NORTHERN & YORKE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT BOARD
ANNUAL REPORT
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009
Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management Board Annual Report 2008 - 2009
For further information please contact:
General Manager Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management Board 41-49 Eyre Road, P O Box 175, CRYSTAL BROOK 5523 Telephone: (08) 8636 2361 Facsimile: (08) 8636 2371 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.nynrm.sa.gov.au ABN: 52523451613
October 2009
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 6 FOREWORD ...... 7 NORTHERN & YORKE NRM BOARD INITIAL PLAN & STRATEGIC GOALS .. 8 SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S STRATEGIC PLAN ...... 11 PLANS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 11 LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE SA STRATEGIC PLAN ...... 11 STATE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 12 LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE STATE NRM PLAN ...... 13 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 13 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 17 OBJECT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT ...... 17 ADMINISTRATION OF THE ACT ...... 17 ROLE OF THE BOARD ...... 17 FUNCTIONS OF THE NORTHERN & YORKE NRM BOARD ...... 18 MEMBERSHIP ...... 19 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 20 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 21 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 22 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ...... 24 MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES ...... 26 EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS ...... 26 STATUS OF EMPLOYEES IN CURRENT POSITION ...... 26 EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT ...... 27 LEAVE MANAGEMENT ...... 27 WORKFORCE DIVERSITY ...... 27 PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT ...... 29 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT ...... 29 ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES ...... 29 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS ...... 29 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY MANAGEMENT ...... 30 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 32 CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS ...... 32 ACCOUNT PAYMENT PERFORMANCE ...... 32 FRAUD ...... 32 CONSULTANTS ...... 32 OVERSEAS TRAVEL ...... 35 DISABILITY ACTION PLANS ...... 35 ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ...... 36 URBAN DESIGN CHARTER ...... 36 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ...... 36 PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION STATEMENT ...... 36 STATISTICAL REPORT ...... 37 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORT ...... 37 GREENING OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FRAMEWORK ...... 38 REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS ...... 38 RECONCILIATION STATEMENT ...... 38 ______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 3 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT MINISTERIAL DIRECTIVES ...... 38 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY MINISTER ...... 38 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS DELEGATED TO THE BOARD ...... 38 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 39 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 39 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES LISTING ...... 40 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 42 GLOSSARY ...... 42 PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2008-2009 ...... 42 ATTACHMENT 1: ANNUAL REPORT OF LOWER NORTH NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP ...... 44 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 46 FOREWORD ...... 48 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 49 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 50 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 54 ROLE OF THE GROUP ...... 54 FUNCTIONS OF THE LOWER NORTH GROUP ...... 54 MEMBERSHIP ...... 55 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 55 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 55 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 55 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 56 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ...... 56 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD ...... 56 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 56 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 56 COMMITTEES LISTING ...... 57 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 57 GLOSSARY ...... 57 ATTACHMENT 2: ANNUAL REPORT OF UPPER NORTH NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP ...... 58 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 60 FOREWORD ...... 62 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 63 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 64 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 68 ROLE OF THE GROUP ...... 68 FUNCTIONS OF THE UPPER NORTH GROUP ...... 69 MEMBERSHIP ...... 69 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 70 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 70 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 71 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 71 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ...... 71
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 4 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD ...... 71 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 71 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 72 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 72 GLOSSARY ...... 72 ATTACHMENT 3: ANNUAL REPORT OF YORKE PENINSULA NRM GROUP ... 73 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 75 FOREWORD ...... 77 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 78 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 79 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 82 ROLE OF THE GROUP ...... 82 FUNCTIONS OF THE YORKE PENINSULA NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP ...... 82 MEMBERSHIP ...... 83 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 83 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 83 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 84 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 84 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ...... 84 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD ...... 84 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 84 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 85 COMMITTEES LISTING ...... 85 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 85 GLOSSARY ...... 85
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 5
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Mr Dennis Mutton Chair Natural Resources Management Council GPO Box 2834 ADELAIDE South Australia 5000
Dear Mr Mutton
In accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 and section 38 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, I have pleasure in presenting the annual report of the Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management Board for the year ended 30 June 2009.
I certify that this Annual Report complies with the requirements of the Natural Resources Management (NRM) Act 2004, the NRM Regulation and Premier and Cabinet Circular DPC013 – Annual Reporting Requirements 13.
During the year the Board completed the preparation of the Northern & Yorke Regional NRM Plan and this was adopted by the Minister for Environment and Conservation on 6 May 2009. The Board also completed the Water Allocation Plan for the Clare Valley Prescribed Water Resources Areas and this was adopted by the Minister for Environment and Conservation on 4 May 2009.
The 2008-09 period has seen the consolidation of the organisation and a range of natural resources management initiatives delivered in the Northern and Yorke Region. The NRM Groups have enjoyed full membership and this has strengthened the community’s representation and contribution to natural resources management in the Northern and Yorke Region.
Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management Board
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 6 FOREWORD
In 2004, the South Australian Government introduced legislation that established a new structure for ecologically sustainable management of the State’s natural resources.
The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 came into full operation on 1 st July 2005 and replaced the Animal and Plant Control (Agricultural Protection and Other Purposes) Act 1986 , the Soil Conservation and Land Care Act 1989 and the Water Resources Act 1997 .
The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Act provides a framework for the integrated use and management of the State’s natural resources and allows for the development of State and Regional Plans to deliver a vision for NRM across the state.
On 1 July 2005 the new Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board (N&Y NRM Board) became responsible for managing, protecting and restoring Northern and Yorke’s unique natural resources. The N&Y NRM Board replaces the previous Soil Conservation Boards and Animal Plant Control Boards to provide integrated, holistic and coordinated natural resources management for the region’s soil, water, coastal and natural biodiversity assets.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) is the business of managing our natural resources in an integrated and sustainable way to ensure that they continue to provide sustenance to us and other natural living organisms into the future. Sustainability of the natural basis for our existence is a fundamental need for society that provides environmental, economic and social benefits.
NRM is about local people working in their local communities to maintain and improve the natural assets in the region to ensure sustainable agricultural production and conserve our native species and ecological communities.
The N&Y NRM Board consists of nine community members selected for their knowledge, skills and experience in managing the natural resources of the region. Three Government Agency and one Local Government representatives have also been selected to assist the N&Y NRM Board in its deliberations through the provision of specialist advice.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 7
NORTHERN & YORKE NRM BOARD INITIAL PLAN & STRATEGIC GOALS
The Initial Plan for the Northern & Yorke (N&Y) region was adopted by the Minister for Environment and Conservation on 16 May 2006. This Plan was prepared under the provisions of section 84 of the NRM Act to guide the operations of the Board during which time it prepares a comprehensive regional NRM Plan. The Initial Plan brings together existing plans and programs and integrates them into a natural resources management plan for the region.
The plan is reviewed on an annual basis and this has been completed for the years 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The goals of the N&Y NRM region Initial Plan are:
1: Protecting and Improving the Management of Water Resources Achieve water use in balance in requirements of natural ecosystems while also supporting human use and primary production by defining environmental values and targets, establishing regional benchmarks, advancing programs for improved efficiency in water use, and ensuring that there are adequate controls across the region to regulate water use and capture and water affecting activities, protecting and restoring riparian zones, implement programs to address salinity and other water quality issues.
2: Improving Management of Soil and Land Manage soil to sustain diverse and profitable industry and natural ecosystems to be achieved through the implementation of programs that maintain and improve soil health and through promotion of best practise systems for landholders and the establishment of trails and demonstration sites.
3: Managing Natural Biodiversity Ensuring natural biodiversity is protected and managed to sustain ecosystems, ecological processes, and support primary industries is multi-faceted. Programs to reverse fragmentation and ongoing loss of habitat, managing fire for biodiversity gain, protecting and managing threatened species, controlling pests and diseases and managing coastal, marine, wetland and watercourse systems all contribute to the achievement of this goal.
4: Informed and Involved Community Foster an informed, committed and involved community that takes responsibility for and actively supports its role in natural resource management by implementing the Board’s communication and community education/awareness strategy, supporting groups and schools in community programs, supporting land management programs and facilitating appropriate enforcement and compliance support for the program.
5: Deliver the N&Y NRM Board’s Progress in an Integrated Manner. Deliver its program in an integrated manner in partnership with all stakeholders, taking into account environmental, economic and social considerations. In doing so the Board will facilitate collaboration with the sixteen local Councils in the region to better integrate Council and Board plans, foster and support the NRM Groups and review its programs to be implemented as part of its Initial Plan and meet its statutory requirements.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 8 N&Y NRM Board region
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management (NRM) region covers a large, varied and productive portion of South Australia. It covers approximately 34 500 square kilometres of land and includes 1 160 kilometres of coastline and adjacent marine areas. The Board is responsible for a total of almost 50 000 square kilometres. The region stretches from Hamley Bridge in the south to Hawker in the north and includes Yorke Peninsula, the northern Mount Lofty Ranges, the Southern Flinders Ranges and significant areas of Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.
It supports a population of 98 000 and includes traditional Aboriginal lands of the Kaurna, Narrunga, Nukunu, Ngadjuri, Meru, Danggali, Barngala and Adnyamathanha people. The major urban centres are the cities of Port Pirie and Port Augusta, and the “Copper Triangle” towns (Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo) and Clare. The region’s natural landscapes, ecosystems and natural resources such as soil, water and native plants and animals, provide a foundation for its economy and the lifestyles it offers.
Situated in the central cropping region of South Australia, the Northern and Yorke Region encompasses areas of land and sea totalling 4 980 526 hectares. It includes the Yorke Peninsula, the Lower, Mid and Upper North, southern Flinders Ranges and parts of the Adelaide Plains. Thirty one percent (31%) of the region’s area is off shore and includes sections of the Spencer Gulf and the Gulf St Vincent.
The Northern and Yorke Region shares common terrestrial boundaries with the following NRM Board regions: ♦ SA Murray Darling Basin ♦ Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges ♦ SA Arid Lands ♦ Eyre Peninsula; and common marine boundaries with: ♦ Eyre Peninsula ♦ Kangaroo Island ♦ Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges.
The Northern and Yorke NRM region is shown below.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 9
Map of Northern & Yorke Region
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 10 SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S STRATEGIC PLAN
The six strategic objectives from South Australia’s Strategic Plan Creating Opportunity are:
• Growing prosperity • Improving well-being • Attaining sustainability • Fostering creativity and innovation • Building communities • Expanding opportunity
PLANS AND OBJECTIVES
Natural Resources Management (NRM) activities undertaken by the N&Y NRM Board are consistent with the strategic directions set out in South Australia’s Strategic Plan – Creating Opportunity and with the State Natural Resources Management Plan.
The Board identified the strategic areas in which it delivers outcomes to the community under the Initial Natural Resources Management Plan approved by the Minister in May 2006 and the review of 2008-2009.
These strategic goals contribute to the achievement of State objectives.
LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE SA STRATEGIC PLAN N&Y NRM Board Strategic Goals South Australia’s Strategic Plan Linkages
Objective 3 Attaining Sustainability Goal 1: Protecting and Improving • Water the Management of Water Resources o T3.9 Sustainable Water supply o T310 River Murray – flows o T3.11River Murray – salinity
Objective 3 Attaining Sustainability Goal 2: Improving Management of • Biodiversity Soil and Land o T3.3 Soil protection Objective 4 Fostering Creativity and Innovation • Innovation o T4.7 Business Innovation
Objective 3 Attaining Sustainability Goal 3: Managing Natural Biodiversity • Biodiversity o T3.1 Lose no species o T3.2 Land Biodiversity o T3.3 Soil Protection o T3.4 Marine Biodiversity • Ecological Footprint o T3.7 Ecological Footprint • Water o T3.9 Sustainable Water Supply Objective 5 Building Communities • Volunteering o T5.6 Volunteering
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 11 Objective 3 Attaining Sustainability Goal 4: Informed and Involved • Biodiversity Community o T3.1 Lose no species o T3.2 Land Biodiversity o T3.3 Soil Protection o T3.4 Marine Biodiversity • Ecological Footprint o T3.7 Ecological Footprint • Water o T3.9 Sustainable Water Supply Objective 5 Building Communities • Volunteering o T5.6 Volunteering • Aboriginal Leadership o T5.7 Aboriginal Leadership Objective 3 Attaining Sustainability Goal 5: Deliver the N&Y NRM • Ecological Footprint Board’s Progress in an Integrated o T3.7 Ecological Footprint Manner. • Water o T3.9 Sustainable Water Supply Objective 5 Building Communities • Women in Leadership o T5.1 Boards & Committees • Volunteering o T5.6 Volunteering Objective 1 Growing Prosperity • Economic Environment (Public Sector Performance) o T1.7 Customer satisfaction o T1.8 Decision-making o T1.9 Administration efficiency Objective 6 Expanding Opportunity • Diversity in the Public Sector o T6.22 People with disabilities o T6.23 Women o T6.24 Aboriginal employees
STATE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN
The State NRM Plan identifies a 50-year vision for natural resource management in South Australia. The State NRM Plan contains four goals:
1 - Landscape scale management that maintains healthy natural systems and is adaptive to climate change. 2 - Prosperous communities and industries using and managing natural resources within ecologically sustainable limits. 3 - Communities, governments and industries with the capability, commitment and connections to manage natural resources in an integrated way. 4 - Integrated management of biological threats to minimise risk to natural systems, communities and industry.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 12 LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE STATE NRM PLAN
N&Y NRM Board Strategic Goal s State NRM Plan Linkages
Goals Goal 1: Protecting and Improving 1 , 2 , 3, and 4 the Management of Water Resources Resource Condition Targets W1, W2, W3, W4, B3, P1, Goals Goal 2: Improving Management of 1, 2 , 3, and 4 Soil and Land Resource Condition Targets L1, B3, P1 Goals Goal 3: Managing Natural Biodiversity 1, 2 , 3, and 4
Resource Condition Targets L1, W1, W2, W3, B1, B2, B3, B4, P1 Goals Goal 4: Informed and Involved 1, 2 , 3, and 4 Community Resource Condition Targets L1, W1, W2, W3, W4, B1, B2, B3, B4, P1
Goals Goal 5: Deliver the N&Y NRM 1, 2 , 3, and 4 Board’s Progress in an Integrated Manner. Resource Condition Targets L1, W1, W2, W3, W4, B1, B2, B3, B4, P1
OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES
The Initial NRM Plan has guided the initial strategy of the Board during 2008-2009, resulting in the delivery of on-ground activities and projects, many in partnership with community groups and industry support organisations. A summary of the achievements and initiatives of the natural resources management programs managed by the N&Y NRM Board throughout 2008 – 09 is shown below. Achievements for each of the N&Y NRM Groups is included as an attachment to this report.
