Sustainable management of resources

Sustainable management of resources

Output 1.1 contributed to the department’s outcome by promoting resource management practices that strengthen national capacity for the sustainable use of Australia’s natural assets in a changing climate.

Our Sustainable Resource Management Division was responsible for this work in 2008–09.

Highlights

• Spent $2.98 million on weeds and productivity research to improve advice to the farm and forestry sectors on managing invasive plants in forests, pastures and native vegetation.
• Made 137 Caring for our Country Open Grants, with a total value of over $28 million—including more than $5.5 million for sustainable farming practices, $8.9 million for landcare, $7.3 million for biodiversity and natural icons, $5.7 million for coasts and critical aquatic habitats, and $1.1 million for other projects. The Victorian Bushfire Recovery Program was established under the Caring for our Country initiative.
• Began implementing the Australian Pest Animal Strategy as a national framework for addressing economic and environmental impacts of invasive pest animals.
• Received a positive response to Reef Rescue, which provides grants to farmers for on-ground works to improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
• Made 139 Landcare Sustainable Practices grants, totalling more than $17 million over three years, to help farmers adopt sustainable land management practices.
• Engaged with over 3000 community groups in coastal rehabilitation through Community Coastcare projects.
• Completed 88 Securing our Fishing Future projects to assist fishing communities and businesses to adapt to the structural readjustment in Commonwealth fisheries.
• Through the Fisheries Resources Research Fund and the Fisheries Research Program, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Bureau of Rural Sciences conducted an assessment of all Commonwealth fisheries; targeted biological, economic and social research to underpin the government’s response to current and emerging fishery policy and management issues; and acted to reduce uncertainty in the stock status of Commonwealth fisheries.

Caring for our Country

Caring for our Country is an Australian Government initiative that seeks to achieve a healthier, better protected, well-managed and resilient environment and provide essential ecosystem services in a changing climate. It integrates the functions of previous natural resource management (NRM) programs, including the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program and the Working on Country Indigenous land and sea ranger program. Caring for our Country is jointly administered by DAFF and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) and will be delivered in partnership with regional NRM organisations, local, state and territory governments, Indigenous groups, industry bodies, land managers, farmers, landcare groups and communities.

Beginning on 1 July 2008, the initiative provides over $2 billion in funding over its first five years. The government has approved a set of specific Caring for our Country outcomes to focus investment on achieving the highest priorities and avoid spreading the funds so thinly that the improvements cannot be measured or reported.

Caring for our Country focuses on six national priority areas:

• a national reserve system
• biodiversity and natural icons
• coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats
• sustainable farm practices
• NRM in northern and remote Australia
• community skills, knowledge and engagement.

A Caring for our Country business plan will be released each year to seek investment proposals for the delivery of identified targets. These in turn lead to the achievement of the Caring for our Country outcomes that address the national priority areas.

The monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) strategy for Caring for our Country sets out:

• how progress will be assessed, and how lessons from these evaluations will be captured and used to help achieve the specified outcomes
• how the initiative will meet Australian Government requirements for accountable and transparent expenditure of public funds through reporting by outcomes
• clear requirements for both the Australian Government Land and Coasts Team and groups receiving funding for the implementation of MERI.

The government and the community will be kept informed of the progress of Caring for our Country and the delivery of its outcomes through an annual report card. The first report card, due to be published in September 2009, will present an overview of progress made during the first year of the initiative. Additional detailed information on progress towards individual Caring for our Country targets will be available on the Caring for our Country website in September 2009.

A national reserve system

Activity in the national reserve system priority area is delivered wholly by DEWHA under its Parks Australia division.

Biodiversity and natural icons

The first tender rounds of Caring for our Country Environmental Stewardship have targeted the critically endangered box gum grassy woodland ecological community in the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Central West, Namoi and Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority regions in New South Wales and the Condamine, Maranoa–Border Rivers–Balonne and South East NRM regions in Queensland. Contracts are in place with 128 land managers covering an area of 11 346 hectares, at a total cost of $32.8 million over 15 years.

DAFF actively participated in two national bodies focusing on invasive species control—the Vertebrate Pests Committee and the Australian Weeds Committee.

The National Biosecurity Committee approved the implementation plan for the Australian Pest Animal Strategy in December 2008. Under the plan, the Vertebrate Pests Committee continued to develop national codes of practice for the humane control of seven vertebrate pests (foxes, rabbits, feral pigs, feral goats, feral horses, feral cats and wild dogs), which were endorsed by the Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce in April 2009.

DAFF representatives met with key stakeholders, including the Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre, at a workshop in February 2009 to discuss improving risk assessment processes for importing and keeping exotic vertebrates.

The Australian Weeds Committee worked towards the goals of the Australian Weeds Strategy. The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council endorsed the National Weed Incursion Response Plan and the enhanced Weeds of National Significance program on 15 May 2009.

