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I N T E R N A T I O N A L
RiverFoundation
International
Annual Report 2013/14
SPREAD: Upper Drau, Austria
RiverFoundation
Reviving the world’s rivers
Contents04About Us
06Chairman’s Report
08Riversympo-sium
10Riverprize
14Twinning
24Partners
22Global Reach
20World Rivers Day
18River Recovery
SPREAD: Honghu Lake, China
17River Knowledge
27Financial Summary
26Corporate Governance
30ACFID Code of Conduct
About Us
04 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 05
The International RiverFoundation (IRF) is a not-for-profit organisation helping to revive the world’s rivers and the communities who depend on them. We do this through identifying, recognising, rewarding and applying best practice river management and restoration world-wide.
The IRF was established in Brisbane, Australia in April 2003, by a group of individuals and organisations passionate about sustainably managing rivers to achieve improved health, ecological, economic, and social outcomes. The IRF’s current Foundation Partners are Brisbane City, Thiess Pty Ltd, Albrecht Foundation and the Queensland Government.
Our Foundation is best known for awarding the most prestigious global river management award – the Thiess International Riverprize. To date, 16 international prizes have been awarded to the most awe-inspiring examples of river and basin improvements across four continents. In addition to the global prize, 14 Australian Riverprizes have been awarded since 2001 and the second IRF European Riverprize was awarded in 2014.
In addition to prizes, IRF establishes twinning projects between the winners and regions in need across the globe. This emphasis on knowledge exchange is now being enhanced through the International Riversymposium which aspires to be a leading global conference focused solely on rivers. Our work in developing countries is augmented by sponsoring river professionals from these regions to attend the International Riversymposium and through awarding the Ken Thiess Memorial Scholarship to applicants in developing countries.
Our Goals• To identify, recognise and reward the exceptional efforts of organisations in river management and
restoration.
• To catalyse the replication of best practice river management practices in regions of need, promoting long-term relationships for sharing knowledge.
• To raise awareness of environmental, economic, social and cultural river values and the importance of integrated river basin management.
• To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experiences and knowledge on sustainable river management.
• To support the corporate social responsibility of companies by facilitating actions and projects in sustainable river basin management.
• To promote co-operative, long-term relationships on river management between developing and developed countries.
• To help maximise the effectiveness of global action to protect and revive rivers by building partnerships and alliances with organisations seeking similar outcomes worldwide.
• To provide tangible and measurable economic, social and environmental outcomes on behalf of our sponsors.
Our VisionTo become a truly global leader in supporting and fostering best practice river management and restoration, delivering superior economic, social and environmental returns.
Chair’s Report CEO’s Report
07
As the newly appointed IRF Chairman, I have pleasure in reflecting on the organisation’s performance over the past year with the fresh eyes of an outsider. To me the Foundation performs a vital function in the array of global water organisations, in celebrating the best of the best in river management and restoration. Whilst well known for awarding Riverprizes to deserving groups, IRF goes well beyond this role to transfer best practice into regions and localities around the world much in need of this expertise. And we have taken one further step forward in exchanging global knowledge and experience through delivering the International Riversymposium, where industry, scientists, communities and policy makers get together to inform and debate issues of the day.
The governance of IRF continues to evolve, and I welcome Dr Deborah Nias and Dr Selina Ward as new IRF directors. Deborah is well known to river managers as the Chair of the Australian Riverprize Judging Panel, a long time IRF ambassador, and CEO of the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group Ltd. Selina is also well recognised as the former Program Coordinator for the International Riversymposium for many years and a teacher and researcher at The University of Queensland. Both directors will bring passion and skills to guide the future of the organisation. I am also delighted to see the enduring commitment embodied in our diverse and highly credentialed ongoing directors – Martin Albrecht, Michael Wright, Prof Bill Dennison, Peter Rowley and Philip Weller.
The past year was the first of our 2013-17 Business Plan. One of the early successes was the revitalisation of the Riversymposium which was held in Canberra on the 15-18 September with the theme of ‘Large River Basins’. Our team worked hard with our partners to organise an outstanding program with no less than 21 keynote speakers and 10 special sessions, complemented by three absorbing plenary case studies of large rivers around the world. The event was wonderfully enhanced with art, film, literature and cultural activities. The Riverprize Gala Dinner was a highlight of the social program. We look forward to an equally exciting Riversymposium in Brisbane in September 2015.
An area of rapid growth has been the Riverprize program. IRF now supports six prizes annually, with the Thiess International, Australian and European Riverprizes being complemented by the North American and New Zealand Riverprizes, both to be awarded for the first time in 2015. Additionally, the Emerging River Professional Award was awarded for the first time in 2014. Our ambition to build a regional river prize framework covering all inhabited continents is now well underway, with each regional winner qualifying as a contender for the Thiess International Riverprize the following year.
