Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Mission: To represent the people of the Douglas Shire in preserving and conserving the
world heritage values of the Douglas Shire, while supporting ecologically sustainable
development in the region.
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group
PO Box 762 Mossman Qld 4873
www.dssg.org.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
President’s Report ___________________________________________________________ 1
Financial Statements _________________________________________________________ 9
Independent Auditor’s Report ________________________________________________ 15
Contact Information ________________________________________________________ 17
Association Information _____________________________________________________ 17
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 1
President’s report
Thanks to all members and our Committee for 2017. This year’s report covers the period 2 December 2016 to 1 December 2017, noting that the financial reports cover the financial year which ends on 30 September 2017 per the Constitution.
STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS
Our significant projects in 2017 were:
Pursuing implementation of election commitments by elected members of Douglas
Shire Council.
Finalising content and securing a corporate site manager for Daintree Landholders Kit.
Organising and participating in Climate and Reef Awareness Beach Day.
We also made the following submissions:
In January, we made submission to the Federal Department of Environment and Energy
regarding a development proposal in Aplin St Cairns. We submitted that by removing large
roosting and nursery trees, the proposed development has a significant impact on spectacled
flying foxes, which keep our world heritage wet tropics forests healthy by spreading seeds and
pollinating trees.
Douglas Shire Economic Development Strategy was released in January 2017. DSSG
participated in the workshops and we have been invited to continue our involvement in
implementation of the strategy.
In February we made submission to the Queensland Department of Environment and
Heritage regarding implementation of a ban on plastic bags and plastic waste generally.
We signed the Queensland Conservation Council’s “Sun Power Pledge” in support of a
renewable energy target for Queensland, in March.
In May we made submission to Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage
regarding discussion paper ‘Enhancing regulations to ensure clean water for a healthy Great
Barrier Reef and a prosperous Queensland’.
In June we made submission to the review of the Wet Tropics Management Plan – created
and managed by the Wet Tropics Management Authority - a joint Federal and Queensland
Government Authority.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 2
In September we made submission to the Federal Department of Environment and Energy re
the Coral Sea Marine Park.
In October we drafted and distributed letters addressed to Federal ministers and opposing
the Adani Carmichael mine. These were distributed during the national day of action (Climate
and Reef Awareness Beach Day) on 7 October. More than 150 letters were posted on that
day, with dozens more distributed to participants who registered interest that day.
DSSG Strategic Areas 2017
DSSG adopted three strategies for the 2017 calendar year. Below is a summary of activity in
advance of those strategies.
“Daintree Environment Protection”
The DSSG obtained commitment from candidates during the Douglas Shire Council election
campaign in March 2016, to provide increased support for conservation on the Daintree
Coast, specifically:
a. renewing and managing the Daintree Landholder Information Kit,
b. development (with input from community, National Parks, Wet Tropics
Management Authority and Traditional Owners) and publication of an
environmental priority plan, and
c. effective weed and pest control (including pigs)
DSSG will continue to work with and support other groups working in the Daintree.
Progress for 2017:
From 2017, DSSG will be represented by Mike Berwick on the Daintree Planning Group, which
includes representatives from all relevant government agencies, Douglas Shire Council,
Terrain and Jabalbinna Aboriginal Corporation.
Douglas Shire Council has agreed to manage the Daintree Landholders Kit which DSSG has
finalized this year, and it will be supported by the combined members of the Daintree
Planning Group.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 3
In May 2017, Douglas Shire Council began its trial of new technology to capture feral pigs
utilising an automated trap that can be operated remotely via mobile phone. During 2017,
Council also surveyed Daintree residents about dogs and their impact on native animals
including cassowaries. DSSG has been active in lobbying for these initiatives.
In November 2017 Council launched its Douglas Shire Biosecurity Management Plan and the
Douglas Shire Invasive Plants and Animals Surveillance Program.
DSSG continues to monitor the implementation and impact of these initiatives.
“Dickson Inlet and Port Douglas Waterfront Development”
DSSG will work through LMAC and DSC to improve water quality in Dickson Inlet and identify
and mitigate sources of pollution. DSSG will also contribute to ensuring that public access is
maintained in any Waterfront development plans, including for fishing fleet and the public.
Progress for 2017:
In response to our letter requesting information about water quality of Dickson Inlet, in June
2017 Douglas Shire Council advised that it had committed to undertake additional water
sampling, particularly for pesticides, at eight sites in Dickson Inlet.
Douglas Shire Council has adopted the following action for 2017/18 Operational Plan -”Take a
lead role in facilitating and advocating for removal of vessel wrecks in Dickson Inlet”. This was
an action promoted by LMAC and DSSG.
