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Stream 2 of the
Regional NRM
Planning for Climate
Change Fund 2013 –
2016 Final Evaluation
(Final Report)
Prepared for the Department of the
Environment
15 July 2016
Clear Horizon Consulting
129 Chestnut Street, Cremorne VIC 3121
Tel: +61 3 9425 7777
www.clearhorizon.com.au
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting i
Contact details
Clear Horizon Contact Client contact
Stuart Raetz
Clear Horizon Consulting
(03) 9425 7777
Science Partnerships Section
Science Division
Department of the Environment
Project Director Lee-Anne Molony
Internal Contributors Stuart Raetz, Lee-Anne Molony, Jill Campbell, Thomas Hannon
External Contributors Patrick O’Connor
Last saved 1/07/2016 8:34 AM
Clear Horizon Reference Number CH12_166
Disclaimer
This document has been produced with information supplied to Clear Horizon by projects and
stakeholders involved in the Australian Government’s Stream 2 of the Regional NRM Planning
for Climate Change Fund 2013 – 2016 program. While we make every effort to ensure the
accuracy of the information contained in this report, any judgements as to suitability of the
information for the client’s purposes are the client’s responsibility. Clear Horizon extends no
warranties and assumes no responsibility as to the suitability of this information or for the
consequences of its use.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 2
Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. 5
1.1. Background .................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2. Stream 2 final evaluation .......................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Final evaluation findings ............................................................................................................ 6
1.4. Key learnings from Stream 2 .................................................................................................... 8
2. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 10
2.1. Background ................................................................................................................................ 10
2.2. Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3. Purpose ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.4. Audience ..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.5. Key evaluation questions ......................................................................................................... 12
3. Findings ............................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1. The effectiveness of Stream 2 ................................................................................................ 13
3.2. The relevance of Stream 2....................................................................................................... 31
3.3. The appropriateness of Stream 2 ........................................................................................... 40
3.4. The efficiency of Stream 2 ....................................................................................................... 43
3.5. The legacy and sustainability of Stream 2 ............................................................................ 45
Attachment One: Stream 2 Program Logic ........................................................................................... 51
Attachment Two: The Cluster Model ....................................................................................................... 52
Attachment Three: Results chart ............................................................................................................. 53
Attachment Four: Stream 1 Report 2013-14 – 2014-15 Synthesis ................................................. 63
Attachment Five: Methodology ................................................................................................................ 70
Approach ................................................................................................................................................. 70
Data collection ....................................................................................................................................... 70
Data analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 71
Data synthesis ........................................................................................................................................ 71
Limitations .............................................................................................................................................. 72
Attachment Six: Interview guides ............................................................................................................ 73
Attachment Seven: Output definitions ................................................................................................... 79
Attachment Eight: Glossary of terms ...................................................................................................... 81
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 3
List of figures
Figure 1. Summary of Stream 2 outputs and outcomes (2013 - 2016) ........................................... 15
Figure 2. Climate Change in Australia website users per month ....................................................... 18
Figure 3. National Projections help desk client support groups ......................................................... 18
Figure 4. The extent to which AdaptNRM modules met user needs ................................................. 37
Figure 5. Stream 2 Program Logic .......................................................................................................... 51
Figure 6. The Cluster Map showing the eight Stream 2 NRM clusters .............................................. 52
List of tables
Table 1. Evaluation audience and information requirements ............................................................ 11
Table 2. Summary of outputs delivered by Stream 2 (2013 – 2016) ............................................... 14
Table 3. Stream 2 products stored in Terra Nova (February 2016) ................................................... 17
Table 4. Terra Nova page views ............................................................................................................... 17
Table 5. Examples of use of Stream 2 product by NRM representatives ......................................... 21
Table 6. Modes of engagement used by Stream 2 projects ............................................................... 34
Table 7. Stream 2 Results Chart (2013 – 2015) .................................................................................. 53
Table 8. Uses of Stream 2 products by NRM regions as reported in Stream 1 reporting (2013-14
– 2014-15) .................................................................................................................................................. 63
Table 9.Glossary of terms ......................................................................................................................... 81
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 4
Acronyms
CMA
DCCEE
DEWNR
DIICCSRTE
EOPO
ERF
Catchment Management Authority
Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
South Australian Department of Natural Resources and Water
Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary
Education
End of Program Outcome
Emissions Reduction Fund
GBCMA
IPCC
KEQ
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority…
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Key evaluation question
LLS
M&E
Local Land Services
Monitoring and Evaluation
MCAS-S
MCMA
NACC
NARCLiM
NCCMA
NESP
NGO
NR AMLR
NRM
Multi-Criteria Analysis Shell for Spatial Decision Support
Murray Catchment Management Authority
Northern Agricultural Catchments Council
NSW / ACT Regional Climate Modelling
North Central Catchment Management Authority
National Environmental Science Program
Non-Government Organisation
Natural Resources Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges
Natural Resource Management
PWG Project working group
RI
SCARP
SCNRM
SWCC
USQ
Resources Inventory
Southern Slopes Climate Change Adaptation Research Partnership
South Coast Natural Resource Management
South West Catchments Council
University of Southern Queensland
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 5
1. Executive Summary
This report presents the final evaluation of the implementation of Stream 2 of the Regional
Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund.
1.1. Background
The Australian Government’s Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) Planning for
Climate Change Fund (NRM Fund) provided $43.9 million over five years to improve regional
planning for climate change and help guide the location of carbon and biodiversity activities.
The NRM Fund was administered by the Australian Government Department of the
Environment1 (the Department) and delivered through two streams: Stream 1 ($28.9 million) to
support regional NRM organisations to revise existing regional plans; and Stream 2 ($15
million) to produce regional level climate change information and provide guidance on the
integration of that information into regional NRM and land use planning.
The objective of Stream 2 of the NRM Fund was to improve the capacity of regional NRM
organisations to plan for climate change by improving the quality and accessibility of regionally
relevant information on climate change impacts and potential adaptation responses.
The Stream 2 program was delivered through eight regional projects and two national projects
(‘Stream 2 projects’):
a ‘National Projections’ project lead by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to deliver regionalised
climate projections,
eight ‘climate impacts and adaptation’ projects (Monsoonal North, Murray Basin, Wet
Tropics, Central Slopes, Southern and South Western Flatlands, Southern Slopes, East
Coast and Rangelands) delivered to eight NRM ‘clusters’ based on existing regional NRM
boundaries, and
a national ‘impacts and adaptation’ project (the ‘AdaptNRM’ project).
A NRM Information Management Project with Griffith University has also been supported with
NRM funding to enhance the Terra Nova web portal as the repository of Stream 2 published
material. Clear Horizon Consulting was engaged by the Department to provide monitoring and
evaluation (M&E) support for the program and to undertake a mid-term evaluation (2014) and a
final evaluation (2016).
See Section 2 for more detail on the Stream 2 projects.
1 There have been a number of agencies responsible for the administration of the program since its inception due to
administrative arrangement order changes including the Department of Environment, the Department of Climate
Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) and the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science,
Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE).
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 6
1.2. Stream 2 final evaluation
This final evaluation covers the entire program timeframe (from 2013 to 2016) and the
investment of $15 million. The purpose of this final evaluation is to demonstrate the
achievements of Stream 2, share learning, and contribute to the knowledge base for research
and investment in climate change science and NRM planning.
This final evaluation was prepared by drawing on multiple data sources including: a series of 36
semi-structured phone interviews2; annual project reporting (between 2013 and 2016), Stream
1 regional reporting (39 NRM regions); NRM planning documentation (16 NRM regions);
departmental records; and project documentation and resources. The evaluation findings are
presented below.
1.3. Final evaluation findings
Stream 2 has effectively met its overarching objective of delivering regionally-relevant climate
change information and support to NRM regions via eight cluster projects, the National
Projections project and the national impacts and adaption project (AdaptNRM). This was
supported by fit-for-purpose, regionally-specific engagement. The findings presented below
focus on what and how information has been delivered, the support given to enable planners to
integrate climate science into NRM planning and the relationships and linkages that have
developed as a result, and the legacy that is likely to remain from the program.
Delivery of information to assist climate adaptation by regional NRM bodies
NRM regions can now approach climate adaptation planning with more confidence – knowing
they have access to scientifically-credible climate information and resources.
At the end of Stream 2 in 2016 regionally-relevant, high quality climate change impacts and
adaptation information is more accessible to NRM regions than at the beginning of the
program. A total of 958 NRM climate research and planning products3 have been delivered by
the ten projects including 183 next generation climate change projections products. More than
268 engagement activities have been delivered across ten projects to support the use and
application of climate change research and science in the NRM planning process. Through web
access, up-to-date regionally relevant climate change information is more accessible to NRM
organisations and stakeholders than previously.
Integrating climate science into NRM planning
Most NRM regions are using the climate science from Stream 2 of the Regional Natural
Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund for their planning.
Uptake and application of Stream 2 products by NRM regions is widespread with around three
quarters of the NRM regions specifying examples of using Stream 2 outputs in the planning
process. Climate science outputs developed by Stream 2 have been used as technical inputs
into NRM planning (e.g. use of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator [APSIM] by
Northern Tablelands in the Central Slopes cluster). Significantly, there was evidence that
Stream 2 science products have influenced the planning frameworks adopted and used by NRM
organisations in some regions to guide their thinking about how to plan for climate change. For
2 Interviews were undertaken with regional NRM representatives (n=20), Stream 2 project representatives (n=13)
and the Department of Environment representatives (n=3). 3 Including interim, draft and final products delivered by Stream 2.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 7
instance, the Adaptation Pathways approach further developed by the Southern Slopes project
was used by the Corangamite CMA and in East Gippsland CMA in Victoria to guide spatial NRM
planning.
Stream 2 has had a marked influence on the NRM planning process as well as delivering
products and resources to support regional NRM planning. Where Stream 2 has had a positive
effect on planning capacity within NRM organisations, there tends to also be strong linkages,
ties and geographical proximity to the Stream 2 project teams.
Interactions between researchers and planners
The relationships between researchers and NRM planners – developed through many types of
interaction – led to enhanced capacity and understanding amongst both the science and NRM
communities.
A range of engagement and delivery approaches were used by Stream 2 projects to understand
and respond to the planning needs of NRM regions. For the most part, this has supported the
delivery of products and support to NRM regions that has been well received, relevant and fit-
for-purpose. Multiple modes of engagement were often necessary to ensure coverage across
socially diverse and geographically wide-spread cluster areas. User uptake of information was
supported in regions and clusters where there was a common and widely-accepted focus (e.g.
agriculture) and existing networks (e.g. where there were well-established industries and
linkages). The devolved funding agreements set up by the Department enabled Stream 2
projects to tailor their engagement activities and processes to the specific clusters with which
they were working.
By and large the cluster approach taken in Stream 2 has led to inter-regional learning and
connections across NRM groups that would not have otherwise been established. This was
strongest in clusters where: (i) inter-regional forums were established and brokered by the
project teams, and (ii) existing inter-regional forums existed (i.e. Victoria and South Western
Australia). While the cluster model has facilitated inter-regional learning in most clusters, in
others it has reinforced existing geographical and institutional divisions across state
boundaries. For instance, in the Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster, the South
Australian NRM regions (Eyre Peninsula, Northern and Yorke, Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges
and Kangaroo Island) are geographically split from the Western Australian based project team
and NRM regions (Northern Agricultural, Wheatbelt, Perth, South West and South Coast). This
split was exacerbated by repeated staff turnover in the liaison point between the Perth-based
project team and the South Australian NRM planners. Ultimately, inter-regional learning in this
cluster was compromised as a result of these factors, which relate to both the design of the
cluster model as well as project implementation (staff turnover).
Stream 2 has not fully realised considerable opportunities for greater program coordination and
increased efficiencies across project and cluster boundaries. This is due largely to the fact that
the program did not mandate or build any formal structures for information sharing into the
program. Coordination across clusters could have been strengthened for example if the
Department had established a centralised program coordination role with clear responsibilities
for encouraging and supporting opportunities for information sharing.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 8
The legacy of Stream 2
While there is uncertainty and considerable challenges ahead in regional planning for climate
change the outcomes of the program are likely to be enduring well beyond the timeframe of
delivery.
Reflecting the outcomes of the program, the legacy of Stream 2 includes significant advances
by regional bodies in their ability to adaptively plan for climate change and the embedding of
new information and knowledge into regional planning processes. As regional NRM
organisations adaptively plan for climate change they will have improved access to responsive,
adaptive tools and frameworks (such as the adaptation pathways approach), research outputs,
online resources and platforms (such as the Climate Change in Australia website and the Terra
Nova platform), as well as improved networks and relationships between researchers, planners
and NRM representatives.
While scientists, researchers and NRM managers and planners will continue to derive benefits
from the outcomes achieved by the program there are a range of challenges and constraints,
which will affect the legacy of the program. These include:
the cluster model was designed purely for Stream 2 and has no longevity beyond the
project timeframe (2013 – 2016), though it potentially has applicability for future
federal NRM investment and programming
lack of ongoing funding to support the application of the Climate Change in Australia
website beyond the possibility of short-term basic maintenance through a project under
the Australian Government National Environmental Science Programme (NESP)
staff turnover and organisational restructuring within regional bodies resulting in a loss
of corporate knowledge and capacity built through the program
low levels of awareness about Stream 2 within the Department and at a state level
among relevant agencies and departments
absence of formal structures or resources to sustain linkages between researchers and
planners.
Ultimately the responsibility for implementing NRM plans lies with a diverse range of state,
regional and local, community stakeholders who operate within the networks facilitated by
regional NRM bodies. As these stakeholders begin to implement NRM planning for climate
change, the influence that the program has had on NRM organisations’ ability to adaptively plan
and manage climate change impacts will become increasingly apparent.
1.4. Key learnings from Stream 2
Based on the findings of this evaluation, a number of learnings for any future Australian
Government investment in climate change impacts, adaptation research and NRM planning
have been identified. Applying the learnings will necessitate coordination and support from
other sectors such as regional NRM bodies and researchers.
The ‘impact’ of Stream 2 was largely on the NRM planning process. The update of NRM plans
was a benefit of Stream 2 but the lasting value of this program will be the influence on the
regional NRM planning process more generally. In this regard, the program’s impact is
influenced by state policy frameworks that determine the role of NRM plans. Enhanced linkages
and relationships between planners and researchers are critical in supporting the program’s
contribution to the regional NRM planning process.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 9
Learnings for consideration in future investments are outlined below.
Recognise the role of engagement in supporting science translation. Investment in climate
adaptation at the science to policy and management interface must explicitly address the
need for engagement between the producers and users of science. This can be done by
simply requiring a percentage of funds or grants devoted to supporting science translation
to be apportioned specifically to engagement activities. Early and sustained engagement
between the producers and users of science is critical to support uptake.
Bridging the climate science and practitioner gap is necessarily challenging. Researchers
and NRM practitioners operate with different worldviews in different systems. The process
of bringing scientists and practitioners together is a dynamic process which requires
adaptive, flexible approaches in procurement, programming, project management and
evaluation.
Investment in science and NRM at a national scale requires sufficiently resourced
coordination. To fully realise the benefits from a program of this scale - such as cross-
cluster learning - it is necessary to adequately fund program coordination beyond a formal
administrative capacity.
Take institutional considerations into account in further applications of the cluster model.
Stream 2 has proven to be an effective trial of the cluster model for delivering NRM
investment nationally. There have been significant benefits in delivering the approach on
bio-climatic factors. However institutional factors, including state and institutional
boundaries, should be more fully considered to maximise the benefits of this approach.
This was most acutely demonstrated in a geographical split between South Australia and
Western Australia in the Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster.
Provide sufficient flexibility in contracting arrangements in any future funding program for
climate change adaptation. This program has demonstrated that program design doesn’t
need to be prescriptive to effectively deliver outcomes. Indeed, it is arguable that, in order
to be effective, climate adaptation investment needs to be sufficiently flexible and
responsive to emergent needs, priorities and values.
Carefully consider the sequencing in designing future NRM science and planning
investment. The concurrent delivery of Streams 1 and 2 presented considerable challenges
as well as opportunities for projects in achieving the objectives of the NRM Fund. In some
regions, NRM plans were updated with Stream 1 funding prior to receiving updated science
and research information through Stream 2. This concurrent timing created difficulties but
also opportunities for the program as researchers and NRM representatives were required
to engage with one another in ways that would not otherwise have been possible.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 10
2. Introduction
2.1. Background
The Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) Planning for Climate Change Fund (NRM
Fund) was allocated $43.9 million over five financial years to improve regional planning for
climate change and help guide the location of carbon and biodiversity activities. The NRM Fund
was one of the Land Sector Measures under the Australian Government's Clean Energy Future
(CEF) Plan (now defunct).
The NRM Fund was provided in two streams:
Stream 1 has $28.9 million over four financial years to support regional NRM
organisations across Australia to revise existing regional NRM plans to help identify
where in the landscape adaptation and mitigation activities should be undertaken. This
stream was administered by the Australian Government Department of the Environment
(hereafter, ‘the Department’).
Stream 2 has $15 million over four financial years to produce regional level climate
change information and provide guidance on the integration of that information into
regional NRM and land use planning. This stream was also administered by the
Department.
The objective of Stream 2 of the NRM Fund was to improve the capacity of regional NRM
organisations to plan for climate change by improving the quality and accessibility of regionally
relevant information on climate change impacts and potential adaptation responses. Key
components of the approach to Stream 2 delivery include a focus on delivering to end-user
needs, with project teams required to work closely with the NRM clusters to identify and
prioritise the impacts information they need. A further overarching program focus was on
improving the way climate change information is delivered, managed and accessed by decision-
makers into the future.
Of the total $15 million funding some $13.63 million was allocated to ten major projects
(‘Stream 2 projects’) and an information management support project. Each Stream 2 project
has designated ‘Project Leads’. The projects include the ‘National Projections’ project
(supported by in-kind contribution from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation [CSIRO] and the Bureau of Meteorology [BoM]) and eight ‘Impacts and Adaptation’
cluster projects4 (Monsoonal North, Murray Basin, Wet Tropics, Central Slopes, Southern and
South Western Flatlands, Southern Slopes, East Coast and Rangelands) as well as one national
project focused on delivering regionally-relevant impacts and adaptation information at the
national level (the ‘AdaptNRM’ project). An additional project, the national information
management project, was added in June 2013 (implemented between 2013 and 2015).
The National Projections project started work in September 2012, while the 8 clusters and the
AdaptNRM projects started between the end of January and the end of April 2013.
4 In the original project design the National Projections project was referred to as ‘Element 1’, while the ‘Impacts and
Adaptation’ projects and ‘AdaptNRM’ were collectively referred to as ‘Element 2’.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 11
2.2. Scope
This report presents the findings of the final Stream 2 evaluation. This evaluation covers the
entire program timeframe from 2013 to 2016 and investment ($15 million). The evaluation
focused on program impact, effectiveness of outcomes achieved, and legacy. The evaluation
has focused on the outcomes rather than the process of delivery which was considered in the
interim evaluation (conducted in 2014).
The purpose of the final evaluation is consistent with the original purpose outlined in the
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework in 2013: to provide accountability, identify
learnings and to contribute to the knowledge base.
2.3. Purpose
The purpose of this final evaluation report is to:
Demonstrate progress towards program goals and objectives5
Share learnings between projects and clusters
Contribute to the knowledge of what works and why for future research and investment
decisions with regard to climate change science and NRM planning
Meet information requirements set by the Australian Government6.
This report specifically addresses these requirements by outlining the results of Stream 2
projects against the key evaluation questions (KEQs) of the Stream 2 M&E Framework.
2.4. Audience
The primary audiences for this final evaluation report are the Department and the Stream 2
project teams. The primary audience for the evaluation and their information needs are set out
below.
Table 1. Evaluation audience and information requirements
Who What do they need to know
Department of the
Environment
Effectiveness and value of the program outcomes
Appropriateness of the model
Impact and legacy
Learnings on research uptake and the model for connecting
research and planning
Stream 2 project teams Impact and legacy
Effectiveness and value of the program outcomes
Regional NRM organisation
representatives
Impact and legacy
Effectiveness and value of the program outcomes
Minister for the Environment Impact of Stream 2 on NRM planning: pathways to action
Legacy
Stream 1 program team Learnings from Stream 2 and its interactions with Stream 1
Legacy
Secondary users of M&E findings presented in this report include regional and cluster
representatives involved in NRM planning as well as a range of other external NRM
stakeholders including policy and research practitioners.
5 The goals and objectives for Stream 2 are outlined in Section 2.1. 6 Formerly stipulated by the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board (LSCBB).
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 12
2.5. Key evaluation questions
To address the purpose of M&E for Stream 2, a number of key evaluation questions (KEQs)
have been identified. The KEQs have been used to structure and inform all M&E activities at a
program level and cover the five categories of effectiveness, relevance, appropriateness,
efficiency and legacy.
