Namoi Catchment Management Authority
MINUTES
MEETING NUMBER 34
34
NCMA Board Room, Gunnedah
27 August 2007
Namoi CMA
Minutes - Meeting Number 34
27 August 2007
NCMA Board Room
Gunnedah
Time:
Meeting commenced at 10:18am
Present:
Jim McDonald (Chair), Jeff Austin, Brian Tomalin, Bob Hudson, Ed Colless, George Paul,
Matthew Davidson (Acting GM), Sheila Donaldson (SPM), Samantha Moss (BM), Anne Ferguson
(PRO)
Chairs Welcome
Jim McDonald welcomed CMA Board Members and staff.
Pecuniary Interest Register tabled.
1.0
Apologies
Heather Ranclaud, Bruce Brown (GM)
2.0
Minutes of the Previous Meeting (23/7/07)
2.1
Approval of Minutes
•
Resolution 34.1
That the minutes from NCMA Board Meeting 33 (23/7/07) be accepted and placed on NCMA website.
Carried
2.2
Updated Actions
Action 33.1
Letter to Minister no longer required given CMA staff can access web links and forward information to
Board Members. See Action 34.1.
•
Action 34.1
OM to liaise with DECC IT staff regarding Board Member access to OCL data on website.
Brian Tomalin spoke to a tabled paper outlining discussions from Native Vegetation Working Group
(NVWG) meeting held 27/8/07.
Action 33.6
Outstanding issues for NVWG discussed at meeting held 27/8/07.
Chair noted that TOR for NVWG are currently being written and that Kerryn Richardson will be
addressing the operations side of matters.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 2
3.0
Correspondence (14/7/07 - 17/8/07)
Chair provided an overview of correspondence received 16/7/07 from the Audit Office and 6/8/07 from
Minister Koperberg.
•
Action 34.2
EA to provide George Paul with a copy of correspondence received (16/7/07) from the Audit Office &
NCMA’s response (24/7/07) and correspondence received (3/8/07) from NSW Treasury.
PRO provided an overview of correspondence received 16/7/07 from Environmental Defender’s Office.
Brief discussion took place on FOI requests and rules surrounding third party documents.
SPM advised that LG Liaison Officer is currently reviewing Walgett Shire Growth Management Study &
Draft Strategy as per correspondence received 7/8/07.
4.0
Financials
4.1
MTD, YTD P/L and Balance Sheet
BM provided a brief overview of MTD and YTD recurrent and investment financials and an explanation of
the recurrent variances.
4.2
Investment Budget to Actuals
BM spoke to a previously circulated cash flow report and noted that July’s $1.4m budget was overachieved
by $1.16m (ie $2.6m spend). This should offset expected low figures for August given high number of
staff on leave.
BM advised that the first draft of the June accounts was received 27/8/07 just prior to the Board Meeting.
•
Action Item 34.3
BM to provide F&A Committee with first draft of June accounts for discussion and sign off at
teleconference to be held prior to week ending 9/9/07.
In response to a question from the Chair, the BM advised that ASGE funds are expected to be approved
once received and that these funds have been included in relevant management target areas.
BM noted that the funding and Head Agreement for NLP CSO has been received for a further 12 months
which will free up additional investment funds.
Brief discussion took place on the need to provide relevant staff with at least six months notice in the event
of their employment not continuing post June 2008.
Chair noted the need to put in place a strategy for expenditure of interest for F’08.
•
Action Item 34.4
BM to provide a strategy for expenditure of interest for F’08.
BM provided an overview of quarantined funds deposited by DECC into NCMA account at the end of June
2007.
Discussion took place on significant cutbacks to IS funding for F’08 and the impacts to staff resources and
investment activities.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 3
BM noted that the cash flow figures submitted for August Board Meeting differ to previous figures as
Category 3 has dropped from $330k to $40k for this coming year.
4.3
Finance & Audit Committee
F&A Chair advised that the internal audit procedure has been formulated and circulated to F&C Committee
Members.
•
Action Item 34.5
BM to provide internal audit procedures to September Board Meeting after F&A Committee sign off.
F&A Chair advised that the OH&S Sub Committee are currently reviewing OH&S Risk Management
System.
•
Action Item 34.6
OH&S Sub Committee to provide revised OH&S Risk Management System document to F&A Committee
one week prior to September Board Meeting.
F&A Chair advised that the Board Policy Folder will be submitted to the September Board Meeting
following inclusion of Board appointment/retirement procedures and organisational chart.
•
Action Item 34.7
BM to provide Board Policy Folder to each Board Member at September Board Meeting.
5.0
Engagement Committee
Brief discussion took place on previous Board Meeting action to trial the split of PVP Working Group from
EC.
