Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, 2009-2010 Annual Report, pages 1-20.
Chapter 1
Overview

The Hon Frank Sartor MP 
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment 
Parliament House 
Macquarie Street 
SYDNEY NSW 2000
The Hon Phillip Costa MP 
Minister for Water 
Parliament House 
Macquarie Street 
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Dear Ministers
It is my pleasure to forward to you for presentation to the New South Wales Parliament the annual report of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, covering the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.
The annual report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Annual Reports (Departments) Act 1985, the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983. The department’s combined financial statements received an unmodified opinion from the Auditor General.
Yours sincerely

Lisa Corbyn 
Director General

Director General’s review

I am pleased to present the 2009–10 annual report for the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), which this year includes information on the NSW Office of Water. This has been a big year for developing significant new legislative proposals, implementing our major programs and delivering important services on behalf of the NSW Government.
The State Plan assigns a number of major priorities to the department which have been the focus for this year’s critical programs. We have provided improved access to environmental information in a number of ways, such as through the 2009 NSW State of the Environment Report released in December 2009, the Let’s Clear the Air website, and the public Clean Air Workshop held in Wagga Wagga in April 2010.
Tackling climate change
DECCW is leading NSW’s response to climate change and oversees the delivery of climate change programs in both mitigation and adaptation, including energy efficiency programs for NSW.
This year, we rolled out the next phase of the major Save Power campaign, featuring the black balloons, resulting in increased community awareness of, and motivation to improve, energy efficiency. We also initiated the NSW Home Power Savings Program for low income households. Both these initiatives are part of the NSW Government’s $150-million Energy Efficiency Strategy to help householders and businesses reduce their energy use and save money. 
On the adaptation front, we released the NSW Climate Impact Profile and the NSW Government’s Sea Level Rise Policy Statement to help the community and local government prepare for the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities, and consulted on a proposed Coastal Protection Bill. These policies are supported by the Eastern Seaboard Climate Change Initiative, which will improve the amount and accuracy of information on the impacts of destructive weather systems along the coast. The NSW Environmental Trust has provided $750,000 over three years for this initiative.
We are also working with industry to attract new investments in renewable energy by establishing six new renewable energy precincts, and facilitating NSW-based bids for funding under the Australian Government’s Solar Flagships program.
Secure and sustainable supplies of water
The NSW Office of Water is leading significant policy and regulatory reforms in sustainable water management and assisting water utilities to provide secure and high quality water and sewerage services. This year, the Metropolitan Water Plan was progressed as was a water sharing plan for the Sydney metropolitan region. We also prepared material to be able to comment on the Australian Government’s draft Murray–Darling Basin Plan guide which will be released in October 2010.
Biodiversity and natural resource management
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity – a celebration of the value of biodiversity in our lives. In May, we signed Australia’s first biobanking agreement which will protect 80 hectares of private, high conservation land forever. This was supplemented by legislative amendments which have greatly strengthened the previous biodiversity certification provisions and are designed to help planning authorities deal with biodiversity strategically at landscape scales, rather than reactively at individual sites.
We initiated a major education campaign to promote land holder compliance with the Native Vegetation Act 2003 and are expanding and refining our use of satellite imagery to detect illegal native vegetation clearing. Our efforts to deliver environmental water to parched wetlands such as the Lowbidgee wetlands and Macquarie Marshes during the drought this year have also been unparalleled.
National parks
It has been a huge year for national parks. This year we celebrated the creation of the state’s 800th reserve following the declaration of a 2,800-hectare national park in the spectacular Capertee Valley. The NSW Government also passed legislation to create parks and reserves in the Riverina red gum forests covering 100,000 hectares, with a supporting timber industry structural adjustment and regional community development assistance package. The Government also brought forward legislative amendments to increase tourism and visitation to our parks in a low-impact way, which will help build community understanding and support for our outstanding reserve system.
Operationally, we achieved a record hazard reduction burning program across 92,000 hectares of our parks, and completed the roll-out of a new asset maintenance system. 
Aboriginal cultural heritage
This year has seen significant milestones achieved in Aboriginal cultural heritage management. The appointment of the second Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee laid the foundation for a strong partnership as we move into a major reform program. This includes passing legislative amendments to significantly strengthen the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW. Equally importantly, the NSW Government committed to consider stand-alone legislation for Aboriginal cultural heritage as part of a two-year consultation program.
A credible and efficient organisation
Our people are the key to our organisation and this was highlighted at our February 2010 senior staff conference. The many awards and the international recognition that staff received this year are testimony to the commitment and contribution of DECCW staff to environment protection and natural resource management in NSW and beyond.
Turning to our own environmental performance, we are the first NSW Government agency to be formally recognised as a Bronze Partner under the Sustainability Advantage program. We continue to look at new ways to reduce our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, for example, by expanding our use of video conferencing to reduce air travel.
I would like to thank everyone in DECCW for their contribution this year. This includes DECCW staff and the members of various boards, trusts and advisory committees we work with, including the Environment Protection Authority Board, National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, Botanic Gardens Trust and the Environmental Trust. 
This year we also established the new independent Audit and Risk Committee which has strengthened our corporate governance.
I would also like to acknowledge significant partnerships that help us deliver our important environmental programs in NSW, including those with catchment management authorities, universities and community members. 
I have been honoured to work with many Ministers, most recently Ministers Sartor and Costa this year, and appreciate the significant contribution that each has made to the environment, conservation, and natural resource and water management in NSW.

