Tasmanian Property Management Planning Framework

Tasmanian Property Management Planning Framework Booklet 1

Foreword This information has been developed to provide an introductory explanation of the Tasmanian Property Management Planning Framework (PMPF). It is intended that the information provided within this booklet will improve stakeholder understanding of the PMPF and will promote consistency in the development and delivery of property management planning programs by various stakeholders throughout Tasmania. This booklet is the first in a series of four which are intended for use by NRM bodies, government agencies, service delivery organisations and other stakeholders involved in the development and delivery of property management planning programs. Please note that the majority of information provided in booklets 1 to 3 is not directly intended for distribution to landholders. Booklet 4 does however provide a directory of module guidelines for the completion of property management planning modules and is a useful resource for farmers and all other stakeholders involved in the development, delivery and implementation of property management planning. The four booklets included within this series of information are titled as follows: Booklet 1 Booklet 2 Booklet 3 Booklet 4 An Explanation of Property Management Planning Standards Guide Property Management Planning Module Guidelines Directory Quick Reference to Using this Information Information required Booklet Needed I want to know what the Tasmanian Property Management Planning Framework is and why it exists. I want to understand what Property Management Planning is. I want to develop guidelines for a new Property Management Planning Module. I am a landholder or service provider and want to know how to complete a specific Property Management Planning Module. Booklet 1 Booklet 2 Booklet 3 Booklet 4 2

Table of Contents 1.0 An Explanation of the...4 1.1 The Key Elements of the Property Management Planning Framework...4 2.0 The Aims and Vision of the Property Management Planning Framework...6 2.1 The Property Management Planning Framework Vision...6 2.2 The Aims of the Property Management Planning Framework...6 3.0 Guiding Principles of the Property Management Planning Framework...7 4.0 Why Does Tasmania Need a Property Management Planning Framework?...8 5.0 The Development and Implementation Process of the Property Management Planning Framework...9 6.0 The Future Direction of the Property Management Planning Framework... 10 7.0 Further Information... 10 Appendix 1: Definitions... 11 Appendix 2: Memorandum of Understanding... 12 3

1.0 An Explanation of the Tasmanian Property Management Planning Framework The (PMPF) is a state-wide framework which overarches the development and delivery of property planning activities in Tasmania and is recognised by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, The State Government and Tasmania s Natural Resource Management Bodies. Its basic function is to ensure co-ordination and consistency between the various property planning activities and policies which are developed within Tasmania. In essence the framework has two broad components: 1) A policy framework supporting the development and co-ordination of property planning activities in Tasmania. 2) A set of property management planning standards which are intended to encourage a consistent and credible approach to the development and delivery of property management planning processes throughout Tasmania. It is envisaged that the framework will reduce the convolution and inconsistency in property planning processes within Tasmania by co-ordinating the implementation of a straight forward, credible and recognised approach to property management planning. The framework supports the development of property planning initiatives which integrate with sustainable farm business management and which provide benefits and assistance to those farmers and other landholders willing to voluntarily develop and implement Property Management Plans. In addition it will act as a central point for information dissemination and encourage the exchange of information and resources between various property planning stakeholders. 1.1 The Key Elements of the Property Management Planning Framework Many of the elements needed to effectively implement the PMP Framework already exist within Tasmania. The task at hand is to create linkages between these elements and achieve a consistent and straightforward approach to the future development and implementation of Property Management Planning. Four key elements have been identified as needing to be addressed in order to make the framework objectives readily achievable. These four elements are: 1. Information Management 2. Benefits 3. Standards 4. Verification 4

The following is a brief summary of the intended outcomes associated with each of the four key elements of the Property Management Planning Framework: 1. Information Management 2. Benefits Establish common terminology, definitions and formats around property planning activities Assess the viability of creating a point of registration for property planning activities and a centralised web portal for information dissemination Develop a network of industry contacts to harness and distribute agricultural and property management planning information effectively Explore opportunities to more effectively co-ordinate and manage NRM monitoring and spatial data. Implement a strategy to promote positive messages about agriculture, primary producers and other land managers in relation to environmental achievements Identify and make available benefits to those who participate in various levels of property planning. This may include benefits such as: Payments for ecosystem services Reduced red tape Marketing and branding opportunities 3. Standards 4. Verification Establish a set of agreed standards to assist land managers and service providers in developing property management plans Link PMPF standards with Quality Assurance standards Create a modular approach to property management planning with multiple levels of entry and achievement. Determine a verification and recognition system for property management planning. May include self assessment and review, or more rigorous verification systems for situations in which property management plans are being used to satisfy government planning processes or for market recognition. 5

