Board of Management Update - June 2024

The Phillip Island Nature Parks Board met on the 27 June 2024 for its regular board meeting. The meeting was held at the Nobbies Centre and was the final meeting of the 2023-24 financial year.
Visitation to the Nature Parks attractions
The Board observed visitation to the Nature Parks attractions experienced stronger-than-forecast growth, surpassing expectations towards the end of the 2023-24 financial year, with year-to-date revenue 14% higher than the 2018-19 financial year, which was the last full financial year prior to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Business planning
Prior to endorsing the organisation’s Annual Budget and Business Plan for 2024-25, the Board reflected on the achievements of the previous year and noted Management’s progress against the 2023-24 business plan. Some of the highlights included:
• International visitor growth exceeded expectations while domestic visitation remained strong. Revenue exceeded expectations and for the first time tipped over the 2019 benchmark.
• A new organisation structure was implemented to better support the organisation’s growth and deliver upon key priorities.
• A new ticketing system was implemented, which has been a highly successful and impactful project. This change has improved transaction processing, increased security and stability for the organisation and will improve sales capability.
• Conservation work focused on delivering habitat improvements on the Summerland Peninsula to reduce fire risk to little penguins, fairy tern habitat work, in collaboration with the Bunurong Land Council, and preparation for the reintroduction of bush stone-curlews.
• Work commenced on the first stage of the Penguin Parade Boardwalk Redevelopment project. This stage of works is due to be completed in November, whilst we continue planning for the next stage.
penguins.org.au
Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-27
The Board was extremely pleased to endorse the Nature Parks Stretch-Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-27, which has been completed following community consultation, feedback from the Nature Parks Reconciliation Advisory Committee and importantly, feedback from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. This is the organisation’s fourth Reconciliation Action Plan, which has received provisional support from Reconciliation Australia, who will review and consider the final version for endorsement and public release in the coming months. The Board looks forward to the Nature Parks next exciting reconciliation chapter, furthering its learning and understanding and working with the First Nations Community.
Governance
The Board regularly considers organisational policies and risks at each meeting. This meeting the risk discussion focused on the Nature Parks assets and facilities across the island. The Board highlighted the organisation’s continuing program of process improvement in asset management, which was crucial in identifying and addressing risks.
The Board also considered the Gifts Benefits and Hospitality Policy, which was revised to align with the Whole of Government policy, which adopts the sentiment that “thank you is enough” in most circumstances.
The Board welcomed notification the Annual Report 2022-23 had been submitted to Victorian Parliament and would be made available on the Nature Parks website.
Nobbies critical repairs
The Board was updated on the Nobbies Centre engineering building inspections and the requirements for the building’s critical infrastructure repairs, which had been advertised for tender on the Buying for Victoria government website. The Board noted the progress towards identifying the preferred tendered and supported Management to proceed with negotiations, refining the scope of works to align with the long-term strategic direction for the site.
Board recruitment
The Board noted a range of positions had been advertised for boards within the State Government environmental portfolio of entities, which included upcoming vacancies on the Nature Parks Board. More information about these positions and the application process can be found at boards.vic.gov.au with the direct link to the Nature Parks positions included below.
Expressions of interest - Environment portfolio entities | boards.vic.gov.au