Western Port Biosphere Annual Report 2017 by Grendesign

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Western Port Biosphere Reserve is proudly supported by:

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 CONTENTS Western Port Biosphere - Overview & Highlights

Chair’s Report

Executive Officer Report

Board of Directors

Projects

Photos used in this publication, unless otherwise credited, have been provided courtesy of staff members and our partner Councils.

- Growing Connections

- Water Stewardship

- Ramsar

Financial Statements

Contact Information

BY ALISON HOELZER

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve has a combined area of 2,142 square kilometres and is made up of five local government areas and French Island. It contains a mix of landscapes: national and marine parks, rural agriculture and urban-growth areas. Dotted with beautiful swimming beaches, sea-side townships and vineyards with picturesque settings, the biosphere is a tourist destination for millions of Australians and overseas visitors every year. A major draw-card of the biosphere reserve is the wonderful diversity of flora and fauna including breeding colonies of the Little Penguin, Koala, Australian Fur Seal, Hooded Plover and Short-tailed Shearwater. As well as being a key destination for tourists and those who love its unique environment, Western Port Biosphere is popular with researchers and scientists. It has numerous sites of geomorphological and historical significance and is a region of great biological diversity due to an unusually wide range of habitat types. Western Port Biosphere hosts many significant indigenous plant communities, and rare threatened and vulnerable fauna species such as the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot. Western Port is listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

What is a Biosphere? Biospheres are sites of excellence that seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity and economic and social development through partnerships between people and nature. Biospheres are ideal learning sites to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable development and conservation on a regional scale. They are established by countries and recognised under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO’s) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. After their designation, biosphere reserves remain under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet they share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere reserve is one of fourteen Biosphere Reserves in Australia and 651 reserves world-wide.

The Foundation The non-profit Biosphere Foundation works with the community to create a better future for the Western Port Biosphere Reserve—environmentally, socially and economically. We do this through research, education, community engagement, partnerships and on-ground conservation efforts. The Foundation has active networks embracing conservation, sustainable development and responsible stewardship. These networks include local, state and federal government authorities, researchers and scientists, environmental and community groups and non-government organisations. Our Partners include: Bass Coast Shire, Cardinia Shire, City of Casey, Frankston City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Parks Victoria.

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Highlights

Communications

Conservation

• P resentations to local Councils and meetings on Biosphere Activities.

• G rowing Connections project distributed $138,748 for on ground works.

• Coverage of projects and events in local media.

• W ork being done by community partners in the project includes weed control, management and re-vegetation of land which connects habitats. • G rowing Connections project has overseen 1159.48 hectares of habitat protection and 145.22 hectares of re-vegetation since 2012. In this time over 100,000 individual plants, comprising over 128 different species, have been planted. • E stimates of carbon benefits associated with Growing Connection’s environmental plantings were calculated using the Reforestation Modelling Tool (RMT), which was developed for the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative (CPI). • O ver 100 representatives from community groups, councils, state agencies and individual landholders attended the 4th Growing Connections Biodiversity Forum held at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on 30th June 2017. ·· Presentations on pest control and biodiversity activities were made by representatives of City of Casey, Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group and Bass Coast Landcare Network.

• H igher visitation and use of Facebook and increase in contributions to Connector E newsletter. • W ater Stewardship Australia presentation at International Rivers Symposium. • Participation in City of Casey Family Fun day at Royal Botanic Gardens. • Ramsar Protection Project Community Boat Trip to the Northern part of Western Port. • Participated in Science Week August 2017 event at Coolart Homestead. Governance & Operations • Discussions with Councils on development of a Memorandum of Understanding. • Strategy reviewed and updated. • Business Plan updated.

·· Presentation by DELWP on Biodiversity Strategy 2037. ·· Overview of the Growing Connections project outcomes. ·· Presentation by Bunurong Land Council.

we need to protect, and the cultural values we respect, whether they be Indigenous or other contemporary values that underpin our society. We pursue these aims via research and education initiatives, through partnerships with like-minded organisations and stakeholders, and through forums and other knowledge dissemination pathways.

CHAIRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S REPORT The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd, trading as Western Port Biosphere Reserve, continues to pursue the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) ideals. Put simply, we aim to encourage all people within the Biosphere to strike a responsible balance between the lifestyle we lead and the impact that has on the resources we consume. Those resources include the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soils we use for productive purposes, the native flora and fauna

This year marked the conclusion of the Growing Connections project. This $2.3 million Federal Government funded initiative created opportunities to enhance native biodiversity by growing and improving vegetation corridors within the Biosphere. It also provided the resources to mount a camera monitoring and research effort focussed on the Southern Brown Bandicoot, its potential predators and other environmental impacts. By leveraging the core funds, especially in the area of revegetation support and cooperation from private landowners and Landcare groups, an additional in-kind contribution and value of around $1.6 million was achieved. These calculations do not include the many hours of effort put into development of the original concept, the many additional volunteer hours put in by researchers and project management staff, and oversight of the project by the Project Implementation Committee led by Ian Mansergh. My sincere thanks go to the many people, who contributed to the success of Growing Connections. This past year also saw strong growth and potential realised from the three year Water Stewardship pilot project. Water stewardship is one means of promoting the need to responsibly use and reuse water. By encouraging enterprises to monitor water use and water quality, consumers can achieve the goals of reducing their use and ensuring that the water that leaves their property is of good or better quality than when it entered. Good for the practitioners, good for the environment. The Water Stewardship partnership is managed by the Biosphere and program facilitator Lance Lloyd. The Alliance for Water Stewardship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Asia-Pacific and the Biosphere have received financial support from Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Port Phillip and Western Port CMA, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Inghams Enterprises to conduct this project.

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT This initiative has now developed to the stage where it can be applied across the region and provides the potential for a project with our partners to incorporate principles and values from other water and land management methods that include identifying and valuing Indigenous culture, knowledge, and practice. This reporting year has been a very difficult one for the Biosphere with pressures on finances resulting in the Board calling a special meeting in January to seek member’s approval to wind up the company should it be deemed necessary. Fortunately, through a combination of cost cutting and the generous additional contributions from Cardinia Shire, Mornington Peninsula Shire, the City of Casey, and the Victorian Government, the action was averted. Financial uncertainty has been an issue several times during the Biosphere’s existence and we have been working with the Cities of Casey and Frankston and the shires of Bass Coast, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula, to negotiate a four year MOU, to be reviewed annually. It is most gratifying to see the City of Frankston return as a funding supporter after a three year absence. Once finalised, the MoU will provide annual core funding of $100,000, increasing in line with rate increases, if we meet our mutually agreed performance targets. This underpinning will also position us to apply for new large scale projects that will build on the success of Growing Connections and the Water Stewardship pilot program. We are also commencing discussions with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to explore opportunities that would assist the Victorian Government to achieve the objectives set out in the ‘Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037’ policy document launched in April by the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. The State budget provided $86 million over the next four years for implementation with ongoing support of $20 million per year thereafter. The Board will also commence the next iteration of the pilot Report Card produced in 2015 along with a ‘Value Proposition’ prospectus. The Foundation has recently been successful in a bid for a grant from the State Government Biodiversity On-ground Action – Community & Volunteer Action Grant 2017.

As I mentioned earlier in this report, the 2016-17 year has been a difficult one for the Board. Due to the election cycle in Local Government, we lost our Councils Liaison Committee (CLC) representative and Director, David Garnock, who had been very committed to the Biosphere and its aims. Through resignations we also lost Directors Gill McDermott, Lisa Nelson and Ellen Kittson in late 2016. Prior to the very recent nomination of Cr Damien Rosario as the CLC representative and Director to the Board, this left a core of five members, Jo McCoy, Neil Rankine, Rod Anderson, David Young and myself, to carry the director’s responsibilities. They were, however, responsibilities shared and we received massive support from Executive Officer Cecelia Witton and her staff of Chris Chambers, Sally Jacka, Karen Sprey, and Lance Lloyd. I cannot praise and thank enough the dedication of my fellow Board members, Cecelia and her staff. Without this commitment and huge joint contribution of many, often stressful, volunteer hours from all, I doubt whether the organisation would have survived. As it is we have survived, and during a somewhat fraught year have still managed to deliver on all of our commitments, finalise our Strategic and Business plans, projected forward in a positive way to our key stakeholders and identified pathways and initiatives that give reasonable confidence of our longer term survival and relevance as a Biosphere. The 2017/18 year will bring change. After more than 10 years of sterling professional service to this organisation, Cecelia will leave us later this year and we will restructure our staff profile accordingly. We will also recognise her service when that time comes. We have begun the process of identifying new members to complement the current member skills on the Board and our recommendation to you to approve the two year appointment of John Ginivan is the start of that process. Having originally committed in 2014 to serve three years as your Chair, I have indicated my desire to make way for a successor after June 2018. In the meantime, I look forward to the many positives in the year ahead and sincerely thank everyone for their support during the past year. Duncan Malcolm, AM Chair, Western Port Biosphere October 2017