Through the Australian Weeds Research Centre, the National Weeds and Productivity Research Program funded 39 projects worth a total of $2.98 million. These projects focused on research to improve advice to the farm and forestry sectors on managing invasive plants.

Coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats

Reef Rescue

Reef Rescue is a key component of Caring for our Country. Through Reef Rescue, $200 million will be invested over five years to address the impacts of declining water quality. This will ultimately improve the Great Barrier Reef’s capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change.

The Caring for our Country business plan sets clear objectives to achieve, by 2013, a measurable reduction in the amount of nutrients, sediments and chemicals entering the reef lagoon. The reduction objectives are:

• 25% for dissolved nutrients and chemicals
• 10% for sediments and particulate nutrients.

The three-year targets to meet these objectives are:

• to increase by 1300 the number of farmers who have adopted land management practices that will improve the quality of water reaching the reef lagoon
• to increase by 1500 the number of pastoralists who have improved ground-cover monitoring and management in areas where run-off from grazing is contributing significantly to sediment loads and a decline in the quality of water reaching the reef lagoon.

Work on these objectives was already under way in 2008–09. Regional NRM organisations in the reef catchments, working in partnership with agricultural industry groups, began work on $23 million worth of projects. These projects focus on building partnerships and working with land managers to undertake targeted on-ground works.

Reef Rescue investments will help land managers to build upon the success of approaches such as:

• using precision agriculture to reduce soil compaction and erosion
• managing and revegetating cane drains
• modifying machinery to increase pesticide and fertiliser application efficiency.

The program will also:

• provide baseline information on current agricultural land management practices in the reef catchments
• monitor the reef lagoon and develop an integrated paddock-to-reef monitoring program
  fund priority research projects
• foster partnerships between Traditional Owners and reef managers, and develop Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements.

Community Coastcare

The Community Coastcare competitive grants funding round in 2008–09 was well subscribed. We received 794 applications, requesting a total of more than $64 million. We provided funding to 439 projects. A total of $10.72 million went to grants of up to $50 000, and $9.57 million went to grants between $50 000 and $250 000. The funded projects will contribute to protecting coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats. They will also enhance community skills and knowledge and will engage with Indigenous Australians, volunteers and coastal communities.

We provided $1.5 million to south-east Queensland regional NRM organisations for work in the Moreton Bay wetland and surrounding coastal environments to recover from the large oil spill of March 2009.

Gippsland Lakes

The $11 million election commitment to Gippsland Lakes was announced in November 2007. This funding includes $5.25 million from the Caring for our Country initiative to help protect the health of the Gippsland Lakes and $5.75 million from the Securing our Fishing Future package.

The Australian Government is working with the East Gippsland Shire Council and the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to deliver the Caring for our Country component. This comprises two programs that will run over the next three years:

• $2.25 million for the Eastern Creek Wetlands and Flood Mitigation program, managed by the East Gippsland Shire Council
• $3 million for the Gippsland Lakes Enhancement program, managed by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. The Gippsland Lakes Taskforce is providing the strategic direction for this program.

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Sustainable farm practices

Landcare

Funding for landcare continued as an important element of Caring for our Country. In 2008–09 the government announced funding of $33.5 million over four years for a national network of up to 56 landcare facilitators.

Funding was approved for 186 projects, valued at $37.23 million (25.3 million in 2008–09) from the financial allocation for landcare. Funding totalling $5.48 million for a further 26 projects was approved from the sustainable farm practices element of Caring for our Country.

Sustainable farm practices investment priority area

In 2008–09 the sustainable farm practices investment priority area of Caring for our Country assisted farmers and industry to move to more sustainable practices through:

• 139 Landcare Sustainable Practices grants, totalling more than $17.1 million over three years
• 47 Open Grants, totalling over $8 million, including:
• • $299 795 to the livestock industry to encourage adoption of innovative best-practice grazing management methods
  • $363 636 to help the grains industry continue to implement its environmental plan.

Business plan

The first Caring for our Country business plan (for 2009–10) was published. The aim of the plan is to seek proposals that will deliver effective, efficient and timely results against Caring for our Country outcomes and targets. It includes sustainable farm practices as one of six priority areas.

The plan’s four-year targets for sustainable farm practices are:

• better land management practices—42 000 more farmers in identified priority regions to improve soil management to reduce the risk of soil acidification and soil loss through erosion, improve the carbon content of soils or adopt other improved soil management methods
• more landscape-scale conservation—6700 more farmers in priority regions to adopt activities that contribute to ongoing conservation and protection of biodiversity
• improved knowledge and skills of land managers—42 000 more land managers and farmers to demonstrate improved knowledge and skills in NRM.

Data and information

The department commissioned or finalised a number of data and information projects to improve monitoring, evaluation, reporting and planning under Caring for our Country.