2.0 The Aims and Vision of the Property Management Planning Framework 2.1 The Property Management Planning Framework Vision To establish a strategic framework for Property Management Planning in Tasmania that promotes a systematic approach to managing farming and other land use practices that will maximise environmental values and farm profitability. 2.2 The Aims of the Property Management Planning Framework In simple terms the PMP Framework has been developed to create consistency and coordination in the property planning programs that are developed within Tasmania by various agencies and organisations. In doing this the framework will effectively minimise the repetition and convolution that landholders are exposed to in relation to undertaking property management planning activities. As a result property management planning in Tasmania will be more streamlined and efficient and landholders will benefit in a number of ways. The framework will provide a point of reference for any organisation involved in developing property management planning programs and will clearly outline the content and process standards that need to be followed to ensure that these property management planning programs align with the PMPF. The specific aims of the PMP Framework are to: Develop a consistent, cost effective and stepwise approach to property management planning in Tasmania; Develop an outcome based, non-prescriptive set of standards for Property Management Planning, based on voluntary participation; Identify opportunities to simplify and rationalise government regulation and planning processes; Provide the basis for the collection of information for a variety of regulation and planning processes; Develop benefits and recognition systems for those who implement property management planning; and Assist industry to maintain market access and create new marketing opportunities In achieving these aims it is envisaged that the framework will deliver a range of benefits to stakeholders. The broad benefits that the framework is aiming to achieve are displayed on page 7: 6

Intended Benefits of the Property Management Planning Framework: 3.0 Guiding Principles of the Property Management Planning Framework The following principles are guiding the implementation of the framework: Principle 1: Property management planning remains voluntary, practical and cost effective. Principle 2: The PMP Framework is dependent on developing a management systems approach Principle 3: An agreed set of property management planning standards is consistently applied. Principle 4: Government recognise voluntary industry-led PMP approaches as a key component of delivering a balanced co-regulatory approach towards achieving sustainable agriculture in Tasmania. Principle 5: PMP to integrate Natural Resource Management (NRM) into a whole-of-property business management system. Principle 6: Management of natural resources at the property scale should be consistent with national NRM indicators and regional NRM plans. Principle 7: NRM investments in property planning and incentives should be linked directly to standards where appropriate. Principle 8: The Tasmanian PMP Framework should be compatible with any National PMS Framework. 7

4.0 Why Does Tasmania Need a Property Management Planning Framework? The Tasmanian agricultural sector is undergoing a period of rapid change driven primarily by economic and environmental issues. As agricultural trade becomes more closely tied to the global economy, changes at the world scale are increasingly evident at the farm level. As a result primary producers are being required to satisfy various product traceability and assurance systems relating to food safety, environment, animal welfare and worker safety. With decreasing terms of trade, primary producers are also under increasing pressure to become better business managers and are constantly looking for ways to maximise production. Furthermore they are facing pressures resulting from the progressive strengthening of legislation controlling farming activities and access to natural resources. In response to these pressures and changes primary producers are seeking better business management tools which assist in improving overall profitability, demonstrating product assurance and reducing the complexity of complying with legislation. Hobby farmers and owners of large residential blocks are also recognised as being affected by environmental management issues, local planning schemes, environmental regulations and State and Federal Government legislation. They too are increasingly seeking access to tools for better managing their properties. Accordingly, property management planning has been identified as the mechanism which can be adopted by primary producers and other landholders to meet this challenge whilst simultaneously providing a tool for comprehensive farm business and property management. Importantly to achieve this, property management planning in Tasmania needs to be implemented under a structured, co-ordinated and consistent approach which delivers maximum benefit to landholders whilst being credible enough to be recognised by the government, nrm bodies and the private sector. Hence, the was conceptualised and is now being implemented to achieve these outcomes. The framework is not intended to re-invent property management planning processes in Tasmania but rather to build upon and create consistency in the property management planning programs which have existed in Tasmania in various forms for approximately twenty years. It aims to address the lack of co-ordination and consistency in their development and delivery which has historically led to invariably different property management planning products being delivered throughout the state. Additionally many of the previous forms of property management planning in Tasmania have been focused on the management of natural resources and have failed to incorporate planning elements for the entire farm business which is an issue that the framework addresses. Furthermore the framework will address the lack of comprehensive risk assessment, monitoring and review processes in previous property management planning programs as these are integral components of a management systems based property management plan and are fundamental in ensuring that the plans are comprehensive, useful and continually updated. The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, the State Government and Natural Resource Management organisations each recognise the potential for the to achieve a consistent standard of property management planning in the state and to provide farmers and other 8