During the past year the Foundation faced its biggest challenge to overcome the uncertainty of its future. The Foundation acknowledges the support of our Local Government partners and, with the development of a Memorandum of Understanding, looks forward to continued support and the strengthening of this relationship in the coming years. Our Growing Connections project has been successfully delivered and acquitted with the outcomes of the project exceeding all targets. That this project achieved the results it did is a reflection on the dedication of the project’s coordinator Chris Chambers, the efforts of Sally Jacka, Sam Ibbetson, the Implementation Committee and the support of our project partners. We believe this project has delivered a successful model on which future projects can be built. Our Water Stewardship pilot project is in its final year. It is expanding into other catchments across the Biosphere and will meet the targets set in the project outline.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT

With ongoing pressures of development across the Biosphere the success of these types of projects is essential. They improve understanding, and provide ways to identify and implement critical actions to maintain and enhance biodiversity as well as awareness of the importance of sustainable water management on a broad scale. The Foundation has to continually find funding to support these activities as our work is making a difference and bringing people together on multiple levels. We want that to continue and we are in the process of finalising an exciting concept for an integrated and inclusive project that would build on the outcomes of the Growing Connections project and expand the Water Stewardship project. We look forward to continuing to work with the Western Port Catchment Committee to provide a networking forum to promote the exchange of information and ideas between agencies, authorities and community. Our Research Committee, which undertook a review in 2016, has been re titled “Science and Education Committee” with an updated Terms of Reference adopted by the Board. The principles of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program are integral to balancing the ongoing sustainability of our environment with our expectations for a future, against the demands, we continually make on it to provide our lifestyles. I will be ceasing my involvement with the Foundation shortly, and will look forward to following the Foundation’s growth and continued success in working with the community to protect the unique region that is the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve. Cecelia Witton Executive Officer October 2017

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair - Duncan Malcolm AM JP Director with 30 years’ experience on a range of boards, predominately in the public sector. A former Chair and Deputy Chair of the Rural Water Commission/Corporation of Victoria, former Commissioner East Gippsland Shire Council, former Chair Gippsland Coastal Board and East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Member and Chair of The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council. Currently; Director of Gippsland Medicare Local, Trustee of the Australian Landscape Trust, and the McPherson Smith Rural Fund. Made a Member of The Order of Australia in 2007, and is an Honorary Fellow at Monash University.

David Garnock Captain CSC RAN (ret’d) David’s role as a Director on the Western Port Biosphere Board is perfectly aligned with the goals he is pursuing as a Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor - Cerberus Ward. David is keenly interested in the issues and aspirations of the community in the Western Port region. One of his most important priorities is to safeguard this unique environment, preserve and enhance the beauty of our coast and ensure responsible economic development. He takes this responsibility seriously and is honoured to dedicate his full energies to achieving the best outcomes. Ceased 19th November 2016

Rod Anderson BSc (Hons) Rod Anderson is an Environmental Planner and Policy Analyst. He is a Senior Victorian Public Servant with experience in coastal planning, forest biodiversity, climate change adaptation and carbon policy and regional program delivery.

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Ellen Kittson BSc, Grad Dip Applied Science, Grad Dip Ethics and Legal Studies, FAIFST

Born and raised in the United States, Ellen completed her undergraduate science degree in the United States and shortly after began travelling with her Australian husband. A short trip to the Galapagos Islands began a lifelong fascination with the natural environment and the need for harmony with development. Arriving in Australia in 1979, Ellen’s career was built in government service, working in policy, regulation and technical fields. Ellen completed postgraduate coursework in Ethics and Legal Studies and has a strong commitment to good organisational governance and ethical decision making. Due to changed work obligations stepped down from her position on 27th November 2016.

Jo McCoy BSc, Dip Ed., M Env Sci

A former secondary school teacher who taught Geography, Biology and Environmental Science in Melbourne and country Victoria for many years. Moved to DSE spending decade as a senior public servant working in conservation and natural resource management policy as well as business management roles. She worked with the Phillip Island Nature Parks Board in the early 2000s, was the Project Director for the Land and Biodiversity White Paper from 2007-2009 and the Manager of the Victorian Landcare program from 20102011. Jo’s family owns a property at Flinders.

Gillian McDermott MBA Gillian is an executive program director with over 25 years experience working in large financial services organisations, including not-for-profit industry super funds. With key strengths in program management and planning, governance and risk management she brings a broad range of management knowledge and experience. Gillian also runs a small business on the Mornington Peninsula. Gillian has a masters degree in business administration. Due to changes in work obligations stepped down from her position on the Board 23rd September 2016.

