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2 July 2019

Briefing Note: Outcomes of Stakeholder Meeting—Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan 2019—2035

2/102 Munro Street, Babinda QLD 4861 P: (07) 4067 1121 PO Box 219, Babinda QLD 4861

The Reef2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and Reef2050 Water Quality Protection Plan set ambitious targets for water quality improvement for the GBR lagoon. The Wet Tropics Water Quality Improvement Plan identifies that in the priority Wet Tropics catchments, which includes the Russell-Mulgrave basin, meeting the GBR Water Quality Guidelines requires a reduction in DIN load of between 70-80%. Critically, adoption of'A-class' sugarcane management practices is predicted to only achieve around 30% reduction in DIN loads. It is therefore vital to find and apply additional innovative strategies that can achieve significant load reductions beyond 'A-class' and assist in achieving the water quality targets.

The Russell River catchment is a high priority for DIN interception. The catchment accounted for 11% of all end-of-catchment DIN loads to the GBR in 2015—2016 and Is strategically placed to achieve cost-effective water quality outcomes. The Russell River catchment generates the third highest annual load of DIN of all monitored GBR catchments and priority basins (310t). Importantly, this DIN originates from a small area relative to other catchments which is demonstrated by the Russell River having the highest yield of all the Wet Tropic catchments at 590 kg krn’^. This is almost doublethat of the next highest basins of Tully at 350 kg km'2 and Johnstone at 160 kg km’^.

BackgroundThe RSP is being developed by Jaragun, TropWATER, the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre and members of the farming and broader community. We have been working together since 2013 to address land-based runoff and poor water quality in the Russell River Catchment. The partnership has implemented a range of initiatives and research activities, including on-farm technology trials, practice change, wetland rehabilitation and real time water quality monitoring to support the modelling, construction and management of nutrient run-off {dissolved inorganic nitrogen/DIN) interception devices. Terrain NRM was consulted in respect of developments in the ecosystem services markets (ESM) regarding how private investment might support long-term sustainability of the RSP.

JaragunNatural Resource

ManagementABN 41120661 iSi

It was nice meeting with you at the Wet Tropics Management Authority's Cassowary Awards 2019. As discussed, we are requesting an audience with you to seek your financial support for the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan 2019—2035 (RSP). The RSP is a grass-roots initiative that takes a systems repair approach to water quality improvement to theGi^T Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon. It involves an inclusive approach that accounts for the catchment's people, economy and environmental values-the drivers of change. This briefing note follows our earlier invitation of 22 May 2019 (attached) to attend the meeting (as organised by Mr Shane Knuth's MP office).

Clerk's Signature:

Tabled S''

By Leaven

Queensland Legislative AssemblyNumber: .@ 18 SEP 2019

MP: .

Reef & RainforestRESEARCH CENTRE

Honourable Leeanne EnochMinister for Environment and the Great Barribf Resf/MiniSter for Science and Mihister for the Arts

GPO Box 5078 Brisbane, QLD 4001

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5.6.

2.3.

To meet the governments' water quality improvement targets for the Reef, Jaragun and its partners commenced development of the RSP earlier this year. The RSP adopts the "Whole-of-system catchment management framework" as outlined in the Wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Management Strategy 2016-2021 (Figure 2, p. 11), This approach is recognised in other key strategic plans, including:

The Russell River catchment presents a further highly significant risk not yet factored into the Scientific Consensus Statement (2017) which underpins government priorities for water quality improvement. Two geomorphic assessments identify a high risk of an avulsion or bypass of the Russell River into Niringa Creek during high rainfall event/s (Alluvium 2016 and 2018), The avulsion would result in mobilisation of large volumes of sediment (between 3,800,0001 and 10,000,0001) available for transport to the GBR lagoon. Economically, this would result in the catastrophic loss of agricultural land within the Babinda Swamp Drainage Area, with significant impact on productivity and, thereby, economic loss for farmers. Ecologically, the impact on in-stream and nearshore reef ecosystems would be profound, and quite possibly irreversible. The Alluvium 2018 report is attached to this briefing note for your reference.

