Department of Environment and Resource Management Purpose of the report This annual report details the financial and non-financial performance of the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011. It highlights the work, achievements, activities and strategic initiatives of the department and satisfies the requirements of Queensland’s Financial Accountability Act 2009.
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Department of Environment and Resource Management 25 September 2011
The Honourable Stephen Robertson MP The Honourable Rachel Nolan MP The Honourable Vicki Darling MP Minister for Energy and Water Utilities Minister for Finance, Natural Resources Minister for Environment Level 17, 61 Mary Street and the Arts Level 13 400 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000 Level 5 Executive Building Brisbane Qld 4000 400 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000
Dear Ministers
I am please to present the Annual Report for the Department of Environment and Resource Management for the period ending 30 June 2011. I certify that this Annual Report complies with: • the prescribed requirements of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Financial and Performance Management Standard, and • the detailed requirements set out in the annual Reporting Guidelines for Queensland Government Agencies. A checklist outlining the annual reporting requirements can be assessed at
Yours sincerely
Terry Wall Acting Director-General Department of Environment and Resource Management
Annual Report 2010–11 1 Contents
Message from the Acting Director-General ...... 4
Our organisation ...... 6 About the department ...... 7 The year at a glance ...... 9 Board of management ...... 11 Organisational structure ...... 12 Financial overview ...... 14
Reconstructing a resilient Queensland ...... 20 Snapshot—Volunteer surveyors help re-establish Grantham ...... 24 Snapshot—Flood destroyed fences fixed by volunteers ...... 24
Our business ...... 25 Climate change ...... 26 Snapshot—ClimateSmart Business Cluster program—helping businesses help the community ...... 34 Snapshot—ClimateSmart Home Service ...... 35 Environment ...... 36 Snapshot—Northern hairy-nosed wombat reintroduction project ...... 48 Snapshot—Cyclone Yasi uncovers mystery shipwreck ...... 49 Snapshot—Queensland hosts forum for Chinese wetland policy makers ...... 50 Land ...... 51 Snapshot—State’s quarries help Queensland grow ...... 58 Snapshot—2011 Statutory Land Valuations ...... 59 Water ...... 60 Snapshot—State Planning Policy 4/10 Healthy Waters ...... 67 Snapshot—Cooper Creek wild river consultation ...... 68
2 Department of Environment and Resource Management Our people ...... 69 Staff profile ...... 70 Awards and recognition ...... 72 Snapshot—Ecosciences Precinct ...... 76
Corporate governance ...... 77 DERM Governance Groups ...... 78 Advisory Committees ...... 79 Other governance roles ...... 81 Snapshot—Regulatory simplification ...... 84
Legislation and administration ...... 85 Legislation ...... 86 Administration ...... 88
How to contact us ...... 95
Financial statements ...... 97
Appendixes ...... 184 1—Statutory bodies ...... 185 2—Boards and committees ...... 186 3—Reconciliation Action Plan ...... 194 4—External scrutiny ...... 195 5—DERM prosecution outcomes for 2010–11 ...... 196 6—Queensland Heritage Council—Report 2010–2011 ...... 198 7—Board of Trustees of Newstead House—Report 2010–2011 ...... 200 8—Board of Trustees of Newstead House—Financial statements 2010–11 ...... 202
Glossary and acronyms ...... 216 Glossary ...... 217 Acronyms ...... 219
Annual Report 2010–11 3 Message from the Acting Director-General
DERM was also tasked by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to lead the state’s inquest into environmental recovery. In this role the department is responsible for coordinating key activities such as the recovery of water and sewerage infrastructure; monitoring of flood plumes in the Great Barrier Reef catchments and the Moreton Bay and Great Sandy Bay Marine Parks; working with the waste industry on the clean up and disposal of waste; and re-opening national parks that suffered damage to their infrastructure and visitor facilities. In addition to the disaster recovery, DERM continued to implement a far-reaching and ambitious policy agenda across a range of program initiatives. The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) plays a significant role The department implemented a robust regulatory, in protecting the environment and ensuring legislative and compliance framework to protect and the state’s long-term sustainability for future manage environmental and community impacts, generations. from the expanding coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas industries. The work we do—from safeguarding the environment, As part of this framework DERM, in partnership managing water supply security, protecting valuable with the Department of Employment, Economic cropping land, species and habitat conservation to Development and Innovation, established the LNG mitigating the outcomes of climate change—affects Enforcement Unit to provide a one-stop shop for the lives of every Queenslander. environmental monitoring, information, compliance But never have the complexity and challenges and resolution of landholders’ issues relating to the associated with managing the state’s natural coal seam gas industry. environment been more evident than during this Protecting the state’s strategic cropping land has past summer, when Queensland faced a series of been another key priority for the department. The unprecedented natural disasters. development of a policy framework—and legislation The department’s disaster response covered the to be introduced later this year—will ensure valuable breadth of the organisation’s operations including strategic cropping land is protected as an important water quality and stream flow monitoring, resource for growing food and fibre and supporting assessment and monitoring of marine impacts, waste economic growth for regional communities. management, damage assessments, infrastructure repair, wildlife recovery, dam safety, heritage assessment and providing vital mapping and spatial information services.
4 Department of Environment and Resource Management In April 2011 the department developed new legislation to enable delivery of the Government’s commitment to ensure North Stradbroke Island is protected for generations to come with the eventual cessation of sand mining and the creation of the Naree Budjong Djara National Park. In 2010–11 one-fifth of the island, or more than 5000 hectares, was gazetted as national park. By 2021 the national park will increase to 75 per cent of the island and by 2026, 80 per cent will be protected for the future. The park is being jointly managed by the Quandamooka people, the traditional owners of the island, and the department’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. To assist in the management of Queensland’s growing national park estate, including the new national park on North Stradbroke Island, the department has employed additional park rangers. This strong workforce also played a vital role in re-opening of more than 130 national parks which were damaged by floods and cyclones this year. The implementation of the Government’s waste strategy will ensure a new direction for waste and resource management in Queensland. The strategy aims to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and create new opportunities for a strong recycling industry. A new Industry Waste Levy will apply from 1 December 2011 to industrial, commercial, construction, demolition and hazardous waste taken to landfill. Funding from the levy will be returned to projects dedicated to improving the environment and encouraging greater recycling. While these achievements have been significant, there is still a great deal more to be done and the department is well placed to continue its vital work in conserving the state’s biodiversity, improving water supply security programs, expanding the protected area estate and helping Queenslanders save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge former Director-General John Bradley who left DERM at the end of 2010–11 to take up the role of Director-General with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. John achieved many things during his tenure, including the establishment of DERM in 2009. His drive, leadership and organisational management skills saw him deliver key results for Queensland including the introduction of new laws to protect the Great Barrier Reef, the enactment of the Land Valuation Act 2010, regulation of the coal seam gas industry and integration and coordination of the department’s frontline services. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great support of the Executive Management Group and all departmental staff for their continued dedication to ensuring a more sustainable and economically prosperous future for Queensland.
Terry Wall Acting Director-General
Annual Report 2010–11 5 Our organisation
6 Department of Environment and Resource Management About the department Our direction Through delivering its services the department Who we are supports and contributes to the government’s green, strong, smart, fair and healthy ambitions as outlined The Department of Environment and Resource in Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland. In particular Management (DERM) conserves and manages the state’s the department: environment and natural resources for the benefit • leads the 2020 Green target: Cut by one-third of all Queenslanders. It aims to deliver long-term Queenslanders’ carbon footprint with reduced car sustainability for the state’s natural environment by and electricity use. The department leads promoting sustainable living and resource use and by Queensland’s response to the challenge of climate strengthening Queensland’s response to climate change. change through implementation of the ClimateQ: The department considers social, economic and towards a greener Queensland strategy. It is also environmental outcomes when planning, allocating implementing a statewide waste management and managing natural resources, to ensure the state’s strategy aimed at reducing waste to landfill. economic growth and its natural and cultural heritage • contributes to the 2020 Green target: Protect are maintained now and into the future. Our key 50 per cent more land for nature conservation responsibilities include: and public recreation. The department primarily • leading the Environmental Recovery under contributes to this target by acquiring land for ‘Operation Queenslander’ new areas of national park and by protecting Queensland’s biodiversity values. • meeting the challenge of climate change • contributes to the 2020 Strong target: Queensland is • protecting and conserving our natural environment Australia’s strongest economy, with infrastructure and cultural heritage that anticipates growth. The department is involved • securing water for Queensland’s future in planning and regulating safe, reliable, fit-for- • managing our land wisely. purpose and sustainable water supplies across Queensland. The department was established in March 2009 under the Public Service Act 2008, Division 2—Administrative • contributes to the 2020 Strong target: Increase by Arrangements Order (No.1) 2009 and Public Service 50 per cent the proportion of Queensland businesses Departmental Arrangements Notice (No. 2) 2009. There undertaking research and development or innovation. were no machinery-of-government changes during the The department participates in collaborative reporting period. initiatives that encourage innovation and development in industry environmental performance This report details the activities and achievements and encourage sustainable use of natural resources. of the department during the reporting period of • contributes to the 2020 Fair target: Increase by 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 and reports against the 50 per cent the proportion of Queenslanders involved four service areas of the department—Climate Change, in their communities as volunteers. DERM supports Environment, Land and Water. volunteers across the department including in national parks, and through the Green Nomads Our vision environmental volunteering placement program. A green, strong and sustainable Queensland. Challenges and opportunities Our objectives During the natural disasters that occurred in the 2010–11 summer, the department played a role in The department is focused on achieving the following coordinating the state’s response efforts and now agency objectives: leads Queensland’s environmental recovery, in line • client needs are met and understood with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Community, Economic and Environmental Recovery and • Queensland is prepared for climate change Reconstruction Plan. The department will continue to • ecosystems are healthy, protected and biodiverse work to resolve critical environmental recovery issues, • natural resources are well managed support the sustainable recovery of ecosystem services • Indigenous land access and ownership is improved and natural resource management systems and deliver and Queensland’s cultural heritage is conserved ecologically-sustainable development outcomes. • decisions are evidence based.
Annual Report 2010–11 7 Continuing population growth in urban and coastal Increased compliance expectations and more regions will increase the community’s demand for challenging processes for gaining planning approval land, particularly in South East Queensland. The present an opportunity to develop and administer a department will address the tensions between the needs simplified and integrated regulatory framework for of urban and rural populations and industries and the environmental protection, land-use planning and need to conserve the environment and sustainably natural resource use, complemented by co-regulation manage natural resources. There is an opportunity and voluntary approaches. to take a longer-term view—developing whole-of- Demand for the department’s services is increasing in landscape planning and total water cycle management a challenging business environment. By introducing approaches—and work with industry and the more efficient and effective practices and being alert to community to encourage more efficient and sustainable information technology trends, we will make the most use of natural resources, including the substitution of of our human, financial and physical resources and alternative materials and energy sources. reinvest savings into better service delivery. Recently, Queensland has seen a number of industrial The department’s objective under the Smart developments such as the development of a major Regulation Reform Agenda is to review its regulatory, liquefied natural gas industry (LNG) and exploratory administrative and procurement processes to produce work for coal seam gas (CSG) on agricultural lands a saving of $20 million per year by 1 July 2013. across the Great Artesian Basin. The department Development and implementation of a Regulatory is ensuring that the growth of the CSG and LNG Simplification Plan is a key tool being used by the industries occurs in ways which protect local water department to identify reform initiatives that are being supplies and recognise high-value farmland. progressed and which are contributing to the savings The state’s best cropping land is an important resource target. The Greentape Reduction Project has been for growing food and fibre; it supports economic established to streamline, integrate and coordinate growth for regional communities, but it is subject to a regulatory requirements under the Environmental range of competing land uses from agriculture, mining Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) without compromising and urban development. The challenge is to find a environmental outcomes. The project is a key initiative balance between, and minimise, these land use conflicts of the government’s Smart Regulatory Reform Agenda, by assessing the potential impacts of development on and will deliver simpler and smarter regulation through strategic cropping land. The Queensland Government more flexible licensing systems and faster, less costly is committed to protecting the state’s best cropping approvals. Changes to the EP Act will assist in land and is developing a framework to ensure that business in adapting to changing business pressures the importance of agricultural land is given due and opportunities. consideration in land use planning and development decisions. Our stakeholders National parks and other protected areas are needed to provide homes for wildlife to maintain our biodiversity To achieve its vision and objectives, the department’s and meet expanding outdoor recreation needs. As a programs, regulation and customer service are not result, the department is endeavouring to protect only grounded in robust scientific evidence and areas of outstanding natural beauty. In the case of thorough analysis, but involve active engagement and North Stradbroke Island, as an example, the collaboration with stakeholders. department is working with the community, to The department works collaboratively with other establish national parks that will eventually cover organisations that have a role or interest in the 80 per cent of the island and to help identify environment and natural resource management. economic opportunities other than mining, such as This includes Commonwealth, other states and nature-based tourism, education and training and Queensland Government agencies, local governments, Indigenous business ventures. regional natural resource management groups, other Vegetation clearing, invasive species, waste, climate environmental authorities, industry, conservation change and unsustainable use of natural resources and special interest groups, landholders and the pose significant threats to Queensland’s biodiversity. general community. The department uses numerous Healthy and well-functioning freshwater, terrestrial communication channels to build and maintain its and marine ecosystems are vital for economic growth, relationships with stakeholders and to receive feedback job creation and technical development. Fishing and and suggestions about its activities and direction. seafood industries, for example, are largely dependent on natural ecological systems for productivity. The department is developing a strategic response to biodiversity challenges that places nature’s resilience at the centre of the state’s conservation efforts.
8 Department of Environment and Resource Management • There have been significant regulatory changes Managing our performance including: The department’s strategic objectives and performance - In late 2010 amendments were made to the indicators are delivered through its Climate Change, Environmental Protection Act 1994 to regulate Environment, Land and Water services. Agency the use of BTEX compounds containing benzene, operational planning and business planning identifies toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes to ensure how the department’s objectives are to be achieved. the coal seam gas industry continues to avoid Regular performance reporting enables the department deliberate use of these compounds in well to monitor its progress in achieving its objectives, stimulation activities. while ongoing risk management processes assist in - An LNG Enforcement Unit was established as a evaluating and managing the uncertainties faced by one-stop-shop for the provision of information, the department. resolution of landholders’ complaints and delivery of enforcement activities related to the coal seam gas industry. This coordinates the responsibilities The year at a glance of DERM and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI). • The department assisted the Queensland Across the LNG Enforcement Unit (incorporating Reconstruction Authority to prioritise mapping DERM and DEEDI) 50 positions have been activities and produce on-demand map products established. In addition, the department has for 164 disaster affected Queensland towns and employed more than 30 additional staff to assist suburbs. The capture of this imagery has resulted in in the regulation of the coal seam gas industry. the department creating 237 new publicly available The majority of these staff are regionally based mapping products. throughout key areas of coal seam gas activity. • The department mobilised additional resources - A new regulatory framework was established to during the 2010–11 wet season to manage manage the potential cumulative impact on water the potential risks to the environment due to supply bores and springs from the extraction uncontrolled discharges from mine sites as a result of groundwater by petroleum tenure holders, of extreme rainfall events. Between 1 December including coal seam gas activities. 2010 and 30 June 2011, the department processed - Protection of public health through amendments 91 Transitional Environmental Programs for 50 mine to the recycled water provisions of the Water sites and six Transitional Environmental Programs Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 where the for coal seam gas sites to assist industry and mining supply of coal seam gas water, as recycled water, companies in their recovery from the impacts of augments urban communities’ drinking water flooding—while ensuring adequate safeguards for the supply sources. environment and drinking water supplies. • The department has undertaken more than 800 • Queensland’s Waste Reduction and Recycling compliance inspections across the state, targeting Strategy 2010–20, released publicly in December high risk activities as identified in the Annual 2010, provides a new direction for waste and Compliance Plan. These compliance actions focus on resource management. The reforms will encourage addressing impacts to land, water and environment Queenslanders to avoid waste and to recycle and and resulted in the issue of 53 statutory notices. responsibly dispose of any residual waste. • The department continued to add to its record • The Queensland Coastal Plan was released to prepare of strong prosecution of those who breach the state for the impacts of climate change. The environmental legislation. Twenty significant plan brings a greater focus on managing urban prosecutions where finalised in 2010–11 resulting development in the coastal zone, ensuring that new in fines and penalties of more than $1.3 million. urban areas are not located in coastal hazard areas. A table of cases and outcomes may be found in Coastal hazard impacts on existing urban areas will Appendix 5. be mitigated through the preparation of community- at-risk scale adaptation plans based on sea level rise • The Queensland Government’s strategy to protect climate change projections. North Stradbroke Island and to provide land justice for its traditional owners achieved a major milestone with the passage of the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011 and declaration of 20 per cent of the island as national park.
Annual Report 2010–11 9 • In September 2010, the Land Valuation Act • In October 2010 the Climate Change in Queensland: 2010 received assent significantly reforming and What the Science is Telling Us report was released streamlining the statutory land valuation system. which provides updated information on climate This legislative framework enabled the Valuer- change science and the projected climate change General to issue, on 3 May 2011, approximately impacts for Queensland. 1.6 million site and unimproved statutory land • In April 2011 the Queensland Coastal Processes and valuations in 58 local government areas. Climate Change report was released which focuses • Finalisation of the Baffle Creek Basin Water specifically on Queensland’s coastal zone and Resource Plan and the Mary Basin Resource describes the physical processes, waves and tides, Operations Plan have progressed the department’s that shape the coast and discusses the likely impacts national commitments to managing the state’s of climate change including sea-level rise and water for current uses and into the future. extreme weather events, on coastal communities. • Completion of the Tweed River Entrance Sand • On 14 December 2010 the proposed nomination Bypassing Project which will continue to improve of the Cooper Creek Basin as a wild river area was natural levels of sand at Kirra Beach on the announced. Wild river declarations strike a balance Gold Coast. between protecting the natural values of our most • Delivery of 98 600 ClimateSmart Home Services in pristine and iconic river systems and encouraging 2010–11 bringing the total number of households sustainable development. who have received the service to about 280 000. This • National parks and other conservation reserves program demonstrates the department’s leadership play an important role in protecting areas of high of the Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s biodiversity and unique or at risk species and Queensland 2020 Green target—Cut Queenslanders’ ecosystems. In 2008 the government committed carbon footprint by one-third with reduced car and to increasing land held in national parks to electricity use. 12.9 million hectares by 2020. As at 30 June 2011 • The first Great Barrier Reef Report Card was the government had secured 8 141 167 hectares developed, incorporating paddock and catchment as national park, with 81 160.34 hectares added modelling, which evaluated management practice in 2010–11 which includes Koombooloomba changes and remote sensing information on National Park, Little Mulgrave National Park, Naree groundcover, riparian vegetation and wetlands. Budjong Djara (North Stradbroke Island) National Park, Gadgarra National Park and Mount Abbot • The Nature Refuge Program covenanted a further National Park. one million hectares of nature refuges, protecting high-quality conservation values throughout • In 2010–11, Lakefield National Park was returned to Queensland to compliment the national park estate. the Aboriginal traditional owners and re-dedicated This brings the total area of national reserves to as Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (Cape York 2.8 million hectares. This contributes to the state’s Peninsula Aboriginal Land). The conversion of this conservation target to achieve 20 million hectares park, which covers 544 000 hectares, to a park that of all forms of protected area by 2020. is jointly managed with the traditional owners, was a major achievement of the Cape York Peninsula • The Cooloola Recreation Area, extending from Tenure Resolution Program. Through this program, Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach, was declared the Queensland Government has transferred effective from 17 October 2010. This provides 1 443 961 hectares of land to Aboriginal ownership, enhanced management of this popular coastal of which 818 636 hectares of land is protected in destination encompassing the Cooloola section national parks that are jointly managed with the of the Great Sandy National Park. traditional owners. This ensures the long-term • On 18 March 2011, the department declared the conservation of the outstanding natural and Surat Cumulative Management Area, which cultural values of Cape York Peninsula. provided a system to assess and manage the cumulative underground water impacts from multiple petroleum tenures for the Surat and Southern Bowen Basin areas, including the alluvium of the Condamine River. • The department continued to implement the Koala Response Strategy, with the Koala Nature Refuges program supporting the rehabilitation of 58 hectares of private land to date. In total, almost 150 hectares of koala habitat have been secured.
10 Department of Environment and Resource Management Board of Management (as at 30 June 2011) The Board of Management’s (BOM) role is to: • provide leadership and oversight of strategic and/or Terry Wall critical issues and challenges facing the department Acting Director-General • ensure the effective and efficient performance of the department in achieving strategic goals and Terry leads the department’s strategic direction operational objectives and priorities to ensure they are aligned with State Government direction. He holds primary • provide decision making leadership for the responsibility for planning activities, resource department. decisions, policy initiatives and risk management. The Board of Management meets once a month and is As the organisation’s acting head, Terry leads focussed on strategic issues, performance management collaboration across and outside of the department. and corporate governance.
Debbie Best Danielle Anderson Deputy Director-General Water and Ecosystem Assistant Director-General Outcomes Corporate Services
Debbie is responsible for leading the department’s Danielle is responsible for the leadership and program to ensure safe, secure, sustainable and performance of the department’s business groups equitable use of water and ecosystem resources, that deal with governance and strategy; corporate and protection of the natural environment. She management policy and planning; finance; human is responsible for developing and contributing to resource management; executive and administration national and state reform agendas, policies, plans, services; information technology; media and legislation and programs relating to vegetation communications and legal services. management, environmental protection, water resources and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, she provides direction on departmental leadership for regulatory reform and best practice and engages and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to leverage key environment and Andrea Leverington natural resource outcomes. Assistant Director-General Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Andrea is responsible for leading and managing Chris Robson the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Acting Associate QPWS manages the Queensland protected area Director-General estate and is responsible for 12.5 million hectares Operations and of terrestrial protected areas and forests, around Environmental Regulator 400 000 square kilometres of marine park and 2.8 million hectares of nature refuges. Andrea is Chris is responsible for the performance of business responsible for managing protection, recovery and groups dealing with the department’s client service sustainable management of native wildlife across all delivery throughout the state. He is also responsible tenures. She ensures visitor use is sustainable and for the department’s regulatory, licensing, compliance that conservation is balanced with visitation as well and enforcement functions, natural resource and as ensuring management of pests, feral animal and environmental sciences, sustainability programs, as fire on protected areas to protect biodiversity and well as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. infrastructure.
Annual Report 2010–11 11 DERM organisational structure 30 June 2011
Director-General
Deputy DG Assistant DG Assistant DG Associate DG Assistant DG Assistant DG Water and Ecosystem Land and Indigenous Natural Resources Operations and Office of Climate Change Corporate Services Outcomes Services and Environment Environmental Regulator
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Ecosystem Outcomes Directorate Islander Land Services Assistant DG Policy Coordination and Client Communications Regional Service Delivery Program Management and Information
Land Management NRM Programs Strategic Water Initiatives and Use and Policy Assistant DG Executive and Policy Development Administration Services Queensland Parks and and Implementation Urban Water Policy Wildlife Service Spatial Information Environmental Planning and Management Finance and Asset Management Assistant DG Water Allocation Queensland Climate Change Titles Registration Heritage and Planning Environment and Centre of Excellence Resource Sciences Governance and Strategy
Water Quality and Environment Strategy State Valuation Service Accounting and Policy Assistant DG Community Programs Environment and Natural Human Resources Resource Regulation Policy Projects Sustainable Industries Information and Environmental Recovery Technology Management Waste Reform Coordination Unit EcoFund
National Policy Coordination Internal Audit Wet Tropics Management Authority
Legal Services
12 Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 2010–11 13 from an increase in park ranger numbers and the Financial overview employment of additional staff to help oversee the The impacts of the natural disasters that hit the state regulation of the coal seam gas industry. during the year are also reflected in the department’s Other major events during the year included Brisbane- 2010–11 financial results. These events required based science staff moving to the new Ecosciences resources to be diverted towards recovery and Precinct at Dutton Park, thus freeing up land at reconstruction efforts and affected the department’s Indooroopilly for eventual disposal, and a move to a ability to commence or complete planned tasks. They single integrated finance, human resource and ancillary also had an adverse effect on the levels of controlled systems following the machinery-of-government revenues, especially those that relate to camping and change in 2009. associated activities in national parks. The following table provides an overview of financial Despite this, DERM managed its resources soundly to results for controlled activities over the past two return a net surplus of $11.9 million from controlled complete years of operation. activities for the year with both total income and expenditures being more than budgeted. The income 2009–10 2010–11 and expenditure increases largely reflect the changes $’000 $’000 in the value of departmental land and infrastructure Statement of comprehensive income assets. These revaluation adjustments had to be made in Total income from continuing 933,740 994,093 the Statement of Comprehensive Income as insufficient operations balances were available in the asset revaluation Total expenses from 995,873 982,145 reserve following the creation of the new DERM entity. continuing operations Compared to the previous financial year, the operating Statement of financial position result showed lower revenues from camping activities, Total assets 3,706,334 3,656,759 a reduction in land titles-based fees due to the slowing in the property market, and higher employee costs Total liabilities 156,155 72,744 Total Equity 3,550,179 3,584,015
Disclosure of budget versus actual results The following table details the financial results of controlled operations compared with the estimates published in the State Budget 2010–11 Service Delivery Statements (SDS).
Operating statement for the year ended 30 June 2011
2010–11 2010–11 Controlled Variation Notes budget actual items % $’000 $’000 Income Service revenue 1 807,208 746,980 -7 User charges 2 58,076 71,126 22 Grants and other contributions 3 65,841 103,572 57 Other revenues 4 35,520 28,176 -21 Gains on sale/revaluation of property, plant and equipment and investments 5 100 44,239 44,139 Total income 966,745 994,093 3 Expenses Employee expenses 481,862 470,154 -2 Supplies and services 261,770 252,986 -3 Grants and subsidies 6 134,637 97,254 -28 Depreciation and amortisation 76,937 72,183 -6 Finance/borrowing costs 150 150 0 Other expenses 7 10,047 16,444 64 Losses on sale/revaluation of property, plant and equipment and investments 5 84 72,974 86,779 Total expenses 965,487 982,145 2 Operating surplus 1,258 11,948 850
14 Department of Environment and Resource Management The increase in actual expenditure since the SDS was published is primarily the result of additional revenues being achieved during the year. The department continues to operate within budget and returned an overall controlled operating surplus of $11.9 million. The following notes outline the major variances between the SDS and the actual position:
Note Comment Service revenue is below forecast due to revenues previously recognised as Service revenue now being recognised as 1 grant revenue and the return of certain unexpended funds to Treasury at year end largely relating to special projects. Revenue for Licences and Permits ($9.5M) and GLR retention fees ($1.7M) were budgeted as Other revenues in the SDS 2 while actual revenues have been collected under User Charges. A consistent approach will be applied in 2011–12. Grant revenue increased due to the reclassification of certain Australian Government funding from Service revenue 3 following the finalisation of the SDS (refer Note 1). 4 The shortfall reflects the anomaly in budgeting and recording of certain fees during the year (refer Note 2). With the creation of the new DERM entity, the closing balances of the Asset Revaluation Reserves of the two previous amalgamated entities were transferred to Contributed Equity. Anticipated increases in asset valuations were provided 5 for under Equity however, due to lower than expected increases and declining valuations in some areas for land and infrastructure assets due to poor market conditions and other factors, the resultant movements were therefore required to be recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The variation in Grants and Subsidies outlays largely results from lower than expected levels of expenditure reimbursement claims under the dam spillway upgrade program and delays in completion of project milestones within 6 the Caring for our Country program. Grant funding provided under the koala response strategy was also redirected during the year to the acquisition of suitable land with deferral of other funds pending the availability of further suitable land parcels. 7 Other expenses increased mainly as a result of the settlement of compensation and ex-gratia payments.
Balance sheet as at 30 June 2011
2010–11 2010–11 Variation Notes budget actual % $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash assets 1 64,312 85,302 33 Receivables 2 41,040 49,640 21 Inventories 2,104 2,851 36 Other 3 19,5097,142 -63 Non-financial assets held for sale 161 218 35 Total current assets 127,126 145,153 14 Non-current assets Receivables 4 180 3,680 1944 Property, plant and equipment 5 3,627,580 3,477,350 -4 Intangibles 34,074 30,576 -10 Total non-current assets 3,661,834 3,511,606 -4 Total assets 3,788,960 3,656,759 -3 Current liabilities Payables 6 50,903 28,265 -44 Accrued employee benefits 7 0 13,079 n/a Interest-bearing liabilities and derivatives 630 577 -8 Other 8 73,677 30,081 -59 Total current liabilities 125,210 72,002 -42 Non-current liabilities Interest-bearing liabilities and derivatives 689 742 8 Total non-current liabilities 689 742 8 Total liabilities 125,899 72,744 -42 Net assets 3,663,061 3,584,015 -2
continued over
Annual Report 2010–11 15 2010–11 2010–11 Variation Notes budget actual % $’000 $’000 Equity Capital/contributed equity 3,477,118 3,611,706 4 Retained surpluses 10,149 -27,691 -373 Asset revaluation reserve 9 175,794 0 n/a Total equity 3,663,061 3,584,015 -2
The following notes outline the major variances between the SDS and the actual position:
Note Comment Cash advances held for land acquisitions on behalf of other agencies and the level of unexpended grant monies at year 1 end were higher than forecast. 2 Receivables include $13.5M in relation to Commonwealth appropriation. 3 Other current assets fell with lower than forecast prepayments and unexpended advances for land purchases. Non-current receivables represent future instalments on freehold leases. The number of new leases established was 4 greater than expected. The value of property, plant and equipment was impacted by a $24.0M net decrement from revaluation, mainly relating 5 to heritage and cultural assets, together with prior-year devaluations not known at the time the SDS was published. The budget included $10.7M for ‘accrued employee benefits’ which are now separately reported. Grants and subsidies 6 payable were also significantly less than budget reflecting subsequent changes in payment arrangements. 7 Accrued employee benefits of $10.7M were budgeted against the payables heading (refer Note 6). Other current liabilities budgeted amount included unexpended advances held for land purchases on behalf of other 8 agencies. Balances fluctuate from year to year with the actual balances at 30 June 2011 for such land acquisitions significantly lower than experienced in 2009–10. With the creation of the new DERM entity, the closing balances of the Asset Revaluation Reserves of the two previous amalgamated entities were transferred to Contributed Equity. Anticipated increases in asset valuations were provided 9 for under Equity however, due to lower than expected increases and declining valuations in some areas for land and infrastructure assets due to poor market conditions and other factors, the resultant movements were therefore required to be recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Services
The cost of providing the department’s services, 2010–11 2010–11 Variation compared to the estimates published in the SDS, are budget actual % set out in the following table. The most significant $’000 $’000 variance relates to the delivery of services in relation Climate change 29,489 52,868 79 to climate change and mainly reflects the additional Environment 487,341 536,436 10 funding provided during the year to the ClimateSmart Land 258,143 221,009 -14 Home Service initiative ($14.0 million) and $3.0 million for EzyGreen activities. Water 186,756 171,833 -8 Total cost 961,729 982,145 2
16 Department of Environment and Resource Management Revenue Expenditure DERM’s total income for the year is $994.1 million Employee expenses account for 48 per cent of total with appropriation funding from Queensland Treasury expenditure and increased by $29.4 million (6 per cent) the main source of revenue ($747.0 million). The other over last year’s employee costs due to increased major revenue sources were grants and contributions park ranger numbers, additional staff to assist in the from other entities totalling $103.6 million, of which regulation of the coal seam gas industry and the effect $82.2 million related to Commonwealth funding, and of the annual enterprise bargaining increase. $71.1 million from user charges in the provision of Total expenses are lower than the previous year with departmental goods and services. the increase in employee expenses more than offset User charges revenues are below previous-year levels by reduced grants expenditure under the Caring for our as certain services have been affected by the disaster Country program (down $25.4 million) and a events, particularly reduced visitor numbers and lower asset revaluation decrement in 2010–11. associated camping permits in national parks, as well as the continuing negative impact of the global financial Controlled expenditure by type crisis on titles revenues. While of lesser significance in quantum, royalties, territorial and property income 9% performed strongly, particularly forestry revenues for timber and quarry materials. 7% Other revenues reflect the impact of the annual asset revaluation, adding $44.0 million to the value of infrastructure assets. 10% Sources of controlled funds
5% 2%
10%
26% 48%
7%
Employee expenses Grants and subsidies Supplies and services Depreciation and amortisation Other expenses 76% Revaluations
Output revenue from Queensland Treasury A comprehensive revaluation of all material assets User charges and the ongoing rolling valuation program covering Grants and other contributions the south east and south west regions resulted in an Royalties increment of $44.0 million on infrastructure assets. This is reflected in the Statement of Comprehensive Other income Income as it contributed to reversing the decrement seen last year. The results of the revaluation exercise on the remaining asset classes reduced asset values and eliminated the heritage and cultural asset revaluation reserve ($4.3 million) while generating a further $68.0 million expense mainly in relation to the heritage and cultural and land asset classes.
Annual Report 2010–11 17 Net assets The department maintained a sound position at such as national parks and $1.1 billion of associated 30 June 2011 with a slight overall increase in net infrastructure, have remained comparable with 2009– assets despite a net revaluation decrement. The level of 10 levels despite the net revaluation decrements. borrowings has reduced and sufficient liquid assets are Cash balances are lower this year compared to last year available to meet liabilities as they fall due to ensure when significant monies were held for land purchases an efficient and economic operation. on behalf of other agencies and unexpended grant Property, plant and equipment, which account for monies. This was also reflected in the higher level of the majority ($3.5 billion) of the total asset value, liabilities recorded last year, with the corresponding including $1.6 billion of heritage and cultural assets offset of monies held for land purchases.
Comparative controlled balance sheet
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
$ million 1,500
1,000
500
0 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
Assets Liabilities Equity
18 Department of Environment and Resource Management Administered activities Administered activities are those that the department Administered expenses are higher than last year (up does not control, but is charged with the responsibility $18.4 million), with increases in the value of land of administering on a whole-of-government basis. under roads transferred to non-government entities (up $29.1 million) and other expenses offset by a reduction Total income from administered operations for in grants paid to the Queensland Water Commission the year was $595.2 million. This is a decrease of (down $16.9 million). approximately $109.8 million from 2009–10 revenue despite an increase of $17.7 million in revenue after Administered net assets total $66.8 billion, an increase fully implementing the revised environmental licensing of $2.1 billion over last year largely brought about by fee regime. This increase was more than offset by a an increase in the value of the state’s holding of land reduction in the value of land provided to government under roads and other State land assets. (down $67.7 million), reduced gains on land sales (down $29.6 million) and decreased revenues from land titling fees (down $16.1 million).
Administered revenue
400
350
300
250
200
$ million 150
100
50
0 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 Royalties User charges Fees and fines Output revenue Other
Chief Finance Officer statement The department remains committed to efficiently, The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) has fulfilled all effectively and economically managing its financial the responsibilities as required by the Financial performance and minimising financial liabilities Accountability Act 2009 and in conformance and risks. The department has documented the with section 57 of the Financial and Performance comprehensive financial management assurance Management Standard 2009. The Accountable Officer framework in place across the agency setting out in has been provided with a statement indicating that the detail the full range of financial internal controls and financial internal controls are operating efficiently, the mechanisms by which these controls are tested. effectively and economically. The CFO Statement Testing of these controls is performed on a regular is based on the results of the checks performed as basis and financial performance is closely monitored outlined in the DERM financial management assurance each month by the Finance Committee and the Board framework and the work undertaken by the various of Management. In addition, to help manage risks, the Boards and Committees under the broader DERM Audit and Governance Committee provides overall governance framework. stewardship of audit activities, audit recommendations, A copy of the CFO Statement was provided to, and financial reporting, the risk management processes and discussed at, the DERM Audit and Governance compliance practices. Committee meeting which reviewed the 2010–11 annual financial statements.
Annual Report 2010–11 19 Reconstructing a resilient Queensland
Queenslanders will long remember the natural disasters of the 2010–2011 summer—the flooding The response that devastated the central and south-east of DERM’s planning and response to the disasters covered the state and the tropical cyclone that wreaked the breadth of its operations with staff involved in havoc in the north—events that saw more than a range of areas including water quality and stream 99 per cent of the state declared disaster affected. flow monitoring, assessment and monitoring of marine impacts, waste management, damage assessments, The scale of the reconstruction prompted the creation infrastructure repair, wildlife recovery, dam safety, of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the heritage assessment and providing vital mapping and rapid development of a statewide community, economic spatial information services. and environmental recovery and reconstruction plan, called Operation Queenslander. The plan covers six key As Tropical Cyclone Yasi approached the Queensland reconstruction areas—human and social, economic, coast, a team of engineers from the Queensland Climate environment, building recovery, roads and transport, Change Centre of Excellence’s Coastal Impacts Unit and community engagement and communication. provided around the clock advice to the State Disaster Coordination Centre on potential storm surge levels The disaster caused significant damage to the state’s and locations. environment and natural resources including: marine protected areas, threatened native wildlife, The unit’s extensive network of 24 storm tide gauges national parks, riparian, coastal and mangrove scattered along Queensland’s coastline meant it could ecosystems, productive landscapes, water and sewerage provide real-time technical information to support infrastructure, mining and coal seam gas operations the state’s storm tide warning system by identifying and more. potential storm tide threats. This highly technical and valuable advice underpinned many of the state’s The department’s specially-created Environmental disaster management decisions. Recovery Coordination Unit has worked closely with stakeholders to develop and deliver a comprehensive The department’s Spatial Information Group responded environmental recovery strategy to address more quickly to the natural disasters through the timely than 50 priority reconstruction activities across nine provision of aerial imagery and mapping support. The category areas. group’s early involvement ensured that information was captured only once and as soon as possible after The aim is to recover and conserve disaster-affected the event. The information provided by this group terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems and natural supported the Australian Red Cross, Emergency resources, ensuring any reconstruction activities do not Management Queensland and Department of Local cause further environmental harm. Government and Planning during the response and recovery phase of the events. The department led the development of new ‘before and after’ flood mapping of affected towns and deployed online mapping applications to provide access to critical spatial information. This information proved
20 Department of Environment and Resource Management critical to the recovery and reconstruction efforts Twelve crews from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife and has set a new benchmark in how the government Service’s (QPWS) South East Region were sent to help responds with information during and following people in isolated areas of the Lockyer Valley and natural disasters. These maps relied in part on the crews from the QPWS Moreton Bay Region assisted satellite imagery which was captured as a result of with the suburban clean up and management of the activation of the International Charter for Space marine debris. Mapping Disasters. The activation of the charter One major deployment involved 28 rangers and staff provided access to a range of imagery sensors that being sent to Goodna after flood waters subsided to had not been used in Queensland before. More than help with the clean up. This team cleaned more than 120 satellite images from 12 different sensors were 40 houses, removing water-damaged possessions, walls, made available and they provided timely information ceilings, kitchens and bathrooms, leaving the shells to emergency managers that would otherwise not ready for owners to start the rebuild. have been available. In the far north, Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal The department has since produced maps to support Corporation rangers assisted in the search and rescue of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. These are community members at the Leichhardt River crossing available to the public on the authority’s website and near Burketown, working with police and State include maps of more than 186 towns and suburbs Emergency Service volunteers to save three adults and affected by floods and Cyclone Yasi. For 76 locations, six children. ‘before’ and ‘after’ mapping was produced to aid in recovery activities, while for 35 locations mapping has In central Queensland, staff used high pressure fire been produced to allow community consultation to be hoses to remove caked mud from underneath homes undertaken to determine the extent of flooding. and help clean the area outside Rockhampton’s Tourist Information Bureau and Callaghan Park racecourse. The department actively sought feedback from local government and the community on the location of the flood lines prior to declaring them final, ensuring the most accurate flood line record is available as a record The recovery for the future. All of the flood line maps have been made available to organisations involved in assisting the community to recover. Landscapes Hundreds of departmental staff were actively involved Scientists investigated the extent of landscape damage, in disaster response and recovery, working in frontline including loss of ground cover, hillslope damage, roles including auxiliary fire fighter roles, emergency landslips, streambank degradation, acid sulphate response roles including evacuation centre planning soil risks and vegetation impacts. Their research will and relief accommodation as well as providing critical help improve land, fire, farm, waterway and other information and ensuring business continuity. Others management practices in the future. gave their time as volunteers in helping family and friends and were involved in ongoing community response efforts.
Annual Report 2010–11 21 Mining and industry Nature refuges The natural disasters significantly affected Queensland’s Around 60 per cent of the state’s 225 nature refuges resources industry, inundating or damaging mine were affected by the disasters. Of these, at least 40 were sites, manufacturing facilities and other critical severely affected. This included damage to access infrastructure. An estimated three-quarters of the tracks, fencing and vegetation. DERM’s nature refuge state’s coal mines were flood-affected. field staff are continuing to work with landholders and other stakeholders on recovering this important habitat. In January, the department undertook aerial surveys in a fixed wing aircraft to assess major water storages in key gas fields. Across the state, officers worked Protected areas proactively with mining and coal seam gas companies and other industries to ensure their activities were QPWS rangers were out in force conducting one of undertaken with minimal risk to the environment the largest protected area capital works programs in and downstream users. Queensland’s history, after more than 162 national parks were affected by the floods and Cyclone Yasi. DERM maintained strict compliance programs to ensure Nine out of the state’s 10 most popular parks were coal seam gas and mining companies operating outside in operation by Easter, and by the end of June 2011, of the conditions of their environmental authority (EA) 130 (80 per cent) were repaired and re-opened. as a result of flooding or inundation were brought back into compliance. This included issuing Transitional Rangers and conservation officers have also been Environmental Programs, which allow mine sites to undertaking escalated fire management and pest complete actions outside of their agreed EA conditions. management programs across national parks to deal with the increased fuel loads and invasive species risks that follow from the natural disasters. Marine health The flood and cyclone events affected the health and Riparian and coastal resilience of Queensland’s marine parks. Following the disasters, DERM officers worked in partnership ecosystems with other government agencies, universities, CSIRO A range of work to assess and manage aquatic and conservation groups to deliver an unprecedented ecosystem health and loss of remnant riparian and estuarine and marine monitoring and assessment mangrove vegetation was undertaken. Projects in program. ecosystem health included contaminant monitoring and This included escalated testing of up to 90 sites in reporting work with Queensland Health for the safe use Moreton Bay and 375 sites along the entire coastline of waterways. to determine impacts on water quality, aquatic habitats and aquatic species, such as dugongs, turtles and in-shore dolphins. Wildlife The results of this monitoring were used to inform The natural disasters had immediate and long-term day-to-day decision making about recreational water effects on several of Queensland’s iconic threatened use, including the closure and re-opening of beaches, species. Koalas and northern hairy-nosed wombats were as well as the control of commercial fishing activities species of concern early on, but immediate assessments in the affected areas. revealed they were not significantly affected. The department also tagged dugong and turtles to In North Queensland, however, two species were at risk determine animal movement via satellite due to due to habitat loss after Cyclone Yasi—cassowaries and seagrass die-off, and has been monitoring deaths mahogany gliders. QPWS staff are continuing to work through the StrandNet database. In one incident, staff with volunteers and non-government organisations to became aware of a high mortality rate of green turtles monitor the long-term effects on mahogany gliders, and an Interim Conservation Order was declared to and a dedicated program was developed to ensure suspend net fishing in the Boyne River near Gladstone. cassowaries have enough food while native forest fruit regrows.
22 Department of Environment and Resource Management Waste and contamination The Reconstruction A major priority in the aftermath of the floods was the As the lead agency for environmental reconstruction, rapid clean up of the Oxley Creek area on Brisbane’s the department will work to support the recovery and southside. The floods washed containers holding conservation of disaster-affected terrestrial, aquatic and potentially hazardous materials downstream from marine ecosystems and natural resources. industrial areas around Rocklea and Archerfield. Defence force personnel and volunteer clean up crews Around $133 million in funding will be spent over could not safely access the sites, so DERM engaged three years, to implement environmental recovery specialist contractors and the services of relevant priority actions. agencies to remove the material as quickly as possible. A key component of this funding is the repair of More than 2200 containers were collected and disposed critical public infrastructure such as sewerage and of as part of the clean up effort. water treatment plants and for repair and restoration of national parks, state forests and other protected Water and sewerage tenures. A range of activities continue in partnership with other infrastructure areas of reconstruction. The natural disasters severely After the disasters, one of DERM’s priority tasks was degraded land in many areas. Rehabilitating this land to ensure water and sewerage services provided by and building its resilience continues to be a joint effort councils were restored to Queensland communities as with communities and the state’s 14 natural resource quickly as possible. management (NRM) bodies, which are funded in part by the Queensland Government. NRM bodies play a Staff were involved in reporting on the status of water crucial on-the-ground role in reconstruction. Their supply and sewerage infrastructure and worked with work helping to restore rural properties to pre-flood Queensland Health to respond to drinking water quality levels, for example, has included: incidents. The department also closely monitored the • organising volunteer groups in the Murray-Darling performance of sewerage treatment plants to ensure region to help landholders repair fencing and carry councils remediated any plants operating outside their out other work on properties around Toowoomba, licence specifications. Stanthorpe, Dalby, Texas and other areas As part of a statewide assessment program, most of • organising volunteers to help landholders with the state’s 389 streamflow gauging stations—which weed control and fencing, using donated materials, provide vital water resource assessment, planning and around Lockyer, Bremer, Logan and mid and upper management information—were visited, assessed and Brisbane rivers either permanently or temporarily repaired, if needed. • as part of Operation Clean Up and other programs DERM also assessed more than 3566 groundwater in North Queensland, DERM and the Queensland monitoring bores, or two-thirds of the network. Reconstruction Authority have worked closely By April 2011, all water and sewerage services provided with River Improvement Trusts, councils, Terrain by councils were restored to Queensland communities, natural resource management group, and Aboriginal including more than 100 water supply and more than Corporations to coordinate a range of on-ground 80 sewerage schemes. works including waterway debris removal, coastal foreshore restoration and access road repair • Terrain has also assisted DERM’s QPWS and North Queensland’s tourism industry by coordinating green army services to ensure visitor areas are accessible and walking tracks re-opened as quickly as possible.
Annual Report 2010–11 23 Snapshot Snapshot Volunteer surveyors help Flood destroyed fences re-establish Grantham fixed by volunteers In early March, five DERM surveyors—Darren The generous support of volunteers has helped to Burns, Gary Cislowski, Paul McClelland, David restore more than 240 kilometres of fencing on Raphael and Sam White—volunteered their time to south-west Queensland rural properties hit by the help re-survey Grantham after January’s floods. summer floods. Finding Grantham’s original survey marks from More than 690 volunteers have rolled up their the 1880s was always going to be difficult but the sleeves since mid-January, travelling around farms destruction of fences, houses and other landmarks, fixing fences which were ripped from the ground, made re-establishing boundaries all the more washed over, or swamped in debris. difficult. The volunteers have donated a total of 1700 days Despite the challenges, enough original reference of their time on properties around Toowoomba, and permanent marks were found to enable Stanthorpe, Dalby, Texas and other areas in the boundaries to be reinstated with some confidence. Murray-Darling region west of Brisbane as part of Lot corners were marked and a number of new the environmental recovery effort. permanent marks were placed. The work is coordinated by the Queensland The department’s satellite positioning service Murray–Darling Committee (QMDC), one of (SunPOZ) was used to provide a common 14 regional natural resource management (NRM) framework where all spatial data—land boundaries, bodies across the state funded by the Queensland flood planes, levels, topography etc—could be Government. assessed using the same reference coordinates. The QMDC’s flood recovery team is working in This system provided greater certainty to all partnership with Landcare groups, Volunteering land management and planning decisions in and Queensland and Conservation Volunteers Australia. around Grantham. QMDC chief executive officer Geoff Penton said During the course of the survey, flood levels after the January floods, the committee contacted were also taken to assist Lockyer Valley Regional 3000 landowners, and by June volunteers had Council in the approval process for re-developing helped over 200 of the 400 landholders who the town. The survey also provided landholders requested volunteer assistance. with certainty as to the location of their boundaries which can help with insurance claims. The restoration work involved clearing debris clung to fences, re-standing fences and putting up new fence lines so farmers could return livestock. Camps set up in the area provided volunteers with accommodation, food and equipment. Volunteers have included people of all ages from Australia and the world, including Sydney school students and an international youth group with young people from America, Germany, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Indonesia and Canada. ‘We have farmers telling us that more than the physical help, it’s been the morale boost the volunteers provide that’s the most important thing,’ Mr Penton said. The Queensland Government provided $250 000 in advanced funds through the Q2 Coasts and Country program, in anticipation of Queensland Reconstruction Authority funding allocations.
24 Department of Environment and Resource Management Our business
Annual Report 2010–11 25 The Energy Conservation Community program Climate Change provides residents in selected regions with the Climate change is one of the most significant opportunity to be part of a community committed to challenges facing the world today. As the climate reducing demand on the electricity network during changes, we need to change the way we interact peak times. New Energy Conservation Communities with our environment. were established in Redland City Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Brisbane City Council, Much of Queensland’s natural environment and in partnership with ENERGEX, Ergon Energy and community and economic activities are climate- local councils. sensitive. To ensure the lifestyle that Queenslanders • Clean Energy for Remote Communities initiative enjoy is maintained into the future, we must continue ($5 million) to respond and adapt to meet this challenge. This pilot program has been successful in reducing The Queensland Government is taking action on a electricity consumption by up to 17.5 per cent in number of fronts to reduce the state’s carbon footprint residential and commercial premises of remote and prepare individuals, communities and business for Queensland communities. The degree of savings the impacts of climate change by investing in climate already observed is expected to continue as summer change mitigation and adaptation measures across all approaches, and as implementation is expanded to the sectors of the economy. remainder of the targeted households and premises. • Improved Traffic Flow for Reduced Emissions The objective of this departmental service area is initiative ($39.3 million) to meet the challenge of climate change—which is delivered through initiatives aimed at: New traffic management systems are being rolled out on key arterial roads in South East Queensland, • reducing Queensland’s carbon footprint including the Gateway Motorway and Western • preparing Queensland for the impacts of climate Freeway. These systems aim to ease congestion and change have the potential to reduce emissions by up to • ensuring Queensland’s response to climate change 30 per cent compared with congested traffic, while is informed by the best available science. also improving safety on our roads. Queensland’s climate change response is underpinned • Identifying the Carbon Potential of Native by five key areas of action: Vegetation (CATER) ($3.5 million) • reducing greenhouse gas emissions This initiative benefits both our natural landscape and Queenslanders by providing information to help • lowering the cost to households and businesses landholders plan and design reforestation projects to • investing in the productive future of key industries take advantage of carbon credits. During 2010–11, • protecting Queensland’s natural wonders biomass data on native forests was compiled. By • adapting to the impacts of climate change. 30 June 2011, this biomass library consisted of more than 2000 vegetation sites. Field surveys are being The department drives a broad suite of initiatives that undertaken to expand this database to more than deliver results across these key areas. 3000 sites and the resulting database and website will be available by 2013. ClimateQ • Green Building Skills Fund initiative ($1.4 million) The Green Building Skills Fund boosts sustainability A suite of measures designed to help Queensland move expertise within Queensland’s building and towards a low-carbon economy and reduce greenhouse construction industry. Over 2900 third-and fourth- gas emissions are contained in Queensland’s revised year apprentices, and newly finished apprentices and climate change strategy, ClimateQ: toward a greener trainees, have been trained through Construction Queensland. This strategy is the centrepiece of Skills Queensland. The Queensland Government is a Queensland’s response to climate change, representing partnering organisation under this initiative and has a $196 million investment in new climate change contracted 11 organisations to deliver green skills initiatives. training. The program is on target with a total of In 2010–11 all of the 39 ClimateQ initiatives were 3141 confirmed enrolments being received against a underway, with nine initiatives delivered and target of 3500 completions by June 2013. significant progress made across all of the five • Support Our Heroes initiative ($12.98 million) key areas of action. Key ClimateQ achievements Our disaster management response to more frequent, have included: extreme weather conditions has been strengthened • Energy Conservation and Demand Management with 31 emergency response vehicles and four flood initiative ($47.7 million) boats being delivered to the State Emergency Services. In addition, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) component of
26 Department of Environment and Resource Management this initiative has seen 294 diesel pump • communicating climate change sets retrofitted to RFS vehicles and a total • Queensland’s emissions profile. of 201 RFS appliances fitted with radiant heat reflective curtains. The government is currently assessing these recommendations. • Disaster Management Warehouses and Caches initiative ($3.37 million) The Queensland Government highly values the The Ormeau Disaster Management Warehouse council’s advice and has accepted more than was opened by the Minister for Police, Corrective 80 per cent of its recommendations since the Services and Emergency Management and the former council was formed in 2008. Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability on In this financial year, the Queensland Government 9 December 2010. This new warehouse will ensure continued to implement many of the recommendations rapid and reliable deployment of high volumes of from earlier council papers on climate change priorities essential supplies to local communities to assist in in sectors such as rural land use, transport and disaster response and recovery situations. households. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 Next year the council’s work program will include included the service standard—Percentage of project issues such as adaptation in the natural environment briefs for ClimateQ initiatives funded from the and managing natural hazard risks. Queensland Climate Change Fund, were consistent with Government commitments in ClimateQ. The department The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 set a target of 100 per cent and this was achieved. included the service standard—Percentage of Premier’s Council on Climate Change papers supported by The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 DERM policy research, that are developed in a also included the requirement to—Increase the amount method consistent with the Queensland Government of carbon biosequestered through the rural landscape. Policy Handbook. The department’s target was set at The department has set a target to undertake the 100 per cent and this target was achieved. Carbon Accumulation through Ecosystem Recovery project from July 2010, and finalising methodologies by June 2011. This target has been achieved. Queensland Climate Change Fund Premier’s Council on The $431 million Queensland Climate Change Fund Climate Change provides $30 million per year funding for priority climate change initiatives. Many of the ClimateQ The Premier’s Council on Climate Change is an initiatives are funded from this source, including the independent advisory body that was established to ClimateSmart Home Service which receives $60 million. ensure that Queensland’s response to the challenge of climate change is innovative, progressive and informed Priority projects identified by the Premier’s Council on by the best available knowledge. Climate Change that deliver on Queensland’s five key strategic areas of action on climate change are also The council provides broad, high-level strategic funded from the Queensland Climate Change Fund. advice about: • priorities for Queensland Government action to reduce Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions, Reducing greenhouse including sectoral responses such as sustainable energy options, transport strategies and built gas emissions environment energy efficiency Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is recognised as not • adaptation measures relevant to Queensland that only a key area for action on climate change, but also assist communities and industries address the a key target for Queensland as outlined in Toward Q2: inevitable results of climate change Tomorrow’s Queensland. • opportunities for innovation arising from climate change for communities and the private sector Toward Q2 carbon target • priority areas for investment from the $431 million Queensland Climate Change Fund. Queensland is on track to achieve the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 carbon target of cutting In 2010–11, the council produced working papers with Queenslanders’ carbon footprint by one third—from detailed recommendations in the areas of: 13.77 tonnes in 2006–07 to 9.18 tonnes by 2020. • solar energy opportunities in the commercial and industrial sectors
Annual Report 2010–11 27 Improved vehicle, appliance and building efficiency ClimateSmart Home Service along with improved emissions intensity of electricity generation has seen Queenslanders achieve The ClimateSmart Home Service is the largest in-home approximately 12 per cent of the total reduction carbon reduction program delivered in Australia. It required within the first two years—with average delivers a winning combination to Queenslanders by household emissions in 2008–09 at 13.2 tonnes helping households achieve a better cost of living by reducing their energy bills, as well as contributing to As lead agency for delivery of the Toward Q2 carbon a statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, target, the department is working with other through lowering household energy consumption. Queensland Government departments to drive new policy and coordinated action to achieve the target. In During the 2010–11 financial year, 98 600 households addition, the Queensland Government is committed to received the service. These households have reduced, implementing a range of measures that will enhance on average, $325 on their electricity bills and reduced the way we engage with householders about how their carbon footprint on average by two tonnes they can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Since the These include: introduction of the service, up to the end of June 2011 • a Toward Q2-based energy efficiency target, to be 272 881 households have received the service. launched as part of the expanded ClimateSmart Anyone on the state’s electricity grid can request the Home Services in July 2011, which offers services service, even in remote and isolated areas. and customer support for both new and existing customers The service has also created jobs, currently employing 85 electricians across Queensland (up to 105 during • Ergon and ENERGEX delivery of energy management peak periods), and more than 40 call centre and project options for households through the Energy management staff. Conservation and Demand Management Program • the Solar Hot Water Rebate under the Do the Bright The original program was scheduled to finish in Thing campaign, which supports householders to December 2010, with approximately 235 000 services purchase solar hot water and heat pump systems completed. Due to the success and demand for the • implementation of the Queensland Waste Strategy to service, it has been extended for two years and aims to convert household organics into beneficial products deliver energy efficiency for up to 430 000 households. and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills The department’s Service Delivery Statement • sustainable housing measures, such as the 6-star 2010–11 included the service standard—Average requirement for new houses, continuing to deliver tonnes reduction in annual household emissions emissions reduction benefits for every new house from electricity use in homes that have received the built ClimateSmart Home Service. The department set a • urban planning and investments to support increased target of 2.2 tonnes reduction; the actual reduction active and public transport patronage achieved was 2.0 tonnes. The variation has occurred due to the methodology used to estimate abatement per • TravelSmart behaviour change plans continuing household being updated and improved. For example, to be rolled out directly to communities, schools, the estimated abatement from installation of compact and workplaces to support reductions in transport fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) has been modified fuel use following the implementation of the Australian • the Queensland Gas Scheme, which requires Government’s ban on the importation of incandescent electricity retailers to source 15 per cent of electricity light bulbs. from gas generation and is reducing the emissions intensity of Queensland’s electricity supply by displacing coal fired generation. ecoBiz program ecoBiz is the Queensland Government’s signature Lowering the costs to sustainability partnership program with Queensland business and industry. It is a free, voluntary program households and business which assists companies to improve their eco-efficiency for both financial and environmental gains. Significant progress has been made in assisting the community to increase their energy efficiency. The There were 84 ecoBiz partners by the end of the ClimateSmart Home Service drives this energy 2010–11 financial year. Together they have reduced efficiency in households, while programs such as their greenhouse gas emissions by more than ecoBiz, ClimateSmart Business Clusters and 53 580 tonnes per year—an average of more than QWESTNet assist businesses to improve their 630 tonnes per partner per year. eco-efficiency and reduce costs.
