northern and yorke natural resources ......resources management for the region‘s soil, water,...

NORTHERN AND YORKE

NATURAL RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT BOARD

ANNUAL REPORT

1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010

_______________________________________________________________________________ NORTHERN AND YORKE NRM Board Annual Report 2009-10

Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board

Annual Report 2009-10

For further information please contact:

General Manager


PO Box 175

CRYSTAL BROOK SA 5523

Telephone: (08) 8636 2361

Facsimile: (08) 8636 2371

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.nynrm.sa.gov.au

ABN: 52 523 451 613

October 2010


TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ................................................................ 6

FOREWORD ..................................................................................... 7

PLANS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................... 8

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S STRATEGIC PLAN ............................................ 8

LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE SA STRATEGIC PLAN ............... 8

STATE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................... 9

LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE STATE NRM PLAN 2006 ............ 10

OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ......................................................... 11

OBJECT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT ................. 19

ROLE OF THE BOARD ................................................................... 20

FUNCTIONS OF THENORTHERN AND YORKE NRM BOARD .................. 20

MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................. 21

MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ............................................... 23

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ........................................ 25

GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS .................................................... 25

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ..................................................... 28

EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS ................................... 29

SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE BOARD ......................... 29

EXECUTIVES ............................................................................... 30

LEAVE MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 30

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY .............................................................. 30

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS ......................... 32

PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT ........................................................ 32

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT................................ 32

ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES ................................................... 33

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS .......................................... 33

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY MANAGEMENT ............. 33

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE .............................................................. 35

CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS ...................................................... 38

ACCOUNT PAYMENT PERFORMANCE ................................................. 39

FRAUD ........................................................................................... 39

CONSULTANTS ................................................................................ 39

COMMUNITY GRANTS REGISTER ....................................................... 40

REPORTING AGAINST THE CARERS RECOGNITION ACT ........................ 41

DISABILITY ACTION PLANS .............................................................. 42

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ....................... 42

URBAN DESIGN CHARTER ................................................................. 42

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – INFORMATION STATEMENTS ................. 43

PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION STATEMENT ................................. 43

STATISTICAL REPORTING ............................................................. 43

WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT 1993 ......................................... 44

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORT ...................................... 44

GREENING OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FRAMEWORK .................... 45

REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS ................................... 45

RECONCILIATION STATEMENT ......................................................... 45


STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT MINISTERIAL DIRECTIVES ....... 45

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY MINISTER

.................................................................................................... 46

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS DELEGATED TO THE

BOARD .......................................................................................... 46

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES LISTING .................................................. 46

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................... 49

GLOSSARY ..................................................................................... 49

PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2009-10 ....................... 50

ATTACHMENT 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR GENERAL’S

REPORT ......................................................................................... 51

ATTACHMENT 2: ANNUAL REPORT OF LOWER NORTH NRM GROUP........ 70

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ............................................................... 72

FOREWORD .................................................................................... 73

NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ........ 74


ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ............................................ 78

ROLE OF THE GROUP ................................................................... 79

FUNCTIONS OF THE LOWER NORTH GROUP ..................................... 79

MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................. 79





STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ................ 81

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE

BOARD .......................................................................................... 81


GROUP .......................................................................................... 81

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS DELEGATED BY THE

GROUP .......................................................................................... 82

COMMITTEES LISTING ..................................................................... 82

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................... 82

ATTACHMENT 3: ANNUAL REPORT OF UPPER NORTH NRM GROUP ......... 83

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ............................................................... 85

FOREWORD .................................................................................... 86

NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ........ 87


REDUCING THE IMPACT ON THE NATURAL RESOURCE THROUGH THE

MANAGEMENT OF ‘DECLARED PEST PLANT’ SPECIES. .......................... 90

REDUCING THE IMPACT ON THE NATURAL RESOURCE THROUGH THE

MANAGEMENT OF ‘DECLARED PEST ANIMAL’ SPECIES. ........................ 92

ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ............................................... 95

ROLE OF THE GROUP ................................................................... 96

FUNCTIONS OF THE UPPER NORTH GROUP ...................................... 96

MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................. 96






STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES ................ 98


BOARD .......................................................................................... 99


GROUP .......................................................................................... 99


GROUP ........................................................................................ 100

COMMITTEES LISTING ................................................................... 100

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................. 100

ATTACHMENT 4: ANNUAL REPORT OF YORKE PENINSULA NRM GROUP 101

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ............................................................. 103

FOREWORD .................................................................................. 104

NRM GROUP MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE NRM BOARD’S REPORT ...... 105

OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES ....................................................... 106

ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE .......................................... 108

ROLE OF THE GROUP ................................................................. 108

FUNCTIONS OF THE YORKE PENINSULA GROUP ............................. 108

MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................ 108

MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ............................................. 109

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ...................................... 109

GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS .................................................. 110

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ............................................................ 110

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES .............. 110


BOARD ........................................................................................ 110


GROUP ........................................................................................ 110


GROUP ........................................................................................ 111

COMMITTEES LISTING ................................................................... 111

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................. 111


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

Mrs Sharon Starick

Chair

Natural Resources Management Council

GPO Box 1047

ADELAIDE

South Australia 5001

Dear Mrs Starick

In accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and section 38 of the Natural

Resources Management Act 2004, I have pleasure in presenting the annual report of the

Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board for the year ended 30 June 2010.

Caroline Schaefer

Presiding Member



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 (the Act) came into full operation on 1 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 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

natural resource management (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.

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

representatives and one Local Government representative have also been selected to assist the

N&Y NRM Board in its deliberations through the provision of specialist advice.


PLANS AND OBJECTIVES

NRM activities undertaken by the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board

(the 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.

In consultation with stakeholders, the Board has developed the Northern & Yorke Regional

NRM Plan (2009-2018). The Plan uses Aspirational Targets to describe the desired strategic

outcomes for the natural resources of the region over the next 15-20 years and so provides a

clear direction for the long term NRM management framework.

These strategic outcomes contribute to the achievement of State objectives.

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.

LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE SA STRATEGIC PLAN

South Australia’s Strategic Plan Objectives N&Y NRM Board Aspirational Targets

Objective 3 Attaining Sustainability

Biodiversity

o T3.3 Soil protection

Objective 4 Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Innovation

o T4.7 Business Innovation

Healthy Soils - Healthy soils supporting

the environmental, social and economic

needs of the region, now and into the future.

Minimal Pest Impact - Pest plants and

animals controlled to not significantly impact on the environment, primary

production or communities.

Community Driven NRM - The community effectively 'driving'

sustainable natural resources

management.


Water

o T3.9 Sustainable Water supply

o T310 River Murray – flows o T3.11River Murray – salinity

Viable Water Resources - Viable water

resources supporting environmental,

social and economic needs.


Biodiversity Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and

Marine Ecosystems - Healthy,


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

functioning coastal, estuarine and marine

ecosystems that are managed sustainably

to support the environmental, social and

economic values of the region.

Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems -

Viable, resilient and healthy

functioning ecosystems.

Minimal Pest Impact - Pest plants and animals controlled to not significantly

impact on the environment, primary

production or communities.


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

Women in Leadership

o T5.1 Boards & Committees

Volunteering

o T5.6 Volunteering

Aboriginal Leadership

o T5.7 Aboriginal Leadership

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

Community Driven NRM - The

community effectively 'driving'

sustainable natural resources management.

STATE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

The State NRM Plan identifies a 50-year vision for natural resources 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.

LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE STATE NRM PLAN 2006

N&Y NRM Plan State NRM Plan

Target and Resource Condition Target Goals Resource Condition Targets

1 2 3 4 L1 W1 W2 W3 W4 B1 B2 B3 B4 P1

S - Healthy Soils

S1. Soil Protection

S2. Soil Condition

W - Viable water resources

W1. Sustainable Water Supplies

W2. Good Water Quality

W3. Water Course Protection

CEM - Healthy Coastal, Estuarine & Marine Ecosystems

C1. Improving CEM Ecosystems

C2. Good CEM Water Quality

C 3 Stable Coastal Landscapes

B - Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems

B1 Viable Vegetation Communities

B2 No Species Loss

B3 Increased Connectivity

B4 Healthy Water Dependent Ecosystems

I - Minimal Pest Impact

I1 Less Impact From Pests

I2 No New Pests

P - Community Driven NRM

P1 Awareness & Engagement

P2 Capacity Building

P3 Adoption


OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES

The Northern and Yorke NRM Plan (2009-2018) (the Plan) was adopted by the Minister for

Environment and Conservation on 6 May 2009. This was the first regional plan for the Board

and has provided the strategic direction for NRM activities of all agencies and stakeholders in

the region. It was the culmination of almost three year‘s work, coordinated by the Board, and

involved numerous stakeholders in natural resources management within the Northern & Yorke

Region.

The Plan outlines to the community, Local, State and Australian Governments, and other

stakeholders, a vision for the future of natural resources in the region and describes the goals

and strategies to see the vision achieved. It brings together a range of existing plans and

strategies to provide a more effective use of limited resources.

The Plan was developed as part of the responsibilities of the Board in accordance with the

provisions of the Act and has a strong alignment with the SA NRM Plan (2006).

The purpose of the Plan is to:

Review the state of the natural resources of the region

Identify the processes which threaten them

Examine the opportunities for more effective management of those resources

Establish a framework of broad targets to guide regional communities and Local, State and Australian Government agencies.

The Plan seeks to instil a landscape management approach which functions across all the natural

resource assets, delivering integrated programs and solutions in the region reflecting the

interdependence of all aspects of the environment. It focuses on delivering ecologically

sustainable development, an approach which is based on intergenerational equity and the

precautionary principle to ensure a long-term balance between use, conservation and

development of the region's natural resources.

The Plan consists of 4 volumes:

Volume A State of the Region Report,

Volume B Strategic Plan,

Volume C Business Plan, and

Volume D Regulatory and Policy Framework.

The Plan has guided the development of positive partnerships with community groups and

industry support organisations and resulted in the delivery of on-ground activities and projects.

A snapshot of the achievements of the natural resources management programs managed by the

N&Y NRM Board throughout 2009-10 is shown below in the Achievement Report Card and a

summary of projects completed for each Resource Condition Target Area.

Achievements for each of the N&Y NRM Group areas are included as an attachment to this

report.


ACHIEVEMENT REPORT CARD BY RESOURCE CONDITION TARGET 2009-10

Aspirational

Target Output Measure

Achievements

2009-10

Healthy Soils Land managers engaged – groups /

individuals. # 23 / 280

Land managers advising adoption of

integrated NRM sustainable practices to improve farm management # 1,820

Land management / farm plans # 80

Farm annual cropping plan & review # 800

Property action plans # 50

Land manager events, workshops and

agricultural shows # 9

Improved land management to reduce soil

erosion risk Ha 1,530

Viable Water

Resources

WAPs established # 1

Water quality monitoring sites # 0

Water Affecting Activity permits issued # 3

Water Affecting Activity assessments completed # 5

Healthy

Coastal,

Estuarine

and Marine

Ecosystems

Coastal vegetation rehabilitated Km 35

Coastal area improved on Aboriginal

managed lands Ha 1,050

Landholder property agreements coastal threat

abatement # 2

Healthy

Terrestrial

Ecosystems

Watercourse improvement works completed Km 34

Technical advice provided / property plans # 230 / 8

Active recovery or management action plans # 12

Direct seeding projects # 15

Direct seeding projects area Ha 189

Pest weeds area controlled Ha 26,500

Landholder property agreements for pest

weeds # 22

Pest - fox control area Ha 40,000

Landholder property agreements for pest

animal fox control # 24

Rabbit control area Ha 94,207

Landholder property agreements pest animal

rabbit control # 51

Weeds of National Significance area treated Ha 40

Weeds of National Significance area impacted Ha 211,900

Landholder property agreements for Weeds of National Significance # 27


Aspirational

Target Output Measure

Achievements

2009-10

Technical advice to Local Government # 6

Technical advice provided for Local Government projects # 18

Conservation action plans completed # 1

Bushland Condition Monitoring sites

established new # 126

Monitoring area affected Ha 2,930

Landholder Bushland Condition Monitoring

agreements # 77

Bushland Condition Monitoring workshops # 15

Bushland Condition Monitoring workshop

participants # 206

Heritage agreements new # 5

Total number of Bushland Condition

Monitoring sites # 168

Minimal Pest

Impact

Pest weed control area Ha 58,400

Weeds of National Significance treated on

roadsides Km 975

Pest animal control area Ha 314,984

Community group participation in fox control

programs # YP - 25

Priority weed species addressed # 10

Community

Driven NRM

Volunteer groups # 26

Quiet Achiever Awards # 11

Landholder surveys # 2

Aboriginal partnerships formed # 3

Project workshops for Aboriginal managed

land # 6

Project workshop participants for Aboriginal managed lands # 65

N&Y NRMB community grants # 28

N&Y NRMB community grants value $ $204,000

N&Y NRMB website visitations # 315,439

Education events # 10

Participants in education events # 551

Schools participation # 20

Fact sheets created or reviewed # 86

Publication articles and stories # 167

Publication distribution # 50,000


ACHIEVEMENTS BY RESOURCE CONDITION TARGET AND MANAGEMENT

ACTION TARGET

Healthy Soils (S)

