Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Evaluation and conclusions

The projects under the National Environmental Research Program (NERP) program were managed and reviewed through hub steering committees and six-monthly progress reports. These reviews of progress informed the priorities of each hub’s 2013 annual work plan. The NERP program guidelines require an evaluation within four years of program establishment.

The Australian Biological Resources Study is contributing to furthering our knowledge of the taxonomy of Australia’s flora and fauna. Over the last 12 months, research projects funded by the Australian Biological Resources Study have resulted in the description of 32 new genera and 273 new species.

Bush Blitz has now completed its survey schedule. Since 2009 the program has undertaken a total of 17 species discovery surveys to more than 60 National Reserve System properties totalling over 3 million hectares. To date, the program has discovered more than 650 new species. Bush Blitz taxonomy contracts awarded to participating Bush Blitz scientists are helping to describe and publish these new species.

Following the proclamation of the new Commonwealth marine reserves, 40 of Australia’s 41 provincial marine bioregions are now represented in Commonwealth reserves.

Management plans for all new Commonwealth marine reserves are in place in advance of their implementation on the water.

The access and benefit-sharing regime administered by the department continues to be held in high regard internationally as countries around the world seek to implement the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol.

The Reef Plan 2011 (third) Report Card, produced under the joint Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting program, was released in April 2013. The report card presents monitoring data up to June 2011 and shows good progress, with 34 per cent of sugarcane growers, 17 per cent of graziers and 25 per cent of horticulture producers adopting improved management practices reducing nutrient and sediment loads into the reef. As a result of this practice change and Reef Rescue investment from July 2008 to June 2011 there was pollutant load reductions of
12.6 per cent in soluble nutrients (as indicated by dissolved inorganic nitrogen), 14.6 per cent reduction in pesticides, 5.6 per cent reduction in sediment and 5.2 per cent reduction in particulate nutrients (as indicated by particulate nitrogen).

Tangible and well-documented project and program (including research) outputs will underpin the capacity to measure and report progress towards meeting the objectives of the Biodiversity Fund. More broadly, this will enable measuring and reporting against the objectives of key overarching Australian conservation policies, including the National Wildlife Corridors Plan, Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework, the achievements of the Land Sector Package and the Clean Energy Future plan as a whole.

A Biodiversity Fund Monitoring and Reporting Framework was considered by the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board in November 2012. The framework was integrated into the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) Strategy for Caring for our Country and the Biodiversity Fund, and was made publically available in April 2013 at: www.nrm.gov.au/funding/meri.

The MERI strategy provides a consistent and integrated approach to monitoring and reporting, and supports a process of continual improvement by identifying what has worked well and lessons learned. Biodiversity Fund program monitoring will be underpinned by three types of monitoring data: recipient monitoring at the site level, targeted scientific monitoring to inform program progress, and landscape scale, research and other data including remote sensing monitoring.

Statutory requirements under the EPBC Act for the development and review of threat abatement plans were met. Assessments of the environmental performance of fisheries under the EPBC Act were completed for six Commonwealth-managed fisheries, 17 fisheries managed by the states and territories and one small-scale operation.

Results for Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators

Program 1.1: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and the Environment