ACHIEVEMENTS FOR EACH STRATEGIC GOAL
A key achievement of the Board for 2008-09 was the completion of the Northern & Yorke Regional NRM Plan (2009-2018) and adoption by the Minister for Environment and Conservation on 6 May 2009. This was the culmination of almost 3 year’s work, coordinated by the Board and involved numerous stakeholders in both natural resources management and the Northern & Yorke Region.
1: Protecting and Improving the Management of Water Resources • Water Allocation Planning – completed review of Water Allocation Plan for the Clare Valley Prescribed Water Resource Area, adopted by the Minister for Environment and Conservation on 4 May 2009; ______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 13 • Compiled annual report and facilitated a public meeting to present results and findings to Clare Valley Irrigators; • Commenced initial planning for the preparation of a Water Allocation Plan for the Baroota Prescribed Water Resource Area; • Undertook on-going monitoring of ground water and surface water resources to determining sustainable limits for the use of surface and groundwater; • Completed assessment of water dependent ecosystem flow requirements; • Completed projects for restoration of priority riparian zones and waterways;
2: Improving Management of Soil and Land • Employment of a Community Landcare Coordinator to work with farmers and agricultural support groups across the region; • Provided technical support to landholders; managing soil erosion through fencing; reducing wind erosion by re-vegetating with perennial grasses; and contour banks re- designed and renovated; • Supported farmers and community groups to prepare salinity management plans; • Established perennial vegetation (for production) and soil amelioration in priority salinity areas; • Delivered technical innovation support program for land managers to sustain natural resources in primary production; • Improved the sustainability of low rainfall cropping using paddock risk assessment; • Improved grazing management in low rainfall agricultural areas; • Capitalised on native pasture opportunities in cropping/grazing rotations; • Worked with farmers on sustainable systems for mid-north high rainfall pasture and cropping areas; • Reduced soil erosion risk through best practice management; • Provided Landholder Incentives Program for Improved Farming Systems & Natural Resource Benefit based on Land Capability; • Provided financial support for targeted on-ground Works for salinity management such as saltbush planting; perennial pastures; and • On-ground works for improved soil structure with clay spreading and delving;
3: Managing Natural Biodiversity
Coast, Estuarine & Marine • Coastal management plans were prepared for areas with biodiversity significance; • Supported community groups in coastal protection works including fencing, walkways and signage; • Supported coastal councils to prepare and implement vehicle access plan; • Completed habitat mapping in marine areas and supporting the Reefwatch community monitoring program; • Completed monitoring of marine biological health – seagrass mapping southern YP; and • Mapped seagrass changes on the west coast of Yorke Peninsula.
Biodiversity & Terrestrial Ecosystems • Provided funding and support to farmers to fence creeks and rivers (such as the Broughton, Light and Wakefield Rivers), to improve water quality and river health; • Protection of native vegetation by helping farmers fence existing native vegetation and plant local native species; • Funded a Bush Management Adviser (DEH), Biodiversity Support Officer (GA), and Threatened Species Officers (DEH) to provide advice and support to the community ______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 14 to protection of threatened plants and animals such as the spiny daisy and the pygmy blue tongue lizard; • Supported biodiversity conservation and revegetation projects to ‘reconstruct’ biodiversity; • Provided funding to the Blyth Brinkworth Nursery to propagate 15,000 important and threatened species of the region; • Funded “Bush Action Teams” to manage 250Ha bushland sites across the region; • Supported Trees for Life to propagate more than 100 000 plants for the region; • Supported salinity works including: establishing perennial pastures, revegetating with native species and undertaking surface drainage works; • Completed works to protect priority river environments such as the Broughton, Light and Wakefield catchments; • Facilitated agreements for permanent conservation and protection of quality vegetation remnants; • Facilitated integrated active management of significant biodiversity remnants; • Supported projects for the restoration and reconstruction of habitat in key biodiversity areas, integrated Active Management of Significant Biodiversity Remnants and control of environmental weeds and pest animals for Biodiversity Conservation; • Implemented monitoring of River Red Gums as an indicator of environmental health.
4: Informed and Involved Community
Cultural Awareness • Supported Aboriginal communities in NRM - Aboriginal Engagement Project to develop a draft strategy; • Supported the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) Landcare Officer and on-grounds works.
Engaged community • Engaged and supported stakeholders in regional NRM through the Community Grants program (allocating almost $300,000); • Facilitated community monitoring for Waterway Health (Waterwatch); • Supported community action for Threatened Species Management; • Engaged and supported stakeholders in Regional NRM during development and consultation of the draft Regional NRM Plan; • Prepared and distributed annual newspaper ‘Yakka’ and quarterly newsletter ‘Living Region’ • Achieved full membership of NRM Groups (7 members each group).
5: Deliver the N&Y NRM Board’s Progress in an Integrated Manner.
Completed projects for Pest Plants & Animals • Biocontrol of Bridal Creeper (Weed of National Significance); • Pest plant and animal control with removal of African Boxthorn to destroy rabbit warrens in riverine habitats; • Coordination of fox baiting programs to reduce impact on native fauna; • Weed and pest control in key biodiversity areas adjacent to national parks and other sensitive areas; • Control of environmental weeds and pest animals for biodiversity conservation in southern Yorke Peninsula and southern Flinders Ranges; • Supported community groups to undertake environmental weed programs in coastal areas and watercourses;
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 15 • Completed State NRM Complementary projects across the region to address pest animal control.
Governance & Administration • Prepared draft Regional NRM Plan (2009-2018) which was adopted 6 May 2009; • Provided support for NRM Board and Groups; • Conducted induction of new Board and Group members; • Undertook review of operations, planning and performance monitoring and reporting processes; • Implemented data and information systems, records management, financial management, whole of organisation planning and reporting.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 16 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE
The N&Y NRM Board was established in December 2004 under the auspices of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. This report for the 2008-09 financial year fulfils the requirements of Section 38 of the Natural Resources Management Act.
OBJECT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT
The objects of the Act include to assist in the achievement of ecologically sustainable development in the State by establishing an integrated scheme to promote the use and management of natural resources in a manner that— (a) recognises and protects the intrinsic values of natural resources; and (b) seeks to protect biological diversity and, insofar as is reasonably practicable, to support and encourage the restoration or rehabilitation of ecological systems and processes that have been lost or degraded; and (c) provides for the protection and management of catchments and the sustainable use of land and water resources and, insofar as is reasonably practicable, seeks to enhance and restore or rehabilitate land and water resources that have been degraded; and (d) seeks to support sustainable primary and other economic production systems with particular reference to the value of agriculture and mining activities to the economy of the State; and (e) provides for the prevention or control of impacts caused by pest species of animals and plants that may have an adverse effect on the environment, primary production or the community; and (f) promotes educational initiatives and provides support mechanisms to increase the capacity of people to be involved in the management of natural resources.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE ACT
The Minister for Environment and Conservation is responsible for the administration of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. Pursuant to section 6 of the Administrative Arrangements Act 1994, certain functions and powers of the Minister for Environment and Conservation in relation to the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board have been conferred on the Minister for the River Murray.
ROLE OF THE BOARD
The Boards’ role is defined in the Natural Resources Management Act and includes:
• Taking an active role in the management of natural resources within the region and providing advice on natural resource issues; • Preparing a regional natural resources management plan; • Implementing the Board’s three-year business plan; • Promoting public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable NRM; • Providing advice on the assessment of activities or proposals referred under legislation or on any matter relevant to the condition or management of natural resources; and • Undertaking and supporting educational activities and increasing community capacity to undertake sustainable natural resource management.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 17 FUNCTIONS OF THE NORTHERN & YORKE NRM BOARD
Section 29 of the Natural Resources Management Act describes the functions of the N&Y NRM Board.
(1) The functions of a regional NRM board are— (a) to undertake an active role with respect to the management of natural resources within its region; and (b) — (i) to prepare a regional NRM plan in accordance with this Act; and (ii) to implement that plan; and (iii) to keep the plan under review to ensure that the objects of this Act are being achieved; and (c) to promote public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management within its region, to undertake or support educational initiatives with respect to natural resources management, and to provide mechanisms to increase the capacity of people to implement programs or to take other steps to improve the management of natural resources; and (d) to provide advice with respect to the assessment of various activities or proposals referred to the board under this or any other Act; and (e) to resolve any issues that may arise between any NRM groups that are relevant to the management of natural resources within its region; and (ea)to undertake an active role in ensuring- (i) that any Development Plan under the Development Act 1993 that applies within its region promotes the objects of this Act; and (ii) insofar as is reasonably practicable, that those Development Plans and the board’s regional NRM plan form a coherent set of policies, and, in so doing, when a Development Plan amendment under the Development Act 1993 that is relevant to the activities of the board is under consideration under that Act, to work with- (iii) in the case of a Development Plan amendment proposed by a council-the council; or (iv) in the case of a Development Plan amendment proposed by a Minister-that Minister’s department; and (f) at the request of the Minister or the NRM Council, or on its own initiative, to provide advice on any matter relevant to the condition of natural resources within its region, or on the management of those resources, to conduct any inquiry or audit, or to provide any other advice or report that may be appropriate in the circumstances; and (g) such other functions assigned to the board by the Minister or by or under this or any other Act. (2) To avoid doubt, a regional NRM board may act with respect to a particular matter despite the fact that the matter may not fall within the scope of its regional NRM plan. (3) However, if a regional NRM board acts with respect to a particular matter in the circumstances described in subsection (2), the board must furnish a report on the matter to the Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament (unless the matter is not, in the opinion of the board, significant). (4) In performing its functions, a regional NRM board should (as far as is reasonably practicable) seek to work collaboratively with— (a) the other regional NRM boards whose regions adjoin the region of the board; and (b) other State agencies, agencies of the Commonwealth, and agencies of the other States and Territories, that have functions that are relevant to those of the board; and (c) NRM groups with areas that fall (wholly or partially) within the region of the board; and
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 18 (d) the constituent councils for the region, and other councils as may be relevant; and (e) relevant industry, environment and community groups and organisations; and (f) persons who own or occupy land within the region of the board (insofar as may be relevant). (5) A regional NRM board will, with respect to the performance of its functions, report to the Minister. (6) If the Minister assigns a function to a regional NRM board under subsection (1)— (a) the Minister must furnish a report on the matter to the Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament; and (b) the regional NRM board must cause a statement of the fact of the assignment to be published in its next annual report.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 25 of the Natural Resources Management Act provides for the appointment of the Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management Board.
The Board comprises 9 members, appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Minister. Each of the appointed members of the Board is a person who, in the opinion of the Minister, meets the standards stipulated by section 25 (4) of the Natural Resources Management Act for the appointment of members:
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister must (as far as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances)— (a) give consideration to nominating persons so as to provide a range of knowledge, skills and experience across the following areas: (i) community affairs at the regional level; (ii) primary production or pastoral land management; (iii) soil conservation and land management; (iv) conservation and biodiversity management; (v) water resources management; (vi) business administration; (vii) local government or local government administration; (viii) urban or regional planning; (ix) Aboriginal interest in the land and water, and Aboriginal heritage; (x) pest animal and plant control; (xi) natural and social science; (xii) if relevant—coast, estuarine and marine management, fisheries or aquaculture; and (b) nominate persons who are able to demonstrate an interest in ensuring the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources and an awareness of natural resource issues across the relevant region; and (c) ensure— (i) that a majority of the members of the board reside within the relevant region; and
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 19 (ii) that a majority of the members of the board are engaged in an activity related to the management of land. (5) In addition, the Minister must, before finalising his or her nominations for the purposes of this section, consult with the designated Ministers. (6) At least 1 member of a regional NRM board must be a woman and at least 1 member must be a man. (7) At least 1 member of a regional NRM board must be a member or officer of a council at the time of his or her appointment, unless— (a) the board's region does not include any part of the area of a council; or (b) the Minister cannot, after taking reasonable steps, find a member or officer of a council who— (i) in the opinion of the Minister, is suitable to be appointed as a member of the board; and (ii) is willing and available to be a member of the board. (8) The Governor must appoint a suitable member of a regional NRM board to be the presiding member of the board. (9) The Governor may appoint a suitable person to be the deputy of a member of a regional NRM board. (10) A deputy may act as a member of a regional NRM board during any period of absence of the member in relation to whom the deputy has been appointed. (11) The Minister may, by instrument in writing, authorise a person or persons to attend any meeting of a regional NRM board in order to represent the interests of the Commonwealth, the State or local government.
The membership of the Board during 2008-09 was:
Voting members • Mervyn Lewis (Presiding Member) • Parry (Alfred) Agius (resigned January 2009) • Jayne Bishop • Kathleen Bowman • Jacqueline O’Reilly • Helen Thomas • Kerry Ward (Mr) • Rick Wilkinson • Neville Wilson
Government members • Bob McLennan – DWLBC • John Cornish – PIRSA • Tim Collins – DEH • Anita Crisp –Local Government
MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL
A total of 12 general Board meetings were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 20 There were no special Board meetings held during the 2008-09 financial year.
