2017 YEAR IN REVIEW. Creating parks, saving species

Transcription

1 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW Creating parks, saving species fnpw.org.au

2 PATRON S MESSAGE Contents Message from our Patron 2 What we do 3 President s Message 4 Financial Summary 5 CEO Report 6-7 Land & Water Conservation 8 Threatened Species 9 Parks for People 10 Cultural Heritage 11 Environmental Education 12 The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife has one very simple goal to preserve Australia s unique natural heritage so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come. By purchasing high conservation value land that is transferred into the public estate, the team at FNPW is working to ensure the permanent protection of biodiversity in Australia. However, native species cannot be preserved in national parks alone, which is why the Foundation has for many years supported conservation on private properties by individual landowners and groups, through its grants program. Your support allows FNPW to continue its important conservation work. Governance 13 Partners and Supporters 14 Thank You 15 Sir Peter Cosgrove His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retired) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Patron 2 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017

3 WHAT WE DO HOW WE DO IT We create parks and save species. Species including our own cannot survive without a healthy habitat. That s why we add land to Australia s National Parks for permanent protection. We re not about locking nature up. We re about protecting it in the most secure way possible, while also making it available for you to access and enjoy. Australia s geographic isolation for many millions of years led to the evolution of exceptional plants and animals, many of which are unique. Our native flora and fauna must be protected for the enjoyment of future generations. We protect and enhance Australia s natural and cultural heritage by providing environmental education, and funding for land protection and the conservation of wilderness and wildlife. WHO WE WORK WITH FNPW believes that investing in expertise and local knowledge is the best way to create long-term impact. Each year we count as our partners - scientists, volunteers, researchers, National Park rangers, indigenous communities, individual landowners, government agencies and community groups - all dedicated to providing effective conservation action to protect species, habitat, and heritage. Foundation for national parks & wildlife 3

4 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Last year I commented on the challenging and changing environment that the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife operates in, and how 2017 would see us continuing to re-shape our organisation and build on the momentum of the previous year was, as anticipated, a year of ongoing change for the business. We reviewed our governance, operations, systems and structures to ensure that we are in great shape to continue our journey of growing and delivering impact, into the future. I would like to thank the Board for their commitment, contribution, time and knowledge, not only while attending board meetings, but also for their invaluable input and dedication that has been freely given to attend committee meetings, develop strategy and attend functions will see the Board and Committees of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, move through a structured time of change as we continue our journey of growth and development, in an environment of disruption throughout our sector. Thank you to Catherine Lloyd who has been our Treasurer and has ensured that we have been focused and disciplined in our reporting, and to Charlie Graham who has been a tower of strength in his advice and input to the Board and organisation generally. I m grateful that they have both been involved and am glad that they will remain as Governors of the Foundation. It is important that we have a strong organisation, with the capacity to create the funds and partnerships required if we are to continue creating parks and saving species across Australia. In 2017 FNPW s total operating income increased by approximately $1m, with nearly $400,000 being received via bequests. I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to every person that has left a bequest to FNPW, including their families. I am confident that we will be creating a significant legacy, as their decision will help to protect wilderness and preserve wildlife for future generations. Total funding on conservation projects was slightly down on 2016 as we worked to strategically re-align our partnerships, projects and strategies. However, operating surplus increased by almost $1m placing us in an excellent position to fund important new conservation initiatives in the years ahead will continue to be a year of transformational change, as we re-position and strengthen the organisation for growth. It will also be the year in which we embark upon the initiation and delivery of some exciting new iconic projects as we continue our vital work to create parks and save species. Finally, I would like to thank all our Supporters, Donors, Directors, Staff, Volunteers and Partners for your dedicated contribution and passion towards the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. Thank you. Garry Browne AM President, FNPW 4 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017