landholders with effective farm business management tools that contribute to the sustainability and profitability of their properties. 5.0 The Development and Implementation Process of the Property Management Planning Framework Stage1: Development of the Property Management Planning Framework May 2006 - May 2007 The development of a conceptual model of a Property Management Planning Framework for Tasmania was initiated in May 2006 through the FarmRIGHT Project. This was a 12 month collaborative planning project between the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, the Tasmanian State Government and the three regional Natural Resource Management bodies. FarmRIGHT s primary aim was to develop a more strategic approach to property planning in Tasmania by developing a set of agreed interim standards for property planning based on a management systems approach. Accordingly the framework at this point in time was referred to as the Property Management Systems Framework (PMSF). During the FarmRIGHT Project the conceptual model for the Property Management Systems Framework was developed and documented in the vision for a pms framework for Tasmania. Interim Property Management Planning Standards were also developed through extensive stakeholder consultation and were voluntary implemented into some property management planning programs. These standards have now been revised and are included in Booklet 3 Standards Guide. Stage2: Implementation of the Property Management Planning Framework June 2007 - January 2010 In June of 2008 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to a Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania was signed between the Tasmanian State Government, The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association and the three Natural Resource Management Bodies. This represented a marked step forward in achieving a consistent approach to property management planning in Tasmania. It also signified the willingness of all signatories to the MoU to work together to ensure that their policies and programs relating to Property Management Planning are implemented under a co-ordinated and consistent approach. After the signing of the MoU a management group was established to oversee the further development and implementation of the framework in late 2008. Representatives from each of the signatory organisations to the MoU were appointed to the management group and a project manager and project officer commenced working on the Property Management Systems Framework in early 2009. The title of the framework was changed in 2009 from the Property Management Systems Framework to the Property Management Planning Framework in order to more accurately reflect the terminology with which Tasmanian landholders are familiar and to strengthen the association between existing property management planning programs and the framework. The adoption of a new name for the framework did not represent a change in its intended outcomes but instead more clearly articulated the primary focus of the framework which is on implementing a consistent standard of property management planning that incorporates management system elements. In October 2009 the Soil, Water and Biodiversity Modules were finalised as the first three Property Management Planning Modules to be developed under the Framework. These modules created a template on which the development of further property management planning modules could be based. Examples of which are the financial management and Tasmanian Property Management drought Planning modules. Framework 9

6.0 The Future Direction of the Property Management Planning Framework The property management planning framework is in an initial implementation stage. During this stage the first suite of property management planning modules are being developed and it is expected that these will be finalised by early 2010. It is envisaged that the implementation of the framework will continue throughout 2010 and efforts will be concentrated on encouraging the further adoption of the framework by property management planning stakeholders throughout the state. 7.0 Further Information The following documents support the information in this booklet: 1. Memorandum of Understanding Relating to a Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmanian (Appendix 1) 2. Vision for a PMS framework for Tasmania (available at www.tfga.com.au) Further information on the Property Management Planning Framework can be obtained from the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers website - www.tfga.com.au or by contacting the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association: Phone: (03) 63321800 Fax: (03) 63314344 Address: TFGA House Cnr Cimitiere and Charles Streets P.O. Box 193, Launceston Tasmania, 7250 10