Lisa Corbyn 
Director General

EPA Board
EPA Board. Standing, left to right: Steve Beaman, Don White, Tony Wright, Robert Junor, Bev Smiles, Gerry Bates, Paul Stein, John Keniry. Seated, left to right: Lisa Corbyn, Genia McCaffery, Yvonne Stewart.
Chair’s report
Over the past year, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board has continued to independently oversee environmental regulation in NSW and advise on environmental policy and programs. 
During 2009–10, the Board continued to progress whole-of-government collaboration and joint regulatory enforcement regarding environmental issues. This included meeting with the Directors General from Industry and Investment NSW and the NSW Department of Planning, to strategically approach the cumulative impacts of coal mining using land use planning. 
The Board endorsed the Enforceable Undertakings Policy, which allows the EPA to accept a written undertaking relating to an actual or potential breach of the Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997 (POEO Act). This policy broadens the options available to the EPA for producing the best results in terms of lasting compliance with the law, redressing environmental harm and obtaining a lasting benefit for the environment. The EPA has used enforceable undertakings judiciously, reflecting the importance of maintaining regulatory credibility when choosing between legal proceedings and administrative responses to non-compliance. 
Regulatory decisions taken by the Board included approving the EPA to grant a regulatory exemption for the use of a limited type of native forest biomaterial to maintain a new cogeneration plant as a renewable energy facility. After considering the technical and financial circumstances at the sugar mill plant from which the biomaterial is sourced, the Board approved the exemption on the condition that the company addressed the operational issues within a two-year period and limited sourcing native forest biomaterial to land subject to the relevant development approvals. 
The Board approved an exemption to the POEO Clean Air Regulation for emissions expected to occur during the maintenance of a proposed insulation manufacturing plant in Newcastle. The Board supported the EPA’s assessment that there would be no adverse impacts on human health or the environment, and considered the potential for saving greenhouse gas emissions offered by the company’s production of thermal insulation protection for buildings. Also considered were community concerns about the cumulative particulate emissions associated with industrial activity in the region. 
The Board reviewed the progress of reforms to the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 and provided input to, and endorsed, the financial assurance policy for waste facilities. This policy will ensure that funds are available to rehabilitate sites where individual operators fail to protect the environment at waste facilities. 
The Board’s visit to Wagga Wagga was planned to coincide with the air quality workshop in April 2010. This provided an opportunity to coordinate the collaboration between key stakeholders to identify the causes of particulate pollution levels and develop a better approach to improving regional air quality. 
The Board supports the department’s use of social research to inform ongoing improvements to its regulation. The Board reviewed the outcomes of this social research as well as waste data for sectors such as the building construction industry and waste tyre disposal. Outcomes from this research are being used to develop better targeted waste compliance campaigns. 
On behalf of the EPA Board, I would like to thank DECCW’s Director General, Lisa Corbyn, and staff for their significant efforts and acknowledge their commitment and dedication to the protection of our environment.
Paul Stein 
Chair

