AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL NRM PLAN OF THE KANGAROO … · The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board ... The State of the Region report identifies the ... Kangaroo Island

AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL NRM PLAN OF THE KANGAROO ISLAND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT BOARD

Amendments to the

Regional Natural Resources Management

Plan of the

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management

Board

To operate from 1 July 2013

Prepared by the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board

© Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board 2012

For further information or explanation contact:

Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board

37 Dauncey Street

Kingscote SA 5223

Phone: (08) 8553 4444

Email: [email protected]

I, Hon Ian Hunter, Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, after taking into account and in accordance with the requirements of section

81 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 hereby adopt these amendments to the Kangaroo Island regional natural resources management

plan.

Hon Ian Hunter

Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation

Date:

Table of Contents 1. Introduction.................................................................................................2 2. Natural Resources Management Planning .............................................2 3. NRM Reform ................................................................................................3 4. Plan Review .................................................................................................4

Board Strategies and Actions ........................................................................4 Setting priorities .............................................................................................5 Criteria for investment....................................................................................5

5. Regional Investment Program 2013–2016 ...........................................6 6. Implementation Plan for 2013–2014 ...................................................22

a. Staff resources ...................................................................................22 b. Physical resources .............................................................................22 a. Funding sources .................................................................................23 b. Expenditure plan.................................................................................24

7. Natural Resources Management Levy ..................................................25 a. Levy basis ..........................................................................................25 b. Calculating the regional NRM levy......................................................25 c. Quantum.............................................................................................25 d. Social impact assessment of levy.......................................................26

8. Natural Resources Management Council Reports ..............................26 9. References.................................................................................................27

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1. Introduction The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board (the Board) was established on 9 December 2004 under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, (the NRM Act) which sets a framework for the integrated use and management of South Australia’s natural resources. Since the Board became operationally responsible for its region on 1 July 2005, it has pursued the achievement of its key functions with dedication and application. Kangaroo Island lies approximately 15 kilometres off the tip of Fleurieu Peninsula in southern South Australia. Kangaroo Island covers an area of 4370 square kilometres and has a 457 kilometre coastline. The population of approximately 4400 is centred in the four larger townships. The bulk of the population is concentrated around the eastern end of Kangaroo Island at Kingscote, American River and Penneshaw, with the remainder scattered across the rural areas and in the centre of Kangaroo Island at Parndana. The economy is almost entirely based on natural resources with primary production, and nature-based and farm-based tourism, making up around 90% of the gross regional product. Kangaroo Island welcomes about 192,000 visitors each year, drawn to the natural environment of the Island. Of the 192,000 annual visitors to Kangaroo Island, about one-third are international travellers; the remainder come from interstate and mainland South Australia. Further information about the Board is available on our website http://www.kinrm.sa.gov.au/

2. Natural Resources Management Planning In September 2009 a comprehensive regional natural resources management plan for Kangaroo Island was adopted by the Minister for Environment and Conservation. The six volumes listed below form the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2009 (the Plan), the regional natural resources management plan as required under section 75 of the NRM Act. The purpose of the Plan is to provide strategic direction, a policy and investment framework, with space for learning and improving, and a common vision for natural resources management on the Island. Introduction to the Plan The Introduction outlines the purpose of the Plan and how to navigate it, describes the extent of the Kangaroo Island NRM Region and gives a snapshot of Kangaroo Island.

http://www.kinrm.sa.gov.au/

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Volume 1 – State of the Region 2009 The State of the Region report identifies the natural resources within the region; their social, economic and environmental significance; and risks to those natural resources. Volume 2 – Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Strategic Plan 2009–2019 The Strategic Plan for natural resources management on Kangaroo Island for the period 2009–19 identifies goals, targets, strategies and actions to improve natural resources management outcomes on Kangaroo Island through the contributions of the Island’s many stakeholders as well as the Board. Volume 3 – Implementation Part A: Regulatory and Operational Policy The first Implementation volume sets out how the Board will seek to achieve its goals and targets through legislative controls and operational policy. Volume 4 – Implementation Part B: Business Plan 2011–2014 The three-year Business Plan sets out how the Board will seek to achieve its targets through investment over the 2011–14 period. It identifies regional priorities for investment in the period, identifies the expected sources of investment and details an implementation plan for 2013–14. Volume 5 – Monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning, and improving natural resources management The MERLIN document maps the conceptual framework, priorities and operational plan for how the Board will check on, and improve, its knowledge, activities and investments in natural resources management outcomes.