2014 has also seen the revival of our Sponsored Delegates programs – providing life-changing opportunity for river professionals from disadvantaged regions and sectors to participate in the Riversymposium. The 2014 Riversymposium also included an engaging session on the indigenous management of waterways. These initiatives have been combined with a new focus to engage the next generation through both secondary and tertiary student participation.
None of the Foundation’s work would happen without the support of our sponsors, partners and wider network of stakeholders. In this regard I would like to make special mention of our philanthropic support from the late Mrs Vera Thiess, Mr and Mrs Alec and Mary Peden, Mr Martin Albrecht and the Albrecht Foundation, and the Morgan Foundation. I also acknowledge the substantial financial sup-port received from Brisbane City Council, Thiess Pty Ltd, OceanaGold Corporation and Coca-Cola Europe, sponsor of the European Riverprize. Noteworthy amongst our sponsored delegates supporters are the Australian Government, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Albrecht Foundation. There are many more to thank, including the Murray-Darling Basin Authority as Riversymposium 2014 principal sponsor, BMT WBM for recent provision of IRF office space, and the exceptional quality and exhaustive pro bono work of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Allens Linklater.
Despite a challenging funding environment for not-for-profits, our clear vision, passion and innovation will, I believe, drive the Foundation to achieve further sustainable outcomes for rivers, their catchments and the communities and industries that depend on them.
It has indeed been an exceptional year for the IRF. In taking on the International Riversymposium, we doubled our workload overnight and delivered an inspiring event with fewer staff than the previous year. Coinciding with the symposium we were pleased to release River Journeys 3, a delightful coffee table publication charting the evolution of our river prizes and twinning projects over 14 years and across 35 countries, and demonstrating unimaginable benefits to winners and their twinning partners.
The launches of the first ever North American Riverprize, to be awarded in May 2015, and the New Zealand Riverprize, to be awarded at the Riversymposium in September 2015, highlight the popularity and importance of this recognition. We have also made substantial strides in supporting the next generation of river professionals through the Emerging River Professional Award (sponsored by OceanaGold and managed by IWC Alumni Network), by engaging 60 students in the Riversymposium, and encouraging cross-generational dialogue through high school participation.
Our River Recovery program has seen substantial benefits achieved in the Bremer River, with real on-ground action showing positive ecosystem responses. Our project in the Philippines with OceanaGold has been taken to a new level, with a three year program supporting the holistic approach to river quality through active involvement from local communities and stakeholders. This year we are pleased to be supporting two new Ken Thiess Memorial scholars to participate in the Master of Integrated Water Management with co-funding from the Global Water Partnership and the International WaterCentre.
Over the year we have put considerable effort into rebuilding our Sponsored Delegates program – an important initiative to assist river professionals normally unable to access world leading knowledge at the International Riversymposium. In this regard we are delighted to have formed new relationships with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research who have supported students, project managers and international leading thinkers to engage in the symposium.
We have enjoyed unprecedented success in our two major events this year. Most recent was the awarding of the European Riverprize at the spectacular Vienna City Hall during the European River Restoration Conference in Vienna in late October. Our thanks go to the European Centre for River Restoration, the City of Vienna, the International Association of Water Utilities of the Danube River Catch-ment and Coca-Cola Europe for making this such a magnificent event. The International Riversymposium was attended by nearly 500 delegates, with 25% coming from 30 overseas countries. The Gala Dinner was a wonderful celebration, with exceptional prize winners – congratulations go to the River Rhine for taking out the Thiess International Riverprize, and Lake Eyre Basin for the Australian River-prize. A highlight for many was the three finalists for the Emerging River Professional Award, all international, with Dr Nelson Odume taking home the trophy.
The achievements of the first year of our Business Plan would not have been possible without the dedication and skill of our small team, the unrelenting support of our ambassadors, the professional guidance of our directors and the support of our Global Network to Advance Integrated River Basin Management. Looking forward we see the importance of consolidating our gains, ensuring financial sustainability, seeking continuous improvement in all our activities, challenging ourselves with new initiatives and ensuring substantive outcomes for our sponsors and partners.
Dr. Roger HigginsChair
Dr Nicholas SchofieldChief Executive Officer
06 IRF Annual Report 2013/14
11
17th International Riversymposium
IMAGE: Riversymposium, 2014
The 17th International Riversymposium, ‘Large River Basins’, was held in the famous Murray-Darling Basin for the first time, located in Canberra - Australia’s capital city. In our first year of managing the Riversymposium, we worked hard to revitalise all aspects of the conference, ensuring that it was accessible and attractive to a wide audience and reinforced the values of excellence, collaboration and integration in river basin management.
Strong sponsorship support was received for the event, with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Thiess Pty Ltd and Brisbane City Council all contributing significantly both financially and administratively and being actively involved in conference proceedings. Additional support was provided by our partners in the Global Network to Advance Integrated River Basin Management.
A comprehensive and well-rounded program was developed, incorporating diverse, engaging keynote speakers, daily case studies on some of the world’s most famous large basins, a selection of social events and closer ties to art and culture. New additions to the conference included a more interactive ‘RiverExpo’, additional speaking opportunities for those with high-quality posters, and a professional day following the conference which resulted in a statement on the way forward for integrated river basin management worldwide.
