time in 1974 following two exceptionally wet seasons. More than 3000 wetlands across the Wimmera support a diverse range of flora and fauna. These wetlands have been described as more diverse than Kakadu in the Northern Territory.

Aside from the region’s surface waters, two groundwater aquifers yield potable water in large quantities; the Renmark Group and the Murray Group Limestone.

1 Wimmera Catchment Management Authority Profile

Wimmera CMA was established in July 1997 under the Water Act 1989 and the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to achieve effective integration and delivery of land and water management programs in the Wimmera.

The statutory requirements of Wimmera CMA for annual reporting are governed by the Financial Management Act 1994, the Water Act 1989 and the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. The Wimmera CMA Annual Report not only addresses these requirements, it also establishes the links between the Authority’s Corporate Plan and the activities intended to make progress against the priorities and targets of the Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy (2003-2008).

Wimmera CMA is the peak advisory body on conditions, directions and priorities in catchment management in the Wimmera. The Authority is responsible for coordinating integrated catchment management and sustainable land and water use; involving relevant government agencies and the community. It also has responsibility for advising the government on catchment issues and the ‘condition’ of the catchment and its natural resources. The objectives of the Wimmera CMA reflect those set out in Section 13 of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

Mission Ensure sustainable development of natural resource-based industries, protection of land and water resources and conservation of natural and cultural heritage in the Wimmera catchment region.

Vision In the Wimmera, water and land will be nurtured, native flora and fauna will flourish, people will be happy to live, work and visit and agriculture and other industries will prosper. We respect the Indigenous communities, their perspectives of landscapes, traditions, interests and rights in the land.

Objectives ● Involve the community in decisions relating to natural resource management within the Wimmera catchment. ● Promote sustainable development of natural resource- based industries. ● Collaborate with industry and economic development organisations in achieving sustainable and profitable development of catchment communities. ● Maintain and improve the quality of water and condition of rivers. ● Prevent and where possible reverse land degradation (including salinity). ● Conserve and protect the diversity and extent of natural ecosystems. ● Minimise damage to natural ecosystems and natural resource-based industries caused by pest plants and animals. ● Minimise damage to public and private assets from flooding and erosion.

2 Contents

Chairman’s Report ...... 4 Chief Executive’s Report ...... 5 Regional Partnerships ...... 7 Leading the Way: Board of Management, Governance and Organisational Structure ...... 8

REPORTING AREAS ...... 16 Strategic Planning and Investment ...... 16 Healthy Waterways ...... 20 Healthy Catchments ...... 28 Landcare ...... 31 Biodiversity ...... 43 Sustainable Regional Development ...... 48

CATCHMENT CONDITION REPORT ...... 35-42

STATUTORY INFORMATION ...... 51 Disclosure Index ...... 53 Financial Statements ...... 56 Auditor General’s Report ...... 72-73

Appendices ...... 74

Wimmera CMA would like to acknowledge community members, the Wimmera Mail Times newspaper, mpmedia and Wimmera CMA staff, especially Murray McKenzie, Allison McKnight, Dean Robertson and Murray Wilson for photographs and illustrations in this report.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority 26 Darlot Street, Horsham, Victoria 3400. PO Box 479 Horsham, Victoria 3402. Phone: (03) 5382 1544 Fax: (03) 5382 6076 Email: [email protected] ABN: 83 900 830 261 Website: www.wcma.vic.gov.au/index

Printed by Wimmera Design and Print Edited and compiled by Malcolm Wyeth and mpmedia Cover and inside design by Lara Walsh Creative Solutions

3 Chairman’s Report

The commitment by both the Victorian and Australian support the regional delivery of, and investment in, natural Governments to the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, in resource management. partnership with the regional community, will deliver the largest environmental change in the region since European There is a need to determine and agree on core settlement. The pipeline will have an extremely positive responsibilities for Catchment Management Authorities and impact on the environmental well-being of our catchment, government agencies. A review of higher-level principles of especially on river health. It will guarantee more water for the relationship between the partners is required to reaffirm the environment, through the Bulk Entitlement for the and clarify roles and responsibilities in delivering Regional Environment, and will change the landscape across the whole Catchment Strategies. Resolution should focus on service region. delivery to provide a framework allowing for improved assessment of state-wide resource allocations. Establishing a Wimmera CMA has started work to address a whole range three-year funding cycle to reduce program development of issues that result from implementing the pipeline project costs and improve funding certainty for CMAs and service including decommissioning the channel system and rural providers is the preferred arrangement to optimise natural drainage, managing the environmental reserve to maximise resource outcomes for the region. benefits to waterways, allocation of off-stream environmental water in dryland areas, recreational lake management for the Implementation of the White Paper ‘Our Water Our Future’ environment, and whole farm planning for new water has increased responsibilities of Catchment Management management systems. Authorities. Managing the environmental reserve and maximising benefits of the environmental allocation of water Wimmera CMA is well placed now to deliver on the savings is a challenge that Wimmera CMA has welcomed. Victorian ‘Our Water Our Future’ policies and the Australian Significant planning and discussion has taken place to ensure Government’s ‘National Water Initiative’. Our regional that collaboration with Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Department community is generally very aware of issues around of Sustainability and Environment and GWMWater delivers sustainable water management, and as the pipeline is on community expectations. implemented, we will work together to ensure future water management is balanced for environmental, economic and Establishment of Baridja, Wimmera CMA’s Indigenous social benefit for all. advisory committee, is a highlight of the year. This group is helping the Authority work closely with all Indigenous groups The slogan adopted by the pipeline project ‘Pipingit...for our in the region, developing policies and procedures to facilitate kids’ future’, aligns very well with the aspirations of cultural heritage recognition, and developing Indigenous Wimmera CMA. employment and training strategies. Wimmera CMA is committed to working with all members of our community The Natural Resource Council, consisting of the Victorian to ensure the best sustainability outcomes for the whole and Australian Government Ministers for natural resource community. We can learn from Indigenous members of our management, reaffirmed its commitment to the regional community – their links to the land and the history and model for the delivery of natural resource management stories about our region. programs early this year. Though there are significant variations in management systems and governance 2004-2005 has been another great year for Wimmera CMA, arrangements between states, regional priority-setting and providing leadership and direction for natural resource coordination of natural resource activities is strongly activities and investment. As we finalise the eighth year since supported by both levels of government. I believe that this the establishment of Catchment Management Authorities, support will continue as the current programs are completed the stand-out achievements are: and new natural resource policies are implemented over ● Partnerships at community and agency level time. ● Support for Landcare ● Regional expertise in natural resource management Wimmera CMA has focused on efficiency of its internal ● Strategic framework of the Regional Catchment Strategy planning and business processes during 2004-05. We have and associated plans and strategies reviewed investment planning process, including development ● Strategic investment of projects, review and prioritisation by Functional ● Awareness of environmental issues in the community. Committees, regional assessment processes, submission to investors, negotiation processes and timelines, and reporting and accountability issues. Evaluation of these processes demonstrated human resource and time inefficiencies and high transaction costs in determining investment in the Wimmera each year.

These issues have created a significant amount of tension between Catchment Management Authorities and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Discussions around these issues have also imposed significant costs in time and money for both parties. With the legislative review of the Water Act and Catchment and Land Protection Act Jo Bourke currently underway, it is timely to consider procedures that Chairman

4 Chief Executive’s Report

Expanded activities, capacity building and transition defined Relationships and partnerships continue to grow in the past year for Wimmera CMA. importance as governments devolve responsibilities to regional areas. Wimmera CMA has worked closely with the Significant expansion of the waterways works program has Australian Government, Local Government, GWMWater, been facilitated through new investment and well-developed the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the science and strategic planning. High levels of community Department of Primary Industries over past year. engagement are a feature of the works program as work Partnerships with scientific bodies such as CSIRO continue sites are negotiated with landholders and future management to keep Wimmera CMA at the forefront of innovation in arrangements agreed to. tackling environmental issues.

In July the Victorian Government announced that Wimmera An era of leadership ended in March this year when Chief CMA had been successful in obtaining $1million for retro- Executive John Young retired. John has been the heart and fitting mechanical gates to the Horsham, Dimboola and soul of catchment management in the Wimmera for the past Jeparit weirs to allow greater efficiency of passage of 10 years and was the founding Chief Executive of Wimmera environmental flows down the Wimmera River. Design work CMA. John has left a legacy of professionalism and for the weirs has been completed and all work will be enthusiasm that provides a solid base for future growth and finished in the second half of 2005. development of the Authority.

Waterway action plans were started for Wattle Creek and Mt Cole Creek catchments. Action plans for the MacKenzie I am very proud to take up the mission where John left off River and Glendhu and Shays creeks were completed. and look forward to working with everyone involved in the The Land and Biodiversity Program continues to look at protection of our invaluable natural resources. innovative ways to help landowners manage their properties to address dryland salinity and to protect and enhance remnant native vegetation.

Our Strategic Planning and Investment Unit has been pushing forward with digital mapping of the region which will greatly enhance our ability to assess and monitor the health of the Wimmera Catchment.

Wimmera CMA strongly believes that the youth of our community holds the future health of our natural resources in its hands. We were extremely pleased at the resounding success of our first annual ‘Wimmera Kids Conference’ which attracted over 350 Grade 5 and 6 students from 14 schools. Wimmera CMA continues to expand its relationship with local schools through the Wimmera Community Waterwatch program. Marc Thompson Congratulations to the Jeparit Waterwatch group for Chief Executive becoming the nation’s first Waterwatch group to achieve 10 years of continual service, providing water quality monitoring and educational activities!

5 Inaugural Chief Executive Retires

John Young retired on 31st March 2005 after 10 years at the helm of Wimmera CMA and its predecessor.

Mr Young was appointed Executive Officer of the former Wimmera Catchment and Land Protection Board in March 1995. This advisory board’s role was to give advice to the then Conservation and Environment Minister about management of the Wimmera catchment. This Board developed the first Wimmera Catchment Strategy and set in train processes for forming Wimmera CMA in July 1997, with John Young as Chief Executive. John noted that “when the Authority was established, it was a new approach for the government to appoint regional people to a management board and give them responsibility for managing the region’s natural resources.” He added: “This was incredibly empowering”.

Mr Young counts as highlights of his tenure as Chief Executive, being a part of developing and establishing Wimmera CMA and putting in place some important regional environmental developments and strategic policies.

Looking ahead, Mr Young believes the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline will give the region a unique opportunity to provide a secure and high quality water supply system and dramatically improve the Wimmera’s waterways and regional development.

The Authority introduced many innovations in environmental management over the 10 years under Mr Young’s outstanding leadership. He oversaw growth of the Authority staff complement to more than 30 full-time equivalent positions from a time when he was the only permanent staff member and had a part-time assistant. He has been pre- eminent in establishing the infrastructure, policy and procedures necessary for this growing organisation and must take considerable credit for improvements in catchment health and the strong and growing partnerships which emerged over the period of his tenure.

The Board, management team and staff of Wimmera CMA congratulate Mr Young on his achievements as Chief Executive of the Authority. Collectively they thank him for his devotion and leadership and wish him a most enjoyable and fulfilling retirement.

John Young

6 Regional Partnerships

Regional Partners To achieve effective, efficient and integrated management of Wimmera CMA has engaged in working relationships with all the region’s natural resources, it is necessary to overcome levels of government and the community during 2004-2005 boundaries between people, agencies, disciplines and as part of implementing the Regional Catchment Strategy. jurisdictions. Indeed, forming partnerships is critically Partnerships have been formed to pursue common goals and important to the sustainable management and use of the leverage available funds to attract greater investment for region’s resources. Strong partnerships will also demonstrate solving the region’s natural resource management issues. the resolve of the Wimmera community to manage and use Wimmera CMA fosters working partnerships between resources in a sustainable way. catchment management agencies, land use planners and economic development organisations to gain synergies to help pursue sustainable development.

7 Leading the Way

Board of Management Barry Clugston The driving force behind Wimmera CMA A primary producer with wool, cut flowers and wattle seed enterprises near Stawell. Barry is the inaugural Chairman Wimmera CMA Board members come from diverse rural of the Board of GWMWater. He is backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and experience President of the Upper Wimmera Tree to the Board. One thing they all have in common is their Group, a member of the Wimmera desire to engage Wimmera people in managing the land in an Mallee Pipeline Planning Group, a environmentally sustainable way. One of the main functions member of Leadership Wimmera Board, of the Board is to monitor the performance of the a naturalist commentator for ABC radio, Authority, through monthly and quarterly reporting of an exhibiting artist, a promoter of the destruction of woody achievement of the region’s natural asset priorities and weeds around Stawell and is a past president of Stawell RSL. targets as set out in the Wimmera Regional Catchment Barry brings to the Wimmera CMA Board extensive Strategy (2003-2008). knowledge of the region and the many demands on the regional community. He has a desire to promote values of Jo Bourke regional biodiversity and survival of the general community. Jo from Rupanyup is Chairman of Barry has also had extensive involvement with regional Wimmera CMA Board and Wimmera Landcare and the ‘Land for Wildlife’ program. Mallee Pipeline Project Committee. Jo’s other appointments and interests include: Bruce Dalkin Appointed to the Victorian Regional Bruce has been actively involved in Development Advisory Committee (2003- primary production, particularly 2006), Buloke Shire Council Chief viticulture and wine production, for more Commissioner from 1995 to 1997, than 30 years. He is presently Dunmunkle Shire Councillor from 1986 owner/manager/partner of ‘Westgate’, a to 1995, member Wimmera Leadership Board, Rupanyup wine grape growing and sheep grazing Lions Club Vice-president and Rupanyup Pool Committee business near Ararat in the Upper Secretary. Jo has had extensive involvement in regional Wimmera Catchment, and winner of the economic development and community leadership. Landcare Primary Production award in 2001. Bruce is committed to working with our natural Darryl Argall environment rather than working against it, to benefit the Darryl is a primary producer located near catchment and communities within it. Bruce has always been Nhill, Mayor of Hindmarsh Shire and a interested in finding new and better ways of achieving an long-serving shire councillor. He is a outcome, especially building and modifying machinery to Municipal Association of Victoria Board operate more efficiently on hilly undulating country. More member, Chairman of the Municipal recently, this interest has shifted to introducing more Association of Victoria Strategic appropriate and sustainable agricultural practises, especially Environmental Advisory Group and is a high value Mediterranean horticulture. member of Grampians Marketing Inc. Tourism Committee. Darryl has extensive Vanessa Drendel involvement in community development and is a member of Vanessa is a primary producer from the Gerang Landcare Group. Darryl strongly believes in Nhill district with an active role in communicating with and educating our farmers to manage Landcare, having in the past been their land in an environmentally sustainable way, thus acknowledged as the Individual Landcarer ensuring a healthy environment in which future generations for Victoria. Vanessa has since focused on can work and prosper. promoting Junior Landcare activities as well as sustainable farming practices. Dennis Bell Vanessa was a founding member of her Dennis was elected a Councillor of local Landcare group and secretary for 10 Yarriambiack Shire in 2000, was re- years. She is also involved with school council and a number elected in 2003 and served as Mayor in of environmental groups. Vanessa brings to the Wimmera 2001 and 2002. Dennis works part-time CMA Board a passion and love for her community and the as an office manager at a business in catchment. She believes we all need to see and nurture the Warracknabeal. He taught mathematics ‘bigger picture’ and effectively communicate with each other. and science in secondary schools in Western Victoria for more than 30 years. Dennis believes that strategic governance is most important in any organisation as it improves long- term outcomes. He also believes his local government experience provides a sound background for his contribution to this Board of Wimmera CMA.

8 Merryn Eagle Jim Kilpatrick Merryn is a primary producer with cropping Jim is a primary producer with wool, and grazing enterprises close to Horsham. cereals and wine grape enterprises near She is Deputy Chairman of the Wimmera Great Western. He is also a tourist CMA Board. Merryn has had extensive operator of a guest cottage and has had involvement with the Victorian Farmers extensive involvement in regional Landcare Federation and regional Landcare. She is through his membership of Great Western also involved in a number of community Landcare Group and the Upper Wimmera groups and organisations including Farm Tree Group. Jim provides the Wimmera Horizons singers, the 2004 Wimmera CMA Board with a good feel for Women on Farms Gathering, and the ‘Art Is’ Festival catchment issues and a keenness to explore these issues for Committee. Merryn has also been involved with the Wesley the long-term benefit of our region, in particular, to restore, Performing Arts Centre in Horsham and school councils. as far as possible, integrity of the natural environment.