S1: Soil Protection

S1.1: Soil disturbance

Supported State NRM project to provide support to Farmer group network to increase

awareness of benefits of integrated NRM approach to sustainable farming practises;

o Ag Ex Alliance

o YP Alkaline Soils Group

o High Rainfall

o Hart Field Site Group

o Northern Sustainable Soils Inc

o Mid North High Rainfall Zone Group

o Upper North Farming Systems Group Inc

o SANTFA

Supported farmers to prepare land management and crop review plans;

S1.2: Adequate cover

Undertook land management inspections and monitoring of soil cover;

Provided technical support to landholders to reduce soil erosion risk through fencing;

reducing wind erosion by re-vegetating with perennial grasses; and contour banks re-

designed and renovated;

Capitalised on native pasture opportunities in cropping/grazing rotations;

S2: Soil Condition

S2.1: Water use efficiency

Supported a Landcare Facilitator to work with farmers and agricultural support groups

across the region;

Supported and contributed to demonstration sites, field days and agricultural show

events, Yorke Peninsula (Paskeville) Field Days;

Worked with farmers on sustainable systems for mid-north high rainfall pasture and

cropping areas;

Improved grazing management in low rainfall agricultural areas.

S2.2: No tillage

Improved the sustainability of low rainfall cropping using paddock risk assessment;

On-ground works for improved soil structure with clay spreading and delving;

Delivered technical innovation support program for land managers to sustain natural

resources in primary production;

Supported research into impact of climate change on soils;

S2.3, S2.4, S2.5: fertiliser application and salinity management

Monitored soil cover and fertiliser application rates.


Viable Water Resources (W)

W1: Sustainable water supplies

W1.1: Water Allocation Plan – Clare Valley

Completed awareness and consultation for the implementation of the Plan for the Clare

Valley Prescribed Water Resource Area;

Compiled annual report and facilitated a public meeting to present results and findings to

Clare Valley Irrigators;

W1.2 Water Allocation Plan – Baroota

Commenced planning for the preparation of a Water Allocation Plan for the Baroota

Prescribed Water Resource Area;

W1.3 Water Affecting Activities (WAA)

Developed and implemented WAA permit assessment and compliance system;

Increased awareness and promotion of WAA;

Commenced development of Best Practice Operating Procedures (BPOP) with key

stakeholders;

Undertook WAA inspections and provided advice to landholders.

W2: Water quality

W2.1: Stormwater and flood mitigation planning

Worked with Local Government to increase awareness of WAA in relation to council

works and the processing of development planning applications;

Undertook review of NRM principles in Stormwater management plans, Development

plans and applications;

In collaboration with Central Local Government Region, SAMDB and AMLR NRM

Boards supported ICLEI project to increase awareness of water issues.

W2.2: Water nutrient levels

Commenced monitoring of Permanent Water Pools.

W2.3: Water salinity

Undertook on-going monitoring of ground water and surface water resources to

determining sustainable limits for the use of surface and groundwater;

W3: Water course protection

W3.1: River management plans

Completed assessment of water dependent ecosystem flow requirements;

Completed projects for restoration of riparian waterways in Broughton River.

Coast, Estuarine & Marine (CEM) (C)

C1: Improving CEM ecosystems

C1.1, C1.2, C1.3: Marine protected areas

Participated in the identification and community consultation of marine parks;


C2: CEM Water quality

C2.1: Stormwater and flood mitigation planning (CEM)

Reviewed NRM principles in Stormwater management plans.

C2.1 Water quality in development planning

Reviewed NRM principles in Development plans and applications.

C3: Coastal landscapes

C3.1: Vegetation and access

Supported Coastal Councils Network to prepare and implement vehicle access plan;

Supported community groups in coastal protection works including fencing,

revegetation, walkways and signage;

Supported community groups to undertake environmental weed programs in coastal

areas and watercourses;

C3.2: Coastal protection in development planning

Reviewed NRM principles in Development plans and applications.

Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems (B)

B1: Viable vegetation communities

B1.1: Increase remnant vegetation

Completed Biocontrol using rust spore spray of Bridal Creeper (Weed of National

Significance) in Yorke Peninsula and Lower North areas;

Improved riverine habitats with pest plant and animal control with removal of African

Boxthorn to destroy rabbit warrens;

Control of pest plants and animals for biodiversity conservation in key biodiversity areas

adjacent to national parks and other sensitive areas of southern Yorke Peninsula and

southern Flinders Ranges;

Species - Western Whipbird, Hooded Plover, Malleefowl, Echidna, Bush Stone-curlew.

B1.2: Manage remnant vegetation

Facilitated agreements with landholders for permanent conservation and protection of

quality vegetation remnants;

Facilitated integrated active management of significant biodiversity remnants;

Established Bushland Condition Monitoring (BCM) sites to assist long term monitoring

of Resource Condition.

B1.3: Sustainable grazing

Increased protection of native vegetation by helping farmers fence existing native

vegetation and plant local native species;

B2: No species lost

B2.1: Threatened species


Supported projects for the restoration and reconstruction of habitat in key biodiversity

areas, integrated active management of significant Biodiversity Remnants and control of

pest plants and animals that has resulted in population increase of native species;

Species - Plains-wanderer, the Olearia Daisy and the Flinders Ranges White Caladenia,

Spiny Everlasting Daisy, Inland Green Comb Spider-orchid, Large Club Spider-orchid,

Halbury Greenhood Orchid.

B3: Increased connectivity

B3.1: Ecological connectivity

Supported biodiversity conservation and revegetation projects to ‗reconstruct‘

biodiversity;

Supported community groups to undertake surveys of species.

B3.2 Roadside vegetation

Completed pest plant control to protect native vegetation on roadsides;

Worked with Local Government to raise awareness of better management practices.

B4: Water dependent ecosystems

B4.1: Riverine habitat

Completed works to protect priority river environments including the Broughton, and

Wakefield catchments.

B4.2: Watercourse vegetation

Provided funding and support to farmers to fence creeks and rivers to improve water

quality and river health;

Supported community groups to undertake weed control works and rev-vegetation

projects in coastal areas and watercourses.

B4.3: Environmental flows

Supported salinity works including: establishing perennial pastures, revegetating with

native species and undertaking surface drainage works;

Implemented monitoring of River Red Gums as an indicator of environmental health.

Minimal Pest Impact (I)

I1: Less impact from pests

I1.1 Risk assessment and management

Contributed to review of State Proclaimed Weeds;

Completed plant and animal monitoring and control programs for deer, fox, goats and

rabbits;

Completed extensive control of Bridal Creeper and Gorse (Weeds of national

significance) in Yorke Peninsula and Lower North areas.

I1.2: Feral animal control

Coordinated fox baiting programs to reduce impact on native fauna;

Worked with community groups in townships to undertake fox and rabbit control;

Completed extensive rabbit control project to enhance biodiversity.


I1.3: Roadside weed control

Completed inspections of roadsides in priority areas for State proclaimed weed control;

landholder advice letters; and monitoring of pest plant issues;

Species - Silverleaf nightshade, Wild Artichoke Thistle, Horehound, African boxthorn,

Innocent weed, Caltrop, One and Two leaf cape tulip, Creeping Knapweed, African rue,

Cutleaf mignonette, Calomba daisy, Skeleton weed, Khaki weed, Lincoln weed, Yellow

burrweed, Onion weed, Wheel cactus, Bathurst burr, Mesquite, Bridal veil, White

weeping broom, Yellow burrweed, Khaki weed.

I2: No new pests

I2.1: Biosecurity and Incursion Plans

Completed pest weed management projects – wheel cactus (stage 2);

Developed process for consideration of local priorities in N&Y Pest Risk Management

Framework;

Participated in State pest review projects.

Community Driven NRM (P)

P1: Awareness & Engagement

P1.1: Stakeholder relationships

Supported development of Memorandum of Understanding for Non-government

organisations and Local Government.

Supported Aboriginal communities in NRM - Aboriginal Engagement Policy and

Strategy developed and implemented;

Supported the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) to co-ordinate on-grounds works on

Aboriginal managed lands.

P1.2 Communication & Engagement

Prepared and distributed annual newspaper ‗Yakka‘ and quarterly newsletter ‗Living

Region‘ publication, circulation 50,000;

Facilitated and supported community based school NRM education events including

Marine Environment Day at Pt Augusta, Caltowie Corridors of Green - Appila Springs,

Yacka-Moorundie Landcare Group – Spalding;

Supported community events, farmer forums, field days and country agricultural shows.

P2: Capacity building

P2.1: Training, extension and support

Completed a review of N&Y NRM Board Fact sheets;

Recognised community NRM Quiet Achievers.

P2.2: Research and development

Conducted landholder survey in partnership with Uni SA;

Supported Flinders and Adelaide Uni research and knowledge projects.

P3: Adoption

P3.1: Landscape participation


Supported community group NRM projects through the N&Y NRM Board Community

Grants program allocating $204,000 to community groups, local government and

schools;

Facilitated, with support from Greening SA, Conservation Action Planning for southern

Flinders Ranges.

P3.2 Performance and reporting

Provided Board and NRM Group meeting support

Conducted induction of new Board and Group members;

Completed Board performance review;

Implemented Performance Excellence to better support the Board Governance and

operations;

Completed Governance policy framework development and review;

Completed review of Terms of Reference for Board advisory committees;

Participated in national NRM activities;

Completed review of N&Y NRM Board Business Plan (2010-2013);

Improved operation planning and performance reporting processes;

Developed Monitoring, Evaluation Reporting and Improvement (MERI) Framework for

Caring for our County program;

Developed corporate performance indicators and strategy (2010-2012);

Commenced monitoring of NRM Act compliance statistics;

Completed Performance, Workplan and Training plan reviews for all staff;

Continued implementation of Records Management System;

Continued to progress implementation of integrated planning and reporting (InterPlan)

for all Board activities;

Reviewed financial reporting and completed integration to InterPlan.

Area Output Measure Achievements

2009-10

Resources

NRM Levy funds invested $ m 2.6

State Government funds invested $ m 0.9

Australian Government funds invested $ m 1.7

Other funds $ m 0.3

N&Y NRMB staff FTE 26.5

ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE

The N&YNRM Board was established on 9 December 2004 under the auspices of the Natural

Resources Management Act 2004 (the Act). This report for the 2009-10 financial year fulfils the

requirements of Section 38 of the Act.

OBJECT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT

The objects of the Act include assisting 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.

ROLE OF THE BOARD

The Board‘s role is defined in the 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 THENORTHERN AND YORKE NRM BOARD

Section 29 of the Natural Resources Management Act describes the functions of the Northern

and Yorke Natural Resources Management 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 l- 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

(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 Act provides for the appointment of the N&YNRM 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 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

(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 2009-10 was:

Members

Mervyn Lewis (Presiding Member, term expired 30 June 2010)

Jayne Bishop

Kathleen Bowman

Jacqueline O‘Reilly

Helen Thomas (Term expired 13 April 2010)

Kerry Ward (Mr)

Rick Wilkinson (Term expired 13 April 2010)

Neville Wilson

Pamela Pilkington (Appointed 14 April 2010)

Eric Sommerville (Appointed 14 April 2010)

Government representatives authorised to attend meetings

Bob McLennan – DWLBC (Appointment ended August 2009)

Bridgid Connors – DWLBC (Appointed September 2009 until January 2010)

Wayne Hutchinson – DWLBC (Appointed January 2010)

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 2009-10 financial year.

A total of 0 special Board meetings were held during the 2009-10 financial year.