Appendix 1: Definitions Property Planning Property planning is a term used to describe the initial planning process, where land managers, often assisted by other organisations develop a Property Management Plan (PMP) or Property Management System (PMS) for a property or farming enterprise. Property planning can be a self directed process or assisted through one to one consultation, group facilitation, training programs, demonstrations or a mixture of these methods. The range of issues included in a property plan can also vary depending on the desired outcomes. Property Management Plan A Property Management Plan is a documented plan that describes how the natural resources on a property will be managed in the future, often in the context of a farming enterprise. The format and complexity of Property Management Plans can vary widely and may or may not include aspects of a Management System such as a risk management planning process and monitoring or review activities. Management System A Management System is a documented plan and support activities that are developed following an international standard based on principles first identified in the ISO 9000 Standard (Quality Management System). This includes the development of the management plan following a recognised risk management process, implementation of the plan and a process for monitoring and review of the plan. Commonly known as a Plan-Do-Check-Review process, these activities ensure that the plan remains effective over time through a process of continuous improvement and adaptive management. A Management System provides documented evidence that issues are being managed and an auditable documentation trail. Environmental Management System An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a Management System that is focussed on managing the impacts of an enterprise or business, on the environment. The important factor is that the Plan-Do- Check- Review sequence is integrated into the management plan. Without these system elements it is not a true system of management and should be called a Management Plan e.g. an EMS would be called an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Property Management System When additional issues such as business, food safety or OH&S are added to an EMS, it becomes a Property Management System (PMS) as it is dealing with more than one property issue. Farm Management System A Farm Management System (FMS) is a PMS focussed exclusively on a farm business. 11

Appendix 2: Memorandum of Understanding MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING RELATING TO A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK FOR TASMANIA BETWEEN The Crown in right of Tasmania as represented by the Department of Primary Industries and Water Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Cradle Coast NRM, NRM North NRM South APRIL 2007 12

PREAMBLE This MoU is not intended to create a legal relation, but rather the parties intend the arrangements recorded by this MoU to serve as a record of the parties' roles and responsibilities in the development of a Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania. The organisations that are parties to this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will work together to ensure that their policies and programs relating to Property Management Systems are implemented in a coordinated way that supports and enhances the integrity of the Tasmanian agricultural industry and its contribution to Australia s economic, social and environmental well being. In partnership and as part of the Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania, the combined efforts and resources of all parties are expected to: Develop a shared understanding of Property Management Systems; Extend Tasmanian primary industry s business management capacity; Improve Tasmanian primary industry s competitive position; Simplify, rationalise and streamline government regulation and planning processes for farmers; Strengthen the Tasmanian primary industry s ability to contribute to sustainable development; Contribute to the achievement of natural resource management outcomes; and Improve efficiency and effectiveness of investments in NRM by governments, businesses and the community. This is to be accomplished through voluntary property planning programs that lead to the adoption of PMS by industry and the provision of facilitation, training and technical services. Regional bodies are committed to property planning as a means to provide guidance to land managers on natural resource management needs and priorities for their properties. The development and implementation of a Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework by industry, Government and the three regional NRM bodies will create a key voluntary mechanism in achieving profitable and sustainable rural industries. The widespread adoption of Property Management Systems by the Tasmanian agricultural sector would provide a clear demonstration of industry s ability to move towards a more effective co-regulatory approach to satisfying a range of regulatory requirements. The Government s ability to endorse the Property Management Systems Framework as a means of preparing property management plans for statutory or incentive scheme purposes with a focus on environmental and natural resource management issues has the potential to improve working arrangements between the Tasmanian Government and the agricultural sector. Many of the elements needed to build a PMS Property Management Systems Framework already exist in Tasmania. The aims are harmonisation and consistency and the provision of a simple and straightforward approach for the future development of Property Management Systems in Tasmania. 0 PMS Property Management Systems Framework MOU_April 2007 Page 1 of 7 13

1.0 INTERPRETATION In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: 1.1 Parties Means the parties to this Memorandum of Understanding and includes Crown in right of Tasmania as represented by the Department of Primary Industries and Water, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association and the three regional NRM bodies NRM North, NRM South and Cradle Coast NRM, as the regional authorities established pursuant to s9 of the Natural Resource Management Act 2002. 1.2 Property Privately owned land that is managed for commercial or non-commercial purposes, including farms of any size, hobby farms and residential blocks. 1.3 Property Management Systems Property Management Systems (PMS) is an umbrella term used to refer to voluntary planning, monitoring and reporting processes at the enterprise scale using a systematic management approach. PMS can provide farmers with an ongoing means of improving efficiency of production systems, assuring continued market access and minimising the impacts of agriculture on the environment. PMS provides an integrated approach to risk management that can be used to manage a wide range of management issues including environment, business, human resources, food safety and animal welfare. 1.4 Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework A Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework provides a policy Property Management Systems Framework within which PMS can operate. It also consists of voluntary standards to guide stakeholders on how to best develop and combine together chosen components of PMS and support programs to maximise the benefits for those who are willing to develop and implement Property Management Systems. The Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework will also act as a central point for information dissemination and encourage strong networks and sharing of resources between various stakeholders. 1.5 Property Planning A planning process, where land managers, often assisted by other organisations develop a management plan for a property or farming business. Property planning can be a self directed process or assisted through one to one consultation, group facilitation, training programs, demonstrations or a mixture of these methods. The level of assistance provided may include self-assessment templates, training workshops, one to one facilitation or a mixture of these. The range of issues included in a property plan can also vary depending on the desired outcomes. PMS Property Management Systems Framework MOU_April 2007 Page 2 of 7 14