The RSP received this strong level of support because the community could see a clear pathway for social inclusion, job creation, more sustainable agriculture and improved environmental outcomes. This is in a context where sugarcane, which is the mainstay of the local economy, is under pressure because of the marginality of some areas for farming and instability of global financial markets. Further, the community has suffered major economic hardship and job loss after extensive damage to the sugar mill from Cyclone Yasi which subsequently led to its closure in 2011, The main township of Babinda has never recovered, with the current unemployment rate more than double the national rate.

Stakeholder Meeting outcomesA farm shed meeting and the subsequent Stakeholder Meeting was held in Babinda on 30 May 2019 to take forward the drafting of the RSP, The Stakeholder Meeting demonstrated the breadth of support and enthusiasm for the RSP, Over 80 people attended, including elected State and local government representatives. State and local government agencies, farmers (sugarcane, bananas and pastoral), industry representatives, members of the catchment's two drainage boards. Canegrowers Association, three traditional ownergroups (Wanyurr-Yidinjii, and southern neighbours Bagirbarra-Mamu and Mandubarra-Mamu), JCU, CSIRO, GBR Foundation, Terrain NRM and community/representative organisations.

The keynote presentations and testimonials provide clear demonstration of the considerable collaborative effort being undertaken and needed to redress the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the community. The presentations were as follows:

• Reef2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (July 2018)• new Reef2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017-2022• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Position Statement Coastal Ecosystems.

Context, Dennis Ah-Kee-Wanyurr-Yidinjii Elder, Director Jaragun NRM & Director Wet Tropics Biodiversity FoundationCatchment background. Professor Damien Burrows-TropWATER (JCU)Farmer/lndustry, Barry Stubbs - Member Project 25 Steering Committee and participant in several on-farm technology trialsRussell Sustainability Plan

o Liz Owen - Director Jaragun NRM & Director Wet Tropics Biodiversity Foundationo Dr Nathan Waltham - Principal Research Scientist TropWATER (JCU)

A financial mechanism, Dave Moore - General Manager & Head of Business Origination GreenCollar Community testimonials

o Tanya Tuttle - President Babinda Taskforce

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Desley Vella - President Bendigo Community Bank & Sugarcane farmer

Jodie Ah-Kee - Wanyurr Traditional Owner

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These presentations were filmed and are available on the following Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kg5lq23vee5fi607/AAD5Ag TNIzRJrEEeUzUqmEGa?dl=O

Private sector investment will be pursued to finance those aspects of the RSP that can be funded through the developing ESM. We note that carbon farming is already a well-established global ESM, whereby, long­term financing supports reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through buyers and sellers trading in carbon credits. We further note that four environmental accounting methods are currently being developed, which has the funding support of the Queensland Government and the purpose of providing a market mechanism to incentivise water quality improvements across the GBR region. The term of income for landholders is expected to be over 10 - 25 year timeframes.

A two-month timeframe was set for drafting the RSP. Support for the RSP led to farmers nominating additional projects for Inclusion in the RSP at the meeting, with an invitation to continue nominating projects during drafting. Once drafted, a public meeting will be held to finalise the RSP.

In parallel with stakeholder involvement, we seek Qld Government involvement in crafting the RSP. This will ensure the RSP continues to align with government policies and provides an integrated approach to Reef, wetland and land restoration objectives.

We regard government funding as providing the catalyst needed to kick-start the RSP. Following the Stakeholder Meeting, the community reinforced the importance of maintaining on-ground momentum through an initial government investment. We are requesting $4,830,000 to implement six projects over two years (Appendix 1). The projects have been selected as priorities under the whole-of-catchment approach and also include establishing the governance and monitoring frameworks needed to support implementation of the RSP. This package of projects will deliver:

We expect the RSP to be attractive to project developers and buyers within the ESM. The catchment-scale approach to systems repair provides a strategic approach to investment that maximises environmental outcomes, with strategies underpinned by science and supported by landowners. Further, the Russell River catchment has other appealing features: being a high priority catchment for water quality Improvement to the Reef; forming part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area; and having high Aboriginal, community and sugarcane industry support.