DSSG will monitor the development of the Waterfront at Port Douglas with a view to
influencing maximum public access.
“Protecting the Reef”
DSSG will encourage DSC to take a lead role in protecting the Reef, and will undertake projects
to assist with community awareness.
DSSG obtained commitment from candidates during the Douglas Shire Council election
campaign in March 2016, to developing a program to work with all stakeholders (including
farmers, the urban community and developers) to minimise pollutant and litter export to the
GBR lagoon.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 4
We also obtained a commitment to pursue a zero Green House Gas (GHG) emissions target for
Douglas Shire, through development of a policy including audits of Council activities.
Progress for 2017:
DSSG has had some success influencing climate change strategies for Douglas Shire Council.
In 2017, Douglas Shire Council committed to calculating a carbon footprint baseline for
Council’s operations. This is the first step in setting an emissions target. Council also
commenced work on a Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy which address coastal climate
change projections up until 2100.
In 2017 Council released its sustainability strategy.
We continue to lobby for the development and implementation by way of local laws, of a
sustainable events strategy for events held in the Douglas Shire.
Other activities
Douglas Shire Council has recently adopted the Douglas Shire Planning Scheme. Although the
Scheme has many very good aspects, DSSG was disappointed to note that the Scheme
includes ‘investigation areas’ for future development, despite our extensive submissions and
correspondence urging amendment. We see the ‘investigation areas’ as an expansion of the
existing urban footprint (and effectively a loss of the notion of a fixed urban footprint). We
also consider that Councillors who supported the Scheme in its current form have not kept a
commitment most of them made in the 2016 election campaign. We acknowledge some
Councillors have a different view of the effect of ‘investigation areas’.
In 2017, DSSG has maintained relationships with Terrain NRM, Rainforest Rescue, Queensland
Conservation Council, Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee, Low Isles Preservation
Society, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Environmental Defenders Office, Douglas
Shire Council, Plastic Free Douglas, Tangaroa Blue, Whyanbeel community group, and has
further developed relationships with Stop Adani Douglas Shire, Rainforest Trust, GBR Legacy
and Boomerang Bags Douglas Shire.
This year, DSSG has worked with Whyanbeel community group on Whyanbeel Creek
Remediation project, acquitting one grant and amending another to ensure the project is
sustainable.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 5
DSSG was represented on the Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee by Didge McDonald.
Didge attended three meetings in 2016, discussing issues such as water quality at Dickson
Inlet, Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority Long Term Sustainability Plan, and Wonga Beach
wetland rehabilitation project.
DSSG Strategic Areas 2018
DSSG will continue to work on the existing three strategic areas, and will canvas members for
further areas of focus. We will also look to finalise amendments to our Constitution to ensure
it is updated.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Committee has reconciled and organized all finances and established separate operating
accounts for grants it has auspiced. The organization will secure income from administration
of auspiced projects and membership dues.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
The Committee elected in December 2016, comprised the following:
President: Didge McDonald, Secretary: Laurene Hull, Treasurer: Carolyn Toohey, Members:
Roisin Allen and Mike Berwick. The committee has met ten times in 2017, including three
meetings via electronic means. We have reviewed our web site and continued a strong social
media presence. We have maintained our membership base.
We have facilitated an external review of our finances as required by the Office of Fair
Trading, due to an increase in our income from auspicing grants.
LOOKING AHEAD
In 2018, DSSG aims to increase membership across the Shire area, and develop community
relationships further.
DSSG will advance our three strategic areas and continue to lobby governments in advance of
our mission. We will continue our participation in consultative groups such as Local Marine
Advisory Committee and Douglas Shire Economic Development Strategy.
We will seek to consult with members and encourage their involvement in all activities.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 6
In 2016 DSSG surveyed all candidates for election to Douglas Shire Council. Below is the responses made by
those candidates who were elected.
During 2016 and 2017 DSSG has lobbied Council members to fulfill their election commitments.
Although we can say that progress is being made on many of these areas, we have focused this year on the
Council’s contribution to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree – areas 1, 3 and 4a), 4b) and 4c)
above. While recognizing the constraints faced by Council, DSSG is of the view more can and should be done to
meet the commitments made by individuals during the election campaign.
DSSG will continue to lobby Douglas Shire Council to keep its commitments.
The relevant survey questions were:
1. Will you commit to a zero Green House Gas (GHG) emissions target for Douglas Shire? (The Paris agreement would
require the world to achieve zero net GHG emissions by 2050)
3. Will you support Douglas Shire Council developing a program to work with all stakeholders (including farmers,
the urban community and developers) to minimise pollutant and litter export to the GBR lagoon? (The
Australian/state government’s long term plan for the GBR commits to an 80% reduction in Nitrogen and farm chemicals and a 50%
reduction in sediment discharge to the reef, the targets considered necessary to reverse the current decline).