Lisa Nelson BSc(Hons), MPM, MA Lisa’s broad work experience encompasses local and state government, mineral exploration, the environment, GIS and tourism. She has been a member of several local, state and federal government committees which focused on regional and economic development, conservation management and threatened species protection. In addition, she has been a director for a community foundation. Lisa has an abiding interest in archaeology and ancient history and has participated in excavations in Spain and the Middle East. Due to work pressures stepped down from the position on 17th October 2016.

Neil Rankine B Sc (Hons), Dip Ed. Neil Rankine is a former councillor for the Bass Coast Shire. He has a strong interest in trying to preserve the diminishing natural values that make the shire and the broader Biosphere region such a special place to live and visit. Neil believes we all lose if we allow these values to be taken away from future generations for the lack of a vision, or for short term gain.

David Young Dip. Farm Management David Young is a former Councillor for Cardinia Shire. Currently farming at Officer South, his interests include sustainable agriculture and wildlife habitat conservation. Some committees he has been involved with include Cardinia Creek Environment Working Group, Yakkerboo and Cardinia’s Environment Management Strategy. He enjoys serving the interests of the Biosphere community and region.

PROJECT GROWING CONNECTIONS Improving habitat corridors regionally across Western Port Biosphere.

Outcome 1: Increased cooperative and strategic management through collaboration with local government, State government agencies, Indigenous land managers, community groups and individuals.

This project was funded by the Australian Government

Western Port Biodiversity Plan A biosphere-wide plan developed with extensive community consultation:

Growing Connections Project was successfully completed in 2016/17 meeting and exceeding targets.

• Priority mapping identifying key areas for works, developed through combining; ·· The best available science ·· Council plans and strategies ·· Community values ·· Opportunities in the landscape • Cited in various subsequent council plans and strategies • Used to prioritise works for funding through Growing Connections The Western Port Biosphere Reserve Biodiversity Plan is helping to promote collaboration between agencies, community groups and individuals in the biosphere and guide environmental works that protect and enhance our biodiversity into the future.

Strict Project Governance The Project Implementation Committee (PIC) was put in place to provide advice and a sounding board for project delivery staff: • PIC also provided checks and balances on key decisions made around investment of project funds. • Representatives from the Biosphere Board, project partners, and the community provided advice and checks and balances when required • T he Biosphere thanks all PIC members for their invaluable input into the project.

Engagement with Traditional Owner Organisations Relationships built with Bunurong Land Council and Boon Wurrung Foundation • 3 community bus tours held in partnership with Bunurong Land Council - Mornington Peninsula/Frankston, Casey / Cardinia and Bass Coast • Tours focused on Indigenous culture and stories, and how cultural heritage is handled within the planning framework • More than 120 participants

Enabling Systems New Technologies Partnering with the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information we delivered: • Development of data collection tools for camera monitoring and fox baiting, making it easier to upload data and maintain consistency • Mapping for Biodiversity Plan using DELWP’s EnSYm program • Interpretive ‘Storyboards’ on the Biosphere website help share key messages • Carbon Calculation Methodology assessment • Leveraging off other investment for greater benefits

Collaboration Through the Growing Connections project great outcomes were achieved by collaborating with community groups, agencies, business and local governments to maximise the benefits of works undertaken. The initial workshops that helped to inform the Biodiversity Plan provided the basis in determining the priorities for allocation of funds to achieve the best outcomes. Building on previous projects by undertaking works on adjacent sites or complementing works being undertaken on nearby sites, enhanced the cooperation and collaboration between those involved which built stronger relationships, produced better outcomes and helped exceed targets for revegetation and restoration works.

To highlight the works being undertaken annual Biodiversity Forums were held during the project. These forums provided the opportunity for our project partners to present to audiences of 80-100 people to talk about the work they carried out as part of Growing Connections and showcase their achievements.

Outcome 2: Enhanced ecosystem function and increased resilience across the Biosphere. The Growing Connections project entered into agreements with 19 partner organisations to undertake targeted revegetation and restoration of remnant vegetation. Project targets for revegetation and restoration were significantly exceeded. Target

Achieved

Revegetation

40ha

145ha

Restoration

62ha

1159ha

On ground works Revegetation and remnant vegetation restoration. During the 2016/17 financial year the Growing Connections project delivery partners completed the agreements for on ground works. The sites chosen for works were guided by the outcomes of the mapping undertaken for the Biodiversity Plan with the major priority being to build on past investment and gains already made through the project. Outcomes completed:

Support for Ramsar Nomination As part of the Growing Connections Project representatives of Western Port Biosphere Reserve participated as a member of the Government and Agency Working Party to investigate the feasibility of the nomination of Tootgarook Wetlands as a Ramsar Wetland. Tootgarook Wetland Working Party, comprised of Government and Agency representatives and Tootgarook Wetland Stakeholder Advisory Committee, was established to develop a comprehensive management plan for Tootgarook Wetlands. During the period December 2012 to October 2015 representatives participated in meetings held to review reports and examine the issues impacting on the wetlands. BMT WBM Pty Ltd. was engaged by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to prepare an Ecological Character Description of the Wetland and advice on matters for consideration in assessing suitability for nomination as a Ramsar wetland. It was determined that further studies are required to accurately characterize the Wetland, and that a Wetland Strategy and Land Use Management Plan (Catchment based) should be developed and implemented. The Tootgarook Wetland Management Plan was prepared by BMT WBM in partnerships with WetlandCare Australia and is being implemented. During the process there was extensive community consultation with a number of workshops being conducted.

Bass Coast Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

Bass Coast Landcare Network

8.82ha

Remnant restoration

Bass Coast Landcare Network

108ha

Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group

20ha

Remnant restoration

Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group

60ha

Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

Cardinia Environment Coalition

1.2ha

Remnant restoration

Cardinia Environment Coalition

3.5ha

City of Casey

Cardinia Shire Council

Down’s Estate Community Committee Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

Down’s Estate Community Committee

1.0ha

Remnant restoration

Down’s Estate Community Committee

Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

Habitat Restoration Fund

Remnant restoration

Habitat Restoration Fund

6.0ha

Habitat Restoration Fund

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

Mornington Railway Preservation Society

2.2ha

Remnant restoration

Mornington Railway Preservation Society

29.7ha

Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

French Island Landcare Group

3.77ha

Remnant restoration

French Island Landcare Group Parks Victoria

9.25ha 3.0ha

Activity

Project Partners

Area covered

Revegetation

6 partners undertaking revegetation

36.99ha

Remnant restoration

7 partners undertaking remnant vegetation protection

219.45ha

French Island

Totals

8 partners all together

Outcome 3: A clear statement of the additional sequestered carbon as a result of the project’s on-ground activities.

RED: vegetation growth total

GREEN: litter layer total

BLUE: combined total

CRCSI reviewed methods for estimating carbon benefits as a result of revegetation. The Reforestation Modelling Tool (RMT), which was developed for the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative (CPI) was chosen. The RMT calculated that the 145ha of revegetation undertaken through this project will have, in 50 years from now, captured 9,785 tonnes of carbon Amalgamated data graphed to demonstrate the increase measured in tonnes of carbon of C mass of trees [tC]: the quantity of carbon in the above and below ground biomass of a forest; C mass of forest debris [tC]: the quantity of carbon in debris (large woody material, litter) present above-ground, and C mass on-site [tC]: sum of the quantity of carbon in trees and debris.

Pest control

Monitoring

Outcome 4: Improved and integrated management of vertebrate pests.

Outcome 5: A rigorous monitoring program that measures biodiversity gains across the Biosphere.

• Development of the Predator Control Strategy for the Western Port Biosphere Reserve in conjunction with Ecology Australia • Follow up to the Integrated Predator Control Strategy for the Southern Brown Bandicoot • Identifies on-ground priority areas and standards for works • F ormation of the Western Port Pest Animal Group, which includes major land managers in the region who undertake pest control activities • D evelopment of data collection tools for fox control with CRCSI • O n-ground works undertaken around the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, Quail Island, and Tooradin, focusing on fox, cat and rabbit control to varying degrees Target

Achieved

125ha

2,726ha (combined works)

• 65 motion sensing cameras deployed, mainly across the northern section of Western Port • Over 2 million photos collected • 187,997 photos of animals collected and identified • Records formatted into required format to prepare an occupancy analysis • Ecology Australia conducted analysis Analysis will try to determine any relationship between predator numbers and Southern Brown Bandicoot numbers, especially in areas where fox control has taken place through this project The Western Port Biosphere thanks David Nicholls, Sam Ibbetson, Dr Terry Coates, and their network of science friends for their work on this aspect of the project.

PROJECT WATER STEWARDSHIP Building a Water Stewardship Community in Western Port. The Water Stewardship Project is a three year (2015-2017) pilot in partnership with the Alliance for Water Stewardship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Asia-Pacific (AWS), funded by Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, with support from Melbourne Water, South East Water, Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Inghams Enterprises, Parks Victoria, EPA Victoria and Southern Rural Water. We have successfully engaged these regional agencies and organisations to support the project in a number of ways including funding, identification of potential water stewards, information on catchments and waterways, and information to help water stewards implement their plans.