The KEQs for Stream 2 of the NRM Fund are:
1. How effective was Stream 2 in achieving its intended outcomes?
2. To what extent was Stream 2 relevant to the context and needs?
3. To what extent was the implementation process appropriate?
4. How efficient was Stream 2?
5. How sustainable and enduring are the outcomes of Stream 2 likely to be?
A detailed methodology for undertaking this evaluation is provided in Attachment Five.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 13
3. Findings
3.1. The effectiveness of Stream 2
This section will address key evaluation question (KEQ) one: How effective was Stream 2 in
achieving its intended outcomes? The intended outcomes of Stream 2 were to:
Improve the quality and accessibility of regionally relevant information on climate
change impacts and potential adaptation responses
Improve the capacity of regional NRM organisations to plan for climate change
Contribute towards government objectives of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) and the
Biodiversity Fund in guiding the location of carbon and biodiversity activities in the
landscape.
Stream 2 has effectively met its overarching objective of delivering regionally-relevant climate
change information and support to NRM regions via eight cluster projects, the National
Projections project and the national impacts and adaption project (AdaptNRM).
This was supported by fit-for-purpose regionally-specific engagement. Within a broader shift
towards adaptive planning approaches more generally, the influence and value of Stream 2 was
highest in regions where this shift was already taking place. In these regions, e.g. Corangamite
(Southern Slopes), Goulburn Broken (Murray) and South West Catchments Council (South
Western Flatlands), Stream 2 has catalysed the transition towards adaptive planning
approaches, which recognise the dynamic, uncertain, inter-connected, trans-disciplinary nature
of NRM planning for climate change.
This section will address the overarching question of effectiveness by outlining the outputs
delivered by Stream 2 (3.1.1), the quality of the science delivered (3.1.2), the accessibility of the
climate change information provided (3.1.3), the use and application of Stream 2 products by
NRM regions (3.1.4), the influence of the program on regional NRM capability and capacity
(3.1.5) and research capability (3.1.6), as well as the contribution of the program towards
Government objectives under the CFI and the Biodiversity Fund (3.1.7).
3.1.1 Outputs delivered by Stream 2
Outputs delivered by Stream 2 consisted of knowledge products and engagement processes to
support the uptake of products, capacity development and ultimately improved NRM planning
for climate change (Figure 1). Between 2012 and 2016 fit-for-purpose product delivery and
capacity development were supported by a total of 268 engagement activities including
consultations, planning meetings and workshops to understand planner information needs.
A total of 958 information products and outputs were delivered by projects (including interim
and draft products), while a total of 183 next generation climate change projections products
were delivered to NRM regions and project teams. The National Projections were used by all
project clusters to develop communication products for NRM planners.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 14
Table 2. Summary of outputs delivered by Stream 2 (2013 – 2016)
Indicator Activities
Outputs/products7
2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 PROGRAM
TOTAL Sub-
total
Yearly
total
Sub-
total
Yearly
total
Sub-
total
Yearly
total
Research teams have
worked with regional NRM
organisations, through the
eight clusters, to identify
priority climate change
issues and the information
they will need to inform
planning (end year 1)
Consultations 98
268 268
Workshops 42
Presentations 42
Program
management
meetings
75
Other 118
Quality and timely climate
change information and
support is delivered to
regional NRM
organisations via the eight
clusters
Training 13
316
15
394
17
248 958
Products 1659 16510 5511
Consultations 67 60 6
Workshops 17 18 37
Presentations 31 48 45
Mentoring (e.g.
one-to-one
support)
15 66 6412
Peer reviews 8 22 5
Other - - 1913
Next generation climate
change projections are
delivered to regional NRM
organisation via the eight
clusters (one-off
deliverable) (year 2
through 4)
Training 1
16
4
138
2
29 183
Products 2 46 6
Consultations 10 37 6
Workshops 3 5 3
Presentations - 45 6
Technical
support - 1 6
N/A
Media articles 6
6
6
15
8
33 54 Academic
publications - 9 25
7 See Attachment Eight for a list of definitions for outputs and products delivered. 8 Central Slopes: reports; Rangelands: cluster meetings, presentations; Southern Slopes: newsletters 9 Summary reports 15; data sets 125; guidance documents 4; fact sheets 7; other 14. 10 Summary reports 29; datasets 15; guidance documents 3; fact sheets 38; webpages 33; other 47. 11 Summary reports 15; datasets 8; guidance documents 8; fact sheets 11; other 13. 12 One-to-one support: Adapt NRM approx. 45; Central Slopes 7; Murray Basin 10; Southern Slopes 1. The Wet Tropics
and Southern and South Western Flatlands clusters also reported providing many instances of phone and email
support to NRM planners. 13 Murray Basin: sub-project teleconferences 8; Southern Slopes: project management meetings 11.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 15
2012-13
In the first reporting year (2012-13) Stream 2 activity primarily focussed on planning and
engagement. A number of engagement approaches were used to design, prioritise and plan
projects. Consultation was undertaken via a range of means including workshops, face to face
meetings, teleconferences and phone discussions. Workshops were the most common means
of consultation used by projects to identify user needs and requirements.
2013-14
In the second reporting year (2013-2014) impacts and adaptation projects broadened and
deepened engagement with NRM regions. At this stage, they also began delivering climate
change information and support to regional NRM organisations via the eight clusters and the
two national projects. During the year there were some 268 engagement activities conducted
by projects to identify priority issues for NRM planning; as well as the delivery of 319 outputs
during this period to deliver information to NRM regions.
2014-15
In the year 2014-2015 impacts and adaptation projects were primarily focused on delivering
climate change information and support to NRM regions via the eight clusters and the two
national projects. In 2014-2015 next generation climate change projections information were
delivered to regional NRM planning organisations, cluster projects and the National Projections
team. During the year there were: 141 outputs to deliver next generation climate change
projections, mostly through products, presentations and consultation; and 340 outputs to
deliver information to NRM regions, the majority of which were consultations, presentations and
summary reports14. An important output from the National Projections project was the launch
of the Climate Change in Australia website.
2015-16
In the final reporting year (2015-2016) projects primarily delivered advisory activities. As
expected, there were less products produced in the final year (55) most of which were summary
reports, guidance documents and factsheets. In the 2015-16 reporting year there were 64 one-
to-one mentoring activities for NRM planners and 45 presentations were delivered by project
teams. One-to-one mentoring and the presentations included support to develop content for
NRM plans, frame adaptation pathways and use climate change information.
Figure 1. Summary of Stream 2 outputs and outcomes (2013 - 2016)
14 See Attachment Eight for a list of definitions for outputs and products delivered.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 16
3.1.2 Quality of Science Delivered
Quality refers to the accuracy and degree of scientific certainty and rigour associated with
Stream 2 products as opposed to the useability and relevance of products (see Section 3.2).
Quality was assured, in part, through ongoing peer review, and editorial and quality assurance
processes undertaken in projects. It was also supported by the application and selection
process of projects undertaken by the Department, which took into account the scientific
credentials of proponents. By year two of the program a total of eight peer reviews had been
reported by four clusters to support the delivery of quality products. By year three, 22 peer
reviews had been reported from an additional two clusters. In addition to NRM planner reviews,
nine academic publications were reported for the 2014-15 reporting year. The number of peer
reviewed academic publications rose to 25 in the final year (2015-16) of the program.
3.1.3 Accessibility of climate change information
Stream 2 has reached a broad range of stakeholders with climate change information including
indigenous NRM groups and remote regional groups across Australia. Relevant information on
climate change impacts and adaptation was made more accessible to NRM organisations
between 2013 and 2016 through:
delivery of 958 outputs to support regional NRM organisations via the eight clusters and
the two national projects, including: information products (reports, data-sets, guidance
documents, fact sheets), training, mentoring support via workshops, presentations and
other delivery methods;
delivery of 183 outputs which translate next generation climate projections to NRM
planners via the eight clusters and the AdaptNRM project, including: information products
(web tools, journal papers, animations, spatial layers and data sets), presentations,
consultations and other delivery methods;
launch of the Climate Change in Australia website in January 2015 by the National
Projections project. By 22 June 2016 the web site had received some 153,746 unique
visitors with 1,011 registered users; while the AdaptNRM website has had 20,000 unique
page views (February 2016) since launching in June 2014.
Throughout the program, accessibility was also reported to have been supported by
engagement processes within clusters (see Section 3.2 for a discussion of engagement). At the
start of the program (2013-14), Stream 2 was considered an important source of information in
the majority of Stream 1 applications (39 out of 53 regions). This shows that many NRM
planners were aware of and prepared to engage with Stream 2 products at the beginning of the
program.
The NRM Information Management Project
Near the end of Stream 2 over 100 content items15 developed by Stream 2 projects were stored
in the Terra Nova16 repository with metadata descriptions to encourage their discovery. A
summary of the products stored in the Terra Nova web-platform is provided below in Table 3
below.
15 At the time of reporting (June 2016) the number of content items stored on the Terra Nova platform exceeds 100
products, which was the amount reported in the NRM Information Management final report in February 2016. 16 The Terra Nova web platform is an information hub established to store climate adaptation data. Terra Nova was
used to store information developed through the Stream 2 program. Website: https://www.terranova.org.au/
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 17
Table 3. Stream 2 products stored in Terra Nova (February 2016)
Cluster Items Metadata quality17
Central Slopes 4 6/10
East Coast 32 10/10
Monsoonal North 8 7/10
AdaptNRM 6 6/10
Rangelands 7 folders 10/10
Southern Slopes 14 9/10
Southern and South Western Flatlands 6 8/10
Wet Tropics 7 7/10
3C Modelling (East Coast, Central Slopes and Murray Basin) 16 9/10
Murray Basin 6 6/10
(Source: NRM Information Management Project Final Report, February 2016)
Stream 2 products have been accessed widely through the Terra Nova platform. Table 4
provides a summary of the page views for project collection (per project) and individual content
(per item), which total 12,994 and 10,925 respectively.
While the Terra Nova database is one of many platforms for data storage and access in the
program, it was intended as the centralised repository for information. With open content and
an easily accessible web-platform, Terra Nova provides “high discoverability” as stated in the
NRM Information Management Project report. Because of the large number of draft and interim
products developed by Stream 2 projects, not all products developed through the program are
stored on the Terra Nova platform.
Table 4. Terra Nova page views
Cluster Collection page views Content page views
East Coast 2,989 2,562
Southern Slopes 2,313 1,940
3C Modelling (East Coast, Central Slopes and Murray Basin) 1,498 1,321
AdaptNRM 1,112 984
Central Slopes 1,085 833
Murray Basin 972 779
Rangelands 929 809
Wet Tropics 854 735
Southern and South Western Flatlands 657 556
Monsoonal North 585 406
Total views 12,994 10,925
(Source: NRM Information Management Project Final Report, February 2016)
The accessibility of National Projections
Since the launch in January 2015, the National Projections Climate Change in Australia website
has recorded 1,011 registered users and some 153,746 unique users, of which 22.6 per cent
were return visitors, who undertook 202,446 sessions averaging more than 12,100 sessions
per month (from 27 January 2015 until 22 June 2016). See Figure 2 for the total number of
users per month from the website launch in April 2015 to February 2016.
17 As rated by the NRM Information Management project team using criteria including: keywords and open licensing
marking.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 18
Figure 2. Climate Change in Australia website users per month
(Source: National Projections Project)
A total of 122 client support requests were provided by the National Projections helpdesk to a
range of users from universities, NRM organisations and consultants being the main user
groups (see Figure 3). The helpdesk was supported by additional in-kind contribution from
CSIRO to support service delivery.
Figure 3. National Projections help desk client support groups
(Source: National Projections Project)
Although the types of requests fielded by the National Projections helpdesk varied widely,
assistance with NRM information was the main type of client service contact provided, with 41
per cent of requests relating to NRM. In a follow up survey of website users by the National
Projections team18 the survey found that nearly 60 per cent of users were “next-users; e.g. using
the information for impacts assessment”, while around 20 per cent were either “generators of
climate change information; e.g. climate researcher” or “end-user of climate change
information; e.g. planner and/or decision maker”.
18 Sent to over 800 registered users, the survey received 99 responses.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 19
3.1.4 Use and application of Stream 2 products by NRM regions
At the end of the program in 2015-16, NRM planners are now applying and using a range of
Stream 2 products, tools and approaches in the NRM planning process. The extent of use and
uptake varies from region to region within each cluster. Factors which supported utilisation
include the timing of release and engagement, institutional capacity, planner capability,
linkages and ties to Stream 2 projects as well as peer support networks within and between
regional representatives. Due to the wide regional variation and national scale of Stream 2, the
actual extent of uptake has not been fully assessed19. However, based on Stream 1 reporting
and interviews with NRM representatives (n=20) it is estimated that around three quarters of
NRM regions have adopted, used and applied Stream 2 products in their planning processes.
Ultimately the use of products may not be manifest for some time to come, with several
planners stating an intention to use products, particularly the AdaptNRM Biodiversity Modules.
As would be expected, the use and uptake of Stream 2 products has largely taken place in the
final year of the program (2015-16) following an extensive process of engagement and support
in the preceding years (2013- 2015). At the mid-point of the program (2014), uptake of Stream
2 products was limited and primarily consisted of NRM representatives referencing and citing
products in NRM plan development. Product uptake and adoption tended to be stronger in
regions and clusters where there was a clear focus and strong social cohesion around a
particular issue (i.e. agriculture). By contrast, biodiversity uptake was less clear due to greater
uncertainty and lower levels of community support and institutional mandate.
Refer to the Northern Tablelands LLS case study below for an example where planning needs
were met through engagement by Stream 2’s Central Slopes.
19 Instances of uptake of Stream 2 products presented in this section have been opportunistically sourced through
interviews with a non-representative sample of NRM planners (n=20) and via a sample of Stream 1 reporting,
representing around three quarters of NRM regions.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 20
Case Study: Product use – Northern Tablelands Local Land Services
The Stream 2 researchers from the Central Slopes Cluster Project engaged with Northern
Tablelands Local Land Services about research needs and developed products and outputs
relevant to core areas of planning and program activity. These included products for planning:
Determination of the impacts of climate change on future cropping (from APSIM
modelling)
Modelling of the impacts of climate change on native vegetation to identify priority
areas for revegetation and protection of native vegetation (3C modelling undertaken in
conjunction with AdaptNRM Project)
Development of a climate risk matrix for climate change adaptation planning. This
information was used to determine the impacts of climate change on livestock and
grazing (predominately). Information was integrated into state and transition models to
determine drivers of change and management actions required in response
Development of climate temporal analogues for use as a decision support tool to
investigate future climates and similar current climates
Extreme climate event information was integrated into state and transition models to
assist in identification of key drivers and key management actions
Information provided on the impacts of climate change on upland wetlands on the
Northern Tablelands. The information was integrated into state and transition models
The Reforestation Modelling Tool was used to estimate carbon sequestration amounts
in trees and debris pools. This information provided guidance on where the best
locations in the region are for sequestering carbon for mitigation.
The Central Slopes group (under Stream 2) have provided many opportunities for collaboration and
have provided support wherever possible. This list [above] is not indicative of how much support they
have given.
(NRM Planner20)
In the final year, use of Stream 2 products has matured and broadened with NRM
representatives using products for a range of purposes including background information, to
verify and confirm existing data, engagement and communication, NRM plan development and
spatial analysis. In some regions, there is evidence that Stream 2 products such as ‘Adaptation
Pathways’ are being used to guide thinking and strategic decision making for the management
of natural resources.
In many cases, NRM plans updated under Stream 1 were informed by Stream 2 products,
consistent with the intended objectives of the NRM fund.
Updating our strategy is the main work we have done with the information and products we received
[through Stream 2]. We have got the majority of the Stream 2 outputs into the strategy: [Stream1
plan, including] biosecurity, temperature and rainfall, and the aquatic species report have all been
incorporated. We are working on using what the community value combined with expert opinion and
then we put that through MCAS-S into our strategy.
(NRM Planner)
20 Where quotations or data references are included in the report, they are referenced as follows:
“NRM Planner” – A representative of an NRM organisation who has a role in planning, knowledge
management, etc. Most likely involved in Stream 1 activities
“Cluster Project Team” – Member of one of the project teams from one of the 8 clusters
“National Projections” – member of the National Projections team
“AdaptNRM” – member of the AdaptNRM Team
“The Department” – staff of the Department of the Environment
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 21
A total of 39 Stream 1 annual project reports were received for the reporting periods 2014-15
and 2015-16, of which 35 reported using Stream 2 products21. Out of the 35 regions who
reported using Stream 2 products a total of 85 tools and products22 were identified by regions.
Three quarters of the products and tools identified (63 out of 85) were used in the NRM
planning process as part of Stream 1. A variety of uses were reported by regions, ranging from
inputs into the planning process, as a tool for engagement and consultation to technical uses
such as vulnerability and impact assessment. Examples of the uses of Stream 2 products in
Stream 1 reporting are provided in Attachment Four.
A total of 51 regional representatives were contacted from 48 regions of which 16 regions
provided plans or planning documentation (i.e. technical reports). 12 of these 16 regions
provided NRM plans that had used Stream 2 products. Similar to the analysis of Stream 1
reporting above, the uses of Stream 2 products are summarised for selected projects in Table 5
below.
Table 5. Examples of use of Stream 2 product by NRM representatives
NRM Org. Cluster Stream 2 Products Use
Natural
Resources
Adelaide &
Mount
Lofty
Ranges23
Southern
and South
West
Flatlands
Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity
(AdaptNRM), Helping Biodiversity Adapt
(AdaptNRM), Draft 3C modelling for biodiversity
management under future climate (Drielsma et
al, 2014), Southern and southwestern flatlands
climate change project: Data layers explained
(Ford et al, 2014)
Synthesis identifying
implications for NR
AMLR management
strategies
Eyre
Peninsula
Southern
and South
West
Flatlands
Hope P. et al. (2015) Southern and South-
Western Flatlands Cluster Report, Climate
Change in Australia Projections for Australia’s
NRM Regions: Cluster Reports, eds. Ekström, M.
et al., CSIRO and BoM Australia.
Global impacts of
climate change
Perth NRM Southern
and South
West
Flatlands
Neville, S. (2014). Planning for Climate Change -
MCAS-S Analysis Process, Perth Region NRM.
Consultant’s report for Perth Region NRM Inc.
Ecotones & Associates, Denmark., WA.
Joint MCAS-S
technical report
AW NRM Monsoonal
North /
Rangelands
Ninti One Ltd and CSIRO publications:
Davis J (2014), Scott JK (2014), Bastin G (2014),
Measham TG (2014), Pavey CR and Bastin G
(2014), Pavey CR (2014), Bastin G, Stokes C,
Green D and Forrest K (2014)
Fire risk impacts,
aquatic refugia,
vulnerability
assessment, invasive
species and ecology,
Buffel grass
management
CCMA24 Southern
Slopes
AdaptNRM Biodiversity Module Adaptation pathways
for NRM assets, Fire
risk impacts
In other regions planners reported that Stream 2 outputs had limited influence on their plans.
For instance, in the Murray Basin cluster a planner commented that there was “too much data”
and information that it was not possible to “interpret it in a way that is useful” at a regional
scale. The Southern and South-Western Flatlands Case Study below provides an illustration and
description of a synthesis report in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges (AMLR) region in
South Australia, which found that the products did not meet their needs.
21 Stream 1 reporting was provided by the Department for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. Stream 1 reporting is not
representative of all regions because a limited amount of reporting was provided based on availability at the time of
reporting (March 2016). Reporting is also for different time periods (2014-15 and 2015-16) for different regions. 22 Some products identified included packages of information such as the AdaptNRM Modules (1 – 4). 23 See AMLR NRM Case Study for further detail. 24 See CCMA Case Study for further detail.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 22
Case Study: Product applicability – Southern and South Western Flatlands
Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges (NR AMLR), South Australia
NR AMLR commissioned a review of the applicability of biodiversity climate change planning
products for on-ground NRM in the region1. The review was completed in October 2015 and
included review of three Stream 2 products: Product A (Ford et al, 2015) 2, Product B (Williams
et al, 2014)3 and Product C (Prober et al, 2015)4. The framework for review assessed the
degree to which each product’s findings could directly inform NR AMLR’s on-ground
management strategies and was substantially based on the perceived level of uncertainty in
each of the products, relative to the quantitative uncertainty associated with NR AMLR’s
management strategies. The review was very thorough and undertaken with the specific
region’s planning framework as a primary consideration in assessing the utility of any planning
product.
Products A and B may provide some guiding principles of relevance to the NR AMLR region’s
management strategies at the community and landscape levels because product uncertainty is
approximately equivalent to management decision risk. The review indicated that these
products ‘may’ have some usefulness for some aspects of regional management strategies but
are often limited by mismatch between the actual planning framework used in the region and
the planning framework assumed in the products, by the choice of data used in the models
(where the region believes more complete or superior data was available), and by the need for
additional information to be brought together with the product for further planning to be useful.