Deliverables	2012–13 Results
Delivering on the final reporting requirements for the first five-year phase Caring for our Country.	The 2010–11 and 2011–12 report cards were released. The Caring for our Country Achievements Report is being finalised.
Developing the next phase of Caring for our Country from 2013–14 based on the findings of the review of the initiative in consultation with stakeholders.	Consultations were conducted between June and August 2012, commencing with the launch of Caring for our Country: An Outline for the Future 2013–18. The broad design of sustainable environment elements of Caring for our Country was launched by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities through Australia’s first biodiversity conservation investment prospectus, One Land – Many Stories: Prospectus of Investment 2013–14 on 10 December 2012. The prospectus was supported by guidelines for each grants program. Caring for our Country funding rounds conducted in 2012–13 for funding from 2013–14 included: Regional Delivery Target Area Grants Community Environment Grants Reef Rescue Working on Country and Indigenous Protected Area programs. The new Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Improvement Strategy: Caring for our Country and the Biodiversity Fund was developed and released in April 2013, ahead of phase 2 of the program.
Investing in projects under the annual Caring for our Country business plans.	Over $12 million in projects were funded through the 2012–13 business plan.
Developing Indigenous partnerships that engage Indigenous communities in delivering Caring for our Country outcomes.	Over $220 million was approved over five years to June 2013 and over 690 Indigenous rangers were employed under Working on Country, which is part of the Caring for our Country initiative.
A more comprehensive, representative and resilient National Reserve System.	The National Reserve System increased to over 16.5 per cent of Australia’s landmass. Over 127 million hectares are now protected, conserving examples of our unique landscapes, plants and animals for future generations.
Ensuring the continued use, support and reinvigoration of traditional ecological knowledge to underpin biodiversity conservation.	Both the Working on Country and Indigenous Protected Area programs supported Indigenous Caring for our Country activities, including the use, recording and transfer of traditional ecological knowledge.
Investing in projects to protect and conserve biodiversity and natural icons including environmental stewardship.	Caring for our Country invested in targeted activities to protect national icons and biodiversity. Funded activities focused on improving outcomes for nationally threatened species and ecological communities, enhancing habitat condition and connectivity and strengthening ecological resistance to climate change and other pressures.
Continuing to invest in Working on Country and support Indigenous communities to manage the natural and cultural values of their country.	Support has been expanded to provide training and employment to 730 Indigenous rangers by June 2015. Twelve new Indigenous ranger positions were delivered as part of the expansion of Working on Country in the Northern Territory under the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory policy and support was provided for two new remote ranger groups.
Investing in projects that address threats to the Great Barrier Reef.	$53.84 million was invested in the Reef Rescue program during 2012–13. This included funding for Land and Sea Country Partnerships, which strengthened communications between local communities, Great Barrier Reef managers and stakeholders and worked towards building a better understanding of Traditional Owner use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Key findings of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2011 Report Card published in 2012–13, indicates good progress towards targets and that a significant proportion of the agricultural industry has adopted improved land management practices since 2009. Pollutant load reductions represent progress towards the five year Reef Rescue targets with a reduction of 12.6 per cent in soluble nutrients (84 per cent achievement of pro-rata target), 14.6 per cent in pesticides (97 per cent achievement of pro-rata target), 5.2 per cent in particulate nutrients (87 per cent achievement of pro-rata target) and 5.6 per cent in sediment (93 per cent achievement of pro-rata target).
Investing in projects that protect or conserve the values of World Heritage areas, Ramsar wetlands, critical aquatic habitats and coastal hotspots.	In 2012–13 under the Caring for our Country initiative, 47 new projects were approved which addressed targets related to Ramsar wetlands and critical aquatic habitats and coastal hotspots. These projects had a total value of $17 613 089. A further 11 new projects with a total value of $2 513 643 were approved to protect or conserve the values of Australia’s World Heritage areas.
Continuing to implement Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030.	The Australian Government undertakes a wide range of activities that directly contribute to the implementation of Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. Recent achievements include: Finalising the Australian Government National Wildlife Corridors Plan in November 2012. Funding of projects under the Biodiversity Fund and Sustainable Environment stream of the Caring for our Country initiative to conserve, protect and restore the Australian environment by making it healthier, better protected, well managed and resilient. Establishment of 40 new Commonwealth marine reserves around Australia, adding more than 2.3 million square kilometres to Australia’s marine reserve estate. The dedication of the Birriliburu IPA, comprising more than 6 million hectares; Australia now has a continuous wildlife corridor of more than 24 million hectares, taking in seven IPAs and two nature reserves.
Finalising the National Wildlife Corridors Plan and associated management arrangements.	The National Wildlife Corridors Plan was released on 4 November 2012. The National Wildlife Corridors Committee was appointed under the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board in June 2013 to oversee implementation of the plan.
