Parks Victoria Annual Report - Parliament of Victoria · Parks Victoria Aua ort 13–2014 5 About...

Parks Victoria Annual Report 2013–2014

Parks Victoria Annual Report 2013–2014 3

Through their rich culture, Aboriginal Traditional Owners have been intrinsically connected to this continent – including the area now known as Victoria and the state’s parks – for tens of thousands of years. Parks Victoria recognises this connection and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of these areas.

Parks Victoria manages many different sites such as piers, waterways, ports, bays, historic buildings, trails, urban parks, small conservation reserves and large national parks. For the sake of brevity, these are collectively described in this document as ‘parks’ unless a specific type of site or park is mentioned.

For further information about Parks Victoria and the parks it manages visit www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.

Copyright © State of Victoria, Parks Victoria 2014.

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia.

ISSN 1448 – 9082

ISSN 1448 – 9090 (Online)

Published on www.parks.vic.gov.au

Photography: Charlie Brown (cover), Flynn Hart (inside front cover), Mark Rodrigue (inside back cover)

Contents

Report of operations

Chief Executive’s message 4

Chairman’s message 4

About Parks Victoria 5

Year in review 9

Connecting people and parks 12

Conserving Victoria’s special places 16

Providing benefits beyond park boundaries 24

Enhancing organisational excellence 27

Compliance and disclosures 32

Appendix

Disclosure statement 39

Financial report

Annual financial statements 41

CEO and Chairman’s Message4

In delivering our vision, Parks Victoria will focus on the following themes:

• Connecting people and parks

• Conserving Victoria’s special places

• Providing benefits beyond park boundaries

• Enhancing organisational excellence.

We believe Victoria’s parks are vital to the environmental, economic, social and cultural wellbeing of the state and make a commitment of personal leadership on delivering this strategy. We invite all friends, partners and everyone who loves Victoria’s parks to participate.

This report provides a snap shot of the substantial work Parks Victoria delivered during the year.

In 2013–14, we undertook significant organisational reforms to create a more resilient organisation. This included a project focused on improving organisational culture, reforming policies and procedures and making major improvements to occupational health and safety practices and information technology systems.

We supported the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Country Fire Authority, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and other fire and emergency services to respond to the worst fire conditions since Black Saturday.

Statewide efforts to reduce the impact of invasive plants and animals continued, exceeding on-ground targets. Scientific monitoring with research partners progressed which ensures that park management decisions continue to be based on the best evidence available.

It was a year in which over 30,000 volunteers contributed to the management and care of Victoria’s parks – surpassing 2012–13 as the largest volunteer effort in Parks Victoria’s history.

I would like to thank Parks Victoria staff and supporters for all their efforts over the past year and look forward to 2014–15.

Bill Jackson Chief Executive

It was a pivotal year in the history of our organisation with the launch of our new vision: to be a world-class park service ensuring healthy parks for healthy people. It is a confident vision that demonstrates our passion to our customers, stakeholders and the community. It gives clarity to where we are heading and what we want to achieve.

We are very proud of our organisation. The achievements of our staff and organisation over the past year have been commendable. We continued as a leader in nature-based tourism with the development of draft master plans for the Grampians Peaks Trail, Shipwreck Coast and the Falls to Hotham icon walk. We supported the Victorian Government initiative to redevelop of the Mount Buffalo Chalet, progressed works on the Great Ocean Walk and worked with tourism bodies across the state to promote connection with parks and nature. We also developed our commercial business systems to ensure we maximised the revenue from commercial services provided across the park network.

A highlight of the year was the commencement of the Traditional Owner Land Management Agreement between the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the State in September 2013. Parks Victoria also continued to work closely with Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the broader community to support a concerted and inclusive heritage management program of Victoria’s special places and landscapes.

The safety of our staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors remained paramount in all activities in 2013–14. We continue to be committed to conserving Victoria’s many special places we are responsible for, encouraging the community to value and benefit from them, supporting local economies and helping to make communities safe.

I would like to thank the Board and all Parks Victoria staff and partners for the tremendous effort in 2013–14.

Andrew Fairley Board Chairman

On behalf of the Parks Victoria Board, it is my pleasure to present the 2013–14 Parks Victoria Annual Report.

In 2013–14, Parks Victoria released Shaping Our Future – our strategy to actively work with the community and partners for the shared management of Victoria’s parks over the next decade and beyond.

Chairman’s message

Chief Executive’s message


About Parks Victoria

Who we are

Parks Victoria is a statutory authority established under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 to protect and enhance Victoria’s parks and waterways on behalf of the government. The responsible Minister for the period 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 was the Hon Ryan Smith MP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Victoria’s network of parks is diverse and far reaching, covering 4.1 million hectares of the state. It includes national parks, marine parks and sanctuaries, wilderness areas, state and metropolitan parks, thousands of Aboriginal and post-European cultural and heritage sites, several local ports and major rivers, and around 70 per cent of Victoria’s coastline.

Parks Victoria delivers services across the state to ensure parks are healthy and resilient. Services include conserving park ecosystems, protecting cultural heritage, developing opportunities for community involvement and preparing for, responding to and recovering from fire, floods and other emergencies.

Parks Victoria has a clear role to play in connecting people and communities with parks. Research suggests that time spent in nature improves people’s health, reduces stress and promotes physical wellbeing. Parks Victoria developed and named this approach: Healthy Parks Healthy People. Healthy Parks Healthy People is at the core of everything we do.

Parks Victoria works with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI) to deliver land and waterway management services. Recognising and acknowledging Aboriginal heritage and connection to Country, we work in partnership with Traditional Owners in the joint management of parks.

Parks Victoria also works in partnership with catchment management authorities, other government organisations, private land owners, community groups, volunteers, licensed tour operators, lessees, research institutes and the broader community. Together we work, plan and collectively achieve great outcomes for Victoria’s parks and amazing landscapes.

Vision

Parks Victoria is a world-class park service ensuring healthy parks for healthy people.

Approach

Backed by research confirming the positive impact that time spent in nature has on health and wellbeing, the four key principles embedding Healthy Parks Healthy People into Parks Victoria’s approach are:

• The wellbeing of all societies depends on healthy ecosystems

• Parks nurture healthy ecosystems

• Contact with nature is essential for improving emotional, physical and spiritual health and wellbeing

• Parks are fundamental to economic growth and to vibrant and healthy communities.

6 About Parks Victoria

Commitments

In addition to the values defined in the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, Parks Victoria has developed six commitments that underpin our vision and approach. Parks Victoria commits to:

• Put safety first

• Provide excellent customer service

• Collaborate

• Lead innovation

• Be accountable

• Act with integrity.

What we manage

Parks Victoria manages an expanding estate covering more than 4.1 million hectares, or about 17 per cent, of Victoria.

This includes:

• 45 national parks

• 26 state parks

• 13 marine national parks

• 11 marine sanctuaries

• 3 wilderness parks

• 30 metropolitan parks

• 60 other parks (including regional and reservoir parks)

• More than 2,700 natural features and conservation reserves

• More than 11,000 recorded Aboriginal places

• More than 2,500 historic places

Parks Victoria is also the Local Port Manager for Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and Port Campbell and the Waterway Manager for the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.

Parks Victoria manages built assets across the state, including:

• 37 visitor centre buildings

• 726 shelters

• 838 toilets

• 512 viewing lookouts

• 57 playgrounds

• 14,000 kilometres of roads

• 1246 pedestrian and vehicular bridges

• 3,700km of walking tracks

• 122 sporting facilities (for example golf courses, ovals and wickets)

• 202 piers and jetties

• 97 water access points (for example boat ramps, rowing launches and slipways), and

• 932 navigation aids.

Parks attract 95.8 million visits each year. Of these visits, 51.2 million are to parks and 44.6 million are to piers and jetties around the bays.

Organisational structure

Parks Victoria’s Chief Executive is appointed by the Board, as approved by the Minister. The Board reviews the performance of the Chief Executive on an annual basis.

During the reporting period, Parks Victoria’s Chief Executive was Dr Bill Jackson.

Parks Victoria’s Board

The Parks Victoria Board has responsibility for the governance of Parks Victoria. On the recommendation of the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Board members are appointed by the Governor in Council for a period not exceeding three years. Members are eligible for reappointment. The Board operates in accordance with the provisions of the Parks Victoria Act 1998.

The Board is responsible for directing and monitoring the business of Parks Victoria and is accountable to the Minister for its overall performance. It delegates day-to-day responsibility for operations and administration to the Chief Executive.

As at 30 June 2014, the Board members were:

Andrew Fairley (Chairman) Mr Andrew Fairley has a distinguished association with ecotourism, conservation, parks and resort management over many years and was a Director of the world class 5-star resort Turtle Island in the Yasawas for over 20 years. He has been a Director of the International Ecotourism Society (Washington DC) and a Director of Ecotourism Australia. Andrew is also a specialist equity lawyer at Hall & Wilcox. He is Chair of Equipsuper, a $6.5 billion industry fund operating in the energy and water sector. He is also Chair of the Sir Andrew Fairley Foundation and the Honorary Consul General for Finland in Victoria.

Dennis Cavagna Mr Dennis Cavagna has a background in business and accountancy and is currently a part-time Commissioner of the Essential Services Commission of Victoria. He is the former Managing Director of South East Water and has an extensive background in business and financial management. Dennis is a member of the Queensland Urban Utilities Board and the VicRoads Audit Committee.


Parks Victoria Board

(Andrew Fairley, Chairman)

Audit Risk & Compliance

Committee

(Rob Wallis, Committee Chair)

Workplace Safety & Human Resources

Committee (Natalie O’Brien,, Committee Chair)

Finance & Commercial

Committee

(Andrew Grant,Committee Chair)

Aboriginal Engagement Committee

(Deborah Cheetham,Committee Chair)

Bill Jackson

Chief Executive

Office of the Chief Executive

& Board Secretary

Margaret Gillespie

Chief Legal Counsel /Executive Director

Corporate Governance

Peter Brennan

Executive Director Corporate Strategy

Kate Millar

General Manager Planning and Support

Services

Chris Rose

General Manager Regional Services

Michelle Crosby

General Manager Corporate Services

Deborah Cheetham Ms Deborah Cheetham is Head of the Wilin Centre at the Victorian College of the Arts and the Music Faculty of the University of Melbourne. She is also Artistic Director of Short Black Opera Company Pty Ltd and a freelance performer, director, producer, writer, teacher and composer. Ms Cheetham has a strong understanding of Indigenous issues, which she contributes to the shared management model for many national parks. She has significant community links and community consultation experience. Ms Cheetham was recognised with an Officer of the Order of Australia award as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours in 2014.

Andrew Grant Mr Andrew Grant has a background in natural resource management and business. Mr Grant has executive and board experience with organisations including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Earthwatch, the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting and the Banksia Environmental Foundation. He has held several management positions in Parks Victoria and is a former Chair of the Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority.

Natalie O’Brien Ms Natalie O’Brien has a background in senior management in tourism and marketing and is currently the CEO of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. She is Chair of the Victorian Food, Wine and Tourism Council and a board member of the People and Parks Foundation and the City of Melbourne Melbourne Awards Advisory Committee. Ms O’Brien has extensive knowledge of tourism, brand marketing and communications.

Ross PassalaquaMr Ross Passalaqua is a Company Director and business consultant with broad commercial, operational, and technical experience across multiple sectors including the tourism, safety, services, petrochemicals, transport and logistics industries in Australia and overseas. Following an early career in consulting engineering, Mr Passalaqua undertook corporate roles involving safety and risk analysis, sales and marketing, business development, and senior operations and commercial management with primarily the Shell Group of Companies. Mr Passalaqua then developed tourism management and development expertise as CEO at Falls Creek Alpine Resort. Mr Passalaqua currently holds other Board roles with South East Water Corporation, the North East Victoria Tourism Board and with Disabled


Wintersport Australia. He also provides independent safety consulting and coaching services through the DuPont organisation. He was appointed as a member of the Parks Victoria Board in April 2014.

Pru Sanderson Ms Pru Sanderson is an architect and property professional who specialises in creating new benchmarks in urban planning and public infrastructure. Ms Sanderson has served as CEO of VicUrban, held senior roles in the development of Melbourne Museum and Federation Square and has worked internationally managing property affairs and the delivery of major infrastructure in South Africa and Malaysia. She is a member of the Federal Government’s Built Environment Industry Innovation Council and a fellow of Leadership Victoria.

Andrew Vizard Professor Andrew Vizard is a Principal Fellow, and previously Associate Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology, at the University of Melbourne. Professor Vizard is an experienced company director and has served on the board of numerous companies, statutory bodies, charitable foundations and scientific organisations. He is currently the Chair of The Vizard Foundation, a board member of Ridley Corporation Ltd, a director of the People and Parks Foundation, a trustee of the Australian Wool Education Trust and a member of the Research Committee of the Hermon Slade Foundation.

Robert Wallis Professor Robert Wallis is Professor of Research Development at Federation University Australia. He has a background in natural resource management, sustainable development and environmental education. Robert has held senior academic positions including Pro Vice Chancellor (Rural and Regional) and Head of School (Ecology and Environment) at Deakin University. Professor Wallis has extensive board and committee experience, including currently serving as the Deputy Chair and Director of the Wannon Region Water Corporation, Deputy Chair and Director of Great South Coast Medicare Local and Chair of the Warrnambool City Council Audit and Risk Committee. Professor Wallis is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Board committees

Parks Victoria modified its committee structure and membership in 2014 to reinvigorate relationships and ensure specialist skills within each of the committees.

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee oversees and advises on matters of accountability and internal controls affecting the operations of Parks Victoria as required by the Standing Directions of the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994. The role of the committee is to assist the Board in the effective discharge of its responsibilities in overseeing the areas of statutory reporting, internal controls, risk management (including insurance and legal proceedings), compliance and the internal and external audit functions. The committee met five times in 2013–14.

Membership of the committee in 2013–14 comprised:

• Dennis Cavagna, independent (Committee chair until 20 February 2014)

• Andrew Fairley, independent

• Andrew Grant, independent (term ended 20 February 2014)

• Natalie O’Brien, independent (term ended 20 February 2014)

• Andrew Vizard, independent (term ended 20 February 2014)

• Rob Wallis, Committee chair, independent (term commenced 20 February 2014)

Peter Riley was appointed as an external member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and attended one meeting (13 February 2014) before leaving the committee.

Workplace Safety and Human Resources Committee

The Workplace Safety and Human Resources Committee is the appointed remuneration committee with responsibility for determining the organisation’s policy and practice for executive remuneration and the executive remuneration packages under the State Services Authority Policy. The Committee reviews, monitors and makes recommendation to the Board on:

• Workplace health and safety

• Setting of performance measures and review of the performance of the Chief Executive

• Compliance with executive remuneration requirements

• Human resources policies.

The committee, which is supported by senior managers, met four times in 2013–14 and as at 30 June 2014 comprised:

• Natalie O’Brien (Committee Chair)

• Deborah Cheetham

• Ross Passalaqua

Total meeting attendance in 2013–14:

Andrew Fairley 8 of 10

Dennis Cavagna 8 of 10

Deborah Cheetham 6 of 10

Andrew Grant 9 of 10

Natalie O’Brien 7 of 10

Ross Passalaqua 2 of 2 – appointed 29 April 2014

Pru Sanderson 8 of 10

Andrew Vizard 9 of 10

Robert Wallis 9 of 10


• Andrew Grant

• Andrew Vizard.

Finance and Commercial Committee

The purpose of the Finance and Commercial Committee (formerly the Finance Committee) is to review, monitor and make recommendations on performance against financial budgets and plans. This committee is also responsible for supporting and enhancing the commercial competence and cultural profile of Parks Victoria and making recommendations on current and future commercial activities in line with the strategic direction of the organisation. The committee met four times in 2013–14. As at 30 June 2014, the committee comprised:

• Andrew Grant (Committee Chair)

• Andrew Fairley

• Dennis Cavagna

• Pru Sanderson.

Aboriginal Engagement Committee

During the reporting period, the Board established the Aboriginal Engagement Committee to further recognise and promote Aboriginal engagement and cultural heritage. This committee will commence meeting in 2014–15. The committee comprised:

• Deborah Cheetham – Committee Chair

• Pru Sanderson

• Rob Wallis

• Andrew Vizard.

The year in review

Parks Victoria’s Shaping Our Future strategy was developed in 2013–14 to guide the organisation’s priorities and engagement with its partners and the community over the next decade. Shaping Our Future sets out four themes that Parks Victoria will focus on to deliver its vision. A series of goals have been set for each theme.

Themes and goals 2013–2014 highlights Page

Connecting people and parks

Goals:

1. Encourage more people to be more active in parks through offering activities and experiences that improve people’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing

2. Provide contemporary facilities and information to encourage park experiences and tourism

3. Unlock the energy of partnerships and park volunteers

4. Promote parks as inspirational settings for learning and education.

• Deliveringthemajorworksprogramincludingupgradeworksto establish the first stage of the Grampians Peaks Trail and the renewal of maritime assets in Port Phillip and Western Port

• Deliveringfacetofaceeducationandinterpretationprograms to more than 165,000 visitors

• Supportingvolunteerstocontributemorethan221,800hours in around 200 parks

• Partneringwithcommunityorganisationsinarangeofinitiatives that encourage all sections of the community to make use of and enjoy parks

• Engagingwithvisitorsonlinewith2,752,024visitstotheParks Victoria website, 21,452 visits to the Junior Ranger website and almost 17,000 friends on Facebook

12

Conserving Victoria’s special places

Goals:

1. Manage the natural and cultural values of parks to increase resilience in the face of climate change and other stressors

2. Adapt park management based on evidence from science and traditional knowledge

3. Work collaboratively with Traditional Owners and other land managers to conserve natural and cultural park values.

• Undertakingextensiveinvasiveplantandanimalmanagement programs with more than 955,000 hectares of land and 2,653km of private land frontage treated

• JointlyandcooperativelymanagingCountrywithTraditionalOwner groups

• Delivering600,000millionlitresofenvironmentalwater to wetland and river systems

• PartneringwithGreeningAustraliatoplantmorethan100,000 seedlings as part of the Victorian Government’s 2 Million Trees initiative

• Collaboratingwithuniversitiesandgovernmentresearchinstitutions in the Research Partners Program

• Completingseverallarge-scaleprojectstoconserveheritageassets along with routine maintenance and repairs to many heritage sites around the state.

16


Themes and goals 2013–2014 highlights Page

Providing benefits beyond park boundaries

Goals:

1. Play a major role in making communities safer

2. Work with Aboriginal communities to achieve shared objectives

3. Manage parks to contribute to productive, healthy and prosperous Victorian agricultural and rural communities.

• Respondingtobushfiresaroundthestate,includingmajorbushfires in the Mallee, Grampians and East Gippsland

• CompletingfloodrecoveryworksinWilsonsPromontory, the Grampians and parks in the north east of the state

• SignificantlyprogressingtheVictorianGovernment’scommitment to encouraging people to visit and enjoy nature-based tourism attractions

• SupportingDEPIwiththeexpressionofinterestprocessforprivate investment at Point Nepean National Park.

24

Enhancing organisational excellence

Goals:

1. Continue to value health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and contractors as our highest priority

2. Build a strong service culture that fosters all-round high performance, learning, innovation, team work, excellence, accountability and adaptability

3. Create a more resilient Parks Victoria that anticipates and adapts to economic, social and environmental trends.

• Undertakingsignificantorganisationalreforms,includinga project focused on improving organisational culture, reforming policies and procedures and making major improvements to occupational health and safety practices and information technology systems.

27

Indicator Measure2011–

122012–

132013–

14Result against

target

Total area of estate managed by Parks Victoria Target Hectares ('000) 4,084 4,084 4,084exceeded

Actual Hectares ('000) 4,086 4,116 4,106

Number of visits to Parks Victoria managed estate Target Number (millions)

n/a 88 – 92 n/a met (biennial measure)Actual Number

(millions)n/a 95.8 n/a

Park assets rated in average to excellent condition Target Per cent 75 – 80 80 78exceeded

Actual Per cent 79.6 80.3 84.9

Bays assets rated in average to excellent condition Target Per cent 65 – 70 65 – 70 70exceeded

Actual Per cent 65 66 78

Number of hectares treated to minimise the impact of pest plants, pest animals and overabundant native animals in parks managed by Parks Victoria

Target Hectares ('000) 1,100 1,309 1,200exceeded

Actual Hectares ('000) 964 1,387 1,201

Percentage of total organisational capacity provided to DEPI for fire

Target Per cent nm 100 <25%met

Actual Per cent nm 100 23.6

Number of Parks Victoria staff accredited to support bushfire preparedness and suppression

Target Number (millions)

nm 650 650exceeded

Actual Number (millions)

nm 822 811

*nm = new measure **n/a = not available (biennial measure)

Corporate performance measures


Indicator Measure2011–

122012–

132013–

14Result against

target

Total number of trained staff ready to support the Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure respond to oil spills in Victorian waters

Target Number (millions)

nm 40 40missed

Actual Number (millions)

nm 38 37

Manage labour and operating costs within budget Target Not / Not met nm met metmet

Actual Not / Not met nm met met

*nm = new measure **n/a = not available (biennial measure)

Significant changes or factors affecting performance

The worst fire conditions since Black Saturday saw staff across the state support the fire response and recovery effort. Severe wind, storm events, and the failure and damage of some parks assets, affected the organisation’s performance, with the closure of a number of sites for repair and assessment for visitor safety.

12 Connecting people and parks

Connecting people and parks

Connecting people and parks by forging strong partnerships with people to conserve Victoria’s special places and make them accessible to all.

Goals:

1. Encourage more people to be more active in parks through offering activities and experiences that improve people’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing

2. Provide contemporary facilities and information to encourage park experiences and tourism

3. Unlock the energy of partnerships and park volunteers

4. Promote parks as inspirational settings for learning and education.

Improving and developing facilities

Parks Victoria’s major works program involved around 82 projects in 2013–14. Major asset repair and renewals included:

• Renewal of the Deep Rock and Par 3 golf course carparks at Yarra Bend Park, lighting on the Harry Trott Oval at Albert Park and the Portsea Beach access ramp in Mornington Peninsula National Park

• Replacing the toilet at McGregors Picnic Area in Macedon Regional Park

• An upgrade of the wastewater treatment system for the toilet at the Lake Catani Campground at Mount Buffalo National Park

• Completing environmental stabilisation and rehabilitation works of the fire affected mining tailings site at the Bendigo Regional Park

• Repairs and maintenance on visitor access and facilities at Lysterfield Park

• Maintenance of various dam walls and associated infrastructure

• Minor works, repairs and maintenance across the state.