Product C was not considered to have direct utility for NR AMLR’s management strategies,
mainly due to uncertainty in the products findings and implications.
The mismatch between the Stream 2 products and the region’s planning approach and needs is
attributed to institutional barriers in knowledge brokering, some of which appear to arise from
the arrangements made to cluster Western Australian NRM regions together with non-
contiguous South Australian NRM regions.
…to make their (Stream 2) research useful for us it would have made sense to consult with us in the
process of designing their research methodologies (for example in selecting their data sources and
the parameters used for our region’s analysis), as we could have told them what would be more and
less useful for us from the outset.
(NRM Planner)
1Seed Consulting Services (2015) Assessing the applicability of biodiversity climate change planning products for on-
ground NRM in the AMLR region. A report prepared for Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges. Adelaide,
South Australia. 2Ford, B. & Cook, B. (2015). Southern and South-Western Flatlands climate change project: Data layers explained.
Report No CENRM 139. Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management, University of Western Australia. 3Williams KJ, Prober SM, Harwood TD, Doerr VAJ, Jeanneret T, Manion G, and Ferrier S (2014) Implications of climate
change for biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach, CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Canberra. 4Prober SM, Williams KJ, Harwood TD, Doerr VAJ, Jeanneret T, Manion G, Ferrier S (2015) Helping Biodiversity Adapt:
Supporting climate-adaptation planning using a community-level modelling approach. CSIRO Land and Water
Flagship, Canberra.
Adoption of planning frameworks and approaches
Adaptation pathways is an example of an approach that was been adopted by a number of
regional bodies in the Stream 2 program. It is “an analytical approach to planning that explores
and sequences a set of possible actions that are based on external developments over time”
(Haasnoot et al. 2013:485 cited in Bosomworth et al, 2015). This evaluation has found that the
Adaptation Pathways approach has had an influence on NRM planning approaches within
regional bodies in the Southern Slopes, Murray and Wet Tropics clusters.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 23
Case study: Application and uptake of the Adaptation Pathways approach
The adaptation pathways approach was utilised in the Southern Slopes cluster by a joint effort
between the research teams and the NRM regions in the cluster who were actively involved in
piloting the approach. In the Corangamite region, NRM representatives played a key role in
developing and refining the approach with the research team.
As a process now we won’t use anything else. It allows us to put climate change at the centre of our
decision making; it is through the whole planning process now.
(NRM Planner)
In the East Gippsland region in eastern Victoria, the adaptation pathways approach was used as
part of the planning process to inform community discussions over contested resources.
Adaptation pathways [enabled us to] focus on places the most contested landscapes in the region
and get people working together to flush out the issues where there would be a contest for
resources. We used it [adaptation pathways] in a workshop with stakeholders. They key was you
could draw it on a wall with issues on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. By drawing
lines on a grid like this it became clear to people that there were multiple pathways to the same
result. For instance, you could jump off this track and get on that track as a result of changes in the
issues or timing. As a result of this process we got better thinking. This was useful in difficult
discussions in our public consultation.
(NRM Planner)
Meanwhile, in the Wet Tropics cluster the approach was influential in informing the structure
and “core” of the Cape York NRM plan:
We are now looking at the core of the [NRM] plan being those adaptation pathways. In everything
we’re planning for we’re adapting to change and identifying adaptation pathways. One we know of is
fire. The entire Cape York is burnt out each year. We’re moving towards a more targeted approach.
Once we reach a point it leads to change in the system. But if you burn correctly you can reduce the
impact it has on heat, etc.
(NRM Planner)
In the Murray Cluster a project team member referred to the approach as being part of a
broader “paradigm shift” in the way that NRM bodies approach and undertake regional NRM
planning (see 3.5 Legacy). While uptake of the adaptation pathways approach was relatively
concentrated to a minority of regional bodies in Southern Slopes, Murray Basin and Wet Tropics
clusters, there is no doubt that it was an influential approach across the Stream 2 program.
Application of AdaptNRM products by NRM representatives
This evaluation has found specific examples of application of AdaptNRM modules by NRM
planners. Interviews with NRM representatives (n=20) highlighted that there was variable
uptake of AdaptNRM products by NRM regions with some regions being able to provide
examples of how the AdaptNRM products were or could be used while others were not able to
do so. Unlike the National Projections project that targeted products at both cluster projects and
regional NRM representatives, the AdaptNRM project developed products specifically for use at
a regional level.
The AdaptNRM Biodiversity Module in particular was cited by many planners as a tool that they
had used or intended to use. A Greater Sydney LLS planner in particular stated that the
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 24
Biodiversity Module was “transformational” in its emphasis on change and continual adaptation
as a principle for biodiversity management.
The AdaptNRM module on biodiversity was transformational in my understanding of climate change.
What it emphasised for me was the need to change our thinking. AdaptNRM gave us a series of
modules about how we should be approaching future management. These modules are simple in
concept but complex in application. For example, one of the modules was about maintaining the
evolutionary character of biodiversity. These modules have an implied management principle: to
implement management needs to become more interventionist. This is a move away from how
things have been: we have been provoked to move from thinking in a stable to a moving world. We
need to plan not just for conservation but for change through time.
(NRM Planner)
As the case study below shows, in Corangamite the AdaptNRM Biodiversity Module was also
used as a tool for community discussion, which led to an elevated and more detailed
understanding of the fire risk to the Otways when ‘ground-truthed’ with community knowledge.
This demonstrates using the module as a tool for catalysing discussion as an input into the
draft regional Climate Change plan25. It also provides a useful example of the application of an
AdaptNRM module to regional NRM planning.
Case Study: Applying AdaptNRM in the Otways
AdaptNRM arrived at the right time in 2014-15 when there was no support or direction on
Biodiversity from the State Government [Victoria]. Throughout the project we have provided
feedback and input into AdaptNRM modules. All our feedback has been taken on board and has
been reflected in the revised product. AdaptNRM work has directly informed the region’s draft
climate change plan. AdaptNRM did a case study of the Otways, which was used directly in the
draft climate change plan. AdaptNRM provided us with a case study of temperate rainforest in
the Otways based on one of their modules. The study showed that temperate rainforest is
projected to constrict by 2060. We showed it to our experts and they said that taking into
account bushfire risk, with hotter, more intense fires a more likely scenario is that the rainforest
will disappear altogether by 2060 rather than constrict, which is what the AdaptNRM module
predicted. So what the module provided was a basis for discussion, from which we could make
a fuller assessment of the likely impacts on the rainforest by 2060. The study [undertaken by
AdaptNRM] is written up in the draft climate change plan taking into account both the module
and the expert review.
(NRM Planner)
Application and uptake of the National Projections
The National Projections were delivered to NRM planners through direct engagement via a
series of national workshops, consultations and presentations by the National Projections team.
In addition, NRM regions also received the projections work indirectly through the use of
projections in cluster project products and tools. Evidence collected for the evaluation suggests
that, due to the concurrent timing of delivery of the cluster projects with the National
Projections project, NRM planners were more likely to have received projections work directly
from the projections team directly rather than through project products and materials.
The most important tool I have used is the CSIRO projections. Without understanding what the
climate looks like we can’t do anything.
(NRM Planner)
25 As the Draft Climate Change Plan for Corangamite was still under review at the time writing it was not possible to
include an excerpt in this report.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 25
Project reporting indicates that the National Projections have been used by all project clusters
to develop communication products for NRM planners. In total 183 next generation climate
change projections products have been delivered to regional NRM planners via the cluster
projects (or directly to planners from the National Projections team).
This is the first time [in Australia] that we have delivered a set of projections that provide much
better access to the relevant information for end users. There is evidence that it is being used by
next users… the information is being used in impact assessments by researchers to inform adaption
planning or update existing NRM plans.
(National Projections)
When interviewed the majority of project leads (6 out of 9) provided further details on how they
(AdaptNRM and the clusters) had used National Projections data. The use of the National
Projections varied within and between projects depending on the needs of the planners in their
regions. At one end of the spectrum summary information from the National Projections was
reported to be sufficient for cluster projects to meet planner’s needs (e.g. by developing
communication products and inputs to reports).
We actually produced an indigenous brochure for consultation – used in schools and public audience
as well [drawing on the projections].
(NRM Planner)
We used [National Projections] summary materials as inputs to some of our outputs (e.g. Info Portal
Report cited projections summary information)
(NRM Planner)
The National Projections were used by regional NRM representatives in the development of
NRM plans to provide context, background information and to validate existing climate data
(where it existed). Some regions (e.g. Eyre Peninsula) commented that the National Projections
outputs were the most useful information that they had received through the Stream 2
program. Other regions stated that they had used the projections to facilitate community
discussions such as in the Greater Sydney region and in the Alinytjara Wilurara case study
below.
We used the projections [in community workshops] to communicate what bushfires might look like
in the region going forward. The reason for the workshops was to look at where the community is
vulnerable and manage the risk to people and property. We came up with some interesting stuff
around balancing ecological values [why people live in vulnerable areas] and management actions
for safety [in a changing climate].
(NRM Planner)
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 26
Case study: Applying projections in the Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Region
We had a quick look at the communications products but they are not relevant for our region. It
is very remote; most people did not speak English and given people struggle with so many other
areas of their lives NRM was not the most important issue. We did not want to portray too much
of a dark situation [about climate change projections]. We had to be quite careful about how to
engage so we used a two-way approach. We used the information and simplified it in some
ways [pictorial representations] to trigger conversation. We didn’t use projections much [in the
plan] but rather for community consultation. If they raised an issue, then we would bring along
information on that. We were trying to see it from their angle; what they knew and then provide
more information as a result. It was being said by them and not us in the first instance.
(NRM Planner)
Several projects also cited using various modelling products (e.g. for carbon sequestration, sea
level rise, agricultural productivity, species distribution etc.) which were distributed to NRM
planners from the clusters using the projections data.
We find the projections extremely useful… In our project we used a lot of species distribution
modelling [which integrated the projections work].
(Cluster Project Team)
We used the projections work in the science to predict things like agricultural productivity and sea
level rise. We used their materials and they went straight to the NRM groups.
(Cluster Project Team)
Where existing projections were available, such as in Tasmania, planners used National
Projections outputs to validate and confirm projections made in previous and current NRM
plans. While some regions and clusters used different climate data-sets such as NSW / ACT
Regional Climate Modelling (NARCLiM) and the existing Tasmanian climate projections
conducted by the CSIRO in 2007.
3.1.5 Planner capability and capacity
NRM planners report improved capability and capacity to use, apply and interpret climate
change information and tools as a result of their involvement in Stream 2. The influence on
planning capacity varies from region depending on the organisational context, level of turnover
within the organisations, the background, experience and expertise of the NRM representatives.
In addition, broader factors such as access to services, remoteness and proximity to high
population centres, where the research teams tend to be located also influenced capacity
development. Also, it is important to recognise that NRM organisations were operating from
different levels of capacity prior to the program, which has necessarily influenced the capacity
gains made by Stream 2 across the country.
The principle factor in the program that influenced the capability of NRM representatives was
the strength of relationships and ties to researchers. Where planners reported a good
relationship and direct access to researchers (i.e. being located close to researchers) they were
more likely to report improvements in their climate change knowledge, understanding and
ability to apply Stream 2 tools and approaches. In short, close proximity to research teams
enabled greater opportunities for face-to-face contact via informal meetings as well as
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 27
structured activities (i.e. workshops). By contrast, NRM representatives geographically isolated
from research teams were less likely to build strong connections.
All national and cluster projects report having increased planner capabilities to plan for climate
change. Project leads discussed having contributed to increasing two main capabilities for
planners. Firstly, increasing planning capability to incorporate uncertainty and adaptation
pathway approaches and resilience thinking into planning for climate change (AdaptNRM,
Murray Basin, Monsoonal North, Southern Slopes, Southern and South West-Flatlands).
The main outcome that I would identify is that they really get that this is about decision making
under uncertainty… At the start the NRM planners would have said that it was about data, they were
trying to make it a predictive, problem solving exercise. Now they are saying “how do we structure
our decisions in pathways and look at multiple futures?” They understand that adaption is about
decision making and how you use information.
(AdaptNRM)
In addition, project leads report that the program has empowered planners to communicate
climate science in their own regional and organisational contexts.
Those involved with the project feel a bit more confident to talk about climate change with people
because they have climate change information for the Rangelands. It’s much easier to speak about
what might and might not happen.
(Cluster Project Team)
Planners also noted improvements in their ability to communicate climate change concepts
and issues with greater clarity and ease as a result of Stream 2. In some cases, capability to
communicate was enhanced by the confidence of being backed up and supported by perceived
“credible” science and national institutions.
Prior to my involvement I was a bit frightened about climate change. For instance, prior to the
project I didn’t know how to start a conversation with a farmer. Literally there were rooms that I
would enter and could not talk about climate change but now we can discuss it. Before it was like
climate change was off in the distance and all we could do was acknowledge it. There are so many
good examples that I can use to communicate now; i.e. grain growers in Victoria who have a reduced
harvest window etc., Tomato growers, Viticulture etc. There are some solid pieces of information that
are in my anecdotes that I can draw on.
(NRM Planner)
Regional representatives stated that they had learned about how to apply and interpret climate
data as a result of Stream 2 (for example see Murray CMA [MCMA] below). A Goulburn-Broken
CMA representative for example commented that “I’m much more confident with interpreting
climatic data and we are more aware of what uncertainty means in relation to Climate Change
as planning. [As a result] adaptation planning as a theoretical concept has trickled down
through the organisation: we’re getting better at it”. Likewise, the Mallee CMA representative
commented in relation to the influence of the National Projections.
It’s definitely been useful for me to get an understanding of how the projections might hit the
ground. But at the same time, learning about the limitations of the certainty of what we can and
can’t say [has] helped me to communicate to other punters out there about what climate change
might mean in the region.
(NRM Planner)
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 28
The majority of planners identified challenges in applying Stream 2 outputs. Some commented
more pointedly that they had difficulties in understanding and applying Stream 2 outputs.
The projections were not quite there and so we used small scale research on particular NRM issues
which were more useful than the projections themselves – like the impact of climate on agriculture
and pests. Applied science was more useful for a planning and communications tool than
projections which we only included in the technical reports.
(NRM Planner)
A minority of NRM representatives commented that Stream 2 has had limited influence on their
ability to plan. For instance, an Eyre Peninsula representative commented that Stream 2
outputs were “too technical” and beyond the capability of the organisation. In the case of Eyre
Peninsula, low uptake should be be seen in the context of turnover in the Southern and South-
Western Flatlands project team (within the South Australian Department of Environment, Water
and Natural Resources [DEWNR]) as well as relative geographic isolation from the project team
(see Section 3.3 for a discussion of cluster model).
3.1.6 Researcher capability
All project representatives interviewed (n=13) indicated that having an explicit focus on end
users throughout the life of the Stream 2 program had built their capability to deliver products
to meet the needs of NRM planners. Interviewees indicated that many researchers who have
been part of Stream 2 have gained and or enhanced their capabilities to: engage and
communicate with NRM planners, communicate climate change science to NRM planners, be
flexible and responsive to changing needs and contexts, manage expectations about what can
and cannot be delivered, and ultimately deliver products that respond to NRM representative’s
diverse needs and regional contexts.
Some people in our team [have gone from] fairly typical scientists to putting themselves in other
people’s shoes… They have developed a better understanding of how regions work, how planning is
done, the level of information that they need and the formats that they require it in. For some people
it has been part of a broader shift and a really significant broadening [of] skills and capacity.
(Cluster Project Team)
Similar to planners, researchers also stated that they had developed their ability to
communicate as a result of Stream 2, as highlighted below in the East Coast and Central Slopes
clusters.
We all learned a lot about presentation, where we are pitching it, they generally don’t want too much
data, but we learned more about pitching and providing information. We learned about what
concerns them and their competing concerns. For instance, what we were doing is a small concern
[for them]. How complex the space is that they work in.
(Cluster Project Team)
The main change has been that some scientists have developed more of an ability to speak in plain
English… They had to think about what NRM planners need to do their job. They got better at the
hard sell. It has come about through dialogue with the NRM planners, their context, constraints and
capacity…
(Cluster Project Team)
Researchers, such as the Southern Slopes team, also noted that they had developed their
understanding of regional NRM issues and priorities.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 29
We have a greater understanding of the current NRM situation in this region, though recognising that
the situation changes rapidly. Ability to work with NRM planners was enhanced, and some of the
team are continuing to explore these relationships through other projects
(Cluster Project Team)
A highlight cited by all project leads was the strengthening of relationships between researchers
and NRM planners, particularly being able to develop a mutual understanding of each other’s
needs, priorities and working contexts. For the National Projections team, being focused on
planning needs with a clear purpose and mandate has increased their capability to work with
end users. More broadly has contributed to a shift in thinking within the CSIRO and the BoM
about the way climate projections research should be done.
At the start of the program we had a couple of researchers here who were open about not seeing the
value of end user input into our work... The NRM work [via Stream 2] has consolidated our end user
focus… getting to know the users is really valuable…
(National Projections)
This focus on end users and engagement by the National Projections team has built on capacity
developments achieved from previous programs delivered by the CSIRO and the BoM in the
Pacific26, leveraging investments made by the Australian Government in climate change
science and adaptation.
I think that there is a greater understanding of the challenges associated with delivering climate
change information to user groups in an Australian context and we appreciate more the reality of
what it is like to be on the land… I don't think that the context of the research we undertake has
been this close to the user groups before in Australia; we have gained the capacity for a new focus
on supporting next users in Australian context. This kind of work has been undertaken in the Pacific
Island Nation context, applying it in the Australian context bought a new set of challenges but that
has led to new ideas and tools and a new understanding of the types of tools and products that are
used in NRM planning, we have learnt more about how to plug into their models.
(National Projections)
AdaptNRM and cluster project leads reported that increases in researcher capability to meet
the needs of planners were underpinned by relationships that have strengthened over time
(East Coast, Wet Tropics, Rangelands, Southern Slopes).
The highlights have been the enhanced interaction between researchers and planners. We all got a
lot out of that. Some of us, as researchers, don’t have direct input into NRM, planners particularly;
we definitely got more educated in the process. We understood what their needs were. That was
quite illuminating.
(Cluster Project Team)
It’s become much more collaborative… the researchers would have developed a much better
appreciation of how NRMs work, what types of information can be used, what constraints they have
to work with. I also think the corollary is also true that NRMs have developed a much better
appreciation for the constraints and potential the scientists are experiencing as well.
(Cluster Project Team)
26 Via the Pacific Climate Change Science (PACCSAP) program.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 30
3.1.7 Supporting government objectives
Ultimately the investment in Stream 2 aims to contribute to updating NRM plans that guide the
location of carbon and biodiversity activities that take into account climate change impacts and
adaptation responses. Because Stream 1 of the NRM fund was designed to directly update the
development of current NRM plans, Stream 2 necessarily interfaced with Stream 1 to achieve
this objective. With changes in the direction of Australian Government policy on climate change
during the period of delivery between 2013 and 2016, the Stream 2 program was required to
continue delivery of outputs despite uncertainty over the possibility of a carbon market and
economy.
Stream 2 has supported the achievement of government objectives by providing spatial
guidance for biodiversity and carbon offsets under the Carbon Farming Initiative. The link
between Stream 2 outputs and government objectives was more apparent in some clusters
than others due to the focus and emphasis of their work. For instance, the East Coast cluster
included a carbon farming sub-project.
The 2012-2013 annual review identified a clear link and alignment between Stream 2 end-of-
program outcomes and broader goals articulated in the Clean Energy Future (CEF) Plan and
Land Sector Package objectives. Stream 2 of the NRM Fund was designed by DCCEE (now the
Department of Environment) and established by the Australian Government with the aim of
contributing to the CEF Plan. More specifically, Stream 2 was designed to contribute CEF Land
Sector Measures including the Carbon Farming Initiative, the Biodiversity Fund and the
Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund.
In year two (2013-2014), some Stream 2 projects (3 out of 8) had made small, yet potentially
significant steps towards Land Sector Package objectives, including: consultation, project
development and spatial analysis being taken towards informing the location of carbon and
biodiversity activities. In years three (2014-2015) and four (2015-16) half (four out of eight) of
the projects had undertaken explicit activities to contribute towards government objectives of
guiding carbon and biodiversity activities. Of these projects, East Coast and South-Western
Flatlands provided clear examples of activities to contribute towards the Emissions Reduction
Fund (ERF), as detailed below.
East Coast: compiling biophysical, economic and other data for carbon farming
assessment; attending meetings with Commonwealth Government representatives
regarding new Emissions Reduction Fund framework and the implications for carbon
farming (2014-15). Initiating a project to develop a spatial analysis tool to identify the best
areas for soil and vegetation carbon sequestration with three NSW LLS’. Finalisation of the
Queensland Government Carbon Farming report. Development of a web-based tool to
visualise carbon farming opportunities from forest regrowth. Development of a joint-project
between consortium researchers to realise opportunities in the ERF (2015-16).
