By Phillip Island Nature Parks
The Phillip Island Nature Parks Board met on December 12 for its regular board meeting. The meeting was held in person on Phillip Island. The Board had also held two irregular meetings, meeting virtually on September 30 and November 14.
The Board farewelled board member Jane Jobe who departed the Nature Parks Board at the end of her three-year term. The Board thanked Jane for her dedication and passionate contribution to the Nature Parks, particularly in championing the organisation's conservation activities, supporting infrastructure and planning projects with technical guidance and leading community connections as co-chair of the Community and Environment Advisory Committee.
The Board warmly welcomed two new board members, Fiona Mellor and Yvonne Dickson, who together bring a wealth of experience and an exciting dimension to the Nature Parks Board.
Visitation
The Board was happy to note that visitation was stable and continuing with its strong recovery trend, setting a positive tone for the upcoming summer period.
This positive report is driven by the successful activation of new premium products across the Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Reserve, coupled with infrastructure improvements and strengthened networks with key tourism partners and stakeholders, both domestically and in critical international markets.
The Board shared its enthusiasm for a safe and successful peak period and wished all Nature Parks visitors, staff and volunteers a happy holiday period.
Annual Report
The organisation's Annual Report for 2023-24 and accompanying financial statements had been tabled in Victorian Parliament and the final report is available on the Nature Parks website: penguins.org.au
Governance and Compliance
To ensure the organisation's ongoing governance, the Board monitors key policies and risks, and this month it received an update on the organisation's information, communication and technology (ICT) risk and aligning policy. In addition, the risk management and compliance policy, along with its accompanying procedures were endorsed.
The Board noted the Animal Ethics Committee's Annual Report for 2024 and endorsed the committee's Terms of Reference. The Animal Ethics Committee Chair provided a summary of the committee's activities, which included the approval of 12 new projects for 2024, whilst maintaining six external active projects.
The Board thanked the Animal Ethics Committee for its expertise and valuable contribution, highlighting the important role it plays in upholding strong animal welfare practices.
Penguin Parade redevelopment
On December 11, the Nature Parks General Manager Tourism hosted the Board at the Penguin Parade, showcasing the recently completed infrastructure upgrades. Whilst observing 1894 waddling penguins coming ashore, the Board inspected the new Penguin Discovery Platform, the revitalised Penguin Plus and toured the new boardwalk which was still under construction.
In addition, the Board received a progress update on construction and was pleased to hear the Penguin Plus viewing platform was completed and would be fully operational pending a risk assessment and the Penguins Discovery Platform was expected to be finalised in the coming week.
The Board received an update on future stages of the Penguin Parade Boardwalk and Viewing Stands Redevelopment project and endorsed the preferred contractor for the design element of stage 3 and 4 which included the reverse viewing boardwalk and viewing stands.