• Action Item 34.8
GM to include split of PVP Working Group from EC as an agenda item for September Board Meeting.
OM spoke to previously emailed correspondence regarding Threatened Species Conservation Act
(Schedule Review).
•
Action Item 34.9
OM to forward Threatened Species Conservation Act correspondence.
Ed Colless spoke to tabled EC Meeting Minutes (8/8/07). Report noted by Board Members.
•
Action Item 34.10
EC to provide revised TOR for EC at September Board Meeting.
•
Action Item 34.11
EC to provide Engagement Implementation Plan at September Board Meeting.
6.0
Discussions with Representatives of NSW Farmers (11:30am – 1:00pm)
Chair welcomed Cameron Rowntree and Alicia Wilson from NSW Farmers. Alicia provided an apology
for the absence of one of their members.
Chair, Ed Colless and Brian Tomalin declared their connection with NSW Farmers and agreed to include
this information in PIR.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 4
Cameron Rowntree provided an update on drought conditions surrounding the Walgett district given low
rain and warm conditions.
Discussion took place on available NCMA drought funding allocation ($450K) and the best means for its
use such as education or training.
Further discussion took place on additional ways NCMA can assist western farmers and the real need for
federal government assistance.
•
Action Item 34.12
OM to liaise with Alicia Wilson (NSW Farmers) regarding NCMA drought assistance options.
Brief discussion took place on NPWS Kangaroo Management Plan and the need to revisit the roo quota
prior to January.
•
Action Item 34.13
OM to write to NPWS regarding current kangaroo quota and query what actions are in place to review the
quota given impending drought conditions.
Brief discussion took place on the benefits of providing new farmers within small rural subdivisions with a
“welcome kit” to assist with weeds identification and management.
•
Action Item 34.14
SPM to include weeds “welcome kit” for new farmers within small rural subdivisions as an NLGG agenda
item.
Further discussion took place on the need to concentrate the $450K drought monies in one area. OM
advised that any changes to the project may require a variation through the JSC.
Discussion took place on various methods for distributing the $450K including counselling, training in
drought nutrition and financial debt restructuring or even a regional economic assessment.
•
Action Item 34.15
Chair and OM to liaise with Shaughn Morgan (CEO NSW Farmers) regarding possible suggestions for use
of $450K drought monies. The Board agreed to the Chair making any necessary decisions in relation to the
Catchment.
•
Resolution 34.2
OM to withhold spending drought support funding east of Wee Waa until recommendations are made
following meeting between NCMA and NSW Farmers.
Carried
Discussion took place on the need for Namoi CMA to take on a leadership role by finding out what can be
done to help. Bob Hudson suggested making contact with Roy Powell to obtain an idea of what the impact
on the community is.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 5
7.0
Presentation by IPSOS on Namoi Benchmarking Activity
IPSOS presentation postponed due to IPSOS presenter being ill. Board members to attend staff session at a
later date.
•
Action Item 34.16
SPM to forward invitation to Board Members for IPSOS presentation to be held around September.
SPM advised that the phone survey component of the benchmarking study has been completed with data to
be analysed within three weeks. This survey will provide an overview of people’s attitudes and awareness
of the NCMA.
SPM noted that the IPSOS benchmarking study feeds into the next IS, M&E and the Education &
Engagement Strategies. She noted that IPSOS would be providing the raw data (without names) for
NCMA analysis.
Discussion took place on previously circulated IPSOS PowerPoint presentation and the need to simplify the
slides.
•
Action Item 34.17
SPM to liaise with IPSOS regarding benchmarking survey results and the need for PowerPoint slides to
provide highlights with the bulk of the information to be provided in report format.
Discussion took place on the need for NCMA to provide a “snapshot” sense of its achievements separate to
the Annual Report. PRO noted that WCMA release a 4-6 page summary report and that something similar
could suit our purposes.
•
Action Item 34.18
PRO to provide a draft report for publication highlighting NCMA achievements to September Board
Meeting.
8.0
Chairs Report
Chair noted the success of the LG Forum held 22/8/07.
Chair advised that he has accepted a six month re-appointment as Chair concluding 20/2/08.
8.1
Update on Board Member Appointments
Chair advised he is awaiting a response from the Minister’s Office in relation to the new Board Member
recommendations. He is optimistic a response should be received within the next 2-3 weeks.
9.0
General Manager’s Report
Report noted.
Brief discussion took place on NCMA/LPLMC MOU and the need for this item to be made a priority upon
GM’s return from annual leave. The Board noted the GM’s previously circulated version as a draft.
F&A Chair noted that he has a number of questions which need to be answered in relation to Coolibah
Black Box compensation Package.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 6
•
Action Item 34.19
F&A Chair to forward questions regarding Coolibah Black Box compensation to PVP Working Group for
a response.