Southern and South-West Flatlands: use of the MCAS-S spatial planning tool by South
Coast NRM (SCNRM), South West Catchments Council (SWCC) and Northern Agricultural
Catchments Council (NACC) to identify sites for carbon planting (2015-16).
Taking into account the project design as well as interview feedback from project leads the
other clusters’ Impacts and Adaptation projects did not explicitly focus on contributing towards
the ERF largely because it wasn’t prioritised by the NRM regions.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 31
3.2. The relevance of Stream 2
This Section addresses KEQ2: To what extent was Stream 2 relevant to the context and needs?
The relevance of Stream 2 will be addressed by considering the engagement approaches used
in the program (Section 3.2.1), the extent to which end-user needs were met by the program
(3.2.2), as well as mechanisms for integrating user feedback into the research process (3.2.3)
and providing support to targeted regional NRM organisations in the program (3.2.4).
The process of engaging and working with the users of products and stakeholders involved in
NRM planning (i.e. other researchers and NRM stakeholders such as NRM body CEOs),
supported the delivery of fit-for-purpose regionally relevant NRM planning products.
There were a wide and extensive range of engagement activities undertaken by Stream 2
projects to understand user-needs and to build the capacity of NRM organisations to plan for
climate change. The quality, accessibility and usefulness of the products and services delivered
through Stream 2 were strongly underpinned by the engagement activities which focused on
both understanding and responding to the needs of NRM planners.
3.2.1 Engagement
As outlined in Section 3.1 and the Stream 2 output summary more than 268 engagement
activities and processes were delivered by projects across eight clusters to support product
development, design and uptake between 2013 and 2016. A range of engagement processes
and approaches were undertaken by projects. The Stream 2 Interim Evaluation (2014) found
that there was a variety of engagement models being used by Stream 2 projects. In addition to
engaging with NRM bodies, cluster projects also worked with, and alongside, other cluster
projects, the National Projections project, the AdaptNRM project, and a range of other federal,
state, regional and local government agencies in addition to research institutions, non-
government organisations (NGOs) and industry organisations.
As projects progressed into year two (2013-14) and three (2014-15) engagement variously
became more targeted, and purposeful as project teams, intermediaries (next users of research
outputs whom project teams directly interface with to support uptake and use of Stream 2
products by NRM bodies) and end-users (NRM bodies) became more familiar with each other’s
needs and capabilities27. Where regions experienced turnover in end-users (i.e. planners) or
intermediaries (i.e. knowledge brokers or consortium partners), the process of uptake and
engagement was made much more difficult and challenging. Similarly, where institutional
changes took place external to the program (i.e. in the restructure of regional bodies in NSW),
these changes disrupted the continuity of engagement and in many cases undid the gains
made by project teams. During this period of restructuring, NRM representatives were either
absent, removed or distracted by the institutional changes taking place.
Another challenge in engagement was attaining sufficient coverage across wide, geographic
areas. This challenge was noted by both the National Projections team and the AdaptNRM
project who engaged across all regions and clusters. At the end of the program all project leads
interviewed (n=13) reiterated that the quality, accessibility and usefulness of the products and
services delivered through Stream 2 were strongly underpinned by the engagement activities
which focused on both understanding and responding to the needs of NRM planners. These
project leads indicated that the process of engaging and working with next users allowed them
to deliver products that have been integrated into NRM planning.
27 Refer to Attachment Eight for a glossary of terminology used in this report.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 32
Tailored engagement
The diversity of needs across NRM organisations meant that engagement and consultation
needed to occur in a tailored way. This resulted in different engagement approaches for
different clusters, project teams and NRM groups. There were mixed results from different
engagement approaches, the common theme from which was that tailored approaches at the
regional body level were most effective. There were some overarching lessons to be drawn from
across the projects, reflected in the comment below:
Creating effective, collaborative relationships both among the Southern Slopes Climate Change
Adaptation Research Partnership (SCARP) team and with NRM agencies has required lots of time
and prompt responses, face-to-face contact, listening, good intentions, and a healthy dose of
humour. One size does not fit all.
(Southern Slopes, Annual Report 2013-14)
Largely, the implications of the diversity of NRM needs led to a recognition of the need for (a)
multiple scales of engagement and, (b) multiple modes of engagement (e.g. a mix of face-to-
face, telephone and web based interaction). Engagement needed to occur within project teams,
across multiple regional NRM organisations at the cluster scale and then, sometimes, at varying
scales within NRM bodies (i.e. at the executive as well as operational level/s). A common theme
across the project reports was the need and preference for some face-to-face interaction, in
combination with a range of other modes as suggested by AdaptNRM.
Multiple modes of engagement need to occur to cover the range of NRM planner needs. While, face-
to-face activities are generally much more preferred and effective, particularly for achieving
interactive, peer-to-peer learning and for larger groups (>10) of people who are unfamiliar with one
another, other forms of engagement such as online forums, tele/video-conferences, group emails
and individual consultations (phone/email) can be very effective for particular purposes.
(AdaptNRM, Annual Report 2014-15)
Models of engagement
Project self-reporting indicates that the variety of engagement approaches was effective in
engaging and supporting regional NRM organisations to plan, deliver and take up planning
products, resources and tools. A range of specific observations about effective engagement
were made by projects. A common theme in these observations was that the means of
engagement need to be targeted to the needs of intermediaries (cluster representatives,
researchers and other stakeholders) and end-users (NRM representatives)28. In some projects
this was facilitated by centralised, coordinating entities such as a Project Working Group (East
Coast) and a Brokering Hub (Wet Tropics). The variety of modes of engagement used by
Stream 2 projects is summarised in Table 6 below. While there was a wide variety of
engagement modes and mechanisms used by project teams, a common approach for projects
was to use one individual or lead as a focal point for engagement with NRM groups.
28 Refer to Attachment Eight for the definitions of terminology used to describe ‘intermediaries’ and ‘end-users’ etc.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 33
Overall, this evaluation found that the following engagement strategies were useful in
supporting uptake of Stream 2 products and resources by NRM groups:
regular face to face workshops and meetings across the whole cluster to share
information and progress projects
provision of a knowledge broker or similar position that had a defined role in the
project for coordinating all interactions between NRM groups and researchers
one-on-one work with NRM groups to ensure the cluster products, tools and
resources were relevant, understood and accessible
co-design of products, tools and resources to ensure that they met the needs of local
users; i.e. where NRM groups were involved in the formative thinking and design of
products (e.g. providing input into early decision making in product development) as
well as in subsequent stages of development (e.g. through review)
direct provision of advice from researchers where NRM groups requested it
work across clusters via meetings, teleconferences and/or workshops involving
planning representatives from each NRM group.
The devolved approach to engagement taken across the program resulted in a range of
engagement approaches. A summary of the different engagement methods used by projects to
understand and respond to user needs is provided in Table 6 below.
Regardless of the engagement approach taken, interviews with NRM representatives and
project researchers showed that the real value and benefits of engagement often occurred
informally as individuals and teams began to get to know one another better and develop
rapport, trust and reciprocity, which in turn enabled a more productive working partnership
between research producers and users. This is not to downplay the importance of formal,
planned engagement, which typically provided a basis for developing, maintaining and
strengthening relationships.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 34
Table 6. Modes of engagement used by Stream 2 projects
Project Engagement methods29
National
Projections
National Projections User Group
Co-development of products
1:1 project engagement
Presentation, feedback and consultation on outputs
Engagement with NRM regions via eight Cluster Coordinators
User workshops
AdaptNRM Module review process
User workshops
1:1 project engagement
1:1 NRM group engagement (not all NRM groups)
Central
Slopes
Joint project team comprised of researchers with NRM body representation
Engagement lead
1:1 NRM group engagement
User consultation and workshops
Monsoonal
North
Project steering committee with NRM body representation
1:1 NRM group engagement
Presentation and consultation
Rangelands Employment of an Engagement Officer to distribute information and share
outputs
Scientific advisory committee
1:1 NRM group engagement
User consultation and workshops
Southern
Slopes
Joint project development
Workshops, interviews, focus groups to identify needs
Project Steering Committee
Use of a live information portal to gain feedback
1:1 NRM group engagement
East Coast Planners Working Group (PWG)
Establishment of a “Community of Practice”
1:1 NRM group engagement
Southern and
South
Western
Flatlands
Workshops to identify needs and gain input from NRM representatives
Appointment of NRM group liaison point
Product review
1:1 NRM group engagement
Wet Tropics “Brokering Hub” established to facilitate engagement
Co-development of information tools
Engagement lead
Identification of shared goals
Workshops to identify needs and gain input from NRM representatives
Consultation on products during review
Joint-publications
1:1 NRM group engagement
Murray Basin Engagement lead
Workshops to identify needs and gain input from NRM representatives
1:1 NRM group engagement
Exit interviews with NRM groups
The Wet Tropics “Brokering Hub” provides an example (see Case Study below) of a formal
engagement mechanism established by the project team to connect researchers with planners
in a joint partnership throughout the project. The “Brokering Hub” comprised of a focal point for
engagement, which facilitated connections between researchers and NRM groups via series of
29 Note that because the methods presented are indicative because they are drawn from self-reporting and interview
data. As a result, the engagement methods listed may not be representative of the full range of approaches used by
projects.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 35
structured engagement activities and forums as well as ongoing, regular contact with
individuals in NRM groups.
Case Study: The Wet Tropics “Brokering Hub”
It was through the brokering hub process that we collectively identified projects to be
developed... At first we were asked what products we wanted so the whole process was a little
back the front. We definitely had the opportunity in the beginning to provide a list but in the
initial year there was not a lot of interaction with Stream 2 so they didn’t meet our needs at all.
It has improved enormously [since then], with a more active brokering hub and discussing what
we do with the products. The engagement with the scientists and having a knowledge broker
has been critical in this process. The concept of an end-user is a silly one. There is no use being
part of it at the end. We are a partner and participated as a partner. I don’t think the products
would have been as good if we hadn’t been a partner.
(NRM Planner)
3.2.2 End-user needs
By purposively engaging with NRM representatives and providing targeted information to
address NRM planning for climate change needs, Stream 2 has met the needs of NRM groups
not previously addressed. However, the extent to which end-user needs have been met varies
across the regions and clusters. This is in part due to the complexity of NRM planning for
climate change and the fact that ‘needs’ are context dependent (i.e. may vary according the
individual and organisation involved), value-laden and often contested. In this dynamic context,
Stream 2 has made a concerted effort and clear gains in addressing planning needs.
Where a clear focus and objective for engagement was present around a resource of common
value, such as agriculture, end-user needs were more likely to be met. In addition, as noted in
Section 3.1, end-user needs were also more likely to be met in regions where there was strong
existing capacity and ability (i.e. sufficient resources, time, capability and expertise), a mandate
and support to engage, as well as linkages and proximity to the project team.
The ability to meet end-user needs was in some cases hindered by a lack of flexibility in
contracting arrangements, which committed project teams delivering work in groups and
‘consortia’ comprised of multiple partners before the needs of end-users were understood. For
instance, in the East Coast cluster a consortium of six project research partners was
established. Feedback from East Coast project representatives suggested that the consortia
approach hindered the responsiveness of the team due to the large number of partners
involved and because of the need to consult across all partners before acting on opportunities.
An inherent issue in Stream 2 was the tension between needs versus wants. For instance, what
was ‘wanted’ by an NRM region could in fact differ from what their ‘needs’ were depending on
what stakeholder values were at play (both within a cluster, project or region). This tension was
manifested in engagement activities, often early in the program, where project teams and
cluster representatives negotiated what would be delivered.
‘Impacts and adaptation’ cluster projects
All clusters commented in Annual Reporting (2013-14) that they had purposefully engaged with
NRM managers from the outset to ensure they would meet end-user needs. In 2014-15, three
clusters had also begun to develop an evidence base (through formal surveys and interviews) to
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 36
demonstrate that the products generated were meeting end-user needs, specifically citing NRM
feedback about “usefulness” and “useability” (Southern Slopes, Central Slopes and East Coast).
However, throughout the course of the program, all clusters reported difficulties in fully meeting
end-user needs.
A key issue reported throughout the funded period by Stream 2 projects was the timing of
Stream 1 and Stream 2 funding. Several project leaders commented during the period of
delivery that Stream 2 should have been implemented prior to Stream 1 rather both Streams
being implemented concurrently. They argued that sequential timing would have provided the
necessary data and research (Stream 2) to update plans (Stream 1). However, as highlighted in
Section 3.3.1 (see Case study: Co-learning between regions) and 3.2 (Support) there is a
counter-argument to this perspective that Streams 1 and 2 were mis-matched; that the
concurrent timing of Stream 1 and 2 in fact supported co-learning among researchers and
practitioners by forcing them to work together to address the planning and research challenges.
National Projections project
The National Projections team engaged with NRM groups, researchers and the Department to
determine user needs prior to starting research. This early engagement process involved
establishing a User Panel and eight cluster coordinators, undertaking regular communication
with cluster representatives and running nine user workshops between March and May 2013 in
eight regions. This facilitated a shared understanding of user needs, research capabilities and
available resources, and an opportunity to co-develop products and manage expectations from
the outset.
The National Projections were received very well by NRM representatives interviewed for this
evaluation who found the information highly relevant and at an appropriate scale. The National
Projections user survey also found that engagement and delivery approaches taken by the
project were considered effective by between 85-90% of respondents. Project representatives
also uniformly praised the quality of the work and scientific output produced by the CSIRO
projections team, regarded by cluster project representatives as “world-class”.
The National Projections were pitched at the right level. They provided various climate scenarios and
time periods; gave us key messages and generalities for planning underpinned by rigorous science.
It was a well written document; we didn’t have to apply the research.
(NRM Planner)
This positive response to the website from project teams was reiterated by the Projections team
who have received feedback from project teams.
All of the feedback on the website has been positive. People appreciated the unprecedented access
to data, information at a scale that was more relevant to their needs, support and guidance to use it,
the elements of access and guidance were not available in our previous release in 2007.
(National Projections)
In the survey of Climate Change in Australia website by the Projections team the majority of
respondents rated the usefulness of the information highly in terms of meeting their needs;
with around 44 of 99 users rating content as 4 out of 5 and a further 27 of 99 respondents
rating the content as 5 out of 530.
30 Where 1 was ‘Strongly disagree’ and 5 was ‘Strongly agree’.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 37
In interviews with project leads the extent to which the National Projections project met
different NRM planner needs varied. From project lead and NRM representative interviews it
was clear that the Projections Project provided well received communication of the science
underpinning the projections. Several project leads indicated that the National Projections team
had been responsive to NRM planners’ requests for general climate change information such as
clarifying the concept of scientific uncertainty in specific regional and cluster context/s. A major
challenge for the projections team was in meeting diverse planner needs.
Some people wanted learning materials to share with their stakeholders. Then there were technical
experts who wanted highly detailed products, through to people who knew almost nothing about
climate change… [Another factor was that] some people struggled in areas where there was climate
denialism [some clusters had a higher proportion of climate deniers in their communities and even
on some NRM boards]. In these cases it was a major source of frustration that we could not meet
their immediate needs [to address denialism] which was not in the remit of the project
(National Projections)
In addition to meeting diverse NRM planning needs an additional challenge for the National
Projections team was in meeting broader needs from government (local and state) and
community stakeholders, particularly as the website gained attention through national media
exposure via a featured article on The Conversation (8 April 2015). This presented a challenge
for the National Projections team in balancing and prioritising their engagement time and
resources for the primary audience (NRM regions) as well as unanticipated secondary
audiences (the broader public).
AdaptNRM project
The AdaptNRM project final project evaluation conducted in March 2016 found that on average,
AdaptNRM modules largely met the needs of NRM representatives (n=30)31. These ratings were
supported by comments from NRM representatives at the AdaptNRM workshop as reflected in
Figure 4 below where a majority of respondents rated AdaptNRM modules 1 – 5 as meeting
their needs ‘well’, with the exception of Module 2, which a majority of participants rated as
‘Neutral’.
Figure 4. The extent to which AdaptNRM modules met user needs
31 On a scale including ‘very well’, ‘well’, ‘neutral’, ‘not well’ and ‘not at all’.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 38
19
11 11
26 24
54
37
52
3744
23
48
33 3328
4 4 4 4 4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Module 1:
Adaptation planning ‘The NRM
Adaptation Checklist’
Module 2: Weedsand climate
change
Module 3:Implications of
climate change onbiodiversity
Module 4: Helpingbiodiversity adapt
Module 5: Sharedlearning
% r
esp
on
de
nts
AdaptNRM: How well AdaptNRM modules met user needs
Very well Well Neutral Not well Not at all
The National Projections team noted that engagement with AdaptNRM helped the Projections
project deliver information of relevance to end-users. This was because the AdaptNRM team
had engaged with NRM group representatives on their climate information needs in the early
stages of the project during 2013-14. The outcomes of these consultations were communicated
to the National Projections team by the AdaptNRM team.
3.2.3 Feedback
End-users provided feedback to project teams on the purpose, use and format of Stream 2
products and processes throughout the program via a range of mechanisms. The diversity of
engagement activities delivered by Stream 2 projects meant there was a range of opportunities
for stakeholders to provide feedback to the project teams throughout the life of the program.
The frequency of engagement, and hence interaction and feedback between the project teams,
intermediaries and end-users32 peaked at year two, where engagement was most intensively
delivered between projects. In this year (2013-14) some 268 engagements were conducted by
the ten projects to identify priority climate change issues and the information they needed to
inform planning.
User feedback was a critical factor in the engagement process which some projects
emphasised as being a highlight of the program. Feedback between users and suppliers of
research products was supported by adaptive, iterative approaches to project delivery. As the
quote from AdaptNRM below illustrates, the process of engagement was necessary to support
feedback in order to meet user needs.
The value is not in the product but the process of deep engagement. We shared really early drafts,
gained written feedback, organised discussion sessions and online forums. [As a result we were able
to] get them discussing together and get better feedback as a result…We worked with [NRM
planners] to make [the modules] specifically relevant to their region…One of our hallmarks has been
discussion based delivery, where anyone who wants to participate, has a chance to explore and
digest the products and then provide feedback. While the lead content scientists have been able to
look on, the main aim is talk with the NRM groups in an atmosphere where they can speak openly.
(AdaptNRM)
NRM planners and project teams both described a deliberative process at the beginning of the
project to determine and respond to user needs. For instance, in the projects which took a
32 Refer to Attachment Eight for definitions of terms used such as ‘intermediaries’ and ‘end-users’.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 39
heavily consultative, participatory approach, such as SCARP, the project teams were trying to
understand user needs while the users were trying to understand what the projects could offer
them. Or, as it was characterised at the 2016 national workshop, projects would ask NRM
groups “what do you need?”, and NRM groups would respond “what can you offer us?” This
circular questioning was often described as confusing, challenging and difficult by planners and
researchers. However, this situation was also described as being “dynamic” by NRM and project
representatives interviewed for this evaluation as it led to a greater shared understanding of
one another’s needs.
User feedback in the ‘impacts and adaptation’ cluster projects
In the first year of the program (2012-13) three of the engagement plans (AdaptNRM, Wet
Tropics and Monsoonal North) clearly showed how avenues for feedback from stakeholders,
including NRM planners, would be provided. At the mid-point in the program (2014), while it
was apparent that many projects had implicit, informal processes for eliciting feedback from
cluster representatives and users, it was less clear how feedback from users would be used to
inform the development of products and modes of delivery. Despite this, the targeting of
engagement activities and early evidence that products and delivery mechanisms were relevant
to user needs would suggest that feedback between users and project teams was occurring
informally.
The SCARP team came to the project with their own perspectives. In the first couple of meetings
they brought some ideas which were quickly shot down by the group and they were put in their
place. Very quickly they learned that they need to listen to us and let us guide them as to what our
needs were. For instance, they were initially very focused on social and agricultural issues. We
[planners] told them that our needs were to do with NRM and so this changed their focus. They
responded to us.
(NRM Planner)
User feedback via the Climate Projections User Panel
In early 2013 the Climate Projections User Panel was established to provide an interface
between the Projections project, AdaptNRM and cluster projects to ensure that feedback
between projects was recognised and taken into account in the development of projections
research products. Hosted by the Projections project, the purpose of the panel was to “ensure
that the preparation and delivery of climate change projections information for Australia’s
natural resource management regions meets the needs of the user community” and to “create
a mechanism for representative feedback to the CSIRO projections team” (Climate Projection
User Panel TOR).
The panel provided projections users with an opportunity to provide feedback via email, video
and teleconferences. It was supported by a user panel engagement portal to provide
transparency in the user panel feedback and guidance process. In 2014-15 the Projections
project reported that AdaptNRM feedback on different versions of the brochures, reports and
website (including guidance material, tools and data) was taken into account during the review
process.