New assets and major upgrades included:

• Ongoing upgrade works to establish the first stage of the Grampians Peaks Trail

• Ongoing upgrade works to the Great Ocean Walk in the Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks

• Completing roads, utilities infrastructure and landscaping at the Quarantine Station in Point Nepean National Park

• Establishing an innovative playscape at Brimbank Park that creates opportunities for children of all abilities in partnership with the People and Parks Foundation and Variety the Children’s Charity

• Major works to mitigate visitor issues on the floating pontoon section of the Main Yarra Trail

• Establishing new visitor access and facilities in the Cardinia Creek Parklands.


Improving and maintaining bays and waterways

Parks Victoria is responsible for managing recreational use of Port Philip, Western Port and Port Campbell, including management of piers, jetties, moorings, dredging and the placement and maintenance of navigation aids.

The renewal of maritime assets in Port Phillip and Western Port was a main focus in 2013–14. This included:

• Commencing a major 2-year project to replace the outer section of the Mornington Pier

• Replacing the marina arm jetty and creating a public mooring pontoon at St Kilda Pier as part of a larger project being delivered in partnership with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron to renew boating facilities in St Kilda Harbour

• Replacing the storm damaged Rhyll jetty pontoon

• Completing major maintenance work on St Leonards and Dromana Piers

• Planning and designing for the replacement of the 170m long Portarlington Pier with works scheduled for 2014–15.

Most of these maritime structures will have a life span of at least 50 years through the use of modern materials and innovative design.

Other achievements included:

• Implementing new boating zones for Port Phillip between Elwood to Mount Martha

• Removing 145,000m3 of sand to maintain access at key locations around Port Phillip and Western Port

• Delivering a targeted media campaign over summer promoting the dangers of diving off piers.

Asset management

Parks Victoria manages a large portfolio of built terrestrial and maritime assets. Asset management activities in 2013–14 were targeted at meeting risk management objectives and maintaining critical services in high priority parks. Assets on land managed by Parks Victoria as Committee of Management are recognised in the financial statements of this report. Assets management by Parks Victoria on behalf of the Crown are recognised by Department of Environment and Primary Industries in its financial statements.

Seasonal road closures

Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries continued to work closely with Four Wheel Drive Victoria to implement seasonal road closures in 2013–14. These measures are in place to protect the integrity of tracks across public land, to protect the environment and catchments from run-off and to protect visitors from potentially dangerous track conditions experienced in winter.

Education and interpretation

Parks Victoria delivered face-to-face education and interpretation programs to over 165,000 visitors. The table below shows delivery at the main sites.

A new education facility – the Forest Classroom – was established in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and used by 1,404 and 58 teachers in the reporting period. Launched in July 2013, the facility was designed for Grade 5 or 6 students from primary schools neighbouring the park. The program allows students to immerse themselves in a natural environment for a week. Parks Victoria provides the site, resources and a range of activities to help the students develop an understanding of the park.

Junior Ranger activities took place in 26 parks with 6,772 children and adults attending an activity. The Junior Rangers website received 21,452 visits, along with over 800 downloads the self-guided activities. The quarterly Junior Ranger eNewsletter has almost 4,300 subscribers.

A marine education kit was developed for teachers and other educators. The kit provides resources including teaching ideas, photos, videos and information on how to plan an excursion as well as park notes and park specific information.

A further two learning resources were added to Parks Victoria’s student resource website – EnviroActive. The new resources focus on maritime heritage and forest habitats, providing information and photos to help students learn about their importance, the threats they face, and the actions that they can undertake to help protect these areas.

A Kids Teaching Kids event was delivered at Point Nepean National Park with 120 students from eight schools on the Mornington Peninsula attending. Students studied a chosen topic and then delivered a presentation on it to other students at the event. The student presentations were followed by talks from park managers and tours of the park.

Park where education and interpretation programs were delivered

Visitors

Adults Children Total

Buchan Caves Reserve 84,482 56,389 140,871

Wilsons Promontory National Park 2,225 4,931 7,156

Serendip Sanctuary and You Yangs Regional Park 721 2,966 3,687

Dandenong Ranges National Park 117 2,874 2,991


Three interpretation and education training sessions were delivered to 55 staff including seasonal rangers. This course covers how to successfully plan and deliver thematic interpretive activities that are relevant to visitors and contribute to achieving park management objectives.

Volunteers

Each year, friends, corporate and special interest groups, individuals, educational institutions and partner organisations provide invaluable support to Parks Victoria by dedicating their time to improve parks. This year 221,882 volunteer hours were recorded across approximately 200 parks. This translates to 30,147 volunteer days and is equivalent to Parks Victoria employing an additional 125 full-time staff members.

Friends, community and recreational users groups made up 65 per cent of all volunteer hours. Individual volunteers accounted for 17 per cent of the volunteer effort and partner organisations contributed 8 per cent of all volunteer hours. The remaining 10 per cent was contributed by educational institutions and various other groups.

Sixty-one per cent of volunteering occurred within the Melbourne region, with the remaining 39 per cent spread across the Eastern Victoria (22 per cent), Northern Victoria (4 per cent) and Western Victoria (12 per cent).

Campground Host

In 2013–14, 24 volunteers participated in the Campground Host program during peak camping periods over the summer and Easter holidays. Volunteer hosts provided assistance to field staff and campers in seven parks. Parks Victoria continued its partnership with Four Wheel Drive Victoria, delivering the highly successful Four Wheel Drive Camp Host program in 12 parks, including the Alpine, Barmah and Great Otway national parks.

Community engagement

Parks Victoria continued to be involved in a range of Healthy Parks Healthy People initiatives to encourage all sections of the community to make use of and enjoy parks.

Discover Parks

Discover Parks is a small grants program funded through the Victorian Government’s Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative. Grants of up to $2,000 are provided to community groups to encourage diverse communities to actively participate in parks. In the 2013–14,14 community projects were funded totalling $20,000. Successful projects included:

• An Indigenous Surfing Competition at Cape Conran Coastal Park

• A horticulture program at Karkarook Park for students with autism

• A first time camping trip to Little Desert National Park for migrant families from Oasis Wimmera in Horsham

• Mountain biking at the You Yangs Regional Park for young adults from Geelong with mental health issues.

Activities in the Park

In 2013–14, Parks Victoria partnered with the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Activities in the Park program which provides a range of free activities, encouraging people to engage with their community and get outdoors and physically active. Over 5,000 participants took part in the program in 2013–14.

Green Walks in the Park

Parks Victoria partnered with the Heart Foundation and Victoria Walks in the Green Walks in the Park program. This program is led by volunteers and aims to get more people walking in parks, more often. A range of mapped and described walking opportunities cater for various abilities. Over a four month period during 2013, 166 participants took part in the program.

Optus RockCorps Youth Volunteers

The Optus RockCorps program is aimed at young people (aged 16 to 25). Program participants volunteer for four hours and are rewarded with a ticket to concert or a voucher. Parks Victoria partnered with Optus RockCorps in two volunteer projects at Albert Park and Wattle Park during Youth Week 2014. Over 130 youth volunteers participated in the program, undertaking works such as painting, sanding and weed removal.

Alps Bioscan Project

Parks Victoria partnered with Museum Victoria and Four Wheel Drive Victoria to undertake a comprehensive wildlife, geology and palaeontology survey of the eastern area of the Alpine National Park. Over 80 researchers were involved in the two-week bioscan with more than 85 bird species, 23 reptiles, 22 mammals and nine frog species identified and documented.

Local students and the broader community were provided with an insight into the Bioscan findings. In Omeo, over 120 local primary school students attended a lecture by Dr Mark Norman (Museum Victoria) and participated in a series of activities presented by Parks Victoria and Museum Victoria.

Park access for visitors with disabilities

During 2013–14, Parks Victoria partnered with a range of community organisations to deliver programs in parks for people with disabilities. These included:

• Walk in the Park Program – This program was delivered in partnership with Blind Sports Victoria and provides escorted park walks for people who are blind or vision impaired. Ten group walks were held in parks around Melbourne, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula. A camp was also held at Cape Otway Lighthouse for five people who were supported by four volunteers.


• Carers Health and Wellbeing Program – This program provided health and relaxation activities in parks for carers who are caring for a person with a severe disability. Parks Victoria partnered with Brainlink and Alzheimers Australia to deliver 10 group activities for carers living in Melbourne and Geelong, including laughter yoga, outdoor gym, Thai Chi and art therapy sessions.

• Taste of Adventure Program – Delivered in partnership with MIND Australia, this initiative provided a series of adventure recreation activities in parks for young people experiencing severe mental health challenges. An adventure camp was held in Great Otway National Park with six young people participating and another camp was held In the Mount Buffalo National Park with 12 participants.

• All-terrain Wheelchairs in Parks – This program provided all-terrain wheelchairs in parks, allowing visitors with mobility limitations to explore trails and beaches otherwise inaccessible. The program was further expanded in 2013–14 with children’s all-terrain wheelchairs available at Coolart Homestead and Wetlands and Brimbank Park. In partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire and OzChild, a children’s beach wheelchair was provided for the parks and reserves in the peninsula region. A partnership with the Alpine Shire was also established for the provision of an all-terrain wheelchair for visitors to the Alpine National Park.

• Sherpa Volunteer Program – A pilot program was initiated in the Grampians National Park enabling visitors with mobility limitations using the all-terrain wheelchair to also book wheelchair operators, or volunteer Sherpas, to assist them.

Profiling Healthy Parks Healthy People

The Healthy Parks Healthy People approach will be significantly profiled at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Parks Congress 2014 in Sydney in November 2014. The Congress is a landmark event that sets the agenda for parks and protected areas and is held once in a decade. Parks Victoria, in conjunction with the US National Park Service, is leading the Improving Health and Wellbeing: Healthy Parks Healthy People stream of the congress content. Significant work was completed during the year to develop session themes, build strategic alliances, call for and assess global content and engage with key stakeholders, possible presenters, champions and delegates.

During the 2013-14, Parks Victoria reactivated a website – www.hphpcentral.com – profiling the Healthy Parks Healthy People approach on a global scale. This website, managed by Parks Victoria, includes articles, case studies and research from around the globe on the Healthy Parks Healthy People approach, bringing together those with an interest in the approach and encouraging the sharing of knowledge.

Naturewise Eco Escapes

Parks Victoria again partnered with Conservation Volunteers Australia to develop and deliver nature-based tourism experiences with conservation activities. Naturewise Eco Escapes provide participants with an opportunity to work with park managers on research projects. At the end of the reporting period, there were eight Naturewise products operating in Victoria. The partnership delivered 32 project days, involved 105 volunteers, generated an additional 129 visitor nights in regional Victoria and contributed $28,609 in overnight spend to regional economies.

Licensed tour operators

At the end of the reporting period, there were 372 licensed tour operators, a 6 per cent increase on the previous year. Of these, 81 per cent held a one year licence, 16 per cent held a three year licence and three per cent held a ten year licence. Of the 372 licensed operators, 55 were new operators.

Tour operators provided activities for 225,642 people during the year – 149,762 adults and 75,880 children. Bushwalking remains the most common activity, with 42 per cent of operators licensed for the activity. Other popular activities include bus and coach tours (offered by 30 per cent), birdwatching (20 per cent) and coastal walking (17 per cent).

Visitor monitoring and research

Parks Victoria conducts a biennial onsite satisfaction survey at 46 sites across 29 parks and 10 piers. Park and pier satisfaction data is weighted by visitation to produce a corresponding index. The Parks Satisfaction Index (SI) in 2013–14 was 71.6, which is higher than the 2012 SI of 69.8. This improvement was due to significant increases in satisfaction at urban and peri-urban parks, particularly Yarra Bend Park and Arthurs Seat State Park. The country parks SI decreased to 70.3, compared to 73.9 in 2012. The Piers SI was 62, which is a non-significant drop from 63.4 in 2012.

The Community Perception Monitor gathers information on the Victorian community’s perceptions of Parks Victoria’s management of the natural and recreational facilities of parks, cultural assets, bays and waterways. In 2014, the community’s satisfaction with Parks Victoria’s management of national, state, regional parks and conservation reserves, and metropolitan parks was high, with 82 per cent rating it ‘good or very good’. As there were differences in the way data was collected in 2014 (online) and 2012 (telephone), comparison with previous results is not appropriate.


Visitor information and advice

Parks Victoria provides information, advice and bookings services to park visitors. In 2013–14 Parks Victoria:

• Received 2,752,024 visits to the Parks Victoria website

• Added 7,376 new Facebook friends, bringing the total to 16,980.

• Followed by over 5,500 people on Twitter

• Involved staff in 41 events around the state, with Ranger Roo appearing at seven.

• Responded to 117,279 calls and 12,261 emails via the Information Centre (13 1963).

Improvements were made to Parks Victoria’s website to make park information more accessible for users. This included:

• Simplified and clearer design

• Introducing drag and click park navigation for maps

• New content focusing on visitor activities and expanded safety information

• Implementing an auto-complete (predictive text) function to the website search tool

• An accessibility audit and updates to ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

• A pilot program, in partnership with Scope, aimed at encouraging visitors with disabilities to visit parks and use the wiki feature to share accessibility information on the website.


Conserving Victoria’s special places

Conserving Victoria’s special places by ensuring that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

Goals:

1. Manage the natural and cultural values of parks to increase resilience in the face of climate change and other stressors

2. Adapt park management based on evidence from science and traditional knowledge

3. Work collaboratively with Traditional Owners and other land managers to conserve natural and cultural park values.

Management planning

Park management plans articulate the vision, goals, outcomes, measures and long term strategies for parks and are prepared in consultation with the community.

During 2013–14, progress was made on several large planning projects involving multiple parks:

• The draft Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Management Plan for the Cobboboonee, Lower Glenelg, Mount Eccles and Mount Richmond national parks, Cape Nelson, Dergholm and Mount Napier state parks, Discovery Bay Coastal Park and Discovery Bay Marine National Park and over 120 other parks was released for public comment

• The Greater Alpine National Parks Draft Management Plan for the Alpine, Baw Baw, Errinundra, Mount Buffalo and Snowy River national parks, Avon Wilderness Park, Tara Range Park and Walhalla, Howqua Hills, Grant, Mount Wills and Mount Murphy historic areas was released for public comment following substantial input from the Alpine Advisory Committee to finalise the draft

• A review of the environmental conservation management priorities was completed as part of management planning for parks in the River Red Gum area. The review included Barmah Gunbower, Hattah-Kulkyne, Lower Goulburn, Murray-Sunset and Warby-Ovens national parks, Leaghur State Park and Gadsen Bend, Kings Billabong, Murray-Kulkyne and Nyah-Vinifera parks. This will assist in setting conservation goals and strategies that address threats to natural assets.

• Working in partnership with the Corangamite and Moyne shires and Tourism Victoria, a preliminary master plan for the Shipwreck Coast between Princetown and Boat Bay was released for public comment with the draft master plan due for release in early 2014–15.

Other planning achievements:

• The approved Kara Kara National Park Management Plan was released

• The Grampians Peaks Trail Draft Master Plan was released for public comment

• A strategic management plan for the Dandenong Ranges Gardens was approved for release

18 Conserving Victoria’s special places

• A precinct plan for the Pink Lakes area of the Murray-Sunset National Park and a review of the master plan for the campgrounds, cabins and day visitor sites at Cape Conran Coastal Park were finalised

• New master planning projects commenced for Albert Park, Plenty Gorge Park, Point Cook Coastal Park and the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing in the Alpine National Park.

Native animal management

Long-term programs to manage the impact of kangaroo and koala populations continued in several parks. These programs are underpinned by established ecological rationales developed with the support of key stakeholders, including technical advisory committees.

At Mount Eccles National Park, 134 female koalas were treated with contraceptive implants and released back into the park. The koala population has gradually declined in response to control measures from 11,310 in 2004 to the current estimated population of 4,760.

At French Island, relocation practices were replaced with a contraceptive implant program in 2012–13. This year, 138 koalas were implanted with contraceptives and released back into the park. A monitoring program investigating impacts on koala survival, health and ranging behavior was carried out with the University of Melbourne to support the new management approach.

A fertility control program for kangaroos was conducted for the first time at Serendip Sanctuary to minimise animal welfare issues associated with an increase in the kangaroo population.

Kangaroo control programs were conducted at Wyperfeld, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset national parks to protect regeneration of woodland habitats.

Invasive animal management

Managing invasive animals is core business for Parks Victoria. Control programs are conducted in most parks across the state to manage the impact of invasive animals on natural and cultural values. Investment is directed toward eradication, containment and asset protection with a focus on early intervention where possible.

In 2013–14, areas were again treated to control invasive or introduced animals such as cats, rabbits, goats, pigs, foxes, deer and horses.

Parks Victoria continued to deliver predator control programs on a landscape-scale in the Grampians, Lower Glenelg and Alpine national parks:

• Grampians Ark – Fox baiting was implemented. Following bushfires in early 2014, the program was extended to include the northern Grampians to protect the bandicoot population and reduce the risk of predation. The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research investigated fox density across the Grampians, concluding there is a very low density of foxes in the monitored area. This research will be used to inform the program.

• Glenelg Ark – This Department of Environment and Primary Industries led program delivered fox baiting in Lower Glenelg and Mount Richmond national parks, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Crawford River Regional Park and Narrawong Flora Reserve. Over nine years of the project, evidence suggests foxes can be reduced and maintained at relatively lower levels in open, fragmented landscapes, and fox control has had a generally positive effect on the occurrence of three native mammal species – Common Brushtail Possum, Long-nosed Potoroo and Southern Brown Bandicoot.

• Alpine National Park – An extensive fox control program was delivered in the Barry Mountains, near Mount Selwyn.

Parks Victoria delivered landscape-scale grazer control programs in sensitive ecosystems in the Mallee. These programs are critical in the protection and recovery of Mallee vegetation. As part of a long running initiative, significant works were undertaken to manage rabbits and their warrens. Control of introduced animals including rabbits, goats and pigs was conducted in Murray Sunset National Park and Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.

The Alps Intensive Management Program delivered wild horse control and monitoring to inform broader wild horse management strategy. Parks Victoria also continued to develop a strategy to guide management of the impacts of wild horses with partners and in consultation with key stakeholders. Planning also progressed for a deer control program in the Alpine National Park.

Parks Victoria’s partnerships helped drive innovation, both in the way evidence is collected to inform invasive species management, and also in the delivery of control programs. Through the Commonwealth Biodiversity Fund investment, detailed goat movement and populations were mapped to inform strategic control programs in the Murray-Sunset National Park. Through a partnership with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, aerial control of goats was delivered in the Warby-Ovens National Park and Mount Mitta Mitta Regional Park, helping to progress Parks Victoria’s knowledge in the use of the technique and how it may be used further in Victoria.

Parks Victoria continued to partner with the Australian Deer Association (ADA) and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) to deliver invasive animal control programs. The SSAA and ADA contributed to programs in an operational capacity as volunteer hunters, as well participating in non-hunting roles such as monitoring and using radio tracking equipment to locate target species. In 2013–14, Parks Victoria worked with the ADA and SSAA to manage the impact of deer and protect high value habitats in Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve, the Dandenong Ranges National Park and other parks on Melbourne’s urban fringe. Parks Victoria and the SSAA worked together to deliver invasive animal control projects across the state including for rabbits in Point Cook Coastal Park, introduced predators in Point Nepean National Park and goats in the


Alpine National Park. A case study progressed at Barmah National Park with the SSAA, to refine their role in invasive animal control, and to ensure suitable projects are selected based on the best available information and managed for the best possible results.

Parks Victoria also delivered control programs (for invasive animals and plants) on the public/private land interface, to benefit agriculture.

Invasive plant management

Managing invasive plants remains an important function of the services delivered by Parks Victoria. Efforts are directed towards long-term, landscape-scale control strategies to improve the condition of high value environments. Many projects are delivered collaboratively with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI), catchment management authorities and community groups.

Projects delivered in 2013–14 include:

• Good Neighbour Program – In cooperation with private landholders, this program again delivered invasive plant control on the interface between public and private land. Weed species treated included Blackberry, Bridal Creeper, Boneseed, English Broom, Gorse, Pattersons Curse, and St John’s Wort

• Protecting East Gippsland’s High Value Coastal Environments – This initiative, supported by Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country program, treated sea spurge in Croajingolong National Park. In partnership with East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, revegetation works were undertaken in the internationally significant Gippsland Lakes Ramsar area

• Otway Eden – 632 weed infestations were treated in the Anglesea Heath, Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks, Otway Forest Park and other crown land reserves. Weed species treated included African Boneseed, Coast Wattle, Blackberry, Gorse and Cape Ivy.

• Glenelg Eden – In partnership with DEPI, emerging and other invasive weeds were treated in Cobboboonee and Mount Richmond national parks, Tyrendarra and Narrawong flora reserves and other crown land. These works helped protect around another estimated 39ha within these areas.

• Port Phillip Bay and Bellarine Peninsula – Partnerships with catchment management authorities delivered invasive plant control to protect and improve the internationally significant Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar area. The Ramsar area was treated for habitat altering weeds such as Serrated Tussock and African-boxthorn. In addition, parks along the western shoreline of Port Philip were treated for established and emerging weeds that posed significant threat to saltmarsh environments.

• Alpine National Park Intensive Management Program – In the Alps, pest plant control works treated Willow, Broom, Soft Rush and several other species. In partnership with DEPI, Hawkweed eradication and surveillance continued on the Bogong High Plains, delivering control toward an eradication target for the three hawkweed species – Orange, Mouse-Ear and King Devil – known to be present in the park. Innovation in detection techniques saw the trial of highly trained scent dogs to detect and assist in delimiting new infestations or spread.

• Procedures for Phytophthora pathogen – Parks Victoria continued to partner with DEPI to develop public land management protocols for the plant pathogen Phytophthora and procedures for identifying and managing of new and emerging invasive plants.

Threatened species and communities

Parks Victoria works with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, research partners and community organisations to protect threatened species. In 2013–14, Parks Victoria delivered around 230 projects in a range of program areas including invasive plants and animals, habitat restoration and catchment and water management, which provided benefits for threatened species. Twenty-five projects were specifically aimed at monitoring and will improve the evidence base for managing threatened species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot in Wilsons Promontory National Park and Alpine Tree Frog in Mount Bullfight Nature Conservation Reserve.

At Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve, programs focused on habitat restoration for the endangered Helmeted Honeyeater and Leadbeater’s Possum through deer management and weed and introduced predator control. Programs were delivered in partnership with the Australian Deer Association, Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Greening Australia, Melbourne Water, Zoos Victoria, Melbourne University and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Achievements included the release of 12 captive Helmeted Honeyeaters into the reserve from Healesville Sanctuary, the translocation of 17 birds from Cockatoo Creek to Woori Yallock Creek and the collection of five lowland Leadbeater’s Possums as founders for the Zoos Victoria lowland captive breeding program.

At Barmah National Park, Parks Victoria partnered with New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service in a monitoring program to understand the benefits of environmental watering to the breeding success of the White Bellied Sea Eagle. Nesting habitats across the internationally significant Barmah Forest Ramsar area, also a Living Murray Icon Site, were monitored as part of the project.


