ADELAIDE AND MOUNT LOFTY RANGES NATURAL … · Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page i . ADELAIDE AND MOUNT LOFTY RANGES . NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

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


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

mailto:[email protected]

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



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


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


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


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


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.


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


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.


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


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.



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.



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.


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.


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,


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


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.


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


Community action

strategies

Activities Partners

CA3 Encourage,


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,


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.


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


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.


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.


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


(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.


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.


(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


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.


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


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


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%


* 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


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


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%


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):


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.


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.


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



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



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



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


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


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



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

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/FREEDOM%20OF%20INFORMATION%20ACT%201991.aspx


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


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.


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


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


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


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

ADELAIDE AND MOUNT LOFTY RANGES NATURAL … · Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Annual Report 2011–12 Page i . ADELAIDE AND MOUNT LOFTY RANGES . NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

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