The report of the Agricultural Resource Management Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2007–08 was released in May 2009. It provides detailed statistics on major agricultural activities, land use and key land management practices. The report is available at www.abs.gov.au.

The statistics on land management practices are quite positive. They show that up to 70 per cent of farmers have adopted most key land management practices. Overall, 63 per cent of the agricultural businesses that responded reported making at least one land management change over the last five years to address land and soil problems on their holdings. Over 19 per cent of farmers who responded (and over 40 per cent of those in Victoria) belonged to a landcare group.

Projects initiated in 2008–09 include:

• investigation of the drivers of practice change in agriculture ($315 000)
• analysis to enhance reporting on industry-specific land management practices ($150 000)
• mapping and analysis of land management practices ($130 000)
• coordinated national soil condition monitoring ($400 000 over two years)
• development of products to improve monitoring of airborne dust loads ($100 000 over two years)
• investigation of topsoil loss and waterborne erosion to identify landscapes at risk of soil exhaustion ($346 000 over three years)
• collation of wind erosion histories ($175 000 over two years)
• use of a University of Southern Queensland wind erosion model to establish wind erosion rates across Australia ($56 000)
• development of a roadside survey manual and scoping of database options ($75 000)
• mapping of social assets ($160 000)
• mapping of agricultural profitability ($40 000)
• a socio-economic research review ($100 000)
• investigation of the economic viability of rangelands agriculture ($100 000).

Natural resource management in northern and remote Australia

Northern and remote Australia contain some of the country’s most valuable productive natural resources.

Establishing a baseline for monitoring NRM in the rangelands across northern and remote Australia is being undertaken through the Australian Collaborative Rangeland Information System, in which DAFF is a partner. Data published in Rangelands 2008: Taking the pulse indicated that landscape function in Australia’s rangelands increased or remained stable between 1992 and 2005 at a majority of pastoral monitoring sites. However, there was no evidence to suggest the historic decline in rangeland biodiversity has been arrested.

We are supporting a range of projects, many of which seek sustainable agriculture outcomes and biodiversity conservation.

• The SA Arid Lands NRM Board is delivering various projects in cooperation with local landholders, industry, government agencies and environmental and community groups to manage water resources, native vegetation, threatened species, weeds and feral pests.
• The Northern Gulf Resource Management Group (Queensland) is supporting projects to improve the condition (productive and natural) of grazed savanna landscapes.
• The Southern Gulf Catchments NRM organisation (Queensland) is delivering projects to increase the capacity of land managers to maintain and improve the productivity, ecological condition and cultural values of land across the region, including by managing invasive weeds.
• The South West NRM organisation (Queensland) is trialling automated solar-powered technology for recognising different animal species, with applications such as managing access to off-stream watering points.
• The Ecosystem Management Understanding project, delivered by the NRM Board (NT), is helping pastoralists take a more holistic approach to managing their stations to boost production, reduce costs and ensure greater market access.
• The Greening Australia (NT) Healthy Pastures project is identifying more productive native pastures and fodder trees in northern Australia.
• The Northern Savanna Fire Management project being delivered by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance is implementing traditional, mosaic-style fire management practices in northern Australia, which may also deliver carbon abatement and biodiversity benefits.

Community skills, knowledge and engagement

The 186 landcare projects approved in 2008–09 will contribute strongly to the Caring for our Country outcomes to foster a landcare ethic, build the capacity of farmers to care for land, water and biodiversity, and increase their capacity to produce food and fibre. Grants went to a wide range of groups interested in sustainable agriculture. These included regional NRM organisations, universities and grassroots landcare groups. Over 21 000 farmers will have opportunities to participate in activities funded by these grants.

In March 2009, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Tony Burke, and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Mr Peter Garrett, announced funding of $10.8 million under the Caring for our Country Victorian Bushfire Recovery Program. This will enable communities, local governments, non-government organisations and landholders to undertake targeted recovery works.

The program guidelines identify broad priorities, timeframes, a simplified basis for reporting and a process of coordination with other investors. Eligible activities include mitigating potential weed outbreaks at fodder sites, restoring woodland and riparian corridors, addressing soil stabilisation issues, and controlling weed and pest animals.

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Fisheries

Aquaculture and seafood

The department coordinated Australia’s initial response to the new European Commission regulation preventing access to the European market by seafood products derived from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity. All seafood products to the European Union will be subject to the new regulation from January 2010.

We made progress towards Food and Agriculture Organization Technical Guidelines for Aquaculture Certification, which will set benchmarks for global aquaculture production.

Australia gained endorsement for the establishment of a new commercial aquaculture development program within the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia–Pacific.

In May 2009 the department co-sponsored an Indigenous aquaculture scholarship with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. This will encourage Indigenous aquaculture leadership, which is essential to the establishment of sustainable Indigenous aquaculture ventures.

