Namoi CMA Minutes - Meeting Number 88 · 2013. 12. 6. · GM noted a letter received from Minister...

,,,,. Catchment Management NSW Authority GOVERNMENT Na m o i

Namoi Catchment Management Authority

MINUTES

MEETING NUMBER 88

Boardroom, NCMA Offices, Gunnedah

22 April 2013

NamoiCMA Minutes -Meeting Number 88

22 April 2013

Time: Meeting commenced at I O:OOam.

Present: Conrad Bolton (Chair), Brian Tomalin, Jack Warnock, Hugh Barrett, Juanita Hamparsum, Jo Slack-Smith, Bruce Brown (GM), Matthew Davidson (Manager, LS), Samantha Moss (Manager, B&F), James Hutchinson-Smith (Manager, SLS).

Chairs Welcome

Chair acknow I edged the Traditional custodians of the land, and Elders past and present of the Kamilaroi nation.

Pecuniary Interest Register tabled.

Chair indicated that he had received a notice of resignation from Adam Marshall, effective immediately.

• Resolution 88.1

That the NCMA Board accept Adam Marshall's resignation from the Board. Carried

Jack Warnock also tendered his resignation (effective 30/06/13) and noted that his decision to resign was due to the Ministerial direction that the NCMA Board reduce its membership to five by 30/06/13. He also noted he would be on extended leave over the next couple of months.

• Resolution 88.2

That the NCMA Board accept Jack Warnock's resignation from the Board effective 30/06/13.

Carried

In response to a Board Member query noting that three ofthe remaining Board Member terms expired prior to 31/12/13, the Chair advised that the matter would be further discussed under General Business.

1.0 Apologies

None.

2.0 Minutes of the Pr·evious Mectino (25/03/13)

2.1 Approval of Minutes

• Resolution 88.3

That the Minutes from NCMA Board Meeting 87 (25/03/13) be accepted and placed on NCMA's website.

Carried 2.2 Updated Actions

• Action 86.2

Chair advised that the NSW CMA Chairs Council would meet monthly until October 2013 given increased activity associated with the creation of 'Local Land Services' (LLS) entities by January 2014.

Minutes of Namoi Catchment Management Authority- Meeting #88 22/04/13

Chair indicated that due to AICD training, he would be unable to attend the next NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting on 2/05/13.

• Action 88.1

Deputy Chair to attend the NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting (2/05/13) as NCMA's representative.

• Action 86.5

BM indicated that the Deloittes Audit Report on NSW CMA investment activity had not yet been finalised.

GM noted a letter received from Minister Hodgkinson (16/04/13) outlining her concerns across all the NSW CMA's regarding preliminary fmdings of the Deloittes Audit Report. GM noted his concerns that the correspondence did not note that some CMA's (including Namoi CMA) had received a "clean bill of health" from the audit. Chair advised that the matter would be further discussed under General Business.

• Action 86.6

GM advised that the CC (Nat Veg) would continue to monitor the release of Joe Lane's Native Vegetation Regulation Review "Issues Paper".

• Action 87.2

BM indicated that she had made an error in reporting the March 2013 T Carp Hour-Glass Facility performance and advised that the Facility had been performing well at 3.88%.

• Action 87.3

Chair asked that NCMA Board Members disregard the 'Estimated expenses associated with holding LLS meetings and elections' Paper as it was only a draft.

• Action 87.7

GM noted that the Board Strategic Planning Workshop had been set down for 15/05/13 in Tamworth.

• Action 87.8

OM advised that the proposed length of the Goonbri Creek diversion was approximately 1km long. Following a Board Member query, the OM indicated that the Tarrawonga Mine Management Plan was yet to be developed.

Concern was expressed as to the impact of the Tarrawonga Mine on the Boggabri town water supply.

• Action 88.2

OM to circulate copies of the 'Tarrawonga Coal Project EA- Appendix R (Goonbri Creek Alignment)' to all NCMA Board Members and any associated hydrological data.

• Action 87.9

Following a Board Member query, the OM advised that the NCMA website now noted the availability of the 'Economics of Clearing' Tool and that appointments could be made with a trained NCMA staff member to utilise the Tool.

• Action 88.3

OM to investigate the possibility of holding 'Economics of Clearing Tool' workshops for interested landholders.


3.0

4.0

5.0

• Resolution 88.4

That the NCMA Board accept the updated Actions. Carried

ForeshadoH ed General Business Items

Chair foreshadowed the need to discuss correspondence received from Minister Hodgkinson (16/04/13) regarding the preliminary findings of the Deloittes Audit Report.