5 FINANCIAL SUMMARY : OVERVIEW $ $ $ $ Total Income 3,557,557 2,225,751 2,009,940 3,068,729 Conservation project funding 1,827,519 1,844,868 1,122,965 1,049,394 Overheads 581, , , ,031 Surplus (Deficit) 1,148,475 (382,145) 61,153 1,040,304 2: INCOME $ $ $ $ Public Donations 764, , , ,818 Sponsorship 316, , , ,226 4m 3.5m 3m 2.5m 2m 1.5m 1m.5m SOURCE OF INCOME Government Grants 95,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 Agency Income 2,099, , , ,906 Bequests 200, ,610 Investment Income 60, , , ,278 Other Income 21,972 44,869 2,615 16,891 0 Public Donations Sponsorship Government Grants Agency Income Bequests Investment Income Other Income Total Income 3,557,557 2,225,751 2,009,940 3,068,729 3: EXPENSES $ $ $ $ Cost of Fundraising 181, , , ,719 Employment Costs 241, , , ,151 Conservation Projects Marketing & Promotion 1,827,519 1,844,868 1,122,965 1,049,394 37,812 96,057 54, ,341 Other 86,370 74, , ,323 Rent & Insurance 34,269 36,427 38,851 39,497 Marketing & Promotion EXPENSES SUMMARY 8% 52% Conservation Projects 9% Other 2% Rent & Insurance Cost of 11% Fundraising 19% Employment Costs Total Expense 2,409,082 2,607,896 1,948,787 2,028,425 Foundation for national parks & wildlife 5

6 CEO report 2017 was a busy year for everyone at FNPW as we focussed on our project and conservation strategies, while developing some key partnerships to deliver longer-term conservation funding. A number of these partnerships have recently been consolidated through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding. These include the Saving Our Species program with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage; the National Malleefowl Recovery Team; Rainforest Rescue; and Tangaroa Blue, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris. In March, we raised money to continue research into the plight of the Murray River Turtles. These animals have been on earth for 220 million years but sadly, with the current rate of decline, might not been around to see the next century. We are very grateful to Australian Geographic who came on board to continue raising awareness of the plight of these fascinating animals. Mid-way through 2017, Kukundi Nature Playspace was unveiled in Lane Cove National Park. Nature play is a term used to describe the creation of simple play opportunities in the natural environment. The new outdoor space features a range of Nature Play equipment that aims to reconnect kids with nature and the outdoors. We were very pleased that our project partner Kanangra-Boyd to Wyangala Link (K2W) was nominated as a finalist in the 2017 NSW Green Globe awards. The K2W Glideways project is a community-led connectivity conservation partnership working to restore habitat connections across the Abercrombie River corridor. The project provides avenues for sharing resources, skills and knowledge and enables people to work together to build corridors of effort across public and private lands. These are just three of the many projects that FNPW has been able to fund, thanks to financial support provided by donors, corporate and agency partners. This Annual Review includes case studies in FNPW s five focus areas of Threatened Species, Land & Water Conservation, Parks for People, Cultural Heritage, and Environmental Education. 6 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017

7 Plans for the year ahead also look very exciting as we create new protected areas, by concluding negotiations for the final land purchases in the Heritage Estates project and raising capital for the purchase of land to be added to a National Park in NSW. We will also be working to save species by taking our Private Land Conservation Grants to a national level and working with Saving Our Species in NSW to fund wildlife corridors and protect landscape for threatened species. While back in the office we will be installing the next generation of systems and processes to enable us to reduce costs, engage more effectively with supporters and project partners, and transition to the next generation of cloud-based computing. Agency income declined slightly in 2017, but the year ahead does hold some significant challenges in NSW in this area, as new legislation will result in a significant shift in the funding and delivery of Private Land Conservation. However, FNPW and its funding partners remain committed to assisting landholders that have conservation covenants on their land. Total disbursements to conservation projects decreased by $74k in 2017 as a result of lower income in 2016 and our strategic shift toward developing and agreeing more significant conservation projects with our partners. Marketing and promotion expenditure increased by approximately $100k in 2017, as we strategically developed our public relations, modernised our websites, analysed data and maximised web and social media traffic. To all our supporters - thank you for your help. It is because of you that the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife can make a difference, protecting our wilderness and wildlife for future generations of Australians. Ian Darbyshire - CEO, FNPW Foundation for national parks & wildlife 7