Attendance by appointed members at meetings:


Member Meetings

attended

Comments Reason for non attendance

Merv Lewis 12 N/A

Jayne Bishop 8 Other commitments

Kathleen Bowman 11 Other commitments

Jacqueline O‘Reilly 11 Other commitments

Helen Thomas 9 Term expired 13/4/2010 N/A

Kerry Ward 12 N/A

Rick Wilkinson 8 Term expired 13/4/2010 Other commitments

Neville Wilson 11 Other commitments

Pam Pilkington 3 Term commenced 14/4/2010 N/A

Eric Sommerville 3 Term commenced 14/4/2010 N/A

Government Member Meetings

attended

Comments Reason for non attendance

Tim Collins 8 Other commitments

John Cornish 8 Other commitments

Anita Crisp 5 Other commitments

Bob McLennan 3 Appointment ended August

2009

Other commitments

Bridgid Connors 0 Other commitments

Wayne Hutchinson 6 Appointment commenced

18/1/2010

N/A


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 lead agency,

and DEH, and works closely with PIRSA, Forestry SA, Department of Planning & Local

Government, Department of Defence, EPA and SA Water.

The Board has a strong link with DWLBC in the development of the regional NRM Plan and

Water Allocation Plans (WAP), the Regional Investment Strategy of Australian and State

Government including Caring for our Country and the State NRM Fund.

The nature of these relationships included:

agency representation at the Board and NRM Group meetings;

strategic partnerships and collaboration for implementation of NRM activities;

the provision of technical and other support or guidance to Board, NRM Groups, staff

and the community;

the provision of funding for the board to undertake 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 NRM 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 NRM Groups is provided as an attachment to this Annual Report.


NRM BOARD - FUNCTIONS

NRM PROGRAM

Levy funded NRM projects

External funding (e.g.

CfoC)

Resource condition M&E

Program and Project

reporting

Other funding & projects

Technical advice and

support

CORPORATE

Governance & policy

development

Minutes/agendas &

correspondence

Admin/board support

Reception/front desk

Finance/budgets/audits/lev

ies

Records management

Payroll, HR, OHS&W,

ICT

Contract

management/legal

PLANNING &

COMMUNICATIONS

Regional NRM

planning

Water Planning

Annual Business

Plan

Media liaison

Newsletters &

promotions

Education material

Events/awards/spon

sorship

LEGISLATIVE

Water, soils, APC

component of NRM act

administration

Act enforcement /

compliance or

prosecution

procedures/advice

Govt liaison re:

Act/licensing/levies etc

Legislative and

technical advice

To support the governance framework, the Board has adopted a range of policies, delegated

functions, structures and practices to ensure sound corporate management. These are reviewed

on an annual basis or as needed.

Schedule of current policies:

Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare (OHS&W)

OHS&W Policy 1.0 – OHS&W Policy

General Manager‘s Commitment Statement

OHS&W Policy 1.1– Planned Inspection Policy

OHS&W Policy 3.0 – First Aid

OHS&W Policy 6.0 – Electrical Testing

OHS&W Policy 7.0 – Accident Incident Hazard Reporting

OHS&W Policy 7.1 – Injury Management Policy

GROUPS

LOWER NORTH GROUP

YORKE PENINSULA GROUP

UPPER NORTH GROUP Local NRM Group area planning,

decision making and project

management

Local advice/input into regional

planning

Central point of contact for local

community on NRM issues

Local activity/project coordination

and implementation

Local, initial compliance

Community education and capacity

building

Project outputs and resource

condition monitoring

Reporting issues and identifying

local research needs to the NRM

Board

COMMITTEES

Board committees established as

required to provide advice and

assistance to the Board on a

range of issues.

The Committees are:

Planning & Strategy

Governance & Finance

Performance Evaluation

Aboriginal Engagement

Technical Advisory

Committees

Water Resources Committee

TECHNICAL ADVISORY

COMMITTEES

Standing committees comprising

regional/local board members &

technical advisory staff to

provide technical specialist

advice or input to the board on

NRM matters:

Water management

Soils/land mgmt

Biodiversity

Coast & marine

NRM planning and

investment strategy


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

Admin Policy 14 – Security

Finance (FIN)

Fin Policy 01 – Accounts Receivable Policy

Fin Policy 02 – Purchase of Goods and Services

Fin Policy 10 – Financial Delegations

Fin Policy 11 – Corporate Credit/Purchase Cards

Fin Policy 13 – Financial Management

Fin Policy 14 – Budget Control and Review

Fin Policy 15 – Non-current Asset Accounting

Fin Policy 16 – Investment of Funds

Governance (GOV)

Gov Policy 01 – Governance Framework Policy

Human Resources (HR)

HR Policy 01 - Induction of New Employees Policy

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 N&Y NRM Plan – Business Plan (Volume C) 2009-12 and

resulted in no change to the organisation staff resources total of 31.10 FTE.

As at 30 June 2010, a total of 2.4 FTE positions were vacant.

The approved organisation structure is shown below.

NORTHERN AND YORKE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BOARD

STAFFING ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

General Manager

EXA (1.0 FTE)

Corporate Business Manager

ASO-7 (1.0 FTE)

Program Manager

ASO-7 (1.0 FTE)

Finance Officer

ASO-4 (1.0 FTE)

Planning Officer

ASO-6 (1.0 FTE)

Administration Support

Officer

ASO-3 (1.0 FTE)

Upper North Group Team Leader

OPS-4 (1.0 FTE)

Lower North Group Team Leader

OPS-4 (1.0 FTE)

Yorke Peninsula Group Team Leader

OPS-4 (1.0 FTE)

Authorised Officers OPS-3 (2.0 FTE)



UN Group Support Officer

ASO-2 (0.5 FTE)

LN Group Support Officer

ASO-2 (0.5 FTE)

YP Group Support Officer

ASO-3 (0.5 FTE)

Operations Manager

ASO – 7 (1.0 FTE)

Records Management Officer

AS0-3 (1.0FTE)

Communications Liaison Officer

ASO-5 (1.0 FTE)

Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

ASO-5 (1.0 FTE)

NRM Officer Aboriginal Engagement

ASO-4 (1.0 FTE)

Regional NRM Officers

ASO-4 (3.0 FTE)

Regional NRMO - Water

ASO-4 (1.0 FTE)

Administration Support Officer

ASO-2 (1.0 FTE)


MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES BY SALARY BRACKET

SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE BOARD

STATUS OF EMPLOYEES IN CURRENT POSITION

FTEs Ongoing Short-Term

Contract

Long-Term

Contract

Other

(Casual) Total

Male 10.8 0 1 0 11.8

Female 10.1 0.6 4 0 14.7

TOTAL 20.9 0.6 5 0 26.5

Total Number of Employees

Persons 29

FTEs 26.5 (FTEs shown to 1 decimal place)

Gender % Persons % FTEs

Male 41.38 44.53

Female 58.62 55.47

Number of Persons During the 09-10 Financial Year

Separated from the agency 4

Recruited to the agency 3

Number of Persons at 30 June 2010

On Leave without Pay 1

Salary Bracket Male Female Total

$0 - $49,199 1 6 7

$49,200 - $62,499 9 8 17

$62,500 - $80,099 1 1 2

$80,100 - $100,999 1 1 2

$101,000+ 0 1 1

TOTAL 12 17 29


PERSONS Ongoing Short-Term

Contract

Long-Term

Contract

Other

(Casual) Total

Male 11 0 1 0 12

Female 11 1 5 0 17

TOTAL 22 1 6 0 29

EXECUTIVES

EXECUTIVES BY GENDER, CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS

Ongoing Term Tenured Term Untenured Other (Casual) Total

Classification

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male % Female % Total

EX-A 1 1

Total 1 1

LEAVE MANAGEMENT

AVERAGE DAYS LEAVE PER FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE

Leave Type

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

Sick Leave 6.4 3.6 5.9 8.4

Family Carer‘s Leave 0.5 0 0.3 1.6

Miscellaneous Special

Leave 1.6 0 1.0 1.1

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY

ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EMPLOYEES

Salary Bracket Aboriginal

Employees

Total

Employees

% Aboriginal

Employees Target*

$0 - $49,199 0 7 0 2%

$49,200 - $62,499 0 17 0 2%

$62,500- $80,099 0 2 0 2%

$80,100 - $100,999 0 2 0 2%

$101,000+ 0 1 0 2%

TOTAL 0 29 0 2%

* Target from SASP


NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES BY AGE BRACKET BY GENDER

Age Bracket Male Female Total % of Total 2010 Workforce

Benchmark*

15-19 6.1%

20-24 0 4 4 13.79 10.6%

25-29 0 2 2 6.9 10.5%

30-34 1 1 2 6.9 9.4%

35-39 0 3 3 10.34 11.2%

40-44 1 2 3 10.34 11.1%

45-49 0 1 1 3.45 12.2%

50-54 4 2 6 20.69 11.0%

55-59 2 2 4 13.79 9.2%

60-64 4 0 4 13.79 6.0%

65+ 0 0 2.9%

TOTAL 12 17 29 100 100.0

*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 2010.

CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY

Male Female Total % Agency SA Community*

Number of employees born

overseas N/A 20.3%

Number of employees who speak language(s) other than

English at home

N/A 16.6%

* Benchmarks from ABS Publication Basic Community Profile (SA) Cat No. 2001.0, 2006

census.

TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES (ACCORDING TO

COMMONWEALTH DDA DEFINITION)

Male Female Total % of Agency

0 0 0 0

TYPES OF DISABILIY (WHERE SPECIFIED)

Disability Male Female Total % of Agency


Disability requiring

workplace

adaptation

0 0 0 0

Physical 0 0 0 0

Intellectual 0 0 0 0

Sensory 0 0 0 0

Psychological/

Psychiatric 0 0 0 0

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS BY GENDER

Male Female Total

Purchased Leave 0 0 0

Flexitime 1 1 2

Compressed Weeks 1 1 2

Part-time 1 5 6

Job Share 0 0 0

Working from Home 0 0 0

Note: Employees may be undertaking more than one type of Flexible Working Arrangement at the same time. In this way, the total is unlikely to add to 100%.

PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT

DOCUMENTED REVIEW OF INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Employees with … % Total Workforce

A review within the past 12 months 100%

A review older than 12 months

No review

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING EXPENDITURE

Training and Development Total Cost % of Total Salary

Expenditure

Total training and development expenditure $36 000 1.9 %

Total leadership and management

development expenditure $ 900 0.05 %


ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES

ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES BY CLASSIFICATION

Classification Number of Accredited Training

Packages

Diploma 1

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS

The gender balance of the Board is always taken into consideration when members are

appointed.

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

TABLE 1 OHS NOTICES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN

Number of notifiable occurrences pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Division 6.6 0

Number of notifiable injuries pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Division 6.6 0

Number of notices served pursuant to OHS&W Act s35, s39 and s40 (default,

improvement and prohibition notices)

0

TABLE 2: AGENCY GROSS1 WORKERS COMPENSATION EXPENDITURE FOR

2009-10 COMPARED WITH 2008-09 2

EXPENDITURE

2009-10

($m)

2008-09

($m)

Variation

($m) + (-)

% Change

+ (-)

Income Maintenance 0 0

Lump Sum Settlements Redemptions - Sect.42 0 0

Lump Sum Settlements

Permanent Disability – Sect. 43 0 0

Medical/Hospital Costs combined 0 0

1 before 3rd party recovery

2 Information available from IDEAS RS/SIMS (for detailed advice on data extraction contact PSWD)


Other

Total Claims Expenditure

TABLE 3 MEETING SAFETY PERFORMANCE TARGETS3

Base:

2005-06

Performance: 12 months to end of

June 2010 *

Final

Target

Numbers

or %

Actual Notional

Quarterly

Target**

Variation Numbers

or %

1. Workplace Fatalities 0

2. New Workplace Injury Claims 3 3

3. New Workplace Injury Claims Frequency Rate

63.5

4. Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ***

21.1

5. New Psychological Injury Claims 0

6. Rehabilitation and Return to Work:

6a. Early Assessment within 2 days 80% -80% 80% or more

6b. Early Intervention within 5 days 100% 80% 20% 80% or more

6c. RTW within 5 business days 100% 67% 75% -8% 75% or more

7. Claim Determination:

7a. Claims determined in 10 business days

100% 100% 75% 25% 75% or more

7b. Claims still to be determined after 3 months

0 0 3% -3% 3% or less

8. Income Maintenance Payments for

Recent Injuries:

2008-09 Injuries (at 24 months

development)

0 0 0 0 Below

previous 2 years

average

2009-10 Injuries (at 12 months development)

0 $ 10 132 $ 10 132 Below 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

3 Information available from IDEAS RS/SIMS (SIPS target report)


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

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The Financial Statements 2009-10 have been prepared for the N&Y NRM Board and are

attached to this report.

