Business Plan Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board 2019-2022 - Landscape SA
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Business Plan Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board 2019–2022
Natural Resources Management Act 2004 Natural Resources Management Plan for the Kangaroo Island, Natural Resources Management Region I, Honourable David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water, after taking into account and in accordance with the requirements of section 81 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, hereby adopt these amendments to the Kangaroo Island NRM Business Plan 2019–2022, volume of the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Plan 2017–2027. Honourable David Speirs MP Minister for Environment and Water Volume B — Business Plan 2019–2022 December 2018 This document was prepared by the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board and is a policy of the South Australian Government. Front cover image of Dudley Peninsula by Quentin Chester Photography. All images in this document are credited to Natural Resources Kangaroo Island unless stated otherwise. 2
Foreword
This business plan follows the approach that was
agreed during the development of the Kangaroo
Island Natural Resources Management Plan
2017–2027 and aligns the Board’s program of
activities for the 2019/20–2022/23 financial year
with the strategic plan’s goals and objectives to
show how it will continue to be implemented.
The Board and staff and Natural Resources
Kangaroo Island have worked hard this past year
to secure additional investment into NRM on
the Island. This has included the submission of
tenders and funding applications to the Australian
Government’s Regional Land Partnerships and
Smart Farms programs, some of which have been
successful. The significant land levy increase that
The management of the State’s natural resources was instituted in 2017–18 has meant that the
is undergoing a significant transformation process. Board has been able to continue with its pest
The State Government has announced that it will plant and animal control programs in the absence
be repealing the Natural Resources Management of Australian Government funding for these
Act 2004 and introducing the new Landscape services. The Board has also made meaningful
South Australia Act into Parliament in 2019. investments into water resources management
The new legislation is intended to strengthen and biosecurity. In the case of the former it has
community–led delivery of natural resources progressed its environmental water monitoring
management at a whole of landscape scale. A key project so as to determine sustainable water take
focus will be on further empowering communities limits for the Island, supporting triple bottom line
and land managers to be directly responsible for outcomes. No changes have been made to the
the sustainable management of their regions Board’s Water Affecting Activities Policy this year.
natural resources with an emphasis on soil quality,
water management and pest plant and animal I believe everyone on our Island benefits from
control. The Board currently invests significant the work done in natural resources management
resources in programs that align with the South – in community well-being, as the backbone
Australian Government’s priorities of soil, water of our tourist industry and in underpinning our
and pest plant and animals management. sustainable farming systems. I would like to
urge community members to continue to work
Once the new legislation has passed through together to care for and protect our Island home.
Parliament, the new Board will develop a five
year plan. Any change to planning processes
will be managed to ensure future planning is
simple, accessible and transparent. Future plans
will continue to build on the excellent level of
community input we have seen already, and we Richard Trethewey
do not intend to unnecessarily duplicate recent
Presiding Member
engagement.
Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management
Board
3
Contents
1. Introduction 5
1.1 What is natural resources management? 5
1.2 Role of the NRM Board 6
1.3 Board governance 7
2. About this Business Plan 8
2.1 Purpose 8
3. Managing our landscapes — Conversations for change 10
4. The Kangaroo Island Region 10
5. Strategic Framework 11
6. Investment 12
6.1 Regional Land Partnerships 13
7. Implementation Plan 14
Goal 1 Distinctiveness 15
Goal 2 Healthy, resilient ecosystems 16
Goal 3 Thriving communities 18
Goal 4 Thriving economy 19
Goal 5 Governance and local knowledge 21
8. Funding Board Actions — Income 22
8.1 NRM Board funding sources 22
8.2 Allocation of funds 22
8.3 The 2019-2020 financial year 23
8.4 Social impact assessment of levy 25
9. Funding Board Actions — Expenditure 26
9.1 proposed expenditure 2018-21 26
9.2 Regional service delivery 26
10. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement 27
10.1 Monitoring and evaluation 27
10.2 Reporting 27
10.3 Improvement 28
11. Glossary 29
12. References 31
A Natural resources management policies and guidelines 32
B KI Water Resources Management Policy: Water Affecting Activities 38
1. Introduction
1.1 What is natural resources management?
The Kangaroo Island community understands that This means taking into account the effect of
the Island’s outstanding natural resources support our natural resources management decisions
our physical, mental and spiritual well-being, our on communities and businesses as well as the
way of life and the Island’s economy. Kangaroo environment and its ecosystems. As our reliance
Island’s spectacular beaches, productive farms, on natural resources increases, so does the
extensive reserves and bountiful seas are essential importance of making well considered decisions
to the Island’s primary production and tourism based on an integrated natural resources
industries. The Island’s dynamic natural ecosystems management plan.
need to be protected to sustain these industries.
Balancing people’s needs with those of nature The responsibility for natural resources
and making wise decisions about exploitation and management rests with everyone. We all rely on
extraction levels will help guarantee continued fresh air and clean water and we all consume
access to these goods and services for future food, building materials and energy for home,
generations. industry or travel, all of which are derived
from natural resources. We also appreciate the
Natural resources management (NRM) aims to physical, mental and spiritual benefits of the
maintain a sustainable balance between social, natural environment for recreation, relaxation
cultural, economic and environmental interests in and meditation. Everyone uses natural resources,
the use of our natural resources for the benefit of so everyone has an interest in and responsibility
both current and future generations. for sustainable natural resources management to
support our current and future well-being and
lifestyles.
