Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board
Annual Report 2012–13
Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board Annual Report 2012–13
Related information is available at:
www.environment.gov.au/cleanenergyfuture
© Commonwealth of Australia 2014
With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms all material presented in this document under a
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence.
Images
Cover:
(Front) Budgee Creek in the Barmah State Forest (John Baker)
(Back) The Murray River at Budgee Creek in the Barmah State Forest (John Baker)
Board
Bob Debus, Lesley Hughes, David Crombie, Joe Ross, Anna Skarbek
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Letter of Transmittal
The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Minister for the Environment
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister
In accordance with the relevant statutory requirements I present you with the Annual Report of the Land Sector
Carbon and Biodiversity Board for the year ending 30 June 2013.
This Annual Report is a factual account of the Board’s activities during the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013. It
retains the relevant departments’ previous titles to reflect the titles during the reporting period.
The report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements set out in subsection 81 of the Climate Change
Authority Act 2011 (the Act) and the Guidelines for the Presentation of Documents to the Parliament provided by the
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Under subsection 81(1) of the Act you are required to table a copy of
the Annual Report in each House of Parliament.
I would like to recognise the contribution of each of the Board members in providing advice to the Australian
Government in relation to the implementation of the Land Sector Package.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of staff of the relevant departments for their professional
and collaborative approach to the establishment of the Land Sector Package.
Yours sincerely
The Hon Robert Debus AM
Chair, Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board
7 September 2014
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Table of contents
Letter of Transmittal...................................................................................................................................... 3
Table of contents .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Preamble ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Report from the Chair ................................................................................................................................... 6
Membership of the Board ............................................................................................................................. 8
Membership of the National Wildlife Corridors Committee ............................................................................ 9
Milestones 2012–13 ................................................................................................................................... 10
Performance Indicators............................................................................................................................... 11
Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board’s Performance Indicators ....................................................... 12
Land Sector Package Measures ................................................................................................................. 13
The year ahead .......................................................................................................................................... 56
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Preamble
In the months following the 2012–13 financial year a number of changes occurred in the Australian Government.
On 1 July 2013, the Hon Mark Butler MP was appointed Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water and
Minister for Climate Change in the Rudd Ministry, replacing the former Minister for Sustainability, Water, Population
and Communities, the Hon Tony Burke MP.
On 18 September 2013, following the 2013 Federal election:
 The Hon Greg Hunt MP was appointed Minister for the Environment in the Abbott Ministry, replacing the former
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water and Minister for Climate Change, the Hon Mark Butler MP.
 The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP was appointed Minister for Agriculture in the Abbott Ministry, replacing the former
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP.
 The former Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities became the
Department of the Environment.
 The former Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry became the Department of Agriculture.
 The former Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
became the Department of Industry.
Shortly after coming to office in September 2013, the Abbott Government indicated its intention to repeal the Climate
Change Authority Act 2011 (the CCA Act) which will lead to the termination of the programmes comprising the Land
Sector Package, and both the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board and the National Wildlife Corridors
Committee ceasing to exist.
Bills to repeal the carbon tax and related legislation (including the Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013) have
been developed and introduced into Parliament for its consideration.
In this Annual Report, actions taken by Ministers are reported as being taken by the relevant minister existing at that
time (2012–13). Similarly, responsibilities of departments are reported as being held by the relevant department at that
time.
This Annual Report reflects funding and activities undertaken within the 2012–13 financial year only. Pending formal
repeal of the CCA Act, it is proposed that future reporting on funding and activities undertaken after 1 July 2013 will be
included in the relevant Department’s Annual Report.
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Report from the Chair
I am pleased to present the 2012–13 Annual Report for the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board (the Board).
The Ministers responsible for implementation of the Land Sector Package were the Environment Minister, Climate
Change Minister and Agriculture Minister.
The Board’s role was to:
 advise the Minister/s on implementation, performance indicators and priorities for research in relation to the
Land Sector Package
 advise the Environment Minister on implementation, performance indicators and guidelines for the Biodiversity
Fund
 provide guidance on the implementation of the Land Sector Package.
Across the breadth of the Land Sector Package the Australian Government invested in a range of interacting
measures (Figure 1) to help ensure the protection of Australia’s ecosystems and increase resilience to the impacts of
climate change. These measures assist industry, land managers, farmers and the community to develop skills,
expertise and undertake activities to store carbon in the landscape and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Over $400 million has been invested through the Biodiversity Fund, the Regional Natural Resource Management
Planning for Climate Change Fund, the Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund, the Carbon Farming Futures programme
and the Carbon Farming Skills programme. The CFI Non-Kyoto Carbon Fund measure was scheduled to commence
in 2013–14 however, the Australian Government announced in May 2013 that the Fund would no longer proceed due
to expanded land sector coverage under the Kyoto Protocol. Thus the CFI Non-Kyoto Carbon Fund ceased to be a
measure under the Land Sector Package.
In August 2012, the Australian Government agreed to confer the additional functions related to the National Wildlife
Corridors Plan and corridors more generally on the Board and to the establishment of a Committee to assist in
undertaking these functions.
On 23 November 2012, the then Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the
Hon Tony Burke MP, signed a legislative instrument under section 62(1)(c) of the Climate Change Authority Act 2011
to confer these additional functions.
The role of the National Wildlife Corridors Committee (the Committee) was to provide the Board with advice and
information about:
1. the implementation of the National Wildlife Corridors Plan
2. matters relating to the nomination of wildlife corridors for declaration as National Wildlife Corridors and the
assessment of those nominated wildlife corridors
3. the declaration of wildlife corridors as National Wildlife Corridors
4. the priorities for research and investigation in relation to the matters specified in paragraphs (a)–(c)
5. any other matter that the Environment Minister requests advice or information about.
The Committee was established in June 2013 with members being jointly appointed by the Environment and
Agriculture Ministers for a period of three years.
6
In April 2013 I was privileged to be able to travel to the Cape York region with Environment Department representatives to
see some of the great Biodiversity Fund work being delivered in the region.
The Kalan Rangers from Cohen and the AaK Puul Ngantam Wik Kuku Rangers from Aurukun provided great insight
and I was able to receive firsthand exposure to the challenges of natural resource management work in remote areas
of the Cape, and the importance of the role Indigenous communities and their culture play in meeting these
challenges.
Also, while in Aurukun, we were provided with the opportunity to celebrate with some of the Wik Kuku Rangers on
their completion of some new qualifications in conservation and land management. This is a capacity building initiative
funded by and contributing to the delivery of Biodiversity Fund work.
*
The CFI Non-Kyoto Fund was a measure under the Land Sector Package which was due to commence in 2013–14. Under the 2013–14 Budget it was announced that the Fund
would no longer exist due to expanded land sector coverage under the Kyoto Protocol.
Figure 1: Land Sector Package
The Land Sector Package was designed to foster partnerships across Australia between private and public land
managers of all kinds for the purpose of improving the capacity of the landscape to respond to climate change. It has
continued to work closely and align with other existing Australian Government programmes, for example, Caring for
our Country, Reef Rescue, the Working on Country Ranger programme and the Tasmania Forestry initiative.
I am pleased that the Board successfully provided advice on the ongoing implementation, management and
opportunities for research priorities within the Land Sector Package measures.
The Hon Robert Debus AM
Chair, Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board
7 September 2014
7
Membership of the Board
The Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board was an independent advisory body which reported to the
Environment Minister.
The Board consisted of a Chair and four members. Members were jointly appointed by the Environment and Agriculture
Ministers, in consultation with the Climate Change Minister. Members were appointed based on their knowledge and
experience in fields relevant to the Board’s functions.
The Board comprises:
The Hon Robert Debus AM (Chair)
Mr Robert Debus has expertise in environmental policy, governance and law. A former State and Australian
Government Minister, Mr Debus was the Independent Chair of the National Wildlife Corridors Plan Advisory Group that
assisted with the development of the Australian Government’s National Wildlife Corridors Plan.
Professor Lesley Hughes
Prof Lesley Hughes is an expert in the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems. She is a
professorial fellow with the Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, and a lead author on the
IPCC fourth and fifth assessment reports.
Mr David Crombie
Mr David Crombie is a Director of GRM International, Australian Agricultural Company, Alliance Aviation Services
and Foodbank (Queensland) and is a Commissioner of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
He was formerly President of the National Farmers Federation, Chairman of Meat and Livestock Australia and
Chairman of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
Mr Joe Ross
Mr Joe Ross is the former Chair of the Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce. He is a member of the
Bunuba people in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Mr Ross has been prominent in facilitating the
development of the National Indigenous Climate Change Project.
Ms Anna Skarbek
Ms Anna Skarbek is the Executive Director of Climate Works Australia and is a director of the Clean Energy
Finance Corporation, the Carbon Market Institute, the Sustainable Melbourne Fund and the Thermometer
Foundation for Social Research on Climate Change.
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Membership of the National Wildlife Corridors Committee
The National Wildlife Corridors Committee (the Committee) is a sub-committee established under the Board.
Members were jointly appointed by the Environment and Agriculture Ministers in June 2013. The role of the
Committee is to provide advice to the Environment Minister through the Board on the nomination, assessment and
declaration process of the National Wildlife Corridors Plan and other matters relating to wildlife corridors.
The Committee comprised:
Dr Graeme Worboys (Chair)
Dr Graeme Worboys is an expert in protected area management and connectivity conservation. He is an Adjunct
Fellow at the Fenner School of the ANU and was co-editor and lead author for the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) compendium texts on protected area management and connectivity conservation
management. Dr Worboys was an integral member of the Great Eastern Ranges corridor initiative and a member of
the Social and Institutional opportunities Expert Working Group to the National Wildlife Corridors Advisory Group.