2. PURPOSE The purpose of the Memorandum is to: 2.1 Express agreement between TFGA, the Crown and three regional NRM bodies with regard to the implementation of a Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania. 2.2 Outline the guiding principles of a Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework and clarify the respective roles and responsibilities for the Parties. 2.3 Create additional momentum and support for the ongoing implementation of a Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework for Tasmania: 2.4 Encourage greater collaborative efforts between the Crown and industry towards the simplification of government regulation and planning processes affecting farmers. 3. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES The principle objective of a Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework is to develop an agreed approach to manage property issues in a way that will sustain farm business profitability and environmental values. Specific aims of the Property Management Systems Framework are to: 3.1 Guide and facilitate a consistent, cost effective and step wise approach to PMS in Tasmania; 3.2 Develop a non-prescriptive set of standards for PMS, which is based on voluntary participation and recognition of existing programs and activities. 3.3 Work towards simplifying and rationalising government regulation and planning documentation processes at all levels of Government, in a manner that does not compromise existing environmental planning standards. 3.4 Encourage meaningful outcomes at the property level that enhance Natural Resource Management outcomes in Tasmania; 3.5 Improve recognition systems and develop benefits for those who implement PMS. 3.6 Assist primary producers to maintain market access and create new marketing opportunities. PMS Property Management Systems Framework MOU_April 2007 Page 3 of 7 15

4. STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES 4.1 PMS should remain voluntary, simple and cost effective. Simple, common approaches and consistent terminology prevents duplication of effort, reduces the confusion to land managers and enables easier information sharing. The Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework should remain voluntary and complement approaches already established, recognise the use of different delivery mechanisms and encourage the use of simple verification processes where possible. 4.2 The Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework is dependent on establishing a Management Systems approach. A Plan, Do, Check and Review management systems approach is required to ensure that property plans are developed using a recognised risk management process underpinned by ongoing improvement and adaptation. This includes incorporating property level monitoring and performance reporting systems into the planning and implementation process. 4.3 An agreed set of PMS standards is consistently applied. An agreed set of PMS standards will provide a common reference for various property planning programs whilst retaining flexibility for program managers. The standards should be based on the best available scientific knowledge and business principles. 4.4 Government should recognise voluntary industry-led PMS approaches as a key component of delivering a balanced co-regulatory approach towards achieving natural resource management outcomes in the State. The Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework should promote a voluntary, industry-led approach to PMS and recognise PMS as an effective risk management tool suitable for providing a means to demonstrate compliance to some regulatory and planning approval processes. 4.5 PMS should integrate Natural Resource Management (NRM) into a whole-of-property business management system. PMS should seek to balance economic, environmental and social considerations to create successful businesses, meet people s needs and enhance natural resources. 4.6 Management of natural resources at the property scale should be consistent with regional and national NRM strategies. Management of environmental aspects within a PMS should be designed to be consistent with and contribute to regional catchment management objectives and desired outcomes including, where relevant, the Management Action Targets and Resource Condition Targets articulated in regional NRM strategies. Tasmanian PMS should aim to promote consistent use of national standards and indicators where possible. 4.7 NRM investments in property planning and incentives should be linked directly to standards where appropriate. This provides an opportunity to link national, state, regional and local NRM investments directly to local property planning activities as a means of encouraging desired outcomes. 4.8 The Tasmanian Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework should be compatible with any National Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework. The Tasmanian Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework should aim to promote common approaches to PMS nationally and inform the national debate on Property Management Systems for agriculture. PMS Property Management Systems Framework MOU_April 2007 Page 4 of 7 16