3. NRM Reform The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has set bold targets for the evolution of environment and natural resources management arrangements in South Australia. The improvement of administrative and structural arrangements in natural resources management is a key priority for government. The Board has led important changes in the way our community has been engaged in the development and implementation of a regional NRM Plan. The Board has, and will continue to play, a central role in engaging communities, working with government to decide priorities, helping to resolve difficult natural resource conflicts, monitoring the condition of natural resources in regions and accounting to community and government for the expenditure of public funds. Importantly, the establishment of the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) and with it the integration of most natural resources management activities within a single government department, has provided a real opportunity for the Board to work in partnership with government, industry and the

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community to develop more effective ways to ensure the sustainability of Kangaroo Island. The change agenda described by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has provided a useful set of principles to guide the development of an integrated regional service delivery model. Effectively implemented, these principles will enable the integration of the Board and DEWNR services to provide for more effective and strategic work in the region.

4. Plan Review The NRM Act requires that the Board undertake an annual review of its business plan (Volume 4) and amend the regional plan so that its business plan specifies the next three financial years. The Board has reviewed its business plan which included considering the implementation of an integrated service delivery model for the region and conducting a review of the:

various programs that the Board is proposing to implement over the next three financial years as the period to which the business plan relates

Implementation program for the business plan for the next financial year (2013-14).

The resultant amendments should be read in conjunction with the Board’s Plan.

Board Strategies and Actions

The Board recognises that an integrated approach to managing Kangaroo Island’s natural resources will result in the effective achievement of outcomes and the efficient implementation of actions. The Board’s investment program and policy framework are presented across the Plan’s four goals, which together describe the Board’s contribution to achieving the regional targets.

Healthy and resilient natural resources Kangaroo Island’s natural resources and production systems are healthy and resilient, adaptive to climatic and economic variability and managed to minimise associated risks. A capable, committed and connected community contributing to natural resources management The Kangaroo Island community, government and industry with the capacity, commitment and connection to manage natural resources in an integrated sustainable way. Natural resources supporting a strong and resilient economy Kangaroo Island has a strong, diverse economy that is developed and managed within the capacity of natural resources sustainable limits.

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A credible, efficient and effective organisation The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board will work in partnership with people in government, business and the community to develop and deliver natural resource management solutions. The Board will strive for excellence in all its activities.

Setting priorities

Natural resources management requires complex decision making which considers biophysical science, economics, community values, and legislative and policy frameworks. Given the scale of many of the natural resources management issues that we face, and limited public and private resources, it is critical to ensure that investment in natural resources management activities is soundly based. The following framework has been applied to assist the Board in:

deciding on investment priorities for the Business Plan component of the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan

selecting effective and efficient tools to achieve different natural resources management outcomes.

Criteria for investment

The Board has determined a number of general criteria to be reflected in investment arrangements:

Feasible – able to be implemented within the existing legal, policy and resource constraints

Transparent – clear, predictable and open to understanding and scrutiny

Effective – help achieve the objectives of a program

Cost-effective – achieve the highest natural resources management outcome for the total investment (considers all administration, transaction, information and compliance costs)

Equitable – how benefits–costs will be distributed between people in same circumstance (horizontal equity) and in unequal circumstances (vertical equity).

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5. Regional Investment Program 2013–2016 The three-year Business Plan sets out how the Board aims to achieve its management action targets through investment over the 2013–2016 period. It identifies regional priorities for investment in the period, identifies the expected sources of investment and details an implementation plan for 2013–2014. In developing this Business Plan proposed funding levels for Commonwealth and State Government programs were identified. There are limited levels of carryover funding available in future years as the Board completes and fully acquits previously funded projects. This situation is reflected in Table 6. Due to the limited funding offered, only those programs considered to be ‘core’ to delivering effective NRM on Kangaroo Island are included in this plan. These activities build on and continue the main programs implemented by the Board in recent years. The Board assessed these programs for the three year timeframe of 2013-2016. The assessment process used aimed to identify those priority programs most critical to achieving the best NRM outcomes on the Island within these three years. The programs within the Plan combine the following elements: 1. Monitoring to determine the condition of the asset, establish benchmarks and

assess the impact of threatening processes and on-ground actions to an asset. 2. On-ground works to reverse threatening processes and encourage remedial

actions facilitating positive, sustainable landscape change. These works are generally developed, trialled and monitored.