In the Grampians National Park, a Spotted-tailed Quoll – previously thought extinct in the area for over 140 years – was detected by a remote camera. Work continued to identify whether a viable population persists in the park. Trained scent-detecting dogs capable of indicating the presence of quolls were used to assist in this exciting discovery. Also in the Grampians National Park, the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby program continued with Parks Victoria delivering population monitoring and predator control through the Grampians Ark. The program experienced its longest ever period without a Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby mortality. The population remains vulnerable, with only seven animals residing in the reintroduction site. No further reintroductions took place in 2013–14.

In the Mallee, Parks Victoria focused on improving the regeneration of buloke woodlands of the Riverina and Murray-Darling Depression bioregion, a nationally listed vegetation community under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A sustained program aimed at reducing grazing pressure from rabbits, kangaroos and goats contributed to the regeneration of significant areas of overstorey seedlings across large areas of Mallee parks. Several projects supported this work including Rangelands Recovery or Mallee Bounceback, the Mallee BioFund and Good Neighbour.

Along the coast, Parks Victoria’s Summer Rangers delivered a new community engagement program at Belfast Coastal Reserve aimed at educating visitors about the Hooded Plover to help address threats to the bird caused by visitor behaviour. The impact of vehicles and dogs are considered to be a key threat to Hooded Plover breeding success during summer. In the Mornington Peninsula National Park, new dog walking regulations, including a no dog zone covering a 7km stretch of prime breeding area, were introduced to encourage a change in visitor behaviour.

Active forest health program in River Red Gum parks

The Active Forest Health Program was developed as part of the creation of River Red Gum parks in 2009. The program aims to maintain or improve forest health by planning, implementing and evaluating environmental works such as ecological thinning, weed and pest management, environmental water management, threatened species management, use of fire and firewood supply management.

Parks Victoria and the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation are developing a Barmah Horse Management Strategy for wild horses in Barmah National Park. A Barmah Horse Advisory Committee has been established to provide advice for development of the strategy and community consultation. Research to explore community values on wild horses was undertaken and will be used to inform the strategy.

Domestic firewood collection by the community was again permitted from several River Red Gum parks.

Catchment and water management

Parks Victoria works in partnership with other agencies, catchment management authorities, local government and industry to deliver environmental watering programs that protect and enhance Victoria’s parks.

During 2013–14 the majority of Victoria’s rivers, wetlands and floodplains experienced less than average inflows. More than 600,000 million litres of environmental water was provided to wetlands and river systems that are part of, or adjacent to, the Parks Victoria estate. Sites that received large-scale environmental watering included the Barmah National Park, lakes in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and the Gunbower National Park. Water was also delivered to wetlands in southern and eastern Victoria, such as the lower Barwon River wetlands and the Ramsar listed wetlands that form part of the Gippsland Lakes. Waterways such as the Wimmera River and Goulburn River that have reaches adjacent to Parks Victoria reserves were also watered. The watering was coordinated by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, which works in partnership with waterway managers to integrate environmental watering with river, wetland and catchment management activities to achieve the best ecological outcomes.

As part of the Living Murray Initiative, major floodplain water management structures were constructed in 2012–13 at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park to ensure environmental water is used efficiently and ecological benefits are maximised. This new infrastructure operated for the first time in 2013–14, delivering environmental water to the lakes system. This project received recognition via several awards, including the Banksia Sustainability Award and the Premiers Sustainability Award. Environmental works to construct regulators were also undertaken in 2013–14 at Lindsay-Wallpolla Islands (Murray-Sunset National Park) and Hipwell Road (Gunbower National Park), with all site infrastructure funded through the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s Living Murray Environmental Works and Measures Program.

The phase-out of grazing and water frontage licenses from River Red Gum parks continued. Agreements were negotiated with various licensees to erect fences and off-stream water systems.

Habitat restoration

In 2013–14, Parks Victoria partnered with Greening Australia to revegetate 184ha around Greater Melbourne as part of the Victorian Government’s 2 Million Trees Initiative. Close to 108,000 seedlings were planted and over 67kg of native plant seed sown, which will deliver an estimated 539,000 seedlings, in eight parks: Plenty Gorge, Lysterfield, Werribee River, Albert and Braeside parks, Warrandyte State Park, Cardinia Creek Parklands and Churchill National Park.


Parks Victoria worked with the Mallee Catchment Management Authority, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Trust for Nature, SSAA, Greenfleet and Greening Australia to restore degraded semi-arid woodlands of Victoria’s north west as part of the Mallee BioFund Project. The project – now in its fourth year – delivered habitat restoration on a large-scale in Hattah-Kulkyne, Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld national parks. Achievements in 2013–14 include:

• Completing 530km of direct seeding, using around 280kg of native plant seed

• Constructing a 26km barrier fence to limit goat movement into priority woodland areas and protect high value assets such as Ramsarlisted wetlands

• Completing investigations into goat movements across the landscape to inform and improve future goat management

• Constructing a 7.5km barrier fence on the northern boundary to protect both agriculture and the semi-arid woodlands from the impact of kangaroos

• Delivering increased rabbit control programs around revegetation sites in partnership with Trust for Nature in the Neds Corner area of Murray-Sunset National Park

• Closing unused water points to mitigate impacts from grazer species and protect priority semi-arid woodlands.

Protecting marine values

In May 2014, the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) released its final report on their investigation into the outcomes of the establishment of Victoria’s marine protected areas. The final report acknowledged advances in protecting values in these areas, identified challenges and made 38 recommendations to government to further improve management of these areas. Parks Victoria welcomed the report and will implement VEAC’s recommendations in line with the Government’s response.

Parks Victoria continued to improve its reporting and planning of marine protected areas. Activities this year included:

• Developing Conservation Action Plans for all marine national parks and sanctuaries which set out clear and measurable goals for managing natural values and threats

• Progressing Natural Values Report Cards for marine national parks detailing their condition, values and threats

• Trialling a new database for managing extensive monitoring datasets

• Developing new statistical methods to analyse marine monitoring data.

Parks Victoria made progress in several long-term projects to improve compliance in marine protected areas. Activities included:

• Installing 11 new signs at boat ramps in marine protected areas with improved boundary information, maps and a QR code linking to a fishing guide app and installing a further four totems with marine related regulatory information

• Installing seven piles at French Island Marine National Park, Ricketts Point and Jawbone marine sanctuaries to better mark the boundaries of protected areas

• Integrating marine protected area specific compliance plans into overall compliance plans for each region

An underwater ‘bioscan’ of Point Addis Marine National Park was completed, enabling Parks Victoria to build an inventory of species in the park, assess current conditions and threats, validate marine habitat mapping data, identify diving sites and collect images and video. Parks Victoria worked with Heritage Victoria to survey a historic shipwreck – the Inverlochy – as part of the project. Analysis of the information collected will continue into 2014–15.

Invasive marine species represent a major threat to marine environments and were a focus for monitoring and control programs in South Gippsland, Western Port, Port Phillip and Apollo Bay. The Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensis), Japanese Kelp (Undaria pinnatifida), and the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) were of particular concern in 2013–14. To improve public awareness of marine pests Parks Victoria implemented several initiatives including: erecting new signage at key locations, partnering with Licensed Tour Operators to distribute information, generating media stories and delivering training programs for volunteers and staff. In addition, research into marine pests was completed which identified marine protected areas most at risk and developed cost effective targeted monitoring protocols.

Changes in ocean currents and water temperatures have resulted in several native species of sea urchin becoming overabundant within parks, impacting on marine values and in particular, kelp forests. Parks Victoria commenced a trial program to manage the impact of the Black Spined Sea Urchin (Centrostephanus rogersii) at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, and an investigation on urchin barren formation in Port Phillip’s marine sanctuaries.

Community engagement regarding marine protected areas continued to be a focus for Parks Victoria. Over the busy summer period, nine Summer Rangers were engaged to deliver marine related programs. Parks Victoria also provided Junior Ranger activities in marine parks and continued its involvement in the Summer by the Sea program which was delivered in partnership with DEPI’s Coastcare Victoria. Marine volunteer and community groups again provided invaluable support in a range of activities such as collecting data, searching for marine pests and developing educational resources.


Research program

Parks Victoria collaborates with universities and other research institutes in its Research Partners Program. This program addresses critical knowledge gaps and provides parks managers with the information they need to make evidence-based decisions.

Some examples of new research initiated during the year:

Some examples of established project that continued during the year:

Region Project

Statewide • MarineresearchexaminingstrategiesforremovalofUndaria pinnatifida – introduced kelp – and its interaction with native algae.

• Atrialusingabiologicalagent–predationbythenativeEleven-armed Seastar – to control the invasive North-Pacific Seastar.

Melbourne • Astudyoftheimpactofrabbitsonriparianvegetationandsoil erosion in parks along the Yarra River

• Astudycomparingpollinatorcommunitiesamongremnantand revegetated sites in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Valley parklands.

• Investigatinghowdifferentnestboxdesignscanbeusedto conserve bat species that are sensitive to pressures of urban environments in multiple parks including Organ Pipes National Park, Woodlands Historic Park and Brimbank Park.

Eastern Victoria • Investigatingtheeffectivenessoffertilitycontroltomanagehigh-density wombat populations in Wilsons Promontory National Park

• Assessmentofthesuccessofreseedingofareasofalpineashin Alpine National Park that have burnt twice in recent years

• Evaluationoftheeffectivenessofmanagementpracticesused to control the invasive grass Spartina in parks such as Corner Inlet Marine National Park and Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal parks.

Western Victoria • AssessmentofthedistributionofNewHollandMouseandSwamp Antechinus in areas of Great Otway National Park over time.

Region Project

Statewide • Astudyofthelinksbetweenphysicalcharacteristicsoftheseafloor and biological communities in marine national parks

• Anassessmentofthebiologicalconnectivityamongtemperate Australian marine protected areas.

Melbourne • CompletionofastudyintotheconservationoftheGrowlingGrass Frog in parks and other areas across Melbourne.

Northern Victoria • Astudyoftheresilienceoffloraandfaunaintimesofextended drought in parks including Barmah, Gunbower, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset national parks

• Assessingtheimpactsoffireonbiodiversityandvegetationstructure in Heathcote-Graytown National Park.

Eastern Victoria • MappingtheseafloorofWilsonsPromontoryMarineNational Park

• Examiningtheabundanceofintroducedandnativegrazingspecies and how they influence vegetation recovery following fire on Yanakie Isthmus in Wilsons Promontory National Park

Western Victoria • Examiningtheresponsesofsmallmammalstofireandidentifying critical refuge habitats to enable recovery following disturbances in the Grampians National Park.


Monitoring

Monitoring provides Parks Victoria with essential information regarding the health of parks, effectiveness of management practices and emerging threats to the environment. During the year, monitoring activities in parks across the states included:

• Vegetation and habitat condition assessments in at least eight parks including the Alpine, French Island and Terrick Terrick national parks, Paddy Ranges State Park and Plenty Gorge Parklands

• Mapping and monitoring distribution and abundance of weeds in parks including Alpine, Dandenong Ranges and Wilsons Promontory national parks

• Monitoring of overabundant kangaroos and koalas in seven parks including French Island, Murray-Sunset and Wilsons Promontory national parks

• Surveys to determine the presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi and other Phytophthora species in 10 parks including Kara Kara, Kinglake, Lower Glenelg and Mount Richmond national parks and Pilchers Bridge and Whroo nature conservation reserves

• Monitoring invasive animals such as foxes, rabbits, goats, horses and deer in parks across the state including foxes in Coopracambra, Errinundra and Grampians national parks, rabbits in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and deer and horses in the Alpine National Park

• Native fauna monitoring programs in partnership with community groups, DEPI and volunteers in many parks including Yarra Ranges National Parks, Paddys Ranges State Park, Noormaunga Coastal Park, Derrimut Grassland, Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and Braeside Park

• Subtidal reef monitoring Port Phillip Heads and Cape Howe marine national parks

• Intertidal reef monitoring in nine parks including Point Danger, Point Cooke, Jawbone and Mushroom Reef marine sanctuaries

• Community-based monitoring as part of the Sea Search program at seven parks including Corner Inlet Marine National Park and Merri Marine Sanctuary and as part of the Reef Life Survey at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary

• Targeted marine pest surveys for species such as Pacific Oyster, Northern Pacific Seastar, New Zealand Screw Shell and European Shore Crab at parks including Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet marine national parks.

Ecological fire

Parks Victoria supports ecologically sustainable fire regimes through landscape-scale fire ecology strategies and risk assessments. This information is used as part of integrated strategic bushfire management and to inform fire operations plans. In 2013–14, Parks Victoria continued developing and

updating these landscape-scale assessments across the parks estate, with most parks now included in the assessments.

Parks Victoria worked with DEPI on the statewide roll out of a landscape-scale bushfire management program, which was initially trialled in the Otways. In 2013–14, strategic bushfire management plans were developed for three bushfire risk landscapes – east central, west central and Barwon-Otway.

Environmental assets which may be vulnerable to bushfire or fire suppression activities in the Alpine parks were identified and mapped.

Ongoing monitoring programs examining the effects of fire regimes on biodiversity are applied in parks across Victoria. These programs continue to guide efforts to improve fire preparedness, while reducing impacts on biodiversity. Increasingly cameras are being used to improve fauna monitoring. All fire-related monitoring is consolidated within a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework.

Several major research projects have been undertaken, including an investigation of fire and biodiversity and landscape mosaic burning project in the Box-Ironbark parks. Other fire and biodiversity research is being incorporated into bushfire management planning through the refinement of tolerable fire intervals.

Aboriginal heritage and Traditional Owner partnerships

Parks Victoria is privileged to work with Traditional Owner organisations to manage their Country on behalf of the community. In addition to ongoing partnerships with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria also works closely with the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and the broader community to support a concerted and inclusive heritage management program of Victoria’s special places and landscapes.

Parks Victoria continued to partner with the Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gunaikurnai peoples to establish strategic directions for jointly managed parks as part of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. Parks Victoria also worked closely with the Barengi Gadjjin Land Council and the Gunditjmirring Corporation in cooperative management.

A highlight of the year was the commencement of the Traditional Owner Land Management Agreement between Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the State in September 2013. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation will jointly manage six parks: Greater Bendigo and Kara Kara national parks, Paddys Ranges and Kooyoora state parks, Hepburn Regional Park and Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve. A Traditional Owner Land Management Board is to be established with a priority to develop a plan of management for the jointly managed parks. As part of the settlement agreement, three Aboriginal


rangers will be employed by Parks Victoria (commencing in 2014–15) to manage cultural sites in these parks.

In East Gippsland, Parks Victoria and the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board continued to develop the joint management plan with for Mitchell River, Tarra-Bulga, The Lakes and Snowy River (New Guinea Caves) national parks, Lake Tyers State Park and Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. In the jointly managed parks, Gunnaikurnai Aboriginal rangers and Parks Victoria field staff worked together to look after Country. New signs recognising joint management with the Gunnaikurnai peoples were installed in nine parks.

In the south-west, Parks Victoria, the Budj Bim Council and Gunditj Marra Traditional Owners continued to work together in the development of the Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Draft Management Plan. This plan covers Indigenous Protected Areas, Indigenous-owned land and other parks.

Other activities in 2013–14 included:

• Working with the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation on the reinterment of ancestral remains in the Murray River Parklands

• Undertaking survey and conservation works in conjunction with the Ngintait, Latji Latji, Nyeri Nyeri peoples, and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria for burial sites within Murray-Sunset National Park

• Working with Traditional Owners and volunteers at Point Nepean National Park to complete an archaeological investigations of cultural resource use over time

• Completing coastal shell midden conservation works at Rye with Traditional Owners with funding provided through State and Federal grant programs

• Assisting the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation with repatriation and reburial of ancestral remains in Great Otway National Park

• A gathering of the Victorian Alps and East Gippsland Traditional Owner Reference Group at Baw Baw National Park.

Heritage places

In 2013–14, Parks Victoria worked closely with Heritage Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, the Heritage Council of Victoria, historical societies and other community stakeholders to manage built heritage places with the aim of connecting people with these special places and landscapes.

In preparation for the proposed redevelopment of the Mount Buffalo Chalet, Parks Victoria catalogued the chalet’s movable heritage collection, identifying items to be kept, sold, donated or stored for re-use. A clearing sale of around 600 pieces of memorabilia was held with funds raised from the sale re-invested back into the protection and restoration of the chalet.

At Point Nepean National Park, the Quarantine Station Stables were refurbished and reopened as the park’s new Visitor Information Centre, completing a $1.4m infrastructure renewal program. Conservation works were completed and interpretative displays installed at Fort Nepean in preparation for centenary commemorations of the first short of World War I to be held at the fort in August 2014.

Parks Victoria completed several important heritage conservation projects during the year. These included:

• Working with Gippsland Ports to repair and re-erect the historic crane at the constructed entrance to the Lakes – known as the New Works Entrance – in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

• Almost $50,000 of works at the Cape Otway Lightstation to repair external timber railings, picket fences, the lighthouse tower’s spiral staircase handrail and the ceiling in the Head Lighthouse Keepers Quarters

• Structural repair works of the State Coal Mine’s Rescue Station to prevent further damp and salt rise in the brick walls following an investigative report on the condition of the structure

• A $200,000 conservation project to restore the main entrance gate at Werribee Park Mansion which involved repairs to the carved sandstone and repainting the ornate ironwork in its original colour.

Routine maintenance and repairs were completed at many other heritage sites including: Coolart and Point Cook homesteads, South Chanel Pile Light, Barmah Muster Yards, lime kilns within the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, Tutes Cottage in Castlemaine, Days Mill and Farm, Cape Nelson Lighthouse and the Steiglitz Historic Park. Parks Victoria also worked with volunteers from the Victorian High Country Huts Association to repair several huts in the Alpine National Park, including Edmondson’s Hut.

Parks Victoria hosted some events during the year including:

• Celebrations of the centenary of Zumsteins Recreation Area in the Grampians National Park, coinciding with the re-opening of the site following floods in September 2013

• The launch of an interactive exhibition – A Victorian Children’s Bedroom – which recreates the style of an 1880 child’s bedroom in Weribee Park Mansion and was developed with a Federal Government Your Community Heritage Grant

• A re-enactment of the historic 1851 Monster Meeting of gold diggers at Chewton in the Castlemaine Diggings National Historic Park

• A commemorative Anzac Eve Flag Raising at Anzac Hill in the Maldon Historic Area.


Bushfire response

Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Country Fire Authority, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and other fire and emergency services during what was an above average bushfire season. In 2013–14 there were 821 bushfires that burnt an area of 414,063ha. The main areas where parks were impacted were the Mallee, Grampians and East Gippsland.

During the reporting period, Park Victoria’s 811 fire accredited staff contributed the equivalent of 126 full-time staff to the bushfire response. Parks Victoria also deployed staff to New South Wales in October 2013 to support in the response to bushfires.

Bushfire prevention

Parks Victoria employed 198 seasonal firefighters to support bushfire response and prevention activities such as slashing, clearing roads and tracks and planned burning.

Parks Victoria plays an important role supporting the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) in the delivery of the state’s annual planned burn program. Despite early indications for good burning conditions, regular rainfall and cool temperatures hindered the burning program this year. In 2013–14, DEPI’s planned burn program target was 260,000ha. A total of 82,022ha was treated, including 36,782ha of land managed by Parks Victoria. A considerable area of more than 448,155ha was also planned and prepared for treatment, however conditions did not allow for burning to occur.

Melbourne Fire and Emergency Program

Parks Victoria leads the Melbourne Fire and Emergency Program on behalf of the Victorian Government. This initiative was established in 2009 to improve bushfire preparedness in Melbourne’s urban areas and is now an ongoing program.

Providing benefits beyond park boundaries

Providing benefits beyond park boundaries by working with the community, businesses and partners, under government guidance, to plan and collectively achieve great outcomes for Victoria’s magnificent parks and landscapes. Parks deliver a range of valuable ecosystem services such as biodiversity, clean air and water. They create direct and indirect employment and economic opportunities in urban and regional areas through tourism and recreation activities

Goals:

1. Play a major role in making communities safer

2. Work with Aboriginal communities to achieve shared objectives

3. Manage parks to contribute to productive, healthy and prosperous Victorian agricultural and rural communities

26 Providing benefits beyond park boundaries

This year activities included:

• Constructing 5km of new fuel breaks

• Upgrading 22km of fuel breaks in urban interface parks across Melbourne

• Mechanically treating 53ha of high risk fire management zones that were unsuitable for planned burning

• Upgrading 42km of roads and tracks to improve access for fire vehicles

• Delivering pest plant control on 225ha of land across 12 parks after burns

• Delivering a further 259ha of invasive plant control works in Mornington Peninsula, Dandenong Ranges, Warrandyte and Craigieburn grasslands as part of a 10-year vegetation condition improvement program devised to offset native vegetation losses that result from previous fuel break works.

• Working with DEPI in planning for the east central strategic bushfire risk landscape across the broader Melbourne area.

Parks Victoria also delivered community engagement programs in collaboration with other fire and emergency agencies aimed at promoting fire safety behaviour and community education. These included:

• Engaging with Burmese communities in the Warrandyte area through a ‘Day in the Park’ event and providing information and education on fire safety, safety in the bush, wildlife care and volunteering

• Partnering with the CFA to survey several hundred visitors at the 1000 Steps in the Dandenong Ranges National Parks regarding whether they would use the venue on a Code Red

• Participating with DEPI in the 2014 Uniformed Services Day, which saw several hundred English as a second language students participate in a full day of activities provided by more than 12 uniformed agencies.

Bushfire recovery

Parks Victoria commenced planning and implementing fire recovery programs following bushfires in January and February 2014 that impacted large areas of the Snowy River and Errinundra national parks, the Mallee and the northern section of the Grampians National Park. Risk assessments of these three areas were completed and will provide the basis for recovery activities.

Flood recovery

A flood recovery program following storms in 2010 and 2011 concluded in 2013–14 with repairs to Wilsons Promontory, Grampians and other affected parks. Throughout the program, Parks Victoria worked with the community, contractors, other agencies and Traditional Owners to deliver more than 250 projects. This included

repair or replacement of 67 vehicle bridges, 187 pedestrian bridges, boardwalks and stairs, 45 buildings, 1,227 roads and 408 trails. Cultural heritage surveys and assessments were also completed priority sites rehabilitated and natural values programs, such as invasive plant and animal control, were delivered.

Storms and heavy rainfall in the north east of the state in March 2012 and in East Gippsland in June 2012 caused damage in 65 parks. The flood recovery program initiated following these storms included repair or replacement of 13 buildings, 191 roads, 62 trails, 10 vehicle bridges and 24 pedestrian bridges, boardwalks and steps. This program also concluded in 2013–14.