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT The Water Stewardship project fosters collaboration between major water users, the community, water agencies, local government and other stakeholders to improve water quality and ecology of local waterways, and water security for water users within the Western Port Biosphere Reserve. Water stewardship is a form of catchment and water management which is easily developed and implemented, builds on existing works and planning, and can be externally accredited. The water stewardship approach allows water and catchment management to be systematically applied at the site scale, within a catchment context, that aims to achieve four outcomes: • Sustainable water balance • Good water quality • Healthy ecosystems and cultural sites, and • Good water governance Water stewards develop individual Site Water Stewardship Plans - either from scratch or building on existing works and planning that include objectives and actions addressing their specific site risks and protecting site or catchment values. Each site water stewardship plan is verified against the International Water Stewardship Standard.

Our environmental aims for the Western Port Biosphere Water Stewardship Project are to:

Improve water and land management practices to reduce sediment, nutrient & pollutant run-off

Improved water quality and ecology of waterways and riparian areas

Better manage water use by water and land managers

Improved water security for water users (including the environment)

Maintain/improve ecological conditions at the receiving waters

Increased biodiversity, better ecosystem condition and more ecosystem services

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Water Steward locations:

The Watson Creek catchment was the initial focus and the project has now expanded to nine other catchments within the Biosphere Reserve: Langwarrin Creek, Merricks-Hastings South, Balcombe Creek, Sweetwater Creek, Cardinia Creek, Hastings North, Chinamans Creek, Rodd Creek and Bass River.

The program currently has 28 water stewards including a chicken processor, horticulture farms, plant nurseries, livestock producers, grazing properties, horse breeders/agistment properties, schools, a camp site, wetland reserves, golf courses, animal sanctuaries, a vineyard, and a steel maker. We are working through lists of potential water stewards across nine catchments to gain further participation which will underpin the future growth and effectiveness of the project.

• They have a completed a Site Water Stewardship Plan using the Biosphere accredited template (which conforms to the International Standard for Water Stewardship), and; • They have completed a self-verification assessment, and; • This has been verified by a Biosphere staff member with Advanced Water Stewardship Training, using a checklist to assess if they have met the standard.

The Water Stewardship project is in the final stages of its current phase and we are finalising and implementing multiple site water stewardship plans within each catchment. While further water stewards, and works, will be needed to achieve widespread on-ground improvements, the initiative is achieving some early positive results. Contributions to the project so far: • Megan Mcleod and team at AWS undertaking Catchment Condition and Issue Documents

Landholders, businesses and organisations are now contacting the Biosphere to be involved, so our communications plan is starting to take effect. We have established a robust approach to extend the work across the whole biosphere reserve provided additional funding is received.

• Megan Mcleod and Michael Spencer (AWS) and Hudson Cameron (Inghams) for training sessions

Industry groups and associations are also starting to engage new water stewards, and we will continue our industry and agency briefings to further promote the project.

• Chris Chambers (Biosphere) for mapping 12 Catchments and overall area

To further enhance the uptake of water stewardship within the Biosphere, we have established branding that is consistent with other Biosphere projects to allow it to be easily recognisable as a Western Port Biosphere project. In addition, we have established a Local Recognition Scheme whereby our water stewards will receive a Western Port Biosphere Water Steward certificate and gate sign, as well as the rights to display the Western Port Biosphere Water Steward name and logo on their website or in their publications, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Karen Sprey and Cecelia Witton (Biosphere) for many aspects of the project

• John Nguyen, on a Student Placement from Monash University, producing catchment information and plan templates • Chris Dixon (an environmental/economics graduate of Deakin University) who developed information on, and lists of, potential Water Stewards in several catchments, working with potential water stewards and also developed several site water stewardship plan templates for various catchments and sites Lance Lloyd - Project Officer

PROJECT RAMSAR Protecting the ecological values of the Western Port Ramsar site. The Australian Government funded Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority to manage “Protecting the ecological values of the Western Port Ramsar site” project. The Western Port Biosphere continues to deliver community engagement activities, and in late October 2016 we hosted an information session whilst cruising Western Port on the Tidemaster. The 30 community members on board enjoyed informative presentations by experts from a range of organisations including Parks Victoria, DELWP, Port Phillip and Westernport CMA, The Nature Conservancy, The Blue Carbon Laboratory, Deakin University and the Biosphere on topics that included marine life, aquatic pests, carbon capture in the mudflats, mangroves and seagrass beds, research on Quail Island, the Ramsar Management Plan, the Australian Mapping Ocean Wealth project and the Biosphere’s Water Stewardship project. The boat trip provided valuable insight for community members to learn about research being undertaken in their area. Equally important, it provided scope for locals to share their knowledge with scientists and fellow community members, and for scientists to learn about each other’s research. This field day brought the Biosphere’s total number of community engagement activities for the Australian Government funded ‘Protecting the Ecological Values of the Western Port Ramsar Site’ program to 15, exceeding the target of 10 for the program well ahead of the program completion date of 30 June 2018.