Illegal foreign fishing

Illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters continued to decline significantly in 2008–09, primarily as a result of strict enforcement measures. The number of vessels apprehended in our northern Australian waters fell to 27—down from 156 in 2007–08 (see Figure 6). No illegal foreign fishing vessels were apprehended in other Australian waters.

We continued to engage with signatories of the Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing and Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. In April 2009 we organised the first workshop of the Sub-Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Group (Arafura and Timor seas), comprising Australia, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. The group agreed to:

• formally establish a subregional monitoring, control and surveillance network
• share data on the activities of mother/reefer vessels
• collect more information on the extent of illegal fishing in the waters of East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
  

We continued to work closely with Indonesia on collaborative measures against IUU fishing in the Arafura and Timor seas and progressed a joint study of the causes and impacts of IUU fishing in waters between Australia and Indonesia.

We addressed IUU fishing under the Regional Plan of Action, the Australia–Indonesia Ministerial Forum, the Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Joint Fisheries Surveillance Forum.
Under the Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Australia and Indonesia agreed to a new approach for managing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia Regarding the Operations of the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen in Areas of Australia Exclusive Fishing Zone and Continental Shelf. The new approach acknowledges the importance of sustainable fisheries management and the interests of traditional fishers. Key components include:

• terms of reference for a research and development program
• joint development of fisheries management measures
• identification of socioeconomic and alternative livelihood opportunities
• management training and capacity building
• consultative processes with stakeholders, including traditional fishers.

Workshops will be held in 2009–10 on joint development of this road map.

Internationally managed fisheries

Australia’s international efforts in 2008–09 included:

• securing adoption by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna of measures that aim to enforce the global total allowable catch limit, and agreement to develop a strategy to rebuild the southern bluefin tuna stock
• securing adoption by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission of a binding measure to reduce catches of bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna, and of a centralised vessel monitoring system
• playing a lead role in developing a legally binding treaty to establish a South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation
• taking a key part in progressing negotiations to establish a global legally binding instrument to define and harmonise measures for the control of fishing vessels and fish products entering other country states with a port
• participating in the development of a global register of fishing vessels
• contributing to the development of innovative monitoring, control and surveillance measures in a variety of forums to help control IUU fishing on the high seas and areas adjacent to Australia’s exclusive economic zone
• participating in a performance review of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and working to increase cooperation among country coastal state members of the commission.

Other work

Native Vegetation Regional Pilot Projects

In May 2006 the Australian Government provided $2 million for the Native Vegetation Regional Pilot Projects under the then Natural Heritage Trust program to investigate and test improved management strategies for native vegetation on rural lands. The aim is to facilitate sustainable and profitable businesses in a way that:

• allows farmers to demonstrate their sustainable land use and environmental credentials
• recognises the contribution farm management makes to regional priorities and targets
• shares the costs of managing native vegetation between landholders and the Australian community.

The Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) is evaluating the program. We expect the BRS report to be finalised in late 2009 after the projects are completed.

National Market-based Instruments Pilot Program

DAFF was the host agency for the National Market-based Instruments Pilot Program, the second and final round of which concluded in September 2008. Market-based instruments can deliver environmental outcomes from farmers more cost effectively than traditional program methods. They can be price based (such as auctions) or quantity based (such as offset schemes), or they can work by improving the functioning of existing markets (for example, by reducing uncertainty or risk).

In 2003 the Australian and state and territory governments committed up to $10 million over two rounds to the program under the National Climate Change and Agriculture Action Plan. The goal was to increase understanding and knowledge of the capacity of market-based instruments to deliver NRM outcomes.

A working group composed of Australian Government and state and territory members reviewed the program and is expected to release its final report in August 2009. The review found that:

• market-based instruments (particularly tenders) are feasible tools for NRM in a number of contexts, effectively delivering greater returns on public investment in NRM than traditional grants programs
• market-based instruments will not always be more cost-effective than other approaches.

The Capacity Building Program within the National Market-based Instruments Pilot Program has successfully promoted awareness of market-based instruments and established a practitioner community.

Sustainable agriculture framework

In February 2009 the department initiated the development of a national sustainable agriculture framework by establishing the Sustainable Agriculture Task Group under the Natural Resource Policies and Programs Committee. Its aim is to provide advice on a national strategic direction for sustainability into food and fibre production systems. It will identify the most effective government interventions; requirements for monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement; and research and development needs.

Collaborative land use programs

DAFF provided $450 000 in 2008–09 for the Australian Collaborative Land Use and Management Program to collect fundamental data on sustainable farming practices. Activities included updating a national land use map, developing a Land Use and Management Information System, and piloting ground cover monitoring techniques.

The Australian Collaborative Land Evaluation Program provides information for better management of soil and land resources. In 2008–09 the program received funding of $300 000 to:

• build the spatial data infrastructure for Australian soils
• update and enhance technical standards
• maintain the Global Soil Information System and new Australian Soil Resource Information System
• provide technical and scientific support for national policies and programs.