28 Department of Environment and Resource Management The ecoBiz program and the partners have The program represents considerable value for money. demonstrated that it is possible to reduce greenhouse Cluster participants have gone on to save an average gas emissions in a business by an average of of $3000 per year, mostly by implementing low, or no 20 per cent and resource costs by 14 per cent. These cost strategies to reduce their energy and water use. changes have resulted in ecoBiz partners saving over $5.6 million per year. In addition to the savings already QWESTNet mentioned, ecoBiz partners have: • saved 19 per cent of their energy use Queensland Water and Energy Sustainable Technologies • reduced potable water use by 31 per cent Network (QWESTNet) forums connect businesses with sustainable technology users and retailers. This allows • reduced waste to landfill by 43 per cent. business to learn about new technologies from the ecoBiz is the only program nationally that requires developers as well as providing practical applications businesses to validate and then re-validate changes in through case study experiences. their energy, and water and waste use, ensuring the Since 2008, 24 forums have been held throughout savings are both real and ongoing. Queensland. More than 2300 business delegates in The department is also continuing to expand the the greater Brisbane region attended these events. ecoBiz facilitator network, which gives businesses QWESTNet has rapidly grown to more than 3000 easy access to recognised environmental consultants members, with 75 per cent of participants reporting across Queensland, and developing new alliances with that they are taking action as a result of attending. Due local governments and industry bodies to improve to business demand, QWESTNet has expanded over participation rates in regional areas. the past 12 months to include Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, the Gold Coast and Mackay regions. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the service standard—Average percentage The forums provide an opportunity for businesses, savings in greenhouse gas emissions by EcoBiz partner sellers of sustainable technologies and customers to: companies. The department set a target of 10 per cent, • network and hear about the benefits of this was exceeded with an achievement of 18 per cent. eco-efficiency • learn about new products and sustainable ClimateSmart Business Clusters technologies • find ways to save money The ClimateSmart Business Cluster program assists groups of Queensland businesses to work together to • improve their business sustainability. save energy and water and reduce waste—lowering One of the key elements of success for QWESTNet their greenhouse gas emissions and business costs. is the inclusion of local technologies and business Since 2010, more than 462 businesses have completed case studies. Another integral piece of QWESTNet the program and achieved outstanding results. Already success is the partnerships that are forged between the these businesses have: department and industry associations, local councils, other Queensland Government departments and local • saved approximately 16 terajoules of energy (enough educational institutions. to power 291 homes for a year) • reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4882 tonnes (equivalent to more than 1182 cars) • saved 606 000kL (242 Olympic swimming pools) of water • reduced waste by 1946m3 (8107 wheelie bins) • saved almost $1.4 million.
Annual Report 2010–11 29 As the Australian Government finalises details around Investing in the productive the CFI in anticipation of its mid-2012 commencement, future of key industries the department will continue to prepare Queensland landholders. The department works across many key industries creating policies and targeting research, development and commercialisation of new technologies that will Electric Vehicle Roadmap positively impact our climate change response. Queensland is positioning itself to take advantage of The State Government is preparing Queensland’s the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. The agricultural sector to take advantage of the Federal Queensland Government released the issues paper An Carbon Farming Initiative, is supporting the EV Roadmap for Queensland for public discussion at introduction of electric vehicles in Queensland via the end of the 2009–10 financial year. the Electric Vehicle Roadmap, and is working more The issues paper introduced the topic of electric broadly to fund technologies that reduce water and vehicles (EVs) and facilitated public discussion on energy use via the Queensland Sustainable Energy the key actions that Queensland will need to take to Innovation Fund. keep pace with low emissions transport technologies. In the medium to long term, electric vehicles offer Biosequestration a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on oil. Accordingly, the The rural sector has long been central to Queensland’s paper provided a framework for policy development in climate change response—land clearing controls the areas of: introduced by the government over the past two • environmental and resource impacts decades have led to huge reductions in emissions. • recharging and electricity grid interaction Now, under the Australian Government’s proposed • standards, planning and regulation Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), landholders will be • consumer uptake and behaviour change able to earn tradable carbon credits from emission- reduction activities such as planting trees on cleared • industry development and renewable energy. land and adopting more sustainable agricultural Electric vehicle technologies, trials and carbon policy practices. in general have moved at a rapid pace since the During 2010–11, the Queensland Government has release of the roadmap and, as a result, it is prudent worked closely with the Australian Government to for the Queensland Government to take the necessary influence the design of its CFI and ensure that the time to carefully integrate these developments before scheme maximises opportunities for Queensland announcing further policy to ensure the best outcomes landholders, particularly in regrowth vegetation. for Queenslanders. The department has submitted a number of In the interim, the Queensland Government has already detailed submissions which are available on the commenced the next phase of policy development Commonwealth Department of Climate Change and informed by the EV Roadmap public consultation, Energy Efficiency’s website. which highlighted the need for immediate work The past financial year has also seen the ongoing on vehicle standards and electricity infrastructure, implementation of the Queensland Government’s and prompted piloting of electric vehicles in the carbon sequestration policies in preparation for the government fleet. CFI. Key actions have included the development of economic maps showing where carbon forestry is likely to occur in Queensland, the development of protections against large-scale carbon forestry on strategic cropping land, and the drafting of legislative amendments to grant rights to trade carbon to lessees of state land. In March 2011, the Australian Government’s climate change advisor, Professor Ross Garnaut launched his update paper on ‘Transforming Rural Land Use’ in Brisbane in recognition of the leading role that the Queensland Government has played in driving this aspect of the national climate change policy agenda.
30 Department of Environment and Resource Management Queensland Sustainable Energy Ecofund is a stand alone commercial entity, with the Queensland Government as the sole shareholder. The Innovation Fund Queensland Government welcomes the growing stature The Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation of its carbon and environmental services company Fund program (QSEIF) provides funding to develop Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd, which is the first of its new sustainable technologies, which will reduce kind in Australia. water and energy consumption and lead to a Ecofund is involved in a range of specialist services reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. and encouraging positive action in Queensland ranging QSEIF has been operating continuously for from land based offsets development, carbon trading 12 years—making it one of the longest-running where carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates government programs of its type in Australia. Over are bought and sold, through to providing energy and that time, the Queensland Government’s commitment carbon audits to the government and corporate sectors. of about $9.6 million to some 80 projects has led to Ecofund also invests in projects including energy the development of new technologies by Queensland efficiency, renewable energy and broader biodiversity businesses. protection. Ecofund has recently facilitated the following areas for land protection: Recent surveys of QSEIF-funded recipients show that • 14 500 hectares at Ridgelands, Doreen proposed for about $90 million dollars in private investment and a Nature Refuge subsequent government funding has been raised to commercialise new technologies developed in QSEIF • 2500 hectares for a proposed National Park located projects. Approximately 138 scientists, engineers and at Belmah near Emerald (through money donations other staff are currently employed in commercialising to the Balance the Earth Trust) these technologies. • 21 000 hectares for a proposed National Park at ‘Bedourie’ near Taroom (through money donations The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 to the Balance The Earth Trust) included the service standard—Leverage private to • 7500 hectares in Gladstone for a proposed public investment ratio for projects supported by the Nature Refuge Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund. The department set a target of 5:1, and the actual ratio • 870 hectares at Mt Poverty near Ingham for a achieved was 8:1. proposed National Park • 6900 hectares at Springwater for a proposed Nature Refuge Protecting Queensland’s • 130 hectares at Cooroy for a proposed natural wonders Nature Refuge. Many of the ClimateQ initiatives deliver significant Ecofund has posted three consecutive quarters of benefits to the natural environment through improving growth and is forecast to be profitable one year ahead biodiversity and reducing natural hazard risks. of the original forecasts to Treasury for the formation Queensland is also on the forefront of protecting the of Ecofund. All share dividend payments to the natural environment by establishing Ecofund, which department, as the sole shareholder, will go towards works with carbon offsets to re-establish native forests building on the protected area estate. and habitats. Ecofund’s role also includes being corporate trustee for the Balance the Earth Trust which was formed to Ecofund assist the expansion of national parks and Queensland’s protected area estate. Ecofund has also identified a Queensland is the only State Government to number of interested corporate donors including major proactively stimulate the carbon market and support transport and energy companies looking to protect industry and the community through the future biodiverse habitats of endangered Queensland flora and carbon economy, by creating Ecofund Queensland fauna by donating to the trust. The trust is additionally Pty Ltd (Ecofund). Ecofund is playing a pivotal a mechanism for Ecofund to hold regulatory and role in facilitating and encouraging positive action non-regulatory offset contributions under Queensland in Queensland by contributing to expanding our Government legislation and as directed by the protected natural areas, and managing and reducing Coordinator-General. These contributions will also fund greenhouse gas emission, for the benefit of all the expansion of protected natural areas to achieve Queenslanders. environmental purposes and enhance Queensland’s unique biodiversity.
Annual Report 2010–11 31 In 2010–11 QCCCE provided nearly 760 000 historical Adapting to the impacts spatial datasets to more than 50 departmental clients. of climate change More than 9700 historical climate datasets were provided to external clients—with 99.9 per cent Queensland is regarded as the state most vulnerable to being provided within five working days. the impacts of unmitigated climate change. QCCCE is producing a set of climate change The Premier announced at a meeting of the projection data as part of a three-year grant from the Premier’s Council of Climate Change in April 2011 Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries that Queensland would be updating its adaptation and Forestry. This projection data will be used in strategy during 2011–12. The updated climate change biophysical models to assess climate change impacts on strategy will be developed to incorporate the climate primary industries and the effectiveness of adaptation science and research developed by the Queensland strategies in projects within the ‘Australia’s Farming Climate Change Centre of Excellence, and to build Future Climate Change Research Program’ and to other on other key adaptation initiatives delivered during projects upon request. By June 2012 the data will be 2010–11, including the incorporation of a sea-level available online to researchers across Australia from rise figure in the Queensland Coastal Plan, and the QCCCE’s SILO platform. Inland Flood Study. The government ensures this knowledge is incorporated into all significant proposals During Cyclone Yasi, QCCCE’s coastal impacts unit by using Climate Change Impact Statements as an was deployed to the State Disaster Coordination Centre evaluation tool. to support the state’s storm tide warning system. It provided valuable and necessary technical information and advice during this natural disaster. The unit also Queensland Climate Change Centre manages an extensive wave and tide monitoring data of Excellence collection program which provides a valuable historical database to identify how the state’s coastline has Queensland has the only state-based climate science changed and indicate future trends. research centre in Australia. Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence (QCCCE) undertakes The Improved Coastal Mapping project provides targeted research and delivers specialised information mapping tools to support improved coastal planning, to inform the state’s response to climate change, disaster preparedness and risk assessment, while climate variability and extreme events. Research is increasing public understanding of the expected effects facilitated through climate modeling partnerships both of climate change. In 2010–11 land surface data was at the national and international levels. Internationally, collected for coastal areas to support the development QCCCE is collaborating with the UK Met Office Hadley of online mapping tools. Centre and the University of Reading (Walker Institute), Information on climate change science, impacts and and nationally with the CSIRO. adaptation responses is provided to a diverse set of The Queensland Government is undertaking global stakeholders across government, industry and the climate system modeling to support the development broader community. In 2010–11 around 25 climate of the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate risk management workshops were delivered to primary Change’s (IPCC) assessment on climate change. QCCCE industry representatives and regional NRM bodies. is working with CSIRO to ensure that Queensland’s Storm and cyclone risk awareness seminars were climate drivers are better reflected in the IPCC’s Fifth provided to local government emergency management Assessment Report. staff. In addition more than 20 community engagement seminars were held on climate change, the science and Assessing the impacts of climate change is necessary potential impacts. if governments, industry and communities are to effectively adapt. QCCCE provides detailed information In 2010–11 QCCCE released Climate Change in to underpin land and coastal management decisions, Queensland: What the Science is Telling Us 2010 and including the historical climate database Specialised Queensland’s Coastal Processes and Climate Change. Information for Land Owners (SILO), environmental These publications provide up-to-date scientific calculator AussieGRASS, seasonal climate forecasting, information on the causes of climate change, the improved coastal monitoring and mapping capabilities. potential impacts and describe how natural processes Monthly climate statements are also provided based on have shaped the coast and how climate change will the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Southern affect them. Oscillation Index (SOI). The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage of climate science research publications put forward that are accepted by international or national journals/
32 Department of Environment and Resource Management conferences/forums. The department set a target of Using the best available scientific literature, the 90 per cent. During 2010–11, 35 scientific papers were project identified a single climate change figure—of a published (or accepted for publication) by international five per cent increase in rainfall intensity per degree of journals, with an acceptance rate of 100 per cent. global warming—for local governments to factor into flood studies. In practice, this means adding the climate The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 change benchmark to existing defined flood levels such included the service standard—Percentage of climate as the one-in-100 year flood event. The 2010–11 floods science datasets requested by external clients delivered clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of Queensland’s within five working days. The department set a target settlements to extreme flooding with the vast majority of 95 per cent, this was exceeded with an achievement of the state disaster declared by the end of the summer. of 99.9 per cent. The Australian Rainfall and Runoff publication Queensland Coastal Plan provides the nationally accepted methodologies for undertaking flood studies. However, the publication The Queensland Coastal Plan was released by the does not currently consider the impacts of climate department in April 2011. The coastal plan provides change. Recognising that planning decisions are being policy direction for coastal land managers and made today, this project provides interim advice on planning and development decision-makers in the climate change impacts until the Australian Rainfall coastal zone. The objectives of the plan include: and Runoff manual can provide national guidance • avoiding the costs of developing in coastal following its review in 2014. hazard areas The location and design of new development is a key • ensuring protection for coastal resources and issue in a changing climate and these flexible planning biodiversity options provide examples of how councils can deal • maintaining natural physical coastal processes with future flood risks and plan for new development. • preferentially allocating land on the coast for This project provides the information council’s have coastal-dependent development. been requesting to better prepare for climate change. Several innovations were introduced into the new In response to the spatial extent and severity of plan. Mapping now plays an important role in the 2010–11 flooding disasters, the Queensland establishing where its policies apply. Property-scale Government established a Flood Inquiry to learn and web-accessible maps show the coastal zone, from the floods. The findings of the inquiry will be coastal management district, aquaculture and maritime considered within the outcomes of the project, to help development areas, areas of ecological significance, and improve planning responses to inland flooding risks. coastal hazard areas. Climate change impact statements Coastal hazard policies have been elevated in their importance—with clear direction that new urban areas Queensland was the first state in Australia to embed not be established in areas of coastal hazard risk and consideration of climate change impacts in its decision that adaptation strategies be prepared for existing making, by introducing Climate Change Impact urban areas at risk. The coastal hazard area mapping Statements. incorporates a sea-level rise factor of 0.8 metres at the year 2100. This is based on the “business as usual” The statements assist the Queensland Government to climate change scenario projected by the identify opportunities to reduce emissions from its inter-governmental panel on climate change. operations, and ensure adaptation options have been appropriately considered so that services are resilient to the projected impacts of climate change well into Inland flooding study project the future. In November 2010, the Queensland Government, in The department assists in the preparation of Climate partnership with the Local Government Association of Change Impact Statements by advising what climate Queensland, released a groundbreaking study into how change impacts may be relevant to a proposal and councils can begin to account for the increased risk of when a Climate Change Impact Statement is required. inland flooding from climate change. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 This project was led by the Office of Climate Change, included the service standard—Percentage of Climate with additional expert input provided by the Bureau Change Impact Statements consistent with the Cabinet of Meteorology, CSIRO, the National Climate Change Handbook. The department set a target of 100 per cent Adaptation Research Facility and the Walker Institute and this was achieved. for Climate System Research in the UK (an international leader in the field of climate science).
Annual Report 2010–11 33 Snapshot ClimateSmart Business Cluster program— helping businesses help the community The Office of Climate Change’s ClimateSmart For many businesses, the services provided by the Business Cluster program assists businesses to charity were invaluable. Charlie Horne, owner of improve their profitability by taking the initial Gympie Cooloola Foods, swapped his weekly trip steps towards eco-efficiency. to the tip with services provided by Red Cross. This saved him valuable time and money and With the support and guidance of a Cluster Leader, helped reduce his business’ waste by 90 per cent groups of 15 to 20 businesses work together to save and improved the company’s recycling efforts by energy and water and reduce waste, often to the 100 per cent. benefit of the broader community. With the Gympie Cluster’s recycling material, Red The Gympie ClimateSmart Business Cluster is Cross has been provided with an additional revenue an excellent example of this cooperation, where stream which they have used to employ more staff. 15 businesses worked as a collective to improve This is a demonstration of the cluster program’s their eco-efficiency and provide welcome assistance far-reaching benefits to the community. to a local charity. With the help of Cluster Leader Rob Absolom from consultancy company About Freedom, the participating businesses put in place a range of no-cost and low-cost initiatives to save energy and water and improve recycling rates. These initiatives included simple actions such as installing energy efficient globes, adjusting air-conditioning temperature and implementing a staff engagement program. The cluster’s original goals were to reduce energy and water use and improve recycling by 10 per cent. However, by the conclusion of the eight-month program, the participating businesses had well exceeded these goals. On average, each business reduced its energy use by over 16 per cent, water use by almost one-third and waste going to landfill, by over one-quarter. The business cluster also increased materials recycled by a staggering 77.6 per cent. As a result, each business was able to reduce its utility bills by an average of $3550 per annum. To achieve these savings, the Gympie ClimateSmart Business Cluster teamed up with locally-based charity Red Cross Recycling Services which provided recycling information and services. Red Cross employs over 40 people with learning and development barriers, and on-sells recyclable waste to finance the provision of professional, training and development opportunities for its employees. Sales of recyclables also provide staff with financial independence.
34 Department of Environment and Resource Management Snapshot ClimateSmart Home Service The ClimateSmart Home Service is the largest in-home carbon reduction program delivered in Australia. It delivers a winning combination to Queenslanders by helping households achieve a better cost of living by knocking down their energy bills, while contributing to a statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through lowering energy consumption. Over 272 000 Queensland homes have received a ClimateSmart Home Service since it began in January 2009, each saving on average $325 on their energy bills and collectively saving approximately $115 million. The greenhouse gas savings are equivalent to taking approximately 820 500 cars off the road for a year. Of these, 98 600 had the service during the 2010–11 financial year. The service offered exceptional value for money, with more than $450 worth of inclusions provided for a one-off $50 fee. On an average, two tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were saved by each household that took up the service. The Queensland Government has set a target to cut the carbon footprint of households by one-third by 2020, and is committed to reducing household costs for families. The ClimateSmart Home Service is the centrepiece of the government’s efforts to help deliver this target. The overall level of customer satisfaction, monitored through independent surveys, is currently rated at 95 per cent satisfaction. During each service, a licensed electrician installed up to 15 power saving light globes, a water and power saving showerhead and a wireless power monitor to help track electricity usage around the home. During the service residents also participated in an energy audit with their electrician and after the service received a customised Power and Water Saving Plan to help guide them on ways to further reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills.
Annual Report 2010–11 35 QPWS managed estate. The department set a target Environment of five per cent and this target was not met due to The objectives of this departmental service are to widespread rainfall and flood events associated with the protect Queensland’s biodiversity and the natural 2010–11 La Nina weather influence which significantly environment and its resources—which are delivered limited the extent of planned burning undertaken through initiatives aimed at: during this time. • increasing the amount of land protected for nature The department continues to provide employment conservation opportunities for Indigenous rangers on Cape York • conserving Queensland’s unique ecosystems, Peninsula as well as increasing traditional owner landscapes, marine environments and native flora participation in land management of protected and fauna areas and the capacity for management of adjacent Aboriginal lands. The department’s targets were • influencing business, industry, government and the exceeded consistently throughout the year with community to improve environmental performance. additional Indigenous-identified positions allocated in the next financial year. In addition to this, a number of Managing our national parks Green Army Trainees completed their traineeships and obtained their certificates. National parks and other protected areas maintain our biodiversity and meet expanding outdoor recreation The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 needs. Careful management is needed to protect parks includes the service standard—Percentage Indigenous and safeguard the values which make them so special. involvement in delivery of estate management specifically on Cape York, directly related to the Cape Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has in York Indigenous Ranger program. The department set place a statewide pest management system to meet its a target of 25 per cent and achieved 30 per cent. This obligations. The system guides planning and on-ground includes all positions that are either located on Cape activities, encouraging an integrated approach to York or work operationally in joint management on managing all pests. Cape York. The department is committed to achieving In 2010–11, approximately $4.5 million was invested 30 per cent by 2011 and 50 per cent by 2018. to manage pests on the QPWS-managed estate, with $1.5 million of these funds spent on 80 strategically- National park acquisitions targeted projects. The government is committed to expanding its Of these projects, 48 involved collaborative national park estate, and increasing the area of arrangements with Weeds of National Significance national park to 7.5 per cent of the state by 2020, a Management Groups, local authorities, park key Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland target. More neighbours and other government agencies such as than 8.1 million hectares of land with high ecological Biosecurity Queensland. and cultural values is already protected in national The department’s Service Delivery Statement parks. In 2010–11, the Queensland Government 2010–11 included the service standard—Implement committed $2.1 million, and secured a further the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) $2.38 million investment from the Commonwealth Strategic Pest Management Program, measured as Government’s National Reserve System funding a percentage of projects delivered annually. The initiative, to expanding the national park estate. department set a target of 90 per cent and this During the reporting period, 81 160 hectares was added target was met. to the national park estate. New additions include Koombooloomba National Park, Little Mulgrave Planned burning is an important management tool National Park, Naree Budjong Djara (North Stradbroke used by QPWS to maintain biodiversity and ecological Island) National Park, Gadgarra National Park and processes, and to reduce the extent and intensity of Mount Abbot National Park. wildfires, mitigating risk to life and property. During the reporting period, QPWS invested $6.5 million in In 2010–11, the Statewide Forest Process has continued fire management on protected area estate maintaining to contribute to the expansion of Queensland’s a high state of preparedness for any wildfire outbreak. protected area estate with almost 140 000 hectares of A further $7 million has been allocated for the 2011–12 forest transferred to forest reserve or national park. financial year. The transfer of the 10 000-hectare Mapleton forest The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 reserve to national park in June 2011 signifies the included the service standard—Implementation of completion of the first stage of South East Queensland QPWS fire management system, measured by Forest Agreement forest transfers. planned burns implemented as a percentage of the
36 Department of Environment and Resource Management In the Wet Tropics Region, the forest transfer process is roads and fire control lines, boundary fences, ranger nearing completion with a further 50 000 hectares of accommodation on remote parks and communications forest reserve transferred to national park. facilities. In addition to the state forest transfers in South East The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 Queensland and the Wet Tropics, the Statewide Forest included the service standard—Effectiveness of visitor Process has put an end to timber harvesting in North and management infrastructure projects as measured Queensland’s Ecotone state forests and in central coast through the Capital Works Activity Index. The 2010–11 bioregions state forests. Consultation is underway to target was 90 per cent and the department achieved transfer these state forests to protected area. 80 per cent. Factors influencing this included the unprecedented prolonged wet season and statewide The Ecotone forests are located to the west of flooding. Tropical cyclones Anthony and Yasi also the Wet Tropics and will link North Queensland’s prevented access to many construction sites by staff savannah woodlands with the rainforests of the Wet and contractors. Tropics World Heritage Area. These forests have high biodiversity values and play an important role as climate change corridors in Queensland’s tropical North Stradbroke Island north. This financial year, more than 47 000 hectares of Ecotone state forests were transferred to forest reserve. North Stradbroke Island is being protected for the benefit of future generations under the department’s Progress was also made transferring state forest in North Stradbroke Island (NSI) Strategy. The strategy is Queensland’s central coast. These forests connect the based on the government’s commitment to establish coastal plains to Eungella National Park’s high-country. a world-class national park, fast track the phase out In this region, more than 20 000 hectares of state forest of mining, achieve land justice for the Quandamooka has been transferred to forest reserve. people, support an economic transition for the island The Statewide Forest Process has made a significant and manage land use planning across the whole of NSI. contribution to the protection of Queensland’s Since the strategy’s commencement, there have been biodiversity over the past 10 years, transferring many significant steps towards a strong future for about 895 000 hectares of native state forests to the island. protected area. April 2011 saw the commencement of the North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act National parks capital works 2011. This legislation has two key components. The first was to provide absolute certainty that heavy Queensland’s parks and forests attract around mineral sand mining will end in 2019 with the closure 16 million visits annually. New and upgraded visitor of Enterprise mine. This timeframe is seen as providing facilities and improved management of infrastructure a reasonable period of time to allow the NSI economy are essential to ensure visitor enjoyment and safety. to transition away from its current reliance on mining. The capital works program provides infrastructure, In addition, the legislation places further restrictions on such as new and improved visitor facilities, and invests where the Enterprise mine can operate to minimise its in improving capacity to manage the ever-increasing environmental impact. protected estate. New and upgraded visitor facilities in The second aspect of the legislation is to establish parks and forests include camping and day-use areas, joint management arrangements for the newly created toilets and amenities, walking tracks, lookouts and national park. This will allow the island’s traditional boardwalks, and interpretative signage and displays. owners, the Quandamooka People, to have a direct role Management infrastructure includes the provision in jointly managing the national park. of services at work bases for rangers, park access
Annual Report 2010–11 37 On 25 March 2011, the first stage of the national park—Naree Budjong Djara—was declared, and covers Rapid Assessment Program one-fifth, or over 5000 hectares, of the island. The The Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) is undertaken national park will increase to 50 per cent of the island at a minimum of every two years and measures the by the end of 2011, rising to 80 per cent of the island factors central to good park management, such as the by 2026. As the park expands, previously unseen presence of information, programs and actions that sections of the island will be open to visitors protect the natural and cultural values of parks and to experience. deliver high quality visitor experiences. To build a sustainable future for North Stradbroke Under the program surveys are conducted regularly. Island, the strategy recognises that support will be These evaluate the current state of management of each required to assist the NSI economy to move from park against desired good practice indicators (GPIs) and its focus on mining to other sectors. An Economic results from the previous surveys. Transition Taskforce has been established to assist in the development of an economic strategy for the GPIs provide the benchmark for good practice island as well as industry action plans to underpin management and make the RAP a simple planning this strategy. Areas of particular focus are tourism, tool by setting out ‘where we want to be’ on a range of education and training and Indigenous business parameters for each park. opportunities. Further work is being undertaken to The results from the RAP can be used to: identify other industry sectors that can contribute to • give an biennial picture of management performance the future of the island. There is also a significant body of work that will need to be undertaken with regard to • allow trends in park management to be monitored land use planning on the island. over time • identify areas of excellence in park management The island is undergoing significant changes. A key aspect of the department’s work is linked to supporting • identify areas of park management that need the community as it is going through this change and attention identifying mechanisms for community engagement. • adapt and improve park management. A Ministerial Reference Group has been established The last RAP survey was completed in 2009–10 for as a way in which the Minister can interact with all national parks across Queensland. The results were community interests on a wide variety of issues. positive with 57 per cent of GPIs met or exceeded. Further community engagement activities have been The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 undertaken—and will continue to evolve—such as included the service standard—The percentage of good information sessions and working groups, to allow for practice indicators (GPI) for national parks that are a flow of information between the government, island met or exceeded, as measured by the Rapid Assessment residents and other interested parties. Program. The RAP surveys were not undertaken in 2010–11, therefore a target for 2010–11 was not set. It Artificial reef sites is anticipated that the next survey will be conducted in the 2012–13 financial year. In 2008, the Queensland Government committed to establishing six new artificial reefs in Moreton Bay Marine Park, at a cost of $2 million. Nature refuges The artificial reef project provides increased habitat The Nature Refuges Program aims to protect for reef fish and creates additional opportunities for Queensland’s conservation values outside of the DERM- recreational fishers, following the rezoning of the managed estate. The program secures legally-binding, Moreton Bay Marine Park in August 2009. voluntary conservation agreements on privately- managed land. By the end of 2010–11, three artificial reef sites were completed. These include Harry Atkinson, West Peel Once a conservation agreement is finalised between a and East Coochie. landholder and the Queensland Government, a nature refuge is gazetted as a class of protected area under the A contract is in place for the fabrication, transportation Nature Conservation Act 1992. and deployment of purpose-built artificial reef structures at the three remaining locations—Wild Banks, Nature refuges are intended to significantly contribute North Moreton and South Stradbroke. Fabrication to the Queensland Government’s commitment to of these structures has commenced with deployment achieve 20 million hectares of protected areas by 2020. scheduled for August 2011 (weather permitting).
38 Department of Environment and Resource Management NatureAssist is a competitive incentive scheme within the Nature Refuges Program, providing landholders Koala Response Strategy with the opportunity to tender for financial assistance The Koala Response Strategy aims to halt the to protect and actively manage the conservation values decline of South East Queensland’s koala population of their property. In return, landholders commit to and achieve a net gain in mature and actively maintaining and improving the conservation values of regenerating koala habitat across the region by 2020. their land by signing a conservation agreement. DERM has an ongoing role in the management There are 595 remnant regional ecosystems (RE) of koalas in South East Queensland including occurring within the current Nature Refuge Estate, monitoring both koala populations and bushland which represents 45 per cent of the total 1332 REs habitat change, managing the Moggill Koala Hospital in Queensland. Of the 595 REs, 60 (10 per cent) are and Daisy Hill Koala Centre, providing ongoing considered ‘endangered’ and a further 173 (30 per cent) support to local governments as they implement the are considered ‘of-concern’. requirements of planning instruments, purchasing and rehabilitating koala habitat, administering the Nature refuges also protect 215 185 hectares across Koala Nature Refuge Program, building partnerships 46 REs otherwise unrepresented in the current protected to facilitate retrofitting of roads, and supporting area estate. An additional 242 underrepresented ongoing research into disease control. REs, with an area of 1 107 750 hectares, constitute 40 per cent of current nature refuges. Surveys of koala populations have been completed for the Koala Coast, Redlands Urban, Narangba As well as protecting important habitat for wildlife, Relocation, Ipswich and Oakey populations. the Nature Refuges Program is heavily involved in supporting threatened species projects (such as the second colony of endangered northern hairy-nosed Koala Nature Refuges wombats at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge) and in habitat restoration work, such as the Koala Nature The Koala Nature Refuges Program is a key Refuges Program in South East Queensland. component of the Queensland Government’s Koala Response Strategy. The program provides landholders The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 with the opportunity to apply for financial assistance included the service standard—Increase in the area to revegetate and manage koala habitat values (hectares) of high conservation quality land gazetted on their land in the South East Queensland Koala as nature refuge. The department set a target of Protection Area. one million hectares and this target was met. The program aims to significantly increase the In 2010–11, nature refuges grew to protect more areas of habitat available to koalas by restoring than 2.79 million hectares in 398 nature refuges— degraded habitat, as well as secure adjoining existing approximately 1.5 per cent of the total area of habitat where applicable. Funding to landholders is Queensland and around one-quarter of Queensland’s conditional upon entering into a legally-binding, total protected area estate. This increase positions perpetual conservation agreement to establish a Queensland well to achieve approximately nature refuge over all or part of the property. seven million hectares of nature refuges by 2020, a vital component of the overall goal of securing In 2010–11, 14 new Koala Nature Refuges—a total of 20 million hectares of protected areas by 2020. 100.87 hectares—were gazetted. In addition, a further 2288 hectares of new Koala Nature Refuges were under negotiation as at 30 June 2011. This included 103.3 hectares proposed for rehabilitation, from the first round of the Koala Nature Refuges Program. A second round was opened in May 2011.
Annual Report 2010–11 39 2912 hectares of USL was allocated for public Northern hairy-nosed wombats recreation contributing towards the Government’s Northern hairy-nosed wombats are rarer than the Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland 2020 Green Sumatran tiger, Central Africa’s mountain gorilla target of protecting 50 per cent more land for nature and China’s giant panda. Once found across eastern conservation and public recreation. Australia, there are only about 138 wombats left Over the next 12 months it is estimated that around in existence. 300 parcels may be allocated, which has the The re-establishment of the second northern hairy- potential to increase the availability of land for: nosed wombat colony at the Richard Underwood • urban and regional development Nature Refuge continued successfully throughout the • conservation purposes (i.e. the protected area year. Additional animals were introduced to the second estate and koala habitat) colony and 11 of the 15 wombats translocated from • Indigenous use and ownership (including Epping Forest to Richard Underwood Nature Refuge resolution of native title claims) have survived. They all appear to be in good condition consistent with the excellent season for pasture growth. • open space, public recreation and other community use. The highlight of the project in 2010–11, was the birth of joeys to two of the female wombats. These young are likely to emerge from the pouch during 2011-12. Cape York Dreaming Track The Xstrata sponsorship to support this project was Cape York Peninsula contains spectacular natural also renewed for a further two years. features that are of regional, national and global significance. Two World Heritage listed areas adjoin the Unallocated state land—public Cape—the rainforests of the Wet Tropics to the south and the Great Barrier Reef to the east. These attractions, recreation in combination with the area’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, present a world class tourism drawcard. The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) administers about 70 per cent The department has worked closely with the Cape York of Queensland under the Land Act 1994. Commonly Institute, Cape York Land Council and the Balkanu referred to as State land, this excludes freehold land, Cape York Aboriginal Development Corporation to map Commonwealth land and land administered under the a Dreaming Track on Cape York Peninsula. Nature Conservation Act 1992. A feasibility study into the Dreaming Track concept Unallocated State Land (USL) is state land that has was completed. This study identified that significant not been allocated for a particular use or tenure, and investment could occur in a new eco-cultural tourism is managed by the department. More than 18 638 project with economic and employment benefits for parcels of USL currently exist, covering in excess of traditional owners of Cape York Peninsula, as well as 1.19 million hectares. During 2010–11 DERM allocated contributing to welfare reform and closing the gap tenure to USL which resulted in a net reduction to USL initiatives. Consideration of how this proposal could be of 86 312 hectares. implemented is expected in 2011–12. This year—in line with the new framework for the planning and management of State Government Wild River Rangers property dealings—DERM implemented an accelerated program for the allocation and disposal of USL to its In 2010–11 the Wild River Rangers program had most appropriate use and tenure. an additional 10 Indigenous rangers contracted in northern Queensland who care for and promote the In allocating USL, the department is required under world-class natural values of wild rivers. This brings the Land Act 1994 to consider a range of matters to the total number of Wild River Rangers to 40. determine the most appropriate tenure and use for the land. As part of this process the department seeks input Most wild river rangers are traditional owners of the from other government agencies, local governments land on which they work. They implement a wide and, where appropriate, the community. Land range of activities including weed and feral animal considered suitable for public recreation is identified control, fire management, fencing of wetlands, erosion through this process and reserved for recreational mitigation, cultural heritage management, transfer purposes with a suitable trustee, normally a local of traditional knowledge, community education and government or a community group, being appointed visitor management. to manage the area for public use. In 2010–11,
40 Department of Environment and Resource Management Building skills with a view towards career development is an important part of the Wild River Rangers Great Barrier Reef Protection program. The rangers receive nationally recognised The Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan and transferrable qualifications so they can safely, (Reef Plan) seeks to minimise pollution from broad- effectively and efficiently undertake their job. Many scale land use and reduce pollutants entering the reef. are undertaking Certificate II or III in Conservation and Land Management. Training provided through DERM’s major deliverable is the $50 million Reef the program has afforded rangers the skills and Protection Package, which includes research, extension confidence required to perform real life emergency work and regulation on pollution from cane and cattle rescue operations. In January rangers from Burketown production in the Mackay–Whitsunday, Burdekin and rescued 14 people who had been swept off the Wet Tropics regions. The regulation requires mandatory Leichardt crossing. Wild river rangers from across record keeping, controls the use of fertiliser and weed northern Queensland also assisted with clean up work poison and, for some producers, environmental risk immediately after Cyclone Yasi hit Cardwell. management plans (ERMPs) setting action plans to reduce the risk of run-off to the Great Barrier Reef. The department’s Service Delivery Statement Currently 82 per cent (884 of the expected 1084) 2010–11 included the service standard—Increase in of ERMPs have been received for accreditation. A Indigenous involvement in delivery of natural resource compliance program commencing in late 2011 will management, directly related to the Wild River Rangers monitor compliance with the mandatory requirements. program. The department set a target of 10 additional rangers and this target was met. Under the Reef Protection Package, DERM is undertaking an assessment across the regulated catchments to provide information about the landscape Cape York—‘Closing the Gap’ characteristics that contribute to sediment, nutrients and pesticides on the Great Barrier Reef. The Queensland Government is committed to acquiring selected grazing properties in the Cape York Peninsula During the past year, landscape environmental region to provide for the conservation of significant characteristic data and maps have been developed natural and cultural values and the recognition of to provide information on the natural potential for Indigenous aspirations for the area. Benefits as a result landscapes to contribute to water quality decline. of the acquisition program include: To complement the environmental characteristic • increasing the Queensland protected area estate to maps, a hazard assessment report and user guide meet National Reserve System targets were developed and refined through consultation • establishing connectivity between existing and/or with regional stakeholders. The maps, reports and proposed protected areas user guides represent part of the ongoing science • protection of ecosystems, including rare and program, which informs the Queensland Government’s threatened plant and animal species not presently Reef Protection Policy, the implementation of the represented in the state’s reserve system. Reef Plan and ongoing development of the Reef Protection Package. • conserving the cultural landscape of Cape York Peninsula given the strong traditional, historical and The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 contemporary significance to Indigenous people. included the service standard—Percentage of actions • providing significant opportunities for Indigenous under the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection people through recognition of traditional ownership, Plan led by the department assessed as progressing participation in land management activities and satisfactorily or better. The department set a target decision making, employment and training, and of 100 per cent and this target was met. enhanced access to business opportunities including tourism.
Annual Report 2010–11 41 Paddock to Reef program Kirra Beach The Paddock to Reef (P2R) program is a world leading For more than 50 years Kirra Beach has attracted program designed to evaluate progress towards the surfers from around the world who have made the trek Reef Plan goals and targets. to the popular north-facing break that challenges even the best. The P2R program assesses the status of land management practices, water quality and ecosystem Years of pumping to sustain the northward flow of health in paddock, catchment and marine areas to beach sand from the Tweed River had inadvertently provide a link between management practice actions widened the beach and reshaped the surf. on land and water quality outcomes for the Great The State Government committed $1.5 million toward Barrier Reef. its restoration. This funding has been utilised for a DERM plays a leading role in delivering the Paddock short-term sand excavation program and is supporting to Reef program with responsibility for paddock and a long-term plan to solve the problems caused by sand catchment scale monitoring, modelling and remote pumping in the Tweed River. sensing activities (as per Action 10 of Reef Plan). DERM has been collaborating with the local DERM also plays a significant role in producing the community to develop management options for the Annual Reef Report Card. Kirra Beach restoration work, with the Gold Coast City Specifically, the department is: Council undertaking the on-site works. • undertaking water quality monitoring of sediments, The on-site works involved sand being scraped nutrients and pesticides in priority reef catchments from the foreshore and 1.7 km of sand dunes • undertaking rainfall simulation field experiments to re-profiled behind Kirra Beach and the preparation measure the impact of rainfall events on movement of a revegetation management plan. of pollutants in cropping, horticultural and grazing systems During the reporting period, 136 094 cubic metres of sand was moved into the dunes behind Kirra Beach, • measuring water quality arising from various land and 18 000 native plant species were planted to management practices in various cropping systems revegetate the restored dunes. Gold Coast City • collaborating with the Department of Employment, Council will continue to maintain the site for a Economic Development and Innovation and CSIRO further 12 months. to undertake paddock-scale modelling of land management practice change On completion of this work at the end of November 2010, the surf break adjacent to the Kirra Surf Life • conducting whole-of-catchment modelling of Saving Club was showing signs of recovery. sediment, nutrients and pesticides entering reef river systems. During the 2010–11 period, the department collected Compliance a record number of water quality samples during the The department’s overarching compliance strategy is wet season to better quantify pollutant loads from to work with business, industry and the community priority reef catchments. DERM also developed a to improve their understanding of Queensland’s series of water quality models for the reef catchments, environmental and natural resource laws, and ensure which combine with monitoring to provide a tool for they meet their legal obligations. This strategy is measuring and predicting water quality changes in the supported by a strong enforcement capability, and reef catchments. its success is demonstrated by the department’s very DERM undertook remote sensing using high resolution strong enforcement and prosecution record. satellite imagery to identify and monitor the extent The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 of, and changes in, land use, pasture cover, wetlands included the service standard—All approved formal and riparian vegetation. This information is used for investigations of alleged non-compliance with all modelling and to report on progress towards the Reef legislation administered by DERM completed within Plan targets. 12 months of investigation approval date. The This work is used in the first Reef Report Card, due for department set a target of 95 per cent and this target release in August 2011. The report card will establish was met. a baseline for management practices, catchment condition and water quality pollutant levels based on data from previous years.
42 Department of Environment and Resource Management The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 Level 1 mining projects seeking an environmental also included the service standard—Number of planned authority for coal, metaliferous and/or bauxite mines compliance inspections of sites carrying our regulated must be accompanied by a site-specific environmental activities: management plan. Applications are rigorously assessed • Level A (basic inspections) and, if approved, have conditions imposed to prevent or minimise harm, thereby promoting sustainable • Level B (condition audit) development outcomes. • Level C (performance audit). Level 2 mining projects, such as exploration activities The department set a target of 180 for Level A, 430 for or gem mining, have a lower risk of causing harm Level B and 80 for Level C. The department achieved and can be authorised through a code of compliance. 300 inspections for Level A. This variance is due to the Applicants for a code-compliant environmental department proactively undertaking checks of many authority must certify that all their mining activities flood affected premises or a more detailed assessment can comply with the conditions in the relevant code of of only a portion of the operations, such as stormwater environmental compliance. management controls or containment dam levels following the summer disasters. The targets for Levels B The department’s Service Delivery Statement and C were met. 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage of environmental authorities administered under the The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 Environmental Protection Act that are issued within included the service standard—Percentage of compliance statutory timeframes. The department set a target of projects and other activities set out in the Annual 100 per cent and achieved 99 per cent. This variance Compliance Plan completed on time. The department occurred as one registration certificate was approved, set a 2010 target of 90 per cent and the target achieved and one authority was issued, outside timeframes. was 85 per cent. This variance is predominately due Both were delayed due to flooding in Brisbane and to natural disaster response and recovery activities, subsequent impact on staffing, which resulted in them affecting site access, and diverting staff resources being received after the due date for a decision. to cleanup, water and sewerage services, waste management and compliance issues with mine and coal seam gas operations. The introduction of new Coal seam gas legislative frameworks, and the conclusion of previous compliance activity (at risk of falling outside the statute DERM is committed to ensuring the coal seam gas of limitation to take court action), also affected Annual (CSG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) industries operate Compliance Plan project timelines. For one particular in a way that ensures Queensland’s environment project, timelines were affected by local government and natural resources are protected for current resources being diverted to disaster recovery. Delayed and future generations. DERM has introduced an projects will either be completed on time, albeit with a adaptive management regime to ensure regulation modified scope to account for the impact from natural responds to what is happening on-the-ground and disasters, or carried over into the 2011–12 Annual that the environment is protected, even in unforeseen Compliance Plan. circumstances. The Queensland Government has spent the past year reforming laws and policies around the CSG/LNG Environmental authorities industry and increasing compliance activities to meet A mining project is prescribed under the Environmental community expectations and protect the environment. Protection Act 1994 as Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the risk of environmental harm. These mining activities are authorised under an environmental authority.
Annual Report 2010–11 43 Amendments have been made to the: In 2010–11 the program invested $11 million through • The Government has adopted aquifer injection 14 regional NRM groups. An additional $450 000 was (including virtual injection) as the preferred CSG provided to flood-affected regions to aid flood recovery water management option whenever feasible to projects in the Lockyer Valley and the Queensland mitigate against environmental risks and long-term Murray–Darling Basin. impacts on aquifers. The program focussed on six priorities—biodiversity, • Environmental Protection Act 1994 to ensure that wetlands, water quality, coastal risk, sustainable companies are not allowed to actively use BTEX agriculture, and weeds and pests. chemicals as a deliberate component of hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) fluids. A draft Regional NRM Framework was prepared which sets out the organisational structure and administrative • Water Act 2000 amendments to require CSG system by which the department develops and delivers companies to undertake baseline bore assessments regional NRM arrangements. In mid June 2011, the before production and to make good any impacts on draft framework was released for targeted consultation groundwater supplies. The role of the independent with key stakeholders. Queensland Water Commission (QWC) has been extended to manage the cumulative impacts of the The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 CSG industry and to undertake modeling to identify included the service standard—Percentage of eligible potential groundwater impacts. The first cumulative regional Natural Resource Management group State management area in the Surat and Southern investments reviewed annually and fully acquitted Bowen basin areas have been declared to provide a against program objectives. The department set a target region-wide approach to monitoring and managing of 100 per cent and this target was met. groundwater impacts. • Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 establishes purpose-built rigorous requirements for Queensland waste reforms recycled CSG water that impacts on town drinking The department has committed itself to a decade-long water supply sources to ensure, and provide program of overhauling practices and attitudes within assurance, that public health is protected. Queensland’s waste management operations. Additional compliance activities by DERM have The government has an overarching target to halve the included: amount of waste going to landfill by 2020. • the introduction of an annual CSG/LNG Compliance The department consulted extensively with stakeholders Plan to ensure that compliance activities are carried from local governments, industry groups, the waste out in a transparent manner management industry, specialist waste consultants, • increased compliance and enforcement capabilities interstate counterparts and community groups. From and resources including the establishment of the this Queensland’s Waste Reduction and Recycling LNG enforcement unit to investigate landholder Strategy 2010–20 was established, accompanying concerns about environmental, groundwater, gas legislation and support programs. The strategy will safety and land access issues progressively shift the emphasis from recycling toward • measurements were taken from 150 groundwater a culture where waste reduction is an accepted lifestyle monitoring bores in 2010–11, with an expected choice, and Queensland’s usual way of doing business. 300 bores to be sampled by December 2011. The number of monitoring bores to be measured in the On 1 December 2011 the strategy reforms will be 2012 calendar year is 300. This monitoring program implemented, and the department has been working will be used to verify the accuracy of information with industry and local governments to refine the provided by CSG operators. management systems. This includes: to collect the industry waste levy; helping to fund necessary infrastructure; developing guidance materials; Natural resource and developing information material to help all stakeholders be aware of their responsibilities management groups and opportunities. The Queensland Government’s Q2 Coasts and Country program provides funding and support for Recovering resources natural resource management. The program works in partnership with regional natural resource management In 2010, the ‘Do the right thing, use the right bin’ (NRM) bodies to protect, restore and sustainably schools project, funded in partnership with the manage the state’s land, water and biodiversity. Australian Packaging Covenant, introduced recycling systems into 157 primary schools across Queensland. By providing bin infrastructure and awareness-raising
44 Department of Environment and Resource Management materials not otherwise easily available or affordable The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 for Queensland schools. The project aimed to increase includes the service standard—Annual percentage positive recycling awareness among 50 000 students increase of science-based products available from and instil recycling habits that would provide for the DERM website. The department set a target of long-lasting behaviour change. It is estimated that five per cent and this target was met. participating schools will divert 778 tonnes of During the 2010–11 reporting period, a number of packaging and paper waste from landfill per annum. new science-based products were produced including The project was highly successful, delivering positive new web pages, reports, graphs, map services, data sets results for schools including: and updates to existing systems such as information • a significant increase in student awareness of proper on the scientific investigations into the effects of the waste separation and waste minimisation practices Queensland flood and cyclone events. • 94 per cent indicated the project brought about an The WetlandMaps facility provides an interactive map increase in school recycling rates service that aims to give users fast and easy access • 83 per cent indicated the project had a to wetland information via a web-based Geographic positive impact on student interests and school Information System (GIS). WetlandMaps make environmental policy information about locations of wetland systems and • 66 per cent indicated the project had a positive wetlands inventory surveys and sites available to impact on educational initiatives, student leadership the public. and parental involvement The Queensland Herbarium provides a detailed analysis • 100 per cent would recommend the project to other of regional ecosystems in Queensland every two years. Queensland schools. This analysis provides up-to-date information to assist landholders in planning and assessing vegetation The Public Place Recycling program was established to for conservation. Using a combination of landform, encourage Queenslanders to recycle away from home geology, soils, climate and vegetation, regional by introducing recycling bins into prominent public ecosystems are defined to provide a useful classification places, such as major sporting stadia, shopping centres, system for biodiversity. Landholders are able to access national parks, transport hubs and public areas. information about regional ecosystems and regrowth The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 online and print out the latest maps. included the service standard—Tonnage of recyclable Wildlife Online enables the public to access a list of materials from stadia, public venues and public events wildlife that the department has recorded for areas such diverted from the waste stream into recycling. The as protected areas (national parks, conservation parks), department set a target of 600 and this target was met. forestry areas (State forests and timber reserves) and local government areas, or areas defined by the user Science-based products using coordinates (latitudes and longitudes). The list is created in a portable document format (PDF), or a text Science-based products are provided by the department file can be emailed to a valid email address. to help support policy and management decision making by business, government and the community. The Online Environmental Mapping Service provides quality maps of an area of interest to support a number By making this data available, more Queenslanders of legislative and government policy initiatives. The have access to high-quality scientific information about area of interest is selected by entering the lot and the state’s natural resources and environment, helping plan, and a PDF map is then emailed to a valid email them make well-informed decisions about sustainable, address. The available maps cover a range of topics environmental management. such as regional ecosystems, koala habitat and referable wetlands.
