NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL CATCHMENTS COUNCIL

Meeting of Board of Directors

Monday 2 May 2016

MINUTES

TELECONFERENCE

8.30am to 10.50am

Signed as a true and correct record of proceedings

_____________________________________ CHAIR

NACC Board of Directors AGENDA

CONTENTS PAGE AGENDA ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.0 Open Meeting (8.30am) ............................................................................................................................. 2

1.1 Attendance and Apologies .......................................................................................................................... 2

1.2. Public Questions and Deputations ...................................................................................................... 2

1.3. Declaration of Interest .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.3.1. Standing Declarations .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.3.2. Declaration for this meeting ................................................................................................................. 3

2.0 Previous Meeting Minutes (for Decision) ................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Acceptance of Previous Minutes ................................................................................................................. 4

Resolution 1/NACC/04/16 ................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Matters Arising from Previous Meeting: ...................................................................................................... 4

3.0 Executive Reports (for Information)........................................................................................................... 5

3.1 Chair’s Report and Directors Updates (for Information/Decision) ............................................................. 5

Recommendation 1 ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Resolution 2/NACC/04/16 ................................................................................................................................ 6

3.2 CEO’s Report (for Information/Decision) ................................................................................................ 7

Resolution 3/NACC/04/16 ................................................................................................................................ 8

3.3 Finance Report (for Information/Decision) .............................................................................................. 9

Resolution 4/NACC/04/16 ................................................................................................................................ 9

4.0 Government representative report (for Information) ................................................................................. 10

5.0 General Business (for Information/Decision) .......................................................................................... 11

5.1 Open (for Information) ............................................................................................................................ 11

5.1.1 Safety issues ..................................................................................................................................... 11

5.1.3 Correspondence IN/OUT ................................................................................................................... 11

5.1.4 Other ......................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2 Closed (for Information/Decision) ........................................................................................................... 11

5.2.1 Detailed Financial report .................................................................................................................... 11

Recommendation 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 11

5.2.2 NACC Strategy .................................................................................................................................. 11

5.2.3 Bendigo Bank (for Decision) ............................................................................................................ 12

6.0 Close Meeting (10.50am) / Next Meeting (for Information) ...................................................................... 12

7.0 Appendices (these are emailed separately) .............................................................................................. 12

8.0 Actions Arising ........................................................................................................................................... 13

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NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL

CATCHMENTS COUNCIL

2 May 2016 8.30am to10.50am

AGENDA

1.0 8.30am Open Board Meeting

1.1 Attendance & Apologies

1.2 Public questions and deputations

1.3 Declarations of Interest

1.3.1 Standing Declarations

1.3.2 Declarations for this meeting

2.0 8.35am Previous Meeting Minutes (for Decision)

2.1 Acceptance of Minutes – 30 March 2016

2.2 Matters Arising from previous Minutes

3.0 8.40am Executive Reports (for Information/Decision)

3.1 Chair’s Report

3.2 CEO’s Report

3.3 Finance Report

4.0 9.40am Government representative report (for Information)

5.0 10.00am General Business (for Information)

5.1 Open (for Information)

5.1.1 Safety issues

5.1.2 Governance refresher

5.1.3 Correspondence IN/OUT

5.2 Closed (for Information/Decision)

5.2.1 Detailed financial report

5.2.2 NACC strategy

5.2.2.1 Board strategic planning framework

5.2.3 Bendigo Bank

6.0 11.30am Close meeting/next meeting

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1.0 Open Meeting (8.30am)

Author: Dr Jill Wilson Position: Chair Date: 2 May 2016

1.1 Attendance and Apologies Author: Evelyne Halikis Position: Executive Assistant Date: 2 May 2016

PRESENT: Board Members J Wilson Y Marsden D Revell R Keogh B Logue IN ATTENDANCE: R McLellan (CEO) T Maina (CSM) E Halikis (EA) K Allen (NACC) OBSERVERS: C Kajewski – Federal government LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

APOLOGIES: K Broad C Sullivan OBSERVER APOLOGIES: J Holley – State NRM Office ABSENT:

1.2. Public Questions and Deputations

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1.3. Declaration of Interest

1.3.1. Standing Declarations J Wilson Ordinary member Moore Catchment Council J Wilson Secretary, Southern Mango Growers Association – SMANGO has been

awarded a NACC Demonstration project but I have no direct involvement in the project.

J Wilson Board member Dorper Sheep Society of Australia J Wilson Secretary, WA Landskills Inc. WA Landskills has been awarded a NACC

Demonstration project (in conjunction with West Midlands Group, Liebe Group, Murdoch University and Department of Agriculture WA), and a pasture demonstration site will be located on JJs Farm.