09
IMAGE: The Ngunnawal people perform a Welcome to Country for Riversymposium delegates
10 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 11IMAGE: Lake Eyre Basin, QLD, Australia
Riverprize
Thiess International Riverprize WinnerThe River Rhine (All countries in catchment)International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine
The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) received the award for bringing Europe’s River Rhine back to life following a devastating chemical accident in 1986. Prior to the accident, industrialisation and burgeoning populations had already caused major degradation to the river and as early as the 1960s, the Rhine, which flows through six countries, was notoriously known as the “sewer of Europe”. In 1986, a horrendous blaze at the Sandoz agrochemical storehouse in Basel caused tonnes of pollutants to be spilled into the River Rhine. This great river system of Europe was turned blood red and all biological life wiped out for 400km downsteam. This disaster provided the impetus for the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) to accelerate actions already being undertaken in managing the river. Bringing the Rhine back to life was not achieved overnight. For the best part of a century people have worked together at the Commission to deliver river restoration, transboundary river management and cooperation. As a result of investments by the states, municipalities and industry, more than 96 % of the 58 million inhabitants of the Rhine catchment are today connected to urban wastewater treatment plants and many industrial sites similarly dispose of their wastes. As a result, water quality has improved considerably and oxygen levels are back to normal. Chemical status of most groundwater bodies is good and inventories show that fish species composition in the Rhine is almost complete. However, more needs to be done to restore sustainable populations of migratory fish species like salmon and eel. Due to the relocation of dikes and the deepening of river forelands in the Rhine delta, 55 km² of former floodplains along the Rhine have been regained. Reconnecting flood plains has proved a ‘win-win’ for river health and flood mitigation.
“We are most pleased to have been awarded the Thiess International Riverprize in the name of all those cooperating in the ICPR. This prize is an incentive to start working on future challenges, such as the effects of climate change, micro-pollutants and the further improvement of fish migration in the Rhine catchment.
”“ The Rhine is an inspirational example of a creative solution for river resto-
ration. The ICPR is a group of committed and passionate individuals who have transformed the ‘Sewer of Europe’ into a river with high water quality, migratory fish and restored floodplains.
”
– Mr Gustaaf Borchardt, President, ICPR
– Professor Bill Dennison, Chair, International Riverprize Judging Panel
Riverprize is the world’s most prestigious environmental award, giving recognition, reward and support to those who have developed and implemented outstanding, visionary and sustainable programs in river management. The first Riverprize was awarded in 1999 and 30 Riverprizes have since been awarded to a range of organisations, big and small, from different parts of the world. Our 2014 Riverprizes were awarded to the River Rhine (Europe), the River Mur (Austria) and the Lake Eyre Basin (NT, QLD, NSW & SA - Australia).
12 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 13
Australian Riverprize WinnerLake Eyre Basin (QLD, NT, NSW & SA)Lake Eyre Basin PartnershipThe Lake Eyre Basin was awarded the Australian Riverprize for successfully implementing two decades of river protection through extensive engagement, collaboration and action. The Lake Eyre Basin is one of the last naturally free-flowing river basins in the world, occupying a large part of semi-arid Australia including parts of three states and one territory. It supports diverse human communities and outstanding cultural and natural values. In the mid-1990s, the threat of water resource development galvanised communities and governments to protect these magnificent riv-ers, flowing freely over hundreds of kilometres to the iconic Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Community concern catalysed the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement, focusing state, territory and federal governments on the overarching goal of cross-border protection of river flows and catchments. This produced a transforming governance framework which united communities, governments and other players. It was realised through creation of an intergovernmental Ministerial Forum, its supportive agencies, the multi-stakeholder Community Advisory Committee and the multi-disciplinary Scientific Advisory Panel. Together with community driven catchment management groups and regional natural resource management bodies, this enduring partnership has built a shared vision and identity for Australia’s unique, natural, desert river system: healthy environments, sustainable industries, vibrant communities and adaptive cultures. Key achievements include sustained, constructive community engagement in a cooperative framework; collaboration for research and management focusing on values, monitoring and adaptive management; and communications to connect communities over a large part of the continent. This two-decade partnership kept LEB rivers healthy, compared with arid zone rivers globally. “The Lake Eyre Basin Partnership demonstrates the importance of commitment to rivers as well as persistence. For people to have a passion and be able to sustain that for 20 years is a remarkable thing.” – Kate Andrews, Lake Eyre Basin Partnership “The Lake Eyre Basin is a tremendous example of recognising the vital need to protect the few remaining untouched river basins around the world. The Lake Eyre Basin provides us with evidence that we can manage our Basins in a way that protects their future and gives hope to those who depend on them for their livelihoods and spiritual connections ” - Dr Deborah Nias, Chair, Australian Riverprize Judging Panel.
