EXECUTIVE BRIEFING REPORT

You are required to write a briefing report for the senior executive group in a NSW local council on an environmental policy or project.

TOPICS

• Coastal management
• Greener and sustainable cities
• Quality Greener
• Resilient Sydney
• Transport and planning
• Parramatta Light Rail
• Western Sydney Aerotropolis
• Planning for liveability and wellbeing

You may like to choose your own topic, but you MUST check this with the convenor first.

Assessment criteria

Argument and critical analysis (50%) Knowledge & Understanding; evidence and resources (20%)

Structure/ Organisation; style and presentation and referencing (30%)

The briefing report:

1. MUST use the template provided (no deviations).
2. Is to be written following government writing style
3. Can assume the reader is familiar with the topic areas but not the intricate details or implications (thus this should be your focus) – e. there is no need to go back to basics explain foundational concepts (e.g. what is climate change and its relationship to sea level rise).
4. Must contain a visual summary. This is an additional communication exercise designed to broaden your skills and demonstrate through knowledge of the subject matter and its impact through a diagram, sketch, pictorial or other visual It also serves as an important communication device that would be included for example in a power point presentation, on a web page or other media.

TITLE (1-line)

Write a core message in 3 sentences on 5 lines. 1 sentence each on topic, analysis, action

Key Information

Foreground your analysis of the issue

Use analytical headings to structure your key information Be as concise as possible

Make sure the key information and recommendation do not go over 1 page Write in plain English and delete instructions

Financial Implications

Recommendations

TITLE (1-line) – repeat from Exec Summary

Rationale

Do not repeat information from the executive summary.

Consider risks/benefits, how risks can be mitigated/realized, risks and benefits of alternatives , including status quo

Context

Consultation

Author

Key points:

• Summarise the issue, the Department’s analysis of the issue and the actions that should
• You should structure the core message with 1 sentence each on the topic, the analysis and the action.
• Why should the Minister/ Department Secretary support your recommendations?
• Try to create a clear structure and focus on these essential points without explaining too

(Negative) Example:

House prices in the school catchment zones of good public schools are unaffordable for the majority of families. With a rapidly growing population, education and housing are becoming more problematical. Consequently, urban planners need to be planning ways to provide affordable family housing within school catchment zones so that government run schools can continue to educate the community surrounding them.

• Avoid vague statements and create a strong focus

(Positive) Example:

The application of ecotourism within national parks and wilderness areas has shown to have a significantly beneficial impact on the tourism industry of Australia. Ecotourism provides visitors with a nature-based experience that educates through awareness of ecosystems, while encouraging conservation efforts and local community engagement. The transition of Nattai National park into a ECO Certified destination for ecotourism can potentially capitalize on a growing industry, while protecting ecosystems and stimulating local economies

• Clear structure and well presented, right level of

Start with minimal descriptive context of the topic and the issues.

Place most of the traditional ‘Background Information’ in the specific ‘Context’ section.

Key points:

Foreground your analysis of the issue

As briefly as you can, discuss the analysis that supports your recommendation.

Include the most important elements on the first page and place any further detail in the ‘Rationale’ section.

Use analytical headings to structure your key information

Structure this page by your analysis of the issue rather than by the narrative of the research. Justify each reason and support it with clear (scientific) evidence.

The Minister should be able to read the core message and understand the essence of the briefing.

Be as concise as possible

Consider your reader’s needs rather than the level of detail you may prefer.

Foreground the most important information on the first page, then follow with supporting information.

Make sure the key information and recommendation do not go over 1 page.

Keep a clear structure and place deeper information in the specific “Rationale” and “Context” sections instead.

(Negative) Example:

Schools no longer represent the population that lives around them.

Parents are choosing to pay the cost of private schools as opposed to outrageous house prices.

• Support your arguments and statements with (scientific) evidence.
• Avoid generic expressions and create precise and detailed

(Positive) Example:

National Parks and wilderness areas offer invaluable opportunities to Ecotourism. However, ecotourism must be managed and undertaken in a way that allows the natural values of the area to be retained (TWS 1998). Current issues of wildlife stress, introduction of invasive species, ecosystem degradation and cultural shifts have resulted due to increased human activity throughout national parks and wilderness areas (Kopnina et al. 2018, p. 142).

