catchment management nsw authority government...

Catchment Management AuthorityNSW

GOVERNMENT Namoi

Namoi Catchment Management Authority

MINUTES

MEETING NUMBER 89

Large Conference Room, NCMA Offices, Tamworth

27 May 2013

Namoi CMA Minutes - Meeting Number 89

27 May 2013

Time: Meeting commenced at 1 O:OOam.

Present: Conrad Bolton (Chair), Brian Tomalin, Hugh Barrett, Juanita Hamparsum, Bruce Brown (GM), Matthew Davidson (0/M), Samantha Moss (BM), James Hutchinson-Smith (SPM).

Chairs \\'elcome

Chair acknowledged the Traditional custodians of the land, and Elders past and present of the Kamilaroi nation.

Pecuniary Interest Register tabled.

Juan ita Hamparsum noted a possible conflict of interest in relation to Agenda Item 11.3 regarding the NCRAT Tool assessment of the Watermark development. OM advised that the presentation did not involve any a decision making by the Board.

t.n Apologies

Jack Wamock, Jo Slack-Smith.

2.0 1\linutes of the Pre,·ious l\lecting (22/0 .../IJ)

2.1 Approval of Minutes

• Resolution 89.1

That the Minutes from NCMA Board Meeting 88 (22/04/13) be accepted and placed on NCMA's website following a minor amendment.

Carried 2.2 Updated Actions

• Action 82.7 & A87.1

GM noted that the NCMA Biodiversity Offsets & Biobanking paper had been deferred pending the creation of the new 'Local Land Services' (LLS) interim Boards.

Action 82.7 to be deleted.

• Action 84.7

GM indicated that a joint NSW CMA submission would be developed in response to the NSW Planning White Paper.

• Action 89.1

Chair to seek an update on the possible development of a joint NSW CMA submission in relation to the NSW Planning White paper at the upcoming NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting (6/06/13). Update to be provided at the June Board Meeting.

• Action 86.5

GM noted that the fmal Deloittes Audit Report had been forwarded to Minister Hodgkinson's Office and recommended that any correspondence to the Minister on her comments in correspondence to the Chairs Council be deferred pending release of the Report to the NSW CMA's.

Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority- Meeting #89 24/06/13

2.3

3.0

4.0

• Action 86.6

GM advised that Joe Lane's Native Vegetation Regulation Review "Issues Paper" had been provided to Minister Hodgkinson's Office and that the CC (Nat Veg) would continue to monitor this and related native vegetation matters.

• Action 86.11

GM indicated that the SPM would provide a response to the four questions regarding the NCRAT Tool at the June Board Meeting.

• Action 88.1

Deputy Chair noted that she had attended the NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting (2/05/13) as NCMA's representative.

Broad discussion occurred on some six matters arising from the Chairs Meeting.

• Action 88.3

GM stated that the OM was continuing to investigate the possibility ofholding 'Economics of Clearing Tool' workshops for interested landholders .

• Action 88.8

GM advised that he was seeking a suitable date for NCMA Board Members/Senior Staff to undertake an inspection of Santos activities in the Pilliga. Hugh Barrett advised he would be absent from the June/July Board Meetings and asked that the inspection be held in August to allow him to participate.

Flying Minute {16/05/13)- NCMA F'14 lP Approval

Board Members confirmed the Flying Minute circulated on 16/05/13 seeking approval of the NCMA F' 14 IP.

• Resolution 89.2

That the NCMA Board endorse the F'14 NRM Investment Plan. Additionally, that annually in February the Board has the opportunity to review the previous year's IP activities and have input into the investment planning process for the following fiscal year.

Carried • Action 89.2

That a detailed presentation of the F' 14 NRM Investment Plans be provided at the July Board Meeting.

Foreshadowed General Business Items

Chair foreshadowed the need to discuss Board Sub-Committee workloads and membership.

Chair also foreshadowed the need to discuss the proposed Local Land Services rating models outlined within IP ART's "Review into the Development of a Funding Framework for LLS NSW" paper.

CoJTes JOndcncc (15/0-l/13 - 17/05/13)

• Resolution 89.3

That the NCMA Board accept the Correspondence Register. Carried

Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority - Meeting #89 24/06/13

5.0 Financials

5.1 H.ccuiTCnt ~~ ln\'estmcnt l\ITD. YTD P/L & Balance Sheet

BM noted a forecast Cat 3 Budget underspend of $250k - $300k.

BM stated that after minor adjustment, the Cat 1 and Cat 2 budgets would be fully expended.

GM advised that the NSW CMA's were forecasting a collective $1m underspend on previous NCOS estimates and that DTIRIS had indicated a willingness to absorb the underspend.

BM stated that on a YTD basis NCMA was $920k behind budget on its investment expenditure but that since the MTD/YTD financial report had been issued, a further $425k had been processed with another $150k to be assigned to wages in June. BM indicated that there were no foreseeable difficulties in meeting the F' 13 investment budget target.

In response to a Board Member query, the BM advised that John Hunter had been contracted ($21k) to undertake a comparison of two mapping products (RVC/PCT) in order to ensure the Office of Environment & Heritage was utilising the best product.

