EnviroInfo
October 3, 2003
SUMMARY
1.
UNCERTAINTY ON LIVING MURRAY DIRECTIONS
2. STATE OF THE FORESTS 2003
3. AUSTRALIA ON TRACK FOR KYOTO TARGET
4. NEW NSW ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT
5. WA WATER RESOURCES STRATEGY TO BE DEVELOPED
6. MEANDER DAM APPROVED
7. LEADING BY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
COURSES
8.
NATIONAL SHORT COURSES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
9. AEBN INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS
10 WETLAND RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUMS
11.
2003 UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA NATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE
12. URBAN WATER REFORM 2003 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
13. 12TH ANNUAL COASTAL CONFERENCE
14. "BIODIVERSITY IN THE BASIN" CONFERENCE
15. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
CONFERENCE
16. MELBOURNE 2030 - FROM VISION TO REALITY
17. SYMPOSIUM ON URBANIZATION AND STREAM ECOLOGY
18. CANBERRA TO HOST INAUGURAL AWA EDUCATION CONFERENCE
PUBLICATIONS
19. FEDERATION PRESS RELEASES NEW ENVIRONMENTAL TITLES
GENERAL NEWS
1. UNCERTAINTY
ON LIVING MURRAY DIRECTIONS
Speculation has grown that the Federal Government may move away from a commitment to specified environmental flows under The Living Murray process, following an agreement by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission to focus environmental actions on four priority sites and the leaking of a scientific report prepared for the Commission.
Democrats' Leader, Senator Andrew Bartlett, said that the Commission's communiqué, released after its August 26 - 27 meeting, reveals that the Murray-Darling Ministerial Council is backing away from its undertaking to increase environmental flows to save the Murray River system by specific targets of between 350 and 1500 gigalitres of water a year.
"The information we have obtained indicates the Council and the Government have done a back-flip and will be focusing its efforts on four sites. This constitutes a significant watering down of the grand plan to save the Murray," Senator Bartlett said.
The alleged change in direction follows debate over a decision by the MDBC not to release a draft scientific report assessing the three optional levels of additional environmental flow in the Murray River until a third party scientific audit of the report had been received and an executive summary was available.
The executive summary of the report, which was subsequently leaked, revealed that the scientific advice was that an additional flow of 1500 gigalitres of water a year was the only one of the three options being considered under The Living Murray that would deliver significant benefits for the floodplains, waterbirds and red gum stands along the Murray River. Even that amount would deliver only moderate improvements unless it was combined with "vastly improved structural and operational management.
2. STATE
OF THE FORESTS 2003
Australia's
apparent forest cover has risen by 7 million hectares since 1998 according to
latest figures from the 2003 State of the Forests Report.
The report finds, however, that the dramatic apparent increase in forested area does not reflect a real increase in forest cover, but is rather the result of improved technology and mapping techniques, a reduction in the amount of land clearing and an increase in plantations.
In fact, the report cites other data which indicates that net forest cover is decreasing, largely due to agricultural practices, although the rate of clearing has slowed since the 1970s and 80s.
The State of the Forests report, produced by the Bureau of Rural Sciences as part of its commitment under the 1992 National Forest Policy Statement, claims that less than 1 per cent of the potential 74 per cent of forests of harvestable quality are being harvested, and that the amount of area protected in nature reserves has increased by 22 per cent. The assessment shows that 164 million hectares, or 21 per cent of the nation's land area, is classified as forest (land with trees with an actual or potential height greater than 2 metres and 20 per cent crown cover).
For further information
go to
http://www.affa.gov.au and go to Publications
3. AUSTRALIA
ON TRACK FOR KYOTO TARGET
The latest data from the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory shows that Australia's greenhouse emissions have been reduced to 1990 levels and Australia remains on target to achieve its Kyoto target, despite the Federal Government refusing to ratify it.
The total amount of emissions for 2001 was 543 million tonnes, and based on projections analysis, Australia will be around 110 per cent of 1990 levels by 2010, just 2 per cent above the Kyoto target of 108 per cent.
Total net emissions declined by 0.1% (0.5 Mt) over the period 1990 to 2001. From 2000 to 2001, emissions declined by 0.4% (2.3 Mt).