10.0
Strategic Planning/Activities Report
SPM tabled a previously emailed document on Scenario Planning Workshops to be held 30/31 October and
29/30 November 2007.
Broad discussion took place on possible participants and briefing papers for the workshops with Board
Members listing their preferences from High to Low.
Ed Colless suggested the use of an inner and outer circle as a way to get around the number of participants
involved. The outer circle would still be involved in break out sessions and act as a controlled way to feed
information back into the inner circle.
Bob Hudson suggested making the workshops a public event to ensure a transparent process.
SPM noted that consideration would need to be made to the expenses of community people with regards to
accommodation, travel and meals.
•
Action 34.20
SPM to forward a draft update in relation to proposed scenario planning workshop participants and briefing
papers following steering committee input.
SPM provided an update on expected submission date for revised IS and possible amendments to the
current IS format.
•
Action Item 34.21
SPM to provide an update on IPSOS outputs, Program Logic and internal review at December Board
Meeting.
10.1
NAAC Report
SPM advised that the NAAC TOR will be discussed at the next NAAC meeting to be held 28/8/07.
10.2
Engagement Implementation Plan
See Agenda Item 5.0.
11.0
Investment/Operations Report
OM spoke to a previously circulated report and advised that more than 81% of funds have been contracted.
OM noted a $100K partnership with Northern Aboriginal Heritage Region aimed at identifying cultural
heritage sites.
OM advised that the vacant recurrent PVP & Projects Officer has been relocated from Walgett to
Tamworth Office.
•
Action Item 34.22
OM to increase WBS report size to A3.
Discussion took place on the need to inform the public on NCMA on ground achievements via NCMA
website and possible mail out.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 7
•
Action Item 34.23
OM to investigate options for presenting the public with an update on NCMA on ground achievements.
11.1
Mining – Baseline NRM Data Shortcomings
Broad discussion took place on previously circulated report regarding CCAG Access Agreement.
•
Action Item 34.24
Chair to write a response to CCAG advising:
1. Access Agreement is separate to baseline data.
2. NCMA supports an Access Agreement that protects the resources of the catchment and the
rights of the individual landholders.
3. Initial developments are starting to raise the need for a comprehensive catchment wide
baseline study.
4. NCMA will collate a comprehensive set of data required for an effective baseline, cost its
collection and collation, and seek funding.
5. NCMA will seek an opinion on the rights of the landowners and third parties who may
suffer losses arising from the granting of a mining licence and the subsequent development
of such a licence.
•
Resolution 34.3
In principle Namoi CMA Board agree that no regionally significant developments should commence until
the baseline study has been completed.
Carried
•
Action Item 34.25
PRO to write a media release addressing key items noted in letter written by Chair to CCAG.
CC (Mid Namoi) recommendations 1 and 3 noted. Recommendation No 2 to be expanded to catchment
wide.
12.0
Native Vegetation/PVP Operations Update
See Agenda Item 12.1 below.
12.1
Walgett Cluster Update
Brian Tomalin spoke to a previously circulated report outlining the possible options for progression of the
Walgett Landscape Plan Methodology. Options include:
1. Modifications to the Nat Veg Regulation (requires stakeholder consultation)
2. Writing a new chapter in the assessment methodology
3. Increased CMA delegations
Brian highlighted the difficulties with option 1 given the overarching principle in the assessment
methodology that you can’t trade loss of biodiversity for any other improvement in the other areas. He
noted that option 3 would impose political issues and that option 2 would be the simplest way for a net
outcome. Brian noted that regardless of the option chosen, it needs to fit with the state wide targets and
Namoi CAP.
CC (Nat Veg) advised that following upcoming discussions with the Walgett Cluster Group, a working
draft of the landscape assessment will be completed for the September Board Meeting, followed by a
landholder consultation and final draft to the October Board Meeting.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 8
•
Action Item 34.26
CC (Nat Veg) to provide working draft of Walgett Landscape Plan at September 2007 Board Meeting.
Chair noted that provisions need to be made in the event a Mediator is required again.
13.0
PRO Report
PRO advised that the website for the Landscape forum is up and running and accessible via a link from the
Namoi CMA website. She noted registrations are currently being received for this forum and that
newspaper and TV ads have been arranged. PRO advised that speakers for the event have been confirmed.
PRO advised that Agquip was a success with a Namoi CMA representative from the Education Unit.
14.0
General Business
F&A Chair outlined key functions of the Environmental Trust Advisory Committee.
•
Resolution 34.4
That Namoi CMA Board approve Environmental Trust Advisory Committee membership to include 1
current Board Member and 2 people from the list of people who submitted an application to become a
Board Member but were not appointed.