User feedback in the AdaptNRM project
The national AdaptNRM project reported that, through various engagement activities, it was
able to identify, understand and respond to the needs of NRM groups. Throughout the course of
the design, development and delivery of AdaptNRM NRM groups were provided with several
opportunities for input into AdaptNRM modules. For example, specific feedback from over 20
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 40
NRM managers was integrated into the development and draft review of delivery modules 3
and 4 (AdaptNRM, 2014-15 Annual Report).
3.2.4 Support
Peer support was a critical factor in supporting delivery between planners. Peer support
between NRM group representatives was a common enabler identified across a number of
regions.
One thing that was very good was they [Central Slopes] made sure we spent a lot of social time
together; we had a lot of chats together to become familiar across regions, but also with the
researchers. This was really setting the scene for collaboration. We weren’t shoved in a room and
told to come up with answers. They were very keen to find out our requirements and needs. Our
needs have evolved over this time and they have always stayed in touch and modified their
approach.
(NRM Planner)
Relationships between NRM organisation representatives, researchers and agency
representatives was a key factor in enabling the achievement of outcomes (see Section 3.1).
I don’t think the tools and report have been the most useful part of the project. For me it’s been the
relationships the have been built [between planners and researchers] that are the most useful:
having the ability to be on the phone with researchers as they are working and being able to follow
up with them and thrash ideas around have been very valuable. The actual documents or tools that
we get can be valuable but it’s working through together that is of higher value.
(NRM Planner)
The concurrent timing between Stream 1 and 2 also arguably further encouraged planners and
researchers to work together. In some regions and clusters this led to a deliberative process
where researchers and practitioners necessarily learned from one another (See Case study: Co-
learning between regions, Section 3.1).
3.3. The appropriateness of Stream 2
This section addresses KEQ3: To what extent was the implementation process appropriate?
Appropriateness primarily concerns the design of the Stream 2 cluster approach and model in
addressing the planning for climate change needs of NRM regions across Australia (see Section
3.3.1).
The cluster model has enabled the delivery of climate change information and support to 56
regions via eight clusters. It has facilitated cross-jurisdictional learning between NRM regions
and states in a way that would not have otherwise been possible.
Demarcated predominantly along bioclimatic considerations, the cluster model did not ‘work’ in
all cases, particularly where it required working across jurisdictional boundaries. In one
instance, the model reinforced the wide geographical distance between South Australian NRM
regions (Eyre Peninsula, Northern and Yorke, Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo
Island) from the Perth based project team in the Southern and South-Western Flatlands cluster.
This split between these two NRM regions and the project teams was exacerbated by high levels
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 41
of staff turnover in the contact point between the project team based in Perth and the SA NRM
regions.
3.3.1 The ‘cluster’ approach and model
The decision to take a cluster approach was made by DCCEE with the intent to provide an
organised structure, efficiency in delivery and opportunities for shared learning across
jurisdictions. The approach aimed to identify a scale of delivery that balanced the need for
regionally relevant information with the requirement for national climate projections. This
model was developed by the DCCEE in 2012 in consultation with the (then) 56 NRM regions, the
CSIRO Adaptation Flagship, State Governments, and the Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity
Board (LSCBB).
The aim of the cluster model, articulated by the DCCEE in the Program Guidelines (August
2012), was “to provide a structure to deliver regionally relevant information, while benefitting
from efficiencies in the joint delivery of relevant science information and opportunities for peer
learning”. According to this document “the grouping of NRM regions into eight clusters took into
account the nature of the projected change in climate, the range of adaptation options set by
biogeography, and the predominant land use”. In addition, the Guidelines note that “a number
of the clusters cross State/Territory boundaries, and therefore different jurisdictional
arrangements may apply across some clusters. The cluster design increases opportunities for
cross-learning and collaboration in similar geographical zones”.
In addition to the factors outlined above, when the clusters were demarcated DCCEE also took
into consideration factors including the number of NRM regions per cluster. While clusters were
based on biophysical and climatic factors, in some cases existing institutional structures were
taken into account; i.e. in the Rangelands cluster where an existing alliance was in place
between organisations. Following an internal process of approval DIICCSRTE delineated eight
NRM regional clusters: Monsoonal North, Murray Basin, Wet Tropics, Central Slopes, Southern
and Southern and South-Western Flatlands, Southern Slopes, East Coast and Rangelands (refer
to Attachment Two for the cluster map).
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 42
Inter-regional dialogue
The cluster approach facilitated inter-regional dialogue, learning and exchange between
regions. As noted above (see Section 3.2) connections between planners and peer support was
a critical enabler in the Stream 2 program. As a Sydney LLS planner noted: “Talking to my
colleagues from the other NRM regions was a major breakthrough”. This outcome was also
evident in Southern Slopes cluster where a joint working group between planners resulted in co-
learning across regional boundaries (see below).
Case study: Co-learning between regions
In 20 years of involvement with the CMA, never have I seen CMAs work so closely together as
they did on this project. Similarly, never have I seen the level of collaboration with researchers
and planners as on this project. The collaboration arose out of the need to work together. It was
clear from the beginning that, for the CMAs to derive any benefit, we would need to cooperate.
There was no competition like there is in other programs. SCARP realised this early on too. The
CMAs involved in SCARP have collaborated on a number of things now. Together we conducted
a vulnerability assessment for Southern Victoria. This arose out of the work that we were doing
together [in Stream 1 & 2]. It is always based on trust. The relationship between the projects –
SCARP and AdaptNRM – and us (CMAs). It was the opportunity to thrash things out that was
important; having all CMAs in the one room; it forced us all to work together.
(NRM Planner)
A related outcome was that the cluster model enabled research to reach a wider area beyond
state jurisdictions, than would have otherwise been possible, allowing greater efficiency of
output. For instance, in the Central Slopes project, carbon farming research outputs produced
by the Queensland Herbarium were distributed to NSW regional bodies, who would not have
otherwise received these outputs without the cluster model. The cluster approach also
facilitated learning at a national scale on the differences between state jurisdictions in the
regional NRM delivery model. See ‘Institutional boundaries’ below.
Institutional boundaries
As noted above, the Stream 2 cluster model boundaries were developed based on biophysical
rather than institutional considerations. In the Stream 2 program all clusters crossed multiple
state jurisdictions with the exception of Wet Tropics in Queensland. For instance, the
Rangelands cluster crosses Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Northern
Territory and Queensland. Meanwhile, the Southern and South-Western Flatlands covers the
south west region of Western Australia and the coastal southern region of South Australia.
Projects/programs had to contend with variation between each state’s legislative and
institutional frameworks for NRM bodies and their varying degrees of state control. For
instance, in New South Wales the Local Land Services (LLS) now have a legislated role to
deliver NRM, amongst other services such as biosecurity, as an extension of the NSW State
Government. By contrast, in Tasmania the NRM bodies have no such legislated function.
In the Southern and South-Western Flatlands project there was a geographic and institutional
split between West Australian and South Australian jurisdictions (refer to cluster map,
Attachment Two). To address this split between the two states, the Southern and South-Western
Flatlands partnered with the South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural
Resources (DEWNR) to broker connections between the SA NRM regions and the Western
Australian based project. As the Case Study below shows, staff turnover in the SA DEWNR
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 43
contact point role during the course of the project reinforced a disconnect between the SA
planners and the project teams based in Perth.
Case Study: South West and South Western Flatlands – A split cluster
It was challenge to us [Stream 2]. There has been change of personnel in our contact point
[within SA DEWNR] with the SW project. Over the course of three years we have three people
who were leading the project from the SA branch. There wasn’t a constant source of contact. It
wasn’t until the third person who was able to show us what was available. All the support we
received was via email. This didn’t necessarily reflect the project but changes in the government
liaison between the project [SW Flatlands] and planners. We didn’t have much contact with WA
based at UWA either. We understand why they split up the clusters based on climates and land
uses. But the areas are very different. It is important to consider in the future. South Australia is
very different institutionally too. This has not really been taken into consideration.
(NRM Planner)
This quote highlights the range of factors that resulted in end-users being disconnected from
the project team including institutional arrangements, staff turnover and the engagement
approach taken by Southern and South-Western Flatlands, which outsourced the liaison to a
government department, whom made irregular contact with NRM representatives.
3.4. The efficiency of Stream 2
This section addresses KEQ4: How efficient was Stream 2? In particular, this section will cover
the efficiency of Stream 2 in terms of: (i) program coordination (Section 3.4.1), and; (ii)
administration of funds in accordance with contract agreements (Section 3.4.2).
The efficiency of Stream 2 delivery was constrained in terms of program coordination, primarily
with respect to cross-cluster coordination. The program funds were efficiently administered.
This was due largely to the fact that the program did not mandate or build any formal structures
for information sharing into the program such as explicit coordination activities across clusters.
It should be noted, however, that the oversight and coordination by the Department have
provided a sufficient level of consistency to ensure smooth delivery of the program. Meanwhile
in terms of funding disbursement, project and budget expenditure records from the Department
show that Stream 2 projects delivered outputs as per funding agreement milestones and
expenditure between 2013 and 2016.
3.4.1 Coordination
Although cross-cluster coordination and collaboration was a stated aim of Stream 2 there was
no formal requirement or expectation written into contract agreements for projects to work
together to achieve greater coordination and consistency. As a result, there were few examples
of cross-cluster coordination beyond the coordination functions administered by the
Department to support program delivery. One example of cross-cluster collaboration work that
stands out was the 3C Modelling jointly undertaken by Murray Basin, East Coast and Central
Slopes33 to evaluate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity across an area spanning one
quarter of the Australian continent over a timeframe to 2050. Meanwhile, the National
33 Drielsma M, Manion G, Love J, Williams K, Harwood T, (2014) Draft 3C MODELLING For Biodiversity Management
Under Future Climate
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 44
Projections project coordinated a number of cross-cluster events including a side-event at the
Greenhouse 2013 conference, which brought all clusters together. However, in the context of
the whole program the joint cross-cluster 3C Modelling example is an isolated example.
As the lead agency responsible for administering the Stream 2 funding, the Department took
responsibility for coordinating Stream 2 across eight cluster projects, the two national projects
(‘National Projections’ and Impacts and Adaptation national project [‘AdaptNRM’]), in addition
to the Terra Nova information management project and the Monitoring and Evaluation
component of the program, which was contracted to Clear Horizon Consulting Pty Ltd.
Throughout the course of the project DIICCSRTE and then the Department undertook a number
of measures to increase coordination across projects and reduce duplication of project and
program outputs (as reflected in the program logic, see Appendix One). These measures
included:
Hosting a program workshop in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 which brought together
representatives from all Stream 2 project teams, along with representatives from
government departments and regional NRM planning organisations. Among other aims,
these workshops sought to develop agreement among project teams on ways to coordinate
and communicate across the program and identify areas for possible collaboration
between project teams.
An activity calendar was developed and used in 2012-3 and 2013-4. An online program
calendar included key dates for workshops and meetings for each project, providing
opportunities for projects to coordinate joint activities and avoid duplicative consultation.
The appointment of NRM cluster representatives by DIICCSRTE in the early stages of the
program (2012-13 and 2013-14). Representatives were appointed to act as a point of
contact for DIICCSRTE and to coordinate input from their clusters during the application
process.
In 2013, following the Program Workshop in February, DIICCSRTE established a program
coordination group (PCG) to coordinate engagement across the Stream 2 projects.
There was limited evidence during the course of the program of clusters coordinating work
beyond these forums facilitated by the Department, possibly because there was no formal
requirement for projects to coordinate and work together across clusters. Feedback from
project representatives suggests that coordination across clusters was constrained by high
demands on the time of cluster representatives to engage both within as well as across clusters
boundaries.
Managing the complexity of NRM Clusters and number of NRM regions within clusters has also been
challenging. Establishing and maintaining cross-border collaborations and connections on a regular
basis is almost impossible as each project must concentrate on within Cluster delivery within the
agreed time frames.
(Murray Basin 2013-14 Annual Report)
In summary, there was a gap between the expectations of the Department and the funding and
design of the program given that coordination and shared learning across clusters was part of
the stated intent of Stream 2 (see 4.3 the Cluster model in ‘Appropriateness’). Like any
engagement activity, cluster and project coordination requires resources, time and inputs to
materialise benefits. For instance, in a recent science project funded by the Australian
Government, Securing Australia’s Future, an additional science synthesis project was
purposefully funded separately to integrate findings across a range of funded projects.
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 45
3.4.2 Delivery of milestones in accordance with funding agreements
Project records and budget expenditure show that Stream 2 projects mostly delivered outputs
on time against funding agreement milestones between the years 2012-13 and 2015-16. While
there were minor delays in projects communicating sub-project information to the Department,
the issues causing the delays were subsequently resolved. In some cases, this involved the
milestone payments not being fully expended by the milestone date with funds being
committed (e.g. contracted). Expenditure was therefore considered to be ‘on track’ by the
department.
3.5. The legacy and sustainability of Stream 2
This section considers KEQ5: How sustainable and enduring are the outcomes of Stream 2 likely
to be? In particular, this section will outline factors supporting the legacy of Stream 2 (Section
3.5.1) as well as challenges to the legacy of Stream 2 (3.5.2). The legacy and sustainability of
Stream 2 also concerns the capacity of NRM bodies to apply Stream 2 products and resources
(3.5.3), the extent to which information generated through the program is “embedded” within
regional NRM bodies (3.5.4), and the ongoing use of products and resources (3.5.5).
Significantly, the legacy of Stream 2 will also be influenced by the linkages and relationships
developed through the program (3.5.6).
The legacy of Stream 2 includes significant advances by regional bodies in their ability to
adaptively plan for climate change and the embedding of information and knowledge into
regional NRM planning processes.
These organisations now have the potential to influence other regions to increase their capacity
as well. As they adaptively plan for climate change they will be supported by responsive,
adaptive tools and frameworks (such as AdaptNRM ‘The NRM Adaptation Checklist’), online
resources and platforms (such as the Climate Change in Australia website and the Terra Nova
platform), the development of networks and relationships within and between researchers,
planners and NRM representatives and the publication of research outputs.
However, this legacy may be less effective over time for a number of reasons. The legacy will
likely be challenged and constrained by a lack of ongoing funding to support the application of
the climate projections; staff turnover and organisational restructuring; low levels of awareness
about Stream 2 within the Australian Government; and a lack of formal funding and federal,
state and regional support to sustain planner and researcher engagement with a climate
change focus in NRM.
3.5.1 Factors supporting the legacy of Stream 2
The legacy of Stream 2 was actively considered by Stream 2 projects throughout the period of
delivery. In years 2012-13 to 2015-16 the following preparations were undertaken to support
the longevity of Stream 2 and durability of the outcomes post-2016:
Developing responsive tools. Evidence indicates that information, tools and resources
delivered by Stream 2 were developed in response to changing climatic conditions as well
as the needs and priorities of end users
Developing online resources and platforms; i.e. the AdaptNRM website and the Climate
Change in Australia websites.
Implementing an information repository project (Terra Nova) led by Griffith University to
provide storage for all Stream 2 outputs in a centralised place, and where outputs are
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 46
searchable for the longer term, as opposed to being housed on a range of institutional
websites.
Supporting the development of networks and relationships within and between
researchers, planners and NRM representatives within and across cluster boundaries; i.e.
through the national Stream 2 workshop and ongoing, informal linkages and connections
between researchers, NRM representatives and stakeholders.
Publication of research outputs by research teams both in academic, peer-review scientific
journals and in a range of commissioned reports.
3.5.2 Challenges and constraints for the legacy of Stream 2
The legacy of Stream 2 will be affected by a range of issues, constraints and challenges, some
beyond the control and scope of Stream 2 including:
The cluster model was designed purely for Stream 2 and may have no longevity beyond the
program timeframe (2013 – 2016), although the lessons from the cluster approach may
be applicable to other forms of investment and programming federally.
The Climate Change in Australia website has no funding beyond possible basic
maintenance through the NESP program. The longevity of the website and its application
will depend on securing future funding, which at the end of the program (mid-2016) is
uncertain.
Staff turnover and organisational restructuring within regional bodies and to a lesser extent
within research institutions has resulted in a loss of corporate knowledge and capacity
developed through the program. Turnover is, however, a given in programs of this kind.
There was inconsistent uptake of resources and products across different NRM regions (see
3.1) with some regions achieving clear outcomes, while others have not achieved the same
results through the program. However, while capacity and uptake was variable across the
program “the history of regional NRM in Australia demonstrates that concepts permeate
the NRM system, moving from the early adopters and leading organisations to other
regions over time” (Cluster representative).
There are low levels of awareness about Stream 2 both federally34 and at a state level
among relevant agencies and departments. However, to a large degree the durability of
program outcomes is not dependent on federal and state government awareness of the
program.
Relationships and linkages developed through the program are not presently supported by
formal structures or resources to sustain ongoing connections with the explicit goal of
improving NRM planning to adapt to climate change.
Responsibility for implementing regional NRM plans typically lies outside the direct
influence of NRM bodies, which have the ability to facilitate and guide NRM change but not
the actual capacity to enact landscape and asset changes sought through planning, which
typically occur across a range of private and public land tenure arrangements. In this
context, NRM bodies are key enablers for change that must work with and through a
diverse range of state, regional and local, community stakeholders to deliver NRM
activities.
3.5.3 Long-term capacity for integrating NRM climate change planning
As detailed in Section 3.1, the Stream 2 program has had an inconsistent effect on capacity
across regional NRM bodies involved in the program. In short, while some regional bodies
developed capacity through the program and made significant advances in their ability to plan
for climate change, this positive influence was not widespread and tended to be concentrated
in regional bodies that were better equipped through existing capabilities, networks, resources
and mandated to plan adaptively. These regional NRM bodies who have embraced planning for
34 noting that in the funded period (2013 – 2016) the responsible agency went through three successive
changes in administrative arrangements.
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 47
an uncertain climate future may be seen as leaders and ‘champions’ with the ability to
influence other NRM regions. Given a reasonably high uptake of resources and outputs from
Stream 2 by NRM regions, it is reasonable to assume that the majority of NRM regions are well
placed to capitalise on the gains made in their capacity for NRM planning for climate change
from Stream 2. This was supported by stronger relationships and ties to research institutions
and the availability and accessibility of products, tools and processes to support NRM planning
for climate change (see below).
3.5.4 Embedding information and knowledge into planning processes
Adaptive planning approaches and systems
Several regions are moving towards adaptive planning approaches, which emphasise the
planning process rather than the plan itself. This change towards adaptive planning was
described as being part of a broader paradigm shift in the way that NRM regions approach and
undertake regional NRM planning by a Murray Basin team member:
My overwhelming reflection is how fundamentally different the conversations at these final
engagement workshops have been compared to workshops and meetings even 12-18 months ago.
There has been a paradigm shift in some regional planning teams in which critical climate
adaptation concepts such as multiple futures, dealing with uncertainty, flexibility and learning now
have primacy in the discussion. Previously these concepts were recognized but it was not fully
understood how central they are to climate adaptation planning.
(Cluster Project Team)
In this context, NRM was viewed by researchers and planners as a complex, changing system.
Therefore, to be relevant, planning is necessarily a dynamic, emergent process, which must be
adaptive in order to respond to climate change.
One of the overall things is we have changed our approach from looking at regional and strategic
plan to taking a landscape approach taking into account resilience concepts looking at how climate
change will affect different areas differently. This has helped us understand the issues around
climate change and look at the issues in the future.
(NRM Planner)
Stream 2 has, in part, catalysed this shift towards adaptive planning by supporting and
strengthening adaptive planning approaches. NRM plans are, for instance, increasingly being
developed and updated as virtual, online “live documents” (see below).
3.5.5 Ongoing use of products, tools and information
The following online resources and platforms developed by Stream 2 will provide ongoing
accessibility to Stream 2 products and resources, dependent on ongoing funding and support:
the National Projections website Climate Change in Australia provides resources, links and
products developed by the National Projections project as well as links to the eight regional
impacts and adaptation cluster projects.
the Terra Nova website provides an information repository for all National Projections
products
the AdaptNRM website provides an online repository of AdaptNRM products and resources
the Department have committed to updating the Stream 2 web-page to provide links to
Stream 2 products.
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Through a linkage with the National Environmental Science Programme’s Earth Systems and
Climate Change Hub, the National Projections team have potentially earmarked limited funding
for basic maintenance of the Climate Change in Australia website in the short term. In addition,
Stream 2 researchers, project teams and NRM organisations have produced a large number of
research outputs, which are being published in academic publications and in the wider online
environment, which will provide ongoing accessibility well beyond the program timeframe.
Online plans
Online plans and portals provide an opportunity for NRM and land use planners to develop,
maintain and update plans in an adaptive, responsive and flexible manner. While the exact
figure is unknown it estimated that around half of the regional bodies currently have online
plans (AdaptNRM). As the Rangelands NRM representative below states, online plans will
support NRM plan adaption and evolution.
That’s the intent of the online plan. It involves adaptive learning as we become better informed so
the plan continually evolves. It is quite a practical plan based on our delivery of projects but there is
the potential to link the plan to a possible knowledge hub. The regional plan hosts the most relevant
knowledge. This long term nature of [the plan online] puts it all into perspective.