• Provide references and scientific evidence to support your
• In terms of language this could be improved. Remove “however” and just get to the point. If something is to be invaluable then it has economic value beyond estimation. For a report that would position something around a financial benefits, ‘valuable’ may be a better term. Do not capitalise Last sentence could be rephrased and start with ‘human activity has ….”
• It would also be good to define ecotourism very briefly too

Remember:

• Write in plain English, with a clear structure and avoid repetitive sentences and words.
• Prefer short words and sentences, write in the active voice and avoid
• Delete or overwrite all instructional text in this
• Avoid long, run-on sentences and complicated explanations.

You should include in this chapter both funding and also financial impacts.

Funding implications

Include specific cost, total budget, funding source and PAC (Public Accounts Committee) number - https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=183

Be specific and include clear statements and arguments.

Financial implications

Include information on any potential broader risks for the Department or government. If the recommended project is not funded there may be wider financial implications for government. Are there any significant potential financial risks involved as well?

(Negative) Example:

Potential wider implications for Government and insurance companies to cover the costs of extreme weather damage and deterioration of infrastructure caused by climate change if funding is denied.

• Try to be specific and create an answer which is supported by (scientific) evidence and
• In terms of language if this was a recommendation it would be better framed as “That the Disaster Relief Grants not be used for the funding of climate change related events (refer to NSW Office of Emergency Management https://emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Search.aspx?k=Emergency%20and%20disaster%20relief_). At a practical level this would be very difficult noting that the Minister would have to differentiate between what is an extreme disaster event and one attributed to climate change so not an overly useful recommendation.
• Many financial implication statements include subjective This section is about hard numbers not opinion.

(Positive) Example 1:

LiDAR RS will cost $7-12m for Sydney’s area (12,368km2) (Hummel et al. 2011; EX 2017; GM 2017; RBA 2017), $2m per quinquennial RS update,

$3m per quinquennial regional flood assessment (Langford 2015), $300,000 to hire a bioretention guideline committee; totalling $10.3m sourced from the Department’s 2017-2018 $41m budget allocation to LGA floodplain plans and $5m from the 2022-2023 budget onwards (TNSW 2017). LGAs have responsibility for flood assessments, however, the Department is required to financially assist flood mitigation (DIPNR 2005) which may include bioretention works necessary from pre-LEP consultation. Financial risks include inaccurate data that may poorly project potential asset damages, maintenance costs for bioretention works and costs for construction agencies to alter standards. Benefits include $50m+/annum damages prevention and $20,000+/ha/annum from ecosystem services (Costanza 1997) excluding other bioretention benefits.

• All essential elements provided with a clear structure and a high level of supportive evidence.
• The example above is probably too detailed for a 1 page ex summary but compared to many it clearly demonstrates thought as to cost and source of funding

(Positive) Example 2:

The OEH Annual Report 2015-16 outlined that total operating expenses for the financial year ending 30 June 2016 was $505,684,000, which includes employees, grants and subsidies and finance costs. Figures also indicated that total revenue for that financial year sat at $511,157,000, making the net result $3,336,000 (‘OEH: Annual Report 2015-16’ 2016).

• Clear structure and well
• This example does provide some detail and have rightly referenced the latest information (as would be available to you without inside budget knowledge). Ideally you would be identifying a specific budget item from which to fund an initiative (again would be expected if you were working in a department and more difficult from the outside). In terms of funding a program you can also identify what may be cut/trimmed (but support this somewhere in your report too)

Key points:

• This paragraph should provide the Minister / Department Secretary with specific and clear

recommendations.

• This paragraph should be clearly based and linked to your financial recommendations

(Negative) Example 1:

That the Deputy Secretary puts in place a 20-year strategy to improve the proportion of affordable family housing in the school catchment zones of highest demand across Sydney and its suburbs.

• Avoid vague statements and be precise
• What is the proportion that would signify an improvement? Have specific numbers / targets so the Government can check A good guide for this is through the Centre for Pubic Impact: https://www.centreforpublicimpact.org/fundamentals/

(Negative) Example 2:

1. Capitalise on the existing transport network and the enhancements being delivered under the Metropolitan Transport Plan to further integrate land use planning and infrastructure particularly transport infrastructure and create a much more efficient and sustainable city structure.
2. Prioritise on public transportation
3. Encourage development of a greater proportion of smaller new
4. Revitalise older neighbourhoods and ensure that new buildings are more energy–efficient, and streets and public spaces are well designed to become assets for local communities where they can feel
5. Create more job opportunities in the sub urban areas as well so that the population do not get congested only in the urban

• If citing a Plan, such as the Transport Plan, put the date
• For this example there is a need to understand that transport, infrastructure and metro planning are now (finally) being considered concurrently. Refer for the latest Metro plan for Sydney via the Greater Sydney Commission Web site: https://greater.sydney/
• Subjective terms such as ‘proportion’, “small” (for example does this relate to the missing middle (look it up))

should be avoided rather use industry specific terms or numbers.