Professor Craig Moritz
Professor Craig Moritz heads the Evolutionary Biogeography & Conservation Lab in the Division of Evolution,
Ecology and Genetics at the ANU. Professor Moritz is a specialist in comparative studies of phenotypic and genomic
diversity across environments in space and time, and the identification of long-term climatic refugia and habitat
linkages to them.
Dr Beverley Henry
Dr Beverley Henry is a principal research fellow in the Institute for Sustainable Resources at the Queensland
University of Technology, with experience in climate change and greenhouse gas accounting. Dr Henry helped to
compile the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory and was a project leader at the Cooperative Research Centre
(CRC) for Greenhouse Accounting. Her research and industry interests include climate change mitigation and
adaptation, environmental stewardship, sustainable and profitable agricultural production and global food security.
She was formerly the manager for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change at Meat and Livestock Australia.
Ms Vicki-Jo Russell
Ms Vicki-Jo Russell has extensive natural resource management experience and technical expertise in conservation
and biodiversity management and community involvement and development. Ms Russell is a former member of the
National Wildlife Corridors Plan Advisory Group and a member of the SA Nature Links Partners Forum. Ms Russell
was formerly Deputy Presiding Member of the South Australian Natural Resource Management Council and is a
current member of the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Regional Board. She received
an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) in 2003 for her contributions to community-based conservation in South
Australia.
Professor Richard Hobbs
Professor Richard Hobbs is an expert in vegetation dynamics and management, ecosystem fragmentation,
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ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration, landscape ecology and conservation biology. His current research focuses
on managing ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the journal Restoration
Ecology. He was elected to the Australian Academy of Science in 2004 and received an Australian Research Council
Australian Professional Fellowship in 2006.
Milestones 2012–13
Date
Milestones
November
Launch of the Carbon Farming Futures: Filling the Research Gap Round Two and the Carbon
2012
Farming Futures: Extension and Outreach programme, by the Minister for Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry.
Launch of the Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund Capacity Building and Business Support
Stream Round One, by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities.
Launch of the Biodiversity Fund: Northern Australia Targeted Investment Round, by the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
December
Launch of Stream One of the Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate
2012
Change Fund, by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities.
February 2013
Launch of the Biodiversity Fund: Round Two, by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities.
March 2013
Approval of five projects for the Carbon Farming Futures Methodology Development Program,
by the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Innovation and Industry.
April 2013
Announcement of 55 successful projects for Carbon Farming Futures: Filling the Research
Gap Round Two (31 projects) and the Carbon Farming Futures: Extension and Outreach
Program (24 projects), by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Launch of the Carbon Farming Futures: Action on the Ground Round Two, by the Minister for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
10
Announcement of 44 successful projects under the Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund:
Capacity Building and Business Support Stream Round One, by the Minister for Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities and the Parliamentary Secretary for
Climate Change, Innovation and Industry.
Approval of 53 successful projects under the Regional Natural Resource Management
Planning for Climate Change Fund by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities.
May 2013
Launch of the Biodiversity Fund: Investing in Tasmania’s Native Forests 2013–14 by the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
June 2013
Appointment of members to the National Wildlife Corridors Committee by the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and the Minister for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Performance Indicators
The Climate Change Authority Act 2011 gave the Board responsibility for advising Ministers on the development of
performance indicators for the Land Sector Package measures.
The Board endorsed the final suite of performance indicators at its April 2013 meeting. While developing the
performance indicators, the Board considered the following aspects: governance arrangements, scheduling, scoping,
resource allocation, risk management, stakeholder management and evaluation, whilst ensuring the indicators
demonstrate programme performance and effectiveness. It also ensured that the following considerations be applied
to ongoing performance indicator development:
 consistency across Land Sector Package measures to ensure coherent annual reporting
 advice provided by the Board
 broader Clean Energy Future Plan performance indicators that allow consolidation into carbon abatement
performance indicators.
The performance indicators are high level indicators that report on the Land Sector Package as a whole but are
intended to be simultaneously precise enough to quantify success within each measure. They should measure and
report on programme outcomes and effectiveness rather than on programme inputs, whilst ensuring that they are
considered within the broader development of the monitoring and evaluation arrangements.
The performance indicators were developed through the implementation phase of the Land Sector Package
measures, in consultation with the Board. A series of indicators were presented to the Board over the course of the
year, and through discussions and refinement, were endorsed by the Board.
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As most of the Land Sector Package measures began implementation in 2012–13, reporting on outcomes in the shortterm is vague. However, the robustness of each agency’s capacity to report against the performance indicators is
expected to improve over time as monitoring and reporting sophistication improves.
Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board’s Performance
Indicators
The Board’s performance indicators were developed as high level overarching indicators to ensure the Board
continued to meet its legislative requirements.
Objective(s)
Key performance
Status as at 30 June 2013
indicators
Administration (Annual)
Annual
To report annually to Parliament about the
Report prepared and
progress of land sector and biodiversity
delivered.
Annual Report 2012–13 to be
tabled as soon as practicable
after 30 June 2013.
measures.
Annual
Annual
To advise the relevant Minister(s) on the
Advice prepared for
implementation of the land sector funding
relevant Minister(s).
Advice provided to relevant
measures (the package) including guidelines
Minister(s) on implementation of
the land sector funding
measures as required.
for the Biodiversity Fund programme.
To advise the relevant Minister(s) about the
Advice prepared for
Advice provided to relevant
priorities for research in relation to land
relevant Minister(s).
Ministers(s) concerning the
sector measures.
priorities for research in relation
to land sector measures as
required.
To advise on key performance indicators
Advice prepared for
Key performance indicators for
for the land sector measures.
relevant Minister(s).
the land sector measures
developed and endorsed by the
Board on 19 April 2013.
To advise on the development of a
Advice prepared for
National Wildlife Corridors
nomination, assessment and declaration
relevant Minister(s).
Committee established in June
process for National Wildlife Corridors.
2013 to provide advice on the
nomination, assessment and
declaration process for National
Wildlife Corridors.
12
Medium-term (4 years)
Medium term (4 years)
To review implementation of the land sector
Implementation of the land
measures in 2015–2016.
sector measures reviewed
Not applicable until 2015–16.
in 2015–16.
Land Sector Package Measures
Carbon Farming Futures
Funding
$429 million over six years
2012–13 Financial
$23.9 million (Administered)
Year
Administered by
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary
Education
Australian Taxation Office
Description of measure
The Carbon Farming Futures programme provided for $429 million over six years, from July 2011 to June 2017. The
five components of the programme were designed to ensure that advances in management practices, technologies
and techniques will continue to evolve to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity. These advances will allow
farmers and other land managers to benefit from the economic opportunities of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI)
while assisting Australia in achieving its long-term emissions reduction target.
The five components of the Carbon Farming Futures programme are:
Filling the Research Gap programme
The Filling the Research Gap programme is investing around $201 million from July 2011 to June 2017 to support
research into abatement technologies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the land sector, store
carbon in the landscape and adapt to changing climatic conditions while maintaining productive and sustainable
agricultural practices. The research outcomes will support the development of offset methodologies under the CFI.
On 17 May 2012, 57 research projects were announced under Round One of the Filling the Research Gap
programme involving 24 different lead research organisations and 63 partner organisations. The Round One projects
are coordinated under national research programmes that have been developed to facilitate knowledge sharing.
13
On 2 April 2013, a further 31 projects were announced under Round Two of the Filling the Research Gap programme.
These Round Two projects included 15 lead research organisations and 55 partner organisations. Seven of the
approved projects under Round Two of the programme will also be delivered in partnership with six international
organisations. Round Two of the programme included two additional research areas which had not previously been
funded. These were:
 International collaboration with member countries of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse
Gases
 Adaptation to climate change and its associated climate variability.
Funding of $30 million has been allocated up to June 2017 to the Australian Bureau of Statistics to deliver a biennial
survey of approximately 50 000 farm businesses land management practices. The first survey was undertaken in 2012
with initial survey results released on 28 June 2013.
Action on the Ground programme
The Action on the Ground programme is investing around $99 million from July 2011 to June 2017 to help farmers and
land managers to trial on-farm abatement technologies and management practices to measure how these can reduce
agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (methane and nitrous oxide) or increase and store carbon in soil. Under Round
One of the programme, 59 projects worth $25.2 million commenced in June 2012.
Projects were funded across each of the programme’s four specified priorities:
 increasing carbon stored in soil (19 projects)
 reducing methane emissions (seven projects)
 reducing nitrous oxide emissions (17 projects)
 reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or storing carbon in soil through the application of innovative practices
and/or abatement technologies (16 projects).*
* Note: many projects address more than one emissions abatement priority.
Applications for Round Two of the programme opened on 8 April 2013 and closed on 23 May 2013. Round Two
applications were assessed by an independent expert advisory panel on 17–18 June 2013. The outcomes of Round
Two are expected to be announced in the first half of 2013–14.
Extension and Outreach programme
The Extension and Outreach programme is investing around $64 million from July 2011 to June 2017 to support a
range of activities that will provide information and support to land managers, farmers, and their key influencers about
the CFI and land sector emissions management.
Programme investments support extension providers—building on the CFI Communications programme, existing
networks and supplementing with new services where required. The programme will also fund the development of
information tools and systems and additional communication resources to boost awareness and build capacity for
land managers to undertake greenhouse gas mitigation practices and participate in the CFI.
On 10 April 2013 funding was announced for 24 extension projects valued at over $21 million. The projects are
engaging 71 extension organisations and will support approximately 90 on-ground extension officers nationally.