(NRM Planner)
Online plans were provided by a number of regions for this evaluation including: SWCC, Territory
NRM, Rangelands WA NRM, CCMA, Reef Catchments and Terrain NRM. In addition, an online
forum was established during the Stream 2 period by a coalition of Victorian CMAs35.
3.5.6 Linkages and relationships supporting the legacy of Stream 2
Linkages within and between regions, researchers and agency representatives have been
developed and strengthened by Stream 2. Due to the national scale of the program and size of
the clusters there was necessarily a wide degree of differentiation in the quality of relationships
developed across clusters. Despite this there was evidence of ongoing partnerships between
researchers and end-users from all Stream 2 projects. Although most partnerships were
reported as informal, some Stream 2 projects are developing formal partnerships through
project work, which are expected to endure beyond the life of the project.
I think the personal interactions between researchers and NRM groups and the greater
understanding of what NRM is all about. This is the most lasting. This is a shared outcome, a lot
more sympathy both ways… we are more approachable. There are new projects that will come up
and we are more comfortable to work together with people in the local landscape; i.e. Carbon
farming.
(Cluster Project Team)
In 2014-15 a number of projects reported that Stream 2 has contributed to a shift from a
situation where there was limited interaction between climate researchers and NRM planners in
Australia to a situation where strong relationships based on “trust” and a mutual understanding
of research capabilities and end-user needs had been forged (Projections project, AdaptNRM,
Monsoonal North, Southern Slopes, Wet Tropics, Central Slopes).
35 Funded by the Victorian State Government.
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 49
Ongoing relationships will be a critical factor in supporting and enabling outcomes achieved by
Stream 2.
Everyone is aware of the structural flaws [in Stream 2] but the relationships between regions and
with scientists have stimulated my community. It has created networks and it was agreed it would
be useful to maintain these into the future. Unfortunately, we recognise that any formal networking
needs financial support, so a less approach of staying in touch and sharing resources has been
maintained.
(NRM Planner)
At the time of the evaluation there was no formal mechanism to support ongoing relationships
between researchers and practitioners nationally within the Australian NRM sector. There are
forums where planners, researchers and agency representatives will support ongoing
connections, such as the Annual NRM Knowledge Conference. Ongoing relationships between
researchers and NRM practitioners are therefore likely to be largely based on informal,
incidental connections and opportunities as well as through existing departmental working
groups and committees.
Inter-regional networks
As noted in Sections 3.1 (Effectiveness) and 3.2 (Relevance) Stream 2 has provided an
opportunity for planners to form stronger linkages and ties across regions. At the end of the
program, inter-regional networks that provide a forum for planners to connect and provide peer
support to one another exist in a number of state jurisdictions as highlighted below. In these
jurisdictions, planners are working to apply Stream 2 products cross-regionally.
Victoria. The Victorian CMA NRM Planning for Climate Change; a forum comprised of
representatives from all nine Victorian CMAs. Initially funded through Stream 1 the forum
met monthly until January 2016 and now meets on a needs basis in person, via email or
phone.
Western Australia. South East NRM groups are currently coordinating the establishment of
a shared spatial dataset and website to support cross-regional planning.
Cross-regional linkages between planners are critical in supporting the legacy of Stream 2.
Engagement with other stakeholders
Several NRM representatives noted that the actual responsibility for implementing NRM plans
often lies outside of regional NRM bodies themselves. This of course varies across states
depending on the legislative framework for regional NRM in each state (refer to Section 3.3 for
more detail). Notwithstanding these institutional differences across states, NRM bodies typically
work with and through regional networks of industry, research and community entities to
deliver NRM strategies and plans. As a representative from NRM South in Tasmania
commented:
We are developing a strategy on behalf of the community. This isn’t NRM Souths’ Strategy; we (NRM
South) are not land managers. It is their strategy.
(NRM Planner)
In Victoria the CMAs and Victorian Catchment Management Council (VCMC) committed equal
amounts to fund a State-wide Climate Change Coordinator at 0.4FTE until December 2016. The
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 50
position is presently hosted by the Goulburn Broken CMA. One responsibility of this position is to
look for opportunities to engage with the Victorian State Government to support ongoing
utilisation of Stream 1 and 2 outputs. For instance, a forum took place in May 2016 to discuss
the utilisation of Stream 2 outputs in the Victorian Government Climate Change Adaptation
Plan and the Victorian Biodiversity Strategy. The State-wide coordinator is also working with a
national Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) group and is in discussions with the Victorian
Catchment Management Council about how the Stream 1 and 2 work can assist in the
development of Catchment Condition Reporting with regard to climate change36.
36 Correspondence with the State-wide Climate Change Coordinator.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 51
Attachment One: Stream 2 Program Logic
Figure 5. Stream 2 Program Logic
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 52
Attachment Two: The Cluster Model
Figure 6. The Cluster Map showing the eight Stream 2 NRM clusters
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 53
Attachment Three: Results chart Table 7. Stream 2 Results Chart (2013 – 2015)
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
1. How effective was Stream 2 in achieving its intended outcomes?
1.1. To what
extent have Stream
2 projects improved
the quality and
accessibility of
regionally relevant
information on
climate change
impacts and
potential adaptation
responses?
Stream 2 has effectively increased
the quality and accessibility of
regionally-relevant climate change
information and support by
delivering information and support
to NRM regions via eight cluster
projects, the National Projections
project and the national impacts
and adaption project (AdaptNRM).
Increased accessibility evidenced
by the development and delivery of
a total of 828 information products
by ten Stream 2 projects between
2013 and 2016; of which around
100 final products are stored on
the Terra Nova web-platform,
publically accessible.
Wide-spread uptake and adoption
of Stream 2 tools and resources
with at least three quarters of NRM
regions demonstrating tangible
examples of product use in the
planning process.
Accessibility: Between 2012-13 and 2015-16 improved accessibility to regionally relevant information on
climate change impacts and adaptation was supported by:
The delivery of 659 outputs to support regional NRM organisations to plan for climate change via the
eight clusters, including: information products (reports, data-sets, guidance documents, fact sheets),
training, mentoring support via workshops, presentations and other delivery methods (2013-2015)
The delivery of 157 outputs which translate next generation climate projections to NRM planners via the
eight clusters (2013-2015), including: information products (web tools, journal papers, aminations,
spatial layers and data sets), presentations, consultations and other delivery methods.
The delivery of the Adapt NRM outputs including: module guides, website resources, data access portal
resources (maps and datasets), module delivery sessions, module review sessions, conference
presentations and meetings and newsletter updates.
The launch of the Climate Change in Australia website by the Projections project From 27 January 2015
until 22 June 2016 the web site had 153,746 unique website users with 202,446 unique sessions
(averaging 12,100 sessions per month).
Specific examples of increased accessibility from the final round of project reporting (2015-16) include:
Murray Basin: during initial consultation in 2013 most regions identified other regions as the main
source of information; by contrast recent consultation regions cite a wider range of available sources of
information, and are aware of how to access that information. Consultation by Murray Basin
representatives in 2016 found a high level of familiarity in general with Stream 2 products.
Rangelands: 7 out of 11 survey respondents at the end of the project reported improved access to
regionally relevant climate change information as a result of the project.
SCARP: 8 out of 9 NRM regions report that the quality and accessibility of regionally relevant climate
change information improved as a result of SCARP, particularly through the information portal
established by SCARP. Also in terms of enabling regions to find and access such information
themselves. On average, regional bodies rated the quality and accessibility of information provided
through SCARP as 7.9 out of 10.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 54
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
Examples of use of Stream 2 products in the NRM planning process from project reporting (2015-16) include:
National Projections: Use of the climate futures tool for scenario planning (ACT Environment and
Planning Directorate), to inform likely climate change impacts (SE NRM), to underpin second pass
impact and vulnerability assessment (Wimmera CMA & West Gippsland CMA), to inform development of
a Spatial Assessment Tool (GBCMA), to influence the draft NRM plan (Southern Gulf Catchments Ltd), to
confirm vulnerability assessments (Burnett Mary), to inform climate refugees mapping (SEQ
Catchments), to inform draft risk assessment process and spatial analysis (Hunter LLS), as a
“centrepiece” in the draft NRM Strategy informing the “Possible Futures” section (NRM South), to
develop sub-regional plans summarising future conditions (Eyre Peninsula), used “where appropriate”
(Kangaroo Island NRM), to inform program development and implementation as well as being used on
the Swan River Strategy website (Perth NRM).
Central Slopes: 3 out of 5 regional NRM plans (QMDC, NW LLS, Northern Tablelands LLS) draw on
Central Slopes resources, with remaining 2 regional bodies expected to provide outputs (April 2016)
East Coast: See spatial analysis for carbon soil and vegetation carbon sequestration (KEQ1.3 below). The
development of “website chapters” by GSR LLS to draw on AdaptNRM Biodiversity modules. The
development of an updated plan by SEQ Catchments whereby the project team were involved in review;
research included in the process of plan development rather than the end-product. Incorporation of the
projections into the background of the FBA plan.
Monsoonal North: NRM plans prepared for Northern Gulf NRM, Territory NRM, WA Rangelands, NQ Dry
Tropics and Cape York NRM utilised project outputs. Southern Gulf Plan (being finalised) will use project
outputs. Specific examples of utilisation include the use of materials were reportedly in Indigenous
schooling (further details not provided), use of the CLiMAS projections.
Murray Basin: Citation of Stream 2 sources including: North Central CMA climate adaptation plan cites
the Climate Change in Australia as a key information source; Wimmera & SE NRM similarly uses
projections in NRM planning documentation. Adoption of the Adaptation Pathways approach by SE
NRM, GBCMA and North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA).
Rangelands: seven NRM regions all report that they “have or will use [Rangelands project] information in
their NRM plan”. Some sources were reported as being used while others were not by Rangelands NRM
regions. NRM plans updated with Rangelands outputs include: National Projections summaries,
inclusion of the “Rangelands Adaptation Table”, links to the AdaptNRM and Climate Change in Australia
websites (Territory NRM), incorporation of the National Projections as the “basis for supporting climate
change risk” (SW NRM), to inform the draft addendum of Strategic Plan with references to projections,
likely impacts and adaptation strategies (Western LLS), to inform the location of climate refugia (Desert
Channels Qld), to update the Climate Change addendum (Alinytjara Wilurara NRM), and to integrate
recommendations from cluster reports (SA Arid Lands NRM). In addition, Stream 2 outputs were used by
Territory NRM during the planning process where cluster projections were used during participatory
planning.
SCARP: wide adoption of the Adaptation Pathways framework with the approach being used “across
Victorian CMAs”. Victorian CMAs developed climate adaptation plans as adjuncts to existing plans,
Tasmanian and NSW regions incorporated SCARP products & processes into scheduled strategic plan
reviews.
East Coast: use of the climate impacts and adaptation information in the SEQ Catchments draft NRM
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 55
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
plan.
Southern and South-West Flatlands: uptake of the MCAS-S spatial planning tool by some regions
(SCNRM, SWCC & NACC) to guide carbon planting, and to prioritise areas for climate change adaptation
strategies (Perth NRM).
Wet Tropics: updated NRM plans containing information from Wet Tropics outputs and the National
Projections. NRM plans also influenced in their structure and approach by Wet Tropics; i.e. identification
of sectoral themes in the Terrain and Reef Catchments’ plans, and framing of adaptation pathways in
Cape York NRMs’ plan. Development of Climate Action Strategies by Traditional Owners to include in
Management Plans, co-presented at the AIATISIS Native Title Conference and at a workshop on
Transdisciplinary Science in 2015.
1.2. To what extent
have Stream 2
projects improved
the capacity of
regional NRM
organisations to
plan for climate
change?
Wide variability in the influence on
climate change planning capacity
within NRM regions, with some
regions reporting organisational-
level shifts in planning approaches
(i.e. adoption of the “Adaptation
Pathways” approach in CCMA),
while others report limited or no
influence on planning capacity.
Support for capacity development was provided by projects to NRM organisations:
Adapt NRM: has provided support through the provision of module guides and web-based resources,
interactive review and delivery sessions, and by providing opportunities for shared learning between
NRM groups
Monsoonal North: NRM planners have improved qualifications and training related to climate
knowledge.
Murray Basin: Increased awareness of regionally relevant information on climate impacts within most
NRM regions. Regions with staff continuity and stable institutional arrangements have “built personal
and organisational capacity around core concepts of adaptation planning, around the conceptual
difference between climate adaptation planning and other forms of planning”. Supported by self-
reported capacity development; adoption of concepts (i.e. NCCMA and GBCMA have both incorporated
climate adaptation pathways into their planning; examples of NRM regions actively engaging with and
questioning different approaches; “The amount learnt in just three years is huge! If you look at where we
were three years ago and where we are now, we are really ready to get serious about climate adaptation
planning and I think you will see that happen in the next round of catchment planning” (2015-16)
Southern and South Western Flatlands: capacity among NRM bodies is variable reflected in low uptake
and access of products. Capacity was increased in some regions to use the MCAS-S spatial planning
tool.
Wet Tropics – Increased understanding among NRM bodies of the process of climate change research.
Fostered through the Brokering Hub, which provided a forum for interactive, ongoing communication
between individual researchers and NRM planners.
Rangelands – NRM regions report “increased confidence and understanding of Climate Change
projections” as a result of engagement with the National Projections team. This in turn supported
“improved discussions with communities” and “inclusion [out outputs]” in NRM plans. NRM regions in
the Rangelands cluster also reported a “little improvement” in capacity as a result of Stream 2.
East Coast – NRM planners report “enhanced knowledge…access to tools and information for climate
adaptation planning”.
In addition to developing NRM organisation capacity, Stream 2 influenced the capacity of researchers to
engage with NRM organisations.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 56
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
National Projections – development of knowledge brokering capability among CSIRO and BoM climate
scientists; “enhanced ability to translate technical information in a way that can be understood by
next/end-users” (2015-16 report).
1.3. How has
the program
contributed to
Government
objectives?
Limited direct influence and
contribution to Government
objectives of spatially guiding
carbon sequestration and
biodiversity fund activities.
Specific research outputs guiding
spatial prioritisation for carbon
sequestration and biodiversity fund
activities include the use of the
MCAS-S tool in Southern and South-
Western Flatlands, carbon farming
research undertaken in the East
Coast cluster and the 3C Modelling
jointly undertaken by Murray Basin,
East Coast and Central Slopes to
evaluate the impacts of climate
change on biodiversity up to 2050.
At year two (2013-2014), Stream 2 some projects (3 out of 8) were found to have made some small, yet
potentially significant steps towards Land Sector Package objectives, including: consultation, project
development and spatial analysis being taken towards informing the location of carbon and biodiversity
activities.
At year three (2014-2015) 4 out of 8 cluster reported specific examples of progress towards these
government objectives, including:
Use of MCAS-S spatial planning tool has informed the identification of sites for carbon sinks for tree
planting (Flatlands).
East Coast compiling biophysical, economic and other data for carbon farming assessment and have
attended meetings with Commonwealth Government representatives regarding new Emissions
Reduction Fund framework and the implications for carbon farming (East Coast).
At year four (2015-16) examples included:
East Coast: 3 NSW LLS have initiated a project to develop a spatial analysis tool to identify the best
areas for soil and vegetation carbon sequestration. Tool still being developed under contract by a
consultant at the time of evaluation. In addition, BMRG used the Carbon Farming report to meet Stream
1 requirements. Finalisation of the Qld Government Carbon Farming report. Development of a web-
based tool to visualise carbon farming opportunities from forest regrowth. Development of a joint-
project between consortium researchers to realise opportunities in the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).
Southern and South-West Flatlands: use of the MCAS-S spatial planning tool by SCNRM, SWCC and
NACC to identify sites for carbon planting.
The 3C Modelling jointly undertaken by Murray Basin, East Coast and Central Slopes to evaluate the
impacts of climate change on biodiversity up to 2050.
2. How relevant was Stream 2 to the context and needs?
2.1. How well
did the information
and support
delivered through
the program meet
end-user needs?
Stream 2 products and support
have largely met user-needs
balancing the needs for scientific
rigour with a user-focused research
approaches.
Over the life of the program (2015-16) the delivery of information to meet NRM planners needs was
supported by a number of engagement activities:
In the first reporting year (2012-13) Stream 2 projects undertook primarily planning and engagement
activities consistent with program expectations. To summarise, projects used a range of informal and
formal means to engage with clusters to design and plan for national projects.
The delivery of 268 engagement activities to identify priority needs and issues for NRM planners,
including: consultations, program management meetings, workshops, presentations and other delivery
methods.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 57
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
Feedback from NRM groups confirmed that information and support provided by Stream 2 met their needs:
Adapt NRM modules and resources were received well. For instance, the Final Adapt NRM workshop
evaluation found that the workshop “increased” participant “understanding of Adapt NRM modules”
moderately for 53% of participants and strongly for 30% of participants.
East Coast: 4 out of 4 planners ‘strongly agree[d]’ that the Biodiversity project was ‘relevant to NRM
planning and that they ‘will be able to use the results of the project’, while participants were ‘neutral’ or
‘agreed’ that the Planning Packages ‘were useful and relevant’; at the ‘Climate Change Adaptation for
NRM Planning’ Workshop (22-23 April 2015).
Rangelands: Survey respondents (2016) all (n=11) indicated that interactions between NRM regions and
scientists were valuable and that these “interactions contributed to the usefulness of the end product”.
SCARP: 8 out of 9 regional bodies state that the project has taken approach that has met their needs.
Face to face meetings in particular were cited as the main form of engagement that was most useful to
NRM bodies. On average, regional bodies rated the information and support provided by SCARP as 7.6
out of 10 in terms of meeting their expectations, while the effectiveness of engagement approaches
were rated as 7.7 out of 10 by end of project (2016) evaluation survey participants (n=9).
East Coast – the “Consortium” approach (see 2.2 below) of involving multiple (six) research partners in
project design and delivery was potentially “less flexible” in responding to changing user needs than
projects with fewer partners, and hence reduced consultation demands / transaction costs. Feedback
from NRM regions indicate that the PWG workshops were largely appreciated but they did not always
meet their needs. The PWG provided a source of focus for interactions between researchers and
planners during delivery. 1:1 engagement was highly valued by researchers and planners.
Wet Tropics – emphasis on co-development of research outputs in the project. Establishment of the
“Brokering Hub” mechanism to facilitate researcher-planner engagement (see 2.2 below). The research
model facilitated the identification of project goals and outcomes to be met by the development of
research products. Project rated as ‘Good’ in terms of providing “fit-for-purpose” outputs.
2.2. How
effective were the
various engagement
and delivery
approaches used by
the cluster projects?
A range of engagement and
delivery approaches were used by
Stream 2 projects to understand
and respond to the planning needs
of NRM regions. This engagement
process has supported, for the
most part, the delivery of products
and support to NRM regions that
have been well received, relevant
and fit-for-purpose.
On a project-by-project basis:
Central Slopes: the Project Team was comprised of regional NRM organisations, the university
researchers and government partners. The inclusion of NRM organisation representatives on the central
project team support targeted and relevant engagement by Central Slopes where “regional NRM
organisation participants expressed a strong desire to be active research partners, instead of ‘end-
users’” (Central Slopes, 2015-16)
Monsoonal North: NRM planners sat on a project steering committee, which provided direct feedback to
projects. Planners also provided a line of communication to the project teams on NRM plan
development timelines.
National Projections – climate projections User Panel, regional workshops and training courses – “The
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 58
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
information provided is excellent and extremely valuable to awareness raising and adaptation planning
at a broad level”
Rangelands – employment of an ‘Engagement Officer/Knowledge Broker’ who played a ‘key’ role in
distributing information and outputs to ‘broader users’
SCARP – Founding principle of project to “engage in responsive, demand-driven research practice”.
Relationships developed through “regular informal structured interactions including workshops,
interviews, focus groups and surveys”. Joint development of sub-projects on adaptation planning, spatial
prioritisation, impacts information synthesis and capacity building by researchers and NRM region
representatives. Co-delivery of outputs via an interactive, iterative approach to project implementation.
Use of a ‘container’ (a “live information portal”) as a virtual space where participants could provide and
receive information throughout the process.
East Coast – A consortium approach was taken whereby several research partners (six) were involved in
the project. Establishment of a Planners Working Group (PWG), consisting of a series of workshops
delivered to planners. Creation of a “Community of Practice” within and between the research and NRM
groups.
Southern and South-Western Flatlands – consultation and information provision delivered to NRM
planners via three workshops. Appointment of a representative from SA DEWNR to act as a conduit
between SA NRM regions and the project team.