For further information,
go to
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/2001/index.html
4. NEW
NSW ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT
The Environment Minister, Bob Debus, has announced the creation of a new Department of Environment and Conservation, bringing together the management of biodiversity, pollution, waste control and scientific research.
The Department will include the Environment Protection Authority, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Resource NSW, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Catchment Authority. The NPWS will be retained as a single agency and will continue to administer the Threatened Species Act.
In a joint statement, the Nature Conservation Council, the Total Environment Centre and the NSW National Parks Association have said that the new Department will allow greater coordination of all regulatory aspects from threatened species to air and water quality, which should allow more effective participation in development and planning decision.
The groups particularly welcomed the integration of the various areas of scientific research, which had previously been disconnected, and which will lead to a more comprehensive approach to policy implementation and practical management. The move has been also been welcomed by Greens MP, Ian Cohen, who wants the new agency to be further expanded to include all conservation areas including marine management.
5. WA
WATER RESOURCES STRATEGY TO BE DEVELOPED
The WA Government is to develop a water resources management strategy and reconsider funding levels for priority water management areas following the recent release of the Auditor General's report into the management of water resources in Western Australia.
The report found that monitoring of ground and surface water in the state is now so low that the Waters and Rivers Commission does not have the information it needs to accurately determine the sustainable levels of use in many areas in the state.
To view the Auditor General's report go to http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2003_07.pdf
The Commonwealth Government has given environmental approval to the Meander Dam project in Tasmania, paving the way for its construction despite lingering concerns about its financial viability.
The Dam required approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 due to its potentially significant impact on two nationally threatened species - the endangered plant, Epacris exserta and the vulnerable spotted-tail quoll.
Conditions of the approval of the dam included that the Tasmanian Government takes full legal responsibility for the environmental requirements of the approval which included the protection of the habitat of the Epacris exserta along the Meander river, the Mersey river and Lobster rivulet. The Tasmanian Government will also be required to take action to control disease and livestock, minimise disturbance to the plant in forests and private land and to undertake fencing and control programs as well as the propogation of the plant to conserve its genetic diversity.
Leading companies are increasingly recognising the connection between effective management of sustainability issues and enhanced business and corporate brand reputation according to a recent report into corporate sustainability.
The report, "Corporate Sustainability - An Investor Perspective" (The Mays Report), features case studies of Australia's leading companies and outlines the major drivers behind adoption of the sustainability agenda by mainstream companies, including the push for smaller government, heightened expectations of corporate responsibility, the democratisation of shareholding and the global connectivity of communities.
The report looks at the concept of sustainability from the perspective of debt financing, equity financing, and institutional investor and funds manager approaches to investment governance.
Written by Shaun Mays, a former investment analyst at the helm of some of Australia's largest investment managers, including Potter Warburg and Commonwealth and Westpac Investment Management, in conjunction with representatives from some of Australia's largest investment companies, the report also highlights that although investor interest in sustainability is still in its formative stage, Australian companies are beginning to catch up with their North American and European counterparts in how they perceive sustainability issues, although more needs to be done by these companies to demonstrate how they are implementing sustainability principles.
The report is available at: http://www.ea.gov.au/industry/finance/publications/mays-report/index.html
COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
8. NATIONAL SHORT COURSES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Adelaide, Dec 1-13 2003
Returning by popular demand for the 13th year
Course 1: Principles
of Risk Assessment and Management
Dec 1-5
Basic introductory course which covers health risk assessment framework using relevant environmental health issues such as water quality, food safety, air pollution and contaminated sites. Features national experts including Andrew Langley (author of Environmental Health Risk Assessment Guidelines); Peter Di-Marco and Brian Priestly as well as international expert Prof Nicola Cherry (Uni of Alberta)
Course 2: Risk Communication
in Practice: engaging the public
Dec 8-10
This course is not-to-be missed if your job involves communicating risks to the public. Practical hands-on workshop by experts from the United States, this course is fun, but provides real-world experience. The focus is on active participation. This is the course that everyone talks about. Come and see for yourself!