5
1.2 Role of the NRM Board
Regional NRM boards established under the NRM boards also work collaboratively with other
Natural Resources Management Act 2004, regional NRM boards, state and Commonwealth
have responsibility for facilitating the wise agencies and relevant industry, environment and
management of natural resources. In addition to community groups and organisations.
the preparation, implementation and review of
regional natural resources management plans, Regional NRM boards consist of up to nine
NRM boards also promote public awareness and members, appointed by the Minister, who
understanding of the importance of integrated collectively have the knowledge, skills and
and sustainable natural resources management experience in areas such as primary production,
and provide advice to the Minister on the conservation, land and water management, and
condition and management of natural resources in animal and plant control to effectively carry out
the region. the functions of the board. All Kangaroo Island
Natural Resources Management Board members
NRM boards take an active role in ensuring live in the region and many are engaged in an
that both regional NRM plans and regional activity related to land management. All members
development plans promote the objectives of the have an interest in facilitating and negotiating for
Natural Resources Management Act 2004 and the sustainable use and conservation of natural
that they together form a coherent set of policies. resources and an awareness of natural resource
NRM boards work with local councils, the Minister issues across the region. This arrangement is
and his/her department in considering any complemented by the strong relationship with
proposed amendments to Development Plans that Kangaroo Island Council.
are relevant to the activities of the board.
6
1.3 NRM Board governance
The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Much of the material is based on DEW’s existing
Management Board (the Board) has a role in requirements, plus additional documentation as
providing efficient and effective leadership recommended by Effective governance. directors
and management of Board business. Sound at work: A practical guide for boards (2012).
governance and administration is critical to
the ongoing operation of the Board and the The Board conducts formal independent and
development of its capacity to deliver effective semi-formal reviews of its governance processes.
NRM programs in the region. External stakeholder evaluation is undertaken
annually.
The Board has adopted a set of adaptive
governance principles (see Table 1) to ensure it is The Board operates under a risk management
effective and dynamic and that it operates with approach. The risk matrix is reviewed bi-monthly
integrity. by the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee
to reassess the level of risk and effectiveness of
Board inductions are held annually by DEW for mitigating strategies, and to identify new risks.
new board members. The Board also conducts Resulting recommendations for changes to the risk
an induction process when new members join. In matrix are endorsed by the Board and recorded in
2016, the administration undertook a significant their minutes.
revision of the Board Manual.
Table 1: Seven principles of adaptive governance (Adapted from Griffith et al. 2009)
Governance Principle Description
The conferred or earned authority and necessary diligence and integrity to make
Legitimacy
decisions on behalf of others
An ethical basis for the way decisions are made and how communities and
Procedural fairness
stakeholders are involved and treated
Accountability Being answerable to those on whose behalf decisions are made
The linkages, networking and knowledge exchange that enables coordination
Institutional networks
of effort to occur
The awareness, reflection and responsiveness to changing conditions that
Reflective process enables learning, new knowledge and feedback to be incorporated into
planning and action
Flexibility to manage and respond to change and manage towards desired
Adaptation
outcomes
Potential to navigate a shift to a fundamentally different system of natural
Transformation
resources use and management when the existing system becomes untenable
7
2. About this Business Plan
2.1 Purpose
The Kangaroo Island NRM Business Plan The plan is based on the best science and
2019–2022 sets out how the Board aims to approaches currently available and effective,
deliver on the goals and objectives of the strategic ongoing monitoring, evaluation and improvement
Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management are key elements in its implementation.
Plan 2017–2027 through its investment over the
three-year period. This Business Plan identifies the The Business Plan 2019–2022 does not reflect all
expected sources of investment for the financial funding the region receives as it does not include
years 2019/20–2021/22. (See Figure 1) the state allocation to parks and public lands as
well as state based project activities in the region.
The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources However, an integrated approach is in place
Management Plan 2017–2027 provides a regional whereby the Natural Resources Kangaroo Island
framework and guidance for everyone managing Regional Director, who is also Executive Officer
and deriving benefit from Kangaroo Island’s to the Board, is responsible for managing staff
natural resources, as contemplated by the Act. It and resources within the region involved in both
presents a clear and defensible statement of what Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
is needed to achieve the sustainable ecological and Board related programs.
management of Kangaroo Island’s natural
resources, why this action is needed, and how the
To access the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources
most effective and efficient actions are determined
Management Plan 2017–2027 please go to:
and delivered.
www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/kangarooisland/
about-us/our_regions_plan
Figure 1. Regional NRM planning suite
Timeframe
REGIONAL NRM PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN
10 Sets the strategic direction
YEARS
for the next 10 years
Delivered through the
3 BUSINESS PLAN
YEARS Allocates funding for the next 3 years
Allocates funding to implement
1-3
YEARS
PROGRAMS, PLANS & PROJECTS
8
The Board implements programs, plans and 3. Thriving community
projects to achieve the five goals of the KI NRM The Kangaroo Island community enjoys a high
Plan: level of well-being, is resilient and connected.
1. Distinctiveness:
Kangaroo Island’s unique qualities and character 4. Vibrant economy
are protected and enhanced for the enjoyment Kangaroo Island prospers with a vibrant economy
and benefit of the community and visitors and for that is based on sustainably managed natural
future generations. resources, primary production and industry that
underpins its brand value.
2. Healthy, resilient ecosystems
Kangaroo Island’s ecosystems are healthy and 5. Governance and local knowledge
resilient, biodiversity loss is minimised and The Kangaroo Island community uses an adaptive
ecosystems continue to deliver life-supporting governance approach, learning and making
services. decisions together, valuing all knowledge types
and sharing information freely.
9
3. Managing our landscapes – conversations for change
The management of the State’s natural resources
is about to undergo significant reform. The State
Government has announced that it will introduce
a new Landscape SA Bill into Parliament in the first
quarter of 2019, to replace the Natural Resources
Management Act 2004.