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 Shared roles and responsibilities 5.1.1 Work with key stakeholders to jointly implement the Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework. 5.1.2 All parties have mutually supportive roles and responsibilities in the achievement of a sustainable agricultural sector, specifically as it relates to sustainable production systems. 5.1.3 Promote PMS and property planning programs to industry using consistent terminology as set out by the Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework and ensure effective communication between the parties. The parties to this Memorandum recognise each other s policy and program responsibilities and note that in respect to Property Management Systems in Tasmania their respective roles are to: 5.2 TFGA 5.2.1 Act as a representative body for all Tasmanian agricultural industry groups and ensure these groups have the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework. 5.2.2 Provide input and advice on the development of property planning activities to meet industry needs. TFGA will work in partnership with service providers by providing practical advice and industry feedback. 5.2.3 Work with the Commonwealth, State and Local Government to identify opportunities to streamline government regulation and planning processes that affect farmers. 5.3 Crown 5.3.1 Use its reasonable endeavours to invest adequate resources to support the implementation of a Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework. 5.3.2 Pursue an integrated, whole of government approach to PMS issues in agency policy and coordinate government effort to this end. 5.3.3 Work with industry, Australian Government and Local Government to identify and act on opportunities to streamline government regulation and planning processes that affect farmers and reinforce the positive linkages between PMS and government regulation. 5.3.4 Facilitate an adequate flow of relevant technical information and supporting research. 5.4 NRM Bodies 5.4.1 Work together across all regions to harmonise the overall delivery of property planning programs that integrate a PMS approach and contribute towards the achievement of NRM objectives. 5.4.2 Adopt a practical and cost effective approach to property planning, which reflects local circumstances and NRM priorities. This should include investing in property planning for NRM purposes and associated NRM activities. 17

6. SHARED PRIORITIES The initial priority areas for the Memorandum are: 6.1 Recognise that a credible process is needed for PMS to enhance the integrity of Tasmanian food products in export markets and as a sound basis for recognition by Government for a range of regulation and planning purposes. 6.2 Promote PMS across all regional areas leading to increased uptake of PMS by primary producers and other land managers. 6.3 Facilitate greater collaboration and information sharing between all parties. 6.4 Work with Local Government and other key stakeholders to address key issues as they arise. 6.5 Investigate the types of incentives that would increase uptake of property planning and adoption of PMS. These could include financial, management and/or regulatory incentives. 6.6 Develop an implementation plan for the Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework for the next 3 years. 7. THE PARTIES AGREE 7.1 To recognise the value of a streamlined and consistent approach to PMS and agree to work in a spirit of cooperation, including maintaining regular contact to promote the Property Management Systems Property Management Systems Framework s effective implementation. 7.2 This MOU is not a financial or funding document. It does not impose any financial commitments on any of the Parties. 7.3 To consult with each party on emerging issues relevant to the Memorandum, ensuring information is provided in a timely and cost-effective way. 7.4 Amendments may be made to the Memorandum where agreed by all Parties in writing. 7.5 Issues of differences in interpretation of the Memorandum will be resolved by negotiation through a mutually agreed process. 7.6 This MoU is not intended to create a legally binding arrangement but rather is to apply administratively to formalise arrangements for implementing policies and programs relating to Property Management Systems. 8. COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION 8.1 Each Party will become a party to this Memorandum upon signing the document. 8.2 This Memorandum of Understanding shall commence when signed by all Parties, and expire three (3) years from the commencement date, or on such other date as the Parties agree in writing. PMS Property Management Systems Framework MOU_April 2007 Page 6 of 7 18

9. SIGNATORIES Signed by the Hon David Llewellyn MHA, Minister for Primary Industries and Water for and on behalf of the Tasmanian Crown... Hon David Llewellyn MHA, Minister for Primary Industries and Water.. Date Signed by Roger Swain, President of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association..... Roger Swain President of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Date Signed by Mr Geoff McLennan, Dr Christine Mucha and Mr Rick Rockliff, Chairs of NRM committees... Mr Geoff McLennan Chair, NRM North Committee.. Date.. Dr Christine Mucha Chair, NRM South Committee.. Date.. Mr Rick Rockliff Chair, Cradle Coast NRM Committee.. Date