Course 3: Microbiological
Risk Assessment: issues and approaches
Dec 11-13
NEW course on this important, rapidly developing discipline. Covers the basics
through to serious discussion of state-of-the-art approaches and current regulatory
issues. Incudes indoor air, bioterrorism, food safety and water risks.
Full details of all courses including location, speakers, costs and application forms are available from http://www.NSCEH.com
The Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) is Australia's premier industry group providing information, training and representation to industry in environmental issues, chemicals management and energy efficiency.
AEBN services include the provision of up-to-date information on environmental legislation and best practice, training through public or tailored programs and representation to Government on significant issues.
AEBN conducts around 3-4 training sessions each month.
Below is listed educational sessions planned for October and November.
NSW
Trade Waste Treatment
Plant Workshop - 22 & 23 October
Dangerous Goods Seminar & Workshop - 30 October
Victoria
OHS Act Review Briefing
- 28 October
Dangerous Goods Storage & Handling Workshop - 6 November
Managing Vic EPA Greenhouse Obligations - 6 November
Environment Management Practitioners Workshop - 25 & 26 November
For further information
on these sessions or to find out how AEBN can assist your business call AEBN
Victoria on (03) 9397 2511 or AEBN NSW on (02) 9924 7515 or visit our website
at
http://www.aebn.com.au.
10. WETLAND
RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
You are invited to attend two 2-day Practical Workshops on Wetland Restoration and Management.
For the 3rd year Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) is presenting two 2-day practical workshops on Wetland Restoration and Management:
The 10-11 November 2003: Identification and Management of Waterbirds workshop will take you through step-by-step procedures of how to identify waterbirds - using both curatorial specimens and field samples and we will investigate some practical approaches in helping to achieve successful outcomes.
The 20-21 February 2004: New Techniques in Restoration of Mangroves and Saltmarsh workshop will explain a new, yet very simple method of mapping tidal contours in mangrove and saltmarsh areas and their successful management.
The workshops are based on a hands-on experiential, learning approach. Emphasis is placed on practical experiences of successful repair and restoration of wetlands in Sydney Olympic Park and elsewhere. A variety of experts will be delivering these high quality tutorials.
For bookings contact (612) 9714 7509 or e-mail wetworkshop@sopa.nsw.gov.au or visit SOP at http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
(Fees include: workshop, lunch and workshop notes)
Two Day Rate
Regular: $396.00 (GST inc)
Student: $297.00 (GST inc)
Single Day Rate
$253.00 (GST inc)
Special Room Rates are available from Novotel/Hotel Ibis for workshop Participants.
CONFERENCES
11.
2003 UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA NATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE
'TOWARDS A NATIONAL WATER POLICY FRAMEWORK: VISION TO IMPLEMENTATION'
We invite you to join us for the United Nations Association of Australia National Conference, to be held on October 7 & 8 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
The Conference will focus on the need to develop an integrated national strategy which takes account of the key issues of land use and water management which we believe are fundamental to the successful development of a State and National water policy framework.
The Conference, which is being held in support of the United Nations International Year of Freshwater, will bring together leading experts in the field of water management and is designed, through the workshops, to provide delegates with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of the most effective water policy framework for Australia.
A full program can be found at http://www.icms.com.au/unaawater03
12. URBAN
WATER REFORM 2003 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
October 30-31, Melbourne
"Hon Jay Weatherill MP, South Australia's Minister for Water will open the forthcoming 'Urban Water Reform 2003 National Conference' with an examination of key Urban Water Issues in the 21st Century and will be joined by other Water Industry leaders such as John File - Executive Director of the National Competition Council, and Carol Howe - Director, CSIRO Urban Water as well as a host of pre-eminent sector specialists in a timely update on critical Water Reform issues, including:
- Urban Water Issues
for the 21st Century
- Competition Update: Urban Water
- Critical Infrastructure Management: Security Concerns for the Water Industry
- Competition reform - Lessons from the Energy Industry
- Managing Growth and Scarcity - Urban Spot Trading
- Water Demand Modeling Special: Weather Forecasting
- Urban Water Efficiency: Innovations in Water Management
and much more...
