Portfolio Budget Statements 2006-07
Environment and Heritage Portfolio
Budget initiatives and explanations of appropriations specified by outcomes and outputs by agency
Budget Related Paper No. 1.7
ISBN 1 741 77538 8
Agency Budget Statements (continued)
Department of the Environment and Heritage (continued)
Tables in this section
Section 3 - Outcomes (continued)
3.3 Outcomes Resourcing - Outcome 1 Environment (continued)
Performance information for Outcome 1
| (A) Effectiveness – overall achievement of the outcome | ||
|---|---|---|
| Focus of work | Performance indicator | |
| Climate change | ||
| Greenhouse gas emissions | Percentage of total emissions in Australia by sector: (i) stationary energy, (ii) transport, (iii) fugitive emissions, (iv) industrial processes, (v) agriculture, (vi) land use change and forestry, and (vii) waste Actual and projected greenhouse emissions in Australia (megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) from 1990 base compared with business as usual |
|
| Land and inland waters | ||
| Key threats to terrestrial biodiversity2 | Number of threat abatement plans (i) being prepared or revised, and (ii) in operation Of those listed key threatening processes on the land that require a threat abatement plan, the percentage that have threat abatement plans in operation |
|
| Native vegetation (including forests) | Percentage change in native vegetation cover, using the National Carbon Accounting System | |
| Protected wetlands2 | Area of Ramsar–listed wetlands Percentage of Ramsar–listed wetlands with management plans in operation |
|
| Parks and other terrestrial protected areas3 | Area of land protected and managed through the National Reserve System Programme, including area of declared Indigenous protected areas Percentage of protected areas (other than Indigenous protected areas) that have been gazetted |
|
| Coasts and oceans | ||
| Estuaries and coastal waters | Number of water quality improvement plans and associated interim projects completed or under development Number of Australian Government obligations under the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan either completed or in progress4 |
|
| Recovery of threatened marine wildlife5 | Number of recovery plans (i) being prepared and (ii) in operation Percentage of listed threatened terrestrial species and ecological communities with recovery plans in operation |
|
| Key threats to marine biodiversity6 | Number of threat abatement plans (i) being prepared or revised, and (ii) in operation Of those listed key threatening processes in the oceans that require a threat abatement plan, the percentage that have threat abatement plans in operation |
|
| Fisheries | Percentage of environmental recommendations implemented under the EPBC Act assessments of fisheries management | |
| Marine protected areas7 | Area of Commonwealth reserves and conservation zones managed by the DEH for the DNP Percentage of protected areas managed by the DEH for the DNP with management plans in operation |
|
| Heritage | ||
| Protected heritage areas | Number of nominations for heritage listing, places assessed and decisions taken on listing Total numbers of (i) World Heritage areas, (ii) national heritage places, (iii) Commonwealth heritage places and (iv) areas declared for protection of Indigenous heritage Progress in the development of management plans for (i) World Heritage areas, (ii) national heritage places and (iii) Commonwealth heritage places |
|
| Protected heritage objects8 | Number of assessments of protected objects completed and decisions on protection | |
| Human settlements | ||
| Environmental Assessments9 | Number of actions affecting matters protected by Part 3 of the EPBC Act whose adverse environmental impacts have been addressed | |
| Wildlife Protection | Number of recovery plans (i) being prepared and (ii) in operation Percentage of listed threatened terrestrial species and ecological communities with recovery plans in operation |
|
| Air Pollution | Trends in the concentrations of key air pollutants in ambient air quality in major urban areas National Environment Protection Measures for air quality are implemented and reviewed to provide world best–practice in the protection of community health Australian Fuel Quality Standards are implemented, and further harmonised with international standards |
|
| Packaging waste10 | Australian Government action plan developed and implemented by 2007 Agreement is reached by end 2006 to manage impacts of plastic bags over future years |
|
| Waste oil11 | Number of waste oil collection facilities under the Product Stewardship for Oil Programme Area serviced by collection facilities |
|
| Ozone depleting substances12 | Mass of imports compared to Montreal Protocol limits | |
| Hazardous substances and new organisms | Number of environmental risk assessments of (i) industrial chemicals and (ii) agricultural pesticides and veterinary medicines completed Number of genetically modified organism release proposals for which environmental risk advice was prepared |
|
| Biofuels Task Force | Fuel sampling numbers increased by 100% Vehicle testing programme (E5 and E10) and Health Study completed by 2007 |
|
| Uranium mining13 | Percentage measured as (i) median and (ii) maximum annual concentrations of the limit of uranium concentrations allowed downstream of the Ranger mine (6 micrograms per litre) Number of times limit exceeded |
|
| (B) Performance indicators for administered items including third party outputs14 | ||
| Administered and Departmental items related to climate change15 | Performance indicator | |
| Emissions management | ||
| Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund Solar Cities Advanced Electricity Storage Technologies Wind forecasting capability Action on Energy Efficiency Challenge Plus Local Greenhouse Action Low Emissions Technology and Abatement Greenhouse Gas Abatement Programme Alternative Fuels Conversion Programme Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme Renewable Energy Commercialisation Programme Photovoltaic Rebate Programme Renewable Energy Equity Fund Greenhouse Action to Enhance Sustainability in Regional Australia |
Effect | Effectiveness of support for greenhouse response within sectors Reported abatement activity including emissions reductions and energy savings Extent of engagement of key stakeholders Extent of support for long–term low emission technology uptake Estimated cost (Government funds) of greenhouse abatement ($ per tonne) |
| Quality | Reporting systems are appropriately targeted Risks to programme delivery identified and managed |
|