The new legislation is intended to strengthen
community led delivery of natural resources
management at local and whole of landscape
scales. The focus is on empowering communities
and land managers to be directly responsible for
the sustainable management of their region’s
natural resources with an emphasis on soil quality, Through the new business plan, the Board is
water management and pest plant and animal investing significant resources in a range of
control. programs that contribute to the government’s
priorities of soil quality, water management and
The Board welcomes the government’s reform pest plant and animal control. A number of
agenda and aims to capitalise on the opportunities examples have been highlighted throughout the
to strengthen the delivery of practical on ground business plan.
works that address local priorities.
Once the new legislation has passed through
This draft Business Plan has been developed in Parliament, regional plans and business plans
line with current legislative requirements and may need to be further updated. Any change
the Government’s priorities for natural resources to planning processes will be managed to
management. Consistent with the government’s ensure future planning is simple, accessible and
policy, the Board’s plan proposes that annual levy transparent. Future plans will continue to build
increases from 2019–2022 are limited to CPI. on the excellent level of community input we
have seen already, and we do not intend to
unnecessarily duplicate recent engagement.
4. The Kangaroo Island Region
The Kangaroo Island region lies 15 km from The Island is surrounded by a healthy marine
the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula and covers environment, including four marine parks, that
4,370 km2 with 457 km of coastline. The supports commercial and recreational fishing as
population of approximately 4,600 is centred well as tourism. The economy is almost entirely
in four townships, of which Kingscote is the dependent on the natural resources base with
largest with about 1,500 residents, followed by primary production and nature-based and
Penneshaw, Parndana and American River. farm-based tourism making up around 90%
of the gross regional product. Kangaroo Island
Native vegetation covers almost 50% of the welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year. The
Island, of which almost 65% is protected in primary production sector is varied, and includes
national parks, wilderness protection areas and broadacre cropping, sheep for meat and
conservation parks. Native wildlife is diverse and wool, viticulture, horticulture (especially seed
relatively abundant. potatoes), forestry and aquaculture.
105. Strategic framework
This three year Business Plan sets out the Figure 2 below shows the relationship between
high‑level actions to implement priorities and Landscape SA reform objectives and NRM
ultimately achieve the regions goals. programs. Table 2 identifies expenditure and
expected revenue for each program and project.
Figure 2. Relationship between Landscape SA reform, KI NRM Plan goals and programs
Vibrant biodiversity Resilient communities Sustainable economy
Healthy native species and Capable people and groups Prosperous businesses now
Landscapes ecosystems that are able to leading stewardship of and in the future, able to
SA Reform adapt and persist in the face their natural environments, adapt as the economy and
Objectives of change contributing to strong social primary industries transform
networks that can cope with over time
changing environments
Distinctiveness Healthy, Governance Thriving Vibrant
Kangaroo Island’s resilient and local community economy
unique qualities ecosystems knowledge The Kangaroo Kangaroo Island
and character Kangaroo Island’s The Kangaroo Island community prospers with a
are protected ecosystems Island community enjoys a high vibrant economy
and enhanced for are healthy uses an adaptive level of well- that is based
NRM Plan the enjoyment and resilient, governance being, is resilient on sustainably
Goals and benefit of biodiversity loss approach, and connected managed natural
the community is minimised learning and resources, primary
and visitors and ecosystems making decisions production and
and for future continue to together, valuing industry that
generations deliver life- all knowledge underpins its
supporting types and sharing brand value
services information freely
Leadership and governance
Board administration, regional management, business administration
Soil Water Pest plant and Stewardship
Regional Agricultural Water Affecting animals Conservation of
Programs Landcare Facilitator Activities Regional delivery threatened ecological
Environmental declared pest control communities
Sustainable agriculture
projects Assessment of Water Biosecurity Community
Management Options engagement
Community Feral Cat Eradication
engagement Community Program
engagement Community
engagement
116. Investment
This Business Plan sets out the programs and The Kangaroo Island NRM Board receives funding
projects that will be funded by the Board to from the NRM land levy and additional funding
contribute to the implementation of the Strategic from state and Australian governments. This
Plan. It describes the expenditure and expected funding supports the implementation of the NRM
revenue for the three-year period from 2019–20 plan, including projects and activities to maintain
to 2021–22. and improve the condition of the region’s natural
resources and encourage their sustainable use.
The Board’s investment will be delivered through a The Board currently invests significant resources in
range of projects and approaches including direct programs and projects that align with the South
investment, contracts for works or services, and Australian Government’s priorities of soil, water,
grants to the community. pest plants and animals and stewardship which
are summarised in Table 2.
Table 2. Summary of investment into Government of South Australia priorities
$
Priority Project/activities
2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator,
Soil Sustainable agriculture projects, 347,537 352,257 355,693
Community engagement
Water Affecting Activities, Environmental
Water Assessment of Water Management 289,879 295,356 300,497
Options, Community engagement
Regional delivery declared pest control,
Pest plant and
Biosecurity, Feral Cat Eradication 992,371 1,001,491 1,010,344
animals
Program, Community engagement
Other
Conservation of threatened ecological
stewardship 569,249 581,861 594,413
communities, Community engagement
priorities
Leadership and Board administration, regional
905,612 922,079 938,413
governance management, business administration
Total 3,104,648 3,153,044 3,199,360
126.1 Regional Land Partnerships
Earlier this year, the Australian Government Environment Outcomes:
announced Phase 2 of the National Landcare »» Outcome 2: By 2023, the trajectory of species
Program (the Program) for 2017 to 2023, which targeted under the Threatened Species
is being managed by the Department of the Strategy, and other EPBC Act priority species, is
Environment and Energy and the Department of stabilised or improved.
Agriculture and Water Resources and includes a
range of measures to support natural resource »» Outcome 4: By 2023, the implementation of
management. priority actions is leading to an improvement
in the condition of EPBC Act listed Threatened
A major component of the Program is the
Ecological Communities.