3. Capacity building which provide technical support and promote sustainable land management practices to the KI NRM Board, stakeholders and Kangaroo Island community.

The Board’s Implementation Strategy is presented in the key program areas of: Governance and support Building a Sustainable Future Rivers of Life Island Refuge Oceans of Blue

Repel the Invaders Leave only Footprints Assisting the Community Building Knowledge

Using program logic methodology, the Board, together with agencies, stakeholders and the community, developed a suite of actions for each program area to work towards the goals. The Board then identified additional actions that will contribute to its development as a credible and efficient organisation able to contribute effectively to natural resources management issues on the Island. Many of these actions continue, and build on, the vital work of the past few years. Some actions are new and have been developed in response to the results of work to

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date. Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 outline these priority actions. Actions which are repeated across the tables are in grey text.

Goal 1: Healthy and resilient natural resources Healthy and resilient natural resources are hardy with all components functioning. When stressed they have the ability to recover. If they are not resilient they may be pushed beyond their limits and unable to recover. Many changes to the landscape are weakening the health and resilience of our natural resources and this is likely to be worsened by predicted changes in Kangaroo Island’s climate. The Board’s goal is to work with all sections of the community to manage these risks to our natural resources through several strategic actions (Table 1).

Table 1. Summary of Goal 1 strategies, actions, targets

Strategy Action Program Target

Reduce the spread and impact of land degradation

Target improvement of pasture and perennial vegetation cover in priority groundwater recharge areas

Rivers of Life By 2013 there is at least a 10% increase in the priority groundwater recharge area with perennial vegetation cover compared with 2009

Build the capacity of farmers to improve management of acidity through extension activities and technical support

Building a Sustainable Future

By 2013 there is at least a 15% increase in the rolling 5-year average for lime sand sales compared with the rolling 5-year average to 2009 By 2013 at least 80% of landholders are implementing practices to manage soil acidity

Protect soil condition and productivity

Build the capacity of farmers to improve management of waterlogging through extension activities and technical support


By 2013 at least 75% of landholders in areas subject to waterlogging are implementing practices to manage waterlogging

Watercourse management and rehabilitation works in priority areas to mitigate seagrass decline in Nepean Bay

Oceans of Blue By 2013 all targeted watercourse management and rehabilitation works for Cygnet River catchment are completed

Targeted protection and rehabilitation of high value riparian zones (including reaches with permanent pools)

Rivers of Life By 2013 protection or rehabilitation plans are implemented for at least 50% of all high value riparian zones

Better protect and manage aquatic environments (inland, coastal and marine)

Improve the management of Pelican Lagoon and environs

Oceans of Blue By 2013 protection or rehabilitation plans are implemented for at least 50% of all high value coastal zones

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Work with DEWNR and other stakeholders to protect the values of the Encounter MPA


Better protect and manage aquatic environments (inland, coastal and marine)

Work with key stakeholders to develop a coastal management plan


Review and refine water monitoring network Building Knowledge By 2013 a targeted water monitoring program is developed

Improve the information on surface and groundwater Rivers of Life By 2013 investigations into surface and groundwater resources for priority catchments are completed

Promote water management which protects aquatic environments

Implement water resource management policies Rivers of Life By 2009 initial water resources management policies are put into effect By 2013 water resources policies incorporate updated climate change risk assessments

Build the capacity of farmers to improve management of soil fertility through extension activities and technical support


By 2013 at least 80% of landholders are implementing practices to manage soil fertility

Promote land and water management to maintain good water quality

Develop rehabilitation strategies for priority watercourses (outside of the Cygnet catchment) at high risk of erosion or currently eroding

Rivers of Life By 2013 protection or rehabilitation plans are implemented for at least 50% of all high value riparian zones

Promote land and water management to maintain good water quality

Develop water quality targets and improvement strategies using NWQMS (National Water Quality Management Strategy) method

Rivers of Life By 2013 water quality targets have been identified using NWQMS method

Refine pest risk assessment methods including to take account of climate change

Repel the Invaders

By 2013 pest risk assessment methods have been refined Maintain good biosecurity and pest plant and animal management Manage and advise on declared species in

accordance with risk assessments Repel the Invaders

By 2013 all landholders are aware of their responsibilities for declared species

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Implement existing pest animal management strategies for highest risk species