Conservation tillage refundable tax offset programme
14
The Australian Government is providing a 15 per cent refundable tax offset for new eligible conservation seeding
equipment purchased and installed between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2015. In the 2013 income year, over 642
primary producers were issued with Research Participation Certificates and may be eligible to claim the offset from
1 July 2013 via their tax returns.
Carbon Farming Initiative Methodology Development programme
The Methodology Development programme (MDP) includes $19.6 million to facilitate the development of
CFI methodologies that expand the opportunities for the participation in the CFI of land managers. This programme is
delivered by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. Approximately
$7.7 million of the MDP will be allocated to collaborative grants projects that prepare CFI methodologies. The Board
provided advice to assist the preparation of programme guidelines for this component of the MDP. Programme
guidelines were finalised and released in August 2012. Thirty-three applications were received for grants in the first
round. Five applications were selected in March 2013 and subsequently approved for funding in March 2013.
Performance Indicators
Filling the Research Gap programme
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
Administration (Annual)
Administration (Annual)
The programme element will be
LSCBB Annual Report tabled
be tabled as soon as
developed and implemented in line
annually in Parliament.
practicable after 30 June
 Annual Report 2012–13 to
2013.
with government policy and
administrative processes.
Short term (Annual)
 DAFF annual PBS Outcome
One KPIs met.
 Grant round successful with
 DAFF annual PBS
Outcome One KPIs met.
 Grant round successful
with allocated budget fully
allocated budget fully
committed and projects
committed and projects
funded for each of the
funded for each of the
specified research
specified research priorities.
priorities.
 Number of application forms
downloaded per grant round.
Round One: not available
—the programme used a word
document form, not a smart form.
Round Two: 1368 applications
downloaded.
15
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
 Number of applications
received per grant round.
Administration (Annual)
 Analysis of applicant types
Status as at 30 June 2013
Round One: 234.
Round Two: 240.
Across both rounds applications
The programme element will be
against intended audiences
were received from a range of
developed and implemented in line
per grant round.
stakeholders such as key state
with government policy and
 Analysis of applicant types,
administrative processes.
research and agriculture
sectors seeking funding and
emission type per grant
government departments,
research and development
corporations, universities,
research institutions and private
industry.
round.
Round One:

 Reducing methane—
78 applications received
 Reducing nitrous oxide—
44 applications received
 Increasing soil carbon—
90 applications received
 Modelling—
22 applications received
Round Two:
 Reducing methane—
33 applications received
 Reducing nitrous oxide—
25 applications received
 Increasing soil carbon—
27 applications received
 Modelling—
14 applications received
 Adaptation—
40 applications received
 Coordination—
9 applications received
The remaining 92 applications
received targeted a mixture of
priority areas.
16
Objective(s)
Administration (Annual)
Key performance indicators
 Number of FtRG enquiries
Status as at 30 June 2013
Round One: at least 96 email
The programme element will be
received through FtRG email
enquiries and 130 telephone
developed and implemented in line
address and programme
enquiries.
with government policy and
enquiries direct phone line
Round Two: at least 70 email
administrative processes.
per grant round.
enquiries and 199 telephone
enquiries.
 Number of participating
Round One:
research organisations per
 57 successful projects.
grant round.
 24 lead research
 Number of research
organisations participating as
organisations.
 63 partner organisations
project partners per grant
including key state
round.
government departments,
research and development
corporations, universities
and private industry.
Round Two:
 31 successful projects.
 15 lead research
organisations.
 55 partner organisations
including key state
government departments,
research and development
corporations, universities
and private industry.
 Seven approved projects
will be delivered in
partnership with six
international organisations.
 Grant guidelines approved
by Minister.
Round One: approved by
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry on 7 October 2011.
Round Two: approved by
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry on 31 October 2012.
17
Objective(s)
Administration (Annual)
Key performance indicators
 Central governmental
Status as at 30 June 2013
The programme guidelines were
The programme element will be
agency consultation on and
developed in accordance with the
developed and implemented in line
approval of guidelines.
Commonwealth Grant Guidelines
and in consultation with the
with government policy and
Department’s grants policy
administrative processes.
section and appropriate central
agencies prior to Ministerial
approval.
 Programme—grant
Yes—grant management and
management and finance
finance system data and project
system data and project files
files are up to date.
up to date.
 Per cent of projects on track
against deed.
Round One: all projects on track,
with only two projects
experiencing minor delays.
Round Two: deeds under
negotiation at the time of this
report.
 Payments made within 30
Programme implementation
outcomes (Years 2–6)
days of receipt of correctly
30 days of receipt of correctly
rendered invoice.
rendered invoice.
Medium to long-term
 Outputs of FtRG projects
On-farm management abatement
submitted for publication in
technologies, practices and
peer reviewed scientific
management strategies identified
literature.
that can measurably/accountably be
used to reduce agricultural
greenhouse gas emissions or
sequester carbon in soil.
Yes—all payments made within
 Outputs of FtRG projects
identify and quantify how an
abatement technology,
practice or management
strategy can measurably
reduce on-farm emissions of
greenhouse gases or
sequester carbon in soil.
 Outputs of FtRG projects
18
Not applicable until years 2–6 of
programme implementation.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
used to inform the
development or assessment
of CFI offset methodologies.
 Percentage of area that
research relates to and
change to practices.
Knowledge, skills, and capacity of
 Funded research addresses
land sector community increased to
priorities of the Research
enable participation in CFI.
Strategy for FtRG.
Not applicable until years 2–6 of
programme implementation.
 Public
communication/presentation
of FtRG project progress
result and outcomes that
identify and quantify how an
abatement technology,
practice or management
strategy can measurably
reduce on-farm emissions of
greenhouse gases or
sequester carbon in soil.
 Potential economic benefit.
Programme outcomes (Years 3–6)
Contribute to improving Australia’s
Medium to long term
 Publication of peer reviewed
reporting of land sector greenhouse
scientific reports that improve
gas emissions for international
Australia’s ability to measure
accounting purposes.
and internationally report on
land sector greenhouse gas
emissions.
 Publication of peer reviewed
models that improve
Australia’s ability to measure
and internationally report on
land sector greenhouse gas
emissions.
 Percentage of research used
as Action on the Ground
projects.
19
Not applicable until years 3–6 of
programme implementation.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
 Was research cited in a
proposed CFI methodology?
Farmers and land managers
 Publication of peer reviewed
engaged in activities to reduce
programme implementation.
reports.
greenhouse gas emissions or
Not applicable until years 3–6 of
 Publication of FtRG project
sequester carbon in soil while
outcomes that identify and
maintaining productivity.
quantify how an abatement
technology, practice or
management strategy can
measurably reduce on-farm
emissions of greenhouse
gases or sequester carbon in
soil.
Action on the Ground programme
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
Administration (Annual)
Annual
Annual Report 2012–13 to be
The programme element has been
developed and implemented in line
 LSCBB Annual Report tabled
annually in Parliament.
tabled as soon as practicable
after 30 June 2013.
with government policy and
administrative processes.
Short term (Annual)
 DAFF annual PBS Outcome
One KPIs met.
 Grant round successful with
allocated budget fully
committed and projects
DAFF annual PBS Outcome One
KPIs met.
Grant round successful with
allocated budget fully committed
and projects funded for each of
the specified priorities.
funded for each of the
specified priorities.
 Number of application forms
downloaded per grant round.
Round One: approximately 1850
application forms downloaded.
Round Two: more than 1800
application forms downloaded.
20
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
 Number of applications
received per grant round.
Status as at 30 June 2013
Round One: 247 applications
received, seeking $96 million in
grant funds.
Round Two: 137 applications
received, seeking around
$80 million in grant funds.
Administration (Annual)
 Analysis of applicant types
The programme element has been
against intended audiences
developed and implemented in line
per grant round.
with government policy and
 Analysis of applicant types
administrative processes.
Round One: the 247 Round One
applications comprised:
 97 soil carbon
 20 methane
and agriculture sectors
 38 nitrous oxide
seeking funding and
 92 innovative practices
emission type per grant
and/or abatement
round.
technologies.
Breakdown of Round One

applications by entity type:
 Farmer Association: 45
 Research organisations: 24
 Landcare: 12
 Local Government: 3
 NRM Body: 25
 Private Business: 118
 State Government: 20.
Round Two: the 137 round two
applications comprised:
 60 soil carbon
 21 methane
 56 nitrous oxide proposals.
Breakdown of Round Two
applications by entity type:
 Farmer Association: 35
 Research organisations: 34
 Landcare: 6
 NRM Body: 15
 Private Business: 47.
Industry sectors that sought
funding under both rounds
21
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
included: dairy, livestock
(intensive and extensive),
horticulture, broadacre cropping
and on-farm management of
agricultural and animal effluent
wastes. A number of applications
proposed trials across multiple
agricultural sectors.
Administration (Annual)
 Number of AotG enquiries
Round One: approximately 220
The programme element has been
received through AotG email
enquiries received, comprising
developed and implemented in line
address and programme
around 150 telephone calls to the
with government policy and
enquiries direct phone line
programme hotline and 70 emails.
administrative processes.
per grant round.
Round Two: approximately 240
enquiries received, comprising
around 190 telephone calls to the
programme hotline and 50 emails.
 Number of participating
research organisations per
grant round.
 Number of research
organisations participating as
project partners per grant
Round One:
 8 of the 59 Round One
projects are being
undertaken by research
organisations.
 Around 20 different
research organisations are
round.
participating in Round One
projects as project
partners.
Round Two:
 Around 25 different
research organisations are
listed as project partners in
Round Two applications.
 52 Round Two applications
listed research
organisations as project
partners.
22
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
 Grant guidelines take into
account research outcomes
from CCRP and FtRG.
Administration (Annual)
The programme element has been
 Grant guidelines approved
by Minister.