8 LAND & WATER CONSERVATION Insulator Creek Wetland Rehabilitation The aim of this project was to restore the ecological values of 40 hectares of remnant wetland located on Nywaigi country in Hinchinbrook Shire, Queensland which includes Mahogany Glider habitat. Funding from FNPW enabled interns and students from James Cook University to travel to the site for in-depth assessments and monitoring of the affected area and species, providing valuable insights needed to ensure the project s success. GPS monitoring following controlled burns revealed that invasive plant species coverage The successful completion of this project will be used to increase public awareness of the opportunity for community engagement in habitat restoration projects into the future. Martha Brians - James Cook University had substantially declined, and a natural wetland with endemic vegetation and healthy water flow had appeared where once stood large fields of invasive Olive Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis). Water quality has also substantially improved and an increased number of fish species are using the newly formed wetland. New water bird species have also been observed. This project was community developed, with landowners, local organisations, and researchers working together. When Patrick Morrisey bought a bush block back in the 1980s you couldn t even get off the road onto to the land because the lantana was so impenetrable. But he was captivated by the forest up above and the magnificent trees. As his understanding of ecological restoration grew so did his enthusiasm. Using the right bush regeneration techniques made all the difference and he has been stunned at the success they ve had. The property encompasses a small watershed leading into a tributary of the Coopers Creek in the Richmond River catchment. It s both wet 8 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 sclerophyll and lowland subtropical rainforest, home to koalas, masked owl, abundance of birds, micro bats, rare fungis and magnificent old growth booyongs, red cedars, figs and tallowwood. The Morriseys success wouldn t have been achieved without financial support received from FNPW. Since 2008, FNPW s Private Land Conservation Grants program has been offering grants to owners of properties protected under conservation agreements. In 2017, the program provided 106 grantees with over $300,000 to support and undertake conservation works on their own properties. So much native habitat has been lost in Australia and I ve realised one person can make a real difference when given the opportunity. Patrick Morrisey - Goonengerry NSW

9 THREATENED SPECIES Koala Tree Planting The Great Ocean Road Koala Habitat Rescue Program is addressing dramatic declines in the health and extent of manna gum woodlands in the region. As a vulnerable ecosystem, conservation of the damp sands herb rich woodlands is a high priority for the Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC). FNPW support in 2017 contributed towards the planting of 2,130 seedlings of indigenous plants (trees and shrubs), and the installation of tree guards in exposed sites to protect young trees as they grow. Planting was carried out by volunteers with training and assistance provided by the CEC. Planting of seedlings is an activity which lends itself to community participation, building a sense of community pride and ownership of the Koala Habitat Rescue Program. Following the plantings, the CEC s Conservation & Research team has taken responsibility for conducting regular site inspections to monitor the progress of the plants and other biodiversity outcomes. Through habitat restoration efforts, replanting of indigenous woodland species, biodiversity monitoring and research into koala ecology, we are restoring the woodland ecosystem, developing conservation land management techniques and building knowledge to ensure the future of the woodlands and the koalas and other wildlife species which depend upon them Jack Pascoe - Conservation Ecology Centre, Apollo Bay, Victoria Malleefowl Recovery One of the main goals of the National Malleefowl Recovery Co-ordinator is to ensure we have enough volunteers to gather data. Fortunately, attracting community involvement is not hard; Malleefowl seem to be loved by all! Tim Burnard - National Malleefowl Recovery Group Co-ordinator Malleefowl are considered threatened in all remaining areas of their range across southern Australia and are listed as Vulnerable nationally under the EPBC Act The National Malleefowl Recovery Team operate with representatives in each state where Malleefowl occur (NSW, Vic, SA, WA) and the ACT, to support the implementation of the National Malleefowl Recovery Plan. The plan was developed with input from a broad range of stakeholders including universities, government agencies, NGO s, private landholders and indigenous groups. Funded by FNPW, the Recovery Co-ordinator supports volunteers across four states. The adaptive management project has led to an increase in the number of monitored sites across the country. Tim s job is to ensure that monitors are technologically competent and that monitoring occurs in a uniform manner. Our primary objective is to secure existing populations across the species range and achieve down-listing of Malleefowl from Vulnerable to Conservation Dependent within 20 years. Foundation for national parks & wildlife 9