Barry Hall Chris Korte Barry is a wool/fat lamb producer from (B. Agr. Sc (Hons), PhD – Specialisation: Agronomy) Edenhope in the West Wimmera. He has Chris is from Horsham and his previous extensive involvement in community positions include Program Leader - Farming development and regional Landcare. Barry Systems at the Victorian Institute for is presently the Chairman of Wimmera Dryland Agriculture for four years, and CMA Investment Assessment Panel. He is prior to that, Scientist-in-Charge, Poukawa also a member of Kowree Farm Tree Research Station, Agricultural Research Group and Neuarpurr Groundwater (NZ) for five years and eight years with Consultative Committee. He has a good Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (NZ) understanding of major issues affecting our catchment area with involvement in various scientific through his involvement in the lamb and wool industry for 26 projects. In addition to representation on the Wimmera CMA years and in education for 35 years. As an active Board, Chris is a member of the The Wool Factory environmentalist, Barry believes he has the ability and Committee of Management in Horsham. experience to help provide direction to groups and individuals * Chris Korte replaced Terry Lewis as DSE representative in who have opinions and influence on issues affecting our September 2004. catchment. Terry Lewis Gabriel Horvat Terry is Community Relationship Manager – Gabriel, from Landsborough, has previously Wimmera/Glenelg Hopkins, Department of Primary Industry been a member of the Grampians Pyrenees with 27 years experience in catchment and land management Regional Development Board and President in central Victoria, southwest Victoria, the Wimmera and of the Pyrenees Grape Growers Group. He Mallee. He has cropping, fat lambs, cattle and irrigation currently sits on the Pyrenees Shire Council enterprises of his own and significant experience in salinity and is Managing Director/Winemaker for management and cropping agronomy. He has been a member his family business. His interests include of the Longerenong College Advisory Committee, Wimmera organic farming, natural winemaking Irrigators and Diverters Consultative Committee, Wimmera practices, combining biodiversity with Regional Assessment Panel and the Wimmera Water for farming and reducing irrigation use in viticulture. Growth Committee.

Peter Kennedy Ian Voigt Peter, from Horsham, is the Werrimull Ian currently has the role of Regional Horticultural CDEP Co-op Manager and a Manager for the Department of member of the Wotjobaluk Traditional Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in Land Council. He is also a director of Victoria’s South West Region. He has broad Mirimbiack Nations Aboriginal Corporation. experience in natural resource management Peter has qualifications in farm and facilitating community involvement in management, grounds maintenance and government environmental programs. Ian probation. Through his involvement on the led DSE’s Catchment and Land Protection Wimmera CMA Board, he seeks a clear Services team in the Wimmera for more understanding of land and water issues as seen by non- than 10 years. A highlight of this period was developing the Indigenous people. Peter believes that all people, Indigenous Wimmera River Integrated Catchment Management Strategy and non-Indigenous, can work together towards a better using an innovative community-led process. He has also future for all. worked extensively in soil conservation projects, including waterway rehabilitation, salinity management and revegetation programs throughout western Victoria.

9 The Wimmera CMA Board met 11 times during the year at Communications Sub-Committee various venues around the Wimmera. The meeting Darryl Argall (Convener) attendance of each Board member is tabled below: Bruce Dalkin Merryn Eagle Board Member Meetings Attended Mark Edwards Melissa Pouliot Jo Bourke (Chairman) 10 Murray McKenzie Darryl Argall 10 Max Skeen Dennis Bell 9 Angela Ward Barry Clugston 11 Bruce Dalkin 11 Audit Sub-Committee Vanessa Drendel 11 Merryn Eagle (Convenor) Merryn Eagle 11 Vanessa Drendel Barry Hall 10 Barry Hall Gabriel Horvat 8 Graeme Harrison Peter Kennedy 5 Jim Kilpatrick 9 *Chris Korte 6 *Terry Lewis 0 Ian Voigt 9

* Note: Chris Korte replaced Terry Lewis after September 2004.

Major Governance Committees The Board of Wimmera CMA appointed the following people as members of its major governance committees for the year. Membership is as at 30/06/05, but may also include members who served in 2004-2005, but left the committee before 30/06/05.

Board Sub-Committees The Wimmera CMA Board has delegated responsibility for a number of functions to the Board’s Sub-Committees which meet monthly and on an as-needs basis, depending on the particular delegated responsibility.

Corporate Governance Committees Finance Sub-Committee Jo Bourke (Convener) Dennis Bell Gabriel Horvat Jim Kilpatrick Chris Korte David Scott Ian Voigt

Human Resources Sub-Committee Jo Bourke (Convener) Wimmera CMA Board of Management. Barry Hall Ian Voigt

10 Community Consultative Committees The Wimmera BioLink Functional Committee included the The Investment Assessment Panel (IAP) aims to ensure high following members: quality regional investment packages are presented to State and Commonwealth investors. It provides leadership of Ron Dodds (Chair) Gary Aitken investment process, assesses the bids against Regional Jenny Elliott Geoff Evans Catchment Strategy priorities, monitors projects and sells Barry Hall Joel Hastings priority projects to the community and agencies. Gabriel Horvat Carl Loeliger Neil Marriott Jason Riethmuller Over 2004-2005, the IAP consisted of the following Jim Sleep Rae Talbot members:

Barry Hall (Chair) Gary Aitken Vanessa Drendel Merryn Eagle Wimmera Landcare Advisory Committee included the John Griffiths (observer) Joel Hastings (observer) following members: Gil Hopkins Jim Kilpatrick Prue Pyke Pauline Rudolph (observer) Prue Pyke (Chair) Greg Barber Philip Sabien Mike Whittlesea Ted Brown Robyn Dalkin Vanessa Drendel Alan Hewitt Stuart Harradine Dennis Hobbs Members of Baridja Indigenous Advisory Group included: George Holden Gabriel Horvat Terry Lewis Don McKenzie Jenny Beer (Chair) Darryl Argall (observer) Pauline Rudolph Max Skeen Alan Burns Tim Chatfield Kaylene Clarke Brendan Edwards Vanessa Drendel (observer) Peter Kennedy The Wimmera Regional Waters Functional Committee Hazel McDonald included the following members:

Wimmera CMA has five community consultative Functional Robert Vance (Chair) Eric Altmann Committees. These are: Keith Boatman Bronwen Brown Bruce Dalkin Vanessa Drendel The Land Issues Functional Committee included the Ben Dyer Gil Hopkins following members: John Kemfert James McFarlane Jim McGuire Geoff Miller Michael McMurtrie (Chair) Dennis Bell Jo Murdock Emily Tyson Nigel Binney Geoffrey Carracher Merryn Eagle Gilbert Fryatt Judy Gardner John Griffiths David Johincke Jim Kilpatrick Appendix 1 lists the other general committees approved by Geoff Miller Chris Whittlesea the Board to ensure the overall governance arrangements Mike Whittlesea Barry Williams and commitment to community consultation of Wimmera CMA can be properly achieved.

Members of Wimmera 2020 included:

Frank Delahunty (Chair) Darryl Argall Wayne Beddison Julianne Boak Anne Bothe Stan Deans Merryn Eagle Suzanne Gatz Stephen Graetz Brian Kearns (ex-officio) Peter Kennedy Phil King Michael McMurtrie, Chairman of the Land Issues Functional Committee. Andrew Hawkins John Millington Brian Myles Paul Oxbrow Chris Prestwood Philip Sabien (ex-officio) Dominic Van Dyk

11 Leading the Way

Indigenous Communities Youth Wimmera CMA is working on a number of ways to increase Wimmera CMA made further progress with engaging youth Indigenous participation in natural resource management. of the region during 2004-2005. Some of the key actions in 2004-2005 included: Youth programs and projects included: ● Participating as a member organisation on the Wimmera ● Continued development and some implementation of the Indigenous Resource Management Partnership group Community Education Plan and Regional Schools Plan. (WIRMp). The WIRMp group includes DPI, DSE, Parks This plan will build strong networks with schools and Victoria, GWMWater, VicRoads and Local Government youth groups, and will ensure continued delivery of across the Wimmera. This group strives to develop educational materials throughout the Wimmera. relationships with the Indigenous community in natural ● The Kids Conference (a concept of students teaching resource management. students) has grown enormously in the last 12 months ● Employing an Indigenous Landcare Facilitator for the with 340 students from 14 schools attending the region to develop a stronger relationship between inaugural October 2004 conference. An increase of 150 Wimmera CMA and the Indigenous community. registered students and nearly twice as many schools are ● Continuing participation on the Wimmera CMA Board ready to attend the conference at Dimboola in October from Indigenous board member Peter Kennedy. 2005. Students attending share ideas and participate in ● Forming the Baridja Indigenous Advisory Group during natural resource management workshops. 2004-2005 to advise Wimmera CMA on Indigenous ● Developing a Green Schools program to service isolated natural resource management issues and promote schools in the Wimmera with environmental education Indigenous solutions to regional natural resource opportunities. management problems. ● The Wild Games in the West holiday program has ● Committing to providing Indigenous Cross-Cultural continued to support environmental education in the Awareness training for Wimmera CMA staff in 2004-05, western part of the catchment with increased including participation in the ‘Engaging Indigenous attendances during 2004-2005. Communities’ accredited training module developed by ● Tertiary and Secondary College visits to the Wimmera the WIRMp Group. have been supported with educational tours and information given to institutions from Geelong and Melbourne, as well as local information sessions to Longerenong College students. ● Wimmera CMA attends the Wimmera Careers Expo annually to promote careers in natural resource management to secondary students throughout the region. This year we planned our stall with staff from other natural resource management bodies to give youth a broader picture of possible careers in this field. ● Integrating two schools into presentations given at Wimmera CMA’s World Wetlands Day program. The schools’ involvement was well received by the community. ● The Wimmera CMA Waterwatch program continued to involve large numbers of school and community groups in education and monitoring programs. New schools are being engaged, and with integration of other Wimmera CMA educational programs, full-day school packages are being delivered. ● Wimmera CMA and Horsham College (through the Advance program), have begun work to improve the Community Education Display at Sawyer Park in Horsham. ● Wimmera CMA is helping deliver a pilot Threatened Baridja Indigenous Advisory Group. Species unit of classwork with three schools in the catchment. ● As part of the National Tree Day program, Wimmera CMA facilitated opportunities for local primary school students to plant a tree, and gain knowledge about their environment.

12 ● Wimmera CMA coordinated and gained national Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity recognition for the 2005 Australian Science Teachers It is the Authority’s policy to advertise all vacancies and the Association SCIps Partnership Project, which involved Authority encourages applications from suitably-qualified Stawell Secondary College students and a community people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or disability. group raising awareness about the relevance of science, Wimmera CMA operates under a policy of Equal scientific literacy and science education in the Wimmera Employment Opportunity and provides a smoke-free work catchment. environment. ● Wimmera CMA continues to initiate programs involving youth through Landcare education days; a mix of Wimmera CMA encourages opportunities for women and practical learning and targeted presentations. Wimmera the aged in the workplace and community. Women make up CMA has a sound partnership program with 40 percent of Wimmera CMA staff. The Board, Functional Conservation Volunteers Australia. As part of this Committees and other associated committees all have strong partnership the UK-based charity group The Joshua female representation. Foundation has had more than 250 secondary students in the past four years helping Wimmera Landcare projects. Wimmera CMA also encourages opportunities for individuals Many other schools visiting the region have from disadvantaged groups. environmental activities as part of their curriculum. One such example is South Australia’s Woodcroft College. Wimmera CMA recognises and values cultural diversity in Since 2002 Woodcroft College has involved over 600 our regional community and has noted the government students in Wimmera Landcare projects, planting more direction on delivering culturally- appropriate services. The than 3500 trees and clearing four hectares of weeds. Authority believes its services, including community communications, are provided in a manner in accord with the Victorian Government’s direction.

Joshua Foundation volunteers with Wimmera school children on National Tree Day.

Children solve environmental puzzles during Wild Games in the West.

13 Wimmera Catchment Management Authority Staff Profile

Employees of Wimmera CMA constitute the organisation’s Strategic Planning and Investment operational arm and are entrusted with taking actions Mark Edwards Strategic Planning and necessary to deliver the vision of its Board, partners and Investment Manager stakeholders. As at 30 June 2005, the staff directory Murray McKenzie Community Education Officer comprised the following members: Allison McKnight Geographical Information System Facilitator Executive Melissa Morris Local Government Liaison Marc Thompson Chief Executive Officer Linda Nemeth Executive Assistant Vacant Project Officer Malcolm Wyeth Regional Natural Resource Administration Management Facilitator David Scott Business Manager Necia Borgas Payroll/Accounting Officer Sustainable Regional Development Jayne Hurst Administration Assistant Phil King Executive Officer–Wimmera Carolyn Merrett Senior Administration Assistant 2020 Marcia Perry Accounts/Payroll Administrator

Healthy Waterways Elyse Riethmuller Waterways Manager Don Barnes Floodplain Management Officer Leigh Blackmore Waterwatch Facilitator (Middle & Upper Catchments) Adam Blake Community Waterway Facilitator (Upper/Mid Catchment) Rochelle Carter Water Resource Officer Harvey Champness Waterwatch Facilitator (West Wimmera) Jeanie Clark Waterwatch Facilitator (Lower Catchment) Glenn Dixon Riparian Management Officer Graeme Eldridge Community Waterway Facilitator (The Lower Wimmera River & Terminal Lakes Catchment) Paul Fennell Water Quality Officer Gavin Ffrench Waterway Works Coordinator Michael Greene Community Waterway Facilitator (Upper Catchment) Brad Hollis Regional Waterwatch Coordinator Bruce McInnes Community Waterway Facilitator (West of Grampians & West Wimmera Catchments) Pat Monaghan Waterwatch Facilitator (Upper Catchment) Malcolm Tilgner Waterway Health Engineer Vacant Wetlands Project Officer

Land and Biodiversity Wimmera CMA Staff. Bernie Dunn Land and Biodiversity Manager Greg Barber Senior Catchment Officer Stuart Harradine Indigenous Landcare Facilitator Dean Robertson Senior Biodiversity Officer Max Skeen Regional Landcare Manager Jon Starks Bird Monitoring Program Coordinator Murray Wilson Community Volunteer Coordinator

14 Organisational Structure

15 Reporting Areas Strategic Planning and Investment

Objectives During 2004-2005, the Strategic Planning and Investment unit ● The Strategic Planning and Investment Unit operates continued or planned projects to: across the ‘whole of organisation’ with roles in strategic ● Build Local Government NRM capacity through planning, management, investment coordination, increasing awareness of regional NRM issues and options, communications, monitoring and evaluation, Local establish links between Local Government Municipal Government capacity building, Geographical Information Strategic Statements and the Wimmera Regional Systems (GIS), community education, organisational Catchment Strategy (2003-2008), and identify Local capacity building, regional natural resource management Government natural resource assets. project partner relations, contributions to governance ● Build project partner NRM capacity through and regional natural resource management capacity development of GIS training modules for regional project building. partners, providing them with GIS support and products. ● The Strategic Planning and Investment Program aims to ● Continued developing the Wimmera CMA Monitoring ‘value add’ and provide support to the social, economic and Evaluation Strategy (2005–2008). This strategy, once and environmental outcomes resulting from the actions in place, will enable Wimmera CMA and its engaged and projects of the Healthy Waterways, Healthy partners to monitor resource condition and management Catchments, Biodiversity and Sustainable Regional action targets, thereby providing measurement of Development programs. progress through specific actions/projects intended to achieve Regional Catchment Resource Condition targets. Assets ● Completed Wimmera CMA’s Communications Strategy The Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy (2003-2008) (2004-2007), communication tools and Communications (Wimmera RCS 2003-2008) identified the broader regional Action Plan. community, its awareness of regional NRM issues and its ● Substantially progressed the High Resolution Digital capacity to undertake NRM works as key assets to build Elevation and Imagery Acquisition project. upon. Wimmera CMA’s other key stakeholders and project partners have and will continue to play a role in achieving the objectives of the Strategic Planning and Investment Program and the Regional Catchment Strategy.

The Strategic Planning and Investment Program staff are seen as key assets of Wimmera CMA, to use to engage stakeholders and project partners. They play a significant role in governance and investment and monitoring and evaluation of NRM actions and projects; they build community capacity and awareness; and link the social, economic and educational values to the physical values managed and enhanced by other CMA programs.

Key Achievements During the 2004-2005 year: ● Coordinated the formulation of the Regional Catchment Investment Plan (2005-2008) and associated review processes. ● Facilitated direct and devolved funding for regional NRM project work and reported to investors against budgets and outcomes. This funding included $5.1 million from the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP), $2 million from various Victorian Government Mallee CMA Chairman Joan Burns, Mr John Forrest MP, Federal investors and $1.7 million from the Australian Member for Mallee, Wimmera CMA Chairman Ms Jo Bourke, North Government’s National Heritage Trust funding program. Central CMA Board Member Elaine Postlethwaite, at the launch of ● Continued to develop processes and guidelines for ‘Lend the Land a Hand’. monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance for Wimmera CMA activities. ● Conducted a series of Local Government forums to build Local Government capacity in respect to NRM issues. ● Reconstructed Wimmera CMA’s website. ● Started developing a Community Education Plan and facilitated organisational, stakeholder and community capacity building activities.

16 High Resolution Digital Elevation and Imagery Acquisition Project Wimmera CMA makes use of Geographic Information Systems as a tool for environmental modelling, mapping and analysis. Integral to the application of this technology, is the availability of detailed and high-precision map-based information. In particular, accurate elevation data has a broad range of applications, including salinity risk analysis, hydraulic modelling and waterway works assessment.

Further to this, true colour imagery is a valuable tool for visual interpretation of the landscape and prevalent processes, and is an excellent backdrop for mapping and planning land-based activities.