BM stated that funding for a Regional Landcare Facilitator ($150k) was required to be funded out of the 'Caring for our Country' program during F' 14.

BM stated there were no disclosures or legislative changes.

• Resolution 89.4

That the NCMA Board accept the May 2013 Financial Report. Carried

5.1.1 F' 14 Recurrent Budget

BM's previously circulated F' 14 Recurrent Budget was taken as read.

A brief discussion took place on what level of operating budget was coming across with the DPI Agriculture Extension staff joining CMAg. GM indicated that the BM would investigate the matter further.

5.2 Risk & Audit Committee

Committee Chair advised that the Committee had attempted to meet twice prior to the NCMA Board Meeting but that on both occasions it had lacked a quorum.

Chair noted that the issue of Board Member Sub-Committee membership would be further discussed under Agenda Item 12.

5.3 \VIIS Mattea·s

BM noted that no incidents or accidents had occurred.

Following a Board Member query, the OM advised that the DTIRIS WHS Committee chaired by Renata Brooks (Deputy Director-General, DPI) had presented their recommendations to the DTIRIS Board of Management regarding obligations under the WHS Act with regard to contractors for review. OM noted that DPI had advised NCMA to continue with the use of existing contract documents for the time being.

Broad discussion occurred regarding the interim potential risks to NCMA in relation to WHS requirements concerning contractors .


6.0

7.0

8.0

• Action 89.3

GM to raise the issue ofthe NSW CMA's being currently exposed to WHS risks in relation to contractors with the NSW CMA GMs and request that the DTIRIS WHS Committee Report recommendations be released as a matter of urgency.

• Resolution 89.5

That the NCMA Board accept the WHS Report. Carried

P\"P Wor·king Group

PVP Working Group Chair advised that the Committee had not met prior to the Board Meeting given there were no outstanding native vegetation/PVP issues to be discussed.

CC (Nat Veg) noted that Joe Lane's Native Vegetation Regulation Review "Issues Paper" was currently being held as 'Cabinet in Confidence' and that he would continue to monitor the situation regarding its potential release.

CC (Nat Veg) indicated that the NSW Native Vegetation Working Group would re-convene following an expected Ministerial announcement regarding the proposed changes to the Native Vegetation Regulat~on.

• Resolution 89.6

That the NCMA Board accept the PVP Working Group Chair's Report. Carried

6.1 Native \ 'egetation/P\'P 0 erations Update

CC (Nat Veg)'s previously circulated report was taken as read.

CC (Nat Veg) indicated that the PVP backlog had decreased with only one outstanding PVP request remaining.

Chair's Re ort

Chair tabled his report to the Meeting.

Chair advised he would be attending the upcoming Namoi Councils Meeting in Narrabri (13/06/13) as the representative ofNarrabri Shire Council and asked the Deputy Chair to represent NCMA at this meeting.

Brief discussion took place regarding CFOC funding and the now 'competitive' nature of what was previously regarded as 'core' funding. ·

• Resolution 89.7

That the NCMA Board accept the Chairs Report . Carried

Change Management Presentation

Gerry Moore (Culture Development Manager, LLS Project) gave a presentation to the NCMA Board based on 'Culture & Change' materials previously presented to the NSW CMA Chairs.


• Action 89.4

EA to email copies of Geny Moore's 'Culture and Change' presentation and the 'Appreciative Inquiry at Work - Case Study 3' to all NCMA Board Members.

Broad discussion occurred regarding the need for the NSW CMA Chairs Council to be involved in the development of the new LLS 'brand' and related issues.

• Action 89.5

Chair to raise with the NSW CMA Chairs Council the need to seek input into the development of the new LLS 'branding' at the upcoming NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting (6/06/13).

Board Members noted Geny Moore's presentation and thanked her for attending the Meeting.

9.11 Gi\l's Re >Ort

GM's previously circulated report was taken as read.

In response to a Board Member query, the GM advised that that a further meeting with Jane Edwards (NW LHP A GM) and Daryl Paull (CN LHP A GM) would be held to progress proposed staff structures and related matters in transitioning into the new NW LLS entity. GM indicated he would provide an update at the June Board Meeting.

GM noted that he had been invited to attend a NRM Roundtable discussion on 7/06/13 by John Keniry (Commissioner, NRC) and that he would provide an update at the June Board Meeting.

• Resolution 89.8

That the NCMA Board accept the GM's Report. Carried

8.1 Code of Conduct- Section I

Board Members noted and accepted the DTIRIS 'Code of Conduct - Section 1 '.

Broad discussion occurred regarding the need for Board Members to utilise discretion when making public comment on political issues as a private citizen while being affiliated with NCMA.

1O.ll Strategic Planning/Activities Report

SPM's previously circulated report was taken as read.

SPM noted the major effort made by staff in enabling the Caring for our Country (CFOC) Investment Program to be submitted by 20/05/13.

SPM noted that the Catchment Officer- Aboriginal Support (Corie Taylor), had tendered his resignation to take up a position with Santos as an Aboriginal Support Officer in the Gunnedah area.