Attendance by appointed members at meetings:
Board Member Meetings Comments Reason for non attendance attended Mervyn Lewis 12 Other commitments Helen Thomas 11 Other commitments Kerry Ward (Mr) 12 Other commitments Rick Wilkinson 11 Other commitments Neville Wilson 11 Other commitments Parry Agius 3 Resigned January 2009 Other commitments Jayne Bishop 10 Other commitments Kathleen Bowman 11 Other commitments Jacqueline O’Reilly 12 Other commitments
Government Meetings Comments Reason for non attendance Member attended Tim Collins 10 Other commitments John Cornish 9 Other commitments Anita Crisp 4 Other commitments Bob McLennan 9 Other commitments
Board Member Retainer Board Sitting Fees Mervyn Lewis $9 968.14 $24 365.25 Helen Thomas $2 985.50 Kerry Ward (Mr) $3 603.50 Rick Wilkinson N/A Neville Wilson $4 359.00 Parry Agius N/A Jayne Bishop $2 934.00 Kathleen Bowman $3 083.00 Jacqueline O’Reilly $3 861.00
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
The N&Y NRM Board has maintained efficient and effective working relationships with a range of State and Australian Government agencies to support the integral delivery of NRM.
The N&Y NRM Board has collaborative partnerships with DWLBC as the NRM head agency, and DEH, and works closely with PIRSA, Forestry SA, Planning SA, Defence Department, EPA and SA Water.
The Board has a strong link with DWLBC in the development of the Regional NRM Plan and Water Allocation Plan (WAP), and Regional Investment Strategy of Australian and State Government including NHT, NAP, NLP, Envirofund and Coastcare.
The nature of these relationships included; • Agency representation at the Board, Group and Committee meetings; ______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 21 • Strategic partnerships and collaboration for implementation of NRM activities; • The provision of technical and other support or guidance to Board, Groups, staff and the community; • The provision of funding for the board to undertaken NRM actions; and • Third party delivery arrangements.
GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The business of the N&Y NRM Board delivers a diverse NRM investment program that is supported by a robust governance framework, including planning, corporate and administrative functions. The Board is supported by several advisory committees for corporate and technical NRM matters.
The Board is also supported by three regional NRM Groups and is actively developing their capacity to provide on-ground outcomes by engaging land managers at the local level through increased community ownership. The Group members provide a social and local context for delivery of programs by encouraging community engagement and for monitoring performance. The NRM Groups have an integral role in the support of project and program initiatives. They provide an important community liaison role, assess and prioritise project proposals and monitor the roadside weed control program.
A report on the actions of the N&Y NRM Board is attached to this Annual Report.
NRM BOARD - FUNCTIONS
NRM PROGRAM CORPORATE PLANNING & LEGISLATIVE COMMUNICATIONS Levy funded NRM Governance & policy Regional NRM water, soils, APC projects development planning component of NRM act administration External funding (e.g. minutes/agendas & Water Planning CfoC) correspondence act Annual Business enforcement/complia Resource condition M&E admin/board support Plan nce or prosecution Project reporting - reception/front desk Media liaison procedures/advice biodiversity, soils, water, govt liaison re: CEM finance/budgets/audits/l newsletters & evies promotions Act/licensing/levies Other funding & projects etc records management education material Technical advice and legislative and support payroll, HR, OHS&W, events/awards/sp technical advice ICT onsorship contract management/legal
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 22 GROUPS COMMITTEES TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES LOWER NORTH GROUP YORKE PENINSULA GROUP Standing committees Board committees established UPPER NORTH GROUP comprising regional/local as required to provide advice board members & technical Local NRM Group area planning, and assistance to the board advisory staff to provide decision making and project on a range of issues. technical specialist advice or management input to the board on NRM local advice/input into regional The Committees are: matters: planning • Planning & Strategy • Water management central point of contact for local • Governance & Finance • Soils/land mgmt community on NRM issues • Performance Evaluation • Biodiversity local activity/project coordination • Aboriginal Engagement • Coast & marine and implementation • Technical Advisory • NRM planning and local, initial compliance Committees investment strategy community education and
capacity building project outputs and resource condition monitoring reporting issues and identifying local research needs to the NRM Board
To support the governance framework, the Board has adopted and reviewed a range of policies and procedures, delegated functions, structures and practices to ensure sound corporate management.
The Schedule of current policies:
Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare (OHS&W) OHS&W Policy 1.0 – OHS&W Policy General Managers Commitment Statement OHS&W Policy 3.1 – First Aid OHS&W Policy 6.1 – Electrical Testing OHS&W Policy 7.1 – Accident Incident Hazard Reporting
Administration (AD) Admin Policy 01 – Records Management Admin Policy 02 – Policy Framework Guidelines Admin Policy 10 – General Administration Admin Policy 11 – Internal Control Admin Policy 12 – Internal Delegations Admin Policy 13 – Risk Management
Finance (FIN) Fin Policy 01 – Accounts Receivable Policy Fin Policy 02 – Purchase of Goods & Services Fin Policy 10 – Financial Delegations Fin Policy 11 – Corporate Credit/Purchase Cards Fin Policy 13 – Financial Management Fin Policy 14 – Budget Control & Review Fin Policy 15 – Non-current Asset Accounting
Human Resources (HR) HR Policy 01 - Induction of New Employees Policy
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 23 HR Policy 02 – Establishing Casual Employment Pools and Employment of Casual Staff Policy HR Policy 03 – Flexi time Policy HR Policy 04 – Time Off in Lieu Policy HR Policy 05 – Resolution of Employee Grievances Policy HR Policy 06 – Merit based Recruitment and Selection Policy HR Policy 07 – Managing Misconduct and Disciplinary Policy HR Policy 08 – Managing and Resolving Under-performance Policy HR Policy 09 – Classification Level Assessment Policy HR Policy 10 – Staff Training and Study Assistance Policy HR Policy 11 – Human Resources Delegations HR Policy 12 – Employee Leave HR Policy 13 – Performance Review & Development HR Policy 20 – Corporate Clothing & Uniform
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ICT Policy 01 – Purchase and Installation of Hardware and Software ICT Policy 02 – Use of Internet and Intranet Facilities ICT Policy 03 – Use of Email Facilities ICT Policy 04 – Information and Communication Technology Security ICT Policy 05 – Computer Backup
Communications (COM) COM Policy 10 – Quiet Achievers COM Policy 11 – Community Grants
New policies are developed in response to organisation needs and statutory requirements.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The changes in service delivery from contractual arrangements to direct delivery by Board staff were approved by the Minister in the Initial Plan Review 2008-09 and resulted in an increase of organisation staff resources increased by 3.0 FTE to a total of 31.10 FTE.
The new positions were: • Operations Manager 1.0 FTE • NRMO – Water 1.0 FTE • Administration Support officer 1.0 FTE
As at 30 June 2009 a total of 2.0 FTE positions were vacant.
The approved organisation structure is shown in the diagram on the following page.
______Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 24
NORTHERN AND YORKE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BOARD STAFFING ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
General Manager
EXA (1.0 FTE)
Corporate Business Communications Liaison Program Manager Planning Officer Operations Manager Manager Officer ASO-7 (1.0 FTE) ASO-6 (1.0 FTE) ASO – 7 (1.0 FTE) ASO-7 (1.0 FTE) ASO-5 (1.0 FTE)
Finance Officer Administration Monitoring & Upper North Group Yorke Peninsula Lower North Group ASO-4 (1.0 FTE) Support Officer Evaluation Officer Team Leader Group Team Leader Team Leader
ASO-3 (1.0 FTE) ASO-5 (1.0 FTE) OPS-4 (1.0 FTE) OPS-4 (1.0 FTE) OPS-4 (1.0 FTE)
Records Management UN Group NRM Officer Authorised Officers Authorised Officers Authorised Officers Officer Support Officer Aboriginal OPS-3 (2.0 FTE) OPS-3 (2.0 FTE) OPS-3 (6.6 FTE) Engagement AS0 -3 (1.0FTE) ASO-2 (0.5 FTE) ASO -4 (1.0 FTE)
YP Group LN Group Regional Support Officer Support Officer NRM Officers
ASO-3 (0.5 FTE) ASO-2 (0.5 FTE) ASO-4 (3.0 FTE)
Administration Regional Support Officer NRMO - Water
ASO-2 (1.0 FTE) ASO-4 (1.0 FTE)
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 25 MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS
Total Number of Employees
Persons 30 FTEs 29.1 (FTEs shown to 1 decimal place)
Gender % Persons % FTEs Male 44.8 44.67 Female 55.2 55.33
Number of Persons During the 08-09 Financial Year Separated from the agency 3
Recruited to the agency 4
Number of Persons at 30 June 2009
On Leave Without Pay Nil
Number of employees by Salary Bracket Salary Bracket Male Female Total
$0 - $47,999 1 8 9 $48,000 - $60,999 10 6 16 $61,000 - $78,199 2 3 4
$78,200 - $98,499 1 1 2 $98,500+ 0 1 1 TOTAL 14 19 33
SUPERANNUTION CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE BOARD FOR EMPLOYEES Male Female Total TOTAL $70 082 $75 895 $14 5 977
STATUS OF EMPLOYEES IN CURRENT POSITION Short -Term Long -Term Other FTEs Ongoing Total Contract Contract (Casual) Male 13 1 0 0 14 Female 11.6 1 2.8 2 17.4 TOTAL 24.6 2 2.8 2 31.4
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 26 Short -Term Long -Term Other PERSONS Ongoing Total Contract Contract (Casual) Male 13 1 0 0 14 Female 12 1 4 2 19 TOTAL 25 2 4 2 33
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT
Executives by gender, classification and status
Tenured Untenured Other Ongoing Total Contract Contract (Casual) Classification Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female EX-A 1 1
Total 1 1
LEAVE MANAGEMENT
Average days leave per full time equivalent employee
Leave Type 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Sick Leave 3.2 6.4 3.6 5.9 0 Family Carer’s Leave 0.5 0 0.3
Miscellaneous Special 0 1.6 0 1.0 Leave
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees
Salary Bracket Aboriginal Percentage Total Staff Target* Staff Aboriginal $0 - $47,999 2% $48,000 - $60,999 2% $61, 000- $78,199 1 1 3.44% 2% $78,200 - $98,499 2% $98,500+ 2% TOTAL 1 3.44% 2% * Target from SASP
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 27 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES BY AGE BRACKET BY GENDER Age Bracket Male Female Total % of Total 2009 Workforce Benchmark* 15-19 0 0 0 0 6.5% 20-24 0 3 3 9.1 10.3% 25-29 0 4 4 12.1 11.1% 30-34 2 1 3 9.1 10.7% 35-39 0 3 3 9.1 11.7% 40-44 1 2 3 9.1 11.4% 45-49 2 2 4 12.1 11.9% 50-54 3 2 5 15.2 10.3% 55-59 3 2 5 15.1 8.2% 60-64 3 0 3 9.1 5.3% 65+ 0 0 0 0 2.6% TOTAL 14 19 33 100 100.0% *Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Demographic Statistics, 6291.0.55.001 Labour Force Status (ST LM8) by sex, age, state, marital status – employed – total from Feb78 Supertable, South Australia at May 2009.
CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY
Male Female Total % Agency SA Community* Number of employees born N/A 20.3% overseas Number of employees who speak language(s) other N/A 16.6% than English at home * Benchmarks from ABS Publication Basic Community Profile (SA) Cat No. 2001.0, 2006 census.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES (ACCORDING TO COMMONWEALTH DDA DEFINITION)
Male Female Total % of Agency 0 0 0 0
TYPES OF EMPLOYEE DISABILITIES
Disability Male Female Total % of Agency Physical 0 0 0 0 Intellectual 0 0 0 0 Sensory 0 0 0 0 Psychological/ 0 0 0 0 Psychiatric Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 28 Other 0 0 0 0 Total 0 0 0 0
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES REQUIRING WORKPLACE ADAPTATION
Male Female Total % of Agency 0 0 0 0
PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT There have been both formal and informal reviews of some employees during 2008-09. A formal performance review and development scheme was introduced during 2008-09. All employees participated in training and participated in at least one informal review of their performance and prepared a Learning and Development Plan and Workplan.
Documented review of individual performance management
Employees with … % Total Workforce A review within the past 12 months 30 A review older than 12 months 0 No review 70
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
Leadership and management training expenditure
% of Total Salary Training and Development Total Cost Expenditure Total training and development $25 588.67 0.015% expenditure Total leadership and management $ 1 263.64 0.0007% development expenditure
ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES
Accredited training packages by classification
Number of Accredited Classification Training Packages Diploma 1
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 29 The gender balance of the NRM Groups is always taken into consideration when members are considered for appointment.
The members of the Board are aware of and abide by their obligations under the State Equal Opportunity Act 1984 .
The Board has not participated in any public sector wide equal opportunity employment programs.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY MANAGEMENT
Number 2008-09 Number of notifiable occurrences pursuant to OHS&W Regulations 0 Division 6.6 Number of notifiable injuries pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Division 0 6.6 Number of notices served pursuant to OHS&W Act s35, s39 and s40 0 (default, improvement and prohibition notices)
TABLE 2: AGENCY GROSS 1 WORKERS COMPENSATION EXPENDITURE FOR 2008- 09 COMPARED WITH 2007-08 2 2008-09 2007-08 Variation % Change EXPENDITURE ($m) ($m) ($m) + (-) + (-) Income Maintenance 0 0 0 0 Lump Sum Settlements Redemptions - Sect.42 0 0 0 0 Lump Sum Settlements Permanent Disability – Sect. 43 0 0 0 0 Medical/Hospital Costs combined 0 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 Total Claims Expenditure 0 0 0 0
TABLE 3 MEETING SAFETY PERFORMANCE TARGETS 3
Base: Performance: 12 months to end Final * 2005-06 of June 2009 Target
1 before 3rd party recovery 2 Information available from IDEAS RS/SIMS (for detailed advice on data extraction contact PSWD) 3 Information available from IDEAS RS/SIMS (SIPS target report) Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 30 Numbers Actual Notional Variation Numbers or % Quarterly or % Target ** 1. Workplace Fatalities 0 0 0 0 0 2. New Workplace Injury 0 3 0 3 0 Claims 3. New Workplace Injury 0 0 0 0 0 Claims Frequency Rate 4. Lost Time Injury 0 0 0 0 0 Frequency Rate *** 5. New Psychological Injury 0 0 0 0 0 Claims 6. Rehabilitation and Return 0 0 0 0 0 to Work: 6a. Early Assessment within 2 0 0 0 0 80% or days more 6b. Early Intervention within 5 0 0 0 0 80% or days more 6c. RTW within 5 business 0 0 0 0 75% or days more 7. Claim Determination: 7a. Claims determined in 10 0 2 0 2 75% or business days more 7b. Claims still to be 0 0 0 0 3% or determined after 3 months less 8. Income Maintenance 0 0 0 0 Payments for Recent Injuries: 2007-08 Injuries (at 24 0 0 0 0 Below months development) previous 2 years average 2008-09 Injuries (at 12 0 0 0 0 Below months development) previous 2 years average * Except for Target 8, which is YTD. For Targets 5, 6c, 7a and 7b, performance is measured up to the previous quarter to allow reporting lag. ** Based on cumulative reduction from base at a constant quarterly figure. *** Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate Injury frequency rate for new lost-time injury/disease for each one million hours worked. This frequency rate is calculated for benchmarking and is used by the WorkCover Corporation. Formula for Lost Time Injury frequency rate (new claims): Number of new cases of lost-time injury/disease for year x 1,000,000 Number of hours worked in the year
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 31 FURTHER INFORMATION Public Sector Workforce Relations (PSWR), Department of the Premier and Cabinet Email [email protected] Telephone 8207 2287
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Draft 2008-09 Financial Statements have been prepared for the N&Y NRM Board and have been forwarded to the Auditor General’s Department. Once these have been finalised they will be sent through for inclusion with the Annual Report. It is estimated that this will be in December 2009.
CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS
During 2008-09, the Board did not enter into any contractual arrangements where the total value of the contract was greater than $4m in value and extended more than a single year.
ACCOUNT PAYMENT PERFORMANCE
Number of Percentage of Percentage of Value in $A of Particulars accounts accounts paid accounts paid accounts paid paid (by number) (by value) Paid by due date* 1 891 98.34 $7 487 327.27 98.97 Paid late, within 30 26 1.35 $ 69 878.66 0.92 days of due date Paid more than 30 6 0.31 $ 7 832.30 0.10 days from due date
*Note: The due date is defined under section 11.7 of Treasurer’s Instruction 11 Payment of Creditors’ Accounts. Generally, unless there is a discount or a written agreement between the public authority and the creditor, payment should be within thirty days of the date of the invoice or claim. Some agencies receive invoices significantly later than the invoice date, due to supplier invoicing processes. Agencies may choose to report against the date the invoice is received rather than the date of invoice.
FRAUD
During 2008-09 the number of instances of fraud detected in the Board was nil.
CONSULTANTS
During 2008-09, the Board engaged a number of consultants to undertake a range of services for specific or technical works in resource assessment, development of plans and undertake research to support the activities of the Board.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 32 The number the consultancies by value:
Value range No $’000 Below $10 000 9 38 Between $10 000 and $50 000 5 109 Above $50 000 6 1 243 Total paid / payable to consultants 20 1 390
A summary of the services provided for those consultancies of $10,000 or more in value:
NAME OF CONSULTANT DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AMOUNT Aboriginal Lands Trust Supporting Aboriginal Communities in NRM $ 72 357 Anne Jensen Resource condition monitoring $ 12 568 Catchment Management Consulting Monitoring advice of vegetation health $ 99 910 indicator Conservation Council of SA CEM resource monitoring $ 15 545 Research and consultation advice Department for Environment and Marine Biological health $588 618 Heritage Marine seagrass aerial mapping Environmental & Biodiversity Management Plans $ 10 000 Services Greening Australia Conservation Action Planning/Caring for our $113 000 Country Planning/Technical Services Plant ID book Conservation Action Planning McGregor Tan Research Market research $ 12 000 Nature Conservation Society of SA Bushland Conditioning Monitoring Trials $ 70 700 Technical Support for Establishing Vegetation Condition Sampling Protocols
Peter R Day Research and prepare draft NRM Plan $ 42 065 Royal Zoological Society Fauna condition assessment and advice $ 16 800 Rural Solutions SA Environmental Services $298 094 M&E framework (draft) Cultural Awareness training Aboriginal Engagement (draft)
COMMUNITY GRANTS
During 2008-09, the Board distributed the following small grants to support NRM projects within the region.
Applicant Project Amount
District Council of Yorke Berry Bay Beach Access $13 340 Peninsula District Council of Mount Port Flinders Walking Trail $45 500 Remarkable
YP Feral Trees Management Removing Aleppo Pines from roadside $ 7 200 Group verges on the Maitland Road, Southern YP
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 33 U3A Lower North, TAFE Environment Matters Forum $ 1 097 Clare Campus District Council of the Copper Port Hughes Foreshore Protection Project $33 150 Coast
Pichi Richi Railway Control of African Boxthorn & other noxious $ 4 180 Preservation Society Inc weeds on the railway corridor leased from Transport SA Port Augusta City Council Completion of Interpretive centre, Water $ 9 535 (Blanche Harbour Harvesting, Public Education and planting Conservation Group)
South Australian No-Till Benchmarking stubble retention for WUE, $10 000 Farmers Association Inc. soil biodiversity and production outcomes.
Blyth Management New Spray Unit $ 805 Committee Northern Sustainable Soils Growing Break Crops North of Goyder's $ 9 220 Inc Line District Council of Yorke Port Rickaby Steps $17 037 Peninsula Port Broughton Golf Club Inc Re-Vegetation to arrest soil erosion and $ 2 023 improve soil salinity
Australian Plants Society Propagating - Teaching Trailer $ 7 008 Port Augusta & District Group
District Council of Gregg Dugan Nature Reserve - Flora/Flora $34 250 Peterborough Identification
Port Augusta City Council Blanche Harbor Coastal Homes Fencing $10 000 (Port Augusta Coastal Control for Vehicles Homes Association Inc)
District Council of Yorke Beach Access Stairs at Port Julia $15 231 Peninsula (Port Julia Progress Association Inc)
District Council of Barunga Rehabilitation of Alford & Kulpara Dump $ 7 420 West Sites District Council of Barunga Coastal Plant Demonstration Site $ 4 705 West Tarcowie Landcare Group Revegetation of Tarcowie Springs PT $ 950 Inc Section 329 Tarcowie Landcare Group Possum Boxes $ 360 Inc Tarcowie Landcare Group Tarcowie Landcare/Variety Biolink, Orroroo- $ 2 250 Inc Laura Blyth Progress Association Blyth Walking Trail $10 000 Inc Port Victoria Progress Environmental Weed Removal Project $ 9 000 Association Inc Port Augusta City Council Reducing Sand Dune Erosion $10 000 (Friends of the West Side Beach)
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 34 Port Augusta City Council Pest Plant Register Booklet $16 000
Caltowie Corridors of Green Environmental Field Day $ 1 500
YP Alkaline Soils Group Improved Weed and Pest Management in $ 6 000 Stubble Retention Farming District Council of Pekina Creek Project $25 595 Orroroo/Carrieton Port Augusta City Council Estuarine Waterwatch Training $ 3 523
Rattler Rail Trail Weed and Pest Plant Control Management $ 1 355 Subcommittee Plan - between Rhynie and Auburn South Australia Blyth Progress Association Blyth Walking Trail $10 000 Inc (Blyth Management Committee)
OVERSEAS TRAVEL
During 2008-09, no employee or member of the Board travelled overseas to undertake business of the Board or on behalf of the Board.
Number of Destinations Reaso ns for Travel Total Cost to Board employees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
DISABILITY ACTION PLANS
Promoting Independence – Disability Action Plans for South Australia provides a framework of action for agencies to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the SA Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
There are six outcome areas outlined in Promoting Independence against which the Board reports: 1. The Board ensures accessibility of their services to people with disabilities, both as customers and employees. 2. The Board ensures information about their services and programs is inclusive of people with disabilities. 3. The Board delivers advice or services to people with disabilities with awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with disabilities. In doing so, agencies should report on the extent of the delivery of disability awareness training with staff using the SA Disability Awareness and Discrimination Training Framework. 4. The Board provides opportunities for consultation with people with disabilities in decision making processes regarding service delivery and in the implementation of complaints and grievance mechanisms. 5. The General Manager ensures that their Board has met the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and Equal Opportunity Act. 6. The Board reports on how they are increasing the rate of employment of people with a disability in order to meet the SASP Target 6.22 – “to double the number of people with disabilities employed in the public sector by 2014”. Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 35
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Annual Asbestos Management Report 2008-09 Number of Sites Category Category Description Interpretation One or At start of At end of more items at these sites year year 1 0 0 Remove Should be removed promptly 2 0 0 Remove as soon as Should be scheduled for practical removal at a practicable time 3 0 0 Use care during May need removal during maintenance maintenance works. 4 0 0 Monitor condition Has asbestos present. Inspect according to legislation and policy. 5 0 0 No asbestos identified (All asbestos identified as / identified asbestos per OHS&W 4.2.10 (1) has has been removed been removed) 6 4 4 Further information (These sites not yet required categorised)
Definitions: Category: The site performance score, determined by the lowest item performance score at each site. Number of Sites in Category: A count of how many sites have the corresponding site performance score, with separate counts done at the start and the end of each year. Category Description: Indicates the recommended action corresponding to the lowest item performance score (recorded in the asbestos register by a competent person, as per OHS&W Regulations (SA) 1995, 4.2.10). Interpretation: A brief real-world example of what each category implies for a site.
URBAN DESIGN CHARTER
Cabinet adopted the South Australian Urban Design Charter as whole-of-government urban policy. The Charter was publicly released in November 2004.
The Urban Design Charter aims to promote the benefits of good urban design, embed the principles into government processes and record the South Australian Government’s commitment to good urban design.
The Board has not undertaken any activities that are relevant to the Urban Design Charter
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Publication of Information Statement
The Board’s report for 2008-09 pertaining to the section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 is available from the Board’s website www.nynrm.sa.gov.au.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 36 Statistical Report
The Board is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1991 and as such uses State Records Freedom of Information Management System (FOIMS) database to enter relevant data.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORT
Performance against annual energy use targets
Energy Use (GJ) 1 GHG Emissions 2 Business Measure 7
Base Year 2006/20073: 6.2 29.1 (FTE)
Base Year 2006/20073: Board Total 213 Year Being Reported: 2008/2009 4.1 1.14
Board Target 5 (for Year Being 140 Reported) Final Board Target 6 (for 2014) 105
Notes: 1Energy use data will be expressed in gigajoules (GJ) and will be the sum of all fuel types used in each agency (i.e. electricity, natural gas, bottled gas, etc.) for that period. This data will have been collected at a site level and aggregated up to agency level by the portfolio Reference Group member.
2Many portfolios are pursuing a ‘triple bottom line’ reporting approach. It is therefore an optional extra that portfolios may wish to include Greenhouse Gas Emissions (in CO 2) as a means of quantifying a significant aspect of environmental performance. Greenhouse gas coefficients differ for fuel types. Please contact Energy Division, Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure to obtain these coefficients for South Australia.
3It is acknowledged that portfolio structures change over time. Therefore the Portfolio baseline will represent the structure of the portfolio in the given reporting period.
4To obtain a MJ figure multiply GJ by 1000.
5The Portfolio target for government is a 25% improvement in the base year figure.
6The Portfolio target in 2014 should equal a 25% energy efficiency improvement from the base year 2000/01.
7Business measures are also known as normalisation factors. A key performance indicator for energy efficiency is energy intensity, i.e. the energy consumed per unit of a given business measure. Some typical business measures are the number of employees (FTEs) and the square metres of floor area of a building. The energy intensity therefore becomes the energy used per unit defined by the business measure such as MJ/M 2 and MJ/FTE.
Energy use represents the sum of all fuel types used in each agency (i.e. electricity, natural gas, bottled gas, bottled gas, etc.) Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 37
GREENING OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FRAMEWORK
Undertake ongoing measuring, monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement of performance.
REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS
The Board prepared the following Regional Impact Assessment Statements during 2008/2009:
• Social Impact Study – NRM Levy Assessment
RECONCILIATION STATEMENT
In fulfilling its functions, the N&Y NRM Board is cognisant of the cultural and natural heritage of traditional owners and strives to achieve positive outcomes wherever these matters are concerned.
In February 2009, the Board adopted the following statement:
"We the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands are where we have responsibilities. We recognise the knowledge and acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal people to country."
As part of the Aboriginal Engagement Strategy the Board intends to consult with Aboriginal groups to further develop the statement.
STATEMENT OF FACT
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT MINISTERIAL DIRECTIVES
There were no significant Ministerial directives issued by the Minister during the 2008-09 period.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY MINISTER
There were no significant functions assigned by the Minister in accordance with Section 29 of the Natural Resources Management Act and this was in place for the entire period.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS DELEGATED TO THE BOARD
The Chief Executive of DWLBC has delegated to the Presiding Member of the Board the following authority in accordance with Section 34 (3), (4) and (6) of the Natural Resources Management Act during the 2008-09 period: • Section 34 (3) Power to enter into contracts of Employment • Section 34 (4) Power to determine terms and conditions of employment, other than those for General Managers. • Section 34 (6) Direct a person to perform functions in connection with the operations of a public sector agency.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 38 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT
Section 38 of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that the Minister must cause a report to be prepared annually setting out the following information:
(1) A regional NRM board must, on or before 31 October in every year, provide to the NRM Council a report on its activities for the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June (and need not provide a report under section 6A of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 ). (2) The report must— (a) include an assessment of the extent to which the regional NRM board has succeeded in implementing its regional NRM plan; and (b) include the audited accounts and financial statements of the regional NRM board; and (c) be accompanied by the annual reports of the NRM groups within its region; and (d) include other information required by or under this Act or the regulations.
Section 56 – Accounts and Audit of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(1) An NRM group must cause proper accounts to be kept of its financial affairs and must cause financial statements to be prepared in respect of each financial year. (2) The Auditor-General may at any time, and must in respect of each financial year, audit the accounts and financial statements required under subsection (1)
Section 57-Annual Reports of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(1) An NRM group must, on or before 31 October in every year, provide to the regional NRM board or boards that have responsibility for the NRM group a report on its activities for the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June (and need not provide a report under section 6A of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 ). (2) The report must- (a) include a copy of the audited accounts and financial statements of the NRM group, and (b) include other information required by or under the regulations.