Repel the Invaders

By 2013 feral goats are eradicated from Management Units 1, 2 and 3 By 2013 feral deer are eradicated from KI By 2013 feral pig populations in pastoral areas are reduced by at least 80% from their 2008 levels

Implement existing pest plant management strategies for highest risk species

Repel the Invaders

By 2013 management strategies are developed and implemented for the top 5 weed species as identified in the Regional Weed Risk Assessment

Develop management strategies for other high-risk pest species

Repel the Invaders

By 2013 all recommendations from the Biosecurity Strategy are implemented

Maintain good biosecurity and pest plant and animal management

Implement Biosecurity Strategy

Develop and trial fire management plans for narrow-leaf mallee vegetation in the eastern critical vegetation zone

Island Refuge By 2013 ecology-based guidelines for restoring narrow-leaf mallee vegetation are produced

Identify and where possible restore more natural disturbance regimes Work with relevant authorities to integrate

biodiversity outcomes into fire management planning

Island Refuge By 2013 all fire management plans include biodiversity objectives and actions

Protect and where necessary restore key habitats, communities and populations

Implement the Glossy Black-cockatoo Recovery Plan and Threat Abatement Plan

Island Refuge By 2013 there will be at least a 10% increase in the population of Glossy Black-cockatoos compared with 2008

Implement the KI Threatened Plant Species recovery plan and threat abatement plan

Island Refuge By 2013 at least 400 ha is restored to connect, enlarge and buffer fragmented threatened plant habitat in east KI

Protect and where necessary restore key habitats, communities and populations

Protect and enlarge areas of threatened plant communities in the eastern critical vegetation zone (Hundred of Haines and MacGillivray)

Manage native vegetation on a landscape scale

Integrate native vegetation management into broader NRM

Island Refuge By 2013 at least 75% of landholders are implementing best practice native vegetation management

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Manage native vegetation on a landscape scale

Support the development and implementation of a Naturelinks plan for KI

Island Refuge

Enlarge, link and protect fragmented communities in the central island landscape

By 2013 the KI NRM Board’s contribution towards the development of a Naturelinks plan for KI is completed

Work with relevant authorities to integrate biodiversity outcomes into fire management planning

Island Refuge By 2013 all fire management plans include biodiversity objectives and actions

Support land use planning which takes account of climate change risk assessments

Building Knowledge

By 2013 climate change risk assessments are applied in all natural resource and land use planning

Increase resilience in the landscape by maintaining native vegetation


By 2013 at least 75% of landholders are implementing best practice native vegetation management

Identify and implement ‘non regrets’ actions to manage climate change impacts

Review water resources policies taking into account updated climate change risk assessments

Rivers of Life By 2013 water resources policies incorporate updated climate change risk assessments

Goal 2: A capable, committed and connected community contributing to natural resources management Kangaroo Island’s community is diverse and includes individuals, families, community groups, businesses and organisations, both on and off the Island. The Island community is undergoing rapid changes and increasingly faces new challenges in many areas including natural resources management. To be able to survive these challenges and grow, the community, governments, organisations and industries will need to develop their capacity, increase commitment and improve connections between one another. The Board is helping this come to fruition through the strategic actions listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Summary of Goal 2 strategies, actions


Develop NRM education program in collaboration with KICE

Assist the Community By 2013 there is at least a 25% increase in students participating in school based NRM programs compared with 2009

Promote the relevance of NRM for KI to all our community

Implement NRM Board Communications Strategy

All programs By 2013 recommendations from the Communications Strategy are implemented

Facilitate information exchange between organisations

Develop common understanding about NRM issues on the Island Develop graduate student project

placement program for KI Building Knowledge By 2013 there is an increase in graduate students undertaking projects on KI

compared with 2009

Promote increased agreement of the community on its visions for NRM

Provide leadership and support to KI CEO’s forum

All programs

Contribute to the Strategic Planning activities of other KI agencies and organisations

By 2013 an increased number of KI community, industry and agency strategic plans incorporate NRM goals aligned with regional NRM Plan compared with 2009

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Facilitate community involvement in on- and off-island organisations