Chair also foreshadowed the need to discuss the NCMA Board's concerns regarding the requirement to reduce NCMA Board Membership from seven to five Members by 30/06/13.

Jo Slack-Smith flagged a possible conflict of interest disclosure in relation to a possible NCMA funding grant for the Burren Junction Public School.

Hugh Barrett foreshadowed the need to hold a Board 'In Camera' session at the end of the Meeting.

GM noted the need to discuss a possible Board/Senior Staff tour of the Santos CSG activities in the Pilliga.

Con-espondence (18/03/13- 12/0-l/13)

Following a Board Member query in relation to correspondence received from DTIRIS (19/03/13) regarding the provision of the Namoi Water Study material, the GM advised that third party software was required to be purchased ($1.5k) to access some of the data on the disk.

Juanita Hamparsum indicated that Gareth Price (Schlumberger) could be asked to provide assistance in accessing the Namoi Water Study data if required.

• Resolution 88.5

That the NCMA Board accept the Board Correspondence Register. Carried

Financials

5.1 1\ITD, YTD P/L and Balance Sheet and Investment Budoct to Actuals

BM stated that on a YTD basis NCMA was $116k behind budget on recurrent expenditure and advised that she would be undertaking some cashflow forecasting to be discussed at a forthcoming Senior Management Team Meeting with the aim of reducing the recurrent underspend.

Following a Board Member query, the GM indicated that the amalgamation ofNSW CMA's into 'Local Land Services' (LLS) and the current staff 'spill & fill' process could impact on the ability of the NSW CMA's to meet the collective NCOS target in F'13.

BM advised that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for all tenants on Level3 of the NSW Government Offices in Tamworth had been received, but that sign off had been deferred pending a joint submission rejecting certain conditions outlined within the MOU. BM stated that an independent "area" survey had been conducted to determine NCMA's portion of the rental costs, but that the matter was still to be resolved.

BM noted that the T-Corp Hour-Glass Facility was performing well.

BM stated that on a YTD basis NCMA was $1.2m behind budget on its investment expenditure, however the OM/SPM had advised there were no foreseeable difficulties in meeting the F' 13 investment budget target.

BM noted that budgeted investment expenditure in May and June was very low.


In response to a Board Member query regarding investment program expenditure, the BM indicated that a detailed breakdown of the investment funding cashflow would be provided to the R&A Committee at its next meeting.

BM stated there were no disclosures or legislative changes.

• Resolution 88.6

That the NCMA Board accept the April2013 Financial Report. Carried

5.2 Risk & Audit Committee

Committee Chair advised that the Committee had met on 10/04/13 in Narrabri and asked that the Minutes be taken as read.

Committee Chair noted that the 'Top 10 Risk Assessment' had been reviewed by the Committee and that a further update would be tabled at the May R&A Committee Meeting.

Committee Chair stated that the Committee would be undertaking an internal audit of the expenditure/contracts associated with the NCRAT Tool.

Committee Chair noted that NCMA investment funded staff contracts may have to be rolled into F' 14 with salaries paid from NCMA interest monies given the delays associated with both NSW and AG NRM investment funding. GM noted that he would continue to monitor the F' 14 investment funding position.

Board Members congratulated Juanita Hamparsum on gaining qualification as an 'External Audit & Risk Committee' Member under the TPP09-05 requirements.

• Resolution 88.7

That the NCMA Board accept the Risk & Audit Committee Report. Carried

5.3 WHS 1\latters

BM noted that no incidents or accidents had occurred.

BM indicated that the NCMA WHS Committee had met on 19/03/13 and that Matthew Davidson had become the WHS Committee Chair following Glenn Bailey's resignation.

Following a Board Member query, the BM advised that NSW CMA obligations under the WHS Act with regard to contractors was being addressed by a NSW CMA Committee chaired by Renata Brooks (Deputy Director-General, DPI). BM indicated that an update would be provided following the release of the Committee's Report.

In response to a Board Member query, the BM stated that NCMA staff were due to undertake refresher training in First Aid and that there were no difficulties in funding the training costs ($8k).

The BM advised that the WHS RMS would be submitted to the R&A Committee for approval following its completion by the WHS Committee.

• Resolution 88.8

That the NCMA Board accept the WHS Report. Carried


6.0

7.0

8.0

P\'P Workino Grou )

PVP Working Group Chair advised that the Committee had not met prior to the Board Meeting given there were no outstanding native vegetation/PVP issues and that the Working Group was awaiting the release of the Native Vegetation Regulation review.