About DECCW

Our vision
A healthy environment for life
Our values
As individual staff, as work teams and as a department we seek to:
1. Protect the environment
We understand that the health of the environment underpins our social and economic prosperity as well as the health and wellbeing of the community.
2. Recognise the rights and status of Aboriginal people
We respect the unique rights and status of Aboriginal people based on their prior and continuing occupation of the land and waters of NSW, including the right to self-determination in economic, social and cultural development. We also acknowledge the importance of connection to Country for community wellbeing.
3. Act with integrity
We are ethical, impartial and honest. We are also open, accessible and accountable to the community and each other.
4. Act professionally
We treat everyone with respect. We need to be responsive and flexible and to get things done quickly and effectively. We base our decisions on facts, analysis and community values. We encourage debate but we speak with one voice once a decision has been made.
5. Work collaboratively
We value the knowledge, skills and experience of the people we work with. We encourage teamwork and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes.
6. Be innovative
We bring energy and creativity to our work. We will learn and improve by questioning, challenging and thinking about the future. 
7. Work safely
We aim to have the best health and safety practices.
Who we are
The NSW Government created the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) through the publication of Administrative Orders effective from 1 July 2009. These orders changed the name of the former Department of Environment and Climate Change and combined its responsibilities with the water management responsibilities of the former Department of Water and Energy. 
This report covers the activities of DECCW from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010. The Botanic Gardens Trust, the NSW Environmental Trust and the 13 catchment management authorities, as separate statutory authorities, produce their own annual reports.
DECCW has responsibilities and powers under legislation for environment protection (including pollution, chemicals, waste and radiation); natural resource management (including native vegetation and coastal management); national parks and marine parks; native plants and animals; water extraction, management and supply; and the protection of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage.
DECCW is a regulator and manager of land and water. It develops policy and delivers programs across a wide range of areas, including programs to address the impacts of climate change in NSW. It leads policy and reform in sustainable water management, and guides the sustainable management of other natural resources including coastal environments and floodplains. DECCW manages more than 6.7 million hectares of parks and reserves, which is nearly 8.5% of all land in NSW, and 345,000 hectares of marine parks covering approximately 34% of NSW waters.
DECCW also provides staff, services and other support to the Botanic Gardens Trust, the NSW Environmental Trust, the NSW Marine Parks Authority, the Lord Howe Island Board, 13 catchment management authorities and the NSW Dam Safety Committee. In regulatory matters for environment protection, DECCW acts under the powers of the statutory Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The independent EPA Board provides policy direction and approves significant prosecutions and exemptions under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. 
DECCW supports the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and the Minister for Water in performing their executive and statutory functions.
What we do
DECCW manages:
•	climate change and greenhouse gas issues
•	sustainability programs, including environmental education, energy efficiency and water conservation programs, and renewable energy policies including the Climate Change Fund
•	air quality, water quality and noise control programs
•	regulation of chemicals, radiation and contaminated sites 
•	programs to reduce waste, litter and illegal dumping
•	national parks and conservation reserves, including marine parks and aquatic reserves
•	biodiversity, threatened species and native vegetation issues
•	policy and science issues relating to natural resources and catchment management 
•	environmental water recovery and management issues
•	water resource sustainability issues
•	water and sewerage utilities planning and operational issues
•	coastal and floodplain programs
•	Aboriginal cultural heritage and historic sites
•	botanic gardens at Sydney (the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain), Mount Annan and Mount Tomah.
Our approach 
1.	We offer information, education and incentives to help the community’s decision making, to protect and improve the environment, to use water wisely and to understand the linkages between economic, social and environmental decisions.
2.	We regulate activities using a mix of tools according to the risk these activities pose to the environment, water resources, human health or Aboriginal cultural heritage.
3.	We work in partnership with people in government, business and the community to develop and deliver sustainable environmental, conservation and water use solutions.
4.	We respect Aboriginal culture, both traditional and contemporary, and the special relationship that Aboriginal people have with Country, and seek to incorporate their knowledge, insights, values and involvement into efforts to conserve and protect the environment.
5.	We manage nearly 8.5% of NSW land for conservation, education and public enjoyment.
6.	We provide facilities and services to encourage the use of parks and reserves for regional development, sustainable recreation, tourism, education and scientific purposes.
7.	We contribute to public debate about solutions to environmental, conservation and water use problems.
8.	We deliver the best available scientific information to support environmental and cultural heritage policy, regulation and conservation objectives.
Our work with government
DECCW works collaboratively with a wide range of other government agencies to deliver services to the community. DECCW is part of the Environment, Climate Change and Water super-agency cluster, and is represented on the Directors General Executive Committee that drives the implementation of the NSW Government’s service delivery priorities and public sector management, particularly in relation to the NSW State Plan. 
DECCW is a member of a number of CEO groups that facilitate cross-agency coordination to deliver government priorities, including the:
•	Natural Resources and Environment CEO Cluster
•	CEO Business and Economic Development Cluster
•	Climate Change CEOs
•	Planning and Approvals Chief Executive Group
•	Counter Terrorism Cluster
•	Metropolitan Water CEOs
•	Power Stations CEOs
•	Senior Executive Network. 
Nationally, DECCW contributes to the delivery of significant reforms in the areas of climate change, water, natural resource management, regulatory reform, chemicals, air quality and water management through the Council for the Australian Federation, the Council of Australian Governments and its working groups, and ministerial councils.
Our clients and stakeholders
DECCW values its relationships with external stakeholders and recognises their valuable role in supporting environmental initiatives. External stakeholders include potential partners in environment protection and opinion makers inside and outside government. DECCW has involved the community in:
•	the development of legislation, policies and guidelines
•	the review of environment protection licences
•	the development of conservation plans
•	the development of water sharing plans
•	the development of wilderness declarations
•	the development of conservation agreements with a statutory authority or another minister
•	practical strategies to promote sustainable living
•	participation in environmental activities, including visiting national parks and volunteering to work in parks or on projects promoting sustainability.
Our resources
•	We manage over 800 national parks and reserves covering more than 6.7 million hectares of land (or nearly 8.5% of NSW) for conservation, education and public enjoyment
•	We manage six marine parks covering more than 345,100 hectares of NSW waters, and 12 aquatic reserves.
•	As at 30 June 2010 we employ 4,321 staff, more than 2,000 of whom are regionally based.
•	Each year, about 4,000 volunteers contribute more than 170,000 volunteer hours to environmental activities in parks and reserves.
•	We manage a total operating budget of around $1.4 billion.
State of the Environment
The three-yearly New South Wales State of the Environment 2009 report was released in December 2009. It examines the main environmental issues for NSW, the challenges faced, the gains made and where more work needs to be done. The report provides credible, scientifically-based, statewide environmental information for governments, interest groups and the community.
Key findings of the 2009 report show:
•	a continued improvement to air quality in NSW, with four out of six major air pollutants continuing to comply with national air quality standards
•	a five-fold increase in the percentage of land protected for Aboriginal cultural values over the past three years to more than 2.3 million hectares
•	improvement in the management of native vegetation, including marked reductions in approved clearing
•	improvements to environmental water flows in some of NSW’s most stressed inland rivers and wetlands following the purchase of water entitlements
•	a 19% increase in kerbside waste recycling since 2000.
Among the environmental challenges facing NSW, the report records a loss of native species; poor river health; and increased greenhouse gas emissions, resource use and energy consumption.
The report highlights the need for continuing efforts to address:
•	air quality issues, in the form of ground level ozone in Sydney and particles in rural areas
•	pressures on biodiversity
•	river and wetland health
•	moving towards sustainable consumption of resources and commodities
•	greenhouse gas emissions
•	preparing NSW for unavoidable changes in our climate.
The report is available on www.environment.nsw.gov.au/soe/soe2009.

Our priorities
DECCW’s corporate plan sets out goals, outcomes, objectives and priorities. The corporate plan was updated during 2009–10 to reflect the newly expanded department, as well as the release of an updated NSW State Plan. This annual report for 2009–10 reports on performance according to the goals set out in the corporate plan and NSW State Plan.
Our corporate plan 
The following table summarises the goals, outcomes and objectives in the DECCW corporate plan 2010 update, and how they relate to the NSW Government’s priorities contained in the State Plan – Investing in a Better Future (2010).

Goals	Outcomes	Objectives	NSW State Plan Priorities	
Climate change and its impacts are minimised to protect the environment, the economy and community wellbeing	Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced
Communities are supported and active in adapting to climate change 
The increased risks to life, livelihoods, property and the environment from coastal erosion, flooding, bushfires and droughts are minimised and managed
Individuals, families, communities, businesses and government all adopt sustainable practices, reducing adverse impacts and achieving cost savings	NSW greenhouse gas mitigation measures are in place to complement national climate change programs
Government, businesses and the wider community are aware of potential climate change impacts, and use this information to inform their decisions
More efficient use of energy, water and materials
Improved understanding of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, water resources, coastal environments and bushfire regimes	Tackle climate change
Lead agency
Develop a clean energy future
Partner agency
Reduce waste
Lead agency
Improve air quality
Lead agency
Protect our native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways
Lead agency
Secure sustainable supplies of water and use our water more wisely
Lead agency
Strengthen Aboriginal communities
Partner agency
Increase the number of people using parks
Partner agency
DECCW makes significant contributions to various other State Plan priorities. For further details see the DECCW Corporate Plan at www.environment.nsw.gov.au.
	