Regional Land Partnerships (RLP), which is a
regional‑scale delivery model that was put out to
tender for each of the 56 natural resource regions Agriculture Outcomes:
across Australia. The Board was fortunate to be »» Outcome 5: By 2023, there will be increased
selected as the delivery agent for Kangaroo Island awareness and adoption of land management
and the final package to be delivered in the region practices that improve and protect the
is summarised in Table 3. condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation.
The Program has six, five year objectives, and the »» Outcome 6: By 2023, there is an increase in
ones relevant to Kangaroo Island include: the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt
to significant changes in climate and market
demands for information on provenance and
sustainable production.
Table 3. Summary of Regional Land Partnership activities on Kangaroo Island
Budget ($)
Program 2018–19 RLP 2019–20 RLP 2020–21 RLP 2021–22 RLP
investment investment investment investment
Core services, regional planning,
communications, project management, 303,828 298,845 305,513 310,139
monitoring and evaluation etc.
Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator 128,584 126,894 129,725 131,670
Recovering Narrow-leaved mallee project 477,088 433,606 444,329 455,390
Future-proofing agriculture project 130,000
Feral cat eradication on Dudley Peninsula
500,000 500,000 500,000
project
Building agricultural resilience project 130,000 130,000 130,000
Total 1,039,500 1,489,345 1,509,567 1,527,199
137. Implementation Plan
The Implementation Plan describes the activities Not included are activities conducted by Natural
to be undertaken by Natural Resources Kangaroo Resources Kangaroo Island in respect of managing
Island on behalf of the Board in the 2019–20 parks, reserves and Crown lands on behalf of
financial year, and they are unlikely to change the Department, as well as natural resources
significantly in outgoing years. management activities that will be undertaken
by other stakeholders in the region, including
These activities are funded through the NRM levy, other agencies, industry and community groups,
the state allocation to Natural Resources Kangaroo independently of Natural Resources Kangaroo
Island, and Australian Government funding (see Island.
Section 8).
The activities are aligned to the Kangaroo Island
NRM Plan’s five goals.
14Goal 1. Distinctiveness
Kangaroo Island’s unique qualities and character are protected and enhanced for the enjoyment
and benefit of the community and visitors and for future generations.
Rick Dawson
Kangaroo Island is defined by rugged coastlines »» Participate in and make comment at regional
and sweeping vistas, unspoilt beaches and economic development fora and initiatives.
sparkling ocean waters, lighthouses and
shipwrecks, extensive native vegetation and »» Continue Board membership of, and active
abundant wildlife, solitude and space to roam, participation, in the Tourism Optimisation
dark night skies and the sounds of nature, the Management Model (TOMM), aimed at
characteristic agricultural mosaic, a welcoming ensuring the continual improvement and
community and sense of safety; an ideal place to sustainability of the tourism sector on the
raise a family or retire. These are the things that Island.
landholders, residents and visitors to the Island »» Support processes aimed at developing
value and wish to retain, while acknowledging renewable energy supplies on Island, working
that some change is desirable and other change is towards becoming carbon neutral.
inevitable.
»» Work with the Aboriginal Nations Group to
Kangaroo Island has a unique landscape. The improve the exposition of Indigenous heritage
focus for the Board is to deliver actions that on the Island.
support the ecologically sustainable use and »» Work with relevant stakeholders to explore
development of our Island’s natural resources in opportunities to establish a Kangaroo Island
order to maintain its essential character. conservation trust (or other suitable legal
vehicle) that is able to receive and administer
Upcoming activities donations from visitors, philanthropists,
corporations and other public and private
»» Provide comment and advice to the Kangaroo agencies for biodiversity and cultural
Island Council on the Development Plan for conservation.
Kangaroo Island, as contemplated by the NRM
Act 2004. »» Collaborate with the University of Adelaide,
the NESP Threatened Species Hub and other
»» Provide comment and advice on development research providers to promote biodiversity and
proposals and activities as part of the public NRM research activities on the Island.
consultation process.
15Goal 2. Healthy, resilient ecosystems
Kangaroo Island’s ecosystems are healthy and resilient, biodiversity loss is minimised and
ecosystems continue to deliver life-supporting services.
Kangaroo Island is famous for its beautiful, Upcoming activities
natural environment and diverse and abundant
wildlife that attracts visitors from far and wide. »» Incorporate climate change considerations into
The Kangaroo Island community appreciates all planning, programs and projects.
the beauty of its natural environment and the
»» Implementation of the RLP project: Recovering
fundamental contribution the natural resources
the Kangaroo Island Narrow Leaved Mallee
base makes to its prosperity and well-being.
Woodland Threatened Ecological Community
However, factors such as habitat and species loss,
through local landscape action:
over-abundant native species, pollution, weeds,
feral animals, and changes in fire regime continue ›› Support land managers to practically
to impact on biodiversity. protect and manage the Narrow-leaved
Mallee Woodland Threatened Ecological
Community on their properties.
Soil needs to be suitably managed to minimise
acidification, erosion and salinisation and the ›› Support land managers to undertake
accompanying impact on ecosystems. Water strategic revegetation to increase the
resources need to be carefully managed to extent of the Narrow-leaved Mallee
protect riparian and aquatic environments while Woodland Threatened Ecological
supporting human needs, primary production and Community, expand its distribution and
other economic activity. The marine environment improve connectivity between remnant
is biologically diverse and has considerable patches.
conservation value, but is under threat from ›› Control bridal veil at high priority
climate change and other localised stressors. sites within the Narrow-leaved Mallee
Woodland Threatened Ecological
Targeted intervention is required to address key Community.
threats, reduce the stress on natural systems, and
›› Collect and map new information on the
build resilience for adapting to the impacts of
distribution and condition of roadside
climate change so that the natural environment
narrow-leaved mallee communities to
continues to exist in a healthy state and deliver the
provide a robust baseline with which to
many benefits that support human prosperity and
measure change.
well-being.