Round One: guidelines approved
by the Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry on 23
developed and implemented in line
November 2011.
with government policy and
Round Two: guidelines approved
administrative processes.
by the Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry on 3
December 2012.
 Central governmental
Programme guidelines for both
agency consultation on and
rounds were developed in
approval of guidelines.
accordance with the
Commonwealth Grant Guidelines
and in consultation with the
Department’s grants policy
section and appropriate central
agencies prior to Ministerial
approval.
 Programme—grant
Yes—grant management and
management and finance
finance system data and project
system data and project files
files are up to date.
up to date.
 Per cent of projects on track
against deed.
All round one projects have met
their milestone and reporting
requirements to date and
administrative funding is fully
expended for 2012–13.
 Payments made within 30
Programme implementation
Yes—all payments made within
days of receipt of correctly
30 days of receipt of correctly
rendered invoice.
rendered invoice.
Medium to long term
AotG is assisting farmers and
land managers to undertake on-
23
Objective(s)
outcomes (Years 2–6)
On-farm management abatement
technologies, practices and
management strategies identified
through research are trialled to
measure and demonstrate how these
may accountably be used to reduce
Key performance indicators
 Public release of peer
Status as at 30 June 2013
farm trials of abatement
reviewed AotG projects
technologies and practices to
identifying potential on-farm
measure and demonstrate how
abatement or sequestration
they can reduce agricultural
technologies, practices,
greenhouse gas emissions or
management strategies.
sequester carbon in soil while
 Public release of AotG
maintaining farm productivity.
agricultural greenhouse gas
projects outcomes identifying
Outcomes of AotG projects will be
emissions or sequester carbon in
abatement technologies,
used to assist in the development
soil.
practices or management
of Carbon Farming Initiative offset
strategies that can
methodologies through which
measurably reduce on-farm
farmers may be able to claim
emissions of agricultural
carbon credits for abatement or
greenhouse gases or
sequestration projects on their
sequester carbon in soil.
land.
 Outcomes of AotG projects
used to inform the
development or assessment
of CFI offset methodologies.
Knowledge, skills, and capacity of
 AotG projects engaging with
All AotG projects undertake a
land sector community increased to
farmers and land managers
range of communication activities
enable participation in CFI.
communicating projects aims
with the land sector community to
and outcomes.
share and disseminate
 Public release of information
information about project
outcomes and findings.
about AotG project
outcomes.
At the end of May 2013, Round
One grantees had staged more
than 110 project workshops and
field days and disseminated more
than 90 project-specific
publications and articles.
Programme outcomes (Years 3–6)
Contribute to improving Australia’s
Medium to long term
 Outputs from projects
reporting of land sector greenhouse
demonstrate that specific
gas emissions for international
abatement technologies or
accounting purposes.
practices can lead to a
measurable on-farm
reduction in agricultural
24
Not applicable until years 3–6 of
programme implementation.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
greenhouse gas emissions
or sequester carbon in farm.
 Farmers and land managers
directly supported to trial and
demonstrate on-farm
abatement technologies and
practices that can reduce
agricultural greenhouse gas
emissions or sequester
carbon in soil.
 Number of CFI
methodologies developed?
Farmers and land managers
 Projects funded to trial on-
The programme is funding
engaged in activities to reduce
farm abatement technologies
projects that will validate
greenhouse gas emissions or
and practices identified as
approaches to agricultural
sequester carbon in soil while
potentially able to reduce
greenhouse gas abatement by
maintaining productivity.
agricultural greenhouse gas
taking lab-based research
emissions or sequester
outcomes and trialling them in
carbon.
real farm operations.
 AotG projects engaging with
farmers and land managers
communicating projects aims
and outcomes.
 Publication of information
about AotG through E&O
programme and media.
 Quantum of carbon
abatement.
Extension and Outreach programme
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
Administration (Annual)
Annual
Annual Report 2012–13 to be
The programme element has been
developed and implemented in line
 LSCBB Annual Report tabled
annually in Parliament.
25
tabled as soon as practicable
after 30 June 2013.
Objective(s)
with government policy and
administrative processes.
Key performance indicators
 DAFF annual PBS Outcome
One KPIs met.
Status as at 30 June 2013
 DAFF annual PBS Outcome
One KPIs met except
Establish national network
of extension officers KPI—
partially met: 24 projects
funded and more projects to
 Grant round successful with
allocated budget fully
be funded during 2013–14.
 Grant round successful with
committed and projects
allocated budget fully
funded for each of the
committed and projects
specified priorities.
funded for each of the
specified priorities.
 24 projects funded to deliver
a range of tools/information
products about land sector
emissions and the CFI for
farmers and land managers,
including web portals, legal
guidance and advice,
information and videos and
assessment tools.
 The funded projects are also
increasing the agricultural
extension capacity at
national, regional and
industry levels.
 Number of application forms
downloaded per grant round.
Not available—the programme
used word document form, not a
smart form.
 Number of applications
received per grant round.
Assessment phase 1:
211 applications seeking over
$521 million.
Assessment phase 2:
89 applications seeking over
$99 million.
26
Objective(s)
Administration (Annual)
The programme element has been
Key performance indicators
 Analysis of applicant types
against intended audiences.
Status as at 30 June 2013
 The Department identified
gaps in the industries and
developed and implemented in line
regions covered by funded
with government policy and
projects. As a result, the
administrative processes.
second phase targeted
sugar and horticulture
industries, commercial
forestry and plantation
timber industries, and
corporate agriculture.
 Analysis of applicant types
 The Department received
and agriculture sectors
applications from a range of
seeking funding and
private and not-for-profit
emission type per grant
organisations across the land
round.
sector, including: industry
associations, natural resource
management, landcare and
conservation, research and
development, Indigenous
groups, agricultural and
carbon consultants, legal
firms, communication firms,
training and development,
aggregators and universities.
 The wide range of
applications received in
2012–13 provided the
Department with the scope to
fund sector-specific projects,
including in the livestock,
dairy, horticulture, cotton and
grains industries, as well as
projects targeting specific
audiences, including fertiliser
users and young farmers.
 Many applications were
cross-sectoral and covered
multiple regions.
 This coverage across various
27
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
sectors will help farmers and
land managers to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions
type applicable to their sector
and/or sequester carbon.
Administration (Annual)
 Number of E&O enquires
The programme element has been
received through E&O email
developed and implemented in line
address and programme
with government policy and
enquiries direct phone line
administrative processes.
per grant round.
 Number of participating
Approximately 550 calls and
200 emails.
Assessment phase 1: 23
research organisations per
organisations, 24 projects,
grant round.
$21.3 million.
Assessment phase 2: n/a.
 Number of research
Assessment phase 1: 48
organisations participating as
organisations.
project partners per grant
Assessment phase 2: n/a.
round.
 Grant guidelines approved
by Minister.
Assessment phase 1: guidelines
approved by Minister for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
on 13 September 2012.
Assessment phase 2: guidelines
approved by Minister for
 Central governmental
agency consultation on and
approval of guidelines.
Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry on 29 April 2013.
Central agency consultation on
and approval of guidelines:
Assessment phase 1: approved
on 11 September 2012.
Assessment phase 2: approved
on 24 April 2013.
 Programme grant
28
 Yes—grant management
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
management and finance
and finance system data
system data and project files
and project files up to date.
up to date.
 Per cent of projects on track
against deed.
 Payments made within 30
Programme implementation
outcomes (Years 2–6)
track against deeds.
 100 per cent of payments
made within 30 days of
receipt of correctly
rendered invoice.
rendered invoice.
Medium to long term
 Engagement of extension
providers to promote and
technologies, practices and
inform the land sector
management strategies identified that
community about emissions
can measurably/accountably be used
management and the CFI.
emissions or sequester carbon in soil.
 100 per cent of projects on
days of receipt of correctly
On-farm management abatement
to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas
Status as at 30 June 2013
Not applicable until years 2–6 of
programme implementation.
 Production and release of a
range of media, materials
and tools to inform the land
sector community about
emissions management and
the CFI.
Knowledge, skills, and capacity of
 Engagement of extension
land sector community increased to
providers to promote and
enable participation in CFI.
inform the land sector
community about emissions
management and the CFI.
 Number and location
(geographic and industry) of
extension providers.
 Number and location
(geographic and industry) of
land sector community
reached.
 Range of products and tools
produced and number
distributed.
 Number and location
29
Not applicable until years 2–6 of
programme implementation.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
(geographic and industry) of
activities held.
 Number of E&O enquires
received through E&O email
address and programme
enquiries direct phone line
per grant.
 Website hits.
Programme outcomes (Years 3–6)
Contribute to improving Australia’s
Medium to long term
 Outcomes of extension
reporting of land sector greenhouse
projects increase land sector
gas emissions for international
community awareness and
accounting purposes.
knowledge of CFI
Not applicable until years 3–6 of
programme implementation.
opportunities and capacity to
implement and report of CFI
projects.
Farmers and land managers
 Outcomes of projects
engaged in activities to reduce
increase capacity of
greenhouse gas emissions or
extension providers to inform
sequester carbon in soil while
agricultural sector on CFI
maintaining productivity.
opportunities.
Not applicable until years 3–6 of
programme implementation.
 Outcomes of FtRG and AotG
projects made publicly
available.
 Publication of a range of
media, materials and tools to
inform the land sector
community about emissions
management and the CFI.
Refundable Tax Offset
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
30
Status as at 30 June 2013
Administration (Annual)
The programme element has been
developed and implemented in line
Annual
Annual Report 2012–13 to be
 LSCBB Annual Report tabled
annually in Parliament.
tabled as soon as practicable
after 30 June 2013.
with government policy and
administrative processes.
 Number of Research
NOTE All financial aspects of RTO
Participation Certificates
are administered by ATO.
issued.