Assist the Community

Promote KI attributes to off-island decision makers

By 2013 there is at least a 25% increase in the number of KI networks involving NRM representation compared with 2009

Build on- and off-island networks to assist in NRM activities

Work with TOMM to build KI NRM brand for international visitors and organisations

Leave only Footprints By 2013 an environmental management framework is developed and adopted by key stakeholders

Investigate and trial new mechanisms for increasing opportunities and rewards for involvement in NRM

Assist the Community By 2013 the KI NRM Board has increased the number of opportunities for community involvement in NRM compared with 2009

Develop a volunteer engagement and recognition program

Develop and implement Indigenous People Engagement Strategy

Provide increased opportunities and reward for involvement in NRM

Assist community and groups to undertake NRM activities

Assist the Community By 2013 there is an increase in the number of community initiated NRM projects compared with 2009

Continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investments in NRM

Develop and apply evaluation tools to assess effectiveness and efficiency of investments in NRM

Building Knowledge By 2011 evaluation tools are developed and implemented

Develop NRM education program in collaboration with KICE

Assist the Community By 2013 there is at least a 25% increase in students participating in school based NRM programs compared with 2009

Support NRM training programs Assist the Community By 2013 there is an increase in the proportion of participants who indicate training activity has been effective compared with 2009

Assist in skills development and training for NRM

Develop graduate student project placement program for KI

Assist the Community By 2013 there is an increase in graduate students undertaking projects on KI compared with 2009


Build the capacity of the KI community to be effective and efficient water users

Assist the Community By 2013 the per capita reticulated water usage is reduced compared with 2008

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Assist community organisations to minimise their ecological footprint

Assist the Community By 2013 the per capita energy consumption is reduced compared with 2008

Work with KI Council to develop standard operating procedures and codes of practice for NRM relevant activities

Leave only Footprints By 2013 KI Council is using standard operating procedures for all NRM-related activities

Develop and implement an NRM knowledge strategy

Building Knowledge By 2013 a knowledge management strategy is developed and implemented Improve natural resources information and its accessibility

With stakeholders develop information management processes to improve the timely availability of relevant information

Building Knowledge By 2013 recommendations from the Communications Strategy are implemented

Implement MERI (monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement) Framework as part of adaptive management

Building Knowledge By 2012 monitoring and evaluation is providing adequate information to review the NRM Plan

Promote adaptive management through testing and learning

Develop and implement resource condition monitoring programs

Building Knowledge By 2012 monitoring and evaluation is providing adequate information to review the NRM Plan

Goal 3: Natural resources supporting a strong and resilient economy The economy of Kangaroo Island is almost entirely dependent on natural resources: approximately 50% is based on primary industries and 40% on tourism. Both industries rely on healthy natural resources, to produce food and fibre, or for farm and nature-based tourism. A strong and resilient economy managed within the sustainable limits of its natural resources will: underpin profitable industries based on natural resources have the capacity to economically support the Island’s current and future population maintain a wonderful lifestyle and environment be flexible and robust to respond to changing markets and economic forces. To achieve this outcome the Board is working with all sections of the community to implement the strategies shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Summary of Goal 3 strategies, actions


Develop better technical and planning information for coastal infrastructure

Leave only Footprints By 2013 all new coastal infrastructure is located and constructed consistent with technical and planning information

Promote infrastructure development that minimises NR impacts Work with KI Council to develop

standard operating procedures and codes of practice for NRM relevant activities

Leave only Footprints By 2013 KI Council is using standard operating procedures for all NRM-related activities

Work with KI Council to improve stormwater and wastewater management

Leave only Footprints By 2013 all stormwater is detained or retained on-site of all new built development

Promote infrastructure needed to better manage natural resources

Support moves towards water and energy smart housing

Leave only Footprints By 2013 the per capita reticulated water usage is reduced compared with 2008

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Encourage an ecologically sustainable tourism industry

Develop an environmental management framework for tourism development and operation on KI

Leave only Footprints By 2013 all tourism development is assessed against environmental management framework

Work with KI Council to improve NRM outcomes through land use planning policy

Leave only Footprints By 2013 land capability information is used in preparing and developing all land use planning policies being undertaken in Development Plan amendments

Promote consistency between NRM and development plans

Provide NRM policy and technical assistance to KI Council to support their planning decisions

Leave only Footprints By 2013 all new coastal infrastructure is located and constructed consistent with technical and planning information