The N&Y NRM Plan brought together existing plans and programs to guide the Board's

investment in NRM prior to the development of the Board Business Plan for 2009-10. This plan

included income from the NRM Levy (both Division 1 and 2 Levies), the State Government, the

Australian Government (e.g. through Caring for our Country), contributions from other funding

bodies and other minor income sources. The Board programs align with the targets of the N&Y

NRM Plan. They are:-

Healthy Soils

Viable Water Resources

Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems

Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems

Minimal Pest Impact

Community Driven NRM.

For 2009-10 the total operating income was $5.559m and the operating expenditure was

$5.446m with capital expenditure of $41,000 to give a surplus of $72,000. These funds will be

re-invested into future NRM projects. All projects for 2009-10 were completed and there was

no carryover of funds as at 30 June 2010. There are some projects that are being undertaken in

stages and these are from the budget in each respective year.

Income

To enable the Board to undertake its functions, Section 92 of the NRM Act enables the Board to

specify the amount of levy to be collected from the community (Division 1 Regional NRM

Levy). The Regional NRM Levy is collected by Local Government constituent councils.

Section 101 of the Act enables the Minister to declare a NRM water levy (Division 2) payable

by water licensees in prescribed water resources areas. This plan includes a description of the

basis for the levy collection and an assessment of its social impact.

The Regional NRM Levy provided approximately 50% of the total income for 2009-10. This

enabled the Board to maintain the present effort with the known increases in fixed costs.

Although the adjusted total Levy income was increased by 3%, the amount of Regional NRM

Levy received was less than for 2008-09 due to a change in the Board boundaries.

Funding from the Australian Government Caring for our Country program has been secured

until 2013. A funding agreement (base level funding) has been negotiated for 2010-11 in the

following priority target areas: Increasing native habitat $2,144,000, Improving land

management practices $330,000, Increasing community knowledge and skills $286,000 and

Indigenous engagement $374,000. The amount for 2009-10 was less than for 2008-09 as this

included special one-off transition funding to accommodate for the changes from NHT

programs to the Caring for our Country program.


Other income included fees and charges for pest control works, small grant funds and

contributions, donations and bank interest. Income from bank interest was much higher in

2008-09 due to the amount of Commonwealth Government funds on hand, as a number of

projects had been delayed due to the seasonal conditions. These projects were all completed as

at June 2009.

The following table provides a comparison of the funding amounts by source.

Income by Source and amount 2008-09

Actual

2009-10

Adopted Budget

2009-10

Actual 1 Carry-over funds brought forward $ 1,997,000 $ - $ -

NRM Levies

Division 1 – Regional NRM Levy $ 2,567,000 $ 2,495,600 $ 2,495,600

Division 2 – Water Levy $ - $ 65,000 $ 65,000

State Government 2 State NRM Fund $ 450,000 $ 466,000 $ 465,000 3 State NRM Program $ 910,000 $ - $ 465,000 Payroll tax refund $ 95,889 $ 111,000 $ 94,510 Commonwealth Government

4 National Heritage Trust (NHT) $ 6,000 4 National Action Plan for Salinity

(NAP) $ 289,849

4 National Landcare $ 60,905 $ 150,000 5 Caring for our Country - base

funding $ 1,698,000 $ 1,567,000 $ 1,567,000

Interest $ 84,356 $ - $ - Other Income Partner Funding $ - $ - $ -

7 Fees & Charges (Pest Control) $ 84,948 $ 165,000 $ 102,292

8 Grants and Other Contributions $ 113,275 $ 431,000 $ 57,646

8 Other (Reimbursements & Donations)

$ 27,395 $ - $ -

Interest $ 103,993 $ 100,000 $ 97,000

Total Income (including

carryovers) $ 8,488,610 $ 5,480,600 $ 5,559,048

Notes to Income by source and amount.

1. Carry-over funds provided in accordance with Treasury requirements.

2. The State Natural Resources Management (NRM) Fund is a statutory fund established by the Natural Resources Management

Act 2004.

3. The State NRM Fund – competitive and regional investment program.

4. The Commonwealth Government funded programs of the National heritage Trust were completed June 2009.

5. The Commonwealth Government has made a commitment to provide natural resource management organisations in

Australia with secure base level funding to 2012/13 to deliver against the national targets identified in the “Caring for

our Country Business Plan 2009-10”.

6. The Board has the opportunity to seek additional Caring for our Country funding through a competitive process.

7. Income expected to be received by contracting out services for animal and plant control.

8. Additional income from other sources.


NRM Levies

Section 92(2) specifies the basis or method of determining the Regional NRM Levy. Based on

the decision making process followed by the Board and investigations undertaken in 2008, the

Board has adopted the value of rateable land as the basis for determining the Regional NRM

Levy.

The Northern and Yorke region is one of South Australia's important agricultural areas as it

contributes approximately one quarter of the State's total value of agricultural production (ABS

2006) from cropping, livestock and livestock products. The social and economic stability of

the region is dependent, to a large extent, on its economically sustainable agricultural

industries. Most of these industries either have an effect on natural resources or are affected

by the way in which those resources are managed.

In assessing the merits or otherwise of the alternative methods on which to base the levies, the

Board has attempted to consistently employ the basis of fairness, efficiency and good

governance.

The basis of the Regional NRM Levy in 2009-10 was the value of rateable land. The average

Regional NRM Levy amount payable for ratepayers was approximately $37 in 2009-10,

however the levy will be a greater or lesser amount for rateable properties with higher or lower

value, respectively. In the Northern and Yorke region the total capital value of residential

properties is $1.127 billion (average $155,000) and the total capital value of primary

production properties is $1.454 billion (average $520,000) (ABS 2006). Additionally, primary

producers expend an average of $26,817 per property each year (ABS 2006) on natural

resources management.

The Board also raised an NRM Water Levy from licensed irrigators in prescribed areas. This

applied to water licensees in the Clare Valley Prescribed Water Resources Area as a

contribution to the activities to manage the water resources in the area. Based on the principles

established by the Board and investigations undertaken, the Board adopted an NRM water levy

based on the quantity of water allocated for the levy calculation.

During 2009-10 the Board received funding of $205,000 from the State NRM fund competitive

program for the Managing Biodiversity and increased community capacity and landholder

participation, $160,000 as part of the State NRM fund regional program as part of the

Sustainable Agriculture program for support to farmer groups and $100,000 as part of the Trans

Eco-link project for conservation action planning in the southern Flinders Ranges. The Board

also received $150,000 for funding under the national Landcare program to support a Landcare

Facilitator.

Expenditure

The annual budget for 2009-10 was adopted by the Board on 22 June 2009 as a balanced budget.

In accordance with Board policy, the annual budget was developed using a zero based budgeting

approach. The draft was refined in terms of the Business Plan budget estimates and other

financial assumptions such as the current and projected measure of CPI, known and expected

increase or decrease in income and expenditure.

The annual budget was reviewed three times during 2009-10. The purpose of the reviews was to

review all budget allocations and propose revisions based on changed circumstances and other


influencing factors. These include confirmation of funding, advice of grant approvals,

implementing or increasing a response to a local issue or an unforeseen and unplanned impact

on projects and activities.

The Board investment strategy is spread across the target areas of the Board programs using

staff as the mode of service delivery. The total approved staffing resources is 31.1 Full Time

Equivalents (FTE) which was unchanged from the previous year. Service contracts are used in

areas of project funding and technical support is provided by State agencies and the private

sector. The following tables show estimated income and expenditure allocations across the

Board program areas.

EXPENSES AND INCOME BY PROGRAM

For the year ended 30 June 2010

Healthy

Soils

Viable

Water

Resources

Healthy

CEM

Ecosystems

Healthy

Terrestrial

Ecosystems

Minimal

Pest

Impact

Community

Driven

NRM

General /

not

attributable

Total

EXPENSES

$000's $000's $000's $000's $000's $000's $000's $000's

Contractors 171 66 - 459 129 149 58 1,032

Grants and subsidies 167 - - 3 - - 291 461

Staff benefits 304 176 103 376 346 304 278 1,887

Consultants 19 - 50 384 - 123 57 633

Supplies and services 128 90 57 299 145 186 159 1,067

Depreciation 23 13 - 28 26 23 29 142

Board, Group and Committee expenses 34 20 12 42 39 34 32 224

Total expenses 846 365 222 1,591 685 819 908 5,446

INCOME

Regional NRM and Water Levies 253 355 222 253 667 470 341 2,561

Caring for our Country funding 315 - - 1,072 - 330 - 1,717

Grants received 260 10 - 205 - - 476 951

Interest received 18 - - 60 - 19 - 97

Other income & gain on sale of assets - - - - 18 - 215 233

Total income 846 365 222 1,591 685 819 1,031 5,559

Net result 0 0 0 0 0 0 113 113

Attribution of expenses and income is based on allocation according to the Board Business Plan 2009-12

CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS During 2009-10, 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

Particulars

Number of

accounts

paid

Percentage of

accounts paid

(by number)

Value in $A of

accounts paid

Percentage of

accounts paid

(by value)

Paid by due date* 1 310 94.93 $ 3 235 855.06 92.24

Paid late, within 30

days of due date 55 3.99 $ 246 891.80 9.04

Paid more than 30

days from due date 15 1.09 $ 25 289.21 0.72

*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 first received rather than the date of invoice.

FRAUD

The number of instances of fraud detected in the Board was nil.

CONSULTANTS During 2009-10, 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.

Value range No $’000

Below $10 000 12 $ 67

Between $10 000 and $50 000 3 $ 45

Above $50 000 4 $ 521

Total paid / payable to consultants 19 $ 633

A summary of the services provided for those consultancies of $10,000 or more in value:-

NAME OF CONSULTANT DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AMOUNT

Central Local Government Region Facilitation of Coastal Council Network $75 000

Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Climate change adaption project. $56 250

Dr Anne Jensen

River Red Gum Monitoring $10 168

Greening Australia Bushland Condition Monitoring $269 800

N&Y NRM Conservation Action Planning

document for the N&Y Region and the Southern

Flinders Ranges, Conservation Action Planning


process for the Southern Yorke Peninsula.

Conservation Action Planning/Caring for our

Country Planning/Technical Services, Booklets and

Fact Sheets

Seed bank maintenance

Vegetation technical assistance

Nature Conservation Society Bushland condition monitoring data analysis $17 120

Rural Directions

Development of an operational plan for the Northern & Yorke Animal Plant Control team. $18 182

Rural Solutions (SA) Education Plan $119 541

Land management Technical advice

Information Tools Development

Technical Advice and funding submission support

Provision of four 1-day "Aboriginal Cultural

Awareness' workshops.

COMMUNITY GRANTS REGISTER During 2009-10, the Board distributed the following small grants to support NRM projects

within the Northern and Yorke region.

Name of Group Project description Amount

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Baseline Fauna Survey $4,109

Australian Wildlife Conservancy Baseline Flora Survey $3,695

Caltowie Corridors of Green Appila Environment Day $3,000

Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council –

Mistletoe Action

Revegetation (10000 plants),

education and community awareness

$30,000

Clare A&H Society Woody weed removal & revegetation $1,500

Common Brushtail Possum

Recovery Project Team

Installation of Possum Boxes to help

control mistletoe

$2,980

Crystal Brook Pony Club Revegetation of erosion prone areas $900

DC of Copper Coast Port Hughes Foreshore Protection $10,000

DC of Copper Coast Tipara Court, Pt Hughes Clifftop

Protection

$10,000

DC of Copper Coast Coastal Access Signage and

Management

$12,064

DC of Orroroo Carrieton Fencing of 4 cemeteries in council

area

$3,000

DC of Yorke Peninsula Clifftop Revegetation Project –

Magazine Bay

$2,000


DC of Yorke Peninsula Gum Flat Rehabilitation Project -

Minlaton

$14,500

DC of Yorke Peninsula Pt Rickaby Coastal Access – Stage 2 $12,243

Declining Woodland Birds

Recovery Team

Field bird surveys & data analysis $6,858

Declining Woodland Birds

Recovery Team

Pole mounted camera & light source

for checking occupancy of nest

hollows and boxes

$1,620

Friends of West Side Beach – Port

Augusta

Stage 3 of on-ground coast protection

works

$1,000

Mid North Grasslands Working

Group

Financial assistance to reprint

―Grasses, Gums and Groundcovers‖

publication

$10,000

Native Orchid Society SA Bushcare weed control – Sevenhill $8,856

Northern Lofty Block Threatened

Orchid Recovery Program

Habitat restoration and protection $7,788

Orroroo Area School Revegetation & erosion control at

Pekina Creek

$2,595

Port Julia Progress Assoc. Revegetation Corridor inc weed

control

$4,000

Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard

Recovery Team

Area of occupancy survey $8,694

Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard

Recovery Team

Monitoring survey of known

populations

$9,196

Spalding Blown Grass Recovery

Team

Specialist weed control works and

herbicide

$7,744

SYP Landcare – Feral Trees

Management Group

Aleppo Pine and Olive removal from

SYP roadsides

$5,160

Wakefield Regional Council Coastal Access Signage &

Management

$10,410

Wirrabara Progress Assoc. Rocky River Arboretum, interpretive

signage and seed nursery

$3,000

YP Alkaline Soils Reducing erosion in highly erodible

soils – EM & clay trials

$10,000

REPORTING AGAINST THE CARERS RECOGNITION ACT

Carers are defined, for the purposes of this legislation, as the family and friends who provide

ongoing care or assistance to someone who has a disability, or a chronic illness including a mental

illness, or who is frail.