European Riverprize WinnerThe River Mur (Austria)Freiland Environmental Consulting Civil Engineers and Office of the Styrian Government – Department 14 Water Management, Resources & SustainabilityThrough systematic river regulation and development beginning at the end of the 19th century, the River Mur has been significantly altered. River loops, branches and floodplain forests were separated and the construction of hydro-power led to a loss of habitat for many species.
In spite of these man-made changes to the river, the Upper Mur is considered to be one of the most ecologically valuable rivers of Austria. A natural spawning ground for the Danube salmon, the cross-border part of the River Mur also has the second largest alluvial forest in Austria and comprises one of Europe´s most species-rich habitats. In restoring the River, the main focus has been on the restoration of old structures and the recovery of natural river habitats by increasing connectivity with the dynamic river system.
Added benefits from these restoration activities include increased flood protection outcomes and the creation of leisure and nature facilities for the communities along the river. A regulation zone that excludes power plants is also being implemented, ensuring the sustainable management of the River Mur well in to the future.
IMAGE: The River Mur, Austria IMAGE: Lake Eyre Basin, QLD, NT, NSW & SA, Australia
“Winning the Riverprize is a great achievement for the team, and an affirmation for river restoration work on the River Mur in recent years. We hope that the Riverprize will serve as a contribution to improve public awareness of our river.”
River Recovery
IMAGE: River Rhine, Germany
Twinning
14 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 15
In 2014 the IRF Twinning program has continued to expand and evolve, with every knowledge exchange relationship continuing to demonstrate the value of these programs. There is simply no better way to share knowledge than by connecting river basin profes-sionals with their peers around the world. The unique knowledge that is shared in these programs cannot be found in textbooks or fact sheets - it is in fact tacit knowledge garnered from decades of working in river restoration and management; the years of trial and error, challenges and triumphs that create success in sustainable river basin management. Practical experience is paramount, as is convic-tion and at least one ‘champion’ - a dedicated individual who wishes to contribute beyond their normal, everyday activities and who seeks to make a real difference.
IRF Twinning programs help to harness this knowledge and passion, often for the good of those in the developing world. 2014 saw the start of two new Twinning endeavours; the Oxley Creek – Bremer River Twinning in south east Queensland, Australia, and the River Rhine multilateral knowledge exchange program in Europe. These new learning exchanges differ vastly in scale and scope yet remain similar in intent – they both encompass passionate people coming together to share their experiences with others. Both rivers and communities reap meaningful and endless benefits from these programs. Feedback from IRF networks indicates a desire to see the knowledge harnessed in these Twinning programs captured and shared more broadly. The International Riversymposium provides a unique platform to share this information with a wider audience.
Oxley Creek Catchment Association (OCCA) was the winner of the Australian Riverprize in 2009. The prize provided recognition for 13 years of successful partnerships with the community, resulting in increased engagement with their precious waterways and the life they support.
The CreekWATCH program contributed to OCCA’s recognition as a leader in catchment management through strengthening OCCA’s relationships with industry and increasing their commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural resource values of the catchment.
The Twinning partnership with Ipswich City Council (ICC) will enable OCCA to share their experiences to benefit the Bremer River catchment, with a focus on reproducing the highly successful CreekWATCH program. These two waterways have numerous issues in common, including:
• pressures from urban and industrialised areas• persistent poor water quality• flooding and disaster risk planning• populations who are no longer connected to their rivers and creeks
Launched in July 2014, this Twinning program will include workshops and private sector engagement and seek sustainable, long term outcomes to address the issues in the Bremer River.
Oxley Creek – Bremer River, South East Queensland, Australia
River Rhine, Multilateral Knowledge ExchangeIn 2013, the River Rhine won the inaugural European Riverprize for remarkable achievements in river restoation. The Global Environ-ment Facility’s International Waters (GEF IW: Learn) program has provided generous support for the Rhine to embark on a knowledge exchange process.
Drawing from past experiences in Twinning and knowledge programs, the International Commission for the Rhine (ICPR) is imple-menting multilateral knowledge exchange forums. The program is designed to interact with many river basin organisations through a coordinated and centralised approach, with a focus on integrated GEF IW: Learn project partners. In 2014, the first of these multilateral knowledge exchange workshops was hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, in conjunction with a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) workshop. Delegates from both the UNECE and GEF IW: Learn projects were able to attend a two hour session of presentations, discussion and debate with the ICPR.The framework of the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (the UNECE Water Convention) was used as the main exchange platform and the ICPR shared their experiences in transboundary river basin management. Actual river management and restoration case studies are in high demand with regard to this topic, making the ICPR’s learnings invaluable. The core focus areas include:
• Transboundary river basin governance and institutions• Flood protection and flood risk management• Climate change preparedness• Species recovery and water quality restoration• Stakeholder engagement• Frameworks, governance and planning
The initial workshop was successful and was generously supported by UNECE. Planning has already commenced for a potential second workshop in 2015 also in line with UNECE and GEF IW: Learn programs. Complementing their work at this high level, the ICPR is also designing an education and knowledge website for school aged children to become engaged in the history, restoration and management of the River Rhine.