Annual Report 2010–11 45 DERM also makes air quality data available to the environmental legislation, for planning and for public via its website. This includes air pollutant biodiversity conservation by the State, Commonwealth measurements and meteorological observations from and local governments. The program provides the its network of 29 air quality monitoring stations. The science that determines the conservation status of public can graph data on a daily, weekly, monthly and regional ecosystems, the Vegetation Management Act yearly basis and obtain interpretation of air quality 1999 and audits the extent of regional ecosystems. data against the appropriate guidelines and standards. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 SEQ Ecosystem Health included the service standard—Percentage of time that valid live air quality monitoring data is available from Monitoring Program the DERM website. The department set a target of DERM undertakes the Ecosystem Health Monitoring 95 per cent and this target was met. Program (EHMP) to support management and conservation of South East Queensland’s waterways. Ecosystems mapped The department works with the SEQ Healthy Waterways To ensure Queensland’s ecosystems are healthy, Partnership to produce a South East Queensland protected and biodiverse the department continually Report Card from the EHMP, measuring the impact of maps vegetation communities and ecosystems across catchment pressures on the rivers, estuaries and bays. the state. For the past 10 years, the EHMP has produced a Queensland’s regional ecosystem vegetation maps Report Card to highlight whether the health of are updated every two years to reflect the most South East Queensland’s waterways is declining or recent satellite imagery acquired by the Queensland improving. Ecosystem health parameters are assessed Government. against guidelines resulting in a single grade for each freshwater, estuarine and marine system. The latest This information is readily available for the Report Card was released in October 2010. community via the department’s website and is important to the future of Queensland as it is used Grading rivers, estuaries, and bays, provides a in the development of the state’s vegetation and benchmark for improvement and valuable baseline environmental legislation and is also used by State, datasets for comparison. local and Commonwealth governments for planning The 2010 Report Card presents an ‘A’ to ‘F’ health and conservation purposes. grade based on the analysis of data collected from Sections of mapping were completed for the Gulf 135 freshwater and 254 estuarine and marine sites Plains, Northwest Highlands and Channel Country (389 in total) in South East Queensland and Moreton bioregions in 2010–11, and further mapping is Bay, for the period of July 2009 to June 2010. planned for these areas as well as the Mitchell Grass In 2010, the Report Card grade for Moreton Bay Downs bioregion in 2011–12. was “C”. This result was an improvement from the The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 “D” grade in 2008–09. included the service standard—Annual increase of the The benefits of the EHMP were demonstrated after the number of hectares of vegetation communities and January 2011 floods. DERM, University and CSIRO ecosystems mapped to support key policy programs. researchers were able to compare the severity of The department set a target of six million hectares to post-flood water quality changes to baseline be mapped and this target was met. information from the valuable EHMP datasets. The reduction in the area of vegetation communities Monitoring has contributed to an understanding and ecosystems mapped (from six million to five about the impact of the flood events on Moreton Bay. million hectares) will delay the completion of this The autumn assessment of South East Queensland’s statewide mapping until 30 June 2015. To date, this freshwater catchments for the 2010–11 Report Card mapping project is 91 per cent complete having was also completed. mapped 162 million hectares of Queensland. The results from these studies are anticipated DERM’s best practice regional ecosystem survey, to demonstrate how ecosystems of South East mapping and monitoring program is the leading Queensland’s freshwater catchments fared after program of its kind in Australia. This information the 2010–2011 summer flooding. is fundamental for the state’s vegetation and
46 Department of Environment and Resource Management Historic Shipwrecks Act Queensland Youth Some 1400 shipwrecks line Queensland’s coast and Environment Council each one is an irreplaceable piece of the state’s historic heritage. Wrecks are also frequently graves and/or The Queensland Youth Environment Council (QYEC) important artificial reefs that support a great variety of is an advisory body appointed by the Minister for marine flora and fauna, and by locating and managing Environment and the Minister for Education and these sites, DERM can ensure that current and future Industrial Relations to provide the government with a generations can enjoy and better understand their youth perspective on environmental issues. maritime heritage. The council comprises a group of 15 dedicated young In July 2010, the department assumed the Queensland people aged 16–25 who volunteer their time to advise delegation for the Commonwealth Historic Shipwreck the Environment Minister through a secretariat based Act 1976 from the Queensland Museum. within DERM’s Natural Resources and Environment Division. The secretariat manages recruitment of Since taking on this responsibility, the management members, training, meeting and event logistics and of historic shipwrecks within Queensland and adjacent policy support for QYEC. waters has undergone significant change and this change is being led by the DERM maritime archaeology The council also provides a forum for members to program. inspire other young Queenslanders to live more sustainably at school, university and work. After identifying that there was a lack of information on the state’s historic shipwrecks the department QYEC members come from all over the state, including commenced a five-year survey of Queensland’s Dalby, Mackay, Ayr, Mareeba, Townsville, the Gold historic shipwrecks, which aims to locate, identify and Coast and Brisbane. management all historic shipwrecks across the state. In 2010–11, the council provided advice to the The survey aims to improve the official records by government on renewable energy, the draft Waste collating detailed information from the public, as well Reduction and Recycling Strategy, communicating as historical research and targeted field work to locate, climate change messages and the draft Queensland record and assess as many historic shipwrecks as Biodiversity Strategy. possible. QYEC has also participated in a wide range of Information gathered during the survey will be used community events to spread the word on sustainability. to update entries in the Australian National Shipwreck These have included: the Earth Unplugged Festival Database. Approximately 500 entries on the Australian in Toowoomba, the International Youth Coastal National Shipwreck Database have been updated and Conference at Caloundra, the Mary River Festival, the three new wrecks located. 2010 Greencliffe Festival at Redcliffe and University of Queensland and Griffith University Orientation Week The department’s delegation under the Act has also events. QYEC’s life sized ‘Green or Greedy’ board game provided it with the opportunity to facilitate the helps young people think about how to reduce their training of 100 State and Commonwealth shipwreck carbon footprint while having fun at the same time. inspectors, representing five different agencies, in areas between Thursday Island and Brisbane. QYEC has also conducted sustainability workshops for schools in Toowoomba, Dalby and Townsville This training has substantially increased Queensland’s and launched a sustainable students portal on its capacity to monitor and manage its historic shipwrecks, website
Annual Report 2010–11 47 Snapshot Northern hairy-nosed wombat reintroduction project Queensland is home to one of the rarest animals It was necessary to create starter burrows at the new on Earth. colony site to provide a secure environment for the animals to initially dig and modify, or use as shelter The hairy-nosed wombat is more endangered than until they constructed their own burrows. These were China’s giant panda and the Sumatran tiger with as created by drilling at a depth, width and angle known few as 138 left in existence. to be desirable to the animals and based on previous Up until mid–2009, these wombats were solely research on burrow architecture. located at Epping Forest, which meant the colony Sustainable accommodation was also built to allow was at risk from one natural disaster or disease rangers on-site to manufacture their own energy and wiping out the entire species. collect rainwater. A two-year search by DERM rangers across central In July 2009, after various rounds of trapping and and southern Queensland identified a suitable site health checks, the first of the northern hairy-nosed 600 kilometres away on a property near St George wombats were captured and airlifted from Epping which could be the ideal location to help establish a Forest to their new home at the Richard Underwood new colony and protect the species from extinction. Nature Refuge. The search involved satellite imagery, soil, landform Eleven northern hairy-nosed wombats have settled and regional ecosystem mapping, and site visits for into the new site and are showing all the signs of vegetation and soil testing. a healthy colony—digging burrows, grazing and The property was within the species’ original home socialising. range, had soil suitable for wombats to dig their long, In March 2011, while checking footage from deep burrows and had an adequate supply of food monitoring cameras, DERM rangers confirmed one and water. of the female wombats was carrying a joey and The owners of the property, Ed and Gabbi within one month, another female was also carrying Underwood, entered into a nature refuge agreement, a pouch young. securing this area for the wombats in perpetuity. These births are significant milestones and indicate A $3 million donation from Xstrata meant that that the reintroduction project has achieved the right DERM had the resources to start preparing the site. conditions for a self-sustaining colony—an excellent DERM scientists, rangers and volunteers built a sign for the long-term security of the species. six kilometre predator-proof fence and removed These additions coincide with even more good news predators from within its boundaries. for the colony—an extended partnership between Supplementary water stations were created, phone DERM and Xstrata over the next two years, building and power lines were relocated, and radio transmitter on the success of Xstrata’s initial partnership. collars and monitoring equipment were set up for researchers to initially trap and then observe wombats after release.
48 Department of Environment and Resource Management Snapshot Cyclone Yasi uncovers mystery shipwreck Since February 2011 archaeologists have been Given the concentration of wrecks around working to identify a mystery shipwreck exposed on Hinchinbrook Island, the area will be targeted Hinchinbrook Island following Cyclone Yasi. during field work for further investigation. The 130-year-old shipwreck has since been identified The information on the wreck will be added to as the brigantine Belle, lost in January 1880 while the department’s five-year statewide survey of attempting to recover cedar timber that had washed Queensland’s historic shipwrecks. ashore from another wrecked vessel. The survey will provide a better understanding Experts from the department’s Heritage Branch have of historic sites of the coast and the best way to conducted a number of site inspections, gathering manage them. evidence to assist in formally identifying the vessel. There are an estimated 1050 historic shipwrecks They were able to determine the length of the vessel, along the Queensland coast, however the department at approximately 100 feet from bow to stern and only has accurate data on about seven per cent of further timber and structural samples were obtained those. for analysis. Members of the public are encouraged to report any Subsequent strong weather events exposed more of information regarding known or possible shipwreck the site, enabling further examination and recording sites so they can be considered for entry in the of the shipwreck. This led to the identification of Australian National Shipwreck Database. a number of features of the vessel, including deck posts, ballast and hull sheathing. Timber samples, which were collected and sent to an identification expert in Victoria, were inconclusive due to chemical effects of the salt water on the timber over a long period. The National Maritime Museum in London was asked to provide records of vessels known or suspected to have been wrecked in the Ramsey Bay area. By June 2011 the wreck was beginning to be covered over again by sand, although it is expected to remain partially exposed for some time. The process of natural reburial will aid in its conservation. A major excavation of the site is not being considered. Any such investigation would require significant planning to avoid unnecessary impact on the vessel. Any interference with a shipwreck older than 75 years of age requires written approval under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 or the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
Annual Report 2010–11 49 Snapshot Queensland hosts forum for Chinese wetland policy makers In October 2010, the Queensland Wetlands The group sought information that would assist Program hosted an exclusive forum for senior the development of national guidelines for the Chinese wetlands policy makers to examine best management of Ramsar wetlands, including best practice approaches for wetland policy and practice wetland management planning, monitoring, national guidelines. rehabilitation and the development of national wetlands parks. China has 37 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (under the Ramsar The forum’s topics ranged across common themes Convention) with a surface area of over three million of interest to China and Australia, for example, hectares. In comparison Queensland’s total area of describing and using Ecological Character Description wetlands is 6.5 million hectares. Queensland in wetland management and monitoring to provide contains five Ramsar wetlands. information that links environmental and human values. The visitors came to learn from their regional neighbour because the Queensland Wetlands The group expressed approval of the innovative Program—a joint Australian and Queensland multi-agency partnerships and practical approaches government initiative—has implemented projects in used in wetland policy, science and management wetlands mapping, management and communication in Queensland. since 2003. The visit was an outcome of a previous successful The group, organised by the Australia–China visit to the Queensland Wetlands Program by Environment and Development Partnership, toured technical managers from the Australia–China world-class wetlands and wetland management Environment and Development Partnership. centres in Queensland and other Australian states. DERM had been approached by Wetlands The Australia–China Environment and Development International to provide information about the Partnership was an Aus-Aid initiative to support Queensland Wetlands Program on the basis of the China’s policies for better environment in areas program’s range of tools and previous successful of common interest including water resource delivery of information to high level international management. delegates. The group wanted to learn how Queensland In 2003, the Australian and Queensland Governments implemented sustainable policies effectively to the established the Queensland Wetlands Program to benefit of the environment, the economy and society. protect wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and throughout Queensland. The head of the delegation was the Deputy Director- General of the State Forestry Administration, in The program is responsible for more than charge of Wetland Policy, International Wetland 30 projects that have delivered a range of new Cooperation and Ramsar Implementation. mapping, information and decision-making tools that will enable government agencies, landowners, The tour was led by Wetlands International, a key conservationists and regional land care bodies to stakeholder and project partner of the Queensland protect and manage wetlands for future generations. Wetlands Program.
50 Department of Environment and Resource Management In 2011, the online valuation listing was available Land on the department’s website, free of charge for The objectives of this departmental service area are 90 days following the issue date of the valuations. to manage Queensland’s natural resources, improve The information allowed landowners to compare Indigenous land ownership and conserve our cultural their valuation with those of neighbouring or similar heritage—which are delivered through initiatives properties. As at 3 July 2011 more than 72 558 searches aimed at: were undertaken. • ensuring confidence and integrity in land systems The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 and information included the service standard—Percentage of valuation • enabling the productive and sustainable use of the objections completed within customer services standards state’s land resources (60 working days of the closure of the objection period). The target for the 2011–12 was set at 90 per cent and • ensuring resource information is accessible and the department achieved 55 per cent. The variance authoritive between the 2010–11 target and the 2010–11 estimated • providing ongoing certainty of resource entitlement actual occurs as a result of legislative changes in March • recognising native title and Indigenous and 2010 which introduced the properly-made test and non-Indigenous cultural heritage. changed timeframes associated with the streamlined objection process, as well as amendments in September 2010 to further extend timeframes for landholders Land valuations to lodge objections and for these objections to be In March 2010, the Queensland Government announced processed. This measure has been discontinued as a package of major reforms to the state’s statutory a result of the reforms and the valuation objection land valuation process. Significant reforms have been process being amended. implemented including the enactment of the Land Valuation Act 2010 on 20 September 2010 and the re-establishment of the statutory position of the Forest product sales Valuer-General in October 2010. During 2010–11, the department set a new record high for its sales of quarry materials under the Forestry The introduction of the Land Valuation Act simplified Act 1959. The commercial DERM Forest Products the objections and appeals process, introduced an branch sold approximately four million cubic metres of annual valuation program for all 58 local governments State–owned quarry material to Queensland extractive in Queensland, and contains provisions that mitigate industries, some 33 per cent above the previous year’s the impact of introducing the site value methodology figure. In addition, an estimated 230 000 cubic metres for non–rural land. of native forest timber was sold to Queensland’s On 3 May 2011, the Valuer-General released the 2011 regionally–based timber processing industry, generating annual valuations to over 1.6 million landowners using an operating surplus of $5.5 million. site value for non-rural land and unimproved value Under its Toward Q2 strategy, the Queensland for rural land. About 89 per cent of all valuations Government is committed to major infrastructure issued by the Valuer-General were based on site value development, including reconstruction and repairs with the remaining 11 per cent based on the original following Queensland’s recent devastating natural unimproved valuation methodology. The introduction disasters. Projects of this nature require economic of site value has not had a noticeable impact on land access to large quantities of quarry material such as fill, valuations, with the Queensland land value for 2011 sand, gravel, aggregate and rock. increasing by only four per cent.
Annual Report 2010–11 51 DERM Forest Products currently supplies 10 per cent of the quarry material used in Queensland each year Strategic cropping land to support extensive infrastructure and mining- In August 2010, the department released the related developments in regional areas, including the Protecting Queensland’s strategic cropping land: A construction of: policy framework, which outlined the Queensland • roads Government’s approach to protecting the state’s best • railways cropping land resources. Public feedback was invited and considered on the framework. • harbours • associated electricity and water management assets. The department developed the proposed criteria for identifying strategic cropping land. To ensure the These projects include the Northern Missing Link rail criteria would reliably identify Queensland’s best line which, when completed, will allow coal trains from cropping land resources, a technical assessment was Central Queensland to access the port of Abbot Point, undertaken involving detailed checking of 128 sites near Bowen. across the five strategic cropping land zones—Granite The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 Belt, Wet Tropics, Coastal Queensland, Eastern Darling included the service standard—Total of Forest Product Downs and Western Cropping. sales quantities per total Forest Product Full Time An expert review was also undertaken to provide Equivalent (FTE): independent advice to the Queensland Government on • Native forest timber (m3/FTE) the criteria and to ensure the criteria were based on • Quarry material (m3/FTE). well-established soil science. This work culminated with the release, on 14 April 2011, of the proposed criteria The department’s target for Native forest timber was for identifying strategic cropping land to be used in 3 set at 2140m /FTE and this target was achieved. The drafting the new strategic cropping land legislation. department’s target for Quarry material was set at 32 560m3/FTE and this target was exceeded by 81403/ On 31 May 2011, the Queensland Government FTE, achieving a total of 40700m3/FTE.* announced the implementation of the Strategic * Full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing numbers are calculated by the Cropping Land (SCL) policy through Strategic Cropping numbers of hours prescribed by the award/industrial instrument Protection Areas and Strategic Cropping Management for the person’s position. For example, a person working 19 hours Areas. Transitional arrangements for resource per week in a position prescribed as 38 hours has an FTE of 0.5. developments, which have met certain milestones in the An organisation’s FTE is the sum of all FTEs. assessment and approval process as at 31 May 2011, were also announced. State plantation forests A draft regulatory assessment statement was released As part of the Queensland Government’s asset sale on 31 May 2011 for public consultation. The regulatory program, assets of the State’s plantation timber assessment statement evaluated the cost recovery business were transferred to Forestry Plantation options associated with implementing the SCL policy Queensland Pty Ltd, a company managed by the and the most efficient and fair way to recover the costs. Hancock Timber Resources Group. To ensure the The department will assess all submissions, which will continued effective management of the State land, inform the finalisation and implementation of the the department is involved in a range of activities, SCL policy. which oversee strategies and plans relating to: • fire management Land Tenure Ledger • road maintenance In March 2011, the department implemented a new • compliance sophisticated computer-based information system that • land contamination replaced an ageing legacy system for the financial • the delivery of a sustainable hardwood timber management of Queensland’s State land portfolio, the resource. Lands Tenure Ledger (LTL). State plantation forests continue to be jointly The State land portfolio covers approximately managed to ensure that the public has access to 70 per cent of Queensland, with some 25 631 leasehold recreational activities and commercial operators are properties. The leasehold properties had a reported able to undertake activities such as stock grazing and financial value of over $63 billion in 2009–10, with beekeeping. over $170 million in invoices and receipts being processed annually.
52 Department of Environment and Resource Management Upgrades to the system included support for the rent A 10 per cent cap on tourism leases was introduced review legislation, including: from 1 July 2010 for 12 months due to the downturn in • future legislative requirements the tourism industry, as a result of the global financial crisis and the difficult local economic conditions at that • operational efficiencies through redeveloped time. The department undertook a review of the tourism business processes industry in April and May 2011, following the extreme • improved transparency of LTL information, which weather events and the release of the 2011 annual leads to improved land management policy valuations, which reflected market movement and the • flexible invoicing options introduction of site value. • the introduction of a single customer concept, which Following the review and taking into consideration aids in the management of large corporate accounts the impacts of the recent floods and cyclones, the • an improved billing framework capable of adding a Queensland Government has extended the cap for the wider class of customers. 2011–12 period, which will commence on 1 July 2011. Land Regulation 2009 State land applications On 1 July 2010, the Queensland Government Under the Land Act 1994, the department administers introduced new rental arrangements, which provide approximately 70 per cent of Queensland. Commonly a better balance between achieving a financial return referred to as State land, this property excludes freehold to the community from the leasehold estate, and land, Commonwealth land and land administered under recognising any community benefits provided by its the Nature Conservation Act 1992. An application to leaseholders. the department is required to obtain an interest in, or In recognition of the benefits provided to the take action on State land. There are over 70 application community, charities and small sporting and types under the Land Act, which the department recreational clubs now have their rents set at aims to have completed within set customer service $100 per annum. To support Queensland’s rural standards. communities, leaseholders in the former intensive The department’s Service Delivery Statement primary production category now have their previous 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage rate for calculating rent reduced from three per cent of State Land applications completed within customer to 1.5 per cent of the averaged land valuation over service standards. five years and annual rents in this category will be capped at no more than 20 per cent above the The department’s target was set at 80 per cent and this previous year’s annual rent until 2017. was achieved. Quarterly billing for rentals over $2000 has been The department is continuing to implement business introduced for most rental categories and the changes to further improve the time taken to assess Queensland Government amended the Land Regulation applications to continue to improve customer service. 2009 to reduce the minimum rental from $370 to $200, indexed each year by Consumer Price Index. The Delbessie Agreement Following the recent natural disasters, the Queensland The Delbessie Agreement establishes a sustainable Government extended the payment deadline on State management framework for rural leasehold land. It land rents from January to June 2011 without penalty applies to approximately 1800 leases issued for grazing for the period of this extension. and agricultural purposes covering approximately half of Queensland.
Annual Report 2010–11 53 The agreement links the maintenance of land condition, pastoralists and communication and power utilities to the protection of conservation values and Indigenous negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements with native access to extended lease terms. title holders. Desktop Environmental Value Assessments (EVAs) Directly associated with these consent determinations are undertaken up to five years prior to expiry of native title were 24 Indigenous Land Use of a Delbessie Agreement lease. A biodiversity Agreements, which have provided for broader assessment officer analyses a number of departmental settlement terms for some claims, and provided for environmental datasets. Staff document the grants of land to native title holders, as well as the environmental values on a lease and the significance of regulation of native title rights over national parks and these values. Information in an EVA report is used to: other protected areas. • determine significant environmental values for As at 30 June 2011, there were 263 registered inclusion into land management agreements Indigenous Land Use Agreements in Queensland out of • inform if a conservation agreement is not or may the 497 registered Australia–wide. The last claim to be be required settled in 2010–11 by consent in Queensland was the • identify environmental values requiring further Waanyi People’s claim in the north–west of the state, field assessment. which covered the Century Mine site and Boodjamulla National Park north of Mt Isa. This determination, The renewal process under the Delbessie Agreement made in December 2010, is also the largest claim to be involves a rigorous science-based assessment of settled in Queensland. The determination area covers land condition. approximately 1.73 million hectares. Cumulatively, as at 30 June 2011, 142 land condition assessments had been completed, with 112 leases determined to be in good condition, and 30 determined Indigenous land surveys to be not in good condition in the Delbessie program. In 2010–2011, the department successfully completed Of the 30 not in good condition, six are in North the Indigenous Communities Land Boundary Region, seven are in Central West, and 17 are in South Framework Improvement Project. The project West Region. commenced in July 2009 and set out to improve the quality of land survey in six priority Aboriginal In addition, 69 Land Management Agreements were communities, namely Aurukun, Doomadgee, Hope Vale, negotiated and 44 leases have been renewed. Of the Kowanyama, Mornington Island and Yarrabah. leases renewed, one has a term of 50 years, 22 have a term of 40 years, 21 have a term of less than 40 years The surveying, which had previously been undertaken and one has incorporated a nature refuge agreement. in those communities, was inadequate and presented an impediment to development. This project has For 2010–11, 74 land condition assessments were removed that impediment and removed anomalies completed and the number of total draft Land in the cadastre to the point where the surveying of Management Agreements provided to lessees was 67. land in communities is simpler and more certain for In addition, 40 Land Management Agreements were private and social housing, economic development and endorsed. government infrastructure. These improvements mean the surveying of leases is Native title claims now straightforward and more cost effective. Better As at 30 June 2011, there were 106 native title claims quality information is now available to local councils across Queensland covering about 50 per cent of the and state government agencies, which assists in state. Queensland has a policy to negotiate rather than making better informed land management decisions. litigate native title claims and is leading the country The learning gained from this project is being used to in the resolution of native title. The Queensland underpin the development of town plans in various Government has allocated an additional $1 million communities. The project aims to reduce the number of from 2011–12 to support the resolution of native title surveying works required to transfer community–held claims across Queensland in line with Federal Court land under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991. priority listing of claims. The department’s Service Delivery Statement Out of the 55 native title determinations made in 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage Queensland as at 30 June 2011, 50 have been settled completion of survey framework infrastructure in six through negotiation. These are referred to as consent priority Indigenous communities by June 2011. The determinations. To date, the 50 consent determinations department’s target was set at 100 per cent and was have also provided opportunities for local governments, achieved.
54 Department of Environment and Resource Management Aboriginal Land Act 1991 are able to search this database as part of the duty of care process established under the Aboriginal Cultural and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003. These searches are an Land Act 1991 important part of the way in which the impacts of land use activities on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (ALA) and the Torres heritage are managed. A total of 12 807 database Strait Islander Land Act 1991 (TSILA) were enacted to searches were performed for land users during the year. provide for the granting of certain land(s) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in recognition of The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 the spiritual, social, historical, cultural and economic included the service standard—Percentage of Cultural importance land holds for them. Land can be either heritage database searches completed with customer transferred or granted under the Acts, after a successful service timeframes (14 working days). The department’s claim for land. target was set at 100 per cent and this was achieved. Following an extensive review of the Acts, which included open and transparent consultation with all Streamlining surveying relevant parties, amendments were proposed through the Aboriginal Land and Torres Strait Islander Land services (EARL II) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill), The Electronic Access for Registry Lodgement which was tabled in Parliament in November 2010. (EARL) program, which began in 2009–10, develops The Bill aims to amend both Acts to: technologies and processes to improve the digital flow • recognise the rights of Aboriginal traditional of cadastral survey information within the government owners at Seisia, Bamaga and Hammond Island and surveying industries. This phase of the project was which are Torres Strait Islander Deeds of Grant in completed in 2010–11 and implementation of the new Trust (DOGIT) established on traditional Aboriginal processes will be carried out in the remainder of 2011. land, and ensure that the Torres Strait Islander Following completion of the project, private sector communities established on these lands can surveyors will have access to online services including: continue to prosper • access to departmental survey records • reduce the number of organisations that need to be • the ability to check the validity of new surveys established in a community by providing for land against survey assessment rules to be granted under the Acts to bodies registered under the Australian Government’s Corporations • the ability to submit new survey plan information. (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 The online services will also enable the streamlining (CATSIA), rather than create new land trusts under of processes and efficiencies within government and the Acts industry practices for the preparation, assessment • improve the governance of existing land trusts and lodgement of property surveys. This will allow established under the Acts surveyors to self-assess over 70 per cent of survey • improve how the Acts align with, and interact with, information content online, which will minimise the the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) industry’s dependency on departmental survey plan • ensure that community development can proceed approval processes. efficiently in communities following the grant of land under the Acts. Titles Registry dealings The proposed amendments support national Indigenous The department’s Titles Registry provides property reform agendas and the department has worked owners and investors with certainty and security closely with the Department of Communities’ Remote through a guarantee of registered freehold title. The Indigenous Land and Infrastructure Program Office Title Registry system utilises advanced technologies, in relation to 40–year social housing leases and with to support timely and accurate processing of title the Housing and Cape York Welfare Reform units with transactions. regard to home ownership and economic development. During 2010–11 more than 99.8 per cent of registrations were completed without the need for any Cultural heritage database subsequent corrective or remedial action. The very The cultural heritage database records information small proportion of corrections were predominantly about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural for minor issues such as mispelling of particulars not heritage sites and places in Queensland. Land users affecting the title holder’s legal rights. In 2010–11, while Queensland experienced lower volumes of
Annual Report 2010–11 55 property dealings, there were still well over 600 000 The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 title transactions processed in the department’s Titles included the service standard—Number of information Registry. Around three-quarters of transactions were resources accessible via Information Queensland. directly related to property sales. Approximately The department’s target was to make available 94 per cent of all dealings were registered within 150 information resources, this was exceeded with five days—including many of a complex legal nature 154 resources available. such as land subdivisions, caveats, and dealings with Information resources added during the past 12 months deceased estates. included aerial photography and flood lines, related to Despite a two-week closure at the Titles Registry’s head the recent natural disasters in Queensland. In addition, office in Brisbane due to flood damage, the department information resources including rail and road networks, continued to provide service to customers through biodiversity, forest plantation, vegetation, strategic eLodgement, and facilitated registration of dealings. cropping land and drainage have also been added. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentages Queensland Heritage Register of Titles Registry dealings registered accurately. The department’s target was set at 99.5 per cent and this The Queensland Heritage Register is a record of places was achieved. of cultural heritage significance to the people of Queensland. It was established in August 1992 when the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 commenced, and Digital Cadastral Database contains more than 1650 places in both private and public ownership. These places—from parks, houses The Digital Cadastral Database is a graphical and lighthouses to churches and mining sites—reflect representation of the land boundaries across the pattern of Queensland’s history and regional Queensland. It is kept up-to-date with the Titles development. In turn, they illustrate the key human Registry, and any changes to property boundaries endeavours that have determined the economic are formalised. The database is used as base-level of development, as well as the fundamental political, property information for a wide range of purposes social and cultural forces that have shaped our society. and products and is used to portray vital property information in relation to numerous other datasets The Queensland Heritage Council, a wholly independent for government, business and public purposes. It is authority, decides which places are entered or removed regarded as a critical government dataset. from the register, following recommendation from the department. Thirty new places have been entered in The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 the Queensland Heritage Register by the Queensland included the service standard—Percentage of Records Heritage Council during the reporting period. processed within customer service standards: • Titles Registry The principal purpose of entering a place in the register is to protect its State heritage values. This is achieved • Digital Cadastral Database. by regulating development that affects them. Ideally, The department’s target for Titles Registry was set at heritage places should be actively used and well 90 per cent in five days, and was consistently met. The maintained and changes should be kept to a minimum. department’s target for the Digital Cadastral Database Development that damages or destroys a place’s was set at 90 per cent in seven days and this was heritage values is not permitted except in special exceeded by 4 per cent. circumstances where there is no prudent or feasible alternative. Information Queensland The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage Information Queensland aims to improve access to of Queensland Heritage Register recommendations Queensland Government-held information by the referred to the Queensland Heritage Council within community, industry and all levels of government— statutory timeframes. The department’s target was set at while reducing duplication of supporting infrastructure 100 per cent, and was successfully achieved. and services within Queensland. The Queensland Government information service is an important component of Information Queensland that allows clients to download digital spatial information resources. These resources are typically used by individuals and organisations in geographic information systems for a range of planning and management purposes.
56 Department of Environment and Resource Management Sustainable Planning Act 2009 Statewide Landcover and Development applications support growth in Tree Study Queensland and where required, conditions are placed on approvals to conserve and manage the The department has undertaken monitoring of woody environment and natural resources. The department vegetation through its Statewide Landcover and Tree processes development applications under the Study (SLATS). This monitoring has provided statistics Sustainable Planning Act 2009, which is designed to on tree clearing rates in Queensland since 1988, as part ensure that matters requiring consideration under state of the Queensland Government’s commitment to its laws are accounted for when development takes place. Vegetation Management Act 1999. During 2010–11, more than 3500 development During 2010–11, SLATS reported on annual vegetation applications were assessed by the department. clearing rates provided for the period of 2008–09. The The assessment process integrates responses on reports indicated that, across the state, clearing rates wide-ranging interests such as the protection of fell by 19 per cent to 99 940 hectares—from a rate of wetlands, management of contaminated sites, 123 000 hectares per year in 2007–08—representing protection of coastal habitat, and protection of water the lowest clearing rate recorded in Queensland since quality and good quality agricultural land. As it is monitoring began in 1988. The clearing rate in the an applicant-driven process, the department has a Great Barrier Reef catchments for the same period was business model in place to reduce associated costs, 31 000 hectares per year, which is 25 per cent less than while providing better services to clients. in the 2007–08 period. The department’s Service Delivery Statement These reduced clearing rates equate to a seven mega 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage tonne (MT) reduction in carbon dioxide emissions— of Sustainable Planning Act (SPA) development from 24 MT in 2007–08 to 17 MT in 2008-09. The applications assessed within legislative timeframes. results are equivalent to removing about 11.5 million The department’s target was set at 100 per cent. The medium-sized vehicles off the road for one year. department processed 98.1 per cent of applications The methodology used to obtain information about within legislative timeframes—with approximately Queensland’s tree clearing rates has been recognised 70 per cent being determined more than five days by other states as being world-class and has now prior to the statutory timeframes. The shortfall was due been adopted by the New South Wales Government to to process/systems issues, including system tracking monitor its woody vegetation, and is also being trialed and reporting limitations. Further enhancements to in the Northern Territory and Victoria. the Ecotrack system came into effect in June 2011. Training and amended administrative processes have also been developed and implemented to help address the shortfall.
Annual Report 2010–11 57 Snapshot State’s quarries help Queensland grow The state’s quarries play an important role in the To meet this need, staff from the Forest Products construction of new roads, footpaths, schools, business unit collaborated with a range of partners hospitals, homes and workplaces. to deliver the required outcomes. In 2010–11 Forest Products: The department’s Forest Products business unit supplies around 10 per cent, or more than five • worked with various state and local government million tonnes, of the state’s total quarry material agencies, including the Queensland Reconstruction requirements. Authority, to identify when and where future quarry resources will be required Quarry material includes numerous grades of hard • undertook geotechnical surveys to ensure key rock, sand and gravel, most of which is used in the resources are identified and protected for future construction of roads, bridges, railways and ports as use through land-use zoning and related actions well as for residential and commercial buildings such • implemented training programs to ensure staff as hospitals, homes and workplaces. have the necessary skills and knowledge for the Both the quantity supplied by Forest Products efficient management of its quarry material and its share of the overall market are set to sales business increase significantly in response to a Queensland • engaged with quarry industry representative Government infrastructure investment program bodies to improve processes and to keep abreast as well as restoration works following the natural of industry requirements and business trends. disasters of early 2011. Further demand for quarry materials is being driven by a number of very large New quarrying operations are only approved if they developments in the mining and energy sectors along satisfy a stringent set of planning requirements. with their associated requirements such as major rail Proponents must show that they can fully address and port infrastructure. any identified community and environmental impacts including off-site effects such as impacts on roads The upsurge in the demand for quarry material has and other infrastructure. signalled a need to find new, strategically located quarry deposits in various areas of the state and to streamline sale development and associated approval processes to allow new projects to be brought on line when and where required.
58 Department of Environment and Resource Management Snapshot 2011 Statutory Land Valuations The department’s State Valuation Service (SVS) Under the direction of the newly-appointed undertakes annual and interim statutory land Valuer-General, other key valuation reforms which valuations of local government areas on behalf of commenced this year included: the Valuer-General. This year has seen the most • the introduction of an annual valuation cycle significant enhancements to the statutory valuation • the enhancement of the objection process for process for almost 70 years. landowners by encouraging a greater exchange Following the government’s announcement in 2010 of information, extension of timeframes, to implement a range of reforms to the valuation simplification of the properly-made requirements system in Queensland, the department, in close and the mandatory offer of independently-chaired consultation with industry stakeholders, implemented conferences for properties valued at greater than a range of reforms and introduced the new Land $5 million Valuation Act 2010 which was assented to on • two mitigation measures to assist in transitioning 20 September 2010. landowners to site value—an offset allowance and a deduction for site improvements This new legislation introduced a range of changes to the statutory valuation process in Queensland. A • an independent external peer review process key outcome of the reform was introduction of site • the appointment of a new quality assurance team value methodology for non-rural land. Site value is within the SVS. the amount which non-rural land could be expected Based on the recommendation of the Valuer-General, to sell for without any structural improvements on the issue of the valuation was delayed from prior to the land (for example houses, buildings or fences). A 31 March 2011 until prior to 30 June 2011, for this site valuation includes site improvements made to the year only to allow sufficient time for SVS valuers to land such as earthworks (for example levelling, filling assess the impacts of extreme weather events on or drainage works). land values. This involved reviewing approximately Site value is more aligned to market value, easier 23 000 valuations for flood-affected properties across to understand and brings Queensland into line 41 local government areas which were impacted by with other states. All rural land in Queensland weather events. continues to be valued under the unimproved On 3 May 2011, approximately 1.6 million statutory value methodology. land valuations were issued to all landholders across To implement these major reforms, 25 new valuers 58 rateable local governments—making this the were recruited to the SVS. Significant enhancements largest statutory valuation ever undertaken. were also made to the Queensland Valuation and All rateable local governments will now be valued Sales (QVAS) database to prepare for site value. annually to ensure that in future years the changes in the market are regularly reported.
Annual Report 2010–11 59 The department also participates in the Water Reform Water Committee that oversights the COAG Work Program The objective of this departmental service area is and reports on the implementation of the National to secure water for Queensland’s future—which is Water Initiative. The department has contributed to delivered through initiatives aimed at: a number of key actions in National Water reform including the: • protecting, securing, managing and supplying the state’s water resources • National Hydrological Modeling Strategy • ensuring natural waters and dependent ecosystems • National Water Knowledge and Research Plan are healthy • National Water Market System • enabling the delivery of safe and reliable water • National Groundwater Working Group Work Plan. supplies Input has also been provided to the National Water • ensuring water levels, and quality of surface and Commission on other projects including the national groundwater systems, are monitored water planning report card and the 2011 National • ensuring Queenslanders conserve water at home Water Initiative biennial assessment. In addition, and in their communities. the progress report on Queensland’s Murray Darling Basin Water Management Partnership (Bilateral) Agreement for 2010 was finalised and submitted to National water reform agenda the Commonwealth for COAG Reform Council (CRC) Queensland is a signatory to the 2004 assessment on 24 March 2011. Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Water The department has continued to implement the urban Initiative—which commits states to specific actions to water reform agenda to increase water efficiency as increase the sustainability, productivity and efficiency identified in the National Water Initiative. In 2010–11 of Australia’s water use. This will ultimately provide this has included: greater certainty to water users, investors and the • provision of support for the ongoing water efficiency environment through a more sustainable approach to labelling and standards scheme managing precious water resources. • extension of the smart water mark Queensland’s water resource planning framework is one • the development of a Queensland specific waterwise major commitment under the National Water Initiative. plant selector tool to encourage water efficient This includes the development and implementation, gardens followed by the review and amendment, of high • continued development and implementation of quality water resource plans (WRPs) and resource a range of waterwise products and programs, operations plans (ROPs) for Queensland’s 23 priority particularly in schools plan areas. The water planning activities undertaken deliver certainty and security for water users and the • continued support for research into creating water environment, for both current and future demands. In sensitive Australian communities. addition, an important outcome of the water resource The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 planning framework is the establishment of tradable included the service standard—Percentage of water water authorisations which are separate to land. authorisations managed in accordance with National The development of WRPs and ROPs include extensive Water Initiative compliant water access entitlement hydrological, ecological, economic and social guidelines—supplemented water authorisations. In assessments, widespread community consultation and 2010–11 the department set a target of 92 per cent an analysis of public submissions. During the reporting and achieved 86 per cent. The department has delayed period the department: the release of the Mary ROP and the Whitsunday ROP to early 2011-12 to enable further analysis of • finalised the WRP for the Baffle Creek Basin public submissions. Under these ROPs, approximately • continued the development of a draft WRP for the 701 supplemented entitlements will be converted to Wet Tropics catchment tradeable water allocations which will advance the • continued the development of a WRP 10-year review department’s National Water Initiative commitment. on Cooper Creek and Fitzroy catchments The Water Planning timeframes are being re-negotiated • progressed ROPs for the Baffle, Mary, Whitsunday with the National Water Commission. and Wet Tropics catchments. In addition, the statement included the service It is anticipated that many of these plans will be standard—Percentage of the State’s natural water released in the coming year. systems managed in accordance with National Water Initiative compliant water planning guidelines—surface water management areas. In 2010–11 the department set a target of 73 per cent and achieved 67 per cent.
60 Department of Environment and Resource Management Delays in finalising the resource operations plans for Mary, Baffle and the Whitsunday—to enable Murray-Darling Basin Plan further analysis of public submissions and also due The department has led Queensland’s involvement in to the exceptional weather event—impacted on the the development of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by department’s capacity to achieve these targets. the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) in order to ensure sustainable outcomes for the Queensland The Queensland water planning framework provides for environment, communities and industries. The plan converting existing water entitlements to tradable water will provide a framework for setting sustainable allocations. Water allocations are an authority to take diversion limits on the amount of surface water water. With title separate from land, water allocations and groundwater that can be diverted within the can be held by anyone, traded as personal property and Murray-Darling Basin. are registered on the Water Allocations Register (WAR). The department provided support to the minister at The WAR centrally records all water allocation titles the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial forums and the and dealings; similar to the way details of land Federal inquiry into the impact of the Basin Plan in ownership are recorded in the land registry. An regional Australia (the Windsor Inquiry). It has an accurate, secure and publicly accessible system, the ongoing role to provide information and advice to the WAR also allows interests and encumbrances, such as MDBA on the development of the draft Basin Plan mortgages, to be registered against an allocation. and facilitate community engagement and feedback, Through revealing the value of water to existing and particularly with the Strategic Consultative Committee. potential users, the water market continues to provide signals which foster innovative and entrepreneurial approaches. For example, investing in improved Great Artesian Basin irrigation technologies allows farmers to derive Sustainability Initiative additional income by selling any excess water gained through efficiency improvements. Through allowing The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative water to be reallocated between competing uses, on a (GABSI) aims to reverse the decline in pressure and voluntary basis, the market introduces more flexibility flow rate resulting from the uncontrolled discharge and promotes higher value uses of water. This ability of water from the Great Artesian Basin since the to transfer water between sectors and users through early 1900s. trading means water can be used and applied where the economic benefits are greater. Over the past 12 years, the Queensland Government, the Commonwealth Government and participating There are currently more than 12 600 water allocations landholders have invested approximately in Queensland with a total volume of approximately $161 million in protecting this valuable resource. 4055101.85 megalitres (ML). Prices for different water As at 30 June 2011, GABSI had saved an estimated products vary, as an example prices range from 176 500 megalitres of discharge from the Basin, $115 per ML in the Barron Basin and $2500 per ML through the rehabilitation of 289 bores and in the Burnett and Fitzroy Basins. During 2010-11 replacement of 9854 kilometres of bore drain, with there have been approximately 400 water allocations piped reticulation systems. Each year, the projects transferred separately from land, involving over are agreed between the Commonwealth and State 91 000 ML and a total consideration of about Governments. $44 million. During the 2010–11 financial year project expenditure Approximately 1 913 water allocations, with a total $10.8 million and 28 bore rehabilitation projects and volume of over 240 683 ML and a value of over 15 bore drain replacement projects were completed. $159 million have been permanently traded (separately from land) since 2003, when tradeable water allocations were first introduced in Queensland.
Annual Report 2010–11 61 The ongoing challenges of engaging and retaining staff The initiative includes: and contractors, coupled with steady participation rates • the establishment of Indigenous Reference Groups means that implementation rates remain at a similar to provide clear feedback to government from level to the past five years. The project continues to traditional owners who speak for country in wild actively engage the community and landholders to river areas raise participation and build on the success to date. • assistance to Indigenous local governments with assessing development applications Wild rivers • an economic development plan to drive economic development on the Cape Wild river declarations strike a balance between • an Indigenous business mentors network where allowing sustainable economic development and successful entrepreneurs will work with Indigenous protecting natural or near-natural river systems for communities to establish new businesses. current and future generations. Work is continuing with Indigenous leaders to develop The Wild Rivers Act 2005 preserves the natural values a framework for Indigenous Reference Groups that of rivers that have all, or almost all, of their natural is culturally appropriate and community specific. In values intact; and provides for the preservation of addition, proposed amendments to the Wild Rivers Act the natural values of rivers in the Lake Eyre Basin. In 2005, were introduced to Parliament on 16 June 2011 late 2010, Parliament passed key amendments to the to recognise the role of Indigenous Reference Groups to Wild Rivers Act 2005 and other related legislation to provide advice on proposed wild river declarations and accommodate the unique Lake Eyre Basin river the economic aspirations of their communities. systems within the wild rivers framework. On 14 December 2010, the Cooper Creek Basin Wild River Declaration Proposal was released for public Ecological health monitoring comment. Submissions closed on 30 June 2011 after a in Queensland two month extension, due to the impacts of flooding on access to the region. Submissions along with comments The department has 23 programs monitoring the from more than 20 wild rivers public meetings and condition and trend of aquatic ecosystem health. This five public information forums, held in the Cooper includes: monitoring surface water quality, quantity Creek Basin, will be considered by the Minister for and biological processes; groundwater quality, quantity Environment before making a decision on whether or and dependent ecosystems; estuary and marine health; not to declare the Cooper Creek a wild river area. and the Great Artesian Basin. The Lake Eyre Basin Wild Rivers Advisory Panel was The department put in place a number of measures to also formed to provide further advice to the Minister improve ecosystem health monitoring, which included: for Environment on wild river matters. This panel of • installation of a streamflow gauging station on Lake Eyre Basin stakeholder representatives is another North Stradbroke Island vital avenue for consultation about the Lake Eyre • monitoring springs in the Great Artesian Basin Basin. • monitoring groundwater dependent ecosystems The department’s Service Delivery Statement in the Condamine-Balonne and Border Rivers 2010–11 included the service standard—Cumulative catchments. number of wild river declarations finalised. At the end of 2010–11 the cumulative target of 10 finalised The outcomes from departmental monitoring programs declarations was met. inform planning decisions to help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. They are reviewed in conjunction with reports on aquatic ecosystem health, published Sustainable Cape by other collaborative organisations. Using this information the department determines whether its Communities policies and objectives for sustainability are consistent On 9 March 2011, the Sustainable Cape Communities with current knowledge. These reviews also identify Initiative was announced as part of the wild rivers any potential issues for aquatic ecosystem health such program. The initiative seeks to build the capacity of as the: Indigenous communities on Queensland’s Cape York • spread of exotic species along watercourses Peninsula and in the Gulf of Carpentaria—to capitalise • effectiveness of water resource plans on the economic opportunities that come with the • vulnerability of coasts to potential sea level changes declaration of wild river areas. from climate change • changing health of freshwater estuary and marine systems in South East Queensland.
62 Department of Environment and Resource Management The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the performance measure—Percentage of SEQ Healthy Waterways Queensland’s natural water systems with appropriate The department has implemented the $20 million quality and ecosystem health monitoring frameworks in SEQ Healthy Waterways Initiative (2007–11) to build place. The department set a target of 67 per cent and capacity in reducing water pollution and restoring this target was met. degraded waterways in the region. To work towards these objectives 23 strategic projects were planned The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 and adaptively managed in 2010–11 through grant included the performance measure—Percentage of high agreements. Along with a range of enabling projects priority risks identified in aquatic ecosystem health to improve planning and decision-making, these trend reports that have an appropriate management projects include the Healthy Country, Water by intervention developed and actions are satisfactorily Design, Communications and Education, and Coastal progressed. The department set a target of 100 per cent Algal Bloom Programs. An important aspect of this and achieved this target through addressing issues work has been strengthening the policy and planning identified in current policies and programs. frameworks for urban stormwater quality management. This includes the new State Planning Policy for Healthy Water monitoring Waters and guidance to state and local governments developing public infrastructure, such as roads and The department has a water monitoring network building sites of 389 stream gauging stations measuring water quantity (e.g. streamflow), of which 199 also collect water quality information. The department also has Water supply strategies approximately 5400 monitoring bores measuring The department leads the development of regional groundwater water levels. water supply strategies in consultation with water During 2010–11 the department enhanced its service providers and other stakeholders. These website data, to better service an extensive range strategies seek to ensure adequate water supplies are of clients (including the general public, engineering available for urban, rural, mining and industrial needs and environmental consultants, universities and over a 50-year horizon. other government agencies). The website has been The strategies also aim to address flood mitigation streamlined with access to data expanded to include issues where water infrastructures (such as major all the historical and archived water quantity and dams) are proposed. Consultation occurs with water quality data. The data available on the website strategy management committees including a range is updated on an hourly basis for the majority of these of regional stakeholders. By 30 June 2011, strategies sites and can be accessed immediately. Prior to these have been completed for South East Queensland by enhancements, only the previous 14 days of data was the Queensland Water Commission and for Central available online, with clients needing to formally Queensland and Far North Queensland by the request any preceding data from the department. This department. Work is progressing on the Mackay/ improvement also gives the user a visual representation Whitsunday, North Queensland, North West Queensland of the data collected across Queensland, utilising a and the Wide Bay/Burnett regional water supply Google Maps interface. strategies. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage of the State’s population where the level of service objectives and associated water balance strategies have been approved by the State Government. In 2010–11 the department set and achieved a target of 75 per cent.
Annual Report 2010–11 63 communities while providing for the future of Program of Works water-dependent ecosystems. The project targets The Regional Water Infrastructure Projects Program investment at on-farm water use efficiency and of Works complements the South East Queensland the delivery of the water savings to both the Water Grid and seeks to improve water supplies environment and irrigators. Water saved under this in regional and rural Queensland The department program is divided between the entitlement holder administers the program under delegation from the and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Coordinator General. In 2010–11 the department Holder. The first round the HHWUE project closed completed a review of the program, and an updated on 4 October 2010 and 10 applications seeking program of works was approved by Governor-in- $27.9 million of Commonwealth funding have been Council on 2 June 2011. Additional funding for the approved. Landholders have demonstrated their Regional Water Strategies Group was also approved commitment by investing $7.8 million with total to progress the completion of strategies for meeting water savings expected to be 15 542 megalitres. long-term water demands in regions outside South Of this, 7954 megalitres will be transferred to the East Queensland. Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder. • The Healthy HeadWaters Coal Seam Gas Water The Program of Works contains the following nine Feasibility Study initiatives, as identified under the Statewide Water Policy: This project analyses the opportunities, risks and practicality of using Coal Seam Gas (CSG) water to • raising the existing Eden Bann Weir address water sustainability and adjustment issues • proposed Rookwood Weir (Fitzroy River) in the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin. The study • proposed Fitzroy—Gladstone Pipeline has progressed substantially during 2010–11 and • proposed Connors River Dam and pipelines key developments included: • proposed Nathan Dam (Dawson River) and - a new hydrogeological conceptualisation of the associated pipelines Walloon Coal Measures underneath the Central • raising of Kinchant Dam Condamine Alluvium - • proposed Water for Bowen detailed analysis of the chemistry of CSG water throughout the Surat and southern Bowen basins • proposed Water for Proserpine - a CSG water production forecasting tool • proposed Nullinga Dam (Walsh River). - a draft salinity risk assessment framework and associated guidelines regarding the use of CSG State Water Grid Concept Plan water for irrigation - investigations relating to the impacts of treated The department is preparing a Statewide Water Grid CSG water discharges into streams Concept Plan—to provide prioritisation of future work requirements, and articulate a policy framework for - an assessment of the technical feasibility of security of water supply. This plan will aggregate key injecting treated CSG water into the Central elements of the Regional Water Supply Strategies. Condamine Alluvium Development of a risk assessment methodology and - consultation with regional stakeholders. assessments are well advanced, and drafting of the concept plan has commenced with an anticipated completion date of early 2012. Rural Water Use Efficiency The department progressed ClimateQ—expanding the Healthy Headwaters Program Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative (RWUE4)—by supporting and fostering relationships with seven rural The Healthy HeadWaters Program is a bilateral project industry bodies, to assist irrigators in achieving on- with the Australian Government and has been allocated farm water and energy savings. $160 million under the Water for the Future initiative. The rural industry bodies included Cane Growers, This priority project has two components: Qld Dairyfarmers’ Organisation, Growcom, Cotton • The Healthy HeadWaters Water Use Efficiency Catchment Communities, Nursery and Garden Project (HHWUE) Industry, Flower Association and Queensland Turf This is being undertaken to assist irrigation Producers. They provided advice, irrigation system communities in the Queensland Murray-Darling evaluations, field days, workshops and limited Basin, to adapt to climate change and reduced financial incentives to irrigators to achieve better water availability, promote wiser use of available on-farm water management. Evaluations conducted water and build more resilient regional irrigation in 2010–11 indicate that savings in both energy and
64 Department of Environment and Resource Management water consumption are achievable. A reduction in energy consumption will result in these industries Dawson Valley irrigators reducing their carbon footprint and better on-farm rebate scheme water management prepares irrigators for climate variability. The department established a financial relief program— the Dawson Valley Irrigators Fixed Water Charges Rebate Scheme—for irrigators in SunWater’s Dawson SunWater rural irrigation Valley water supply scheme who were severely affected by the floods. The rebate scheme was established to prices provide a rebate on SunWater’s Part A water charges In 2010, following a Queensland Government policy for the period January to June 2011 for irrigators who development process for SunWater irrigation prices, were affected by both of the natural disaster events, the Premier and Treasurer directed the Queensland which occurred from February to March 2010 and from Competition Authority (QCA) to recommend water December 2010 to January 2011. prices to apply to SunWater’s irrigation schemes The department is administering the application for the next price path period. The development of process, which closes on 31 August 2011, with these water prices would be based on Queensland the decision on eligibility to be made by the Chief Government policy. Executive. The department in conjunction with In December 2010, the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Economic Development announced some changes to this policy, whilst and Innovation has arranged for QRAA to make the maintaining the role for the QCA. The key elements payments to eligible irrigators. of the policy framework are: measures to safeguard irrigators from excessive price rises and price shocks; and to protect SunWater’s financial viability. In May Water safety and reliability 2011, the Queensland Government announced that the The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 next price path will commence on 1 July 2012 and included the service standard—Percentage of water conclude on 30 June 2017. supplies that meet regulatory requirements for water safety and reliability. In 2010–11 the department set a The Queensland Government will make the final target of 100 per cent and achieved 93 per cent. decision on irrigation prices for the new price path, based on the recommendations provided by the QCA, The target measures two areas, the safety of the water in its final report due to be released by the end of supply and the reliability of water supply infrastructure. April 2012. The department’s key role has been the 1. Safety—100 per cent of the state’s population are development and implementation of the policy to set serviced by service providers supplying a safe SunWater’s next rural irrigation prices. In addition, retail drinking water supply that complies with the the department continues to liaise and provide the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. main departmental point of contact with the QCA These service providers have submitted (where in the preparation of its advice to the Queensland required), a drinking water quality management Government. plan (or a water quality monitoring program, where a drinking water quality management plan is yet to be approved). 2. Reliability—93 per cent of the state’s population are serviced by service providers supplying a reliable retail water supply that complies with the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008
Annual Report 2010–11 65 and service providers have submitted a strategic asset management plan and drought management Webbe-Weller review plan, where required. As at June 30, water supply recommendations providers who service seven per cent of the population have yet to submit relevant asset and/ In 2011, consultation with all 52 water authorities or drought management plans. A decision on a in Queensland has taken place to facilitate the new regulatory framework for urban water and Webbe-Weller review recommendation of government sewerage services is due for consideration by late to transition these boards to a non-statutory structure. 2011, when it is expected that submission of these These authorities are located from Cairns in the north, plans may no longer be required. DERM is not to Goondiwindi in the south, and Aramac in the west. actively pursuing compliance action at this time, The consultation focused on delivering information due to the proposed legislative changes. to assist these authorities to decide on a preferred transition structure. In addition, the consultation outlined what steps were required of those boards to Water meters accomplish the transition under the Water Act 2000. One board was dissolved during the year, and 19 other The department, in conjunction with other state boards have formally committed to transitioning to jurisdictions and the Commonwealth Government, alternate structures. has developed the National Framework and State Implementation Plan to ensure that all jurisdictions All 15 river trusts have also been consulted on are installing meters to a consistent standard. The the Webbe–Weller review recommendation 46— installation of meters supports the water planning transitioning to local governments. The department work being undertaken across much of Queensland. has established a State Transition Committee to Water meter installation is also a critical link facilitate these Webbe-Weller reforms for trusts. in allowing licensees to enter trading markets. The department is also undertaking research into Approximately 2350 meters have been installed under further legislative changes that may be required in the current metering project, including 250 out of a the Water Act 2000 to complete the Webbe-Weller planned 600 in 2010–2011 in the four high-priority transitions. Some amendments affecting both boards catchment project areas—Condamine-Balonne, Lower and trusts were introduced this year in the Water and Balonne, Gowrie Oakey and Oakey Creek catchments. Other Legislation Amendment 2011 Bill. The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 included the service standard—Percentage of high priority meter project areas completed in accordance Licence applications with the agreed 2010–11 schedule. In 2010–11 Water licence applications involve applications for the department set a target of 100 per cent in four new or unallocated water, while renewals are sought to high-priority catchment project areas and achieved extend the existing water licence beyond its scheduled zero per cent. This service standard measures the term. The achievement of a better-than-target result project areas fully completed rather than partially for licence transfers and renewals is a tangible result of completed. As at 30 June 2011, 250 meters had been the department’s commitment to improving its level of installed and a further 350 installations are expected to service delivery. be finalised by October 2011 which will complete the areas delayed by the impacts of flooding. During the The department’s Service Delivery Statement 2010–11 reporting period, the four nominated priority areas in included the performance measure—Percentage of the South West, Condamine, Balonne, Gowrie Oakey water resource management dealings processed within Creek and Oakey Creek were not fully completed as customer service standards: (a) licence applications planned due to flooding and continued wet weather. and (b) licence transfers and renewals. The department Additional challenges facing the project included set a target of 75 per cent for licence applications delays in site preparation as landholders continue to and 85 per cent for licence transfers and renewals. rebuild and clean up following the flooding. These The department achieved 75 per cent and 94 per cent issues have since been resolved and meter installations respectively. The target for licence transfers and are progressing in the high-priority catchments. renewals was exceeded due to improvements to administrative and electronic processes.