Financing the RSPThe RSP is estimated to need in excess of $60 M to implement over a 15-year timeframe. The Stakeholder Meeting acknowledged that the RSP will require a combination of government and private partnerships to underpin long-term sustainability. In addition, the RSP anticipates considerable community and landholder in-kind support for both implementation and on-going, long-term maintenance. This will include, for instance, plant and machinery, fencing, land, labour and fuel provision.

Governance arrangements to support RSP implementationManagement of the Russell River avulsion risk and fine sediment load reduction Riparian streambank restoration of Babinda CreekFarm assessment of new fertiliser regime in tropical environment Traditional Owner Ranger TeamStrategic Monitoring Framework for the whole-of-catchment approach.

oo Steve Bonso - Productivity Board & Sugarcane farmer o

7. Next Steps, Sheriden Morris - CEO Reef and Rainforest Research Centre

Yours sincerely

Mr Jamie Merrick, Director-General, DES

Dr Beth Woods, Director-General, DAF

Mr James Purtill, Director-General, DNRME

Professor Damien Burrows, TropWATER (JCU)

Dr Nathan Waltham, Principal Research Scientist, TropWATER (JCU)

Ms Sheriden Morris, CEO, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre

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Honourable Dr Anthony LynhamMinister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the RSP. My mobile number is 0427 903390 should you wish to contact me in the interim.

These projects will create at least 10 local jobs in this regional community that has experienced significant economic hardship. This includes employment and training for six Aboriginal people through establishment of a ranger team. With funding, the projects could be progressed immediately and address social, economic and environmental sustainability challenges. Details of the projects are provided at Appendix 2.

Honourable Mark FurnerMinister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries

Liz OwenDirector, Jaragun Natural Resource Management

Cc Mr Shane Knuth MP

Appendix 1: Budget Year 1 and Year 2

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Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan - Budget

Project Name Yrl Yr 2 Total

1 RSP governance and strategic direction $480,000 $400,000 $880,000

2 Management of the Russell River avulsion risk $530,000 $930,000 $1,460,000

3 Riparian streambank restoration of Babinda Creek $60,000 $165,000 $225,000

4 Farm assessment of new fertiliser regime in tropical environment

$270,000 $160,000 $430,000

5 Traditional Owner Ranger Team $760,000 $600,000 $1,360,000

6Strategic Monitoring Framework for the whole-of- catchment approach $245,000 $230,000 $475,000

TOTAL $2,345,000 $2,485,000 $4,830,000

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

Action

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1.2.

The RSP Steering Committee is established, including its Terms of Reference, holding of meetings, conflict of interest procedures, maintenance of records and administration, upholding of legal requirements, and communication and correspondence.

Training and succession planning in place for transfer of the Steering Committee Secretariat function to Babinda Taskforce.

Loss of strategic directionLoss of community support for the RSP over time

Managed by Liz Owen and Dennis Ah-Kee (also Directors of Jaragun NRM), who are the champions of the RSP, have track record in managing complex, multi-million $ projects, and have community and traditional owner supportA not-for-profit organisation, with Deductible Gift Recipient status.

Maintenance of strong support from the Russell River catchment community, including the ability to garner landholder support for discrete projects that meet RSP objectives and take advantage of opportunities as they ariseEvidence-based information to underpin identification and prioritisation of strategic projects, supported by a robust monitoring framework that gives feedback on outcomes achieved and effectiveness of strategies Input from specialised technical experts and professionals to support decision-making and implementationMaintenance of strong relationships with governments and planning agenciesManagement of a diverse range of stakeholders and interestsStrong financial governance, budget oversight, and ability to attract investmentAbility to adapt to changing circumstances within the Russell River catchment.

The Babinda community has claimed ownership of the RSP, with farmers and local organisations having expressed the need for the initiative to remain locally based to maintain the community's confidence and support. The community has identified the Wet Tropics Biodiversity Foundation (WTFB) as the most suitable organisation to undertake the project management and Steering Committee secretariat roles. This is on the basis that the WTBF is:

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It is certain that the RSP will not meet its full potential without a Project Manager and Steering Committee to give strategic direction and maintain momentum. This is because the RSP is a large, complex program that involves delivery over a 15-year horizon. Implementation requires:

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Project 1________Budget__________Project type_____Inherent risk from inaction_________Issue

However, to prevent burn-out of the Directors long-term, it is proposed that the Secretariat function is transitioned from the WTBF to the 'Babinda Taskforce' once the Secretariat function for the Steering Committee is bedded down. The Babinda Taskforce will require capacity building to provide effective Secretariat services relative to the complexity and demands of the RPS, with the transition expected to occur following the first 12 months of the RSP.______________________________The Project Manager and Secretariat positions are established within the WTBF, supported by part-time secretarial support.