In 2014 the River Rhine was also awarded the Thiess International Riverprize and is the first river to win both a regional and internation-al Riverprize.
IMAGE: The Oxley-Bremer Twinning launch on the banks of the Bremer River
IMAGE: River Rhine, Germany
18 IRF Annual Report 2012/13
The Emerging River Professional Award (ERPA) is a new initiative of the IRF. Established to recognise and foster those in the early stages of their careers in rivers, the award is open annually to all river professionals who have been working in their field for ten years or less and have demonstrated exceptional and measurable achievements in rivers, basins or river-dependent communities. In 2014, the ERPA was sponsored by OceanaGold Corporation and administered by the International WaterCentre Alumni Network. The 2014 ERPA was awarded to Dr. Oghenekaro “Nelson” Odume of South Africa. Nelson has undertaken comprehensive research on freshwater systems and turned this research into new tools and approaches to help people better manage these important natural resources. Born and educated in Nigeria, Nelson’s study took him to South Africa where his PhD research explored the effects of industrial-sewage effluent on river health. The results of the study provided a new early warning system to improve effluent management in relation to river health, ecological structure and function. His passion for freshwater resources and his fervour for developing new research and management methods compounded in the creation of his latest project where ethics, value systems and human dignity are at the forefront of understanding human behaviour and its impacts on freshwater management. He has a clear view on how to develop research with meaningful results. Nelson and the two other finalists, Alberto Rodriguez and Dymphina Andima, all presented their work at the International Riversymposium in Canberra.
Emerging River Professional Award
River Knowledge
Each year the IRF coordinates Sponsored Delegate programs to bring river pro-fessionals from various disciplines to the International Riversymposium. This year our Sponsored Delegate program received support from three partners this year – the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Albrecht Founda-tion. These partners supported a total of 46 delegates, including professionals and post-graduate students from around the world, to experience the Riversym-posium. This program fosters knowledge exchange, excellence in learning and sharing of innovative approaches, as well as offering essential networking and exchange opportunities. “I congratulate IRF for leading such innovative advocacy on keeping our river ecosystem always healthy for the survival of humanities and in reminding us of the need to take care of our planet. The symposium will keep us moving to find ways even in our most smallest initiatives to maintain an abun-dant and clean water”. (Engr. Edgardo Sebado, Philippines).
Sponsored Delegates
ScholarshipsNot just about rewarding academic excellence, the Ken Thiess Memorial Scholarship also seeks to nurture and develop future leaders in integrated water resources management. Through the generosity of the Thiess Family, the IRF was pleased to award the Ken Thiess Memorial Scholarship to Ms Bounthavivanh (Vanh) Mixap. From Laos, Vanh has worked across a range of international agencies focussing on water, gender, development, community and capacity development. Vanh is the sixth Ken Thiess scholar and this year she attended the 17th International Riversymposium with fellow scholar, Faisal Elias, where she was able to further develop her presentation skills.
2014 saw the expansion and development of several IRF River Knowledge programs. This expansion reflects the IRF vision to lead innovation and champion integrated river basin knowledge programs around the world. Knowledge and learning underpins progress, relationships, sustainability and helps to focus restoration and attention on the many great rivers around the world, big or small.
IMAGE: ERPA winner, Dr Nelson Odume and OceanaGold Chief Operation Officer, Mr Michael Holmes.
16 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 17
2014 marked the anniversary of the formation of the Global Network to Advance Integrated River Basin Management. This network, of which IRF is a partner, connects the major global organisations working in river basin management. Those in the Global Network share a common goal - to build on each other’s work in knowledge exchange, capacity development and learning, and maximise the outcomes.
Global Network to Advance IRBM
“With a stronger knowledge and experiences comes confidence. This is what I need to achieve for my voice to be heard and respected in the male dominant sector like water resources, particularly in Southeast Asia.”– Vanh Mixap – Ken Thiess Memorial Scholar
IRF River Recovery programs provide the opportunity for collaboration across a range of sectors to achieve on-ground outcomes for our precious rivers and ecosystems. This program seeks to demonstrate that collaboration for integrated river basin management is possible. A growing trend in all sectors is corporate or private sector stakeholders seeking meaningful engagement in social and environmental activities and outcomes. River Recovery programs work with all stakeholders, including those in the private sector, to achieve these tangible outcomes. IRF facilitates a collaborative process, assists with funding, planning, project management and communications. River Recovery is about overcoming conflict and seeking synergy for all stakeholders. In 2014, IRF’s two ongoing River Recovery programs are taking place in the Bremer River catchment in Queensland, Australia, and in the nothern Philippines.