Wet Tropics – establishment of a “Brokering Hub” mechanism in the project to facilitate engagement
between the research teams and NRM bodies. Identification of “Key Accountabilities” as well as shared
goals for Stream 2 by NRM representatives and project team member, in turn setting the direction for
project consultation, engagement, outputs and outcomes. Use of multiple modes of engagement
including workshops and through an interactive, consultative report review process. Engagement was
rated by NRM bodies as ‘Good’ to ‘Very good’ in the Final evaluation. One NRM region commented that
“the researchers have been largely engaging and tailoring the process to the needs of individual
researchers or NRM groups”. Some aspects of engagement were less well received; i.e. using a “list of
NRM concerns” to structure the first report. In addition, differing perspectives between researchers on
what constituted appropriate engagement; i.e. ‘client-provider’ model vs. ‘co-research’ models.
2.3. How well
were NRM planning
needs and feedback
integrated into
Program delivery?
Feedback was sought and used by
Stream 2 projects with varying
levels of success and tended to be
stronger in more collaborative
projects with a structured and
explicit approach to engagement.
Different mechanisms for providing
feedback were used by projects.
Feedback was explicitly sought,
gathered and used in a minority of
cluster projects (Wet Tropics and
Southern Slopes). In other cluster
Examples of feedback provided by projects in 2015-16 reporting include:
SCARP: User needs were “reportedly well-integrated into program delivery throughout iterative process
of engagement and sub-project development”. In an end of project evaluation survey, participants rated
user-feedback highly, with an average score of 8.7 out of 10.
Wet Tropics: Project rated on average as ‘Good’ to ‘Very good’ by NRM regional representatives in terms
of “adaptive learning and decision making” comprising incorporation of feedback. One region
commented that: “Researchers have been very adaptive to respond to the requests and feedback from
the NRM groups”.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 59
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
projects feedback was sought and
used implicitly.
3. To what extent was the implementation process appropriate?
3.1. How
appropriate was the
‘cluster’ approach in
achieving its intent?
The cluster approach taken in
Stream 2 has led to inter-regional
learning and connections across
NRM groups that would not have
otherwise been established. This
was strongest in clusters where; (i)
inter-regional forums were
established and brokered by the
project teams, and; (ii) existing
inter-regional forums existed (i.e.
Victoria and South Western
Australia).
The cluster model has also
reinforced geographical and
institutional divisions across state
boundaries, which has (along with
other factors) effectively
disconnected NRM regions from
Stream 2 projects.
Refer to section 3.3
3.2. To what
extent did Stream 2
promote good
practice in the
integration of
climate change
information into
NRM plans?
Refer to Section 3.1 and KEQ1.1 Refer to Section 3.1 and KEQ1.1
4. How efficient was Stream 2?
4.1. To what
extent did projects
realise opportunities
to increase
efficiency through
coordination?
Limited efficiency in terms of
coordination at a program or cross-
project level despite largely
administrative coordination
functions due to the fact that
coordination was not budgeted for.
Refer to Section 3.4
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 60
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
4.2. Are
projects on track
against Funding
Agreement
milestones and
expenditure?
Stream 2 projects delivered
outputs as per funding agreement
between 2012-13 and 2015-16.
Refer to Section 3.4
5. How sustainable and enduring are the outcomes of Stream 2 likely to be?
5.1. How well
did the Program
enhance the longer-
term capacity for
integration of
climate change
information into
NRM plans?
Limited and variable influence on
long-term capacity due to relatively
high turnover in regional bodies
among NRM planners who received
the bulk of support provided.
Barriers to longer-term capacity include:
High turnover within NRM bodies in several clusters; i.e. in East Coast and Murray
Institutional restructuring; during the timeframe of delivery and following delivery, will potentially nullify
efforts and gains made.
The influence on longer-term capacity:
Rangelands – regional NRM representatives (n=11) were not “as confident in [capacity] improvement”
as they were in improved access (see 5.2 below). Some regions report improvement in longer-term
capacity, though on the whole regions report a “little improvement” in capacity.
SCARP – some regional bodies felt that the development of long-term capacity was outside the scope of
the SCARP project. Long-term capacity received a moderate rating in the SCARP NRM region survey in
2016 with an average rating of 6.9 out of 10.
5.2. What
evidence is there
that products, tools,
information and
knowledge
developed through
the Program have
been embedded
into NRM planning
processes?
Several examples of how products,
tools, processes and approaches
have been well integrated into the
planning cycle by NRM bodies.
Integration of products, tools and
approaches was supported by
consultative, collaborative
engagement processes to support
adoption.
Examples of integration of products, tools, information and knowledge into the planning process include:
Murray Basin – Clear intent among some regions to continue to integrate climate change adaptation
concepts and tools into planning at regional and sub-regional scale/s. See KEQ1 for examples of
adoption of planning approaches; i.e. adoption of the Adaptation Pathways approach in GBCMA, SE
NRM and NCCMA. Uptake was variable across regions in the Murray Cluster. Adoption by some regions
plays a stepping stone for wider dissemination of approaches. Supported by the Victorian Climate Forum
as well as the piloting of the Adaptation Pathways approach in the adjacent SCARP cluster.
SCARP – decision making frameworks and the Adaptation Pathways approach were regarded as useful
in future planning processes.
Southern and South-Western Flatlands: adoption of the MCAS-S spatial planning tool by NRM regions
(SCNRM, SWCC, NACC & Perth NRM)
Wet Tropics – co-development of research products in formats consistent with NRM group needs will
support ongoing use and adoption; i.e. “NRM partners have expressed their intention to use the fact
sheets series to initiate deeper conversations and develop scenarios with key stakeholder groups or
industry sectors. Cape York NRM have used the fact sheets (as well as the foundational reports
developed in this project) to formulate ‘memes’ that are published weekly on their website” (2015-16).
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 61
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
5.3. What
evidence is there
that product, tools,
information and
knowledge
developed through
the Program will be
used in an on-going
way, after the life of
the Program?
Tools and products developed by
Stream 2 will be accessible well
beyond the project time-frame.
Online information storage in a
range of platforms including the
centralised Terra Nova repository
will support ongoing accessibility.
The extent to which these products
are accessed and used beyond the
program timeframe will vary, with
evidence (see KEQ1) suggesting
that demand is relatively high and
capacity to use the products among
planners is sufficient.
Evidence of increased accessibility via online portals and platforms includes:
Terra Nova – centralised web-portal for all Stream 2 products.
National Projections – the Climate Change in Australia website provides a repository of information
developed through Stream 2. Website maintenance will be supported through the Earth System and
Climate Change Hub for the next three years.
SCARP – products available on a web-portal.
Southern and South-Western Flatlands: storage of products on regional NRM body web-pages.
5.4 How well
did the Stream 2
projects improve
links between
researchers and
end-users?
Stream 2 has effectively improved
links between researchers and
NRM organisations across all
projects.
Stream 2 has provided a forum for planners and NRM representatives to forge connections to support the
program legacy.
Adapt NRM – Final workshop evaluation (March 2016) found that the workshop facilitated connections
between planners; 67% ‘strongly agreed’ that workshop provided a forum for NRM planners to share
adaptation ideas with peers; while 67% also ‘strongly agreed’ that the workshop helped them identify
people that they could approach in the future.
Central Slopes – Communities of practice being established; to support capacity (2015-16)
Examples of improved connections between NRM bodies and research organisations include:
Central Slopes – Ongoing partnership between USQ and QMDC have a formal agreement for
supplementary activities; with intent to develop further agreements; interest in jointly developing a
regional economic model to cost the impacts of climate change and determine relative benefits from
different adaptation options (2015-16)
Monsoonal North – Enduring linkages between planners and researchers; i.e. projects have evolved into
new work funded by the NESP Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub. Linkages are supported
by a deeper understanding among researchers of NRM planning needs, while NRM planners have a
greater understanding of available knowledge and how it can be applied to improve planning.
Murray Cluster – NRM regional staff and researchers were brought together to develop relationships and
build rapport and familiarity with one another’s perspective; i.e. one planner commented: “there was a
genuine effort by people in Stream 2 to engage and better understand the needs of the regions”.
Rangelands – Project participants (n=11) including NRM regions (n=7) report that the “most useful” part
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 62
KEQ Summary of findings Evidence
of the project was enhanced connections between climate scientists and planners. Evidenced by
“Inclusion of regions in on-going water refugia monitoring ARC Linkage project application lead by Dr
Jenny Davis, and the interaction of CSIRO with RCP regarding its Climate Adaptation Pathways work and
the use of rangeland regions as case studies (WLLS, CWLLS, North Gulf (Nth Monsoon)”.
East Coast – establishment of a “Community of Practice” to support ongoing researcher-planner
engagement. Supported by ongoing relationships between researchers and planners.
Southern and South-Western Flatlands – increased interactions between researchers and end-users
resulting in collaboration and improved linkages between groups. Better linkages improved by requests
from groups to undertake further species modelling from project researchers.
Wet Tropics – enhanced linkages between researchers and NRM bodies developed via the Brokering
Hub reflected in co-authorship of a Science Synthesis report. NRM bodies have expressed a desire to
continue working together in the future.
SCARP – relationships developed through the program are now being formalised into new working
projects; “links between researchers and end-users were greatly improved across the board” (SCARP,
2015-16). SCARP NRM regions reported improved links with researchers as a result of the project with
an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 being given by participants in the end of project evaluation survey
(n=9); “Our links with researchers is now established as far as climate change research and continues to
develop and extend into other areas” (CCMA).
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 63
Attachment Four: Stream 1 Report 2013-14 – 2014-15 Synthesis Table 8. Uses of Stream 2 products by NRM regions as reported in Stream 1 reporting (2013-14 – 2014-15)
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
ACT Environment and
Planning Directorate
1/01/2015 to
30/06/2015
Murray Basin Decision-making framework n/a
Adaptation Planning Resource Inventory n/a
Plain Language Information Packages Communicate the potential risks of climate change
Biodiversity Modelling under Multiple
Futures
Identify potential climate corridors and climate refugia.
Exploring Adaptation Pathways Explore how NRM decisions might be structured and
sequenced.
Australian Climate Futures Identify future climate scenarios for scenario planning. To
help community stakeholders translate climate scenarios.
SA MDB NRM 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Murray Basin NRM Adaptation Checklist To ensure that as we collectively develop actions to address
NRM issues with our partners, to ensure our planning
approach is flexible.
South East NRM Board 1/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
Murray Basin Projections Informed understanding of likely climate change impacts in
SA regions
AdaptNRM Biodiversity analysis The Carbon and Environmental Planting Guideline for SA
were informed by biodiversity analysis
North Central CMA 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Murray Basin 3C Used to support the connectivity analysis.
Adaptive Pathways Helped in completing 4 adaptive pathways workshops that
have supported the planning process.
Mallee CMA 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Murray Basin AdaptNRM (Module 1 – 4)
Sub project concepts developed to address Murray Basin
Cluster specific information/data needs have been integrated
into MCMA project planning to further refine regional context
and data related activities.
Wimmera CMA 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Murray Basin Projections Used to underpin the second pass impact and vulnerability
assessment.
SCARP Adaptation Pathways Playbook Used to help inform planning for the adaptation workshops
Goulburn Broken CMA 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Murray Basin Projections Used in the development of the Spatial Assessment Tool that
informed the development of the Climate Change Adaptation
Plan.
AdaptNRM Used in the development of the Strategy. The NRM Planning
Module provided useful guidance and highlighted a
framework to be considered in this project (i.e. adaptive,
flexible, multiple futures etc.)
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 64
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
Adaptation Pathways Project Principles applied to the Goulburn Broken Adaptation
Pathways Trial. Several workshops took place to align the
concept with the Spatial Assessment Tool and its outputs.
The project manager has been sharing the information
generated by the stream 2 project across the organisation.
NQ Dry Tropics 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Monsoonal North Climate Knowledge Synthesis (Griffith
University)
n/a
Indigenous Knowledge (CSIRO & Griffith
University)
Discussed with Traditional Owners and with planners in
surrounding regions to determine good ways of presenting
climate data for different audiences
Decision support process map Benchmark for coverage of issues
Modelling and online tools (Scaling
Biodiversity Data, JCU)
Inclusion of climate issues in regional biodiversity strategies
within plan
Draft Report: Guide for NRM Planners
(CSIRO & JCU)
Contextual information to base NRM strategies to build
resilience in rural communities
"Beef Industry Case Study" (JCU) Contextual information on socio-economic dynamics of
grazing industry
Southern Gulf
Catchments Ltd
1/07/2014 to
31/12/2014
Monsoonal North Regional Drivers of Change Decision Making and Planning for Natural Resource
Management
AdaptNRM web platform (Biodiversity) n/a
Social Resilience of Agricultural
Landscapes (Final report)
n/a
Projections To influence the draft NRM Plan
Northern Gulf
Resource
Management Group
Ltd
1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Monsoonal North n/a n/a
North Coast LLS 1/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
East Coast 3C We have used the 3C products in our project and some of the
theory out of Carbon Farming work also.
Riverina LLS 1/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
East Coast n/a Stream 2 resources have been included in all discussions
with reference panel as appropriate.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 65
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
Burnett Mary Regional
Group for NRM Ltd
01/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
East Coast Projections To confirm assessments of asset vulnerability to climate
change and to develop a region-specific infographic for plan
incorporation and community engagement activities. To
inform Round 2 expert panel deliberations, circulate to
regional networks and incorporate into the plan.
Regrowth to remnant – veg regeneration
value and mapping
Info considered in target drafting and to be incorporated into
mapping for draft strategy
Burnett-Mary Natural Resource
Management Region: Horticultural Sector
Material provided useful general background information to
inform plan drafting
List of reference materials To check that we have covered off on our review of
adaptation planning processes and also to see if any other
information was available for our region that we were
unaware of.
Fitzroy Basin
Association Inc.
1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
East Coast n/a n/a
SEQ Catchments
Limited
1/01/2015 to
30/06/2015
East Coast Dowdy, A. et al. 2015, East Coast Cluster
Report
Informed the ‘Changing Climatic Conditions into the Future’
section of the updated SEQ NRM Plan
Climate projections Climate projection data for the SEQ Region was sourced from
the USQ. Data includes rainfall gradients, stable temperature
zones, Cool zones & maximum temperature zones all which
informed our climate refuges mapping.
Hunter Local Land
Services
1/07/2014 to
31/12/2014
East Coast National Projections Informed the draft risk assessment process and given an
indication of the climate variable that need to be factored
into the risk assessment and spatial analysis aspects of the
project.
AdaptNRM Accessed and have informed various aspects of the project.
Central West LLS Feb 2015 to July
2015
Central Slopes n/a Data and speakers have been utilised at a number of field
days and workshops aimed primarily at landholders to
ensure that they have the most up-to-date information for
decision-making.
North West LLS January 2015 to
June 2015
Central Slopes AdaptNRM 3C products Incorporated into addendum once they were adapted to suit
regional boundaries and more easily explained products for
community consultation
APSIM - Climate Change Impacts on
Cropping
n/a
Grass-Gro Climate Change Impacts on
Grazing
n/a
SWAT n/a
CO2 Sequestration products
n/a
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 66
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
Queensland Murray-
Darling Committee Inc
July 2014 to
December 2014
Central Slopes n/a n/a
Condamine
Catchment NRM
Corporation Ltd
1/07/2015 to
30/12/2015
Central Slopes 3C 3C Project data for consideration of how to incorporate into
the wildlife section of the plan in the final stage.
Reef Catchments 1/07/2016 to
30/12/2015
Wet Tropics AdaptNRM Weeds Module A presentation was given to the Mackay Regional Pest
Management Group on the outputs (and where to find spatial
projections) on outputs from the AdaptNRM Weeds module.
Cape York NRM 1/07/2015 to
31/12/205
Wet Tropics n/a n/a
n/a
n/a
FNQ NRM Limited 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Wet Tropics n/a This reporting period we have referred to all of the
documents and publications from the Wet Tropics Cluster in
preparing the draft plan.
Projections Used and referred to the Climate Change in Australia Website
published as part of the National Projections project.
Desert Channels
Queensland
31/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
Rangelands n/a Stream 2 products inserted into the community information
plan to show the current research into the rangelands and
climate change. Considered to inform the NRM plan.
South East LLS 1/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
SCARP n/a SCARP assisted in the development of material for
presentation at both steering committee and working group
meetings and Peat Leith attended both meetings and
presented on behalf of SCARP.
Adaptation Pathways Adaptation pathways continue to be examined in detail and
an Adaptation Pathways Playbook was published to assist
with the development of the plan.
Cradle Coast Authority 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
SCARP AdaptNRM website for Biodiversity n/a
NRM South 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
SCARP Projections Included in the final draft NRM Strategy for Southern
Tasmania as a centrepiece. To inform the development of the
‘Possible Futures’ sections and to inform Target setting and
Priority Actions.
SCARP Reports To inform the development of the ‘Possible Futures’ sections
of the draft strategy and to inform Target setting and Priority
Actions. Incorporated into the final draft NRM Strategy for
Southern Tasmania.
Southern Slopes Information Portal
Report
Particularly useful in articulating the ‘Possible Futures’
sections of the strategy and also guiding the threats and
opportunities to the natural resources in Southern Tasmania.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 67
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
Corangamite CMA 1/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
SCARP SCARP Reports A valuable source of information and resource during this
reporting period to develop a planning process that is logical,
comprehensive and transparent.
Adaptation Pathways for NRM Embedded capability by the Corangamite CMA to identify and
use tools and frameworks in a consistent manner to inform
NRM planning for climate impacts and adaptation, and its
implementation.
East Gippsland CMA 1/07/2014 to
30/06/2015
SCARP SCARP Reports n/a
Projections n/a
AdaptNRM n/a
Glenelg Hopkins
Catchment CMA
1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
SCARP SCARP Reports Incorporated into the development process and the draft
document. During this period the Southern Slopes projections
were further incorporated into the document.
PPW CMA 1/01/2015 to
30/06/2015
SCARP Four adaptation pathways planning
workshops with regional stakeholders
between February & June 2015.
Information from these workshops will be used to refine the
NRM & Climate Change plan.
Adaptation pathways Adaptation pathways method is consistent with the intent of
the Port Phillip & Western Port RCS and was used to shape
our project’s direction and develop content for the plan.
Information portal Accessing information portal for literature about: Impacts of
climate change to our region’s environmental assets;
Adaptation pathways; Carbon sequestration and climate
change mitigation.
West Gippsland CMA 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
SCARP Projections Used to underpin the second pass impact and vulnerability
assessment.
SCARP NRM Toolkit Used to help inform writing the Strategy.
SCARP Adaptation Pathways Playbook Used to help inform planning for the adaptation workshops.
Northern Tasmanian
NRM Authority
30/01/2015 to
1/01/2016
SCARP Projections Incorporation of climate projections information into the
consultation draft
SCARP Spatial Prioritisation report To inform prioritisation processes. Development of the
Environmental Strategic and Institutional Scans report
included consideration of available tools, resources and
learnings from SCARP and AdaptNRM.
AdaptNRM modules Informed planning principles for conservation management
and biosecurity. Development of the Environmental Strategic
and Institutional Scans report included consideration of
available tools resources and learnings from SCARP and
ADAPTNRM programs.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 68
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
South West NRM Ltd 1/01/2015 to
30/06/2015
South West
Flatlands
Scott, John K. 2014, Cenchrus ciliaris
(buffel grass) and climate change, CSIRO
Ecosystem Sciences, Wembley, WA.
Used for physiological information and climate change
modelling distribution.
Scott, JK, Webber, BL, Murphy, H Ota, N,
Kriticos, DJ and Loechel, B 2014,
AdaptNRM Weeds and Climate Change:
supporting weed management
adaptation
Used for flagging management actions
Eyre Peninsula NRM
Board
1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
South West
Flatlands
Climate Change in Australia - Projections
for NRM regions - Southern and South
Western flatlands cluster
Used to develop the five sub-regional plans by including a
summary of future conditions.
Kangaroo Island NRM
Board
1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
South West
Flatlands
n/a Stream 2 products, including the regionalised projections and
AdaptNRM modules, continue to be used where possible.
Wheatbelt NRM Inc. 1/07/2015 to
30/12/2015
South West
Flatlands
CENRM Plant Refugia under Climate
Change (A2- 2080).
Mapped distribution data for threatened flora, birds, fauna;
revegetation species, coastal vegetation, economic
vegetation, vegetation types. Includes mapping of over 700
individual species.
NCCARF Biological Refugia under climate
change.
n/a
Projections n/a
AdaptNRM Weeds and Biodiversity
modules
n/a
South Coast Natural
Resource
Management Inc.
1/07/2015 to
30/12/2015
South West
Flatlands
Ford, B. & Cook, B. (2015). Southern and
South-Western Flatlands climate change
project: Data layers explained.
n/a
Plant Refugia under Climate Change (A2-
2080)
n/a
Species distribution modelling n/a
Mapped distribution data n/a
NCCARF: Biological Refugia under climate
change
n/a
Rogers DJ (2013) A framework for nature
conservation under future climates, to
inform climate adaptation planning in the
Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges NRM region
n/a
Projections n/a
AdaptNRM n/a
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 69
Organisation name* Reporting period Cluster What was used?** How was it used?**
Perth NRM 1/07/2015 to
31/12/2015
South West
Flatlands
CENRM Species Distribution & Bioclimatic
Modelling
To inform PNRM program development through the Living
Landscapes and Living Wetlands programs. Used in MCAS-S
models.
