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Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page i
ADELAIDE AND MOUNT LOFTY
RANGES
NATURAL RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT BOARD
ANNUAL REPORT
1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page ii
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board
Annual Report 2011–12
For further information please contact:
Regional Manager
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board
205 Greenhill Road
Eastwood SA 5063
Telephone: (08) 8273 9100
Facsimile: (08) 8271 9585
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au
ABN: 91 779 541 621
ISSN 2201-3822
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................... V
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................... VI
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ...........................................................................................................1
FOREWORD .........................................................................................................................................2
1. PLANS AND OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................3 1.1. SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S STRATEGIC PLAN .............................................................. 3 1.2. LINKS BETWEEN THE AMLR NRM BOARD AND THE SA STRATEGIC PLAN
3 1.3. LINKS BETWEEN THE AMLR NRM BOARD AND THE SEVEN STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES OF GOVERNMENT ................................................................................ 4 1.4. LINKS BETWEEN THE AMLR NRM BOARD AND THE STATE NRM PLAN ... 5
2. OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES .........................................................................................6 2.1. CARE FOR LANDSCAPES ............................................................................................ 6 2.2. CARE FOR SEASCAPES .............................................................................................. 10 2.3. CARE FOR URBAN LANDSCAPES ........................................................................... 13 2.4. WATER TO SUPPORT LIFE AND SOCIETY .......................................................... 15 2.5. BETTER KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGIES ................................................... 17 2.6. SUSTAIN COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................. 18 2.7. POLICY AND LEGISLATION .................................................................................... 20 2.8. MONITORING AND EVALUATING THE ORGANISATION AND PROGRAM
OUTCOMES ................................................................................................................... 21
3. ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE ........................................................................22 3.1. OBJECT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT .................... 23 3.2. ROLE OF THE AMLR NRM BOARD ........................................................................ 23 3.3. THE AMLR NRM BOARD REGION .......................................................................... 23 3.4. FUNCTIONS OF THE AMLR NRM BOARD ............................................................ 24 3.5. MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................................... 26 3.6. MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL ................................................................... 27 3.7. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES ........................................................ 28 3.8. GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS .......................................................................... 28 3.9. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE............................................................................ 29
4. MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES ......................................................................30 4.1. EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS ................................................. 30 4.2. EXECUTIVES ................................................................................................................ 31 4.3. LEAVE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................. 31 4.4. WORKFORCE DIVERSITY ........................................................................................ 31 4.5. VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS ................................... 33 4.6. PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................... 33 4.7. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT ....................................... 33 4.8. ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES ................................................................... 33 4.9. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS ...................................................... 33
5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY MANAGEMENT .......................34
6. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE..............................................................................................36 6.1. SOURCES OF INCOME ............................................................................................... 36 6.2. EXPENDITURE ............................................................................................................. 36 6.3. CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS ........................................................................ 37 6.4. ACCOUNT PAYMENT PERFORMANCE ................................................................. 37 6.5. FRAUD ............................................................................................................................ 37
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page iv
6.6. CONSULTANTS ............................................................................................................ 38 6.7. GRANTS .......................................................................................................................... 38
7. OVERSEAS TRAVEL .............................................................................................................42
8. DISABILITY ACTION PLANS ..............................................................................................42
9. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ......................................42
10. URBAN DESIGN CHARTER .................................................................................................42
11. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – INFORMATION STATEMENTS .............................42 11.1. PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION STATEMENT ............................................... 42
12. WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT 1993 ...............................................................43
13. ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORTS .........................................................43 13.1. PERFORMANCE AGAINST ANNUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS ...... 43 13.2. GREENING OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FRAMEWORK ........................ 44
14. REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS ......................................................44
15. RECONCILIATION STATEMENT ......................................................................................45
16. STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT MINISTERIAL DIRECTIVES ..............45
17. STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BY MINISTER
.....................................................................................................................................................45
18. STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS DELEGATED TO THE
AMLR NRM BOARD ..............................................................................................................45
19. AMLR NRM BOARDS AND COMMITTEES LISTING ....................................................45
20. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................46
21. PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2011–12 ....................................46 21.1. BOOKLETS .................................................................................................................... 46 21.2. FACTSHEETS/INFORMATION SHEETS ................................................................. 46 21.3. NEWSLETTERS ............................................................................................................ 47 21.4. OTHER ............................................................................................................................ 47
22. GLOSSARY ...............................................................................................................................47
APPENDICIES
A: NRM GROUPS ANNUAL REPORTS
ATTACHMENT 1 - ANNUAL REPORT OF NORTHERN NRM GROUP
ATTACHMENT 2 - ANNUAL REPORT OF FLEURIEU NRM GROUP
ATTACHMENT 3 - ANNUAL REPORT OF CENTRAL HILLS NRM GROUP
B: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page v
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Links between AMLR NRM Plan theme areas and the SA Strategic Plan ....................................... 3
Table 2: Links between AMLR NRM Plan theme areas and the seven strategic priorities of
government ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Table 3: Links between the State NRM Plan and the AMLR Regional NRM Plan ........................................ 5
Table 4: Key strategies for the Care for landscapes theme ............................................................................ 8
Table 5: Key strategies for the Care for seascapes theme ............................................................................ 12
Table 6: Key strategies for the Care for urban landscapes theme ................................................................ 15
Table 7: Key strategies for the Water to support life and society theme ....................................................... 17
Table 8: Key strategies for the Better knowledge and technologies theme ................................................... 18
Table 9: Key strategies for the Sustain community action theme .................................................................. 19
Table 10: Attendance by appointed AMLR NRM Board members at meetings ........................................... 27
Table 11: Employee numbers, gender and status .......................................................................................... 30
Table 12: Number of employees by salary bracket ....................................................................................... 30
Table 13: Amount of superannuation contributions by the AMLR NRM Board .......................................... 30
Table 14: Status of employees in current position ........................................................................................ 31
Table 15: Executives by gender, classification and status ............................................................................ 31
Table 16: Average days leave per full-time equivalent employee ................................................................ 31
Table 17: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees ..................................................................... 31
Table 18: Number of employees by age bracket by gender .......................................................................... 32
Table 19: Cultural and linguistic diversity .................................................................................................... 32
Table 20: Total number of employees with disabilities (according to Commonwealth DDA definition) .... 32
Table 21: Types of disability (where specified) ............................................................................................ 32
Table 22: Voluntary flexible working arrangements by gender .................................................................... 33
Table 23: Documented review of individual performance management ...................................................... 33
Table 24: Leadership and management training expenditure ........................................................................ 33
Table 25: Accredited training packages by classification ............................................................................. 33
Table 26: OHS notices and corrective action taken ...................................................................................... 34
Table 27: Agency gross workers’ compensation expenditure for 2011–12 compared with 2010-11 ........... 34
Table 28: Meeting safety performance targets .............................................................................................. 35
Table 29: Account payment performance ..................................................................................................... 37
Table 30: Details of consultants used 2011–12 ............................................................................................. 38
Table 31: List of Grants provided ................................................................................................................. 38
Table 32: Performance against annual energy efficiency targets .................................................................. 43
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page vi
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map of the AMLR NRM Board's region ....................................................................................... 24
Figure 2: Organisational structure ................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 3: Sources of income 2011–12 ($’000) .............................................................................................. 36
Figure 4: Expenditure by theme area 2011–12 ($’000) ................................................................................. 37
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 1
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
31 October 2012
Mr Andrew Inglis AM
Chair
Natural Resources Management Council
GPO Box 1047
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Dear Mr Inglis
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 Adelaide and
Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board for the year ended 30 June 2012.
In 2011–12 the Board continued its work with government, industry, communities and other
stakeholders to deliver year four of the Regional Natural Resources Management Plan. Our aim
continues to be the achievement of productive and balanced use of natural resources and improved
condition and resilience of our natural systems.
The Board has worked closely with The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in
progressing regional integration of natural resource management services, and we look forward to
working with all government agencies in the 2012–13 financial year, particularly as we work to review
the Natural Resources Management Plan, and finalise the first Annual Implementation Plan for the
region.
Chris Daniels
Presiding Member
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 2
FOREWORD
I am very pleased to present the 2011–12 annual report of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural
Resources Management Board (AMLR NRM Board). This report provides an annual snapshot of the
operations of the AMLR NRM Board in delivering the Regional NRM Plan.
Now in its fifth year, the Regional NRM Plan continues to be the guiding force behind initiatives which
will achieve the productive and balanced use of natural resources and improve the condition and
resilience of our natural systems.
The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region comprises more than one million hectares, incorporating
metropolitan Adelaide, the Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, and the Barossa Valley. It is home to approximately
1.2 million people and is South Australia’s most biologically diverse region. The area features many
unique native animals and plants, as well as a broad range of agricultural industries which contribute
almost $800 million per annum to the State’s economy.
However, parts of the region are highly degraded, and less than 12 per cent of the original native
vegetation remains. This is the legacy of more than 170 years of intensive use of the landscape since
European settlement, and it is a huge task to recover the region and ensure that we can maintain
productive and sustainable landscapes.
Positive outcomes for the region can only be achieved through a collaborative effort. To this end, the
AMLR NRM Board continues to work directly with local communities, industry and all levels of
government to protect the land, plants and animals, water and agriculture for the benefit of the whole
community both now and in the future.
It is in this spirit that we have embraced the integration of NRM Boards to provide a single delivery
model for environment and natural resources management in South Australia. This transition will place
greater emphasis on the AMLR NRM Board’s statutory role, and the Annual Implementation Plan for
the region will ensure the most effective and efficient delivery of services to our communities.
On behalf of the AMLR NRM Board, I would like to acknowledge local, State and Federal government
departments for their ongoing assistance. We would especially like to thank the regional staff, NRM
Group members, advisory committees, volunteers and partner organisations for their valuable and
tireless assistance in managing the region’s natural assets.
Chris Daniels
Presiding Member
31 October 2012
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 3
1. PLANS AND OBJECTIVES
Natural resources management activities undertaken by the AMLR NRM Board are consistent with
the strategic directions set out in South Australia’s Strategic Plan Creating Opportunity and the State
NRM Plan.
1.1. SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S STRATEGIC PLAN
The SA Strategic Plan Creating Opportunity is the overarching document to guide the State’s future
development and contains a range of targets under six key objectives:
1. growing prosperity
2. improving wellbeing
3. attaining sustainability
4. fostering creativity
5. building communities
6. expanding opportunity.
1.2. LINKS BETWEEN THE AMLR NRM BOARD AND THE SA STRATEGIC PLAN
Table 1 illustrates how each theme area in the Regional NRM Plan contributes to achieving the visions
and goals of the SA Strategic Plan.
Table 1: Links between AMLR NRM Plan theme areas and the SA Strategic Plan
Regional NRM Plan SA Strategic Plan
Theme areas
Visions
Our
com
munit
y
Our
pro
sper
ity
Our
envi
ronm
ent
Our
hea
lth
Our
educa
tion
Our
idea
s
Care for landscapes
Care for seascapes
Care for urban landscapes
Water to support life and society
Sustain community action
Policy and legislation
Better knowledge and technologies
Monitoring and evaluating the organisation
and program outcomes
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 4
1.3. LINKS BETWEEN THE AMLR NRM BOARD AND THE SEVEN STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES OF GOVERNMENT
Table 2 illustrates how each theme area in the Regional NRM Plan contributes to achieving the seven
strategic priorities of government.