Nature-based tourism attractions

Significant progress was made in 2013–14 towards the Victorian Government’s commitment to encourage more people to visit and enjoy world class nature-based tourism attractions.

Permits were secured to redevelop and refurbish the Mount Buffalo Chalet with detailed design well underway and a community forum established to ensure the local community’s engagement through this phase of the project.

An expression of interest process for the Point Nepean Quarantine Station was completed. Parks Victoria will continue to work with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries on lease negotiations and development programs.

In June 2014 the Arthurs Seat Skylift Pty Ltd were issued a planning permit for their proposed $14 million all weather, fully accessible gondola at Arthurs Seat State Park.

A draft master plan was prepared for the Grampians Peaks Trail, a 144km or 12 night world-class, long-distance walking experience showcasing the park’s natural and cultural landscape. Progress was made on a master plan for Victoria’s Iconic Shipwreck Coast, a 28km stretch of national parks and townships in the south west that currently attracts more than 2.6 million visits a year.

Walk Victoria’s Icons

Parks Victoria continued to lead the promotion and development of the Walk Victoria’s Icons initiative, which comprises the Great Ocean Walk, Grampians Peaks Trail, Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and the Coastal Wilderness Walk. These walks span iconic and nationally significant landscapes and will provide a catalyst in facilitating economic growth in regional Victorian communities.

Achievements for 2013–14 include:

• Opening the Great Ocean Walk underpass which extends the walk to finish at the Twelve Apostles visitor site and delivery of ongoing track upgrades and realignments, marketing activities, signage and interpretation works as part of the $4.1 million Great Ocean Walk Experience Project


• Opening the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing camping platforms, track upgrades, signage and commencing the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing Master Plan

• Delivery of track works and signage for stage one of the Grampians Peaks Trail and releasing the draft Grampians Peaks Trail Master Plan for community consultation.

Commercial operations

Camping and accommodation fees

Parks Victoria supported the Department of Environment and Primary Industries in the preparation of, and consultation for, the Victorian National Parks Camping and Accommodation Fees Regulatory Impact Statement and the subsequent Ministerial determination of fees. The Regulatory Impact Statement proposed a user-pays approach to charges for camping and roofed accommodation in parks managed by Parks Victoria. It was determined that a revised fee structure would come into effect for 197 out of 680 campsites on 1 July 2014..

In preparation for the implementation of the revised fee structure, Parks Victoria upgraded its online booking system for camping and accommodation – ParkStay – with a new customer interface and a mobile site. In addition, 12 disparate campground booking systems were migrated to the upgraded ParkStay system. Online bookings for camping and accommodation in 2013–14 grew by 27 per cent.

New signage, campground markers, enhanced pre-visit information, standardised booking terms and conditions, a communications campaign and a range of other works were also undertaken in preparation for the implementation of the revised fee structure.

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine

In its second year of operation since major redevelopments were completed, the State Coal Mine continued to have strong growth in visitation, particularly over school holiday periods. More than 25,000 people visited the State Coal Mine in 2013–14, and more than 10,000 visitors took an underground tour. This is a 22 per cent increase in visitation from the previous year, with families representing the largest visitor group, accounting for 35 per cent of all underground tours. In addition, more than 120 events were held at the mine.

Leases and licences

In 2013–14, Parks Victoria finalised 51 agreements including leases, licences and various consents and provided ongoing management support for more than 500 lease and licence agreements across the state.

28 Enhancing organisational excellence

Enhancing organisational excellence

Enhancing organisational excellence by striving to be an innovative, world-class park service, continuing to undertake new research, being responsive to change, and seeking out advances in technology that allow us to plan, deliver and perform to a world-class standard.

Goals:

1. Continue to value health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and contractors as our highest priority

2. Build a strong service culture that fosters all-round high performance, learning, innovation, team work, excellence, accountability and adaptability

3. Create a more resilient Parks Victoria that anticipates and adapts to economic, social and environmental trends.

Workforce profile

Ongoing Fixed term Casual Total employees

Employee (headcount) FTE Employee

(headcount) FTE Employee (headcount) FTE Employee

(headcount) FTE

June 2014 906 845.6 45 43.2 27 14.2 978 903

June 2013 969 911.3 52 50.6 15 4.1 1,036 966


All figures represent employment in the last full pay period of June 2014. Excluded are employees not in receipt of a pay in the last full pay period of June 2014 such as employees on leave without pay.

At 30 June 2014 Parks Victoria employed 906 ongoing employees. This included 711 employees delivering field based services including support officers in finance, marketing, human resources and occupational health, projects. Of this number 54 were Aboriginal staff.

To meet summer peak seasonal visitor attendance at high visitation centres 39 seasonal rangers were engaged to run visitor service programs across the state. This number included nine marine rangers who participated in programs around the bay and coastal areas. To meet planned burning targets and bushfire management a further 198 project (seasonal) fire fighters were employed. These seasonal programs greatly enhance Parks Victoria’s capacity to maintain visitor services during the summer and the peak fire season.

During 2013–14, Parks Victoria received approval from the Australian Taxation Office to run a second round of voluntary departure packages. A total of 61 employees accepted voluntary departure packages.

Merit, equity and diversity

Parks Victoria is committed to maintaining a workplace free of harassment, discrimination and bullying. These principles are documented in the Victorian Government’s merit and equity standards and embodied in the Public Administration Act 2004. Parks Victoria communicates and adheres to the principles set out in the Act.

As an employer, Parks Victoria ensures that:

• Decisions are based on merit

• Staff are treated fairly and reasonably

• Equal employment opportunity is provided

• There are reasonable avenues of redress against unfair or unreasonable treatment.

All Parks Victoria staff are required to abide by the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct, which requires staff to:

• Act with impartiality

• Display integrity and avoid conflicts of interest

• Show accountability for their actions

• Provide responsive service.

JUNE 2013 JUNE 2014

Ongoing employees

Fixed term & casual employees

Ongoing employees

Fixed term & casual employees

Employee (headcount) FTE FTE Employee

(headcount) FTE FTE

Gender

Male 684 678.6 34.5 632 619.9 29.1

Female 285 232.7 20.2 274 225.7 28.3

Age

Under 25 9 9 10 6 6.0 4.1

25–34 130 118.8 18.7 107 101.6 29.2

35–44 278 254 13.8 258 232.5 10.9

45–54 288 277.4 9.8 272 257.8 8.3

55–64 228 219.9 2.2 233 220.8 4.7

Over 64 36 32.3 0.1 30 26.9 0.2

Classification

Grade 1 1 1.0 3.0 1 1.0 1.2

Grade 2.1 54 51.9 27.8 57 54.0 27.7

Grade 2.2 145 130.2 2.0 124 113.1 1.0

Grade 2.3 177 166.9 1.8 170 160.6 1.5

Grade 3 125 119.9 3.0 116 110.0 4.0

Grade 4 147 139.3 5.0 129 120.6 7.0

Grade 5 92 82.7 4.8 88 77.0 8.0

Grade 6 114 107.2 2.3 110 101.6 3.0

Grade 7 44 43.0 2.0 43 40.9 1.0

Grade 8 54 53.3 3.0 53 51.8 3.0

Executives 16 16.0 0.0 15 15.0 0.0


Of all employees, 5.4 per cent are Aboriginal and 31 per cent female. Of the 15 executives, six are female. Increasing opportunities for women in senior positions and non-traditional roles with the development and retention of Aboriginal staff are ongoing commitments for Parks Victoria.

Staff health and wellbeing program

Parks Victoria’s health and wellbeing program continued to:

• Provide staff, and in some cases immediate family members, with access to health and wellbeing information and a range of short, medium and long term support services such as a free professional counselling and support service

• Monitor staff health and wellbeing, including through the provision of an annual influenza vaccination program

• Support staff during and following critical incidents, including through the Peer Support Program

• Enable the healthy recovery of staff

• Develop and implement policies, procedures and practices to assist staff to balance their work and family responsibilities.

Occupational health and safety

Parks Victoria’s commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff, volunteers and contractors was embedded in the new Workforce Organisational Strategy (2013–2017) and Action Plan. This strategy will guide Parks Victoria in building a high-performing and innovative workforce, focused on safety. A long-term, multi-pronged approach was developed in the plan to foster a safety culture within the organisation.

A priority action in the Workforce Organisational Strategy was to purchase and implement a new online OHS reporting system. This system has enabled real time reporting of hazards and incidents meaning they can be identified earlier and managed appropriately. The system also allows management to monitor investigations and evaluate the effectiveness of controls in their work areas.

During the year, work was also undertaken to make it easier for staff to identify and access OHS information with Parks Victoria’s intranet now the single point of truth for all OHS information, systems and processes. This involved removing duplication of documentation across the state, standardising processes and ensuring a consistent and common language is applied across Parks Victoria.

The last quarter of the year saw an increased focus on a safety culture with the release of Parks Victoria’s Culture Management Plan. Vision and culture workshops were held across the organisation to discuss effective initiatives to develop our target culture. Health and safety was a key focus at these workshops.

Learning and development

In 2013–14, Parks Victoria’s learning and development program focused on delivering initiatives to ensure the organisation performs efficiently, adapts to change and meets the long-term goals set out in its Shaping our Future strategy. This was achieved by integrating learning into the organisation’s strategic and operational frameworks and by providing ongoing training programs for staff.

Parks Victoria maintained a strong focus on operational training with 648 staff completing training in areas such as compliance and enforcement, firearms, first aid, information systems, and the safe use of vehicles, plant and equipment. Foundations training was also provided to help employees build their careers in park management and develop their skills in areas such as leadership, cultural awareness and community engagement. This type of training was provided to 311 staff members. Following the replacement of Parks Victoria’s computer fleet during the year, 249 staff were provided training to bring their skills up to date with the new software. Induction training was completed by 368 staff during the year.

Aboriginal employment and development

To support organisational performance a number of policies and procedures were reviewed and updated to include Aboriginal considerations. This included the development of a new guideline on Cultural and Ceremonial Leave entitlements. Under the guideline, Aboriginal staff may access this leave entitlement to practice and revive their culture. Parks Victoria recognises that attending cultural or ceremonial obligations will be of benefit to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal employees. The provision of this leave entitlement also supports Parks Victoria’s commitments in Closing the Gap of Aboriginal disadvantage and the government’s Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2013 – 2018.

Ten Aboriginal staff were appointed on 18-week contracts as Seasonal Project Fire Fighters across the state. These positions were designated Aboriginal positions under special measures, section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Parks Victoria completed a review of the Cross Cultural Training Program in 2013–14 and engaged a new provider for the program. Two training programs were delivered in collaboration with relevant Traditional Owner groups. The revised training program will be rolled out across the state over the coming years.

Four Aboriginal staff (including two Yorta Yorta Caring for Country Rangers) were supported to attend a five day intensive Indigenous Leadership Program delivered by Indigenous Leadership Network Victoria.


Environmental performance

2012–13 Per FTE Per FTE 2013–14 Per FTE

Electricity (megawatts) 3,9594,098

Kilowatt hours4098 3892* 4309

Water (megalitres) 203 210 Kilolitres Kilowatt hours 147** Kilowatt hours

Greenhouse Gas emissions (Tonnes C02-e) 9,943 10.3 210 9258 163

FTE/Full-time equivalent (meaning equal to full time position)

* This figure does not include electricity consumed at Parks Victoria’s “off grid” sites where Parks Victoria generates its own electricity. For example through diesel/LPG fuelled generators and solar photo-voltaic systems.

** Figure to be treated with some suspicion due to the transition to bulk billing for water accounts. To be validated following a further 12 months of data.

Disability Action Plan

Parks Victoria is committed to changing its practices, services and infrastructure to improve accessibility and increase inclusiveness for people with disabilities. In 2013–14, an assessment was completed of all office and depot sites against the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act. Following the conclusion of Parks Victoria’s Disability Action Plan 2009–2012, work commenced to develop a new plan to guide an organisation-wide approach to improving accessibility.

Details of Parks Victoria’s work to improve accessibility is provided in the ‘Connecting people and places’ section (page 14–15)

Greener Government Buildings Program

In February 2014 Parks Victoria was successful in obtaining a $2.8 million loan from the Victorian Government to implement energy and water efficiency improvements at various locations across the Parks Victoria managed estate. This loan was provided under the Greener Government Buildings Program and must be repaid over an eight year timeframe (commencing in June 2016) using the financial savings generated from reductions in energy and water consumption.

Works will be implemented under an energy performance contract which requires energy services companies to guarantee consumptions savings in accordance with agreed parameters.

Proposed improvement works include:

• Renewable energy solutions at remote sites such as Tidal River and Gabo Island

• Installing energy efficient lighting and water efficient plumbing in offices, depots and park facilities

• Improving heating and cooling efficiency in offices, depots and park facilities.

The project is expected to create substantial economic and environmental benefits whilst enhancing community understanding of environmental sustainability technologies.

Overall financial performance

For the year ending 30 June 2014, Parks Victoria achieved a net result from transactions of $6.149 million against a budgeted deficit net result of $1.120 million and a prior year deficit net result of $16.607 million. This result was due to the continuing focus on cost management and improved efficiencies, and a number of one off factors including further funding from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) to assist with cost pressures and the funding of priority programs.

In addition to the above factors, the net result has been impacted by a change in the accounting treatment for specific purpose government grants. Parks Victoria receives the majority of its government funding from DEPI. Some of this funding is to deliver specific and multi-year projects. In previous years funding received for multi-year projects was classified as reciprocal and recognised as a liability until such time as the performance under the specific grant occurred when it was then recognised as income.

Non-reciprocal grants were recognised as income when the grant was received. A review of this treatment has identified that the majority of multiyear specific purpose grants did not meet the criteria for treatment as reciprocal grants in accordance with AASB1004 – Contributions, and have been recognised as income in the year of receipt. The 2013 comparatives have been restated for this change.

Financial Position – balance sheet

Total assets at year end were $1.923 billion the majority of which represent land and associated assets where Parks Victoria has been appointed the Committee of Management.

The major balance sheet highlights have been the impact of the reclassification of specific purpose grants to non-reciprocal and the recognition of additional Crown Land assets where Parks Victoria was assigned Committee of Management.

During the year, as a result of the continuing reconciliation of Crown Land across a number of government departments, a number of assets were identified as Parks


Five year financial summary

($thousands) 2014 2013 (i) 2012 (i) 2011 (i) 2010 (i)

Revenue from Government 97,523 102,567 122,055 110,455 92,089

Total income from transactions 226,398 235,839 251,999 219,000 199,551

Total expenses from transactions 220,249 252,446 249,743 230,040 204,476

Net Result from transactions 6,149 (16,607) 2,256 (11,040) (4,925)

Comprehensive result 6,858 (15,700) (803) (12,361) (7,726)

Net cash flow from operating activities 4,369 (16,952) 12,367 9,468 35,859

Total assets 1,923,281 1,916,797 1,851,560 1,830,609 1,569,068

Total liabilities 66,074 70,389 149,585 138,799 128,066

(i) During the financial year ended 30 June 2014, Parks Victoria revised its accounting treatment for a number of items and as a result amendments were required to be made to the 2013 prior period comparatives. 2012, 2011 and 2010 comparatives have not been restated in the above table.

Victoria Committee of Management assets. Valued at a total of $109.992 million these assets have now been included in Parks Victoria’s balance sheet. The majority of these assets represent land under piers and jetties and were transferred at the time that Parks Victoria was first established. The assets have been brought to account as an adjustment to prior period errors with the corresponding entry reducing the accumulated deficit previously reported.

Cash flows

The net cash flow from operating activities is a surplus of $4.369 million. This surplus reflects:

• The favourable trading result for the year

• The positive impact of the receipt of specific purpose grants in the current year either for Parks Victoria assets that are capitalised to the balance sheet, or major works expenditure that is to occur in subsequent periods.

Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year were $84.731 million, of which $63.005 million relates to the unspent component of specific purpose grants Parks Victoria received to undertake various projects. The balance represents cash and cash equivalents required to meet other short term current liabilities as they fall due.


Compliance and disclosures

Legislative framework

Under the Parks Victoria Act 1998, Parks Victoria’s responsibilities are to provide services to the state and its agencies for the management of parks, reserves and other land under the control of the state together with waterways land (within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 1994) for the purposes of conservation, recreation, leisure, tourism or water transport. Parks Victoria’s responsibilities also extend to recreational boating in Port Phillip and Western Port as a local port manager under the Port Management Act 1995 and as waterways manager under the Marine Safety Act 2010.

With the approval of the Minister, Parks Victoria may also provide services for the management of land to the owner of any other land used for public purposes. The Act requires that Parks Victoria must not act in a way that is not environmentally sound in carrying out its functions. Parks Victoria is appointed as a committee of management of various reserves pursuant to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Currently Parks Victoria is the committee of management for a range of reserves including Albert Park, Werribee Park, Yarra Bend, several gardens in the Dandenong Ranges and piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Western Port. It also manages:

• All areas under the National Parks Act 1975 – approximately 3.45 million hectares

• Reserved and unreserved Crown land including conservation and other reserves, metropolitan parks, regional parks and historic areas

• Recreational and other activities on waterways land in the metropolitan area as defined in the Water Industry Act 1994

• A number of other areas under leases or other arrangements (including reservoir parks).

Parks Victoria’s responsibilities for the provision of services to the state are set out in a Management Services Agreement (MSA) between Parks Victoria, the Secretary to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Parks Victoria’s services are delivered within state policy and contractual agreements and in accordance with statutory responsibilities and statutory delegations. The MSA sets out the principles for the delivery of park management services, lists the land to be managed and sets out the key functions of Parks Victoria and DEPI.

The current MSA includes a commitment to engage strategically and work in partnership. DEPI is the designated lead for fire on public land.

Changes to areas managed

Under the Management Services Agreement, the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change advises Parks Victoria of any changes to the land managed by Parks Victoria. In July 2013, Parks Victoria was advised of the assignment of a net additional 1,291ha in existing assigned reserves through version 18 of the Register of Land.

Version 18 of the Register of Land resulted in changes to 40 reserves managed by Parks Victoria. The changes included an addition of 3,506ha to the total area managed and the removal of 2,249ha from assignment to Parks Victoria management.

Significant changes to version 18 of the Register of Land included a 1,900ha reduction of the Kanyapella Wildlife Reserve and the addition of the 2,800ha Wimmera River Heritage Area. Mapping corrections improved spatial data of existing reserves and an amendment to the National Parks Act resulted in transfers of land between reserves and name changes for two reserves:

• St Arnaud Range National Park become Kara Kara National Park

• Lake Tyers became Lake Tyers State Park

34 Compliance and disclosures

This brings the total area of land assigned to Parks Victoria via direct assignment to approximately 4.106 million hectares.

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives the public the right to access information contained in documents held by Parks Victoria.

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests must be made in writing. A request can be submitted using the website FOI Online (www.foi.vic.gov.au) or by sending an application to:

Freedom of Information Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

From 1 July 2014, the application fee to make an FOI request is $26.50. For people on a low income, Parks Victoria can waive this fee. There may be further charges depending on the time it takes to find the documents and photocopy them and the number of pages to be photocopied.

In the reporting period, Parks Victoria received 27 requests: 21 external requests for documents and information under the Act and six inter-departmental requests.

Of the 21 external requests:

• None were transferred to other agencies for processing

• Ten were decided by Parks Victoria

• Three did not meet the requirement under the Act and were refused or rejected

• One was dealt with outside the Act

• Two did not proceed

• Five are yet to be finalised.

Protected Disclosures Act 2012

The Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (PD Act) enables people to make disclosures about improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The Act aims to ensure openness and accountability by encouraging people to make disclosures and protecting them when they do.

What is a ‘protected disclosure’?

A protected disclosure is a complaint of corrupt or improper conduct by a public officer or a public body.

Parks Victoria is a “public body” for the purposes of the Act.

What is ‘improper or corrupt conduct’?

Improper or corrupt conduct involves substantial:

• mismanagement of public resources; or

• risk to public health or safety or the environment; or

• corruption.

The conduct must be criminal in nature or a matter for which an officer could be dismissed.

How do I make a ‘Protected Disclosure’?

You can make a protected disclosure about [Agency name] or its board members, officers or employees by contacting DEPI or IBAC on the contact details provided below.

Please note that Parks Victoria is not able to receive protected disclosures.

How can I access Parks Victoria’s procedures for the protection of persons from detrimental action?

Parks Victoria has established procedures for the protection of persons from detrimental action in reprisal for making a protected disclosure about Parks Victoria or its employees. You can access [parks Victoria’s procedures on its website at: [Link to procedures on Agency’s website].

Contacts

Chief Legal Counsel, Parks VictoriaAddress: Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic Internet: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Phone 13 19 63

Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) VictoriaAddress: Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000. Mail: IBAC, GPO Box 24234, Melbourne Victoria 3001 Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au Phone: 1300 735 135

Statement of availability of other information

The following information is available on request, subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982:

• A statement that declarations of pecuniary interests have been duly completed by all relevant officers

• Details of shares held by a senior officer as nominee, or held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary

• Details of publications produced by the agency about itself, and how these can be obtained.

• Details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by the agency

• Details of any major external reviews carried out on the agency

• Details of major research and development activities undertaken by the agency

• Details of overseas visits undertaken, including a summary of the objectives and outcomes of each visit

• Details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the agency to develop community awareness of the entity and its services

• Details of assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees

• A general statement on industrial relations within the agency, and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes


• A list of the agency’s major committees; the purposes of each committee; and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved

• Details of all consultancies and contractors including: consultants or contractors engaged; services provided; and expenditure committed to for each engagement.

Building Act

All works associated with buildings are managed in accordance with the Building Act 1993, including obtaining all permits as required.

Victorian Industry Participation Policy

The Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003 requires public bodies and departments to report on the implementation of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP). Departments and public bodies are required to apply VIPP in all tenders over $3 million in metropolitan Melbourne and $1 million in regional Victoria.

Parks Victoria was fully compliant with the policy.

uring the financial year ending 30 June 2014, Parks Victoria completed one project, and commenced two new projects to which the VIPP applied. All contracts were in regional Victoria, and the total value of these contracts was $14.7 million.

The completed project had a value of $2.1 million, which:

• Included a 100 per cent level of local content

• Retained the equivalent of 15 full-time jobs

• Provided the Victorian economy with benefits in terms of skills development by mentoring and training Site and Project Engineers in project management, including contract and financial management and project scheduling.

One new project in regional Victoria was valued at $11.1 million and will be completed in 2014–15. This contract includes:

• A commitment to 82 per cent local content

• Retains the equivalent of nine full-time jobs

• Creates the equivalent of four full-time jobs

• Provides the Victorian economy with skills benefits, including maintenance of compliance tickets for operators for cranes, coxswain, dogman, forklift and heavy truck drivers, and employees trained in level two first aid.