642
Carbon Farming Initiative Methodology Development programme
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Administration (Annual)
Administration (Annual)
To efficiently and effectively develop
Short term (year 1 and Annual)
and implement the research stream
in line with best practice government
 Per cent of projects on track
against funding agreement.
policy and administrative processes.
Status as at 30 June 2013
 100 per cent
 Round One: 33
 The number of applications
received for each funding
 Round One: 5
round.
 The number of applications
funded under each funding
 All five funding agreements
signed and executed.
round.
 Success rate if negotiating
funding agreements with
successful applicants.
 Per cent of funds committed.
 31 per cent committed
($2.4 million of the
$7.72 million available over
five years).
76 per cent committed for
2012–13 ($400 000 of the
$520 000 available).
 Diversity of industries/sectors
Applications were received for
represented in the proposed
projects across a range of sectors
methodologies received in
including soil, vegetation/forestry,
the application process.
agriculture, landfill and livestock.
 Programme guidelines
approved for release by legal
31
 Programme guidelines
were developed in
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
areas, senior executive
accordance with
service and the Minister.
Departmental policies and
the ANAO Implementing
Better Practice Grants
 Central governmental
Administration guide.
agency consultation on and
 Programme guidelines and
approval of guidelines and
risk assessments were
programme risk
discussed and endorsed by
assessments.
PM&C, Department of
Finance and the
Parliamentary Secretary.
Administration (Annual)
To efficiently and effectively develop
 Payments approved by
relevant delegate.
 All payments were
approved by the delegate
through the Procure to Pay
and implement the research stream
in line with best practice government
 Payments made within 30
policy and administrative processes.
days of receipt of correctly
rendered invoice.
system.
 All payments made within
30 days of receipt of
correctly rendered invoice
through the Procure to Pay
system.
Programme implementation
Medium to long term (annually
outcomes (medium to long term
years 2–5)
2–5 years)
one of programme
 The number of
The objective of the Methodology
methodologies submitted to
Development Programme (MDP) is
the DOIC funded through this
to expand the opportunities for land
programme.
managers to participate in the CFI
through developing and making
available cost-effective
methodologies that meet CFI
 The number of
methodologies approved for
use in the CFI and funded
through this programme.
requirements for estimating and
reporting on emissions abatement.
 Nil at year zero and year
 The time taken between
commencement of a project
and submission of a
methodology for approval.
 The time taken between
commencement of a CFI
project and approval of a
32
implementation.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
methodology.
 The number of landscapes,
agro-ecological zones,
regions or industries where
these methodologies are
applicable.
 The number of CFI projects
implemented using the
methodologies developed
and approved.
 The resulting abatement
from implementation of these
methodologies.
Biodiversity Fund
Funding
Initially $946.2 million over six years (comprising $894.542 million Administered and
$51.658 million Departmental funding) from 2011–12 to 2016–17
There have been savings applied to the funding with the latest applied on 14 May 2013
as part of the 2013–14 budget process. Funding after the 2013–14 budget process
totalled $688.183 million over seven years (comprising $640.302 million Administered
and $47.881 million Departmental funding).
2012–13 Financial
$20.5 million (Administered)
Year
Administered by
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Description of measure
The Biodiversity Fund seeks to improve the resilience of Australia’s landscape to climate change, enhance the
environmental outcomes of Carbon Farming Initiative projects, and help landholders protect carbon and biodiversity
values on their land.
The Biodiversity Fund supports the establishment, restoration and protection of biodiverse carbon stores together with
actions to prevent the spread of invasive species across connected landscapes. To do this, it is funding land
33
managers to undertake activities that link to its three key themes: biodiverse plantings; protecting and enhancing
existing native vegetation; and managing invasive species in a connected landscape. The Biodiversity Fund also
provides support to land managers who wish to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new carbon market. It
is providing support to establish new carbon stores or better manage carbon stores associated with existing native
habitat.
In 2012–13 three rounds were opened:
 Northern Australia Targeted Investment: opened 5 December 2012 and closed early April 2013.
 Biodiversity Fund: Round Two: opened 11 February 2013 and closed 17 April 2013.
 Investing in Tasmania’s Native Forests: opened 20 May 2013 and closed 12 June 2013.
Announcements of successful recipients for these rounds are expected to be made in the first half of 2013–14.
Following the initial round of funding in 2011–12, and before the second round of national funding, the Biodiversity Fund
targeted Northern Australia. The unique conditions of Northern Australia provide specific challenges for landholders,
managers and custodians. This targeted round aims to restore and improve biodiversity and carbon outcomes in Northern
Australia by encouraging individuals, organisations and communities to work in partnership to achieve landscape-scale
carbon and biodiversity outcomes.
Round Two of the Biodiversity Fund took a more targeted approach than the first investment round. Round Two aimed
to invest in targeted locations considered nationally important owing to their level of species richness and endemism,
their potential to support wildlife corridors and their potential to store carbon in the landscape. Many of these areas are
threatened by fragmentation and invasive species and will benefit from efforts to reconnect the landscape and
maintain healthy vegetation. Projects will develop and strengthen connectivity through improving the condition and
extent of biodiverse native habitats in line with the Biodiversity Fund Investment themes.
Investing in Tasmania’s Native Forests is funding projects over three years to support the Tasmanian Forest
Agreement’s conservation outcomes. Tasmania’s forests have a national and international reputation for their unique
natural and visual splendour. By investing in Tasmania’s native ecosystems, we are securing biodiversity and carbon
storage outcomes and supporting resilient landscapes in a changing climate.
Monitoring and reporting
As part of its commitment to accountability, reporting on programme outcomes, adaptive management and making as
much information publically available, the Department has developed the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and
Improvement Strategy (MERI Strategy). The MERI Strategy was published online in April 2013.
The MERI Strategy outlines the roles and responsibilities of funding recipients and the Australian Government and
provides a consistent and integrated approach to monitoring and reporting, and supports a process of continual
improvement by helping to identify what has worked well, and lessons learned. This enables reporting of progress and
evaluation of achievements upon completion of individual projects and the programme as a whole.
Implementation of the MERI Strategy will allow:
 funding recipients to track and report on project progress and achievements
 the Australian Government to track programme progress and report on programme achievements, including
impacts on the environment, natural resource base and community
34
 information collected along the way to be used effectively, including by funding recipients and the Australian
Government to inform ongoing and future design and delivery of projects and programmes.
In accordance with the MERI Strategy, a Biodiversity Fund Programme MERI Plan has been developed to evaluate
the extent to which the Department is able to address the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Key Evaluation
Questions (KEQ) for the programme.
Performance Indicators
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is working closely with scientific
expertise to develop a scientific monitoring programme to underpin reporting against the Biodiversity Fund
performance indicators. Detailed performance measures are identified in the Biodiversity Fund: Monitoring,
Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Strategy.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
Administration (Annual)
Annual
To efficiently and effectively develop
Annual Report to be tabled as soon as
 LSCBB Annual Report
and implement the Biodiversity Fund in
tabled annually in
line with best practice government
Parliament.
practicable after 30 June 2013.
policy and administrative processes.
 Grant guidelines
approved by Minister.
Northern Australia Targeted
Investment: approved by the Minister
for Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities on
1 November 2012.
Round Two: approved by the Minister
for Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities on
20 December 2012.
Investing in Tasmania’s Native
Forests: approved by the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities on 13 May
2013.
 Central governmental
Grant guidelines and programme risk
agency consultation
assessments approved by central
on and approval of
government agencies:
guidelines.
Northern Australia Targeted
Investment: 31 October 2012
Round Two: 21 December 2012
Investing in Tasmania’s Native
35
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
Forests: 9 May 2013
 Programme risks
identified and being
Programme risks have been identified
and continue to be monitored.
managed.
 Programme—grant
Yes—grant management and finance
management and
systems data and project files are up
finance system data
to date.
and project files up to
date.
Administration (Annual)
To efficiently and effectively develop
 Per cent of projects on
92 per cent 1
track against deed.
and implement the Biodiversity Fund in
line with best practice government
policy and administrative processes.
 Payments made within
100 per cent
30 days of receipt of
correctly rendered
invoice.
 Round successful with
The Minister for Sustainability,
allocated budget fully
Environment, Water, Population and
committed and
Communities approved 318 successful
projects funded for
projects for Round One on 17 April
each of the specified
2012. Since then, five projects have
priorities
been withdrawn and cancelled.
A total of $270 351 466 was committed
for Round One.
 Analysis of application
Round One: 81 applications received
numbers, funding
for Indigenous projects requesting
sought, regional
$124 237 399. Of these, 19 projects
coverage and types
were funded and $26 135 488
against intended
allocated.
audiences per grant
1449 applications received for non-
round.
Indigenous projects, requesting $1 266
297 029. Of these, 294 projects were
funded, and $244 215 978 was
allocated.
Applicants for Theme 1 projects also
36
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
applied for Theme 3 or for all Themes.
266 applications received requesting a
total of $118 681 247 for Themes 1
and 3 together. Of these, 34 were
successful, and $15 135 750 was
allocated.
Administration (Annual)
 Analysis of application
Applicants for Theme 2 projects also
To efficiently and effectively develop
numbers, funding
applied for Theme 3 or for all three
and implement the Biodiversity Fund in
sought, regional
Themes.
line with best practice government
coverage and types
337 applications received requesting a
policy and administrative processes.
against intended
total of $246 659 324 for Themes 2
audiences per grant
and 3 together. Of these, 76 were
round.
successful, and $51 945 528 was
allocated.
177 applicants applied only for Theme
3. Of these, 21 applications were
successful and $13 075 400 was
allocated.