J Wilson Farmer in the Gingin shire – JJ’s Farm K Broad Director of AusCarbon Pty Ltd and Carbon Neutral Pty Ltd B Logue Lakesend Farm, PR & BA Logue B Logue Yarra Yarra Catchment Management Group member B Logue Perenjori Farming Forward member B Logue Central Wheatbelt D.S.G. member B Logue North East Farming Futures D Revell Mingenew Irwin Group – named collaborator on NACC funded project – ‘A

demonstration of perennial shrub systems enabling adaption to erosion and climate variability’

R Keogh Director and Principal, Pachyrhizi Consulting Pty Ltd R Keogh Director Les Mills International Ltd, Auckland NZ R Keogh Residential lot 346 Greenhead Road, Green Head

1.3.2. Declaration for this meeting There were no declarations for this meeting.

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2.0 Previous Meeting Minutes (for Decision)

2.1 Acceptance of Previous Minutes Title Acceptance of Previous Minutes Author Evelyne Halikis Position: Executive Assistant Date: 2 May 2016

Resolution 1/NACC/04/16 The Board confirmed the previous Minutes of Meeting of 30 March 2016 as presented. MOVED: R Keogh SECONDED: D Revell CARRIED: All

2.2 Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:

The Chair requested clarification of roles with regard to the strategic planning process; that Director Keogh extend his role to oversee this process. Chair noted that Director Keogh and CEO have completed a draft Board Strategic Planning framework which will be reviewed at today’s meeting.

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3.0 Executive Reports (for Information)

3.1 Chair’s Report and Directors Updates (for Information/Decision) Author: Dr Jill Wilson Date: 2 May 2016 Reflection I have been overseas on holiday for most of the time since the last meeting, so I am pleased to report that I have done almost nothing NACC-related! It was however interesting to observe the environment and agriculture in parts of two different countries (Florida, USA; and Yucatan peninsula in Mexico). One relevant issue is the complete lack of accessibility to beaches (and loss of natural assets) in other places due to the existence of an unbroken line of houses and hotels along many foreshores. We have a beautiful and relatively unspoiled coastline in the NAR. I have always been keen to make sure our links with planners are strong so that we can influence the development process, and my travels have reinforced this opinion. NRMWA There will be a detailed NRMWA meeting in early May. I have sent the agenda separately for you to look at. If you have any comments in advance let me know. CEO’s attendance at the World Conservation Congress This is to inform the Board that Deputy Chair Kent Broad and I have, in association with the CEO’s annual performance review, approved Richard’s attendance at the World Conservation Congress in Hawaii in September in an official capacity as a representative of NACC. Before we finally commit to NACC’s financial contribution Richard has been asked to provide us with detail of the cost that this will incur. We are very confident that Richard will represent us well at the congress; it is certainly a great opportunity to demonstrate the “think global, act local” philosophy.

Recommendation 1 The Board endorses the proposal from the Chair that the CEO attends the World Conservation Congress in June subject to final approval of the budget when presented. Moved: R Keogh Seconded: D Revell Carried: All Directors Updates

Director Marsden would like to thank the NACC team for their leadership of community involving recycling at the Triple J Concert which was held in Geraldton on Saturday 9 April. It demonstrated to our community the importance of recycling at these major events.

Director Revell – o Presentation at a field day at Pingelly on profitable and sustainable grazing systems,

suited to our environment, with Australian forage shrubs. We invited Ben Cole from Wide Open Agriculture to outline their plans and activities that relate to attracting equity funds into sustainable agriculture. This interaction began at the NACC Future Farming symposium at Coorow.

o Has been invited to put together a list of topics and presenters for a ‘Food for Thought’ program in Bush Heritage’s Open Day at Charles Darwin Reserve (Blues for

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the Bush on 24 September) mostly on themes of carbon and rangelands reform.

Director Keogh – o Attended Coastcare Forum in Jurien Bay on 9 April 9 hosted by Jurien Bay Regional

Herbarium Group. Good attendance (+/- 50) representing all coast care groups from Guilderton

to Green Head (with the exception of Leeman). Particularly good to have Shane Love's active participation;

Excellent presentations particularly from Mic Payne (NACC), Kingsley Dixon and Tony Friend;

Lively discussion. Irresponsible 4WDriving is a significant issue in southern regions especially;

NACC was well represented and clearly has good standing with these groups; Next year's forum is to be hosted by City Beach Coast care group (of which

Kingsley Dixon is a member).

Discussion arising The Chair advised the Board that it is a good idea to place directors’ activities within the Chair’s report so that everyone is aware of their involvement on behalf of NACC.