Work with KI Council to improve NRM outcomes through land use planning policy


Support natural resources planning activities that contribute to ecologically sustainable development Plan for a sustainable public water

supply and use Leave only Footprints By 2013 a 20-year plan for public water supply and use is adopted

Support natural resources planning activities that contribute to ecologically sustainable development

Support investigations into new sustainable economic development opportunities for the use of natural resources


By 2013 potential new natural resources-based sustainable development opportunities are identified

Support investigations into potential risks to primary industries from projected climate change

Building Knowledge By 2013 likely climate change scenarios are modelled for agriculture and biodiversity at a landscape scale

Develop the capacity of primary industries to adapt to climate change

Support investigations into new sustainable economic development opportunities for the use of natural resources


By 2013 potential new natural resources-based sustainable development opportunities are identified

Account for and manage the loss of agricultural land to other land uses

Assist council to compile and manage land use data


Goal 4: A credible, efficient and effective organisation The Board has the responsibility to conserve, protect and sustainably manage the natural resources of Kangaroo Island. In its role of delivering programs that help conservation and sustainable land management, the Board needs to build knowledge, tools and policy frameworks to inform and improve decision making. The Board will work in partnership with people in government, business and the community to develop and deliver natural resource management solutions. The Board will strive for excellence in all its activities.

Table 4. Summary of Goal 4 strategies, actions, targets


Develop and implement volunteer engagement strategy

Assist the Community Establish, build and manage relationships with clients Develop and implement Indigenous

engagement strategy Assist the Community

By 2013 the KI NRM Board has increased the number of opportunities for community involvement in NRM compared with 2008

Develop and communicate the strategic directions of the Board

Implement and review communications strategy Assist the Community By 2013 recommendations from the Communications Strategy are implemented

Streamline and integrate our governance processes with a focus on transparency and accountability

All programs By 2013 Board all policies and procedures have been reviewed

Implement Risk Management Strategy across organisation

All programs By 2013 Risk Management strategy has been implemented across organisation

Identify and manage major risk to the short- and long-term success of the organisation

Identify sustainable funding sources for delivery of NRM within the region

All programs By 2013 the Board is achieving 1:5 leveraging on State Treasury appropriations

Build and maintain a work environment that is conducive to high staff and organisational performance and growth

Human resource management system which attracts, supports and retains high performing staff

All programs By 2013 Board staff retention rates have increased by 10% on 2008 rates

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Develop and implement staff development programs

All programs By 2013 100% of Board staff have individual development plans in place

Comply with relevant OHWS legislation All programs By 2013 no time lost to injuries

Manage and improve processes to optimise efficiency and effectiveness

All programs By 2013 Board has reduced its administrative and governance costs as a percentage of its total budget

Maintain IT environment to support business systems

All programs By 2013 Board has reduced its administrative and governance costs as a percentage of its total budget

Build and maintain a work environment that is conducive to high staff and organisational performance and growth

Implement and maintain records management system

All programs By 2013 all Board records are managed through records management system

Minimise the organisation’s ecological footprint

Develop and implement organisational greening strategy

All programs By 2013 organisation’s greenhouse emissions reduced by 10%

6. Implementation Plan for 2013–2014 The NRM Act requires that a Board’s Business Plan incorporate an implementation program for the first year of the next three financial years. Section 75(3) (h)(ii) of the NRM Act requires that the implementation program must include an assessment of the following matters. One of the priorities of the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation in this term of government is to improve the delivery of environment and natural resources management (NRM) in South Australia. The integration of service delivery at a regional level is a key strategy and commenced on 1 July 2010. ‘Regional Integration’ encompasses four key elements:

Creating a clear identity through a single regional face for environment and natural resource management services.