RSP governance and strategic direction_____________$880,000_____________________________________Project management. Governance, Strategic oversight

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

Outcomes

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Ownership: The RSP remains a grass-roots initiative, owned and driven by the local community into the future, including ongoing involvement of main people needed to drive the RSP_______________________________________________________Strategic: Effective functioning of the Steering Committee to ensure appropriate input and oversight of the RSP's implementation and outcomes, including governance, financial management, risk management and compliance requirements_________________________________________________________Economic: Direct investment in local organisations that build the local economy

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

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Action

Outcomes

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1.2.

Civil works and streambank revegetation by the Ranger Team will be carried out for the avulsion in year 1, and across years 1 - 2 for the southern group of tributaries.

The risk is a result of geomorphic features in the landscape where flow is forced to leave the channel during major flood events. The risk increases with ongoing aggradation of the Russell River channel bed that is associated with streambank erosion of a group of 11 tributaries in the upper reaches of the catchment (southern part of the catchment).

The hydrogeomorphic assessment and flood modelling will further inform need for additional future works.

Hydrogeomorphic assessment, flood modelling, landholder and planning agency consultations, and engineering-design of the set of strategies needed to manage the avulsion and commence stabilisation of priority banks within the southern group of tributariesPlanning assessments, designs and any relevant regulatory approvals (by May 2020).

Project 2________Budget__________Project type_____Inherent risk from inaction

Alluvium will provide capacity building of Jaragun in relation to assessments, regulatory approval processes and supervision.______________________________Water quality: Reduced risk of mobilisation of up to 10,000,000 tonnes total sediment load available for transport to the Reef; significant advancement towards the Governments' water quality improvement target for fine sediment reduction for the Mulgrave-Russell catchments______________________________________Economic: Protection 2,500 Ha Babinda Swamp Drainage Area (predominantly sugarcane)____________________________________________________________Climate change: Carbon additionality associated with revegetation works, involving ability to attract major private partnership investment________________________Co-benefits: Aquatic habitat, riparian restoration, flora/fauna corridor, habitat for native species, and employment/skills training of traditional owners for maintenance and construction industry

These tributaries, which contribute 14,780 tonnes of fine sediment annually, account for 83% of the catchments fine sediment load from streambank erosion to the Reef. This volume equates to 85% of the Australian and QueenslandGovernments' combined target of 16,000 tonnes reduction in fine sediment loads for the Russell-Mulgrave catchments.______________________________________A management plan that identifies and prioritises works for the Russell River (avulsion) and southern group of tributaries will be developed in Year 1. This includes:

Management of the Russell River avulsion risk and reduction in sediment loads" $1,460,000__________________________________________________________Planning, Engineering design. Engineering intervention. Systems repair

Continuing decline in water quality discharged from the catchment to the Reef Economic impact on sugarcane industry, including loss of productive agriculture area and infrastructure damagePossible irreversible loss of in-stream and nearshore ecologies and lost wildlife corridor between coast and world heritage areas (e.g. Cassowary)___________

Alluvium identified (Alluvium 2018 - report attached) the likely avulsion of the Russell River into the current course of Niringa Creek. The avulsion will be accompanied by a dramatic increase in size of Niringa Creek, and mobilisation of up to 10,000,000 tonnes of total (coarse and fine) sediment that would then be available for transport to the Reef.

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

Issue

Action

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4.5.6.

1.2.3.

Firstly, streambank migration of approximately 0.5 m per year in some locations is threatening adjacent sugarcane property boundaries and, with this, productive agricultural land. An erosion hotspot exists at the confluence of the major agricultural drain emerging from the Babinda Swamp Drainage Area (BSDA) and Babinda Creek. This location both threatens adjacent sugarcane properties and imposes an annual cost to members of the BSDA for extraction of sediment to improve water quality to the Reef but that, also, possibly exacerbates the problem.

