Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board

Transcription

1 MINUTES Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board ENDORSED MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING No.78 Held Tuesday 23 June 2015 at 9.00am Natural Resource Centre, 50b McKenzie St, Ceduna IN ATTENDANCE: EPNRM Board: Diana Laube (Presiding Member), Mark Whitfield, Simon Clark and Jodie Reseigh Agency Representatives: Ben Bruce, DEWNR representative DEWNR Staff: Presenters: Gallery: Jonathan Clark, Regional Manager, Jackie Green, Executive Assistant, Susan Stovell, Manager Strategy and Knowledge and Pam Gloyn, Manager Business Support Nil Nil 1. OPENING 1.1 Welcome Diana Laube opened the meeting at 9.00am and welcomed those in attendance. 1.2 Apologies Helen Lamont and Bill Nosworthy EP NRM Board Members, Rob Donaldson, EPLGA representative and Tim Deer, PIRSA representative. 1.3 Declaration of Interest Arising from Agenda Items Jodie Reseigh declared that her family own land in Musgrave Prescribed Wells Area and adjacent to the proposed Iron Road mine in the Warramboo area. 1.4 Galley Nil 1.5 Questions on Notice Nil 2. DEPUTATIONS Nil Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 1 of 12

2 3. REGIONAL INTELLIGENCE 3.1 Jodie Reseigh Jodie reported that recent rainfall on the central Eyre Peninsula was not wide spread; mice have become an issue with some landholders; there has been an increase in cat numbers. 3.2 Ben Bruce Ben reported that the Minister Hunter will announce today that the South Australian Government has committed to investigate the opening up of five offline SA Water Reservoirs to recreational fishers, including the Tod Reservoir. Ben further reported that Port Lincoln High School students will chart the reservoir s dimensions, and look to better understand the fish most suitable for potential stocking. 3.3 Jonathan Clark Jonathan reported that he recently held preliminary discussions with Nature Foundation SA regarding significant environmental benefit offsets around the proposed Iron Road mine. 3.4 Susan Stovell Susan reported that the 6 successful applicants for the adapt NRM grants have been issued with contracts; the EP NRM Board business plan has been adopted by Minister Hunter; Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula has entered in to discussions with Flinders University and will be facilitating a process to secure funding from research grants and or industry partnerships to update the proposal to research activates that have been proposed for the Coffin Bay area. 3.5 Diana Laube Diana reported on recent patchy rainfall in her region. 4. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT 4.1 EPNRMB 2015/16 Budget This matter was discussed at the EPNRM Board budget workshop on The Presiding Member reported that the draft 2015/16 budget will be tabled at the August meeting of the Board. 4.2 EPNRMB Draft Water Allocation Plan (WAP) A briefing paper to update the Board on the progress of the draft Water Allocation Plan (WAP) for the Southern Basins and Musgrave Prescribed Wells Areas was provided. The Regional Manager highlighted the following points of interest; The second round of independently facilitated stakeholder meetings were hosted in Port Lincoln and Elliston on the 29th and 30th April and were attended by 18 community members plus board members and departmental staff; Board members and DEWNR staff have met separately with several groups of key stakeholders and individuals throughout the consultation process; DEWNR staff briefed the Member for Flinders and Shadow Minister for Sustainability & Environment in Adelaide; The statutory consultation process concluded on Friday 12 June 2015, with one submission being received after the closing date; The revised timeline for progressing the draft WAP; and Preparation of the consultation report has commenced and a draft report will be presented at the August meeting of the Board. The meeting discussed the matter of late submissions, and considered each case separately on their merit. The board agreed to accept a late submission from the stakeholder who contacted the Board regarding their proposed submission prior to the closing date of 12 June It was further agreed that the submission that was Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 2 of 12