Table 2: Links between AMLR NRM Plan theme areas and the seven strategic priorities of government
Regional NRM Plan SA strategic priorities of government
Theme areas
Visions
Cre
ati
ng a
vib
rant
city
Safe
com
mun
itie
s, h
ealt
hy
nei
ghbourh
oo
ds
Pre
miu
m f
oo
d a
nd
win
e fr
om
ou
r
clea
n
envi
ron
men
t
An a
fford
able
pla
ce t
o l
ive
Eve
ry c
hance
fo
r ev
ery
chil
d
Gro
win
g a
dva
nce
d m
an
ufa
ctu
rin
g
Rea
lisi
ng t
he
ben
efit
s of
the
min
ing
boom
for
all
So
uth
Aust
rali
an
s
Care for landscapes
Care for seascapes
Care for urban landscapes
Water to support life and society
Sustain community action
Policy and legislation
Better knowledge and technologies
Monitoring and evaluating the
organisation and program outcomes
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 5
1.4. LINKS BETWEEN THE AMLR NRM BOARD AND THE STATE NRM PLAN
Table 3 illustrates the links between the State NRM Plan and the AMLR Regional NRM Plan
theme areas.
Table 3: Links between the State NRM Plan and the AMLR Regional NRM Plan
Regional NRM
Plan State NRM Plan
Theme area
Goals
Landscape scale
management that
maintains healthy
natural systems
and is adaptive to
climate change
Prosperous
communities and
industries using
and managing
natural resources
within
ecologically
sustainable limits
Communities,
governments and
industries with the
capability,
commitment and
connections to
manage natural
resources in an
integrated way
Integrated
management of
biological threats
to minimise risks
to natural
systems,
communities and
industry
Care for
landscapes
Care for seascapes
Care for urban
landscapes
Water to support
life and society
Sustain
community action
Policy and
legislation
Better knowledge
and technologies
Monitoring and
evaluating the
organisation and
program outcomes
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 6
2. OPERATIONS AND INITIATIVES
The Regional NRM Plan was adopted by the then Minister for Environment and Conservation in May
2008 and came into operation on 1 July 2008. The Plan guided the AMLR NRM Board’s operations,
investment and partnerships during 2011–12. This section of the Annual Report describes the activities
of the AMLR NRM Board under the themes contained in the Investment Plan (Volume C of the
Regional NRM Plan).
Each theme heading provides information which includes a general description of its aims; the
importance of investment in the region; the NRM issues addressed; and the strategies within the
theme. The tables that follow identify the links to relevant State NRM Plan milestones and the
activities and partners engaged in each of the strategies within the theme.
2.1. CARE FOR LANDSCAPES
Description: This theme is directed at protecting, restoring and expanding ecosystems (including
inland waters) and maintaining the productive capacity of the region. Strong links exist between
healthy functioning ecosystems and sustainable primary production, so it is fundamental to social,
environmental and economic wellbeing that both are maintained.
Importance: Our landscapes support a diverse range of uses that underpin environmental health,
economic productivity and social wellbeing. Primary production in the region contributes around
$876.7 million at the farm gate. The services provided by soils, flora and fauna are fundamental and
include generating oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, recycling nutrients and
purifying water, regulating the climate, maintaining habitats and, ultimately, supporting tourism.
NRM issues: Key regional issues include the fragmentation and degradation of native vegetation and
habitats, degradation of soils, unsustainable land management and resource use, gaps in the capacity of
landholders to manage natural resources, insufficient fire prevention and control regimes, urban
pressures on farming land and resource consumption, and invasive pest plants and animals.
Strategy objectives: Strategies include working in close cooperation with industry, government
agencies, communities and individuals, to minimise threats to biodiversity, ensure sustainability and
productivity, and support best practice land management. In order to achieve NRM Plan targets, a key
aspect of the strategy is providing technical advice and incentives to undertake best practice
management of primary production land and areas of native vegetation.
Landscapes highlights include:
undertaking 215 ha of new ecosystem reconstruction and 34 ha of infill planting during the year
implementing recovery actions for 130 threatened species (38 animals and 92 plants) and three
threatened ecological communities, with additional work undertaken for a further 46 species
which are conservation dependent or declining (20 plants and 26 animals)
actively managing 6 736 ha of native vegetation, with 4 508 ha of repeat work during the year
creating four new conservation covenants to ensure the long-term protection of native vegetation
(covering 77 ha)
managing 620 ha of land for water quality improvement.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 7
Northern Service Area
Across the Northern Service Area, a total of 128 individual on-ground projects were implemented; 70
of these were new projects only initiated in 2011–12. Rural landholders were also effectively engaged
to address a wide range of natural resource management issues.
Services included:
supplying 4 048 landholders with technical information; this occurred either due to staff receiving
a landholder inquiry, or staff proactively giving information to landholders through mail-outs or
circulars
providing 1 691 landholders with one-on-one technical information regarding a range of land
management issues, including 1 128 property visits
facilitating 427 landholders to participate in a wide range of training and information events about
environmental and land management issues, including one eight-week property planning course,
four workshops and 10 field days. Significant support was given to primary producers through
sponsorship of five livestock management field days, which attracted over 190 participants.
AMLR NRM Board staff continued to work closely with agriculture bureaus by giving
presentations and attending meetings of the largest two groups, Mallala and Angaston.
Other Northern Service Area highlights include the following activities:
District officers were engaged in 11 projects in partnership with local councils, including riparian
works, revegetation and roadside weed control. A significant focus for AMLR NRM Board
activities continues to be olive control along major road corridors.
On-ground works projects continued to focus on priority resource protection based on property
‘clusters’, including areas around Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park and along the South Para River.
Staff facilitated over 30 district advisory committee meetings by providing opportunities for
members of the community to guide AMLR NRM Board investment in on-ground works.
Staff also supported the Gawler region Natural Resource Centre in delivering a range of successful
local events such as the Understorey Project, as well as a number of other services to the
community. The Centre is based in the Gawler office and funded by the AMLR NRM Board.
Central Hills Service Area
Across the Central Hills Service Area, a total of 246 individual on-ground projects were implemented;
198 of these were new projects only initiated in 2011–12. Rural landholders were also effectively
engaged in addressing a wide range of natural resource management issues. Services include:
supplying 884 landholders with technical information; this occurred either due to staff receiving a
landholder inquiry, or staff proactively providing information to landholders through mail-outs or
circulars
providing 1 940 landholders with one-on-one technical information regarding a range of land
management issues, including 1156 property visits
facilitating 259 landholders to participate in a wide range of training and information events,
including three eight-week property planning courses, four workshops and four field days. These
encompassed both environmental and land management issues.
Other Central Hills Service Area highlights include:
implementing roadside vegetation management projects, such as the Feral Fruit Tree Control
Program, the Weedy Wattle Control Program and the Roadside Fuel Reduction Program. In
addition to these, planning is well underway to convene a roadside weed control working group.
This group aims to coordinate AMLR NRM Board efforts with the three main councils in the
area, as well as the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and others
continuing to strengthen links and coordinate activities with local government through project
partnerships. For example, major watercourse rehabilitation work was undertaken in partnership
with Adelaide Hills Council and the District Council of Mount Barker. This included the Kelly
Road swale drain, Hahndorf creek management plan and the Aldgate creek flood mitigation
survey.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 8
South Coast Service Area
Across the South Coast Service Area, a total of 126 individual on-ground projects were implemented;
35 of these were new projects only initiated in 2011–12. Rural landholders were also effectively
engaged in addressing a wide range of natural resource management issues. Services included:
supplying 1 200 landholders with technical information; this occurred either due to staff receiving
a landholder inquiry, or staff proactively giving information to landholders through mail-outs or
circulars
providing 1 485 landholders with one-on-one technical information regarding a range of land
management issues, including 447 property visits
facilitating 213 landholders to participate in a wide range of training and information events,
including two eight-week property planning courses, three workshops and six field days. These
encompassed both environmental and land management issues.
In 2011–12, the South Coast Service Area was responsible for the delivery of significant additional
on-ground works which had external funding sources, including:
the Christies Creek program and the management of pests on both unallocated Crown Lands
across the Service Area and the SA Water lands at Hindmarsh Tiers
habitat restoration for threatened species through a Caring for Our Country competitive grant
($33 000)
protection and restoration of the nationally threatened Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula through a
Caring for Our Country Environmental Stewardship Program grant ($481 000). Through this
project:
o 26 properties were engaged in the delivery of on-ground works
o 495 ha of environmental weed control was undertaken
o 21 km of fencing was completed (protecting 185 ha of swamps)
o 28 alternative stock watering points and one stock crossing were installed
o 3 ha were revegetated.
Table 4 illustrates key strategies for the caring for landscapes theme
Table 4: Key strategies for the Care for landscapes theme
Landscapes strategies Activities Partners
LS1 Increase the area
covered by functional
ecosystems
Engaging landholders with incentives, education
material and advice through the AMLR NRM
Board’s district officers and land management
advisors. Landcare and rural community groups
are involved, as well as non-government
organisations (NGOs). In addition, a large-scale
restoration research and delivery program has
commenced and will provide a basis for
increasing both the scale and efficacy of
restoration works undertaken.
Rural landholders, rural
stakeholders and
landholder groups,
NGOs and universities.
LS2 Protect and recover
species and ecological
communities
Through the Nature Conservation Society of
South Australia (NCSSA) and the Conservation
Council of South Australia (CCSA), develop
and implement threatened species recovery
plans with landholders and key stakeholder
agencies. These include the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
and NGOs such as the Threatened Plant Action
Group.
Landholders, DENR,
CCSA and NCSSA.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 9
Landscapes strategies Activities Partners
LS3 Build skills,
knowledge and awareness
of ecosystems
Activities focused on promoting, advising and
supporting landholders and community groups
to manage remnant ecosystems (this also links
to the work undertaken in LS2 and LS6 & 7).
These services were provided through the
AMLR NRM Board’s regional operations as
well as through DENR (bush management
advisors), Trees For Life (TFL) Bush For Life
program and community-based project officers.
Rural landholders,
community groups,
DENR and TFL.
LS4 Support rural land
managers with technical
information and advice
Courses, workshops and field days are a core
component of the AMLR NRM Board’s
education and awareness-raising rural program.
In 2011–12 there were six courses, 11
workshops and 20 field days across the region,
attended by 899 people. Topics included
livestock management, soil health and carbon
farming, weed and vertebrate pest management
and biodiversity.
Property management plans remain the basis for
AMLR NRM Board/landholder partnership in
addressing NRM issues regarding properties.
The Small Talk newsletter continued to be
published, with a distribution of 22 000. Key
messages included the Carbon Farming
Initiative, several case studies from landholder
perspectives, control of grassy weeds, soil
health, landholder obligations under the Natural
Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act)
and swamp management.
Department of Primary
Industries and Regions
SA (PIRSA), local
government, South
Australian Research
and Development
Institute (SARDI),
South Australian No-
till Farmers’
Association
(SANTFA), various
industry associations
and Rural Solutions
SA.
LS5 Recognise the
implementation of
sustainable land
management practices
NRM Groups have been actively
acknowledging the work carried out by the
community, landcare groups and natural
resources centres (NRCs) and landholders. The
Small Talk newsletter and other AMLR NRM
Board communications have showcased
landholders who have excelled in achieving
NRM objectives on their properties.
NRCs, NRM Groups,
industry bodies.
LS6 Manage threats to
ecosystems
Targeted control programs on priority and
emerging pests have been continued over the
2011–12 period. This service was provided
through the AMLR NRM Board’s regional
operations as well as through DENR (bush
management advisors), TFL, Bush For Life
program and community-based project officers.
DENR, TFL, targeted
landholders, local
government and
PIRSA.
LS7 Manage threats to
primary production and
rural land
Again, significant effort went into roadside
control programs this year, and the AMLR
NRM Board was very proactive in sending out
reminder notices to rural landholders about this
issue. In addition, workshops were held to
engage councils, PIRSA and agricultural service
providers.
Councils, agricultural
service providers and
PIRSA.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 10
Landscapes strategies Activities Partners
LS8 Value the knowledge
and skills of Indigenous
communities in NRM
The AMLR NRM Board continues to seek
opportunities for greater engagement with each
of the Aboriginal Nation groups which have
traditional lands within the AMLR region.