10 PARKS FOR PEOPLE Magnetic Island provides an ideal habitat for a range of species, both on the land and in the warm waters of the surrounding Great Barrier Reef. The island is home to over 254 species, including the largest known population of koalas in Northern Australia, and is also a site for seasonal turtle nesting and whale watching. FNPW worked with its corporate partner SeaLink to produce the Magnetic Island Wildlife and Trails Guide, listing the animals and marine life that you might be lucky to encounter on a visit to this peaceful tropical paradise. The guide includes information on how to respect and protect the wildlife you may see, as well as a comprehensive map of the island s 26km network of walking trails. 10 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 SeaLink services link tourists to our wonderful national parks, and thriving, healthy national parks are critical to a visitor s experience of Australia s natural flora and fauna. Norman Jenkin - SeaLink Townsville Lane Cove Bushcare Volunteer groups are a valuable resource for facilitating bushland rehabilitation in Lane Cove National Park in Sydney. They include corporate volunteers, community groups, and local residents. However, tools and equipment are essential for the volunteers to make their important contribution. To support the park s volunteer programs, FNPW provided funding to replenish resources for the Lane Cove Bush Care Program, enabling them to purchase additional bush regeneration kits, gloves, herbicide and applicators, weed bags, and tree planting equipment. 1,097 plants were also purchased from a nearby nursery, to supplement those grown in the NPWS nursery. Plants from local native nurseries are vital for enabling more volunteer programs to take place, while allowing for a greater diversity of species to be used across revegetation projects. FNPW funds also meant that the NPWS nursery could build capacity for inhouse production, by paying for more seed raising pots, plant labels, and new laser light roofing sheets to replace leaking panels over the propagation area. Community tree planting days are a useful way to recruit new volunteers and engage with neighbours, while also helping with the rehabilitation of degraded areas and restoring habitat. Matt Springall - NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

11 CULTURAL HERITAGE Wildfires can be beneficial to Australian landscapes, clearing weeds and breaking open seedpods of trees that only revegetate after fire. But fires can also have devastating effects on wildlife that can t escape, and some populations can become severely depleted. In this FNPWfunded project, traditional owners from Bininj tribe and indigenous rangers carried out bush walk burning. This early targeted burning aims to prevent late season bushfires Sikh Heritage Trail The focus of this FNPW-funded project was the design of the Adenia interpretation facility, to form part of the Australian Sikh Heritage Trail in Canning River Regional Park, Perth. The trail celebrates the remarkable contributions of Sikhs in Western Australia and provides the opportunity for visitors to gain invaluable information about the history and heritage of Australian Sikh, as well as key Whadjuk that can damage wildlife habitat and gives native animals, including the vulnerable White-throated Grasswren, a chance to recover. Traditional owners were extensively involved in the program, using their local knowledge to search for grasswrens, create a firebreak around their habitat and help carry out strategic controlled burning to reduce the risk of wildfire. Eleven grasswrens were sighted, including two pairs in a location previously unknown for sightings. The project has had wider benefits, protecting many fragile flora species and native animals that live alongside the grasswren and are also impacted by uncontrolled wildfires. Noongar cultural heritage and the natural values of the Canning River. The WA Parks and Wildlife Service of the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions worked in collaboration with the City of Canning and the Australian Sikh Heritage Association to design the interpretation facilities, paths and signage at Adenia Park. Reference Group meetings were held Stone Country Fire Management We aim to build relationships with the Jawoyn community and encourage more involvement in park management. We hope to make people more aware of fire and the damage it does to country when not managed or used correctly. Rachel Martin - Kakadu National Park regularly to ensure that stakeholders were updated on project deliverables and to provide a forum to discuss concerns and ideas. This project aims to increase the aesthetic and amenity value of the area, through improved infrastructure, as well as increase visitors from local, interstate and international tourists. The facility will function as an education trail and information node, encouraging visitor usage by showcasing the Swan Canning River park s natural and cultural values; with a strong Australian Sikh heritage focus, in addition to Whadjuk Noongar Aboriginal heritage. Ben Ansell - Project Officer Foundation for national parks & wildlife 11