66 Department of Environment and Resource Management Snapshot State Planning Policy 4/10: Healthy Waters To prevent urban stormwater run-off contaminating Before the policy commenced, DERM delivered waterways and threatening aquatic ecosystems information and training sessions to 470 attendees in the Queensland Government introduced the State 10 locations. Participants were briefed about the final Planning Policy 4/10 Healthy Waters late in 2010. policy in both overview and detail, while also hearing about its environmental, business and community The policy, which came into effect in May 2011, is benefits from water sensitive urban design specialists a reference point for local government and other including the SEQ Healthy Waterways’ Water by agencies when considering development applications Design program, who also addressed practical for larger projects, such as new industrial estates onground implementation issues. and residential developments with six or more new dwellings, as well as land designated for community DERM is continuing to support the policy’s infrastructure. It will also be incorporated into local implementation by providing advice about planning instruments such as regional plans and incorporating the policy in planning and assessment planning schemes. and assisting to build community capacity to better manage our urban waterway’s environmental values. The policy will address stormwater contamination of waterways at the planning, design and development stages rather than after it has occurred. It covers three water quality policy areas—urban stormwater quality and flows; small-scale development with waste water discharge; and the design and management of non-tidal artificial waterways (urban lakes). Managing these issues will also help to increase aquatic ecosystem resilience to the impacts of climate change. The policy also includes management requirements for limiting coastal algal blooms. DERM is supporting the implementation of the policy with a new technical guideline to clearly define expected outcomes and best practice. Under the policy, water sensitive urban design elements will be incorporated into larger developments to clean up and slow down stormwater before being discharged to waterways. Unsustainable practices which saw untreated run-off from roofs, roads and other hard surfaces being piped directly to nearby catchments and creeks are expected to discontinue under the policy. Input was sought through extensive consultation over the past three years. DERM staff talked to local and state government officers, industry and the community in regional centres, from Cairns and Mt Isa in the north, to the Gold Coast and Toowoomba in the south.
Annual Report 2010–11 67 Snapshot Cooper Creek wild river consultation The process for the community consultation phase The public information forums were led by high-level of the proposed Cooper Creek Basin Wild River Area departmental champions, including DERM Deputy was pioneering in its breadth and in its focus. Director-General Debbie Best, General Manager Ecosystems Outcomes Leslie Shirreffs, Regional The department’s wild rivers consultation team Services Director Central West Joe Pappalado travelled to every major centre in the Cooper Creek and Regional Services Director North Region catchment, the largest catchment in the Lake Eyre Andrew Buckley. Basin covering a total area of 244 494 square kilometres. These officers had the opportunity to meet with the community members on a one-on-one basis during The devastating flooding that hit large parts of the day-long forums. The informal sessions proved Queensland in late 2010 and early 2011 had a huge invaluable as, during breaks in the presentations, effect on the first part of the wild rivers consultation individual stakeholders had the chance to chat schedule. Not only was it difficult for wild rivers with DERM officers about their properties, and officers to get to the flooded areas of the Cooper clarify any concerns they had about effects on catchment, but many property owners were flooded their day-to-day businesses. in and were unable to get to town for meetings. As a result, the consultation period was extended As well as obtaining the information they needed from four months to six to allow as many property about the proposal to declare the Cooper Creek owners in the Cooper catchment as possible to get Basin a wild river area, community members who to consultation meetings. were primarily graziers, received information from departmental experts in coal seam gas, the Delbessie Over the consultation period, hundreds of Agreement, the Cooper Creek Water Resource Plan, stakeholders were given the opportunity to speak and vegetation management. The success of the to wild rivers officers in a series of community forums is a result of strong collaboration between a meetings, one-on-one discussions and, for the number of different units within DERM. first time, public information forums. Wild rivers coordinators and government officers attended In another first, wild rivers coordinators came five forums and 26 public meetings at locations equipped to the forums and public meetings with a throughout the basin including Hughenden, computerised mapping tool that allowed property Muttaburra, Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Isisford, owners to see where their individual property was Tambo, Windorah, Eromanga and Longreach. located in relation to the proposed Cooper Creek Meetings were held in community halls, sports clubs wild river area and to take away a printout of their and even the Longreach Hall of Fame. property map. Due to the integration of wild rivers legislation with The information gathered at the meetings, together existing processes, and its close inter-relationship with the 47 written submissions received, will be with other land and water management frameworks, considered by the minister when making a decision day-long information forums on wild rivers and about the Cooper Creek wild rivers proposal. other related issues were held. These provided the community with answers to a range of property issues.
68 Department of Environment and Resource Management Our people
Annual Report 2010–11 69 Staff profile Workforce planning The department employs a diverse range of Business units from across the department have talented people who work together to manage built workforce planning into their business plans to Queensland’s environment and natural resources. ensure capacity and capability are aligned to future service delivery. Strategies include the development of DERM aims to create workplaces where business specific skill sets, management of succession risks and outcomes are achieved, diversity is encouraged, health maintaining a healthy, safe work environment. and safety are valued and the wellbeing of employees is supported. Attraction and retention As at 30 June 2011 the department employed 5548.06 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and 87 per cent The delivery of various employment programs of employees were permanent. continues, including Indigenous cadetships, the graduate program, scholarships, and industry The department carries out an important role in placements, which provide key strategies to enable the educating the community on environmental protection, department to attract and recruit critical occupational sustainability, water resource allocation, land and groups in many areas including in the disciplines of vegetation management and climate change programs. engineering, science, and spatial information. In addition, the department has an important role to inform its stakeholders, clients and the community about the activities and proposals that affect them Leadership and management and how they can have input. The department has a strong commitment to developing As at 30 June 2011 the department employed 14 full- leadership and management capacity. DERM’s time equivalent staff whose functions related to media leadership programs include Emerging Leaders which and public relations. The department is also supported is in its seventh consecutive year of delivery, a 360° by 16 multimedia and web online staff, 13 graphic feedback program and coaching activities for senior design staff and 30 communication staff. executives and other senior leaders. The department has The department’s annual permanent Queensland continued its commitment to providing relieving and Public Service separation rate as at 30 June 2011 secondment opportunities. Management programs have was 5.5 per cent. been rolled out across the state to develop practical business skills in planning, finance, governance and Four redundancies occurred during the reporting people management as well as improving interpersonal period at a cost of $419 035.34. There were no early skills. Staff have also been supported in undertaking a retirement packages offered or retrenchments during suite of accredited public sector management programs. the reporting period. An intensive internal performance management training program has been delivered across the state, The following tables show a summary of DERM’s training managers in business-focused performance workforce profile (excluding staff on leave without discussions that define how individuals can contribute pay, casual employees who were not paid and board to the business and identify development priorities. members) as at 30 June 2011.
Total staffing numbers by employee type *
FTE % Total FTE Employment Type Total FTE Total % FTE Female Male Female Male Casual 15.36 18.57 0.3 0.3 33.93 0.6 Contract 9 36 0.2 0.6 45 0.8 Permanent 2069.06 2757.54 37.3 49.7 4826.6 87.0 Temporary 386.45 256.08 7.0 4.6 642.53 11.6 Grand total 2479.87 3068.19 44.7 55.3 5548.06 100
* The figures in the above table and graph are based on full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing numbers. The full-time equivalent is calculated by the number of hours prescribed by the award/industrial instrument for the person’s position. For example, a person working 19 hours per week in a position prescribed as 38 hours has an FTE of 0.5. An organisation’s FTE is the sum of all FTEs. Figures in the table have been rounded, therefore there may be inconsistencies in column totals.
70 Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual earnings (FTE) by gender
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00 percentage %
20.00
0.00 19,999 20,000– 30,000– 40,000– 50,000– 60,000– 70,000– 80,000– 90,000– 100,00 + and less 29,999 39,999 49,999 59,999 69,999 79,999 89,999 99,999 Male 0.00% 12.50% 27.10% 48.25% 39.55% 51.71% 59.26% 66.79% 70.91% 72.79% Female 0.00% 87.50% 72.90% 51.75% 60.45% 48.29% 40.74% 33.21% 29.09% 27.21%
disciplines of natural resource sciences and Initiatives for women chemical engineering. The department is committed to increasing the Of the 13 trainees who completed school-based representation of women throughout the organisation traineeships in 2010, eight of these positions were and providing training and professional development occupied by female students. In 2011, there are eight in management competencies. Women comprise remaining school-based trainees in DERM, five of 44.70 per cent of the department’s total workforce whom are female. In the Aboriginal and Torres Strait with 19.44 per cent of Senior Officer positions and Islander Education to Employment Scheme, nine of 20 per cent of Senior Executive Service positions held the 13 students are female. by women. To commemorate the centenary of International The department continued to promote women’s Women’s Day on 8 March 2011, DERM celebrated participation in a range of professional development 100 years of women’s achievements with a video- activities, including: conference from Mackay, led by the Deputy Director- • The Women in Management Program (Certificate General, Assistant Director-General Corporate Services IV in Frontline Management)—46 women have and Assistant Director-General Queensland Parks participated in the program. and Wildlife Service—all of whom are women. The • Managing with Confidence—women represented event included the launch of the new DERM Women’s 24 per cent of the 21 participants. Network, designed to provide information, resources • DERM Emerging Leaders Program—women and opportunities for women in DERM to reach their represented 40 per cent of participants in the 2010 full potential. program and 52 per cent in the 2011 program. In addition, a forum entitled “HERSTORY: Women in • Managing in DERM Program—women represented leadership” was held which explored the leadership 45 per cent of the 137 participants. journeys of some of DERM’s senior female executives. • The State Government Certified Agreement Training Initiative—women represented 84 per cent of the 82 participants. Promotion of work life balance The department also continued to promote employment DERM raised awareness regarding flexible working opportunities to women. Forty per cent of the 2010 arrangements through Human Resource (HR) Graduate Development Program’s 29 participants information sessions, policy updates, and the provision were female and 75 per cent of the 2011 program’s 28 of advice to Business and HR support areas. participants are also female. The 2011 female graduates The DERM Leave Procedure and Flexible Work Options occupy a number of non-traditional roles such as civil Policy contain provisions for Carer’s Leave, and options engineering and hydrology within the department. to manage work and life responsibilities, including In the current scholarship cohort for DERM three of Compressed Work Hours, Accrued/Banked Time, the five students are female, in the hard-to-attract Part-time Work, Teleworking and Purchased Leave.
Annual Report 2010–11 71 Injury and illness management was also a high priority Industrial relations area of the strategy with significant achievement The department has an active and effective Agency in reducing the overall time lost and costs of Consultative Committee (ACC), which meets regularly. employee injury and illness. This contributed to the The ACC has representatives at various levels of the department achieving all of its targets as required by department as well as from each union with coverage the Queensland Government’s Safety and Healthier in the department and has been active in resolving Workplaces Strategy 2007–12 for the first time. The issues through a consultative approach. In addition, department also successfully transitioned to a new the department has a number of local consultative provider for its Employee Assistance Program during committees which report to the ACC. The department this reporting period. also has a Rangers Industrial Forum which is a The department increased its focus on health and consultative committee specifically for Queensland wellbeing initiatives making available a range of Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and opportunities for employee participation. These managers to deal with parks’ specific issues. whole-of-department initiatives ranged from the The department proactively manages industrial flu vaccination program, various health awareness relations issues, maintaining a positive relationship sessions, weight loss programs, health assessment at all times with industrial organisations representing programs, exercise challenges, corporate games the needs of employees. participation, smoking cessation and corporate health fund memberships. These activities attracted a Carers (Recognition) Act 2008 combined number of approximately 4450 participants. The department’s health and safety consultative During the reporting period, the department informed groups were consistently active in providing and educated employees about the carers’ charter strategic direction, advice and direction across the through the inclusion of information in employee range of workingsafe workingwell initiatives and induction processes and on the department’s intranet implementation activities undertaken during the site. Employees in carer roles were consulted during reporting period. the development of these human resource policies and guidelines. For future reviews of HR policies, the HR policies and procedures schedule has been updated to ensure that the Carers (Recognition) Act 2008 is Awards and recognition considered, as relevant HR policies and procedures The efforts and achievements of DERM staff are fall due for review. publicly acknowledged through the agency’s formal DERM was an early adopter of the Carer’s ‘companion and informal reward and recognition framework. The card’ initiative, which was introduced at QPWS venues department recognises that its success relies on the and parks in the last reporting period (2009–10). efforts and talent of its people and highly values their achievements. In recognising the skills and abilities The department does not deliver services or make of the following people, the department applauds the strategic policy or planning decisions which require contributions of its entire workforce. it to consider the needs of carers. However the department has made an undertaking to engage with external carers and their representative bodies in any Wombat project wins future policy decisions that affect carers. Premier’s Award DERM’s northern hairy-nosed wombat reintroduction Organisational health team won the ‘Green’ category in the 2010 Premier’s and safety Awards for Excellence in Public Service Delivery. During the reporting period the department continued The northern hairy-nosed wombat is the second most to implement key elements of the workingsafe endangered mammal in Australia and one of the top 10 workingwell strategy. Workplace Health and Safety most endangered mammals in the world—rarer than the (WHS) governance was a major focus of this Sumatran Tiger and China’s giant panda. implementation with significant review and reform of The last survey estimated the wombat population to policy, procedure and systems occurring in areas such be around 138, all of which were located in a single as risk management, incident management and WHS colony at Epping Forest National Park, near Emerald. Audit and Assessments. A catastrophic event such as flood or fire could have resulted in extinction of this species.
72 Department of Environment and Resource Management DERM coordinated a partnership venture with a Tina has been the Senior Ranger of the Mossman corporate sponsor, Xstrata, and landowners Ed and and Daintree area for the past four years, and prior Gabi Underwood, to save the endangered species to that she held many positions within QPWS in of wombats by establishing a second colony near North Queensland. St George in south-west Queensland. Tina is a dedicated and enthusiastic person who is Through the hard work and dedication of DERM passionate about conservation management, committed scientists and rangers, volunteers from the local to building team-based work and diligent at involving community, commercial sponsors Xstrata and land the wider community, including the local Indigenous holders, the second colony was established at the community, in work programs and parks management. Richard Underwood Nature Refuge. She has developed a high level of knowledge and understanding of the Wet Tropics environment and By March 2011, 11 northern hairy-nosed wombats had continues to build links within the local Mossman and settled into their new location, and within one month, Daintree community. two pouch young were sighted from monitoring camera footage. The species now has a fighting chance and, with Peter Cullen Trust Fellowship the help of dedicated DERM staff, the future is Jody Carew from DERM’s Strategic Water Initiatives looking bright. was awarded the Peter Cullen Trust Fellowship in 2010. Meanwhile DERM’s Public Place Recycling (PPR) The Peter Cullen Trust was established to bridge team also achieved a Highly Commended in the science, people and the environment through funding same category. and facilitating programs that contribute to improve The Public Place Recycling program delivered rural and urban water management in Australia. the statewide program ‘Do the right thing, use the The Trust’s Science to Policy Leadership Program right bin’. focuses on leadership and communication skills The two-year, $1 million program successfully engaged specifically designed to facilitate positive change in more than 70 project partners and leveraged an urban or rural water management. estimated $3 million towards implementing recycling- Jody was afforded numerous learning opportunities away-from-home projects across Queensland. including attending lectures targeted at improving Through the PPR program more than 700 tonnes of communication skills; discussing leadership styles and recyclable material generated in prominent public areas approaches to leadership roles with facilitators and has already been recycled. presenters currently in leadership positions; taking part in an experiential learning exercise focused on The continued rollout of PPR will ultimately see a identifying and improving individual leadership style; virtually seamless network of facilities available to having discussions and receiving feedback from peers people wherever they are in Queensland, whether taking part in the program; and taking part in an having lunch in a shopping centre food court, watching ongoing mentoring program. the football, catching a train or plane, or visiting a theme park or popular national park. The program’s impact upon behavioural change has been significant. Top sugar industry prize for soil program Ranger’s dedication Environment and Resource Sciences’ Principal Soil recognised Scientist Phil Moody was a member of the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations (BSES) Six Easy Steps Queensland Parks and Wildlife program team that won the 2011 Sugar Research (QPWS) Ranger Tina Alderson and Development Corporation’s Research Group won the Government category of Innovation Award. the annual Wet Tropics Cassowary Award for her dedication to the The Research Group Innovation Award, which environment. includes a $10 000 research grant, recognises team contributions that have provided a significant benefit Tina was one of eight winners honoured by the Wet for the Australian sugarcane industry. Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) for making an outstanding contribution to help conserve and promote The Six Easy Steps program enables the adoption of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. best practice nutrient management on farm and was developed to replace traditional generalised fertiliser recommendations with sustainable and soil-specific nutrient management guidelines.
Annual Report 2010–11 73 The program is being delivered to industry through grower-oriented short courses and is supported by Australia Day Awards 2011 other resources including district-specific soil reference Fourteen DERM staff were presented with Australia booklets, replicated on-farm strip trials, a web-based Day Achievement Medallions in recognition of the online nutrient calculator and ongoing research trials. outstanding contributions they have made to the work of the department: Phil’s role included undertaking and interpreting specialised soil analyses to inform nutrient • Peter Artemieff, Director, Office of the Water Supply management and customising DERM’s Soil Constraints Regulator, Brisbane and Management Package on sustainable soil • Brett Bowen, Area Manager, SVS North, State management for application to sugarcane soils. Valuation Service, Cairns The program is the result of collaboration involving • Evan Digby, Overseer Grade 1, Maryborough State BSES Limited, Sucrogen and the Queensland Forest Group, Forest Products Government. • Colin Dollery, Senior Project Officer, Cape York Savannah Region, Terrestrial, QPWS, Cairns • Lindy Edwards, Administration Officer, Water QCCCE scientists honoured Services, South West Region, Regional Service Dr Greg McKeon, former Chief Scientist at the Delivery, Goondiwindi Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence • Georgianna Fien, Principal Project Officer, Cape (QCCCE) was awarded a Member of the Order of York, Partnership and World Heritage, QPWS, Cairns Australia in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours. • Judith Jensen, Director, Water Legislation, Policy Greg retired from QCCCE in 2010 after a 40-year and Pricing, Brisbane career focussing on the ecology and sustainable • Anne Llewellyn, Project Officer Cabinet Team, management of Australia’s grazing lands. Cabinet and Parliamentary Services, Brisbane The Honours are awarded each year for service in • John McKenna, Manager Dam Safety, Office of the a particular locality or field of activity and confer Water Supply Regulator, Brisbane recognition for outstanding achievement and service. • John Mullins, Director, Science Coordination and Greg was recognised for his service to environmental Information, Environment and Resource Sciences, science, to the development of sustainable resource Brisbane management, and to research on the impact of • Ed Power, Manager, Planning and Assessment, South climate change. West Region, Regional Service Delivery, Toowoomba David Cobon, Principal Scientist at the Queensland • Brett Roberts, Senior Ranger, Western Region, Climate Change Centre of Excellence, was a recipient Terrestrial, QPWS, Toowoomba of a 2010 Fellowship under the Queensland–China • Mike Ronan, Manager, Wetlands, Biodiversity Climate Change Fellowship Program. Integration, Brisbane David has worked extensively with graziers and land • Rebecca Williams, Director, Threatened Species, managers across Queensland on climate variability QPWS, Brisbane. and change and its production impacts for the past 10 years. His long-time interest in China resulted in the awarding of a Fellowship. He visited China in May 2011 and worked with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences on adapting natural resource and agriculture systems to the impacts of climate change in China and Queensland.
74 Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 Excellence Awards Leadership Award The 2011 DERM Excellence Awards recognised the Winner: Waste Reform Initiative, Fostering outstanding success and achievements of departmental Environmental and Economic Change, Waste Reform work teams as well as volunteers whose efforts help the Unit, Natural Resources and Environment department meet its sustainability objectives. Highly Commended: • Natural Disaster Recovery Response, Spatial Pinnacle Award— Information, Spatial Information Group, Land and DERM Excellence Award Indigenous Services Winner: Waste Reform Initiative, Fostering Environmental and Economic Change, Waste Reform Environment and Sustainability Award Unit, Natural Resources and Environment Winner: Wild River Declaration of the Wenlock River, Wild Rivers Team, Water and Ecosystem Outcomes Outstanding Volunteer Service Award Winner: Marilyn Spletter, Moggill Koala Hospital Indigenous Outcomes Award Winner: Bunya Partnership Coordination Group Innovation, Research and Project, Bunya Partnership Coordination Group Development Award Science Award Winner: ClimateSmart Business Clusters Program, ClimateSmart Business Clusters Team, Office of Climate Winner: Wetland Information Capture System Change Suite, Wetland Information Capture System Team, Environment and Resource Sciences, Operations and Performance and Service Environmental Regulator Delivery Award Winner: Response to Coal Mine Discharge 2010/11 wet season, Members of Central West Region and Aquatic Ecosystem Risk and Decision Support, Operations and Environmental Regulator Highly Commended: • State Planning Policy 5/10: Air, Noise and Hazardous Materials project, Environmental Policy and Legislation Team, Water and Ecosystems Outcomes • DERM SAP HR Transition Project, Human Resources, Corporate Services
Engaging and Serving Communities Award Winner: Implementation of the Delbessie Agreement, Rural Leasehold Land Officer Assessment Teams, Operations and Environmental Regulator Highly Commended: • Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service SEQ Flood Relief and Recovery Efforts in January 2011, South East Region, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service • The ClimateSmart Home Service, Community Programs Team, Office of Climate Change
Annual Report 2010–11 75 Snapshot Ecosciences Precinct The $270 million Ecosciences Precinct (ESP), for fishing to resume in affected areas, minimising Australia’s first centre dedicated to solving some the impact on the fishing industry whilst also of the country’s biggest environmental issues, protecting the health and safety of Queenslanders. was officially opened by Premier Anna Bligh and The ESP is not only a home to ‘smart’ people, it’s Queensland Senator Mark Furner on 11 April 2011. also a ‘smart’ building. It includes one of the only Adjacent to the historic Boggo Road gaol building, QC3 standard quarantine facilities designed for listed in Brisbane’s Dutton Park, the ESP forms part of weeds research in Australia and it also houses high- the future Boggo Road Urban Village and is home tech labs, controlled environment rooms, insectaries, to more than 1000 Queensland Government and glasshouses, shade houses, workshops, offices and a CSIRO scientists, researchers and support staff from science education centre. DERM, the Department of Employment, Economic It incorporates a range of sustainability initiatives, Development and Innovation (DEEDI), and the including high efficiency water use (including CSIRO. This is the largest group of scientists rainwater capture and re-use), energy efficiency, a and researchers working collaboratively in the high level of access to public transport, sustainable ecosciences field in Australia. construction and materials use, and reduced The ESP creates a critical mass of scientists greenhouse emissions. Sensors monitor and conducting research who can respond to the big record water usage patterns, and electrical energy challenges, including those of climate change, consumption is metered to allow ongoing analysis biosecurity, water quality, environmental health, and management of electrical energy consumption. balancing growth, and developing sustainable Landscaping complements the building, showcasing a industries. collection of native species entirely from Queensland. The benefits of co-location and greater collaboration The ESP aims to serve as a springboard from which were realised when CSIRO and Queensland important international collaborative work can take Government scientists worked together to respond place. It will increase opportunities to build closer ties to the floods, monitoring the flood plumes in with industry and universities and help Queensland Moreton Bay. By gathering information quickly the attract more leading and world-class scientists. Queensland Government was able to give the all clear
76 Department of Environment and Resource Management Corporate governance
Annual Report 2010–11 77 The department sets directions and obtains Board of Management information about its operational and financial performance through its performance The Board of Management’s role is to: management framework, governance structure • provide leadership and oversight of strategic and/or and financial systems. critical issues and challenges facing the department The performance management framework includes the • ensure the effective and efficient performance of the strategic plan, annual report, service delivery statement agency in achieving strategic goals and operational (SDS), key business performance measures and targets objectives and also a structured risk assessment process • provide decision-making leadership for the department The DERM Board of Management oversees departmental strategic direction and performance. The board uses • provide oversight of the corporate governance monthly financial reports and quarterly business framework and sub-committees performance and human resource management reports • oversee the development, implementation and for this purpose. It is assisted by the Finance Committee, monitoring of the department’s strategic plan Audit and Governance Committee, and business • lead policy development and establish strategic leadership and other governance groups. priorities Business performance reports provide details of actual • ensure departmental activities align with, and focus business performance against SDS service standards, on, strategic objectives departmental measures and targets, risk management • monitor the implementation, accountability and and specific election commitments. achievement of the objectives and initiatives of the department’s service standards • lead an evidence-based, continuous improvement DERM Governance Groups approach to the department’s integrated performance management framework and These groups and committees are the core of the • role-model the values and behaviours expected of department’s governance arrangements. They ensure that all employees. the department has a clear direction, operates efficiently and fulfils its legislative responsibilities. They oversee all The Board of Management has a distinct strategic major activities and areas of decision making. role separate to that of the Executive Management • Board of Management Group. Specifically, the Board of Management is chartered with focussing on strategic issues, • Executive Management Group performance management and corporate governance, • Integrity Committee while the EMG focus is on policy development and • Finance Committee operational reporting. • Audit and Governance Committee • Information and Service Delivery Committee Executive Management Group • Business strategy groups The department’s Executive Management Group (EMG) • workingsafe workingwell Steering Committee ensures the effective management, administration and • Policy and Legislative Strategy Committee. coordination and overall direction of the department. The group plays a strong leadership role in identifying priorities, setting directions and driving policy initiatives. It also offers high level advice and support to the Director-General, who is the department’s accountable officer.
78 Department of Environment and Resource Management funding reductions resulting largely from declining Advisory Committees property-related revenues and to address revised The department has several governance committees business priorities for the balance of the year. The that provide advice to the Director-General, the Board committee actively supported the statewide financial of Management and Executive Management Group, management training exercise, attended by more than including: 650 staff, covering all aspects of budget and financial management requirements. This training further emphasised the need for financial accountability and Integrity Committee ethical behaviour within the department. The Integrity Committee is a sub-committee of the The committee comprised senior department executives department’s Executive Management Group and who ensure access to high levels of knowledge and is chaired by the Director-General. It oversees the experience across the wide range of the department’s direction and provides guidance on the department’s business activities. The committee was chaired by integrity framework to ensure it is functioning Danielle Anderson, Assistant Director-General, appropriately and in accordance with whole-of- Corporate Services Division. government legislation, policies, principles and guidelines. It also oversees integrity issues in general. In particular, the committee may provide advice and Audit and Governance recommendations on integrity matters to the Board Committee of Management, Executive Management Group and the Assistant Director-General, Corporate Services, The Audit and Governance Committee was established as necessary. in accordance with the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009 (section 35). The committee also ensures that the integrity framework is implemented and that the different areas In 2010–2011 the committee observed the terms of of responsibility are working together effectively. The its charter having due regard to the Audit Committee committee met three times during the 2010–11 period. Guidelines: Improving Accountability and Performance issued by Queensland Treasury in December 2009. Finance Committee The Audit and Governance Committee supports the Director-General in discharging his responsibilities The Finance Committee is a key element of the under the Financial Accountability Act 2009. department’s financial governance framework. The committee reports to, and provides advice and The committee achieved this by giving independent recommendations to, the Board of Management on a advice to the Director-General on matters including range of financial matters including the allocation of corporate governance practices, risk management, funds and the regular monitoring of the department’s financial reporting and internal control systems. financial position. The committee acted as a forum for dialogue between The committee undertakes the following roles: the Director-General, senior management, internal audit and the Queensland Audit Office (QAO). • provides high level oversight of significant financial and budgeting strategies, frameworks and processes The functions and role of the committee do not within the department diminish the statutory and regulatory duties and • makes recommendations on a wide range of strategic responsibilities of the Director-General, nor do they financial policy and resourcing issues detract from management’s responsibilities in relation to corporate governance, internal control, fraud • promotes efficient and effective use of resources prevention and risk management. through the review of funding needs of departmental priorities and coordinating capital and operating The committee met six times in 2010–11. budget allocations During 2010–11 the committee: • monitors performance against budget • approved the 2010–11 annual internal audit plan • reinforces the strong financial management culture as set out by the Director-General and the Board of • reviewed external audit plans prepared by QAO Management. • received internal and external audit reports and management responses During 2010–11, the Finance Committee undertook • monitored the department’s responses to QAO report monthly monitoring of the departmental budget recommendations position and recommended a series of budget allocation adjustments mid-year to address significant • reviewed the department’s annual financial statements
Annual Report 2010–11 79 • ratified the FBT and GST Compliance Certificate The committee met 10 times during the reporting processes period. • reviewed the Audit and Governance Committee Charter Business strategy groups • considered performance management system audits undertaken by QAO. DERM has five business strategy groups that align with the agencys key service delivery areas—Climate Change, Audit and Governance Committee members Environment, Land and Water and Corporate Services. Associate Director-General, Operations Terry Wall (Chair) and Environmental Regulator The groups promote partnership and coordination across service delivery, regulation, science and policy Assistant Director-General, Danielle Anderson Corporate Services areas including regional offices and head office. They also ensure shared direction, priorities and problem Andrea Assistant Director-General, Leverington Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service solving across business areas. Regional Services Director, Joe Pappalardo Each group functions as an advisory and support Central West Region group to its members and to Executive Management General Manager, Governance and Doug Watson Group members but has no line accountabilities in its Strategy own right. Specifically, business strategy groups are Bob McDonald Independent Member responsible for: General Manager, Sustainable Geoff Clare • the annual development and definition of service Landscapes (resigned December 2010) standards for the service • analysis of quarterly performance reports to identify Information and Service and address barriers, improvements and strategies Delivery Committee towards ensuring departmental targets and measures are being met The department is a major holder and custodian of • identifying, and oversight of, business improvement land, water, air, native species, vegetation and climate strategies and priorities change information. This information is used on a daily • building a shared understanding of the business basis to deliver services to customers and clients. The direction and major projects across all divisions of demand for this information has led to a significant the department. investment in the systems and infrastructure required to support this function. The department wants to ensure ongoing investment in information management workingsafe workingwell and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) is optimised and directly connected to service delivery Steering Committee outcomes. The Information and Service Delivery The workingsafe workingwell Steering Committee is a Committee acts as the peak body in governing this sub-group of the department’s Executive Management outcome. Group and ensures that the workingsafe workingwell The committee leads planning and delivery of the strategy appropriately manages DERM’s workplace information and service delivery, making sure it is health and safety (WHS) obligations. appropriately governed, efficiently and effectively The role of the committee is to: delivered and meets government priorities. • provide leadership and direction to ensure the Primary responsibilities of the committee include: objectives of the workingsafe workingwell strategy • ensuring the department has a well developed and are met and that it contributes to DERM’s strategic forward looking strategic plan(s) for information and objectives service delivery • lead DERM’s commitment to Zero Harm and ensure • prioritising the department’s investments in service that the achievement of health, safety and wellbeing delivery initiatives and in information systems and outcomes is communicated to all employees, technologies contractors and volunteers • monitoring investments to ensure they are well • actively promote a positive and supportive managed and deliver outcomes and benefits culture for safety, health and wellbeing within the • participating in the development of whole-of- department government directions • monitor compliance with legislative obligations • monitoring and reporting on the department’s compliance with whole-of-government directions.
80 Department of Environment and Resource Management • provide feedback to Workplace Health and Safety Sector Ethics Act 1994. In 2010–11 an online Code of Queensland on the department’s progress against the Conduct training program was provided with all staff targets in the key performance indicators as outlined members required to complete the program to gain in the whole-of-government Safer and Healthier awareness of the public sector ethics requirements. Workplaces framework and the Toward Q2 initiatives The Ethics Unit coordinated various activities • monitor the impact of the strategy on the to establish and maintain a culture of integrity, department’s organisational culture honesty and accountability within the department. • monitor and review the activities of the workingsafe These activities included liaison with the Crime workingwell Operational Committee as well as other and Misconduct Commission (CMC) on misconduct regional and local health and safety committees that matters, liaison with the Public Service Commission incorporate DERM’s WHS consultative forums. on ethics and public interest disclosure matters, policy development, case management, advice, training and The committee met three times during the 2010–11 communication activities. financial year. An Integrity Framework was developed for the department and relevant internal policies and Policy and Legislative Strategy procedures were developed in relation to the Committee framework. Various staff communication initiatives were also developed including an ethics newsletter, Key roles include: Ethics Unit intranet page and ethics fact sheets. In • provide oversight of and advice to the Executive addition, the department developed an ethics and Management Group and BoM on the development integrity training course to train employees in ethical and progress of legislation, policy frameworks, and decision making and conduct. high level policy reviews from a whole of agency The department continued to be an active participant perspective in the Queensland Public Sector Ethics Network. • provide a forum to promote and develop for This network, coordinated by the Public Service Executive Management Group’s consideration Commission, provided a forum for regular discussion, appropriate systems, standards, protocols or information exchange, benchmarking and promotion policies that enhance the quality of DERM’s policy, of ethics principles and practices within government legislative and regulatory reform agencies. • promote the consideration and use of alternative For the period 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2011: approaches to traditional regulatory tools. The new Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public The Policy and Legislative Strategy Committee met Service, which commenced on 1 January 2011, was seven times in the 2010–11 financial year. Special communicated to all employees and is available on meetings are also called as required. In addition to the department’s intranet and on the Public Service EMG members the committee membership includes Commission website
Annual Report 2010–11 81 Public interest disclosures (Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994) In accordance with section 30 of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994, the following table summarises the number of public interest disclosures received by the department and the number substantially verified during the reporting period.
Public interest disclosures for 2010–11 (1 July 2010 to 31 December 2010)1
Number of disclosures Number of disclosures Type of disclosure (under Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994) received in reporting substantially verified in period reporting period2 Official Misconduct (s.15) 4 5 Maladministration (s.16) 0 0 Negligent or improper management of public funds (s.17) 0 0 Danger to public health or safety or environment (s.18) 1 0 Danger to person with disability or to environment from particular 00 contraventions (s.19) Reprisal (s.20) 2 0 Total 75
Notes: 1 Reporting under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994 is for the period 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2010 only. With the repeal of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994 and the introduction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act) on 1 January 2011, the way in which public interest disclosures are to be publically reported has changed. From 1 January 2011 agencies are no longer required to report public interest disclosures in annual reports. Under section 61 of the PID Act, the Public Service Commission is now responsible for the oversight of public interest disclosures and preparing an annual report on the operation of the PID Act. From 1 January 2011 agencies are required to report information about public interest disclosures to the PSC. The PSC will prepare an annual report on the operations of the PID Act and the information provided by agencies. The annual report will be made publicly available after the end of each financial year. 2 Number of disclosures substantially verified during the reporting period can include disclosures received prior to the reporting period.
Internal Audit The department’s Internal Audit unit provides In 2010–11 Internal Audit: independent assurance and advice to the Director- • discharged the responsibilities established in the General, senior management and the Audit and charter by executing the annual audit plan prepared Governance Committee. It enhances the department’s as a result of risk assessments, materiality and corporate governance environment through an contractual and statutory obligations objective, systematic approach to evaluating the • provided reports on the results of audits undertaken effectiveness and efficiency of corporate governance to the Audit and Governance Committee and the processes, internal controls, risk assessment and Director-General management practices. This is in keeping with the role and responsibilities detailed in the Financial • monitored and reported on the status of the Accountability Act 2009. implementation of audit recommendations to the Audit and Governance Committee. Management The unit reports to the Audit and Governance is responsible for the implementation of audit Committee on a quarterly basis. recommendations The role, the operating environment and the operating • liaised with the QAO to ensure there was no parameters of the unit are established in the Internal duplication of ‘audit effort’ Audit Charter that has due regard to the professional • increased the project management awareness in the standards and the Audit Committee Guidelines: department by providing advice and support to the Improving Accountability and Performance issued by Chief Information Office Queensland Treasury in December 2009. • provided ongoing support and enhancements to the The internal audit function is independent of ‘self audit process’ in respect to business groups and management and the Queensland Audit Office (QAO), regional offices the external auditors. • supported management by providing advice on corporate governance and related issues including fraud and corruption prevention programs and risk management
82 Department of Environment and Resource Management • allocated audit resources to those areas considered Risk assessments, treatments and review activity are to present the greatest risk and where the work of recorded in a corporate software application. The internal audit can be valuable in providing positive Performance Management Unit administers the risk assurance or identifying opportunities for positive management system and works with divisions to change continuously improve performance management, • reviewed the departmental annual financial including risk management. statements prior to presenting them to the Audit and Governance Committee Business continuity • provided secretarial support to the Audit and Governance Committee. management Audit activities included: The department has a business continuity management • financial, compliance and operational reviews policy and procedure and maintains business continuity and disaster recovery plans for critical business • information system and data integrity reviews processes and information systems. • special review assignments as requested by management. The department’s business continuity plans were activated during the Queensland floods and Tropical These activities are undertaken having regard to the Cyclone Yasi. Post-implementation reviews of these International Standards for the Professional Practice plans were conducted to determine the effectiveness of of Internal Auditing and the Queensland Treasury’s the current plans and any improvements required. Audit Committee Guidelines. Audit staff are members of professional bodies including the Institute of Internal Auditors, CPA Australia and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. The department continues to support the ongoing professional development of audit staff. Internal Audit aims to ensure that there are sufficient controls in place to minimise the opportunity of fraud or mismanagement in those areas of the department identified in the Annual Internal Audit Plan approved by the Director-General. Risk management Risk management is an essential tool in corporate governance and an integral part of the department’s management processes. Whilst all staff are expected to manage risks related to their work, primary responsibility rests with the Executive Management Group members to ensure material risks to achieving the department’s objectives and strategies outlined in the Agency Operational Plan are identified, assessed and treated or monitored. The Audit and Governance Committee assumes the role of a risk management committee (section 29.3 of the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009). The department recognises that contemporary risk management emphasises the integration of risk management with regular business practices. The department has developed the Guide to Organisational Performance Management which outlines how planning, performance reporting and risk management are integrated in DERM’s general business processes.
Annual Report 2010–11 83 Snapshot Regulatory simplification The Queensland Government has made a range Significant progress has been made on a number of commitments, at the state and Commonwealth of legislative, administrative and procurement government levels, to implement a regulatory initiatives which will contribute to DERM achieving reform agenda. The objective of this agenda is its net target. This included: to increase the competitiveness and efficiency • reducing greentape under the Environmental of Queensland businesses and improve the Protection Act 1994 attractiveness of Queensland as a destination for • reform of valuations and conveyancing under the business development and investment. Seamless National Economy agenda The initial target for reducing the compliance • development of the Single Process initiative to burden to business and the administrative burden to streamline water resource planning activities government is $150 million per annum by 2012–13. • realisation of administrative efficiencies DERM’s share of this target is $20 million per stemming from the amalgamation of DERM’s annum to be achieved by 1 July 2013. predecessor agencies Importantly this is a net target where increases in • review of procurement procedures. compliance costs are offset by additional reductions. The department has commenced a systemic agency- DERM’s regulatory reform agenda aims to achieve wide review of the current Agency Regulatory a balance between protection of the environment Simplification Plan, from both an external and and reducing the cost of environment and natural internal stakeholder perspective. The updated plan resource regulation compliance for business, the will detail how the department expects to meet its community and government. compliance cost reduction net target. This is likely To ensure this net target is met a dedicated to be achieved through savings from amalgamation Regulatory Reform unit has been established to of approvals; recognition of approval processes promote the regulatory reform agenda across under other statutes as meeting the requirements of the department. In addition, under governance other legislation; removing redundant legislation arrangements that have been implemented, the and legislative requirements; changes to how department will ensure that regulatory reform and and what activities are regulated; more effective simplification is considered in the development and and efficient business processes; using modern review of all policy and procurement processes. technology; and considering the cost implications of options when deciding the most appropriate means of dealing with issues.
84 Department of Environment and Resource Management Legislation and administration
Annual Report 2010–11 85 Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (except to Legislation the extent administered by the Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Administered by the Department of Special Minister of State; sections 5, 5A, 119, 133 and Environment and Resource Management 134 jointly administered with the Deputy Premier and as at 30 June 2011 Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State) (listed to be consistent with Administrative Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act Arrangements Order (No. 2) 2011—made by the 1968 (Sch 1 pt III—to the extent that it is relevant to Governor in Council and published in the Government resource management matters) Gazette on 22 June 2011) Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement (Amendment) Act 1986 (to the extent that it is relevant Minister for Energy and Water to resource management matters) Utilities portfolio (Water Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Utilities component) (Amendment) Act 1989 (to the extent that it is relevant to resource management matters) Water Act 2000 (Chapter 2A except to the extent Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement and administered by the Minister for Finance, Natural Queensland Coal Trust Act 1984 (to the extent that it Resources and The Arts, and the Minister for is relevant to resource management matters) Environment; and except to the extent administered by the Minister for Energy and Water Utilities through Commonwealth Aluminium Corporation Pty. Limited the Queensland Water Commission) Agreement Act 1957 (to the extent that it is relevant to resource management matters) (Chapter 4 to the extent that it is relevant to Category 1 Water Authorities) Foreign Governments (Titles to Land) Act 1948 Those other provisions relating to Ministerial directions Foreign Ownership of Land Register Act 1988 and delegations to the extent necessary to administer Chapters 2A and 4 as described above. Forestry Act 1959 Ipswich Trades Hall Act 1986 Minister for Finance, Lake Eyre Basin Agreement Act 2001 (except to the Natural Resources and the extent administered by the Minister for Environment) Arts (Natural Resources Land Act 1994 (except ss452A(2) and (3)) Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) component) Act 2002 (to the extent that it is relevant to Stock Route Management) (jointly administered with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies) Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (except to the extent Land Title Act 1994 administered by the Deputy Premier and Attorney- General, Minister for Local Government and Special Land Valuation Act 2010 Minister of State); (except Part 7) Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1909 Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Land Holding) Mount Isa Mines Limited Agreement Act 1985 (to Act 1985 the extent that it is relevant to resource management Acquisition of Land Act 1967 matters) Alcan Queensland Pty. Limited Agreement Act 1965 Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993 (Sch—to the extent that it is relevant to resource New South Wales-Queensland Border Rivers Act 1946 management matters) Place Names Act 1994 Allan and Stark Burnett Lane Subway Authorisation Act 1926 Queensland Nickel Agreement Act 1970 (to the extent that it is relevant to resource management matters)
86 Department of Environment and Resource Management Queensland Nickel Agreement Act 1988 (to the extent Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement that it is relevant to resource management matters) (Amendment) Act 1986 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Registration of Plans (H.S.P. (Nominees) Pty. Limited) Enabling Act 1980 Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement (Amendment) Act 1989 (to the extent that it is relevant Registration of Plans (Stage 2) (H.S.P. (Nominees) Pty. to environmental matters) Limited) Enabling Act 1984 Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement and River Improvement Trust Act 1940 Queensland Coal Trust Act 1984 (to the extent that it Soil Conservation Act 1986 is relevant to environmental matters) Soil Survey Act 1929 Century Zinc Project Act 1997 (s9) Starcke Pastoral Holdings Acquisition Act 1994 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 Survey and Mapping Infrastructure Act 2003 Commonwealth Aluminium Corporation Pty. Limited Agreement Act 1957 (to the extent that it is relevant to Surveyors Act 2003 environmental matters) Thiess Peabody Coal Pty. Limited Agreement Act Currumbin Bird Sanctuary Act 1976 1962 (to the extent that it is relevant to resource management matters) Environmental Protection Act 1994 Thiess Peabody Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd. Agreements Gurulmundi Secure Landfill Agreement Act 1992 Act 1965 (to the extent that it is relevant resource Lake Eyre Basin Agreement Act 2001 (to the extent management matters) that it is relevant to environmental matters) Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Marine Parks Act 2004 Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 (except to Mineral Resources Act 1989 (to the extent that it is the extent administered by the Deputy Premier and relevant to environmental matters) Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State); (except Part 7) Mount Isa Mines Limited Agreement Act 1985 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Valuers Registration Act 1992 National Environment Protection Council (Queensland) Vegetation Management Act 1999 Act 1994 Water Act 2000 (except to the extent administered National Trust of Queensland Act 1963 by the Minister for Energy and Water Utilities, and the Minister for Environment) Nature Conservation Act 1992 (except to the extent that it is relevant to demonstrated and exhibited native Water (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2008 animals) (jointly administered by the Minister for Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 Agriculture, Food and Regional Economics) Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 Newstead House Trust Act 1939 Yeppoon Hospital Site Acquisition Act 2006 North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011 Minister for Environment Queensland Heritage Act 1992 portfolio Queensland Nickel Agreement Act 1970 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Alcan Queensland Pty. Limited Agreement Act 1965 Queensland Nickel Agreement Act 1988 (to the (Sch—to the extent that it is relevant to environmental extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) matters) Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 Brisbane Forest Park Act 1977 Thiess Peabody Coal Pty. Ltd. Agreement Act 1962 (to Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 the extent that it is relevant to environmental matters) Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act Thiess Peabody Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd. Agreements Act 1968 (Sch 1 pt III—to the extent that it is relevant to 1965 (to the extent that it is relevant to environmental environmental matters) matters)
Annual Report 2010–11 87 Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypassing Project Agreement Act 1998 Administration Water Act 2000 (Chapter 3. Those other provisions relating to Ministerial directions and delegations to Overseas travel the extent necessary to administer Chapter 3) The following table summarises all overseas travel on Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and official departmental business during the 2010–2011 Management Act 1993 reporting period. The Director-General and relevant Minister approved all overseas travel. Wild Rivers Act 2005 Travel was undertaken for a range of reasons including: • participating and presenting at scientific Acts repealed in 2010–11 conferences, workshops and on collaborative Valuation of Land Act 1944 research projects • contributing to overseas aid projects Legislation passed 2010–11 • participating in government decision making groups • participating in fellowship programs. Land Valuation Act 2010 Expenditure on overseas travel during 2010–11 totalled Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment $98 171, of which $58 368 was externally funded. Act (No.2) 2010 Water and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010 Environmental Protection and Other Acts Amendment Act 2011 Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2011 North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability Act 2011
88 Department of Environment and Resource Management Agency Contribution from Name of Officer Destination Reason for Travel Cost Other Agencies and Position $ or Sources Darren Burns, Senior Intergovernmental Committee: New Zealand 2,139.51 Spatial Information Officer Surveying and Mapping annual meeting Intergovernmental Committee: Review John Bennett, New Zealand Australian and New Zealand guidelines 1,881.31 Chief Scientific Officer for water quality Graeme Milligan, Intergovernmental Committee: Review General Manager Water New Zealand Australian and New Zealand guidelines 2,466.13 Quality & Accounting for water quality $1,161 Department of International Conference: Present Kathryn Stephens, Employment, Economic New Zealand scientific paper at the Australiasian 1,005.00 Principal Botanist Development and Weeds conference Innovation (DEEDI) Carolina Casaril, International Conference: Stockholm Sweden 925.00 $2,712 Ms Casaril Senior Project Officer World Water Week $29,000 Department of Germany, United International Fellowship: Tracking Michael Schmidt, Employment, Economic Kingdom, United Woody Vegeation Dynamics and Change - Senior Scientist Development and States using Hypertemporal Satellite Imagery Innovation (DEEDI) International Conference: Australia- $8,500 Griffith Asia Matthew Skoien, China Futures Dialogue and present an China 71.36 Institute and Griffith Senior Director address on Climate Change Impacts on University Economic Sustainability Gregory Claydon, Intergovernmental Committee: River Executive Director China - $8,800 AusAID Health and Environmental Flows Strategic Water Initiatives Intergovernmental Committee: Memorandum of Understanding between Glenn McGregor, Singapore Singapore Public Utilities Board and 4,313.14 Senior Scientist the Queensland Government regarding urban water research and management Intergovernmental Committee: Memorandum of Understanding between Peter Negus, Singapore Singapore Public Utilities Board and 1,867.28 Senior Scientist the Queensland Government regarding urban water research and management Professional Development: Australian $195 Australian and Paul Lawrence, New Zealand and New Zealand School of Government 2,048.16 New Zealand School of Director Program Government Program $8,000 Department of David Cobon, International Fellowship: Queensland- Employment, Economic China - Principal Scientist China Climate Fellowship Program Development and Innovation (DEEDI) Michael Short, International Conference: International United States 6,621.72 Principal Scientist Oil Spill ** Dean Ellwood, Attend World Heritage Committee France 16,464.64 Assistant Director-General conference
** The officer completed the trip in the 2010–11 financial year and it will be expensed in the 2011–12 year.
Annual Report 2010–11 89 Consultancy expenditure Information access In 2010–2011, the cost of consultancy services to The department received 305 information access the department totalled $3 274 541.27 (as at 30 June applications under the Right to Information Act 2009 2011). The department used consultancy services to and the Information Privacy Act 2009 in 2010–11. supplement internal resources to meet the demands Also during this period, 68 information access requests associated with a number of high-priority projects and were addressed through various administrative means, short time frames. External resources and expertise while a wide variety of information was published were used where independent advice was required, or in the department’s Disclosure Log and Publication where the skills required were not available within Scheme. the department. As a result, the department dealt with 90 267 Over 88 per cent ($2 866 264) of the department’s documents under the various legislative and total consultancy requirements were used to source administrative access schemes. professional and technical advice and services in fields including scientific and environmental matters. Privacy Expenditure on consultancy Total by category The department reviewed its information holdings services $ and practices as part of its Information Privacy Human Resource Management 960.00 compliance activities. Professional/Technical 2,866,263.42 Information Technology 156,223.25 Management 251,094.60 Environmental Sustainability Total 3,274,541.27 Report DERM plays a leading role in promoting sustainability Recordkeeping within the broader Queensland community. At the same time DERM is committed to ensuring that its corporate The Public Records Act 2002 and associated activities reflect sustainability principles in relation to Information Standards require the department to the way in which its facilities, vehicles and operational develop and implement plans and strategies to ensure activities are managed. that full and accurate public records are created, identified, captured and retained in an accessible and Greenhouse Gas Emissions useable format. DERM is committed to supporting the Queensland The Strategic Recordkeeping Implementation Project Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland in conjunction with Corporate Recordkeeping carried target to cut Queenslanders’ greenhouse gas emissions out activities to assist the department comply with by one-third by 2020. This commitment includes legislation and relevant standards. In the reporting implementation of the government’s environmental and period approximately 1000 staff were trained in the use climate change strategies, such as the ClimateQ: toward of Keeper, the department’s electronic document and a greener Queensland strategy. records management system. The Queensland Government has established minimum Keeper enables staff to manage their documents greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirements and records in any format, electronic or paper. As for departments covering their main greenhouse gas at 30 June 2011 the total number of Keeper users is emitting business activities, namely those linked to approximately 3500. Rollout of Keeper will continue (i) vehicle use, (ii) electricity consumption and (iii) air in North Queensland and an ongoing program is under travel. These activities are sources of both direct and way to bring the remaining areas of the department indirect greenhouse gas emissions, which are reported including Central West and South West onto the system as carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. by the end of the 2011–12 year. DERM is the government’s lead agency for Queensland’s response to the challenges of climate
90 Department of Environment and Resource Management change and is committed to leading by example in For this annual report, due to data availability relation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In limitations and timing constraints the 12 month addition to the whole-of-government carbon reporting reporting period from 1 April 2010 to 31 March mentioned above, DERM is committed to achieving 2011 has been applied. While the best available data ‘carbon neutrality’ for our corporate operations by has been used, in some instances estimates have adopting a rigorous carbon management process had to be reported due to the limitation of data involving: collection processes or systems. For example, in those • the completion of a detailed carbon inventory of government-owned office buildings where there are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions sources multiple government agency tenants and the electricity usage cannot be solely attributed to any one particular • having that inventory checked and assured by an agency, the electricity usage by the tenanted agencies independent third party may be proportioned based on the floor area they • putting measures in place to minimise greenhouse occupy. gas emissions where possible through a range of energy efficiency and operational measures Importantly, any attempted comparison of emission • buying green power levels with those of previous periods must first ensure that all the relevant parameters are exactly the same • offsetting the remainder of greenhouse gas emissions and have not been affected by changes such as: using a variety of Australian Government accredited differences in the configuration and make-up of the carbon offsets. department’s building portfolio; changes to building For the purposes of this annual report, and to enable functionality and/or occupancy levels; or changes to comparison between different departments, carbon the emissions conversion factors used (which can vary emissions associated with (i) vehicle use, (ii) electricity each year as published in the Australian Government’s consumption and (iii) air travel are set out below. Upon National Greenhouse Accounts Factors Workbook). completion, a detailed annual carbon inventory (for The following table outlines the emissions relating Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) for the period July 2010 to to DERM for the 12 month period 1 April 2010 to June 2011 will be separately released and appropriate 31 March 2011. green power and offsets arranged.