The Bremer River Fund (BRF) is a collaborative body whose guiding mission is to improve the health of the Bremer River and surrounding waterways, as well as to give back the natural amenity of the river to the local communities. IRF is one of several partners in this program. Over the last year the BRF has delivered a variety of programs that have included:
- Education programs for local schools in the region, inte-grating science, decision making, leadership and planning. Several of the students attended the International River-symposium to present their work to a global audience.- Riparian revegetation activities designed to improve the health of local streams and increase connectivity for spe-cies in the region.- Coordinated volunteer engagement in environmental pro-grams with local schools, corporates such as Thiess and volunteers from the community.- Reduction of land-based litter entering the waterways.
An initial 2010 investment of $100,000 has evolved into over half a million dollars worth of funds, a significant portion if which was gained through the Queensland Government’s Everyone’s Environment grants.
Bremer River, Queensland
19
River Recovery
North Philippines, South East Asia
Over the last two years we have been working in part-nership with OceanaGold in the Philippines to fund and promote integrated river basin management in the Addalam River Basin. From the end of 2013 an in-country ambassa-dor has been engaging with stakeholders across a range of sectors, including research , government, community and NGOs, to determine the needs within the basin and the local peoples’ vision for their rivers and lives.
OceanaGold has since agreed to fund a program of activities designed with the input of all stakeholders in the region. This river recovery program partnership aims to:
- Create the first Watershed Management Council for the region- Initiate livelihood programs for communities- Introduce water quality monitoring- Implement education and knowledge exchange and a possible Twinning program within the Philippines.
OceanaGold has partnered in this process as a stakeholder who wishes to realise a sustainable future for all people in the region, particularly in relation to the health of the com-munity and local rivers.
18 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 19
IMAGE: Banaue, Phlippines
World Rivers DayWorld Rivers Day was held on Sunday 29 September, with events taking place all over the globe. Here in Australia, some of IRF’s corporate partners held or participated in World Rivers Day events, demonstrating their commitment to sustainably managing our freshwater resources.
Thiess Staff Volunteer for River Recovery
Keeping Jacob’s Creek Flowing
As part of their company culture of contributing at the global level and also locally, Thiess workers chose to join IRF in contributing to the Bremer River Fund’s river recovery project by using their volunteer day to plant trees, clear weeds and debris from Bremer tributaries and work alongside Ipswich locals to restore this important section of waterway and provide habitat for wildlife. Dozens of Thiess workers and volunteers were in Tite Family Park in North Boova, where Thiess machinery was also put to work removing debris deposited in the creek by recent floods.
Members of the local Barossa community joined employees of Pernod Ricard Winemakers to celebrate World Rivers Day on Sunday 28th September with a large-scale working bee at the home of Jacob’s Creek in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Despite the blustery weather conditions, more than 60 people armed themselves with gardening tools to help plant more than 500 native shrubs and trees along the banks of the creek. Volunteers also learnt more about the work Pernod Ricard Winemakers has carried out over the last 15 years to regenerate and improve the biodiversity of Jacob’s Creek through storyboards and an eco and history tour. Extensive clearing of non-native plants such as ash and olive trees which clog up the creek and affect water quality, widespread revegetation and the development of native vegetation corridors are key initiatives which have been actioned to ensure the long-term health of the waterway and secure the survival of some of the most fragile native animals and plants at Jacob’s Creek.