A person is not a carer for the purposes of this legislation if the person provides the care or

assistance under a contract for services in the course of doing community work or only because of

the relationship of the person to whom the care or assistance is being provided. This Act does not

encompass the care which is provided to a child under the Children’s Protection Act 1993 or any

other Act.


During 2009-10 there were no activities within the provisions of the Carers Recognition Act.

DISABILITY ACTION PLANS The Board does not have a specific Disability Action Plan, however, it does ensure that its

services are easily accessible to people with disabilities including access to disabled car parks.

The Board is a small organisation and any disability issue that is identified can have immediate

measures implemented to address it.

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 its services to people with disabilities, both as

customers and employees.

2. The Board ensures information about its 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.

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 the Board has met the requirements of the Disability

Discrimination Act and the 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 SAS {Target 6.22 – ‖to double the number of people with

disabilities employed in the public sector by 2014‖.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS The Board does not own any buildings, other than corrugated iron sheds, and as a consequence

of this has not undertaken any surveillance or risk reduction programs in regard to asbestos.

Regular occupational health and safety checks are maintained in all Board workplaces.

URBAN DESIGN CHARTER The government 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 – INFORMATION STATEMENTS

PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION STATEMENT

It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure it complies with the Freedom of Information Act

1991. The General Manager is the designated Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer for the

Board.

Documents available free of charge:

The following documents are available by contacting the Board on telephone (08) 8636 2361:

brochures and fact sheets;

policy documents;

management plans;

newsletters.

Effect of Board functions on members of the public

Policy documents related to natural resource management that involve consultation with

stakeholders, including the public.

Information Summary

The types of documents held by the Board include:

administration files;

tender and contract information;

policy documents and procedure manuals;

research reports and publications;

brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, photographs and posters.

Access Documents

Access to documents of requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 1991, is

via the FOI Officer.

Contact Officer

The General Manager is the Board‘s designated Principal Officer for FOI purposes. FOI

requests are addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer


PO Box 175


STATISTICAL REPORTING

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.


WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT 1993

Under Section 7 of the Public Sector Act 2009 (the ―PS Act‖):

―Each public sector agency must ensure that a public sector employee (with qualifications

determined by the Commissioner) is designated as a responsible officer for the agency for the

purposes of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993.‖

Accordingly, this Determination applies to all public sector agencies in the South Australian

public sector.

The Public Sector Regulations 2010 stipulate that annual reports must include:

7 (k) the number of occasions on which public interest has been disclosed to a

responsible office of the agency under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993.

During 2009-10 the number of occasions on which public interest was disclosed to a responsible

officer of the Board was nil.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORT PERFORMANCE AGAINST ANNUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS

Energy Use (GJ)1

GHG Emissions2

Business Measure7

Base Year 2006/20073:

6.2 29.1 (FTE)

Base Year 2006/20073:

Board Total

2.3

Year Being Reported:

2009/2010

4.8

1.3

Board Target5

(for Year Being Reported)

1.4

Final Board Target6

(for 2014)

1.0

Notes: 1 Energy 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.

2 Many 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 CO2) 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.


3 It is acknowledged that portfolio structures change over time. Therefore the Portfolio baseline will

represent the structure of the portfolio in the given reporting period.

4 To obtain a MJ figure multiply GJ by 1000.

5 The Portfolio target for the current year is based on an agreed methodology and can be obtained

through the portfolio Reference Group member.

6 The Portfolio target in 2014 should equal a 25% energy efficiency improvement from the base year

2000/01.

7 Business 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/m2 and MJ/FTE.

GREENING OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FRAMEWORK

The Board is committed to working towards the Greening of Government Operations

Framework (GoGO) Framework approved by Cabinet in February 2006.

The Board currently implements energy and water use efficiency where possible and undertakes

recycling of printer and toner cartridges. Vehicles are also being converted to diesel as they are

replaced.

REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS

The Board prepared the following regional Impact Assessment Statements during the 2009-10

financial year:

Social Impact Study – NRM Levy Assessment 2009-10

RECONCILIATION STATEMENT

In fulfilling its functions, the 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."

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT MINISTERIAL

DIRECTIVES

During 2009-10 there were no significant Ministerial directives issued by the Minister.


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 of 2009-10.

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS DELEGATED

TO THE BOARD

The Chief Executive of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 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 2009-10

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.

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 2010.

The Terms of Reference for the Planning and Strategy Committee were revised and adopted

on 27 April 2010 to provide advice and support in relation to Statutory Planning, Program

Planning, Communication Planning and Communication Strategy including the development of

the N&Y Regional NRM Plan and Consultation Plan. The Committee membership consists of:

Chair – board member

Board member x 3

Others:

DEH representative (no voting rights)

General Manager (input, but no voting rights).

Member Position

Kerry Ward Chairperson

Jacqueline O‘Reilly Board member

Rick Wilkinson (term end April 2010) Board member

Eric Sommerville Board member

Pam Pilkington Board member

Tim Collins DEH representative

The Terms of Reference for the Governance and Finance Committee were revised and

adopted on 27 April 2010 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:


Board member x 3

General Manager (input, but no voting rights).

Member Position

Neville Wilson Chairperson

Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member

Pam Pilkington Board Member

Kathleen Bowman Board Member

Helen Thomas (term end April 2010) Board Member

The Terms of Reference for the Performance Evaluation Committee were revised and

adopted on 27 April 2010 to support the effective performance monitoring and reporting of the

operations of the N&Y NRM Board through development 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:


Up to 3 x board members

General Manager (input, but no voting rights)

Member Position

Helen Thomas (term end April 2009) Chairperson

Kathleen Bowman Chairperson


Kerry Ward (Mr) Board member

Jayne Bishop Board member

The Aboriginal Engagement Committee Terms of Reference were revised and adopted on

27 April 2010 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:



Others:

DEH representative (no voting rights)

General Manager or delegate (input, but no voting rights)

Member Position

Helen Thomas (term end April 2009) Chairperson

Jacqui O‘Reilly Chairperson





The Water Resources Committee Terms of Reference were revised and adopted on 27 April

2010 with the purpose to provide advice on water planning, water project prioritising, water data

management, water monitoring, future water projects and research needs. The committee

membership consists of:



General Manager or delegate (input, but no voting rights)

Member Position

Kerry Ward (term end April 2010) Chairperson

Pam Pilkington Chairperson



Jacqui O‘Reilly Board member


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

Geraldine Davis (Chairperson)

Jane Luckraft

Peter McInnes

Paul Slattery (resigned March 2010)

Rieck Shine (resigned March 2010)

Paul Kretschmer

Rosalind Francis

Lower North NRM Group

Robert Tilley (Chairperson)

Phillip Johns

Pam Pilkington (resigned 13 April 2010)

Elizabeth Walton

Karyn Durrant

Jillian Wilson

Roger Lang

Peter White (commenced 24 May 2010)

Yorke Peninsula NRM Group

Ray Agnew (Chairperson)

Caroline Paterson

Alan Twartz

Deborah Furbank

Richard Way

Paula McKay

Neil Smith


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Board 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

as well as the following entities:

Department for Environment and Heritage

Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia

Local Government

Central Local Government Region

District Council of Barunga West

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

District Council of the Copper Coast

Flinders Ranges Council

Regional Council of Goyder

District Council of Mount Remarkable

Northern Areas Council

District Council of Orroroo Carrieton

District Council of Peterborough

Port Augusta City Council

Port Pirie Regional Council

Wakefield Regional Council

District Council of Yorke Peninsula

Other NRM Boards

AMLR NRM Board

SAAL NRM Board

EP NRM Board

SAMDB NRM Board

KI NRM Board

SE NRM Board

AW NRM Board

Industry support groups

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 2009-10

Volume C – Business Plan 2010-2013 – approved by Minister for Environment and

Conservation, the Hon Paul Caica MP, on 12 May 2010.


ATTACHMENT 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR

GENERAL’S REPORT


ATTACHMENT 2: ANNUAL REPORT OF LOWER NORTH NRM GROUP


LOWER NORTH

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT

1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010



Caroline Schaefer

Presiding Member


PO Box 175


Dear Mrs Schaefer


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 2010.

The Lower North Natural Resources Management Group has held six meetings and a planning

workshop during the period June 2009 to July 2010.

The Lower North Natural Resources Management Group commenced and completed the year

with a full membership.

Technical and operational support was received from State agencies and Northern and Yorke

Natural Resources Management Board staff.

Robert Tilley

Chairperson

Lower North Natural Resources Management Group


FOREWORD

This is the Annual Report for the Natural Resource Management Group who have provided

support to the Lower North community over five local government areas, Port Pirie, Northern

Areas, Goyder, Wakefield and Clare and Gilbert Valleys.

The NRM Group has met six times during the past year. The Group, consisting of Phillip Johns,

Beth Walton, Jillian Wilsdon, Karyn Durrant, Roger Lang, Pam Pilkington and new member

Peter White, are greatly indebted to the staff in our region - Team Leader Grant Roberts,

Regional Authorised Officers Bruce Clark, Mel McDermid, Craig Fryar, Mike Zwarts and

Lauren Burdett, NRMO Brooke Kerin and Administrative Officer Jeannine Naughton - who

have coordinated extensive operations 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 field officer support provided by the Northern and Yorke

Natural Resources Management Board (the Board) in implementing the Australian Government

funded programs.

The preservation of Lower North‘s natural environment requires 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 Lower North Group faces a continued challenge but, as is evident from the report, our

Group has been actively implementing our plans, goals, and objectives.

Robert Tilley


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



The Lower North Natural Resources Management Group (the Group) conducted six meetings in

the 2009-10 year. Each meeting was held in different communities within the Group‘s area, to

encourage local residents to attend. One new member was appointed in June 2010 (Peter

White), replacing Pam Pilkington who became a board member. Robert Tilley was

re-nominated as the Chair for another term.

The Group has achieved a high attendance and participation level at all meetings and events.

The Group was involved in its first Group Performance Review, which was conducted

successfully.

In early March the Group conducted a tour of a portion of the Group area to view projects that

they have supported, identify potential projects and to have issues highlighted by staff. The day

was very successful and gave members the opportunity to gain knowledge on water, land,

biodiversity and declared animal and plant issues.

All Group members and staff allocated to the Group participated in Cultural Awareness training.

Members of the Group attended the Landcare Forum in Adelaide to further their knowledge of

natural resource management.

Achievements and contributions to the Targets of the Northern and Yorke NRM Board

Business Plan for 2009-10.

Healthy Soils

The Group supported the Upper North Farming Systems with funding towards precision

agriculture.

The Group supported Rural Solutions SA with funding towards an acidity soil testing

project in the region.

The Group supported the Hart Field Day with sponsorship.

The Group supported the High Rainfall Trial Site south of Riverton with sponsorship.

The Group supported the Tarcowie Landcare Group with funding towards a tubestock

planting project.

The Group supported the Advisory Board of Agriculture with funding for encouraging

landholders to establish demonstration sites on their properties regarding new soil

technology.


The Group funded the removal of woody weeds from a water reserve at Black Springs

north of Saddleworth.