A healthier and cleaner environment protecting both ecological and human health	Pollution and other adverse environmental impacts are prevented, reduced or mitigated
Degraded environments are remediated or restored
Community wellbeing is improved
Unnecessary regulation is eliminated	Harmful emissions to air, land and water are reduced
The number of significantly contaminated sites is reduced
Community and environmental exposure to chemicals, radiation, noise, dust, waste, odour and vibration is reduced
Effective and more streamlined environmental regulatory and approval processes are in place to achieve environmental outcomes		
Integrated landscape management for long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability	The condition of natural resources is improved
Biodiversity and native vegetation are protected and restored
An integrated system of public and private lands is managed for the conservation of natural and cultural values
Parks, reserves and gardens contribute to increased tourism, community wellbeing and regional development
Aboriginal culture and heritage is protected and revitalised
Aboriginal people’s participation in land, water and natural resource management and conservation is increased	The health of wetlands, waterways, rivers, floodplains and riparian ecosystems is managed
The extent and condition of native vegetation is improved
Native species of flora and fauna are protected and conserved in healthy populations
More land is managed for conservation outcomes
A sustainable range of opportunities is provided for visitors to enjoy national parks, marine parks, reserves and botanic gardens
Fire, pest animals and weeds are managed in cooperation with neighbours and other agencies to protect parks and neighbouring lands
Historic heritage in parks and gardens is managed for the conservation and presentation of cultural values
Aboriginal people are supported in the practice, promotion and renewal of their cultures
Aboriginal community capacity to manage Country is increased		
Secure and sustainable supplies of water, and water is used more wisely	Water use in NSW is sustainable in the long term
Households and businesses continue to have access to safe, reliable, appropriately priced water and sewerage services	The water needs of the environment and other water users in regional and metropolitan NSW are balanced
Water supplies are secure and sustainable under a changed climate
Groundwater systems can better support dependent ecosystems and the range of designated beneficial uses
Urban water and sewerage services are well managed, efficient and equitable		
A credible, efficient and effective organisation	A responsive and adaptable organisation that delivers
An organisation where people want to work	DECCW leads in sustainability and environmental performance within the NSW Government
DECCW is a safe and healthy workplace that values staff and encourages innovation
Our systems, processes and relationships are aligned and working well together
DECCW has skilled people and smart systems in place
Good knowledge and information are available to make decisions
Internal and external connections are developed and renewed
Customers are satisfied with DECCW services
Volunteer participation in, and community support for, the environment and conservation is increased		

Executive and organisational structure
Our executive
At 30 June 2010, DECCW’s executive management team comprised the Director General and 13 senior officers.

Standing left to right: Stephen Beaman (Acting Director, Executive Services), Zoe de Saram (Executive Director, Departmental Performance Management and Communication (after April 2010)), Bob Conroy (Executive Director, Parks and Wildlife), Norman Laing (Executive Director, Country, Culture and Heritage), Sally Barnes (Deputy Director General, Parks and Wildlife), Tim Rogers (Executive Director, Departmental Performance Management and Communication (until April 2010)), Simon Smith (Deputy Director General, Climate Change, Policy and Programs), Kate Wilson (Executive Director, Scientific Services), Steve Garrett (Executive Director, Legal Services).
Sitting left to right: Stephanie Cross (Executive Director, Corporate Services), Lisa Corbyn (Director General), Tim Entwisle (Executive Director, Botanic Gardens Trust), Joe Woodward (Deputy Director General, Environment Protection and Regulation).
Absent: David Harriss (Deputy Director General and Commissioner, NSW Office of Water).
Photo: SC Photography