The other new project in regional Victoria was valued at $1.6 million and will be completed in 2014–15. This contract includes:

• A commitment to 100 per cent local content

• Retains the equivalent of eight full-time jobs

• Provides skills benefits in the areas of hydraulic piping, and repair or creation of dam infrastructure that meet the Australian National Committee on Large Dams Guidelines for Dam Safety.

National competition policy

Competitive neutrality seeks to enable fair competition between government and private sector businesses. Any advantages or disadvantages that government businesses may experience as a result of government ownership should be neutralised.

Parks Victoria continues to implement and apply this principle in its business undertakings.

DataVic access policy

In August 2012 the Victorian Government released the DataVic Access Policy, which enables the sharing of government data at no, or minimal, cost to users. Parks Victoria is in the process of reviewing its datasets to determine suitability for submission to DataVic. In the interim, various data sets have been made available directly to special interest groups on an ad-hoc basis and digital maps, available to the public, are geo referenced and able to be interacted and referenced accordingly. Other information has been supplied to various departments, such as DEPI, as the data owner or agency responsible for further distribution.

Consultancy expenditure

The definition of consultancy was updated effective from 1 July 2013. Consequently, disclosures on consultancy expenditure in 2013–14 cannot be compared with previous year disclosures.

Details of consultancies valued at $10,000 or greater

In 2013–14, there were 10 consultancies where the total fees payable to the consultants were $10,000 or greater. The total expenditure incurred during 2013–14 in relation to these consultancies is $988,744 (excl. GST).

Details of individual consultancies are outlined on Parks Victoria’s website: www.parks.vic.gov.au.

Details of consultancies valued at less than $10,000

There were no consultancies engaged under $10,000.

Major contracts

Parks Victoria has one contract greater than $10 million in value which it entered into between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014.

The disclosed contract can be viewed at www.contracts.vic.gov.au.

Government advertising expenditure

Parks Victoria did not have an advertising buy of $150,000 or greater (exclusive of GST) during the reporting period.

36 Compliance and disclosures

Risk management attestation


Insurance attestation

38

Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Framework Attestation



Legislation Requirement Page

Report of operations

Charter and purpose 5

FRD 22E Manner of establishment and the relevant Minister 5–6

FRD 22E Objectives, functions, powers and duties 5–6

FRD 22E Nature and range of services provided

Management and structure

FRD 22E Organisational structure 6–7

Financial and other information

FRD 10 Disclosure index 39

FRD 12A Disclosure of major contracts 35

FRD 22E Objectives and performance against objectives 10

FRD 22E Employment and conduct principles 28–29

FRD 22E Occupational health and safety 29

FRD 22E Summary of the financial results for the year 30–31

FRD 22E Significant changes in financial position during the year 30–31

FRD 22E Major changes or factors affecting performance 11

FRD 22E Subsequent events 31

FRD 22E Application and operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 33

FRD 22E Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993 34

FRD 22E Application and operation of the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 33

FRD 22E Statement on National Competition Policy 34

FRD 22E Details of consultancies under $100,000 34

FRD 22E Details of consultancies over $100,000 34

FRD 22E Statement of availability of information 33

FRD 22E Compliance with DataVic Access Policy 34

FRD 25B Victorian Industry Participation Policy Disclosure in the Report of Operations 34

FRD 29 Workforce Data disclosures 27–28

SD 4.5.5 Risk management attestation 36

SD 4.5.5.1 Insurance attestation 37

Appendix 1Disclosure summary

Parks Victoria’s 2013–14 Annual Report is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has been prepared to facilitate identification of Parks Victoria’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

40

Legislation Requirement Page

Financial Report

Financial statements required under Part 7 of the FMA

SD4.2(a) Statement of changes in equity 44

SD4.2(b) Operating statement 42

SD4.2(b) Balance sheet 43

SD4.2(b) Cash flow statement 45

Other requirements under Standing Directions 4.2

SD4.2(c)Compliance with Australian accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements

47

SD4.2(c) Compliance with Ministerial Directions 47

SD4.2(d) Rounding of amounts 58

SD4.2(c) Accountable officer’s declaration 92

SD4.2(f) Compliance with Model Financial Report 47

Other disclosures as required by FRDs in notes to the financial statements

FRD 11A Disclosure of Ex Gratia Expenses 91

FRD 21BDisclosures of Responsible Persons, Executive Officers and other Personnel (Contractors with Significant Management Responsibilities) in the Financial Report

80–81

FRD 102 Inventories 64

FRD 103D Non current Physical Assets 65–71

FRD 104 Foreign Currency 84

FRD 106 Impairment of Assets 66–67

FRD 109 Intangible Assets 72

FRD 107 Investment Properties N/A

FRD 110 Cash Flow Statements 75

FRD 112D Defined Benefit Superannuation Obligations 77–79

FRD 113 Investments in Subsidiaries, Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates N/A

FRD 114AFinancial Instruments – General Government Entities and Public Non Financial Corporations

82–85

FRD 119A Transfers through Contributed Capital 74

Legislation

Freedom of Information Act 1982

Building Act 1983

Protected Disclosure Act 2012

Victorian Industry Participation Policy Act 2003

Financial Management Act 1994



Financial report

Comprehensive Operating Statement 42

Balance Sheet 43

Statement of Changes in Equity 44

Cash Flow Statement 45

Table of Contents 46

Notes to Financial Statements 47–91

Statutory Certificate 92

Auditor’s Report 93–94

42

Comprehensive Operating StatementFor the Financial Year ended 30 June 2014

Notes2014 $’000

2013 (i) $’000

Continuing operations

Income from transactions

Parks and reserves trust funding 3 86,965 85,422

Government funding 4 97,523 102,567

Interest 5 3,460 4,363

Fair value of assets received free of charge 6 668 429

Insurance claims 7a 3,734 10,021

Other income 7b 34,048 33,037

Total income from transactions 226,398 235,839

Expenses from transactions

Employee benefits expenses 8 105,834 110,503

Depreciation and amortisation 9 11,829 10,791

Contracts and external services 10 77,832 105,790

Other operating expenses 11 24,754 25,362

Total expenses from transactions 220,249 252,446

Net result from transactions (net operating balance) 6,149 (16,607)

Other economic flows included in net result

Net gain/(loss) on non-financial assets 12(a) (13) (1,390)

Net gain/(loss) on financial instruments 12(b) (17) 153

Other gains/(losses) from other economic flows 12(c) (159) 735

Total other economic flows included in net result (189) (502)

Net result 5,960 (17,109)

Other economic flows – other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to net result

Changes in physical asset revaluation surplus – –

Revaluation of superannuation defined benefit plans 12(d) 898 1,409

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net result

Changes to financial assets available-for-sale revaluation surplus – –

Total other economic flows – other comprehensive income 898 1,409

Comprehensive result 6,858 (15,700)

The comprehensive operating statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note: (i) Refer to Note 36 Prior Period Adjustments for details.

Financial Report


Balance SheetAs at 30 June 2014

Notes2014 $’000

2013 (i) $’000

1 July 2012 (i) $’000

Assets

Financial assets

Cash and deposits 13 & 34 84,731 87,340 58,423

Receivables 14 16,280 10,921 14,557

Investments and other financial assets 15 – – 50,000

Total financial assets 101,011 98,261 122,980

Non-financial assets

Inventories 16 193 175 159

Property, plant and equipment 17 1,816,793 1,813,517 1,815,761

Intangible assets 18 4,073 4,824 5,575

Other non-financial assets 19 413 20 16

Superannuation defined benefits asset 29(c) 798 – –

Total non-financial assets 1,822,270 1,818,536 1,821,511

Total assets 1,923,281 1,916,797 1,944,491

Liabilities

Payables 20 21,257 22,278 28,597

Provisions 21 33,561 34,073 34,659

Provision for Superannuation defined benefits obligation 29(c) – 2,939 6,216

Deferred revenue 22 11,256 11,099 17,591

Total liabilities 66,074 70,389 87,063

Net assets 1,857,207 1,846,408 1,857,428

Equity

Accumulated surplus/(deficit) 103,718 96,510 112,843

Physical asset revaluation surplus 23 1,133,292 1,133,642 1,133,005

Contributed capital 24 620,197 616,256 611,580

Total equity 1,857,207 1,846,408 1,857,428

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 26

Commitments 27

The balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note: (i) Refer to Note 36 Prior Period Adjustments for details.

44

Statement of Changes in EquityFor the Financial Year ended 30 June 2014

Notes

Physical Asset Revaluation

Surplus $’000

Accumulated Surplus / (Deficit)

$’000

Contributed Capital

$’000Total $’000

Balance at 1 July 2012 1,128,678 (57,218) 630,515 1,701,975

Net effect of correction of errors in 2012 (i) 36 4,327 170,061 (18,935) 155,453

Restated balance at 1 July 2012 1,133,005 112,843 611,580 1,857,428

Previously reported net result for the year (ii) – (1,896) – (1,896)

Transfer to accumulated surplus 637 (637) – –

Net effect of correction of errors and adjustments in 2013 (i), (ii) 36 – (13,804) – (13,804)

Contributed capital 24 – – 4,676 4,676

Restated balance at 30 June 2013 1,133,642 96,510 616,256 1,846,408

Comprehensive result – 6,858 – 6,858

Transfer to accumulated surplus 23 (350) 350 – –

Contributed capital 24 – – 3,941 3,941

Balance at 30 June 2014 1,133,292 103,718 620,197 1,857,207

The statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note:

(i) Refer to Note 36 Prior Period Adjustments for details.

Net effect of correction of errors in 2012 155,453

Net effect of correction of errors and adjustments in 2013 (13,804)

Net effect of correction of errors 2012 and 2013 141,649

(ii) Restated comprehensive result for 2013

Net result for the year (originally reported) (1,896)

Net effect of correction of errors and adjustments in 2013 (13,804)

Restated comprehensive result for 2013 (15,700)

Financial Report


Cash Flow StatementFor the Financial Year ended 30 June 2014

Notes2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Cash Flows from operating activities

Receipts

Receipts from parks charges 81,940 85,568

Receipts from government for operations 111,774 91,570

Receipts from government for Base Funding Review 6,067 5,721

Receipts from customers/other sources 27,162 50,088

Interest received 3,473 4,761

Receipts relating to Goods and Services Tax 18,698 18,074

Total receipts 249,114 255,782

Payments

Payments to suppliers and employees (218,956) (248,608)

Payments to government for revenue collected from national parks (7,394) (6,491)

Payments relating to Goods and Services Tax (18,395) (17,635)

Total payments (244,745) (272,734)

Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities 25(c) 4,369 (16,952)

Cash Flows from investing activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment (9,855) (4,131)

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment – –

Payments for other financial assets – (45,000)

Proceeds from other financial assets – 95,000

Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities (9,855) 45,869

Cash flows from financing activities

Receipts from government – contributed capital – –

Advances from government – Greener government buildings program 2,877 –

Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 2,877 –

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,609) 28,917

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year 87,340 58,423

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 13 & 25(a) 84,731 87,340

Consisting of:

Committed cash and investments 34 63,005 80,653

Non-committed cash (cash reserved for short term liabilities) 21,726 6,687

Total Funds 84,731 87,340

The above cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

46

Table of Contents

Note 1 Background

Note 1.1 Reporting entity

Note 1.2 Objectives and funding

Note 2 Summary of significant accounting policies

Note 2.1 General

Note 2.2 Basis of accounting preparation and measurement

Note 2.3 Asset recognition and measurement

Note 2.4 Scope and presentation of financial statements

Note 2.5 Financial assets

Note 2.6 Non-financial assets

Note 2.7 Impairment of non-financial assets

Note 2.8 Leased assets

Note 2.9 Liabilities

Note 2.10 Contributed capital

Note 2.11 Income recognition

Note 2.12 Interest income

Note 2.13 Resources provided and received free of charge or for nominal consideration

Note 2.14 Grants and other payments

Note 2.15 Depreciation and amortisation

Note 2.16 Finance costs

Note 2.17 Commitments

Note 2.18 Contingent assets and contingent liabilities

Note 2.19 Goods and Services Tax

Note 2.20 Rounding of amounts

Note 2.21 Changes in accounting policies

Note 2.22 New accounting standards and interpretations

Note 3 Parks and reserves trust funding

Note 4 Government funding

Note 5 Interest

Note 6 Fair value of assets received free of charge

Note 7 Insurance income / other income

Note 8 Employee benefits expenses

Note 9 Depreciation and amortisation

Note 10 Contracts and external services

Note 11 Other operating expenses

Note 12 Other economic flows included in net result

Note 13 Cash and deposits

Note 14 Receivables

Note 15 Other financial assets

Note 16 Inventories

Note 17 Property, plant and equipment

Note 18 Intangible assets

Note 19 Other non-financial assets

Note 20 Payables

Note 21 Provisions

Note 22 Deferred revenue

Note 23 Physical asset revaluation surplus

Note 24 Contributed capital

Note 25 Cash flow information

Note 26 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

Note 27 Commitments

Note 28 Superannuation

Note 29 Defined superannuation benefit

Note 30 Volunteer resources provided free of charge

Note 31 Auditor's remuneration

Note 32 Responsible person and executive officer disclosures

Note 33 Financial instruments

Note 34 Committed funds

Note 35 Post balance date events

Note 36 Prior period adjustments

Note 37 Ex-gratia payment

Financial Report


Notes to the Financial Statements For the Financial Year ended 30 June 2014

1 Background

1.1 Reporting entity

Parks Victoria is a not-for-profit individual reporting entity. Parks Victoria was formed as a public authority on 3 July 1998 under the Parks Victoria Act 1998. The Parks Victoria Act 1998 was given Royal Assent on 26 May 1998 and was proclaimed on 3 July 1998.

The principal address is: Level 10/ 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

1.2 Objectives and funding

The objective of Parks Victoria is to provide an outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced, for people, forever.

Parks Victoria receives the majority of its funding from the Victorian Government for the management of Victoria’s National/State Parks and Reserves and from the Parks and Reserves Trust for the management of metropolitan parks and waterways. The Trust is funded by a Parks charge levied on properties within the Melbourne metropolitan area. Parks Victoria receives approximately 59 per cent of Trust funds annually.

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and applicable Australian Accounting Standards, including Interpretations (AASs). AASs include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards.

2 Summary of significant accounting policies

2.1 General

Statement of compliance

The financial statements comply with the relevant Financial Reporting Directions (FRDs) issued by the Department of Treasury and Finance and relevant Standing Directions (SD) authorised by the Minister for Finance.

Under Australian Accounting Standards (AASs), there are requirements that apply specifically to not-for-profit entities. Parks Victoria has analysed its purpose, objectives, and operating philosophy and determined that it does not have profit generation as a prime objective. Where applicable, the AASs that relate to not-for-profit entities have been applied.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Parks Victoria on 20 August 2014.

48


2.2 Basis of accounting preparation and measurement

The accrual basis of accounting has been applied in the preparation of these financial statements whereby assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses are recognised in the reporting period to which they relate, regardless of when cash is received or paid.

These financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, the functional and presentation currency of Parks Victoria.

In the application of AASs, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on professional judgements derived from historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgements and assumptions made by management in the application of (AASs) that have significant effects on the financial statements and estimates relate to:

• depreciation expenses for property, plant and equipment (refer note 2.15),

• actuarial assumptions for defined benefit superannuation gains and losses (refer note 2.9(f)).

• provisions related to employee benefits (refer note 2.9(ii)).

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention except for:

• non-current physical assets which, subsequent to acquisition, are measured at a re-valued amount being their fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent impairment losses. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amounts do not materially differ from their fair value;

• the fair value of an asset other than land, plant and equipment, antiques and work in progress is based on its depreciated replacement cost;

• Defined benefit superannuation plan assets and obligations.

Historical cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is reported.

Consistent with AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement, Parks Victoria determines the policies and procedures for both recurring fair value measurements such as property, plant and equipment, financial instruments, and for non recurring fair value measurements such as non financial physical assets held for sale, in accordance with the requirements of AASB 13 and the relevant Financial Reporting Directions.

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

• Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

• Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable; and

• Level 3 — Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.

For the purpose of fair value disclosures, Parks Victoria has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.

Financial Report



2.2 Basis of accounting preparation and measurement (continued)

In addition, Parks Victoria determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

The Valuer-General Victoria (VGV) is the Department’s independent valuation agency.

Parks Victoria, in conjunction with VGV, monitors changes in the fair value of each asset and liability through relevant data sources to determine whether revaluation is required.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2014 and the comparative information presented for the year ended 30 June 2013.

2.3 Asset recognition and measurement

Parks Victoria only recognises assets on land it controls as the committee of management. Parks Victoria also manages other assets on behalf of the Crown. Those assets and any new assets constructed by Parks Victoria on behalf of the Crown are recognised in the asset register of the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

2.4 Scope and presentation of financial statements

(i) Comprehensive operating statement

The comprehensive operating statement comprises three components, being ‘net result from transactions’ (or termed as ‘net operating balance’), ‘other economic flows included in net result’, as well as ‘other economic flows – other comprehensive income’. The sum of the former two, together with the net result from discontinued operations, represents the net result.

The net result is equivalent to profit or loss derived in accordance with AASs. This classification is consistent with the whole of government reporting format and is allowed under AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements.

(ii) Balance sheet

Assets and liabilities are presented in liquidity order with assets aggregated into financial assets and non-financial assets.

Current and non-current assets and liabilities (those expected to be recovered or settled beyond 12 months) are disclosed in the notes, where relevant.

(iii) Statement of changes in equity

The statement of changes in equity presents reconciliations of each non-owner and owner equity opening balance at the beginning of the reporting period to the closing balance at the end of the reporting period. It also shows separately changes due to amounts recognised in the ‘Comprehensive result’ and amounts recognised in ‘Other economic flows – Other non-owner changes in equity’ related to transactions with owner in its capacity as owner.

(iv) Cash flow statement

Cash flows are classified according to whether or not they arise from operating activities, investing activities or financing activities. This classification is consistent with requirements under AASB 107 Statement of cash flows.

50


2.5 Financial assets

(i) Cash and deposits

Cash and deposits recognised on the balance sheet comprise cash on hand and cash at bank, deposits at call and those highly liquid investments (with an original maturity of three months or less), which are held for the purpose of meeting short term cash cash commitments rather than for investment purposes, and readily convertible to known amounts of cash with an insignificant risk of changes in value.

For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash assets include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity that are readily convertible to cash on hand at Parks Victoria’s option and are subject to insignificant risk of changes values, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

(ii) Receivables

Receivables consist of:

• statutory receivables, which include predominantly amounts owing from the Victorian Government and GST input tax credits recoverable; and

• contractual receivables, which include mainly debtors in relation to goods and services, and accrued investment income.

Receivables that are contractual are classified as financial instruments. Statutory receivables are not classified as financial instruments.

Receivables are recorded initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method, less impairment.

Compensation from third parties for items of property, plant and equipment that were impaired, lost or given up are recognised as a receivable when the receipt of the reimbursement becomes “virtually certain.”

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is established when there is objective evidence that Parks Victoria will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to short-term receivables are not discounted if the effect of discounting is immaterial. The amount of the provision is recognised in the Comprehensive Operating Statement. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are recognised.

The average credit period on sales of goods or provision of services is 30 days.

(iii) Other financial assets

Other financial assets are recognised and derecognised on trade date where purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.

Parks Victoria classifies its other financial assets between current and non-current assets based on the purpose for which the assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its other financial assets at initial recognition.

Parks Victoria assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.

Financial Report



2.6 Non-financial assets

(i) Inventories

Inventories comprise stores and materials and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assigned to inventory on hand at balance date on a first in, first out basis. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing and selling distribution.

(ii) Property, plant and equipment

All non-current physical assets are measured initially at cost and subsequently revalued at fair value less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Where an asset is acquired for no or nominal cost, the cost is its fair value at the date of acquisition. Assets transferred as part of a machinery of government change are transferred at their carrying amount. More details about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of non-financial physical assets are discussed under Note 17 property, plant and equipment.

Property, plant and equipment represent non-current assets used by Parks Victoria, comprising:

• Crown land, land and land improvements.

• Buildings and building improvements.

• Piers, jetties and river improvements.

• Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles.

• Antiques.

• Works in progress.

Items with a cost or value of $5,000 (2013 $5,000) or more, and a useful life of more than one year are recognised as an asset. All other assets acquired are expensed.

Non-current physical assets such as national parks, other Crown land, and heritage assets are measured at fair value with regard to the property’s highest and best use after due consideration is made for any legal or constructive restrictions imposed on the asset, public announcements or commitments made in relation to the intended use of the asset. Theoretical opportunities that may be available in relation to the asset are not taken into account until it is virtually certain that the restrictions will no longer apply. Therefore, unless otherwise disclosed the current use of these non-financial physical assets will be their highest and best use.

The fair value of cultural assets and collections, heritage assets and other non-current physical assets that Parks Victoria intends to preserve because of their unique historical, cultural or environmental attributes, is measured at the replacement cost of the asset less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of such cost to reflect the already consumed or expired future economic benefits of the asset and any accumulated impairment. Land under declared roads acquired prior to 1 July 2008 is measured at fair value. Land under declared roads acquired on or after 1 July 2008 is measured initially at cost of acquisition and subsequently at fair value. The fair value methodology applied by the Valuer-General Victoria is based on discounted site values for relevant municipal areas applied to land area under the arterial road network, including related reservations.

The fair value of infrastructure systems and plant, equipment and vehicles, is normally determined by reference to the asset’s depreciated replacement cost.

The cost of constructed non-financial physical assets includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on the project, and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overheads. For accounting policy on impairment of non-financial assets, refer to note 2.7 Impairment of non-financial assets.

52


2.6 Non financial assets (continued)

Revaluations of non-current physical assets

Non-current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued in accordance with FRD 103E Non Current Physical Assets issued by the Minister for Finance. This revaluation process normally occurs every five years, based upon the asset’s Government Purpose Classification, but may occur more frequently if fair value assessments indicate material changes in value. Revaluation increases or decreases arise from differences between an asset’s carrying value and fair value.

Revaluation increases are credited directly to equity in the physical asset revaluation surplus, except to the extent that an increase reverses a revaluation decrease in respect of that class of property, plant and equipment previously recognised as an expense (other economic flows) in the net result, the increase is recognised as income (other economic flows) in determining the net result.

Revaluation decreases are recognised immediately as expenses (other economic flows) in the net results, except to the extent that a credit balance exists in the physical asset revaluation surplus in respect of the same class of property, plant and equipment in which case they are debited to the physical asset revaluation surplus.

Revaluation increases and decreases relating to individual assets within a class of property, plant and equipment are offset against one another within that class but are not offset in respect of assets in different classes.

A full revaluation of non-financial physical assets was conducted in June 2011 in accordance with the Financial Reporting Directions (FRDs) issued by the Minister of Finance. The useful lives and residual values of the respective assets were adjusted to reflect the most recent assessment performed by the Valuer-General Victoria (VGV). The next scheduled full revaluation will be conducted in 2016.