A survey of portions of the Broughton River has revealed the increased presence of

African rue (Peganum harmala) in the area. This has raised the level of concern by the

Group of this difficult to control declared plant.

The staff of the Board contributed to programs through the federally funded Caring for

Our Country program. Programs were in two distinct areas being the control of WoNS

(Weeds of National Significance) and rabbits that threaten endangered animal or plant

communities. In the control of WoN‘s the staff implemented a program to remove Gorse

(Ulex europeaus L.), Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus sp. agg.) and Boneseed

(Chrysanthemoides monilifera) from the landscape as well as conduct a major dispersal

of rust to control bridal creeper on some 200 km of road reserve infested with the plant.

Rabbits were controlled in areas that were identified as habitat for threatened

communities in the western portion of the Group area.

Staff again arranged the regular tree planting activity at the Stockyard Creek reserve with

the Owen Primary School with two officers attending as well assisting with the Upper

Wakefield Community Group and Auburn Primary School tree planting day.

A native grass relocation and revegetation project was conducted with the Burra Primary

School and a local wind farm operator.

Minimal Pest Impact

The Group continued to promote the practice of community baiting for foxes (Vulpes

vulpes) through its incentive program. Baits were supplied at cost if landholders were

participating in a baiting group.

The Group continued a commitment to control gorse (Ulex europeaus L.) under the

Board‘s Memorandum of Understanding with the National Gorse Taskforce.

There are currently two Action Plans with landholders being monitored for compliance

by officers of the Board. In one case the required actions of the agreed plan are not

being met and may require an escalation of compliance or enforcement.

Land condition monitoring has continued for a particular property as the landholder has

agreed to take voluntary actions to ensure that land degradation is minimised.

Authorised officers have focussed upon the fencing standards of an individual deer

keeping property that has experienced escapes in the past. Staff are working with the

landholder to attain the fencing standard required and minimise the risk of further

escapes.

Officers of the Board undertook investigations into some five matters relating to water

affecting activities. All being resolved with no further action required.

Inspection for infestations of boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) were conducted in

the Clare district with no new infestations recorded.

Infestations of Coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia hirta) were managed and will be monitored

in future seasons.


Management of one-leaf cape tulip (Moraea flaccida) was again promoted by the Board

staff. The Board funded the construction of second blanket wiper to assist landholders to

treat cape tulip in a timely manner. Through this process the Board‘s staff assisted the

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board in fabricating a blanket wiper

simultaneously. Staff also promoted the control of cape tulip by conducting a field

morning at Clare in September with approximately 20 people attending.

Staff contributed to the Branched broomrape (Orobanche spp.) program by assisting with

surveys within the Murray Bridge quarantine area. Local inspections of properties with

linkages to the Broomrape Quarantine area near Murray Bridge were conducted with no

plants detected.

Domestic deer farms in the Group area were inspected for compliance of fencing

standards.

Livestock offered for sale at the regular Jamestown and Kapunda markets were

monitored for the presence of declared plant material by officers of the Board.

The release of bioagents for the control of declared plants was again promoted where

appropriate by Board staff. 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.

Supply of fox baits to landholders again increased from that 2009-10 with a total supply

of 11490 for the Group area. It was encouraging to note that several new community

baiting were initiated during this period. Staff provided expert advice and training

directly to landholders in the use and responsibilities required of users of 1080 baits.

Declared animal and plant control on a fee for service basis was provided to the

Department for Transport Energy and Infrastructure and rail operators within the Group

area.

Community Driven NRM

Individuals and groups that promote NRM in the community were recognised by the

Group through its Quiet Achiever program. During the year, the Group and Board

endorsed nine nominations. Three recipients attended a Group meeting in April 2010 for

formal recognition and presentation of their awards. While they have been endorsed by

the Group and the Board, the remaining nominees will formally receive their awards at

the December 2010 meeting.

The nominees are:

Steven Puccetti for his work with removing feral olive trees at the Auburn Cemetery

and being a member of Bush for Life.

Peter and Hilda Van Beushichem for their work with rubbish removal, tree planting

and environmental work along roadsides and at Winkler Park in Saddleworth.

Waiting to receive awards:


John Smyth – recent OAM recipient, Managing Director and founder of Bushland

Conservation Pty Ltd and services to conservation and sustainable farming practices.

Kevin Jaeschke – recent OAM recipient, Chair of Hummocks Soil Conservation Board,

founder of Hart Field Days and founder of annual forum ―Getting the Crop‖.

Jim and Joan Scott – active members of the Mistletoe Action Group, bushcarers of

Emu Flat Reserve, members of the ―BEST‖ group and members of Trees for Life.

Keith and Helen Alderson – active members of the Mistletoe Action Group and

bushcarers of Pinks Reserve.

The Group successfully funded new signage for the Brinkworth Australian Plant Society

to replace existing signage.

Staff and Group members attended several local shows as well as the Yorke Peninsula

Field days to promote the Board and its activities. Staff attended the Jamestown, Burra,

Eudunda and Clare shows with much interest by the public at all venues. The Board was

also represented at the Hart Field Day.

During the year staff promoted the activities of the Group and programs with the use of

regular print articles as well as the Board‘s own regional publications.

Three staff attended the 2nd

SA Weeds Conference convened by the Weed Management

Society of South Australia Inc. Staff assisted in presenting on the programs and

activities of the Northern and Yorke NRM Board.

Board staff established a partnership with the revised Yackamoorundie Landcare Group.

The Board‘s officers increased their knowledge and skills in identifying alert grass

weeds by arranging a field trip to areas of the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges NRM

Board. The officers were grateful of the assistance provided by Adelaide Mount Lofty

Staff and the knowledge that they shared. Plants such as Coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia

hirta) as well as Texas (Nassella leucotricha) and Chilean (Nassella neesiana) needle

grasses were viewed in the field. The trip also included a visit to the State Herbarium to

assist in the staff‘s appreciation of the services and assistance they can provide.

The Board‘s staff conducted Bush Condition Monitoring at 18 sites in the Lower North

area.

Authorised Officers of the Board attended the Regional Authorised Officers conference

at Mt. Lofty House in early June. This provided an excellent opportunity for officers to

network with others from around the State as well as discuss the recommendations

contained within the Chief Officer‘s Operational Review of Authorised Officers.


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

2009-10 financial year fulfils the requirements of Section 38 of the Natural Resources

Management Act.


ROLE OF THE GROUP

The Groups‘ 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


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


FUNCTIONS OF THE LOWER NORTH GROUP


and Yorke 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.

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 Lower North NRM Group during 2009-10 was:


Members

Robert Tilley

Phillip Johns

Beth Walton

Jillian Wilsdon

Karyn Durrant

Roger Lang

Pam Pilkington (resigned 13/4/2010)

Peter White (appointed 21/06/2010)


A total of six general Group meetings were held during the 2009-10 financial year.

There were no special Group meetings held during the 2009-10 financial year.

One Group planning workshop was held during the 2009-10 financial year.


Member Meetings

attended Comments Reason for non

attendance

Robert Tilley 6 Other commitments

Phillip Jones 3 Other commitments

Beth Walton 4 Other commitments Jillian Wilsdon 3 Other commitments Karyn Durrant 4 Other commitments Roger Lang 4 Other commitments Pam Pilkington 5 (resigned April 2010) Other commitments Peter White 1 (appointed June 2010)


The Group has an effective and productive working 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 Lower North area.


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.



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.

Financial transactions are completed by the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management

Board.

STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT BOARD DIRECTIVES

There were no significant functions assigned by the Minister during the 2009-10 period.


THE BOARD

There were no significant functions assigned by the N&Y NRM Board during the 2009-10

period.


TO THE GROUP

Functions and Powers of NRM groups Under the NRM Act Retained

by Board

Provided to

Group

52—Functions of groups (1) The functions of an 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

(e) 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.

53—General powers (1) An NRM group has the power to do anything necessary, expedient or

incidental to—

(a) performing the functions of the NRM group under this or any other Act;



by Board

Provided to

Group

or

(b) assisting in the administration of this Act; or

(c) furthering the objects of this Act.

(2) Without limiting the operation of subsection (1) (but subject to

subsections (3) and (4)), an NRM group may—

(e) seek expert, technical or other advice on any matter from any person or

such terms and conditions as the NRM group thinks fit; and

(f) carry out projects; and

(g) act in conjunction with any other authority or person.

182—Owner of land to take action to destroy or control animals or plants

(7) All NRM groups must carry out proper measures for the destruction of all

animals or plants of a class to which subsection (1) applies and for the control

of all animals or plants of a class to which subsection (2) applies on road

reserves situated within both a control area for that class of animals or plants

and the area of the NRM group (and, if there is no such group, the

responsibility to take action under this subsection will rest with the relevant regional NRM board).

(Actual

work is

undertaken

by

employees)


BY THE GROUP

There were no significant functions assigned by the Lower North NRM Group during the 2009-

10 period.

COMMITTEES LISTING

Nil

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Group would like to thank the Minister and staff of the following organisations for the

support and encouragement that it has received over the year:

Board and staff of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board.

Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation



Wakefield Regional Council

Port Pirie Regional Council

Northern Areas Council

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

Regional Council of Goyder

The community of Northern and Yorke region.


ATTACHMENT 3: ANNUAL REPORT OF UPPER NORTH NRM GROUP


UPPER NORTH

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT

1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010



Caroline Schaefer

Presiding Member


PO Box 175, Crystal Brook

South Australia 5523

Dear Caroline


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 2010.

My appointment and role as Chairperson for the Upper North Natural Resources Management

Group (the Group) is very recent as our inaugural chairperson Peter McInnis resigned only a few

days prior to our May 2010 meeting at Port Germein. On behalf of the Group, I sincerely thank

Peter for his contribution to furthering the management of our unique northern natural asset. In

the previous Group‘s Annual Report, Peter set members a task towards examining opportunities

and possibilities for targeted landscape protection and reparation of threatened natural systems.

The Group embraced the concept of broad scale landscape projects throughout the year, its

major focus change being to control rabbits over entire districts therefore fully protecting

significant vegetation from the eco-degrading impact of rabbits

There remains a continuous improvement in sincerity from the Group and I can now report that

members are thinking and working broadly enough to supervise a landscape scale project.

Indeed, members are working in the community as champions of natural resource management

(NRM), most recently noted when members organised numerous landowners to be part of our

rabbit warren destruction program.

Members work hard at bimonthly meetings in their evaluation of prioritising and targeting of

NRM reparation projects. There is a genuine keenness and desire from members to work with

NRM Staff, encouraging and providing local knowledge and advice.

I am pleased to report that the Group remains fully inclusive in NRM matters and that all

members are exercising and expanding their role into understanding soil condition and

management, pest control, protecting and improving biodiversity, coastal care and water

management.

Finally, on behalf of the Upper North NRM Group and in particular Mr Peter McInnis, I wish to

thank the Board Members for their attendance at our meetings, their encouragement and their

advice. Also, I thank the General Manager, NRM Board staff and contracted personnel for their

committed support.

Geraldine Davis

Chairperson

Upper North Natural Resources Management Group


FOREWORD

Upper North Group members have grasped and enacted their nominal key role as community

champions of natural resource management and keenly continue to encourage the community to

appreciate and respect our fragile northern natural assets.

We have formally recognised those community members as quiet achievers, who in their

individual effort to help protect our natural biodiversity are assisting and working with the

Group to increase its ambassadorship to nature.

The Group has had another very busy and productive year, albeit Regional Authorised Officer

Greg Patrick accepted a senior level promotion with the SA Arid Lands NRM Board in

September and Rebekah Rasheed started 12 months maternity leave in December. In addition,

the Upper North Officer in Peterborough suffered an OHS incident from early October to 30

June, being on alternate light duties or leave.

The Board employed Tim Liebelt to be the Regional Authorised Officer for the Flinders Ranges

and Port Augusta Councils. Tim comes to NRM with multiple skills in NRM and the marine

environment. The Upper North Group has supported Tim in necessary accreditation and

training. Tim has completed the Compliance Course, Weeds Management Course and the 1080

pest vertebrate training.

Staff have been fortunate to attend the following courses in the past year:

- National Forum on Cactus

- State Opuntia Task Force meetings

- Conflict Resolution training

- Woodlands forum: Iron grass/ and Peppermint tree

- Authorised Officers conference

- Cultural Awareness training (Upper North Group Members included)

- Authorised Officers field trip: Grass ID.

Members have also supported staff in their role on the State Review of Authorised Officers,

Committee, and their role at two Board and Group member induction days.