3 4. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) received late with no contact will be noted, but not considered in the consultation report. The meeting further discussed the Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Improvement (MERI) plan and it was noted that the MERI Plan will be made available on the website when released. The Presiding Member acknowledged the work done by the Regional Manager and his team to get the draft water allocation plan (WAP) to this point. The Regional Manager thanked Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula (NREP) staff, the Board members and the Dept. for Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) staff for their invaluable contribution to the development of the draft water allocation plan (WAP). Recommendation 78:4.2 Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 1. note the progress on the consultation and amendment of the draft plan; and 2. agree that following the approval of the draft WAP by the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board it is forwarded to the Minister for Sustainably Environment and Conservation for his review and simultaneously released for the final stakeholder meetings. 4.3 EPICCA Sectorial Agreement A briefing paper relating to the Board s past commitment to the Eyre Peninsula Integrated Climate Change Agreement (EPICCA) and the progress made on the development of a new 3 year agreement was provided. The Manager Strategy and Knowledge reported to the following points of interest; recent discussion with the respective chairpersons of the Eyre Peninsula Integrated Climate Change Agreement (EPICCA), the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association (EPLGA) and Regional Development Australia, Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula (RDAWEP); the term of the agreement is for a three year period, July 2015 to June 2018, with annual reviews undertaken; the agreement requires the provision of seed funding from each party for the first financial year seed funding for subsequent years of the agreement will be negotiated annually following the review; and the Key Focus Areas and the schedule have been completely updated to reflect the direction that the agreement needs to take over coming years, which includes strategies such as, Regional Leadership and Collaboration, Implementation of the Adaptation Plan, Supporting Sector Adaptation, Knowledge Science and Research and Education and Communication. Recommendation 78:4.3 Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board; 1. Authorise the Presiding Member to sign off on the proposed Sector Agreement, subject to: o Negotiation of any changes to the agreement identified at the meeting, and Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 3 of 12

4 4. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) o Confirmation that the other three parties intend to sign off the agreement and provide the necessary seed funding for the period; 2. Endorse the Presiding Member and one other Board Member to represent the organisation on the EPICCA Steering Group; and 3. That the Board approve the budget allocation of $15,000 for the 2015/16 financial year and will review annually. Moved: Simon Clark Seconded: Mark Whitfield 4.4 EP NRM Board Regional Plan update A briefing paper was provided to update the Board on the progress for the regional NRM plan; and seek endorsement on the following: Release of the sub-regional descriptions; Form of the regional NRM plan; and Budget allocation for the 2015/2016 financial year. The Manager Strategy and Knowledge reported that the the working group provided feedback on the draft sub-regional descriptions in May 2015, which included amendments to the content; and requested another draft be provided to the Board before their release. This request related to the decisions on ensuring the documents were sequential in the information they provided and clearly state what the sub-regional descriptions were communicating. To respond to this concern, a new layout has been developed which includes the following sections; Context of the Sub-region, Challenges and Opportunities of Change and Management Actions The Board members were invited to provide feedback to the Regional descriptions. Recommendation 78:4.4 Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board note the progress on the revision of the regional NRM plan and the inclusion of a timeline; and that the EP NRM Board endorse the; 1. Release of the draft sub-regional descriptions after comment from EP NRM Board members as a working document; 2. Change of titles for the following volumes of the regional NRM Plan a. Managing our Resources volume to the Strategic plan for the Eyre Peninsula region b. Investing in our Resources volume to the Business Plan for the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board c. Caring for our Resources volume to the Policy Framework 3. Incorporation of the State of our Resources into the Strategic plan for the Eyre Peninsula region and the MERI Plan. 4. Endorse the advancement of the MERI framework to form a new MERI plan that investigates options to regularly report on the condition and trends of natural resources; and 5. Endorse a budget of $67,000 for the regional NRM plan in 2015/2016 financial year. Seconded: Jodie Reseigh Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 4 of 12