Chair indicated that the NSW CMA Chairs Council had asked Joe Lane (Native Vegetation Regulation Review Facilitator) to present his findings on the Native Vegetation Regulation Review at an upcoming NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting.

• Resolution 88.9

That the NCMA Board accept the PVP Working Group Chair's Report. Carried

6.1 Native \'cgetation/P\'P Operations Update

CC (Nat Veg)'s previously circulated report was taken as read.

Chair's Re ort

Chair tabled his report to the Meeting.

Chair indicated he had attended NCMA's Photographic Competition Awards presentation on 28/03/13 and advised that the event had been well attended.

Following a Board Member query regarding the NSW CMA's 'Legacy Report' being developed by the NRC, Juanita Hamparsum noted that a summary ofNCMA's investment activity related outputs could be included in the NRC's Report. Additionally, such a summary could also be included in NCMA's F'13 Annual Report.

Broad discussion occurred regarding the combination of the existing LHP A's and CMA's business systems when the new LLS commenced business on 1101/14. BM indicated that she was developing a business paper on the issue.

Chair indicated that Gerry Moo re (consultant, DPI) had provided a presentation on change management at the NSW CMA Chairs Council Meeting ( 4/04/13) and that it had been well received.

• Action 88.4

That Gerry Moore be asked to repeat her presentation on change management to the NCMA Board at its May Meeting.

GM advised that he had spoken with Michael Carapiet who is Chairing the NSW Crown Lands Review and was seeking to arrange a meeting with him.

• Resolution 88.10

That the NCMA Board accept the Chairs Report. Carried

Gl\'1 's Report

GM's previously circulated report was taken as read.

GM indicated that the LLS Reference Panel's recommendations regarding the LLS boundaries and governance matters would be forwarded to Minister Hodgkinson (Minster for Primary Industries) for final approval over the next 10 working days.


GM stated that he and the BM had held a further meeting with the NW LHPA GM (Jane Edwards) to discuss the proposed NW LLS merger. GM indicated that he had also visited the BRG CMA and NW LHP A offices in Moree to review future NW LLS office accommodation.

GM indicated that the SPM had met with BRG CMA staff on 4-5/04/13 to assist with the development of their F' 14 Investment Plans.

GM noted that both AG & NSW NRM funding for F' 14 was still currently unknown.

Following a Board Member query, the GM advised that only one CMAg Agricultural Extension Position had been filled during the first round of recruitment and that the re-advertising of the remaining positions would commence shortly.


That the NCMA Board accept the GM's Report. Carried

8.1 Public I ntcrcst Dislosurcs Polin

GM noted the previously circulated Public Interest Disclosures Policy & Procedure and asked that the NCMA Board approve the Policy & Procedure.


That the NCMA Board approve the Public Interest Disclosures Policy & Procedure as tabled. Carried

Following a Board Member query the GM advised that he would check any Board Member requirements in relation to DTIRIS' current 'Code of Conduct'.

• Action 88.5

GM to investigate any Board Member requirements in relation to DTIRIS' current 'Code of Conduct'.

9.0 Stratcuic Planninu/Activitics Rcpm·t

SPM's previously circulated report was taken as read.

SPM advised that he was currently developing the F' 14 AlP Programs based on input from new NCMA "knowledge products" and feedback received from the annual investment program review.

SPM noted that the strategy and protocols regarding the use of the NCRAT Tool were being developed and would be presented at a forthcoming Board Meeting. SPM advised that the SPM Team were seeking an alternate name for the 'NCRAT' Tool. Juanita Hamparsum suggested the 'Cumulative Land Use Impact Tool' (CLUI).

SPM stated that the Board Strategic Planning Workshop on the NCMA CAP update would be held on 15/05/13 in Tamworth.

• Action 88.6

SPM to circulate the Board Strategic Planning Workshop Agenda to all NCMA Board Members/Senior Staff.

Following a Board Member query, the SPM advised that an expression of interest to fill the current vacancy on the Plains Community Reference Panel had been received. Broad discussion occurred regarding the need for Community Reference Panel feedback to provided to the NCMA Board and be embedded within the CAP update process.


9.1

• Action 88.7

That the SPM provide feedback on NCMA Community Reference Panel Meetings to the NCMA Board as part of his monthly report.

NCMA Board congratulated James Hutchinson-Smith on his appointment as Manager, Strategic Land Services.