Soil management

In June 2009 the department launched the Soil health knowledge bank website. This was a key outcome from the Healthy Soils for Sustainable Farms Program, which has operated since 2005. The Australian Government provided $5 million in funding for the program, with another $1.2 million from the Grains Research and Development Council. The website consolidates current knowledge and tools for healthy soil management for profit and environmental outcomes across a range of industries and regions.

In December 2008 the policy discussion paper ‘Managing Australia’s soils’ was circulated to 450 stakeholders (including federal and state and territory agriculture, environment and climate change ministers) for a two-month public consultation period. One hundred and one submissions were received. The results of the consultation were presented to the Natural Resource Policies and Programs Committee in May 2009.

The department funded the discussion paper’s development and publication in 2007–08. Its purpose was to engage with stakeholders and encourage public debate on the role of soil management.

Natural Resource Management (Financial Assistance) Act 1992

The Natural Resource Management (Financial Assistance) Act 1992 assists the development and implementation of an integrated approach to NRM. In particular, it supports the landcare component of Caring for our Country. Under subsection 26(1) of the Act, a report must be prepared each year on the operation of the Act and agreements made under it. This is that report.

The National Landcare Program was established in 1992 to manage Australian natural resources under the Act efficiently, sustainably and equitably. After the Natural Heritage Trust began in 1997, major NRM programs, including the National Landcare Program, were delivered through the trust. Following the shift during 2002–03 to regional NRM arrangements, funding for the National Landcare Program was managed separately from the trust and delivered directly and through the NRM regional process.

On 1 July 2008 Caring for our Country was established to integrate a range of previous NRM programs. The new initiative seeks a healthy, better protected, well-managed and resilient environment. It provides essential ecosystem services in a changing climate.

The 2008–09 appropriations for the landcare component of Caring for our Country totalled $34.22 million (comprising $31.23 million of administered funds and the balance in departmental funding), compared to appropriation in 2007–08 of $35.84 million for the National Landcare Program. The Caring for our Country arrangements do not allocate funds for payments to the states.

Section 5 of the Act provides for the Australian Government and the states and territories to agree on financial assistance for NRM projects. This section was not used in 2008–09, as no funds were allocated to the states during the year.

Agreements and commitments approved under section 6 of the Act, covering payments from the Natural Resources Management Fund, allowed $31.23 million of appropriation to be paid into the fund in 2008–09. Funds were also carried forward from 2007–08.

Funding of $17.128 million for 140 projects was provided under the Landcare Sustainable Practices Program. Another 47 projects, totalling over $8 million, were approved through the Caring for our Country Open Grants round.

Another $1.91 million went to landcare support. This included Landcare Australia Limited (to raise corporate sponsorship and awareness); the National Landcare Facilitator (for communication between the Australian Government and the landcare movement); and national industry and community organisations. Seven sustainable farm practices facilitators, one in each state and the Northern Territory, were engaged, at a cost of $1.1 million, to liaise between industry, regional bodies, farmers and the Australia Government.

The Australian Landcare Council, established under the Act as an independent advisory body on NRM, did not meet in 2008–09. Its role was under review following the introduction of Caring for our Country.

Outlook for 2009–10

Assessment of the proposals received through the 2009–10 Caring for our Country business plan is complete. Ministers have announced funding for competitive projects, regional base-level allocations, Reef Rescue components and landcare, and are considering additional funding recommendations.

Current business plan targets are under review through public consultation via the web and targeted consultation meetings. The results of this review will inform the 2010–11 Caring for our Country business plan, which is currently being developed. The targets will be the key guide to investment prioritisation.

All grant recipients for projects funded through the initiative must provide details of how they will implement their project, the underlying project assumptions, and methods for monitoring, evaluation, reporting on progress and improving delivery to achieve specified goals. For projects below $80,000 in value, this is referred to as a ‘program logic’. Projects worth $80,000 or more will need a MERI plan.

Extensions being negotiated to the 2008–09 Caring for our Country transitional agreements with states and territories will allow the first 2009–10 base-level funding payment to regional NRM organisations to be made in July 2009.

We will host the National Landcare Forum in March 2010. By then the department and the landcare movement will have finished developing a community landcare framework for ensuring the movement’s continuing viability.

An additional network of up to 56 landcare facilitators will be employed. This will further improve local access to skills and knowledge. It will also provide new opportunities to engage landholders in NRM.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Reef Rescue land management baseline survey will get under way in the reef catchments in July 2009. This survey of current practices will provide a baseline for assessing progress on the uptake of improved land management practices over the five years of Reef Rescue. Approximately 4500 landholders in the reef catchments will participate in the survey. 