Organisational structure

Performance summary 2009–10
This section contains a general summary of the overall performance of DECCW during 2009–10, as measured by the performance indicators which are presented in more detail in chapters 2–6. Where relevant, the various priorities and targets set by the NSW Government in its State Plan – Investing in a Better Future (2010) (see www.nsw.gov.au/stateplan) are also referred to. 
Goal: Climate change minimised
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
NSW remains committed to achieving a 60% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in line with the Australian Government’s targets and the NSW State Plan. NSW greenhouse gas emissions have remained relatively steady since 1990, while NSW per capita emissions have decreased. To make significant cuts in emissions, the Government is encouraging the development and uptake of innovative technology, including renewable energy, and also reducing emissions at minimal cost by improving energy efficiency. 
The State Plan contains a target to implement annual electricity savings of 4,000 gigawatt hours through NSW energy efficiency programs by 2014. The NSW Government has already made significant progress through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme, which has saved or offset more than 100 million tonnes of carbon pollution since 2003.
The NSW Green Business Program provided $8.3 million in 2009–10 to support 22 projects that save water and energy in business operations, with combined annual savings of 192 million litres of water, 33,000 megawatt hours of electricity and 35,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
The NSW Home Saver Rebate Program is providing $170 million in rebates for households that make their homes more water- and energy-efficient. The strong uptake of rebates continued in 2009–10. By June 2010, DECCW had approved 118,848 hot water system rebates totalling nearly $87 million, which are helping NSW households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 297,120 tonnes each year. The Fridge Buyback Program took 14,631 old fridges out of circulation by June 2010, and will save more than 10,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. 
The three-year $15-million sustainability education and awareness program for the community (including the Save Power campaign featuring black balloons) entered its next major phase, providing the public with practical information on how to save power and reduce power bills at home and work.
To achieve the State Plan target of 20% of energy consumption in NSW coming from renewable sources by 2020, the Government encouraged the establishment of six renewable energy precincts in areas with the best known wind resources. NSW also pledged up to $120 million to help NSW solar projects bid for a share of the Australian Government’s $1.5-billion Solar Flagships Program funds.
The $40-million, five-year Renewable Energy Development Program has so far funded six projects to assist the commercialisation of new renewable energy technologies at a total cost of $24.8 million. Use of these technologies will generate electricity or reduce grid electricity use by an estimated 96,000 megawatt hours, reduce summer peak demand by 11,400 kilowatts and save an estimated 103,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Encourage the NSW community to adapt to climate change
In November 2009, the NSW Government released its Sea Level Rise Policy Statement that sets out ways in which the Government will deal with sea level rise and the risks to property owners from coastal processes, and the assistance that will be provided to councils to reduce risks from coastal hazards. As part of this statement, DECCW developed sea level rise benchmarks that are to be used by planning authorities when making their coastal and flood hazard assessments, and future land-use plans. Draft coastal protection legislation was made available for public comment between March and April 2010. The proposed new legislation aims to improve management of erosion along the NSW coast, establishing processes that would allow landowners to protect their properties from erosion.
In June 2010, DECCW released the NSW Climate Impact Profile that includes regional impact profiles and describes the likely impacts of future climate change on the settlements, lands and ecosystems of NSW. The profiles will help state and regional decision-makers develop planning and response strategies.
Minimise and manage potential increased risks to life, property and the environment
DECCW works with local councils, catchment management authorities and communities to ensure the long-term protection, conservation and restoration of coastal, estuarine and floodplain environments. The coastal and estuary management plans so far finalised by NSW councils indicate the high level of council and community support for developing and implementing plans. At 30 June 2010, there were 110 floodplain risk management plans completed for urban areas in NSW. These plans help councils to manage flood risks. During 2009–10, DECCW progressed a further six rural floodplain management plans for approximately 6,000 square kilometres of the Murray–Darling Basin. Once these plans are finalised, there will be 21 plans covering about 25,000 square kilometres of the basin.
In 2009–10, the Coastal Management Program provided $1.48 million in grants for 20 projects. The Estuary Management Program provided $2.24 million for 24 projects. Under the Floodplain Management Program, DECCW allocated $10.3 million in grants to 80 NSW councils. 
Support individuals, families, communities, businesses and government to adopt sustainable practices
The Sustainability Advantage partnership program helps medium to large organisations and businesses improve environmental performance and save money. In 2009–10, 430 businesses were working with DECCW through Sustainability Advantage. As at June 2010, the program 
has helped NSW businesses identify opportunities that could lead to over $13 million in cost savings and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 57,000 tonnes. A further $29.5 million of potential savings have been identified, and these will be the focus for 2010–11.
DECCW, in partnership with the Department of Housing, launched a $63 million Home Power Savings Program to help low income households save power and money. Across NSW, 220,000 eligible households will be provided with expert advice to reduce their power consumption by 20%. This will also help keep bills down when power prices rise.
DECCW manages the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), which measures the energy, water, waste and indoor environmental performance of buildings. In 2009–10, 802 NABERS energy and water ratings for offices were submitted to DECCW. By 30 June 2010, 11.5 million m² of office space in Australia (51% of the total available office space) and 5.3 million m² of NSW office space (62% of available NSW office space) had been rated for environmental performance using NABERS. There has been an 11% increase in rated space over 2009–10 in Australia, and a 3% increase in NSW. On average, managers of office buildings using NABERS have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 13% and increased water efficiency by 15%. Together, these buildings are achieving total annual savings of 228,000 tonnes of CO2 and 1,088 megalitres of potable water.
The five-year, $20-million Energy Efficiency Training Program, jointly managed by DECCW and the NSW Department of Education and Training, commenced in July 2009 for key tradespeople and professionals such as engineers, electricians, facilities managers and manufacturing staff. The program is contributing to the State Plan target of increasing participation in green skills training by 5% by 2013. 
Goal: Healthier and cleaner environment
Prevent, reduce or mitigate pollution and other adverse environmental impacts
DECCW continued its extensive daily monitoring of air quality in the Sydney greater metropolitan region, and worked towards the State Plan target of meeting national air quality goals. In 2009–10, air quality standards were exceeded on 30 days as a result of photochemical smog, dust storms and bushfires. The cause of the exceedence on 60% of these days was high particle levels, particularly in the latter half of 2009 when several dust events occurred. The statewide dust storm on 23 September 2009 caused the highest exceedences yet of the particle standard, not only in the Sydney region but across NSW. 
In 2009–10, total air and noise pollution incident reports to DECCW’s Environment Line accounted for 59% of the total pollution incidents reported. This is similar to the 61% reported the previous year. The consistently high percentage of reports reflects the public’s ongoing concerns about lifestyle, amenity and the impacts of air and noise pollution. 
The load-based licensing scheme provides economic incentives to major polluters for controlling, reducing and preventing air and water pollution in NSW. Preliminary results for 2009–10 showed that both air and water pollutant load indicators had resumed general long-term downward trends, following slight increases in the past two years. The lower pollution levels could be partly due to generally lower economic activity. 
DECCW negotiated 114 pollution reduction programs (PRPs) with businesses during the year, and included these in environment protection licences to require licensees to improve air pollution controls, measures or monitoring equipment. The estimated value of the 114 PRPs was $202 million.
DECCW maintained its consistently high success rate for prosecutions in 2009–10. A total of 134 prosecutions were completed, which is the highest number for the past five years, with a 94% success rate. The number of completed prosecutions for both environment protection and conservation matters increased noticeably compared to 2008–09. Overall, $1.4 million in financial penalties were imposed in 2009–10, which were well above the five-year average. DECCW completed 12 prosecutions for native vegetation clearing offences. DECCW was successful in 11 of these prosecutions, resulting in the imposition of $342,500 in fines. 
In 2009–10, 1,546 penalty notices totalling $548,900 in fines were issued for smoky and noisy vehicle offences, littering from vehicles and breaches of the environment protection legislation administered by DECCW.
Remediate or restore degraded environments
In 2009–10, DECCW undertook 106 regulatory actions under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997. These included carrying out 49 formal assessments of contaminated land, issuing 37 regulatory notices and revoking 20 regulatory notices. Seventeen further sites were brought under the regulation of the Act during the year and the remediation or investigation of 10 sites was completed. 
As at 30 June 2010, 124 sites were under formal assessment, 41 sites were yet to be regulated and 134 sites were under regulation. A further 117 sites notified under the new provisions of section 60 of the Act were under informal assessment, nine sites were being managed for serious contamination outside the Act and 484 sites were awaiting further information to be provided by the notifier. Ninety-three significantly contaminated sites have been remediated since the Act came into effect in 1998–99.
NSW is progressing towards the State Plan recycling targets set for 2014, although a greater effort is needed in the commercial and industrial sectors. The waste and environment levy that drives waste avoidance and resource recovery in NSW was extended in 2009–10 beyond the Wollongong–Sydney–Newcastle corridor to 21 new local government areas – the coastal councils north of Port Stephens, and the Blue Mountains and Wollondilly council areas. 
Disposal of waste to landfill decreased overall in the greater Sydney region in 2009–10 for a second successive year. General mainstream waste going to landfill in the greater Sydney region was around 5 million tonnes, which represented a decline of 6%. This followed a 10% fall from the previous year. In per capita terms, waste disposal was 937 kilograms, and has decreased by 22% since 2000. Lower waste disposal in 2009–10 could be due to more waste being recycled and re-used, less waste being generated and the continuing effects of the worldwide economic downturn. 
Improve community wellbeing
During the summer of 2009–10, monitoring results from DECCW’s Beachwatch and Harbourwatch programs showed that water quality at ocean and harbour beaches throughout NSW was generally of a very high standard. With average rainfall conditions in the year, the water quality at monitored swimming locations along the NSW coast rated 86% of sites as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, and 90% of sites with microbial assessment categories of ‘A’ or ‘B’. This was an improvement on results from 2007–08, when 84% of sites achieved microbial assessment categories of ‘A’ or ‘B’ due to stormwater and sewage overflows triggered by wet weather. Overall, ocean beaches in NSW were in excellent condition, although monitoring showed that many coastal lakes and estuaries were susceptible to microbial contamination for several days following rainfall.