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.

NRM Group focus is on empowering and educating the community to recognise the need to

protect the natural asset and its natural systems, and for the people to voluntarily conduct best

practice techniques in protection and reparation of the environment.

The Group is looking forward to the 2010-11 year and the opportunity for Group Members,

NRM staff and the community to encourage and support one another to give even better service

to the public for the protection of our unique natural systems.

Geraldine Davis
















Fraud








Reconciliation Statement.



Achievements and contributions to the Targets of the Northern and Yorke NRM Board



Weeds of National Significance :

An intensive joint inspection of the Upper North Region by Greening Australia and

N&YNRM Officers, located areas of bridal creeper in Melrose, Booleroo, Wirrabara,

Port Germein and Telowie that needed to be controlled as a matter of urgency.

The Group has planned that the necessary control work will be undertaken at the most

appropriate time during Spring 2010.

The biocontrol agent, Puccinia myrsiphylli rust fungus was sprayed over dense Bridal

creeper populations along approximately three kilometres of the Port Germein Gorge

road.

A chance finding of several uncontrolled mesquite plants located approximately

4 kilometres north east of Port Augusta city, while NRM staff were on a routine

inspection. These plants will be destroyed during Summer 2010 under the Group

Mesquite and Parkinsonia eradication policy

Wheel cactus control projects.

Upper North Group members approved budgets.

Upper North expenditure $30,980

In kind work and landowner cash contribution $10,980

Total $41,960

The Upper North Group budget provided $20,000 for the hire of a qualified contractor to

assist landowners in the Peterborough area, control wheel cactus plants on their property.

This expenditure is addition to $20,000 expended the previous year.

In addition to the Upper North Group $20,000 commitment, the State Opuntia Task

Force provided the Upper North Group with a further $10,000 for on ground wheel

cactus control with the condition that landowners contribute a further $10,000 in kind

work or a 50% cash payment for contractor accounts, to the NRM Board.

Wheel cactus control actions reduced its threat to biodiversity and agriculture over

approximately 120,000 Ha.

27,795 counted wheel cactus plants controlled by pad injection of herbicide, on 27

properties in the Peterborough area.

One landowner chose to pay the NRM Board a ‗substantial‘ cash contribution for control

work, while others chose to work daily with the contractor who was pleased to also

provide ‗on the job training‘

Minor follow up work in the wheel cactus eradication program on two properties in the

Pekina Hills. Project fully supported by 15 participating landowners.


This section of the project is extremely successful leaving minimal follow up work for

land owners in subsequent years.

Protected over 15,000 Ha of biodiversity and grazing hills land.

Wheel cactus eradication program is continuing in the Telowie hills with only one

landowner having plants for follow up work.

Woody weed control in the Willochra Creek.

The Upper North Group approved a $5,000 project in next financial year to control plant

regrowth from olive tree stumps cut the previous calendar year by a NRM contractor.

The project is necessary to assist a landowner who cannot cope with the job requirement

The waterway, stream banks and the remaining native vegetation remains undamaged.

Three kilometres of creek with very high value natural biodiversity protected through

seven landowners property.

Severe flood risk mitigated, creek banks protected from redirected flooding and fire risk

reduced

The Orroroo Carrieton District Council sprayed herbicide on pepper tree regrowth from

cut stumps in the Pekina creek. Their control work will need follow up.

Feral pepper trees, feral olive trees and African boxthorn plants were mechanically

removed from the Pekina creek and mulched into wood chip Biodiversity protected in

seven kilometres of the Pekina creek

Woody weed control in the Port Germein Gorge

Upper North Group approved $3,670 for the control of olive trees and desert ash trees

spreading along the Port Germein Gorge Creek.

The contractor felled the pest trees, poisoned the stumps with herbicide provided by and

approved by the NRM Board, mulched the foliage and supplied the local school with

free wood chip for their garden.

Rabbit Warren Destruction Project

The Upper North Group secured $130,000 for rabbit control to protect native vegetation.

Members allocated all funding to rabbit warren destruction using tracked bulldozers to

rip the soil through rabbit warrens effectively causing the collapse of all underground

tunnels. Rabbits searching for protection from predators and natural exposure are denied

refuse from open warrens by rabbit warren destruction and generally die quickly.

This project to destroy rabbit warrens is targeted to follow the effective seasonal control

of rabbits by the biocontrol agent ‗rabbit calicivirus disease‘ (RCD).


Rabbit activity in warrens is very low immediately after RCD, however, some rabbits

have a natural immunity and need to be controlled by other means; the most effective

best practice management is to deny rabbit protection by warren destruction.

Contractors JA and LR Gibson Enterprises, Tuilkilkey Enterprises and MY Frahn

Contracting Services, were hired by the NRM Board to carry out control work.

Landowners also expressed their interest in being part of the project and signed ‗Land

Management Agreements‘ agreeing that they would undertake any minor follow up work

to ensure that all warrens remained rabbit free.

The Rabbit warren destruction project:

Protected 93,887 hectares of biodiversity by controlling rabbits in the Hawker, Orroroo

and Peterborough regions.

Destroyed 7,895 counted rabbit warrens (more than120,000 rabbit burrows destroyed)

43 landowners provided in-kind support by being on site during the rabbit warren

destruction to spot the warrens, direct the NRM contractor to the warrens, help shift the

contractor to new areas.

Minimal Pest Impact

Reducing the impact on the natural resource through the management of ‘declared

pest plant’ species.

Controlled weeds on identified Crown land allotments and road reserves adjacent to

Crown land. Skeleton weed was controlled along approximately 15 kilometres of

abandoned rail corridor between Black rock and Peterborough.

Declared plants inspected and controlled on rail way reserves for Transfield Pty Ltd.

Bathurst burr, Opuntia and horehound remain the main weeds of concern.

Ongoing extensive monitoring and evaluation program for the biocontrol agent L. echii

‗flee beetle‘ controlling Salvation Jane weed in the Melrose area. While considerable

damage to Salvation jane was recorded the previous year, on inspection only five beetles

were found and plant damage was minimal. SARDI biocontrol entomologist informed

the Upper North Group that seasonal conditions throughout the State did not favour the

biocontrol agent, however, the echii insect has the capacity to recover in subsequent

years.

2,000 Kilometres of road reserves inspected and adjacent landowners notified of the

presence of introduced declared weeds. Roadside inspections decreased by

approximately 65% this year compared to 08/09 as staff was not available. Landowners

successfully controlled declared weeds on all road reserves except the Orroroo Tarcowie

road. The Upper North Group has asked that NRM officers consider the Pekina Road a

priority road for further weed control


Horehound biocontrol agent ‗Plume Moth‘ monitored in the Yatina hills and in the

Yatina township blocks. Plume moth biocontrol agent is establishing across all sites of

release showing moderate leaf reduction impact on horehound plants.

Eleven plant identifications for concerned landowners and advice on best practice

control or management techniques. NRM staff continue to provide this important

service to landowners and home owners. The majority of plant identifications was for

home owners this year

Five new infestations of Cut-leaf mignonette were located and immediately destroyed,

between Pekina and Wynflette area. Landowners are keen to keep plants from spreading

outside the core area of infestation, while landowners within the core infestation are

destroying all plants on road reserves and broad area spraying all plants in cereal crops.

Approximately forty five new infestations of Lincoln weed were located and

immediately destroyed between Pekina and Tarcowie. Last year only two new Lincoln

weed infestations were found, the large increase this year attributed to improved

landowner knowledge of the plant. The community is again assisting the Group by

reporting all Lincoln weed sightings to NRM officers.

One leaf Cape tulip controlled growing adjacent to the Mount Remarkable National

Park. This infestation was discovered in the previous year by DEH staff and successfully

controlled by NRM officers, however, follow up work will be required for some years as

these plants reproduce from seeds and corms.

A project to control a wild artichoke infestation growing in the Weepowie / Booleroo

Springs is to be developed by the Upper North Group in liaison with the Board‘s Water

Officer.

Caltrop weed successfully destroyed in local cemeteries and other amenity areas by the

Local Councils. People with town blocks are now asked to control caltrop earlier than

their past control programs to ensure that the plants are destroyed before burrs form.

Bathurst burr weed on road reserves and along numerous water ways in semi arid areas

is not being adequately controlled by landowners. The Upper North Group has

identified spreading Bathurst burr in the areas north of Orroroo as unacceptable and

intends to form a local action group to include all landowners in the affected area. The

action group will first meet in September 2010, where NRM staff will advise on halting

the spread and controlling existing infestations.

African rue plants controlled on Minburra, Paratoo and Butterfields roads to protect

numerous neighbouring properties. Several plants were also destroyed on the Quorn

Hawker road. All landowners with land along the Boolcunda creek have been contacted

by NRM staff with the intention of improving African rue control on creek banks to

prevent spread into adjoining property by flood water.

Declared plants inspected for Australian Track and Rail. Minor infestations of Bathurst

burr controlled.


Hudson pear (cactus) on properties west of Port Augusta is a priority weed for

destruction. The Upper North Group has identified Hudson pear control as a separate

project from all other Opuntia management and is liaising with landowners in the area.

DNA samples of Silverleaf nightshade were collected from Appila and Wirrabara with

Dubbo University scientist Dr Hanwen. This project is nationally funded to forward the

production of a biochemical to control deep rooted perennial plants.

Associate Professor Dr Laurie Abbott from New Mexico America visited the Upper

North Group for two days in May to study our African rue control program.

Reducing the impact on the natural resource through the management of ‘declared

pest animal’ species.

An application for a permit to keep and transport feral goats in the Flinders Ranges

Development Area was assessed and written for the NRM Board to consider.

Two NRM Goat traps hired to landowners in the Quorn and Orroroo area.

1080 Poison for feral animal control

Dispensed 4,650 pre prepared 1080 poison fox baits (Foxoff) to land owners and advised

each landowner on the safe storage and correct use of the baits in the field.

Value of sales - $5,571.60

To address the decline in the use of fox bait throughout the region, the N&Y NRM

Board initiated a scheme where landowner groups could purchase fox baits at a reduced

price. The price reduction did not impact on bait sales, suggesting that price is not a

reason for declining fox control.

Injected 1080 poison liquid into 60,124 dried meat bait portions for fox control for DEH.

5,690 ml 1080 solution used.

Value of sales - $6,613.64

The use of 1080 solution mixed in South Australia was not used this financial year as the

permit for registration was withheld.

The Upper North Group imported 6 litres of 1080 solution from Victoria for this project.

Dispensed 288 prepared 1080 poison wild dog baits (Doggone) to landowners with

instructions for best practice use.

Value of sales - $480.00

1080 self audit – Ensure MSDS updated, equipment safe to use and all safety

precautions in place and storage of 1080 adequately locked.


1080 from Victoria entered into the poison register.

1080 Audit DWLBC. All 1080 liquids measured and baits in stock counted.

1080 training/accreditation 24 May at Clare. DWLBC.

Compliance action

NRM Action Plan served for the control of African boxthorn in the Wilmington hills.

A ten year control program was agreed.

Warning letter, after onsite meetings, to landowner in the Telowie area excessively

mechanically cultivating fine sandy loam soil for weed control on very hot summer days.

Two property visits and several discussions with landowner in the Quorn area regarding

unauthorised and destructive water affecting activities and destruction of native

vegetation. Report presented.

Monitoring vegetation cover on property in the Baroota area to prevent further sand drift.

Location Number Description

Enforcement

Hundred of Woolundunga 1 Action Plan – on track and continuing.

Warnings

Quorn 2 Landowners instructed to remove Hudson Pear from their gardens.

Quorn 1 Instructions to landowners regarding keeping of goats.

Quorn 1 Instructions to landowner regarding overstocking property

adjacent to the township

Wilmington 1 Instructions to landowners regarding keeping of goats.

3 Instructions to landowners regarding participation in the

Board‘s rabbit warren destruction program

12 Instructions to landowners regarding rabbit burrow fumigation

as follow up to mechanical warren destruction.

5 Instructions to landowners regarding participation in the

Board‘s wheel cactus control program.

2 Instructions to landowners regarding follow-up of olive tree

control in the Willochra Creek.

Baroota 2 Formal contact with landowners regarding prevention of soil

drift.

Telowie 1 Formal instruction to landowner regarding excessive cultivation,

dust nuisance and soil drift.


