Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources 2016-17 Annual Report Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources 81-95 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000 GPO Box 1047, Adelaide SA 5001 www.environment.sa.gov.au Contact phone number +61 8 8204 1910 Contact email [email protected] ISSN 2202-6673 Date presented to Minister: 29 September 2017 2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Contents Contents .................................................................................................................... 3 Section A: Reporting required under the Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Sector Regulations 2010 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 ................. 4 Agency purpose or role ..................................................................................................... 4 Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 4 Key strategies and their relationship to SA Government objectives ................................... 5 Agency programs and initiatives and their effectiveness and efficiency ............................. 6 Legislation administered by the agency ........................................................................... 27 Organisation of the agency .............................................................................................. 28 Other agencies related to this agency (within the Minister’s area/s of responsibility) ....... 30 Employment opportunity programs .................................................................................. 30 Agency performance management and development systems ........................................ 30 Occupational health, safety and rehabilitation programs of the agency and their effectiveness ................................................................................................................... 30 Fraud detected in the agency .......................................................................................... 31 Strategies implemented to control and prevent fraud ....................................................... 32 Whistle-blowers’ disclosure ............................................................................................. 32 Executive employment in the agency............................................................................... 33 Consultants ..................................................................................................................... 33 Financial performance of the agency ............................................................................... 34 Other information requested by the Minister(s) or other significant issues affecting the agency or reporting pertaining to independent functions .................................................. 35 Section B: Reporting required under any other act or regulation ..................... 36 Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Act 2005………………………………………………………….39 Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 ................................... 43 Crown Land Management Act 2009 ................................................................................ 46 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 ............................................................................... 49 River Murray Act 2003 ..................................................................................................... 50 Wilderness Protection Act 1992 ....................................................................................... 53 Section C: Reporting of public complaints as requested by the Ombudsman. 68 Summary of complaints by subject .................................................................................. 68 Complaint outcomes ........................................................................................................ 68 Appendix: Audited financial statements 2016-17 ................................................ 69 3 | P a g e 2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Section A: Reporting required under the Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Sector Regulations 2010 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 Agency purpose or role The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) is the lead agency responsible for managing South Australia’s natural resources. DEWNR’s purpose is ‘To help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper’. The department’s functions encompass a diverse range of areas including climate change, water security, River Murray health, nature conversation, sustainable land management, built and cultural heritage, and management of the state’s parks, botanic gardens and public land. These functions are delivered in partnership with the state’s eight natural resources management (NRM) boards providing advice, information and support to both community and government. DEWNR’s work is essential to South Australia’s future social, environmental and economic prosperity. DEWNR works with business, individuals and government to deliver growth while securing a natural resource base, underpinning the viability of industries including agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining and energy, manufacturing, tourism, health, the arts and recreation. Delivery of the Nature-based Tourism Strategy supports new business opportunities and is a key contributor to South Australia’s economic development. DEWNR helps to conserve ecosystems, protect native vegetation, manage fire and flood, look after animals and provide environmental water for a healthy environment. The department also manages iconic sites, parks and places so that people can enjoy and connect with nature. Objectives DEWNR’s Corporate Plan 2016-19 outlines four high-level goals focussing on climate change, the state’s natural resources, connecting people to nature, parks and places, and water management: Goal 1 – Taking action to address and adapt to our changing climate What success looks like: South Australia is resilient and adapting to the impacts of climate change. We are steadily moving towards our net zero emissions target. Adelaide is carbon neutral and we have taken full advantage of economic opportunities presented by taking action on climate change. Goal 2 – Sustaining the natural resources of our state What success looks like: Our strong and healthy natural resource base supports diverse and resilient systems, a thriving economy and vibrant communities. Goal 3 – Connecting people to nature, parks and places What success looks like: People value South Australia’s natural environment and cultural assets and enjoy the health and social benefits of parks. Sustainable, nature-based tourism is flourishing, creating jobs and improving the economy. Goal 4 – Managing water for the future What success looks like: A sustainable and fit for purpose supply of water is available from a range of sources to support the health of the environment, industry, communities and the economy. Further information is available from: www.environment.sa.gov.au/about-us/our-plans 4 | P a g e 2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Key strategies and their relationship to SA Government objectives Key strategy SA Government objective Develop and implement a plan to South Australia’s Economic Priorities: deliver Carbon Neutral Adelaide in • Growth through innovation. partnership with Adelaide City • International connections. Council. • Opening doors for small business. Develop climate change adaptation • Unlocking our resources. plans across all state government South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP): regions. • Target 59: Greenhouse gas emissions Lead and coordinate state reduction. government efforts to implement • Target 62: Climate change South Australia's Climate Change adaptation. Strategy 2015-2050 - Towards a low carbon economy. Contribute to the Climate Action Roundtable, the Meeting of Environment Ministers, and the National Environmental Protection Council. Engage with key international climate change organisations, including The Climate Group and RegionsAdapt. Manage native species and natural South Australia’s Economic Priority: systems to sustain biodiversity for • Unlocking our resources. future generations. South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP): Work with our partners to manage the • Target 69: Lose no species. impact of natural hazards, specifically • Target 70: Sustainable land bushfire and flood, on our land, management. biodiversity, economy and • Target 71: Marine biodiversity. communities. • Target 72: Nature conservation. Support economic growth and regional development by unlocking opportunities for investment and innovation through enabling the sustainable use of our natural resources. Manage our parks, gardens and South Australia’s Economic Priorities: places to be world class and offer • Destination of choice. nature-based and cultural • International connections. experiences that: • Opening doors for small business. - attract local, national and South Australia’s Strategic Priorities: international visitors; • Creating a vibrant city. - improve the state's economy and • Every chance for every child. create new jobs; • Safe communities, healthy - conserve the environment; and neighbourhoods. - provide educational and health benefits. 5 | P a g e 2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Key strategy SA Government objective