In the Sydney region, the Regional Air Quality Index (RAQI) provides a health alert system that can advise asthmatics and other sensitive members of the community of daily pollution readings so they can take measures to minimise the impact on their health. Air pollution was ‘poor’, ‘very poor’ or ‘hazardous’ on 64 days during 2009–10, which was 17 days more than the previous year. These exceedences were driven by photochemical smog during the summer of 2009–10, dust storms and bushfires. 
Eliminate unnecessary regulation
For a number of years, consistent with a State Plan priority, DECCW has worked to progressively cut red tape and reduce regulatory burdens on business, government and the community, while maintaining necessary environmental controls and outcomes. In 2009, DECCW established a Regulatory Reform Committee to track the various reform initiatives, and to promote further opportunities for regulatory reform.
In regulating native vegetation, DECCW began implementing a new system that allows DECCW to better identify incidences of illegal clearing through satellite imaging. The system enables DECCW to respond to illegal clearing more efficiently and effectively, and improve community compliance with the Native Vegetation Act 2003. 
DECCW prepared legislative amendments to streamline cultural heritage assessment and approvals as part of development assessment processes. These changes are part of the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, which will commence on 1 October 2010. 
Consistent with recommendations of the 2008 Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks, DECCW is working to reduce red tape for investment in tourism. The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 was amended in 2009–10 to help sustainable, nature-based visitor opportunities to be developed in certain national parks. The reform streamlines provisions relating to leasing and licensing, clarifies what is permissible under the Act, eliminates duplication and reduces red tape.
Goal: Integrated landscape management
Improve the condition of natural resources
DECCW is coordinating the delivery of 13 State Plan targets to protect native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways. 
Through the Living Murray, NSW RiverBank and the NSW Wetland Recovery programs, more than 40,000 megalitres of additional water entitlement were acquired in 2009–10, bringing the cumulative total acquired in recent years to 331,881 megalitres. Purchases under the Living Murray and the NSW Wetland Recovery Program have now been completed. These water entitlements allowed more than 160,000 megalitres of environmental water to be released in the priority Gwydir, Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys in 2009–10. 
The Native Vegetation Act 2003 established the use of property vegetation plans, which are negotiated agreements between land holders and catchment management authorities, as a way of setting aside areas for clearing, using offsets and providing incentives. By 30 June 2010, 1,824 property vegetation plans had been approved, including 1,260 that included incentive payments to farmers to improve or protect native vegetation. This system has reduced clearing approvals from more than 12,000 hectares in 2005–06 to around 2,642 hectares in 2009–10.
Protect and restore biodiversity and native vegetation
The BioBanking Scheme, which aims to protect land containing high quality habitat to offset the impacts of development, is now well established. In May 2010, DECCW entered into Australia’s first biobanking agreement with a private landowner to protect 80 hectares of high conservation land in western Sydney. 
DECCW is continuing to add land to the reserve system in line with its National Parks Establishment Plan. In 2009–10, eight new reserves were created, including Capertee National Park, and a number of additions of land to existing reserves were made, totalling 38,560 hectares. Much of this new land improved boundary configuration, linked protected areas and buffered reserves from adjoining land uses. As at 30 June 2010, more than 6.7 million hectares of land in NSW was reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, which represents nearly 8.5% of the state’s total area.
Late in the year, the NSW Parliament passed legislation to protect more than 100,000 hectares of the river red gum forests, woodlands and wetlands along the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan river systems in conservation reserves, effective from 1 July 2010.
Since 2004, DECCW has developed fire management strategies in national parks and other conservation reserves. At 30 June 2010, fire management strategies covered over 6,704,861 hectares of the reserve system, which is effectively 100% of the parks and reserves where a fire management strategy is required. In accordance with these fire strategies, DECCW carried out a record amount of hazard reduction burning in 2009–10, with 269 prescribed burn operations completed to treat an area of 93,117 hectares.
NSW has six marine parks, approximately 345,100 hectares, encompassing about 34% of the state’s coastal waters, including approximately 64,900 hectares (6.5%) in sanctuary zones. No new marine protected areas were established in NSW in 2009–10.
Contribute to sustainable visitation and tourism, community wellbeing and regional development through parks and reserves
The Discovery – Walks, Talks and Tours education programs recorded strong growth of 12% during the year, attracting 218,009 participants .
In June 2010, the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Visitors and Tourists) Act 2010 was passed by the NSW Parliament. This signals DECCW’s commitment to both protecting and promoting the state’s network of outstanding national parks and reserves and, equally, to ensuring accessible, nature-based experiences for the community and visitors to our state. The Act implements several recommendations of the 2008 Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks, which was convened by the Government to report on opportunities for an enhanced level of sustainable nature tourism on NSW public lands.
Volunteers participate significantly in conservation and public appreciation of national parks. DECCW has around 4,000 volunteers across NSW who contribute a combined total of more than 177,000 hours each year to environmental projects ranging from bush regeneration to education. Consistent with a State Plan priority to increase community volunteering, DECCW introduced a new policy in 2009–10 that will support and encourage additional volunteering.
Conserve natural and cultural values through an integrated system of public and private lands
During 2009–10, 22 plans of management were finalised and adopted by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, covering 33 parks and reserves, and an area of 80,793 hectares. As at 30 June 2010, there were 292 adopted plans covering 414 parks and reserves. A further 17 draft plans covering 32 parks and reserves were placed on exhibition for public comment during the year. In total, more than five million hectares are now covered by an adopted plan of management, representing 75% of the reserve system.
Conservation agreements under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 protect and conserve significant natural and cultural heritage on private and other non-reserved public lands in perpetuity. In 2009–10, 11 new conservation agreements were established over a total area of 74,772 hectares. These included the largest conservation 
agreement to date, covering 64,000 hectares of mallee vegetation in far western NSW on the property Scotia, owned by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. As at 30 June 2010, there were 268 conservation agreements protecting 127,500 hectares of land managed solely for conservation. In 2009–10, 11 new wildlife refuges were established over a total area of 1,178 hectares. At 30 June 2010, landholders managed a total of 2,062,194 hectares of land for conservation outside the reserve system. This represents 2.57% of the land in NSW.
Protect and revitalise Aboriginal culture and heritage
Consistent with State Plan priorities to strengthen Aboriginal communities, DECCW protects objects and places of cultural significance to Aboriginal peoples. Four new Aboriginal Places were declared in 2009–10, bringing the total to 70 across NSW. In 2009–10, DECCW commenced development of a new Aboriginal Places Policy to guide staff, contractors and communities in the future identification, nomination and gazettal of Aboriginal Places. The policy will be finalised during 2010–11.
In 2009–10, DECCW returned 65 sets of remains or collections held under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, and assisted with the return of an additional four remains and collections held by museums and universities, to Aboriginal communities. There have been more than 70 repatriations as part of the program in the past three years.
Increase Aboriginal participation in land, water and natural resource management
DECCW works to involve Aboriginal people in natural resource management, including the management of national parks and reserves. During 2009–10, two new joint management agreements between DECCW and Aboriginal peoples were created: at Yarriabini National Park with the Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr peoples and at Gaagal Wanggan (South Beach) National Park with the Gumbaynggirr people. 
There are now 18 formal joint management arrangements with Aboriginal communities in place covering 111 areas across more than 1.5 million hectares (or 23%) of the reserve system. 
Under the Aboriginal Lands Clean-Up Program, more than $1 million has been provided to Local Aboriginal Land Councils and local councils to prevent waste from being illegally dumped on Aboriginal-owned lands and to safely clean up such waste. Eight completed projects in 2009–10 resulted in the re-use of around 2,500 tonnes of material; the recycling of around 170 tonnes of metal, concrete, brick, glass and white goods; and the disposal of 499 tonnes of mixed wastes.
Goal: Secure and sustainable water supplies
Balancing the water needs of farmers, towns, industries and the environment 
The NSW Office of Water works to ensure that available surface water and groundwater resources are shared equitably between towns and cities, the environment, irrigation, stock, rural domestic needs and industry through the development and implementation of statutory water sharing plans. Five new water sharing plans formally commenced in 2009–10, bringing the total across NSW to 45, and representing 55% of the water sharing plans that are expected to be developed. Water sharing plans now cover around 90% of water use in NSW.
Where a water sharing plan has commenced, licences and approvals are managed under the Water Management Act 2000. In 2009–10, the percentage of total licences held under the Act increased by 6%, bringing the total to 45%.
Ensuring urban water and sewerage services are well managed, efficient and equitable 
Both the State Plan and the Metropolitan Water Plan set a target to increase water recycling in the greater Sydney metropolitan area from 15 billion litres per year in 2005 to 70 billion litres per year by 2015. In 2009–10, the volume of water recycled in Sydney increased by more than six billion litres. Recycling has increased from 15 billion litres in 2005–06 to more than 33 billion litres this year. With the expected commissioning of the Replacement Flows Project later in 2010, which will deliver highly treated recycled water to the Hawkesbury–Nepean River, this figure could increase by up to 18 billion litres.
Both the State Plan and the Metropolitan Water Plan also set a target to save 145 billion litres of water per year in the greater Sydney metropolitan area by 2015, which is equivalent to reducing Sydney’s water needs by 24%. Through the Water for Life education program that informs Sydneysiders about the value of water, BASIX building guidelines, the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme and Sydney Water initiatives, more than 100 billion litres of water per year is being saved. Sydney’s water use is now equivalent to its use in the early 1970s, despite an increase in population of around 1.4 million.
The NSW Office of Water guides and supports 106 local water utilities in NSW. The Best practice management of water supply and sewerage guidelines 2007 assists these utilities to deliver effective, sustainable and safe water supply and sewerage services. In 2008–09 (the latest year for which figures are available), 82% of the guideline requirements were met, an increase of 2% since 2007–08. 