Consequently, collection of high precision aerial photography and elevation data was undertaken over the entire Wimmera catchment, between November 2004 and February 2005. State-of-the-art airborne laser scanning and photographic equipment was used as part of this data collection exercise.

Surface modelling mapping utilities allow this data to be presented and interrogated, providing a cost-effective and realistic impression of natural resource processes and phenomena across the landscape.

Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Local Government ● Conducted 4 Local Government ● Improved engagement and capacity Capacity Building Project forums. building through: ● Developed links through 2 reviews of Local Government Municipal > Local Government forums. Strategic Statements and 5 subsequent planning scheme > Regional Catchment amendments. Strategy/planning scheme links. ● Identified, through 2 case studies, Local Government assets at risk of > Improved Local Government degradation from salinity and infrastructure. water quality impacts. ● Increased uptake of project > Project partnerships. proposal opportunities focusing on roadside vegetation (1), salinity (2), > Planning frameworks. remnant vegetation (1), ● Develop a road management stormwater (3), flooding (3) and assessment tool for water quality land capability (2). impacts on roads. ● Developed a planning framework for sustainable land use development, incorporating land capability and protection of identified natural resource assets. ● Developed 1 decision support tool. ● Engaged Local Government in 5 partnership projects to improve water quality.

17 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Provision of GIS Services for ● Continued training and ● Increased GIS support to a range NRM Project Partner Capacity development of Catchment of Wimmera CMA, DPI and Building Management Information Officer, Landcare projects. Wimmera CMA staff and partners. ● ● Rationalised requirements for data Appropriate GIS skill levels for licensing. Wimmera CMA and project ● Preliminary data management partners. systems formulated. ● Provide and maintain appropriate ● Developed a centralised data GIS products and processes. management system. ● Secured data use licences. ● Developed and implemented provisions for third party data use. ● Provided GIS capacity support. ● Progressed strategic planning for GIS implementation.

● Aerial photography and ● Identified threats to and strategic Gaining a Better Understanding production of a digital elevation protection of, the regional assets of the Region’s Assets Impacted model (DEM) for the Wimmera. as identified in the Wimmera RCS by Salinity and Declining Water ● Process aerial photographic data (2003-2008). Quality through Developing a and collect LIDAR data (for DEM ● Process this data into a complete Strategic DEM Information creation), in high priority areas ortho-rectified imagery set, Database identified in the Wimmera covering the whole catchment. Regional Salinity Action Plan ● Resultant digital data sets will be (2005-2010) and the Wimmera utilised as a strategic planning Water Quality Strategy 2002. information tool relevant to assessing and managing high priority salinity and water quality issues in the Wimmera. Community Education on ● Develop and undertake Salinity and Groundwater ● Formulated preliminary community community education on the Flow Systems education programs. ● Extension liaison with farming environmental, social and bodies, regional stakeholders/ economic impacts of salinity, soil partners and wider community. health, water quality, whole farm ● Progressed community education planning and the groundwater flow plan and programs. systems approach and provide ● Advertised/promoted community support to project officers. education delivery intentions. ● Initiated community education plan ● Develop a community education and programs delivery. plan and undertake salinity ● Ongoing development and delivery education and water quality of community education plan, programs within the farming programs and liaison. community, general community ● Implemented recommendations of and schools. the Wimmera Regional Salinity Action Plan (2005-2010) relevant to community education.

Wimmera CMA Monitoring ● Quality control, technical advice ● Develop a culture that and Evaluation Project for implementing the Wimmera incorporates monitoring and CMA evaluation framework/plan. evaluation as a part of Wimmera ● Progressed the documentation of NRM project management. the Wimmera CMA Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy (2004- 2007) (1) including integration of national and Victorian frameworks and initiatives.

18 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Wimmera CMA ● Reviewed the existing Wimmera ● Wimmera CMA Communications Communications Project CMA Communications Strategy, Strategy (2004-2007) Communications toolkit and Communications Action Plan. ● Wimmera CMA Communications ● Developed decision support tools Action Plan. in communications. ● Wimmera CMA Communications ● Amended Wimmera CMA Toolkit. Communications Strategy, developed communications tools ● Internal processes and training to (13) and formulated a assist implementation and communications action plan. monitoring of the Wimmera CMA ● Conducted Wimmera CMA Communications Strategy (2004- Communications Committee 2007.) meetings (9). Informed Wimmera CMA project management system regarding communications management planning. ● Conducted an internal communications survey and reviewed previous regional community perception surveys. ● Formulated staff training sessions in efficient, effective and consistent regional NRM communications.

● Facilitated reviews of the ● Procedures and protocols for Governance and Functional operation of Board, Governance Committee Operations operation of Wimmera CMA Sub-Committees and Functional Board and Functional Committees. Committees. ● Developed new policy and ● Efficient and effective operation of procedure guidelines for Board, Wimmera CMA Board, Board Sub-Committee, and Governance Sub-Committees and Functional Committee operations. Functional Committees. ● Supported and resourced 11 Board meetings, 4 Functional Committees totalling 54 members, 6 meetings/Functional Committee/year, 2 Joint Functional Committee meetings, 2 investment assessment and technical assessment panels, appropriate training and conferences.

Wimmera CMA included the regional show circuit in its community education program in 2004-2005.

19 Healthy Waterways

Key Objective ● Offered work to 57 landholders to protect and Wimmera CMA is preparing a Regional River Health Strategy rehabilitate riparian zones. This resulted in 49.5 (Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy) in line with the kilometres of waterway protected through fencing, 76.6 Victorian River Health Strategy (2002). This strategy will be kilometres of fencing along waterways, 180 hectares of the plan for achieving the program’s key objective to: riparian zone vegetation protected, 125 hectares of riparian zone revegetation, 16 off-stream watering points, Improve the environmental condition of the region’s 114 kilometres direct seeding, 16,350 trees planted and rivers, creeks and wetlands. 355 hectares wetland protected.

Assets Bioengineering trial in the Upper Catchment. Key waterway assets identified in the Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy (2003-2008) are: ● Wetlands and streams of the Wimmera River Basin ● Terminal Lakes of the Wimmera River Basin ● Wetlands and streams of the Millicent Coast Basin

Asset Objectives The flow regime and water quality of wetlands and streams in the Wimmera River Basin should provide for recreation, stock and domestic and commercial purposes while sustaining viable populations of native flora and fauna. Stream courses should not erode at accelerated rates and floodplain management should be sympathetic to natural processes.

Another objective is to maintain and improve environmental values of the terminal lakes system and provide sustainable recreation opportunities. Macroinvertebrate analysis of water sample. The management objective for the Millicent Coast Basin’s surface waters is to protect their ecological, social and economic values by: ● Maintaining and protecting their biodiversity ● Protecting and enhancing surface water quality ● Averting drainage works that unduly impact on the natural flow regime

Key Achievements ● Completed draft Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy and presented for public comment. ● Completed 28 waterway rehabilitation works, resulting in 5.8 kilometres of waterway protected through bed and bank works and 24 waterway structural assets repaired. ● Issued 36 waterway works permits. ● Completed 3 Waterway Action Plans (Glendhu Creek, Shays Creek and MacKenzie River). ● Started Waterway Action Plans for Wattle Creek, Mount Rock shute on Glen Lofty Creek. Cole Creek, Burnt Creek and Wimmera Heritage River. ● Extensive radio and print advertising campaign to raise awareness of the need for permits for works on waterways. ● Started bioengineering trial using native plants and sterile introduced plants to address erosion in the upper catchment. ● Hosted the 16th annual CMA Field Staff Conference. ● Employed 3 additional Community Waterway Facilitators and 1 additional Waterwatch Facilitator.

20 ● Mapped pest weed infestations along 301 kilometres of ● Started an environmental risk assessment for saline pools waterways. and environmental flows in lower Wimmera River in ● Ran 4 successful wetland field days sharing information partnership with Environment Protection Authority. with landholders about wetlands, salinity and ● Responded to 1 Take and Use Licence referral. management practices. ● Responded to 2 Construction Licence referrals. ● Celebrated World Wetlands Day on the 6th February ● No farm dam transitional grants administered. with 200 Wimmera people. ● Established 3 sites to trial effectiveness of bypassing ● Ran Wild Games in the West in Nhill, Edenhope, summer flows around dams. Goroke and Kaniva in partnership with DPI and the ● Assessed physical and operational constraints to Desert Fringe Regional Waste Management Group. The delivering environmental flow into Wimmera waterways. days included children’s activities centred on sustainable ● Managed delivery of the 2004-05 environmental flows. natural resource management. Flows included 4898 megalitres (ML) for the lower ● Completed a Geomorphic Investigation of Wetlands in Wimmera River and 455ML for MacKenzie River the Wimmera CMA section of Millicent Coast Basin. between the Mt Zero offtake and Distribution Heads, ● Published a Glovebox Guide to Wimmera Wetland Laharum. Birds. ● Completed, in partnership with GWMWater, a ● Completed Horsham and Dimboola Floodplain conceptual design of work at Huddleston’s Weir to Management Plans. enable low flows to pass down the Wimmera River. ● Installed gauging boards at key locations along ● Completed research into environmental water needs of Yarriambiack Creek to enable community flood the Terminal Lakes, including Lake Hindmarsh (Victoria’s monitoring. largest freshwater wetland) and Lake Albacutya ● Continued to work with Northern Grampians Shire (a Ramsar wetland). Council and the community to develop a flood study and a Floodplain Management Plan for Glenorchy. ● Responded to 161 planning referrals. ● Responded to 58 requests for flood advice. ● A measure of the success of our processes was that Wimmera CMA was not required to attend any Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearings. ● Surveyed 220 households in the region on waterway health and the environment. ● Developed conceptual models of the region’s water cycle and salinity in partnership with DPI Primary Industries Research Victoria. Recommended programs for future research for nutrients and turbidity. ● Signed on as a partner in the Northwest Region Water Resource Monitoring Partnership. ● Monitored water quality monthly at a total of 26 sites throughout the Wimmera. Up to 42 sites were available, however due to the extended drought, monitoring was Sediment sampling. not possible at a number of sites. ● Sampled sediment of Wotonga Basin to assess its impact on Wimmera River water quality. ● Developed and implemented a macroinvertebrate monitoring program to assess long-term health of Wimmera waterways. ● Developed a fish monitoring program for Wimmera waterways. ● Developed and presented stormwater advertising campaign throughout the region (including 223 television ads across 3 stations, 280 radio ads across 2 stations and 90 ads in 11 newspapers and an article in a state magazine). ● Completed Index of Stream Condition assessments at 15 sentinel sites across Wimmera waterways. ● Monitored platypus populations at 7 sites in MacKenzie River during spring and autumn. ● Developed a community education and awareness program for environmental flows. ● Started a trial of bypass mechanisms on dams in partnership with DSE, Goulburn-Murray Water and Melbourne Water.

21 ● Worked with DSE, Glenelg Hopkins CMA and GWMWater to implement the Wimmera Mallee Bulk Entitlements, including a Bulk Entitlement for the Flora and Fauna of the Wimmera and Glenelg rivers. ● Developed a Strategic Plan for Wimmera Community Waterwatch. ● Developed a Data Confidence Plan for Wimmera Community Waterwatch. ● Used the custom-built Wimmera Community Waterwatch educational trailer and 3D catchment models during National Water Week, National Science Week, local agricultural shows and other major events such as the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and World Wetlands Day, as well as at schools. ● Supported more than 50 volunteer monitors and equipped them with new Waterwatch testing kits to allow them to monitor long-term water quality of their river, creek, wetland, dam, channel, bore or tank. ● Participated in the annual Waterwatch Victoria QA/QC event. The Wimmera had the greatest participation statewide with 45 community and school volunteer monitors taking part. Wimmera monitors consistently outperformed other monitors throughout Victoria. This underlined the credibility of Wimmera Community Waterwatch data. ● Involved 17 schools and 30 community groups (more than 400 people) in this year’s Saltwatch activities. They collected more than 200 samples, obtaining a comprehensive snapshot of salinity throughout the Wimmera. ● Involved 18 schools (more than 500 students) in Wimmera Community Waterwatch National Water Wimmera River near Dimboola before environmental flow. Week 2004 events, with the major focus being national macro-invertebrate and turbidity snapshots, launch of the Waterwatch trailer and Wimmera Waterwatch Strategic Plan, and the ‘Linking the Catchments’ pipe sculpture. ● Wimmera Community Waterwatch also had a notable presence at Wimmera CMA’s Kids Conference, helping develop student performances leading up to the conference and delivering environmental workshops during the conference. ● Once again Wimmera Community Waterwatch, as part of Wimmera CMA’s site, had a notable presence at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Free water testing again proved popular, with more than 130 farmers and interested people bringing in dam, bore, channel, tank, spring, creek, wetland or river water samples. ● Total participation for Wimmera Community Waterwatch for 2004/05 was:

● Engaged 38 schools in environmental-based Same site on Wimmera River during environmental flow. education and monitoring activities.

● Ran 133 educational sessions (varying from 1 hour to whole day sessions).

● Interacted with 2146 students (excluding major events).

● Coordinated efforts of 54 community monitors.

● Recruited 17 new community monitors.

● Collected data from 206 significant sites.

● Processed 341 community data sets.

● Held 16 community training sessions.

● Facilitated 21 general public requests for data.

22 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Establish, Maintain and Enhance ● 57 landholders for protection and ● Provision of appropriate flow Riparian Buffer Zones along the rehabilitation of riparian zones. regimes to sustain waterway Waterways and Wetlands of the ● These works resulted in 49.5km of health in streams and wetlands of Wimmera. waterway protected through the Wimmera River Basin by 2020. fencing. ● ● 76.6km fencing along waterways. A 33% reduction in total phosphorous levels in the ● 180ha of riparian zone vegetation Wimmera River by 2030. protected.

● 125ha of riparian zone ● A 60% reduction in algal blooms in revegetation. the Wimmera River basin ● 16 off-stream watering points. waterways. ● 114km direct seeding. ● Net gain of native in-stream and ● 16,350 trees planted. riparian biodiversity by 2015. ● 355ha wetland protected. ● Weed infestations along ● All stream reaches identified as waterways mapped for Upper being of high value and in good Wimmera River, Six Mile Creek, condition in the Draft Wimmera Seven Mile Creek, Hickmans Waterway Management Strategy Creek, Glendhu Creek, Shays be protected by 2020. Creek, Howards Creek, Heifer Station Creek.

● Waterway action plans completed Protecting Our High Value ● Improvement in the ‘stability Waterways, Monitoring Those at for Glendhu Creek and Shays Creek and MacKenzie River. condition’ of high value stream Risk and Restoring Priority reaches rated as moderate by the Waterways. ● Waterway action plans started for Draft Wimmera Waterway Wattle Creek, Mount Cole Creek, Management Strategy protected or Burnt Creek and Wimmera returned to good condition by Heritage River. 2020. ● 28 waterway rehabilitation works completed. ● 5.8km of waterway protected through bed and bank works. ● 24 waterway structural assets repaired. ● 36 waterway works permits issued. ● Started bioengineering trial using native plants and sterile introduced plants to address erosion in the upper catchment.

23 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Managing the Wimmera ● Surveyed 220 households in the ● A 20% reduction in average annual Environmental Water Reserve region to gain an understanding of damages by 2020, based on 2003 and Implementing Sustainable the community’s understanding of levels. waterway health and Water Resource Management. environmental water reserve. ● By 2020 there will be aA 20% ● Developed a community education improvement in water use and awareness program for environmental flows. efficiency within the Wimmera River basin by 2020. ● Completed an investigation on physical constraints to delivery of environmental water from ● Sound water resource GWMWater storages. management and allocation resulting in the Wimmera River no ● Developed environmental water recommendations for the Terminal longer classified as a stressed river. Lakes of the Wimmera River. ● A 33% reduction in total ● In partnership with DSE, Goulburn-Murray Water and phosphorous levels in the Melbourne Water, established 3 Terminal Lakes by 2030. sites to trial effectiveness of bypass mechanisms to pass summer flows ● A 60% reduction in algal blooms in around dams. the terminal lakes. ● Assessed physical and operational constraints to the delivery of ● No net loss of native biodiversity environmental flow into in the Terminal Lakes by 2020. waterways in the Wimmera. ● Managed delivery of the 2004-05 ● No net loss of extent and environmental flows. distribution of wetlands in the ● Monitored environmental flow Millicent Coast Basin by 2020. effectiveness at 26 sites. ● Determine targets to control ● In partnership with GWMWater, invasive species to protect completed a conceptual design of wetlands and streams by 2004. works at Huddleston’s Weir to enable the passage of low flows to pass down the Wimmera River. ● A 33% reduction in total phosphorous levels in the Millicent ● Completed research into environmental water requirements Coast Basin by 2030. of the Terminal Lakes, including Lake Hindmarsh (Victoria’s largest ● A 60% reduction in algal blooms in freshwater wetland) and Lake the Millicent Coast Basin Albacutya (a Ramsar wetland). waterways. ● Worked with DSE, GHCMA and ● 10% of wetlands on private land in GWMWater to implement the Wimmera Mallee Bulk the Millicent Coast Basin are Entitlements, including a Bulk protected by 2025. Entitlement for the Flora and Fauna of the Wimmera and Glenelg rivers.