The Valuer-General provides guidance to asset valuers on the valuation rationale and appropriate level of “Community Service Obligation” (2010–11: 70%) discount to apply to the asset.

(iii) Crown land

Crown land is measured at fair value with regard to the property’s highest and best use after due consideration is made for any legal or constructive restrictions imposed on the land, public announcements or commitments made in relation to the intended use of the land. Theoretical opportunities that may be available in relation to the asset are not taken into account until it is virtually certain that the restrictions will no longer apply.

The financial statements list the location and values of Crown land over which Parks Victoria is the committee of management (refer note 17c). This Crown Land remains the property of the State of Victoria.

Crown Land is used for heritage and environmental conservation, recreation, leisure, tourism and navigation.

Restrictive nature of cultural and heritage assets, Crown land and infrastructures

During the reporting period, Parks Victoria held cultural assets, heritage assets, Crown land and infrastructures.

Such assets are deemed worthy of preservation because of the social rather than financial benefits they provide to the community. The nature of these assets means that there are certain limitations and restrictions imposed on their use and/or disposal.

(iv) Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. Subsequently, intangible assets with finite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs incurred subsequent to initial acquisition are capitalised when it is expected that additional future economic benefits will flow to Parks Victoria. Intangible assets include business systems and IT software.

Financial Report



2.7 Impairment of non-financial assets

All non-financial assets are assessed annually for indications of impairment, except for:

• Inventories (refer note 2.6 (i)).

If there is an indication of impairment, the assets concerned are tested as to whether their carrying value exceeds their recoverable amount. Where an asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, the difference is written off by charge to the Comprehensive Operating Statement except to the extent that the write-down can be debited to the physical asset revaluation surplus account.

The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair value less costs to sell. It is deemed that, in the event of the loss of an asset, the future asset will be replaced unless a specific decision to the contrary has been made.

2.8 Leased assets

A lease is a right to use an asset for an agreed period of time in exchange for payment. Leases are classified at their inception as either operating or finance leases based on the economic substance of the agreement to reflect the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. Leases of property, plant and equipment are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership from the lessor to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. All of Parks Victoria’s leases are currently classified as operating leases.

Operating leases

Parks Victoria as lessee

Operating lease payments, including any contingent rentals, are recognised as an expense in the comprehensive operating statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern of the benefits derived from the use of the leased asset. The leased asset is not recognised in the balance sheet.

54


2.9 Liabilities

(i) Payables

Payables consist of:

• contractual payables, such as accounts payable, and unearned income including deferred income. Accounts payable represents liabilities for goods and services provided to Parks Victoria to the end of the financial year that are unpaid, and arise when Parks Victoria becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the purchase of those goods and services; and

• statutory payables, such as goods and services tax and fringe benefits tax payables.

Contractual payables are classified as financial instruments and categorised as financial liabilities at amortised cost. Statutory payables are recognised and measured similarly to contractual payables, but are not classified as financial instruments and not included in the category of financial liabilities at amortised cost, because they do not arise from a contract.

Payables are non-interest bearing and have an average credit period of 30 days.

(ii) Employee benefits

(a) Wages and salaries and sick leave

Liabilities for wages and salaries that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at their nominal amounts in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. The nominal basis of measurement uses employee remuneration rates that the entity expects to pay as at each reporting date and does not discount cash flows to their present value. Non-vesting sick leave is not expected to exceed current and future sick leave entitlements, and accordingly, no liability has been recognised.

Liabilities for wages and salaries that are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at present value.

(b) Annual leave and long service leave

Annual leave and long service leave entitlements expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised as a provision for employee benefits in the Balance Sheet at their nominal values.

Annual leave and long service leave entitlements not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by Parks Victoria in respect of services provided by employees up to reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future employee remuneration rates, employment related on-costs and other factors including experience of employee departures and periods of service. In the determination of annual and long service leave entitlement liabilities, Parks Victoria use the wage inflation and discount rates released by the Department of Treasury and Finance.

(c ) Classification of employee benefits as current and non-current liabilities

Employee benefit provisions are reported as current liabilities where Parks Victoria does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months. Consequently, the current portion of the employee benefit provision can include both short-term benefits (those benefits expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date), which are measured at nominal values, and long-term benefits (those benefits not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date), which are measured at present values.

Employee benefit provisions that are reported as non-current liabilities also include long-term benefits such as non-vested long service leave (i.e. where the employee does not have a present entitlement to the benefit) that do not qualify for recognition as a current liability, and are measured at present values. The non-current liability for long service leave represents entitlements accrued for employees with less than 7 years of continuous service, where Parks Victoria has the right to defer the liability.

Financial Report



2.9 Liabilities (continued)

(d) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or when an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. Parks Victoria recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period are discounted to present value.

(e) Performance payments

Performance payments for Parks Victoria’s Executive Officers are based on a percentage of the annual salary package provided under their contracts of employment. A liability is recognised and is measured as the aggregate of the amounts accrued under the terms of the contracts at balance date. Since the performance payments earned are paid upon completion of annual performance reviews, the total amount is classified as a current liability.

(f) Superannuation

Defined accumulation plans

Contributions are made by Parks Victoria to employee superannuation funds and are charged as expenses when incurred.

Defined benefit plans

A liability or asset in respect of defined superannuation benefit plans is recognised in the balance sheet and is measured as the difference between the present value of employees accrued benefits at the end of the reporting period and the net market value of the superannuation plan’s assets at that date. The present value of benefits as accrued benefits is based on expected future payments which arise from membership of the plans at the end of the reporting period. Consideration is given to expected future salary levels, resignation and retirement rates. Expected future payments are discounted using rates of Commonwealth Government bonds with terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible the estimated future cash outflows.

The amount brought to account in the Comprehensive Operating Statement in respect of superannuation represents the contributions made to the superannuation plan, adjusted by the movement in the defined benefit plan liability or asset. All actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) in the reporting period in which they occur.

Parks Victoria only recognises the liability for Vision Super defined benefit plans. Parks Victoria does not recognise the defined benefit liability in respect of any other plans because the entity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees.

Disclosure of superannuation contributions by Parks Victoria is provided in Note 29.

56


2.9 Liabilities (continued)

(iii) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when Parks Victoria has a present obligation as a result of a past event, the future sacrifice of economic benefits is probable, and the amount of the provision can be measured reliably.

The amount recognised as a liability is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows, using a discount rate that reflects the time value of money and risks specific to the provision.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recognised from a third party, the receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that recovery will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

(iv) Deferred revenue

Deferred revenues represent the portion of reciprocal government and external grants/funding for conditions which at the end of financial year had not been performed (see Note 2.11).

2.10 Contributed capital

Consistent with Interpretation 1038 Contributions by Owners Made to Wholly-Owned Public Sector Entities and FRD 119 A Transfers through Contributed Capital, appropriations for additions to the net assets base have been designated as contributed capital. Other transfers that are in the nature of contributions or distributions have also been designated as contributed capital.

2.11 Income recognition

Amounts disclosed as income are, where applicable, net of returns, allowances and duties and taxes.

Parks Charge income is recognised when invoiced by Parks Victoria. Other income, including external grants/funding, is recognised when earned or on receipt, depending on which occurs earlier.

Compensation from third parties for items of property, plant and equipment that were impaired, lost or given up are recognised in profit or loss when the receipt of the reimbursement becomes “virtually certain.”

Where government and external grants/funding are reciprocal, income is recognised as performance occurs under the grant. Non-reciprocal grants are recognised as income when the grant is received or receivable. Conditional grants may be reciprocal or non-reciprocal depending on the terms of the grant. Where government funding is reciprocal, income is recognised as performance occurs under the grant. Non-reciprocal grants are recognised as income when control over the grant is obtained.

A deferred revenue balance is recognised when funding has been received though eligibility criteria have not yet been met. A liability is also recognised where the entity has a present obligation to return grant funding under the agreements and it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required.

Financial Report



2.12 Interest income

Interest income includes unwinding over time of discounts on financial assets and interest received or receivable on bank term deposits and other investments.

Interest income is recognised on a time proportionate basis that takes into account the effective yield on the financial asset.

2.13 Resources provided and received free of charge or for nominal consideration

Contributions of resources including volunteer resources and assets received free of charge or for nominal consideration are recognised at their fair value. Contributions in the form of services are only recognised at their fair value. Contributions in the form of services are only recognised when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if not donated.

2.14 Grants and other payments

Grants and other payments to third parties are recognised as an expense in the reporting period in which they are paid or payable. They include transactions such as: grants, subsidies, other transfer payments made to State owned agencies, local government, non-government schools and community groups.

2.15 Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is applied to completed fixed assets including buildings and building improvements, piers, jetties and river improvements, land improvements and plant, equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Land and antiques are not depreciated.

Works in Progress is valued at cost and depreciation commences on completion of the works.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to systematically write off the cost or revalued amount of each non-current asset over its expected useful life to the entity.

Depreciation rates are reviewed annually and, if necessary, adjusted to reflect the most recent assessments of the useful lives and residual values of the respective assets.

Where assets have separate identifiable components that have distinct useful lives and/or residual values, a separate depreciation rate is determined for each component.

The expected useful life of each asset category is as follows:

Amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis to systematically write off the cost or revalued amount of each intangible asset over its expected useful life to the entity.

Amortisation rates are reviewed annually and, if necessary, adjusted to reflect the most recent assessments of the useful lives and residual values of the respective assets.

The expected useful life of each Intangible assets category (computer software) is 10 years (2013: 10 years).

2014 2013

Asset categoryExpected Life

(Years) Expected Life

(Years)

Buildings and building improvements 5 to 100 5 to 100

Piers, jetties and river improvements 6 to 100 6 to 100

Land improvements 1 to 100 1 to 100

Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles 1 to 10 1 to 10

58


2.16 Finance costs

Finance costs (mainly bank charges) are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.

2.17 Commitments

Commitments for future expenditure include operating and capital commitments arising from contracts. These commitments are disclosed by way of a note (refer to Note 27) at their nominal value and inclusive of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) payable. In addition, where it is considered appropriate and provides additional relevant information to users, the net present values of significant individual projects are stated. These future expenditures cease to be disclosed as commitments once the related liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet.

2.18 Contingent assets and contingent liabilities

Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the balance sheet, but are disclosed by way of a note and, if quantifiable, are measured at nominal value. Contingent assets and liabilities are presented inclusive of GST receivable or payable respectively.

2.19 Goods and Services Tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as part of receivables or payables.

Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO, is classified as operating cash flows and disclosed therein.

2.20 Rounding of amounts

Amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated.Figures in the financial statements may not equate due to rounding.

Financial Report



2.21 Changes in accounting policies

The following new and revised Standards have been adopted in the current period with their financial impact detailed as below.

AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement

AASB 13 establishes a single source of guidance for all fair value measurements. AASB 13 does not change when an agency is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under Australian Accounting Standards when fair value is required or permitted. Parks Victoria has considered the specific requirements relating to highest and best use, valuation premise, and principal (or most advantageous) market. The methods and assumptions for determining fair value were revisited and no adjustments were required. In light of AASB 13, Parks Victoria has reviewed the fair value principles as well as its current valuation methodologies in assessing the fair value, and the assessment has not materially changed the fair values recognised.

However, AASB 13 has predominantly impacted the disclosures of Parks Victoria. It requires specific disclosures about fair value measurements and disclosures of fair values, some of which replace existing disclosures requirements in other standards, including AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

The disclosure requirements of AASB 13 apply prospectively and need not be applied in comparative information before first application. Consequently, the 2012–13 comparatives of these disclosures have not been provided, except for financial instruments, of which the fair value disclosures are required under AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

AASB 119 Employee benefits

For the current period, Parks Victoria has applied AASB 119 Employee benefits (September 2011, as amended) and the related consequential amendments for the first time.

The revised AASB 119 changes the accounting for defined benefit plans and termination benefits. The most significant change relates to the accounting for changes in defined benefit obligation and plan assets. As the current accounting policy is for the Department of Treasury and Finance to recognise and disclose the State’s defined benefit liabilities in its financial statements, changes in defined benefit obligations and plan assets will have limited impact on the Parks Victoria. Parks Victoria has recognised a superannuation obligation for Vision Super. (refer note 36)

The revised standard also changes the definition of short term employee benefits. These were previously benefits that were expected to be settled within twelve months after the end of the reporting period in which the employees render the related service, however, short term employee benefits are now defined as benefits expected to be settled wholly within twelve months after the end of the reporting period in which the employees render the related service. As a result, accrued annual leave balances which were previously classified by Parks Victoria as short term employee benefits no longer meet this definition and are now classified as long term employee benefits. This has resulted in a change of measurement for the annual leave provision from an undiscounted to discounted basis.

The impact of revised AASB 119 is immaterial, so comparative amounts for 2012–13 and the related amount as at 1 July 2012 have not been restated.

60


2.22 New accounting standards and interpretations

Certain new AASs have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2014 reporting period. Parks Victoria assesses the impact of these new standards, their applicability and early adoption, where applicable.

As at 30 June 2014, the following standards and interpretations (applicable to Parks Victoria) had been issued but were not mandatory for the financial year ending 30 June 2014. Parks Victoria has not early adopted these standards.

Standard/Interpretation Summary

Applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on

Impact on Parks Victoria's financial statements

AASB 9 Financial instruments This standard simplifies requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets resulting from Phase 1 of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement).

1 Jan 17 The financial impact of available for sale (AFS) assets will now be reported through other comprehensive income (OCI) and no longer recycled to the profit and loss. While the preliminary assessment has not identified any material impact arising from AASB 9, it will continue to be monitored and assessed.

AASB 1031 Materiality It is an interim standards that cross references to other standards and the Framework that contain guidance on materiality.

30 Jun 15 Details of the impact is still being assessed.

AASB 2012–3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The objective of this amendments is to address inconsistencies in current practice when applying the offsetting criteria in AASB 132 "Financial instruments: Presentation".

30 Jun 15 Details of the impact is still being assessed.

In addition to the new standards above, the AASB has issued a list of amending standards that are not effective for the 2013–14 reporting period (as listed below). In general, these amending standards include editorial and references changes that are expected to have insignificant impacts on public sector reporting.

AASB 2010–7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010).

AASB 2011–7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Consolidation and Joint Arrangements Standards.

2013–1 Amendments to AASB 1049 – Relocation of Budgetary Reporting Requirements.

2013–3 Amendments to AASB 136 – Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets.

2013–4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting.

2013–5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Investment Entities

2013–6 Amendments to AASB 136 arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements

2013–7 Amendments to AASB 1038 arising from AASB 10 in relation to consolidation and interests of policy holders

2013–9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Conceptual Framework, Materiality and Financial Instruments

Interpretation 21 Levies.

AASB 2014–1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Annual Improvements 2010–2012, Defined Benefit Plans, Materiality, Consequential Amendments arising from AASB 14 Regulatory Deferral Account, Financial Instruments.

AASB 2014–2 Amendments to AASB 1053 – Transition to and between tiers, and related tier 2 disclosure requirements.

Financial Report



2014 $’000

2013 $’000

3 Parks and reserves trust funding (i)

Park charges 81,965 80,422

Additional funding from parks and reserves trust 5,000 5,000

Total parks and reserves trust funding 86,965 85,422

The parks and reserves trust funding is a charge levied on commercial and domestic properties throughout the Melbourne and metropolitan area. Parks Victoria receives approximately 59% of these trust funds annually. This funding is then invested into the management and control of parks and waterways within the metropolitan area for the purposes of conservation, recreation, leisure, tourism and navigation.

4 Government funding (i)

National / state parks and reserves funding 55,992 41,374

Parks Victoria Base Review Funding 6,067 5,721

Government grants for special projects 8,489 15,681

Program Initiatives (including tracks and trails and Good Neighbour programs) 714 1,081

Major works funding provided by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries 4,420 25,046

Major works funding provided by the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure 21,841 13,664

Total government funding 97,523 102,567

5 Interest

Interest from financial assets categorised as cash and deposits:

Interest on bank deposits and other financial assets 3,460 4,363

Total interest 3,460 4,363

6 Fair value of assets received free of charge

Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) assets transferred from the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation 668 429

Total fair value of assets received free of charge 668 429


62


2014 $’000

2013 $’000

7a Insurance income

Insurance claims 3,734 10,021

Total Insurance income 3,734 10,021

7b Other income (i)

Accommodation/camping fees 6,405 5,271

Funding sponsored by external parties 1,223 1,512

Rent, leases and licences 6,804 6,806

External sales 2,952 2,805

Berthing/mooring fees 444 392

Cave tour fees 972 869

Fire suppression costs, recovered from DEPI (note 8) 10,665 10,626

Other 4,583 4,756

Total Other Income 34,048 33,037

8 Employee benefits expenses

Salaries, wages, termination benefits, annual leave and long service leave* 82,256 79,651

Fire suppression costs (note 7b) 10,665 10,626

Termination payments associated with restructuring – 6,610

Superannuation – defined and accumulation plan** (i) 6,483 7,359

Payroll Tax 4,372 4,429

Fringe Benefits Tax 550 637

Other on-costs 1,508 1,191

Total Employee Benefits 105,834 110,503

* Salaries and wages include a 3.0% increase from 1 Mar 2014 arising from the Fair Work Determination.

** Parks Victoria contributions, in respect of its employees (including salary sacrifice) refer note 28.

9 Depreciation and amortisation (i)

Land improvements 2,751 2,164

Buildings and building improvements 3,549 3,554

Piers, jetties and river improvements 4,480 4,024

Plant and equipment 298 298

Intangibles 751 751

Total depreciation and amortisation 11,829 10,791

10 Contracts and external services

Operational services and major works 53,293 79,934

Other external services 24,539 25,856

Total contracts and external services 77,832 105,790


Financial Report



2014 $’000

2013 $’000

11 Other operating expenses

Materials 5,799 5,606

Transport 6,206 6,049

Insurance premiums 10,937 10,442

Payments for works sponsored by external parties 1,092 1,661

Other 720 1,604

Total other operating expenses 24,754 25,362

12 Other economic flows included in net result

(a) Net gain/(loss) on non-financial assets

Disposal of property, plant and equipment (13) (1,390)

(b) Net gain/(loss) on financial instruments

Provision for doubtful debts (136) (145)

Reversal of unused provision 119 298

Total net gain/(loss) on non-financial assets (17) 153

(c) Other gains/(losses) from other economic flows

Net gain/(loss) arising from revaluation of long service liability due to changes in the bond interest rates (159) 735

Total other economic flows included in net result (189) (502)

12 Other economic flows – other comprehensive income

(d) Items that will not be reclassified to net result

Revaluation of superannuation defined benefit plans (i) 898 1,409

Total other economic flows – other comprehensive income 898 1,409

13 Cash and deposits – current

Cash and deposits 84,731 87,340

Total cash and deposits 84,731 87,340

(a) Risk exposure

Park Victoria’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed in note 33 (f). The maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of each class of cash and deposits mentioned in note 33 (d).


64


2014 $’000

2013 $’000

14 Receivables

Receivables – current

Debtors 16,635 11,345

Provision for doubtful debts (421) (500)

Total receivables – current 16,214 10,845

Receivables – non-current

Other receivables 66 76

Total receivables – non-current 66 76

Total receivables 16,280 10,921

(a) Movement in the provision for doubtful receivables

Balance at beginning of the year (500) (704)

Reversal of unused provision recognised in the net result 119 298

Increase in provision recognised in the net result (136) (145)

Reversal of provision written off during the year as uncollectible 96 51

Balance at the end of the year (421) (500)

(b) Ageing analysis of contractual receivables

Refer to note 33 (d) table 33.3 for the ageing analysis of receivables (except statutory receivables).

(c) Nature and extent of risk arising from contractual receivables

Refer to note 33 (d) for the nature and extent of risks arising from contractual receivables.

15 Other financial assets

Available for sale financial assets

Australian dollar term deposit > 3 months – –

Total Other Financial Assets – current – –

(a) Ageing analysis of financial assets

Please refer to note 33 (d) table 33.3 for the ageing analysis of financial assets.

(b) Nature and extent of risk arising from other financial assets

Please refer to note 33 (d) for the nature and extent of risks arising from investments and other financial assets.

16 Inventories – current

Stock on Hand (at cost) 193 175

Total Inventories 193 175

Financial Report



2014 $’000

2013 (i) $’000

1 July 2012 (i)$’000

17 Property, plant and equipment – non-current

17a Classification by public safety and environment – carrying amounts

Crown land, land and land improvements

At fair value 1,650,439 1,641,826 1,632,024

Less: accumulated depreciation (6,693) (3,941) (1,812)

Net book value – Crown land, land and land improvements 1,643,746 1,637,885 1,630,212

Buildings and building improvements

At fair value 83,993 82,950 81,400


Net book value – Buildings and building improvements 73,015 75,478 77,374

Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles

At fair value 7,900 7,720 7,692


Net book value – Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles 734 853 1,122

Piers, jetties and river improvements

At fair value 98,911 96,544 90,980


Net book value – Piers, jetties and river improvements 86,664 88,776 87,237

Antiques

At fair value 1,278 1,278 1,278

Closing balance – antiques 1,278 1,278 1,278

Works in progress

At cost 11,356 9,247 18,538

Closing balance – works in progress 11,356 9,247 18,538

Net carrying amount of property, plant and equipment 1,816,793 1,813,517 1,815,761


66 Financial Report


17 Property, plant and equipment – non-current (continued)

17b Classification by public safety and environment – carrying amounts (i)

Crown land, land & land improvements


Plant, equipment, machinery & vehicles

Piers, jetties and river improvements Antiques Works in progress Total

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Opening balance 1,637,885 1,630,212 75,478 77,374 853 1,122 88,776 87,237 1,278 1,278 9,247 19,850 1,813,517 1,817,073

Additions 10,350 10,189 1,098 2,696 179 29 2,368 5,563 – – 8,499 2,739 22,494 21,216

Disposals – (352) (13) (1,038) – – – – – – – – (13) (1,390)

Acquisitions through administrative restructure – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Transfer to assets classified as held for sale – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Net revaluation increments/ decrements – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Depreciation expense (2,751) (2,164) (3,549) (3,554) (298) (298) (4,480) (4,024) – – – – (11,078) (10,040)

Impairment loss – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Asset transfer out of assets under construction – – – – – – – – – – (6,390) (13,342) (6,390) (13,342)

Machinery of government asset transfer out (1,738) – – – – – – – – – – – (1,738) –

Other adjustments – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Closing balance 1,643,746 1,637,885 73,015 75,478 734 853 86,664 88,776 1,278 1,278 11,356 9,247 1,816,793 1,813,517



Fair value assessments based on the indices supplied by the Valuer-General Victoria have been performed for all classes of assets within this purpose group. Management has decided that movements were not material (less than or equal to 10 per cent) to record revaluation. The next scheduled full revaluation for this purpose group will be conducted in 2016.