747 applications received for all three
Themes, requesting a total of $873 290
742. Of these, 182 were successful and
$190 194 788 was allocated.
Successful projects were across all
states and territories and across most
NRM regions.
Applications were submitted from and
successful applications were awarded
against all applicant categories. In
order of the most successful
categories of applicants, these were
NRM bodies, NGOs, Community
groups, Government Department
Agencies, Partnerships, Individuals,
Business organisations, Government
statutory bodies.
 The number/per cent
of recipients reporting
37
Not available*.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
satisfaction with the
programme.
Administration (Year 2 of
 Agreed Monitoring and
In accordance with the Monitoring
programme)
Reporting Framework
Evaluation Reporting and
A monitoring and reporting framework
in place.
Improvement Strategy released in April
2013, an ecological monitoring guide
is agreed by the Department.
has been developed and published by
the Department for use by Biodiversity
Fund funding recipients.
In addition to recipient based
monitoring methodologies, a targeted
scientific monitoring methodology is
currently being developed in
partnership with the National
Environmental Research Program’s
Decisions Hub.
Administration (End of programme)
 Project and programme
Key evaluation questions (KEQs) and
To complete a programme evaluation
data has been used to
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
in line with Commonwealth grant
evaluate the
were developed through the
requirements.
appropriateness,
Biodiversity Fund programme MERI
effectiveness,
Plan that will guide an end of
efficiency, and impact
programme evaluation in terms of
of the programme.
appropriateness, effectiveness,
efficiency, and impact.
 Data and lessons
Development of an online reporting
learned are publicly
tool is under way and will allow data
reported.
and lessons learnt to be made publicly
available.
Annual
Biodiversity Fund invests in restoration,
Annual reporting*
 The number of
revegetation and management of
hectares of investment
invasive species.
in:
Since commencement of the
programme until 31 December 2012,
6702 ha of land has been revegetated
(Theme 1).
 Restoration
Work has been undertaken towards
the restoration of 1 962 388 ha
 Revegetation
(Theme 2). Of this 1 451 939.8 ha is in
 Management of invasive
WA/NT and comes from eight projects
38
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
species.
undertaking broad scale work with
fencing, fire, aerial surveys and pest
animal control. These projects range in
area from 832 618 ha to 50 000 ha.
Work has commenced across 3 288
809 ha to address invasive species
(Theme 3). Of this, 2 902 412 ha
comes from seven large scale projects
in WA/NT and QLD. These projects
range in area from 832 618 ha to 57
000 ha. These projects are mostly
undertaking aerial culling.
Programme implementation
objectives (Year 1–10)
Annual
Based on recipient applications,
 Number of projects.
87 projects may apply to participate in
the CFI for Round One.
The restoration and management of
biodiverse carbon stores, and
increasing the connectivity and
resilience of the landscape through the
 Carbon amount of
newly planted areas.*
From Round One, one project is
already participating in the Carbon
Farming Initiative.
following sub-objectives
Enhancing and protecting biodiverse
carbon stores
Increasing the extent of native
Baseline reporting—Year 1
The baseline number of hectares of
vegetation.
of investment
“native vegetation increased” by the
 Number of hectares of
native vegetation.
programme was zero at programme
commencement.
Increasing the extent of native
Medium to long-term (2–10
Since commencement of the
vegetation.
years)
programme the native vegetation
 Number of hectares of
vegetation extent
increased through
Biodiversity Fund
projects*.
39
extent is estimated to have increased
through Biodiversity Fund project sites
to over 6700 hectares by 30 December
2012.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
 Average survivability
of tube stock.*
 Average survivability
of seed stock.*
Survivability of tubestock for the
programme in 2012–13 was high. For
94 per cent of projects to 30 December
2012, the average survivability of tube
stock was between 76 per cent and
100 per cent. Annual project reporting
templates include questions about
hectares planted and survival of tube
stock and seed stock.
Improving connectivity between native
Baseline reporting—Year 1
The baseline number of projects
vegetation remnants.
of investment
improving connectivity was zero at the
 Number of projects.
commencement of the programme in
2011–12.
Medium to long-term (2–10
In 2012–13, 211 revegetation projects
years)
have indicated they are improving
Number of revegetation
projects conducted on sites
adjoining remnant
vegetation, particularly
conservation assets such as
parks, reserves or wetlands.
connectivity by being adjacent to a
Ramsar Site, NRS, or World Heritage
Area.
For the first year of investment:
 44 revegetation projects have
indicated they are adjacent to a
Ramsar site.
 124 revegetation projects have
indicated they are adjacent to a
National Reserve System.
 33 revegetation projects have
indicated they are adjacent to
a World Heritage Area.
Enhancing and protecting the condition
Baseline reporting—Year 1
of native vegetation.
of investment
The number of hectares or
sites within Vegetation
Assets, States, and
Transitions (VAST) condition
category (or other
classification scheme).
40
Not available*.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators Status as at 30 June 2013
Medium to long-term (2–10
Not applicable until years 2–10 of
years)
implementation.
The percentage of projects
that improved condition.
The percentage of projects
that maintained condition.
The percentage of projects
that lost condition.
Managing invasive species threat to
Baseline reporting—Year 1
From a baseline of zero in 2011–12, to
biodiversity in a connected landscape.
of investment
30 December 2012, 147 projects
The number of projects that
are managing invasive
targeted weeds and 93 projects
targeted pest animals.
species.
Medium to long-term (2–10
Not applicable until years 2–10 of
years)
implementation.
The percentage of identified
projects that have been
successful in managing
invasive species.
Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund
Funding
$22.3 million over five years
2012–13 Financial
$1.3 million (Capacity Building and Business Support stream, Department of
Year
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities)
Administered by
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary
Education
41
Description of measure
The Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund (ICFF) will provide $22.3 million over five years to support Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people to participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). The Fund commenced in 2012–13,
and is being delivered in two streams:
Research and Development Stream
The Research and Development Stream will provide $5.2 million in grants over five years to support research to
underpin Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) methodologies and the development of tools for estimating and reporting on
emissions. This stream was delivered by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research
and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE).
Funding under this stream will be directed towards supporting and developing low-cost methodologies likely to have
high Indigenous participation to help create real and lasting opportunities for Indigenous Australians, such as savanna
fire management.
Programme guidelines were finalised and released when Round One grant applications opened in August 2012.
Twenty-eight applications were received for the ICFF Research and Development stream. Following endorsement on
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.Parramc ac 0Drce ercbac0 2.7$
Capacity Building and Business Support Stream
Funding of $17.5 million over five years assists Indigenous organisations and individuals to assess, design or
implement carbon farming projects. Funds are available to access carbon farming specialists and business
development expertise. This includes the provision of training, assessment of project opportunities or providing advice
on engagement in the CFI. It also supports the development of governance and contractual arrangements for carbon
farming businesses.
The CFI enables Indigenous land managers to earn carbon credits by undertaking projects to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions or store carbon on the land. Vegetation management methodologies including Savanna burning and
Environmental Plantings are current methodologies approved under the CFI which provide opportunities for
Indigenous land managers.
The initial funding round opened on 12 December 2012, with 114 applications received.
The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities announced successful projects to
the value of $4.2 eDar Parramc mieD e,Dee terDy emD ercbac0 rcbeD e,e rereaet rarbac0 rcb ryaceyy rreemDe yeDerP mc am
.2013
Thirty five grants of up to $50 000 were approved to build organisational capacity and assess the feasibility of carbon
farming ideas and nine grants of up to $300 000 were funded to support business development activities.
Performance Indicators
Research and Development Stream
42
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Administration (Annual)
Annual
To efficiently and effectively develop
and implement the research stream in
line with best practice government policy
and administrative processes.
Status as at 30 June 2013
 100 per cent
 Per cent of projects on track
against funding deed.
 The number of applications
 Round One: 28
applications received.
 Round One: Five
received for each funding
applications funded for
round.
$2.7 million.
 The number of applications
 53 per cent of total
funded under each funding
programme funding
round.
committed.
 Per cent of funds committed.
 The number of Indigenous
 All 28 applications—all
applications or participants in
applications were
the application process.
required to have formed a
partnership with an
Indigenous
organisation(s) or to have
plans explaining how they
would engage with an
 The number of applications
involving multiple partners
including Indigenous
Indigenous organisation.
 All 28 applications
featured multiple partners.
participants.
 The number of applications
funded for each funding
round that include
Indigenous applicants or
participants.
 All five successful
applicants included some
Indigenous participation
and it is the intention of all
projects that once
completed and
operational, they will
 The number of applications
funded for each funding
round that involve multiple
partners including
Indigenous participants.
benefit Indigenous
Australians.
 All funded applications
involve multiple partners.
Two of the five successful
applicants are led by
Indigenous organisations.
Administration (Annual)
 Programme guidelines
43
Programme guidelines were
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
To efficiently and effectively develop
approved for release by legal
developed in accordance with
and implement the research stream in
areas, senior executive
departmental policies and the
line with best practice government policy
service and the Minister.
ANAO Implementing Better
and administrative processes.
 Central governmental
agency consultation on and
Practice Grants Administration
guide.
approval of guidelines and
Programme guidelines and risk
programme risk
assessments were discussed
assessments.
and endorsed by central
agencies (PM&C, DoFD) and
the Parliamentary Secretary.
 Payments approved by
relevant delegate.
 Payments made within 30
days of receipt of correctly
rendered invoice.
 All invoices approved for
payment by the relevant
delegate through the
Procure to Pay system.
 All payments made within
30 days of receipt of
correctly rendered
invoice, through the
Procure to Pay system.
Programme implementation
Programme implementation
Not applicable until years 2–6 of
outcomes (Years 2–6)
outcomes (Years 2–6)
implementation.