(Positive) Example:

That the Minister for Planning and Environment endorse the recommendations to amend the issues national park and wilderness areas already face because of increased human activity. It is recommended that the minister adapt an ecocentric approach and consider these recommendations as adaptable and individualised to each region based on biocapacities and existing policy, resources and funding.

Recommendations that shall assist in enriching visitor experience without impacting ecological and social processes include promoting off-national park sites, alternative funding mechanisms, use of existing facilities, eco-accrediting all tourism operators, promoting better management through long term strategic planning and minor amendments to reassessment of ecotourism companies.

• Clear structure and clear
• Without the benefit of reading the full report this briefing note was essentially to place greater regulation on ecotourism operators in National Parks and with this in mind it could be rephrased eg: “That the Minister for Planning and Environment support ecotourism in National Parks where the activities are consistent with the plans of management and funding from such activities are directed to the Park’s for the purpose of assisting operational funding”.

Ensure that your visual examples provide a clear reference. Choose a high level of details and create a visual summary which clearly supports your arguments and statements. You are encouraged to look at a range of guidelines, peer review papers and online power point presentations to get an understanding of what makes a “good” visual image.

There is no clear narrative or story being told here. For a professional level report this is way off the mark and something more aligned with a primary school assessment.

The bike image is clearly there to illustrate the benefits of this type of active transport but the link between the 2 images is not there – essentially this is a simple cut and copy of 2 images from a google search!

POSITIVE EXAMPLES

Key points:

Do not repeat key information

It is important to remember, not to repeat the key information from former chapter.

This section should add further analysis

This chapter should provide the Minister/ Department Secretary further information as well as clear conclusions, opinions, comprehensive reasons, more (scientific) evidence and detailed explanations.

No background information

The “Rationale” section should not provide the audience descriptions including background information, processes, the history, or any basic facts.

(Negative) Example:

There is a risk that bikes will get stolen or damaged, by implementing a bond program to sign up your opal card to the OpalBike system to protect people steeling unlocked bikes. There is a risk that the amount of cyclist on the roads could increase the amount of cyclist accidents, hence more cycle lanes should be introduced to keep riders safe and cyclist off pathways. There is a major risk that bikes could all end up in the same place. For example, trends in everyone riding home from work opposed to both to and from work. A loyalty system should be emplaced so that if you return a bike back to the station you got it from within 24 hours you get a discount. There is a risk that smaller stations could run out of bikes, hence there should be an active app that allows people to see if their local station has bikes ready to ride. There will also be a system of booking bikes in advance, from major bike stations.

• Avoid repetitive statements and support your arguments with (scientific evidence).

(Positive) Example:

Alternative and innovative methods of funding must be implemented to meet maintenance and management requirements (DECC 2008). Alternative methods of funding and management could include partnerships with not for profit conservation organisations, Aboriginal community and local councils (Wilson et al. 2008, p. 269). Partnerships enables further funding to contribute to sustainable nature tourism solutions and delivering conservation objectives (DECC 2008). However, funding should not play hostage to the tourism industry, and I would argue that the government remain the primary funding source for national parks (DECC 2008). To continue the maintenance and management of national parks and wildlife areas within NSW, continual funding by the government should be guaranteed (DECC 2008).

• Clear structure and well

Key points:

Do not repeat the descriptive information

Similar as for the Rationale Chapter, do not repeat the key information from former chapters.

This ‘Context’ section is for additional background information

This is your change to include further background information and details for the Minister/ Department Secretary.

Structure and Format

Where possible, keep the ‘Rationale’ and ‘Context’ under 1 page, and the briefing under 2.

(Negative) Example:

The people living in the city should also be encouraged to reduce the problems through shifting them to another cities form Sydney. In this case, the government has to budget more financing so that, various facilities can be improved in other cities and this encourages the people to shift from Sydney to other cities. Overall all the parties having interest on the friendly city should be aware of various issues regarding the population growth.