An integrated NRM workforce. Improving delivery through an increased emphasis on collaborating,

partnering and engaging with local communities. Improving integration through a shift to landscape approaches linking

across both public and private lands. The Regional Manager will work with DEWNR and the NRM Board to deliver regional integration and will have responsibility for managing staff within the region involved in both DEWNR and Board (NRM Plan) related programs. Regional staff transitioned to the integrated delivery structure in 2012. The Regional Manager will be responsible for the development of an Annual Implementation Plan between DEWNR and the NRM Board. The Regional Manager will be accountable for delivering the endorsed annual implementation plan through the integrated workforce and available resources. Programs within this plan are implemented directly via staff and a range of partnerships, service agreements and grants tied to specific project outcomes. Project officers are generally funded on a project specific basis through service agreements with State and local government and community based organisations.

a. Staff resources

In response to Ministerial Direction, regional staff were transitioned to DEWNR. Therefore as of 1 July 2012, the Board had no direct staff resources.

b. Physical resources

The integration of DEWNR and the KI NRM Board confirm future requirements for staffing accommodation and storage will be accommodated within the combined current agency resources. The Board has relocated its seedbank and nursery operations to meet the increased demands for habitat restoration and revegetation activities and improve storage capacity.

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It is not envisaged that the Board will need to acquire land or infrastructure assets during the 2013–2014 period.

Table 5. Proposed resources

Physical resource Status in 2012-–2012 2013–2013

Kingscote office Leased No change

Seed bank and nursery Leased No change

5 cars Leased No change

1 All terrain vehicle Owned No change

2 Zodiac watercraft Owned No change

a. Funding sources

Income to support the Board’s programs includes the NRM levy, State and Australian Government funding including the Caring for Our Country Program, Biodiversity Fund and Regional Landcare Program. (Table 6). This table identifies guaranteed funding however, the Board will also seek approximately $2M each financial year to implement the Plan.

Table 6. Summary of funding sources in 2013-16

Income Source 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

Carryover Funds $392,000 $860,000 - - -

NRM Levies $125,125 $132,632 $137,711 $143,625 $149,370

State Government

State Recurrent Fund $584,000 $600,000 $630,000 $655,000 $685,000

Complementary State NRM program

$534,270 - - - -

Payroll tax refund $34,000 $19,000 - - -

Commonwealth Government

National Landcare Program

$114,287 $99,000 - - -

Caring for Our Country – base funding

$1,187,000 $1,187,000 - - -

Caring for Our Country competitive project funding

$163,000 $530,100 -

- -

Biodiversity Fund - $414,555 $1,197,945 $188,000 $211,000

Other Income

Other $75,600 - - - -

-Interest $13,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000

Total Funding $3,222,282 $3,867,287 $1,990,656 $1,011,625 $1,070,370

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The table above includes the following: Audited income Estimated end of year results Carryovers to be provided in accordance with Treasury instructions The Natural Resources Management Fund is a statutory fund established by the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. State Government funding for 2013-2014, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 to be advised. The State NRM program recognises the State’s priority areas of investment and addresses South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets, goals of the State NRM Plan and other relevant legislation, plans and strategies, including regional NRM plans. Future funding is yet to be confirmed. The Commonwealth Government has made a commitment to provide natural resource management organisations in Australia with secure base level funding to 2012/2013 to deliver national targets identified in the “Caring for our Country Business Plan 2009-10”. Future funding is to be confirmed. The Board has the opportunity to seek additional Caring for our Country funding through a competitive process. The Commonwealth Biodiversity Fund supports land managers to undertake projects that establish, restore, protect or manage biodivese carbon stores. This funding is secured until 2016. .

b. Expenditure plan

Board expenditure against program areas in line with the Board’s priorities and criteria for investment are shown in Table 7. Table 7: Board expenditure in Program Areas

Program Area Expenditure Building a Sustainable Future $749,875 Rivers of Life $407,420 Island Refuge $306,875 Oceans of Blue $61,275 Repel the Invaders $198,986 Leave only Footprints $61,275 Assisting the Community $143,675 Building Knowledge $61,275 Total $1,990,656

Incorporated into the program area budgets are the costs associated with Board governance and business support services. As a State Government Statutory Authority, the Board is subject to the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 and must comply with the requirements of the financial management framework for the South Australian Government. The Board is required to seek an annual authorisation from the Department of Treasury and Finance for expenditure identified in the investment program, including an authorisation to spend any funds carried over from one year to the next.