12 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION An educational initiative of FNPW Our Backyard Buddies educational program now has a fantastic new, easy to navigate, informative website. It reinforces the concept of connectivity - the connection between our home backyard, schoolyards and the local parks that help create green corridors which in turn supports our wider Big Backyard - the National Parks across Australia. Explore and discover more about the myriad of extraordinary flora and fauna species that inhabit not just your own backyard but also our wider Australian home. Learn how you, your family, school and community groups can get involved in protecting native species. Know what to do and who to contact if you find an injured native animal. Create DIY projects and become a citizen scientist. Transform your backyard into a safe and inviting habitat haven. Purchase the latest Backyard Buddy soft toy. Keep up to date by signing-up to our bi-monthly B-Mail e-newsletter. Explore, create and connect at: backyardbuddies.org.au Education helps turn the tide on marine debris 12 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 Approximately three-quarters of the rubbish along the Australian coast is plastic. As the quantity of debris in the marine environment increases, so does the likelihood of impacts to marine animals. Even toothpaste and personal care products can have plastic microbeads in them, which can be mistakenly eaten by a range of marine species. Last summer, FNPW ran an educational awareness campaign on the hazards marine debris, particularly plastics, can pose. Funds raised by the campaign will support Australian organisations dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris, such as the Australian Marine Debris Initiative. FNPW supporters were also offered the opportunity to be part of the solution by purchasing a reusable shopping bag made from recycled plastic bottles. To order your FNPW Marine Edition Reusable Shopping Bag, call us on The price of the bags is $19, which includes delivery in Australia.

13 GOVERNANCE The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of FNPW. It does this by ensuring that FNPW has an appropriate corporate governance structure with accountability and control systems in place. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board will at all times recognise its overriding responsibility to act honestly, fairly, diligently and in accordance with applicable laws and the FNPW Constitution. The Board has established the following committees to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities; Finance and Risk Committee Fundraising and Marketing Committee Projects Committee Nominations Committee Each Committee has a charter which is approved by the Board. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is invited to attend all committee meetings. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of FNPW. The Board delegates to the CEO powers, discretions and responsibilities necessary to implement the business plans and strategies approved by the Board. Foundation for national parks & wildlife 13

14 PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS Corporate Apple Google IAG & NRMA Superannuation Pty. Ltd. Mawland Quarantine Station Pty. Ltd. Nudie Foods Perpetual Trustee Company Ltd. Pricewaterhouse Coopers Services Pty. Ltd. Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty. Ltd. SC Johnson SeaLink St. George Bank Ltd. Stuart Alexander & Co. Westpac Trusts & Foundations Beswick Family Fund Broinowski Foundation Friends of the Brushtail Rock Wallaby Humane Society Maple-Brown Family Charitable Foundation Ltd. Wildlife Land Trust PARTNERS Australian Government Diversicon Environmental Foundation K2W Alliance NSW Environmental Trust Paddy Pallin Foundation Royal Zoological Society NSW State Governments In-kind & Pro Bono Support Australian Geographic (Bauer Media Group) Chancellor Portfolio Services Fujitsu Grant Thornton Marsh Pty. Ltd. Q Station BEQUESTS Carl Elston Reginald Dudley Ryan 14 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017

15 TAH Thank you for loving Australia s unique environment and taking that extra step to help its ongoing conservation and protection through your support of FNPW. Together we can protect our habitat and preserve the animals that live there, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife ABN The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife was incorporated on 29 June 1970 as a company limited by guarantee. FNPW is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status from the Australian Taxation Office. As a national entity, FNPW has approval to undertake fundraising activities in each Australian State and Territory. Website Facebook FNPW.1970 Youtube fnpw1970 Post GPO Box 2666, SYDNEY NSW 2001 Phone fnpw@fnpw.org.au Foundation for national parks & wildlife 15

16 The natural world isn t just a physical necessity it s a spiritual necessity, too. Denatured places and communities are the poorest and harshest in the world. This organic world is our home our only home. Tim Winton Printed on 100% recycled paper. Creating parks, saving species fnpw.org.au