Contribution towards implementation of the 2010–12 Reconciliation Action Plan, development of a second departmental Reconciliation Action Plan (2013–15) and development of Indigenous engagement guidelines.	The department’s 2013–2015 Reconciliation Action Plan focuses on mainstream policy and programs in addition to the Indigenous-specific focus of the 2013–2015 Reconciliation Action Plan. It continues the department’s commitment to the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative to overcome Indigenous disadvantage. The department’s 2010–2012 Reconciliation Action Plan was completed at the end of 2012. Department highlights included deepening relationships with Traditional Owners; making programs more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities; developing staff cultural awareness; and strengthening our position as an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Establishing a nationally consistent and effective legal framework for managing access to genetic resources to facilitate research and development while protecting biodiversity from over-exploitation.	The department continued to work with state and territory jurisdictions and key stakeholders to promote nationally consistent practice, policy and legislation that facilitates access to genetic resources and provides legal certainty for researchers and innovators.
Representing Australia’s interests in the Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES), including actions to strengthen the domestic science-policy interface.	There was Australian representation at the first meeting of the IPBES Plenary in Bonn, Germany, from 21 to 26 January 2013. Dr Mark Lonsdale, Chief of CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, was elected as co-chair of the interim Multidisciplinary Expert Panel of IPBES. There was also representation at the IPBES expert workshop—Contribution of Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems to IPBES: Building Synergies with Science, held in Tokyo, Japan, from 9 to 11 June 2013. A formal request was submitted to IPBES to perform an assessment on ‘environmental accounting: from theory to practice’.
Developing, reviewing and implementing species recovery plans and conservation advice for listed threatened species and ecological communities.	In 2012–13, 26 recovery plans were made or adopted covering 41 species and three ecological communities. In 2012–13, 27 threatened species and six ecological community conservation advices were approved.
Assessing individual Australian fisheries against the guidelines for the ecologically sustainable management of fisheries.	A total of 23 fisheries and one small-scale operation were assessed in 2012–13, with four being considered by the minister and the remainder under delegation. Four of the assessments completed included determination of non-detriment findings for the export of species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Developing threat abatement plans and threat abatement advice for key threatening processes related to invasive species.	In December 2012 the minister made a threat abatement plan to reduce the impacts on Northern Australia’s biodiversity of five listed grasses. A revised draft threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi was released for public comment from 20 February 2013 until 20 May 2013. A draft threat abatement advice for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs was prepared in consultation with state and territory governments and presented to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for review in June 2013.
Developing and implementing management arrangements for Commonwealth marine reserves.	To support the government’s intention to allow for a period of adjustment, transitional management arrangements were developed, providing certainty to marine industries and stakeholders that there would be no changes on the water for the new marine reserves until the management plans for these areas come into effect. In advance of changes coming into effect on the water for all new Commonwealth marine reserves, management plans were developed and finalised along with the management plan for the South-east network. Management plans are now in place for the entire network of Commonwealth marine reserves. The management plan for the South-east network came into effect on 1 July 2013. The remaining management plans for the four networks and the Coral Sea Reserve are due to commence on 1 July 2014. Implementation of the management plans is underway and has included the development of class approvals for the South-east network with relevant industries and arrangements with partner agencies for ongoing services.
Implementing marine bioregional plans for the South-west, North-west, North and Temperate East marine regions.	Final marine bioregional plans for the South-west, North-west, North and Temperate East marine regions were released on 27 August 2012. These plans are now supporting strategic, consistent and informed decision making under the EPBC Act. They are also providing a framework for strategic intervention and investment by government to meet policy objectives and statutory responsibilities.
Contributing to a process to ensure additional areas of Tasmanian public native forest with high conservation values are further protected through inclusion in formal legislated reserves.	The Tasmanian Forest Agreement was signed on 23 November 2012 and was made part of Tasmanian law on 3 June 2013 through the Tasmanian Forests Agreement Act. The agreement provides protection to over 500 000 hectares of native forests with important conservation values.
Contributing to a process to ensure the Tasmanian forest industry has a sustainable and guaranteed wood supply.	The Tasmanian Forest Agreement was signed on 23 November 2012 and was made part of Tasmanian law through the Tasmanian Forests Agreement Act on 3 June 2013. The agreement provides certainty to the forestry industry of a minimum of 137 000 cubic metres of high-quality sawlog annually.