Improving our Knowledge of ● In partnership with DPI Primary Contributors to Poor Water Industries Research Victoria Quality in the Wimmera. developed conceptual models of the region’s water cycle and salinity, and recommended programs for future research for nutrients and turbidity.

24 Project Outputs

Improving the Water Quality in ● Monitored water quality at a total the Waterways and Wetlands of of 26 sites throughout the the Wimmera. Wimmera on a monthly basis. Up to 42 sites were available, however due to the extended drought, a lack of water meant monitoring was not possible at a number of sites. ● Developed and implemented a macroinvertebrate monitoring program to assess the long-term health of Wimmera waterways. ● Developed a fish monitoring program for Wimmera waterways. ● Monitored platypus populations at 7 sites in MacKenzie River during spring and autumn. ● Developed and presented stormwater advertising campaign across the region, including: television (223 advertisements across 3 stations), radio (280 advertisements across 2 stations) and print media (90 advertisements in 11 newspapers and an article in 1 state magazine). ● Water quality recognised in Local Government municipal strategic statements as being a critical issue. ● Developed and distributed a technical tips booklet on rural drainage. ● 206 sites monitored monthly by Waterwatch volunteers. ● Data collected by Waterwatch incorporated into a database to be used for management decisions in conjunction with more water quality data collected throughout the region. ● Waterwatch QA/QC successful. ● 17 schools and 30 community groups (more than 400 people) were involved in this year’s Saltwatch activities, collecting over 200 samples for a comprehensive coverage of the state of salinity throughout the Wimmera. ● Coordinated efforts of 54 community Waterwatch monitors. ● Recruited 17 new community Waterwatch monitors. ● Conducted 16 community Waterwatch monitoring training sessions. ● Facilitated 21 general public requests for Waterwatch data.

25 Project Outputs

Managing Our Floodplains for ● Completed Horsham Floodplain Sustainable Development and Management Plan and Dimboola Waterway Health. Floodplain Management Plan. ● Commenced the Glenorchy Flood Study and development of the Glenorchy Floodplain Management Plan Responded to 161 planning referrals and 58 flood advice requests. ● Did not attend any VCAT hearings. ● Continued to work with Local Government to ensure planning was based on the best available flood information.

Increasing Community ● Extensive media coverage of Awareness and Understanding waterway health issues and and Building Capacity to Assist in projects. Improving the Health of Our ● Extensive radio and print Waterways. advertising campaign raised awareness of the requirement for a permit for works on waterways. ● World Wetlands Day celebrations involved over 200 people. ● Completed 4 field days on wetland management. ● Wild Games in the West run for students at Edenhope, Nhill, Kaniva and Goroke ● Printed 4000 Brochures on Waterway Works and Fencing and Revegetation of waterways. ● Engaged 38 schools in environmental-based education and monitoring activities. ● Conducted 133 educational sessions (varying from 1 hour to whole day sessions). ● Interacted with 2146 students (excluding major events). ● Coordinated efforts of 54 community monitors. ● 2160 community members and students participated in Waterwatch. ● 18 schools (over 500 students) involved in National Water Week activities. ● 17 schools and 30 community groups (more than 400 people) were involved in this year’s Saltwatch activities, collecting over 200 samples.

26 Project Outputs

Strategic Coordination of ● Started developing Wimmera Projects to Improve Waterway Waterway Health Strategy. First Health. round of consultation complete. Issues papers complete. ● Index of Stream Condition completed for 86 reaches across the Wimmera. ● Strategic review of Wimmera Community Waterwatch. ● Strategic review of waterway health monitoring needs.

Understanding the Current ● Draft Wimmera Waterway Health Condition of the Wetlands and Strategy available for public Waterways in the Wimmera and comment. Geomorphic history Identifying the Risks and Threats and evolution of wetlands and Appropriate Management investigated and documented. Action. ● Completed Index of Stream Condition assessments at 15 sentinel sites across Wimmera Waterways. ● Completed a Geomorphic Investigation of Wetlands in the Wimmera CMA section of Millicent Coast Basin.

Platypus surveying in the MacKenzie River.

The highly successful stormwater television advertisements.

Erosion gully in the steep hills of the upper catchment.

27 Healthy Catchments

Objectives Sustainable Agriculture Forum Primary goals of the Healthy Catchments Program and Land Wimmera CMA has brought together representatives of Issues Committee include: leading Western Victorian agricultural groups to discuss links and opportunities. This has resulted in increased willingness ● To manage agricultural land within its capability to for groups to work together and share information. maintain and enhance the region’s soils, while improving Participants have expressed a desire to continue these and sustaining profitability of the agricultural sector. networking opportunities and the potential for a seminar on Precision Agriculture in 2006 has been discussed. These goals will be achieved through: ● Delivery of projects that address priorities in the Hindmarsh Salinity Control Program Wimmera RCS (2003-2008) and Wimmera Regional The Hindmarsh Landcare Network continues to excel in Salinity Action Plan (SAP) (2005-2010). management of saline land, with the Hindmarsh Salinity Control Program continuing to establish more than 100,000 Assets saltbush and 20,000 native plants annually. The project is Assets identified in the Wimmera RCS (2003-2008) helping landholders ‘live with salinity’ by restoring some considered by the Healthy Catchments Program are: productivity to salt-affected areas. The project remains an excellent example of a community-driven initiative effecting ● Agricultural land local landscape change. ● Wetlands and streams of the Wimmera River Basin ● Wetlands and streams of the Millicent Coast Basin Land Protection Incentive Scheme ● Terminal Lakes The Land Protection Scheme continues to be a useful source ● Groundwater for extension staff and landholders to access funding for natural resource management outcomes. Seventy-one Agricultural land projects were approved for funding in this financial year to Asset Objective: to manage agricultural land within its improve biodiversity, water quality, salinity and sustainable capability and to maintain and enhance the region’s soils, agriculture outcomes. while improving and sustaining the profitability of the agricultural sector. Wetlands and Streams of the Wimmera River Basin Key Achievements: Asset Objective: Wimmera Salinity Action Plan The flow regime and water quality of wetlands and streams in the The Wimmera Regional SAP (2005-2010) was launched in Wimmera River Basin should be sufficient for recreation, stock Great Western in March 2005 after being endorsed by the and domestic and commercial purposes while sustaining viable Minister for the Environment and Minister for Water, John populations of native flora and fauna. Stream courses should not Thwaites. The plan and local case studies were also erode at accelerated rates and floodplain management should be presented to local communities in Warracknabeal, Dimboola, sympathetic to natural processes. Edenhope and Navarre. The plan is the first to apply the groundwater flow systems approach (GFS) to a regional plan Key Achievements: and provides management actions for each GFS. The plan Programs associated with wetlands and streams of the provides the basis for salinity management and reducing Wimmera River Basin are closely linked to the Healthy salinity impacts on each of the region’s assets. Waterways Program to reduce duplication and maximise results. This program has supported DPI extension to 210 Ecosystem Services landholders to improve land management and manage and An auction-based system is under development to deliver repair waterway erosion. Eleven kilometres of eroding gully ecosystem services to the region. In late 2005, we will seek have been stabilised and 110 hectares of land protected from applications from priority areas in the upper Wimmera River erosion. catchment for projects to improve land management and provide benefits including improved water quality and Wetlands and Streams of the reduced salinity. The project represents a new direction in Millicent Coast Basin encouraging changes to land management in the Wimmera, Asset Objective: and an exciting opportunity for local landholders. to protect their ecological, social and economic values by: ● Maintaining and protecting their biodiversity Land Resource Assessment ● Protecting and enhancing surface water quality The Land Resource Assessment project is nearing ● Averting drainage works that unduly impact on the completion and in the early months of 2005/06 will deliver natural flow regime. uniform 1:100,000 scale soil mapping for the Wimmera and assessments of the risk of degradation to Wimmera soils. Key Achievements: This program has supported DPI extension and support to Property Management Planning landholders in the Millicent Coast Basin. The local Wimmera CMA has appointed a facilitator to develop and community has been supportive of new incentives to implement Property Management Planning. Priority areas establish pastures on salt-affected land, and treat local include the Upper Wimmera Catchment area for salinity recharge zones for salinity and water quality outcomes. control, northeast Wimmera for soil management improvements and southwest Wimmera, on a trial basis, for changing land use and conservation.

28 Terminal Lakes Key Achievements: Asset Objective: Bore decommissioning to maintain and improve the environmental values of the lakes’ GWMWater has identified 150 bores that potentially require ecosystems and provide sustainable recreation opportunities. decommissioning to protect the groundwater resource from contamination by the overlying saline Parilla sands aquifer. Key Achievements: Work with landholders has started to provide incentives to The Healthy Catchments Program has not been involved in complete this work. Promotional material has been projects directly focused on the Terminal Lakes in 2004-05. developed and on-ground works will begin in late 2005. The key focus in this regard has been implementing various works outlined in the Wimmera Regional SAP (2005-2010) Groundwater management guidelines for the upper catchment, that will reduce stream water Due to changes in DSE policy and procedures as a result of salinity in various tributaries that feed the Terminal Lakes, the Katunga WSPA Supreme Court case and implementation providing obvious benefits in the future. of the Victorian Government White Paper, GWMWater is working with DSE to develop alternate arrangements to Groundwater groundwater supply protection areas. GWMWater is Asset Objective: seeking to develop Groundwater Management Guidelines in to maintain sustainable supplies of quality groundwater for current consultation with the community to identify management and future domestic, stock and irrigation uses. issues and specify actions to be taken in accordance with state water management policy and practice.

Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

● Using New and Existing Species ● Completed feasibility study of Improved awareness of subsoil to Minimise Recharge subsoil management services. limitations and subsequent land ● Started PhD study to assess management changes. various vegetation options ● Improved awareness and adoption available to landholders to manage of various vegetation options to recharge. manage recharge.

● Identified 150 bores as potentially ● Reduced contamination of Southwest Wimmera Salinity and requiring decommissioning. freshwater aquifer from overlying Groundwater Project Work underway to begin saline groundwater. decommissioning. ● Recommendations to improve management of centre pivot ● Assessing impacts of centre pivot irrigation using groundwater. irrigation for better sustainability. ● Improved landholder awareness ● DPI salinity extension and landholder support. and adoption of recommended practice. ● 20ha of saline pasture committed. ● Reduced salinity impact.

Living with Salinity in the ● Established 18,000 indigenous ● Approx 20ha of recharge control. Northern Wimmera plants. ● Over 40ha of improved ● 10km direct seeding lines. management and enhanced ● Established 125,000 saltbush plants. production on salt-affected land. ● ● Evaluated inland seaweed trial and Evaluation of two proposed options rainbow trout in saline dams trial. for use of saline groundwater.

Member for Ripon, Hon. Joe Helper MP, Wimmera CMA Chairman Ms Jo Bourke and Wimmera CMA Land and Biodiversity Manager Bernie Dunn launch the Salinity Action Plan. Soil core sampling on the Wimmera plains.

29 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Upper Wimmera Catchment ● Reduced recharge on 1658ha of ● Commitments for 248ha of priority areas. Priority Projects revegetation. ● Reduced erosion and sedimentation ● Established 2 lucerne from 11km of gullies. demonstration sites. ● Protected 110ha from erosion. ● Established 1410ha of lucerne in ● Improved landholder knowledge of priority areas. lucerne requirements. ● Stabilised 11km of eroding gullies. 110ha protected from erosion. ● Produced management guide for lucerne growers.

Wimmera Land Resource ● Reconciled existing studies as a ● Improved planning capabilities for Assessment single seamless GIS layer. natural resource management and ● Completed 1:100 000 soil landform sustainable regional development. map for the Wimmera CMA region. ● ‘Hazard mapping’ of Wimmera soils.

● 72ha of agroforestry on recharge ● 72ha of reduced recharge. Wimmera Region Wide Salinity or discharge areas planted or ● Improved landholder awareness of Response underway. water use efficiency and agronomic ● 75 skills and training events for management to reduce salinity landholders. impacts. ● 44 promotional materials or ● Increased community awareness. activities.

Wimmera Sustainable ● Demonstration and promotion of Agriculture ● Established 5 trial sites. innovative agricultural practices. ● 26 field days or workshops. ● Improved landholder awareness of ● 60ha of agroforestry for improved agricultural innovations and best land management (including practice for sustainability. shelterbelts). ● 60ha of agroforestry established.

Steep hill country suited to fencing and agroforestry. Sustainable land management outcome.

30 Landcare

The Wimmera Landcare Program’s community support Landcare group on a farm visit. component includes the Wimmera Landcare Team, the Wimmera Landcare Advisory Committee and Baridja – Indigenous Advisory Committee. The Landcare program provides support to 62 Landcare groups and networks and about 1500 Landcare members.

Wimmera Landcare Team: 5 x Landcare Network Coordinators (based with Local Government and DPI) 3 x Key Project Officers (2 with Greening Australia and 1 with Project Platypus) 1 x Indigenous Landcare Facilitator 1 x Community Volunteer Coordinator 1 x Regional Landcare Coordinator (Wimmera CMA)

Wimmera Landcare Advisory Committee 8 x community Landcare representatives 1 x Wimmera CMA Board Assets 2 x Wimmera CMA Landcare program staff The Wimmera RCS (2003-2008) states: “A review of the first Wimmera RCS and subsequent Baridja – Indigenous Advisory Group consultation with the Wimmera’s NRM stakeholders 6 x community representatives highlighted some challenges for NRM implementation in this 2 x Wimmera CMA Board RCS period. High among these was need to enhance 1 x Indigenous Landcare Facilitator (Wimmera CMA) community participation and ownership of regional NRM and 1 x Regional Landcare Coordinator (Wimmera CMA) a need to break down institutional barriers that restrict the implementation of NRM strategies and plans. Primary Objectives ● To support 62 Landcare groups and communities in their “However, rather than being identified as a single asset that efforts to identify and rectify problems linked to we wish to protect and enhance, the RCS has adopted historical land and water management practices. ‘community’ as the common theme across all other assets ● Promote increased community and stakeholder identified. This is the asset that unites them, assigns value to understanding of sustainable use and management of them and governs the level of work we can undertake.” natural resources through information, knowledge and opportunities for skill enhancement. Key Achievements ● Increase community understanding of Indigenous Landcare Landcare values and promote opportunities for Through the Community Capacity Building Project, partnership projects that reflect Caring for Country Wimmera CMA engages five Landcare Coordinators values. employed by local government, DPI and community groups, ● Promote Indigenous participation in future natural to coordinate 62 groups and networks and provide a sound resource management direction and decision making. base to build strong partnerships between key people and ● Ensure community input and participation in Landcare organisations in Landcare. activities and decisions based around future priorities and investment. The Wimmera Landcare Advisory Committee is influential in ● Minimise environmental impacts through broader providing direction and developing new approaches to adoption of recommended management practices. Landcare. Community representatives have varied ● Protect and promote environmental values of the backgrounds in Landcare and provide the opportunity to Wimmera. question and assess progress and achievement. ● Develop and support stronger links with industry and agribusiness for sustainable natural resource A review of past performance and development of a new management. five-year strategy has been approved and supported by all Landcare stakeholders. It will be completed by December Goals are achieved through: 2005. Community engagement and understanding of ● Effective community and stakeholder engagement Landcare has continued to improve through consultation and addressing key concerns and values. participation in key Landcare events and activities addressing ● Regional structures providing coordination and support important local concerns. through community and stakeholder input. ● Consideration of social, environmental and economic impact and influence on rural people and communities.

31 Indigenous Communities Involvement of more than 600 volunteers with three highly- Wimmera CMA is supporting a range of opportunities to successful community planting and Landcare weekends in the increase Indigenous participation in natural resource Wimmera has identified an important social as well as management including: practical outcome. Urban and rural links are forged through volunteer participation along with an increasing number of ● Wimmera CMA participation as a member organisation volunteers from international backgrounds who experience on the Wimmera Indigenous Resource Management the region at a local level. Wimmera Community Planting Partnership group (WIRMp) to develop relationships Weekends generate healthy media coverage and through with the Indigenous community in natural resource changes of locations each year, a real social and economic management organisations. benefit to the local community. ● Support and promote Indigenous Landcare Facilitator for the region to develop a stronger relationship between Wimmera Landcare volunteers have provided much sought- the Wimmera CMA and the Indigenous community. after assistance on projects ranging from tree planting, weed ● Investigate and adopt appropriate methods to identify control, revegetation site maintenance, Landcare event and address key Indigenous issues. preparation and logistics, environmental surveys, remnant ● Establishment and ongoing support to Baridja - protection fencing and seed collection. Indigenous Advisory Group to Wimmera CMA. ● Commitment to providing Indigenous Cross-cultural On both a small and large scale, the use of volunteers to Awareness training for Wimmera CMA staff including undertake a variety of tasks is important to the region and a participation in the ‘Engaging Indigenous Communities’ vital component to continuing efforts to accelerate on- accredited training module developed by the WIRMp ground works across the catchment. Group. ● Active participation and support for Indigenous community Landcare and natural resource management projects Californian Conservation Corps volunteers at Wimmera project site. Community Volunteer Coordinator This project has coordinated on-ground Landcare activities for a wide range of volunteer and community groups and programs covering many Landcare activities.