Aboriginal
engagement.
LS9 Develop partnerships
to support rural land
managers
A series of fact sheets has been drafted to
deliver advice to rural land managers regarding
stock water management; these will be finalised
in 2012–13 with rebranding. Reprints of the
Guide to rural land management and Rural
living handbook were also undertaken.
Agricultural service
providers in the region.
LS10 Assist with
implementing sustainable
primary production
The new Sustainable Industry Grants Initiative,
designed to help primary production groups
address NRM issues within their industry,
established 10 projects across the region with
seven different industry groups. These projects
will continue into the 2012–13 financial year.
NRM Groups,
agricultural service
providers, industry
groups and landholders.
LS11 Increase the area
under formal
conservation tenure
Work continues between AMLR NRM Board
staff and DENR bush management advisors to
support the ongoing protection of remnant
vegetation through heritage agreements.
DENR bush
management advisors.
2.2. CARE FOR SEASCAPES
Description: This theme is directed at managing and conserving coastal, estuarine and marine
environments, including estuaries, seagrass meadows, reefs and coastal ecosystems.
Importance: Our region’s coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems are highly productive and diverse,
comprising many species of flora and fauna unique to southern Australia. The economic value of
fisheries and marine-based recreation, shipping and tourism to the region is significant. The region’s
beaches and dunes provide recreational value and provide an important habitat for threatened species
such as the Hooded Plover. As well as having significant coastal habitats, the Fleurieu boasts high
coastal landscape and visual amenity which make it valuable for urban development. Northern coastal
salt marshes, tidal mudflats and saltfields provide a shorebird habitat of national and even international
importance; along with mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, these areas comprise the largest
remnant habitats in the region. These coast and marine environments provide a range of other natural
benefits, including nutrient cycling, climate control, oxygen generation, removal of carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere and habitat provision.
NRM issues: Key regional issues include coastal development and habitat disturbance through
increasing urbanisation and off-road vehicle usage, land-based sources of pollution (such as waste and
stormwater), and loss of habitat and the invasion of various pest species. Coastal habitats, seagrasses
and reefs are under increasing threats from coastal development and land-based impacts; without
direct action to protect these areas, degradation and loss will continue to occur.
Strategy objectives: These strategies will direct on-ground works to manage coastal habitats across the
region. This includes protecting reefs, seagrasses and estuaries from land-based pollution impacts;
protecting habitats for migratory shore birds and marine species; encouraging sustainable use of
marine resources; and increasing the knowledge, awareness and involvement of the community
regarding their coastal and marine environments. Technical advice, research and financial support to
protect and improve these environments are key components of achieving targets identified in the
NRM Plan.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 11
Seascape highlights include:
undertaking successful seasonal on-ground works at 62 coastal sites and providing continued
support for over 40 coastal community groups. Renewed funding agreements with host
councils for coast, estuary and marine officers ensure this valuable work will continue
implementing coastal on-ground works which resulted in:
o 51.75 ha of revegetation
o 713 ha of weed control
o 270 ha of pest animal control
o 4.39km of fencing, protecting 1 086 ha of coastal land particularly from off-road
vehicle impacts
establishing the Estuary Action Plan for the Light River Delta to guide future management of
this high conservation value wetland, and completing surveys of the nationally vulnerable Fan
Samphire in the north of the region to help prioritise on-ground action
presenting the AMLR NRM Board’s Coastal Community Forum in February with over 80
community members and 25 presenters and staff in attendance, which proved to be a
community highlight of the year. Other highlights included the Coastal gardens planting
guide receiving a State Landcare award in the urban landcare category and the AMLR NRM
Board’s Hooded Plover volunteers being finalists in the coastcare section
holding 20 community events and two courses including the Coastal Community Forum,
Coastal Gardens workshops, Marine Algae workshops, Coastal Ambassadors Training
program and many others. Attending these events were members of the community, coastal
community volunteers, Surf Lifesaving (SLSA) members, local government and NRM staff
organising a popular workshop program (with over 15 workshops completed across the region
since 2009) and the continuing success of the AMLR NRM Board’s Coastal gardens planting
guide. This guide has been adapted for seven NRM bodies across Australia.
undertaking Coastal Gardens workshop surveys which indicated that 79% of participants had
acted specifically as a result of attending workshops; for example, referring to the booklet
when deciding what to plant, planting coastal species, speaking to others about the workshop
and booklet and removing invasive plants
maintaining the Coastal Ambassadors program which had strong workshop attendance and
reached over 300 people, with targeted short-course training producing over 30 new Coastal
Ambassadors. SLSA members participated for the first time this year and received their own
tailored version of the program
promoting community outreach, including community monitoring programs such as Reef
Watch, and continuing the AMLR NRM Board’s support and coordination of Hooded Plover,
Shorebird, Little Penguin and marine invertebrate monitoring and surveys. Other aspects of
this work are community marine invertebrate surveys which found unnamed and previously
unrecorded species, and collaborative work with Kangaroo Island (KI) NRM Board to address
a decline in Little Penguin numbers
supporting SARDI DNA marine pest detection probes which found positive results for the
marine pest European Shore Crab, and following up with seasonal regional surveys by
Flinders University which detected the species at Middle Beach. In addition, Reef Watch
intertidal surveys have recorded the species at Aldinga Reef
supporting the successful Australian Government Biodiversity Fund for the Samphire Coast
Icon Project, which aims to improve conservation and climate change adaptation efforts north
of Adelaide. This will build on the strong scientific and on-ground efforts of the AMLR NRM
Board and partners for coastal saltmarsh and shorebirds, undertaken in collaboration with
Birdlife Australia, local councils and the community.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 12
Table 5: Key strategies for the Care for seascapes theme
Seascapes strategies Activities Partners
SS1 Manage and protect
coastal habitats and
estuaries
Activities include implementing the Southern
Fleurieu and Metropolitan and Northern
Coastal action plans with 12 local councils
and partners; reviewing the coastal action
plans implementation; providing resourcing
and regional coordination of three coast,
estuary and marine officers for the Fleurieu,
Metropolitan Adelaide and Northern areas,
hosted by local councils.
12 coastal councils,
Department for Water
(DfW), Crown Lands,
mining industry (salt
fields), community,
coastal landholders, 40
coastal community
groups.
SS2 Mitigate impacts on
reef and seagrass
ecosystems
Undertaking the Adelaide Seagrass
Rehabilitation project, and providing
Yankalilla Bay, Encounter Bay and Light
River Delta seagrass condition assessments.
Also conducting stormwater mitigation
investigations to improve the Yankalilla Bay
and Stormwater Management Plan, and
District Council Yankalilla Stormwater
Management Planning.
Flinders University, SA
Water, DENR Coastal
Management Unit,
Australian Research
Council (ARC),
Conservation Council
SA, District Council of
Yankalilla.
SS3 Improve collaborative
management of coastal,
estuarine and marine
environments
Liaising with the Northern and Yorke (NY)
and KI NRM Boards on coast and marine
management of shorebirds, Little Penguins
(KI), the European Fan Worm marine pest
(KI) and seagrass (KI). Providing input into
marine park planning processes, and support
for the AMLR NRM Board’s Coast, Estuary
and Marine Advisory Committee.
KI NRM Board, NY
NRM Board,
community volunteers,
DfW, DENR.
SS4 Protect marine and
coastal wildlife
Undertaking conservation and management of
the Fleurieu Hooded Plover, as well as
shorebirds survey and habitat mapping,
marine invertebrate conservation assessment
and surveys, marine macroalgal conservation
assessment and surveys, and field surveys of
reef fish of conservation concern. Instigating
collaborative actions to address declines in
Little Penguin populations.
Friends of Encounter
Seabirds, KI NRM
Board, Birdlife
Australia, Birds SA,
Normanville NRC,
Fleurieu and
Onkaparinga councils,
DENR, University of
Adelaide, State
Herbarium, community
volunteers.
SS5 Build community
skills, knowledge and
capacity to manage coastal,
estuarine and marine
environments
Promoting regional workshops and guide
(booklet) to promote planting native gardens
along the coast, and supporting other State
and interstate agencies in adapting the
planting guide for other regions. Also Reef
Watch community monitoring at six reef sites,
Coastal Ambassadors regional workshop and
short course training program, and Aboriginal
coastal site management workshops.
CCSA, Adelaide
University, Flinders
University, Rural
Solutions, coastal
councils, Warriparinga
Living Kaurna Cultural
Centre, Yunggorendi
First Nations Centre, SA
Museum, Surf
Lifesaving SA (SLSA),
recreational diving
community, local
marine ecologists,
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 13
Seascapes strategies Activities Partners
Nursery and Garden
Industry SA, Friends of
Gulf St Vincent.
SS6 Support management
of marine pests
Providing a collaborative response to
minimise European Fan Worm spread to KI
from mainland marinas, supporting of
community marine pest monitoring and
training via Reef Watch, and instigating
regional European Shore Crab surveys.
Biosecurity SA, SARDI,
KI NRM Board,
Flinders University,
community volunteers,
Conservation Council
SA.
SS7 Support sustainable
marine industries
Undertaking review of fisheries habitat
inventory against new marine benthic
mapping, and coastal action plans to improve
response to land-based threats to marine
environments. Trialling the Fishing Debris
Recycling Project initiated with City of
Onkaparinga.
OceanWatch, City of
Onkaparinga.
2.3. CARE FOR URBAN LANDSCAPES
Description: Urban landscapes encompass the greater Adelaide metropolitan area and smaller urban
centres within the AMLR NRM Board’s region. Many of the pressures on natural resources in our
region are the result of demands and activities from these urban areas. At the same time, urban areas
include natural resources such as native vegetation and watercourses which need to be safeguarded
against further degradation. Urban areas also present opportunities for improving the condition of
resources through engagement with local communities.
Importance: Although urban landscapes are highly reliant on the benefits of rural landscapes and
seascapes, they also pose key threats to them. By investing in urban landscapes, we reduce the impact
of those threats and help prevent the degradation of valuable natural assets which support social and
economic wellbeing.
NRM issues: Key issues include impacts on the marine environment from stormwater and wastewater
disposal, loss of biodiversity and productive farming land to urban development, and flood risk
resulting from changed stream flows.
Strategy objectives: These strategies aim to protect against further degradation of streams and marine
water quality from urban land uses and to retain or, where possible, return to Indigenous biodiversity
values. As part of improving water quality and managing flood risk, strategies aim better to manage
stormwater runoff through water sensitive urban design (WSUD), and to improve preparations for
potentially damaging flooding events.
Urban landscapes highlights include:
giving technical and planning assistance on proposed schemes at the Kooyonga Golf Club and
Adelaide Shores stormwater harvesting scheme. In both cases, however, decisions have been
made by scheme proponents not to progress to design stage
providing funding and technical support for a range of stormwater management plans (SMPs)
during 2011–12, including monitoring of Marion/Holdfast Bay, Yankalilla, Brown Hill and
Keswick Creeks, Hallett Cove, Cobbler Creek and the Salisbury Escarpment. The draft
Marion/Holdfast Bay SMP was completed and resulted in infiltration tests at a range of
locations to determine whether infiltration basins for water quality improvement and aquifer
recharge are feasible
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 14
receiving the draft SMP for Yankalilla and Carrickalinga Creeks, with an included focus on
minimising pollution of the marine environment, keeping undesirable development away from
watercourses and reserving land for wetlands and other water quality improvement purposes
continuing the AMLR NRM Board’s involvement on the Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks
SMP with investment of funds and significant officer time in channel hydraulic assessment, as
well as improved river flow and hydraulic roughness measurement
progressing the Waterfall Creek–Hallett Cove SMP, and further negotiating with the City of
Salisbury in regard to the Cobbler Creek and Salisbury Escarpment SMPs. In addition, the
AMLR NRM Board provides support as required for the Torrens Road and North Arm East
SMPs
incorporating the Brown Hill Keswick Community Flood Awareness Program (FloodSafe)
within the State Emergency Service as an ongoing program, now that it has reached maturity.