16»» Support ecological restoration and »» Implementation of the Feral Cat Eradication
revegetation through the provision of a native Program through the RLP project Creating a
plant nursery and specialist planting advice. safe haven for the Kangaroo Island Dunnart
›› Provide advice about native vegetation and other priority threatened species by
management. eradicating feral cats from the Dudley
Peninsula and Smart Farms project Feral Cat
›› Improve the community’s understanding Strike Force - developing an innovative, best
and promote the benefits of native practice, community wildlife detection dog
vegetation on the Island. program for feral cat eradication on Kangaroo
»» Implementation of the Animal Plant Control Island to increase livestock farming profitability
Program: and protect island biodiversity:
›› Manage declared weed and pest animal ›› Commence the eradication of feral cats on
species in accordance with risk assessment the Dudley Peninsula.
priorities and regional management plans. ›› Support land managers to cull up to 500
feral cats over 15,000 ha on Kangaroo
»» Implementation of the Biosecurity Program: Island.
›› Implement the Kangaroo Island Biosecurity
›› Train local detector dog teams to support
Strategy.
feral cat eradication on the Dudley
›› Implement permitting systems to prevent Peninsula.
the escape of high risk captive species.
›› Implement monitoring program for feral
›› Implement pest incursion and response cats and native fauna on the Dudley
plans for high-risk species. Peninsula to detect changes in response to
›› Respond rapidly to pest incursions and feral cat eradication.
proactively manage biosecurity incidents.
»» Provide local comment on major development
›› Provide mechanisms to support community projects and any other activities potentially
surveillance and rapid reporting of affecting ecosystems, including threatened
biosecurity issues. species.
»» Work with key stakeholders to develop a
proposal for valuing the benefits delivered by
healthy native vegetation on the Island.
17Goal 3. Thriving community
The Kangaroo Island community enjoys a high level of well-being, is resilient and connected.
The Kangaroo Island community values its slow »» Coordinate and support citizen science
and peaceful way of life, strong social connections projects, fauna and flora surveys, field trials,
and vibrant community spirit, as well as its safe demonstration site visits, building awareness
and healthy environment. The community faces a and promoting the uptake of appropriate new
number of socio-economic challenges including technologies and innovations.
limited employment opportunities and lower than
state average per capita earnings. It acknowledges »» Support environmental NGOs, community
that education and ongoing skills development groups and Landcare with information, advice
are key ingredients for success, as are good and expertise, including on accessing available
communications and collaboration. grant funding.
»» Involve community volunteers in on-ground
The community continues to work towards a
activities, including ecological restoration and
future where all Island residents are able to thrive
revegetation, clean-ups, and weeding.
in a healthy, natural environment that supports
their well-being and preferred lifestyle. Off-Island »» Recognise individual and community group
landholders and Aboriginal Nations with deep best practice through the Local Achievers NRM
spiritual connections to the Island are integrally Awards.
involved in caring for country.
»» Promote compliance with legislation aimed at
This goal focuses on building local social capital, protecting the Island’s natural environment.
adaptive capacity, social resilience and self-
sufficiency. Community engagement in caring »» Pursue opportunities for Aboriginal
for the Island is facilitated through a number of involvement in caring for land and sea.
means, including local landscape action planning.
»» Promote ways in which individuals and
households can reduce their ecological
Upcoming activities footprint, saving energy and water, reducing
waste, recycling, and contributing to the
»» Provide information to and share knowledge
transition KI makes to becoming carbon
with the community through displays,
neutral.
presentations, workshops, conferences, field
days and shows, brochures, newsletters, »» Deliver classroom and field-based teaching
factsheets, etc. sessions to KICE students.
»» Share NRKI project stories, activities and »» Involve youth in NRM events and nature-based
achievements with the community (local, state activities.
and national) through the NRKI website, social
media channels and other media. »» Continue to support the link between art and
the environment through the provision of
»» Notify the community about public technical and scientific information relating to
consultation opportunities for NRM related the artwork.
plans, policies, strategies and regulations.
»» Provide NRM skills training and support for on-
ground work by landholders and volunteers.
18Goal 4. Vibrant economy
Kangaroo Island prospers with a vibrant economy that is based on sustainably managed natural
resources, primary production and industry that underpins its brand value.
Kangaroo Island’s economy is predominantly Collaboration and cooperative approaches
based on the sustainable use of its natural together with alternative economic models
environment. Its brand value is derived from the may offer means for overcoming some of the
Island’s character, including its native vegetation challenges.
and abundant wildlife, and its ‘clean, green’
image. The Kangaroo Island community recognises Upcoming activities
the advantage this offers and is committed to
ensuring economic activity on the Island is not »» Maintain Board membership of and active
only sustainable, but leads the way in industry participation in Agriculture Kangaroo Island,
best practice and innovation. TOMM, and the Kangaroo Island Industry and
Brand Alliance.
Agricultural soils that are well managed and
»» Implementation of the RLP Regional
healthy support the production of premium food
Agricultural Landcare Facilitator project to
and wine. Acidification, erosion and salinisation
support farmers, agronomists and farming
need to be addressed while improving soil
system groups and promote sustainable
structure and fertility and building soil biota.
agricultural practices.
Appropriate new technologies and innovations
have a key role to play in increasing productivity »» Implementation of the RLP Building resilient
and profitability while reducing the impact farming agricultural systems on Kangaroo Island
can have on ecosystem health. Building natural project:
capital through a farm stewardship approach may
›› Promote the importance of physical,
also lead to improved access to investment capital
chemical and biological soil health and
from financial institutions.
continue to facilitate regional soil testing
and the provision of advice to land
The Island faces a number of economic challenges, managers to rectify soil acidity and nutrient
including the ‘water gap’ and high cost of freight imbalances and deficiencies.
and inadequate communication infrastructure.