The civil works associated with the engineering intervention for the erosion hotspot at the confluence of Babinda Creek and agricultural drain will be undertaken in year 2.

Thirdly, Babinda Creek is the mainstay of Babinda's emerging ecotourism industry, with the Cairns Regional Council having invested in free camping facilities to encourage growth of the industry following closure of the sugarcane mill. However, the poor state of Babinda Creek is limiting recreational activity and growth of ecotourism.

Secondly, in-stream sedimentation and the associated spread of aquatic pest weeds is reducing aquatic habitat, aquatic connectivity and critical fish nursery connectivity for commercial fish species. The biosecurity risk from invasive pest weeds emanating from Babinda Creek further threatens riparian and aquatic ecosystems throughout large downstream areas of Wet Tropics World Heritage Area—this includes Alexandra Palm Forest which is the only remaining wetland of this type in the Wet Tropics that is listed on the National Directory of Important Wetlands and designated as a climate change refugia for native species.

Continuing economic impact on sugarcane farmersReduced water quality to the ReefLoss of aquatic ecology, including critical habitat for many economically important fish that move between freshwater and coastal areas (e.g. barramundi, mangrove jack)Impact on recreational fishingImpact on ecotourism industryCultural loss for Wanyurr-Yidinjii Traditional Owners

Babinda Creek is the second largest waterway and second-highest source of streambank fine sediment load in the catchment. Streambank erosion is having a range of economic impacts on the local community, while concurrently presenting a significant opportunity to redress this through supported systems repair.

Project 3________Budget__________Project type Inherent risk from inaction

Lastly, Babinda Creek is of high cultural value to Wanyurr-Yidinjii TraditionalOwners.______________________________________________________________The Ranger Team will revegetate along the creekbank of Babinda Creek in years 1 - 2. This activity is supported by previous geomorphic assessment having concluded revegetation an appropriate management solution for most reaches of Babinda Creek, with engineered solutions needed in some locations to protect seedlings through to maturity. To ensure revegetation can be confidently undertaken, year 1 will also include additional geomorphic investigation of Babinda Creek to identify those locations requiring engineered solutions for future works. Priority will be given to lower reaches of the waterway, where landowners have already committed to revegetation of significant lengths of the waterway.

Riparian streambank restoration of Babinda Creek $225,000___________________________________Systems repair. Engineering review. Civil works

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

Outcomes

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Economic: Security of property boundaries and thereby productive agricultural land, reduced maintenance costs of the BSDA, off-shore fishery, growth of ecotourism, employment for Traditional Owners____________________________Water quality: Reduced fine sediment loads from the catchment to the Reef_____Co-benefits: Carbon additionality, aquatic habitat, riparian restoration, flora/fauna corridor, habitat for native species, recreational fishing industry, traditional culture skills training and employment, construction industry employment in the town

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

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Project 4 Farm assessment of new fertiliser regime in tropical environmentBudget $430,000Project type Science (Agronomic practice change)Inherent risk from inaction

1. Potential increase in Nitrogen loads discharged from the catchment to the Reef

Issue Sugarcane farmers within the Russell River catchment are changing their fertiliser regime, moving from granular to new fertiliser types such as liquid fertilisers. The benefits of transition include reduced Nitrogen inputs by up to 17% and a strong financial incentive as they are cheaper to apply following the initial investment in distribution machinery.

It is a high priority to scientifically evaluate and quantify Nitrogen loss into receiving waters to ensure that transition to new fertiliser types is not accompanied with the risk of increasing Nitrogen loads discharged from the catchment to the Reef. While new fertilisers are stabilised in different mediums (e.g. molasses) to slow Nitrogen loss to the receiving environment, the Russell River catchment has complex soil structure (38 soil types across the catchment) and the highest rainfall in Australia which is accompanied by high level of runoff and soil leaching.

Action The project will undertake a farm trial design across different soil types within the catchment to assess the impact on water quality following the introduction of new fertilisers, such as liquid fertiliser.