Now that flood mapping at Washpool–Silver Sands and Pedler Creek–McLaren Vale
catchments has been completed in 2011–12, there is a comprehensive information source for
flood risk through this area
commencing construction on two projects in which the AMLR NRM Board has invested – a
WSUD retrofit at Wattle Street, Fullarton, and WSUD enhancements to a stormwater drainage
project at Peacock Road, Adelaide
starting a project to develop a business case for a dedicated WSUD capacity-building program
for SA. This represents the culmination of a number of years of effort in support for the
implementation of WSUD
convening an inaugural River Torrens Linear Park Coordinating Committee
completing works at Sturt River Flood Control Dam to rectify the failed scour valve
completing the two-year vegetation establishment period at Breakout Creek Stage 2 and,
following that, handing over most elements of the work to the City of West Torrens
continuing with the clean out and maintenance of the AMLR NRM Board’s 16 gross pollutant
traps; this typically involves cleaning twice per month, with autumn and winter months
yielding higher pollutant capture
removing, in total, approximately 1 200 tonnes of gross pollutants from our waterways
through the AMLR NRM Board’s gross pollutant traps
supporting a project involving septic tank inspections, replacement and ongoing maintenance
continued throughout 2011–12. The program has been running for more than 10 years, and
more than 1 000 septic tanks have been replaced and rehabilitated.
Table 6 illustrates key strategies for the Care for urban landscapes theme.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 15
Table 6: Key strategies for the Care for urban landscapes theme
Urban landscapes
strategies Activities
Partners
UL1 Improve water quality
and aquatic biodiversity in
urban watercourses
Undertaking urban watercourse investigations
and rehabilitation works in the Onkaparinga
River and tributaries, River Torrens and
tributaries and Brown Hill Creek, as well as an
extensive gross pollutant trap (GPT) program in
the Central Adelaide area. Implementing the
Torrens Taskforce and Christies Creek Taskforce
initiatives and trialling water quality
improvement strategies on the Torrens Lake.
Most Central
Adelaide Councils as
well as community
groups, universities
and government
agencies.
UL2 Improve urban
biodiversity
Supporting the Urban Biodiversity Unit of
DENR with joint community action projects. DENR and
community groups.
UL3 Facilitate stormwater
and flood risk assessment
Assisting councils with the development of the
Stormwater Management Plan and flood
mapping.
Various local
governments.
UL4 Increase awareness
and uptake of water
sensitive urban design
Engaging in projects at Peacock Road Adelaide,
and continued funding of a major project in the
City of Mitcham (Wattle Street). Assisting the
University of Adelaide with a feasibility
assessment of WSUD opportunities at the Waite
Campus and supporting the Green Infrastructure
Project. Continued investment and involvement
in the national research program Cities as Water
Supply Catchments. Led the development and
management of a business case for the roll-out of
a WSUD capacity-building program in SA
(underway).
Cities of Adelaide
and Unley, DPTI, SA
Water, DfW, Urban
Renewal Authority,
Botanic Gardens of
Adelaide, University
of Adelaide, SA
Environment
Protection Authority
(EPA), Institute of
Public Works
Engineering Australia
(SA), the SA Local
Government
Association and the
Stormwater Industry
Association of SA.
2.4. WATER TO SUPPORT LIFE AND SOCIETY
Description: Water is vital to support life and livelihoods. This theme is directed at managing our
water resources to ensure a balance between the consumption of water and its provision for dependent
environments and ecosystems. The theme also aims to maintain water quality and ensure that water is
used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Importance: The water resources of the region support significant agricultural and manufacturing
activity, as well as providing water for domestic use. In 2005–06, horticulture alone earned
$509.7 million at the farm gate. In addition, water is crucial for the health of all ecosystems, with
aquatic ecosystems entirely dependent on a reliable supply of good quality water. Increased use of
waters traditionally considered to be waste (such as treated effluent and stormwater) offers the
potential to further increase the value of agriculture and industry, as well as reduce the impact of these
water sources on the marine environment.
NRM issues: Key issues include maintaining a balance between the practical use of water and the
need to preserve it for the environment, protecting water quality and ensuring that enough water is
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 16
available to meet demands by maximising the use of non-traditional sources (such as stormwater).
Land value, amenity, flood mitigation and the health of freshwater and marine environments are all
affected by stormwater management, and should be considered in any future planning and
development for open space and land adjacent to watercourses.
Strategy objectives: Strategies aim to develop and implement plans to sustainably manage both
surface water and groundwater. They also seek to develop opportunities for reuse of treated
wastewater discharged by treatment plants, as well as stormwater which runs off urban areas in
excessively high volumes. Importantly, strategies aim to protect marine, fresh and groundwater from
potentially contaminating practices in urban and rural areas. Continued investigations, technical advice
and financial support will contribute towards achieving the targets identified in the NRM Plan.
This theme is critical to protecting water resources through the allocation of water to primary
production and environmental uses, and minimising the contribution of stormwater and wastewater to
the degradation of urban, coastal and marine environments.
Water highlights include:
collaborating with DfW and SA Water to develop an Urban Water Management Strategy for
the region
completing the Three Metro Golf Clubs Stormwater Recycling Schemes project, with the
submission of the final report to the Australian Government in October 2011. This marked the
conclusion of many years of work by the AMLR NRM Board in the three pioneering Adelaide
schemes – the Grange, Royal Adelaide and Glenelg golf clubs
making significant progress on the three major stormwater recycling schemes currently being
developed with major financial and technical assistance from the AMLR NRM Board –
Oaklands Park, Waterproofing the West, and the Botanic Gardens
undertaking a preliminary investigation to consider the potential role that quaternary aquifers
could play in stormwater harvesting, as well as potential consequences associated with their
use
implementing an environmental flows trial for the South Para, Torrens and Onkaparinga
rivers. This came after significant investigations and planning efforts over 10 years and
represents a major change in the way the aquatic environment is managed in our water supply
catchments. The trial commenced in December 2011, will run for three years and involves the
delivery of timed flows to cue life stages in aquatic biota. The trial is a major initiative and
partnership between the AMLR NRM Board, SA Water and DfW..
completing the River Torrens water quality improvement trial. The Trial was undertaken from
December 2011 to the end of March 2012 with the support of DfW, SA Water, DENR, the
AMLR NRM Board and the Goyder Institute for Water Research
continuing a commitment to the development of the Environment Protection Authority’s
(EPA) water quality improvement plan for the watershed, in line with the AMLR NRM
Board’s short-term target.
Table 7 illustrates key strategies for the Water to support life and society theme.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 17
Table 7: Key strategies for the Water to support life and society theme
Water strategies Activities Partners
WA1 Manage water
resources within
sustainable limits
Supporting the development of the Western Mount
Lofty Ranges Prescribed Water Resources Area
(PWRA) Water Allocation Plan (WAP), Northern
Adelaide Plains Prescribed Wells Area (PWA)
WAP and Central Adelaide PWA WAP.
Completing the draft of the Western Mount Lofty
Ranges WAP.
DfW, WAP
advisory
committees.
WA2 Increase the use of
stormwater and treated
wastewater
Continuing the AMLR NRM Board’s support for
stormwater harvesting and recycled water reuse
schemes. Current projects include Waterproofing
the West, Oaklands Park and Botanic Gardens
schemes.
Local and State
government.
WA3 Protect and improve
surface water and
groundwater quality
Continuing investment in riparian restoration and
fencing of degraded watercourses in the watershed,
including the Torrens, Onkaparinga and South
Para catchments. This involved significant
engagement with rural landholders. Planning on
water quality improvement programs with other
government agencies. Continuing the remediation
program for failing septic tanks and household
wastewater systems in the watershed.
Rural landholders,
EPA, SA Water
and councils.
2.5. BETTER KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGIES
Description: Our capacity to manage the natural environment has improved with greater
understanding both of the environment and the effect that our demands have on natural resources. This
theme will help us better comprehend what we need to do now and in the future to improve NRM and
resource conditions.
Importance: The importance of improving our understanding of our environment and developing
better resource management technologies will only increase as we face the compounding challenges of
climate change, population growth and sustained resource use.
NRM issues: Pressure on the natural environment from urban and rural activity is set to continue and
potentially escalate in line with the population increase anticipated in the SA Strategic Plan. In
addition, emerging environmental issues such as climate change are predicted to add significant
pressures to the natural resources on which we depend for economic wellbeing and life.
Strategy objectives: This strategy aims to help fill the gaps in our current knowledge of the
environment and its resources, as well as investigate the potential impact of emerging issues such as
climate change. The results can then be used to improve our management of natural resources and
allow us to be proactive in reducing the impact of future threats.
Better knowledge and technology highlights include:
continuing collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) and Flinders University on groundwater research in the Willunga Basin
collaborating at a national level on research relating to water sensitive urban design
providing support and collaborating with the Goyder Institute and CSIRO regarding the
managed aquifer recharge and Stormwater Use Options Project.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 18
Table 8 illustrates key strategies for the Better knowledge and technologies theme.
Table 8: Key strategies for the Better knowledge and technologies theme
Knowledge and
technologies strategies Activities
Partners
KN1 Support NRM with
targeted research and
development
Ongoing refinement of the Research and
Development prospectus for the AMLR NRM
Board to guide future investment. The AMLR
NRM Board has six priority research projects.
Work is currently progressing on five of these
projects in collaboration with other partners.
NRM Alliance,
DENR, Goyder
Institute for Water
Research,
universities, CSIRO
and cooperative
research centres
(CRCs).
2.6. SUSTAIN COMMUNITY ACTION
Description: Effective NRM requires the sustained involvement of informed communities. Without
their contribution, both short-term and long-term targets cannot be achieved, and the next generation
will be left with greater NRM challenges.
Importance: Communities have the capacity to impact both positively and negatively on natural
resources through the way they view and use them. Community behaviour which includes sustainable
resource use and management as part of everyday life is a critical part of ensuring that we leave a
healthy environment for future generations.
NRM issues: Key issues include changing the way we interact with our environment and how we use
and value natural resources. The region faces considerable challenges in engaging and sustaining
communities in NRM now and into the future, but these challenges can be met through the strategies
outlined here and those in other theme areas.
Strategy objectives: This strategy aims to encourage and build community capacity in NRM, support
volunteers and increase community involvement in NRM activities. These initiatives also provide
information and support, as well as recognise excellence and contributions to NRM. Supporting
community action is also incorporated in all other themes.
Community action highlights include:
supporting 56 Community Natural Resource Management projects through the AMLR NRM
Board’s NRM Achiever Grants, with a combined AMLR NRM Board investment of $149 148
directly supporting 105 environmental volunteer groups
engaging 11 810 school students in programs such as Engaging with Nature, Education for
Sustainability and Youth Voice
providing 6 665 teachers with professional development in the area of sustainability and
natural resource management.
Table 9 illustrates key strategies for the Sustain community action theme.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 19
Table 9: Key strategies for the Sustain community action theme
Community action
strategies
Activities Partners
CA1 Encourage,
maintain and sustain
behaviour change by
the public
Raising awareness and providing information are key
strategies to building the capacity of our communities to
impact positively on natural resources. Activities include
implementing program-specific communications
strategies to increase community awareness of particular
natural resources management issues, and provide
relevant information. Examples include communications
material on managing soil acidity, identifying and
managing specific declared animals and plants, and
managing watercourse erosion.
Media partners,
PIRSA, DENR,
other NRM
Boards.