In regards to Section 57 (2) (b) there are no regulations applying.
SPECIFIC REPORTS
Section 39 of the Natural Resources Management Act states that: (1)The Minister or the NRM Council may, by written notice to a regional NRM board, require the board to provide to the Minister or the NRM Council, within a period stated in the notice or at stated intervals, any report or reports relating to the performance, exercise or discharge of its functions, powers or responsibilities, as the Minister or the NRM Council (as the case may be) thinks fit. (2) If a requirement is imposed under subsection (1), the regional NRM board must cause a statement of the fact of the imposition of the requirement to be published in its next annual report.
There were no specific reports prepared by the MEC or the NRM Council during 2008-09.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 39
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES LISTING
The Board has formed advisory committees to support the Board and provide advice on governance and operational matters. The committee structure was reviewed and amended in April 2008.
The Terms of Reference for the Planning and Strategy Committee was adopted on 28 April 2008 to provide advice and support in relation to Statutory Planning, Program Planning, Communication Planning and Communication Strategy including the development of the Initial Plan, the Regional NRM Plan and Communication Plan. The Committee membership consists of:
• Chair – Board Member • Board Member x 3 • Others: o DEH representative • General Manager (input, but no voting rights).
Member Position Kerry Ward Chairperson Parry Agius (resigned January 2009) Board Member Jacqueline O’Reilly Board Member Rick Wilkinson Board Member Tim Collins or Andy Sharp DEH
The Governance and Finance Committee adopted a Charter on 28 April 2008 to support the effective governance of the N&Y NRM Board through the review of the Board's policies and procedures and to ensure that the Board meets its statutory obligations, particularly in respect of audit and finance matters, risk management, OHS&W and system resources. The committee membership consists of: • Chair – Board Member • Board Member x 3 • General Manager (input, but no voting rights).
Member Position Neville Wilson Chairperson Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member Kathleen Bowman Board Member Helen Thomas Board Member
The Performance Evaluation Committee adopted a Terms of Reference on 28 April 2008 to support the effective performance monitoring and reporting of the operations of the N&Y NRM Board through development and review of the Board's policies and procedures and provision of sound and informed advice to the Board on matters relating to goal setting, and performance monitoring and evaluation. The committee membership consists of: • Chair – Board Member • Up to 3 x Board Members • General Manager (ex-officio capacity)
Member Positio n Helen Thomas Chairperson
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 40 Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member Kathleen Bowman Board Member Jayne Bishop Board Member
The Aboriginal Engagement Committee Terms of Reference was revised and adopted on 23 February 2009 with the purpose to establish positive dialogue with the Aboriginal Community regarding natural resources management principles and encourage active engagement throughout the structures and programs of the Board. The committee membership consists of 5 Board Members (can include Department representative) and General Manager or delegate (ex-officio capacity).
Aboriginal Engagement Committee Jacqueline O'Reilly (Chairperson) Alfred Agius * (ceased 20 January 2009) Richard Wilkinson Jayne Bishop
The NRM Groups were established in March 2006 and commenced activities in November 2006. The Charter for the NRM Groups was revised in July 2008.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE NRM GROUPS:
Upper North NRM Group Peter McInnes (Chairperson) Jane Luckraft Paul Slattery Rieck Shine Paul Kretschmer (commenced 15 December 2008) Geraldine Davis Toni Bastian (ceased 16 July 2008) Rosalind Francis (commenced 22 June 2009)
Lower North NRM Group Robert Tilley (Chairperson) John Cameron-Hill (ceased 1 November 2008) Phillip Johns Andrew Philpott ** (ceased 1 November 2008) Pam Pilkington (commenced 23 June 2008) Elizabeth Walton (commenced 23 June 2008) Karyn Durrant (commenced 23 June 2008) Jillian Wilson (commenced 15 December 2008) Roger Lang (commenced 15 December 2008)
Yorke Peninsula NRM Group Ray Agnew (Chairperson) Caroline Paterson * Alan Twartz Deborah Furbank (commenced 23 June 2008) Richard Way (commenced 23 June 2008) Corrine Bussenschutt (ceased 2 February 2009) Paula McKay Neil Smith (commenced 22 June 2009)
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 41 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Board would like to thank the Minister and staff of Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation for the support and encouragement that it has received over the year as well as the following entities: • Department for Environment & Heritage • Department of Primary Industries and Resources • Local Government o District Council of Barunga West o Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council o District Council of the Copper Coast o Flinders Ranges Council o Regional Council of Goyder o Light Regional Council o District Council of Mallala o District Council of Mount Remarkable o Northern Areas Council o District Council of Orroroo Carrieton o District Council of Peterborough o Port Augusta City Council o Port Pirie Regional Council o Wakefield Regional Council o District Council of Yorke Peninsula o Barossa Council • Other NRM Boards o AMLR NRM Board o SAAL NRM Board o EP NRM Board o SAMDB NRM Board o KI NRM Board o SE NRM Board o AW BRM Board • Industry support groups • and the community of the Northern and Yorke Region.
GLOSSARY
Act Natural Resource Management Act 2004 (SA) DEH Department for Environment and Heritage (SA) DWLBC Department of Water Land & Biodiversity Conservation LN Lower North NAP National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality NHT Natural Heritage Trust NLP National Landcare Program NRM Natural Resource Management N&Y NRM Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management PIRSA Department Primary Industries and Resources UN Upper North YP Yorke Peninsula
PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2008-2009
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 42 N&Y Regional NRM Plan (2009-2018) Water Allocation Plan for the Clare Valley Prescribed Water Resources Area (2009).
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 43 ATTACHMENT 1: ANNUAL REPORT OF LOWER NORTH NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 44
LOWER NORTH NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP
ANNUAL REPORT
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 45
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Mr Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board PO Box 175 Crystal Brook SA 5523
Dear Merv
In accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 and section 59 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, I have pleasure in presenting the annual report of the Lower North Natural Resources Management Group for the year ended 30 June 2008.
The Lower North group has been able to more effective and involved in natural resources management this year.
The group has met every second month each time in different locations throughout the group’s area.
Yours sincerely,
Rob Tilley Presiding Member Lower North Natural Resources Management Group
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 46 TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 46 FOREWORD ...... 48 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 49 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 50 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 54 ROLE OF THE GROUP ...... 54 FUNCTIONS OF THE LOWER NORTH GROUP ...... 54 MEMBERSHIP ...... 55 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 55 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 55 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 55 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 56 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ...... 56 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD ...... 56 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 56 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 56 COMMITTEES LISTING ...... 57 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 57 GLOSSARY ...... 57
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 47 FOREWORD
This is the Annual Report for the Lower North Natural Resources Management (NRM) Group who has provided support to the community and local government during times of difficult seasonal conditions that have placed stresses on primary production and associated business enterprises.
Generally last year throughout the Lower North landholders endured another below average rainfall year. Considering this is the second year straight it was pleasing that landholders had taken management decisions to maintain soil cover, which resulted in the group only being involved with a few land degradation issues with landholders. Long term monitoring of soil cover is showing that the area of soil at risk of erosion for the Lower North, is higher than the state average and this will have to be addressed by the Group in the future. The drought conditions have affected both the uptake and implantation of on ground funding especially re- vegetation projects.
To support landholders to control foxes the Group decided to subsidise the second purchase of fox baits and it was pleasing to see the increase in landholder participation due to a proactive policy of the Group. This gives the group the confidence to continue with similar initiatives to increase the level of landholder participation across a wider range of weeds and pests.
The Group has enjoyed with full membership for the year and this has brought a greater diversity of expertise to the group and a more even spread of membership over the group area.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 48 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT
The following annual reporting requirements are not included in this report as they are reported in the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board’s Annual Report:
• Plans and Objectives • Links between the Board and the SA Strategic Plan • Links between the Board and the State NRM Plan. • Object of the Natural Resources Management Act • Administration of the Act • Organisational Structure • Management of Human Resources • Equal Employment Opportunity Programs • Occupational, Health, Safety and Injury Management • Contractual Arrangements • Account Payment Performance • Fraud • Disability Action Plans • Asbestos Management in Government Buildings • Urban Design Charter • Freedom of Information • Energy Efficiency Action Plan Report • Greening of Government Operations Framework • Regional Impact Assessment Statements • Reconciliation Statement
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 49 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES
Key Achievements • The Lower North Group conducted 6 meetings in the 2008/09 year. Each meeting was held at a different location within the Lower North Group area. Two new members were appointed to the Group in February 2009.
• Individuals and groups that promote natural resources management in the community were recognised by the Lower North Natural Resources Management Group through its Quiet Achiever Program. During the year the Group and Board endorsed 6 nominations, with the recipients attending a Group meeting for formal recognition and presentation of their awards.
• The Group promoted the practice of community baitings for foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) through it’s incentive program. For 2008/09, the Group supplied baits to landholders with a discount to a total of $1,950.
• The Group provided a grant to Ag Excellence Alliance for providing two initiatives with positive natural resources management outcomes. Those initiatives were Spader Plough demonstration sites and providing information to young farmers doing on-farm training through TAFE about natural resources management.
• The Group funded an incentive scheme for landholders to treat infestations of Gorse (Ulex europeaus L. ) on private property. Seventeen expressions of interest were received by the Group.
• The Group funded the removal of two small infestations of White Weeping Broom (Retama raetam ), an alert weed, in the Blyth District.
• All Staff and Group members assisted the Board with the promotion of the Draft Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Plan as part of community consultation.
• The Group prepared its Action Plan for the 2009-2010 year through a facilitated workshop, with further development to occur.
• The Group continued a commitment to control Gorse ( Ulex europeaus L. ) in its area. Approximately $5,000 was expended on the treatment of gorse infestations under its Memorandum of Understanding with the National Gorse Taskforce, as well as treating additional sites on priority roadsides.
Other Operational Activities:
Compliance
• A notice requiring the preparation of an action plan to control Wild Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus ) was issued to a landholder in late 2008. An action plan was submitted and approved by the issuing officer.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 50 • A landholder with a current action plan for the control of Wild Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus ) on their property was monitored for seasonal control progress. The requirements of the agreed action plan were fulfilled and exceeded.
• Land condition monitoring of two properties in the northern portion and one in the south of the group area, in relation to possible land degradation and conducted in conjunction with PIRSA Rural Solutions staff. One property continued to rate poorly for surface cover levels, which resulted in an interview and agreed actions by the landholder. Other properties continue to be monitored by staff.
• Officers responded to a possible land degradation issue on a recreational area, with subsequent negotiations and actions by the owner resulting in improvement in land management.
• Officers of the Board engaged in one inspection of land in relation to compliance of water affecting activities.
Managing Biodiversity
• The Board successfully applied for funding under the State NRM Complementary Funding Program, targeting rabbit control in priority areas and African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum ) control on riverine areas of the Broughton River. This resulted in 61,000 ha and 2,700 rabbit warrens controlled, and 80 Km of riverine habitat being mechanically controlled for African Boxthorn ( Lycium ferocissimum ).
• Staff conducted a successful program to control African Boxthorn ( Lycium ferocissimum ) on sections of the River Wakefield, which was Board funded. Work was carried out on four properties and covered a distance of 14 kilometres of riverine habitat.
• A program to remove African Boxthorn ( Lycium ferocissimum ) from areas of the River Wakefield was conducted. Four landholders were engaged in the program, which removed the plant from 14 kilometres of riverine area.
• Staff continued to survey priority areas in the Clare district for the presence of Boneseed ( Chrysanthemoides monilifera ). During the year, 40 ha of bushland were inspected with no new infestations recorded.
• Staff inspected known infestations of African Lovegrass ( Eragrostis curvula ) and Coolatia ( Hyparrhenia hirta ) and will manage the plant and monitor for their presence in coming years.
• Staff continued to promote the control of One-leaf Cape Tulip ( Moraea flaccida) in the Group area. The Board’s blanket wiper was hired to landholders and a demonstration site to be used for awareness was developed at a site near Clare. The AMLR NRM Board also borrowed the blanket wiper to assess its effectiveness.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 51 Community Engagement
• The Weed Warriors education program for schools continued in the Group area, with the Board supporting the program further by providing the services of one staff member (0.2) for the role of State Coordinator and for an interim period as National Coordinator.
• A Feral Deer Survey Feedback brochure was produced and forwarded to landholders who participated in the initial survey.
• As a means of promoting the activities of the Group, staff attended the Laura Folk Fair and the Clare Show. At the Laura Folk Fair, special attention was given to promoting the Easter Bilby as an alternative to the Easter Bunny. Staff visited two primary schools where a story of the Easter Bilby was read followed by a visit from the Easter Bilby.
• The RabbitScan program was promoted to primary schools within the Group area, with an officer of the Board attending one school site to demonstrate the practice and promote the importance of the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) as a major vertebrate pest in Australia.
• Staff conducted a weedbuster event, being a colouring-in competition for primary schools in the Group area, with information circulated to 36 sites. The event was well supported with 240 entries received.
• During the year, staff promoted the activities of the Group and programs with the use of print articles as well as local radio interviews.
• Two staff attended the first SA Weeds Conference convened by the Weed Management Society of South Australia Inc. A presentation was delivered that conveyed the programs and activities of the N&Y NRM Board.
• Staff arranged a tree planting activity at the Stockyard Creek Reserve with the Owen Primary School, with two officers attending.
Managing the impact of Pests
• Staff contributed to Broomrape ( Orobanche spp. ) surveying within the Murray Bridge quarantine area. Inspection of properties with linkages to the Broomrape quarantine area near Murray Bridge were conducted with no plants detected.
• All known deer farms in the Group area were inspected for compliance of fencing standard
• Livestock sales were monitored for the presence of stock offered for sale with declared plant contamination. Regular markets at Kapunda and Jamestown were attended and, for the final year, the Dublin Livestock Exchange was monitored each week until the boundary changes take effect and handover to the AMLR NRM Board. Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 52 • Staff continued to promote the release of bioagents for the control of declared plants in the Lower North area. Bioagents for the control of Gorse ( Ulex europeaus L. ), Salvation Jane ( Echium plantagineum ), Horehound ( Marrubium vulgare ), and Bridal Creeper ( Asparagus asparagoides ) were actively disseminated with on-going monitoring to occur for establishment and effectiveness.