SPM advised that the Catchment Action NSW Almual Investment Plan submission was due on 31 /05/13.

SPM indicated that a meeting with Ecological Australia Pty Ltd had been scheduled (12/06113) for them to present Stage 4 of the NCRAT Tool. Additionally he noted that the strategy/policies regarding the use of the Tool would be developed and presented at the June Board Meeting.

In response to a Board Member query, the SPM stated that all outstanding funds in relation to the Aboriginal Communities Program had been reallocated to alternate Aboriginal projects and would be fully expended by 30/06/13.


Following discussion, the SPM advised that a contract had been signed with Tamworth's Local Aboriginal Lands Council (LALC) to hold an Elder' 'gathering in Tamworth to swap stories and share knowledge. Board Members noted that a video recording of the gathering could be taped and placed on NCMA's website/Y ou Tube. SPM indicated that the NACC could also be asked for their advice on how best to share this knowledge with Aboriginal communities.

The SPM noted that DPI had provided funding to Landcare ($9k) via NCMA with three Workshops to be held in Gunnedah, Tamworth and Walcha regarding the use and application of social media.

Following a Board Member query, the SPM indicated that he and the CC (M&E) would be attending a meeting in Canberra (24-25/06/13) of the regional NRM entities to further discuss the National Regional Environmental Accounts Pilot.

SPM advised that a final report on the results of the 2013 IPSOS Benchmarking Study would be circulated to Board Members upon completion.

Board Members indicated they would like to be kept abreast of the Community Reference Panel discussions both in relation to the Namoi CAP update and any other issues discussed.

• Action 89.6

Francesca Andreoni to present the outcomes of the Community Reference Panel Meetings in relation to the CAP Update at the June Board Meeting.

In response to a Board Member query on MERI activities the SPM indicated that templates for the MERI Database were currently being developed to facilitate the reporting oftime-series data.

• Resolution 89.9

That the NCMA Board accept the SPM's Report. Carried

HI. 1 Strateov, Polin & Investment Committee

Committee Chair noted that the Committee had not met prior to the Board Meeting.

1 1.0 lnvestment/0 crations Re or·t

OM's previously circulated report was taken as read.

OM tabled the Major Projects Register for April2013 and advised that NCMA's submission(s) in relation to Vickery and Watermark Coal had included comments which utilised the outputs from the NCRAT Tool assessment.

• Resolution 89.10

That the NCMA Board accept the OM's Report. Carried

11.1 NCMA's Rivet· Geomor hie Condition Res >onsc Action Plan

Paper deferred to the June Board Meeting.

11.2 Alligator Weed U date

Paper deferred to the June Board Meeting.


11.3 n.r,·ie\\ of NCRAT Out >ut in Assessing ExtraetiH lndustrv Pro Josals

OM gave a presentation to the NCMA Board outlining the results of the NCRAT outputs/analysis when applied to the Watermark Coal Project.

Broad discussion occurred regarding the current dysfunctional reporting of the NCRAT Tool outputs and the need to check the accuracy of the baseline data being utilised.

Significant discussion took place on the 'incremental' nature of the baseline data in reference to each new mining proposal analysed by the NCRAT Tool. The need for some clarification of the 'modus operandi' of the model/tool was also noted.

• Action 89.7

GM together with the SPM to attend the next meeting with Ecological Australia Pty Ltd (12/06/13) to further discuss NCRA T output and reporting.


That the NCMA Board accept the OM's presentation. Carried

t2.0 General Business

Broad discussion occurred regarding Board Committee structures and membership requirements in light of the resignation of Jack Wamock (effective 30/06/13) and Adam Marshall from the NCMA Board.


That the NCMA Board Risk & Audit Committee membership be Juanita Hamparsum (Chair), Jo SlackSmith, Brian Tomalin, Hugh Barrett and Conrad Bolton (ex-officio).

Carried • Resolution 89.13

That the NCMA Board PVP Working Group membership be Brian Tomalin (Chair), Conrad Bolton (exofficio) and Dennis Boschma (CC Nat Veg).


That the NCMA Board Strategy, Policy & Investment Committee be disbanded effective 30/06/13.


That Namoi CAP Update Working Group be formed effective 1/07/13 with membership to be Hugh Barrett (Chair), Francesca Andreoni and James Hutchinson-Smith (SPM).

Carried

Chair noted the recently released IPART 'Issues Paper' which included a number of possible rating models for the new Local Land Service entities.

• Action 89.8

EA to circulate copies of !PART's 'Review into the Development of a Funding Framework for Local Land Services NSW' paper to all Board Members.

Board Members were asked to provide any thoughts they may have on the IPART paper to the Chair prior to the NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting on 6/06/13.


D.O Next Board i\lcctinn Datr

Next Board Meeting to be held in the Boardroom, NCMA Offices, Gunnedah on 24 June 2013.

Meeting closed at: 5:00pm

A Conrad Bolton Chair Nomoi CMA

/. ,

Bruce Brown GM Nomoi CMA


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