| Quantity | Investment dollars (or contributory funding) leveraged by projects and programmes from other parties | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| International engagement16 | ||
| Influencing International Climate Change Policy | Effect | Extent of influence in key international, regional and bilateral climate change processes on issues for which the DEH has lead responsibility |
| Quantity | Number of initiatives delivered through key international, regional and bilateral processes | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Understanding of climate change | ||
| Climate Change Science Programme National Climate Change Adaptation Programme Emissions Measurement and Analysis Strategic National Response |
Effect | Investment dollars (or in–kind contribution) leveraged from other parties for climate change science priorities Extent to which climate change policy is integrated in national policies and programmes and inter‑jurisdictional processes Trends in community responses to key policy issues Climate change publications that meet targeted stakeholder needs |
| Quality | Comprehensiveness and timeliness of monitoring and public reporting on the implementation of programmes Development of consistent measurement of abatement across programmes |
|
| Quantity | Number of reports and submissions made in accordance with national and international commitments and level of user interest | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Administered items related to land and inland waters | Performance indicator | |
| Australian Biological Resources Study Participatory Grants Programme | Effect | Number of taxa revised or newly described under the programme Number of peer reviewed taxonomic information products produced or funded by the programme |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Protecting Australia’s Biodiversity Hotspots | Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) |
| Quantity | Number of interventions to protect identified hotspots Number of projects funded |
|
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Natural Heritage Trust (Landcare, Bushcare and Rivercare Programmes)17 | Effect | Percentage of natural resource management regions that have an accredited natural resource management plan Percentage of natural resource management regions that have an approved investment strategy |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Australian Government’s Community Water Grants Programme | Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
Strengthening Tasmania – Tamar River Piling Project |
Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| A sustainable future for Tasmania | Effect | Proportion of Forest Conservation Fund reservation target met. Improved access to forest areas for tourists. |
| Quality | Level of landowner involvement in voluntary forest reservation programme. Increased private tourism investment initiated through tourism funding. | |
| Quantity | Area of private land reserved under the Forest Conservation Fund. | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Administered items related to coasts and oceans | Performance indicator | |
| Natural Heritage Trust (Coastcare Programme)18 | Effect | (See the indicators for the Trust related to land and inland waters) |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Development of Sewerage Schemes for Boat Harbour and Sisters Beach, Tasmania | Effect | Extent to which the project will achieve Government objectives |
| Quantity | Number of milestones achieved compared with those specified in the contract | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Administered items related to heritage | Performance indicator | |
| National Trusts Partnership Programme | Effect | Extent to which National Trust activities support the new National Heritage system |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Regional Natural Heritage Programme | Effect | Extent to which conservation of biodiversity hotspots in South–East Asia and the Pacific region is enhanced |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Indigenous Heritage Programme | Effect | Extent to which support for Indigenous people increases the awareness and management of Indigenous heritage places nationally |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| National Cultural Heritage Account | Effect | Extent to which the preservation of heritage objects is increased by assisting their acquisition by Australian collecting institutions |
| Quantity | Number of objects acquired | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Protecting Australia’s Biodiversity Hotspots (Daintree Conservation Initiative) | Quality | Extent to which recovery of the cassowary and protection of Daintree lowlands is improved |
| Quantity | Number of cassowary conservation activities funded Number of rainforest conservation activities funded |
|
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Strengthening Tasmania – Low Head Historic Precinct Project | Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| National Heritage Investment Initiative | Effect | Extent to which conservation of places of outstanding heritage value to the nation is improved, particularly places on the National Heritage list |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Churches and cathedrals | Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Duyfken Voyage – additional funding | Effect | Sponsorship of the Duyfken voyage from Western Australia to the east coast |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement (target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | All required payments made. | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006-07 Budget Estimates | |
| HMAS Sydney II - Search | Effect | Contribution to the implementation and completion of search. |
| Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement (target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | All required payments made. | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006-07 Budget Estimates | |
| Administered items related to human settlements | Performance indicator | |
| Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities | Effect | The extent to which funded projects successfully contribute to furthering Australia’s understanding of critical areas of environment research |
| Quality | Percentage of projects delivered to a satisfactory standard in accordance with the terms and conditions of the project contract (Target: 100%) | |
| Quantity | Number of projects funded | |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Commonwealth contribution to the National Environment Protection Council Service Corporation | Quality | Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) |