Meetings with ‗Coastal Homes Association‘ representatives to discuss Upper North

NRM Group funding for revegetation and watering systems at the local refuse site,

signage to encourage people to better care for their coastal environment and the purchase

of native trees.


Meetings with ‗Friends of Blanche Harbour Group‘ to discuss Upper North NRM Group

funding to purchase native plants for a revegetation program, purchase a tank and

pipeline and install watering systems for tree planting, .

Meetings with ‗Westside Beach Friends Group‘ to discuss Upper North NRM Group

funding to upgrade entrance and pathways to west side beach by installing suitable

fencing, informative signage and complete the staircase project.

The Group represented at all Port Augusta Marine Environment Advisory Committee

meetings, held monthly at Port Augusta.

Marine Environmental Education day.

Approximately 150 Port Augusta school students, teachers and helpers attended the

Upper North Group‘s marine environment day on 4 June to complement World

Environment Day.

Events on the day included a mangrove forest walk, a guided tour of the Port Augusta

Aquatic Centre and the Coast Guard boat and shed, viewing of sea life through an

underwater camera and a dress up event to learn about marine pests.

Upper North Group assisted at the NRM Clare show stand for seven hours.

The Orroroo Area School teachers and students were supported by the Upper North

Group in an educational amazing race where enviro-challenges for groups of students

were set.

NRM Upper North staff presented pest weed and pest animal challenges for the day‘s

activities.

Caltowie Corridors of Green Group held its ninth annual environmental day at the

Appila Springs, where participating schools bring students to learn about their natural

environment. The Upper North Group contributed to the day with a presenter on

‗rodents‘.

5. Managing Board Assets

A portable purpose build chemical shed was purchased and is erected in the Orroroo

Council Depot.

The shed is also used to store minor equipment and administration.

Fire equipment fully serviced every six months.

Board shed at Carrieton maintained.

Equipment serviced.

Assets register updated.

8. Occupational Health and Safety


Three meetings attended by Upper North staff representative.

Staff health checks.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The NRM Boards‘ education kit is completed and its recommendations and events

adopted.

GROUP INITATIVES and ACTIONS

Health check for Upper North staff.

Allocate $130,000 grant funding to protect biodiversity from the impact of rabbits by

destroying rabbit warrens.

Allocate $30,980 to assist landowners in the Peterborough area control wheel cactus.

Review the existing project, and include that landowners will be asked to contribute 50%

of the cost for controlling wheel cactus plants on their property.

Landowners may contribute their time or a cash payment.

Allocate $3,670 for the removal and disposal of feral olive trees and feral desert ash

trees.

Hire of goat traps to landowners to complement their goat control programs.

Present four ‗Quiet Achievers Awards‘ to individuals in the community that have made a

significant contribution to NRM.

Purchase a PDA Nomad GPS unit to display property information in the field.

The Upper North Group will continue to support the Baroota Water Allocation Planning

Committee.





Management Act.


ROLE OF THE GROUP

The Groups‘ role is defined in the Natural Resources Management Act and includes:






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



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:












area; and

(g) Such other functions prescribed by the regulations or assigned to the NRM group by a


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 Upper North Group during 2009-10 was:


Members

Peter McInnis

Jane Luckraft

Paul Slattery

Rieck Shine

Rosalind Francis

Geraldine Davis

Paul Kretschmer


A total of six Group meetings were held during the 2009-10 financial year.

There were no special Group meetings held during the 2009-10 financial year.

One Group planning workshop was held during the 2009-10 financial year.


Member Meetings

attended

Comments Reason for non

attendance

Peter McInnis 4 Other commitments

Jane Luckraft 5 Other commitments

Paul Slattery 3 Resigned April 2010 Other commitments

Rieck Shine 4 Resigned May 2010 Other commitments

Rosalind Francis 6 Other commitments

Geraldine Davis 6 Other commitments

Paul Kretschmer 5 Other commitments


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

Forestry SA


Aboriginal Lands

Greening Australia


Department of Water, Land & Biodiversity Conservation

Weeds of National Significance, and CRC

Rural Solutions SA

Rural Directions


The Upper North NRM Group of seven members is appointed and resourced by the Northern

and Yorke NRM Board.

Peter McInnis of Hawker is the appointed Chairperson of the Upper North Group for the fourth

successive year and Stacey Shackleford remains 0.5 Administrative Officer located at the

Orroroo NRM office. Geraldine Davis was elected the Acting Chairperson for two meetings.

The Group prepares to meet six times in a year, and it has met with a quorum on all six

occasions. Meeting minutes are provided to the NRM Board meetings.

Northern and Yorke NRM Board Members M Lewis, K Ward, J Bishop, and J O‘Reilly have

attended and contributed to Group meetings. Mr Dene Cuthbertson, Program Manager, has

attended and contributed to 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.17 21 July 2009 held at Melrose

Meeting No.18 06 October 2009 held at Wilmington

Meeting No.19 01 December 2009 held at Port Augusta

Meeting No.20 04 January 2010 held at Booleroo

Meeting No.21 02 March 2010 held at Peterborough

Meeting No.22 04 May 2009 held Port Germein

Upper North Group Review process during February 2010.




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



Financial transactions are completed by the Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management

Board.





THE BOARD


period.


TO THE GROUP


by Board

Provided to

Group

52—Functions of groups

(1) The functions of an NRM group are—


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










(e) 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.

53—General powers (1) An NRM group has the power to do anything necessary, expedient or

incidental to—

(a) performing the functions of the NRM group under this or any other Act;

or














(Actual

work is

undertaken



by Board

Provided to

Group


responsibility to take action under this subsection will rest with the relevant

regional NRM board).

by

employees)


BY THE GROUP

There were no significant functions assigned by the Upper North NRM Group during the 2009-

10 period.

COMMITTEES LISTING

Nil

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS



Board and staff of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board




District Council of Orroroo Carrieton

Flinders Ranges Council

District Council of Mount Remarkable Council

Port Augusta City Council

District Council of Peterborough and

The community of Northern and Yorke region

SA Arid lands NRM Board

SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board

Eyre Peninsula NRM Board


ATTACHMENT 4: ANNUAL REPORT OF YORKE PENINSULA NRM

GROUP


YORKE PENINSULA

NATURAL RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT

1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010



Caroline Schaefer

Presiding Member


PO Box 175


Dear Caroline


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 2010.

The Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group has held six meetings and two

planning workshops during the period June 2009 to July 2010.

The Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group commenced and completed the

year with a full membership.

Technical and operational support was received from State agencies and Yorke Peninsula

Natural Resources Management Board staff.

Ray Agnew

Chairperson

Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group


FOREWORD

This is the Annual Report for the NRM group who have provided support to the Yorke

Peninsula community over three local government areas Barunga West, Copper Coast and

Yorke Peninsula.

The Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Group (the Group) has met six times

during the past year with one meeting including a site visit to Point Pearce Community. We are

greatly indebted to the staff in our region, Team Leader Rob Lincoln with Regional Authorised

Officers Ken Rudd, Hannah Short, NRMO David Sloper and Administration Support Officer

Fabienne Dee who have coordinated extensive operations 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 Yorke Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board

provided field officer support in implementing the Australian Government funded programs.

Developing the capacity of the Group to establish linkages with the community and landholders

was facilitated by the completion of two Planning Days held in 2009 with a third planning day

due to be held in October 2010.

The preservation of Yorke Peninsula‘s natural environment, particularly sensitive coastal areas,

is under increasing pressure from human recreational uses and requires 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 the Group‘s

endeavours.

The Yorke Peninsula Group faces a continued challenge but as is evident from the report our

Group has been actively implementing our plans, goals, and objectives.

The following is a summary of key concerns of the Yorke Peninsula Group:

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 Group may need to respond to issues relevant to the future prescribing of

groundwater basins within the Group area;

understanding the way forward in the area of marine natural resource management.

Raymond Agnew
















Fraud








Reconciliation Statement



Achievements and contributions to the Targets of the Northern & Yorke NRM Board



Provided continued funding for the Project ‗SYP Fox Baiting for Biodiversity‘ in

conjunction with the Department of Environment and Heritage / DENR. Officers carried out

the fourth and fifth round of baiting for the SYP Biodiversity Project in August 2009 and

February 2010. Officers were also responsible for the collection and destruction of any

untaken baits

$49,700.00 of Caring for our Country funding was expended on the application of Bridal

creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) rust fungus spore water biological control agent.

Approximately 700 kms of road verges were treated during September 2009.

Minimal Pest Impact

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 was on coordinated action over local areas with neighbouring properties and on

landholder participation and commitment to the program.

Provided subsidised 1080 fox bait for participating fox baiting groups.

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.

Conducted a rabbit control program involving community groups and landholders, fully

funded by Complimentary Funding.

Keepers of deer have their properties inspected for compliance with industry standards for

containment and fencing.

Officers provided technical advice to landholders experiencing problems with high mouse

populations.

Contribution to the State Branched Broomrape Eradication Program of 10 days of

Authorised Officer time.

Further mapping of the declared plant and Weed of National Significance; Boneseed

(Chysanthemoides monilifera spp); at infestation sites within the Group area. Additional

WONS funding of $11,000.00 was received for Boneseed control.

Joint program with local government for containment of bridal veil (Asparagus declinatus)

implemented across local regions.


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.

Applied funding from the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure for the

management of declared plant species on road reserves. The allocated funding was spent

and invoices submitted.

Advice given to landholders wishing to harvest Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) plants

affected by the biological control agent Plume moth.

Pest animal management and declared plant fact sheets are available on the Board website.


Quiet Achiever‘s Award Nomination

Port Julia Progress Association

The future project register is being maintained for possible future funding

The Yorke Peninsula NRM Group provided representation to the YP Alkaline Soils Group

Management Committee with the membership of R Way with A Twartz as proxy. Officers

R Lincoln and H Short have become members during the 2009/2010 year.

Prepared and submitted press releases and conducted radio interviews advising of services

available to the community for management of pest animals and plants.

Engaged local government in a joint program for managing Bridal veil (Asparagus

declinatus) across land tenures.

Locally based staff participated in regional activities during the year and produced a number

of print and radio releases for local media.

Facilitation and presentation at community/progress association and agricultural bureau

meetings.

Coordinated community engagement programs were held at Yorke Peninsula primary

schools, to assist students with the rearing of the biological agent Bridal creeper leaf hopper.

A plant identification service is available to the general public and has been extensively

utilised.

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 reduce the abundance of

rabbits in semi-urban areas.






Management Act.

ROLE OF THE GROUP

The Group‘s role is defined in the Natural Resources Management Act and includes:






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



FUNCTIONS OF THE YORKE PENINSULA GROUP


and Yorke Natural Resources Management Group:












area; and

(h) Such other functions prescribed by the regulations or assigned to the NRM group by a


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 Yorke Peninsula NRM Group during 2009-10 was:

Members

Raymond Agnew

Caroline Paterson

Alan Twartz

Paula McKay

Deborah Furbank

Richard Way

Neil Smith


A total of six general Group meetings were held during the 2009-10 financial year.

A total of two Planning Day Group meetings were held during the 2009-10 financial year.


Member Meetings

attended

Comments Reason for non

attendance

Raymond Agnew 8

Caroline Paterson 0 Parental Leave

Alan Twartz 8

Paula McKay 7 Apology

Deborah Furbank 7 Apology

Richard Way 8

Neil Smith 6 Apology


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 (DENR), SA Water and the Department for

Transport, Energy and Infrastructure and the South Australian Research and Development

Institute have supported the Group operational programs in collaborative on-ground activity.



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.




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



Financial transactions are completed by the Northern & Yorke Natural Resources Management

Board.




THE BOARD


period.


TO THE GROUP

Functions and Powers of NRM Groups Under the NRM Act Retained

by Board

Provided to

Group

52—Functions of groups

(1) The functions of an NRM group are—


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










(e) 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


Functions and Powers of NRM Groups Under the NRM Act Retained

by Board

Provided to

Group

Act.

53—General powers

(1) An NRM group has the power to do anything necessary, expedient or

incidental to—

(a) performing the functions of the NRM group under this or any other Act; or















responsibility to take action under this subsection will rest with the relevant regional NRM board).

(Actual

work is

undertaken

by

employees)


BY THE GROUP

There were no significant functions assigned by the Yorke Peninsula NRM Group during the

2009-10 period.

COMMITTEES LISTING

Nil

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS



Board and staff of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board



Department of Primary Industries and Resources

District Council of Barunga West

District Council of the Copper Coast

District Council of Yorke Peninsula

The community of Northern and Yorke region.