5 4. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) 4.5 Native Vegetation of Eyre Peninsula book A briefing paper was provided advising that in the 15/16 financial year a re-print of the Native Vegetation of the EP book will need to be undertaken as all 1 st edition copies have been sold. The Regional Manager reported that this matter had been referred to the EP NRM Board from the Risk and Audit Committee. The Regional Manager further reported that Greening Australia is holding $12,657 from the sale of the previous copies over the last 5 years. These monies will enable us to reprint approximately 575 copies, which would last another 5 years. It was noted that because of the rapid change in scientific nomenclature and knowledge over the last six years and to address a few previously identified and important improvements there are a number of activities that should be undertaken before the re-print occurs. This includes checking plant names are still current and change if necessary, amending Species List and ratings to reflect Gillam and Urban 2009 RSCA and latest declared weeds lists, inserting Index of Common and Botanic Name and other sundry activities. The total cost of updating the first edition, with the amendments would be between $22,300 and $42,700. The meeting agreed to advise Greening Australia that the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board has no additional funds at this point in time however the meeting noted that further budget discussion are required and also noted the possibly of the investigating other funding opportunities. 4.6 WAP risk based assessment A briefing paper to request that the Board endorse the report A risk based approach to determining consumptive and aquifer maintenance pools, as prepared for the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board in February 2013 by Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) was provided. The Regional Manager reported that this report was not previously endorsed by the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board and endorsement is now being sought for this report. Recommendation 78:4.6 Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board endorse the report - A risk based approach to determining consumptive and aquifer maintenance pools, with the suggested preface for the front internal page of the report; This report has been reissued to Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board in June 2015 as a final report. It was previously issued as a draft report in February 2013 by Sinclair Knight Merz and has been referenced in other reports as SKM, In December 2013 Sinclair Knight Merz merged with Jacobs Engineering Group and hence this final report has been issued by Jacobs. The content remains unchanged from the 2013 SKM issued draft report 4.7 EPNRMB strategic workplan A briefing paper to complete the June review of the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board (EPNRM) strategic workplan for 2014/15 was provided. The Regional Manager reported to the Board strategic priorities for 2014/15 and advised the meeting that the Board has successfully meet the strategic workplan. Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 5 of 12

6 4. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) The Presiding Member invited members of the Board to submit items they would like to see identified in the 2015/16 workplan, the following suggestions were noted; review of water and land levies, investigate opportunities for additional funding and strengthening strategic partnerships with the Eyre Peninsula Integrated Climate Change Agreement (EPICCA), the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association (EPLGA) and Regional Development Australia, Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula (RDAWEP). The meeting also discussed the progression towards paperless Board meetings. Action: Conduct further investigations towards paperless Board meetings. Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolve to note the review of the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board Strategic Work plan 2014/15 The meeting broke for morning tea at 10.45am and reconvened at 11.00am 4.8 Future funding risks (Risk Assessment Update) A briefing paper to advise the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board (the Board) on future funding risks was provided. The Regional Manager provided a summary of funding the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board has received in the past such us; NRM Land based levy; NRM water based levy; Federal Government regional allocation; and other Federal and State Government funding; partnerships, payroll tax reimbursements and interest. In conclusion the Regional Manager reported that the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board can consider managing future funding risks through active perusal of alternative funding sources and partnerships combined with identifications of savings targets and efficiencies. Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolve to note the summary of current and future funding risks. 4.9 Improving the Visibility of the NRM Boards in the community A briefing paper requesting that the Board note the Minister s priority to raise the profile of the NRM Boards in the community and discuss the questions posed and provide responses to the Presiding Members to workshop for achievable outcomes to improve the visibility of the NRM Boards was provided The Presiding Member drew the attention of the meeting to the notes of Minister Hunter s speech delivered to the Presiding Members strategic workshop in May The meeting discussed the following points of interest; the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board s image and profile in the community; visibility of on ground delivery; the importance of branding; promotion and marketing of the Board; engagement with local government; the board s core business and value to the community; the influence of the Board; the developing partnership with Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association (EPLGA) and Regional Development Australia, Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula (RDAWEP); state planning reform recommendations; and marketing guidance from DEWNR. Members were invited to provide any additional comments to the Presiding Member for feedback to Minister Hunter via the Presiding Members. Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board; 1. resolve to note the Minister s priority to raise the profile of the NRM Boards in the community; and Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 6 of 12