20 IRF Annual Report 2013/14 21
IMAGE: Thiess Staff Volunteer for River Recovery
22 IRF Annual Report 2012/13
Our Global Network
23
Nicole PortleyUSA
Johnny SundstromUSA
Teresa Moncarz Argentina
Mike RaynerTweed, Australia
Dr Vikki Uhlmann Brisbane, Australia
St. Johns River2008USA
ARGENTINASan Roque WatershedAUSTRALIA
Tweed River
SAMOA
MEXICO
COSTA RICA
HONDURAS
COLUMBIA
ECUADOR
BRAZIL
Amos Brandeis Israel
Dr Alastair DriverEngland
Olita C. OgonjoKenya
Dr Deborah Nias NSW Australia
Dr Shrikant D. Limaye India
Philip WellerAustria
Danube River2007EUROPE
FRANCELoire River
KENYANairobi River
THAILANDTrang River
AUSTRALIAGregory River
Tjangol Mangol
T
RUSSIA
KAZAKHSTAN
BELARUSSLOVAK
REPUBLIC
HUNGARY
KYRGYZSTAN
INDIA
IRANPAKISTAN
ARMENIATURKEY
EGYPT
ROMANIA
UKRAINE
NIGER
NIGERIA
CAMEROONUGANDA
UNITED REPUBLICOF TANZANIA
MALAWI
SWAZILAND
ZIMBABWE
SOUTH AFRICA
UGANDA
TANZANIA
SWAZILAND
ZIMBABWE
SOUTH AFRICA
SRI LANKA
UZBEKISTAN
BANGLADESH
CONGO
MALAYSIA
PHILIPPINES
INDONESIA
AUSTRALIA
NEPAL
MEXICO
COSTA RICA
HONDURAS
COLOMBIA
ECUADOR
BRAZIL
UZBEKISTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
BELARUSSLOVAK
REPUBLIC
HUNGARY
KYRGYZSTAN
INDIA
IRANPAKISTAN
ARMENIATURKEY
EGYPT
ROMANIA
UKRAINE
NIGER
NIGERIA
CAMEROON
RUSSIA
SAMOA
MALAWI
St. Johns River
EUROPE 2007
Lake Simcoe
Murray Wetlands
Lake Macquarie
Oxley Creek
Derwent EstuaryTASMANIA 2010
Merri River
Gregory River
Ayuquila RiverMEXICO
Charles River
Sunshine CoastQUEENSLAND 2011
Ganges River
Merri Creek
Torbay Catchment
Goulburn Broken
Bulimba Creek
Wallis Lake
Hunter River
Grand RiverSiuslaw BasinSha River
Mekong River
Blackwood River
Alexander River
River Thames
River Mersey
Danube River
Drôme River
Nairobi River
Orange River
Lake Bam
Tjangol Mangol
Loire River
Trang River
Sakhalin Island
ARGENTINATweed RiverAUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA
RUSSIA
THAILAND
INDIA
KENYA
SOUTHERN AFRICA
BURKINA FASO
SENEGAL
AUSTRALIA
FRANCE
ENGLAND 1999
ENGLAND 2010
FRANCE 2005
ISRAEL 2003
AUSTRALIA 2001
CHINA 2006
SOUTH-EAST ASIA 2002
USA 2008
USA 2011
CANADA 2000
CANADA 2009
USA 2004
QUEENSLAND 2009
QUEENSLAND 2005
NEW SOUTH WALES 2004
NEW SOUTH WALES 2003
NEW SOUTH WALES 2008
NEW SOUTH WALES 2007
VICTORIA 2001VICTORIA 2002
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2006
IRF AustraliaBRISBANE
IRF EuropeUTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS
San Roque Watershed
Jarabacoa Rivers
MONGOLIA
IRF office
IRF sponsored delegates tothe International Riversymposium
Thiess International Riverprize winner
Australian Riverprize winner
Twinning Project
LEGEND
Twinning Partner
European Riverprize winner
Willamette RiverUSA 2012
Condamine RiverQUEENSLAND 2012
D’entrecasteaux ChannelAUSTRALIA
AMBASSADORSPhilip Weller
Austria
Johnny Sundstrom
USA
Abdula Bansuan
Philippines
Amos Brandeis Israel
Shrikant D. Limaye
India
Alastair Driver
England
Olita C. Ogonjo
Kenya
Deborah Nias
Adelaide, Australia
Mara RiverKENYA 2013
Glenelg RiverVICTORIA 2013
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
River Recovery project
Bremer River AUSTRALIA
River MurAUSTRIA 2014
Lake Eyre BasinQLD, NT, NSW & SA 2014
ALL COUNTRIES IN CATCHMENT 2014River Rhine
(European Riverprize Winner 2013)
IRF Global Outreach
Ghana
24 IRF Annual Report 2012/13
As a founding member of the IRF, and host city of two Australian Riverprize winners. We thank Brisbane City Council for their renewed support for the IRF and for their leadership, continued stewardship of rivers and water quality in Brisbane.
Our long-standing partnership with Thiess was extended during the period with a widened scope of partnership projects and staff engagement opportunities. We thank the executives and staff at Thiess who have shown marvellous support for the IRF and we look forward to a successful partnership over the next three years.
Partners
Albrecht FoundationThe
The IRF sincerely thanks the Albrecht Foundation for the continued support of our core programs and for the long standing commitment to the IRF.
THIESS FAMILY TRUST
KALBITA PTY LIMITED
The IRF is supported by the Queensland State Government. We thank the Queensland State Government as a founding IRF member and for the core funding of IRF activities, including flood recovery and community project investment.