Buildings and improvements, piers, jetties and river improvements


Antiques

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuers for Colliers International Consultancy and Valuation Pty Limited, one of government’s approved valuer, the other a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Antiques at fair value, was to assess the dollar value, with reference to the active and liquid antiques’ auction market, having regard to the highest and best use of the asset, for which market participants would be prepared to pay. These assets were revalued during a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process, conducted over the financial years ended 30 June 2003 to 30 June 2005.




17b Classification by public safety and environment – carrying amounts (i)

Crown land, land & land improvements


Plant, equipment, machinery & vehicles

Piers, jetties and river improvements Antiques Works in progress Total

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Opening balance 1,637,885 1,630,212 75,478 77,374 853 1,122 88,776 87,237 1,278 1,278 9,247 19,850 1,813,517 1,817,073

Additions 10,350 10,189 1,098 2,696 179 29 2,368 5,563 – – 8,499 2,739 22,494 21,216

Disposals – (352) (13) (1,038) – – – – – – – – (13) (1,390)

Acquisitions through administrative restructure – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Transfer to assets classified as held for sale – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Net revaluation increments/ decrements – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Depreciation expense (2,751) (2,164) (3,549) (3,554) (298) (298) (4,480) (4,024) – – – – (11,078) (10,040)

Impairment loss – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Asset transfer out of assets under construction – – – – – – – – – – (6,390) (13,342) (6,390) (13,342)

Machinery of government asset transfer out (1,738) – – – – – – – – – – – (1,738) –

Other adjustments – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Closing balance 1,643,746 1,637,885 73,015 75,478 734 853 86,664 88,776 1,278 1,278 11,356 9,247 1,816,793 1,813,517




Buildings and improvements, piers, jetties and river improvements


Antiques

For and on behalf of the office of the Valuer-General Victoria, the valuers for Colliers International Consultancy and Valuation Pty Limited, one of government’s approved valuer, the other a member of the Australian Property Institute of Certified Practising Valuers, determined that the most appropriate methodology for the revaluation of Antiques at fair value, was to assess the dollar value, with reference to the active and liquid antiques’ auction market, having regard to the highest and best use of the asset, for which market participants would be prepared to pay. These assets were revalued during a systematic three-year progressive revaluation process, conducted over the financial years ended 30 June 2003 to 30 June 2005.

68



17c Crown land, land and land improvements at fair value, where Parks Victoria is a Committee of Management.

2014 2013 (i)

Crown land2014 Area (Hectares)

2014$’000

2013 Area (Hectares)

2013$’000

Location

Albert Park 228 859,385 228 859,385

Bays Assets 2,512 62,244 2,508 59,596

Buchan Caves Reserve 260 390 260 390

Coolart 79 9,480 79 9,480

Dandenong Police Paddocks 499 164,670 499 164,670

Dandenong Ranges Gardens 139 1,360 278 2,670

Dandenong Valley 6 3,420 6 3,420

Daylesford 1 1,056 – –

Devilbend Reservoir 1,005 39,990 1,005 39,990

Eildon Water Reserve 533 1,280 533 1,280

Happy Valley 16 29 – –

Herring Island 3 9,600 3 9,600

Hopkins River 42 261 42 261

Lighthouse Reserves 329 2,170 329 2,170

Lower Homebush Reserve 1 1 – –

Maribyrnong Valley 22 6,090 22 6,090

Mt Dandenong Observatory Reserve 72 2,160 72 2,160

Olinda Golf Course 34 510 34 510

Peach Tree Creek 4 60 4 60

Plenty Gorge 222 9,484 222 9,484

Point Cook / Cheetham 4 720 4 720

Point Gellibrand Heritage Park 17 27,967 17 27,967

Port Campbell 1 73 1 73

Princes Wharf 1 10 1 10

Queenscliff (not including Bays Assets * component) 3 1,800 3 1,800

Rosebud depot 1 600 1 600

Sailors Falls 1 1 1 1

San Remo 1 450 1 450

Sandringham Boat Harbour 8 5,180 8 5,180

Serendip Sanctuary 227 1,670 227 1,670

Vaughan Springs 100 180 100 180

Werribee Park 130 15,600 130 15,600

Westgate 36 28,467 34 26,950

Williamstown 148 13,151 148 13,151

Yarra Bend Park 260 210,600 260 210,600

Yarra Valley 139 111,010 139 111,010

You Yangs 1,960 5,880 1,960 5,880

Total crown land 9,044 1,596,999 9,159 1,593,058


Financial Report




17c Crown land, land and land improvements at fair value, where Parks Victoria is a Committee of Management (continued)

Land and land improvements (i)

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Total land and land improvements at fair value 46,747 44,827

Total crown land, land and land improvements 1,643,746 1,637,885

17d Fair value measurement hierarchy for assets as at 30 June 2014

Carrying amount as at 30 Jun 14

$’000

Fair value measurement at end of reporting period using:

Level 1 $’000

Level 2 $’000

Level 3 $’000

Specialised land at fair value

Crown land, land and land improvements 1,643,746 – – 1,643,746

Total of land at fair value 1,643,746 – – 1,643,746

Specialised Buildings at fair value

Buildings and building improvements 73,015 – – 73,015

Total of buildings at fair value 73,015 – – 73,015

Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles at fair value

Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles 734 – – 734

Total of plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles at fair value 734 – – 734

Infrastructure at fair value

Piers, jetties and river improvements 86,664 – – 86,664

Total of infrastructure at fair value 86,664 – – 86,664

Antique assets at fair value

Artwork – Paintings 539 – – 539

Antique – Furniture 317 – – 317

Antique – Silverware & Ceramics 422 – – 422

Total of cultural assets at fair value 1,278 – – 1,278

Grand total 1,805,437 – – 1,805,437


70



17d Fair value measurement hierarchy for assets as at 30 June 2014 (continued)

There have been no transfers between levels during the period.

Total of specialised land and total of specialised buildings

The fair value of specialised land was determined by an independent valuation performed by the Valuer-General Victoria utilising the market approach adjusted for the community service obligation (CSO) to reflect the specialised nature of the land being valued.

The CSO adjustment is a reflection of the valuer’s assessment of the impact of restrictions associated with an asset to the extent that is also equally applicable to market participants. This approach is in light of the highest and best use consideration required for fair value measurement, and takes into account the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible. As adjustments of CSO are considered as significant unobservable inputs, specialised land would be classified as Level 3 assets.

For the majority of specialised buildings, the depreciated replacement cost method is used, adjusting for the associated depreciations. As depreciation adjustments are considered as significant, unobservable inputs in nature, specialised buildings are classified at Level 3 fair value measurements. No revaluations were performed for the financial period ending 30th June 2014. The last revaluations were conducted during the year ending 30th June 2011, and there have been no material movements to the year 30th June 2014.

Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles

Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles are valued using the depreciated replacement cost method. This cost represents the replacement cost of the Plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles after applying depreciation rates on a useful life basis. Replacement costs relate to costs to replace the current service capacity of the asset. As depreciation adjustments are considered as significant, unobservable inputs in nature, these assets are classified at Level 3 fair value measurements. No revaluations were performed for the financial period ending 30th June 2014.

Infrastructure

Piers, Jetties and river improvements are valued using the depreciated replacement cost method. This cost represents the replacement cost of the infrastructure after applying depreciation rates on a useful life basis. Replacement costs relate to costs to replace the current service capacity of the asset. As depreciation adjustments are considered as significant, unobservable inputs in nature, infrastructure assets are classified at Level 3 fair value measurements. No revaluations were performed for the financial period ending 30th June 2014.

Antique assets

For artwork, valuation of the assets is determined by a comparison to similar examples of the artists work in existence throughout Australia and research on prices paid for similar examples offered at auction or through art galleries in recent years. No revaluation was performed for artwork for the financial period ending 30 June 2014.

Antique assets are classified at level 3 fair value measurements as their values are based on significant unobservable inputs and market values are not readily available.

Financial Report




17e Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value

2014Specialised

LandSpecialised

Buildings

Plant, Equipment, Machinery

and Vehicles

Piers, Jetties and River

Improvements

Antique – Paintings, Furniture,

Silverware & Ceramics

Total Level 3 Assets

Opening balance 1,637,885 75,478 853 88,776 1,278 1,804,270

Purchases (sales) 8,612 1,086 179 2,368 – 12,245

Transfers in (out) of Level 3 – – – – – –

Gains or losses recognised in net result – – – – – –

Depreciation expense (2,751) (3,549) (298) (4,480) – (11,078)

Impairment loss – – – – – –

Subtotal 1,643,746 73,015 734 86,664 1,278 1,805,437

Gains or losses recognised in other economic flows – other comprehensive income – – – – – –

Revaluation – – – – – –

Subtotal – – – – – –

Closing balance 1,643,746 73,015 734 86,664 1,278 1,805,437

Unrealised gains/ (losses) on non-financial assets – – – – – –

17f Description of significant unobservable inputs to Level 3 valuations (i)

Valuation technique

Significant unobservable inputs

Range (weighted average)

Sensitivity of fair value measurement to changes in significant unobservable inputs

Specialised Land Market approach Community Service Obligation (CSO) adjustment

70–90% (73%) (ii) A significant increase or decrease in the CSO adjustment would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value

Specialised Buildings Depreciated replacement cost

Cost per unit Useful life of Buildings

$1,000–$14,648,000 per unit ($215,000 per unit) 5–100 years (26.5 years)

A significant increase or decrease in cost per unit would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value. A significant increase or decrease in the estimated useful life of the asset would result in a significantly higher or lower valuation.

Plant, Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles

Depreciated replacement cost

Cost per unit Useful life of plant and equipment

$5,000–$674,000 per unit ($31,000 per unit) 1–10 years (5.0 years)


Piers, Jetties and River Improvements

Depreciated replacement cost

Cost per unit Useful life of Piers, Jetties and River Improvements

$1,000–$5,300,000 per unit ($790,000 per unit) 6–100 years (20.0 years)


Artwork – Paintings Market approach Cost per unit $200–$120,000 per unit ($11,500 per unit)

A significant increase or decrease in cost per unit would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value

Antique – Furniture Market approach Cost per unit $500–$42,000 per unit ($8,000 per unit)


Antique – Silverware & Ceramics

Market approach Cost per unit $100–$118,000 per unit ($4,000 per unit)



(ii) CSO adjustment ranging from 70 per cent to 90 per cent were applied to reduce the market approach value for Parks Victoria’s specialised land, with the weighted average 73 per cent reduction applied.

72


18 Intangible assets – non-current

Computer software Total

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Gross carrying amount

Opening balance 7,510 7,510 7,510 7,510

Additions – – – –

Closing balance 7,510 7,510 7,510 7,510

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Opening balance 2,686 1,935 2,686 1,935

Amortisation expense 751 751 751 751

Closing balance 3,437 2,686 3,437 2,686

Net book value at end of financial year 4,073 4,824 4,073 4,824

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

19 Other non-financial assets – current

Prepayments 413 20

Total other non-financial assets 413 20

20 Payables

Unsecured creditors and accruals 18,380 22,278

Advances from DEPI (Greener Government Building Program) 2,877 –

Total payables 21,257 22,278

(a) Maturity analysis of contractual payables

Please refer to note 33 (e) table 33.4 for the maturity analysis of contractual payables.

(b) Nature and extent of risk arising from contractual payables

Please refer to note 33(e) for the nature and extent of risks arising from contractual payables.

Financial Report



2014 $’000

2013 $’000

21 Provisions

(a) Current provisions

Employee benefits

Annual Leave expected to be taken within the next 12 months 4,587 4,867

Annual Leave expected to be taken after the next 12 months 1,592 1,927

*Long service leave – unconditional and expected to be taken within 12 months 1,587 1,609

*Long service leave – unconditional and expected to be taken after 12 months 18,664 18,459

26,430 26,862

Provisions related to employee benefit on-costs

Annual leave entitlements 1,094 1,151

*Long service leave – unconditional and expected to be taken within 12 months 293 283

*Long service leave – unconditional and expected to be taken after 12 months 3,443 3,251

4,830 4,685

Total current provisions 31,260 31,547

(b) Non-current provisions

# Employee benefits – long service leave 1,943 2,148

1,943 2,148

Provisions related to employee benefit on-costs

Provisions related to employee benefit on-costs – long service leave 358 378

358 378

Total non-current provisions 2,301 2,526

Total employee benefits and related on-costs 33,561 34,073

Total provisions 33,561 34,073

* The current liability for long service leave represents entitlements accrued for employees with more than seven years of continuous service.

# The non-current liability for long service leave represents entitlements accrued for employees with less than seven years of continuous service.

74


2014 $’000

2013 (i) $’000

1 July 2012 (i)$’000

22 Deferred revenue

Current 4,803 5,883 6,968

Non-current 6,453 5,216 10,623

Total deferred revenue 11,256 11,099 17,591

23 Physical asset revaluation surplus

Movement in physical asset revaluation surplus

Opening balance 1,133,642 1,133,005 1,128,678

Revaluation of Parks Victoria assets:

Crown land and land improvements (318) – (4,658)

Buildings and building improvements (32) 637 8,985

Net revaluation increment on Parks Victoria assets (350) 637 4,327

Total physical asset revaluation surplus 1,133,292 1,133,642 1,133,005

24 Contributed capital

Opening balance 616,256 611,580 630,515

Crown Land assets transferred from DEPI 5,679 – –

Crown Land assets transferred to DEPI (1,738) – –

Crown Land assets transferred to State Sports Centre Trust – – (18,935)

Albert Park assets transferred from DPCD – 4,676 –

Net movement in Contributed Capital 3,941 4,676 (18,935)

Total contributed capital 620,197 616,256 611,580


Financial Report



2014 $’000

2013 $’000

25 Cash flow information

(a) Reconciliation of cash and deposits

Total cash and deposits disclosed in the balance sheet 84,731 87,340

Bank overdraft – –

Balance as per cash flow statement 84,731 87,340

(b) Non-cash financing and investing activities

Restructuring of administrative arrangements

Crown Land assets transferred from DEPI 5,679 –

(c) Reconciliation of net results for the period to net cash flows from operating Activities

Net result for the period 6,858 (15,700)

Non-cash movements:

Depreciation and amortisation for the year 11,829 10,791

Provision for doubtful debts 17 (152)

Net assets (received) / provided free of charge (668) (429)

Loss / (gain) on sale, retirement and / or revaluation of assets 13 1,390

Change in assets and liabilities:

Decrease/(increase) in receivables (5,280) 3,841

Decrease/(increase) in inventories (17) (16)

Decrease/(increase) in other non-financial assets (1,191) (5)

Increase/(decrease) in provisions (3,451) (3,861)

Increase/(decrease) in payables (3,899) (6,318)

Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenue 158 (6,493)

Net Cash from/(used in) operating activities 4,369 (16,952)

(d) Credit card and merchant facilities

Total credit card facility 2,000 2,000

Total credit card facility used/(Liability) (221) (213)

Total merchant facility (daily limit) 330 370

26 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

(a) Contingent liabilities

There are no material claims against Parks Victoria arising out of matters connected with its operating activities.

(b) Contingent assets

Parks Victoria has lodged insurance claims for public liability compensation for the reinstatement and replacement of buildings and infrastructure, which sustained damages due to fire, floods and storm activities with its insurer Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA). At 30th June 2014, Parks Victoria has $9.8m (2013: $4.1m) in claims outstanding with VMIA that are currently being assessed.

76


2014 $’000

2013 $’000

27 Commitments

(a) Capital commitments

Value of commitments for capital expenditure at 30 June 2014 for the supply of works, services and materials not provided for in the financial statements:

Not later than one year 2,725 1,352

Later than one year and not later than five years – –

Later than five years – –

Total capital commitments (inclusive of GST) 2,725 1,352

Less GST recoverable from Australian Tax Office (247) (123)

Total capital commitments (exclusive of GST) 2,478 1,229

(b) Lease commitments

Operating leases relate to buildings, motor vehicles, computers and property and plant equipment with lease terms of between three to ten years, with an option to extend for a further three years.

Total expenditure contracted for at balance date but not provided for in the financial statements in relation to non-cancellable operating leases is as follows:

Not later than one year 10,000 11,334

Later than one year and not later than five years 16,998 20,846

Later than five years 2,846 4,544

Total non-cancellable operating leases (inclusive of GST) 29,844 36,725

Less GST recoverable from Australian Tax Office (2,713) (3,339)

Total non-cancellable operating leases (exclusive of GST) 27,131 33,386

28 Superannuation

Parks Victoria contributes, in respect of its employees (including salary sacrifice), to the superannuation schemes as follows:

Scheme Type of scheme2014

$’0002013 $’000

Defined benefit plans:

Vision Super Defined 1,007 1,153

Other Defined 1,515 1,804

Accumulation plans:

Vision Super Accumulation 2,865 2,834

Vic Super Accumulation 1,805 1,781

Other Accumulation 1,861 1,493

Total contributions to all funds 9,053 9,065

Employees engaged from 1 January 1994 are entitled to benefits under accumulation funds. Employees have the opportunity to make personal contributions to the funds at a self-nominated rate or amount. The minimum employer contribution to the fund, pursuant to the Superannuation Guarantee Charge was 9.25 per cent in 2013/14 (2012/13: 9.0 per cent).

As at the reporting date, there were no outstanding contributions payable to the above funds. However there is a separate provision made in regards to defined benefits plan (refer note 29(c)).

Financial Report



29 Defined superannuation benefit

Parks Victoria makes employer superannuation contributions in respect of employees engaged up until the 31st December 1993 to the Vision Super superannuation fund (the Fund). This Fund has two categories of membership, accumulation and defined benefit, which is funded differently. The defined benefit section provides lump sum benefits based on years of service and final average salary.

Obligations for contributions to the Fund are recognised in Comprehensive Operating Statement when they are made or due.

Employees contribute at rates between 0 to 7.5 per cent of their superannuation salary. Parks Victoria contributes to the fund based on its commitments under the Employee Participation Agreement and Contribution Policy with the trustee of the fund.

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

(a) Reconciliation of the present value of the defined benefit obligation

Balance at the beginning of the year 33,825 35,733

Current service cost 934 1,200

Plan Expenses 300 –

Interest cost 1,233 1,040

Contributions by plan participants 337 –

Actuarial (Gain)/Loss 1,582 544

Taxes and Premium paid – (242)

Benefits paid (6,126) (4,450)

Present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the year 32,084 33,825

(b) Reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets

Balance at the beginning of the year 30,886 29,517

Return on plan assets 3,633 2,144

Actuarial Gain/(Loss) – 1,953

Employer contributions 4,152 1,879

Contributions by plan participants 337 349

Benefits paid (6,126) (4,450)

Taxes and Premium paid – (242)

Plan expenses – (264)

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year 32,882 30,886

(c) Reconciliation of the assets and liabilities recognised in the balance sheet (i)

Present value of the defined benefit obligation 32,084 33,825

Less: fair value of plan assets (32,882) (30,886)

Plus: on-costs – –

Net superannuation liability/(asset) (798) 2,939


78


29 Defined superannuation benefit (continued)

Accumulation

Parks Victoria also made employer contributions to the Fund’s accumulated contributions category at the Superannuation Guarantee Contribution rate of 9.25% of members salaries. Parks Victoria’s commitment to defined contribution plans is limited to making contribution in accordance with Parks Victoria’s minimum statutory requirements. Effective from 1st July 2014, the Superannuation Guarantee rate is legislated to increase to 9.5% and will progressively increase to 12% by 2019. Based on announcements included in the May 2014 Federal Budget, this progressive increase to 12% will be delayed until 2022.

Funding Arrangements

Parks Victoria makes employer contributions to the defined benefit category of the Fund at rates determined by the Trustee on the advice of the Fund’s Actuary. Parks Victoria’s funding arrangements comprise of three components which are detailed as follows:

1 Regular contributions – which are ongoing contributions needed to fund the balance of benefits for current members and pensioners,

2 Funding calls – which are contributions in respect Parks Victoria’s obligations for any funding shortfalls that arise; and

3 Retrenchment increments – which are additional contributions to cover the increase in liability arising from retrenchments.

Parks Victoria is also required to make additional contributions to cover the contribution tax payable on the contributions referred to above.

Employees are also required to make member contributions to the Fund. As such assets accumulate in the Fund to meet member benefits as defined in the Trust Deed, as they accrue.

Employer contributions

Regular contributions

On the basis of the results of the most recent actuarial investigation conducted by the Fund’s Actuary, Parks Victoria makes employer contributions to the Fund’s Defined Benefit category at rates determined by the Fund’s Trustee. For the year ended 30 June 2014, this rate was 12.0% of member’s salaries.

In addition, Parks Victoria reimburses the Fund to cover the excess of the benefits paid as a consequence of retrenchment above the funded resignation or retirement benefit. (The funded resignation benefit is calculated as the VBI multiplied by the benefit).

Funding calls

The Fund is required to comply with the superannuation prudential standards. Under the superannuation prudential standard SPS 160, the Fund is required to target full funding of its vested benefits. There may be circumstances where:

• a fund is in an unsatisfactory financial position at an actuarial investigation (i.e. its vested benefit index (VBI) is less than 100% at the date of the actuarial investigation); or

• a fund’s VBI is below its shortfall limit at any time other than at the date of the actuarial investigations.

If either of the above occur, the fund has a shortfall for the purposes of SPS 160 and the fund is required to put a plan in place so that the shortfall is fully funded within three years of the shortfall occurring. There may be circumstances where the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) may approve a period longer than three years.

The Fund monitors its VBI on a quarterly basis and the Fund has set its shortfall limit at 97%.

In the event that the Fund Actuary determines that there is a shortfall based on the above requirement, Parks Victoria is required to make an employer contribution to cover the shortfall.

Financial Report



29 Defined superannuation benefit (continued)

Shortfall amounts

The Fund’s last actuarial investigation, as at 27th February 2014, identified an unfunded liability of $2.812m. Parks Victoria provided full funding for this shortfall during the year.

Parks Victoria has recognised an asset in the Balance Sheet in respect of its defined superannuation benefit arrangements at 30 June 2014. Where a surplus exists in the plan, Parks Victoria may be able to take advantage of it in the form of a reduction in the required contribution rate, depending on the advice of the plan’s actuary. If a deficit exists in the plan, Parks Victoria may be required to increase the required contribution rate, depending on the advice of the plan’s actuary consistent with the plan’s deed.

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

(d) Expense recognised in the comprehensive operating statement

Service cost 1,271 1,200

Member contribution (337) (349)

Net Interest cost 79 (1,104)

Plan expense 300 264

Total superannuation expense/(income) 1,313 11

(e) Expense recognised in the other comprehensive income

Actuarial (gain)/loss recognised in year (898) (1,409)

Total superannuation expense/(income) (Note 12d) (898) (1,409)

(f) Fair value of plan assets

The fair value of plan assets includes no amounts relating to:

a) any of Parks Victoria’s own financial instruments;

b) any property occupied by, or other assets used by, Parks Victoria.