To encourage Indigenous participation
 The number of research
in the CFI by supporting the
projects, methodologies or
development and accelerating the
tools funded under this
uptake of CFI methodologies for
programme that can be
abatement activities likely to have high
applied to CFI projects
Indigenous participation. This will
managed for the benefit of
include support for research to underpin
Indigenous Australians.
CFI methodologies, and the
development of tools for estimating and
reporting on emissions.
 The number of CFI projects
managed for the benefit of
Indigenous Australians that
are implemented using
research, methodologies, or
tools funded under this
programme.
 The diversity of abatement
activities that benefit
44
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
Indigenous Australians
supported by the
programme.
 The resulting abatement
from projects which use the
research, methodologies, or
tools funded under this
programme.
Capacity Building and Business Support Stream
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Administration (Annual)
Annual
To efficiently and effectively develop
and implement the stream in line with
Status as at 30 June 2013
 Annual Report 2012–13
 LSCBB Annual Report tabled
annually in Parliament.
to be tabled as soon as
practicable after 30 June
2013.
best practice government policy and
administrative processes.
Short term and annual
 Governance arrangements,
 Programme guidelines,
fact sheet, grant
scheduling, scoping,
assessment plan, probity
resource allocation and
review and funding profile
stakeholder engagement
approved and in place.
processes established.
 Programme risks identified
and managed.
 Budget fully committed and
projects funded.
 Programme-grant
 Risk Management Plan
approved and reviewed.
 Budget fully expended
and 42 projects approved
for funding.
 28 projects were
management and finance
contracted and 14 were
system data and project files
being finalised during the
up to date.
reported period and
 Projects on track against
project files up to date.
 n/a—at the time of this
deed.
 Analysis of application
report, contracts were still
being finalised.
numbers, funding sought,
 Analysis of initial funding
45
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
geographic coverage and
Status as at 30 June 2013
round undertaken.
activity categories per grant
round.
Programme implementation
Medium to long term (annually
outcomes (medium to long term 2–6
years 2–6)
years)
 The number of Indigenous
 35 Indigenous
To give Indigenous organisations and
organisations receiving
organisations are
individuals access to:
feasibility and assessment
receiving feasibility and
support.
assessment support.
 the knowledge and information
necessary to help them
 The number of Indigenous
 Nine Indigenous
participate in the Carbon Farming
organisations receiving
organisations are
Initiative
business and project
receiving business and
development support.
development support.
 carbon farming specialists,
training and other business
 The number of grantee
development resources to help
organisations that are
build the capacity of Indigenous
satisfied with professional
organisations and individuals
advice received.
interested in participating in the
Carbon Farming Initiative
 expert advice to help develop
governance and contractual
arrangements for carbon farming
projects including those with
multiple land holder interests.
 The number of Indigenous
CFI projects registered.
 The number of ICFF
 Not applicable until years
2–6 of implementation.
 One Indigenous CFI
project registered.
 Not applicable until years
2–6 of implementation.
grantees reporting
employment, economic,
cultural or social benefits
from participating in the CFI.
 No new Biodiversity Fund
projects announced in
2012–13 but four multi-
 The number of Indigenous
year projects receive both
organisations receiving both
ICFF and Biodiversity
ICFF and BF grants.
Fund grants.
 Not applicable until years
 The number of Indigenous
organisations engaged in the
delivery of third party
services to CFI projects.
46
2–6 of implementation.
Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) Planning for Climate Change
Fund
Funding
$43.9 million over five years; $28.9 million over 5 years (Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities); $15 million over 4 years
(Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and
Tertiary Education)
2012–13 Financial
Stream 1 administered budget $3 760 000; Contracted $3 743 937 (GST exclusive)
Year
Stream 2 $5.575 million (Note: $13.626 million in total committed for projects up to
2015–16)
Administered by
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary
Education
Description of measure
The Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) Planning for Climate Change Fund (the Fund) will provide $43.9
million over five years to help regional NRM organisations incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures
into existing regional NRM plans.
Climate change will present challenges and opportunities to rural and regional communities. Effective NRM planning
for climate change requires access to up to date climate change information at an appropriate scale and format, and
the capacity to apply this information effectively.
Regional NRM organisations will be supported to update existing regional NRM plans to guide planning for climate
change impacts on the land and to maximise the environmental benefits of carbon farming projects.
The updated regional NRM plans will help to guide the location of biodiversity and carbon storage projects across the
landscape to maximise the benefits for biodiversity, water and agricultural production.
The Fund is divided into two streams:
Stream 1—supporting updates to regional NRM plans
Stream 1 is supporting 53 regional NRM organisations across Australia with over $24 million in funding over four years
to update existing regional NRM plans to incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation approaches.
Under Stream 1, regional NRM organisations will undertake activities such as regional stakeholder engagement, geospatial mapping, use of planning and decision support tools, and the application of climate change research and information
to identify where in the landscape biodiversity and carbon abatement activities should be undertaken. Up to date climate
change information produced under Stream 2 may be used by regional NRM organisations when updating their regional
NRM plans under Stream 1.
47
Updates to regional NRM plans under Stream 1 of the Fund must address the Principles for the Regional NRM
Planning for Climate Change Fund (“the Principles”), which were developed through stakeholder consultation and
were outlined in the grant guidelines. The Principles are:
 Plans identify priority landscapes for carbon plantings and strategies to build landscape integrity and guide
adaptation and mitigation actions to address climate change impacts on natural ecosystems.
 The planning process is logical, comprehensive and transparent.
 Plans use best available information to develop actions and are based on collaboration with government,
community and other stakeholders.
The Principles reflect the Australian Government’s key policies and are designed to guide regional NRM planning
processes in a nationally consistent way, while recognising the differences in the status, style and requirements of
regional NRM plans between regions, states and territories.
Stream 2—information to support NRM planning
DIICCSRTE administered Stream 2 of the Fund to coordinate research to produce regional level climate change
information and provide guidance on the integration of that information into regional NRM and land use planning,
including the delivery of a new suite of regional climate projections for Australia.
The information and guidance delivered under Stream 2 of the Fund will enable regional NRM planners to better
identify priority areas for mitigation and adaptation activities, and maximise the opportunities under the Carbon
Farming Initiative and Biodiversity Fund. For the delivery of Stream 2, the regional NRM organisations across
Australia have been placed into eight regional ‘clusters’, based around likely future climate, adaptation options and
predominant land use (see map below). The clusters aim to provide a structure to deliver information relevant at the
regional level, while achieving efficiencies in the joint delivery of science information and peer learning opportunities.
48
During 2012–13, ten project teams from around Australia were selected: one for each cluster; and two that will deliver
cross boundary regional level information through the efficiency of a national approach. These teams started working
with regional NRM organisations across the country to understand their decision-making needs, priority issues, and
how to deliver information at an appropriate scale and format so that it can be applied effectively in the NRM planning
process. In addition to the ten major projects under Stream 2, a smaller project has been funded to work with the
research teams to ensure information produced by the programme is consistently managed, stored and made easily
available to end users.
An independent consultant was engaged to deliver coordinated programme monitoring and evaluation over the life of
Stream 2. This will enable baselines and performance indicators to be set up to support ongoing, adaptive programme
management. In 2012–13 the consultant developed an overarching Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
and worked with each project team to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan consistent with the framework. A
2012–13 Program Monitoring and Evaluation Report was delivered in July 2013 and found that following the first year
of implementation, Stream 2 is on track to deliver expected activities and outputs.
Performance Indicators
Stream 1—supporting updates to regional NRM plans
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
Administration (Annual)
Annual
Annual Report 2012–13 to be
To efficiently and effectively develop
and implement the stream in line with
 LSCBB Annual Report tabled
annually in Parliament.
tabled as soon as practicable
after 30 June 2013.
best practice government policy and
administrative processes.
2012–13 only
Grant guidelines and
 Guidelines approved by
Minister.
programme risk assessments
were approved through central
government agencies and by
 Central governmental
the Environment Minister and
agency consultation on and
were released in December
approval of guidelines.
2012.
 Programme risks identified
and being managed.
 Programme—grant
 Yes—grant management
management and finance
and finance system data
system data and project files
and project files up to
up to date.
date.
 Per cent of projects on track
 Funding agreements
against funding deed.
entered into for all
 Payments made within 30
approved projects.
days of receipt of correctly
49
 Payments made within 30
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
rendered invoice.
Status as at 30 June 2013
days of correctly rendered
invoice.
 Round successful with
allocated budget fully
Round successful with
$24.06 million committed.
committed.
Administration (Annual)
 Principles for Regional NRM
 The Principles for the
To efficiently and effectively develop
Planning for Climate Change
Regional NRM Planning
and implement the stream in line with
Fund (Stream 1) developed
for Climate Change Fund
best practice government policy and
including engagement and
were developed in 2011–
administrative processes.
participation of all NRM
12 through consultation
regional organisations.
with stakeholders and are
designed to guide
regional NRM planning for
climate change in a
nationally consistent way,
whilst recognising the
differences in the status,
style and requirements of
 The number of regional NRM
regional NRM plans
organisations that apply for
between regions, states
funding to update their
and territories.
regional NRM plans for
climate change.
 The Principles were
included in the grant
 The number of regional NRM
guidelines to underpin
organisations funded to
grant applications and
update regional NRM plans.
funded projects.
 The number / per cent of
recipients reporting
 53 regional NRM
organisations.
satisfaction with the
programme.*
 All 53 regional NRM
organisations funded
($24.06 million) to update
existing regional NRM
plans for climate change.
Programme implementation
outcomes (Years 3–5)
Assistance for regional NRM
Medium to long term (years 3–5)*
 The number of draft regional
NRM plans submitted and
50
Not applicable until years 3–5 of
implementation.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
organisations to update existing
progressing towards
regional NRM plans to guide planning
addressing the Principles.
for climate change impacts on the land
and to maximise environmental
benefits.