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Account19 | Effect | The Australian Government’s obligations under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (the Act) are met, including effective administration of the Act, management of the Halon Bank and programmes to phase out ozone depleting substances and minimise emissions of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gas |
| Quality | Licence and enforcement actions are undertaken within statutory timeframes Supplies of essential use halon are provided within the requested timeframe Percentage of facility inspections meets local ordinance requirements Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding |
|
| Quantity | Number of licence applications Number of alleged breaches Number of requests for halon supply Number of facility inspections Number of projects funded |
|
| Price | Refer Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| Launceston’s air quality | Effect | Reduction in particle emissions from industry facilities funded under the Launceston Clean Air Industry Programme |
| Price | Refer to Table 3.1 for 2006–07 Budget Estimates | |
| (C) Performance indicators for individual outputs | ||
| Output | Performance indicator | |
| For each output (see Table 1.1 and Figure 4) |
Quality | Policy advisor role |
| The Minister is satisfied with the timeliness and accuracy of briefs and draft ministerial correspondence provided by the Department | ||
| Provider role20 | ||
| Percentage of payments that are consistent with the terms and conditions of funding (Target: 100%) | ||
| Regulator role | ||
| Percentage of statutory timeframes triggered that are met (Target: >90%)21 | ||
| Price | Refer to Table 3.1 for 2006-07 Budget Estimates | |
| 1 Additional effectiveness indicators are listed for each administered item, including the Trust (below). Some of the indicators shown (e.g. numbers of plans, numbers of assessments) are proxy indicators for the environmental outcomes of departmental activities. It is not feasible to monitor all of the environmental outcomes of departmental activities on an annual basis. However the DEH publishes many reports that contain subject–specific information about the outcomes of particular projects. 2 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the EPBC Act. 3 Detailed performance results for Commonwealth reserves will appear in annual reports of the Director of National Parks (DNP). 4 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the implementation of the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan. 5 Detailed performance results for Commonwealth reserves will appear in annual reports of the DNP 6 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the EPBC Act. 7 Detailed performance results for Commonwealth reserves will appear in annual reports of the DNP. 8 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986. 9 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the EPBC Act. 10 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 (these reports are submitted to the Parliament early in the calendar year). 11 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000. 12 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. 13 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Environment Protection (Alligator Rivers Region) Act 1978. 14 The table shows only those items receiving an appropriation for 2006–07. 15 Programmes listed under the headings ‘Emissions management’ and ‘Understanding of climate change’ share the adjacent indicators shown in the right hand column. The programmes shown in italics are funded entirely through Departmental Appropriations. The DEH will include these results when reporting on the performance of the administered items. 16 The programmes shown in italics are funded entirely through Departmental Appropriations and are not administered items but the DEH will include their results when reporting on the performance of the administered items. 17 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997. The Natural Heritage Trust funding is invested at three levels – national, regional and local. These levels accommodate the Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare and Coastcare investment themes. 18 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997. Natural Heritage Trust funding is invested at three levels – national, regional and local. These levels accommodate the Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare and Coastcare investment themes. 19 Detailed performance results will appear in annual reports on the operation of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. 20 This indicator only applies to the administration of grants programmes funded entirely from the DEH’s appropriation for the output. 21 Includes explicit reporting on timeframes triggered under the EPBC Act for Output 1.5. |
||
Evaluations for Outcome 1
In October 2005 the Natural Heritage Ministerial Board appointed a Ministerial Reference Group for Future Natural Resource Management Programme Delivery (which includes consideration of, in particular, the regional elements of the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP)) to provide the Board with strategic advice on possible future directions of natural resource management programmes.
In late 2005 the Natural Heritage Ministerial Board approved ten evaluations of the NAP and NHT at the national level relating to:
- biodiversity outcomes of regional investment;
- the outcomes of regional investment relating to significant invasive vegetation species (weeds);
- current governance arrangements to support regional investment;
- salinity outcomes of regional investment;
- sustainable agricultural outcomes of regional investment;
- the impact of the national NRM Facilitator Network (which comprises the Australian Government NRM Facilitators (Coastcare, Rivercare, Landcare and Bushcare); the strategic regional facilitators; the Local Government NRM Facilitators and the Indigenous Land Management Facilitators);
- the Australian Government Envirofund;
- the National Investment Stream of the NHT;
- coastal, estuarine and marine outcomes of regional investment; and
- the effectiveness of Bilateral Agreements between the Australian Government and State/Territory Governments for the regional component of the NHT extension.
Finalised evaluations are available on the www.nrm.gov.au website. Ministers are currently considering the Ministerial Reference Group report.
Budget statements
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