Program 1.1: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and the Environment (continued)

Key Performance Indicators	2012–13 Results
National Reserve System (including Indigenous Protected Areas) to increase by five million hectares a year.	In 2012–13 eight new Indigenous Protected Areas were declared covering almost 10 million hectares.
Funded activities to address the threats by invasive species to allow regeneration and recovery of at least 10 000 hectares of high-quality native habitat or vegetation that supports critically endangered, endangered and threatened species and communities.	26 projects covering in excess of 360 000 hectares were funded to address the threats by invasive species to allow the regeneration and recovery of high quality native habitat or vegetation.
Ensured management arrangements in place for World Heritage Areas meet the requirements of the World Heritage Convention.	Management arrangements are in place for all of Australia’s World Heritage Areas, 13 of which are funded under the Caring for our Country initiative. The government invested in several projects that addressed threats to World Heritage properties, including weed and pest control, fire and visitor management and climate change modelling and planning.
By 2013, reduced by 25 per cent the discharge of dissolved nutrients and chemicals and by 10 per cent the discharge of sediment and nutrients from agricultural lands to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.	From July 2008 to December 2012, the Reef Rescue program supported more than 1100 pastoralists across 7 million hectares and more than 2300 sugarcane, horticulture, cotton and grain farmers over 1 million hectares to adopt land management practices to reduce the discharge of sediment, nutrients and chemicals into the reef lagoon. From July 2008 to December 2012 Reef Rescue investment, resulted in the following pollutant load reductions catchment wide: 12 per cent reduction in dissolved inorganic nitrogen 14.6 per cent reduction in photosynthetic II pesticides 5.6 per cent reduction in total suspended sediments 5.2 per cent reduction in particulate nitrogen. The Reef Plan 2013 Report Card will be released in late 2013 and will report on Reef Rescue investment between July 2008 to June 2013.
Responded to identified key threats to the ecological character of at least 200 000 hectares of Ramsar listed wetlands.	In 2012–13, $15.5 million was invested to address threats from invasive plant and animal species and improve land management practices in priority Ramsar wetlands and high ecological value aquatic ecosystems across Australia.
Responded to identified key threats to the environmental values of at least 500 000 hectares of (non-Ramsar) coastal and inland high conservation value aquatic ecosystems.	There are 33 projects working to protect high ecological value aquatic ecosystems. These projects are addressing threats from invasive plant and animal species and improving land management practices.
Improved water quality management priority coastal hotspots, including the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria and Tuggerah Lakes Estuary in New South Wales by funding at least 50 on-ground water quality projects.	In excess of 57 farmers adopted improved on-farm nutrient and dairy effluent and irrigation practices in the Gippsland Lakes. In the Tuggerah Lakes estuarine system, close to 1300 volunteers, along with 36 community and Indigenous organisations, were involved in on-ground activities to improve water quality management to reduce sediment in water sources feeding the lakes.
Engaged at least 500 community organisations in coastal and marine rehabilitation, restoration and conservation actions.	Caring for our Country exceeded the target of engaging at least 500 community organisations in coastal rehabilitation restoration and conservation projects under the Coastal Community Engagement target.
Facilitated involvement of Indigenous organisations or groups in at least 20 projects to achieve Caring for our Country outcomes and achieve a national target of over 690 Indigenous rangers employed under Working on Country.	Caring for our Country exceeded its target of involving Indigenous organisations or groups in at least 20 projects to achieve Caring for our Country outcomes. Over 90 Working on Country ranger teams are working across Australia, through which over 690 Indigenous rangers are employed. Twelve new Indigenous ranger positions were created as part of the Expansion of Working on Country in the Northern Territory under the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory policy.
Funded activities that will increase managed native habitat and vegetation by at least one million hectares to reduce critical threats to biodiversity and enhance the condition, connectivity and resilience of habitats and landscapes.	An additional 771 850 hectares of managed native habitat and vegetation land were approved under 38 new projects for 2012–13. Funding for these projects totalled $11 626 995.
Established threat abatement plans (as required) to guide efforts to address invasive species related key threatening processes.	In December 2012 the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities made a threat abatement plan to reduce the impacts on Northern Australia’s biodiversity of five listed grasses. A revised draft threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi was released for public comment from 20 February 2013 until 20 May 2013. A draft threat abatement advice for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs was prepared in consultation with state and territory governments and presented to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for review in June 2013. Statutory reviews were completed for three threat abatement plans: The minister decided in February 2013 the threat abatement plans for beak and feather disease affecting endangered psittacine species (2005) and the impacts of tramp ants on biodiversity in Australia and its territories (2006) are still feasible, effective and efficient. The minister decided in December 2012 the threat abatement plan for infection in amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis (2006) should be revised and threat abatement advice should be developed. Statutory reviews were initiated for four threat abatement plans: competition and land degradation by unmanaged goats (2008) competition and land degradation by rabbits (2008) predation by European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (2008) predation by feral cats (2008).
Finalised the proposed marine reserve networks for the South-west, North-west, North, Temperate and Coral Sea marine regions.	The Commonwealth marine reserve networks for the South-west, North-west, North, Temperate East and Coral Sea Reserve were proclaimed on 17 November 2012.
Ensured the representation and management of each of Australia’s provincial marine bioregions in the Commonwealth marine reserves system by 2014.	The new Commonwealth marine reserves were identified through the marine bioregional planning process as part of Australia’s commitment to establish a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas by 2012. With the proclamation of the new Commonwealth marine reserves on 17 November 2012, the Australian Government fulfilled its commitment to establish a representative network of marine protected areas in Commonwealth waters by 2012.
Selected indicators and baseline measurements established by June 2013 to support implementation and reporting on national biodiversity and native vegetation strategies.	A baseline measurement was established to support implementation and reporting on Target 1 of Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030. Further indicators and baseline measurements to align the implementation and reporting of Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030, Australia’s Strategy for the National Reserve System 2009–2030 and Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework 2012 are being pursued and will form the basis of a nationally agreed implementation plan.
Finalise National Wildlife Corridors Plan by the end of 2013 and future investments prioritised accordingly.	The National Wildlife Corridors Plan was released in November 2012. Integrated principles of connectivity described in the National Wildlife Corridors Plan into the Caring for our Country program. For example, one of the five-year outcomes of Caring for our Country is targeting connectivity and corridor investments.
Investment is prioritised consistent with a National Wildlife Corridors Plan and a landscape scale approach to biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change.	Caring for our Country 2013–18 entrenches landscape-scale approaches and the contribution of investment to connectivity at multiple scales through the five-year outcomes and the guidelines for investment.