• The Group convened a Creeping Knapweed ( Acroptilon repens ) field morning at Wandearah to deliver herbicide trial results to the community. The morning was well attended and promoted through local radio coverage of the event. Promotion of the Group’s African Boxthorn ( Lycium ferocissimum ) control program was also delivered and included a removal demonstration and site inspection.
• Staff conducted an informal trial controlling Silverleaf Nightshade ( Solanum elaegnifolium ) using the blanket wiper technique.
• Supply of fox baits to landholders increased from 2008/09 (7700), with a total supply of 1060 for the Group area. Staff provided expert advice and training directly to landholders in the use and responsibilities required of users of 1080 baits.
• Site audits were conducted for compliance with 1080 storage and mixing requirements at all relevant Lower North facilities.
• Two staff members accepted an invitation to promote fox baiting strategies at a meeting of the Nelshaby Agricultural Bureau. From the meeting, a new fox baiting group was formed which delivered best practice fox baiting to the local area.
• Declared animal and plant control on a fee-for-service basis was provided to the Department of Defence, the Department for Transport Energy and Infrastructure, and rail operators within the Group area.
• Staff attended a two day compliance update training workshop presented by the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Investigations Unit.
• An Alert Weeds training workshop was attended by field staff and delivered by the Biosecurity Unit of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.
• Staff continued to cooperate with other agencies. SA Water were regularly consulted in relation to infrastructure projects and management of plants such as Bridal Creeper ( Asparagus asparagoides ) and Monodenia Weed Orchid ( Monadenia bracteata L. ) at their Beetaloo Valley Reservoir site.
• One staff member assisted the Yorke Peninsula Group by helping with their fox baiting program at Marion Bay for one week.
• Staff met with AMLR NRM Board staff to discuss transitional arrangements in relation to boundary changes effective 30 June 2009.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 53 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board was established in December 2004 under the auspices of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. This report for the 2008-09 financial year fulfils the requirements of Section 38 of the Natural Resources Management Act.
ROLE OF THE GROUP
The Boards’ role is defined in the Natural Resources Management Act and includes:
• Taking an active role in the management of natural resources within the region and providing advice on natural resource issues; • Preparing a regional natural resources management plan; • Implementing the Board’s three-year business plan; • Promoting public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable NRM; • Providing advice on the assessment of activities or proposals referred under legislation or on any matter relevant to the condition or management of natural resources; and • Undertaking and supporting educational activities and increasing community capacity to undertake sustainable natural resource management.
FUNCTIONS OF THE LOWER NORTH GROUP
Section 52 of the Natural Resources Management Act describes the functions of the Lower North Natural Resources Management Group:
(1) The functions of a regional NRM group are— (a) to be actively involved in the development and implementation of any relevant regional NRM plan at the local level (to the extent specified or envisaged by that plan or specified by the relevant board or boards); and (b) to develop, implement or participate in programs associated with natural resources management at the local level; and (c) to promote public awareness of the importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management within its area and to undertake or support educational initiatives with respect to natural resources management; and (d) to provide advice to regional NRM boards, and other bodies and agencies, with respect to the assessment of various activities, proposals, situations or circumstances within its area; and (f) Such other functions prescribed by the regulations or assigned to the NRM group by a regional NRM board, or by or under this or any other Act.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 54 MEMBERSHIP
Section 48 of the Natural Resources Management Act provides for the appointment of the Lower North Natural Resources Management Group. The Group consists of up to 7 members, appointed by the regional NRM board, being persons who collectively have, in the opinion of the board, knowledge, skills and experience determined by the board or boards to enable the NRM group to carry out its functions effectively.
The membership of the Group during 2008-09 was:
Members
Number of Number of LN NRM Group Date of Membership Meetings Meetings Member Name in 2008-09 held attended • Rob Tilley 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 6 • John Cameron-Hill 1 July 2008 – 1 November 2008 6 2 • Andrew Philpot 1 July 2008 – 1 November 2008 6 2 • Karyn Durrant 23 June 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 4 • Pam Pilkington 23 June 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 5 • Beth Walton 23 June 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 6 • Jillian Wilsdon 15 December 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 3 • Roger Lang 15 December 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 3 • Phillip Johns 15 December 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 4
MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL
A total of 5 Group meetings and 1 informal workshop were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
A total of nil special Group meetings were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
The Lower North NRM Group has received regular support through attendance at meetings and technical expertise from Rural Solutions SA, Land Management Consultant, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Rural Solutions SA, the Department for Environment and Heritage, SA Water and the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board has developed an NRM Group Charter, policy and procedure for NRM Group meetings. Meeting minutes are provided to the NRM Board meetings.
The Lower North NRM Group of seven members is appointed and supported by the Northern and Yorke NRM Board.
All Group meetings are advertised as ‘open to the public’ and to facilitate public attendance, meetings are in various locations in Lower North area.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 55
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
On 11 August 2008 the Acting Treasurer approved a variation to the requirements of Treasurer’s Instruction 19 Financial Reporting such that the NRM Groups are not required to prepare general purpose financial reports for the year ending 30 June 2008, 30 June 2009 and 30 June 2010. The variation has been provided on the basis that the NRM Groups are advisory committees to the NRM Board and the financial information will be consolidated into the NRM Board general purpose report.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES
There were no significant functions assigned by the Minister during the 2008-09 period.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD
There were no significant functions assigned by the N&Y NRM Board during the 2008-09 period.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT
Section 56 – Accounts and Audit of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(3) An NRM group must cause proper accounts to be kept of its financial affairs and must cause financial statements to be prepared in respect of each financial year. (4) The Auditor-General may at any time, and must in respect of each financial year, audit the accounts and financial statements required under subsection (1)
Section 57-Annual Reports of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(3) An NRM group must, on or before 31 October in every year, provide to the regional NRM board or boards that have responsibility for the NRM group a report on its activities for the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June (and need not provide a report under section 6A of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 ). (4) The report must- (a) include a copy of the audited accounts and financial statements of the NRM group, and (b) include other information required by or under the regulations.
In regards to Section 57 (2) (b) there are no regulations applying.
SPECIFIC REPORTS
Section 58 of the Natural Resources Management Act states that: (1)The Minister or a regional NRM board may, by written notice to a regional NRM group, require the group to provide to the Minister or the Regional NRM board, within a period stated in the notice or at stated intervals, any report or reports relating to the performance, exercise or discharge of its functions, powers or responsibilities, as the Minister or the regional NRM board (as the case may be) thinks fit. (2) If a requirement is imposed under subsection (1), the regional NRM group must cause a statement of the fact of the imposition of the requirement to be published in its next annual report.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 56 COMMITTEES LISTING
Nil
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Group would like to thank the following for the support and encouragement that it has received over the year • The Minister and staff of Department for Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation, • Board and staff of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board, • Department of Environment & Heritage • Department of Primary Industries and Resources, • Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council, • District Council of Goyder, • Light Regional Council, • District Council of Mallala, • Northern Areas Council, • Port Pirie Regional Council, • Wakefield Regional Council, • The Barossa Council • SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board; and • the community of Northern and Yorke region.
GLOSSARY
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 57 ATTACHMENT 2: ANNUAL REPORT OF UPPER NORTH NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 58
UPPER NORTH NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP
ANNUAL REPORT
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 59
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Mr Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board PO Box 175 Crystal Brook SA 5523
Dear Merv
In accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 and section 59 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, I have pleasure in presenting the annual report of the Upper North Natural Resources Management Group for the year ended 30 June 2008.
My second year as Chairman of the Upper North NRM Group has been a continuous improvement in focusing the Group members on the protection of our unique northern natural resource asset.
Group Members have reported to me their intense interest in the role and willingness to provide local expert advice to the Board on NRM matters. Members are becoming more conceptual in their viewing of the environment, looking at landscape solutions rather than individual, isolated and unlinked repairs. We are also encouraging and assisting your staff with more community engagement and continually looking at promoting best practice in environmental management.
I am pleased to report that the Group is rapidly becoming fully inclusive in NRM matters. Members are professionally discussing issues, impacts and reparation activities in their entirety, taking into account soil condition and management, pest control, protecting and improving biodiversity and water management. In addition, I proudly report that the Group has a clear and diligent social conscience; its knowledge and understanding of the regions’ economic and environmental factors are helping board staff with the interpretation of the ‘objects’ of the NRM Act.
Finally, on behalf of the Upper North NRM Group, I wish to thank the Board Members for their attendance at our meetings, their encouragement and their advice. Also, I thank the General Manager and all other NRM Board staff for their committed support.
Peter McInnis Presiding Member Upper North Natural Resources Management Group
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 60 TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 60 FOREWORD ...... 62 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 63 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 64 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 68 ROLE OF THE GROUP ...... 68 FUNCTIONS OF THE UPPER NORTH GROUP ...... 69 MEMBERSHIP ...... 69 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 70 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 70 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 71 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 71 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ...... 71 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD ...... 71 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 71 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 72 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 72 GLOSSARY ...... 72
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 61 FOREWORD
Upper North Group members continue to share a belief that the sustainability of the natural resources in the area requires continuous care and commitment from each person. Group members are spread within the community to hear from individuals, community groups and to make personal observations; these reports they bring to bi-monthly meetings or contact NRM staff.
The Group remains confident that our biodiversity is receiving the necessary and adequate protection from the impact of introduced pest species and that we are leading the community forward in a continuous learning process for better managed land, sustainable biodiversity, protected coastal areas and sustainable water use.
The Group focus is moving towards empowering and educating the community to recognise the need to protect the natural assets and natural systems, and to voluntarily conduct best practice techniques in protection and reparation of the environment. Group members are very supportive of the Board’s priority to provide an education program for schools, and the Group actively encourages Board staff to become involved in school environmental activities.
Our rivers and streams have received particular attention this year with two major projects for the removal of feral trees from sections of the Willochra Creek and the Pekina Creek. In addition to these projects, the Group has supervised an intense wheel cactus control program near Peterborough and a major rabbit warren destruction program around Hawker, Orroroo, Carrieton and Peterborough.
The Group supports the continuation of the State Opuntia Task Force appointed to provide a complete assessment of ‘wheel cactus’ and give due consideration to the investigation of a biocontrol agent. Unfortunately the task force was not successful in securing funding for biocontrol research this year, however, it now recommends that wheel cactus be considered as a ‘weed of national significance’.
In past years, a major concern of the Upper North Group is the apparent deteriorating condition of the mature red gum trees growing in our unique water courses. The Group is pleased to have received a report and fact sheets for landowners.
Members report that community consultation and communication between the Upper North Group and owners of land is constantly improving, ensuring better informed and better equipped property managers, with up to date and best practice management methods to help protect and repair our unique and valuable natural asset. Next year we aim to move towards empowering the community to think and act in landscape scale, reducing adverse impacts on the environment and identify threats to natural systems. The Group area will increase next year to include the whole of the Peterborough Council area (previously part) which includes the majority of the severe wheel cactus invasion. Members intend to view the area, align the impact of wheel cactus with the Board’s pest risk management framework, and make recommendations to the Board. The Group looks forward to the 2009-10 year where every person in the community will be invited and encouraged to be an important stakeholder and valued partner in NRM matters.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 62 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT
The following annual reporting requirements are not included in this report as they are reported in the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board’s Annual Report:
• Plans and Objectives • Links between the Board and the SA Strategic Plan • Links between the Board and the State NRM Plan. • Object of the Natural Resources Management Act • Administration of the Act • Organisational Structure • Management of Human Resources • Equal Employment Opportunity Programs • Occupational, Health, Safety and Injury Management • Contractual Arrangements • Account Payment Performance • Fraud • Disability Action Plans • Asbestos Management in Government Buildings • Urban Design Charter • Freedom of Information • Energy Efficiency Action Plan Report • Greening of Government Operations Framework • Regional Impact Assessment Statements • Reconciliation Statement
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 63 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES
Reducing the impact on the natural resource through the management of ‘declared pest plant species’.
• Weeds of National Significance
Aim to eradicate ‘Mesquite and Parkinsonia’ woody weed within the Port Augusta Council area. 2,500 ha of land was inspected, 20 plants located and destroyed.
African Boxthorn: Manage State Transport Authority funding for follow up control of African Boxthorn weeds growing along the Highway One road reserve from Port Germein to Port Augusta. 13 plants were destroyed. A successful project.
• Controlled weeds on identified Crown Land allotments and road reserves adjacent to Crown Land.
Salvation Jane: Ongoing extensive monitoring and evaluation program for the biocontrol agent L. Echii ‘flee beetle controlling Salvation Jane weed in the Melrose area. Considerable damage to Salvation Jane was recorded.
• 6,378 kms of road reserves was inspected and adjacent landowners notified of the presence of introduced declared weeds. Weeds are controlled.
• Horehound: Eight land owners were advised on best practice management techniques for Horehound weeds.
• Horehound biocontrol agent ‘Plume Moth’ released and monitored in the Yatina Hills and in the Yatina township blocks.
• Bridal Creeper biocontrol ‘Puccinia Rust’ released in the Port Germein Gorge the previous year has spread to cover approximately 80% of plants. Pest plant biomass reduction is recorded as minimal. Results from other biocontrol sites in the State indicate that measurable impacts will occur during year three from release.
• 70 plant identifications for concerned landowners, and advice on best practice control or management techniques. This service has significantly increased from the previous year. A rare species of nutgrass was identified and specimens are now in the State Herbarium.
• 23 new infestations of Cut-leaf Mignonette were located and immediately destroyed near Pekina. The increase in recorded infestations from the previous year is due to more inspection time and not a rapid spread of the plant.
• Lincoln Weed: 2 new infestations of Lincoln Weed were located and immediately destroyed between Pekina and Tarcowie. The community is assisting the Group by reporting all Lincoln Weed sightings. Staff are immediately destroying each new infestation without cost to the adjacent landowner.
• Cape Tulip: Approximately 300 ‘One-leaf Cape Tulip’ weeds were found by Park Rangers, growing adjacent to the Mount Remarkable National Park. Staff
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 64 immediately destroyed Cape Tulip Plants, averting a possible serious weed invasion.