CA2 Improve NRM
education in schools
and their communities
Through the AMLR NRM Board’s NRM Education
Program, continuing to roll out the Australian
Sustainable Schools Initiative. This involves working
with students, staff, principals and parents within
schools to develop a School Environmental Management
Plan, which coordinates environmental actions within
the school community and links curriculum and learning
frameworks.
Continuing to support student environmental action
groups in driving environmental projects in their schools
as a part of NRM Education’s Youth Voice approach.
This is coordinated through 12 Youth Forum clusters
involving 67 schools and 430 students.
Selecting articulate and passionate advocates from these
forums to become members of the State-wide Youth
Environment Council, which reports both to the Minister
for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, and
the Minister for Education and Childhood Development.
Promoting Education for Sustainability (EfS), a set of
principles that guide the work of NRM Education, and
working in partnership with the Department for
Education and Child Development (DECD) to deliver a
cross-government EfS forum which developed a
coordinated approach to working with schools on
environmental and sustainability issues.
Tackling the need to reconnect young people with the
natural world through the Engaging with Nature
program. This initiative aims to get students outside and
develop a greater understanding of the processes and
forces at work across the wider landscape.
DECD, Schools,
other NRM
Boards.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 20
Community action
strategies
Activities Partners
CA3 Encourage,
maintain and sustain
behaviour change by
business
Focusing on sustaining behavior change in agri-business.
The Sustainable Industry Grants Program was
established in 2011–12 in collaboration with the region’s
agricultural industries, with the intention of supporting
the commercial farming sector’s efforts to integrate
NRM initiatives into their production systems.
Specifically, the AMLR NRM Board has sought to
support industry-driven initiatives that trial, demonstrate
and achieve NRM outcomes while improving
sustainable production. 20 projects were supported in
2011–12, and a second round of grants will be
announced in February 2013.
Agricultural
service
providers.
CA4 Encourage,
maintain and sustain
volunteers in NRM
Providing significant technical and material support to
volunteer groups working to deliver NRM outcomes
through the Community Group Action Program. This
has involved building partnerships between land
managers, volunteer groups and the AMLR NRM Board,
with each partner contributing skills, knowledge and
resources needed to deliver effective on-ground NRM
projects.
Supporting five community NRCs in 2011–12. These
centres are significantly run by volunteers, and provide
an invaluable service to their local communities, which
include a diverse range of NRM awareness-raising and
skills development opportunities.
Providing material support for 56 volunteer NRM
projects, through the AMLR NRM Board’s annual NRM
Achiever Grant scheme. Projects ranged from weed
control and revegetation, to multi-media NRM
awareness-raising.
Local
Government,
Community
volunteer
groups,
Community
NRCs.
2.7. POLICY AND LEGISLATION
Description: This theme uses legislation and policy tools, both within the NRM Act and other
legislation and policy documents, to achieve NRM outcomes.
Importance: Our region supports a wide variety of land uses, equally matched by a diverse range of
land management practices and attitudes towards resource use and management. The natural resources
that we use today will also be relied on by future generations. Effective policy and legislation will
ensure fairness and equity in resource management so that resources are shared equally among users.
NRM issues: Using legislative and policy tools, this theme addresses a wide range of natural resources
management issues as well as supporting other themes within the NRM Plan.
Strategy objectives: Strategies within this theme aim to ensure compliance with the NRM Act through
water-affecting activities, pest plant and animal management, land management and general duty of
care. To achieve NRM outcomes, they also use other legislation such as the Development Act 1993,
Native Vegetation Act 1991 and Environment Protection Act 1993. Strategies aim to ensure
consistency between the regional NRM Plan and other State and local policies and plans.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 21
Policy and legislation highlights include:
commencing the amendment of the regional NRM Plan, in line with the outcomes and
recommendations of the review presented to the AMLR NRM Board in April 2010. Although
the four volumes of the Plan were completed and adopted in May 2008, under the NRM Act
the AMLR NRM Board is required to review it at least once in each 5-year period, this
occurred at the beginning of 2010
using a ‘systems approach’, the resilience assessment framework, to amend the Plan. This
process will help to understand how our natural resource systems function, including their
social and economic components. Resilience thinking will help to identify which social-
ecological systems are most important, and which are at risk of significant or irreversible
damage
undertaking asset/values mapping during 2011, and providing a range of stakeholders (local
government, agricultural industries, NRM Groups, NGOs and community groups) with the
opportunity to identify those natural resource assets which they most valued. Information was
collected through 22 workshops across the region, as well as using an online mapping tool.
The data has been summarised in a geographic information system data layer and information
resulting from this collection is available on the AMLR NRM Board’s website
completing, consulting and submitting the Annual Review of the AMLR NRM Board’s
Business Plan (Volume C) to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation
for adoption in May 2012. The amendment to the Plan was adopted on 20 June 2012
providing comments on:
o 16 development applications
o 4 native vegetation applications
o 7 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act referrals
o 60 policy and strategy documents from local, state and federal government
o 30 statements of intent, Section 30 Reviews and Development Plan amendments from
local government
completing and presenting the draft Western Mount Lofty Ranges Water Allocation Plan to
the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation in December 2011
undertaking the 5-year review of the McLaren Vale PWA Water Allocation Plan in February
2012 and providing to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation
receiving 95 Water Affecting Activity Permit applications: 63 were approved and
13 withdrawn.
2.8. MONITORING AND EVALUATING THE ORGANISATION AND PROGRAM
OUTCOMES
Description: Under the NRM Act, the AMLR NRM Board has statutory responsibilities to monitor
and report on any changes in resource conditions to its partners and the community. It also has a
responsibility to ensure that levy funds collected from the community are invested wisely in works
that produce measurable natural resource benefits.
Importance: In order to show that its works are effectively meeting both short-term and long-term
targets for resource condition, it is critical that the AMLR NRM Board monitors, evaluates and reports
on the outcomes of its programs. Reporting on the implementation of its works and the subsequent
impact on resource conditions is essential to gaining and maintaining the trust of the community.
NRM issues: Key issues include the need to monitor and evaluate change over short, medium and
long terms, to monitor and report at regional and local level, and to ensure that outcomes are reported
to partners and the community.
Strategy objectives: Strategies will assist in assessing the success of Strategic and Investment Plan
implementation and the extent to which the AMLR NRM Board is succeeding in achieving its goals
and targets. In addition, the AMLR NRM Board is taking a lead role in developing and maintaining a
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 22
reporting system to assess progress against regional targets and to coordinate progress reports from
other partners with regional NRM responsibilities.
Through this theme, the AMLR NRM Board will monitor, evaluate and report on its progress towards
short-term and long-term targets and the condition of the region’s natural resources. Consequently,
this theme is instrumental in providing feedback as to whether the AMLR NRM Board’s complete
suite of works is effective – when combined with the works of its regional partners – in achieving its
20-year regional targets.
Monitoring and evaluating highlights include:
completing successful reporting on the AMLR NRM Board’s 3-year management action
targets (MATs), as well as undertaking cumulative reporting and carrying out an evaluation
report of the 43 MATs. The learnings from the evaluation were used to refine the next round
of targets and to improve some areas of data collection
rolling out the AMLR NRM Board’s new 5-year intermediate targets (iTargets) in 2011 and
first reporting on them in December 2011. The 12 iTargets are the result of careful planning
and development using program logic. Data from the AMLR NRM Board’s previous MATs
continues to be collected for use in cross-period and achievement reporting
commencing work on the development of the AMLR NRM Board’s integrated database
system, which will replace up to 14 separate (non-integrated) systems previously used
throughout AMLR NRM Board business units. As well as being web-based, the database will
record all non-spatial information. A central data warehouse has been developed and the
module for the Land Management Program is being tested. The database project will be
completed in 2013
continuing to develop web-based reporting via the AMLR NRM Board’s webpage, which
includes improved reporting regarding catchment and landuse information being added to the
surface water monitoring page (facilitated by a Commonwealth grant of $30,000). Webpage
reporting has been included for the AMLR NRM Board’s marine debris program, stormwater
harvesting, trashrack data and other programs
continuing to develop programs such as the seagrass condition monitoring undertaken for
Yankalilla Bay, the Light River and Encounter Bay. Samphire monitoring was completed in
the Northern region and cetation monitoring carried out
successfully completing a feasibility study using remote sensing to detect vegetation change in
the region with the University of Adelaide. The trial looked at the feasibility of using satellite
and other data to detect vegetation changes over time
developing a long-term ecological monitoring program for the verification of water allocation
science V-WASP, which will be implemented in 2012–13
continuing to develop the AMLR NRM Board’s surface water monitoring program and
webpage, and adding catchment information and summaries to the webpage. The page now
hosts data from other agencies carrying out similar monitoring in the region, including local
government, the CSIRO and SA Water. The Bureau of Meteorology is using data from the
network for local flood monitoring and data is also linked electronically to the National Water
archive.
3. ROLE, LEGISLATION AND STRUCTURE
The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board was established on
9 December 2004 under the auspices of the NRM Act. This report for the 2011–12 financial year
fulfils the requirements of Section 38 of the NRM Act.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 23
3.1. OBJECT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT
The objects of the NRM Act include to assist in the achievement of ecologically sustainable
development in the State by establishing an integrated scheme to promote the use and management of
natural resources in a manner that—
(a) recognises and protects the intrinsic values of natural resources; and
(b) seeks to protect biological diversity and, insofar as is reasonably practicable, to support and
encourage the restoration or rehabilitation of ecological systems and processes that have been
lost or degraded; and
(c) provides for the protection and management of catchments and the sustainable use of land and
water resources and, insofar as is reasonably practicable, seeks to enhance and restore or
rehabilitate land and water resources that have been degraded; and
(d) seeks to support sustainable primary and other economic production systems with particular
reference to the value of agriculture and mining activities to the economy of the State; and
(e) provides for the prevention or control of impacts caused by pest species of animals and plants
that may have an adverse effect on the environment, primary production or the community;
and
(f) promotes educational initiatives and provides support mechanisms to increase the capacity of
people to be involved in the management of natural resources.
3.2. ROLE OF THE AMLR NRM BOARD
The AMLR NRM Board’s role is defined in the NRM 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 NRM Plan
implementing the AMLR NRM 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
undertaking and supporting educational activities and increasing community capacity to
undertake sustainable natural resource management.
3.3. THE AMLR NRM BOARD REGION
The AMLR NRM region (the region), shown in Figure 1, supports a mosaic of bushland remnants,
farming land, urban development, rolling hills and plains, diverse marine environments and 333 km of
spectacular beaches and coastline.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 24
Figure 1: Map of the AMLR NRM Board's region
3.4. FUNCTIONS OF THE AMLR NRM BOARD
Section 29 of the NRM Act describes the functions of the AMLR NRM Board.
(1) The functions of a regional NRM Board are—
(a) to undertake an active role with respect to the management of natural resources within
its region; and
(b) —
(i) to prepare a regional NRM plan in accordance with this Act; and
(ii) to implement that plan; and
(iii) to keep the plan under review to ensure that the objects of this Act are being
achieved; and
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 25
(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 to undertake an active role in
ensuring–
(i) that any Development Plan under the Development Act 1993 that applies
within its region promotes the objects of this Act; and
(ii) insofar as is reasonably practicable, that those Development Plans and the
Board’s regional NRM plan form a coherent set of policies, and, in so doing,
when a Development Plan amendment under the Development Act 1993 that
is relevant to the activities of the Board is under consideration under that Act,
to work with–
(iii) in the case of a Development Plan amendment proposed by a council–the
council; or
(iv) in the case of a Development Plan amendment proposed by a Minister–that
Minister’s department; and
(f) at the request of the Minister or the NRM Council, or on its own initiative, to provide
advice on any matter relevant to the condition of natural resources within its region, or
on the management of those resources, to conduct any inquiry or audit, or to provide
any other advice or report that may be appropriate in the circumstances; and
(g) such other functions assigned to the Board by the Minister or by or under this or any
other Act.