Resolution 2/NACC/04/16 The Board accepted the Chair’s Report of and Directors Update of 2 May 2016 as presented. MOVED: B Logue SECONDED: R Keogh CARRIED: All

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3.2 CEO’s Report (for Information/Decision) Author: Richard McLellan Date: 2 May 2016 Introduction: This report summarises activities and progress on key issues over the past month. (Last report: 30 March 2016) 1. Community/Regional Liaison & Collaboration; & Events

Liaison & Collaboration

Gave introductory address at Soil Restoration Farming workshop in Dandaragan.

Attended Yamaji Cultural Heritage bus tour organised by City of Greater Geraldton and Bundiyarra.

Attended monthly meeting of Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MWCCI) Board: and Business after Hours.

Delivered presentation: Climate Change in the NAR to Year 12 students at Geraldton Senior College.

Presentation to Mid West Science Engagement Group: Twitter for Science, Geraldton.

Participated in local community group activities: o Triple J One Night Stand community recycling activity. o Great Cocky Count – Birdlife Midwest-Geraldton.

Media engagements:

o ABC MidWest radio interview on “Turning the Wheatbelt into a Foodbelt”.

o ABC Midwest TV interview/recording for forthcoming feature on feral cats.

CEO columns in NACC Notes:

o Innovation Awards nomination and new newsletter – Paper.Li

o Transforming the Wheatbelt into a “Foodbelt”.

2. Federal & State Liaison & Collaboration; & Events

Liaison & Collaboration

Meeting with Australian Government Department of Environment representatives Steve Costello (Assistant Secretary), Christine Kajewski, and Nathan Selby to discuss/review Self-Assessment review results and future planning.

Meeting with Kasandra Karvelas and Leonie Brettell, Terrestrial Threatened Species Section, DoE, Canberra – re Wheatbelt woodlands TEC, and TS Recovery plans.

Attended National Feral Cat Taskforce meeting, Canberra. Liaison with Threatened Species Commissioner’s Office and representatives from NRM groups around Australia regarding feral cat management activities.

Meeting with Melissa Price (NLP Member for Durack). Discussed NACC’s ongoing performance/achievements, NRM regional group importance and post-2018 funding.

Meeting with Mark McGowan, Darren West and Lara Dalton (WA Labor Party candidate for Geraldton) – reinforced importance of regional NRM groups.

Meeting with Paul Brown (NP WA MLA).

Ongoing liaison with Kath Broderick (NRMWA).

Co-organised (with CEO, Peel-Harvey Catchments Council) WANRM round-table on feral cat

management, Perth.

3. Team Report / Personnel

New Coastal and Marine Officer Vanessa McGuinness commenced duties.

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Marketing and Communications Officer Kym Jefferies returned to work. (Job-sharing with Alexia Parenzee).

4. Organisational / Program / Professional Development

Developed Strategic Development “framework” (to guide planning for the 2018-20 NACC

Strategic Plan) in collaboration with Rob Keogh.

Initiated development of a NACC Partnership Development Plan.

Initiated internal NACC Stakeholder Review.

Attended NAR Climate Change Technical Working Group meeting.

Circulated first draft of the NACC Climate Change Strategy for internal staff review.

Initiated “Aboriginal Protocol” preparation for internal capacity-building.

Preparation for Staff “Culture and Values” Retreat: 26-27 April, Western Flora, Eneabba.

Liaison with AICD regarding Board evaluation and KPIs development.

5. Planned Activities in next reporting period

NRMWA CEO and Chairs meetings – 5-6 May, Perth.

Presentation to PHCC and SWCC: Twitter for NRM, Mandurah

Presentation at Atlas of Living Australia Science Symposium– Science for NRM – 11 May,

Perth.

WA Round-table on feral cat management – 13 May, Perth.

Resolution 3/NACC/04/16 The Board accepted the CEO’s Report of 2 May 2016 as presented.

MOVED: Y Marsden SECONDED: D Revell CARRIED: All

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3.3 Finance Report (for Information/Decision)

Author: Tom Maina Position: Corporate Services Manager Date: 2 May 2016 Introduction The financial statements including the Statement of Financial Position & Statement of Profit and Loss for period to 31 March 2016 are presented to the Board for approval. A summary statement of cash flows for the month of March is also attached. There are no material issues arising from the reports. Project Funding All project reports have been finalised and associated payments received. NACC Investments NACC Term Deposit 1- Placed at 2.65% with a maturity date of 19/06/2016 NACC Term Deposit 2- Placed at 2.50% with a maturity date of 11/06/2016 NACC Contracts over $50,000 None.