• Wild Artichoke infestation discovered growing in the Weepowie/Booleroo Springs. Plants to be controlled.
• Caltrop Weed successfully destroyed in local cemeteries and other amenity areas by the local Councils.
• Bathurst Burr Weed on road reserves and along numerous waterways in semi arid areas controlled.
• African Rue plants controlled on Minburra, Paratoo and Butterfields Roads to protect numerous neighbouring properties. A trial for new control techniques is continuing at Yalpara Station.
• Rail Corridors
Declared plants inspected and controlled on railway reserves for Transfield Pty Ltd. In particular, a major infestation of Bathurst Burr and Lincoln Weed controlled prior to seeding on the Black Rock rail corridor and prior to a major flood, which would have spread the weed kilometres along the waterway into Salt Creek. Possibly 100,000 ha protected.
• Declared plants inspected for Australian Track and Rail. Minor infestations controlled.
• Hudson Pear (cactus) on properties west of Port Augusta is a priority weed for destruction. Landowners successfully started their destruction programs this year.
• Rope Cactus plants destroyed on Aboriginal lands by ‘Cochineal’ biocontrol agent released by staff. Traditional owners inspected the sites with staff.
• Wheel Cactus Control Projects ($35,000)
• Wheel Cactus Eradication Program (previously control program) in the Pekina Hills was fully supported by 15 participating landowners. This section of the project was extremely successful, leaving minimal follow up work for land owners in subsequent years. Protected over 15,000 ha of biodiversity. • Wheel Cactus Eradication Program in the Telowie Hills (adjacent to the Telowie National Park) was highly successful. Will require follow up control work in later years due to high density, frequently impenetrable infestation. The program aims to protect 20,000 ha of high value biodiversity.
• Wheel Cactus Containment Program at Parnaroo (east of Peterborough). Destroyed scattered Wheel Cactus plants on the outer edge of the known main infestation at Parnaroo and provided a 300 metre buffer zone for neighbouring properties.
• Feral Olive and Ash tree removal from a portion of the Willochra Creek near Melrose township. Project Cost $97,340.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 65 • Feral Olive, Ash, Pepper Tree and fruit trees were mechanically felled and their stumps poisoned. The felled trees were extracted to natural clearings and were mulched into piles of wood chip.
• The waterway, stream banks and the remaining native vegetation were undamaged.
• 3 kilometres of creek with very high value natural biodiversity was protected through 7 landowners’ properties.
• Severe flood risk mitigated, creek banks were protected from redirected flooding and fire risk reduced.
• Feral Tree and Woody Weed removal from the Pekina Creek, near the Orroroo Townships. Project cost $36,726.
• Feral Pepper and Olive Trees, and African Boxthorn plants were mechanically removed from the Pekina Creek and mulched into wood chip. Biodiversity was protected in 7 kilometres of the Pekina Creek.
• Reducing the impact on the natural resource through the management of ‘declared pest animal’ species.
• Rabbit: Protected 252,893 hectares of biodiversity by controlling rabbits in the Hawker, Carrieton, Orroroo and Peterborough regions. Contracted up to 5 bulldozers to destroy 24,671 rabbit warrens (more than 250,000 rabbit burrows). 61 landowners provided in-kind support. A $495,000 project.
• 1080 Poison for Feral Animal Control
• Dispensed 4,260 pre-prepared 1080 poison fox baits (FoxOff) to landowners and advised each landowner on the safe storage and correct use of the baits in the field. Value of sales = $5,106.
• Injected 1080 poison liquid into 81,645 dried meat bait portions for fox control for the Department of Environment & Heritage. 16,629ml 1080 field solutions. Value of sales = $7,184.76.
• Wild Dogs
• Dispensed 360 prepared 1080 poison Wild Dog baits (Doggone) to landowners with instructions for best practice use. Value of sales = $567.
• Mixed 454 grams of 1080 powder into 10,900 ml stock solution.
• 1080 Bait Control
• 1080 self audit – ensure MSDS updated, equipment safe to use and all safety precautions in place and storage of 1080 adequately locked.
• Successfully passed DWLBC on-site Level 3 1080 Use Audit.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 66 • Managed the 1080 Register with accuracy. Register passed audit.
Compliance
• Three landowners in the Melrose area were prosecuted for the release of fallow deer into an area and their subsequent escape into the Mount Remarkable hills range.
• Staff worked with landowners and successfully avoided all enforcement processes in declared plant control processes.
• Voluntary removal of kept feral goats from property near Quorn township.
Community Engagement and Communication
• Community consultation workshops for the Board’s ‘draft Regional Plan’.
• Demonstration of best practice Wheel Cactus control techniques near Peterborough for the Hundred of Hardy group.
• Meetings with ‘Friends of Back Beach’ Group to discuss strategies for weed control.
• Meetings with ‘Westside Friends’ Group to discuss NRM projects.
• On-ground works.
• Education Kit.
• Cobham rehabilitation project.
• Caltowie Corridors of Green.
Managing the Soil Resource
• Landowner in the Richmond Valley, Quorn, assisted with preventing continuing soil loss through water erosion.
• 18 landowners met at the Port Germein Town Hall to discuss continuing sand drift and dust from properties causing soil degradation, crop losses, human health issues and low driving visibility along Highway 1. Prompt action stopped soil drift. Soil cover monitored monthly for 15 months.
Managing the Water Resource
• Inspection and report on flooding at Mambray Creek.
• Inspection and report on flooding and drainage into the Quorn township.
Managing Board Assets
• Fire equipment fully serviced every six months.
• Storage shed at Carrieton maintained. Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 67
• Equipment serviced.
• Asset register verified and updated.
Occupational Health and Safety
• 1 injury – minor muscle strain from rope pull-starting ATV motorbike engine.
Program Monitoring
• Bushland condition monitoring.
• Permanent pool monitoring.
Group Initiatives and actions
• Review options paper on ‘Declared Animal and Plant Control on Road Reserves’.
• Successfully applied for grant funding to “protect biodiversity from the impact of rabbits by destroying rabbit warrens”.
• Support ‘road reserve pest alert’ draft document.
• Strengthening of feral goat traps.
• Phase 2 of the rabbit warren destruction project ‘a rabbit burrow fumigation kit’ available to landowners.
• Support project for providing information on ‘Mound Springs’.
• Support Flinders Honours student for ‘crab study’ - $5,000.
• 3 Quiet Achievers awards presented to individuals in the community who have made a significant contribution to natural resources management in the area.
ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board was established in December 2004 under the auspices of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. This report for the 2008-09 financial year fulfils the requirements of Section 38 of the Natural Resources Management Act.
ROLE OF THE GROUP
The Board’s role is defined in the Natural Resources Management Act and includes:
• Taking an active role in the management of natural resources within the region and providing advice on natural resource issues; • Preparing a regional natural resources management plan; • Implementing the Board’s three-year business plan;
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 68 • Promoting public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable NRM; • Providing advice on the assessment of activities or proposals referred under legislation or on any matter relevant to the condition or management of natural resources; and • Undertaking and supporting educational activities and increasing community capacity to undertake sustainable natural resource management.
FUNCTIONS OF THE UPPER NORTH GROUP
Section 52 of the Natural Resources Management Act describes the functions of the Upper North Natural Resources Management Group:
(1) The functions of a regional NRM group are— (a) to be actively involved in the development and implementation of any relevant regional NRM plan at the local level (to the extent specified or envisaged by that plan or specified by the relevant board or boards); and (b) to develop, implement or participate in programs associated with natural resources management at the local level; and (c) to promote public awareness of the importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management within its area and to undertake or support educational initiatives with respect to natural resources management; and (d) to provide advice to regional NRM boards, and other bodies and agencies, with respect to the assessment of various activities, proposals, situations or circumstances within its area; and (g) Such other functions prescribed by the regulations or assigned to the NRM group by a regional NRM board, or by or under this or any other Act.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 48 of the Natural Resources Management Act provides for the appointment of the Upper North Natural Resources Management Group. The Group consists of up to 7 members, appointed by the regional NRM board, being persons who collectively have, in the opinion of the board, knowledge, skills and experience determined by the Board or Boards to enable the NRM Group to carry out its functions effectively.
The membership of the Group during 2008-09 was:
Members
• Peter McInnis • Jane Luckraft • Paul Slattery • Rieck Shine • Leon Clapp • Geraldine Davis • Paul Kretschmer
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 69 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL
A total of 6 Group meetings were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
A total of nil special Group meetings were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
Number of Number of UN NRM Group Date of Membership Meetings Meetings Member Name in 2008-09 held attended • Peter McInnis 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 5 • Paul Slattery 1 July 2008 – 1 November 2008 6 6 • Jane Luckraft 1 July 2008 – 1 November 2008 6 6 • Rieck Shine 23 June 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 5 • Geraldine Davis 23 June 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 4 • Paul Kretschmer 23 June 2008 – 30 June 2009 6 1 • Leon Clapp 1 July 2008 – 1 November 2008 6 2 • Rosalind Francis 22 June 2009 – 30 June 2009 6 0
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
The Upper North NRM Group has worked in a continuing good relationship with Local Governments and State Government Departments.
Communication between and within the agencies is effective and efficient in ensuring active natural resource management across the upper north area.
Contributions to the Upper North Group for effective natural resource management, from:
• The Crown • Transfield Pty Ltd and Adelaide Track and Rail • Transport SA • SA Water • ForestrySA • Department for Environment and Heritage • Aboriginal Lands • Greening Australia • DWLBC • Weeds of National Significance, and CRC • Rural Solutions SA • District Council of Orroroo Carrieton • The Flinders Ranges Council • District Council of Mount Remarkable • District Council of Peterborough • City Council of Port Augusta
Interactive with adjacent NRM Boards • Arid lands NRM Board • Murray Darling Basin NRM Board • Eyre Peninsula NRM Board
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 70 Interaction with other NRM Boards has slowed significantly as increasing individual workload demand an internal focus.
GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The N&Y NRM Board has developed an NRM Group Charter, policy and procedure for NRM Group meetings. Meeting minutes are provided to the NRM Board meetings.
The Upper North NRM Group of seven members is appointed and supported by the Northern and Yorke NRM Board.
Peter McInnis, of Hawker is the appointed Chairman of the Upper North NRM Group for the third successive year and Stacey Shackleford remains 0.5 Administrative Officer located at the Orroroo NRM office.
The Group prepares to meet six times in a year, it has met with a quorum on all six occasions. Northern and Yorke NRM Board Members K Ward, J Bishop, K Bowman and J O’Reilly have attended and contributed to all Group meetings.
All Group meetings are advertised as ‘open to the public’ and to facilitate public attendance, meetings are held across the Upper North area.
• Meeting No 11, 8 July 2008 held at Wirrabara • Meeting No 12, 16 September 2008 held at Yongala • Meeting No 13, 25 November 2008 held at Carrieton • Meeting No 14, 13 January 2009 held at Orroroo • Meeting No 15, 3 March 2009 held at Quorn • Meeting No 16, 5 May 2009 held Pt Augusta.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
On 11 August 2008 the Acting Treasurer approved a variation to the requirements of Treasurer’s Instruction 19 Financial Reporting such that the NRM Groups are not required to prepare general purpose financial reports for the year ending 30 June 2008, 30 June 2009 and 30 June 2010. The variation has been provided on the basis that the NRM Groups are advisory committees to the NRM Board and the financial information will be consolidated into the NRM Board general purpose report.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES
There were no significant functions assigned by the Minister during the 2008-09 period.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD
There were no significant functions assigned by the N&Y NRM Board during the 2008-09 period.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT
Section 56 – Accounts and Audit of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(1) An NRM group must cause proper accounts to be kept of its financial affairs and must cause financial statements to be prepared in respect of each financial year. Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 71 (2) The Auditor-General may at any time, and must in respect of each financial year, audit the accounts and financial statements required under subsection (1)
Section 57-Annual Reports of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(1) An NRM group must, on or before 31 October in every year, provide to the regional NRM board or boards that have responsibility for the NRM group a report on its activities for the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June (and need not provide a report under section 6A of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 ). (2) The report must- (a) include a copy of the audited accounts and financial statements of the NRM group, and (b) include other information required by or under the regulations.
In regards to Section 57 (2) (b) there are no regulations applying.
SPECIFIC REPORTS
Section 58 of the Natural Resources Management Act states that: (1) The Minister or a regional NRM board may, by written notice to a regional NRM group, require the group to provide to the Minister or the Regional NRM board, within a period stated in the notice or at stated intervals, any report or reports relating to the performance, exercise or discharge of its functions, powers or responsibilities, as the Minister or the regional NRM board (as the case may be) thinks fit. (2) If a requirement is imposed under subsection (1), the regional NRM group must cause a statement of the fact of the imposition of the requirement to be published in its next annual report.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Group would like to thank the Minister and staff of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation for the support and encouragement that it has received over the year.
GLOSSARY
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 72 ATTACHMENT 3: ANNUAL REPORT OF YORKE PENINSULA NRM GROUP
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 73
YORKE PENINSULA NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP
ANNUAL REPORT
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 74
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Merv Lewis Presiding Member Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board PO Box 175 Crystal Brook SA 5523
Dear Merv,
In accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 and section 59 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, I have pleasure in presenting the annual report of the Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group for the year ended 30 June 2008.
The Yorke Peninsula Group has held six meetings during the period June 2008 to July 2009. The Group had a full membership of seven members following the resignation of two members and the appointment of four new members. Technical and operational support was received from state agencies and Board staff.
Yours sincerely,
Raymond Agnew Presiding Member Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 75 TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...... 75 FOREWORD ...... 77 NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 78 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ...... 79 ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ...... 82 ROLE OF THE GROUP ...... 82 FUNCTIONS OF THE YORKE PENINSULA NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP ...... 82 MEMBERSHIP ...... 83 MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ...... 83 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...... 83 GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS ...... 84 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 84 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ...... 84 STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD ...... 84 REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT ...... 84 SPECIFIC REPORTS ...... 85 COMMITTEES LISTING ...... 85 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 85 GLOSSARY ...... 85
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 76 FOREWORD
This is the Annual Report for the Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management (NRM) Group who has provided support to the Yorke Peninsula community over three local government areas Barunga West, Copper Coast and Yorke Peninsula during times of difficult seasonal conditions that have placed stresses on primary production and associated business enterprises.