A constrained power supply and distribution ›› Promote the adoption of minimum and no
network also impact economic activity. The till cropping, maintaining ground cover in
increased cost of doing business on the Island grazing systems and other practices that
ideally needs to be offset by obtaining a premium build soil health and address degradation
for Island products and experiences. processes.
19›› Promote the application of lime sands to ›› Continue to improve water management
agricultural soils to reduce soil acidification policies, practices and processes.
and increase production.
›› Conduct citizen science aquatic ecosystem
›› Monitor regional lime sand sales and monitoring with the community.
incorporate into long term data set to
gauge the amount of acidic soil being »» Investigate and share the anticipated impacts
treated across the Island. of climate change on production systems
and industry sectors, and recommend and
›› Share information and facilitate training
support the implementation of mitigation and
opportunities to increase the capacity of
adaptation strategies.
land managers to undertake profitable,
sustainable and regenerative agriculture »» Support the KI Field Day and the AgKI
practices. conference as a means of sharing knowledge
›› Support landowners to reduce the impacts and promoting best land and business
of pests on agricultural production through management practice.
implementing Integrated Pest Management
and other suitable management practices. »» Share information and collaborate with the
Business Kangaroo Island, the Kangaroo Island
›› Promote best on-farm biosecurity practices. Industry and Brand Alliance and other Island
agencies to promote environmental best
»» Implementation of the Water Management
practice.
Program:
›› Assess flow requirements in aquatic »» Recognise industry best practice through the
ecosystems to inform the determination of Local Achievers NRM Awards.
sustainable catchment water take limits.
»» Facilitate farm stewardship and accreditation
›› Apply updated water take limits to manage
on Kangaroo Island, working with the
water resources in a sustainable, equitable
Kangaroo Industry and Brand Alliance
and transparent way.
to incorporate this approach into their
›› Implement water affecting activity policy membership criteria where appropriate.
to support the development of water
resources in a sustainable and equitable »» Identify and showcase tools and technologies
manner, optimising productive use that support improved on-farm decision
while providing for the needs of water- making and adaptation to a changing climate.
dependant ecosystems and other water
users.
20Goal 5. Governance and local knowledge
The Kangaroo Island community uses an adaptive governance approach, learning and making
decisions together, valuing all knowledge types and sharing information freely
Good decision making is fundamental to good »» Actively engage in cross-agency collaboration
natural resources management. Decision making to deliver integrated community services and
based on local and the best available technical outcomes.
knowledge, which is inclusive, fair, transparent,
accountable and timely, is a foundation for »» Provide timely and accurate scientific and
building a sustainable, resilient community technical advice to all stakeholders and
that enjoys high levels of well-being over time. interested parties.
However, some of the most important natural
resources management issues facing the KI »» Maintain and expand state and national
community are highly complex, with interactions research partnerships and collaborations, and
between social, economic and environmental keep abreast of and support new research,
factors, sometimes driven by processes well to improve knowledge of ecology and
removed from the Island. biodiversity.
»» Revise Natural Resources Kangaroo Island’s
There are no simple solutions to many of these knowledge management systems to improve
issues and resolving them will involve trade‑offs the capture and use of monitoring data and
between what different stakeholders value. information to improve program delivery,
These issues also cut across organisational and test NRM assumptions, assist in identifying
stakeholder roles and boundaries and operate key knowledge gaps, improve NRM
at different scales, in both space and time. This decision‑making and support and inform the
means that no single organisation or stakeholder Government of South Australia State of the
can address these issues alone. It will need Environment Report and Environmental trend
collaborative partnerships between organisations and condition report cards.
and the Island community. Coupled with this
complexity, there are frequently major knowledge »» Identify and pursue funding opportunities at
gaps or high levels of uncertainty about how some all levels, including ‘out of the square’ options
of the most important issues and drivers such as such as philanthropic and corporate social
climate may play out in the future. Creating good, responsibility investment.
adaptive governance processes that bring together
local knowledge with other types of knowledge, »» Identify and implement mechanisms for
that are inclusive of all stakeholders where increasing community participation in NRM
possible, and that evolve and learn over time as decision making.
more experience and knowledge is gathered, are a
cornerstone of meeting future challenges for KI. »» Investigate and promote ways of increasing
local adaptive capacity, social resilience, and
self-sufficiency.
Upcoming activities
»» Analyse and report on the effectiveness of
»» Regularly evaluate the effectiveness and
communication strategies to encourage the
suitability of NRM decision making processes,
sharing and embracing of NRM outcomes and
programs and projects and improve as needed.
to improve community knowledge.
»» Undertake annual Board performance
»» Support the implementation of the Kangaroo
self-assessments and regular independent
Island Agricultural Climate Change Adaptation
governance audits.
Action Plan.
218. Funding Board Actions – Income
8.1 NRM Board funding sources
South Australian NRM boards receive funding The levy is collected from local and off-Islander
from the NRM land levy (no water levy applied) ratepayers by local government on behalf of
and additional funding from state and Australian the Board and contributes towards the control
governments. This funding supports the of priority pest plants and animals, and water
implementation of the NRM plan, including resource management. As levy income is small,
projects and activities to maintain and improve the Board is significantly reliant on supplementary
the condition of the region’s natural resources and funding from the South Australian and Australian
encourage their sustainable use. governments. Funding received from the state
government is used to ensure provision of the
To enable the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources human resources and infrastructure required
Management Board to undertake its functions, to build the Board’s capacity to attract external
section 92 of the Natural Resources Management funding for investment in natural resources
Act 2004 enables the Board to specify the amount management projects.
of levy to be collected from the community. The
regional NRM levy collected varies from region Funding is secured from the Australian
to region and it is up to each NRM Board to set Government through a performance accreditation
its levy as part of its business planning cycle. On process and either a competitive grants or tenders.