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Performance under administered items and special appropriation of Output 1.1

Table 3 – Output 1.1 performance—administered items and special appropriation

Administered item 1.1.1 Australia’s Farming Future—Climate Change Adaptation Partnership Program
Budget	$11.000 million
Key performance indicator	Develop mitigation and adaptation measures through collaboration with research and farming organisations, increase awareness among primary producers of options for responding to climate change and improve on-farm strategies.
Measured by	Extent of progress on research and development of practical measures to assist primary producers to manage emissions and adapt to climate change; improved information on and awareness of climate change; improved on-farm climate change planning; and liaison with other agencies and governments on climate change programs.
2008–09 target	Deliver: research and development of practical measures to assist primary producers to manage emissions and adapt to climate change improved information on and awareness of climate change improved on-farm climate change planning liaison with other agencies and governments on climate change programs.
Performance outcome	Target met.
Administered item 1.1.2 Australia’s Farming Future—Climate Change Adjustment Program
Budget	$6.200 million
Key performance indicator	Assist primary producers during times of hardship (for example, hardship caused by drought) by providing professional advice, training and re-establishment grants.
Measured by	Extent of improvement in capacity of participants to adjust their businesses to manage the impacts of climate change and to set goals and action plans to improve their circumstances, either within or outside agriculture.
2008–09 target	Provide grants for financial assessment of businesses to provide primary producers with a clear understanding of their financial prospects, in the context of the future climatic (and financial) environment and professional advice, information and training to assist primary producers. Provide grants to assist industries to undertake strategic reviews, industry planning and capacity building and networks to implement industry based adaptation and adjustment activities.
Performance outcome	Targets partly met.
Comments	2008–09 was the first year of a four-year program. No participants have yet finished the program—the first will finish in July 2009 and will be sent evaluation questionnaires six months later.
Administered item 1.1.3 Australia’s Farming Future—Climate Change and Productivity Research Program
Budget	$10.000 million
Key performance indicator	Fund research to assist the primary industries sector prepare for climate change through improved knowledge and performance.
Measured by	Provision of funding for research to assist the primary industries sector prepare for climate change through improved knowledge and performance.
2008–09 target	Full budget expenditure on projects that meet the funding criteria.
Performance outcome	Target met.
Administered item 1.1.4 Caring for our Country—Landcare
Budget	$31.223 million
Key performance indicator	Support the landcare movement, with a particular focus on adapting agricultural practices to the effects of climate change.
Measured by	Effectiveness of specific encouragement of landholders, through production focused outcomes, to undertake innovative approaches to landcare and related conservation works.
2008–09 target	Instigate community action that improves resilience and productivity while sustainably managing the environment and natural resources.
Performance outcome	Target met.
Administered item 1.1.5 For expenditure under the Fisheries Administration Act 1991
Budget	$38.217 million
Key performance indicator	Support and monitor the Australian Fisheries Management Authority in its stewardship of the Commonwealth fisheries resources, particularly its management of Torres Strait fisheries, foreign fishing surveillance and compliance, fisheries assessments and domestic fisheries enforcement.
Measured by	Extent of improvement in management of Commonwealth fisheries, including addressing overfishing and recovery of overfished stocks.
2008–09 target	Contribute to demonstrable improvement in management of Commonwealth fisheries, including addressing overfishing and recovery of overfished stocks.
Performance outcome	Target met.
Administered item 1.1.6 National Weeds and Productivity Research Program
Budget	$3.150 million
Key performance indicator	Fund and administer the National Weeds and Productivity Research Program to reduce the presence and impact of invasive plants on Australian agriculture, forestry and biodiversity and ensure greater integration of practical weed solutions within farming and forestry systems.
Measured by	Extent of progress on suitable projects under National Weeds and Productivity Research Program.
2008–09 target	Full budget expenditure on projects that meet the funding criteria.
Performance outcome	Target met.
Special appropriation 1.1.1  Fisheries Administration Act 1991, s. 80(2)
Budget		$10.500 million
Key performance indicator		Provide funding to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority for Commonwealth fisheries management.
Measured by		Provision of funding as agreed.
2008–09 target		Provide funding according to agreement.
Performance outcome		Target met.

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Performance under departmental outputs in Output 1.1