The NRM Group has met six times during the past year and we are greatly indebted to the staff in our region. Team Leader Deb Agnew tendered her resignation during December 2007 and concluded duties on 25 th January 2008. Officer Rob Lincoln was appointed Team Leader and with Regional Officers Ken Rudd and Hannah Short who joined the Group in April 2008 and Administration Support Officer Fabienne Dee have coordinated extensive on-ground programs, regularly seeking local knowledge on issues relevant to delivery of these projects from the Group. The enthusiasm, advice and direction they have offered to our group has been most appreciated. The Group has also benefited from access to technical expertise provided by Rural Solutions SA, land management unit and from Board provided field officer support in implementing the Australian Government funded programs.
Looking forward to the future we need to continue to develop the capacity of the Group to establish linkages with the community and landholders in particular, engaging them in the whole of community task of improving our natural resources. Unfortunately due to resignations and delays in appointing new Group Members some fragmentation of activities occurred. I am pleased to be able to report that this situation has been rectified and newly appointed members are fulfilling their roles in a very competent manner.
The resilience of Yorke Peninsula’s natural environment, particularly sensitive coastal areas, is under increasing pressure from human recreational uses that require careful management. In addition Primary Industries play a crucial role in the social and economic fabric of the region, and the promotion and protection of these activities is a key component of Group endeavours. The YP Group faces challenging times but as can be seen from the report we have been actively implementing our plans, goals, and objectives. The key concerns of the Yorke Peninsula Group are summarised as: • management of soil wind erosion - much of the farmed land is susceptible to this form of degradation due to its inherent properties. • establishing effective strategies for balancing recreation with preservation of environmental integrity in the coastal zone. • ensuring early intervention that prevents the spread and wider establishment of pest plants and animals. • the need for increased engagement of landholders in activities that protect and restore remnant native vegetation. • the need to gain knowledge and understanding of the groundwater basins within the Group area so that steps for ongoing management can be developed. • understanding the way forward in the area of marine natural resource management.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 77
NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT
The following annual reporting requirements are not included in this report as they are reported in the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board’s Annual Report:
• Plans and Objectives • Links between the Board and the SA Strategic Plan • Links between the Board and the State NRM Plan • Object of the Natural Resources Management Act • Administration of the Act • Organisational Structure • Management of Human Resources • Equal Employment Opportunity Programs • Commitment to Customer Service • Occupational, Health, Safety and Injury Management • Contractual Arrangements • Account Payment Performance • Fraud • Consultants • Overseas Travel • Disability Action Plans • Asbestos Management in Government Buildings • Urban Design Charter • Freedom of Information • Energy Efficiency Action Plan Report • Greening of Government Operations Framework • Regional Impact Assessment Statements • Reconciliation Statement.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 78 OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES
Achievements
• Provided continued funding of up to $2 000 for the Project ‘SYP Fox Baiting for Biodiversity’ in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Heritage. Officers assisted with the first round of baiting for the SYP Biodiversity Project that took place in February 2009. On properties within the core zone Officers were also responsible for the collection and destruction of any untaken baits
• Officers have been requested to participate as Technical Officers on an Australian Government Envirofund, (Science afoot).
• Requested two property inspections in relation to a reported land management degradation issue.
• Prepared and submitted press releases advising of services available to the community for management of pest animals and plants.
• Continued to support the rehabilitation of road verges through three local government regions by ensuring planting of desirable species was carried out.
• A letter of support for funding was prepared and provided to the Goreta Community at Point Pearce.
• Received one request for declared plant control work to be carried out from a landholder within the Group area.
• Successful in gaining funding for trials to be carried out on White weeping broom (Retama raetam) s pecies to identify best management practice.
• Engaged on local government body in a joint program for managing bridal veil (Asparagus declinatus ) across land tenures.
• Media releases; detailing the Group and the area of its jurisdiction. Including a local radio interview.
Operational Activities
NRM Action
On-Ground Works Funding:
During 2008/09, 47 sites were visited by NRM Board staff and contractors in the Yorke Peninsula Group region. These inspections resulted in 45 Landholders having 48 private and public on-ground works projects being approved for funding with an estimated investment of just over $280,000.
Funding was split over seven program areas:
Estimated Funding Area Landholders Projects amount
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 79 Covanent (HA) 1 1 $10,289
Biodiversity 10 15 $73,700
Coastal 11 14 $55,690
Environmental Weeds 1 1 $6,000
Land Management 6 12 $25,766
Revegetation 2 2 $2,050
Salinity 17 27 $107,075
TOTAL 48 72 $280,570
As project funds are normally provided to the land owner/manager on a dollar for dollar basis, over $560K in project value was committed for investment in natural resource management in the region.
Pest Plant and Animal Management
Pest Animals:
• Officers coordinated and facilitated the supply and best practice management of baiting programs for reducing the damage caused by foxes to primary production. The emphasis’ were on coordinated action over local areas with neighbouring properties and on landholder participation and commitment to the program.
• Costs of baits are recoverable and the following bait material was supplied: o 196 x 50 bait pails: 77 x 20 bait pails: 7 x 12 bait pails.
• Technical expertise, bait and baiting equipment to build the capacity of the community to manage rabbit problems are provided by the Officers. Advice is given as to the best practice options for implementing effective rabbit control.
• Officers continue to monitor sites that were involved in the Department of Water, Land, and Biodiversity Conservation facilitated trial for release of RHDV for rabbits on bait material. This method of trialling allows for evaluation of effectiveness, and is a state wide program.
• Keepers of deer have their properties inspected for compliance with industry standards for containment and fencing. Since the 2006/07 inspections some deer farmers have left the industry and some unregistered herds have been reported to Rural Solutions.
Pest Plant Prevention and Containment:
• Contribution to the State Branched Broomrape Eradication Program of 10 days plus links surveys
• Joint program with local government for containment of bridal veil (Asparagus declinatus) implemented across local regions.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 80 • Program of destruction for the declared plant; creeping knapweed (Acroptilon repens). Inspections have revealed that all but one infested site now appears to have been eradicated.
• Inspections of recorded infestations of Silver-leaf–nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), have revealed that previous control treatments have proved successful.
• First round of trial work for Finding an Effective Method for Control of White Weeping Broom at two sites undertaken and funding approved for a continuation of the project. Permission was gained from Aboriginal groups to enter this land.
• The cross regional Boneseed (Chysanthemoides monilifera spp) project was carried through to the completion including the preparation of a “Ten Year Plan”.
• Further mapping of the declared plant and weed of national significance; Boneseed (Chysanthemoides monilifera spp.); at discrete infestation sites.
• Continuance of a voluntary management agreement with one landholder for a three year term, for the declared plant Innocent Weed (Cenchrus longispinus).
• Native Vegetation Council funding secured for research trial ‘Finding an Effective Method for Control of White Weeping Broom (Retama raetam)’, supported by SARDI and DWLBC research personnel.
Pest Plant Management:
• Expressions of interest sought for the possible distribution of biological control agents for two declared plant species, Salvation Jane (Echium plantagineum) and Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides).
• Coordinated a road reserve program for the declared plant; African Boxthorn (Lycium ferrocismum) adjoining properties HD Ramsay, Para/Wurlie. Melville, Moorowie, Dalrymple. There was a very good response from landholders with minimal control required. Sixty landholders did the necessary work and contractors treated 16 road verge infestations for a total cost of $5 783.
• Delivered a program of declared plant control on unoccupied crown land as funded by the Department for Environment and Heritage. The YP Group allocation was fully used and invoices submitted.
• Applied funding from the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure for the management of declared plant species on road and rail reserves; $3 178 and $2 500 respectively. This allocated funding was spent and invoices submitted.
NRM Activities and Promotion
• All staff and a member attended a soil erosion and risk workshop held in the Lower North region. Information and knowledge gained enabled those who attended to have the capacity to identify potential wind and soil erosion issues.
• Locally based NRM staff also participated in numerous regional activities during the year and produced a number of print and radio releases for local media. Staff also participated in a number of regional and local planning sessions and workshops.
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 81
• Site inspections and technical assessments for local delivery on the Board’s ‘NRM Action’ program.
• Facilitation and presentation at community/progress association and agricultural bureau meetings.
• Coordinated community engagement programs were held for the national initiatives; ‘weed warriors’, and ‘weed busters’ Central Yorke Peninsula and Southern Yorke Peninsula primary schools.
• Pest animal management and declared plant Fact Sheets were developed and are available on the Board website.
• A plant identification service is available to the general public and has been extensively utilised.
• In kind support to an Australian Government Envirofund project submitted by a local primary school was provided – included technical and operational support.
• Field officers presented at community group forums for environmental management and to explain procedures involved when proposing declaration of certain plant species.
• Joint programs were established with local government bodies to: o reduce the abundance of rabbits in semi-urban areas, o establish competitive weed control by revegetation of degraded road reserves.
ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board was established in December 2004 under the auspices of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. This report for the 2008-09 financial year fulfils the requirements of Section 38 of the Natural Resources Management Act.
ROLE OF THE GROUP
The Boards’ role is defined in the Natural Resources Management Act and includes:
• Taking an active role in the management of natural resources within the region and providing advice on natural resource issues; • Preparing a regional natural resources management plan; • Implementing the Board’s three-year business plan; • Promoting public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable NRM; • Providing advice on the assessment of activities or proposals referred under legislation or on any matter relevant to the condition or management of natural resources; and • Undertaking and supporting educational activities and increasing community capacity to undertake sustainable natural resource management.
FUNCTIONS OF THE YORKE PENINSULA NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 82 Section 52 of the Natural Resources Management Act describes the functions of the Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group:
(1) The functions of a regional NRM group are: (a) to be actively involved in the development and implementation of any relevant regional NRM plan at the local level (to the extent specified or envisaged by that plan or specified by the relevant board or boards); and (b) to develop, implement or participate in programs associated with natural resources management at the local level; and (c) to promote public awareness of the importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management within its area and to undertake or support educational initiatives with respect to natural resources management; and (d) to provide advice to regional NRM boards, and other bodies and agencies, with respect to the assessment of various activities, proposals, situations or circumstances within its area; and (h) Such other functions prescribed by the regulations or assigned to the NRM group by a regional NRM board, or by or under this or any other Act.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 48 of the Natural Resources Management Act provides for the appointment of the Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group. The Group consists of up to 7 members, appointed by the regional NRM board, being persons who collectively have, in the opinion of the board, knowledge, skills and experience determined by the board or boards to enable the NRM group to carry out its functions effectively.
The membership of the Group during 2008-09 was:
Members
Number of Number of YP NRM Group Date of Membership Meetings Meetings Member Name in 2008-09 held attended • Raymond Agnew 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 4 • Alan Twartz 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 5 • Caroline Paterson 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 2 • Corinne Bussenschutt 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 2 • Paula McKay 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 1 • Deborah Furbank 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 5 • Richard Way 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009 5 5
MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL
A total of 5 general Group meetings were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
A total of nil special Group meetings were held during the 2008-09 financial year.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 83 The Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group has received regular support through attendance at meetings and technical expertise from Rural Solutions SA, Land Management Consultant.
The Yorke Peninsula Group has an effective and productive working relationship with the District Council of Yorke Peninsula. Both organisations have contributed to the program aimed at eradication of the invasive plant species Bridal Veil (Asparagus declinatus).
The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Rural Solutions SA, the Department for Environment and Heritage, the CRC for Australian Weed Management, SA Water and the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure and the South Australian Research and Development Institute have supported the Group operational programs in collaborative on-ground activity.
GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board has developed an NRM Group Charter, policy and procedure for NRM Group meetings. Meeting minutes are provided to the NRM Board meetings.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
On 11 August 2008, the Acting Treasurer approved a variation to the requirements of Treasurer’s Instruction 19 Financial Reporting such that the NRM Groups are not required to prepare general purpose financial reports for the year ending 30 June 2008, 30 June 2009 and 30 June 2010. The variation has been provided on the basis that the NRM Groups are advisory committees to the NRM Board and the financial information will be consolidated into the NRM Board general purpose report.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES
There were no significant functions assigned by the Minister during the 2008-09 period.
STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE BOARD
There were no significant functions assigned by the N&Y NRM Board during the 2008-09 period.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT
Section 56 – Accounts and Audit of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(3) An NRM group must cause proper accounts to be kept of its financial affairs and must cause financial statements to be prepared in respect of each financial year. (4) The Auditor-General may at any time, and must in respect of each financial year, audit the accounts and financial statements required under subsection (1)
Section 57-Annual Reports of the Natural Resources Management Act requires that:
(5) An NRM group must, on or before 31 October in every year, provide to the regional NRM board or boards that have responsibility for the NRM group a report on its activities for the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June (and need not provide a report under section 6A of the Public Sector Management Act 1995 ). (6) The report must-
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 84 (a) include a copy of the audited accounts and financial statements of the NRM group, and (b) include other information required by or under the regulations.
In regards to Section 57(2)(b) there are no regulations applying.
SPECIFIC REPORTS
Section 58 of the Natural Resources Management Act states that:
(1) The Minister or a regional NRM board may, by written notice to a regional NRM group, require the group to provide to the Minister or the Regional NRM board, within a period stated in the notice or at stated intervals, any report or reports relating to the performance, exercise or discharge of its functions, powers or responsibilities, as the Minister or the regional NRM board (as the case may be) thinks fit. (2) If a requirement is imposed under subsection (1), the regional NRM group must cause a statement of the fact of the imposition of the requirement to be published in its next annual report.
COMMITTEES LISTING
Nil
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Group would like to thank the following for the support and encouragement that it has received over the year • Department for Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation • Board and staff of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board. • Department for Environment & Heritage • Department of Primary Industries and Resources • District Council of Barunga West • District Council of the Copper Coast • District Council of Yorke Peninsula; and • the community of Northern and Yorke region.
GLOSSARY
Northern & Yorke NRM Board Annual Report 2008-09 Page 85