Status as at 30 June 2013
 The number of updated
regional NRM plans
submitted.
 The number of plans that
address the Principles.
 The number of regional NRM
organisations reporting
improved capacity to plan for
climate change mitigation
and adaption (reported
through final project reports).
 The number of regional NRM
organisations that report
using information and
resources developed under
Stream 2 to update their
regional NRM plans under
Stream 1.
To be measured by the
Not applicable until years 3–5 of
Biodiversity Fund:
implementation.
 The number of projects that
identify/acknowledge the
relevant regional NRM plan
(years 2–5—measured by
the Biodiversity Fund).
 The number of projects that
are consistent with updated
regional NRM plans (year
5—measured by the
Biodiversity Fund).
* At the time of this report, the 2012–13 annual and progress project reports were still being received and
processed so information from 1 January to 30 June 2013 was not available for reporting.
Stream 2—information to support NRM planning
51
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Administration (Annual)
Annual
To efficiently and effectively develop
 Guidelines approved by
and implement the stream in line with
Minister.
best practice government policy and
Status as at 30 June 2013
 Programme guidelines
approved by the
Minister on
administrative processes.
 Central government agency
consultation on and approval
of guidelines.
 Programme risks identified
27 August 2012.
 Programme guidelines
and risk assessments
agreed by central
agencies.
and being managed.
 Programme risks have
been identified and are
being managed as a
routine part of
programme delivery.
 Per cent of projects on track
100 per cent of projects are on
against Funding Agreement
track against the funding
milestones and expenditure.
agreement milestones and
programme funding has been
fully expensed.
Programme Implementation
Outcomes
Short term (year 1)
 Research teams have
To improve the capacity of regional
worked with regional NRM
NRM organisations to plan for climate
organisations, through the
change by improving the quality and
eight clusters, to identify
accessibility of regionally relevant
priority climate change
information on climate change impacts
issues and the information
and potential adaptation responses.
they will need to inform
planning (end year 1).
All research teams
demonstrated that they have
met this performance indicator.
Engagement activities with
regional NRM organisations
have included workshops,
teleconferences, meetings and
one-to-one discussions.
Regional NRM organisations
are also involved more

formally in some projects as
consortium partners or
committee members. Projects
being delivered at the national
level have engaged with NRM
organisations predominantly
through the avenues set up via
the eight cluster projects.
Processes to identify priorities
52
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
and needs are ongoing in most
clusters.
Programme Implementation
Medium to long term (years 2–4)
This performance indicator will
 Next generation climate
be reported on from 2013–14.
Outcomes
To improve the capacity of regional
change projections are
A baseline survey of project
NRM organisations to plan for climate
delivered to regional NRM
teams and NRM planners was
change by improving the quality and
organisations via the eight
undertaken to establish a
accessibility of regionally relevant
clusters (once-off
reference point for future
information on climate change impacts
deliverable) (years 2 through
reporting.
and potential adaptation responses.
4).
The majority of respondents
 Quality and timely climate
did not think that quality,
change information and
regionally-relevant up to date
support is delivered to
climate change information is
regional NRM organisations
currently easily available and
via the eight clusters.
accessible to NRM planners.
 The number and percentage
of NRM groups reporting
improved access to regional
level climate change
information (years 2 through
Survey results indicated that
the both the quality and
accessibility of climate change
information, and the capacity
of NRM planners to use
climate change information in
4).
regional planning, is highly
 The number of updated
regional NRM plans that
draw on climate change
information and resources
developed under Stream 2
(end year 4).
variable within and between
the eight NRM clusters.
Follow-up assessments will be
undertaken in year 3 and at
the end of the programme.
Carbon Farming Skills
Funding
$4.2 million over five years
2012–13 Financial Year
$0.3 million
Administered by
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and
Tertiary Education
53
Description of measure
The Carbon Farming Skills programme will provide landholders with access to credible, high quality advice and carbon
services. It will do this through development of an accreditation scheme for key carbon service providers who assist
land managers and other stakeholders participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative, and a nationally accredited
qualification in carbon farming, taking the form of skill sets.
Consultation on the accreditation scheme took place in September – October 2012 and 31 submissions were
received. Design of the accreditation scheme will be finalised during 2013–14 and will be implemented when changes
to the CFI legislation are made.
Specialist consultants have been commissioned to develop a national qualification and units of competency for the
Carbon Farming Skills programme. To ensure that needs of industry were met, the consultants established a Project
Reference Group comprising representatives from industry and DIICCSRTE. This Project Reference Group assisted
in the development and preparation of the Skills sets and units of competency. The final Skills sets and units of
competency were endorsed by the National Skills Standards Council on 17 .3rce agnJ
These Skills sets are now available to Registered Training Organisations, including TAFEs and other training
providers to develop courses implementing the skill sets. DIICCSRTE is also developing training materials for the
Skills sets to assist Registered Training Organisations to deliver the qualification.
Performance Indicators
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Administration (Annual)
Annual
To efficiently and effectively develop
 Qualification developed by
Status as at 30 June 2013
 Skills Sets developed as
and implement the measure in line with
the responsible Industry
a qualification for Carbon
best practice government policy and
Skills Council.
Farming.
administrative processes.
 Qualification endorsed by the
 The Skills Sets were
National Skills Standards
endorsed by the National
Council.
Skills Standards Council
on 17 June 2013.
 Accreditation scheme design
 Design of the
approved by the Minister for
accreditation scheme will
Climate Change.
be finalised in 2013–14. It
will be implemented when
changes to the CFI
legislation are made to
enable the Clean Energy
 Central Government
agencies were consulted on
54
Regulator to administer
the scheme.
Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
the accreditation scheme.
Status as at 30 June 2013
 Consultation on the
accreditation scheme,
along with the national
qualification, took place in
September – October
2012 with 31 submissions
 Programme risks are
identified and management
strategies in place.
received. Central
government agencies will
be consulted on the final
design of the
accreditation scheme in
due course.
 Project management plan
and risk assessment in
place.
 Payments approved by
relevant delegate.
 Payments made within 30
days of receipt of correctly
rendered invoice.
 Payments of funds have
been managed in
accordance with
government and
departmental
administrative
requirements.
Programme implementation
outcomes (years 1–2)
Short term(years 1–2)
 Successful and timely
 A nationally accredited
Ensure there are carbon service
establishment of an
qualification in carbon
providers with the necessary skills to
accreditation scheme for
farming has been
support the implementation of the CFI.
carbon service providers.
developed.
 Successful and timely
establishment of nationally
accredited qualification in
carbon farming.
 Endorsement of the
 The design of the
accreditation scheme will
be finalised in 2013–14.
 A consultation paper on
qualification by the project
the Carbon Farming Skills
reference group, which is
Accreditation Scheme for
representative of key
carbon service providers
stakeholders.
was released in
September 2012.
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Objective(s)
Key performance indicators
Status as at 30 June 2013
Medium to long term
 The number of accredited
carbon service providers.
 Not applicable until years
3–5 of implementation.
 Responses to survey of
accredited service provider
and interested parties.
Carbon Farming Initiative Non-Kyoto Carbon Fund
Funding
$250.2 million over six years
2012–13 Financial Year
Nil
Administered by
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and
Tertiary Education
Description of measure
The Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) Non-Kyoto Carbon Fund was one of six land sector measures established under
the Clean Energy Future Plan. The Fund was designed to encourage investment in non-Kyoto CFI activities that could
not benefit from the carbon pricing market while they remained outside the coverage of Australia’s Kyoto Protocol
target. The Non-Kyoto Fund released a discussion paper for stakeholder consultation in November–December 2012
with 18 submissions received. The Fund was scheduled to commence in 2013–14.
In the 2013–14 Budget, the Government announced that the Fund will not proceed because the Government has
expanded land sector coverage under the Kyoto Protocol, creating new opportunities for landholders.
Cropland management (including the storage of carbon in agricultural soils), grazing land management and revegetation will now be counted towards Australia’s national emissions target. CFI credits generated from these
activities will become eligible for surrender under the carbon pricing mechanism and can be sold to businesses with
carbon price obligations.
The year ahead
As explained in the Preamble, shortly after coming to office in September 2013, the Abbott Government indicated its
intention to repeal the Climate Change Authority Act 2011 (the CCA Act), which would lead to the termination of the
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programmes comprising the Land Sector Package and to the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board and the National
Wildlife Corridors Committee ceasing to exist.
Bills to repeal the carbon tax and related legislation (including the Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013) have
been developed and introduced into Parliament for its consideration.
Pending formal repeal of the CCA Act, it is proposed that future reporting on funding and activities undertaken after 1
July 2014 will be included in the relevant departments’ Annual Reports. Current responsibility for each measure under
the Land Sector Package is as follows:
Carbon Farming Futures:
 Filling the Research Gap—Department of Agriculture
 Action on the Ground—Department of Agriculture
 Extension and Outreach—Department of Agriculture
 Conservation Tillage Refunding Tax Offset—Australian Taxation Office
 Methodology Development Programme—Department of the Environment
 Biodiversity Fund—Department of the Environment.
Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund:
 Capacity Building and Business Support Stream—Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
 Research and Development Stream—Department of the Environment.
Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund:
 Stream 1—Department of the Environment
 Stream 2—Department of the Environment.
Carbon Farming Skills—Department of Agriculture.
At the time of this report it is not proposed that the Board meet again or play an active role, and no strategic priorities
for 2013–14 are therefore included in this Annual Report.
It is also proposed that given no active engagement was undertaken by the Board during the 2013–14 financial year,
an annual report for this period will not be produced.
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