(2) To avoid doubt, a regional NRM Board may act with respect to a particular matter despite the
fact that the matter may not fall within the scope of its regional NRM plan.
(3) However, if a regional NRM Board acts with respect to a particular matter in the
circumstances described in subsection (2), the Board must furnish a report on the matter to the
Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament (unless the matter is not, in the opinion of the
Board, significant).
(4) In performing its functions, a regional NRM Board should (as far as is reasonably practicable)
seek to work collaboratively with—
(a) the other regional NRM Boards whose regions adjoin the region of the Board; and
(b) other State agencies, agencies of the Commonwealth, and agencies of the other States
and Territories, that have functions that are relevant to those of the Board; and
(c) NRM groups with areas that fall (wholly or partially) within the region of the Board;
and
(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.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 26
3.5. MEMBERSHIP
Section 25 of the NRM Act provides for the appointment of the AMLR NRM Board.
The Board comprises nine 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 NRM Act for the appointment of members:
(1) 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
(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
(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.
(2) In addition, the Minister must, before finalising his or her nominations for the purposes of this
section, consult with the designated Ministers.
(3) At least one member of a regional NRM Board must be a woman and at least one member
must be a man.
(4) At least one 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
(ii) is willing and available to be a member of the Board.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 27
(5) The Governor must appoint a suitable member of a regional NRM Board to be the presiding
member of the Board.
(6) The Governor may appoint a suitable person to be the deputy of a member of a regional
NRM Board.
(7) 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.
(8) 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 AMLR NRM Board during the 2011–12 reporting period was:
Members
Chris Daniels (Presiding Member) 24 February 2011 to present
Debra Just 14 April 2008 to present
Lynette Chamberlain 14 April 2010 to present
Marcus Strudwicke 14 April 2010 to 8 March 2012
Angus Williams 21 October 2010 to present
Robert Lewis PSM 21 October 2010 to present
Vicki-Jo Russell AM 14 April 2011 to present
Cathryn Hamilton 14 April 2011 to present
Tauto Sansbury 1 December 2011 to present
Government representatives authorised to attend meetings
Andrew Grear (DPLG) 15 May 2005 to present
Andrew Solomon (EPA) 1 August 2007 to present
Greg Pattinson (Local Government) 1 April 2009 to present
Karen Rouse (SA Water) 1 March 2009 to present
Julia Grant (DFW) 1 February 2011 to present
Stuart West (PIRSA) 12 August 2011 to present
Sean Sloan (PIRSA) [proxy for Stuart West] 12 August 2011 to present
Kylie O’Connell (DFW) [proxy for Julia Grant] 24 April 2012 to present
3.6. MEETINGS: GENERAL AND SPECIAL
A total of 11 general AMLR NRM Board meetings were held during the 2011–12 financial year. No
special AMLR NRM Board meetings were held during the 2011–12 financial year. Table 10 illustrates
attendance by appointed AMLR NRM Board members at meetings.
Table 10: Attendance by appointed AMLR NRM Board members at meetings
Member Meetings
attended
Comments Reason for non
attendance
Chris Daniels 11
Debra Just 8 Other commitment/s
Lynette Chamberlain 11
Marcus Strudwicke 5 Other commitment/s
Robert Lewis 8 Other commitment/s
Angus Williams 10 Other commitment/s
Vicki-Jo Russell 8 Other commitment/s
Cathryn Hamilton 11
Tauto Sansbury 4 Started term December 2011 Other commitment/s
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 28
Member Meetings
attended
Comments Reason for non
attendance
Andrew Grear 6 Other commitment/s
Andrew Solomon 9 Other commitment/s
Greg Pattinson 7 Other commitment/s
Karen Rouse 7 Other commitment/s
Julia Grant 8 Other commitment/s
Stuart West 2 Started term August 2011 Other commitment/s
Sean Sloan 1 Started term August 2011 Proxy member
Kylie O’Connell 0 Started term April 2012 Proxy member
3.7. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
The AMLR NRM Board recognises that collaboration and coordination between government bodies is
key to achieving sustainable NRM in the region, and providing effective public service. In 2011–12
the AMLR NRM Board worked with a range of agencies including DENR, DfW, PIRSA, Forestry
SA, Planning SA, DPTI, EPA and SA Water.
State and local government is well represented across the AMLR NRM Board’s governance structure.
There are five State government representatives and one local government representative on the
AMLR NRM Board itself, and their contributions are invaluable. The AMLR NRM Board also has a
number of advisory committees (including the Program Advisory Committee, the Coast, Estuary and
Marine Advisory Committee, and various District NRM Advisory Committees) which include several
State and local government representatives.
As part of a project to enhance collaboration with local government, the AMLR NRM Board has
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Metropolitan Local Government
Group and the Southern and Hills Local Government Association. This MOU articulates the way that
local government and the AMLR NRM Board will engage with each other, and a related action
planning process guides the development of partnered projects and actions that address NRM issues.
The AMLR NRM Board also has effective national partnerships with the Australian Government,
delivering programs with funding support from the Caring for Our Country Program.
3.8. GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The AMLR NRM Board has prepared a Corporate Governance Statement to highlight the functions
delegated to the AMLR NRM Board under the NRM Act and to outline the governance
responsibilities of Board members. This statement outlines the structures and practices established to
assist Board members to act with the appropriate level of care and diligence.
To support the statement, specific policies have been developed under the following governance
elements:
AMLR NRM Board management
financial management
information and knowledge management
leadership and strategy
legislative administration and compliance
NRM policy
performance management
risk management
stakeholder relationships.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 29
These policies and other outputs provide AMLR NRM Board members and staff with guidance and
procedures to ensure the AMLR NRM Board effectively and efficiently meets its statutory
responsibilities.
The AMLR NRM Board’s Audit Committee oversees policies to ensure that all statutory obligations
are met, particularly in respect of audit and finance matters. The Board’s Corporate Governance
Statements will be revised in 2012–13 to reflect the new integrated regional arrangements.
3.9. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The AMLR NRM Board’s organisational structure (Figure 2) combines both hierarchical and
integrating structures (or cross-divisional programs). The structure is supported by strategies to:
deliver programs in rural areas via service areas (Northern, Central Hills and Fleurieu)
develop multi-disciplinary teams to ensure, where appropriate, integrated approaches to
service delivery.
Figure 2: Organisational structure
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 30
4. MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
4.1. EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS
Table 11: Employee numbers, gender and status
Table 12: Number of employees by salary bracket
Table 13: Amount of superannuation contributions by the AMLR NRM Board
Total number of employees
Persons 76
FTEs 73.1 (FTEs shown to 1 decimal place)
Gender % Persons % FTEs
Male 44.7 42.5
Female 55.3 57.5
Number of persons during the 2011–12 financial year
Separated from the agency 13
Recruited to the agency 12
Number of persons at 30 June 2012
On leave without pay 2
Salary bracket Male Female Total
$0 – $51 599 0 3 3
$51 600 – $65 699 14 22 36
$65 700 – $84 099 14 14 28
$84 100 – $106 199 6 3 9
$106 200+ 0 0 0
TOTAL 34 42 76
Number of employees Contribution ($)
76 493 086
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 31
Table 14: Status of employees in current position
FTEs Ongoing Short-term
contract
Long-term
contract
Other
(Casual) Total
Male 12 2 20 0 34
Female 6.8 4 28.3 0 39.1
TOTAL 18.8 6 48.3 0 73.1
PERSONS Ongoing Short-term
contract
Long-term
contract
Other
(Casual) Total
Male 12 2 20 0 34
Female 7 4 31 0 42
TOTAL 19 6 51 0 76
4.2. EXECUTIVES
The AMLR NRM Board currently has no Executives.
Table 15: 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
0
0
Total 0
4.3. LEAVE MANAGEMENT
Table 16: Average days leave per full-time equivalent employee
Leave type 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12
Sick leave 5.0 6.25 6.58 6.93
Family carer’s leave 1.0 0.69 1.79 0.65
Miscellaneous special
leave 1.7 0.5 0.48 0.50
4.4. WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
The AMLR NRM Board currently has no Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees.
Table 17: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees
Salary bracket Aboriginal
employees
Total
employees
%
Aboriginal
employees
Target*
$0 – $51 599 0 0 0 2%
$51 600 – $65 699 0 0 0 2%
$65 700 – $84 099 0 0 0 2%
$84 100 – $106 199 0 0 0 2%
$106 200+ 0 0 0 2%
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 32
* Target from South Australia’s Strategic Plan
Table 18: Number of employees by age bracket by gender
Age bracket Male Female Total % of total 2010 workforce
benchmark*
15–19 0 0 0 0 6.4%
20–24 0 0 0 0 10.4%
25–29 3 7 10 13.16 11.0%
30–34 3 10 13 17.11 10.1%
35–39 3 4 7 9.21 10.3%
40–44 5 8 13 17.11 11.0%
45–49 10 4 14 18.42 11.5%
50–54 6 3 9 11.84 11.4%
55–59 2 4 6 7.89 9.4%
60–64 1 2 3 3.95 5.5%
65+ 1 0 1 1.31 3.0%
TOTAL 34 42 76 100 100.0
*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 2011.
Table 19: Cultural and linguistic diversity
Male Female Total % agency SA community*
Number of employees born
overseas 4 2 6 7.89 20.3%
Number of employees who
speak language(s) other than
English at home
0 0 0 0 16.6%
* Benchmarks from ABS Publication Basic Community Profile (SA) Cat No. 2001.0, 2006 census.
Table 20: Total number of employees with disabilities
During the 2011-12 reporting period the Board had no employees with a disability (according to the
Commonwealth DDA definition).
Male Female Total % of agency
0 0 0 0
Table 21: Types of disability (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
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 33
Sensory 0 0 0 0
Psychological/psychiatric 0 0 0 0
4.5. VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
Table 22: Voluntary flexible working arrangements by gender
Male Female Total
Purchased leave 0 1 1
Flexitime 34 40 74
Compressed weeks 0 0 0
Part-time 0 10 10
Job share 0 1 1
Working from home 1 0 1
4.6. PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT
Table 23: Documented review of individual performance management
Employees with … % Total workforce
A review within the past 12 months 99
A review older than 12 months 1
No review 0
4.7. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
Table 24: Leadership and management training expenditure
Training and development Total cost % of total salary
expenditure
Total training and development expenditure $141 876 2.23%
Total leadership and management
development expenditure $17 752 0.28%
4.8. ACCREDITED TRAINING PACKAGES
Table 25: Accredited training packages by classification
Classification Number of accredited training packages
ASO4 4
ASO5 1
4.9. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 34
Under Part 2 Section 7(h) of the Public Sector Regulations 2010 (PS Regulations), annual reports must
include information on employment opportunity programs that have been established by the Minister
under section 65 of the PS Act.
Agencies report on and evaluate any public sector-wide opportunity employment programs they
manage on behalf of the public sector, including evaluation of their achievements, and report on their
participation in such programs. Currently these programs include:
SA Government Youth Training Scheme and the Trainee Employment Register
SA Public Sector Aboriginal Recruitment and Development Strategy and the Aboriginal
Employment Register
Strategy for Employment of Young People with Disabilities (which includes the Disability
Employment Register).
The gender balance of the AMLR NRM Board is always taken into consideration when members are
appointed.
The members of the AMLR NRM Board are aware of and abide by their obligations under the State
Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY
MANAGEMENT
The PS Regulation 7(m) stipulates that annual reports must include: the occupational health, safety
and rehabilitation programs of the agency (including an evaluation of the programs and their
effectiveness).
Table 26: OHS notices and corrective action taken
During 2011-12 there were no OHS notices or corrective actions required to be undertaken.