25
Global Network to Advance Integrated River Basin Managemement
26 IRF Annual Report 2012/13
GovernanceChanges to the Board of Directors 2013-current
The following people resigned from the International RiverFoundation Board of Directors:
Mr Kieren Perkins
Ms Sallyanne Atkinson AO
Ms Leith Boully
Ms Vicki Toms
Prof Paul Greenfield AO
Prof Gary Jones
The following people were elected to the International RiverFoundation Board of Directors:
Dr Roger Higgins
Dr Deborah Nias
Dr Selina Ward
Mr Kieren Perkins OAM
Mr Philip Weller
The following people were re-appointed for a 3-year term:
Professor Bill Dennison
Dr Peter Rowley
Board of DirectorsThe International RiverFoundation Board of Directors as at 24 December 2014:
Professor Bill Dennison
Mr Martin Albrecht, AC
Mr Michael Wright
Dr Peter Rowley
Mr Philip Weller
Public Fund Committee The following were members of the Public Fund Management Committee according to Clause 10 of the International RiverFoundation Constitution as at the end of the 2013-2014 financial year:
Mr David Askern Appointed 11/08/03Mr Bob Grice Appointed 10/11/05Mr Doug McLaggan Appointed 27/10/05
18/12/14
28/09/14
23/06/14
19/06/14
30/09/13
30/09/13
24/11/14
24/11/14
24/11/14
24/11/14
24/11/14
The following have since resigned from the Public Fund Management Committee:
Mr David Askern Resigned 11/11/14
Dr Selina Ward
Dr Deborah Nias
Dr Roger Higgins, Chairman
24/11/14
24/11/14
27
Financial Summary For financial year 2013-14
2014 $
2013 $
REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Sponsorship 697,044 483,696
Donations 299,804 352,971
Other 26,225 6,100
Government Assistance & Grants 178,091 200,000
1,201,164 1,042,767
Interest 33,115 41,122
1,234,279 1,083,889
EXPENSES Other expenses from ordinary activities
Riverprize 447,616 357,438
River Knowledge 215,702 82,172
River Recovery 58,198 62,953
Twinning 97,565 354,254
Other 1,553 182
Corporate support costs 621,662 397,231
1,442,296 1,254,230
DEFICIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE INCOME TAX (208,017) (170,341)
Income tax expense – –
DEFICIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER RELATED INCOME TAX (208,017) (170,341)
NET DEFICIT (208,017) (170,341)
Total changes in equity other than those resultingfrom transactions with owners as owners (208,017) (170,341)
Income Statement for the year ended 30 June 2014
The above income statement should be read in conjunction with the full auditors report, available at www.riverfoundation.org.au
During the 2013-2014 financial year we undertook a range of successful actions to secure funding to support our business plan. Our income comprised $677,044 in sponsorships, $299,804 in donations, $178,091 in government assistance and grants, $33,115 in in-terest and $26,225 in other sources. Our expenses were made up of $447,616 on river prizes, $97,565 on twinning projects, $215,702 on river knowledge activities, $58,198 on river recovery projects, $621,662 on corporate support costs and $1,553 on miscellaneous expenses. Over the year we had a net decrease in equity of $208,017, leaving our equity position as $185,130.
28 IRF Annual Report 2012/13
2014 $
2013 $
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and liquid assets 864,561 1,168,420
Receivables 50,100 204,100
914,661 1,172,520
Non-Current assets
Property, plant and equipment 1,180 1,986
TOTAL ASSETS 915,840 1,374,506
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Payables 710,710 781,359
Deferred income 20,000 200,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES 730,710 981,359
NET ASSESTS 185,130 393,147
EQUITY
Retained profits 185,130 393,147
TOTAL EQUITY 185,130 393,147
Balance Sheet for the year ended 30 June 2014
The above balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the full auditors report, available at www.riverfoundation.org.au
29
2014 $’000
2013 $’000
Total equity at the beginning of the financial year 393,147 563,488
Net income recognised directly in equity
Deficit for the year (208,017) (170,341)
Total recognised income and expense for the year (208,017) (170,341)
Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders – –
Total equity at the end of the financial year 185,130 393,147
2014 $’000
2013 $’000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Receipts 1,190,165 654,966
Payment to suppliers and employees (1,525,337) (1,005,264)
(335,172) (350,298)
Interest received 33,115 41,122
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (302,057) (309,176)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,802) -
Withdrawal of financial assets at fair value - -
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (1,802)- -
NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES - -
TOTAL NET INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH HELD (303,859) (309,176)
CASH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1,168,420 1,477,596
CASH AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 864,561 1,168,420
Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2014
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2014
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the full auditors report, available at www.riverfoundation.org.au
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the full auditors report, available at www.riverfoundation.org.au
IMAGE: from RiIVERBLUEMOVIE.COM
23 IRF Annual Report 2013/14
ACFID Code of Conduct
1131
In the year 2012/13, the International RiverFoundation became a member of the Australian
Council For International Development (ACFID), the peak council of Australian non-
government organisations. As members of ACFID, the International RiverFoundation
are signatories to the ACFID Code of Conduct, a document setting out the standards of
accountability in the areas of program principles public engagement; and organisation.
Compliance to the ACFID Code of Conduct demonstrates the high standards of the IRF.
The International RiverFoundation was welcomed as a provisional member of ACFID in
December 2012, and ratified as a full member at the ACFID Annual General Meeting in
October 2013. The IRF is excited to be an ACFID member and will now qualify for many
membership benefits and training programs .
Feedback is important to the International RiverFoundation. If you are unhappy with any of
our actions, our complaints policy is available at www.riverfoundation.org.au. Alternatively,
you may contact the IRF head office via telephone on +61 7 3026 0823 or by email at info@
riverfoundation.org.au.
For complaints regarding breeches to the ACFID code of conduct, please nodify the ACFID
Code of Conduct Committee via www.acfid.asn.au/code-of-conduct/complaints.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
RiverFoundation
Level 8 200 Creek Street Spring Hill QLD 4000 Australia
(tel) +61 7 3026 0823 [email protected]
For more information visit:
www.riverfoundation.org.au