Kangaroo Island, only a land levy is charged. This means that funding will only be allocated to
Regions that have prescribed water allocation the Board if it meets the Australian Government’s
plans are also able to charge a water levy. governance standards and meets their outcomes.
Section 92(2) of the Act specifies the basis or
method of determining the regional NRM levy. The
8.2 Allocation of funds
following options are provided for in the Act as a Natural resources management requires complex
basis for collecting the levy: decision making which considers biophysical
»» the value of rateable land science, economics, community values, and
legislative and policy frameworks. Given the
»» a fixed charge of the same amount on all
spread of natural resources management issues
rateable land
the Island faces together with limited public
»» a fixed charge of an amount that depends on and private funding, it is critical to ensure that
the purpose for which the rateable land is used investment in natural resources management
»» the area of rateable land activities is sound and has maximum effect.
»» the purpose for which the rateable land is used
and the area of the land.
Based on the principles of shared responsibilities,
Using the levy in 2017–18
administrative efficiency and transparency the In 2017–18 the levy enabled the board to
Board has adopted a fixed charge of the same control and map 12 declared weed species,
amount on all rateable land in accordance with including African boxthorn, Salvation Jane,
section 95(3)(a)(ii) of the NRM Act as the basis for one‑leaf Cape tulip, Italian buckthorn, caltrop
determining the Kangaroo Island NRM levy. and horehound over 245 hectares across
Kangaroo Island. Technical support and
For Kangaroo Island, the NRM land levy makes a equipment was also given to land managers and
small but important contribution to managing and community groups to control declared species
protecting the Island’s natural assets. across Kangaroo Island.
22In order to achieve this, the following criteria Income to support the Board’s programs (see
are applied to the allocation of any discretionary Figure 3) in 2019–2020 therefore includes:
funding the Board may have at its disposal: »» funds collected through the NRM land levy
»» alignment with the regional NRM Plan (14%)
»» a resilience and systems thinking approach »» state government funding to ensure provision
of human resources and infrastructure required
»» quadruple bottom line outcomes
to build the Board’s capacity to attract external
»» the extent to which investment is likely to funding for investment in natural resource
result in the desired outcome projects (42%)
»» the extent to which the efforts and investment »» Australian Government funding to contribute
of all stakeholders involved can be coordinated to the Australian Government’s environmental
to achieve optimal outcomes and agricultural priorities and targets (41%).
»» the potential to build on past investments to
ensure maximum impact and return The Board will also pursue further funding
opportunities as they arise. The Board is also
»» the potential to empower and build the
working to establish a ‘conservation’ trust fund
capacity of the community
to support natural resources management on the
»» decision making is fair, transparent and Island. The Board’s anticipated income is shown in
accountable Table 4 overleaf. This funding is recognised as the
»» the range of local, expert and agency Board’s budget and is used to inform Department
knowledge is respected and integrated to of Treasury and Finance’s (DTF) forward estimates
support decision making. and in turn determines how much the Board
is able to expend annually. The Board have an
opportunity each year to amend the forward
8.3 The 2019–2020 financial year estimates to reflect additional funding received.
This business plan is required to outline the Figure 3. KI NRM Board income 2018–19
estimated resources available for investment in
natural resources management by the Board for
the next three financial years. 3%
The Board considered various options for
increasing the levy and how these would
offset the costs associated with meeting its
statutory duties under the Act (pest plant and
animal control, and soil and water resources 41% 42%
management).
The Board is proposing to raise the levy by CPI to
collect $401,728 in 2019-20. Due to an increase
in the number of rateable properties the amount
per property will decrease to $78.32 per rateable 14%
property ($1.50 per week), a decrease of $3.88
per property. Government of SA Australian Government
NRM Levy Other
23Table 4. Summary of income sources in 2018–2019 to 2021–2022
2018–19 Estimated budgets ($)
Source of funding Adopted
2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
budget ($)
NRM Levies
Regional NRM Levy 394,625 401,728 408,959 416,321
Government of South Australia
State NRM Fund 1,143,000 1,163,575 1,184,518 1,205,840
DPTI* 25,000 0 0 0
Science Hub 5,000 0 0 0
Australian Government
Regional Land Partnerships Program:
Core Services 302,828 298,845 305,513 310,139
Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator 128,584 126,894 129,725 131,670
Recovering Narrow-leaved Mallee 477,088 433,606 444,329 455,390
Future Proofing Agriculture 130,000 0 0 0
Feral Cat Eradication on Dudley
0 500,000 500,000 500,000
Peninsula
Building Agricultural Resilience 0 130,000 130,000 130,000
Smart Farms Program:
Detector Dogs 99,500 0 0 0
National Landcare Program:
Engaging KI landholders in feral cat
29,000 0 0 0
control
Other:
Interest 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
Nursery 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000
Sponsorship 25,000 0 0 0
Total 2,809,625 3,104,648 3,153,044 3,199,360
* DPTI Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure South Australia
The proposed levy increases are set at 1.8%. These are indicative and will be subject to adjustment in line
with actual Consumer Price Index (All Groups Index for Adelaide).
248.4 Social impact assessment of levy
The entire Kangaroo Island community derives »» Administrative efficiency – regional NRM levy
benefit from a well managed environment and collection and management procedures should
also impacts on that environment in one way or operate at minimum cost and with minimum
another. The Kangaroo Island region is one of red tape.