That the NCMA Board accept the SPM's Report. Carried

Strategy, Policy & Investment Committee

Committee Chair noted that whilst the Committee had not met prior to the Board Meeting, informal discussions with the outgoing and incoming SPM were continuing.


That the NCMA Board accept the Strategy, Policy & Investment Committee Chair's verbal report.

Carried

I0.0 Investment/Operations Report

OM's previously circulated report was taken as read.

OM tabled the KPI Dashboard for March 2013 and advised that the 'Staff Turnover' KPI had been placed "on hold" and not included in the overall organisational performance due to the current amalgamation of NSW CMA's into 'Local Land Services' (LLS).

OM advised that a new infestation of Alligator Weed had been found in the Peel River near Somerton and that further funding was being sought to assist in undertaking further survey activity.

Following a query from a Board Member, the OM advised that the Propagation Workshops held in Quirindi and Narrabri had focused on native plant propagation that could be embedded within local native plant nurseries. Broad discussion occurred regarding the opportunities for native plant breeding given the rehabilitation activities of the extractive industries.

In response to a Board Member query, the OM stated that the outputs from the NCRAT Tool in assessing the Watermark development would be presented at the next Board Meeting.


That the NCMA Board accept the OM's Report. Carried

11.0 General Business

Broad discussion occurred regarding correspondence received from Minister Hodgkinson (16/04/13) stating concerns regarding preliminary findings of the Deloitte's Audit Report.


Chair to write to Minister Hodgkinson noting NCMA Board Member concerns regarding the general nature of her comments on the preliminary fmdings of the Deloittes' Audit Report.

Carried


NCMA Board discussed the forced resignation of CMA Board Members to meet the Minister's directive to downsize CMA Boards from seven to five Members by 30/06/13 given the LLS restructure.


Chair to write to Minister Hodgkinson noting the NCMA Board's disappointment regarding the forced resignations of two NCMA Board Members to meet the Minister's directive to downsize the Board and note the increased workload for the remaining five Board Members.

Carried • Resolution 88.18

Letter to be forwarded to Minister Hodgkinson seeking an extension of Juanita Hamparsum, Brian Tomalin and Hugh Barrett's Board Member terms to 31/12/13.


Letter to be forwarded to Minister Hodgkinson noting Adam Marshall and Jack Wamock's resignation from the NCMA Board effective 21/04/13 and 30/06/13 respectively.

Carried

J o Slack -Smith noted a possible conflict of interest regarding her position as President of Burren Junction Public School P&C and sought advice from the NCMA Board on how to address the issue of the School applying for a funding grant ($3.5k for tree planting & maintenance) from NCMA. NCMA Board noted that she should withdraw from any decision making process in relation to the grant. GM indicated that NCMA already had a longstanding on-ground investment activity 'Conflict of Interest' Policy in place.

OM indicated he would explore possible alternate funding arrangements in relation to the school grant.

GM stated that a various local councils within the Namoi Catchment had attended an inspection of the Santos CSG activities in the Pilliga and he suggested that NCMA Board Members/Senior Staff could undertake a similar tour.

• Action 88.8

GM to investigate a suitable date for NCMA Board/Senior Staff to undertake an inspection of the Santos CSG activities in the Pilliga and report back at the May Meeting.

GM indicated that the results of the 2013 IPSOS Benchmarking Report would be presented at a forthcoming Board Meeting.

Broad discussion occurred regarding Board Committee structures and membership in light of the resignation of Jack Wamock and Adam Marshall from the NCMA Board.


That the NCMA Board Risk & Audit Committee membership be Juanita Hamparsum (Chair), Jo SlackSmith and Conrad Bolton (ex-officio).


That the NCMA Board PVP Working Group membership be Brian Tomalin (Chair), Hugh Barrett and Conrad Bolton (ex -officio).


That the NCM Board Strategy, Policy & Investment Committee membership be Hugh Barrett (Chair), Brian Tomalin and Conrad Bolton (ex-officio).

Carried


NCMA Board opened an 'In Camera' session (3:00pm)

NCMA Board 'In Camera' session closed (3:30pm)

12.11 l'icxt Board i\lccting Date

Next Board Meeting to be held in the Boardroom, NCMA Offices, Gunnedah on 27 May 2013 .

..,. Conrad Bolton Bruce Brown Chair Namoi CMA GM Namoi CMA


Namoi CMA Minutes - Meeting Number 88 · 2013. 12. 6. · GM noted a letter received from Minister...

Documents

Transcript of Namoi CMA Minutes - Meeting Number 88 · 2013. 12. 6. · GM noted a letter received from Minister...