Program 1.2: Environmental Information and Research

Deliverables	2012–13 Results
Through the National Environmental Research Program (NERP), delivering public good focused environmental research designed to engage with end users and support evidence-based decision making by environmental managers and policy makers.	There was solid progress in 2012–13 under NERP, with research across 127 projects, funded mainly through five multi-institutional research hubs. Staff from the research institutions, the department and broader portfolio worked closely to refine details of the research scope and expected outputs to ensure that research information products address the priority information needs of the portfolio. A significant number of research papers and other outputs were made publicly available in 2012–13.
Reviewing Australian Government activity in environmental information to identify opportunities for cooperation, consolidation, improvement and efficiencies.	The Independent Review of Australian Environmental Information Activity was published in March 2013. The department undertook consultation with other agencies on its findings, in the context of the National Plan for Environmental Information Initiative.
Continuing collaboration with like-minded countries to achieve reform of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) through conservation and governance reform initiatives agreed by the Commission.	Australia has worked closely with other IWC member countries to progress conservation and governance reform initiatives over the intersessional period to the IWC’s 2014 annual meeting. This included the joint hosting with the United States of a whale-watching operators workshop in Brisbane on 24 and 25 May 2013 along with adjacent meetings of the IWC Standing Working Group on Conservation Management Plans and the IWC Conservation Committee.
Providing technical and policy support for Australia’s legal action in the International Court of Justice to stop Japanese so-called ‘scientific’ whaling in the Southern Ocean.	Australia’s legal action against Japan’s program of ‘scientific’ whaling is being led by the Attorney-General’s Department. The department assisted in providing resources, policy support and technical advice. Departmental officials were included in Australia’s delegation to oral hearings in the case that were held in The Hague, The Netherlands, from 26 June to 16 July 2013.
Implementing the international whale and marine mammal conservation initiatives program.	The department continued to implement the six-year, $32 million International Whale and Marine Mammal Conservation Initiative, ensuring non-lethal whale research is aligned to the government’s overarching policy objectives.