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7. Natural Resources Management Levy

a. Levy basis

The Board is required to set out the amount to be collected by the regional NRM levy in the investment program for the region. In setting this amount the Board’s investigations and consultation determined an appropriate basis for the collection of the regional NRM levy and assessed the social and economic impact of the levy. In assessing the merits of alternative methods for the regional NRM levy basis, the Board developed the following principles for setting the regional NRM levy:

Shared responsibility – the responsibility to achieve ecologically sustainable development is a shared responsibility between the public sector, the private sector and community groups

Administrative efficiency – regional NRM levy collection and management procedures should operate at minimum cost

Accountability – the Board should be publicly accountable for its use of the levy funds

Transparency – the process for calculating the levy and the amount paid by users should be readily observable, subject to individual user confidentiality constraints.

b. Calculating the regional NRM levy

The following options are provided in the NRM Act (section 95(3)(a)) as a basis for calculating the regional NRM levy. a) the value of rateable land b) a fixed charge of the same amount on all rateable land c) a fixed charge of an amount that depends on the purpose for which the

rateable land is used d) the area of rateable land e) the purpose for which the rateable land is used and the area of the land f) the location of the rateable land.

Based on the principles of shared responsibilities, administrative efficiency and transparency the Board has adopted a fixed charge of the same amount on all rateable land in accordance with section 95(3)(a)(ii) of the NRM Act as the basis for determining the regional NRM levy.

c. Quantum

The Kangaroo Island Council charges the Board a fee for collecting the NRM levy. This is an ongoing cost which increases in line with the consumer price index (CPI) plus an amount per rateable property which also increases in line with the consumer price index (CPI). The amount charged for 2012-2013 is $2218.00 plus 22 cents per rateable property with the 2013-2014 rate to be $2255.00 plus 22 cents per rateable property The Board has identified an amount of $137,711 to be collected by the Kangaroo Island Council towards the costs of the Board performing its functions under the

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NRM Act. The amount to be contributed has been determined taking into account the projected growth in the number of rateable properties within the region (estimated average increase of 2.13% based on KI Council data for the past three financial years) and also incorporates an increase in line with the consumer price index (CPI) for Adelaide for the 12 months to the end of the September quarter in 2012 (1.7%). This represents a total increase of 3.83%. The expenditure required by the Board to implement its priority strategies and actions over the next three years and the proposed quantum of the regional NRM levy to contribute to this work program, is summarised in Table 8.

Table 8. Board expenditure and quantum of the regional NRM levy

Year 2013–2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

Board expenditure $1,990,656 $1,011,625 $1,070,370

NRM levy $137,711 $143,625 $149,370

(%) of total expenditure 6.918% 14.19% 13.95%

The regional NRM levy funding will be allocated to further support pest animal and plant control activities within the region.

d. Social impact assessment of levy

The Board is seeking to raise $137,711 from approximately 4957 rateable properties (approximately $27.78 per rateable property). The objective of the Board is to protect and manage natural resources and the Board believes that everyone who lives in the region has an impact on natural resources and, because of their dependence on them, benefits from their protection and management. The levy represents an amount of approximately $0.5342 per week per rateable property. When this amount is compared to ABS information on median weekly incomes the Board believes that the levy does not place an unreasonable family, business or social burden on property owners (rate payers) in the region. Information on median weekly income (ABS 2011) shows that in Kangaroo Island, the median weekly individual income for persons aged 15 years and over who were usual residents was $489, compared with $577 across Australia. The median weekly household income was $834, compared with $1234 across Australia. The median weekly family income was $1053, compared with $1481 across Australia.

8. Natural Resources Management Council Reports

In undertaking the annual review the Board must also have regard to any relevant reports on its activities that have been prepared by the Natural Resources Management Council. The Natural Resources Management Council has not prepared any reports relating to the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board during 2012.

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9. References Consumer Price Index http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Latestproducts/6401.0Me

dia%20Release1Jun%202012?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=6401.0&issue=Jun%202012&num=&view=

Social Impact of Levy ABS. 2006. 2006 Census QuickStats: Kangaroo Island (DC) Australian Bureau of

Statistics, Canberra. www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ViewData?producttype=QuickStats&subaction=-1&areacode=LGA42750&action=401&collection=Census&textversion=true&breadcrumb=LP&period=2006&navmapdisplayed=false&

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Latestproducts/6401.0Media%20Release1Jun%202012?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=6401.0&issue=Jun%202012&num=&view



http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ViewData?producttype=QuickStats&subaction=-1&areacode=LGA42750&action=401&collection=Census&textversion=true&breadcrumb=LP&period=2006&navmapdisplayed=false&





AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL NRM PLAN OF THE KANGAROO … · The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board ... The State of the Region report identifies the ... Kangaroo Island

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