Resolution 4/NACC/04/16 The Board accepted the Finance Report for period ending April 2016 as presented. MOVED: Y Marsden SECONDED: R Keogh CARRIED: All

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4.0 Government representative report (for Information) Author: Christine Kajewski Position: Assistant Director Biodiversity Conservation Division, Department of the Environment Date: 2 May 2016 It was great to meet Richard McLellan in Canberra a couple of weeks ago and he was involved in a productive set of meetings. It was beneficial for the Department of the Environment to meet with colleagues in the threatened species division. I thought it was especially useful for Richard to meet the Assistant Secretary, Steve Costello of the Australian Government Department of Environment who is in the process of meeting with NRM CEOs across the country. Performance framework update Administratively the function has transferred from NRM futures section to the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement section (MERI). An internal review of performance expectations is taking place within the department’s branch and they have sought input from the department’s experienced regionally based officers. They are looking at each of the performance expectations: Organisational governance, financial governance, comprehensiveness of regional NRM plans, engagement with the local landcare community and monitoring and reporting. A draft document is being circulated to directors in our branch at the moment. As I understand it, once the draft has been finalised internally, it will be circulated to all the NRM regions CEOs across the country to be reviewed ahead of a national NRM conference in early June. It is expected that the performance expectations process will be finalised ahead of the next self-assessment process which will take place in July 2016. Issues raised from the previous self-assessment process have been taken into consideration. I will keep you updated. Neil Riches and I plan to visit Geraldton in mid- to late-June this year. At this stage we will try to time the visit to coincide with the NACC June board meeting. Discussion arising The CEO advised that the visit to NACC would be welcome and warmly received by NACC staff. Christine Kajewski responded to questions from the Board with concerns regarding the self-assessment process being the main query. The Chair thanked Christine for her attendance at and reporting to the Board meeting.

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5.0 General Business (for Information/Decision)

5.1 Open (for Information)

5.1.1 Safety issues

There were no issues to report.

5.1.2 Governance refresher CEO will compile an agenda of discussions relating to the AICD governance refresher items to present to the Board at the next meeting.

5.1.3 Correspondence IN/OUT

IN: Letter received from Bendigo Bank dated 17 April 2016 – for notation

5.1.4 Other Director Keogh will be representing NACC at the Landcare Network forum in Pinjarra

on 20 May.

5.2 Closed (for Information/Decision)

5.2.1 Detailed Financial report Author: Tom Maina Position: Corporate Services Manager Date: 2 May 2016

Introduction The CSM presented the financial papers for April 2016. Aspects of the report were not clear to Director Logue who requires further explanation by the CSM.

Recommendation 2 That the Board has noted the detailed financial report but has deferred a decision until Director Bev Logue and the CSM have had an opportunity to discuss the report in detail. MOVED: J Wilson SECONDED: Y Marsden Carried: All

5.2.2 NACC Strategy

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5.2.3 Bendigo Bank (for Decision)

6.0 Close Meeting (10.50am) / Next Meeting (for Information) The next NACC Board meeting will be a Teleconference meeting and will take place at 8.30am on Monday 30 May 2016 at the NACC Meeting Room. Future Meeting Dates Type of Meeting/Location Monday 27 June 2016 Board Face-to-Face Monday 25 July 2016 Board Teleconference Monday 29 August 2016 Board Teleconference Monday 19 September Board Teleconference Thursday 15 September Audit Committee Face-to-Face Monday 17 October 2016 Board Face-to-Face Monday 17 October 2016 AGM Geraldton Monday 28 November 2016 Board Teleconference Friday 16 December 2016 Board Face-to-Face (TBC)

7.0 Appendices (these are emailed separately)

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8.0 Actions Arising

ACTIONS LIST

NACC Meeting of Board of Directors 2 May 2016

Item No. Description Action by Date due

5.1.2 Revision of AICD presentations to present a schedule to the Board

CEO 30 May 2016

5.2.2 Strategic development will be placed on the agenda for each board meeting

Chair 30 May 2016

5.2.2 Strategic ‘warm ups’ commencing with ideas on communities and leadership

Y Marsden 30 May 2016

5.2.2 Chair will incorporate the Futures document into the strategic framework document for review at the next meeting.

Chair 30 May 2017

5.2.2 First strategic development workshop will be held at the June board meeting

Chair/CEO 27 June 2016

ACTIONS LIST

NACC Meeting of Board of Directors 30 March 2016

Item No. Description Action by Date due

8.2.3.2 The Board, along with input from NACC CEO, will develop a future strategy planning document which will be delivered to the NACC management in 12 months’ time.

Board, CEO March 2017

ACTIONS LIST

NACC Meeting of Board of Directors 30 November 2016

Item No. Description Action by Date due

3.2 NACC review of ISP and subsequent constitutional changes, if required.

Board, CEO 25 July Board meeting

5.1.4 Biosecurity issues

5.1.5 Community groups in the NAR – Partnership Development strategy to be developed.

CEO

Climate Change – NACC Climate Change Strategy to be developed.

CEO