GROSS greenhouse Less emission NET greenhouse Explanatory Activity gas emissions offsets (tonnes of gas emissions Notes (tonnes of CO2) CO2) (tonnes of CO2) Vehicle usage QFleet leased vehicles and department-owned 8,122 3,069 5,053 1 vehicles Hired vehicles 92 92 0 2 Electricity consumption Government-owned buildings 13,848 0 13,848 3 Leased privately-owned buildings 1,916 0 1,916 4 Air travel Domestic air travel on commercial airlines 1,659 1,659 0 5 International air travel on commercial airlines 20 20 0 5
Notes: 1. The emissions figures for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 have been estimated based upon the fuel use records for the period July 2010 to June 2011, as supplied by the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office (QGCPO) and determined from DERM’s financial records. All emissions reported represent emissions associated with four primary fuel types: unleaded petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and E10. Emissions offsets were purchased by QFleet for the period up to 30 June 2010 to offset the emissions from vehicles that did not comply with the minimum Green Vehicle Guide (GVG) Greenhouse ratings. Emissions offsets were also purchased by QGCPO on behalf of DERM for the period 1 July 2010 to 31 March 2011 for 50 per cent of vehicle emissions for that period. This latter offsetting is based upon the Queensland Government’s commitment to offset 50 per cent of vehicle emissions from 2010. All emissions offsets purchase relate to national Greenhouse Friendly™ certified carbon offsets. 2. The hire car vehicle emissions figures have been calculated by Avis Australia and are attributable to Avis Australia vehicles booked under the Standing Offer Arrangement managed by the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office. The emission offsets figure relates to purchased national Greenhouse Friendly™ certified carbon offsets.
Annual Report 2010–11 91 Notes continued: 3. Emissions associated with government owned buildings are calculated based on available building-related electricity consumption records for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. The emissions reported are limited to those linked to the electricity consumed by this department in buildings it owns, or in space it leases within other government buildings. Incomplete electricity consumption records have been apportioned and/or extrapolated where necessary. For example, in those government office buildings that do not have separate electricity sub-metering for departmental tenants, the electricity consumption and associated emissions have been apportioned 45 per cent to the landlord, and 55 per cent to the tenants—in line with historical benchmarking. Emissions have been calculated by converting relevant electricity consumption using
the Scope 2 conversion factor of 0.89 kg CO2-e/kWh as published in the Australian Government’s National Greenhouse Accounts Factors Workbook (June 2010). 4. These emissions figures are based on available building-related electricity consumption records for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. The emissions reported are limited to those linked to the electricity consumed by DERM in spaces leased in buildings other than government- owned ones (i.e. privately-owned). Electricity usage has been calculated or estimated using actual electricity records or lease charges received from landlords. Incomplete electricity consumption records have been apportioned and/or extrapolated where necessary. 5. Air travel includes all flights recorded by the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office (QGCPO) during the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, specifically: - international air travel on commercial airlines; and - domestic air travel on commercial airlines. The emissions are calculated by QGCPO using the kilometres flown from data provided by the relevant commercial airline and applying a methodology based on International Civil Aviation Organisation criteria. This methodology uses an averaged consumption of fuel per
passenger for flights, which can then be converted into tonnes of CO2-e. The emission offsets figure for air travel relates to purchased national Greenhouse Friendly™ certified carbon offsets.
Energy efficiency
The department has a range of initiatives in place $20 000 towards the installation of solar panels and to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon the replacement of appliances with high efficiency emissions, including: varieties. This initiative will reduce generator diesel • The finalisation of a lighting energy efficiency fuel consumption on the island and effectively make project at the Bundaberg office including the the ranger base and visitor station self sufficient in replacement of lights with more efficient varieties, terms of energy use. installation of motion sensors, timers and other • At the Walkabout Creek Visitors Centre in western controls to ensure optimal light delivery while Brisbane the department has initiated a trial of LED minimising energy consumption. The lighting retrofit lighting to replace high energy consuming display has delivered a saving of 56 per cent of lighting lighting and has installed a solar powered water energy at the site. pumping system. • The Queensland Herbarium stores a record of • Energy saving initiatives have also been undertaken Queensland’s flora. To maintain the plant specimens at a range of smaller offices and sites. Initiatives the collection must be kept within a specific include the installation of energy efficient air temperature and humidity range. Consequently conditioning systems, change to LED lighting that this means full-time air conditioning making the uses a fraction of the power of other lighting types, Herbarium one of the department’s largest energy shade sails and blinds to reduce heat loading and the consumers. To improve energy efficiency at the installation of energy efficient hot water systems. Herbarium the existing system has been fine tuned • To better manage the department’s greenhouse and an innovative air pre-conditioner system has gas emissions related data, a variety of proprietary been installed. It is anticipated that carbon carbon accounting systems are being investigated. emissions will be reduced by approximately The adoption of a best practice energy management 92 tonnes per annum. system will assist with the identification of energy • The department worked with Department of Public efficiency opportunities and assist with achieving Works on an energy efficiency project focused on best practice energy management. lighting and associated controls at the Shingley • To achieve better electricity management the Beach and Able Point Marina facilities at Airlie department has entered into a contestable electricity Beach. It is anticipated that carbon emissions will be supply arrangement for four of the largest energy reduced by approximately 38 tonnes per annum. consuming sites: The Mt Coot-tha Herbarium, David • At the Heron Island ranger base and visitor station, Fleay Wildlife Park, the Bundaberg office and the the department has made a contribution to the Rockhampton office. Heron Island Green Precinct Project by funding
92 Department of Environment and Resource Management Facilities sustainability Eleanor Schonell Bridge linking to the University of Queensland) will reduce staff dependence on cars The department has established policies to exceed with resultant reductions in energy use and carbon the whole-of-government standards in terms of emissions. Sustainability initiatives incorporated into the provision of ecologically sustainable office the Ecosciences Precinct include: accommodation and fitout. These standards address - rainwater storage for 420 000 litres, of which factors including the use of environmentally-friendly 75 000 litres is for toilet flushing, and the building materials, indoor air quality, access to remainder for irrigation daylight and views, the treatment of waste and the - water meters located throughout the site efficiency of appliances. Ecologically sustainable to monitor and record usage patterns office accommodation makes good business sense with studies demonstrating improvements in worker health - ‘daylight harvesting’ in open office areas along and productivity. the building perimeter whereby lights closest to the windows are automatically dimmed to a preset Over recent years the department has been gradually lighting level when the outside conditions are moving staff into green-star accommodation and sunny. In addition areas of the precinct are fitted as of June 2011 the department had approximately with motion sensors to control lighting 1580 persons, or one-quarter of all staff, in - landscaping and plantings within the precinct accommodation with significant sustainability bounds consist entirely of native species. features. During 2010–11 staff moved into the following green-star rated buildings: The department continued to reap the benefits of • Approximately 350 staff moved into the new the printer consolidation strategy at the head office 6-Star Green Star office accommodation at William in 400 George Street, Brisbane. Under this strategy McCormack Place (Stage Two) in Cairns. This approximately 400 printing and copying devices were building is recognised as being a world-leading replaced with a fleet of 35 energy efficient multi- example of sustainable office design and includes function devices, resulting in savings of 55 tonnes many energy efficiency features such as intelligent of greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in lighting and air conditioning, double-glazing, paper usage. A similar consolidation of printers has sun shades, thermal energy storage, a heat been undertaken at the Ecosciences Precinct and the recovery system to capture and recycle the energy department will continue to explore opportunities for from waste air and a 64 kW photo voltaic (PV) the rationalisation of printers and associated devices array on the building roof. This system provides across the state. approximately 90 000 kWh of solar electricity to the building annually. The PV array consists Transport and vehicle efficiency of 336 panels mounted on a purpose built roof structure. The structure incorporates access Due to the diverse nature and geographic spread of walkways and fall restraints for ease of maintenance. departmental activities and operational requirements It is anticipated that solar energy produced by the there is a large and diverse fleet of vehicles. Some system will fully offset the annual energy usage and activities such as fire fighting and towing dictate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with tenancy type of vehicles required, leading to the need for larger lighting in the building. more powerful vehicles for these specialist activities. • Approximately 45 staff moved into new These operational requirements have presented 6-Star Green Star office accommodation at the challenges to the department in terms of achieving Maroochydore Government Office Building. This vehicle fleet efficiency. To overcome these challenges building has innovative air conditioning solutions the department has implemented a range of initiatives: such as energy recovery, thermal storage and off– • fit-for-purpose vehicle selections that represent a peak cooling systems and is also recognised as a significant migration of the fleet profile toward world-leading example of sustainable office design. smaller, more efficient and cost effective vehicles • Approximately 300 sciences staff moved from • established minimum Green Vehicle Guide (GVG) Indooroopilly to the new Ecosciences Precinct at Ratings which exceeds the whole-of-government Boggo Road, in Brisbane’s Dutton Park. The facility policy position. Where operationally possible the cannot be evaluated against the commonly used department requires its vehicles to achieve a GVG ‘office’ green star rating tool, as it is a mixed use rating of 6.5 for cars and 5.5 for light commercial facility comprising laboratories, glasshouses, central vehicles, which is one and two points, respectively, support (such as plant and equipment rooms), offices above the whole-of-government target and staff support areas. The precinct’s near-city • all commercial vehicles use diesel fuel which produce location, its high level of accessibility and extensive less greenhouse gas emissions when compared to supporting public transport (including the Boggo equivalent petrol vehicles Road Busway, Park Road railway station, and nearby
Annual Report 2010–11 93 • optimising vehicle utilisation through the pooling of To date, much of the furniture has been redistributed vehicle resources where appropriate within the department to provide an upgrade of office • encouraging staff in Brisbane to utilise public accommodation in regional areas. Other government transport, for example, through the provision of departments have also accessed the stockpile with a corporate go-cards significant amount being reused in schools around South East Queensland. • requiring staff to utilise the Airtrain service when travelling to and from the Brisbane airport In addition office furniture and equipment was • use of taxi services for short trips where public provided to replace items damaged as a result of the transport is not available as opposed to maintaining January 2011 flood events. additional vehicles for this purpose. The department is also using some of the most environmentally sustainable vehicles available. For example, it has 31 vehicles with a GVG rating of 8 or higher; and includes vehicles such as the Toyota Prius. Late in 2010, the department added the Queensland Government’s first fully electric vehicle, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV to its fleet of cars. This electric vehicle is used for education purposes at public events, evaluation as a pool vehicle and as a daily driver for government personnel. On average electric vehicles produce one-third the emissions of a standard new petrol car when recharged with grid electricity, and zero emissions when recharged with renewable energy. The department vehicle uses 100 per cent renewable energy for refuelling.
Waste In 2010 the department introduced the Queensland’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 2010–20. A corporate waste management strategy has also been developed to align with the broader Queensland strategy. A key focus of the corporate strategy is to build on existing onsite waste management practices and focus on ‘priority wastes’ such as computer equipment, batteries, mobile phones and tyres. As part of the department’s drive towards environmentally sustainable accommodation the department has built-in waste handling facilities for items such as cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, toner cartridges and glass. The department manages approximately 1200 tonnes of waste each year which is generated either from DERM operations or by visitors to national parks. Of the 1200 tonnes approximately one-third is currently diverted to recycling services. As a result of the move to more environmentally sustainable accommodation, the department has a quantity of excess furniture and office equipment. This furniture and equipment has been reused or recycled with disposal being a last resort.
94 Department of Environment and Resource Management How to contact us
List of business centres To confirm that the services or products that you require are available from your local business centre, please telephone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Business Business Street address Street address Centre Centre 25 Mabel Street 42 Callandoon Street, Goondiwindi Atherton Goondiwindi Atherton QLD 4883 Goondiwindi QLD 4390 Little Drysdale Street Government Office Building Ayr Ayr QLD 4807 Gympie 27 O’Connell Street 32 Tansey Street Gympie QLD 4570 Beenleigh Beenleigh QLD 4207 Level 1 Tower Central Landcentre Ipswich 114 Brisbane Street Brisbane CBD Level 2 Cnr Main & Vulture Streets Ipswich QLD 4305 Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Shop 2/16 Alford Street Kingaroy Level 11, 53 Albert Street Kingaroy QLD 4610 Brisbane— (cnr Margaret Street) Landsborough Highway Titles Registry Longreach Brisbane QLD 4000 Longreach QLD 4730 16-32 Enterprise Street 22-30 Wood Street Bundaberg Mackay Bundaberg QLD 4670 Mackay QLD 4740 Level 4/33 King Street 28 Peters Street Caboolture Mareeba Caboolture QLD 4510 Mareeba QLD 4880 William McCormack Place II Station Chambers Cairns Level 4, 5B Sheridan Street Maryborough 120 Lennox Street Cairns Qld 4870 Maryborough QLD 4650 Hood Street Suite 30, Level 1 Mount Isa House Charleville Charleville QLD 4470 Mount Isa Cnr Camooweal and Mary Streets 72 Uhr Street Mount Isa QLD 4825 Cloncurry Cloncurry QLD 4824 Centenary Square Level 3, Ergon Energy Buiding Nambour 52-64 Currie Street Dalby 3 Marble Street (cnr Drayton St) Nambour QLD 4560 Dalby QLD 4405 State Government Building 99 Hospital Road Rockhampton Level 1, 209 Bolsover Street Emerald Emerald QLD 4720 Rockhampton QLD 4700 1-3 Alfred Street Level 1 AVC Building Roma Gold Coast 14 Edgewater Court Roma QLD 4455 (Robina) (off Robina Town Centre Drive) 126 Alfred Street St George Robina QLD 4226 St George QLD 4487
Annual Report 2010–11 95 Business For general parks or wildlife enquiries, Connect with Street address Centre Nature activity bookings and camp site bookings, 203 Tor Street phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68). Toowoomba Toowoomba QLD 4350 Further contact details are available on the website State Government Building www.derm.qld.gov.au Townsville 187-209 Stanley Street Townsville QLD 4810 You can write to the department at: Government Offices GPO Box 2454 Warwick 1st Floor, Cnr Guy & Fitzroy Street Brisbane Q 4001 Warwick QLD 4730 You can also contact us by email at: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Offices [email protected] Terrestrial 60 Mount Nebo Road Find us at: South East The Gap Qld 4061 Ph (07) 3512 2300 Level 6 Mike Ahern Building 12 First Avenue Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Qld 4558 and Burnett Ph (07) 5459 6110 Smart Service business centre providing business services from end of August 2011 30 Tennyson Street Capricornia Mackay Qld 4740 Ph (07) 4944 7800 173 Hume Street Western Toowoomba Qld 4350 Ph (07) 4699 4333 Cairns DERM business centre William McCormack Place II Wet Tropics Level 4, 5B Sheridan Street Cairns Qld 4870 Ph (07) 4222 5478 Cairns DERM business centre William McCormack Place II Cape York/ Level 4, 5B Sheridan Street Savanna Cairns Qld 4870 Ph (07) 4222 5478 Marine 34 Trafalgar Street Moreton Bay Manly Qld 4179 Ph (07) 3131 2888 Corner Lennox & Alice Streets Great Sandy Maryborough Qld 4650 Ph (07) 4121 1800 Corner Mandalay & Shute Harbour Roads Central Jubilee Pocket Queensland Airlie Beach Qld 4802 Ph (07) 4967 7355 Cairns DERM business centre William McCormack Place II North Level 4, 5B Sheridan Street Queensland Cairns Qld 4870 Ph (07) 4222 5478
96 Department of Environment and Resource Management Financial statements
Annual Report 2010–11 97 Department of Environment and Resource Management Financial Statements for the financial year ended 30 June 2011
Contents
Page Number Statement of Comprehensive Income 2 Statement of Financial Position 4 Statement of Changes in Equity 6 Statement of Cash Flows 8 Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services 10 Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Major Departmental Services 14 Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements 18 Management Certificate 84
General information
These financial statements report on the financial results Department of Environment and Resource Management for the financial year 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management is a Queensland Government department established under the Public Service Act 2008. It is controlled by the State of Queensland which is the ultimate parent.
The head office and principal place of business of the department is:
Level 13 400 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000
A description of the nature of the operations and principal activities of this department is included in the notes to these financial statements.
For information in relation to these financial statements please call (07) 3247 4497.
Amounts shown in these financial statements may not add to the correct sub-totals or totals due to rounding.
Page 1
98 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000
Income from continuing operations Revenues Departmental services revenue 4 746,980 738,156 User charges, fees and fines 5 71,126 76,785 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 6 20,682 18,712 Grants and other contributions 7 103,572 86,916 Revaluation increment 9 44,027 - Interest revenue 10 325 222 Other revenue 11 7,169 12,383 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 12 212 566
Total revenues from continuing activities 994,093 933,740
Expenses from continuing operations Employee expenses 13 470,154 440,760 Supplies and services 14 252,986 245,143 Grants and subsidies 15 97,254 110,635 Rebates 16 227 8,488 Depreciation and amortisation 17 72,183 75,409 Impairment losses 18 4,963 - Revaluation decrement 20 68,011 100,166 Finance/borrowing costs 21 150 199 Other expenses 22 16,217 15,073 Total expenses from continuing activities 982,145 995,873 Surplus/(deficit) from continuing activities 11,948 (62,133)
Other comprehensive income Increase/(decrease) in asset revaluation surplus 39 (4,343) (1,632) Total other comprehensive income (4,343) (1,632) Total comprehensive income 7,605 (63,765)
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 2
Annual Report 2010–11 99 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis 2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 Income from continuing operations Revenue Administered appropriation revenue 4 10,196 24,783 Fees and fines 5 222,718 238,693 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 6 83,373 63,320 Grants and other contributions 7 397 3,596 Land transfers inwards 8 265,173 332,867 Revaluations increments 9 186 - Interest revenue 10 3,969 2,717 Other revenue 11 19 216 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 12 9,206 38,820
Total income from continuing operations 595,237 705,012
Expenses from continuing operations Supplies and services 14 1,445 766 Grants and subsidies 15 6,443 22,427 Rebates 16 - 181 Depreciation and amortisation 17 505 239 Land transfers outwards 19 79,918 50,792 Revaluation decrement 20 - 186 Other expenses 22 13,519 8,806 Total expenses from continuing operations 101,830 83,397 Net operating result before transfers to government 493,407 621,615 Transfers of administered item revenue to government 306,319 336,446 Operating result from continuing operations 187,088 285,169
Other comprehensive income Increase/(decrease) in asset revaluation surplus 39 1,851,418 116,898 Total other comprehensive income 1,851,418 116,898 Total comprehensive income 2,038,506 402,067
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 3
100 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 23 85,302 148,832 Receivables 24 49,640 51,014 Inventories 26 2,851 2,230 Unexpended advances 27 509 6,000 Other assets 28 6,633 7,828 144,935 215,904
Non current assets classified as held for sale 29 218 218 Total current assets 145,153 216,122
Non current assets Receivables 24 3,680 1,861 Property, plant and equipment 30 3,477,350 3,461,495 Intangible assets 31 30,576 26,856 Total non current assets 3,511,606 3,490,212
Total assets 3,656,759 3,706,334
Current liabilities Payables 33 28,265 43,689 Accrued employee benefits 34 13,079 12,662 Proposals and deposits 35 14 38 Other financial liabilities 36 577 577 Other liabilities 37 30,067 97,870 Total current liabilities 72,002 154,836 Non current liabilities Non current borrowings 36 742 1,319 Total non current liabilities 742 1,319
Total liabilities 72,744 156,155
Net assets 3,584,015 3,550,179 Equity Contributed equity 38 3,611,706 3,585,475 Retained surpluses (27,691) (39,639) Asset revaluation surplus 39 - 4,343
Total equity 3,584,015 3,550,179
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 4
Annual Report 2010–11 101 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis 2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 23 39,055 28,827 Receivables 24 70,129 56,912 109,184 85,739
Non current assets classified as held for sale 29 3,700 95 Total current assets 112,884 85,834
Non current assets Receivables 24 54,443 57,743 Property, plant and equipment 30 66,664,635 64,613,367 Total non current assets 66,719,078 64,671,110
Total assets 66,831,962 64,756,944
Current liabilities Payables 33 37,571 36,931 Proposals and deposits 35 30,518 24,650 Other liabilities 37 5,580 5,063 Total current liabilities 73,669 66,644
Total liabilities 73,669 66,644
Net assets 66,758,293 64,690,300
Equity Contributed equity 38 23,830,560 23,801,073 Retained surpluses 498,866 311,778 Asset revaluation surplus 39 42,428,868 40,577,449 Total equity 66,758,293 64,690,300
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 5
102 Department of Environment and Resource Management
Page 6
Total Total
- 11,948 (62,133) - (48,621) (62,736) - 44,292 100,714
- - - surplus (note 39) Asset revaluation revaluation Asset
- -
- - Retained surpluses
- 11,948 (62,133)
- - - - (4,343) (1,632) (4,343) (1,632) (4,343) (1,632) (4,343) - - (note 38) 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 51,287 75,324 - - - - 51,287 75,324 75,324 - 51,287 - 51,287 - 44,292 100,714 (20,727) (70,609) - - - - (20,727) (70,609) (20,727) (70,609) - - - (20,727) (48,621) (62,736) Contributed equity Contributed equity 3,585,475 3,542,782 (39,639) 3,585,475 3,542,782 22,494 4,343 5,975 3,550,179 3,571,251 3,611,706 3,585,475 (27,691) (39,639) - 4,343 3,584,015 3,550,179 agencies government surplus Increase/(decrease) in asset revaluation Non appropriated equity withdrawals Net transfer of assets/liabilities from other Equity injections (note 4) (note 4) Equity withdrawals Transactions as owners owners with Operating results from continuing operations Balance at 1 2010 July Balance at 30 June 2011 Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department in Equity Changes of Statement 2011 ended 30 June for the year The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Annual Report 2010–11 103 - - Page 7 (241) $’000 1,837 2010 285,169 116,898 662,613 (456,360) 64,080,383 64,690,299 - - 40 Total Total (119) 72,795 2011 (43,229) $’000 187,088 1,851,419 64,690,300 66,758,294 ------$’000 2010 116,898 40,460,551 40,577,449 ------surplus (note 39) 2011 $’000 Asset revaluation revaluation Asset 1,851,418 40,577,449 42,428,868 ------2010 $’000 26,608 285,169 311,777 ------2011 $’000 311,778 187,088 498,866 Retained surpluses - - - - 2010 (241) $’000 1,837 662,613 (456,360) 23,593,224 23,801,073 - - - - 40 2011 (119) $’000 (note 38) 72,795 (43,229) 23,801,073 23,830,560 Contributed equity equity Contributed surplus other government agencies Government government and related agencies Increase/(decrease) in asset revaluation Equity injections (note 4) Non appropriated equity injections Non appropriated equity withdrawals Net transfer of assets/liabilities from Net assets received via machinery-of- Transfers of land (to) from other Transactions with owners as owners Transactions as owners owners with Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Balance at 1 2010July Operating results from continuing operations Balance at 30 June 2011 The accompanying notes form part of these statements Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department in Equity Changes of Statement 2011 ended 30 June for the year
104 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services for the year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 Cash flows from operating activities Inflows: Departmental services receipts 745,116 728,804 User charges 82,038 85,623 Grants and other contributions 98,720 80,964 Royalties, property and other territorial receipts 20,164 18,968 Interest receipts 282 217 GST input tax credits received from Australian Taxation Office 8,699 31,942 Other 4,261 57,567
Outflows: Employee expenses (470,535) (436,810) Supplies and services (275,544) (260,127) Grants and subsidies (92,420) (122,159) GST remitted to Australian Taxation Office (2,880) (6,047) Borrowing costs (150) (199) Rebates (227) (8,488) Other (81,432) (13,921) Net cash from operating activities 40 36,092 156,334
Cash flows from investing activities Inflows: Sales of property, plant and equipment 324 1,130
Outflows: Payments for property, plant and equipment and intangibles (72,372) (58,420) Investments acquired (1,858) (1,423) Finance leases – state land (47) (20)
Net cash (used in) investing activities (73,954) (58,733)
Cash flows from financing activities Inflows: Equity injections 44,257 100,714
Outflows: Borrowing redemptions (577) (529) Equity withdrawals (48,621) (62,736) Non appropriated equity withdrawals (20,727) (70,609) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (25,668) (33,160)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (63,530) 64,442 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year 148,832 84,390 Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year 23 85,302 148,832
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 8
Annual Report 2010–11 105 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services for the year ended 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis 2011 2010 Notes $’000 $’000 Cash flows from operating activities
Inflows: Administered appropriation revenue received from Queensland Treasury 12,258 23,631 Fees and fines 215,572 245,287 Grants and other contributions 398 3,596 Royalties, property and other territorial receipts 71,910 71,299 Interest receipts 3,627 2,676 GST input tax credits received from Australian Taxation Office 397 625 Other 2,622 97
Outflows: Administered appropriation revenue returned to Queensland Treasury - - Transfers of administered item revenue to government (303,349) (325,404) Grants and subsidies (549) (28,461) Supplies and services (2,653) (5,230) GST remitted to Australian Taxation Office 583 (8,714) Rebates (181) Other (12,816) (3,885) Net cash (used in) operating activities 40 (12,000) (24,664)
Cash flows from investing activities Inflows: Sales of property, plant and equipment 40,970 494,459 Finance leases redeemed – state land 5,782 5,087
Outflows: Payments for property, plant and equipment (51,685) (15,447) Finance leases – state land (2,449) (13,439) Net cash provided by investing activities (7,382) 470,660
Cash flows from financing activities Inflows: Equity injections 72,838 (284) Non appropriated equity injections - 1,837 Outflows: Equity withdrawals - - Non appropriated equity withdrawals (43,229) (456,360) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 29,609 (454,807)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 10,228 (8,811) Administered cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year 28,827 37,638 Administered cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year 23 39,055 28,827
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 9
106 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services for the year ended 30 June 2011
Climate Change Environment Land Water Total 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Income from continuing operations * Revenue Departmental services revenue 20,979 358,470 219,254 148,277 746,980 User charges 1,280 22,815 41,285 5,746 71,126 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 7 1,248 19,382 45 20,682 Grants and other contributions 2,339 81,864 5,388 13,981 103,572 Revaluation Increment 187 42,164 1,120 556 44,027 Interest revenue - 279 13 33 325 Other revenue 86 5,454 982 647 7,169 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment - 162 46 4 212 Total income from continuing operations 24,878 512,456 287,470 169,289 994,093 Expenses from continuing operations * Employee expenses 13,495 230,459 141,036 85,164 470,154 Supplies and services 34,721 113,643 57,958 46,664 252,986 Grants and subsidies 3,175 56,817 2,819 34,443 97,254 Rebates - 227 - - 227 Depreciation and amortisation 846 59,394 7,651 4,292 72,183 Impairment Losses - 4,963 - - 4,963 Revaluation decrement 289 65,133 1,730 859 68,011 Finance/borrowing costs 150 - - - 150 Other expenses 192 5,799 9,815 411 16,217 Total expenses from continuing operations 52,868 536,435 221,009 171,833 982,145 Operating result from continuing operations (27,990) (23,979) 66,461 (2,544) 11,948
* Allocation of corporate services income and expenses to outputs (disclosure only): Income from ordinary activities 5,112 87,298 53,424 32,260 178,094 Expenses from ordinary activities 5,112 87,298 53,424 32,260 178,094
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 10
Annual Report 2010–11 107 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services for the year ended 30 June 2011
Climate Environment Land Water Total Change 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Income from continuing operations * Revenue Departmental services revenue 45,589 290,967 237,866 163,734 738,156 User charges 2,418 24,582 45,772 4,013 76,785 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 58 1,074 17,501 79 18,712 Grants and other contributions 5,348 30,260 6,823 44,485 86,916 Interest revenue - 180 27 15 222 Other revenue 4,671 5,403 1,515 795 12,383 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 184 279 88 14 566 Total income from continuing operations 58,268 352,745 309,592 213,135 933,740 Expenses from continuing operations * Employee expenses 24,682 180,250 150,598 85,230 440,760 Supplies and services 26,258 115,543 59,844 43,498 245,143 Rebates 4,718 3,562 208 - 8,488 Grants and subsidies 3,924 5,020 4,403 97,288 110,635 Depreciation and amortisation 801 62,226 8,381 4,001 75,409 Revaluation decrement 258 97,096 1,798 1,014 100,166 Finance/borrowing costs 199 - - - 199 Other expenses 1,709 5,231 6,484 1,649 15,073 Total expenses from continuing operations 62,549 468,928 231,716 232,680 995,873 Operating result from continuing operations (4,281) (116,183) 77,876 (19,545) (62,133)
* Allocation of corporate services income and expenses to outputs (disclosure only):
Income from ordinary activities 9,907 72,547 60,446 34,209 177,108 Expenses from ordinary activities 9,907 72,547 60,446 34,209 177,108 The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 11
108 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services for the year ended 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of-Government Climate basis Change Environment Land Water Total 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Income from continuing operations Revenue Administered appropriation revenue - 5,025 3,223 1,948 10,196 Fees and fines - 43,688 173,995 5,036 222,718 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue - 839 80,658 1,876 83,373 Grants and other contributions - - - 397 397 Land transfers inwards - - 265,173 - 265,173 Revaluation increments - - 79 106 186 Interest revenue - - 3,966 3 3,969 Other revenue - - - 19 19 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment - - 9,206 - 9,206 Total income from continuing operations - 49,552 536,300 9,385 595,237 Expenses from continuing operations Supplies and services - - 216 1,229 1,445 Grants and subsidies - 2,307 2,613 1,523 6,443 Rebates - - - - - Depreciation and amortisation - - 309 196 505 Land transfers outwards - - 79,918 - 79,918 Revaluation decrement - - - - - Other expenses - 465 13,010 44 13,519 Total expenses from continuing operations - 2,772 96,066 2,992 101,830 Net operating result before transfers to government 46,780 440,234 6,393 493,407 Transfers of administered item revenue government - 3,529 300,737 2,053 306,319 Operating result from continuing operations - 43,251 139,497 4,340 187,088
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
Page 12
Annual Report 2010–11 109 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services for the year ended 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of- Climate Government basis Change Environment Land Water Total 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Income Revenue Administered appropriation revenue - 7,516 14,547 2,721 24,783 Fees and fines - 27,626 208,427 2,640 238,693 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue - 591 61,638 1,091 63,320 Grants and other contributions - - - 3,596 3,596 Land transfers inwards - - 332,867 - 332,867 Interest revenue - - 2,714 3 2,717 Other revenue - 66 127 23 216 Gains Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment - - 38,820 - 38,820 Total income - 35,799 659,140 10,073 705,012 Expenses Supplies and services - - 15 751 766 Grants and subsidies - 6,351 12,357 3,719 22,427 Rebates - - - 181 181 Depreciation and amortisation - 54 107 78 239 Land transfers outwards - - 50,792 - 50,792 Revaluation decrement - - 89 97 186 Other expenses - 8 8,658 140 8,806 Total expenses - 6,413 72,018 4,966 83,397 Net operating result before transfers to government - 29,385 587,122 5,108 621,615 Transfers of administered item revenue to government - 15,011 321,435 - 336,446 Operating result from continuing operations - 14,374 265,687 5,108 285,169
The accompanying notes form part of these statements
13
110 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Major Departmental Services as at 30 June 2011
Climate General Not Change Environment Land Water Attributable Total 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents - - - - 85,302 85,302 Receivables - - - - 49,640 49,640 Inventories 289 - 15 2,547 - 2,851 Unexpended advances - - 509 - - 509 Other assets (12) 3,506 1,916 1,223 - 6,633 277 3,506 2,440 3,770 134,942 144,935 Non current assets classified as held for sale 15 116 46 41 - 218 Total current assets 292 3,622 2,486 3,811 134,942 145,153 Non current assets Receivables 3,281 - 399 - - 3,680 Property, plant and equipment 18,869 3,351,900 66,934 39,647 - 3,477,350 Intangibles 189 11,986 13,048 5,353 - 30,576 Total non current assets 22,339 3,363,886 80,381 45,000 - 3,511,606 Total assets 22,631 3,367,508 82,867 48,811 134,942 3,656,759 Current liabilities Payables 1,012 14,957 6,940 5,356 - 28,265 Accrued employee benefits (939) 4,918 6,929 2,171 - 13,079 Proposals and deposits - 14 - - 14 Other financial liabilities 577 - - - 577 Other liabilities (445) (3,029) 34,720 (1,179) - 30,067 Total current liabilities 205 16,860 48,589 6,348 - 72,002 Non current liabilities Other financial liabilities 742 - - - - 742 Total non current liabilities 742 - - - - 742 Total liabilities 947 16,860 48,589 6,348 - 72,744 Net assets 21,684 3,350,648 34,278 42,463 134,942 3,584,015
The department has systems in place to allocate assets and liabilities by output
14
Annual Report 2010–11 111 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Major Departmental Services as at 30 June 2011 . Climate General Not Change Environment Land Water Attributable Total 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents - - - - 148,832 148,832 Receivables - - - - 51,014 51,014 Inventories 279 - 41 1,910 - 2,230 Unexpended advances 3,336 2,518 145 - - 6,000 Other assets (33) 4,052 2,225 1,585 - 7,828 3,582 6,570 2,411 3,495 199,846 215,904 Non current assets classified as held for sale 13 115 46 44 - 218 Total current assets 3,595 6,685 2,457 3,539 199,846 216,122 Non current assets Receivables 792 597 516 (44) - 1,861 Property, plant and equipment 5,882 3,358,929 54,856 41,827 - 3,461,495 Intangibles 841 5,560 14,871 5,583 - 26,856 Total non current assets 7,515 3,365,087 70,243 47,367 - 3,490,212 Total assets 11,110 3,371,772 72,700 50,906 199,846 3,706,334 Current liabilities Payables 4,098 18,292 10,915 10,384 - 43,689 Accrued employee benefits (482) (1,455) 10,017 4,582 - 12,662 Proposals and deposits - 25 13 - - 38 Other financial liabilities 577 - - - - 577 Other liabilities (290) (2,468) 101,638 (1,010) - 97,870 Total current liabilities 3,903 14,394 122,583 13,956 - 154,836 Non current liabilities Other financial liabilities 1,319 - - - - 1,319 Total non current liabilities 1,319 - - - - 1,319 Total liabilities 5,222 14,394 122,583 13,956 - 156,155 Net assets 5,888 3,357,378 (49,883) 36,950 199,846 3,550,179
15
112 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Major Departmental Services as at 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of- Government basis Climate General Not Change Environment Land Water Attributable Total 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents - - - - 39,055 39,055 Receivables - - - - 70,129 70,129 - - - - 109,184 109,184 Non current assets classified as held for sale - - 3,700 - - 3,700 Total current assets - - 3,700 - 109,184 112,884 Non current assets Receivables - - 54,443 - - 54,443 Property, plant and equipment - - 66,647,512 17,123 - 66,664,635 Total non current assets - - 66,701,955 17,123 - 66,719,078 Total assets - - 66,705,655 17,123 109,184 66,831,962 Current liabilities Payables 4 15,312 22,255 - - 37,751 Proposals and deposits - - 30,518 - - 30,518 Other liabilities - (14) 5,594 - - 5,580 Total current liabilities 4 15,298 58,367 - - 73,669 Total liabilities 4 15,298 58,367 - - 73,669 Net assets (4) (15,298) 66,647,288 17,123 109,184 66,758,293
The department has systems in place to allocate assets and liabilities by output.
16
Annual Report 2010–11 113 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Assets and Liabilities by Major Departmental Services as at 30 June 2011
Administered on a whole-of- Government basis Climate General Not Change Environment Land Water Attributable Total 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents - - - - 28,827 28,827 Receivables - - - - 56,912 56,912 - - - - 85,739 85,739 Non current assets classified as held for sale - - 95 - - 95 Total current assets - - 95 - 85,739 85,834 Non current assets Receivables - - 57,743 - - 57,743 Property, plant and equipment - - 64,596,378 16,989 - 64,613,367 Total non current assets - - 64,654,121 16,989 - 64,671,110 Total assets - - 64,654,216 16,989 85,739 64,756,944 Current liabilities Payables - 362 34,030 2,539 - 36,931 Proposals and deposits - - 24,650 - - 24,650 Other liabilities - - 5,063 - - 5,063 Total current liabilities - 362 63,743 2,539 - 66,644 Total liabilities - 362 63,743 2,539 - 66,644 Net assets - (362) 64,590,473 14,450 85,739 64,690,300
The department has systems in place to allocate assets and liabilities by output.
17
114 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
Note Note title
1 Objectives and principal activities of the department 2 Major departmental services 3 Summary of significant accounting policies 4 Reconciliation of payments from consolidated fund 5 User charges, fees and fines 6 Royalties, property and other territorial revenue 7 Grants and other contributions 8 Land transfers inwards 9 Revaluation increments 10 Interest revenue 11 Other revenue 12 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 13 Employee expenses 14 Supplies and services 15 Grants and subsidies 16 Rebates 17 Depreciation and amortisation 18 Impairment losses 19 Land transfers outwards 20 Revaluation decrements 21 Finance/borrowing costs 22 Other expenses 23 Cash and cash equivalents 24 Receivables 25 Leases 26 Inventories 27 Unexpended advances 28 Other current assets 29 Non current assets classified as held for sale 30 Property, plant and equipment 31 Intangibles 32 Biological assets 33 Payables 34 Accrued employee benefits 35 Proposals and deposits 36 Other financial liabilities 37 Other liabilities 38 Contributed equity reconciliation 39 Asset revaluation surplus 40 Reconciliation of net operating result from continuing operations to net cash 41 Commitments for expenditure 42 Contingencies 43 Controlled entities 44 Interest in joint ventures 45 Financial instruments 46 Trust transactions and balances
18
Annual Report 2010–11 115 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
1. Objectives and principal activities of the department
Role of the department The Department of Environment and Resource Management conserves and manages the environment and natural resources for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
The department’s key areas of responsibility are: x delivering fit-for-purpose services to our clients; x meeting the challenge of climate change; x managing Queensland’s land, water and vegetation resources responsibly; x protecting and enhancing the state’s natural environment and cultural heritage; and x securing water for Queensland’s future
Departmental vision A green, strong and sustainable Queensland
Objectives of the department The department’s objectives are:
x for client needs being understood and met; x for Queensland being prepared for climate change; x having healthy, protected and bio-diverse ecosystems; x having well managed natural resources; and x that Indigenous land access and ownership is improved and Queensland’s cultural heritage is conserved.
This department supports and participates in the State Government’s plan for the future - Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland.
Sources of departmental funding The department is principally funded for the services it delivers by parliamentary appropriations, with further funding sourced from: x grants and other contribution revenue from Commonwealth, State and local governments and external bodies to undertake designated activities; x sales of titles, valuations and other information, provision of mapping, aerial photography and related products and through the delivery of certain corporate services to external agencies; x royalties from timber and quarry material sales; and x a range of fees and permits relating to visitations, use and camping in the State’s National Parks.
2. Major departmental services The Department of Environment and Resource Management conducts its business through the following four service areas: x Climate Change This departmental service delivers initiatives aimed at reducing Queensland’s carbon footprint and preparing Queensland for the impact of climate change. Through this service, the department provides support to the Premier’s Council on Climate Change and administers the Queensland Climate Change Fund which provides funding for new climate change initiatives. This service also works with Queenslanders to reduce and reuse waste and to conserve water at home, work and in communities.
.
19
116 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2. Major departmental services (continued) x Environment The environment service covers a substantial portion of departmental business aimed at conserving our natural environment. It includes the activities of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and a wide range of services aimed at protecting Queensland’s biodiversity, its natural environment and resources and preventing or controlling pollution and achieving resource recovery. x Land This service delivers policies and programs which are designed to ensure sustainable and productive use of the State’s land resources, stock route management, resolution of native title issues, the sale of quarry materials and forest products from State lands, and the management of Indigenous and Queensland’s cultural heritage. It also delivers initiatives to develop and provide high quality spatial and other information requirements including mapping, land ownership (titles and registrations), valuations and land tenure functions required for effective planning and development of the State. x Water The water service works to ensure safe, secure, sustainable and equitable use of water and ecosystem resources and the protection of our natural environment. This is achieved through monitoring, reporting and evaluation activities to support planning, allocation and management of the State’s water.
3. Summary of significant accounting policies (a) Basis of accounting The Department of Environment and Resource Management has prepared these financial statements in compliance with section 42 of the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009.
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis, in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations. In addition, these financial statements comply with the Treasury’s Minimum Reporting Requirements for the period ending 30 June 2011 and other authoritative pronouncements.
Being a not for profit entity, the department has applied the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards and interpretations applicable to not-for-profit entities.
Except where stated, the historical cost convention is used.
(b) The reporting entity These financial statements include the value of all revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity of the department and the entities it controls, where these entities are material.
Ecofund Pty Ltd is a controlled entity of the department. Its activities undertaken this year are not considered to be material and therefore are not consolidated into the values reported in these statements. Ecofund Pty Ltd is the Trustee of the Balance the Earth Trust. Refer note 43.
The major services undertaken by the department are disclosed in note 2.
These financial statements also incorporate the financial balances of the Joint Field Management Program of the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority as managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife division of this department and the financial balances of the Wet Tropics Management Authority.
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Annual Report 2010–11 117 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(c) Administered transactions and balances The department administers, but does not control, certain resources on behalf of the Government. In doing so, it is responsible and accountable for administering related transactions and items, but does not have the discretion to deploy the resources for the achievement of the department’s objectives.
The principal resource administered by the department is state-owned land (which includes leasehold land, land under roads, unallocated state land and reserves) with associated activities being the allocation and management of this land.
(d) Trust and agency transactions and balances The department holds cash and bank guarantees on behalf of companies and individuals for the following:
a. As a condition of volumetric leases entered into under the Land Act 1994, the lessee is required to provide a security in the form of a bank guarantee to be retained by the department to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The security together with the lease agreement commits the lessee to perform specific reparation conditions set out in the lease.
b. As a condition of the environmental authority for petroleum and gas leases under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, applicants are required to provide financial security in the form of cash or bank guarantee to ensure compliance with specific requirements set by the state of petroleum and gas activities, to prevent or minimise any environmental harm, or to rehabilitate or restore the environment. The security is held to protect the State should the lessee not meet the conditions set out in the environmental authority.
c. As a condition of other miscellaneous environment management sections of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and other relevant Acts, financial assurances are held in the form of cash or bank guarantee to ensure compliance with specific environmental requirements as determined.
d. As a condition of forestry products timber sales contracts, a financial security of cash or bank guarantee must be provided to the department to ensure achievement of specific requirements. Upon receipt of the cash deposits, the department recognises interest accrued during the period the department has custody of the moneys. The amount of interest accrued each year is recognised as an expense.
e. For development applications under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (formerly Integrated Planning Act 1997), applicants may be required to provide financial security of cash or bank guarantee as a means of meeting a particular aspect of a vegetation management code. The security together with the agreement commits the developer to providing a vegetation offset within twelve months. No interest is paid by the department in respect to the cash security held.
As the department acts only in a custodial role in respect of these transactions and balances, they are not recognised in the financial statements, but are disclosed in note 46. Applicable audit arrangements are also shown.
(e) Departmental services revenue/administered revenue Appropriations provided under the annual Appropriation Act are recognised as revenue when received. Approval has been obtained from Queensland Treasury to recognise specific adjustments to departmental services revenue. Refer to note 4.
Amounts appropriated to the department for transfer to other entities in accordance with legislative or other requirements are reported as ‘administered’ item appropriations with the related payments being recorded as administered expenses. Approval has been obtained from Queensland Treasury to recognise specific adjustments to administered appropriation revenue. Refer to note 4.
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118 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(f) User charges, fees and fines User charges and fees controlled by the department are recognised as revenues and are invoiced when revenue has been earned and can be measured reliably with a sufficient degree of certainty. User charges and fees are controlled by the department where they can be deployed for the achievement of departmental objectives. Refer to note 5.
Fees and fines collected, but not controlled, by the department are reported as administered revenue. Refer to note 5.
(g) Grants and other contributions Grants, contributions, donations and gifts, non reciprocal in nature, are recognised as revenue in the year in which the department obtains control over them.
Contributed assets are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are recognised only when a fair value can be determined reliably and the services would have been purchased, had they not been donated.
(h) Cash and cash equivalents For the purposes of the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Cash Flows, cash assets include all cash on hand, cash at bank and cash and cheques receipted but not banked at 30 June 2011, as well as deposits at call with financial institutions.
(i) Receivables Trade debtors are recognised at the amounts due at the time of sale or service delivery, ie. the agreed sales/contract price. Settlement of these amounts is required within ranged trading terms of 14 days to 30 days from invoice date depending on the service provided.
The collectability of receivables is assessed periodically with provision being made for impairment. All known bad debts were written-off as at 30 June 2011.
Various regulatory legislations on which some of these receivables are raised contain hardship provisions enabling clients to apply for hardship relief in the payment of their debts.
Other debtors generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the department and are recognised at their assessed values. Other than receivables from government, settlement terms of these debtors are between 14 - 30 days net, with the exception of loan and finance lease receivables that range from 2 - 40 years.
Collateral in the form of security over property is held for loan and finance lease receivables. On full repayment of finance leases, the title for the relevant land is transferred to the purchaser. Refer to notes 24 and 25.
Collateral in the form of cash or bank guarantee financial assurances are held for the receivables associated with the harvesting of the State’s native forests by the permittees.
(j) Inventories Inventories held for sale include maps, publications and souvenirs and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is assigned on a weighted average basis and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing condition.
Net realisable value is determined on the basis of the department’s normal selling pattern.
Similar valuation principles apply to the inventory not held for sale. Such inventory includes casing and piping, construction materials not yet classified as work in progress, water meters awaiting installation, the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative works, and general departmental infrastructure construction such as boardwalks and viewing platforms.
Expenses associated with marketing, selling and distribution are deducted to determine net realisable value.
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Annual Report 2010–11 119 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(k) Non current assets classified as held for sale Non current assets held for sale consist of those assets that management has determined are available for immediate sale in their present condition, for which their sale is highly probable within the next twelve months.
These assets are measured at the lower of the assets’ carrying amounts and their fair values less costs to sell. These assets are not depreciated.
(l) Work in progress Work in progress is recognised at cost. All costs relating to items of property, plant and equipment and intangibles constructed in-house are recorded as work in progress until completion of the project using all direct costs and, where reliably attributable, indirect costs. Work in progress performed under external contracts is recorded using the invoice amount supplied by the contractor.
(m) Acquisitions of assets Actual cost is used for the initial recording of all non current physical and intangible asset acquisitions. Cost is determined as the value given as consideration plus costs incidental to the acquisition, including all other costs incurred in getting the assets ready for use, such as architects’ fees and engineering design fees. However, any training costs are expensed as incurred.
Where assets are received free of charge from another Queensland Government department (whether as a result of a machinery-of-Government or other involuntary transfer), the acquisition cost is recognised as the gross carrying amount in the books of the transferor immediately prior to the transfer together with any accumulated depreciation.
Assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration, other than from an involuntary transfer from another Queensland Government department, are recognised at their fair value at date of acquisition in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment.
(n) Property, plant and equipment Items of property, plant and equipment with a cost or other value equal to or in excess of the following thresholds are recognised for financial reporting purposes in the year of acquisition:
Asset Class Threshold Land $ 1 Buildings and Infrastructure $ 10,000 Other (including heritage and cultural) $ 5,000
Items with a lesser value are expensed in the year of acquisition.
Land improvements undertaken by the department are included with Buildings or Infrastructure based on the proximity of the asset to which they relate.
Research, design and appraisal studies Preliminary appraisal costs, cost estimates and/or investigating study costs that precede management decisions on the acceptance of particular projects are expensed as incurred.
Land under roads In Queensland, land under roads not subject to freehold or leasehold title or reserve tenure vests in the State of Queensland as per the Land Act 1994. The Department of Environment and Resource Management administers the Land Act 1994 on behalf of the State and land under roads that is not subject to freehold or leasehold title or reserve tenure. It is therefore considered an administered asset of the department. Land under roads subject to freehold or leasehold title or reserve tenure is recorded by the entity that holds the freehold or leasehold title or trusteeship of a reserve. Where approved by the relevant ministers, transfers of land under roads from other agencies are treated as a transaction with owners as owners and are recorded in contributed equity.
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120 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(n) Property, plant and equipment (continued) Land transfers inwards Land is transferred from non Queensland Government entities for public use at no charge in accordance with certain planning and legislative requirements. Assets acquired at no value are recognised as revenue, using fair value, at the time of transfer. Refer note 3(g).
Land transfers outwards Land, no longer required and transferred to non Queensland Government entities at no charge in accordance with certain planning and legislative requirements, is recognised as expenditure, using fair value, at the time of transfer. Refer note 3(g).
Native forests The department is currently overseeing the final harvesting of forest timber from state owned native forests and certain leasehold lands. This activity is part of a process of transitioning native forests into nature conservation reserves managed by the department. Under the guidelines of AASB 141 Agriculture the department considers that it does not meet the criteria of managing agricultural activity which would require the valuation of available timber as biological assets. Consequently, the value of native forest products has not been recognised in the Statement of Financial Position. This assessment will be reviewed should circumstances change.
State forestry plantations In 2010 the department on behalf of whole-of-Government sold control of the State’s forestry plantations to a private sector investor. Accordingly the department relinquished its economic interest in the asset through the issuing of a 99 year licence to harvest the plantation timber. No value in relation to the State’s forestry plantations is therefore recorded in the financial statements of the department. Quarries Quarries have not been valued on the basis that it is not practicable to determine the surrounding reserves available for extraction. Revenue from extraction of quarry materials is recognised when the permittee lodges a return of material extracted.
Deeds of grant in trust The department administers certain parcels of land, which are granted to and controlled by other entities in terms of deeds of grant in trust under the Land Act 1994. The value of this land should be recognised in the financial statements of the entities using the land and are therefore not included in the department’s financial statements. At 30 June 2011, the department administered 397 (2010: 329) land titles in this category.
Library materials Items in the department’s technical library are expensed on acquisition.
Repairs and maintenance Expenditure incurred in normal operations to ensure that an asset realises its normal operating capacity until the conclusion of its useful life is regarded as repairs and maintenance and is expensed.
Expenditure that enhances an existing asset, significantly replaces or refurbishes an asset, or extends the asset’s useful life, capacity, function and/or efficiency is capitalised into the carrying amount of the asset.
(o) Intangibles Intangible assets with a cost or other value greater than $100,000 are recognised in the financial statements, items with a lesser value being expensed. Each intangible asset is amortised over its estimated useful life to the department, less any anticipated residual value. The residual value is zero for all the department's intangible assets.
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Annual Report 2010–11 121 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(o) Intangibles (continued) It has been determined that there is not an active market for any of the department's intangible assets. As such, the assets are recognised and carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
No intangible assets have been classified as held for sale or form a part of a disposal group held for sale.
Internally generated software Expenditure on research activities relating to internally generated intangible assets is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
Costs associated with the development of computer software have been capitalised and are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of expected benefit to the department, namely 3 – 16 years.
Purchased software The purchase cost of this software has been capitalised and is being amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of the expected benefit to the department, namely 3 – 14 years.
(p) Amortisation of intangibles and depreciation of property, plant and equipment Land is not depreciated as it has an unlimited useful life.
All intangible assets of the department have finite useful lives and are amortised on a straight line basis.
Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis so as to allocate the net cost or revalued amount of each asset, less its estimated residual value, progressively over its estimated useful life to the department.