For more information on the event see: http://www.quorumunited.com.au/homepage.html or contact:
Quorum United
1300 88 75 00
events@quorumunited.com.au
http://www.quorumunited.com.au
13. 12TH
ANNUAL COASTAL CONFERENCE
The NSW Coastal Conference 2003 will be held in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, on 4-7 November 2003. This year there is also a Pre-Conference Coastal Tour from Sydney to Port Macquarie on November 3-4!
The Conference Program & Registration Form is now available online!
The Conference Website is: http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/coastalconference.
On the site you will find all the latest information, including details about:
- The Pre-Conference
Coastal Tour
- Downloadable Conference Program
- Online and downloadable Registration Forms
- Accommodation options and Booking Form
- Accompanying Persons information and Booking Form
- Sponsorship and Trade Exhibition opportunities
Some of the features of this conference will be streamed sessions to allow delegates a wider choice of topics, discussion forums and interactive presentations for thorough coverage of the issues, trade displays and field trips for hands-on experience, and ample breaks and social events providing excellent networking opportunities.
For more information email nswcoastalconference@impactenviro.com.au, or phone the Conference Co-ordinator, Jem Hansen on (02) 6582 7123.
14. "BIODIVERSITY
IN THE BASIN" CONFERENCE
Thursday 13 November
What do environmental flows, biodiversity in irrigation districts, endangered bird ecology, grazing in native grasslands and forests, remnant roadside vegetation and woodland restoration have in common?
They will all be discussed at the "BIODIVERSITY IN THE BASIN CONFERENCE" on Thursday 13 November 2003 at the Albury-Wodonga Campus, Charles Sturt University.
This free one-day conference highlights the applied research on biodiversity conservation being conducted in the Murray-Darling Basin, by the Johnstone Centre for Research in Natural Resources and Society at Charles Sturt University.
The conference is aimed at regional land managers, conservation planners, community coordinators, and everyone interested in conservation and land management in the Murray-Darling Basin. Nineteen presenters will provide informative talks on the above topics and many more. A full list of speakers and titles is available at the conference web site
Attendance is free but places are filling fast, so please register by email asap. The first 150 registrants will go into the draw for 12 bottles of Charles Sturt University wine.
For more information, contact Andrew Porter, or visit the conference web site. (http://www.csu.edu.au/research/jcentre).
15. ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
The National Europe Centre at The Australian National University is coordinating an international conference on Environmental Policy Integration and Sustainable Development, which will be held in Canberra on 19 and 20 November.
This conference focuses on five core themes: environmental policy integration and sustainable development; comparing environmental governance; the relationship between trade and the environment and agriculture and the environment; 'new environmental policy instruments' and the implications of European Union Enlargement.
Bringing together experts from institutions such as The Free University, Berlin; The University of California, Berkeley; The Royal Institute of International Affairs, London; The European Commission's Environment DG; The Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage and more, this conference aims to facilitate the exchange of research and experiences so that we can learn from each other and so that we can strengthen relations between Australia and the European Union.
If you would like to learn more about this conference, please contact Ms Cressida Thompson Telephone: 02 6125 6586 or Email: europe@anu.edu.au or go to the conference page of our website:
http://www.anu.edu.au/NEC/Environment%20%20.htm
16. MELBOURNE
2030 - FROM VISION TO REALITY
Date: November 20-21, 2003
Venue: The Park
Room, Melbourne Park Function Centre, Batman Avenue,
Melbourne
About the Conference: On 8th October 2002, the State Government of Victoria introduced Melbourne 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth, a roadmap to guide the development of the metropolitan area, and beyond, over the next 30 years.
This planning and development blueprint introduced a range of policy initiatives relating to housing, activity centres, urban growth boundaries, green wedges and transport.
Planners, architects, lawyers, property developers and ratepayers must all come to terms with the Melbourne 2030 policy directions, its Ecological and Sustainable Development (ESD) principles, and guidelines for meeting the challenge of population growth over the next 30 years. One year later, it is timely to review the impact, and address the key implementation issues emerging from this multi-layered statement of government policy intent.
Hallmark Conferences & Events, a division of publishing company Hallmark Editions, has brought together a panel of distinguished speakers to walk conference delegates through the salient Melbourne 2030 features and issues.