7 4. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) 2. discuss the questions posed and provide responses to the Presiding Members to workshop for achievable outcomes to improve the visibility of the NRM Boards 4.10 Financial Hardships re changes to NRM water levy Correspondence, dated , from the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges NRM board regarding financial hardships in relation to changes to the NRM water levy was provided. Discussions transpired in relation to the correspondence and the members agreed that the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board does not support the scheme. Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolve to discuss the questions posed and provide comment. 5. PROCEDURAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT 5.1 Confirmation of Previous Meetings Minutes of Meeting No. 77 The draft minutes of EP NRM Board Meeting No77, held on 28 April 2015 were provided for formal endorsement. Recommendation 78:5.1.1 Motion: The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board accepts the minutes of meeting No.77 held 28 April 2015 as a true and accurate record of the business conducted at that meeting Minutes of Meeting No. 77 The draft minutes of EP NRM Board Meeting No77, NRM Plan workshop held on 29 April 2015 were provided for formal endorsement. Recommendation 78:5.1.2 Motion: The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board accepts the minutes of meeting No.77, NRM Plan workshop held 29 April 2015 as a true and accurate record of the business conducted at that meeting. 5. PROCEDURAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT 5.2 Review of Action List The list of action items arising from the previous Board Meetings were provided for information. Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolve to note the status of Board action items. Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 7 of 12

8 The meeting broke for lunch at 12.35pm and reconvened at 1.00pm 5. PROCEDURAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT 5.3 Finance Reports A copy of the Operating Statement, Project Summary report and Statement of financial position for the financial period ending May 2015 were provided for information. The Manager Business Support reported to the expenditure variance and advised the meeting that all revenue had been received. Recommendation 78:5.3 Motion: The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolves to receive the financial reports as presented. 5.4 Out of session use of common seal NLP funding A briefing paper requesting that the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board endorses the use of the common seal was provided. The Presiding Member and the Regional Manager reported to the background of the circumstances that resulted in the out of session use of the common seal. The meeting expressed concern regarding the out of session use of the common seal and the protocols regarding the use of the common seal. Action: The Regional Manager will speak to other Regional Managers regarding the out of session use of the common seal. Recommendation 78:5.4 Motion: That pursuant to Financial Policy No. 24 the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board endorses the signing and sealing of the following document: Deed of agreement No7. between the state of South Australia represented by the Dept. of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board for the regional funding stream of the National Landcare Program. Seconded: Jodie Reseigh 5.5 Financial Management Compliance Program (FMCP) Update of Eyre Peninsula NRM Board Financial Management Compliance Program (FMCP) status of actions A copy of the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board Financial Management Compliance Program (FMCP) status of actions was provided for information. The Business Manager reported to the status of each of the 2013/14 FMCP actions and tabled the FMCP questionnaire. Motion: The Eyre Peninsula NRM resolve to note the status of the action items. Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 8 of 12

9 5. PROCEDURAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) Eyre Peninsula NRM Board Financial Management Compliance Program (FMCP) draft for approval A briefing paper requesting that the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board endorse the recommendation of the Risk and Audit Committee and approve the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board Financial Management Compliance Program (FMCP) was provided. Recommendation 78:5.5.2 Motion: The Eyre Peninsula NRM Board endorse the recommendation of the Risk and Audit Committee made at their meeting #18 2 nd June 2015 The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board Risk and Audit Committee resolved to recommend to the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board that the FMCP program presented be accepted Eyre Peninsula NRM Board Financial Management Compliance Program (FMCP) Questionnaire/checklist It was noted that a copy of the completed 2013/14 checklist was tabled at agenda item Audit Status of Actions A copy of the Corrective Actions from issues raised in Audit letter was provided. The Business Manager reported on the status of each of the corrective actions from issues raised in audit letter. Motion: The Eyre Peninsula NRM Board resolve to note the status of the corrective action items Interim Audit Update The Manager of Business Support provided a verbal update regarding the 2014/15 interim audit and reported that the Auditors were in the region in June and conducted a successful interim audit. Motion: The Eyre Peninsula NRM Board resolve to note this information Fraud Risk Response Letter A briefing paper requesting that the Board endorse the recommendation of Risk and Audit Committee that the attached response to the Auditor General on Fraud Risk be signed and forwarded to the Auditor General was provided. Recommendation 78:6.3 Motion: The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board endorse the recommendation of the Risk and Audit Committee that the attached response to the Auditor General on Fraud Risk be signed by the Presiding Member and forwarded to the Auditor General Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 9 of 12