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) is a key partner in assisting with on-ground activities in the region. Wimmera CMA and CVA have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding which has CVA providing up to 10 volunteer teams each year. The teams experience hands-on projects across the catchment.

Along with traditional Better Earth volunteer teams, the Wimmera has hosted students from the USA as part of the International Student Volunteers program, Welsh students as part of the Joshua Foundation Charity and Sudanese immigrants who have become involved in the Yarrilinks Planting Weekend. A Californian Conservation Corps team, hosted through an exchange with CVA, spent a week in the Wimmera working at four different sites. CVA volunteer from Korea planting in the The Green Corps program continues to host teams in the Wimmera. region, providing successful training outcomes for participants and valuable assistance to many practical Landcare tasks.

Wimmera schools’ involvement in Landcare is important and many primary and secondary schools were given the chance to be involved in hands-on Landcare activities in their region. Also, Woodcroft College from Adelaide in South Australia continues a successful relationship by providing students on retreat in the Grampians with a practical Landcare activity through the Community Volunteer program as part of their school camp experience.

32 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Building Community Capacity ● 18 GIS/property and project ● Improved community capacity and and Stakeholder Partnerships planning sessions. more actions for NRM adoption. ● 10 sustainable agriculture field days. ● Deliver the Landcare Support Strategy recommendations. ● 6 remnant vegetation field days. ● 5 community network forums. ● Incorporate Indigenous values and ● 1 regional community Landcare culture in regional NRM. forum. ● Further develop partnerships and ● 5 network strategies reviewed. stakeholder relationships. ● 20 Landcare action plans. ● Monitor and evaluate progress ● 10 partnership projects. towards community capacity and ● 5 network biodiversity plans. partnership building goals. ● 5 joint Landcare and Indigenous NRM partnership projects. ● 5 cross-cultural learning sessions. ● Landcare group and coordinator support to the Indigenous Advisory Group. ● 12 NRM projects with Local Government, Greening Australia, and community and corporate (e.g. Landcare Australia Ltd.) partners. ● Implement Landcare program monitoring and evaluation strategies.

Indigenous and Cultural ● Developed communication plan ● Improved Indigenous community and protocols for engaging with Leadership in NRM relationships with NRM Indigenous communities, groups organisations. and organisations. ● Provided information sharing and ● Build Indigenous community training opportunities – 6 capacity and links between Indigenous NRM projects linked to Indigenous community and key the Wimmera River. Key Wimmera CMA programs. Indigenous priorities identified and documented. ● Strengthen Indigenous community ● Established an Indigenous Advisory role in NRM. Group with links to the Wimmera CMA Board and program ● Link Indigenous community NRM managers. priorities to potential partnership projects and programs. ● Designed a specific skill enhancement and training program ● Broader community awareness for Indigenous community. and understanding of Indigenous ● 3 partnership projects with Local culture, aspirations and values. Government, 4 with Wimmera CMA and 4 with Wimmera ● Monitor and evaluate Indigenous Landcare groups. community capacity building and ● Regional cultural training programs partnerships. – 1 session for each of the 6 networks, 1 regional program for agencies and authorities involved in NRM. ● Sought Indigenous community and stakeholder feedback on this project.

33 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

● Delivered 18 community ● Initiate capacity building programs Regional Landcare Coordination learning/training sessions. – Industry, Community and and actions for community and Institutional Capacity Building ● Increased community role in industry adoption of NRM regional Landcare and the Wimmera Landcare forum. practices. ● Coordinated 8 Landcare Advisory ● Deliver recommendations and Committee meetings. actions identified in Wimmera ● Supported, assisted and advised Landcare Support and Investment the Indigenous Advisory Group, Strategy. Indigenous Landcare Facilitator and Indigenous Landcare program. ● Improve Indigenous community Promoted Indigenous integration participation in Landcare and into the broader Landcare NRM. community. ● Deliver on required State ● Ensured 80% of Landcare groups have current action plans and 50% Landcare Action Plan of groups develop/review planning recommendations. and priorities. ● Develop and broaden Landcare ● Provided progress reports on partnership opportunities. implementing the Victorian Action Plan for Second Generation ● Monitor and evaluate regional Landcare. Landcare coordination. ● Provided support for increased participation by Local Government and industry in NRM, including 3 partnership projects and 2 discussions with agricultural industry. ● Implemented the Landcare evaluation framework.

Developing Community, ● 12 weeks of action through ● Support to community-based NRM Social and Volunteer Capacity project teams. projects. ● Established or maintained links to ● Introduce and promote existing regional labour and volunteer programs. international exposure to NRM and Landcare. ● Provided real outcomes for 10 remote projects or under- ● Increased partnership resourced outlying communities. development. ● 10 days of international exchange programs with volunteer and ● Identify opportunities for project community groups. and volunteer interaction.

● Engaged with regional ● Review of volunteer engagement organisations and programs to guidelines. identify learning/training/skills based outcomes for volunteers. ● Monitor and evaluate volunteer ● Developed a register of proposed engagement and capacity building. regional work plans and projects to align skills with project requirements. ● Supported 6 projects attracting 600 volunteers. ● Aligned volunteers with 20 projects. ● Produced guidelines for all community groups and organisations using volunteers and volunteer labour. ● Collated volunteer and community group feedback for Wimmera Landcare Advisory group evaluation.

34 Wimmera CMA Catchment Condition Report 2004-2005

Introduction One of Wimmera CMA’s successful advertising campaigns. The Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy (2003-2008) recognises nine biophysical assets and the region’s community as a common theme across these assets. This Catchment Condition Report highlights where there is evidence of progress against the resource condition targets from the Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy (2003- 2008) associated with the nine biophysical assets and the community. It also indicates areas in which achievements have been limited and the factors that may have constrained the progress achieved by Wimmera CMA towards its asset objectives. Stakeholder average rating for the condition of each of the region’s assets as at 30 June 2005, based on the scale below.

Community Involvement/Regional Natural Resource Management Culture ASSET CONDITION RATING 3.4 The extent and depth of community awareness of regional NRM issues and initiatives has continued to improve over Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 2004-2005 due mainly to more emphasis on community 30 June 2005 education programs, continued growth of the Waterwatch Increased understanding of Evidence of progress from: and Landcare programs and a significant increase in the NRM stakeholders’ roles and ● Other expert opinion amount of information reaching the community through the responsibilities and source/s. media. These initiatives have resulted in a significant increase opportunities for partnership ● Anecdotal sources – eg in the volume of enquiry received by Wimmera CMA, a projects. landowners, community continuation of the growth in volunteer numbers for groups. plantouts and monitoring, greater attendances at NRM ● Other project activities and a significant improvement in community management information. awareness of Wimmera CMA and its role. The second in a Increased community Evidence of progress from: series of social surveys has been conducted during 2004- confidence in recommended ● Other expert opinion 2005 to confirm and establish trends in social factors NRM practices beyond 2002. source/s. impacting on the community’s input into NRM. The program ● Anecdotal sources – eg of the Sustainable Regional Development unit, under the landowners, community direction of the Wimmera 2020 Functional Committee, has groups. continued to make inroads into the influence of such factors ● Other project on regional development through sustainable use of the management information. region’s assets. Community Landcare Evidence of progress from: participation rates maintained ● Indigenous opinion source/s. or increased beyond 2002 ● Comprehensive monitoring levels. system.

Rating Description Definition

5 Excellent All environmental values are in very good to excellent condition

4 Good Most environmental values are in good condition

3 Average Many of the environmental values need improvement and action may be needed to ensure the values do not degrade to an unacceptable level

2 Poor Many of the environmental values are in poor to very poor condition and actions to improve the asset condition or stabilise it should be taken

1 Degraded Urgent action needs to be taken to repair the values and minimise offsite impacts

35 Wetlands and Streams of the Wimmera River Basin Seven consecutive years of below-average rainfall over much of the catchment, including some of the driest years on record, have resulted in a significant proportion of the catchment being declared eligible for exceptional circumstances provisions. The prolonged drought has severely hampered the monitoring and evaluation of progress against outcomes for most waterway and wetland projects. On a positive note, the dry conditions over the past year have made it easier for engineering works on waterways to gain access and add significantly to riparian areas and wetlands fenced for conservation of biodiversity and improvement of water quality. Rural landholder awareness of regional waterway projects, funding options and other support has been boosted substantially over 2004-2005 through the expansion of Waterwatch and the appointment of Community Waterway Facilitators, together with much more extensive media and community education coverage. At the end of 2004-2005, the Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy was in the final phase of its completion. This strategy will drive the future activities intended to achieve the targeted outcomes from the current Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy. ASSET CONDITION RATING 2.4 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

The provision of appropriate flow regimes to sustain waterway Evidence of progress from: health in the streams and wetlands of the Wimmera River Basin by ● Sound analysis of evidence, including comprehensive 2020. monitoring system and based on natural system modelling. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Other expert opinion source/s.

A 33% reduction in total phosphorous levels in the Wimmera River Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process has been by 2030. established. A 60% reduction in algal blooms in the Wimmera River Basin Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process has been waterways by 2030. established.

Net gain of native in-stream and riparian biodiversity by 2015. Evidence of progress from other project management information.

Reduced impact on wetlands and streams of the Wimmera Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process has been River Basin from invasive species by an amount to be determined by established. 2004. All stream reaches identified as being of high value and in good Evidence of progress from: condition in the Draft Wimmera Waterway Management Strategy be ● Comprehensive monitoring system. protected by 2020. ● Other project management information.

Improvement in the ‘stability condition’ of high value streams reaches Evidence of progress from: rated as moderate by the Draft Wimmera Waterway Management ● Comprehensive monitoring system. Strategy protected or returned to good condition by 2020. ● Other project management information.

Evidence of progress from: A 20% reduction in average annual flood damages by 2020, based on 2002 levels. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Other project management information.

Evidence of progress from: By 2020 there will be a 20% improvement in water use efficiency ● Other expert opinion source/s. within the Wimmera River Basin. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

Evidence of progress from: Sound water resource management and allocation resulting in the ● Sound analysis of evidence, including comprehensive Wimmera River no longer classified as a stressed river by 2020. monitoring system and based on natural system modelling. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Other project management information.

Evidence of erosion in the upper catchment. Lake Hindmarsh has had no significant inflow since 1996.

36 Terminal Lakes of the Wimmera River Basin The highly degraded heritage reach of the Wimmera River just before it While environmental flows in 2004-2005 reached the end of empties into Lake Hindmarsh. the Heritage reach of the Wimmera River, little if any flow entered Lake Hindmarsh. There has been no significant flow into Lake Hindmarsh since 1996 and consequently, the environmental values are now under considerable pressure. This is clearly evidenced by the decline in health of the red gum trees and understorey that surround the lake foreshore. Major issues with saltload in water that will reach Lake Hindmarsh and Lake Albacutya in the future are likely to arise depending on the management of environmental water flows and the intensity of natural flows. The research to determine environmental water needs for the terminal lakes was completed during 2004-2005.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 1.9 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

A 33% reduction in total phosphorous levels in the terminal Insufficient evidence to assess but a monitoring process has been lakes by 2030. established. A 60% reduction in algal blooms in the terminal lakes by 2030. Insufficient evidence to assess but a monitoring process has been established. No net loss of native biodiversity in the terminal lakes by 2020. Insufficient evidence to assess but a monitoring process is being developed.

Chain of saline wetlands in the west Wimmera. Wetlands and Streams of the Millicent Coast Basin An extensive geomorphic investigation of the extent and condition of the wetlands of the Millicent Coast Basin was completed during 2004-2005. Wimmera CMA now has a significant amount of baseline data with which to assess progress towards its targets for wetland condition in this sub-catchment.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 1.9 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005 No net loss of extent and distribution of wetlands in the Millicent Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process is being Coast Basin by 2020. developed. Reduced impact on wetlands and streams of the Millicent Coast Basin Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process is being by invasive species by a level to be determined by 2004. developed. A 33% reduction in total phosphorous levels in the wetlands and Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process has been streams of the Millicent Coast Basin by 2030. established. A 60% reduction in algal blooms in the Millicent Coast Basin Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process has been waterways by 2030. established. 10% of wetlands on private land in the Millicent Coast Basin are Evidence of progress from: protected by 2025. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

37 38 39 Degradation of agricultural land. Agricultural Land A major milestone has been reached during 2004-2005 with the launch of the Wimmera Regional Salinity Action Plan (2005-2010). Wimmera CMA and its regional partners now have a blueprint to guide action to achieve Regional Catchment Strategy targets relating to dryland salinity and salinisation of surface and groundwater systems. An auction- based ecosystem services scheme has been established to provide financial incentive for rural landholders to engage in on-farm developments intended to preserve, enhance or protect habitat and biodiversity, or cease or reduce unsustainable farming practices on agricultural land. Wimmera CMA now faces the challenge to engage a greater proportion of agricultural landholders.

Wimmera agricultural land under a range of management practices.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 3.2 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

Maintenance and improvement of soil health by levels to be Insufficient evidence to assess but monitoring process is being determined by 2004. developed. Reduction in wind and water soil erosion by levels to be determined Evidence of progress from: by 2004. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups.

No establishment of new targeted weed species in the Wimmera. Evidence of target achieved or exceeded from: ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups.

Sustained annual reduction of pest plants and animal impacts and Evidence of progress from: area of infestation. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups.

Better understanding of implications of climate change and Evidence of progress from: appropriate management actions to reduce risk to Wimmera assets ● Comprehensive monitoring system. by 2018. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. Reduction in the impact of saltloads from the Parilla GFS on the Evidence of progress from: Wimmera River. ● Sound analysis of evidence, including comprehensive monitoring system and based on natural system modelling. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups.

Reduced EC level of Lake Wallace and Mosquito Creek. Evidence of no progress from: ● Sound analysis of evidence, including from comprehensive monitoring system and based on natural system modelling. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups.

For local fractured rock groundwater flow systems: Insufficient evidence to assess as monitoring process is being ● 50% reduction in recharge developed. ● 10% reduction in discharge area ● 50% reduction in saltload For low relief granite groundwater flow systems: Insufficient evidence to assess as monitoring process is being ● 40% reduction in recharge developed. ● 20-30% reduction in saltload

40 Groundwater Saline groundwater pumping trial site near Jeparit. To meet its objective of maintaining sustainable supplies of quality groundwater for current and future domestic, stock and irrigation uses, Wimmera CMA has recognised the threat posed by the saline Parilla Sands aquifer to the underlying groundwater resource relied on by many communities and landholders in the northern and western part of the catchment. Work has now started to decommission those bores identified as posing the greatest risk to the quality groundwater resource. This work is expected to gain momentum as landholders become aware of incentives for its completion.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 2.9 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

Sustainable rates of groundwater extraction by 2020. Evidence of progress from: ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

Groundwater quality meets indicators in the State Environment Evidence of progress from: Protection policy (Groundwaters of Victoria) for domestic, stock and ● Comprehensive monitoring system. irrigation uses. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

Heritage Sites During 2004-2005, considerable effort has been expended to have resulted in enhanced awareness of cultural heritage form partnerships with the regional Indigenous community. sites and the issues associated with their protection and The addition of an Indigenous Landcare Facilitator and the conservation. In particular, the management of Indigenous formation of an Indigenous Advisory Group, coupled with and non-Indigenous heritage values within the Wimmera many general media and community education initiatives, River Basin still needs significant investment before an acceptable conservation level is attained.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 3.1 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

Continual improvement of protection and management of heritage Evidence of progress from anecdotal sources – eg landowners, sites. community groups. Continued low impact on heritage sites from visitation and use in Evidence of progress from: 2020. Continued low impact on heritage sites from visitation and use ● Sound analysis of evidence, including comprehensive in 2020. monitoring system based on natural system modelling. ● Comprehensive monitoring system.

Parks and Reserves These regional assets are managed by Parks Victoria which has made further positive gains over 2004-2005 in its continual improvement of the assets under its management.

These assets, along with State Forests, play a key role in maintaining the region’s biodiversity.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 3.4 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

Conservation of current condition and extent of Wimmera parks and Insufficient evidence to assess as this is the responsibility of reserves. Parks Victoria. No new additions of Wimmera species to the Victorian Rare or Evidence of regress from: Threatened Species list. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Other project management information.

41 A significant amount of the remnant vegetation and biodiversity on the State Forests Wimmera plains is restricted to roadsides or along streams. As applied to Parks and Reserves, the stewardship of the region’s State Forests has continued a trend of steady improvement. This plays a pivotal role in the preservation of key elements in the region’s biodiversity. As occurs with Parks and Reserves, issues occurring at the boundaries with agricultural land will continue to pose challenges to the region’s natural resource managers as will management of State Forests to allow for recreation and timber production.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 3.4 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

Management of State Forests by 2018 to achieve multiple benefits. Insufficient evidence to assess as this is the responsibility of partner agencies.