Table 4 – Output 1.1 performance—departmental outputs

Key performance indicators	2008–09 target	2008–09 achievement
Intergovernmental and industry policy processes achieve consensus on forest policy direction	Revised National Forest Policy Statement endorsed by 30 June 2009	Project did not proceed due to other priorities.
	Substantial completion of 9 five-year reviews of regional forest agreements by 30 June 2009	Reviews of the three NSW regional forest agreements advanced, with ministers releasing a draft report on 23 June 2009 for a two-month public consultation period. Work continued on preparing the first review for the WA agreement. Discussions held with Victoria regarding a timetable to conduct the first review of the five Victorian agreements.
	Agreement between relevant Australian Government agencies to an approach to implement illegal logging policy commitments, with publication of revised policy by 30 June 2009	The Forest and Wood Products Council recommended four projects to assist DAFF and an inter-departmental committee to develop policy options for illegal logging. Substantial progress was made on the four projects. This was assisted by two bilateral agreements established with Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
The efficiency of departmental programs to enhance the capacity for, and implementation of, sustainable forest management activities in the Asia–Pacific region	The announcement of 2008–09 competitively funded projects by 31 October 2008. All approved project payments committed by 30 June 2009	The Asia–Pacific Forestry Skills and Capacity Building Program Phase I is being finalised. Projects were announced in August 2008 with a combined value of $2.1 million. All 15 projects were completed in the year and project payments committed.
	At least 15 projects funded across at least four countries	15 projects were funded across 11 Asia–Pacific nations with a number of projects spread across multiple countries.
	At least 1000 participants receiving training	Training in sustainable forest management and capacity building provided in nine countries.
Commonwealth fisheries are managed in sustainable ways	The number of stocks of Commonwealth fisheries classified by the BRS status reports as ‘overfished’ or ‘overfishing’ is reduced from 19	Results will be known when BRS Fisheries status reports are released in late 2009.
	The number of stocks of Commonwealth fisheries classified by the BRS status reports as ‘uncertain’ is reduced from 51	Results will be known when BRS Fisheries status reports are released in late 2009.
	The cost to the department of maintaining and implementing policy frameworks for managing Commonwealth fisheries as a percentage of the gross value of production of those fisheries is lower in 2008–09 than in 2007–08	In 2008–09 the cost was $1.03 million. The 2007–08 cost was approximately $1.5 million. Real values of Commonwealth fisheries in 2007–08 and 2008–09 have not yet been published. Recent trends suggest a decline since 2006–07.
Departmental policies and programs are deterring illegal foreign fishing activity in Australian waters	New and innovative arrangements funded by the department result in fewer illegal foreign fishing vessel apprehensions in 2008–09 compared with 2007–08	In 2008–09 apprehensions of illegal foreign fishing vessels in Australia’s northern waters fell to 27, down almost 83 per cent from the 156 apprehended in 2007–08. No illegal foreign fishing vessels were detected in Australia’s southern waters.
	Uptake of enhanced monitoring control and surveillance measures by two Regional Plan of Action signatories by 30 June 2009	Indonesia acceded to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna. Malaysia established more rigorous port state controls. East Timor initiated processes to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
	Implementation of Regional Plan of Action and bilateral activities with Indonesia to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in a timely manner, including:	In April 2009, Australia organised the first workshop of the Sub-Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (Arafura and Timor Seas) Group, comprising Australia, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. The group agreed to formally establish a subregional monitoring, control and surveillance network, share data on the activities of mother/reefer vessels, and collect more information on the extent of illegal fishing in the waters of East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
	Evaluate and revise Indonesian in-country communication and education program and delivery methods by December 2008	Indonesian in-country communication and education program and delivery were evaluated and revised in 2008–09.
	Agreement by Australia and Indonesia to prioritise MOU Box fisheries management arrangements and other shared stock arrangements through the Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries	Australia and Indonesia agreed to a new approach to MOU Box fisheries management arrangements and other shared stock arrangements through the Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
Sustainable management of shared fisheries, including high-seas resources and highly migratory and straddling stocks to ensure continued security of access for Australian fishing interests	Agreement to new conservation and management measures by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and Indian Ocean Tuna Commission by 30 June 2009	Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission adopted seven measures to provide for improved management arrangements for target and non-target fisheries resources in the western and central Pacific Ocean, including a measure to reduce the catch of bigeye tuna in response to scientific advice. Indian Ocean Tuna Commission adopted a program of work to address the recommendations of a performance review to improve its effectiveness. Australia prevented the adoption of measures that would disadvantage coastal member states in the Indian Ocean.
	Agreement by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna to a catch documentation scheme to apply to all members by 30 June 2009	Commission adopted a comprehensive catch documentation scheme, including mandatory tagging of individual fish, which will limit the potential for illegally sourced southern bluefin tuna to access markets.
	Establishment of interim management arrangements for deep-sea fishing on the high seas under the jurisdiction of the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement by April 2009	Australia has implemented unilateral arrangements to manage deep-sea fishing on the high seas under the jurisdiction of the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement in accordance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 61/105.
The department promotes improvement in the condition of the natural resource base for public benefit and to deliver ecosystem services to the wider community	Develop a plan to manage the department’s component of the Australian Government’s responsibilities under the National Biodiversity Strategy and National Vegetation Framework	Represented farmers’ interests in the development of national policy frameworks, including the reviews of the National Biodiversity Strategy, National Vegetation Framework and National Reserve System, and worked closely with DEWHA to finalise documents for public comment that took account of stakeholders’ initial views. The process will contribute to the NRM Ministerial Council’s review of these strategies.
	By 30 June 2009, investigate best-practice initiatives that maintain and deliver ecosystem services that give public benefit, how such systems are delivered cost-effectively and what critical factors influence their uptake	Initial investigation was completed and the results are being incorporated into the sustainable farm practice targets in the 2010–11 business plan. Prioritisation research for sustainable farm practice targets in 2010–11 was initiated and will be completed in the next financial year.
	Establish baseline data through Australian Government surveys of the level of participation in Landcare and other groups to maintain or deliver ecosystem services for public benefit and the level of uptake of best-practice initiatives	Baseline data surveys for Landcare projects in 2008–09 included the level of uptake of sustainable farm practices and Landcare group membership.
The department promotes improvement in the management of invasive plant and animal species by landowners and managers	Reports on invasive species management that reflect nationally agreed priority objectives and ongoing collaboration	Through funding provided to the Weeds of National Significance (WONS) program and secretariat services provided to the Vertebrate Pests Committee, the department: maintained the Weeds Australia website (www.weeds.org.au) published updated national management maps for each WONS species published national priority guidelines for each WONS species developed five new best-practice manuals distributed 35 newsletter editions covering WONS promoted the Australian Pest Animals Strategy and Australian Weeds Strategy agreed to assist with the establishment of a national camel action plan.
	Develop a plan to manage Australian Government responsibilities under the Australian Weeds Strategy and the Australian Pest Animal Strategy by 30 June 2009	Sustainable Resource Management Business Plan 2008–09 provided the framework for leadership and implementation of the Australian Weeds Strategy and the Australian Pest Animals Strategy.
	Establish baseline data to support ongoing monitoring of invasive species management by 30 June 2009	Australian Weeds Research Centre invested in development of a national weed-mapping tool that will enable collation of baseline data in 2009–10. The project methodology is directly applicable to pest animals and compatible with Australia’s emergency incursion response program BioSIRT (Biosecurity Surveillance Incident Response and Tracing program).
	Establish a national weeds research and productivity program to reduce the impact of weeds on farm and forestry productivity and biodiversity by 30 June 2009	Program commenced in September 2008 with an interim research funding call. Interim advisory board guided this funding call and began negotiations with potential partners for the program. By June 2009, $2.98 million had been spent on 39 applied research projects. Program continues to 30 June 2012.
Contribution to the improved capacity of farmers to adapt and adjust to impacts of climate change	Establish and fund research priorities identified through targeted consultation	Full budget allocation of $10 million was paid to projects that address the priorities of reducing greenhouse gas pollution, better soil management and adapting to a changing climate.
	Establish baseline data on awareness and understanding of climate change	Market research was commenced to provide a more detailed understanding of our clients and stakeholders and their behaviours, attitudes and information preferences relating to climate change.
	1450 training and advice vouchers issued with a redemption rate of 75% by 30 June 2009	205 vouchers issued and 374 invoices received by farmers using the grant.
	10 re-establishment grants by 30 June 2009	9 applications received, none paid out.