Goal: Credible and efficient organisation
Be a leader in sustainability and environmental performance
As the leading environment, conservation and water management agency in NSW, DECCW is committed to sustainability actions that reach, and wherever possible exceed, the targets set out in the NSW Government Sustainability Policy. Total energy use for DECCW in 2008–09 (the latest year for which figures are available) was 179,723 gigajoules, with 25,641 tonnes of greenhouse gas emitted (net of GreenPower purchased). Compared to the previous year, this represented a 4% decrease in energy consumption and a 6% decrease in tonnes of greenhouse gas emitted. At the same time, staff numbers increased by 3% with the addition of the NSW Office of Water to DECCW. 
DECCW purchases 10% GreenPower (the minimum standard set out in the NSW Government Sustainability Policy is 6%). During 2008–09, DECCW sites generated at least 62,700 kilowatt hours of green power using solar panels, which allowed more than 11,000 kilowatt hours to be fed back to the grid. DECCW is continuing to expand and improve video conferencing and other internal communication technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be produced by travelling for meetings, training and other activities. Since establishing five video conferencing rooms in August 2009, DECCW saved more than 300,000 travel kilometers in the first six months.
Under its Fleet Improvement Plan, DECCW is progressing towards the June 2011 targets of 13.5 (out of 20) for passenger vehicles and 9 for light commercial vehicles. In 2009–10, the number of hybrid vehicles operated by DECCW increased from 38 to 49. DECCW also trialled a Mitsubishi iMiEV, an innovative electric vehicle with zero-emissions technology. The iMiEV is expected to become available in the second half of 2010. 
External connections and customer satisfaction with DECCW services
The number of requests handled by the DECCW Information Centre in 2009–10 increased to 306,942, an increase of almost 7%. This included 7,475 pollution incidents and 9,507 motor vehicle reports.
Public use of the DECCW website continues to be very strong, with more than 3.2 million visits in 2009–10. The site consistently features in the top 15 NSW Government websites as measured by number of visits. Enhancements to the site during the year included the development of a publicly accessible image library, to be available in 2010–11, improved information for park visitors and increasing use of social media.
DECCW continued to develop relationships with Aboriginal communities through participating in the Two Ways Together program and continuing to work on the Strengthening Community Wellbeing Framework and the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program.
In 2009–10, DECCW received 33 significant complaints. These included allegations of unethical conduct, corrupt conduct or other complaints received by the NSW Ombudsman’s office. Twenty-nine of the complaints were finalised during the year, together with six additional complaints that had been received in 2008–09 and had not been finalised by the end of that year.
In 2009–10, DECCW received 188 new freedom of information (FOI) requests and processed 194 applications. This included 41 applications to the NSW Office of Water. In 2009–10, DECCW provided 80% or more of the requested information for 90% of FOI requests. 
Healthy staff and productive workplaces
In relation to DECCW’s occupational health and safety obligations, the number of incidents reported in 2009–10, including near misses, increased to 762 from 620 the year before. Much of this is attributable to the increase in staff numbers during the year with the inclusion of the NSW Office of Water as part of DECCW. Better reporting and management of safety incidents, including the introduction of a more efficient online reporting system, may also have played a role. DECCW’s improving total reported incidents to claims ratio generally indicates an improving safety culture. 
The incidence of injuries suffered by staff remained unchanged this year at 7.1 per 100 employees. The number of compensation claims increased to 308 for 2009–10 compared with 263 for the previous year, which corresponds directly to increased staff numbers.
DECCW has a wide range of programs and strategies to promote equal employment opportunities. In particular, DECCW has an excellent record in employing Aboriginal people. The 2010 graduate program intake consisted of 18 graduates, including two Aboriginal graduates. In 2009–10, DECCW employed ten Aboriginal cadet rangers, one Aboriginal cadet project officer, and one Aboriginal cadet policy officer. Two cadets successfully completed their cadetships during 2009–10, and were appointed to permanent positions. Nine Aboriginal trainee field officers and one Aboriginal trainee interpretive assistant were employed by DECCW.
In October 2009, DECCW finalised a new Disability Action Plan 2009–2012, as required under section 9 of the NSW Disability Services Act 1993. The plan contains a number of strategies to increase employment opportunities at DECCW for people who have a disability.
Good knowledge, information and systems to make decisions
During the year, DECCW continued improvements under its 2007–2010 Information Management and Communications Technology Strategic Plan. In particular, DECCW continued to consolidate the various data sets relating to natural resources and the environment from former agencies that are now part of DECCW, and improved the quality, consistency and accessibility of this information. This work included making spatial data sets more accessible to external agencies and researchers.
Financial policies and systems were also significantly enhanced across DECCW during 2009–10. DECCW financial staff implemented a range of government reforms, including the super-agency amalgamations and transition arrangements, plans to meet required efficiency and offset savings through the Better Services and Value Plan, and the Savings Implementation Plan. 
DECCW’s payment of accounts performance is an important measure of the way DECCW manages its business and treats its partners and clients. In 2009–10, DECCW paid most of its accounts within the due dates. DECCW achieved the government target of 90% during one quarter of 2009–10, and was close to reaching the target during the other three quarters. Payment delays were mainly due to invoices being approved for payment only after the satisfactory completion of works or the satisfactory receipt of purchased items. Most invoices were paid within 48 hours of their approval by the relevant business area.