Remnant Vegetation Very significant areas of high quality native vegetation have During the past year, large areas have been added to those been protected, enhanced or established during 2004-2005, already under permanent protection through covenants and continuing the momentum from previous years. Community management under stewardship programs. The control of plantout weekends attract an increasing number of invasive weeds and feral animals within remnant vegetation participants each year from within and outside the Wimmera. areas on public and private land and along roadsides remains Resource providers face a challenge in ensuring seed and a major challenge and cost to be met by Wimmera CMA and tube stock of native plants of local provenances are available its partners. to meet increasing demand. Most significant stands of native vegetation are in areas close to the Much of the upper catchment needs revegetation with indigenous trees or Grampians. deep-rooted perennials.

ASSET CONDITION RATING 2.9 Resource Condition Target Evidence of progress to 30 June 2005

Net gain of condition and extent of native vegetation achieved Evidence of progress from: through protection of remnants by 2012, based on 2003 levels. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

Net gain of condition and extent of native vegetation achieved Evidence of progress from: through enhancement of remnants by 2012, based on 2003 levels. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

Net gain of extent and quality of native vegetation achieved through Evidence of progress from: revegetation by 2012, based on 2003 levels. ● Comprehensive monitoring system. ● Other expert opinion source/s. ● Anecdotal sources – eg landowners, community groups. ● Other project management information.

42 Biodiversity (Wimmera BioLink)

Assets Managed Wimmera BioLink is primarily concerned with four of the region’s assets recognised in the Wimmera RCS (2003- 2008): ● Remnant Vegetation ● State Forests ● Parks and Reserves ● Agricultural Land

Around 80 percent of the Wimmera’s native vegetation has been cleared since European settlement. Today, most remaining native vegetation is in parks and reserves or state Wimmera CMA publication Tangible Benefits forests but many examples of the region’s forests, of Native Vegetation. woodlands, grasslands and seasonal wetlands occur as isolated remnants on private agricultural land and roadsides. In many areas, vegetation remnants on private land represent the last vestiges of the original vegetation community.

The Wimmera’s state forest estate is significant, comprising some 69,196 hectares in more than 20 state forests. Most are around Edenhope and to a lesser extent around Stawell. State forests are publicly-owned forested land outside the dedicated parks and reserves system. State forests are managed for nature conservation, recreation and protection of soil, water and natural beauty, as well as timber production.

Nearly 600 parks and reserves are within the Wimmera, comprising 11 percent of the region’s area. These areas, such as the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks, Black Range, Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Parks and numerous flora and fauna, wildlife and bushland reserves, have an important conservation role. Significant wetland areas such as the A good example of preparing a paddock for stubble burning to Natimuk-Douglas Saline Wetland System are also protected minimise impact on trees. by the region’s park and reserves system.

Pest plants and animals cost the Wimmera community in excess of $400 million per year. Agency support for management activities is vitally important and partnerships with Landcare groups in this area are very exciting.

Biodiversity site visit.

43 Asset Objectives The primary goals of Wimmera BioLink include: ● Extending coverage of all Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) from current levels in keeping with a net gain goal as per Victoria's Native Vegetation Management Framework. ● Enhancing quality of existing native vegetation by managing 90 percent of native vegetation on private land and 100 percent on public land to current recommended practice by 2010. ● Increasing the total cover of all native vegetation from an existing 21 percent to at least 25 percent of the region by 2020 and to increase coverage of high conservation status EVCs. ● Increasing ecological viability of threatened species and vegetation communities. ● Increasing community understanding of native vegetation issues and motivation to improve management. The aim is to have 50 percent of farmers and five percent of the broader community involved by 2010.

● Preventing new and emerging weeds from establishing in the Wimmera. ● Containing and reducing the impact of existing weed infestation in the Wimmera. ● Establishing long-term rabbit control on the Wimmera’s high and moderate rabbit impact areas. ● Establishing rabbit-free areas across the Wimmera.

These goals will be achieved through: ● Protecting higher quality remnant vegetation ● Enhancing and protecting other remnant vegetation ● Regenerating and revegetating native vegetation ● Re-establishing single and scattered trees Project Hindmarsh plantout 2004. ● Instigating relevant community education and engagement ● Developing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program

Worth conserving.

44 Key Achievements ● 2,580 hectares of high quality native vegetation protected ● Monitoring and survey programs for threatened flora under a management agreement specifying current species on both private and public land. Over 85 surveys recommended practice. undertaken. Two ecological burns undertaken to protect ● 160 hectares of degraded native vegetation enhanced food sources for Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. through understorey planting, removal of stock and ● Monitoring and community education program for application of current recommended practice. threatened fauna species (particularly the Red-tailed ● 230 hectares of new native vegetation established to Black Cockatoo). recreate the original EVCs present before European ● 1000 hectares of bridal creeper chemical control at 150 settlement. sites. Releases of two biological control agents (bridal ● 700 hectares of high quality native vegetation creeper leafhopper and bridal creeper rust fungus) at permanently protected under Trust for Nature covenant several sites as part of an integrated long-term approach and managed under a stewardship program. to bridal creeper management. ● Completed three community planting weekends ● Support to Landcare groups for administration, pest (Hindmarsh, Yarrilinks and Project Platypus) fostering plant and animal and general projects. Over 25 projects community spirit and on-ground environmental successfully instigated. The major focus for Junior outcomes. Landcare has been the ‘Kids Conference’.

Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Provide Training for Municipal ● 2 training opportunities for Local ● Improved responses by Local Officers to Negotiate Permit Government. Government to planning permits Applications and Make Informed ● 50 (all) planning permits involving removal of native Planning Decisions ● Monitoring 20 past permits vegetation. ● Professional departmental advice regarding removal of native vegetation. Identify Remnants to Protect ● from Further Decline Through ● Locally specific application of the Far better targeted native Classification and Mapping of Regional Revegetation Classification vegetation management works due Their Extent, Condition and and Prioritisation tool to aid to better input into decision Composition landscape scale planning. making. Provide Data to Stakeholders on ● A community education program Location of Significant EVCs, ● Prevention of decline of native Species or Attributes to Assist in to raise awareness of value of vegetation remnants. Preventing the Decline of Native native vegetation. Remnants

● Key public and private land sites Threatened Flora Program ● Populations of nationally listed flora that contain nationally-listed species species maintained at current protected for 9 species. levels. ● Hand pollination of 5 species. ● Annual census and comprehensive monitoring for 11 species at 16 sites. ● Instigated Mychorizal fungi cultured and ex-situ conservation program. ● Selected 3 reintroduction sites for 2 species. ● Undertook community extension at 4 sites for 4 species. ● Set up Threatened Flora Recovery Team for the Wimmera.

● Population census and flock counts. Implementation of the Red-tailed ● Secure population of red-tailed ● Promoted habitat management Black Cockatoo Recovery Plan plan. black cockatoos in south-west Victoria and south-east South ● 2 training workshops on habitat identification. Australia. ● Developed management guidelines for remnant habitat. ● Collared all known nest trees. Produced and distributed three ‘Redtail’ newsletters.

45 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Bridal Creeper Management ● Protected1000ha of bridal creeper ● Reduced impact of bridal creeper at 150 sites, including 63 sites generally in the region. containing Nationally Threatened Species, and 114 sites containing ● Increased viability of threatened Victorian Threatened Species. flora due to the reduction in the threat from bridal creeper. ● Protected 9 endangered or depleted broad vegetation types such as Box Ironbark, Mallee and Plains Grassy Woodlands. ● Released 2 biological control agents, a leafhopper and a rust fungus, at several sites as part of an integrated long-term approach to bridal creeper management.

● Ongoing program of ecological ● Increased viability of the Ecological Burns burns to minimise fire risk and population of Red-tailed Black maximise food sources for the Cockatoos through better Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. management of food sources. ● Comprehensive monitoring program to determine impact of ecological burns.

● ● Achieved 300ha of protected high A net gain in native vegetation Remnant Protection 2005 quality native vegetation. Agreed quality and extent (on these sites) target was 120ha. through better management. ● 10km of fencing has been constructed.

Project Platypus 2001 plantout site as it appears in 2004. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos silhouetted against the sky near Edenhope.

46 Project Outputs Anticipated Outcomes

Project Hindmarsh 2005 ● All agreed targets exceeded: ● Net gain in native vegetation > remnant protection 82ha, through remnant protection, > enhancement 25ha, enhancement and revegetation > new revegetation 10ha. work. ● All 33 sites using indigenous species, direct seeding and tubes. ● Involvement with CSIRO as part of an experiment on potential effects of climate change on revegetation activities. ● Community planting weekend.

● All agreed targets exceeded: Yarriambiack Vegetation ● Net gain in native vegetation Enhancement Project 2005 > remnant protection 80ha, through remnant protection, > enhancement 50ha, enhancement and revegetation > new revegetation 80ha. works. ● All 35 sites using indigenous species, direct seeding and tubes. Over 75,000 plants established. ● Community planting event.

Community-driven Biodiversity ● All agreed targets exceeded: ● Net gain in native vegetation Action Planning, Mapping and > remnant protection 35ha, through remnant protection, On-ground Works > enhancement 50ha, enhancement and revegetation > new revegetation 106ha. works. ● All sites using indigenous species, direct seeding and tubes. ● Community planting event.

● Intended outcomes from above ● Net gain in native vegetation Land Protection Incentive commitments: Scheme through remnant protection, > area protected by fencing 24.5ha, enhancement and revegetation > area of wetland protected or works. enhanced 30ha, > area re-vegetated 19.4ha, > area of remnant protected 19.5ha.

Permanent Protection and ● Net gain in native vegetation Net Gain ● 1850ha of rich Wimmera remnant vegetation on private property was through remnant protection, permanently protected with Trust enhancement and revegetation for Nature (Victoria) Conservation works. Covenants.

47 Sustainable Regional Development (Wimmera 2020)

Wimmera 2020 is the Sustainable Regional Development Recipients of the Young Agribusiness Achiever Awards were: Functional Committee of Wimmera CMA. It has a high Recipient Shire Represented Industry regional profile and is seen as the lead agribusiness group in the Wimmera. Mont Miller Hindmarsh Shire Contract Spraying Objectives The primary objectives of Wimmera 2020 include: Kerryn Gath Northern Grampians Harness ● Developing and promoting sustainable use of natural Shire Racing resources by identifying the region’s sustainable competitive advantages. Anton Mannes Yarriambiack Shire Farming & ● Developing a value-adding and export culture in the Community region. ● Enhancing environmental values of the Wimmera Stuart Grigg West Wimmera Shire Shearing within the region’s agribusiness and resource Training communities. ● Promoting sustainable development of the Wimmera. Luke Walker Horsham Rural Hay Baling City Council Contractor These objectives will be achieved through: ● Acting as an advisory committee for identifying Mont Miller’s contract spraying plant. opportunity and facilitating projects deemed appropriate. ● Promoting and facilitating development of the region’s agribusiness and resource capabilities. ● Communicating with key stakeholders to alleviate concerns and help to implement their ideas.

Assets The Wimmera Regional Catchment Management Strategy (2003 – 2008) identified the greater regional community as the key asset to build Sustainable Regional Development, and raised concerns about declining value of economic and social assets.

Other stakeholders that play a significant role in achieving Luke and Kristy Walker, YAAA recipients 2004-2005. Sustainable Regional Development objectives include: ● Regional and rural industry ● Wimmera CMA ● Local Government ● Victorian Government ● Australian Government ● Landcare ● Regional water authorities ● Educational institutions

Key Achievements 2004 – 2005 Young Agribusiness Achiever Awards The 8th Annual Young Agribusiness Achiever Awards were presented at a dinner forum on November 18th 2004.

Mr David Ch’ng, Senior Lecturer at Mount Eliza Business School, was the keynote speaker and presented awards to recipients. Mr Ch’ng’s keynote address was informative and entertaining and covered issues including trends in global management, international business, innovative marketing and cultural diversity.

Young Agribusiness Achiever Award recipients received acknowledgement for their motivation, endeavour and excellence in their chosen profession and, in addition to the award presented during the evening, gained widespread media coverage for their businesses. Mr David Ch’ng, keynote speaker at the 2004 Young Agribusiness Achiever Awards Dinner.

48 Senior Agribusiness Achiever Award In September 2004, businesses including AWB Grain Flow, The inaugural Senior Agribusiness Achiever Award recipients Dimboola; Riverside Host Farm, Dimboola; Jaeschke Silos, were Mr Geoff and Mrs Helen Handbury, of Balmoral. Sadly, Tarranyurk; Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum, Jeparit; Luv a Mrs Handbury died soon after Wimmera 2020 named the Duck, Nhill; Lowan Whole Foods, Nhill; Sherwell Aherns, couple as the award recipients. Nhill and the Little Desert Lodge, Nhill were visited as part of the Hindmarsh Shire Regional Study tour. Mr Handbury started farming in the Balmoral region in 1974 and has since been President of the Balmoral RSL, Secretary Businesses in West Wimmera Shire including Kaniva, of the Balmoral VFF, State Coordinator for fundraising Edenhope and Minimay will be visited in 2005. during the1986 Farmers Fighting Fund Appeal, Wool Textile Participants during the Hindmarsh Shire Regional Tour visit Sherwell Research Committee Member for 14 years and a member of Aherns, Nhill. Melbourne University’s Advisory Board for farm planning for 10 years.

Geoff and Helen have supported many charities throughout the Wimmera region, including Nexus Youth Centre, West Wimmera Health Service, Stawell Hospital, Wimmera Regional Library Corporation, Little Desert Flora and Fauna Foundation, Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Cricket Centre at Harrow and Wimmera Development Association.

Their service to the community was recognised in 1999 when both Mr and Mrs Handbury were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Grains Industry Education and Training Mr Geoff and Mrs Helen Handbury. Photo courtesy of Peter Miller. In partnership with the University of Ballarat, Wimmera 2020 has developed a training package designed to recognise and enhance skills of the region’s grain processing and handling employees. The course, over two years, is delivered on-site; providing both trainee and employer with benefits of improvements in grain handling, processing, occupational health and safety, quality record-keeping and other areas specifically suited to the industry.

The program is easily adapted to other areas of seed, grain and commodity processing and handling. Wimmera 2020 could facilitate further discussion on training requirements in other areas in Victoria and interstate.

Agribusiness Forum Governance The first stage of governance training was delivered to five Agribusiness Forums throughout Victoria during July to December 2004.

Agribusiness Forums included: During 2004-2005 ● Agriwest Wimmera 2020 facilitated a number of projects that ● Alpvalleys promoted the region’s agribusiness or provided training to ● Yarra Valley, CAB – Centre for Agribusiness regional communities and agribusiness. In addition, Wimmera ● GAF – Gippsland Agribusiness Forum 2020 was instrumental in facilitating a forum that ● Wimmera 2020 demonstrated the level of mental health issues prevalent in regional communities caused, in part, by the severity of the The Agribusiness Forums recognised a need for governance long-term drought. training and saw it as a means to appropriately address issues of diligence in operations and management of funding Regional Tours - Hindmarsh Shire Study Tour received through the Victorian Agribusiness Network Wimmera 2020 has facilitated a number of locally-based funding program and other programs. study tours providing residents, business owners and employees with the opportunity to visit other Wimmera- The second stage of governance training will undertake based businesses that they would not normally have an training in core charter protocols incorporating board opportunity to visit. The study tours also enabled Wimmera appointments, board member management, management of residents to appreciate types and sizes of businesses within operations and board management. This training program is their region. scheduled for July to September 2005.

49 Community Enterprise Workshops Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project Loss of core services such as fuel outlets, general stores, The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project will underpin the post offices and banks in many small rural towns can have a region’s sustainable future as the current inefficient open devastating effect on communities due to residents going to channel system that delivers 120,000 megalitres of water to nearby larger towns to conduct their business. 5500 primary producers and 29,000 urban water consumers is replaced with an in-ground piping infrastructure. Wimmera 2020 and the Department of Regional Development Victoria combined to initiate, develop and run This project will provide significant economic, social and a series of Community Enterprise Workshops in towns environmental benefits to primary producers. Wimmera where core services were lost or the local community had 2020 is planning a series of fact sheets to outline ideas to establish services or other businesses in their towns. opportunities in the following industries: After initial expressions of interest were called, the towns of ● Intensive animal production Harrow, Nhill, Kaniva, Hopetoun, Rupanyup and St Arnaud ● Viticulture were chosen to host Community Enterprise Workshops. ● Horticulture ● Specialist pulse and cereal crops During stage one of the project Co-operative Development ● Aquaculture Services Ltd ran a series of workshops and provided an overview of community enterprises and co-operatives. Stage Wimmera 2020 intends to work with pipeline stakeholders two training programs in Rupanyup, Hopetoun, Nhill and including GWMWater, Wimmera Development Association, Jeparit provided specific skills training identified during stage DSE and DPI to develop these fact sheets. They will also one. Training included identifying funding sources, writing provide primary producers with information to aid decision- grant applications, strategic planning and running, promoting making relating to: and marketing community events and projects. ● Proposed infrastructure costs ● Proposed water costs As the loss of core services in small rural communities is not ● Marketing opportunities restricted to the Wimmera, Wimmera 2020 believes Community Enterprise Workshops would be beneficial for Although this project will be completed during the 2005–06, other regions. consultative meetings have been held since early 2005.