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Stakeholder consultations

The department consulted formally and informally with stakeholders on a wide range of key issues in 2008–09. Formal consultative activities relating to Output 1.1 included:

• public consultation on the draft Caring for our Country MERI Strategy, through sessions held in all capital cities and via a dedicated email address for comments
• stakeholder forums held in Brisbane and Cairns with industry, government, scientists and regional bodies and community representatives to discuss and review processes and priorities for Reef Rescue funding in 2009–10
• ten workshops explaining the new Caring for our Country initiative held in capital cities and 40 workshops held in regional centres across Australia that were attended by over 1500 people
• the Caring for our Country 2009–10 target review, with sessions held in all states and territories
• workshops for potential partners in an Australian Weeds Research Centre
• a meeting with five Indigenous and five non-Indigenous commercial tropical Torres Strait rock lobster fishers on Thursday Island in October 2008, which led to the proposal of a five-year business plan for the fishery that is expected to be finished in December 2009.

Conferences

As part of the department’s engagement with communities of expertise and other stakeholders, our officers attended a number of external conferences and seminars in 2008–09. Those relating to Output 1.1 included:

• Veg Futures 2008, a conference convened by Greening Australia and Land and Water Australia in October 2008 addressing pressing challenges for vegetation management and focusing on biodiversity, water quality and landscape resilience
• the Camel Science Conference organised by the Desert Knowledge CRC in December 2008 to examine feral camel management
• the Exotic Vertebrate Risk Assessment workshop run by the Invasive Animal CRC in February 2009 on processes for importing and keeping exotic vertebrates
• Vertebrate Pest Management, a practical training course run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in March 2009
• Defeating the Weed Menace, a Land & Water Australia R&D forum in March 2009 opened by the Hon. John Kerin AM as chairman of the Australian Weeds Research Centre Interim Advisory Board
• a field day at Nungutta Station organised by the Genoa River Interstate Liaison Committee to showcase a willow and blackberry project.

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