Nature Parks Board Update – June 2023
Nature Parks Board Update – June 2023
The Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Board met on the 22 June 2023 on Phillip Island (Millowl). At this meeting, the Board recognised the significant contribution of Board Members, Jane Foley and Danielle Auldist, who had reached the end of their term on the Board. Jane and Danielle have been highly engaged and active Board Members who have added value to the Nature Parks through their collective expertise in science, conservation, tourism and people leadership, whilst also supporting the Board’s overall governance responsibilities. Danielle has led the organisation’s Scientific Research Advisory Committee and was the most recent Chair of the Board’s Performance and Culture Subcommittee, whilst Jane Chaired the Board’s Tourism Recovery Subcommittee and was a former Chair of the Performance and Culture Subcommittee.
The Board was pleased to hear that Michaela Salvato has been re-appointed for a further term and that Beverley Munro and Michelle Dickson will be joining the Board from 1 July 2023. The Board has worked with Beverley Munro on the organisation’s Reconciliation Advisory Committee, and she brings a wealth of knowledge in a broad number of fields including Aboriginal culture, health and safety and public health. Michelle Dickson has significant experience in environmental management and water management, along with an understanding of the tourism sector as a former Board member of Destination Gippsland. The Board looks forward to welcoming the new members in the coming months.
Below are highlights from the June 2023 Board meeting:
VISITATION
The Board noted visitation to the Nature Parks had been stronger than expected, resulting in the organization reaching 80% of its pre-COVID revenue from admissions June YTD. The Board was happy with the organisation’s financial recovery, which was largely driven by domestic visitation, though international visitation continued to grow consistently they remain below pre-COVID numbers.
NATURE PARKS’ STRATEGIC DIRECTION
In 2021, the Nature Parks revised its strategy to reflect the ‘recovery’ nature of the business as it emerged from the significant impacts of COVID-19. The Future Directions strategy was adopted for 2-3 years and has navigated the organisation through its short-term recuperation. This strategy has been updated to reflect the current needs of the organisation for 2023-24 and can be found here.
The Board agreed that the organisation is now in a position to reconsider its longer-term strategy and took the opportunity at the meeting to capture the views of departing Board Members on the priorities, challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for the organisation. Further work will be undertaken on the organisation’s longer-term strategy throughout the coming financial year with a view to consult with community and key stakeholders on the organisation’s future direction in 2024.
ORGANISATION RISK REVIEW
This month the Board reviewed and endorsed two strategic risks associated with the Nature Parks’ tourist attractions, commercial operations, visitor experience and service continuity.
The Board noted recent inspections carried out on the infrastructure of the Penguin Parade and Nobbies Centre and the repairs currently underway on boardwalks at the Penguin Parade to ensure the ongoing safety of visitors and staff and extension of the lifetime of the boardwalks, whilst the organisation secures further funding for the Penguin Parade Boardwalks and Stands Redevelopment project.
The Board reviewed and endorsed the organisation’s Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Procedure.
CEO STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN
The Board was pleased to note the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) Stakeholder Plan, which outlined the CEO’s key relationships and informed strategic engagement activities across the various levels of Nature Parks’ stakeholders.
Kevin Love
Chair
Phillip Island Nature Parks