Hooded Plover chick

The program aims to reduce threats to the Ramsar site and increase community understanding of the importance of wetlands and how to protect them. The issues covered in the information sessions we were engaged to deliver include: • Ramsar values, • Pest plants and animals, and • Water quality and land management. The focus area for community engagement was for residents living on or near the Western Port Ramsar Site from Yaringa to Warneet. During the final year of the program, we will expand the project’s reach by focusing activities further east to the Tooradin and Koo Wee Rup region. Sally Jacka - Project Officer

MORNINGTON PENINSULA AND WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE FOUNDATION LIMITED (TRADING AS WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE) ACN 107 484 408

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

CONTENTS (Financial Statements) Directors Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Financial Statements - Profit or Loss & Other Comprehensive Income

- Financial Position

- Changes in Equity

- Cash Flows

Notes to the Financial Statements

Director’s Declaration

Independent Auditors Report

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 DIRECTORS REPORT

Western Port Biosphere Reserve

Directors’ Report

(ACN 107 484 408)

Details of the directors Director’s Name: Position held: Special responsibilities: Qualifications: Experience:

Duncan Malcolm, AM Chairperson Chair of the Board, Member of Executive Honorary Fellow at Monash University 30 years’ experience on a range of boards, predominately in the public sector. He is a former Chair and Deputy Chair of the Rural Water Commission/Corporation of Victoria, a former Commissioner with East Gippsland Shire Council, a former Chair of the Gippsland Coastal Board and the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Other roles include; former national Chair of the Irrigation Association of Australia Ltd., former Chair of The Australian Irrigation Council, Member and Chair of The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council and several other former board memberships including East Gippsland Water and Gippsland Water. Current roles include; Director of Gippsland Primary Health Network, Trustee of the Australian Landscape Trust, Trustee of the McPherson Smith Rural Fund and Chair of the Gippsland Vehicle Collection. Duncan is a long-time resident of Biosdale in Victoria, where he has an irrigation property on which he previously dairy farmed and grew vegetables. He was made a Member of The Order of Australia in 2007, had been an Honorary Justice of the Peace since 1984.

Director’s Name: Position held: Special responsibilities: Qualifications: Experience:

Rodney Stuart Anderson Director None BSc (Hons) Environmental Planner and Policy Analyst. Senior Victorian Public Servant with experience in coastal planning, forest biodiversity, climate change adaptation and carbon policy, and regional program delivery.

Director’s Name: Position held: Special responsibilities: Qualifications: Experience:

Neil Rankine Director None B Sc (Hons), Dip Ed. Former councillor with the Bass Coast Shire Council Interests include; environmental, economic and social sustainability

Director’s Name: Position held: Special responsibilities: Qualifications: Experience:

David Livingstone Young Director Secretary, Member of Executive Diploma Farm Management Farmer, Councillor Cardinia Shire, Victorian Farmers Federation, Trust for Nature Covenanter

4 29

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 DIRECTORS REPORT cont.

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 DIRECTORS REPORT

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN RESERVE 107 484 408ACN 107 484 408 AUDITOR’S DIRECTORS INDEPENDENCE REPORT DECLARATION

Crowe Horwath Vic ABN 27 621 602 883 Member Crowe Horwath International

Audit and Assurance Services Suite 3-5 Level 1, 11 John Street Pakenham VIC 3810 PO Box 183 Pakenham VIC 3810 Australia Tel 03 5940 2033 Fax 03 5940 2042 www.crowehorwath.com.au

AUDITORS INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SUBDIVISION 60-40 OF THE AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS COMMISSION ACT 2012 TO THE BOARD OF THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA AND WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE Crowe Horwath Vic FOUNDATION LIMITED ABN 27 621 602 883

Member Crowe Horwath International

I declare that, in relation to our audit of the financial report of Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Audit and Assurance Services Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2016, to the best of my 42A Main Street knowledge and belief, there have been: Pakenham VIC 3810 PO Box 183 Australian Charities Pakenham VIC 3810 Australia

(a)

No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; and

(b)

Fax 03 5940 2042 No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

and

Tel 03 5940 2033

www.crowehorwath.com.au

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Board of The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited CROWE HORWATH VIC I declare that, in relation to our audit of the financial report of the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2017, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in respect of the audit.