Spatial data layers n/a
Projections Used to inform PNRM program and project development and
implementation. CSIRO/BOM has also been used on the
Swan Region Strategy website to provide an overview of the
latest climate change projections for this region. To update
information provided on the Swan Region Strategy website.
To inform a summary report of the findings of the PCC
project.
*A total of 39 Stream 1 annual project reports were received for the reporting periods 2014-15 and 2015-16 of which 35 reported using Stream 2 products.
**Responses to ‘What was used?’ and ‘How was it used?’ are extracted from: “During this reporting period, did you use any of the information and resources
developed under Stream 2 of the Regional NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund?” and “If YES, what information or resources did you use and how?”.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 70
Attachment Five: Methodology
The overall methodology for Stream 2 M&E was designed by the M&E consultant team drawing
on consultation with the Department and project representatives. This methodology is
documented in an overarching program level M&E Framework. All M&E activities are
independently led and coordinated by Clear Horizon but regular input is provided by cluster
projects through annual project-level M&E reporting and participation in M&E activities. The
final evaluation was lead independently by the Clear Horizon team, who were also active in
coordinating project M&E over the time –frame of the program (2013 – 2016).
The evaluation has used mixed methods and a range of data sources to address the key
evaluation questions (KEQs).
Approach
To meet this evaluation purpose an evaluation methodology (outlined in Section 3) designed
and delivered as part of a broader suite of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities
undertaken by the evaluation team during the period of Stream 2 implementation. The
approach to this evaluation was participatory in that Stream 2 projects and departmental
representatives played an active role in setting the agenda and parameters for inquiry at the
planning stage (2013), in providing monitoring inputs through annual reporting, (2013- 2016)
and by assisting with the synthesis and interpretation of evidence at the final evaluation
reporting stage (2016). By explicitly recognising and responding to the needs of the
commissioners and users of this evaluation the evaluation team have taken a utilisation-
focused approach (Patton, 1997).
This evaluation has also taken a theory-based approach whereby a program logic model was
developed and used to articulate clarify the contribution of Stream 2 projects to the expected
goals and outcomes for the program. Finally, by articulating the mechanisms for change in the
program and seeking to situate outcomes achieved and case studies within the broader
regional and cluster context for delivery, this evaluation has also drawn on aspects of the
‘realist’ approach to evaluation (Pawson and Tilley, 2004). Finally, by drawing on a range of
qualitative and quantitative data sources this evaluation has taken a mixed methods approach
to addressing the information needs for Stream 2.
Data collection
Data was collected via multiple methods outlined below including desktop review, interviews
and case studies.
Desktop review
Documentation including the interim evaluation (2014), project reporting (2013 – 2016) and
project-specific evaluation/s (2016), as well as a sample of 16 NRM plans, a total of 39
regional Stream 1 reports submitted to the Department for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16
were reviewed.
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 71
These documents been synthesised against the KEQs to provide an evidence base from which
to develop evaluation findings. Where possible, multiple data sources and lines of evidence
have been used to triangulate, verify and support findings.
Interviews
A total of 20 Interviews were conducted with targeted ‘end-users’ of Stream 2 outputs NRM
planners. Planners – or actors involved in ‘planning’ – were selected purposively on a
cluster/project basis in accordance with their use of Stream 2 products and interaction with
Stream 2. Informants were identified in consultation with the projects. Interviews were
conducted face-to-face and via phone depending on the location and availability of informants.
In addition to ‘end-users‘, a total of 13 project representatives were interviewed to gather data
on program effectiveness, legacy and the appropriateness of the program model. Every project
was represented in this series of interviews.
To ensure privacy interviewees were assigned codes which were used for analysis and
verification. See Attachment Seven for the interview guides used.
Case studies
Case studies of specific instances of practice change have been developed to provide an in-
depth illustration of outcomes and the causal mechanisms that lead to the change. Case
studies and ‘episodes’ for investigation were identified from the descriptive interview data
provided by planners based around themes that were discussed and developed with the
Department prior to investigation. Case studies have also been chosen to represent different
regions and clusters in the program. They are presented in boxes throughout this report.
Data analysis
Qualitative and quantitative data was analysed using techniques appropriate to the data type
(numerical or descriptive) and collection method. Each data source collected was analysed
individually and ‘cleaned’ to ensure that the information clearly addressed the purpose of the
evaluation and KEQs. Quantitative (numerical) data were analysed descriptively to identify
frequency, range and distribution using appropriate statistical techniques. Qualitative data
sources such as interview transcripts were analysed and cross-analysed to identify emergent
themes in relation to the KEQs. Where possible multiple data sources were used to develop
findings.
Data synthesis
Data was brought together via desktop review, interview and case study in a ‘results chart’ to
collate, synthesise and develop findings. Evidence from interviews and analysis of regional NRM
plans were used to develop case studies demonstrating program outcome/s; the significance of
the outcome/s; and the contribution of the project/s and/or program. At the National Workshop
on 15-16 March 2016 the evaluation team facilitated a half-day session (3 hrs) to interpret the
results and develop interim findings. During this workshop, participants including project and
departmental representatives reviewed a range of data sources and through a facilitated
process began to develop likely findings and themes for the evaluation. Evaluative judgements
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 72
were made at the reporting stage drawing on indicators, rubrics and through an analysis of the
overall weight and value of the collected evidence against each KEQ.
Limitations
This report partly relies on self-reported data contained in the annual reports of the
national projects and regional clusters. These reports have not been independently
verified.
The outcomes and achievements reported in the national and cluster annual reports,
and synthesised in this report, have not been independently verified with reference to
original sources.
For some findings, the scale of change is not known. For example, the reports do not
always provide information about the total population of ‘NRM planners’ or indicate how
many planners have made changes. Similarly, with planner interviews, the extent of
change reported and presented may not be representative of the region or the NRM
group on which they are speaking on behalf of.
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 73
Attachment Six: Interview guides
Stream 2 Final Evaluation Interview guide: NRM Planners
We have been contracted by the Department of Environment (the Department) to evaluate the
program ‘Stream 2 of the Regional NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund 2013 – 2016’. This
program has been established to support better NRM climate change planning by NRM bodies.
Stream 2 has provided research and support to NRM decision makers through a series of
projects delivered nationally. Your [NRM ORGANISATION] has participated in this program
through the [PROJECT / CLUSTER]. As an NRM group planner and/or representative from [NRM
REGION] we would like to interview you to understand if the climate change information,
support and resources provided by the [PROJECT] have been useful and valuable for NRM
planning in your region.
The interview will take around 30 – 45 minutes of your time. Just to confirm is now a good time
to talk? Yes / No
We won’t identify you personally but in the report that we prepare for the Department we may
associate your comments with your NRM organisation if that is ok with you? Yes / No
1. What is your NRM organisation and position?
NRM body/organisation
Position
2. Which Stream 2 project/s have you been involved with?
Project/cluster (i.e. Rangelands)
Length/duration of involvement with [PROJECT]
3. How have you been involved?
Project activities
i. Consultation (i.e. workshops etc.)
ii. Products
National projections project activities
AdaptNRM project activities
Other forums/groups to support climate change in planning?
4. What products, tools, resources or information have you received from [PROJECT]?
5. How useful have you found these products, tools, resources or information in assisting
NRM planning for your region?
Format
Scale
Applicability
Accessibility
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 74
Understability/applyability (i.e. were you able to use it?)
Timing
6. Have you used these products, tools, resources or information? Yes / No
If so, for what?
Provide example/s (who/what/when/where etc.)
7. Do you intend to use these products, tools, resources or information?
If so, how?
If not/why not?
8. How well has [PROJECT] provided support to you?
To interpret and apply tools
To access advice
To deal with uncertainty and risk in planning
9. How has [PROJECT] supported you to develop your own skills and ability?
To deal with uncertainty and risk in planning
To interpret and apply tools
To make NRM decisions taking into account climate change science and
research
10. How has [PROJECT] supported [NRM ORGANISATION] to plan for NRM under climate
change?
Awareness and understanding of climate change in NRM planning
Partnerships and linkages (i.e. with researchers, other NRM groups etc.)
Conceptual approaches/frameworks (i.e. resilience thinking)
Planning processes and systems (i.e. for updating/renewing plans)
Adaptability/flexibility and ability to update the planning
11. Do you have any other comments about [PROJECT]
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 75
Stream 2 Final Evaluation Interview guide: Project Leaders (Impacts and Adaptation)
As you know we have been contracted by the Department of Environment to provide M&E
support to the ‘Stream 2 of the Regional NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund 2013 – 2016’
(Stream 2) program. We are now conducting the final evaluation for Stream 2 for the
Department. This evaluation is looking at a range of things including the effectiveness and
legacy of Stream 2. Your [PROJECT] has delivered climate change research and support to NRM
planners as part of Stream 2 from 2013 – 2016.
The interview will take around 30 – 45 minutes of your time. Just to confirm is now a good time
to talk? Yes / No
We won’t identify you personally but in the report that we prepare for the Department we may
associate your comments with your Project if that is ok with you? Yes / No
1. Just to recap, can you tell me about your role in the project?
Project team
Cluster
Overview of activities
2. What have been the highlights of the project? Why?
3. What have been some of the challenges of the project? Why?
4. From some of the things that you have discussed, what so far has been the most
significant positive or negative change or outcome for you because of this project?
Note that this is about change not process (i.e. not about timing of delivery and/or how the
program has been delivered).
Capacity (Planner and/or researcher capacity; individual or organisational)
Availability / application of research
Relationships, linkages etc.
5. What, if any changes or outcomes have you noticed in terms of the capability of your
team to plan for NRM under climate change?
Ability to work with NRM planners
Application of tools and approaches at a regional level
Awareness of regional issues
Projections
Other
6. How did you use the National Projections work in your cluster?
As an input for products / tools etc.
Provided information to planners / NRM groups etc.
Didn’t / limited use
Other
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 76
7. How well did the National Projections meet your projects needs in terms of delivering
climate change information to NRM groups?
Quality of information
Relevance at cluster/region level/s
Ease of use, relevance, accessibility and application
8. How well did the National Projections project support your project to access and use the
National Projections?
Access
Use
9. How well did the national AdaptNRM project support NRM regions in your cluster to plan
for climate change?
Access
Use
10. Finally, what legacy has your project has left for ongoing benefits to be realised in the
[CLUSTER]? Are there any major challenges / barriers that may prevent ongoing
benefits from being realised?
Capacity; i.e. awareness of climate change in NRM planning
(planner/researcher)
Partnerships and linkages (i.e. with researchers, other NRM groups etc.)
Conceptual approaches/frameworks (i.e. resilience thinking)
Planning processes and systems (i.e. for updating/renewing plans)
Adaptability/flexibility and ability to update planning
11. Do you have any other comments?
Stream 2 – Final Evaluation
Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 77
Stream 2 Final Evaluation Interview guide: National Projections
As you know we have been contracted by the Department of Environment (‘the Department’) to
provide M&E support to the ‘Stream 2 of the Regional NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund
2013 – 2016’ (Stream 2) program. We are now conducting the final evaluation for Stream 2 for
the Department. This evaluation is looking at a range of things including the effectiveness and
legacy of Stream 2.Your [PROJECT] has delivered climate change projections to projects and
NRM planners as part of Stream 2 from 2013 – 2016.
The interview will take around 30 minutes of your time. Just to confirm is now a good time to
talk? Yes / No
We won’t identify you personally but in the report that we prepare for the Department we may
associate your comments with your Project if that is ok with you? Yes / No
1. Just to recap, can you tell me about your role in the project?
Project team
Overview of activities
2. What have been the highlights of the project? Why?
3. What have been some of the challenges of the project? Why?
4. From some of the things that you have discussed, what so far has been the most
significant positive or negative change or outcome for you because of this project?
Capacity (Planner and/or researcher capacity)
Availability of research
Application of research
Relationships, linkages etc.
5. What, if any changes or outcomes have you noticed in terms of the capability of the
Projections team to deliver research for NRM planning?
Ability to work with NRM planners
Awareness of regional issues etc.
6. Finally, what legacy has the National Projections left for ongoing benefits to be realised?
Are there any major challenges / barriers that may prevent ongoing benefits from being
realised?
Data; products; website etc.
Capacity; i.e. awareness of climate change in NRM planning
(planner/researcher)
Partnerships and linkages (i.e. with researchers, other NRM groups etc.)
Conceptual approaches/frameworks (i.e. resilience thinking)
Planning processes and systems (i.e. for updating/renewing plans)
Adaptability/flexibility and ability to update planning
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 78
Stream 2 Final Evaluation Interview guide: Department of Environment (Stream 1 and
2)
As you know we have been contracted by the Department of Environment (‘the Department’) to
provide M&E support to the ‘Stream 2 of the Regional NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund
2013 – 2016’ (Stream 2) program. We are now conducting the final evaluation for Stream 2 for
the Department. This evaluation is looking at a range of things including the effectiveness and
legacy of Stream 2. You have been identified as a key informant who can contribute to our
evaluation of Stream 2 from 2013 – 2016.
The interview will take around 30 minutes of your time. Just to confirm is now a good time to
talk? Yes / No
We won’t identify you personally but in the report that we prepare for the Department we may
associate your comments with your Project if that is ok with you? Yes / No
Time & date: Interviewer:
1. Just to recap, can you tell me about your role in Stream 2?
Stream 1
Stream 2
the Department
2. Stream 2 was designed to better connect research with planning. How well do you think
the cluster approach supported the program to meet this need?
What has worked well? What hasn’t worked well?
Which aspects of the cluster approach have suited the intent of the program?
Which aspects could be better suited?
3. Stream 2 consisted of two national projects and eight cluster projects to deliver climate
change science to planners. How well do you think this model supported the program to
fulfil this purpose?
What has worked well? What hasn’t worked well?
4. Finally, what legacy has Stream 2 left for ongoing benefits to be realised?
Data; products; website etc.
Capacity; i.e. awareness of climate change in NRM planning
(planner/researcher)
Partnerships and linkages (i.e. with researchers, NRM groups etc.)
Conceptual approaches/frameworks (i.e. resilience thinking)
Planning processes and systems (i.e. for updating/renewing plans)
Adaptability/flexibility and ability to update planning
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 79
Attachment Seven: Output definitions Table 9. Output definitions used by Stream 2 projects
Performance
Indicator Year Output type
Definition
Research teams have
worked with regional
NRM organisations,
through the eight
clusters, to identify
priority climate
change issues and
the information they
will need to inform
planning (end year
one of the program)*
2013
Consultation
Events or activities where feedback is
sought from NRM organisations.
Feedback can be sought via meeting,
teleconference, focus group, survey,
workshops etc.
Workshop
An event hosted by the project team
whereby project, cluster and regional
NRM representatives come together
to discuss, identify, prioritise issues
and information.
Presentation
A speech or a talk delivered by a
project team member where
information is presented to NRM
organisations for the purposes of
then prioritising issues or
information.
Program management
meetings
Internal project meetings for the
purposes of project management.
Products
Items produced and attributable to
the project. Can include a range of
outputs such as articles, newsletters,
module outlines, reports, datasets,
guidance documents and fact sheets.
These products are focus on
gathering, confirming, prioritising
climate change issues or information.
Training
A unit, module, course or exercise
delivered to provide information with
the intent of identifying and
prioritising NRM planning needs.
Other
Any other activities and outputs
delivered by your project to identify
and prioritise NRM planning needs.
Quality and timely
climate change
information and
support is delivered to
regional NRM
organisations via the
eight clusters
2014
2015
2016
Training
A unit, module, course or exercise
delivered to provide information or to
train people to use information.
Products
Items produced and attributable to
the project. Can include a range of
outputs such as articles, newsletters,
module outlines, reports, datasets,
articles, guidance documents and
fact sheets. These products are
focused on delivering information or
data.
Workshops An event hosted by the project team
whereby project, cluster and regional
NRM representatives come together
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 80
Performance
Indicator Year Output type
Definition
to discuss information and products
including data.
Presentations
A speech or a talk delivered by a
project team member where
information is presented to NRM
organisations.
Mentoring (e.g. one-on-
one support)
Instances of tailored advice and
support provided to an individual or
group within an NRM organisations
around climate change information.
Peer reviews
Evaluation of scientific, academic
products developed by the project by
others working in the field.
Next generation
climate change
projections are
delivered to regional
NRM organisation via
the eight clusters
(once-off deliverable)
(years two through
four of the program)
2014
2015
2016
Training
A unit, module, course or exercise
delivered to deliver next generation
climate projections developed by
CSIRO Element One National Project.
Products
Items produced and attributable to
the project. Can include a range of
outputs such as articles, newsletters,
module outlines, reports, datasets,
articles, guidance documents and
fact sheets. These products are
focussed on delivering next
generation climate change
projections.
Workshops
An event hosted by the project team
whereby project, cluster and regional
NRM representatives come together
to discuss, next generation climate
change projections.
Presentations
A speech or a talk delivered by a
project team member where
information is presented to NRM
organisations particularly on next
generation climate change
projections.
Mentoring
Instances of tailored advice and
support provided to an individual or
group within an NRM organisations
around climate change projections.
Other (Specify)
Any other activities and outputs
delivered by your project to deliver
next generation climate projections
developed by CSIRO Element One
National Project.
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 81
Attachment Eight: Glossary of terms Table 9.Glossary of terms
Term Definition
Activities Activities are conducted to bring a change in a situation or behaviour that is
expected to contribute to outcomes. For example, incentives scheme advertised,
workshops run, awareness raising.
Appropriateness A measure of whether an intervention is suitable in terms of achieving its desired
effect and working in its given context. Suitability may apply, for example, to
whether the intervention is of an appropriate type or style to meet the needs of
major stakeholder groups.
Broader goals Are long-term goals that the program outcomes are expected to contribute towards
(it is acknowledged that many other factors and programs are also contributing to
these broader goals).
Effectiveness The extent to which an initiative/project meets it intended outputs and/or
objectives.
Efficiency The extent to which activities, outputs and/or the desired outcomes are achieved
with the lowest possible use of resources.
End of Program
Outcome
The desired final result of the program (may be some years after the program has
finished).
End-user The ultimate persons that will use or benefit from the products and services
delivered by the program.
Evaluation Essentially, evaluation is about untangling the threads of “what happened”, “why”,
and “to what effect”. It can be used to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness
and efficiency of the intervention, as well as to inform decision making and
demonstrate accountability.
Immediate
outcomes
Any immediate changes or tangible products that are a direct result of the activities
– e.g. attendance workshop, awareness raised, or compliance.
Indicator A quantitative or qualitative factor or variable that provides a simple and reliable
means to measure achievement, to reflect the changes connected to an
intervention, and or to help assess the performance of a development action.
Intermediaries A person or group (such as a knowledge broker) who acts a link between program
stakeholders (such as researchers and end-users).
Intermediate
outcome
Medium term outcomes that occur as a result of the outputs and that are
necessary preconditions for the achievement of end-of-program outcomes.
Legacy The extent to which the benefits of a project/initiative extend beyond its
implementation.
Monitoring Monitoring is the on-going process of collecting routine data, usually internally, to
track progress with previously identified activities and outputs.
Outcomes The results or changes that can be attributed to the activities (eg. changes in
stakeholder’s knowledge and skills). Outcomes can be at the short, medium or
long-term scale.
Outputs Outputs are usually relatively immediate and are the direct results or products of
activities.
Primary audience The stakeholders who will receive the evaluation results directly, and who will use
the information for decision-making, such as program continuation or
improvement.
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Final Report Clear Horizon Consulting 82
Program logic A visual depiction of the program theory and logic behind how activities lead to
outcomes. It is usually represented as a diagram that shows a series of causal
relationships between inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and goals.
Qualitative Observations or information expressed using words rather than numbers.
Quantitative Information about quantities; that is, information that can be measured and written
down with numbers.
Relevance The extent to which the intended program outcomes addressed the program
context and end-user needs.
Rigour Rigorous (“trustworthy”) research that applies the appropriate research tools to
meet the stated objectives of the investigation. Rigorous research is both
transparent and explicit; in other words, researchers need to be able to describe
what they did (or plan to do) in clear, simple language.
Rubric An attempt to communicate expectations of quality around a task. In many cases,
scoring rubrics are used to define consistent criteria for grading or scoring. Rubrics
allow all stakeholders to see the evaluation criteria.
Scope A written description of the breadth of work for an evaluation (a description of what
is included).
Utilisation Utilisation-Focused Evaluation is an approach based on the principle that an
evaluation should be judged on its usefulness to its intended users. Therefore
evaluations should be planned and conducted in ways that enhance the likely use
of the findings to inform decisions and improve performance.