Number of notifiable occurrences pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Part 7
Division 6
0
Number of notifiable injuries pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Part 7 Division 6 0
Number of notices served pursuant to OHS&W Act s35, s39 and s40 (default,
improvement and prohibition notices)
0
Table 27: Agency gross workers’ compensation expenditure for 2011–12 compared with 2010-11
EXPENDITURE 2011–12
($)
2010–11
($)
Variation
($) + (-)
% change
+ (-)
Income maintenance 6 643 488 + 6,155 +1 261%
Lump sum settlements
Redemptions – Sect. 42 0 0- 0 0
Lump sum settlements
Permanent disability – Sect. 43 0 0- 0 0
Medical/hospital costs combined 10 718 7 999 + 2 719 + 34%
Other 0 410 - 410 - 100%
Total claims expenditure 17 361 8 898 + 8 463 + 95%
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 35
Table 28: Meeting safety performance targets
Base:
2009–10
Performance: 12 months to end of
June 2012*
Final
target
Numbers
or %
Actual Notional
quarterly
target**
Variation Numbers
or %
1. Workplace fatalities 0 0 0 0 0
2. New workplace injury
claims
2 3 2 1 2
3. New workplace injury
claims frequency rate
4. Lost time injury frequency
rate ***
5. New psychological injury
claims
0 0 0 0 0
6. Rehabilitation and return
to work
6a. Early assessment within 2
days
50% 66.67% 80% -13.33% 80% or
more
6b. Early intervention within
5 days
100% 90% 10% 80% or
more
6c. RTW within 5 business
days
75% or
more
7. Claim determination:
7a. Claims determined in 10
business days
100% 50% 75% -25% 75% or
more
7b. Claims still to be
determined after 3 months
0 50% 3% 47% 3% or less
8. Income maintenance
Payments for recent injuries:
2010–11 Injuries (at 24
months development)
$488 $930 -$442 Below
previous
2 years
average
2011–12 Injuries (at 12
months development)
$6 643 $654 $5 988 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 for new lost-time injury/disease for each one million hours
worked. This frequency rate is calculated for benchmarking and is used by the WorkCover
Corporation.
Formula for Lost Time Injury frequency rate (new claims):
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 36
Base:
2009–10
Performance: 12 months to end of
June 2012*
Final
target
Numbers
or %
Actual Notional
quarterly
target**
Variation Numbers
or %
Number of new cases of lost-time injury/disease for year x 1,000,000
Number of hours worked in the year
6. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The AMLR NRM Board’s general purpose financial statements and Auditor General’s Report for
2011–12 are contained in Appendix B.
6.1. SOURCES OF INCOME
In accordance with the provisions of the NRM Act, the AMLR NRM Board received natural resources
levy contributions via councils within the AMLR NRM Board’s region. Councils are required to
impose a separate levy on rateable land (Division I Levy) in the AMLR NRM Board area to recover
the contributions made to the AMLR NRM Board. Additional levies, based on licensed water
allocations (Division 2 Levy) are collected from proclaimed water areas within the region. This levy
revenue represents the majority of income contributed to the AMLR NRM Board.
Total income for 2011–12 was $29.42 million. Figure 3 displays all sources of income for the AMLR
NRM Board for the 2011–12 financial year.
Figure 3: Sources of income 2011–12 ($’000)
6.2. EXPENDITURE
Total expenditure for 2011–12 was $ 28.26 million. The 2011–12 AMLR NRM Board expenditure for
each of the eight NRM theme areas is shown in Figure 4 below.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 37
Figure 4: Expenditure by theme area 2011–12 ($’000)
6.3. CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS
There were no contracts entered into during the 2011-12 financial year that exceeded $4 million (GST
Inclusive).
6.4. ACCOUNT PAYMENT PERFORMANCE
Table 29: 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* 4 457 90.19 23 357 308 91.32
Paid late, within 30
days of due date 466 9.43 2 185 492 8.54
Paid more than 30
days from due date 19 0.38 34 690 0.14
*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 30 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.
6.5. FRAUD
There were no instances of fraud detected during the 2011-12 financial year.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 38
6.6. CONSULTANTS
Consultants for specialist/technical work are essential in assisting the AMLR NRM Board to
implement various on-ground works programs, develop plans and undertake research and
communality consultation activities. Table 30 below provides a summary of consultant fees paid and
the purpose of each consultancy.
Table 30: Details of consultants used 2011–12
Consultant Consultancy Amount
$ ’000
Below $10 000 Advice and investigations for stormwater, surface water
and recycled water projects (5 separate consultancies) 26
$10 000 - $50 000
AECOM Australia P/L
Aurecon Australia P/L
Ecological Associates P/L
Sinclair Knight Merz
Sinclair Knight Merz
Urban & Regional
Planning Solutions
Advice for Stormwater Reuse project
Advice for Urban Watercourses and Surface Water
Projects
Technical Studies to support the development of Water
Allocation Plans
Technical Studies to support the development of Water
Allocation Plans
Technical investigations into water requirements of
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in the Adelaide
Plains
Review of the NRM Levy
14
37
37
20
34
35
6.7. GRANTS
Grants are made to third parties such as community groups, State and local government, landholders
and individuals for various projects and programs under the Board’s NRM Plan. Table 31 provides a
summary of grants paid by the Board and the purpose of each grant where the total was over $5 000.
In addition, the Board provided 56 NRM Achievers Grants (each under $5 000) to schools and
community groups to undertake NRM projects. The total value of these 56 projects was $149 148.
Table 31: List of Grants provided
Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount ($)
Adelaide City Council Bioretention Water Sensitive Urban design $ 30 000
Adelaide Hills Council Central Hills Biodiversity Project
$ 330 765 Rehabilitate failing waste water systems in Mt Lofty Ranges
watershed
Deliver NRM Education in the southern area
Adelaide Hills Natural
Resource Centre NRC Support $ 52 680
Adelaide Research &
Innovation
Investigations and actions for Marine Algae of conservation
concern $ 16 362
Allan Wallace Reimbursement for Fencing $ 5 640
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 39
Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount ($)
ARTS SA Casual employees to assist with marine debris threat
abatement $ 8 000
Baljok Pty Ltd Reimbursement for Fencing $ 40 080
Bill Blessing Reimbursement for Solar Pump and Fencing $ 16 000
Birdlife Australia Conservation and management of beach nesting birds
$ 22 674 Support for Australasian Wader Studies Group for conference
Shorebirds and habitat conservation and management
Birds Australia Conservation and management of beach nesting birds $ 20 000
Shorebirds and habitat conservation and management
BS & YL Nietschke Reimbursement for Fencing and Soil Test $ 8 165
City of Campbelltown Trash Rack Cleaning
$ 110 615 Urban Animal Plant Control Partnership
Caltrop awareness, education & removal program
City of Charles Sturt Construction of Frogmore Road GPT
$ 786 016 Waterproofing the West Project
Urban Animal Plant Control Partnership
Raising Awareness of Coastal Ecology
City of Holdfast Bay Coast, Estuarine and Marine Program $ 90 563
City of Marion Lower Field River Rehabilitation Works
$ 597 500
Oaklands Park Stormwater Harvesting Project
Urban Animal Plant Control Partnership
Oaklands Wetland Project
Waterfall Creek Project
City of Mitcham Urban Animal Plant Control Partnership $ 10 000
City of Norwood, Payneham
& St Peters Trash Rack Cleaning $ 90 682
City of Onkaparinga NRM Education Southern Adelaide Program
$ 284 007
Southern and Western Adelaide Climate Change Adaptation
Plan
City of Playford Virginia & Northern Plains Horticulture Study $ 23 000
Design of South Para River CFS Crossing
City of Port Adelaide
Enfield Construction of Gross Pollutant Trap on OG Rd to Klemzig $ 225 000
City of Salisbury NRM Education Northern Adelaide Program
$ 212 389 Urban Animal Plant Control Partnership
Adelaide Plains Grassy Woodland Restoration Forum
City of Tea Tree Gully Urban Animal Plant Control Partnership $ 38 000
Weed Control
City of Unley Integrated Stormwater Pilot Project Construction $ 160 909
Haywood Park Stormwater Harvesting
City of Victor Harbour NRM Education Fleurieu Program $ 62 000
Conservation Council of SA
Inc Southern Emu-wren & Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps Project
$ 438 000
Reef Watch Community Monitoring Project
CSIRO Accounts Receivable Managed Aquifer Recharge and Urban Stormwater Use
Options $ 10 000
Declan Page Reimbursement for on-ground Works $ 14 325
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 40
Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount ($)
Department for Correctional
Services
Urban Watercourses Cleanup $ 47 292
River Torrens Linear Park Inspections
Department for Water Acquisition of Data Loggers with Telemetry for Groundwater
$ 105 248 Site Survey for Groundwater Bores
Sediment Management Patawalonga Lake System
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Bush Management Advisors
$951 835
Threatened flora and fauna recovery program
Conserving healthy habitats and nationally threatened species
program
Recovering Grey Box Grassy Woodlands in the AMLR
Region
Wildlife Ecology Support Program
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources Adelaide Living Beaches Program $2 292 000
Derek Walter Reimbursement for Fencing $ 8 750
District Council of Mallala Coast, Estuarine and Marine Officer Support $ 81 000
District Council of Mt
Barker Hahndorf Integrated Water Management Plan $ 7 500
District Council of
Yankalilla Coast, Estuarine and Marine Officer Support $ 77 620
Dung Beetle Solutions
Australia Identification of Dung Beetle safe chemicals for farm use $ 13 000
Ellis Farm Consultancy Monitoring Changes in Soil Acidity & Nutrient levels $ 20 000
Environment Protection
Authority Water Quality Monitoring & Reporting Program $ 25 000
Fishprint Production of SA Reef Fish booklet $ 5 201
Flinders University of SA Enhancing seagrass rehabilitation collaborative project
$ 112 487
Assessment of presence and distribution of the European
Shore Crab
Support of Mangrove and mudflat monitoring
Climate chg Vulnerability in the AMLR Project
Friends of Encounter
Seabirds
Little Penguin Conservation Project $ 34 600
Eastern Fleurieu Island Penguin Management and Protection
Gawler Env & Heritage
Assoc
Woody Weed Removal Whitelaw Creek $ 7 670
Gawler Area Conservation Works
Gawler Regional Natural
Resource Centre Inc NRC Support $ 43 050
GR & JL Stuckey Reimbursement for Fencing $ 35 610
Hortex Alliance Inc Educating growers to manage waste streams for reduction in
disease vectors
$ 29 668 Educating producers on pest and beneficial insect
identification
Releasing beneficial insects targeting reduced use of
agricultural chemicals
IC & GE Martin Reimbursement for Fencing and Gates $ 5 350
Jon Lamb Communications Sponsorship of SA Garden & Outdoor Living Magazine $ 12 800
Kangarilla Landcare Group Group Funding $ 71 266
Kathy & Alan Davis Reimbursement Water Points $ 13 000
KESAB Inc NRM Education Waterwatch Central Adelaide Program $ 261 006
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 41
Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount ($)
Lee Sadler Reimbursement for Fencing and Trough $ 12 635
Michael Fairlie Reimbursement for Fencing $ 8 544
Monash University Cities as Water Supply Catchments Program $ 20 000
Mt Pleasant Natural
Resource Centre NRC Support $ 58 848
National Trust of South
Australia
Kikuya Removal project $ 8 525
Roachdale Nature Train Experience & Interpretation
Nature Conservation Society
of South Australia
Woodland Birds Monitoring Program
$ 168 900 Threatened Plant Action Group
Seascapes On-ground Site Project
New Springs Landcare
Group Group Funding $ 20 000
Normanville Natural
Resource Centre NRC Support $ 74 054
Para Broadcasters
Association Inc Conservation in Blackhill and Morialta $ 5 000
Pernod Ricard Australia Jacobs Creek Catchment Restoration $ 27 500
Port Wine Pty Ltd Threatened species and ecological communities program $ 44 770
Primary Industries and
Resources SA Monitor Threatened and Endangered Sharks
$ 90 750 Coastal Aboriginal Heritage Site Management Workshop
Fleurieu Seagrass Condition Monitoring Port Elliott
RealEvents Conference
Organising Sponsorship for Off Road Vehicle Management $ 10 000
S & A Beckmann Reimbursement for Fencing and Gates $ 5 280
SA Conservation Research
Divers Surveys of Rare and Endemic Marine Invertebrates $ 14 000
SA Murray Darling Basin
NRM Board Threatened species and ecological communities program $ 112 500
SA State Emergency Service Floodsafe Program $ 25 000
Seabrook Farm Reimbursement for Fencing and Gates $ 90 349
Threatened species and ecological communities program
South Australian Museum Monitoring small cetacean mortalities in Eastern Gulf St
Vincent $ 30 852
St Vincents Pty Ltd Reimbursement for Fencing and Gates $ 13 500
Strata Data Group On ground works $ 34 091
The Barossa Council Barossa Bushgardens $ 79 710
NRM Education Northern Adelaide and Barossa Program
Thomas Wende Reimbursement for Fencing $ 5 420
Tom & Mandy Newton Reimbursement for On ground works $ 5 344
Town of Gawler Clonlea Reserve Erosion Control $ 50 000
TR & KN Shierlaw Reimbursement for Fencing and On ground works $ 7 053
Trees For Life Inc Bush for Life Program $ 318 750
University of South
Australia
Investigate the impact of recycled water reuse on natural
resources health $ 7 500
V & A Seppelt Reimbursement for Fencing $ 8 700
Whale and Dolphin
Conservation Society Marine Debris Program $ 65 662
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 42
Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount ($)
Willunga Environment
Centre Centre Support $ 63 940
Willunga Hills Face
Landcare Group Group Support $ 47 400
Wootoona Proprietors Fencing $ 13 100
7. OVERSEAS TRAVEL
No overseas travel was undertaken by either AMLR NRM Board members or employees during
2011–12.