Assets under construction (work in progress) are not depreciated or amortised until they reach service delivery capacity. Service delivery capacity relates to when construction is complete and the asset is first put to use or is installed ready for use in accordance with its intended application. These assets are then reclassified to the relevant classes with property, plant and equipment.
Where assets have separately identifiable components that are subject to regular replacement, these components are assigned useful lives distinct from the asset to which they relate and are depreciated accordingly.
Any expenditure that increases the originally assessed capacity or service potential of an asset is capitalised and the new depreciable amount is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset to the department.
Major spares purchased specifically for particular assets are capitalised and depreciated on the same basis as the asset to which they relate. The depreciable amount of improvements to or on leasehold land is allocated progressively over the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease, whichever is the shorter. The unexpired period of leases includes any option period where exercise of the option is probable.
Plant and equipment subject to a finance lease is amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, or, where it is likely that the department will obtain ownership of the asset, the expected useful life of the asset to the department.
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122 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(p) Amortisation of intangibles and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (continued)
For each class of depreciable asset the following depreciation and amortisation rates are used: Physical asset class Rate %
Buildings 1.25 - 14.3 Heritage and cultural assets 0.0 - 1.0 Infrastructure 1.0 - 7.0 Plant and equipment Motor vehicles 10.0 20.0 Heavy vehicles 6.7 - 20.0 Scientific and technical equipment 2.0 - 33.3 Office equipment 6.7 - 20.0 Computer equipment 12.5 - 33.3 Leasehold improvements 10.0 - 14.3 Boats and boating equipment 6.7 - 10.0
Intangible asset class Internally generated software 6.3 - 33.3 Purchased software 7.1 - 33.3 (q) Impairment of non current assets
All non current physical and intangible assets are assessed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis. If an indicator of possible impairment exists, the department determines the asset's recoverable amount. Any amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount is recorded as an impairment loss.
The asset's recoverable amount is determined as the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost.
As part of the 2010-11 impairment identification process, particular focus was put on physical damage that may have been caused by the series of natural disasters that had occurred across the State. Impairment testing was performed on buildings and infrastructure assets with a material value. Information was sought from business areas affected by the disaster identifying any long term physical damage that had occurred and also taking into account other impairment indicators including change in long term use or change in the service potential of the asset. Assets that were comprehensively revalued after the disasters were excluded from the impairment testing as any such impacts would have been identified as part of that process.
Business area responses were reviewed and it was identified that while some damage had occurred, there was minimal damage of a capital nature and with an expectation that any necessary repairs would occur within a short timeframe. As a result no material assets were identified as requiring impairment due to the natural disasters.
As part of the process, however, four assets were identified as having a change to their long term use by the department and as such were impaired to a value of nil.
An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount. When the asset is measured at a revalued amount, the impairment loss is offset against the asset revaluation surplus of the relevant class to the extent available.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase. Refer also note 3(r).
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Annual Report 2010–11 123 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(r) Revaluations of non current physical and intangible assets Land, buildings, infrastructure, major plant and equipment and heritage and cultural assets are measured at fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment and Queensland Treasury’s Non-Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector. In respect of these classes, the cost of items acquired during the financial year has been judged by management to materially represent their fair value at the end of the reporting period.
Where intangible assets have an active market they are measured at fair value, otherwise they are measured at cost.
Plant and equipment are measured at cost in accordance with Queensland Treasury’s Non-Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector.
Any revaluation increment arising on the revaluation of an asset is credited to the asset revaluation surplus of the appropriate class, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrement for the class previously recognised as an expense. A decrease in the carrying amount on revaluation is charged as an expense, to the extent it exceeds the balance, if any, in the revaluation surplus relating to that class. On revaluation, accumulated depreciation is restated proportionately with the change in the carrying amount of the asset and any change in the estimate of remaining useful life.
Only those assets, the total values of which are material compared to the value of the class of assets to which they belong, are comprehensively revalued.
Separately identified components of assets are measured on the same basis as the assets to which they relate.
Controlled
With the creation of the department of Environment and Resource Management in March 2009 resulting from the amalgamation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources and Water, the former agencies used differing approaches and were at different points in their cyclical revaluation program. This required the development and implementation of a consistent revaluation policy for the new entity.
The department has adopted a comprehensive revaluation program largely based on our geographical regions with the intent of completing the first full asset revaluation by June 2012. This comprehensive revaluation program includes land, buildings, heritage and cultural, and infrastructure assets. It is further supplemented by an annual comprehensive revaluation of the top 20 assets by value, for both the land and the heritage and cultural asset classes.
To implement this process, the State Valuation Service has been contracted to undertake the comprehensive valuations for those identified material assets and to provide valuation indices for the period where no comprehensive valuation is performed. To enable completion of the comprehensive revaluation program by June 2012, it is being introduced based on the department’s four geographic regions being South East; South West; Central West and North. The South East and South West regions were comprehensively revalued in 2010-11 with Central West and North regions to be completed in 2011-12.
This program was developed on the basis that over 60% of the value of the asset base would be comprehensively valued by June 2011 increasing this to around 90% of the value of the asset base by June 2012.
The revaluation methodology for individual asset classes is as follows:
Land and Heritage & Cultural Assets (including National Parks)
Each year the top 20 land assets in both classes are comprehensively valued resulting in over 30% of the value of these classes being valued. The completion of the entire comprehensive revaluation program will result in over 90% of the value of the classes being valued by June 2011-12. With the revaluation of South East and South West regions this year, over 55% of the value of land and cultural & heritage assets have been comprehensively revalued at 30 June 2011.
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124 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(r) Revaluations of non current physical and intangible assets (continued)
The valuation process performed by the State Valuation Service includes physical inspections and reference to market transactions for local land sales. For those parcels not comprehensively revalued, the State Valuation Service provides an index for each land parcel based on recent
transactions for local land sales. These indices are then reviewed for reasonableness by the department.
Heritage and cultural assets, excluding land gazetted under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, are not subject to comprehensive revaluations on the basis that these assets could not be replaced. An index, as provided by the State Valuation Service, is applied to these assets on an annual basis.
Buildings
The comprehensive revaluation program outlined covered approximately 40% of the value of this asset class in 2010-11. When the revaluation program is complete in 2011-12, it is anticipated that nearly 80% of the value of this asset class will be comprehensively revalued.
The comprehensive valuation process performed by the State Valuation Service includes physical inspections and the identification of the current condition of the asset and its expected remaining useful life. For those buildings not comprehensively revalued, the State Valuation Service provides an index which is then applied to those buildings.
For those non-residential buildings not comprehensively revalued, the State Valuation Service provides the department with an index for each type of building. The State Valuation Service provides this index based on information supplied from the Queensland Government’s Office of Economic and Statistical Research which the State Valuation Service then benchmark against other indices for appropriateness.
For residential dwellings, the State Valuation Service uses the Cordells Housing Index Price which measures the rate of change of construction costs, specifically within the residential market. The indices are based on a comprehensive collection of labour, material, plant hire and subcontract costs covering all major trade categories within the residential sector.
Infrastructure
The comprehensive revaluation program outlined covered approximately 55% of the value of infrastructure assets in 2010-11. When the revaluation program is complete in 2011-12, it is anticipated that nearly 85% of the value of this asset class will be comprehensively revalued.
The comprehensive valuation process performed by the State Valuation Service includes physical inspections and identifying the current condition of the asset and its expected remaining useful life.
It is worth noting that roads and tracks assets on parks account for over 95% of the value of the infrastructure asset class with the remaining 5% predominantly comprised of water facilities on stock routes and water monitoring assets. These are to be valued separately using a sampling approach due to their homogenous nature and will be comprehensively revalued in 2011-12.
For those infrastructure assets not comprehensively valued, the State Valuation Service provides the department with an index for each type of asset. The State Valuation Service provides this index based on information supplied from the Queensland Government’s Office of Economic and Statistical Research which the State Valuation Service then benchmark against other indices for appropriateness.
Administered
Unallocated state land and reserves are measured at fair value and are comprehensively revalued every three to five years. Each property has an individual change factor applied which is derived from the review of market transactions. These movements are determined having regard to the review of unimproved land values undertaken for each local government area by the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
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Annual Report 2010–11 125 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(r) Revaluations of non current physical and intangible assets (continued) Land under roads is valued at fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment by multiplying the total area of land under roads within each local government area by the average unimproved value of all freehold and leasehold land within the corresponding local government area. The average unimproved value for each local government area is calculated by dividing the total value of such land by the total area of that land. This approach has been adopted as it best reflects the fact that all such properties in a local government area are serviced by the local road network.
Land subject to operating leases is valued at fair value.
(s) Leases A distinction is made in the financial statements between finance leases that effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all risks and benefits incidental to ownership, and operating leases, under which the lessor retains substantially all risks and benefits.
Where a non current physical asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is recognised at an amount equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments. The lease liability is recognised at the same amount.
Lease payments are allocated between the principal component of the lease liability and the interest expense.
Operating lease payments are representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets and are expensed in the periods which they are incurred.
Incentives received on entering into operating leases are recognised as liabilities. Lease payments are allocated between rental expense and reduction of the liability.
(t) Payables Trade creditors are recognised upon receipt of the goods or services ordered and are measured at the agreed purchase/contract price, gross of applicable trade and other discounts. Amounts owing are unsecured and are generally settled on 30 day terms.
(u) Financial instruments Recognition Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position when the department becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
Classification Financial instruments are classified and measured as follows: Cash and cash equivalents – held at fair value through profit or loss Receivables – held at amortised cost Payables – held at amortised cost Borrowings – held at amortised cost
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, plus any transaction costs directly attributable to the borrowings, and then subsequently held at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of a financial instrument (or, when appropriate, a shorter period) to the net carrying amount of that instrument.
Any borrowing costs are added to the carrying amount of the borrowing to the extent they are not settled in the period in which they arise. Borrowings are classified as non current liabilities to the extent that the department has an unconditional right to defer settlement until at least 12 months after reporting date.
The department does not enter into transactions for speculative purposes, nor for hedging. Apart from cash and cash equivalents, the department holds no financial assets classified at fair value through profit or loss.
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126 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(u) Financial instruments (continued) All other disclosures relating to the measurement and financial risk management of financial instruments held by the department are disclosed in note 45.
(v) Employee benefits Annual leave levies, long service leave levies and employer superannuation contributions are regarded as employee benefits. Payroll tax and workers’ compensation insurance are a consequence of employing employees, but are not counted in an employee’s total remuneration package. They are not employee benefits and are recognised separately as employee related expenses.
Wages, salaries, and sick leave Wages and salaries due but unpaid at reporting date are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position at the current salary rates.
For unpaid entitlements expected to be paid within 12 months, the liabilities are recognised at their undiscounted values.
Prior history indicates that on average, sick leave taken each reporting period is less than the entitlement accrued. This is expected to continue in future periods. Accordingly, it is unlikely that existing accumulated entitlements will be used by employees and no liability for unused sick leave entitlements is recognised.
As sick leave is non-vesting, an expense is recognised for this leave as it is taken.
Annual leave The Queensland Government’s Annual Leave Central Scheme became operational on 30 June 2008 for departments, commercialised business units and shared service providers. Under this scheme, a levy is made on the department to cover the cost of employees' annual leave (including leave loading and on-costs). The levies are expensed in the period in which they are payable. Amounts paid to employees for annual leave are claimed from the scheme quarterly in arrears.
From 1 July 2009, no provision for annual leave has been recognised in the department's financial statements, the liability being held on a whole-of-Government basis and reported in those financial statements pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting.
Long service leave Under the Queensland Government’s long service leave scheme, a levy is made on the department to cover the cost of employees' long service leave. The levies are expensed in the period in which they are payable. Amounts paid to employees for long service leave are claimed from the scheme quarterly in arrears.
No provision for long service leave is recognised in the financial statements, the liability being held on a whole-of-Government basis and reported in those financial statements pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting.
Superannuation Employer superannuation contributions are paid to QSuper, the superannuation plan for Queensland Government employees, at rates determined by the Treasurer on the advice of the State Actuary. Contributions are expensed in the period in which they are paid or payable. The department’s obligation is limited to its contribution to QSuper.
Therefore, no liability is recognised for accruing superannuation benefits in the department’s financial statements, the liability being held on a whole-of-Government basis and reported in those financial statements pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting.
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Annual Report 2010–11 127 31 Financial Reporting ay 2011) toay the 1. nagement. embership position of the Board of ls and operationalobjectives. tivities of the agency during 2010-11. These 1 July 2010 – 3 June 2011 1 July 2010 -30 June 2011 1 July 2010 -30 June 2011 1 July 2010 – 17 June 2011 6 June 2011 – 30 June 2011 6 June 2011 – 17 June 2011 20 June 2011 – 30 June 2011 20 June 2011 – 30 June 2011 1 July 2010 – 21 January 2011 24 January 2011 – 30 June 2011 Date appointed to Board of Management of Management to Board Date appointed 1 July 2010 – 3 June 2011 Board of Management Incumbency Incumbency Management Board of the appointment of the Director-General as at 03 June 201 of the Annual Report under the section relating to Executive Ma Public Service Act 2008 nd efficient nd performance of the agency in achieving strategic goa anagement providing are responsible for leadership andstrategic and/or oversight of critical issues and Public Service Act 2008 Public Service Act 2008 Public Service Act 2008 Public Service Act 2008 Public Service Act 2008 appointment authority appointment authority Contract classification and and classification Contract CEO, CEO, CEO, CEO, SES 4, Public Service Act 2008 SES 3, Public Service Act 2008 SES 3, Public Service Act 2008 SES 3, Public Service Act 2008 SES 3, Public Service Act 2008 issued by Queensland Treasury. Refer to note 13 for the disclosuresmanagement Queensland Treasury. personnel Refer to note 13 on key executive issued by and for personnel and remuneration Land and Indigenous nagement personnel Position (continued) (continued) benefits Employee Management was replaced by the Assistant Director-General replaced by Management was Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Director-General CEO, Acting Director-General + Associate Director-General Acting Associate Director-General + Acting Associate Director-General + Director-General,Deputy Water and Ecosystems Outcomes Assistant Director-General Services Acting Assistant Director- General Land and Indigenous Services+ Assistant Director-General Regional Service Delivery * Assistant Director-General Queensland Parks and Wildlife * Assistant Director-General Corporate Services SES 3, * - Subsequent to the resignation of the Assistant Director-General Regional Service Delivery effective 21 January 2011, this m (v) Key executive management + - Consequential acting arrangementsof arising from the termination Key Key executive management personnel and remuneration disclosuresare made in accordance the section 5 Addendumwith (issued in M Further information on these positions may be found in the body Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies remuneration. i) The details below identify those positions that had authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the ac executive ma Key senior executives as members of the departmental Board M challenges facing the department.They ensure the effective a Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
128 Department of Environment and Resource Management 32 Public duringyear the which notice periods or payment in ion as provided for under the ernment policy. acts. Theecutive contr acts. management personnel are contracts specified in employment cts of employment. Contracts of employment provide only for Contracts of employment provide only cts of employment. de superannuation contributions. (continued) (continued) employee occupiedemployee the specified position. Amounts disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive equal the amount expensed Income o Base – consist of base salary, allowances and leave entitlements paid and provided for the entire year or for that part of the o Non monetary benefits - consisting of provision of vehicle together benefits fringe tax with applicable to the benefit. . The remuneration and other terms of employment for the key ex The. remuneration and other for the key terms of employment lieu of the reason for termination. of notice on termination, regardless x benefits Short term employee include: which x Long term employee benefits include long service leave accrued. x Post employment benefits inclu x Redundancy are not provided for payments individual contra within Service Act 2008 (v) Employee (v) benefits ii) The remuneration policy for the department’s executive key management personnel is set the Queenslandby Public Service Commiss personnel management executive of key Remuneration provide for the provision of benefits including motor vehicles. For the 2010-11 financial year, the remuneration of key executive management personnelincreased by 2.5% in accordance gov with Remuneration packages for key executivepersonnel management comprise the following components:- Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
Annual Report 2010–11 129 33 Total 1,859 Remuneration Remuneration 15 Benefits Benefits Termination re of the information required for the 165 Benefits Benefits Post Employment Post Employment 27 Benefits Benefits Employee Employee * 1 3 29 - 260 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Benefits Benefits Non-Monetary Non-Monetary 8 * * 9 8 * 1 - * 8 2 10 * - 333 62 5 38 438 - Base Base $’000 1,391 Short term Employee Benefits Employee Short term Long Term (continued) (continued) Position (Date resigned if applicable) Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June Employee (v) benefits Schedule of Remuneration made to Key Executive Management Personnel 2010-2011 Director-General (1 July 2010 - 3 June 2011) Acting Director-General (6 June 2011 – 30 June 2011) Associate Director-General (1 July 2010 - 3 June 2011) Acting Associate Director-General (6 June 2011 – 17 June 2011) Acting Associate Director-General (20 June 2011 – 30 June 2011) Director-General, Water and Deputy Ecosystems Outcomes 25 (1 July 2010 – 30 June 2011) Assistant Director-General Land and Indigenous Services 305 (1 July 2010 - 17 June 2011) Acting Assistant Director- General Land and Indigenous Services+ (20 June 2011 – 30 June 2011) Assistant Director-General Regional Service Delivery 195 (1 July 2010 – 21 January 2011) 6 Assistant Director-General Queensland Parks and Wildlife 162 (24 January 2011 – 30 June 2011) Assistant Director-General Corporate Services 6 (1 July 2010 – 30 June 2011) 47 5 Total Remuneration 105 * Benefits paid less than were $1,000 45 No prior period information executive on key management personnel remuneration has been disclosed due to the comprehensive natu 78 1 4 28 166 40 3 17 * 23 3 53 - 2 20 1 4 - 10 356 - 10 269 - 19 15 230 - 161 8 - 107 242 comparatives.
130 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(w) Financing/borrowing costs Finance costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. Finance costs include: – Interest on promissory notes – Finance lease charges
(x) Allocation of corporate services revenue and expenses to outputs The department discloses income and expenses attributable to corporate services in the Statement of Comprehensive Income by Major Departmental Services.
(y) Insurance The department’s non current physical assets and other risks are insured through the Queensland Government Insurance Fund, premiums being paid on a risk assessment basis. In addition, the department pays premiums to WorkCover Queensland in respect of its obligations for employee compensation.
(z) Services received free of charge or for nominal value Contributions of services are recognised only if the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated and their fair value can be measured reliably. Where this is the case, an equal amount is recognised as revenue and as an expense.
(ab) Contributed equity Non reciprocal transfers of assets and liabilities between wholly-owned Queensland State Public Sector entities as a result of machinery-of-Government changes are adjusted to ‘Contributed equity’ in accordance with Interpretation 1038 Contributions by Owners Made to Wholly Owned Public Sector Entities. Appropriations for equity adjustments are similarly designated.
(ac) Taxation The department is a State body as defined under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and is exempt from Commonwealth taxation with the exception of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST). FBT and GST are the only taxes accounted for by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. As such, GST credits receivable from/payable to the Australian Taxation Office are recognised (refer note 24).
(ad) Issuance of Financial Statements These financial statements are authorised for issue by the Acting Director-General and Chief Finance Officer at the date of signing the Management Certificate.
(ae) Judgements and assumptions The preparation of financial statements necessarily requires the determination and use of certain critical accounting estimates, assumptions and management judgements that have the potential to cause a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Such estimates, judgements and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in future periods as relevant. Estimates and assumptions made that have a potential significant effect are outlined in the following notes to the financial statements: Property, plant and equipment: Note 30 Contingencies: Note 42 (af) Rounding and comparatives Amounts included in the financial statements are in Australian dollars and have been rounded to the nearest $1,000 or, where that amount is $500 or less, to zero, unless disclosure of the full amount is specifically required.
No prior period information on key executive management personnel remuneration has been disclosed in note 3(w ii) due to the comprehensive nature of the information for the compilation of the comparatives.
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Annual Report 2010–11 131 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(ag) New and revised accounting standards Current impacts The department did not voluntarily change any of its accounting policies during 2010-11. Only one amendment to an Australian accounting standard with relevance to the department became applicable for the first time in 2010-11. The effects of this amendment are outlined below.
AASB 2009 – 5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project included certain amendments to AASB 117 Leases that revised the criteria for classifying the nature of leases involving land and buildings. Consequently, the department was required to reassess the classification of the land elements of all unexpired leases the department had entered into as at 1 July 2010, on the basis of information existing at the inception of the relevant leases. The outcome of the department's reassessment was that no reclassification from an operating lease to a finance lease was necessary.
Future impacts At the date of authorisation of the financial report, the only significant impacts of new or amended Australian accounting standards with future commencement dates are outlined below. The department is not permitted to early adopt a new or amended accounting standard ahead of the specified commencement date unless approval is obtained from Queensland Treasury.
Consequently, the department has not applied any Australian accounting standards and interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective. The department will apply these standards and interpretations in accordance with their respective commencement dates.
AASB 2010-4 Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project (AASB 1, AASB 7, AASB 101 & AASB 134 and Interpretation 13) becomes effective from reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011. The department will then need to modify its disclosures regarding credit risk on financial instruments in note 45(c). No longer will the department need to disclose amounts that best represent an entity’s maximum exposure to credit risk where the carrying amount of the instruments reflects this. If the department holds collateral or other credit enhancements in respect of any financial instrument, it will need to disclose - by class of instrument - the financial extent to which those arrangements mitigate the credit risk. There will also be no need to disclose the carrying amount of financial assets for which the terms have been renegotiated, which would otherwise be past due or impaired. In addition, for those financial assets that are either past due but not impaired, or have been individually impaired, there will be no need to separately disclose details about any associated collateral or other credit enhancements held by the department.
AASB 9 Financial Instruments (December 2010) and AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010) [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 101, 102, 108, 112, 118, 120, 121, 127, 128, 131, 132, 136, 137, 139, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 2, 5, 10, 12, 19 & 127] become effective from reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The main impacts of these standards on the department are that they will change the requirements for the classification, measurement and disclosures associated with financial assets. Under the new requirements, financial assets will be more simply classified according to whether they are measured at either amortised cost or fair value. Pursuant to AASB 9, financial assets can only be measured at amortised cost if two conditions are met. One of these conditions is that the asset must be held within a business model designed to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows. The other condition is that the contractual terms of the asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
On initial application of AASB 9, the department will need to reassess the measurement of its financial assets against the new classification and measurement requirements, based on the facts and circumstances that exist at that date. Assuming no change in the types of transactions entered into by the department, it is not expected that any of the department's financial assets will meet the criteria in AASB 9 to be measured at amortised cost. Therefore, as from the 2013-14 financial statements, all of the department's financial assets will be required to be classified as "financial assets required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss" (instead of the measurement classifications presently used in notes 3(u) and 45). The same classification will be used for net gains/losses recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in respect of those financial assets. In the case of the department's receivables, the carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value.
35
132 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
(ag) New and revised accounting standards (continued)
The most significant impact of the new measurement requirements on the department is that the "held to maturity" investment described in notes 3(u), 45 will need to be measured at fair value as at 1 July 2013. In addition, that investment will no longer be classified as "held to maturity", as outlined above. The department is not yet able to predict what the fair value of this investment will be at that date. The difference between the carrying amount of this investment and the fair value as at 1 July 2013 will be recognised as an adjustment to the balance of Accumulated Surplus as at 1 July 2013. In respect of this change, the 2013-14 financial statements will need to disclose a comparison between the previous measurement classification and carrying amount as at 30 June 2013 and the new classification and fair value amount as at 1 July 2013. The department plans to recognise subsequent changes in the fair value of that investment in the annual operating result.
AASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB 2010-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements [AASB 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 101, 102, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 116, 117, 119, 121, 123, 124, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141, 1050 & 1052 and Interpretations 2, 4, 5, 15, 17, 127, 129, & 1052] applies to reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2013. AASB 1053 establishes a differential reporting framework for those entities that prepare general purpose financial statements, consisting of two tiers of reporting requirements – Australian Accounting Standards (commonly referred to as “tier 1”), and Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements (commonly referred to as “tier 2”).
Tier 1 requirements comprise the full range of AASB recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements that are currently applicable to reporting entities in Australia. The only difference between the tier 1 and tier 2 requirements is that tier 2 requires fewer disclosures than tier 1. AASB 2010-2 sets out the details of which disclosures in standards and interpretations are not required under tier 2 reporting.
Pursuant to AASB 1053 public sector entities, including this department, may adopt tier 2 requirements for their general purpose financial statements. However, AASB 1053 acknowledges the power of a regulator to require application of the tier 1 requirements. In the case of this department, the Queensland Treasury is the regulator and they have advised that their policy will require all departments to adopt tier 1 reporting requirements.
All other Australian accounting standards and interpretations with future commencement dates are either not applicable to the department’s activities, or have no material impact on the department.
36
Annual Report 2010–11 133 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 4. Reconciliation of payments from consolidated fund Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund to departmental services revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income Budgeted departmental services appropriation 807,208 748,763 Transfers from (to) other departments Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation - (991) Transfers from other headings Equity (8,532) - Administered (29,394) (2,605) Less lapsed appropriations * (24,166) (16,363) Total departmental services receipts 745,116 728,804
Plus: Closing balance of output revenue receivable 14,719 12,855 Less: Opening balance of output revenue receivable (12,855) (3,504) Departmental services revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 746,980 738,155
* Reflects lapse of appropriation funding in excess of requirements.
Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund to equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity Budgeted equity adjustment appropriation (12,896) 35,373 Transfers from other headings Departmental services revenue 8,532 2,605 Total equity adjustment receipts/(payments) (4,364) 37,978
Closing balance of equity injection receivable 35 - Equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity (4,329) 37,978
37
134 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 4. Reconciliation of payments from consolidated fund (continued)
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Reconciliation of payments from Consolidated Fund to administered appropriation revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income Budgeted administered appropriation revenue 5,386 31,091 Transfers from other headings Departmental services revenue 6,872 - Less lapsed appropriation * - (7,460) Total administered appropriation receipts 12,258 23,631
Plus: Closing balance of administered appropriation revenue receivable 6,658 8,720 Less: Opening balance of administered revenue receivable (8,720) (7,568) Administered appropriation revenue recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 10,196 24,783
* Reflects lapse of appropriation funding in excess of requirements.
Reconciliation of payment from Consolidated Fund to equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity Budgeted administered equity adjustment 50,316 44,100 Transfers from other headings Departmental services revenue 22,522 - Less lapsed equity adjustment - (44,384) Total administered equity adjustment receipts/(payments) 72,838 (284) Plus: Closing balance of equity payable - 43 Less: Opening balance of equity payable (43) - Equity adjustment recognised in Contributed Equity 72,795 (241)
38
Annual Report 2010–11 135 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
5. User charges, fees and fines 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 Services rendered 59,758 64,491 Fees and permits 8,931 9,279 Sale of goods 2,428 2,997 Fines 9 18 71,126 76,785
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Fees 222,294 238,431 Fines 424 262 222,718 238,693
6. Royalties, property and other territorial revenue
Forest products and quarries royalties 18,141 16,145 Property and territorial revenue 2,274 2,245 Joint venture royalties 267 322 20,682 18,712
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Land rent 80,883 61,638 Riverine quarry material royalties 2,490 1,682 83,373 63,320
7. Grants and other contributions
Commonwealth grants * 82,212 58,237 Funding from external bodies, state and local governments * 9,519 4,370 External and industry contributions * 7,573 19,049 Goods and services received at below fair value 2,534 5,145 Capital received below fair value 1,584 - Sponsorships 123 88 Donations 27 27 103,572 86,916
* Included in the 2011 figure for grants and other contributions are non reciprocal grants funded by the Commonwealth and State Government, and other external bodies for a range of grant programs. These monies have been recognised as revenue in their entirety upon receipt as the agreements do not specify sufficient conditions to qualify as reciprocal. As at 30 June 2011, $46.271 million (2010: $53.022 million) of all grant funding remained unspent.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Dam spillway grant 397 3,596 397 3,596
39
136 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 8. Land transfers inwards
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Land transfers inwards 265,173 332,867 265,173 332,867
9. Revaluation Increments
Infrastructure 44,027 - 44,027 -
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Infrastructure 117 - Buildings 69 - 186 -
10. Interest revenue
Interest received on fund balances 278 178 Other interest 47 44 325 222
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Finance lease interest 3,309 2,259 Other interest 660 458 3,969 2,717
11. Other revenue
Restitution – environmental offsets 3,367 8,124 Recoveries 3,080 3,459 Insurance recoveries 334 599 Other 388 201 7,169 12,383
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Other 19 216 19 216
40
Annual Report 2010–11 137 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 12. Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Gain on sale of plant and equipment 212 198 Gain on sale of land - 336 Gain on sale of buildings - 32 212 566
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Gain on sale of land 9,206 38,820 9,206 38,820
13. Employee expenses
Employee benefits Salaries and wages 393,919 370,296 Employer superannuation contributions * 46,681 43,398 Long service leave levy * 8,306 6,463 Other employee benefits 550 1,227 Capitalised salary expenses (2,906) (2,919)
Employee related expenses Salary related taxes ** 21,435 20,224 Workers’ compensation ** 2,169 2,071 470,154 440,760
* Employer superannuation contributions, and the long service leave levy are regarded as employee benefits. ** Costs of workers’ compensation insurance and payroll tax are a consequence of employing employees, but are not counted in employees’ total remuneration package. They are not employee benefits, but rather employee related expenses.
The number of employees at balance date including both full-time employees and part-time employees measured on a full-time equivalent basis is: 2011 2010 Number of employees: 5,780 5,552
41
138 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 14. Supplies and services Advertising 1,198 1,240 Building fitouts 1,956 2,541 Computer expenses 18,418 18,143 Consultants and contractors 91,457 87,240 Electricity 2,841 3,112 Land development and maintenance 2,574 2,794 Materials 16,329 11,392 Minor plant and equipment 10,584 9,673 Motor vehicles 7,368 7,147 Office accommodation 7,575 7,541 Operating leases 50,082 45,724 Personnel costs 4,721 4,597 Photography expenses 2,989 2,660 Postage and freight 2,578 2,169 Printing 2,333 1,550 Rental lease and hire 431 603 Repairs and maintenance 9,554 11,408 Rural land protection 305 510 Shared service provider costs paid to the Shared Service Agency 15,616 17,529 Service costs - other Government agencies 760 501 Staff and client travel 12,809 12,661 Stock consumption 1,603 1,685 Storage and archive services 304 2,501 Subscriptions and memberships 735 633 Telephone and facsimile 5,722 5,910 Testing and analytical services 4,010 1,445 Other * (21,866) (17,766) 252,986 245,143
* Includes supplies and services of $24.386 million in 2011 (2010: $21.514 million) which has subsequently been capitalised.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Contractors 1,305 4,097 Other 348 249 Capitalised supplies and services (208) (3,580) 1,445 766
42
Annual Report 2010–11 139 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 15. Grants and subsidies
Australian Packaging Covenant Program 230 - Cape York Indigenous land and sea initiatives * 290 Caring for our country 29,140 54,545 Climate smart living (low carbon diet) * 525 Community natural resource awareness 581 - Community service obligation payment to North West Queensland - 1,229 Community service obligation payments to SEQ Water 1,037 1,807 Community service obligation payments to SunWater 6,545 2,259 Contributions to conservation organisations * 240 Contribution to cooperative research centres * 806 Contributions to Delbessie Agreement 455 - Contribution to healthy headwater use efficiency (HHWUE) 8,969 - Contribution to Murray Darling basin authority 986 965 Contribution to Queensland cane growers 200 - Contributions to Queensland conservation council 398 - Contribution to Queensland water and land carers 318 300 Contribution to Torres Strait regional authority 288 - Contribution to wild river rangers 3,635 2,366 Cultural heritage grants program 500 1,423 Dam spillway grants 402 3,596 Development of international river symposium - 300 ecoBiz program * 265 Environmental partnership scheme 2,421 2,639 Environmental protection heritage council * 202 Great Barrier Reef protection package 1,562 863 Healthy waterways strategy 6,212 4,718 Improved future land practices (Palm Island) - 344 Lifestyle waterwise 552 - Moreton Bay monitoring project 343 339 National WELS initiative - 200 Natural disaster recovery and relief arrangement (NDRRA) - river improvement trusts 1,164 - Natural disaster relief assistance 1,163 4,359 Natural heritage trust 238 - Northern region managers coordination network 350 - Q2 coast and country 9,739 12,078 Queensland climatic change project 638 450 Queensland solar homes - 269 Queensland sustainable energy innovation fund 214 711 Queensland rural adjustment authority 600 - Recycling program – national package covenant - 370 Regional investment strategy 223 - River improvement 554 232 Rural water use efficiency initiative 1,143 538 SEQ irrigation futures 1,525 1,501 SEQ urban water security research alliance 5,124 5,000 Strategic water initiative program 323 - Vegetation management incentives program 1,003 - Waste reform 2,890 - Sponsorships of external groups 1,952 776 Scholarships 23 40 Other * 3,614 4,090 97,254 110,635 * These grants and subsidies represent individual amounts that are less than $200,000.
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140 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 15. Grants and subsidies (continued) Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Border Rivers Commission 1,100 1,100 Energy Ombudsman Queensland seed funding 2010-11 450 - Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal corporation grant agreement 435 - Queensland Water Commission 3,320 20,198 Land grants to Indigenous bodies 941 - Other * 197 1,129 6,443 22,427 * These grants and subsidies represent individual amounts that are less than $200,000.
16. Rebates
Renewable energy 217 8,344 Forestry rebates - 3 Other rebates 10 141 227 8,488
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Irrigator fixed water rebates - 181 - 181
17. Depreciation and amortisation
Incurred in respect of: Buildings 16,192 19,910 Heritage and cultural 48 54 Infrastructure 37,699 38,066 Plant and equipment 14,256 13,174 Intangibles 3,988 4,206 72,183 75,409
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Incurred in respect of: Buildings 281 80 Infrastructure 221 159 Plant and equipment 3 - 505 239
18. Impairment losses
Buildings 4,963 - 4,963 - 44
Annual Report 2010–11 141 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 19. Land transfers outwards
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Land transfers outwards 79,918 50,792 79,918 50,792
20. Revaluation decrement
Land 17,008 17,934 Buildings 6,187 16,194 Heritage and cultural 44,816 - Infrastructure - 66,038 68,011 100,166
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Buildings - 69 Infrastructure - 117 - 186
21. Finance/borrowing costs
Interest on promissory note * 150 199 150 199 * Promissory note relates to financing for the Tweed River Sand Bypassing System, refer note 36.
45
142 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 22. Other expenses
Legal fees 10,185 6,248 Insurance premiums - Queensland Government Insurance Fund * 3,207 3,751 External audit fees ** 711 742 Bad and impaired debts 632 76 Bank and statutory fees 296 273 Assets written off 253 657 Insurance premiums 10 39 Losses from disposal of property, plant and equipment 2 68 Carbon emissions offsets *** (167) 533 Goods and services provided below fair value - 30 Special payments: Ex-gratia payments **** 1,733 102 Donations, gifts and awards 81 57 Commission paid 27 116 Compensation payments ***** (53) 2,291 Other ****** (700) 90 16,217 15,073
* Certain losses of public property are insured by the Queensland Government Insurance Fund (QGIF). The claims made in respect of these losses have yet to be assessed by QGIF and the amount recoverable cannot be reliably estimated at reporting date. Upon notification by QGIF of the acceptance of the claims, revenue will be recognised for the agreed settlement amount and disclosed as ‘Other revenues – Insurance recoveries’.
** Total external audit fees relating to the 2011 financial year are estimated to be $0.658 million (2010: $0.498 million). There are no non-audit services included in this amount.
*** The 2011 amount includes a reversal of a 2010 accrual of $0.31 million. The expenditure intended in 2011 did not occur due to a change in approach whereby carbon offsets were generated inhouse rather than purchased.
**** The 2011 amount includes ex-gratia payments made to third parties for lost mining royalties, lease surrenders and land title fraud of $0.840 million, $0.320 million and $0.450 million respectively.
***** The 2011 amount includes monies totalling $(0.075) million representing the reversal of a 2010 expenditure accrual. The accrued expenditure transaction did not occur in 2011 due to the case being awarded in favour of the department. Compensation payments expenditure also includes a payment of $0.022 million for compensation to the Mullen Bun Goon Ltd for the use of the land reserves for the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway.
****** The 2011 amount includes $(0.863) million (2010: $(0.023) million representing inventory adjustments.
46
Annual Report 2010–11 143 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000
22. Other expenses (continued)
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Bad and impaired debts 3,746 161 Commissions 3,436 3,571 Discounts on early settlement of finance leases 516 1,478 Special payments * 3,445 1,245 Rent remissions 266 159 Loss on sale of land 2,082 2,146 Other 28 46 13,519 8,806
* The 2011 amount includes a disturbance payment of $3.148 million (2010: $0.980 million) made during the acquisition of a property required for a future dam site.
23. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and on hand 85,227 148,750 Imprest accounts 75 82 85,302 148,832
Departmental bank accounts grouped within the whole-of-Government set-off arrangement with the Queensland Treasury Corporation do not earn interest on surplus funds. Interest earned on the aggregate set-off arrangement balance accrues to the Consolidated Fund.
Interest at rates between 3.84% and 3.96% (2010: 2.16% and 3.42%) was paid by Queensland Treasury Corporation during 2011 financial year on specially identified special purpose monies.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Cash at bank 39,055 28,827 39,055 28,827
47
144 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 24. Receivables
Current Trade debtors 14,631 18,465 Accruals of an operating nature 2,588 3,293 Less: Provision for impairment (802) (218) 16,416 21,540
GST receivable 5,408 5,775 GST payable (1,610) (1,912) 3,798 3,863
Finance leases (note 25) 146 144 Less: Provision for impairment (22) (22) 124 122
Annual leave claim receivable 7,948 6,884 Grants revenue 3,699 2,978 Departmental services revenue 14,719 12,856 Equity injection receivable 35 - Long service leave reimbursements 2,149 2,124 Loans and advances 226 48 Interest revenue 93 49 Other 433 550
49,640 51,014 Non current Investment in Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd 3,281 1,423 Finance leases (note 25) 399 438 3,680 1,861
Movements in the allowance of provision for impairment Balance at 1 July 2010 240 297 Amounts recovered during the period (82) (86) Amounts written off during the period (15) (116) Decrease in allowance recognised in operating result 681 145 Balance at 30 June 2011 824 240
48
Annual Report 2010–11 145 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 24. Receivables (continued)
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Current Trade debtors 8,171 387 Less: Provision for impairment (649) (154) 7,522 233
GST receivable 25 242 GST payable (128) (774) (103) (532)
Finance leases (note 25) 3,153 3,707 Less: Provision for impairment (90) (84) 3,063 3,623
Operating leases (note 25) 12,214 2,197 Less: Provision for impairment (5,020) (1,820) 7,194 377
Prepayments to Queensland Treasury * 30,518 24,650 Valuation fees 13,568 13,081 Administered appropriation receivable 6,658 8,720 Return of unexpended grant – Queensland Water Commission - 4,659 Regulatory fees receivable 100 1,234 Land sales 573 130 Interest revenue 1,036 694 Equity injection receivable - 43
70,129 56,912 Non current Finance leases (note 25) 54,443 57,743 54,443 57,743
* Represents remittances to Queensland Treasury that relate to proposals and deposits on administered land sales before the transactions are legally finalised.
Movements in the allowance of provision for impairment Balance at 1 July 2010 2,060 1,920 Amounts written off during the period (2) - Amounts recovered during the period (15) (4) (Increase) decrease in allowance recognised in operating result 3,716 144 Balance at 30 June 2011 5,759 2,060
49
146 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
25. Leases
Finance leases The department issues finance leases under the provisions of the Land Act 1994 whereby the lessee elects to pay the purchase price over a number of years. The aggregate of the minimum lease payments for lease receivables is as follows: Finance lease receivables 1 year or less 1-5 years Greater than 5 years Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current 146 - - 146 Non current - 254 145 399 146 254 145 545
Operating leases The department issues operating leases, both term and perpetual, including permits and licences, as conditional contracts under the provisions of the Land Act 1994. Rent is determined as a percentage of unimproved capital value, dependent on the purpose and category of the allocated asset.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Finance leases The department issues finance leases under the provisions of the Land Act 1994 whereby the lessee elects to pay the purchase price over a number of years. The aggregate of the minimum lease payments for lease receivables is as follows: Finance lease receivables 1 year or less 1-5 years Greater than 5 years Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current 3,153 - - 3,153 Non current - 10,835 43,608 54,443 3,153 10,835 43,608 57,596
Operating leases The department issues operating leases, both term and perpetual, including permits and licences, as conditional contracts under the provision of the Land Act 1994. Rent is determined as a percentage of unimproved capital value, dependent on the purpose and category of the allocated asset.
50
Annual Report 2010–11 147 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 26. Inventories
Current Held for resale: Maps, publications and souvenirs 105 142 Less: Provision for impairment (90) (101) 15 41
Not held for resale: Casing and piping 1,290 1,115 Other 1,546 1,074 2,836 2,189
2,851 2,230
27. Unexpended advances
Current Advances for land purchases 509 6,000 509 6,000
28. Other current assets
Current Prepayments 6,633 7,828 6,633 7,828
29. Non current assets classified as held for sale
Current Land 84 84 Buildings 134 134 218 218
Assets are continually reviewed to ensure they support the service delivery objectives of the department. The assets identified as held for sale are surplus to departmental requirements in meeting these objectives. The sale of these assets is actively pursued by the department with an expectation they will be sold within 12 months of the date of classification. Whilst these assets have been classified as held for sale greater than 12 months, the department has been ensuring the assets sales strategies remain current with the market considered active over this time. The assets are not depreciated during this time.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Land 3,700 95 3,700 95
Assets are held for sale as directed by the Queensland Government after an assessment to determine the most efficient use of the land has occurred. The sale of these assets is being actively pursued by the department with an expectation that they will be sold within 12 months of the date of classification.
51
148 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 30. Property, plant and equipment
Non current Land At valuation 538,032 742,513 538,032 742,513
Buildings At valuation 505,989 498,657 Less: accumulated depreciation (326,894) (307,664) Less: accumulated impairment (4,963) - 174,132 190,993
Heritage and cultural At cost 1,603,154 1,410,297 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,912) (201) 1,601,242 1,410,096
Infrastructure At valuation 1,783,085 1,636,794 Less: accumulated depreciation (724,982) (591,820) 1,058,103 1,044,974
Plant and equipment At cost 162,947 124,780 Less: accumulated depreciation (81,273) (75,378) 81,674 49,402
Work in progress At cost 24,167 23,517 3,477,350 3,461,495
52
Annual Report 2010–11 149 53 174,132 Balance 3,477,350
30 June 2011 - 1,601,242 (325) (253) 81,674 - . An index is applied to the assets (6,187) (49) (6,187) (28,327) increments Revaluation (decrements) Disposals financial year. 43 sures that department’s assets are n down value of zero still being used in the $’000 $’000 2,027 classes between Transfers s for the Queensland Public Sector . - - 235,227 (49,159) - $’000 for sale assets held Transfers to - - Queensland Treasury’s Non Current Asset Policies for the Queensland Public (4,963) (4,963) - 9,963 - (4,963) and Impairment Non Current Asset Accounting Policie 4,771 52,868 External transfers st of $92.991 million (2010: $40.168 million) a writte with Non Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector dex applied is based on market value movements for the current dex (48) (68,195) (16,192) 399 (16,192) AASB 116 Property Plant and Equipment 355 64,754 (continued) as prescribed in Queensland Treasury’s
2010 Acquisitions Depreciation $’000 $’000 1 July 49,402 16,273 (14,256) 28,481 Balance
progress 23,517 19,553 - - - - (18,903) - - 24,167 (18,903) - 19,553 - 23,517 progress and is undertaken independently Stateby Valuation Service. in 3,461,495 Work Infrastructure 1,044,974 33 (37,699) 128 - - 6,663 44,027 (23) 1,058,103 (23) 44,027 6,663 128 - (37,699) 33 1,044,974 Infrastructure Plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment reconciliation Property, current reportingperiod the of each class at the beginning and end of amounts the carrying Reconciliation of Land 742,513 28,372 - 19,089 - - (234,934) (17,008) - 538,032 (17,008) - (234,934) 19,089 - Land 28,372 - 742,513 30. plant and equipment Property, 168 Buildings 190,993 The department comprehensively values its land, infrastructure and building assets using a rolling revaluation program. This en comprehensively valued in accordance Queenslandwith Treasury’s Heritage and cultural 1,410,096 not comprehensively valued in the current financial year. The in provision of services. The department has property, plant and equipment with an original co The department has property, an original plant and equipment with The valuation is at fair value in accordance with Sector Plant and equipment is valued at cost Department of Department Environm ent and Resource Management Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
150 Department of Environment and Resource Management 54 49,402 Balance 30 June 2010 - 1,410,096 (860) Disposals - 4,343 increments Revaluation (decrements) 374 6,248 classes between Transfers - - sale Transfers to assets held for - 2,942 External transfers (54) 48 8,959 (13,174) Acquisitions Depreciation (continued) $’000 $’000 45,287 670,256 18,830 - 74,778 (142) (21,590) 427 742,513 (46) 208,398 384 (19,910) - (139) 20,217 (17,795) (162) 190,993 Balance 3,511,102 47,138 (71,204) 77,720 (281) (70) (101,798) (1,112) 3,461,495 (71,204) 77,720 3,511,102 47,138 (1,112) (281) (101,798) (70) 1,137,078 63 (38,066) - - 12,699 (66,756) 1,044,974 (44) 1,405,385 1 July 2009 progress 44,698 18,854 - - - (40,035) - - 23,517 (40,035) - 18,854 - - progress 44,698 in
Work Infrastructure Plant and equipment Land 30. plant and equipment Property, period reporting previous the of each class at the beginning and end amounts the carrying Reconciliation of Buildings Heritage and cultural Department of Department Environm ent and Resource Management Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
Annual Report 2010–11 151 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 30. Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Non current Land At valuation 66,639,723 64,590,985 66,639,723 64,590,985 Buildings At valuation 12,151 9,413 Less: accumulated depreciation (3,912) (3,561) 8,239 5,852 Infrastructure At valuation 15,612 15,324 Less: accumulated depreciation (6,757) (6,407) 8,855 8,917 Plant and Equipment At cost 491 491 Less: accumulated depreciation (366) (363) 125 128
Work in progress 7,693 7,485 7,693 7,485
66,664,635 64,613,367
55
152 Department of Environment and Resource Management 125 56 $’000 8,239 8,855 7,693 Balance 66,639,823 66,664,635 30 June 2011 30 June 2011 - - - - $’000 (31,921) (31,921) Disposals - - . An index is applied to the assets not 134 158 $’000 1,851,312 1,851,604 increments increments Revaluation Revaluation (decrements) ved land values undertaken for each local h property has an individual factor change applied ncial year. ncial year. sures that department’s assets are own value of zero still being used in the provision of ------$’000 Transfers Transfers between classes classes between - - - - sale $’000 (3,710) (3,710) Transfers to Transfers assets held for for assets held Queensland Treasury’s Policies Non Current Asset for the Queensland Public - - - - valued every three to five years. Eac and $’000 External External 184,196 184,196 Transfers Transfers - - (3) (281) (221) (505) $’000 Non Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector Depreciation Depreciation - - 209 $’000 2,534 48,861 51,604 at fair value and are comprehensively re Acquisitions Acquisitions with AASB 116 Property Plant and Equipment (continued) (continued) 128 $’000 5,852 8,918 7,484 Balance 1 July 2010 1 July 64,590,985 64,613,367 and is undertaken independently Stateby Valuation Service. . plant and equipment Property, Land Buildings Infrastructure Plant and Equipment Work in progress Property, plant and equipment reconciliation Property, current reportingperiod. the of each class at the beginning and end of amounts the carrying Reconciliation of The department comprehensively values its land, infrastructure and building assets using a rolling revaluation program. This en comprehensively valued in accordance Queenslandwith Treasury’s comprehensively valued in the current financial year. The index applied is based on market value movements for the current fina The valuation is at fair value in accordance Sector Land subject to operating leases is valued at fair value. The department has property, plant and equipment ancost of $1.434 original million (2010:with $1.371 million) and a d written services. which is which derivedof market transactions. These from the review movements are determined havingof unimpro regard to the review government areathe Chief by Executive Officer of the Department Environment and Resource Management. Unallocated state land and reserves are measured 30 Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
Annual Report 2010–11 153 128 57 $’000 5,852 8,918 7,484 Balance 64,590,985 64,613,367 30 June 2010 - - - - $’000 (85,021) (85,021) Disposals - - (103) (267) $’000 117,083 116,713 increments Revaluation (decrements) ------$’000 classes between Transfers ------sale $’000 Transfers to assets held for - 128 $’000 3,176 1,663 574,843 579,810 External Transfers - - - (80) (159) (239) $’000 Depreciation - - 931 $’000 3,580 14,353 18,864 Acquisitions (continued) (continued) - $’000 1,928 7,681 3,904 Balance 63,969,727 63,983,240 1 July 2009 . plant and equipment Property, Property, plant and equipment reconciliation Property, period. reporting previous the of each class at the beginning and end amounts the carrying Reconciliation of Land Buildings Infrastructure Plant and Equipment Work in progress 30
Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
154 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 31. Intangibles
Internally generated software At cost 41,792 33,333 Less: accumulated amortisation (23,358) (21,059) 18,434 12,274
Purchased software At cost 11,682 11,087 Less: accumulated amortisation (9,123) (7,524) 2,559 3,563
Software development in progress At cost 9,583 11,019 30,576 26,856 The department has internal use software with an original cost of $6.014 million (2010: $5.469 million) and a written down value of zero still being used in the provision of services.
Intangibles reconciliation
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the current reporting period Transfers Balance between External Balance 1 July 2010 Acquisitions Amortisation classes transfers Disposals 30 June 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Internally generated 14,256 - (3,546) 7,724 - - 18,434 Purchased software 1,581 - (442) 1,420 - - 2,559 Software development progress 11,019 7,751 - (9,187) - - 9,583 26,856 7,751 (3,988) (43) - - 30,576
Amortisation of intangibles is included in the line item ‘Depreciation and amortisation’ in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
All intangible assets have finite useful lives and are amortised on a straight line basis (note 3(p)).
No intangible assets have been classified as held for sale or form part of a disposal group held for sale.
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the previous reporting period Transfers Balance between External Balance 1 July 2009 Acquisitions Amortisation classes transfers Disposals 30 June 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Internally generated 10,358 - (3,841) 7,739 - - 14,256 Purchased software 3,923 - (365) (1,977) - - 1,581 Software development in progress 11,132 5,579 - (5,692) - - 11,019 25,413 5,579 (4,206) 70 - - 26,856
58
Annual Report 2010–11 155 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
32. Biological assets Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Biological Assets reconciliation Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the current reporting period Gain/(loss) Balance from change Transfers Transfers Balance 1 July 2010 Acquisitions in fair values in out Disposals 30 June 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Plantation ------
* The plantation asset was transferred in from Forestry Plantation Queensland and outwards to intangible assets so that a licence could be issued and sold for the harvest of the State’s forestry plantations.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Biological Assets reconciliation Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of each class at the beginning and end of the current reporting period Gain/(loss) Balance from change Transfers Transfers Balance 30 July 2009 Acquisitions in fair values in out Disposals 30 June 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Plantation - - - (420,579) 420,579 - - - - - (420,579) 420,579 - -
* The plantation asset was transferred in from Forestry Plantation Queensland and outwards to intangible assets so that a licence could be issued and sold for the harvest of the State’s forestry plantations.
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 33. Payables
Current Trade creditors 20,645 37,664 Grants and subsidies payable 1,781 2,438 Taxes payable 1,900 2,439 Capital items payable 799 678 Other creditors 3,140 470 28,265 43,689
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Transfer of administered item revenue to government payable 30,940 27,970 Payables of an operating nature 33 1,246 Special payments payable 6,441 6,146 Stamp duties and zoning fees payable 146 1,544 Other 11 25 37,571 36,931
59
156 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 34. Accrued employee benefits
Current Annual leave levy payable 11,060 10,800 Salary and wages related payable (122) 210 Long service leave levy payable 2,141 1,652 13,079 12,662
35. Proposals and deposits
Current Proposals and deposits on land sales and leases 14 38 14 38 These monies represent funds paid by applicants in relation to prospective land dealings and are held by the department contingent upon the applicant progressing the dealing to finalisation. In the event dealings are not finalised, the department returns the defaulted monies to the original applicant.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Proposals and deposits on land sales and leases 30,518 24,650 30,518 24,650
These monies represent funds paid by applicants in relation to prospective land dealings and are held by the department contingent upon the applicant progressing the dealing to finalisation. In the event dealings are not finalised, the department returns the defaulted monies to the original applicant.