(g) Expected rate of return on plan assets

The expected return on plan assets assumption is determined by weighting the expected long-term return for each asset class by the target allocation of assets to each asset class and allowing for the correlations of the investment returns between asset classes. The returns used for each asset class are net of investment tax and investment fees. An allowance for administration expenses has also been deducted from the expected return.

(h) Principal actuarial assumptions at the balance sheet date

Discount rate (gross of tax) 3.54% p.a 3.76% p.a

Expected return on assets 7.50% p.a 7.50% p.a

Average salary increase rate 3.00% p.a 3.00% p.a

(i) Sensitivity – Impact on Defined Benefit Obligation as at balance sheet date

The following table shows the sensitivity of each significant actuarial assumption on the Defined Benefit Obligation as at 30 June 2014. It illustrates how the Defined Benefit Obligation would have been affected by changes in the assumptions that were reasonably possible at that date, by holding all other assumptions and data constant, but do not represent the best cases that could occur.

Impact on Defined Benefit Obligation as at 30 June 2014 of:

a) Increase in the Discount Rate of 1% p.a. (2,066)

b) Decrease in the Discount Rate of 1% p.a. 2,330

c) Increase in Salary Increase Rate of 1% p.a. 2,114

d) Decrease in Salary Increase Rate of 1% p.a. 1,952

80


30 Volunteer resources provided free of charge

In 2013–14 volunteers contributed in excess of 30,147 days of voluntary labour on Parks Victoria managed land.

Volunteers including friends groups, individuals, schools, corporate volunteers and special interest groups, provided valuable support to Parks Victoria through their voluntary participation in a range of park management projects and ongoing maintenance across approximately 200 parks and reserves.

No estimate of the value of these resources has been included in the financial report as there is no practical way of determining an appropriate valuation basis.

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

31 Auditor's remuneration

Amounts paid/payable to:

Victorian Auditor-General’s Office for the audit of the financial statements 70 69

32 Responsible persons and executive officer disclosures

(a) Responsible persons

The names of persons who were board members at any time during the financial year ended 30 June 2014 were: D Cavagna, D Cheetham, A Fairley, A Grant, N O’Brien, R Passalaqua, P Sanderson, A Vizard and R Wallis.

The name of the responsible Minister from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 was Ryan Smith MP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

The name of the accountable officer for the whole of the financial year ended 30 June 2014 was B Jackson.

(b) Accountable Officer remuneration

Remuneration received or receivable by the Accountable Officer in connection with the management of Parks Victoria during the reporting period was in the range:

$350,000 to $359,999 (2013–14)

$350,000 to $359,999 (2012–13)

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

(c) Board members remuneration

Total remuneration received or due and receivable by Board Members from the reporting entity was: 179 187

Number Number

The number of Board Members of the reporting entity included in this figure is as below:

Income of:

$0 to $9,999 1 1

$10,000 to $19,999 1 3

$20,000 to $29,999 6 4

$30,000 to $39,999 1 1

(d) Executive officers remuneration

The number of executive officers, other than Ministers and Accountable Officers, and their total remuneration during the reporting period are shown in the first two columns in the table below in their relevant income bands. The base remuneration of executive officers is shown in the third and fourth columns. Base remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long-service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits. The total annualised employee equivalent provides a measure of full time equivalent executive officers over the reporting period.

A number of employment contracts were completed during the year and renegotiated and a number of executives received bonus payments during the year. These bonus payments depend on the terms of individual employment contracts. Some contracts provide for an annual bonus payment whereas other contracts only include the payment of bonuses on the successful completion of the full term of the contract.

Financial Report



32 Responsible persons and executive officer disclosures (continued)

Total Remuneration Base Remuneration

2014 Number * 2013 Number 2014 Number * 2013 Number

$120,000 to $129,999 – – 1 –

$130,000 to $139,999 1 – – –

$140,000 to $149,999 – 5 – 6

$150,000 to $159,999 – 1 – –

$160,000 to $169,999 – 1 1 3

$170,000 to $179,999 3 2 5 1

$180,000 to $189,999 3 2 3 4

$190,000 to $199,999 3 3 1 4

$200,000 to $209,999 1 3 1 –

$210,000 to $219,999 – 1 – –

$220,000 to $229,999 2 – – –

$230,000 to $239,999 – – – –

$260,000 to $269,999 – – – –

$290,000 to $299,999 – – – –

$320,000 to $329,999 1 – – –

Total number of executives 14 18 12 18

Total annualised employee equivalent (AEE) (a) 14 18 12 18

Total amount ($ ‘000) 2,640 3,175 2,129 3,059

Note:

(a) Annualised employee equivalent is based on working 38 ordinary hours per week over the reporting period.

(b) Total Remuneration includes performance pay, payments made on termination such as long service leave, annual leave & redundancy.

(c) Base Remuneration is exclusive of bonus payments, long service leave payments, redundancy payments and retirement benefits.

* This table includes those officers who’s annual remuneration exceed $100,000.

* Current year executive numbers include three executive officers who departed during the period and had their entitlements paid out in accordance with their contracts. Base remuneration of departed executive officers whose contracts completed was under $100,000.

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

(e) Other transactions of board members and board member-related entities

Other transactions of board members and board member-related entities conducted at arm's length.

Zoos Victoria – 46

Zoological Parks and Gardens Board – 2

People and Parks Foundation 325 21

GHD Consultants – 576

Earthwatch – 4

University of Ballarat – 48

Wannon Water 2 14

University of Melbourne – 431

South East Water Limited 35 –

Hall & Wilcox 15 –

Total 378 1,142

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33 Financial instruments

(a) Financial risk management objectives

Parks Victoria’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates. Parks Victoria does not enter into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk.

Parks Victoria does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes as per the Victorian Governments Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987 and subsequent amendments.

The policies for managing this risks is discussed in more detail below.

(b) Significant accounting policies

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 2 to the financial statements.

The carrying amounts of Park Victoria’s financial assets and financial liabilities by category are in Table 33.1 below.

Table 33.1: Categorisation of financial instruments

Note Category2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Financial assets

Cash and deposits 13 Loans and receivables (at amortised cost) 84,731 87,340

Receivables 14 Loans and receivables (at amortised cost) 1,463 1,929

Other financial assets 15 Available-for-sale financial assets (at fair value) – –

Financial liabilities

Payables 20 At amortised cost 21,257 22,278

Note:

(a) The amount of receivables disclosed here exclude statutory receivables (i.e. amounts owing from Victorian Government and GST input tax credit recoverable). For 2014 this was $14.8M (2013 $9.0M).

(c) Significant terms and conditions

There are no other significant terms and conditions applicable to Parks Victoria, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument, except those required by FRD 114A Financial Instruments.

(d) Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the financial assets of Parks Victoria, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and available-for-sale financial assets. Parks Victoria’s exposure to credit risk arises from the potential default of counter party on their contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the agency. Credit risk is measured at fair value and is monitored on a regular basis.

Credit risk associated with the agency’s financial assets is minimal because the main debtor is the Victorian Government. For debtors other than government, it is Parks Victoria’s policy to only deal with entities with high credit ratings and to obtain sufficient collateral or credit enhancements where appropriate.

In addition, the agency does not engage in hedging for its financial assets and mainly obtains financial assets that are on fixed interest. The agency’s policy is to only deal with banks with high credit ratings.

Provision for doubtful debts is recognised when there is objective evidence that Parks Victoria will not be able to collect a receivable. Objective evidence includes financial difficulties of the debtors default payments, debts which are more than 90 days overdue and changes in debtor’s credit ratings.

Except as otherwise detailed in the following table, the carrying amount of contractual financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents Parks Victoria’s maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained.

Financial Report



33 Financial instruments (continued)

Table 33.2: Credit quality of contractual financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired

Financial institutions

Double-A credit rating

$’000

Government agencies Triple-A

credit rating$’000

Government agencies Triple-B

credit rating$’000

Other $’000

Total $’000

2014

Cash and deposits 84,731 – – – 84,731

Receivables (i) – – – 804 804

Investments and other financial assets – – – – –

Total contractual financial assets 84,731 – – 804 85,535

2013

Cash and deposits 87,340 – – – 87,340

Receivables (i) – – – 1,216 1,216

Investments and other financial assets – – – – –

Total contractual financial assets 87,340 – – 1,216 88,556

Note:

(i) The total amounts disclosed here exclude statutory amounts (e.g. amounts owing from Victorian Government and GST input tax credit recoverable).

Financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired

Currently Parks Victoria does not hold any collateral as security nor credit enhancements relating to any of its financial assets.

As at the reporting date, there is $421k of receivables that have been assessed as impaired.

There are no financial assets that have had their terms renegotiated so as to prevent them from being past due or impaired, and they are stated at the carrying amounts as indicated. The following table discloses the ageing only of financial assets that are past due but not impaired financial assets.

Table 33.3: Ageing analysis of financial assets(a)

Past due but not impaired

Carrying amount $’000

Not past due and not impaired

$’000

Less than 1 Month

$’0001–3 months

$’0003 months – 1 year

$’0001–5 years

$’000

2014

Receivables (note a) 1,463 804 259 84 – 316

1,463 804 259 84 – 316

2013

Receivables (note a) 1,929 1,216 238 130 – 345

1,929 1,216 238 130 – 345

Note:

(a) Ageing analysis of financial assets excludes statutory receivables (e.g. amounts owing from Victorian Government and GST input tax credit recoverable).

84



(e) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises when the Park Victoria is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. Park Victoria operates under the Government fair payments policy of settling financial obligations within 30 days and in the event of a dispute, making payments within 30 days from the date of resolution. It also continuously manages risks through monitoring future cash flows and maturities planning to ensure adequate holding of high quality liquid assets and dealing in highly liquid markets.

Parks Victoria’s exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. Cash for unexpected events is generally sourced from liquidation of available-for-sale financial investments.

The following table discloses the contractual maturity analysis for the Park Victoria’s financial liabilities

Table 33.4: Interest rate exposure and maturity analysis of financial liabilities

Maturity dates

Carrying amount $’000

Non Interest Bearing

$’000

Less than 1 month

$’0001–3 months

$’0003 months–1 year

$’0001–5 years

$’000

2014

Amounts payable to other government agencies

5,124 5,124 2,247 – – 2,877

Other payables 16,133 16,133 16,133 – – –

21,257 21,257 18,380 – – 2,877

2013

Amounts payable to other government agencies

2,564 2,564 2,564 – – –

Other payables 19,714 19,714 19,714 – – –

22,278 22,278 22,278 – – –

(f) Market risk

Parks Victoria’s exposures to market risk are primarily through interest rate risk with only insignificant exposure to foreign currency risk. A sensitivity analysis has been prepared for interest rate risk, as it is deemed as a significant market risk on the return to Parks Victoria. Objectives, policies and processes used to manage each of these risks are disclosed in the paragraphs below.

Interest rate risk

The fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.

The carrying amount of financial assets that are exposed and its sensitivity to interest rates is set out in table 33.5.

Table 33.5: Interest rate market risk exposure

Interest rate risk

Net Result $’000

Net Result $’000

Financial assets: 2014 -50 basis points +50 basis points

Other financial assets – based on actual 2013–14 closing balance

Carrying amount $84.7M @ 30 June 2014 (423) 423

Financial assets: 2013 -50 basis points +50 basis points

Other financial assets – based on budgeted 2012–13 closing balance

Carrying amount $87.3M @ 30 June 2013 (436) 436

Financial Report




The interest rate risk analysis has been applied on the total of $84.7M, on the estimate that the minimum interest rate decrease will be 0.50 % and the maximum increase will be 0.50 % .

Exposure to interest rate risk is reduced as funds are held in fixed interest term deposits. The weighted average cash interest rate earned for 2013–14 was 2.95% (2012–13 3.54%).

Foreign currency risk

Parks Victoria is exposed to insignificant foreign currency risk through its payables relating to purchases of supplies and consumables from overseas. This is because of a limited amount of purchases denominated in foreign currencies and a short timeframe between commitment and settlement.

(g) Fair value

The fair values and net fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

• Level1–thefairvalueoffinancialassetsandfinancialliabilitieswithstandardtermsandconditionsandtradedinactiveliquidmarketsaredetermined with reference to quoted market prices; and

• Level2–thefairvalueisdeterminedusinginputsotherthanquotedpricesthatareobservableforthefinancialassetorliability,eitherdirectlyorindirectly; and

• Level3–thefairvalueisdeterminedinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedpricingmodelsbasedondiscountedcashflowanalysisusingunobservable market inputs.

Parks Victoria considers that the carrying amount of financial instruments assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements to be a fair approximation of their fair values, because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments and the expectation that they will be paid or received in full. These assets and liabilities are valued at level 2.

Table 33.6: Comparison between carrying amount and fair value

The carrying values and fair values of financial assets and liabilities at balance date are:

Total carrying amount as per balance sheet Aggregate fair value

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Cash and cash equivalents 84,731 87,340 84,731 87,340

Receivables 1,463 1,929 1,463 1,929

Other financial assets – – – –

Total financial assets 86,194 89,269 86,194 89,269

Payables 21,257 22,278 21,257 22,278

Total financial liabilities 21,257 22,278 21,257 22,278

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35 Post balance date events

Parks Victoria is unaware of any events subsequent to the reporting date that will have a material impact on its financial position or future financial performance.

34 Committed funds

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Total funds (refer note 13) 84,731 87,340

Committed cash and Investments

Government asset and initiative funding 36,429 37,364

Point Nepean park establishment 6,484 8,327

Fire and flood programs (incl. insurance) 10,459 15,353

Sponsored works 7,648 8,821

Prepaid revenue – roofed accommodation and camping 1,287 1,267

Other liabilities 698 501

Restructuring costs – 4,730

Defined Benefits Superannuation obligation – 4,290

Total committed cash 63,005 80,653

These commitments are for complex projects that span greater than one financial year. Parks Victoria receives significant funding in advance from many sources and manages its cash to ensure its capacity to meet immediate financial commitments as they arise.

The total committed cash balance forms part of deferred revenue, contributed capital and accumulated surplus/(deficit).

Financial Report



36 Prior Period Adjustments

During the year ended 30th June 2014, Parks Victoria has identified a number of accounting estimate amendments and errors which have been corrected in the financial statements in accordance with AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Estimates and Errors and comparatives have been restated. The nature of these amendments together with their impact on prior period comparatives are summarised below.

(i) Deferred Revenue

Parks Victoria receives the majority of its funding from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI).Smaller amounts of funding are also periodically received from the Commonwealth Government and other funding providers such as Catchment Management Authorities. Some of this funding is to deliver specific and often multi-year projects. In previous years, funding received for multi year projects was classified as reciprocal and initially recognised as a liability and subsequently recognised as income as the performance under the related grant occurred. Non-reciprocal grants were recognised as income when control over the grant was obtained.

During the financial year ended 30 June 2014 Parks Victoria identified that a number of grants that were previously recorded as reciprocal met the definition of non-reciprocal outlined in AASB 1004 – Contributions and have therefore been incorrectly classified in previous periods.

• For year ending 30th June 2012 the financial statements were restated as follows:

• a decrease in the deferred revenue balance of $62.522 million,

• an increase in the accumulated surplus/(deficit) balance of $62.552 million.

For year ending 30th June 2013 the financial statements were restated as follows:

• a decrease in the deferred revenue balance of $47.320 million,

• an increase in the accumulated surplus/(deficit) balance of $47.320 million,

• a decrease in total income from transactions of $15.202 million. This adjustment is included in the $22.094 million shown at note 36(vi).

(ii) Crown Land, Buildings, and Piers and Jetties

During the year, Parks Victoria participated in a Crown land reconciliation project and a number of Crown land parcels were identified where Parks Victoria was assigned as Committee of Management that were not recorded in its asset register. The majority of the assets related to prior year and comparatives have been restated. In addition, the accounts have been restated for the transfer of the Lakeside Stadium Crown Land from Parks Victoria to the State Sport Centres Trust in August 2011.

For year ending 30th June 2012 and 2013 the financial statements were restated as follows:

• an increase in property, plant and equipment of $109.992 million,

• an increase in the accumulated surplus/(deficit) of $109.992 million.

• a decrease in property, plant and equipment of $18.935 million.

• a decrease in contributed capital of $18.935 million.

88


36 Prior Period Adjustments (continued)

(iii) Property, Plant and Equipment

During the year a review of construction works in progress identified that the balance reflected in the financial statements contained a prior period error in relation to works that had been previously commissioned and capitalised as an asset. Also, during the year a review of the assets register identified that the balance reflected in the financial statements contained a prior period error in relation to building that was not decommissioned.

These errors occurred in a prior year, the comparatives have been restated.


• a decrease in property, plant and equipment of $2.100 million for the demolition of building adjusted for prior year error.

• a decrease in accumulated depreciation of $0.089 million being the impact of this adjustment.

• an increase in property plant and equipment of $3.885 million for construction works in progress.

• an increase in assets revaluation reserves of $8.985 million for the demolition of building.

• a decrease in accumulated surplus/(deficit) of $8.985 million the demolition of building.

• a decrease in assets revaluation reserves of $4.658 million for the transfer of land to State Sports Centre Trust.

• an increase in accumulated surplus/(deficit) of $4.658 million for the transfer of land to State Sports Centre Trust.

• an increase in the accumulated surplus/(deficit) of $1.874 million being the combined impact of these adjustments.


• an increase in property plant and equipment of $1.311 million for Parks Victoria assets under construction previously recorded as contract and external services.

• an increase in property plant and equipment of $3.885 million for construction works in progress.

• an increase in assets revaluation reserves of $8.985 million for the demolition of building.

• •adecreaseinaccumulatedsurplus/(deficit)of$8.985millionthedemolitionofbuilding.

• a decrease in assets revaluation reserves of $4.658 million for the transfer of land to State Sports Centre Trust.

• an increase in accumulated surplus/(deficit) of $4.658 million for the transfer of land to State Sports Centre Trust.

• a decrease in property, plant and equipment of $2.100 million for the demolition of building adjusted for prior year error.

• a decrease in accumulated depreciation of $0.176 million being the impact of this adjustments.

• a decrease in depreciation expenses of $0.087 million being the impact of these adjustments.

• an increase in the accumulated surplus/(deficit) of $3.359 million being the combined impact of these adjustments.

(iv) Employee Benefits Expense

During the year Parks Victoria revised its accounting policy in line with AASB 119 Employee Benefits and has restated its gains and losses rising from the actuarial revaluation of its Vision Super defined benefits to the other economic flows – other comprehensive income section of the financial statements.

For year ending 30th June 2013 the financial statements were restated as follows

• an increase in employee benefit expenses of $1.409 million

• a decrease in net result of $1.409 million

• an increase in total other economic flows - other comprehensive income of $1.409 million

• impact on Comprehensive result is NIL.

Financial Report




(v) Income Collected on Behalf of Government

As part of its role, Parks Victoria collects fees from the public for the use of facilities within National Parks and for leases specific to the Werribee Mansion and Queenscliff Harbour. It then transfers the funds collected to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, who is then required to transfer all the funds collected back to Parks Victoria, excluding National Parks lease and license fees. A review identified that the current accounting treatment applied by Parks Victoria was resulting in a gross up of revenues and expenses in the Operating Statement. While the treatment was providing the same net result, it was inflating the revenue and expense amounts for the period. Parks Victoria has modified its accounting treatment and restated the comparatives.

• a decrease in total income from transactions of $6.892 million.

• a decrease in total expenses from transactions of $6.892 million.

• impact on Comprehensive result is NIL.

In accordance with AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, Parks Victoria has retrospectively applied the changes which have resulted in changes to its operating results and balance sheet. This adjustment is included in the $22.094 million shown at note 36 (vi).

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Corrections due to

Actual 2013 $’000

2013 errors $’000

change in accounting

standard $’000

Restated 1 July 2013 $’000

Balance sheet (extract)

Deferred revenue 36(i) 58,418 (47,320) – 11,099

Total liabilities 117,708 (47,320) – 70,389

Property, plant and equipment 36 (ii), (iii) 1,719,187 94,329 – 1,813,517

Total non-financial assets 1,724,206 94,329 – 1,818,536

Net Assets 1,704,759 141,649 – 1,846,408

Accumulated surplus/(deficit) (59,748) 156,257 – 96,510

Assets Revaluation Reserves 1,129,315 4,327 – 1,133,642

Contributed Capital 635,191 (18,935) – 616,256

Total equity 1,704,758 141,649 – 1,846,408

(vi) Restatement of prior year balance as a result of the errors and retrospective application of the accounting standard:

Financial statement line item affected:

Corrections due to

Actual 2012 $’000

2012 errors $’000


standard $’000


Balance sheet (extract)

Deferred revenue 36(i) 80,113 (62,522) – 17,591

Total liabilities 149,585 (62,522) – 87,063

Property, plant and equipment 36 (ii), (iii) 1,722,830 92,931 – 1,815,761

Total non-financial assets 1,728,580 92,931 – 1,821,511

Net Assets 1,701,975 155,453 – 1,857,428

Accumulated surplus/(deficit) (57,218) 170,061 – 112,843

Assets Revaluation Reserves 1,128,678 4,327 – 1,133,005

Contributed Capital 36 (ii) 630,515 (18,935) – 611,580

Total equity 1,701,975 155,453 – 1,857,428

Financial Report




Corrections due to

Actual 2013 $’000

2013 errors $’000


standard $’000


Comprehensive Operating Statement

Parks and reserves trust funding 36(i) 88,276 (2,854) – 85,422

Grant Funding 36(i), 36(v) 120,865 (18,298) – 102,567

Other income 36(v) 33,979 (942) – 33,037

Total Income from transactions 257,933 (22,094) – 235,839

Contract and external services 36(iii) 107,101 (1,311) – 105,790

Depreciation and amortisation 36(iii) 10,878 (87) – 10,791

Employee benefits expenses 36(iv) 109,094 – 1,409 110,503

Other operating expenses 36 (v) 32,254 (6,892) – 25,362

Total expenses from transactions 259,327 (8,290) 1,409 252,446

Revaluation of defined benefits plans 36(iv) – – (1,409) (1,409)

Net comprehensive results (1,896) (13,804) – (15,700)

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

37 Ex-gratia expenses

Forgiveness or waiver of debt (i) 96 51

Compensation for economic loss – –

Property damage payments – –

Other on-costs – –

Total Ex-gratia expenses 96 51

(i) Refer note 14(a). Represents the reversal of a provision for doubtful debts written off during the year as uncollectible.

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Statutory Certificate

Financial Report


Auditor’s Report

94

Auditor’s Report

Financial Report

Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australiawww.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963

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