Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW Annual Report 2007-08

Abstract

This annual report documents the activities and performance of the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) for the 2007-08 fiscal year. Following its establishment in April 2007, DECC implemented significant organizational changes while delivering programs across five strategic priorities: climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection and regulation, integrated landscape management, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and organizational effectiveness. Key achievements included establishing the $340 million NSW Climate Change Fund, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency programs, strengthening regulatory frameworks for waste management and native vegetation protection, expanding the protected area network to over 6.6 million hectares (8.3% of NSW), and developing co-management arrangements with Aboriginal communities. The report provides detailed performance indicators demonstrating DECC's progress in areas such as pollution control, biodiversity conservation, park visitation, and operational efficiency. Financial statements show DECC managed a total operating budget of $981 million. The report highlights DECC's role in implementing the NSW State Plan while working to integrate the functions of predecessor agencies into a cohesive organization focused on environmental protection, conservation and natural resource management across NSW.