This conference affords an opportunity to gain a common vision of what Melbourne will look like in 2030, to track implementation of Melbourne 2030 and its sustainability initiatives, and to understand the next steps required in order to achieve the vision.
We look forward to making your acquaintance at the Park Room, Melbourne Park Function Centre, Batman Avenue, Melbourne.
Contact: For further details, please contact Miles Clemans at (03) 9530 8900 or email: milesc@halledit.com.au
Information is available
at
http://www.halledit.com.au/melbourne2030.html
17 SYMPOSIUM
ON URBANIZATION AND STREAM ECOLOGY
A Symposium on Urbanization and Stream Ecology will be held Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 December 2003 at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne,Australia.
Symposium Themes are the nature of urban impacts of stream ecology, ecological assessment of urban impacts, and addressing urban impacts: restoration and management priorities.
Plenary speakers include international experts on the above themes.
Details may be found
at the conference website:
http://www.conferences.unimelb.edu.au/urbanization_and_stream_ecology
Conference Secretariat:
Bronwen Hewitt
Conference Management
Old Physics Building
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010, Australia
Email: bhewitt@unimelb.edu.au
18 CANBERRA
TO HOST INAUGURAL AWA EDUCATION CONFERENCE
'Education: The Key to Sustainable Water Management - Going Beyond Conservation' is being held on 28-29 January 2004 at Rydges Lakeside, Canberra.
This conference is essential for anyone who has a responsibility to interact with, and guide the community towards sustainable water management. One highlight of the conference will include the latest research on water education programs around Australia currently being conducted by the Australian Water Association. (Email cporter@awa.asn.au for details).
The program is a two-day interactive conference. Day 1 will concentrate on setting the scene of where we are at present, while Day 2 will include case studies and concurrent streams.
Call for Papers is now available, with the abstract deadline date of 31/10/03. The three themes of the conference are: Education for School Students, Community Education and Professional Development. We invite abstracts to be submitted under these themes.
Exhibition opportunities are also available. If you have services that would interest Australia's best in water education, please contact us for an Exhibition Prospectus.
Visit the website http://www.awa.asn.au/events/education04 to view the Call for Papers and for conference and program updates.
Email education04@awa.asn.au or phone Lee Devereux on 02 9495 9908 to register your interest.
PUBLICATIONS
19 FEDERATION
PRESS RELEASES NEW ENVIRONMENTAL TITLES
MANAGING AUSTRALIA'S
ENVIRONMENT
Edited by Stephen Dovers and Su Wild River
Managing Australia's Environment is a report card of unprecedented scope. The contributors examine Australia's resource and environmental management institutions and policies against the requirements of ecologically sustainable development. The result is a rich source of recommendations for purposeful and adaptive policy and institutional responses to the great challenge of sustainability.
REINVENTING THE
COMMON: Cross-boundary Farming for a Sustainable Future
By Sima Williamson, David Brunckhorst & Gerard Kelly
Reinventing the Common suggests a solution to ailing land and struggling rural communities, a possible means of achieving better land care, more sustainable and profitable production, and greater community. It argues that common property resource systems, where neighbouring landowners make decisions together to manage their land as a common region, should be set up, and shows how this can be done.
RENEGOTIATING THE
ENVIRONMENT: The Power of Politics
By Jenny Stewart and Grant Jones
Renegotiating the
Environment challenges the common perception that politics is the enemy of the
environment. It argues that environmental conflict in fact creates opportunities
for creative environmental governance; that managers can learn to acknowledge,
understand and use politics to achieve more consensual and sustainable solutions.
For managers, scientists and activists, this is a compelling possibility.
Stewart and Jones support their case through detailed case studies and offer
practical guidance for implementing governance-based responses to environmental
problems.
THE FEDERATION PRESS
ABN 67 003 409 318
PO BOX 45 ANNANDALE NSW 2038 AUSTRALIA
TELEPHONE +61 02 9552 2200 FAX +61 02 9552 1681
E-MAIL: info@federationpress.com.au
WEBSITE: http://www.federationpress.com.au
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