4. Will you support increased support for conservation on the Daintree Coast; specifically:
a. renewing and managing the Daintree Landholder Information Kit,
b. development (with input from community, National Parks, Wet Tropics Management Authority and
Traditional Owners) and publication of an environmental priority plan,
c. effective weed and pest control (including pigs)
candidate Q1- zero Greenhouse gas (carbon)
Q2 – maintain existing urban footprint
Q3 – minimise pollution of the Reef
Q4 a –Daintree Landholder Kit
Q4 b – Daintree environmental plan
Q4 c – weed and pest control in Daintree
Q5 – Plastic Bag Free Shire by 2020
Q6 – sustainable events policy
Julia Leu
Michael Kerr
Abigail Noli
Roy Zammataro
David Carey
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 7
CORAL NOT COAL – CLIMATE AND REEF AWARENESS DAY 7 OCTOBER 2017
Organiser and Committee member Roisin Allen
Mayor Julia Leu and Committee member Mike Berwick
Member Katrin Aia and Treasurer Carolyn Toohey
Members Lachie Templeton, Didge McDonald (President) and David Carey
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 8
CORAL NOT COAL – CLIMATE AND REEF AWARENESS DAY 7 OCTOBER 2017
The human beach sign
DSSG stall on the day
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 9
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 10
DOUGLAS SHIRE SUSTAINABILITY GRP INC NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2017
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES These financial statements are special purpose financial statements prepared in order to satisfy the financial report requirements of the Associations Incorporations Act (QLD) 1981. The Committee has determined that the Association is not a reporting entity. The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historic costs and do not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets. The following significant accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless stated otherwise, have been adopted in the preparation of these financial statements. a) Plant and equipment Plant and equipment is carried at cost less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation. Depreciation. Depreciation has been charged on plant and equipment at rates assessed to match the cost of each of the assets over their economic life. Depreciation rates vary from 10% to 30% and are applied on a diminishing value basis. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses are included in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. b) Cash and cash equivalents For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes deposits at call which are readily convertible to cash on hand and which are used in the cash management function on a day to day basis, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. c) Financial instruments Recognition Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition these instruments are measured as set out below: Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if so designated by management. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Realised and unrealised gains and losses
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 11
arising from changes in the fair value of these assets are included in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Loans and receivables Loans and receivables are non – derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Held – to – maturity investments These investments have fixed maturities, and it is the entity’s intention to hold these investments to maturity. Any held –to– maturity investments held by the entity are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Available – for – sale financial assets Available – for – sale financial assets include any financial assets not included in the above categories. Available – for –sale financial assets are reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised as other comprehensive income. Financial liabilities Non– derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation. Fair Value Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted investments. Valuation techniques are applied to determine the fair value for all unlisted securities, including recent arm’s length transactions, reference to similar instruments and option pricing models. Impairment At the end of each reporting period, the entity assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. In the case of available – for sale financial instruments, a prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine whether impairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. d) Impairment of assets At the end of each reporting period, the entity reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Impairment testing is performed annually for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the entity estimates the recoverable amount of the cash – generating unit to which the asset belongs.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 12
e) Income Tax No provision is made for income tax as the Committee considers the Association to be exempt from income tax pursuant to Section 50.5 of The Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. f) Employee entitlements Liabilities for wages, salaries and annual leave are recognised, and are measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at current pay rates in respect of employees’ services up to that date. A liability for long service leave is recognised, and its measured as the value of unconditional entitlements in respect of service periods exceeding five years, at pay rates applicable at the end of each reporting period. g) Revenue Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest rate method. Membership income is recognised as revenue over the membership period. Unearned membership income in the statement of financial position represents amounts collected for memberships which have not yet been earned. Grant income received from Government is brought to account when received except where unspent amounts are refundable, in which case the funding is recognised over the period of expenditure. h) Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial positions are shown inclusive of GST. Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows. i) Adoption of New and revised Accounting Standards There are no accounting standards issued between the previous financial statements and the current reporting date that have a material impact in the Association. Critical estimates and judgements The committee evaluate estimates and judgements incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained externally and within the Association. There were no significant estimates or judgements used by the committee in the preparation of these financial statements.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 13
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 14
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 15
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 16
TO OUR MEMBERS
Page 17
Contact Information
DIDGE MCDONALD PRESIDENT
LAURENE HULL SECRETARY
CAROLYN TOOHEY TREASURER
Tel: 0418852545
Tel: 0401119778
Tel: 40994231 (bh)
Association Information
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group
PO Box 762 Mossman 4873
www.dssg.org.au