8. DISABILITY ACTION PLANS
Promoting Independence – Disability Action Plans for South Australia provides a framework of action
for agencies to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and
the SA Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
In performing its functions, the AMLR NRM Board:
o ensures accessibility to its services for people with disabilities, both as customers and
employees
o ensures information about its services and programs that include people with disabilities
o delivers advice or services to people with disabilities, with awareness and understanding of
issues affecting these people
o provides opportunities for consultation with people with disabilities in decision-making
processes regarding service delivery and in the implementation of complaint and grievance
mechanisms.
9. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
The AMLR NRM Board does not own any government buildings.
10. URBAN DESIGN CHARTER
The South Australian Government adopted as a whole-of-government policy the South Australian
Urban Design Charter, publicly released in November 2004. The 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 charter and its principles have been included in
the Sustainability Action Plan for the organisation.
11. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – INFORMATION STATEMENTS
11.1. PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
The AMLR NRM Board received one Freedom of Information request during 2011–12. This related to
the management of deer. The AMLR NRM Board held no relevant documentation in relation to this
matter.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1991, members of the public can apply to access
their own personal information that is held by the AMLR NRM Board, including the right to apply to
correct personal information that is out of date, incorrect or misleading. Application should be made in
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 43
writing and addressed to the Regional Manager, Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Region at 205
Greenhill Road, Eastwood.
The AMLR NRM Board is responsible for the development of the Regional Natural Resources
Management Plan for the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges natural resource management region, and
other associated policy documents. These documents are available to the public and can be viewed at
our offices.
12. WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT 1993
The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board has appointed a
responsible officer for the purposes of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 (WPA) pursuant to
Section 7 of the Public Sector Act 2009. There have been no instances of disclosure of public interest
information to a responsible officer of the AMLR NRM Board under the WPA.
13. ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORTS
13.1. PERFORMANCE AGAINST ANNUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS
Table 32: Performance against annual energy efficiency targets
Energy use (GJ)1
GHG emissions2
Business measure6
Base year 2007–083:
Eastwood
Gawler
Willunga
Lobethal
Portfolio total
346.2
66
34.1
20
466.3
94.3
18
9.3
5.4
127
7 224 MJ per FTE
Current year 2011–12:
Eastwood
Gawler
Willunga
Lobethal
Portfolio total
214.9
70.6
46.4
18.4
350.3
48.4
15.9
10.4
4.4
79.1
4 792MJ per FTE
Portfolio target4
(for year being reported)
Final portfolio target5
(for 2014)
349.7GJ
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
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 44
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 The portfolio target for the current year is based on an agreed methodology and can be obtained
through the portfolio Reference Group member.
5 The portfolio target in 2014 should equal a 25% energy efficiency improvement from the base year
2000–01.
6 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.
13.2. GREENING OF GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FRAMEWORK
The AMLR NRM Board has a Green at Work team. The team was established to:
ensure that the AMLR NRM Board demonstrates environmental best practice in all its
activities and decision-making processes
foster environmentally responsible behaviour and promote environmentally sustainable action
within the whole organisation.
The team adopted the Greening of Government Organisations Framework to guide the greening of the
organisation in areas of:
energy management
water conservation and wastewater management
waste management
built facilities
travel and fleet management
‘green’ procurement
government administrative policies and guidelines
human resource management.
The team has either directly implemented, or indirectly influenced, the following actions:
regular data collection of scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions contributors and offset program
minor actions to reduce water consumption in buildings
reduction of waste to landfill through avoidance strategies (e.g. OzHarvest), recycling and
composting efforts
reduction of fleet size, car pooling and encouragement of alternative transport
incorporating the purchase and use of more ‘green’ office consumables
communication and marketing tools and strategies to encourage behaviour change or uptake of
green initiatives.
14. REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS
The AMLR NRM Board did not undertake any Regional Impact Assessment Statements during the
2011–12 financial year.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 45
15. RECONCILIATION STATEMENT
The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board would like to
acknowledge the land on which it meets is the traditional lands of Kaurna, Peramangk, Ngadjuri and
Ngarrindjeri people and that it respects their spiritual relationship with their country. The Adelaide and
Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board also acknowledges the Aboriginal people
as the custodians of the greater Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as
important to the Aboriginal people today.
In fulfilling its functions, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management
Board is cognisant of the cultural and natural heritage of traditional owners and strives to achieve
positive outcomes wherever these matters are concerned.
16. STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT MINISTERIAL
DIRECTIVES
In a letter to the Presiding Member dated 16 April 2012 (ref: 12SEC0672) the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment and Conservation directed as follows.
‘pursuant to sub-section 24(3) of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, direct the Adelaide
and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board (the Board) established pursuant to section 23 of the NRM Act
to:
Use the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide the Board’s
business support and NRM services in the region;
Enter into an agreement with DENR for these services. The agreement will include the
delivery of support services to the Board to ensure it is able to meet its statutory requirements
under the NRM Act and an annual work plan for the delivery of the Board’s Business Plan.
This agreement will detail the services, projects and funds to deliver the Board’s annual work
plan; and
Fund the services and projects set out in the agreement.’
17. STATEMENT OF FACT FOR SIGNIFICANT FUNCTIONS
ASSIGNED BY MINISTER
The Minister did not assign to the AMLR NRM Board any significant functions in accordance with
Section 29 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.
18. STATEMENT OF FACT FOR FUNCTIONS OR POWERS
DELEGATED TO THE AMLR NRM BOARD
The AMLR NRM Board operates pursuant to the provisions in, and functions and powers delegated
under, the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. There were no additional functions or powers
delegated to the AMLR NRM Board.
19. AMLR NRM BOARDS AND COMMITTEES LISTING
Under the NRM Act, the AMLR NRM Board is able to create committees to provide advice in specific
areas of expertise or NRM activity. The following committees operated in 2011–12:
Audit Committee
Coast, Estuary and Marine Advisory Committee.
Communication and Engagement Advisory Committee
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 46
Program Advisory Committee
Water Resource Committee
As and when required, the AMLR NRM Board has established committees to address specific issues
and to operate for a specific term. In 2011–12, the following committees were in operation:
North Para and Upper Light NRM Committee
Northern Foothills NRM Committee
South Para Biodiversity
WAPAC Barossa
WAPAC Central Hills
WAPAC Fleurieu
WAPAC McLaren Vale
WAPAC Northern Adelaide Plains.
20. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The AMLR NRM Board appreciates the support and encouragement and acknowledges the work of all
staff, project officers, NRM Group and Committee members.
The AMLR NRM Board also acknowledges the support it has received from the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the NRM Council, DENR and other agencies and
partners identified throughout this report.
The Australian Government is also acknowledged for the funding support received through the Caring
for Our Country Program.
21. PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2011–12
21.1. BOOKLETS
Best practice land management guidelines for small grazing properties
21.2. FACTSHEETS/INFORMATION SHEETS
Foxes in urban and urban fringe areas
Keeping domestic rabbits – your legal obligations
Conserving water on your Fleurieu farm
Waterproofing your Fleurieu Peninsula farms
Weed management guide – Blackberry
Weed management guide – Boneseed
Weed management guide – Calomba Daisy
Weed identification note – Bulbil Watsonia
Weed identification note – Caltrop
Weed identification note – Coolatai Grass
Weed identification note – Salvinia
Weed identification note – Water Hyacinth
Weed alert – Western Cape bridal creeper
NRM Group profiles factsheet – all
NRM Group profiles factsheet – Northern
NRM Group profiles factsheet – Fleurieu
NRM Group profiles factsheet – Central Hills
Morphettville Racecourse wetlands
River Torrens Water Quality Improvement Trial – interim report
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 47
River Torrens Water Quality Improvement Trial – factsheet
Environmental flows trial – Onkaparinga River
Environmental flows trial – South Para River
Environmental flows trial – Torrens River
Values mapping workshop –information sheet and postcard
Hooded Plover – Going to the beach? Watch out for Hoodies!
Understanding stormwater recycling schemes – training session information sheet
21.3. NEWSLETTERS
Small Talk x4
e-news x4
Echidna Express x3
Local Government e-news x3
Water Allocation Plan Update – Adelaide Plains
21.4. OTHER
2010–11 Achievements Report
Poster – Coastal gardens planting guide – National NRM Knowledge conference
Poster – Community group action program – National NRM Knowledge conference
Poster – Land and biodiversity – National NRM Knowledge conference
22. GLOSSARY
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics
AMLR NRM Board Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management
Board
ARC Australian Research Council
CCSA Conservation Council of South Australia
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
CUAD Clean up Australia Day
DECD Department for Education and Child Development
DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources
DEWNR Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
DfW Department for Water
DPLG Department of Planning and Local Government
DPTI Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
EfS Education for Sustainability
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
FTE Full time equivalent
GPT Gross pollutant trap
KI NRM Board Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board
MAT Management action target
MERF Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting Framework
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page 48
NCSSA Nature Conservation Society of South Australia
NGO Non-government organisation
NRC Natural Resource Centre
NRM Act Natural Resources Management Act 2004
NRM Natural resources management
NY NRM Board Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board
OHS & W Occupational health, safety and welfare
PIRSA Department of Primary Industries and Regions of South Australia
PS Act Public Sector Act 2009
PS Regulations Public Sector Regulations 2010
PWA Prescribed wells area
PWRA Prescribed water resources area
SA South Australia
SANTFA South Australian No-till Farmers’ Association
SARDI South Australian Research and Development Institute
SLSA Surf Lifesaving South Australia
SMP Stormwater management plan
TFL Trees For Life
WAP Water allocation plan
WAPAC Water Allocation Plan Advisory Committee
WDCS Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
WPA Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993
WSUD Water sensitive urban design