10 5. PROCEDURAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) Seconded: Jodie Reseigh 5.7 Appointment of Authorised Officer A briefing paper requesting that the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board approves the authorisation of Andrew Freeman as a Regional NRM authorised officer of the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board was provided. 6. OTHER BUSINESS Recommendation 78:5.7 Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board; 1. endorse the appointment of Andrew Freeman, Natural Resources Management Officer, under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 and endorse the Presiding Member to sign the Instrument of Appointment for Andrew Freeman 2. endorse the use of the common seal on the Instrument of Appointment. Moved: Jodie Reseigh 6.1 Robinson Basin The Manager Strategy and Knowledge reported to the DEWNR 5 year forward work plan for water resource management in South Australia and the prioritisation of water planning in the South Australian. The Manager Strategy and Knowledge reported that to get a water resource put onto the DEWNR 5 year forward work plan for water resource management in South Australia an environmental, social and economic assessment must be undertaken and the rankings from the assessments would identify a risk ranking for the water resource for the purpose of establishing priority in the 5 year forward work plan. The Manager Strategy and Knowledge further reported that it had been suggested that an environmental, social and economic assessment must be undertaken in relation to the Robinson Basin. Following some discussion the meeting agreed that an environmental, social and economic assessment of the Robinson Basin was not a priority and would not proceed as it was not the intention of the Board to develop a water allocation plan for the un-prescribed resource, Robinson Basin. 6.2 MOU from Iron Road The Presiding Member reported that the Board has been contacted by Iron Road's Principal Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Tim Scholz regarding the establishment of partnership agreements with a number of regional organisations including the Eyre Peninsula NRM Board to identify opportunities to maintain or enhance the biodiversity of the Eyre Peninsula region through information sharing and partnering on specific projects and work together to implement the Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) requirements of the Native Vegetation Act to ensure better local and regional outcomes. The Presiding Member invited members to review the proposal and provide comments by Friday 26 June The meeting proposed the following motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board agrees to participate in signing the Iron Road Memorandum of Understanding in relation to their Central Eyre Iron project with the proposed amendments, and acknowledging that this forms a non binding commitment on all parties. The endeavour is to Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 10 of 12

11 5. PROCEDURAL MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/ENDORSEMENT (CONT) achieve social, environmental and economic gains for our region as part of the project outcomes. 7. PAPERS FOR NOTING A briefing paper to provide a summary of the papers for noting at Eyre Peninsula NRM Board meeting No 78 was provided to members for information. Copies of the agenda items relating to the papers for noting were available on Govdex. 7.1 Presiding Members Report - June Regional Manager Report June Eyre Peninsula NRM Governance Schedule June Media reporting to Board to June 2015 Nil report 7.5 Advice re increase in Insurance deductible 7.6 Confirmed minutes Aboriginal Advisory Committee No Draft minutes Aboriginal Advisory Committee No Confirmed minutes Risk and Audit Committee No Draft minutes Risk and Audit Committee No DEWNR Service Level Agreement 2015/15 Motion: The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolve to note the Papers for Noting as presented. 8. CORRESPONDENCE A briefing paper to provide a summary of the items of correspondence for noting at Eyre Peninsula NRM Board meeting No 78 was provided to members for information. Copies of the agenda items relating to correspondence were available on Govdex 8.1 Aleppo Pone infestation of Lower Eyre Peninsula 8.2 Marine Environment in Coffin Bay 8.3 Marine Environment in Coffin Bay Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 11 of 12

12 8.4 Proposal to proclaim additions to conservation parks: Cape Blanche, Sceale Bay and Searcy Bay 8.5 Draft pest plan consultation for Eyre Peninsula 8.6 South Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program 8.7 Contribution to NREP 8.8 Water Resources Advisory Committee 8.9 State government review of Board and committees Motion: That the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board resolve to note the correspondence as presented. 9. NEXT MEETING & ONGOING SCHEDULE 9.1 Meeting Schedule 2014/15 A schedule of upcoming Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board and Committee meetings for 2015 was provided for information. The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 25 August in Tumby Bay 10. REVIEW OF MEETING 10.1 Provision of Board papers Following some discussion the meeting agreed that agenda items will be made available to Board members via Govdex 2 business days prior to the Board meeting. 11. CLOSE With there being no further business to discuss the Chair thanked everyone for their time and declared the meeting closed at 2.15 pm Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board 12 of 12