36. Other financial liabilities
Current Promissory note 577 577 577 577 Non current Promissory note 742 1,319 742 1,319 The promissory note which relates to the Tweed River Sand Bypassing system is in Australian dollar denominated amounts and is recognised at face value with interest being expensed as it is accrued. No interest has been capitalised during the reporting period. Repayment dates vary over the note’s term to 4 May 2013. Principal and interest repayments are made quarterly in arrears. The fair value of this note is disclosed in note 45. 37. Other liabilities
Current Other agencies’ land purchases 29,675 97,573 Unearned revenue 171 152 Other 221 145 30,067 97,870
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Current Other agencies’ land sales 5,568 5,051 Unearned revenue 12 12 5,580 5,063
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Annual Report 2010–11 157 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 38. Contributed equity reconciliation
Balance at 1 July 2010 3,585,475 3,542,782 Appropriated equity injections 44,292 100,714 Appropriated equity withdrawals (48,621) (62,736) Non appropriated equity withdrawals (20,727) (70,609) Equity transfers - 75,324 Net transfer of assets / liabilities from other government agencies Department of Environment and Resource Management (Administered) 23,862 - Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation 27,385 - Shared Service Agency 40 - Balance at 30 June 2011 3,611,706 3,585,475
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis Balance at 1 July 2010 23,801,073 23,593,224 Appropriated equity injections 72,795 (241) Non appropriated equity injection - 1,837 Non appropriated equity withdrawals (43,229) (456,360) Net assets received via machinery-of-Government 40 - Transfers of assets (to) from other government agencies: Department of Communities 1,100 - Department of Education - 15,784 Department of Environment and Resource Management (Controlled) (22,140) (74,757) Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation - (5,855) Department of Main Roads - 150 Department of Mines and Energy 322 172 Department of Public Works (5,659) Department of Transport - (893) Port of Brisbane Authority - 6,907 Port of Brisbane Corporation (4,763) - Ports Corporation Queensland Weipa Port Land 12 Property Services Group, Department of Infrastructure and Planning - 155 QR Limited - 8 Townsville Port Authority - 36 Translink Transit Authority (7) - Forest Plantation Queensland - initial recognition of forest plantation - 420,579 Forest Plantation Queensland - land assumed - 216,177 Forest Plantation Queensland - orphaned assets assumed - 7,076 Land under roads assumed from other government agencies 31,016 77,074 Balance at 30 June 2011 23,830,560 23,801,073
61
158 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
39. Asset revaluation surplus by class Asset revaluation surplus by class – current reporting period Balance Revaluation Balance 1 July increments 30 June 2010 (decrements) 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land - - - Buildings - - - Heritage and cultural 4,343 (4,343) - Infrastructure - - - 4,343 (4,343) -
The asset revaluation surplus represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value. Balance Revaluation Balance 1 July increments 30 June 2009 (decrements) 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land 3,656 (3,656) - Buildings 1,601 (1,601) - Heritage and cultural - 4,343 4,343 Infrastructure 718 (718) - 5,975 (1,632) 4,343
The asset revaluation surplus represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value.
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Asset revaluation surplus by class – current reporting period
Balance Revaluation Balance 1 July increments 30 June 2010 (decrements) 2011 $’000 $’000 $’000
Land 40,577,449 1,851,312 42,428,761 Buildings - 65 65 Infrastructure - 42 42 40,577,449 1,851,418 42,428,868
The asset revaluation surplus represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value.
Asset revaluation surplus by class – previous reporting period
Balance Revaluation Balance 1 July increments 30 June 2009 (decrements) 2010 $’000 $’000 $’000
Land 40,460,366 117,083 40,577,499 Buildings 34 (34) - Infrastructure 151 (151) - 40,460,551 116,898 40,577,449 The asset revaluation surplus represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value.
62
Annual Report 2010–11 159 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 40. Reconciliation of operating result from continuing operations to net cash
Operating result from continuing operations 11,948 (62,133)
Depreciation and amortisation expense 72,183 75,409 Bad and impaired debts 632 76 Assets written off 253 657 Assets previously expensed - (10) Assets received below fair value (1,584) 2,618 Impairment losses 4,963 - Net asset revaluation decrements 23,984 100,166 Inventory impairments and losses (writeback) (863) (23) Net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (208) (498)
Change in assets and liabilities (Increase) decrease in departmental services revenue receivable (1,864) (9,351) (Increase) decrease in net receivables 3,744 1,336 (Increase) decrease in long service leave reimbursement receivables (25) (101) (Increase) decrease in annual leave claim receivable (1,064) 30 (Increase) decrease in GST input tax credits receivable 367 (1,418) (Increase) decrease in inventories 242 (126) (Increase) decrease in prepayments 6,686 (1,891) (Increase) decrease in grants payable (657) - Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (14,352) 5,493 Increase (decrease) in payables due to MOG - (1) Increase (decrease) in provision for tax (539) - Increase (decrease) in GST payable (302) 1,038 Increase (decrease) in accrued employee benefits 417 2,013 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities (67,869) 43,049 Net cash from operating activities 36,092 156,334
63
160 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 40. Reconciliation of operating result from continuing operations to net cash (continued)
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Operating result from continuing operations 187,088 285,169
Bad and impaired debts 3,746 161 Land grants to Indigenous bodies 941 - Discounts on early settlement of finance leases 516 1,478 Depreciation expense 505 240 Revaluation decrement (186) 186 Net (gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 70,712 (38,820) Rent remissions 266 159 Land transfers to other entities - 50,792 Land transfers from other entities (265,174) (332,867)
Change in assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in administered appropriation revenue receivables - - (Increase) decrease in net receivables (15,800) 4,240 (Increase) decrease in GST input tax credits receivable 217 (231) Increase (decrease) in other payables (2,332) (4,412) Increase (decrease) in other assets 4,659 (4,659) Increase (decrease) in transfers to Government payable 2,971 11,042 Increase (decrease) in GST payable (646) 375 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 517 2,483 Net cash (used in) operating activities (12,000) (24,664)
64
Annual Report 2010–11 161 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 41. Commitments for expenditure
(a) Non-cancellable operating lease commitments
Commitments under operating leases at reporting date are inclusive of anticipated GST and are payable as follows: Not later than one year 29,492 30,554 Later than one year and not later than five years 67,591 52,500 Later than five years 36,270 55,298 133,353 138,352
Operating leases are entered into as a means of acquiring access to office accommodation and storage facilities. Lease payments are generally fixed, but with inflation escalation clauses and periodic market reviews.
Some of the operating leases contain renewal and extension options. No operating lease contains restrictions on financing or other leasing activities.
(b) Other expenditure commitments
Other expenditure committed at the end of the period but not recognised in the accounts are as follows: Not later than one year 79,588 42,045 Later than one year and not later than five years 11,825 - 91,413 42,045
* In 2011 the methodology was changed to broaden data capture to include other expenditure commitments. The 2010 figures have been extracted accordingly for the comparative figures.
(c) Capital expenditure commitments
Material classes of capital expenditure commitments inclusive of GST, contracted for at reporting date but not recognised in the accounts are payable as follows:
Buildings 1,537 2,413 Infrastructure 2,674 4,680 Land 3,436 - Plant and equipment 3,989 8,585 Intangibles 2,443 1,626 14,079 17,304
Payable: Not later than one year 14,079 17,168 Later than one year and not later than five years - 136 14,079 17,304
65
162 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 $’000 $’000 41. Commitments (continued)
Administered on a whole-of-Government basis
Material classes of capital expenditure commitments inclusive of GST, contracted for at reporting date but not recognised in the accounts are payable as follows:
Plant and equipment 78 - Water facilities - 757 78 757
Payable: Not later than one year 78 757
42. Contingencies
Contingent liabilities Guarantees and undertakings During 2010-11 the department has been party to numerous indemnity capped procurement arrangements. These contracts are primarily with suppliers of information technology infrastructure and software and related maintenance with liability and indemnity caps of various levels from $0.03 million per occurrence up to and/or a ceiling of up to $20.0 million over the life of the contracts. Contract lives are up to five years.
The department has provided a guarantee to Queensland Treasury Corporation as per the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 for the benefit of the National Trust of Queensland for a line of credit of $0.4 million, expiring 31 December 2011.
Litigation in progress At 30 June 2011, the following claims against the department were filed in the courts or lodged with the department:
2011 2010 Anti Discrimination Court 1 - Supreme Court 11 13 District Court 1 1 Magistrates Court 1 2 Jurisdiction not available – lodged with department * 18 24 32 40
At reporting date it is not possible to estimate any probable outcome of these claims, or any potential financial effect. Depending on the outcome of the litigation process, indemnity for the department may be sought in respect of some of the above matters through the Queensland Government Insurance Fund.
* The department has received notification of claims which are not yet subject to court action. These cases may or may not result in subsequent litigation.
66
Annual Report 2010–11 163 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
42. Contingencies (continued)
Native title claims over departmental land At 30 June 2011, there remained 112 unresolved native title claims over lands (including marine and terrestrial parks and offshore islands) either controlled or administered by the department. The claims cover an area of approximately 60% of the State.
At reporting date it is not possible to make an estimate of any probable outcome of these claims, or of any financial effects.
Land acquisitions The department is currently engaged in a program of land acquisitions which will be used to further its environmental and natural resource management objectives. A land acquisition program exists for the delivery of the State Government's Koala Response Strategy and for national parklands associated with the State's Toward Q2 Green target of increasing the area of national parks held. In relation to future dam sites, a further acquisition related to the Connors River Dam is planned however an estimate is unable to be reliably measured at 30 June 2011.
Stock Routes At 30 June 2011, the department was subject to one unfinalised agreement in regard to stock route capital works. These works relate to the rehabilitation of the Oasis Bore in the Diamantina Local Authority, and is estimated to be valued at approximately $0.015 million.
Compensation for infrastructure on expired leases over the protected area estate Currently the department issues leases or permits which allow activity such as grazing, tourist resorts etc to occur on parks and forestry estates it administers. On expiry of the lease or permit, the department may be required to pay compensation to the lessees for structural improvements made to the leased properties over the duration of these leases.
The amount of this liability is not quantifiable as the extent of the improvements to be valued will not be known until the expiration of the relevant leases or permits. Leases will progressively expire until the year 2045.
Contaminated land sites On 30 June 2010 the Queensland Government sold the rights to manage and harvest Queensland’s timber plantations to a private company – Forestry Plantations Queensland Pty Limited (FPQ). The rights to these plantations are managed through a 99 year licence issued under the Forestry Act 1959. The land on which these plantations are situated has been retained by the State. As part of the execution of the sale of the plantation licence, various Deeds of Agreements, including a Land Contamination Indemnity Deed, was entered into by both parties.
Under this arrangement, the State and FPQ will jointly assess all plantation land for contamination within a stipulated timeline during the 2010-12 financial years. In the event that any land sites are assessed to be contaminated, an appropriate landcare strategy will be implemented. Any costs associated with remediation to contamination attributable to the period up to 30 June 2010 will be borne by the State and any costs associated with remediation of contamination attributable post 30 June 2010 will be borne by FPQ. The amount and attribution of these costs, if any, of related liability will not be quantifiable until the site assessment has been completed.
The State also has provided an indemnification to FPQ for costs, incurred in defending third party claims for personal injury or death arising from contaminated land or the fuel depots in the licensed area for a period of 5 years from 1 July 2010, with payments capped to a range of $1 million to a maximum of $5 million.
Contingent asset
SunWater land Since 2001 the department and Sunwater have entered into various agreements regarding the future use and disposal of a land parcel (8.827 hectares) at Rocklea. A Deed of Variation to these agreements was entered into by both parties in 2009 which secures this department a freehold portion of this land in addition to a $150,000 distribution from the sale proceeds of the remaining land when sold by Sunwater. Due to changing circumstances surrounding the usage of the land and council requirements for works to be completed before sale, no reliable estimate of the value of the land can be provided at balance date.
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164 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
43. Controlled entity (a) Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd On 12 March 2010, the department formed the proprietary limited company Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd and commenced trading on 1 May 2010, with the department’s Director-General holding 100% of the shareholding. The company was established as part of a suite of Queensland Government climate change initiatives to help reduce Queensland’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The principal activities of the company for the year ended 30 June 2011 are to: x help deliver the government’s commitment to expand Queensland’s protected areas from 9 million hectares in 2010 to 20 million hectares by 2020; x provide carbon and environmental offset services to government, businesses and householders in Queensland; x assist Government deliver on its emissions reduction, energy efficiency and carbon offsetting commitments; x develop the carbon industry in Queensland; x support ClimateQ: Towards a Greener Queensland, to cut by one-third Queenslanders’ carbon footprint with reduced car and electricity use.
The company delivery of advisory and brokerage activities included determining of carbon footprints and provision of advice in relation to the carbon regulatory environment for a range of government and private sector clients, to a range of large utilities and other clients in relation to their environmental offset obligations and assisting clients to identify and negotiate the implementation of the identified offsets. Ecofund also brokered carbon offset transactions as agent for Queensland-based buyers, and transacted in carbon offsets in its own right.
The department’s total contribution to the company is an equity contribution of $3.281 million which is comprised of 3,280,700 shares fully paid at $1.00.
For the 2010-11 financial year, the company’s transactions and balances are considered to be immaterial to the parent entity and as such the entity is not consolidated with the department’s transactions and balances reported in these financial statements.
The Queensland Audit Office is the authorised auditor of this company. Total external audit fees relating to the 2010-11 year are estimated to be $0.055 million (2010: $0.015 million). No non audit services are included in this amount.
A summary of the financial transactions and balances for Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd for the 2011 financial year as at 30 June 2011 are as follows:
Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd 2011 2010 $’000 $’000 Revenues 13,242 334 Expenses 13,888 697 Net Surplus (646) (363)
Assets 3,431 3,346 Liabilities 1,159 2,128 Net Assets 2,272 1,218
Further detail on the financial results of Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd can be viewed in the entity’s annual report available at ecofund.net.au.
The operating result achieved is consistent with the financial model of Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd prepared by the Queensland Treasury Corporation prior to the company incorporation. This financial model shows that the company is expected to become profitable from 2012-13 and the department will be undertaking ongoing monitoring of Ecofund’s progress in achieving the targets forecasted in this business model.
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Annual Report 2010–11 165 69 from position) of the Chief Date appointed to Date appointed position (Date resigned resigned (Date position Appointed 20 September 2010 Appointed 9 August 2010 t ision of performance- l Monitoring Framework e Officer did not have authority planning,and directing controlling Current Incumbents Current with Ecofund’s with Board of directors. The remuneration and otherterms of . authority and appointment appointment and Contract classification classification Contract classification scheme Appointment by authority of the Board of Ecofund Not subject to the Government classification scheme Appointment by authority of the Board of Ecofund Not subject to the Governmen ude those positions that for ude those had positions and responsibility authority ministration and financial ministration and Responsibilities cofund) during the cofund) year ended 30 June 2011. during strategy of Ecofund. of strategy The Chief Executive Officer for the strategic responsible is management and direction of Ecofund. The Chief Financial Officer the for responsible is effective ad efficient and continued (continued) Position i) Key Executive Management Personnel Executive i) Key and responsibilityand for planning, controlling activities directing the of Ecofund. That authority and responsibility rested related cash bonuses and other benefits including motor vehicles. benefits including and other related cash bonuses Ecofund commenced employment of key executive management personnel during the year ended 30 June 2011. Prior to the appointment employment for the key executive management personnel in employmentare specified contracts. provide Theprov contracts for the Executive Officer, and subsequently the Chief Financial Officer, the Acting Chief Executive Officer and contract Chief Executiv established for Ecofund by its shareholder, the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) ii) Remuneration Remuneration policy for the agency’skey executive management personnel is set by the Board of Ecofund, thewithin Post Approva The following details for key executive management personnel incl personnel management executive key for details following The the activities of Ecofund Queensland Ltd Pty the (E Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Chief Financial Officer 43. Controlled entity entity 43. Controlled Pty Ltd Queensland (a) Ecofund Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
166 Department of Environment and Resource Management 70 Total $’000 Remuneration ome. key executive key $’000 anisational and Benefits Termination k into a Governmentk into a the year during the year which pany is sold or absorbed d contract Chief Executive yee benefits and postbenefits yee Post rity and responsibility rested with $’000 Benefits Employment $’000 Benefits Long Term Employee gement personnel remuneration has been disclosed. Prior to the ’000 Non- $ Benefits Monetary Benefits iods or payment in lieu of notice on termination, unless the com 225 15 - 146 - 20 - 371 15 - 13 260 - - 159 33 - 419 Short Term Employee Short Term Base $’000 on. Amounts disclosed equal the amount expensed in the Statement of Comprehensiveon. Amounts disclosed in the equal the amount expensed Inc (continued) No prior period comparative information on executive key mana Position (continued) (continued) the employee occupied the specified positi the employee Non-monetary benefits – consisting of provision of car parking together benefits tax applicable fringe with to the benefit. Base - consisting of base salary, allowances and leave entitlements paid and provided for the entire year or for that part of department. Contracts of employment provide only for notice department. Contracts of employmentper provide only individual the Board performance targets as agreed by of Ecofund. management are capped at 15% of total fixed remuneration. The amounts payable are tied to the achievement of pre-determined org back into a Government department. o Long term employee benefits include long service leave accrued. o Post employment benefits include superannuation contributions. o Redundancy payments are not provided for individualwithin contracts of employment, unless the company is sold or absorbed bac o benefits Short term employee include: which o Performance bonuses be may paid or payable annually depending upon Performance satisfaction criteria. payments of key of the Total fixed remunerationcalculated is on a basis‘total cost’ and includes the base and non-monetary emplo longbenefits, term benefits. employment 2010 – 30 June 2011 1 July Remuneration personnel executivepackages comprise management for key the following components:- 1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010 1 July appointment of the Chief Executive Officer, and subsequently the Chief Financial Officer, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, and subsequently appointment of the Chief Executive Officer an Officer did not have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Ecofund. That autho Ecofund’s Board of directors. Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Chief Financial Officer Total Remuneration 43. Controlled entity entity 43. Controlled Pty Ltd Queensland (a) Ecofund Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
Annual Report 2010–11 167 n n 71 2011 2010 $54,284 Nil the corporate and individual performance scorecards. equated to 14.3% as compared to the maximumThe accrued bonus 15% of total fixed remuneration payable. the corporate and individual performance scorecards. The bonus accrued maximum 10% of total fixed remuneration equated to 9.5% as compared to the payable. The cashorganisational performance bonusof calculated and individualwas referenceby KPIs set achievement i to The cashorganisational performance bonusof calculated and individualwas referenceby KPIs set achievement i to 26 August 2011 26 August 2011 Date Paid Basis for payment (continued) (continued) (continued) Key Executive Management Personnel Personnel Executive Key Management The aggregate performance bonuses paid paid bonuses or payableTheperformance to all aggregate key executive personnel management follows: are as Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Chief Financial Officer sition 43. Controlled entity entity 43. Controlled Pty Ltd Queensland (a) Ecofund payments iii) Performance financial the 2010-11in year is set out below: paid bonuses performance The for basis o Department of Environment and Resource Management of Environment and Department Statements Financial of the forming part Notes to and 2011 as at 30 June
168 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
43. Controlled entity (continued)
(b) Balance the Earth Trust Reverse the Effect is a Queensland Government initiative designed to encourage motorists to balance the impact of their vehicles’ green house gas emissions on the environment. The Balance the Earth Trust was established on 9 October 2009 to receive donations under this initiative with collections received being used to plant trees and create native forests to increase carbon capture in the environment. The business of the Trust is managed by the Trustee – Ecofund Queensland Pty Ltd. A summary of the 2011 financial transactions and balances for The Balance the Earth Trust as at 30 June 2011 are as follows:
Balance the Earth Trust 2011 2010 * $’000 $’000 Revenues 577 683 Expenses 894 5 Net Surplus (317) 678
Assets 424 751 Liabilities 63 73 Net Assets 361 678
* date of formation 9 October 2009 to 30 June 2010.
44. Interest in joint ventures The department has interests in one joint venture entity and one joint venture operation, which is subject to agreements made with the relevant parties. The department’s interests are limited to its rights and obligations under each of the agreements.
Public sector mapping venture
This venture is comprised of the public sector mapping agencies of the Commonwealth, states and territories. It was established to create and facilitate access to national spatial datasets for both governmental and commercial use.
The joint venture arrangement involved the incorporation of a company, PSMA Australia Limited (PSMA), to coordinate, assemble and commercially deliver the various PSMA datasets on a national basis and to contribute to the establishment of the Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure.
The department in its capacity as the Queensland representative holds an equal one-eighth share in this company, which was established on 20 June 2001. The department made $nil cash or in-kind contributions to the company in 2010-11, nor was any revenue derived from its operations. PSMA made royalty payments of $0.218 million (2009-10: $0.266 million) to Queensland during this financial year.
Joint mapping venture with Hema Maps Pty Ltd
This venture operation is between the department and Hema Maps Pty Ltd with each holding an equal share in the joint venture arrangement. This venture was established to produce, promote, distribute and sell maps from the Sunmap Regional Map series.
Based on the undertaking signed, proceeds from the sale of the products are to be distributed in equal shares following the reimbursement of all related external costs. At 30 June 2011, the department received a total of $0.049 million (2009-10: $0.056 million), which is made up of production cost recovery plus revenue from sales of the product.
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Annual Report 2010–11 169 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments (a) Categorisation of Financial Instruments
The department has the following categories of financial assets and financial liabilities: 2011 2010 Category Note $’000 $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 23 85,302 148,832 Receivables 24 53,320 52,875 138,622 201,707
Financial liabilities Payables 33 28,265 43,689 Promissory note 36 1,319 1,896 29,584 45,585
(b) Financial Risk Management
The department’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks – interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk.
Financial risk management is implemented pursuant to Government and DERM departmental policy. These policies focus on the unpredictability of financial markets and seek to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Department.
All financial risk is managed under approved departmental financial management policies. The department utilises written principles for overall risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas.
The department measures risk exposure using a variety of methods as follows:
Risk Exposure Measurement Method Credit risk Ageing analysis, earnings at risk Liquidity risk Sensitivity analysis Market risk Interest rate sensitivity analysis
(c) Credit Risk Exposure
Credit risk exposure refers to the situation where the department may incur financial loss as a result of another party to a financial instrument failing to discharge their obligation.
The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the gross carrying amount of those assets inclusive of any provisions for impairment.
The following table represents the department’s maximum exposure to credit risk based on contractual amounts net of any allowances:
Maximum exposure to credit risk 2011 2010 Note $’000 $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 23 85,302 148,832 Receivables 24 53,320 52,875 138,622 201,707
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170 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments (continued)
(d) Credit Risk Exposure (continued)
No collateral is held as security and no credit enhancements relate to financial assets held by the department.
The department manages credit risk through the use of the credit management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to credit default by ensuring that the department invests in secure assets and monitors all funds owed on a timely basis. Exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.
No financial assets and financial liabilities have been offset and presented net in the Statement of Financial Position.
The method for calculating any provision for impairment is based on past experience, current and expected changes in economic conditions and changes in client credit ratings. The main factors affecting the current calculation for provisions are disclosed below as loss events. These economic and geographic changes form part of the department's documented risk analysis assessment in conjunction with historic experience and associated industry data.
The recognised increase in controlled impairment is $0.824million for the current period. This is an increase of $0.584 million from 2010 and is due to a generally diminished capacity for debt servicing across the State, in the wake of the year’s natural disasters. Provision increase also related to increase in debt generally regarding the environmental authorities.
No financial assets have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired and are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated.
Ageing of past due but not impaired as well as impaired financial assets are disclosed in the following tables:
2011 Financial Assets Past Due But Not Impaired
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables 51,419 284 319 1,298 53,320 51,419 284 319 1,298 53,320
2010 Financial Assets Past Due But Not Impaired
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables 48,351 2,812 357 1,355 52,875 48,351 2,812 357 1,355 52,875
2011 Individually Impaired Financial Assets
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables (gross) 51,419 284 319 2,122 54,144 Allowance for Impairment - - - (824) (824) Carrying Amount 51,419 284 319 1,298 53,320
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Annual Report 2010–11 171 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments (continued)
(c) Credit Risk Exposure (continued)
2010 Individually Impaired Financial Assets
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables (gross) 48,351 2,812 357 1,595 53,115 Allowance for Impairment - - - (240) (240) Carrying Amount 48,351 2,812 357 1,355 52,875
Financial Liabilities
The guarantee given by the department meets the definition of a financial guarantee contract as per AASB 139 and as such the maximum exposure to the department is disclosed above. Details of the guarantee can be found in Note 34(b).
The department assesses on an annual basis, in conjunction with independent professional advice from experts in this field, the fair value of the financial guarantee as at 30 June.
(d) Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk refers to the situation where the department may encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset.
The department is exposed to liquidity risk through its trading in the normal course of business and borrowings from promissory notes.
The department manages liquidity risk through the use of a liquidity management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to liquidity risk by ensuring the department has sufficient funds available to meet employee and supplier obligations as they fall due. This is achieved by ensuring that minimum levels of cash are held within the various bank accounts so as to match the expected duration of the various employee and supplier liabilities.
The following table sets out the liquidity risk of financial liabilities held by the department. It represents the contractual maturity of financial liabilities, calculated based on undiscounted cash flows relating to the liabilities at reporting date. The undiscounted cash flows in these tables differ from the amounts included in the Statement of Financial Position that are based on discounted cash flows.
2011 Payable in: <1 Year 1-5 Years >5 Years Total Note $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial liabilities Payables 33 28,265 28,265 Promissory note 36 577 742 1,319 Total 28,842 742 29,584
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172 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments (continued)
(d) Liquidity Risk (continued)
2010 Payable in: <1 Year 1-5 Years >5 Years Total Note $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial liabilities Payables 33 43,689 - - 43,689 Promissory note 36 577 1,319 - 1,896 Total 44,266 1,319 - 45,585
(e) Market Risk
The department does not trade in foreign currency and is not materially exposed to commodity price changes. The department is exposed to interest rate risk through its finance leases. The department does not undertake any hedging in relation to interest risk and manages its risk as per its liquidity risk management strategy.
(f) Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
The following interest rate sensitivity analysis depicts the outcome to the comprehensive income if interest rates would change by +/- 1% from the year end rates applicable to the department’s financial assets and liabilities. The interest rate payable on the Promissory Note is fixed for the term of the borrowing and is not subject to interest rate sensitivity.
2011 Interest rate risk Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - non-interest bearing 85,302 - - - - Receivables - non-interest bearing 52,827 - - - - - variable interest rate 493 (5) (5) 5 5 Potential Impact 138,622 (5) (5) 5 5
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Annual Report 2010–11 173 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments (continued)
(f) Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis (continued)
2010 Interest rate risk Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - non-interest bearing 148,832 - - - - Receivables - non-interest bearing 52,442 - - - - - variable interest rate 433 (4) (4) 4 4 Potential Impact 201,707 (4) (4) 4 4
(g) Fair Value
The fair value of financial assets and liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement and for note disclosure purposes. The fair value of cash and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and payables approximate their carrying amounts as reported in the Statement of Financial Position. The fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on market prices where a market exists, or is determined by discounting expected future cash flows by the current interest rate for financial assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The fair value of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their nominal value less estimated credit adjustments. The carrying amounts of all financial assets are representative of their fair value.
2011 2010 Carrying Carrying Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial liability Promissory note 1,319 1,380 1,896 2,001 Total 1,319 1,380 1,896 2,001
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174 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued)
(a) Categorisation of Financial Instruments
The department has the following categories of financial asset and liabilities:
2011 2010 Category Note $’000 $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 23 39,055 28,827 Receivables 24 124,572 114,655 163,627 143,482
Financial liabilities Payables 33 37,571 36,931 37,571 36,931
(b) Financial Risk Management
The department’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks – interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk.
Financial risk management is implemented pursuant to Government and DERM departmental policy. These policies focus on the unpredictability of financial markets and seek to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Department.
All financial risk is managed under approved departmental financial management policies. The department utilises written principles for overall risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas.
The department measures risk exposure using a variety of methods as follows:
Risk Exposure Measurement Method Credit risk Ageing analysis, earnings at risk Liquidity risk Sensitivity analysis Market risk Interest rate sensitivity analysis
(c) Credit Risk Exposure
Credit risk exposure refers to the situation where the department may incur financial loss as a result of another party to a financial instrument failing to discharge their obligation.
The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the gross carrying amount of those assets inclusive of any provisions for impairment.
The following table represents the department’s maximum exposure to credit risk based on contractual amounts net of any allowances:
Maximum exposure to credit risk 2011 2010 Note $’000 $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 23 39,055 28,827 Receivables 24 124,572 114,655 163,627 143,482
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Annual Report 2010–11 175 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued)
(c) Credit Risk Exposure (continued)
No collateral is held as security and no credit enhancements relate to financial assets held by the department.
The department manages credit risk through the use of the credit management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to credit default by ensuring that the department invests in secure assets and monitors all funds owed on a timely basis. Exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.
No financial assets and financial liabilities have been offset and presented net in the Statement of Financial Position.
The method for calculating any provision for impairment is based on past experience, current and expected changes in economic conditions and changes in client credit ratings. The main factors affecting the current calculation for provisions are disclosed below as loss events. These economic and geographic changes form part of the department's documented risk analysis assessment in conjunction with historic experience and associated industry data.
The recognised increase in controlled impairment is $5.759million for the current period. This is an increase of $3.699 million.
No financial assets have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired and are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated.
Ageing of past due but not impaired as well as impaired financial assets are disclosed in the following tables:
2011 Financial Assets Past Due But Not Impaired
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables 124,115 968 1,290 (1,801) 124,572 124,115 968 1,290 (1,801) 124,572
2010 Financial Assets Past Due But Not Impaired
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables 114,376 36 11 232 114,655 114,376 36 11 232 114,655
2011 Individually Impaired Financial Assets
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables (gross) 124,115 968 1,290 3,958 130,331 Allowance for Impairment - - - (5,759) (5,759) 124,115 968 1,290 (1,801) 124,572
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176 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued)
(c) Credit Risk Exposure (continued)
2011 Individually Impaired Financial Assets
Overdue Less than 30 30-60 days 61-90 days More than Total days 90 days $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Receivables (gross) 114,376 36 11 2,292 116,715 Allowance for Impairment - - - (2,060) (2,060) 114,376 36 11 232 114,655
Financial Liabilities
The guarantee given by the department meets the definition of a financial guarantee contract as per AASB 139 and as such the maximum exposure to the department is disclosed above. Details of the guarantee can be found in Note 34(b).
The department assesses on an annual basis, in conjunction with independent professional advice from experts in this field, the fair value of the financial guarantee as at 30 June.
(d) Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk refers to the situation where the department may encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset.
The department is exposed to liquidity risk through its trading in the normal course of business and borrowings from promissory notes.
The department manages liquidity risk through the use of a liquidity management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to liquidity risk by ensuring the department has sufficient funds available to meet employee and supplier obligations as they fall due. This is achieved by ensuring that minimum levels of cash are held within the various bank accounts so as to match the expected duration of the various employee and supplier liabilities.
The following table sets out the liquidity risk of financial liabilities held by the department. It represents the contractual maturity of financial liabilities, calculated based on undiscounted cash flows relating to the liabilities at reporting date. The undiscounted cash flows in these tables differ from the amounts included in the Statement of Financial Position that are based on discounted cash flows.
2011- Payable in: <1 Year 1-5 Years >5 Years Total Note $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial liabilities Payables 33 37,571 - - 37,571 Total 37,571 - - 37,571
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Annual Report 2010–11 177 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued)
(d) Liquidity Risk (continued)
2010 Payable in: <1 Year 1-5 Years >5 Years Total Note $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial liabilities Payables 33 36,931 - - 36,931 Total 36,931 - - 36,931
(e) Market Risk
The department does not trade in foreign currency and is not materially exposed to commodity price changes. The department is exposed to interest rate risk through its finance leases. The department does not undertake any hedging in relation to interest risk and manages its risk as per its liquidity risk management strategy.
(f) Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
The following interest rate sensitivity depicts the outcome to comprehensive income if interest rates would change by +/- 1% from the year end rates applicable to the department’s financial assets and liabilities.
2011 Interest rate risk Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - non-interest bearing 39,055 - - - - Receivables - non-interest bearing 54,762 - - - - - variable interest rate 69,810 - - - - Potential Impact 163,627 (363) (363) 363 363
2010 Interest rate risk Carrying amount -1% +1% Profit Equity Profit Equity $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - non-interest bearing 28,827 - - - - Receivables - non-interest bearing 51,008 - - - - - variable interest rate 63,647 (636) (636) 636 636 Potential Impact 143,482 (636) (636) 636 636
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178 Department of Environment and Resource Management Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
45. Financial instruments – Administered on a whole-of-Government basis (continued)
(g) Fair value
The fair value of financial assets and liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement and for note disclosure purposes. The fair value of cash and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying amounts as reported in the Statement of Financial Position. The fair value of other monetary financial assets and financial liabilities is based on market prices where a market exists, or is determined by discounting expected future cash flows by the current interest rate for financial assets and liabilities with similar risk profiles. The fair value of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their nominal value less estimated credit adjustments. The carrying amounts of all financial assets are representative of their fair value.
46. Trust transactions and balances The department holds cash and bank guarantees on behalf of companies and individuals for the following:
a. As a condition of volumetric leases entered into under the Land Act 1994, the lessee is required to provide a security in the form of a bank guarantee to be retained by the department to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The security together with the lease agreement commits the lessee to perform specific reparation conditions set out in the lease.
b. As a condition of the environmental authority for petroleum and gas leases under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, applicants are required to provide financial security in the form of cash or bank guarantee to ensure compliance with specific requirements set by the state of petroleum and gas activities, to prevent or minimise any environmental harm, or to rehabilitate or restore the environment. The security is held to protect the State should the lessee not meet the conditions set out in the environmental authority.
c. As a condition of other miscellaneous environment management sections of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and other relevant Acts, financial assurances are held in the form of cash or bank guarantee to ensure compliance with specific environmental requirements as determined.
d. As a condition of forestry products timber sales contracts, a financial security of cash or bank guarantee must be provided to the department to ensure achievement of specific requirements. Upon receipt of the cash deposits, the department recognises interest accrued during the period the department has custody of the moneys. The amount of interest accrued each year is recognised as an expense.
e. For development applications under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (formerly Integrated Planning Act 1997), applicants may be required to provide financial security of cash or bank guarantee as a means of meeting a particular aspect of a vegetation management code. The security together with the agreement commits the developer to providing a vegetation offset within twelve months. No interest is paid by the department in respect to the cash security held.
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Annual Report 2010–11 179 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements as at 30 June 2011
46. Trust transactions and balances (continued)
As the department performs only a custodial role in respect of these transactions and balances, they are not recognised in the financial statements but are disclosed in the notes for the information of users.
2011 2010 Trust collections and distributions $’000 $’000
Collections Forestry security deposits 418 40 Environmental security deposits 7,483 2,713 Total collections 7,901 2,753 Distributions Forestry security deposits (142) (209) Single holding accounts - (7,425) Environmental security deposits (330) (595) Total distributions (472) (8,229) Increase (decrease) in trust assets 7,429 (5,476)
Trust assets and liabilities
Current assets Cash 13,889 6,460 Total trust assets 13,889 6,460
Current liabilities Forestry security deposits 114 120 Vegetation management 60 60 Environmental security deposits 3 3 Single holding accounts - - Total current liabilities 177 183
Non current liabilities Forestry security deposits 856 574 Environmental security deposits 12,856 5,703 Total non current liabilities 13,712 6,277 Total trust liabilities 13,889 6,460
At 30 June 2011, the department held bank guarantees to the value of, and in relation to, the following: x $20.34 million in accordance with lease conditions under the Land Act 1994; x $391.89 million relating to petroleum and gas in accordance with the lease conditions under the Land Act 1994 and Environmental Protection Act 1994; x $5.3 million relating to forestry products timber sales contracts and agreements; x $6.45 million relating to environmental management activities under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and miscellaneous Environmental Management sections of relevant acts involved; and x $1.62 million relating to vegetation management development applications under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Integrated Planning Act 1997.
This represents the maximum value the department is potentially entitled to if agreed conditions are not fulfilled.
The Queensland Audit Office has incorporated a sample of trust transactions within the audit undertaken for the period.
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180 Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 2010–11 181 182 Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 2010–11 183 Appendixes
184 Department of Environment and Resource Management Appendix 1—Statutory bodies
Annual reporting Class and name Entity Constituting Act Control of funds arrangements Board Gladstone Area Water Annual report to Body corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds Board1 parliament Annual report to Mount Isa Water Board1 Body corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds parliament Summary of annual Water authorities2 (51) Bodies corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds reports to parliament Queensland Bulk Water South East Queensland Water Annual report to Statutory body Controls own funds Supply Authority (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Queensland Bulk Water South East Queensland Water Annual report to Statutory body Controls own funds Transport Authority (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Queensland South East Queensland Water Annual report to Manufactured Water Statutory body Controls own funds (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Authority SEQ Water Grid South East Queensland Water Annual report to Statutory body Controls own funds Manager (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Administrative boards Surveyors Board of Annual report to Body corporate Surveyors Act 2003 Controls own funds Queensland parliament Valuers Registration Annual report to Instrumentality Valuers Registration Act 1992 Controls own funds Board of Queensland parliament Trusts Board of Trustees of Newstead House Trust Act Statutory Body Controls own funds Included in this report Newstead House 1939 National Trust of National Trust of Queensland Annual report to Statutory Body Controls own funds Queensland Act 1963 parliament River improvement River Improvement Trust Act Summary of annual Bodies corporate Controls own funds trusts (15) 1940 reports to parliament Administrative bodies Dumaresq–Barwon New South Wales–Queensland Annual report to Border Rivers Instrumentality Controls own funds Border Rivers Act 1946 parliament Commission Queensland Heritage Statutory Authority Queensland Heritage Act 1992 No funds controlled Included in this report Council Wet Tropics World Heritage Balances incorporated Wet Tropics Annual report to Statutory Authority Protection and Management in Agency financial Management Authority parliament Act 1993 statements
1 category 1 water authorities 2 category 2 water authorities. There were 52 Water Authorities referenced in the DERM 2010–11 Annual Report. One Water Authority was dissolved by Regulation on 2 June 2011.
Participation of women on boards and statutory authorities As at 30 June 2011 there were 959 positions on the DERM government bodies, of which 654 are men (68 per cent) and 214 (22 per cent) are women and 91 (10 per cent) are vacant. During the reporting period of 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011, there were 72 new appointments (not reappointments) made to the 123 bodies—42 (58 per cent) were men and 30 (42 per cent) were women.
Annual Report 2010–11 185 Appendixes
184 Department of Environment and Resource Management Appendix 1—Statutory bodies
Annual reporting Class and name Entity Constituting Act Control of funds arrangements Board Gladstone Area Water Annual report to Body corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds Board1 parliament Annual report to Mount Isa Water Board1 Body corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds parliament Summary of annual Water authorities2 (51) Bodies corporate Water Act 2000 Controls own funds reports to parliament Queensland Bulk Water South East Queensland Water Annual report to Statutory body Controls own funds Supply Authority (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Queensland Bulk Water South East Queensland Water Annual report to Statutory body Controls own funds Transport Authority (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Queensland South East Queensland Water Annual report to Manufactured Water Statutory body Controls own funds (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Authority SEQ Water Grid South East Queensland Water Annual report to Statutory body Controls own funds Manager (Restructuring) Act 2007 parliament Administrative boards Surveyors Board of Annual report to Body corporate Surveyors Act 2003 Controls own funds Queensland parliament Valuers Registration Annual report to Instrumentality Valuers Registration Act 1992 Controls own funds Board of Queensland parliament Trusts Board of Trustees of Newstead House Trust Act Statutory Body Controls own funds Included in this report Newstead House 1939 National Trust of National Trust of Queensland Annual report to Statutory Body Controls own funds Queensland Act 1963 parliament River improvement River Improvement Trust Act Summary of annual Bodies corporate Controls own funds trusts (15) 1940 reports to parliament Administrative bodies Dumaresq–Barwon New South Wales–Queensland Annual report to Border Rivers Instrumentality Controls own funds Border Rivers Act 1946 parliament Commission Queensland Heritage Statutory Authority Queensland Heritage Act 1992 No funds controlled Included in this report Council Wet Tropics World Heritage Balances incorporated Wet Tropics Annual report to Statutory Authority Protection and Management in Agency financial Management Authority parliament Act 1993 statements
1 category 1 water authorities 2 category 2 water authorities. There were 52 Water Authorities referenced in the DERM 2010–11 Annual Report. One Water Authority was dissolved by Regulation on 2 June 2011.
Participation of women on boards and statutory authorities As at 30 June 2011 there were 959 positions on the DERM government bodies, of which 654 are men (68 per cent) and 214 (22 per cent) are women and 91 (10 per cent) are vacant. During the reporting period of 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011, there were 72 new appointments (not reappointments) made to the 123 bodies—42 (58 per cent) were men and 30 (42 per cent) were women.
Annual Report 2010–11 185 Appendix 2—Boards and committees Remuneration of Boards and committees There are 123 boards and committees in the scope of the Department of the Environment and Resource Management (DERM). Of these, the remuneration paid to members of 22 boards and committees are detailed below. Details of the roles, responsibilities and remuneration of these bodies are outlined below and overleaf.
Board or committee Total remuneration $ Animal Ethics Committee 754 Cape York Peninsula Regional Advisory Committee 15,290 Cape York Peninsula Region Scientific and Cultural Advisory Committee 11,408 Crocodile Management Steering Group 173 Field Management Operations Group 1,362 Interim Stock Route Assessment Panel 20,500 Lake Eyre Basin Wild Rivers Advisory Panel 11,020 Premier’s Council on Climate Change 16,6671 Queensland Great Artesian Basin Advisory Council 58,240 Queensland Sustainable Energy Advisory Council 1,779 Queensland Youth Environment Council 22,261 Referral Panel (Moratorium) 8,000 Referral Panel (Resource Operations Plan) 38,000 State Rural Leasehold Land Ministerial Advisory Committee 16,527 Statewide Tourism Industry Forum 6,168 Waanyi Ministerial Advisory Committee 506 Wet Tropics Community Consultative Committee 6,899 Wet Tropics Conservation Sector Liaison Group 2,892 Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee 15,028 Wet Tropics Scientific Advisory Committee 6,582 Wet Tropics Tourism Industry Liaison 1,295 Yalanji ILUA Implementation Steering Committee 400 Total 261,751
1 No sitting fees are payable. This total is for administrative expenditure including travel, accommodation and meeting logistical costs.
186 Department of Environment and Resource Management Boards and committees
Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) Ensure animal studies by Department of Environment and Resource Management Assess and grant approval for specific Animal Ethics (DERM) staff meet the requirements of the animal science projects conducted by $753.56 Committee Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and DERM staff. the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Advise the Ministers about matters relating to the declaration of: • areas of international conservation Cape York Provide advice to the Minister for Finance, significance Peninsula Natural Resources and The Arts, and the • Indigenous community use areas. $15 290 Regional Advisory Minister for Environment. Committee Advise on other matters the Ministers consider appropriate having regard to the objects of the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 (e.g. land management). Advise the Ministers about matters relating to the natural and cultural values of land proposed to be: Cape York • an area of international conservation Peninsula Region Provide advice to the Minister for Finance, significance Scientific and Natural Resources and The Arts and the $11 408 • an Indigenous community use area. Cultural Advisory Minister for Environment. Committee Advise on other matters the Ministers consider appropriate having regard to the objects of the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007. Coordinate partnerships and alignment between management agencies, community Cassowary To guide and coordinate implementation organisations and research institutions $0 Recovery Team of the Cassowary Recovery Plan. that are actively involved in cassowary conservation, which are required to implement cassowary recovery actions. Support relevant Ministers and mayors in providing information and policy advice to the RCC, according to their portfolio interests. Coordinate the integration of policy and programs of government, industry and Chief Executive community partners relating to natural Officer’s resource management and waterways—to Provide advice to the Regional Committee for support the implementation of specific Coordination Committee (RCC) on natural $0 Natural Resource principles and policies of the SEQ Regional resource management and waterways. Management Plan 2009–31. (SEQ) Coordinate implementation of the South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan 2009–31. In particular, the desired regional outcomes related to the SEQ Regional Plan, that are identified in the committee’s Terms of Reference. Assist with the strategic management and contingency response to coastal algal blooms, including Lyngbya and Hinksia, by: $0 Coastal Algal Facilitate information sharing and 1. providing feedback about research Nil sitting Bloom Reference networking through this multi-stakeholder outcomes and management actions that fees paid, Group consultative forum. are planned and implemented participation is 2. seeking funding to research and voluntary strategically manage coastal algal blooms in south-east Queensland.
Annual Report 2010–11 187 Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) The agreed membership was the Director Wildlife Management, Director Internal Audit, Manager Wildlife Operations, and The CSMG was formed at the direction of Crocodile independent Emeritus Professor Gordon the Minister for Environment to ensure Management Grigg. The group meets quarterly to monitor independent input and oversight of the $173 Steering Group the implementation of the program, and implementation of the Estuarine Crocodile (CSMG) coordinates an annual internal review of Management Program. performance against the program action plan. The CSMG provides an annual report to the Executive Management Group of DERM. As the key decision-making forum for operational matters in the Great Barrier Help identify program priorities and prepare $1362 Field Management Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) and World draft strategies, programs and service-level No sitting Operations Group Heritage Area (WHA), the DDM’s primary agreements. fees payable, (formerly Day-to- roles are to: Deliver effective and efficient programs, expenses day Management 1. communicate clearly, to the Strategy consistent with the priorities of the MPA incurred relate (DDM) Operations Group and Marine Park Authority Board to airfares for Group ) (MPA) Board Provide advice and project management of traditional 2. service the needs of the Strategy Group Strategy Group initiatives. owners. and MPA Board. Provide the MPA Board with: Field Management Provide the key decision-making forum for 1. a three-year business strategy for the Strategy Group strategic governance of the DDM program DDM program $0 (formerly DDM in the GBRMP, GBR Coast Marine Park 2. an annual program that confirms Strategy Group) (State), island national parks, and WHA. MPA Board priorities and serves as an implementation plan to achieve them. Fraser Island WHA: • Community Advisory Provide advice on the effectiveness $0 Committee of management of the Fraser Island Committee • Indigenous WHA. Management Committee has an members Provide input into setting priorities for the Advisory overarching role and integrates the advice receive travel management of the Fraser Island WHA. Committee of the other committees. expenses, but • Scientific Provide feedback on the priorities for these are paid by Advisory management. Commonwealth. Committee • Management Committee. Gondwana Rainforests of Australia WHA: $0 Provide advice as to the effectiveness of • Community management of the Gondwana Rainforests Members receive Advisory Provide input into setting priorities for the of Australia World Heritage Area and travel expenses Committee management of the Gondwana Rainforests of feedback on the priorities for management. and sitting Australia WHA. • Technical Provide feedback on the priorities for fees, but these and Scientific research (T&SA Committee only). are paid by Advisory Commonwealth. (T&SA) Committee.
188 Department of Environment and Resource Management Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) Ensure adequate consideration of scientific, environmental, social and economic issues in the development of the monitoring program. Provide expert commentary on the No sitting fees application of scientific principles and are payable. The objective of the Horse Trails Scientific frameworks for the development of the Horse Trails Advisory Committee is to provide an monitoring program. No Scientific accommodation independent scientific assessment of the Review the monitoring program developed Advisory or travel development of the Horse Trails Scientific by DERM and make recommendations to Committee expenses paid Monitoring Program. the Minister for Environment concerning this financial approval of the monitoring program. year. Review the progress and outputs of the monitoring program and related research annually and provide advice to the Minister for Environment. Provide authoritative advice on: • the classification of the stock route network • stock route network use, via stock route Nil for sitting Provide stakeholder advice to DERM on permits and grazing authorities fees. Interim Stock the development and implementation of $20 500 for Route Assessment • the administration and management of proposed stock route network management travel and Panel stock route network facilities legislation. • other matters relating to the management accommodation and administration of the stock route costs. network, including management of the network’s biodiversity, cultural and recreational values. The roles and responsibilities of the Lake Eyre Basin Wild Rivers Advisory Panel may include, but are not limited to: • consideration of policy matters pertaining to the Lake Eyre Basin Wild River declarations and provide advice to the Minister/DERM on these matters The role of the Lake Eyre Basin Wild Rivers • dissemination of information on wild Nil sitting fees Advisory Panel is to provide stakeholder Lake Eyre Basin rivers to their respective interest groups paid. input and views to the Minister for Wild Rivers and collate and provide feedback to the Environment and DERM on wild river $11 020 in Advisory Panel Minister/DERM on these matters matters pertaining to the Lake Eyre Basin travel and river systems. • provision of advice and views of their accommodation. constituents, on the analysis and possible options to address policy and operational issues that may arise from a wild river declaration proposal • consideration of linkages between the Lake Eyre Basin wild river declarations and any relevant water resource plans. Provide advice on: 1. the implementation and operation of Provide advice to the Minister for event-based flow management Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts Lower Balonne on implementing the Water Resource 2. the development of real-time monitoring Ministerial to support event-based flow management (Condamine and Balonne) Plan 2004. $0 Water Resources 3. the further development and use of the Assist the Chief Executive to develop Advisory Council Lower Balonne decision support tool the Condamine and Balonne Resource Operations Plan. 4. the five-and ten-year reviews of the plan for the Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts.
Annual Report 2010–11 189 Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) Consider issues relating to the management Facilitate ongoing communication between of tourism activities on the DERM estate in Northern Tourism $0 DERM, the tourism industry and relevant northern region and advise the Minister for Industry Forum stakeholders. Environment on these, through the statewide No fees payable. Tourism Industry Forum Provide high-level advice about priorities No sitting fees for Queensland Government action to reduce are payable. Provide strategic high-level advice to the greenhouse gas emissions and to assist Administrative Premier’s Council Queensland Government on emerging communities and industries with mitigation expenditure on Climate climate change issues, and propose best and adaptation measures. for travel, Change practice solutions to the challenges of Suggest broad climate-change priorities to accommodation climate change. guide the allocation of revenue from the and meeting $430 million Queensland Climate Change logistical costs Fund. totalled $16 667 Advise the Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts on issues affecting: Provide the Minister for Finance, Natural Queensland Great 1. sustainable use of GAB water resources Resources and The Arts with strategic Artesian Basin 2. improved management of GAB resources $58 240 policy advice on the management of the Advisory Council Great Artesian Basin (GAB). 3. effective industry, community and other stakeholder input into the management of the GAB. Effective coordination of environmental Queensland To lead planning and implementation recovery activities to maximise efficiency of Reconstruction of the environment recovery function resource allocation. Authority of Operation Queenslander: The State Facilitation and exchange of information $0 Environment Line Community, Economic and Environmental relevant to sustainable and resilient of Reconstruction Recovery and Reconstruction Plan 2011- environmental recovery. Sub-Committee 2013. Identification and resolution of critical environmental recovery issues. Total Evaluate and recommend projects to be remuneration funded by the Queensland Sustainable paid to the members and Energy Innovation Fund (QSEIF) and Recommend projects to be funded by Chairman of provide advice on sustainable energy the QSEIF program to the Minister for Queensland the Queensland matters, as requested by the Minister for Environment, and provide advice on Sustainable Sustainable Environment and the Minister for Energy sustainable energy matters as requested by Energy Advisory Energy Advisory and Water Utilities. the Minister for Energy and Water Utilities. Council Council during Advice to the Minister for Energy and Water Advice to the Minister for Energy and the period Utilities is at the cost of DEEDI. Water Utilities is at the cost of the 30 June 2010 Department of Employment, Economic to 1 July 2011 Development and Innovation (DEEDI). was $1779 (plus $83.80 GST). Prepare policy advice from a youth perspective on issues of environmental sustainability, for the Minister for Progress the work of the QYEC through Queensland Youth Environment and the Minister for membership meetings (two or three times Environment $22 261 Education and Training. annually) and the QYEC Executive meetings Council (QYEC) Inspire and engage young people to live (monthly). increasingly sustainable lives through the QYEC website and attendance at events.
190 Department of Environment and Resource Management Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) Consider landowner applications to vary the effect of moratorium notices to allow additional time to complete relevant Make recommendations to the Minister for works to take or interfere with water (as Referral Panel Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts per the Water Act 2000), and to make $8 000 (Moratorium) about applications to the Minister to vary recommendations to the Minister for the effect of moratorium notices. Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts about whether the applications should be granted. Consider submissions by water entitlement Review certain public submissions made holders seeking to vary a proposed water on draft resource operations plans and allocation, environmental management rule, Referral Panel make recommendations to DERM’s Chief water sharing rule and/or an implementation (Resource Executive. In finalising the resource $38 000 schedule. Make recommendations to Operations Plan) operations plans, the Chief Executive DERM’s Chief Executive about whether the considers both public submissions and the issues raised in the submissions should be panel’s recommendations. considered for the final plan. Facilitate and participate in the implementation of the Riversleigh $0 Riversleigh Management Strategy. Advise the State and Commonwealth Committee World Heritage Advise on matters concerning funding on matters relating to the protection, members Area Community requirements, sources and priorities and the conservation, presentation and management reimbursed for and Scientific development of management plans. of the Riversleigh section of the Australian travel expenses, Advisory Consult with relevant State, Commonwealth Fossil Mammal Sites. but these Committee and local government agencies, local are paid by landholders and traditional owners Commonwealth. concerning management of Riversleigh. Manage implementation of the SEQ Manage implementation of the DROs covered South East Regional Plan 2009–31 Desired Regional in the South East Queensland Natural Queensland Outcomes (DROs): Resource Management Plan 2009–31. NRM Regional • 1 (sustainability and climate change) Provide clear, transparent and objective $0 Implementation • 2 (natural environment) whole-of-government advice to agencies, Group2 • 4 (natural resources) and support the CEO Committee for Natural • 11 (water management). Resource Management (SEQ). Advise the Minister for Natural Resources, Finance and the Arts about the: 1. management and use of state rural State Rural leasehold land including policy Provide scientific, technical and policy $16 527 includes Leasehold Land initiatives and community and sectoral advice to the Minister on issues related sitting fees Ministerial concerns to rural leasehold land and the Delbessie and travel and Advisory 2. guidelines for assessing land condition Agreement. accommodation. Committee 3. framework for land management agreements, covenants, and use and access agreements under the Land Act 1994, and for monitoring land condition. No sitting fees Improve communication between DERM’s are payable. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Consider and resolve strategic or statewide Administrative Statewide Tourism (QPWS) and the tourism industry relating issues that affect tourism activities in expenditure Industry Forum to statewide strategic issues affecting protected areas, forests and marine parks for travel and tourism management in protected areas, managed by DERM. accommodation forests and marine parks. totalled $6168.