Carried
15.0
Next Board Meeting Date
Next Board Meeting to be held in NCMA Board Room, Gunnedah at 10am on Monday, 24 September 2007.
Meeting closed at:
4:18pm
_______________________
Jim McDonald
Chair Namoi CMA
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
_____________________
Matthew Davidson
Acting GM Namoi CMA
Page 9
RESOLUTIONS
Meeting Number 34
Res
No
34.1
Resolution
That the minutes from NCMA Board Meeting 33 (23/7/07) be accepted and placed on NCMA website.
Carried
34.2
OM to withhold spending drought support funding east of Wee Waa until recommendations are made
following meeting between NCMA and NSW Farmers.
Carried
34.3
In principle Namoi CMA Board agree that no regionally significant developments should commence
until the baseline study has been completed.
Carried
34.4
That Namoi CMA Board approve Environmental Trust Advisory Committee membership to include 1
current Board Member and 2 people from the list of people who submitted an application to become a
Board Member but were not appointed.
Carried
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
Page 10
ACTIONS
Meeting Number 34
Action
Number
34.1
Action
Who
OM to liaise with DECC IT staff regarding Board Member access to OCL data on
website.
OM
34.2
EA to provide George Paul with a copy of correspondence received (16/7/07) from
the Audit Office & NCMA’s response (24/7/07) and correspondence received
(3/8/07) from NSW Treasury.
EA
34.3
BM to provide F&A Committee with first draft of June accounts for discussion and
sign off at teleconference to be held prior to week ending 9/9/07.
BM
34.4
BM to provide a strategy for expenditure of interest for F’08.
BM
34.5
BM to provide internal audit procedures to September Board Meeting after F&A
Committee sign off.
BM
34.6
OH&S Sub Committee to provide revised OH&S Risk Management System
document to F&A Committee one week prior to September Board Meeting.
34.7
BM to provide Board Policy Folder to each Board Member at September Board
Meeting.
BM
34.8
GM to include split of PVP Working Group from EC as an agenda item for
September Board Meeting.
GM
34.9
OM to forward Threatened Species Conservation Act correspondence.
OM
34.10
EC to provide revised TOR for EC at September Board Meeting.
EC
34.11
34.12
EC to provide Engagement Implementation Plan at September Board Meeting.
OM to liaise with Alicia Wilson (NSW Farmers) regarding NCMA drought
assistance options.
EC
OM
34.13
OM to write to NPWS regarding current kangaroo quota and query what actions are
in place to review the quota given impending drought conditions.
OM
34.14
SPM to include weeds “welcome kit” for new farmers within small rural
subdivisions as an NLGG agenda item.
SPM
34.15
Chair and OM to liaise with Shaughn Morgan (CEO NSW Farmers) regarding
possible suggestions for use of $450K drought monies. The Board agreed to the
Chair making any necessary decisions in relation to the Catchment.
Chair & OM
34.16
SPM to forward invitation to Board Members for IPSOS presentation to be held
around September.
SPM
34.17
SPM to liaise with IPSOS regarding benchmarking survey results and the need for
PowerPoint slides to provide highlights with the bulk of the information to be
provided in report format.
SPM
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
F&A
Committee
Page 11
Action
Number
34.18
Action
Who
PRO to provide a draft report for publication highlighting NCMA achievements to
September Board Meeting.
PRO
34.19
F&A Chair to forward questions regarding Coolibah Black Box compensation to
PVP Working Group for a response.
F&A Chair
34.20
SPM to forward a draft update in relation to proposed scenario planning workshop
participants and briefing papers following steering committee input.
SPM
34.21
SPM to provide an update on IPSOS outputs, Program Logic and internal review at
December Board Meeting.
SPM
34.22
OM to increase WBS report size to A3.
OM
34.23
OM to investigate options for presenting the public with an update on NCMA on
ground achievements.
OM
34.24
Chair to write a response to CCAG advising:
Chair
1. Access Agreement is separate to baseline data.
2. NCMA supports an Access Agreement that protects the resources of the
catchment and the rights of the individual landholders.
3. Initial developments are starting to raise the need for a comprehensive
catchment wide baseline study.
4. NCMA will collate a comprehensive set of data required for an effective
baseline, cost its collection and collation, and seek funding.
5. NCMA will seek an opinion on the rights of the landowners and third
parties who may suffer losses arising from the granting of a mining licence
and the subsequent development of such a licence.
34.25
PRO to write a media release addressing key items noted in letter written by Chair
to CCAG.
34.26
CC (Nat Veg) to provide working draft of Walgett Landscape Plan at September
2007 Board Meeting.
Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority – Meeting # 34 27/8/07
PRO
CC (Nat Veg)
Page 12