Wimmera Healthy Minds Forum Wimmera 2020 initiated the Healthy Minds Forum in Horsham on February 20, 2005 after committee members noticed a distinct lack of confidence and anxiety among farmers and agribusiness people due to continuing poor seasons caused by adverse weather conditions. Wimmera 2020 and committee members of the Wimmera forum met with organisers of a Healthy Minds Forum held at Swan Hill and, with their approval, adopted the name Wimmera Healthy Minds Forum.

Wimmera 2020 brought together professionals from within the region to work together to run the Healthy Minds Forum for all people affected by depressive illness, The group invited Jeff Kennett, Chairman of Beyond Blue, to be keynote speaker for the forum which attracted over 400 people. Local people also spoke of their individual experiences, with the forum achieving its overall aim of raising awareness of depressive illness and helping remove stigma attached to mental health problems.

The evening’s success, combined with positive responses from the audience towards this issue, has led the organising committee to consider holding another forum later in 2005 or early in 2006.

A number of forums have been in Victoria and New South Wales in recent months. Wimmera 2020 believes this concept can be undertaken in other areas of Victoria and encourages other Agribusiness Forums to consider facilitating such initiatives.

50 Statutory Information

Establishment during 2003-2004 under the Freedom of Information Act Wimmera CMA was established in July 1997, taking over the (1982). role of the Wimmera Regional Catchment and Land Protection Board. The Wimmera CMA Board was Compliance with the Building Act (1993) constituted by order of the Minister for Agriculture and Wimmera CMA believes it meets compliance conditions of Resources under the Catchment and Land Protection Act the Act in building and maintenance activities. (1994) and has statutory functions under the Water Act (1989). Application of Merit and Equity Principles Wimmera CMA was responsible to the Hon. John Thwaites It is the Authority’s policy to advertise all vacancies and the MP, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Water Authority encourages applications from suitably-qualified from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005. people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or disability. Wimmera CMA operates under a policy of Equal Authority Information Employment Opportunity. Information required in accordance with the Financial Reporting Directive 22 and defined in Section 9.1.3 (iv) of the National Competition Policy Financial Management Act (1994) is available on request. Wimmera CMA is continuing the process required to implement and comply with Victorian Government policy on Freedom of Information competitive neutrality. The Freedom of Information Act 1982 allows the public a right of access to documents held by Wimmera CMA. Multicultural Policy The Authority has noted government direction on delivering Freedom of Information requests are made in writing culturally appropriate services and believes that its services, describing the documents requested and including payment including community communications, are provided in an of the $20.50 application fee. Further charges may be appropriate manner. payable. FOI fees and charges are not subject to GST. Requests to Wimmera CMA are administered by the Senior Officers and Areas of Responsibility as at Executive Assistant and should be sent to Wimmera 30 June 2005 Catchment Management Authority, PO Box 479, Horsham, Marc Thompson, Chief Executive Officer Vic 3402. The telephone contact number is (03) 5382 1544. Responsible for overall management, corporate governance and strategic direction of the Authority. Principal Officer: David Scott Authorised Officer: Linda Nemeth Elyse Riethmuller, Waterways Manager Responsible for the Water Program including delivery of Reporting Requirements under Part II of the Freedom of waterway and floodplain management services. Information Act 1982. Bernie Dunn, Land and Biodiversity Manager The organisational arrangements and functional Responsible for the Land and Biodiversity Program, providing responsibilities of Wimmera CMA are shown above. advice and guidance on land and biodiversity policies, Wimmera CMA’s powers are drawn from the Catchment programs and projects. and Land Protection Act 1994. Wimmera CMA held and maintained the following categories of documents: David Scott, Business Manager Responsible for finance, administration and human resources ● Correspondence files; of the Authority. ● Minutes of various meetings held by Wimmera CMA; and ● Technical reports and statistical information on Authority Mark Edwards, Strategic Planning and Investment Manager matters. Responsible for strategic planning and investment from National Action Plan and Natural Heritage Trust for the Availability of Information Authority. Reports and general information related to Wimmera CMA are available for inspection at the Authority’s business Financial Review of Operations and Financial address. This literature is also available by mail at a minimal Condition charge. Wimmera CMA’s annual report and some key policy documents can also be found on the website: www.wca.vic.gov.au. Any person seeking access to a Major Contracts particular document produced by Wimmera CMA should Wimmera CMA has not entered into any contracts valued in write to the Chief Executive Officer, describing in as much excess of $10million during 2004-2005. detail as possible, the nature of the document required.

Information required under the Financial Reporting Directive 22 and defined in Section 9.1.3 (iv) of the Financial Management Act (1994) is available on request. Wimmera CMA did not receive any requests for information

51 Five year 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 financial summary $,000 $,000 $,000 $,000 $,000

Revenue from Government 12,736 7,231 7,386 5,736 2,393

Other revenue 757 465 287 238 142

Total revenue 13,493 7,696 7,673 5,974 2,535

Net operating result 2,452 659 2,055 2,161 (283)

Net increase in cash held 2,916 1,408 3,281 1,516 (270)

Total assets 11,883 8,536 6,804 4,345 1,984

Total liabilities 2,832 1,844 864 460 260

In the financial year ending 30 June 2005, Wimmera CMA’s Whistleblowers Protection Act operating result was significantly affected by: The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 came into effect ● Increased expenditure for direct costs associated with an on 1 January 2002. The Act is designed to protect people increase in program activities; who disclose information about serious wrongdoing within ● Increased assets due to committed funds received as at the Victorian Public Sector and to provide a framework for 30 June 2005 which will be used during the 2005-2006 the investigation of these matters. financial year; and The protected disclosure coordinator for Wimmera CMA ● Increased liabilities due to the increase in amounts owing acts as an agent for the Authority to receive disclosures to creditors for projects completed in June 2005. under the Act and applies Wimmera CMA procedures in managing disclosures. In general, the delivery of major program expenditure was within defined budgetary objectives. Exceptions were due to Disclosures of improper conduct by the Authority or its agreed changes in committed projects being delivered in the employees may be made to the following: next financial year. Linda Nemeth, Protected Disclosure Coordinator There were no events subsequent to balance date that may Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, PO Box 479, significantly effect operations in subsequent years. Horsham Vic 3402. Telephone: 03 5382 1544 Facsimile: 03 5382 6076 Consultancies Email: [email protected] (i) Consultancies above $100,000 - 3 (three) The Ombudsman Victoria Consultant Service Total Fees Future Level 22, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000. Provided Commitments Telephone: 03 9613 6222 Toll free: 1800 806 314

Earthtech Dimboola $109,215 Nil Wimmera CMA did not receive or make any disclosures Engineering Flood during 2003-2004 under the Whistleblowers Protection Act Pty Ltd Management 2001. Plan A copy of the Wimmera CMA Whistleblowers Protection Water Horsham Policy can be found in Appendix 2. Technology Floodplain Pty Ltd Management Workforce Data Plan $100,371 Nil Number of persons employed at 30 June Water Waterway Technology Action Plans Classification 2005 2004 Pty Ltd for Glendu, Sheas Ck's and $114,284 Nil Male 26 23 McKenzie River Female 10 12 (ii) Consultancies Below $100,000 - 39 (thirty nine) Professional 23 24 Technical 8 6 $666,765 Nil Administrative 5 5 Total value of all Maintenance 0 0 consultancies $990,635 TOTAL 36 35

52 Occupational Health and Safety The Occupational Health and Safety Committee is an Wimmera CMA Performance Number internal committee charged with overseeing the application Equivalent Full Time Staff 30 and review of the Wimmera CMA Occupational Health and OH&S Incidents 3 Safety Policy. During 2004-2005, this committee has also OH&S Meetings 6 made progress on a Site Safety Plan, an OH&S Manual and Claims under Equal opportunity Act 1995 0 took the lead role in an audit of the Wimmera CMA OH&S Work Cover Claims 0 Policy and Procedures by WHK Day Neilson. At the 30th June 2005, the committee was comprised of 8 staff members and met on a monthly or as needs basis.

DISCLOSURE INDEX The 2004-05 Annual Report of Wimmera CMA is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of the Authority’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

FRD DISCLOSURE PAGE

22 Manner of establishment and the relevant ministers 2, 53, 62 22 Objectives, functions, powers and duties 2 22 Nature and range of services provided 2 22 Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of senior officers 14-15, 51 22 Names of Board members (major committees - objectives and achievements can be here or in a statement of further info available- see note below) 8-11, 67, 74 22 Statement of workforce data for current and previous financial year 52 22 Merit and equity 13, 51 15 Executive Officer disclosures 67 22 Five-year summary of the financial results 52 22 Significant changes in financial position during the year 52 22 Objectives and performance against objectives 16-34, 43-50 22 Major changes or factors affecting performance 52, 62-71 22 Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 52, 62-71 22 Details of consultancies > $100,000 52 22 Details of consultancies - total number and cost < $100,000 52 12 Disclosure of major contracts 51 22 Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 51 22 Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 52,75 22 Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 51 22 Statement on NCP 51 22 OH&S 53 10 Disclosure index 53 22 Statement of availability of other information 51

53 Summary Compliance Statement-Contributions Subject to Restrictions ('000)

Revenue Recognised Outgoings (i) Unexpended Outstanding Variance $ $ Program Program contributions Contributions(ii)

Opening Current Total Current $ $ $ Balance year year

Corporate 405 1,364 1,769 1,108 661 661 - Services

Labour - 1,959 1,959 1,869 90 90 -

Biodiversity 461 476 937 473 464 464 -

Land Program 370 2,026 2,396 2,039 357 357 -

National Action Plan 2,871 4,138 7,009 3,756 3,253 3,253 -

Sustainable Regional Development 49 176 225 179 46 46 -

Water Program 1,768 1,412 3,180 1,468 1,712 1,712 -

Total 5,924 11,551 17,475 10,892 6,583 6,583 -

(i) program outgoings includes both capital and operating expenditures (including overhead costs) (ii) Outstanding program contributions refers to future expenses allocated to project tasks.

54 55 Financial Statements

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority

Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2005

56 WIMMERA CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

CONTENTS

Certification to the Financial Statements ...... 58

Statement of Financial Performance ...... 59

Statement of Financial Position ...... 60

Statement of Cash Flows ...... 61

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements . . .62

57 WIMMERA CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

We hereby certify that the financial statements of the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, comprising a statement of financial performance, statement of financial position, statement of cash flow and notes to the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly the financial transactions for the year ended 30 June 2005 and the financial position of the Authority as at that date.

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

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Management dated 21 September 2005.

Member – Joanne Bourke, Chair

Accountable Officer – Marc Thompson, Chief Executive

Chief Financial and Accounting Officer – David Scott, Business Manager

Dated: 21 September 2005

58 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

Note 2005 2004

$$ Revenue from Ordinary Activities Government Contributions 1 12,735,778 7,231,230

Revenue from Outside the Operating Activities Interest revenue 383,308 308,363 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 80,064 98,221 Other revenue 293,535 58,452

Revenue from Ordinary Activities 13,492,685 7,696,266

Expenses from Operating Activities

Administration 703,154 452,580 Audit fees 3,480 3,350 Consultancies 990,635 444,468 Contract Works 3,610,885 1,354,663 Depreciation 132,377 76,189 Operating lease rental 79,256 88,058 Project expenses 3,308,587 2,828,739 Employee Costs 2,118,207 1,680,153 Written down value of assets sold 93,667 109,363

Expenses from Ordinary Activities 11,040,248 7,037,563

Profit from Ordinary Activities 2,452,437 658,703

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with owners as owners 7 2,452,437 658,703

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

59 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2005

Note 2005 2004 $$ CURRENT ASSETS Cash Assets 2 10,826,744 7,910,347 Receivables 3 489,016 151,700

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 11,315,760 8,062,047

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment 4 567,277 474,300 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 567,277 474,300

TOTAL ASSETS 11,883,037 8,536,347

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 5 2,578,989 1,732,873 Provisions 6 93,409 75,412

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,672,398 1,808,285

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Provisions 6 159,488 129,348

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 159,488 129,348

TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,831,886 1,937,633

NET ASSETS 9,051,151 6,598,714

EQUITY Contributed Capital 7 1,723,699 1,723,699 Retained Profits 7 7,327,452 4,875,015

TOTAL EQUITY 9,051,151 6,598,714

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

60 STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

Note 2005 2004 $$ Cash Flows from Operating Activities Government Contributions 13,638,308 7,130,780 Interest Received 383,308 308,363 Other Revenue 293,535 58,452 14,315,151 7,497,595

Payments for Employee Benefits and Suppliers 11,159,797 5,778,434

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (b) 3,155,354 1,719,161

Cash Flows from Investing Activities Payments for Property, Plant & Equipment (319,021) (409,025) Proceeds from sale of Property, Plant & Equipment 80,064 98,221 Net Cash Provided by/(used In) Investing Activities (238,957) (310,804)

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash Held 14,076,194 7,186,791 Cash at Beginning of Financial Year 13,688,781 6,501,990 CASH AT END OF FINANCIAL YEAR (a) 27,764,975 13,688,781

Reconciliation of Cash Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the statement of cashflows reconciled to the related items as follows:

Cash at Bank 10,826,744 7,910,347 Reconciliation of net cash provided by net result for the reporting period to operating surplus

Net result reporting period 2,452,437 658,703

Non Cash Flows: Depreciation 132,377 76,189 Loss on Sale of Fixed Assets 13,603 11,142

Changes in Operating Assets & Liabilities: Increase in Payables 846,116 1,022,755 Increase in Provisions 48,137 50,822 Decrease in Receivables (337,316) (100,450)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 3,155,354 1,719,161

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

61 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) The financial reports of Wimmera CMA is a general purpose financial report that consists of a Statement of Performance, a Statement of Financial Position, a Statement of Cash Flows and notes accompanying these statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and the requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Ministerial Directions.

This financial report has been prepared on accrual and going concern bases.

The financial report has also been prepared under the historical cost convention, except where specifically stated.

Accounting policies Unless otherwise stated, all accounting policies applied are consistent with those of the prior year. Where appropriate, comparative figures have been amended to accord with current presentation and disclosure made of material changes to comparatives.

(b) Formation of Authority The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority was constituted on 1 July 1997 by order of the Minister for Agriculture and Resources. On that date the Authority acquired all the property, rights, liabilities, obligations, powers and functions of the Wimmera Regional Catchment and Land Protection Board, which were abolished on the constitution of the Catchment Management Authority.

The Authority is located at 26 Darlot Street, Horsham.

The ultimate parent entity is the State Government of Victoria.

(c) Principal Activities The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, in partnership with the State Government and the community, is responsible for the development and coordination through budget processes, of the implementation of the approved Regional Catchment Strategy, which defines the vision for the Catchment and sets targets and work programs to achieve this vision.

The responsibility of the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority is the sustainable development of natural resource-based industries, theprotection of land and water resources and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in the Region.

Wimmera CMA is economically dependant on the State Government of Victoria and the Australian Government.

(d) Revenue Recognition Revenue is brought to account when services have been provided.

The value of all goods and services received free of charge are recognised as revenue when the Authority gains control of them. The benefit derived from these goods and services are recorded at their fair value.

Government contributions are recognised as revenues when control over the contribution is obtained. Interest revenue is recognised as earned.

62 (e) Property, Plant and Equipment Fixed assets include land, buildings, infrastructure, plant, equipment, furniture and motor vehicles. Items with a cost or value in excess of $1,000 and a useful life to the Authority of more than one year are capitalised. All other assets acquired are expensed. Fixed assets are brought to account at acquisition cost or in the case of assets acquired at no cost, at a fair value determined by the Authority in conjunction with the grantor, at the date they are acquired. The cost of fixed assets constructed by the Authority includes all direct labour and materials used in the construction together with an appropriate proportion of applicable overheads.

Property, plant and equipment Property, infrastructure, plant and equipment assets having limited useful lives are systematically depreciated over their useful lives, in a manner which reflects consumption of the service potential embodied in those assets. Estimates of remaining useful lives and residual values are made on an annual basis.

Straight line depreciation is charged based on the residual useful life as determined each year. Major depreciation periods used are listed below and consistent with the prior year unless otherwise stated:

Periods Plant Equipment 3.5 - 10 years Motor Vehicles 3.5 years

(f) Leases Lease payments Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

(g) Contributions Subject to Restrictions Wimmera Catchment Management Authority has unexpended program contributions of $9,040,000 as at 30 June 2005 with outstanding program commitments of $9,040,000. Refer to note 8.

(h) Employee Benefits Wages and Salaries, Annual Leave and Sick Leave Liabilities for wages and salaries and annual leave are recognised, and are measured as the amount unpaid at rates expected to be paid in respect of employees' services up to balance date, including relevant on-costs. Non-vesting sick leave is not expected to exceed current and future sick leave entitlements and, accordingly, no liability is recognised in these financial statements.

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

Superannuation The purpose of a superannuation scheme is to accumulate assets to meet members' benefits as they accrue. The Authority contributes in respect of its employees to a number of superannuation schemes administered by the Victorian Superannuation Board. The amounts of these contributions are determined by each scheme's actuary or a fixed percentage in accordance with statutory requirements.