GORDON ROBERTSON Partner Date: 23 September 2016 CROWE HORWATH VIC

GORDON ROBERTSON Partner Date: 22 September 2017

Crowe Horwath Vic is a member of Crowe Horwath International, a Swiss verein. Each member of Crowe Horwath is a separate and independent legal entity. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees.

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN ACN 107 107 484 484 408 408 FINANCIAL DIRECTORS STATEMENTS REPORT

2016 - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS cont.

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS cont.

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 DIRECTORS DECLARATION

WESTERN PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN ACN 107 107 484 484 408 408 INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS REPORT AUDITORS REPORT

Crowe Horwath Vic ABN 27 621 602 883 Member Crowe Horwath International

Crowe Horwath Vic Audit27and Services ABN 621 Assurance 602 883 42A Main Street Member Crowe Horwath International Pakenham VIC 3810 PO Box Audit and183 Assurance Services Pakenham VIC 3810 Australia 42A Main Street Pakenham 3810 Tel 03 5940VIC 2033 PO Box 183 2042 Fax 03 5940 Pakenham VIC 3810 www.crowehorwath.com.au Australia Tel 03 5940 2033 Fax 03 5940 2042 www.crowehorwath.com.au

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Mornington Opinion Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited We have audited the financial report of Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited (the Company), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June Opinion 2017, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity and the statement of cash flowsaudited for thethe year then ended, notes to the financialand statements, including a summary of We have financial report and of Mornington Peninsula Western Port Biosphere Reserve significant policies, and the directors’ declaration. Foundationaccounting Limited (the Company), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity and the statement of In ourflows opinion, theyear accompanying report of the Mornington Peninsula and aWestern Port cash for the then ended,financial and notes to the financial statements, including summary of Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited has been prepared in accordance with Division 60 of the significant accounting policies, and the directors’ declaration. Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, including: In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port (a) givingReserve a true and fair viewLimited of the Company’s financial position as at 30 June 2017 60 andofofthe its Biosphere Foundation has been prepared in accordance with Division financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended; and Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, including: (b) (a)

complying with Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements giving a true andAustralian fair view of the Company’s financial position as at 30 June 2017 and ofand its Division of the Australian Charities andthe Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013. financial 60 performance and cash flows for year then ended; and

Basis for Opinionwith Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements and (b) complying Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Basis standards for Opinion Report section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements theaudit Accounting Professional and EthicalAuditing Standards Board’s Our APES 110 Code of Ethics We conductedofour in accordance with Australian Standards. responsibilities under for Professional (the Code)inthat relevantResponsibilities to our audit of the report in Australia. those standardsAccountants are further described theare Auditor’s forfinancial the Audit of the Financial We havesection also fulfilled otherWe ethical accordance Code. with the ethical Report of ourour report. are responsibilities independent ofin the Companywith in the accordance requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics We believe that the audit evidence we have is sufficient and of appropriate to provide basis for for Professional Accountants (the Code) thatobtained are relevant to our audit the financial report inaAustralia. our We opinion. have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1(n): Going Concern in the financial report which indicates the Company’s operations are reliant on grant funding and the contributions from its five Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern local councils. These conditions and the other matters disclosed in Note 1(n) indicate the existence of a material uncertaintyour that may cast doubttoabout Company’s ability to as a report going Without qualifying opinion, wesignificant draw attention Notethe 1(n): Going Concern in continue the financial concern and therefore, the Company may are be unable to realise its assets discharge its from liabilities in which indicates the Company’s operations reliant on grant funding andand the contributions its five the course of business. localnormal councils. These conditions and the other matters disclosed in Note 1(n) indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and therefore, the Company may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

PORT BIOSPHERE RESERVE ACN 107 484 408 DIRECTORS REPORT

Other Information The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Company’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2017, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements and the ACNC Act and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. The directors are responsible for overseeing the company’s financial reporting process. Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_files/ar3.pdf. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

CROWE HORWATH VIC

GORDON ROBERTSON Partner Signed at Pakenham this 28th day of September 2017 Page | 2

Mornington and Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd Shop 1, 97 High Street (Postal: PO Box 261) Hastings VICTORIA 3915 Australia P 03 59792 167 E info@biosphere.org.au