South Australia’s most important tourism areas
»» Accountability – the Board should be publicly
and also has a good reputation for the production
accountable for its use of the levy funds.
of premium food and wine. The social and
economic stability of the region is fundamentally »» Transparency – the process for calculating the
dependent on a well managed natural resources levy and the amount paid by users should be
base that is able to support viable economic readily observable, subject to individual user
activity and the lifestyles that people value in confidentiality constraints.
the future. Healthy, functioning ecosystems will »» Affordability – in setting its levy, the Board
continue to support human well-being through takes into account what is a reasonable cost
the many benefits that they provide, and building to incur in managing the natural resources
the resilience of natural systems will act as a type of the region, and that such costs should be
of ‘insurance’ under future climates. affordable.
The Board has developed the following guiding On consideration of Australian Bureau of Statistics
principles for setting the regional NRM levy: data on median weekly incomes, the Board
»» Shared responsibility – the responsibility to believes the levy will not place an unreasonable
achieve ecologically sustainable development burden on property owners in the region.
is a shared responsibility between the public
sector, the private sector and community
groups. The approach of the Board is to
manage natural resources, and undertake
activities and provide services that will benefit
everyone in the region.
259. Funding Board Actions — Expenditure
9.1 Proposed expenditure 2018–2021
The Board’s proposed expenditure is allocated to The figures indicated for 2018–2019 and
each of the five goals of the strategic NRM plan 2019–2020 are projections based on guaranteed
for the next three financial years, as indicated in funding, though the Board will continue to seek
Table 3 below. additional funding to implement the strategic
NRM plan.
Table 5: Summary of expenditure to deliver NRM plan goals 2018–22
Adopted
Estimated budgets ($)
Goal budget ($)
2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Distinctiveness 25,000 0 0 0
Healthy, resilient ecosystems 1,027,789 1,499,761 1,521.059 1,681,850
Thriving community 372,063 302,913 308,459 172,980
Vibrant economy 558,798 461,131 467,548 473,144
Governance and local knowledge 825,975 840,843 855,978 871,386
Total 2,809,625 3,104,648 3,153,044 3,199,360
9.2 Regional service delivery
The activities outlined in this plan are delivered Project officers are generally funded on a project
by the Department for Environment and Water specific basis through service agreements with
(DEW) on behalf of the Kangaroo Island Natural state and local government and community based
Resources Management Board. Collectively the organisations. There are 15.69 full time equivalent
two parties are branded as Natural Resources employees funded for the 2018–19 financial year
Kangaroo Island. Agreed activities are delivered to support implementation of Board programs and
through a service level agreement, negotiated they are distributed across the region. The receipt
annually by the Board and DEW. The Board does of further funding could result in changes to the
not own any land and all infrastructure is leased. full time equivalent employees funded through the
year. DEW locally supports the Board through four
The Natural Resources Kangaroo Island Regional units:
Director is responsible for managing staff »» Science and Program Planning Unit
within the region involved in both DEW and »» Parks and Sustainable Landscapes Unit
Board related programs. DEW programs that »» Community Engagement Unit
are not included in this business plan include
»» Business Support Unit.
the management of parks and public lands, the
management of marine parks and other state
invested regional projects. Activities in this plan are This will change when the Landscape SA Bill is
implemented directly through staff and a range of passed by Parliament. At this time the Kangaroo
partnerships, service agreements and grants tied Island Natural Resources Management Board will
to specific project outcomes. cease and the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board
will be established.
2610. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement
10.1 Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring has a central role to play in adaptive Effective monitoring and evaluation should trigger
management and adaptive governance as a review and amendment of the objectives if new
it gathers the evidence needed to evaluate information results in a fundamental change in the
performance and test assumptions documented in understanding of the dynamics of regional and
the conceptual models of how ecosystems work. subregional systems.
Evaluation needs to answer different questions at
different levels and at different scales, as shown
in Figure 4. Well formulated and articulated 10.2 Reporting
management questions will support a targeted
The Board reports on its progress in a number of
monitoring program that can directly inform
ways:
improvements and thereby the achievement of
NRM goals and objectives. These questions need »» to the community — annual Achievements
to be incorporated into the design of all programs/ Report, board meetings and minutes, meetings
projects and tracked through specifically chosen. and presentations, website, print media, social
media and flyers/brochures
Key Performance Measures (KPMs) that »» to the state — through inputting into DEW
provide the necessary evidence to evaluate report cards, the Group Business Plan, financial
our performance and implement adaptive reporting and annual independent audits
management and adaptive governance. Evaluation
»» to the Commonwealth — project-based
at the regional level has a critical role to play in
quarterly MERIT reporting, quarterly core
reviewing the goals and objectives, ensuring they
services reports, bi-annual progress reports,
continue to reflect the best available knowledge
self and formal independent performance
and understanding as well as the community’s
assessments
vision for natural resources management in
the region, while also reflecting our broader »» to sponsors — project-based reporting towards
commitments to sustainability (e.g. conservation outcomes.
of nationally and globally threatened species).
Figure 4. Multi-layered evaluation, learning and refining (Source: Pahl-Wostl 2009; Peschl 2007)
Adaptive
governance
VISION 3. Learning for transformation
NRM Plan
Changes in governance and values
10 years
• Do we have the right value systems/processes in
GOALS place to achieve our vision and goals?
• Are our governance structures appropriate?
HIGH LEVEL
OBJECTIVES 2. Learning for reframing
Changes in strategies, priorities and
Business Plan
underlying assumptions
3 years
STRATEGIES • Are we asking the right questions?
• Are our strategies and priorities appropriate?
• Are our assumptions sound?
PROJECTS/ • Did the actions lead to the desired changes?
LLAPs
Annual Investment Plan
1. Learning from actions
OBJECTIVES Incremental improvements to projects and practices
1 year
• Were the proposed actions implemented as planned?
• Are we achieving the desired outcomes?
• Are we doing things right?
ACTIONS • Are there ways to do things more
effectively/efficiently?
Adaptive
management
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