Annual Report 2010–11 191 Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) Tweed River Give advice on the preparation of Entrance Sand environmental impact assessment and Provide advice to ensure that project Bypassing tender documents for: objectives are met, that is: Project Advisory • the bypass 1. NSW—to establish and maintain a safe, Committee • the tender process navigable entrance to the Tweed River (established in • management and implementation of $0 accordance with 2. QLD—to provide a continuing sand the works the Tweed River supply to the southern Gold Coast Entrance Sand • issues of relevance to the local beaches and any sand needed to restore Bypassing Project community and maintain recreational amenity of the Agreement Act • any other matters referred to it by the beaches. 1998) Ministers. Representatives of key vegetation Advise DERM on the administration of Vegetation management stakeholder groups meet the vegetation management framework, Consultative approximately twice a year and provide $0 including relevant research, policy and Committee advice to DERM on the vegetation initiatives, and future directions. management framework. Waanyi Meet quarterly with DERM staff to provide Advise the Minister for Environment on the Ministerial advice on protection and presentation of management of Indigenous cultural heritage $506 Advisory cultural values within Boodjamulla (Lawn for Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Committee Hill) National Park. Wet Tropics Community Consultative Committee Advise the Wet Tropics Management Provide advice to the Authority Board, (established Authority Board on community views of identify and report on issues of community under s. 40(3) of $6899 the Authority’s policies and programs in interest, and assist with community the Wet Tropics relation to the wet tropics area. engagement activities. World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993) Identify, discuss and seek to resolve Wet Tropics Facilitate communication and engagement conservation issues relating to the Wet Conservation between regional community conservation Tropics World Heritage Area and assist with $2892 Sector Liaison groups and the Wet Tropics Management information sharing between the Authority Group Authority Board. and the conservation sector. Wet Tropics Advise the Authority Board on rainforest Rainforest Facilitate effective engagement of Aboriginal community issues pertinent Aboriginal rainforest Aboriginal people in the to the Authority’s functions and facilitate $15 028 Advisory management of the Wet Tropics WHA. consultation with and between rainforest Committee3 Aboriginal tribal groups. Wet Tropics Scientific Advisory Consider and provide scientific advice to Committee Advise the Wet Tropics Management the Authority Board to help ensure high (established under Authority on scientific research and standards of management and that the s. 40(2) of the Wet developments that will contribute to the $6582 Authority is aware of important scientific Tropics World protection and conservation of the wet developments relating to management of Heritage Area tropics area. the area. Protection and Management Act 1993) Identify, discuss and seek to resolve tourism Facilitate communication and engagement Wet Tropics and recreation issues relating to the Wet between the regional tourism industry and Tourism Industry Tropics WHA and assist with information $1295 the Wet Tropics Management Authority Liaison Group4 sharing between the Authority and the Board. tourism industry.
192 Department of Environment and Resource Management Total Remuneration1 Name Key roles and functions Key responsibilities (1 July 2010– 30 June 2011) Consider issues relating to the management Whitsunday Facilitate ongoing communication between of tourism activities on the DERM estate $0 Tourism Industry DERM, the tourism industry and relevant in the Whitsunday, and provide advice to Forum stakeholders. the Minister for Environment through the No fees payable. Statewide Tourism Industry Forum. Wooroonooran Provides advice to QPWS on the process and Indigenous content of the Wooroonooran National Park Working Group Management Plan. Oversees the development of the and Steering Endorses the draft prior to forwarding to the $0 Wooroonooran National Park Management Committee Minister for Environment. Plan in the QPWS Wet Tropics region. No fees payable. (comprises four Considers public responses to the draft plan, traditional owner and contributes advice to the Minister for groups) Environment on adoption of the plan. Determination application. The committee $0 Yalanji ILUA Oversee implementation of the proposals representatives include ILUA DERM, Wet No sitting Implementation in the Indigenous Land Use Agreements Tropics Management Authority and senior fees payable. Steering (ILUAs) negotiated during mediation of the representatives of the Jabalbina Corporation Administrative Committee Eastern Yalanji Native Title. who oversee the overall implementation of expenditure the Yalanji ILUAs. totalled $400. Yalanji ILUA Give effect to activity guidelines, site Implementation Ensure proposals set out in ILUAs are planning, nature refuge management, $0 Operational implemented. national park management planning, and No fees payable. Committee community development areas for the ILUAs.
Notes to table 1 The information on-costs includes the total remuneration payments made to the chair and members of each board or committee for the reporting period (that is the total sum paid out in fees [for meetings and special assignments] and total on-costs). On costs include travel, accommodation, motor vehicle allowance, any consultancy fees, airfares, hiring of motor vehicles etc. 2 The SEQ NRM Regional Implementation Group was originally named the SEQ Regional Coordination Group. The name was changed as a result of a decision by the Chief Executive Officer’s Committee for Natural Resource Management (SEQ). 3 Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee—dissolved 8 March 2011. 4 Wet Tropics Tourism Industry Liaison Group—Revised Terms of Reference approved in March 2011. The TILG are now called the Wet Tropics Tourism Working Group.
The following bodies appeared in the DERM Annual Report of 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 but are no longer to be referenced in the DERM Annual Report: • Coastal Protection Advisory Council—Abolished 5 May 2011 • Crocodile Egg Ranching Expert Panel—Abolished December 2009 • Crocodile Management Advisory Committee—Abolished 1 May 2010 • Jurisdictional Projects Group—Disbanded April 2010 • Southern Tourism Industry Forum—Abolished 2009 • Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) for Cloud Seeding Research—Abolished 2008.
Corrections to the DERM Annual Report 2009-10 • The Scientific Advisory Group for Cloud Seeding Research (Abolished 2008) appeared in the DERM Annual Report of 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 but is no longer to be referenced in the DERM Annual Report. • The Collaborative Management Group on Bushwalking appeared in the DERM Annual Report 30 June 2009 to 1 July 2010 in error. The Collaborative Management Group on Bushwalking is an external advisory body representing bushwalking clubs in Queensland.
Annual Report 2010–11 193 Appendix 3—Reconciliation Action Plan
Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan—implementation progress
Initiative National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reforms The Queensland Government will work actively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve the Council of Australian Governments national Closing the Gap targets and strategies. Action This includes working in the key areas of early childhood, schooling, housing, health and economic participation. • During the 2010–11 financial year, DERM took part in Former Origin Greats (FOGS) Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos across the state, providing information to thousands of potential employees in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Rockhampton. Culturally appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment materials were designed and produced to support DERM’s DERM Implementation attendance at FOGS and other events. progress • DERM has been working on strategies including a regional work experience program for high in 2010–11 school students and increasing the numbers of Indigenous cadets. • Proposals are in development to provide a gap year for high school students, and to work with TAFE on courses relevant to DERM business. • DERM continued its participation in the Federal Government’s Indigenous Cadetship Support Program and in the Education to Employment Scheme. Initiative Annual agency planning and reporting All Queensland Government agencies will incorporate relevant reconciliation actions in their annual Action business plans, and report on the progress of the implementation of the Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan 2009-12 (the plan) as part of their annual reports. • DERM’s commitment to the plan is supported by the DERM Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Action Plan 2010-13. • DERM’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Action Plan 2010-13 aims to increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all levels across the DERM workforce. • As at 30 June 2011 DERM had 126 employees identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, representing 2.2 per cent of the workforce. • Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees continued with the launch of the Bob Munn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursary as part of DERM’s 2010 NAIDOC events. The first recipient used the bursary funding to undertake a placement with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in March. • Also supporting DERM’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, the Connecting to DERM Implementation Country program has been revised and relaunched. This program has been developed to assist progress in 2010–11 Indigenous employees to establish, re-establish and/or deepen their feelings of connectivity with their culture, traditional country and community. • In progressing cultural awareness and capability, DERM continues to participate in the whole- of-government Cultural Capability Reference Group. Internally, project planning is underway to develop a DERM Cultural Capability Framework. • DERM leads the implementation of the government’s commitment to place an additional 200 signs displaying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and sea country names and other relevant cultural information in public places throughout Queensland by June 2012. In the past financial year, 80 signs were installed in national parks throughout Queensland by DERM. One sign was installed by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI). The total number of signs installed by DERM, DEEDI and the Department of Communities was 179. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has also produced signs which will be installed in coming months.
194 Department of Environment and Resource Management Appendix 4—External scrutiny This section provides information about significant external audits and reviews of the Department of Environment and Resource Management during the 2010–11 financial year. The Auditor-General is responsible for: • annual audits of public sector clients—including the department • providing Parliament with independent assessment of activities in the public sector • Auditor-General reports for the 2010–11 year—reports applicable to DERM are discussed below. Report to Parliament No. 9 for 2010—Sustainable management of national parks and protected areas— A Performance Management Systems audit
The objective of the audit was to determine whether the department has adequate systems in place to ensure conservation of the state’s natural and cultural heritage is managed efficiently and effectively. To assess the systems in place, a sample of terrestrial protected areas and national parks from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service estate was selected for field visits. The sample included a mix of protected areas with different characteristics. Audit fieldwork was conducted between March and May 2010. Four regional offices and six sub-regional offices were visited and 11 protected areas were selected for audit. In addition, six remote protected areas were subject to a desk review. The Queensland Audit Office (QAO) tabled the report in the Legislative Assembly in October 2010. The audit found that the department has systems in place to conserve the state’s natural and cultural heritage and manage protected areas, although the systems are not applied consistently across the regions. The Auditor-General also identified improvement opportunities to ensure the sustainable management of national parks and protected areas. The audit recommended that the department: 1. Formalise a comprehensive planning process for park management plans which will: (a) provide an evaluation process to prioritise the timely completion of plans for those parks which were declared because of their significant conservation values (b) establish a forward plan for the finalisation of the management plans for the balance of the protected areas. 2. In accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992, formally and regularly review park management plans, and ensure that the associated strategies remain current and relevant. 3. Ensure all business units and regions undertake a consistent approach to planning aligned to the better practice principles outlined in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. 4. Establish a formal system that coordinates the various documents addressing the statutory requirement for an integrated and comprehensive conservation strategy for the whole of the state, including an examination of the options to be included in a new master plan. 5. Establish a system to validate and improve the integrity, accuracy and quality of the data collected and ensure a reliable and consistent approach to monitoring of operations. 6. Formalise a monitoring and evaluation framework, such as the IUCN’s Management Effectiveness Evaluation framework, and apply this process consistently to ensure adequate evaluation is undertaken to inform the future departmental direction and actions. 7. Develop performance indicators that are relevant and appropriate, and which are capable of fairly representing the department’s achievements in managing national parks and protected areas, in line with the objective of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and departmental strategic planning objectives. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is giving implementation of the Auditor-General’s report a high priority, including the development and reporting of improved park performance measures. The department was also one of a number of departments audited by the QAO in the following cross-sector audits: • Report to Parliament No 4. for 2011: Information systems governance and security • Report to Parliament No 5. for 2011: Results of audits at 31 May 2011. Reports associated with these audits were tabled in the Legislative Assembly in June 2011. Recommendations in these reports as they relate to the department have been accepted and are currently being implemented. The department’s Audit and Governance Committee monitors the implementation of any recommendations associated with these audits. The above reports are accessible on the QAO website at
Annual Report 2010–11 195 Appendix 5—DERM prosecution outcomes for 2010–11 DERM seeks to ensure voluntary compliance with its environmental legislation by working with industry and individuals to promote sustainable behaviours. However, DERM has a strong record of enforcement and prosecution where there are significant breaches of legislation. In 2010–11 DERM secured a range of penalties and more than $1.3 million in fines and costs. The table below highlights DERM’s significant prosecutions for 2010–11.
Significant prosecutions for 2010–11
Matter Date Charge Penalty 1 charge under section 23 of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003—carried out an activity and Angel (DERM) v Mount Isa 09-Jul-10 failed to take all reasonable and practicable Fined $80 000 Mines measures to ensure the activity did not harm Aboriginal cultural heritage. 1 charge under section 4.3.1 of Integrated Black (DERM) v Donald Planning Act 1997—carry out assessable 13-Jul-10 Fined $20 000 Charles Edmistone development (vegetation clearing) without a permit. 1 charge each under section 4.3.1 Integrated Datson (DERM) v Stephen & Each defendant fined $3000 26-Jul-10 Planning Act 1997—carrying out development Deborah Arnold (total of $6000) (vegetation clearing) without a permit. 1 charge under section 116 (3) of Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006—drive a vehicle in Fined $750 for the s.116 offence and $2250 for the Wilson (DERM) v Simon contravention of the Transport Operations and 07-Sep-10 s.155 obstruction offence. Foxton Greatrex Road Use Management Act 1995 Convictions recorded in respect 1 charge under section 155 of the Nature of both offences Conservation Act 1992—obstruction of an officer. 1 charge under section 437(2) Environmental Kidston (DERM) v Ernest 08-Sep-10 Protection Act 1994—unlawfully causing serious Fined $100 000 Henry Mining Pty Ltd environmental harm. 1 charge under section 4.3.1 of Integrated Fines as follows: Christoffel (DERM) v Raymond Planning Act 1997—carry out assessable $100 000 against Mr Catelan Catelan; Christoffel (DERM) v 05-Oct-10 development on a registered place under the $150 000 against RPD Pty Ltd RPD QLD Pty Ltd Heritage Act without an effective development $20 000 costs against RPD permit. 1 charge under section 62 of the Nature Fined $4500 and ordered Barrett (DERM) v FNH Conservation Act 1992—taking a natural 05-Oct-10 to pay restoration costs of Investments Pty Ltd resource of a protected area without lawful $11 604.79 authority. 1 charge under section 59(6) of the Coastal Bell (DERM) v Michelle Fined $18 260 and ordered to 06-Oct-10 Protection and Management Act 1995—failing McCracken pay costs of $6987 to comply with a coastal protection notice. 1 charge under section 437(2) Environmental King (DERM) v Great 20-Oct-10 Protection Act 1994—unlawfully causing serious Fined $135 000 Australian Operations environmental harm. 2 charges under section 435(1) Environmental Protection Act 1994 (‘EP Act’)—wilfully Darvall (DERM) v Dalby Bio- contravene a development condition of a 28-Oct-10 Fined $45 000 Refinery Ltd development approval 1 charge under section 361(2) EP Act— contravene an environmental protection order.
196 Department of Environment and Resource Management Matter Date Charge Penalty Against Parkhurst: 4 charges under section 62(1) Nature Conservation Act 1992—interfere with dingoes in a protected area 34 charges under section 118(1) Recreation Parkhurst: on the four charges Areas Management Act 2006 (‘RAM Act’)— under section 62 of the Nature feeding dingoes in a recreation area Conservation Act 1992, nine months imprisonment, wholly Belford (DERM) v Jennifer 8 charges under section 119(1) RAM Act— suspended with an operational Parkhurst 3/11/2010 disturbing dingoes in a recreation area (Parkhurst) period of three years; on Belford (DERM) v Penelope Against Alexander: 1 charge under section 4/2/11 the 42 charges under the Alexander 118(1) RAM Act—feeding dingoes in a Recreation Areas Management (Alexander recreation area Sangster (DERM) v Julie and Fechner) Act 2006: fine of $40 000; Fechner Against Fechner: 1 charge under section 118(1) Alexander: fined $750 5/4/11 RAM Act—feeding dingoes in a recreation area Sangster (DERM) v Simon (Stretton) Fechner: fined $1000 Stretton 1 charge under section 119(1) RAM Act — for feeding and $750 for disturbing dingoes in a recreation area disturbing Against Stretton: 1 charge under section 119(1) Stretton: fined $1200 for the RAM Act—disturbing dingoes in a recreation two offences area 1 charge under section 120 RAM Act— failing to secure food from dingoes in a recreation area. 1 charge under section 4.3.1 of Integrated Black (DERM) v Reginald Planning Act 1997—carry out assessable 05-Nov-10 Fined $110 000 Edward Draper development (vegetation clearing) without an effective development permit. 1 charge under section 4.3.1 of Integrated Sargent (DERM) v Desmond Planning Act 1997—carry out assessable 11-Nov-10 Fined $3000 Burey development (vegetation clearing) without an effective development permit. Darren Eskey: fined $10 000 3 charges under section 88 of the Nature QPS (Police) v Leanne and plus $1365 conservation value 16-Nov-10 Conservation Act 1992—unlawful taking and Darren Eskey for the wildlife keeping a number of reptiles. Leanne Eskey: fined $2000 Envirosolve Pty Ltd: $100 000 Multiple charges under sections 435, 361 and (s.435 and 480) and $50 000 480 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994— (s.361) R v Envirosolve Pty Ltd, breach condition of a development approval, Rex Williams: $50 000 (ss.435 Robert Rex Williams and Jason 03-Dec-10 contravene an environmental protection order, and 480) and $50 000 (s.361) Williams give false or misleading documents to the Jason Williams: $30 000 administering authority. (ss.435 and 480) and $10 000 (s.361) 1 charge under section 109 Marine Parks Regulation 2006—unlawfully entering/using Fined $500 and no conviction Crouch (DERM) v Symons 28-Jan-11 Swan Bay by attempting to take natural recorded resource (crabs). 1 charge under section 122(1) of the Recreation Kippers (DERM) v Tammy Fined $250 and ordered to pay 17-Feb-11 Areas Management Act 2006 —taking or Warren DERM costs of $250 keeping uncontrolled dogs in a Recreation Area. 1 charge under section 4.3.1 of Integrated Planning Act 1997—carry out assessable Fined $5000 and ordered to Carlos (DERM) v Brian Benecke 02-Jun-11 development (vegetation clearing) without a pay DERM costs of $415 valid development permit. 1 charge under section 4.3.1 of Integrated Coome (DERM) v Finlay and Planning Act 1997—unlawful clearing of 321 ha Fined $112 000 and ordered to 06-Jun-11 Valerie Cocks of remnant native vegetation consisting of pay DERM costs of $19 079.33 25 ha ‘of concern’ and 296 ha ‘least concern’. 2 charges under section 361(1) Environmental Fined $40 000 and ordered to Bell (DERM) v Barry Clark 24-Jun-11 Protection Act 1994—contravening an pay DERM costs of $1728 Environmental Protection Order.
Annual Report 2010–11 197 Appendix 6—Queensland Heritage Council— Report 2010–2011 The Queensland Heritage Council has operated continuously since 1992. The establishment and functions of the Heritage Council are set out in the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. The overall purpose of the Heritage Council is to help achieve the conservation of Queensland’s cultural heritage for the benefit of the community and future generations. The Council must meet a minimum of six times a year. Under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, the Queensland Heritage Council’s principal functions are to: • provide strategic advice to the Minister about matters relating to Queensland’s cultural heritage • decide applications to enter places in or remove places from the Queensland Heritage Register • provide information to the community to encourage interest in, and understanding of, Queensland’s cultural heritage • advise government entities and community organisations about conserving Queensland’s cultural heritage • encourage the appropriate management of places of cultural heritage significance. In 2009, the first strategic framework for managing Queensland’s heritage places was launched. The Queensland Heritage Strategy: a ten-year plan (Strategy) was developed by the Queensland Government in association with the Queensland Heritage Council. The strategy sets out the following priorities to help achieve a sustainable future for the state’s heritage: • improving the way Queenslanders understand and value their heritage • embedding heritage in mainstream policy and planning • strengthening Queensland’s investment in managing and conserving its heritage • leading and partnering with government, community and industry to conserve Queensland’s heritage • building the capacity of government, community and industry to conserve Queensland’s heritage. The strategy is the second of its kind to be developed in Australia, placing Queensland at the forefront of national heritage policy development. It explains the importance of Queensland’s heritage, outlines how heritage is managed and identifies issues of concern. The Queensland Heritage Council has been working closely with the Heritage Branch, Department of Environment and Resource Management to progress key areas of heritage policy development. These areas include planning, environmental sustainability and the identification of heritage places. The Queensland Heritage Council consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor-in-Council, including a Chair and Deputy Chair. Five members must be appointed to represent specific organisations. The remaining seven members are appointed for their knowledge, expertise and interest in heritage conservation. Terms of appointment are up to three years, and total continuous service on the Council must not exceed six years. Past Chair David Eades completed his maximum term of appointment at the end of 2010, and current Chair Professor Peter Coaldrake was appointed on 1 January 2011. David Eades’ considerable contribution was recognised by the National Trust of Queensland Heritage Awards introducing an award category in his name which honours achievements in sustainable conservation and adaptation of heritage places. Two other members, Dr Jane Lennon, and property industry representative Rod Litster, also stepped down at the end of 2010. Members of the Queensland Heritage Council as at 30 June 2011 are: • Professor Peter Coaldrake, Chair • John Cotter (rural industries representative) • Christopher Buckley, Deputy Chair • Peter Marquis-Kyle • Gordon Grimwade (National Trust of Queensland representative) • Emily Wall • Barbara Hovard (local government representative) • Andrew Barnes • Howard Guille (union representative) • Dr Judith McKay • Stuart Lummis (property industry representative) • Dr Virginia Lee
198 Department of Environment and Resource Management The Department of Environment and Resource Management supports and funds Queensland Heritage Council’s operations. The department’s Heritage Branch provides administrative and technical assistance for meetings, communications, projects, applications related to the Queensland Heritage Register and applications for development proposed by the State Government. During 2010–2011 the Queensland Heritage Council: • progressed key areas of policy development and helped to implement the Queensland Heritage Strategy: a ten-year plan • progressively improved its recently launched website
Professor Peter Coaldrake AO Chair Queensland Heritage Council
Annual Report 2010–11 199 Appendix 7—Board of Trustees of Newstead House— Report 2010–11 Constitution The Board of Trustees of Newstead House (the Board) is constituted under the Newstead House Trust Act 1939. Objectives, functions and powers The Board is required to govern, manage and control Newstead House, Brisbane. Structure and organisation The Board operates out of Newstead House, Breakfast Creek Road, PO Box 3121, Newstead, Queensland 4006. Membership At 30 June 2011 membership comprised Ms Kirsti Simpson, Chair, representing the Queensland Government, Mr Richard Morgan representing the Royal Historical Society of Queensland and Mrs Helen Gregory representing the Brisbane City Council. Staff At 30 June 2010, staff comprised Mr Chris Burgin (Acting director and secretary to the Board). Review of progress in achieving statutory obligations Our public programme of tours of the homestead continue; independently and, in partnership with the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre, a schools programme seeks to nourish young minds. Newstead House is also a popular destination for groups of older visitors. A special relationship has been forged with the Brisbane City Council to ensure that both Newstead House and Newstead Park [the remnant of the original Newstead Estate] are better understood in an historical, social and recreational context courtesy of elements such as the ‘Talking Tree’ ‘Brisbane Blooms’ storyboards, the Alice through the Looking Glass Playspace, a host of historically significant memorials and the Sunday concert series when Newstead House plays host to an afternoon of free music through the Brisbane City Council’s Bands in Parks initiative. A third reprint of the Breakfast Creek Heritage Precinct brochure has been made possible through the generosity of local BCC Councillor David McLachlan. This is an initiative of the Board and Management of Newstead House with the aim of lifting the profile of the precinct. Newstead House has also been a major contributor to the work of Brisbane’s Living Heritage Network, the peak body for the promotion of the cultural landscape of South East Queensland. Newstead House also worked closely with the Department of Public Works and the Department of the Environment and Resource Management to create the innovative ‘Colonial Brisbane Heritage Walk’, whereby an animated commentary can be downloaded from the internet into any MP3 player. As a place of public historical endeavour since 1939, Newstead House continues to respond to public expectations on the occasion of special anniversaries such as Queensland Day, Proclamation Day, Heritage Week, International Museums Day and Museums Alight. The Board met formally on 6 July 2010, 31 August 2010, 14 September 2010, 3 November 2010, 9 December 2010, 22 March 2011, 28 April 2011, 25 May 2011 and 29 June 2011. Trustees receive no remuneration.
200 Department of Environment and Resource Management There has been a significant increase in the activity and attendance at events over the past year. Review of operations A strategic planning workshop was held on 15 February 2011 with support of the Department of Environment and Resource Management. The workshop was attended by Kirsti Simpson (Chair), Helen Gregory—Board member, Richard Morgan—Board member, Janet Conrad—Ex-board member, Chris Burgin—Director, Patricia (Trish) Brennan—FoNH President, Pam Rayner—FoNH Secretary/Public Relations, Gaye Fitzpatrick—FoNH, Fiona Gardiner—Director Heritage, DERM, Ken Horrigan—Manager Heritage, DERM, Nicole Mulholland—DERM, Margaret Lawrence-Drew—Conservation Architect, DERM, Peter Todd—Conservation Architect, DERM, Steve Lintern—Senior Program Officer Parks, BCC, Malcolm Elliott—Principal Heritage Officer, BCC, Carolyn Nolan—President RHSQ, Jinx Miles—Senior Architect, Project Services, Katie McConnel—Curator Old Govt House, Robert Riddel—Conservation Architect, Richard Mackay—Godden Mackay Logan, Sheridan Burke—Godden Mackay Logan and Amy-Louise Guthrie—Godden Mackay Logan. The outcomes of the workshop were presented to Minister Kate Jones on the 17 June 2011. Working with officers of the Department of Environment and Resource Management and the Department of Public Works, the provision of Equal Access at Newstead House remains the Board’s most pressing concern. A proposal to have a lift built within the shell of the former Annex has been identified as the most appropriate response and the Board acknowledges the assistance of the aforementioned departments in seeking to realize this goal. The Board also continues to seek out funding for an ongoing maintenance budget. The Friends of Newstead Inc. continue to assist the Board in the public presentation of Newstead House as a significant element of the State’s history and without the efforts of a small band of volunteers, the doors to Newstead House would have closed a long time ago. Review of financial goals Funding from the Queensland Government amounted to an operational grant of $120 000 inclusive of GST in the financial year 2010—2011. This level of financial support is acknowledged with appreciation, as is the level of assistance given to the Board by senior officers within the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Proposed forward operations The year ahead will be a time of change with the proposition of an alternative staffing model and the retirement of a majority of our longtime volunteers providing an opportunity for a review of the ways Newstead House responds to its constituency. Board meetings will continue to establish ways in which Newstead can be more efficient at ‘the business of its History’ and Trustees are mindful of their responsibilities to attract a new generation of Friends of Newstead House who share the vision of its founders, Barbara Gibson, Arch Guymer and Clem Jones.
Kirsti Simpson
Annual Report 2010–11 201 Appendix 8—Board of Trustees of Newstead House— Financial statements 2010–11 Contents Statement of Comprehensive Income ...... 203 Statement of Financial Position ...... 203 Statement of Changes in Equity ...... 204 Statement of Cash Flows ...... 204 Notes To and Forming Part of the Financial Statements ...... 205 Management Certificate ...... 213
General Information These financial statements cover The Board of Trustees of Newstead House.
The Board of Trustees of Newstead House is constituted under the Newstead House Trust Act 1939. Newstead House is located at Newstead Park, Corner Breakfast Creek Road and Newstead Avenue, Newstead, Queensland, 4006.
A description of the nature of the Board’s operations and its principal activities is included in the notes to the financial statements.
For information in relation to the Board’s financial statements please call Chris Burgin (07) 3216 1846, email
Amounts shown in these financial statements may not add to the correct sub-totals or totals due to rounding.
202 Department of Environment and Resource Management Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 Note $ $ Income from Continuing Operations Grant from State Government 120,000 183,400 Admission fees 17,167 19,754 Bank Interest 1,917 0 Function fees 10,572 4,012 Tour fees 7,987 3,526 Donations 558 2,821 Resource Centre Hire 955 Other 8,625 99 Total Income from Continuing Operations 167,781 213,612 Expenses from Continuing Operations Employee expenses 2 92,870 89,780 Supplies and services 3 15,976 25,048 Building expenses 4 29,042 24,459 Depreciation 8,255 8,015 Total Expenses from Continuing Operations 145,964 147,302 Operating Result from Continuing Operations 5 21,818 66,310 Other Comprehensive Income Increase (decrease) in asset revaluation surplus 8 82,344 95,151 Total Other Comprehensive Income 82,344 95,151 Total Comprehensive Income 104,162 161,461
The accompanying notes form part of these statements.
Statement of Financial position as at 30 June 2011
2011 2010 Note $ $ Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 6 173,423 176,129 Prepayments 0 527 Receivables 1,274 82 Total Current Assets 174,697 176,738 Non Current Assets Property, plant and equipment 7 2,051,650 1,975,750 Total Non Current Assets 2,051,650 1,975,750 Total Assets 2,226,347 2,152,488 Current Liabilities Payables 7,535 4,943 Unearned revenue 36,742 - Accrued employee benefits 0 69,636 Total Current Liabilities 44,277 74,579 Net Assets 2,182,070 2,077,909 Equity Asset revaluation surplus 8 2,026,130 1,943,786 Accumulated surplus 155,941 134,123 Total Equity 2,182,070 2,077,909
The accompanying notes form part of these statements.
Annual Report 2010–11 203 Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2011
Asset Revaluation Accumulated Surplus Total Surplus (Note 8) 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 $ $ $ $ $ $ Balance as at 1 July 134,123 67,813 1,943,786 1,848,635 2,077,909 1,916,448 Operating results from 21,818 66,310 0 0 21,818 66,310 continuing operations Total Other Comprehensive Income - Increase/(decrease) in 0 0 82,344 95,151 82,344 95,151 asset revaluation surplus Balance as at 30 June 155,941 134,123 2,026,130 1,943,786 2,182,071 2,077,909
The accompanying notes form part of these statements.
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010 Notes $ $ Cash flows from operating activities Inflows: Grants from Government 151,336 183,400 Admission fees 17,249 19,672 Function fees 15,430 3,261 Tour fees 7,987 3,526 Bank Interest 1,917 .. Resource Centre Hire 955 .. Donations 558 2,821 Other 8,625 99 GST input tax credits from ATO 5,462 4,439 GST collected from customers 5,453 3,023 Outflows: Employee expenses (159,819) (80,189) Supplies and services (15,763) (25,047) Building expenses (28,167) (24,459) GST paid to suppliers (9,478) (4,639) GST remitted to ATO (2,626) (2,833) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 5 (881) 83,074 Cash flows from investing activities Outflows: Payments for property, plant and equipment (1,825) (1,518) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,825) (1,518) Net increase (decrease) in cash held (2,706) 81,556 Cash at beginning of the financial year 176,129 94,573 Cash at end of the financial year 6 173,423 176,129
The accompanying notes form part of these statements.
204 Department of Environment and Resource Management Notes To and Forming Part of the Financial Statements
Objectives and Principal Activities of the Board
The objective of the Board is to govern, manage and control Newstead House, the oldest surviving residence in Brisbane. The Board is primarily funded for the services it delivers through grant funding from the State Government. It also provides the following on a fee for service basis: • Admission to Newstead House; • Tours of Newstead House; and • Functions.
Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Statement of Compliance This financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations as well as the Treasurer’s Minimum Reporting Requirements for the year ending 30 June 2011, and other authoritative pronouncements. Except where stated, the historical cost convention is used. The accounting policies adopted by the Board are materially consistent with those for the previous year. (b) The Reporting Entity The financial statements include the value of all revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity of the Trust.
(c) Revenue Revenue from the sale of goods/services is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers. This involves either invoicing for related goods/services and/or the recognition of accrued revenue. All revenue is stated net of the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST). User charges and fees are recognised as revenue when invoices for the related services are issued. Deposits received in advance for functions yet to take place as at 30 June 2011 are treated as unearned. (d) Grants and Contributions Grants, contributions, donations and gifts that are non-reciprocal in nature are recognised as revenue in the year in which the Board obtains control over them. Where grants are received that are reciprocal in nature, revenue is accrued over the term of the funding arrangements. Contributed assets are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are recognised only when a fair value can be determined reliably and the services would be purchased if they had not been donated. Grants received in advance for works yet to take place as at 30 June 2011 are treated as unearned. (e) Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purposes of the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Cash Flows, cash assets include all cash and cheques receipted but not banked as at 30 June as well as deposits at call with financial institutions. (f) Receivables Trade debtors are recognised at the amounts due at the time of sale or service delivery. Settlement on these amounts is required within 30 days from invoice date. The collectability of receivables is assessed periodically with provision being made for impairment. All known bad debts have been written-off as at 30 June.
(g) Acquisition of Assets Actual cost is used for the initial recording of all non-current physical asset acquisitions. Cost is determined as the value given as consideration plus costs incidental to the acquisition, including all other costs incurred in preparing the asset to be ready for use, including architects’ fees and engineering design fees. However, any training costs are expensed as incurred. Assets acquired at non cost or for nominal consideration are recognised at their fair value at date of acquisition in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment.
Annual Report 2010–11 205 Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
(h) Property, Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are included in the accounts at cost less accumulated depreciation. The threshold for the capitalisation of plant and equipment is $1,000. Buildings are included in the accounts at fair value. The threshold for the capitalisation of buildings is $10,000. Land is included in the accounts at fair value. The threshold for the capitalisation of land is $1. Assets that are donated to the heritage collection are included in the accounts at a value as assessed by a registered valuer. In 2011, an independent valuation of the heritage collection was performed by Hind’s Antiques Pty Ltd. The valuation of these assets is based on fair value. The threshold for recognition of assets in the heritage collection is $1,000. Items with a lesser value than the class capitalisation thresholds are expensed in the year of acquisition. (i) Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis so as to allocate the net cost or revalued amount of each asset, less its estimated residual value, progressively over its estimated useful life to the Trust. Depreciation is not charged on buildings due to their historical significance. Depreciation is not charged on land as it has an unlimited useful life. For each class of depreciable asset the following depreciation rates were used:
Class Rate % Plant and Equipment: Computer 27% Fittings 7.5% Fire Alarms and Detectors 5% Telephone System 5% Other Equipment 2.5% to 20%
(j) Revaluations of Non-Current Physical Assets Land, buildings and the heritage collection are measured at fair value in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment and Queensland Treasury’s Non-Current Asset Accounting Policies for the Queensland Public Sector. The valuation of land is based on fair value principles taking into consideration there is no open market for the land with its current zoning and use. Land was comprehensively revalued during the 2010-11 year using “fair value” principles. The valuation of Newstead House and the Resource Centre is based on replacement cost as no ready market exists for similar heritage assets. These assets measured at fair value are comprehensively revalued at least every five years with interim valuations, using appropriate indices, being otherwise performed on an annual basis where there has been a material variation in the index. The last comprehensive valuation of Newstead House and the Resource Centre was conducted in the 2006-07 year. In years where comprehensive revaluations are not conducted, an interim valuation is applied using an appropriate index for buildings and an index provided by registered valuers for land. Revaluation of heritage assets is conducted annually on the basis of fair value. Any revaluation increment arising on the revaluation of an asset is credited to the asset revaluation reserve of the appropriate class, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrement for the class previously recognised as an expense. A decrease in the carrying amount on revaluation is charged as an expense, to the extent it exceeds the balance, if any, in the revaluation reserve relating to that class. On revaluation, accumulated depreciation is restated proportionately with the change in the carrying amount of the asset and any change in the estimate of remaining useful life. Only those assets, considered material to the value of their class to which they belong, are comprehensively revalued. Separately identified components of assets are measured on the same basis as the assets to which they relate.
206 Department of Environment and Resource Management Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
(k) Impairment of Non-Current Assets All non-current physical assets are assessed for indicators of impairment on an annual basis. If an indicator of possible impairment exists, the Board determines the asset’s recoverable amount. Any amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount is recorded as an impairment loss. The asset’s recoverable amount is determined as the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount. When the asset is measured at a revalued amount, the impairment loss is offset against the asset revaluation reserve of the relevant class to the extent available. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase. Refer also Note 1(j). (l) Payables Trade creditors are recognised upon receipt of the goods or services ordered and are measured at the agreed purchase/contract price, gross of applicable trade and other discounts. Amounts owing are unsecured and are generally settled on 30 day terms. (m) Financial Instruments Recognition Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position when the Board becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. Classification Financial instruments are classified and measured as follows: • Cash and cash equivalents—held at fair value through profit and loss • Receivables—held at amortised cost • Payables—held at amortised cost The Board does not enter transactions for speculative purposes, or for hedging. It holds no financial assets classified as at fair value through profit and loss or classified as held to maturity. All disclosures relating to the measurement basis and financial risk management of other financial instruments held by the Board are included in Note 11. (n) Employee Benefits Payroll tax and workers’ compensation insurance are a consequence of employing employees, but are not counted in an employee’s total remuneration package. They are not employee benefits and are recognised separately as employee related expenses. Wages, Salaries, Annual Leave and Sick Leave Liabilities for wages, salaries and annual leave, are recognised, and are measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at current pay rates in respect of employees’ services up to that date and include related on-costs. As sick leave is non-vesting, an expense is recognised for this leave as it is taken. Long Service Leave A liability for long service leave is recognised, and is measured by the use of a shorthand method derived by the Queensland State Actuary. The result of this method does not differ materially from that which would be arrived at, should a calculation of the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to balance date. The method used incorporates consideration of expected future wage and salary levels and workforce statistical history of employee departure and length of service. Superannuation Employer superannuation contributions are paid to QSuper, the superannuation plan for Queensland government employees, at rates determined by the State Actuary. No liability is recognised for accruing superannuation benefits in these statements, the liability being held on a whole-of-Government basis and reported in the financial report prepared pursuant to AASB 1049 Whole of Government and General Government Sector Financial Reporting.
Annual Report 2010–11 207 Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
(o) Taxation The Board is a State body as defined under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and is exempt from Commonwealth taxation with the exception of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST). As such, GST credits receivable from/payable to the Australian Taxation Office are recognised and accrued. (p) Insurance The Board’s non-current physical assets and other risks are insured through the Queensland Government Insurance Fund, with premiums being paid on a risk assessment basis. In addition, the Board pays premiums to WorkCover Queensland in respect of its obligations for employee compensation. (q) Issuance of Financial Statements The financial statements are authorised for issue by the Chairperson and the Director of the Board of Trustees of Newstead House at the date of signing the Management Certificate. (r) Judgements The Board has made no judgements that may cause a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. (s) Comparatives Comparative information has been restated where necessary to be consistent with disclosures in the current reporting period. (t) New and Revised Accounting Standards The AASB has issued new and amended accounting standards and interpretations that have mandatory application dates for future reporting periods. The Board has reviewed the new standards and interpretations and determined there is currently no impact or applicability for the Board.
Note 2 Employee Expenses
2011 2010 $ $ Salaries 22 78,803 Employer superannuation contributions 0 8,353 Guide allowances 48 2,624 Contractor Payments 92,800 0 Total 92,870 89,780
Number of Employees 1 1
Also refer note 1(n) Employee Benefits for further information.
Note 3 Supplies and Services
Electricity 4,460 4,300 Audit Fees 4,270 4,039 Telephone 3,457 3,176 Advertising 839 2,829 Projects 0 2,246 Stationery and printing 471 1,662 Functions 68 270 Other 2,231 6,526 Total 15,796 25,048
208 Department of Environment and Resource Management Note 4 Building Expenses
Insurance 10,954 10,478 Security 6,439 7,936 Cleaning 3,500 3,772 Maintenance 3,226 3,197 Rates 4,141 (978) Equipment purchases 783 54 Total 29,042 24,459
Note 5 Reconciliation of Operating Result to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Operating Surplus/(Deficit) 21,818 66,310 Depreciation expense 8,255 8,015 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 0 0 Change in assets and liabilities: Increase/(Decrease) in accrued employee benefits (69,636) 9,591 (Increase)/Decrease in prepayments 527 0 (Increase)/Decrease in receivables (1,622) 298 Increase/(Decrease) in payables 3,035 (10) Increase/(Decrease) in unearned revenue 36,742 (1,130) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (881) 83,074
Note 6 Cash and Cash Equivalents
Imprest accounts 100 171 Cash at bank 173,323 175,958 Total 173,423 176,129
Note 7 Property, Plant and Equipment
2011 2010 $$$$ Land 346,000 272,712 Buildings—Heritage 1,155,585 1,149,264 Buildings—Other 225,823 224,588 Heritage collection 263,550 262,050 Plant and Equipment (at cost) 127,292 125,482 Accumulated Depreciation (66,600) 60,692 (58,346) 67,136 2,051,650 1,975,750
Only those portions of land on which Newstead House and the accompanying Resource Centre are sited are recorded in the accounts of the Board of Trustees of Newstead House. The balance comprising Newstead Park is controlled by the Brisbane City Council. Buildings were comprehensively revalued during the 2006-07 year using “fair value” principles. The valuations were updated in the 2010-11 year using appropriate indices—refer Note 1(j). Land was comprehensively revalued during the 2010-11 year using “fair value” principles. The assets which make up the heritage collection were comprehensively revalued in 2010-11 using “fair value” principles. Plant and equipment is valued at cost.
Annual Report 2010–11 209 Note 7 Property, Plant and Equipment continued
Property, Plant and Equipment Reconciliation
Buildings Buildings Heritage Plant and Land Total —Heritage —Other Collection Equipment $ $ $ $ $ $ Carrying amount at 1 July 2010 272,712 1,149,264 224,588 262,050 67,136 1,975,750 Acquisitions 1,825 1,825 Disposals (15) (15) Revaluation Increments 73,288 6,321 1,235 1,500 82,344 Depreciation (8,255) (8,255) Carrying amount at 30 June 2011 346,000 1,155,585 225,823 263,550 60,692 2,051,650
Carrying amount at 1 July 2009 259,726 1,084,212 211,875 257,650 73,633 1,887,096 Acquisitions - - - - 1,518 1,518 Disposals ------Revaluation Increments 12,986 65,052 12,713 4,400 - 95,151 Depreciation - - - - (8,015) (8,015) Carrying amount at 30 June 2010 272,712 1,149,264 224,588 262,050 67,136 1,975,750
The Board has plant and equipment with an original cost of $26,320 (eight assets) with a written down value of zero still being used in the provision of services.
Note 8 Asset Revaluation Surplus by Class
2011 2010 $ $ Balance 1 July 2010 1,943,786 1,848,635 Increments/(Decrements) Land 73,288 12,986 Buildings—Heritage 6,321 65,052 Buildings—Other 1,235 12,713 Heritage collection 1,500 4,400 Balance 30 June 2011 2,026,130 1,943,786
The asset revaluation reserve represents the net effect of upward and downward revaluations of assets to fair value.
Note 9 Contingencies
As at 30 June 2011 there was one contingent liability which relates to a personal injury claim. As the Board is insured through the Queensland Government Insurance Fund the total exposure is the policy excess of $2,000 (2010 $2,000). There are no contingent assets of a significant nature as at 30 June 2011 (2010 $nil).
Note 10 Commitments for Expenditure
There were no commitments of a significant nature as at 30 June 2011 (2010 $nil).
210 Department of Environment and Resource Management Note 11 Financial Instruments
(a) Categorisation of Financial Instruments The Board has the following categories of financial assets and financial liabilities:
Note 2011 2010 Category $ $ $ Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents 6 173,423 176,129 Receivables 1,274 82 Total 174,697 176,211 Financial Liabilities Payables 7,535 4,943 Total 7,535 4,943
(b) Financial Risk Management The Board’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks—credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. The Board measures risk exposure using a variety of methods as follows:
Risk Exposure Measurement method Credit Risk Ageing analysis, earnings at risk Liquidity Risk Sensitivity analysis Market Risk Interest rate sensitivity analysis
(c) Credit Risk Exposure Credit risk exposure refers to the situation where the Board may incur financial loss as a result of another party to a financial instrument failing to discharge their obligation. The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the gross carrying amount of those assets inclusive of any provisions for impairment. The following table represents the Board’s maximum exposure to credit risk based on contractual amounts net of any allowances:
Maximum Exposure to Credit Risk 2011 2010 Category Note $ $ Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents 6 173,423 176,129 Receivables 1,274 82 Total 174,697 176,211
No collateral is held as security relating to financial assets held by the Board. No credit enhancements relate to the financial assets held by the Board. The Board manages credit risk through the use of a credit management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to credit default by ensuring that the Board monitors all funds owed on a timely basis. Exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. No financial assets and financial liabilities have been offset and presented net in the Statement of Financial Position. The method for calculating any provision for impairment is based on past experience, current and expected changes in economic conditions and changes in client credit ratings. There is no impairment loss for the current year (2010—$nil). No financial assets have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from ageing past due or impaired, and are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated. The Board has no financial assets that are past due but not impaired or impaired financial assets.
Annual Report 2010–11 211 Note 11 Financial Instruments continued
(d) Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk refers to the situation where the Board may encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Board is exposed to liquidity risk in respect of its payables. The Board manages liquidity risk through the use of a liquidity management strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure to liquidity risk by ensuring the Board has sufficient funds available to meet employee and supplier obligations as they fall due. This is achieved by ensuring that minimum levels of cash are held within the various bank accounts so as to match the expected duration of the various employee and supplier liabilities. The following table sets out the liquidity risk of financial liabilities held by the Board. It represents the contractual maturity of financial liabilities, calculated based on cash flows relating to the liabilities at balance date.
Total 2011 Payable in $ < 1year 1-5 years > 5 years $ $ $ Financial Liabilities Payables 7,535 7,535 Total 7,535 7,535
Total 2010 Payable in $ < 1year 1-5 years > 5 years $ $ $ Financial Liabilities Payables 4,943 - - 4,943 Total 4,943 - - 4,943
(e) Market Risk The Board does not trade in foreign currency and is not materially exposed to commodity price changes. (f) Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis The Board has no interest bearing financial assets. (g) Fair Value The Board does not recognise any financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value. The fair value of cash, cash equivalents, receivables and payables is assumed to approximate the value of the original transaction, less any provision for impairment.
212 Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 2010–11 213 214 Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 2010–11 215 Glossary and acronyms
216 Department of Environment and Resource Management Glossary of terms
Term Definition Any watery environment, from small to large and temporary to permanent, including surface aquatic ecosystems and groundwater, in which plants and animals interact with the chemical and physical features of the environment. biosequestration The removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by plants and its storage in vegetation and soils. A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organisation or location at a carbon footprint given time. A financial instrument aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2-e) and may represent six primary categories of carbon offsets greenhouse gases. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. A program that delivers the Australian Government’s previous natural resource management programs (including the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Caring for our Country Stewardship Program and the Working on Country Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program) and a range of other natural resource management funding (including Community Coastcare, World Heritage, regional investments and relevant 2007 election commitments). catchment An area of land on which runoff from rainfall is collected and transferred to a waterway. climate change impact A succinct summary of the climate change impacts associated with the relevant project, policy or statements legislation being considered by Cabinet. A partnership (formerly the State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy) between the Queensland Government, AgForce and the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society that came into effect in January 2008. It affects approximately 1800 rural leases—about 86.6 million hectares or half Delbessie Agreement of Queensland. It is a major land management initiative that focuses on achieving best practice management of natural resources on these leases, through sustainable and profitable primary enterprises. A database managed by the department which contains a graphical representation of the land parcel digital cadastral database boundaries and natural features forming the cadastral boundaries of all Queensland properties. (Australian Aboriginal mythology) A path across the land (or, sometimes the sky) marking the route Dreaming Track followed by an Aboriginal ancestor made during the Dreaming which is often recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance and painting. ecosystems A community of organisms interacting with one another and their environment. Covering more than one-tenth of Queensland’s land area and straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, the Fitzroy region is defined by the Fitzroy River Basin, the adjacent costal catchments, the Calliope and Fitzroy Basin Boyne catchments and the Upper Belyando catchment to the west. The region experiences highly variable rainfall, high evaporation rates and prolonged dry periods followed by floods. A fund to boost sustainability expertise within Queensland’s building and construction industry. This Green Building Skills will be achieved by partnering with peak industry bodies to deliver accredited training courses, with Fund a particular emphasis on training in regional Queensland. A gas that contributes to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere by reflecting radiation from the greenhouse gas Earth’s surface (e.g. carbon dioxide). Water below the surface found in cracks, voids, pores or other spaces between particles of clay, silt, groundwater sand, gravel or rock within the saturated zone of a geological formation. Indigenous Land Use An agreement made with native title parties under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993. Agreements (ILUA) machinery-of- An administrative change that affects the overall structure and functions of government agencies. government change marine park An area declared under the Marine Parks Act 2004 for conservation of the marine environment. memorandum of A non-binding agreement that captures the intent of parties to cooperate regarding the matters understanding outlined in the agreement document. Computer modelling programs used by the department to monitor changes in vegetation and land modelling condition and use. An intergovernmental agreement, signed by the Commonwealth, states and territories in 2004, commits jurisdictions to specific actions to increase the productivity and efficiency of Australia’s national water initiative water use. This will ultimately provide greater certainty to water users, investors and the environment.
Annual Report 2010–11 217 Term Definition Queensland Climate Provides policy advice, information and science on climate change, climate variability and extreme Change Centre of events and the impact of these on the community, economy and the environment. Excellence Queensland Youth A ministerial advisory council providing policy advice and youth engagement on issues of Environment Council environmental sustainability. The implementation plan for the objectives, strategies and outcomes specified in the related water resource operations plan resource plan. The ROP outlines the day-to-day rules and management arrangements for water users (ROP) and infrastructure operators. Rural Water Use A government/rural industry partnership which provides services to irrigators to help them improve Efficiency (RWUE) water use efficiency and adopt sustainable irrigation management practices. Salinity is the saltiness of dissolved salt content of a body of water. It is a general term used to salinity describe the levels of different salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, and bicarbonates. Salinity may also refer to the salt content of soil. spatial information Information and data that relate to a position or place on Earth. stakeholders Individuals, groups or organisations with specific interest in and/or influence on a project. The state’s best cropping land suitable for a range of crops in most seasons and which must meet strategic cropping land specific soil criteria. It is a finite resource that must be conserved and managed for the longer term. Queensland has a 72 000 kilometre network of stock routes that allow pastoralists to move stock stock routes around the state on foot as an alternative to trucking. An authority to take water as set out in the resource operations plan. Water allocations are separate tradeable water from land, are registered on the Water Allocations Register and are tradeable. The Water Act 2000 allocations details the attributes to be specified on a water allocation. traditional owners Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a particular connection to land under tradition. unallocated State land State land that has not been allocated for a particular use, managed by the department. A plan for sharing water between human and environmental needs and striking a balance that water resource plan provides for present demands and future requirements. Water resource plans are a blueprint for future sustainability and are produced in accordance with the Water Act 2000. A passage for or body of water, including all perennial and ephemeral streams, rivers and other waterway wetlands, and bays. Indigenous natural resource rangers employed through the Wild River Rangers program to protect wild river rangers and promote the values of Queensland’s wild rivers. There are many definitions of what constitutes a forest or woody vegetation. A common definition woody vegetation used by foresters is 20 per cent crown cover which equates to approximately 12 per cent foliage projective cover. World Heritage areas are examples of the world’s most outstanding natural or cultural heritage that it is agreed should be protected for all of humanity. They are identified and listed under World Heritage Area an international treaty administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
218 Department of Environment and Resource Management Acronyms
ACC Agency Consultative Committee ALA Aboriginal Land Act 1991 BOM Board of Management BSES Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations BTEX benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes CATER Carbon Accumulation through Ecosystem Recovery project CATSIA Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 CFI Carbon Farming Initiative CFL compact fluorescent light CFO Chief Finance Officer ClimateQ ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland CMC Crime and Misconduct Commission COAG Coalition of Australian Governments CRC Commonwealth for Reform Council CSG Coal Seam Gas CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSS customer service standards DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation DERM Department of Environment and Resource Management DMP drought management plans DOGIT Deed of Grant in Trust DWQMP Drinking Water Quality Management Plan DWSP Drinking water service providers EA Environmental authority EARL Electronic Access for Registry Lodgement program ED Exclusion Decision EHMP Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program EMG Executive Management Group ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation EP Environmental Protection ERMP Environment Risk Management Plans ESP Ecosciences Precinct EVAs Environmental Value Assessments EVs electric vehicles FBT Fringe benefits tax FOGs Former Origin Greats FTE Full time equivalent GABSI Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative GIS Geographic Information System GPIs Good Practice Indicators GST Goods and Services Tax GVG Green vehicle guide ratings HHWUE Healthy HeadWaters Water Use Efficiency Project HR Human Resources ILUA Indigenous Land Use Agreement IUCN International Union of the Conservation of Nature LED light-emitting diode LNG liquefied natural gas LTL Lands Tenure Ledger
Annual Report 2010–11 219 MDBA Murray-Darling Basin Authority MP Marine Park MT Megatonne NAIDOC National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee NC Nature Conservation NP National Park NRM natural resource management NSI North Stradbroke Island NTA Native Title Act 1993 P2R Paddock to Reef program PID Public Interest Disclosure PPR Public Place Recycling PSC Public Service Commission PV Photo voltaic QAO Queensland Audit Office QCA Queensland Competition Authority QCCCE Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence QGCPO Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office QMDC Queensland Murray-Darling Committee QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service QSEIF Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund QWC Queensland Water Commission QWESTNet Queensland Water and Energy Sustainable Technologies Network QYEC Queensland Youth Environment Council RAP Rapid Assessment Program RE Regional ecosystems Reef Plan Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan RFS Rural Fire Service ROPs resource operations plans RWMP recycled water management plan RWUE4 Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative SAMP Strategic Asset Management Plan SCAMP Soil Constraints and Management Package SCL Strategic Cropping Land SDS Service Delivery Statement SEQ South East Queensland SILO Specialised Information for Land Owners SLATS Statewide Landcover and Tree Study SLMP System Leakage Management Plan SOI Southern Oscillation Index SPA Sustainable Planning Act SRDC Sugar Research and Development Corporation SVS State Valuation Service TSLA Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 USL Unallocated State Land WAR Water Allocations Register WHA World Heritage Area WHS Workplace Health and Safety WOLA Water and Other Legislation Amendment WRPs water resource plans WTMA Wet Tropics Management Authority
220 Department of Environment and Resource Management
Department of Environment and Resource Management Annual Report 2010–11 www.derm.qld.gov.au