Outcomes Water quality: Assessment of impact on Nitrogen loss to receiving environment from adoption of new fertiliser types in Wet Tropics

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

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Project 5 Traditional Owner Ranger TeamBudget $1,360,000Project type Employment, Systems repair. Caring for countryInherent risk from inaction

1. Continuing high unemployment rates and loss of support from Traditional Owners for the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan 2019—2035

2. Missed opportunity for Traditional Owners to reconnect with, restore and protect cultural heritage

Issue Babinda provides few employment opportunities, as is reflected in its high unemployment rate of 12% (2016 Census) compared with the national rate of approximately 5%. The town has a high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of 14% who have significant barriers to employment.

Traditional Owners have difficulty maintaining cultural connection due to the limited employment opportunities to work on country.

Action A Traditional Owner Ranger Team will be established. The Ranger Team will be the main resource supporting on-ground implementation of the RSP and its long-term sustainability. The Ranger Team will comprise a supervisor and five rangers working in Natural Resource Management and cultural heritage.

The Ranger Team will be integrated with the RSP through an annual schedule of works. Activities will include breadth of systems repair and other RSP initiatives, such as pest weed/animal control, revegetation and monitoring.

Rangers will receive the training needed to work independently and safely in NRM, such as ACDC, rainforest plant identification, and machinery operation and maintenance. This will be supplemented with skills development through participation in cross-agency capacity building exercises and regional forums.

The Rangers will preserve cultural heritage by relating NRM activities with cultural protocols and knowledge. The Rangers will preserve local Yidinjii language and customs through research, practical application and record-keeping.

Outcomes Employment: 6 local jobs and development of employability skillsSystems repair: An effective NRM team able to undertake land restoration across the catchmentCultural: Traditional Owners reconnect with country

Appendix 2: Priority strategic interventions of the Russell River Catchment Sustainability Plan

1.

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Action

Outcomes

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Investors and the community are unable to determine the success of the RSP whole-of-catchment systems repair approachLocally specific scientific data is unable to be reported in regional and state reporting frameworks (e.g. Wet Tropic Healthy Waterways Partnership; Terrain WQIP)Missed opportunity for capacity building and training of Rangers to undertake routine monitoring in the catchment and reporting of the data to relevant authorities, groups and community groups.

Considerable investment and resources are spent on catchment management restoration and intervention. Development of a strategic monitoring framework is therefore critical to the success of the RSP: without scientifically relevant and rigorous data, there will be no way to measure success, or ability to report back to the landholders, community, industry and government on success of the RSP._____Catchment repair actions completed by community landholders, industry or undertaken by the Ranger team to improve the environment in the catchment will require a long-term strategic monitoring plan and delivery framework that includes reporting data back to the community, government, industry, and landholders. Here a baseline inventory of the Russell River catchment will be completed, which will include both a review and collation of available data/reports in the catchment, in addition to undertaking field work to provide a baseline condition of the catchment. This review is important and necessary in the first 12 months before major catchment intervention is undertaken, and will then be used to continually appraise works completed under the RSP.

Project 6________Budget__________Project type_____Inherent risk from inaction

In year 2, a strategic monitoring program will be developed which is the long-term mechanism to track the condition and recovery of the catchment as whole-of- catchment repair works are implemented as part of the RSP. As part of this monitoring plan development. Rangers will be trained by TropWATER (JCU) scientists to implement the routine monitoring and reporting of the data. The data will be used in the development of fact sheets, newsletters, website, in addition to regional reporting for example: 1) Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways Partnership; and 2) Terrain WQIP and NRM Plan. Using the Rangers to complete the monitoring under this strategic monitoring program continues building local capacity, new skills and confidence to discuss the overall program, results and trends with any landholder, school groups or community member.____________________________Evaluation and reporting: Ongoing scientific program to monitor the overall effectiveness of the RSP, including reporting on outcomes achieved through tracking end-of-catchment, sub-catchment and discrete restoration investments Local capacity building: Rangers skilled in and complete long-term monitoring and reporting, creating ownership of the program and confidence to discuss results in the community during daily operations

Strategic Monitoring Framework for the whole-of-catchment approach $475,000____________________________________________________Strategic planning. Science, Employment, Evaluation and reporting