Deliverables	2012–13 Budget Target	2012–13 Results
Number of research projects co-funded with other agencies.	102	123
Number of researchers supported under the NERP funding program.	376	603
Number of researchers supported under the Australian Biological Resources Study national taxonomic research grants program.	64	153
Number of biodiversity research projects co-funded with other agencies.	16	174

Program 1.2: Environmental Information and Research

Key Performance Indicators	2012–13 Results
A national framework is in place to guide coordinated approaches to cetacean conservation.	The department, in collaboration with the states and territories, progressed a number of national initiatives: National guidance on the management of whale and dolphin incidents in Australian waters was finalised. The National Vessel Strike Strategy was drafted and will be released for public comment early in 2013–14. The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) recovery plan was made in February 2013. The draft blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) recovery plan was released for public comment in January 2013 and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) recovery plan was drafted.
In liaison with the Australian Antarctic Division, the program of non-lethal whale and marine mammal research clearly demonstrates to the international community that all necessary conservation management questions can be addressed without the use of lethal whale research methods.	Numerous research activities funded under the program were carried out in Australia’s waters, in regional waters (Indian and Pacific Oceans) and in the Southern Ocean, including the successful Antarctic Blue Whale expedition, which was conducted in early 2013. A conference of scientists from 16 countries was held in the Republic of Korea in June 2013 to showcase non-lethal research on whales in the Southern Ocean. Outcomes of the conference were reported to the IWC Scientific Committee meeting also held in Korea in June.
Policy and technical advice to the Attorney-General’s Department is effective, accurate and timely, in supporting Australia’s case against Japan’s program of so-called ‘scientific’ whaling in the Southern Ocean.	The department was closely engaged in the provision of policy and technical advice to the Attorney-General’s Department in support of Australia’s case in the International Court of Justice, including in the lead-up to and during the conduct of the oral hearings in The Hague, The Netherlands, from 26 June to 16 July.

Key Performance Indicators	2012–13 Budget Target	2012–13 Results
NERP research information products publicly available (%).	95	95
Relative value of co-investment made by other stakeholders to NERP research projects (%).	50	54
Number of research articles, papers and notes printed in peer-reviewed research journals, books or other publications.	10	172
Number of other stakeholders organisations/groups or agencies engaged in the research process.	100	241
Number of research projects which involve researchers from three or more institutions.	50	58
A national plan to build an enduring capacity in environmental information incorporates, and builds on, foundations established for Australian Government coordination and priority setting.	Yes	The department is considering the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of Australian Environmental Information Activity in consultation with Australian Government agencies for the purposes of developing a long-term strategy for environmental information.
A formal mechanism exists for cross-agency priority setting on environmental information.	Yes	The Environmental Information Advisory Group, established under the National Plan for Environmental Information Initiative, provides a formal mechanism for cross-agency priority setting on environmental information.
Priorities agreed across Australian Government agencies inform the development of a range of environmental information products and services.	Yes	The Bureau of Meteorology released a Statement of Australian Government Requirements for Environmental Information. The statement identifies—across nine broad areas of interest—policy, research and operational activities of the Australian Government that are dependent upon environmental information.
Taxa revised or newly described under the Australian Biological Resources Study.	200	368