• Avoid generic statements and support your ideas with scientific

Positive) Example:

Instrumentalism v Ecocentrism:

Adapting and amending current policies and legislative provisions to allow the expansion of ecotourism in national park and wilderness areas would reflect an instrumentalist approach, which favours economic interests over sustainability and conservation (Randle and Hoye 2016, p. 141). An ecocentric view places intrinsic value on all living organisms and their natural environment regardless of their perceived usefulness or importance to human beings (Kopnina et al. 2018, p. 141).

Ecotourism Australia ECO Certification Strategy:

Ecotourism Australia (EA) is a not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to assure travellers that the practices of approved nature-based tourism organisations are sustainable and well managed (EA 2016). The individualistic certification scheme supports organisations and operators who strive for minimal environmental impact (EA 2016). EA represents the interests of the public, through working closely with key stakeholders to implement sustainable tourism practices (EA 2016). Stakeholders that are in direct communication with this NGO include academics, ecotourism operators, state and federal government agencies, local communities and Indigenous Australians (EA 2016).

• Provide background information and further details for the Minister/ Department
• The example above may be getting a bit theoretical but nevertheless serves to provide some solid evidence as to future directions and
• The inclusion of the not for profit organisation is valued in so far as it outlines that what is being recommended in this report has precedent and is practical. Just a note that a partnership or grant program could be used to get them to develop a framework for government to follow and or put them on an advisory

Key points:

Departments/ division or names that have been consulted.

Include in your assignment all departments and divisions (or names) that have been consulted. Also identify all relevant and related policies.

Demonstrate your understanding of the inter-relationship

Identify those departments and policies to demonstrate the understanding between your topic and other parts of the government.

POSITIVE EXAMPLE

Consultation

Senator the Hon. Matthew Canavan, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia and Dr James Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia Agency approved sharing data, software and resources from Australia Rainfall and Runoff projects (DIIS 2017; GA 2017).

Sydney Water; UNSW; NSW Department of Transport, NSW Department of Primary Industry and NSW Office of Water; The Hon. Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure; The Hon. Niall Blair, Minister for Primary Industries and The Hon. Gabrielle Upton, Minister for the Environment approved integrating NARCliM data and collaboration with the Department or taskforce for future climate extrapolations (DPC 2017; OEH 2017a; OEH 2017b).

Department of Justice, NSW Police Force and The Hon. Troy Grant Minister for Police under Surveillance Devices Act 2007 advised potential security risks of LiDAR (DJ 2017).

NSW Ministry of Health and The Hon. Brad Hazzard Minister for Health identified potential RS health risks under

Radiation Control Act 1990 and Radiation Control Regulation 2013 (NSWH 2017).

The Hon. Niall Blair, Minister for Primary Industries and NSW Office of Water, Department of Primary Industries approved this strategy’s flood policy alignment with Water Management Act 2000.

Infrastructure NSW approved participating in assisting public infrastructure bioretention works while Acceptable Standards of Construction Committee NSW were consulted to inform potential changes to domestic infrastructure standards if SEPP 2008 is amended (ASCC 2017; INSW 2017).

• Clear structure and comprehensive

INCLUDE THE TABLE BELOW IN YOUR TEMPLATE

Date	Action
Add date	Describe what happened
Add date	Describe what happened

Your reference list has to be included in your report.

There should be no other information or attachments be included in this section of your assignment. This should be the last page of your report.

It is highly recommended to use the Harvard Guide for Referencing

This can be found at http://libguides.mq.edu.au/referencing/Harvard

Clear and comprehensive reference list

It is important to include a clear and detailed reference list. Different sources should be considered and included.

Example:

eferences

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) 2008, New South Wales Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks Report, viewed 7 November 2017,

https://www.ecotourism.org.au/assets/Resources-Hub-Protected-Area-Management/New-South-Wales-Taskforce-on-Tourism-and-National-Parks.pdf Ecotourism Australia (EA) 2016, ECO and Representing Our Culture Certification Essentials, viewed 7 November 2017, https://www.ecotourism.org.au/assets/Program-Summary-ECO-ROC-with-Criteria-12-2016.pdf

Figgis, P 2000, ‘The Double-Edged Sword: Tourism and National Parks’, Habitat Australia, vol. 28, pp 24-26.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2017, Category II: National Park, viewed 6 November 2017, https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected- areas/about/protected-areas-categories/category-ii-national-park

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)(DEC) 2006, ‘Living Parks’ A Sustainable Visitation Strategy, viewed 7 November 2017,

https://library.conservation.org/Published%20Documents/2009/Living_Parks.pdf