63 (i) Cash Assets For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and in at call deposits with banks or financial institutions, investment in money market instruments maturing within less than three months, net of bank overdrafts.

(j) Loans The Authority has no loans or credit facilities available for use.

(k) Impact of Adopting AASB Equivalents to IASB standards Following the adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (A-IFRS), Wimmera CMA will report for the first time in compliance with A-IFRS, when results for the financial year ended 30 June 2006 are released.

The Authority is established to achieve the objective of government in providing services free of charge or at prices significantly below their cost of production for the collective consumption by the community, which is incompatible with generating profit as a principal objective. Consequently, where appropriate, the Authority applies those paragraphs in accounting standards applicable to not-for-profit entities.

An A-IFRS compliant financial report will comprise a new statement of changes in equity in addition to the three existing financial statements, which will be renamed. The Statement of Financial Performance will be renamed as the Operating Statement, the Statement of Financial Position will revert to its previous title as the Balance Sheet and the Statement of Cash Flows will be simplified as the Cash Flow Statement.

With certain exceptions, entities that have adopted a A-IFRS must record transactions that are reported in the financial report as though A-FRS has always applied. This requirement also extends to any comparative information included within the financial report. Most accounting policy adjustments to apply A-IFRS retrospectively will be made against accumulated funds at the 1 July 2004 opening balance sheet date for the comparative period.

This financial report has been prepared in accordance with current Australian accounting standards and other financial reporting requirements (Australian GAAP). The differences between Australian GAAP and A-IFRS have been identified as not having a material impact on the Authority's financial position and financial performance on the adoption of A-IFRS.

64 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

2005 2004 $$ 2 CASH ASSETS Cash on Hand 500 500 Cash at Bank 10,826,244 7,909,847 10,826,744 7,910,347

3 RECEIVABLES Trade Debtors 489,016 151,700 489,016 151,700

4 Property, Plant & Equipment Plant & Equipment at cost 520,256 377,053 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (222,106) (151,061) 298,150 225,992

Motor Vehicles at cost 314,671 272,114 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (45,544) (23,806) 269,127 248,308

Plant & Equipment at net fair value 16,328 16,328 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (16,328) (16,328) - - Total Property, plant & equipment 567,277 474,300

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current financial year are set out below.

Plant & Equipment at cost Motor Vehicles at cost Plant & Equipment Total at net fair value

Opening WDV 225,992 248,308 - 474,300 Additions 156,854 162,166 - 319,020 Disposals (415) (93,251) - (93,666) Depreciation (84,281) (48,096) - (132,377) Closing WDV 298,150 269,127 - 567,277

5 PAYABLES 2005 2004 Trade Creditors 1,815,576 1,545,713 Accrued Expenses 448,832 136,449 GST Payable 280,940 22,595 Group Tax Payable 33,641 28,116 2,578,989 1,732,873

65 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

2005 2004 $$ 6 PROVISIONS CURRENT Provision for Annual Leave 93,409 75,412

NON CURRENT Provision for annual leave 27,452 9,660 Provision for Long Service Leave 132,036 119,688 159,488 129,348

Aggregate employee liability 252,897 204,760

The number of employees at balance date 36 (2004: 30)

7 EQUITY Contributed Capital Total beginning of financial year 1,723,699 1,723,699 Total at reporting date 1,723,699 1,723,699

Retained Profits Retained profits at the beginning of the year 4,875,015 4,216,312 Net result 2,452,437 658,703 Retained profits at the reporting date 7,327,452 4,875,015

8 COMMITMENTS Capital commitments The Authority has no capital commitments as at 30 June 2005 ( 2004: nil )

Operating lease commitments Not later than one year (79,965) (99,821) Later than one and not later than five years (304,620) (317,811) Later than five years (60,924) (121,848) Total operating lease liability (445,509) (539,480)

Contributions subject to restrictions Outstanding program commitments against unexpended program contributions. 9,040,000 6,583,000

The Authority has no contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2005 ( 2004: nil )

66 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

2005 2004

9 Responsible Persons The names of persons who were Responsible Persons at any time during the financial year were:

Hon. John Thwaites Minister for Environment and Minister for Water Jo Bourke Dennis Bell Bruce Dalkin Barry Hall Peter Kennedy Jim Kilpatrick Darryl Argall Barry Clugston Merryn Eagle Vanessa Drendel Gabriel Horvat Chris Korte * (Appointed 1 September 2004) Ian Voigt * Terry Lewis * (Resigned 1 September 2004)

* DPI representatives are not renumerated by the Authority

Remuneration of Responsible Persons: Remuneration of responsible ministers is paid by the Department of Premier and Cabinet

Number of Responsible Persons whose income from the Authority or any related parties was within the following bands

No. No. $0 - $9,999 10 10 $10,000 - $19,999 11

Remuneration received, or due and $$ receivable from the Authority in 96,000 96,000 connection with the management of the Authority. Does not include Executive Officer (included separately below).

Retirement and Superannuation Payments: Prescribed benefit given during year by - - the Authority to a Responsible Person to a prescribed superannuation fund in connection with the retirement from a prescribed office.

Executive Officer’s Remuneration No. No. The number of executive officers whose total remuneration falls within the specified bands above $100,000 are as follows:

$100,000 - $109,999 - 1 $110,000 - $119,999 1-

67 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

10 SUPERANNUATION The Authority contributes in respect of its employees, to the following superannuation schemes:

Type of Scheme Rate % 2005 2004

$ $

Government Superannuation Office Defined Contributions 7.5-10.5 19,144 21,418

Vic Super (New Scheme) Defined Contributions 9 17,425 11,205

ING (Mercantile Mutual) Defined Contributions 9 4,905 4,524

Sandhurst Trustees Defined Contributions 9 1,440 1,440

Ashdale Quest Defined Contributions 9 217 209

Tower Australia Defined Contributions 9 1,352 -

Australian Government

Employees Superannuation Defined Contributions 9 2,570 -

CBUS Defined Contributions 9 304 -

Vision Super Defined Contributions 9 89,173 74,109

AMP Defined Contributions 9 6,562 5,895

Total contributions to all funds 143,092 118,800

As at balance date there were no outstanding contributions payable to the above funds, except for any amounts included in accounts payable, and no balances repayable in respect of loans made to the Authority from any fund.

There were no unfunded liabilities in any fund except as assumed by the Department of Treasury and Finance.

68 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

11 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (a) Terms, Conditions and Accounting Policies The Authority’s accounting policies including the terms and conditions of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument, both recognised and unrecognised at balance date, are as follows:

(i) Financial Assets Note Accounting Policy Terms & Conditions

Cash Assets 2 Cash on hand and at bank On call deposits and money market call account returned a floating are valued at face value. interest rate. Interest is recognised as it accrues. Investments and Bills are measured at cost. Interest revenues are recognised as they accrue. Investments are held to maximise interest returns of surplus cash.

Receivables – Debtors 3 Debtors are carried at the nominal Credit is generally amounts due less any provision for allowed for a 30 day term. doubtful debts. A doubtful debts provision is made for any amounts which are considered unlikely to be collectable.

(ii) Financial liabilities Creditors and accruals 5 Creditors and accruals are Settlement of creditors is recognised for future amounts normally effected within to be paid in respect of goods a 30 day term, cash flows and services received, whether permitting. or not billed to the Authority.

69 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Authority’s exposure to interest rate risks and the effective rates of financial assets liabilities, both recognised and unrecognised at the balance date, are as follows: The entity’s exposure to interest rate risk would mainly arise from any financial assets and liabilities which are held to maturity and bear variable interest rates as their values will fluctuate according changes in market rates. 11 (b) Interest Rate Risk

70 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONT’D) (c) Net Fair Values Total Carrying Amount Position Aggregate Fair value per Statement of Financial Position 2005 2004 2005 2004 $$$$ (i) Financial Assets Cash Assets 10,826,744 7,910,347 10,826,744 7,910,347 Receivables – Debtors 489,016 151,700 489,016 151,700 Total Financial Assets 11,315,760 8,062,047 11,315,760 8,062,047

(ii) Financial liabilities Payables 2,578,989 1,732,873 2,578,989 1,732,873 Total Financial Liabilities 2,578,989 1,732,873 2,578,989 1,732,873

The following methods and assumptions are used to determine the net fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities:

Recognised Financial Instruments Cash, Cash Equivalents, Short-term These financial instruments have a short-term Deposits Receivables, Creditors & to maturity. Accordingly, it is considered Accruals, Other loans, and Short Term that carrying amounts reflect fair values. Borrowings.

(d) Credit Risk Exposures The Authority’s maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date for each class of recognised financial assets, is the carrying amount of those assets as disclosed in the statement of financial position.

Concentrations of credit risk In terms of its trade receivables, the Authority’s customers are concentrated in Victoria, Australia. Major customers are the Victorian State Government and Victorian Public Bodies. Credit risk is minimised by the large numbers of customers receiving the Authority’s services. In addition the Authority’s debt management procedures allow only 30 days credit from the date of invoicing and a follow-up process which will refer outstanding receivables to a debt collection agency if there is no response to reminder notices, within 21 days after the credit term. A provision for doubtful debts is raised for any debts, which are more than 120 days overdue, and there is doubt regarding their collection.

2005 2004 $$ 12 Remuneration of Auditor General Amounts received or due and receivable, 3,480 3,350 by the auditor for auditing the accounts of the Authority

71 72 73 Appendix

Appendix 1

Other Community Consultative Committees (includes full listing of members for some committees or The Yarriambiack Creek Advisory Committee Board Member representing Wimmera CMA on the provides advice and input into the management of committee) Yarriambiack Creek. The committee includes community and agency representatives. Members of the committee were: The Cockatoo Community Reference Group: Bruce Dalkin Bruce Andrews George Armstrong Barry Clugston Angus Barber Dennis Bell Jo Bourke Graham Campbell The Inter-Catchment Advisory Group: Jeanie Clark Don Cook Darryl Argall Melissa Douglas Max Golder Jo Bourke Bernard Gross Doug Hallam Barry Clugston Iestyn Hosking Doug McColl Bruce Dalkin James McFarlane Louise McIntosh Vanessa Drendel John Martin Clare Mason Merryn Eagle Kim O’Donnell Elyse Riethmuller Barry Hall Paula Robinson David Tucker Trent Wallis Maurie Williams (President) Groundwater Users Group: Barry Hall (Ministerial Appointment)

Leadership Committee: Jo Bourke Barry Clugston Merryn Eagle

Telopea Downs GWSPA-MP Consultative Committee (Committee currently suspended): Darryl Argall (Ministerial Appointment)

The Upper Wimmera Stream Flow Management Plan Steering Committee was established with ministerial approval, as a regional consultative forum of key stakeholders to explore the issue of private water harvesting in the Wimmera, Avoca and Avon-Richardson catchments. The members of this community consultative committee, which was formally dissolved in May 2005, are listed below:

Darryl Argall Rochelle Carter David Clark Steve Cornish Janette Corrie Karen Douglas Lyle Driscoll Ben Dyer Geoff Eagle Dean Edwards Mark Goode Graham Hall Rohan Hogan Jim Kilpatrick Robert Loats Geoff Lovell Kym Ludvigsen Stuart McLean Keith McPherson John Martin Geoff Miller Steve Nicol Eddie Ostarcevic John Russell Paul Sinclair Ivan Surridge Robert Vance

Wimmera Wetlands Advisory Committee: Darryl Argall Barry Hall

74 Appendix 2

WIMMERA CMA WHISTLEBLOWERS POLICY

THE PURPOSE OF THESE PROCEDURES Public Bodies include: These procedures establish a system for reporting ● All Government Departments and administrative offices; disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by the Statutory Authorities; Municipal Councils; Government Wimmera Catchment Management Authority or its appointed Boards and Committees; Government owned employees. The system enables such disclosures to be made companies; Universities; TAFE Colleges; Public Hospitals; to the protected disclosure coordinator or to one of the State funded Residential Care Services; Health Services nominated protected disclosure officers. Disclosures may be contractors; and Correctional Services contractors. made by employees or by members of the public. Public Officers include: These procedures are designed to complement normal ● Members of Parliament; Councillors; Council employees; communication channels between supervisors and Public Servants; University employees; Police Officers; employees. Employees are encouraged to continue to raise Protective Services Officers; Administrative Staff of the appropriate matters at any time with their supervisors. As Chief Commissioner of Police; Teachers; and Office an alternative, employees may make a disclosure of improper holders appointed by Governor in Council or a Minister. conduct or detrimental action under the Act in accordance with these procedures. Improper conduct: A disclosure may be made about improper conduct by a INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES public body or public official. The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 commenced operation on 1 January 2002. The main objective of the Improper conduct means conduct that is corrupt, a Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 (the Act) is to substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct encourage and facilitate the making of disclosures of involving substantial risk to public health or safety or to the improper conduct or detrimental action by public officers environment. The conduct must be serious enough to and public bodies. The Act provides protection to constitute, if proved, a criminal offence or reasonable whistleblowers who make disclosures in accordance with the grounds for dismissal. Act and establishes a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and for rectifying action to be taken. Corrupt conduct: Corrupt conduct means: STATEMENT OF SUPPORT TO ● Conduct of any person (whether or not a public official) WHISTLEBLOWERS that adversely affects the honest performance of a public Wimmera Catchment Management Authority does not officer’s or public body’s functions; tolerate improper conduct by its employees, officers or ● The performance of a public officer’s functions members, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come dishonestly or with inappropriate partiality; forward to disclose such conduct. The Authority is ● Conduct of a public officer, former public officer or a committed to the aims and objectives of the Whistleblowers public body that amounts to a breach of public trust; Protection Act 2001 (the Act). ● Conduct by a public officer, former public officer or a public body that amounts to the misuse of information Wimmera Catchment Management Authority recognises the or material acquired in the course of the performance of value of transparency and accountability in its administrative their official functions; or and management practices, and supports the making of ● A conspiracy or attempt to engage in the above conduct. disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct Detrimental action: involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the The Act makes it an offence for a person to take detrimental environment. action against a person in reprisal for a protected disclosure.

The Authority will take all reasonable steps to protect Detrimental action includes: people who make such disclosures from any detrimental ● Action causing injury, loss or damage; action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also take ● Intimidation or harassment; and all necessary measures to afford natural justice to the person ● Discrimination, disadvantage or adverse treatment in who is the subject of the disclosure. relation to a person’s employment, career, profession, trade or business, including the taking of disciplinary DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS action. Three key concepts in the reporting system are improper conduct, corrupt conduct and detrimental action. Definitions of these terms are set out below.

75 THE REPORTING SYSTEM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contact persons within the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority. Employees: Employees are encouraged to report known or suspected Disclosures of improper conduct or detrimental action by incidences of improper conduct or detrimental action in Wimmera Catchment Management Authority or its accordance with these procedures. employees may be made to the following officers: All employees of the Wimmera Catchment Management Protected Disclosure Coordinator: Authority have an important role to play in supporting those Linda Nemeth, Executive Assistant who have made a legitimate disclosure. They must refrain Tel: (03) 5382 9904 from any activity that is, or could be perceived to be, victimisation or harassment of a person who makes a Protected Disclosure Officer: disclosure. David Scott, Business Manager Tel: (03) 5382 9905 Furthermore, they should protect and maintain the confidentiality of a person they know or suspect to have ● All correspondence, telephone calls and emails from made a disclosure. internal or external whistleblowers will be referred to the protected disclosure coordinator. Protected disclosure officers will: ● Where a person is contemplating making a disclosure ● Be a contact point for general advice about the operation and is concerned about approaching the protected of the Act for any person wishing to make a disclosure disclosure coordinator or a protected disclosure officer about improper conduct or detrimental action; in the workplace, he or she can call the relevant officer ● Make arrangements for a disclosure to be made privately and request a meeting in a discreet location away from and discreetly and, if necessary, away from the the workplace. workplace; ● Receive any disclosure made orally or in writing (from Alternative contact persons: internal and external whistleblowers); ● Commit to writing any disclosure made orally; A disclosure about improper conduct or detrimental action ● Impartially assess the allegation and determine whether it by the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority or its is a disclosure made in accordance with Part 2 of the Act employees may also be made directly to the Ombudsman: (that is, a protected disclosure); ● Take all necessary steps to ensure the identity of the The Ombudsman Victoria whistleblower and the identity of the person who is the Level 22, 459 Collins Street subject of the disclosure are kept confidential; and Melbourne Victoria 3000 ● Forward all disclosures and supporting evidence to the protected disclosure coordinator. Internet: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] Tel: (03) 9613 6222

The following table sets out where disclosures about persons other than employees of Wimmera Catchment Management Authority should be made.

Person who is the subject of the disclosure Person/body to whom the disclosure must be made

Employee of a Public Body That Public Body or the Ombudsman Member of Parliament (Legislative Assembly) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament (Legislative Council) President of the Legislative Council Councillor The Ombudsman Chief Commissioner of Police The Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman Member of the police force The Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman or Chief Commissioner of Police

76