Program 1.3: Carbon Pollution Reduction – Land Sector Initiatives

Deliverables	2012–13 Results
Annual report to Parliament about progress of land sector measures.	The Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board Annual Report 2012–13 to be tabled in parliament as soon as practical after the end of the 2012–13 financial year.
Advice for relevant minister(s) on implementation of the land sector package.	The Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board continued to provide advice to the minister on the implementation and outcomes of a number of measures in the Land Sector Package.
Advice on coordinated research activities.	The Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board continued to successfully identify a number of areas of research collaboration across the measures in the Land Sector Package. Feedback from the board will focus on strengthening the government’s capacity to better align research with ongoing program needs and maximise investments.
Supporting projects that increase quantity and resilience of biodiverse ecosystems.	An investment of more than $270 million over six years was made across 312 Biodiversity Fund round one projects to revegetate, rehabilitate and restore around 18 million hectares of the Australian landscape over six years commencing 2011–12. Three funding rounds of the Biodiversity Fund (Northern Australia Targeted Investment 2013–14, Biodiversity Fund: round two 2013–14 and Investing in Tasmania’s Native Forests 2013–14) were conducted in 2012–13. Investment will commence in 2013–14.
Supporting projects that enhance landscape connectivity.	The 2013–2014 rounds of the Biodiversity Fund (Northern Targeted Investment 2013–14, Biodiversity Fund round two 2013–14 and Investing in Tasmania’s Native Forests 2013–14) invest in projects that improve habitat condition and connectivity through protection, enhancement or re-establishment of vegetation and in activities that manage invasive species in a connected landscape. Projects under these rounds will add to grants of more than $270 million over six years to support 312 Biodiversity Fund round one projects. Round one projects will revegetate over 100 000 hectares of land nationwide, while close to 5 million hectares will be restored and around 13 million hectares will be protected from invasive species. The majority of projects will improve connectivity within the landscape by building on and linking currently isolated habitat areas, relieving pressure on vulnerable native species and increasing the resilience of the landscape.
Regional natural resource management bodies are assisted to update regional natural resource management plans that guide land use planning to maximise carbon co-benefits such as landscape resilience and connectivity.	Under the Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund (Stream 1) the Australian Government approved over $24 million in funding over four years from 2012–13 to support 53 regional NRM organisations, in consultation with stakeholders, to update existing regional NRM plans to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation and adaptation strategies. Regional natural resource management plan updates will be underpinned by the Principles for the Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund. The principles were developed to ensure that regional natural resource management plans guide decisions relating to the location and nature of biodiversity and carbon planting projects across the landscape.
Regional natural resource management organisations are assisted to update regional natural resource management plans that guide planning for climate change impacts on the land and to maximise the environmental benefits of carbon farming.	Regional NRM organisations were funded to update regional NRM plans to address the Principles for the Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund.
Support for the restoration and protection of landscapes to improve the resilience of Australia’s landscapes to climate change impacts.	Results for supporting the restoration and protection of Australian landscapes to improve the resilience to the impacts of climate change are outlined above.
Supporting projects that provide knowledge and information for Indigenous Australians to help decision-making on whether or not to participate in the carbon market.	Through the Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund, $4.24 million (GST exclusive) over the next three years has been granted to successful applicants under the Capacity Building and Business Support stream in 2012–13.
Supporting projects that provide business development support and capacity building to develop and implement Indigenous carbon businesses.	Results for supporting projects that provide business development support and capacity building to develop and implement Indigenous Carbon Business are outlined above.
Supporting projects that provide legal and governance support to develop contractual and governance arrangements around Indigenous carbon businesses.	Results for supporting projects that provide legal and governance support to develop contractual and governance arrangements around Indigenous carbon businesses are outlined above.

Program 1.3: Carbon Pollution Reduction – Land Sector Initiatives

Key Performance Indicators	2012–13 Results
Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board—Board operational (providing advice to Ministers on Land Sector Package).	The Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board was established in November 2011 under the Climate Change Authority Act 2011. The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities tabled the 2011–12 board annual report in October 2012. The existing members were reappointed in November 2012 for staggered periods of six months and three years. The board held two face-to-face meetings and seven teleconferences in 2012–13. The Land Sector Package Key Performance Indicators were endorsed by the Board at the April 2013 meeting.
Biodiversity Fund—round one (2012–13) ongoing program implementation.	In 2012–13 the department continued to manage the 312 projects totalling more than $270 million over six years funded under Biodiversity Fund Round One.
Biodiversity Fund—round two (2012–13) developed (incorporating lessons learnt, stakeholder input, and revised processes).	Guidelines for Biodiversity Fund round two 2013–14 were launched on 11 February 2013. The 2012–13 design of Biodiversity Fund round two was based on a broad range of considerations, including information presented in the State of the Environment 2011 report, stakeholder feedback, departmental analysis and feedback from the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board. There were two additional funding rounds of the Biodiversity Fund (Northern Targeted Investment 2013–14 and Investing in Tasmania’s Native Forests 2013–14) conducted in 2012–13 for investments in 2013–14.
Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund – (Stream 1) (2012–13) commencement of program implementation.	Under the Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund (Stream 1) the Australian Government approved over $24 million in funding over four years from 2012–13 to support 53 regional natural resource management organisations, in consultation with stakeholders, to update existing regional natural resource management plans to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund – 56 regional natural resource management plans updated (with guidance for carbon bio-sequestration in the landscape).	Regional natural resource management plan updates will be underpinned by the Principles for the Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund. The principles were developed to ensure that regional natural resource management plans guide decisions relating to the location and nature of biodiversity and carbon planting projects across the landscape.
Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund – round one (2012–13) commencement of program implementation.	In 2012–13, $4.24 million (GST exclusive) over the next three years was granted to successful applicants under the Capacity Building and Business Support stream.