Financial summary
This overview of the performance of DECCW’s financial operations for 2009–10 should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and related notes. These are provided on pages 157–236 of this report. There are separate financial statements for the Environment Protection Authority, the Marine Parks Authority and the Office of Hawkesbury–Nepean.
The net cost of services is the cost to the NSW Government of DECCW’s services as follows:
	2009-10*
$’000	2008-09
$’000	
Total expenses	1,452,619	1,052,910	
Loss on disposal of non-current assets	551	3,636	
Less total retained revenue	(579,142)	(432,733)	
Share of operating result of joint ventures and increase in share of jointly controlled assets	(43,800)	–	
Net cost of services	830,228	623,813	
*  Results for 2009–10 include the NSW Office of Water, which was established as a division within DECCW on 1 July 2009 as a result of the Public Sector Employment and Management (Departmental Amalgamations) Order 2009.
DECCW also collected Crown revenue on behalf of the NSW Government totalling $347 million.
•	Major initiatives for 2009–10 included:
•	developing a coastal adaptation reform package in response to climate change impacts, including a Sea Level Rise Policy Statement
•	contributing to the development of the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme to support the generation of renewable energy
•	promoting sustainability and resource recovery through improved waste management
•	managing the expansion of national parks and reserves, and developing and upgrading visitor facilities and other important infrastructure in parks and reserves
•	improving the science and information contained in the Natural Resource Management Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Strategy
•	delivering regulation and enforcement to protect the environment, native vegetation, biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage; and responding to pollution and emergency incidents
•	providing state-level leadership, in collaboration with catchment management authorities, on restoring the health of rural landscapes and ecosystems 
•	establishing new joint management arrangements with Aboriginal communities
•	implementing the Metropolitan Water Plan
•	establishing the Office of Hawkesbury–Nepean to improve the health of the Hawkesbury–Nepean River system and to act as a single point of information
•	continuing the establishment of water sharing plans.

How we use our financial resources
The following charts provide a summary of allocation of expenses and net cost of services for 2009–10.