EnviroInfo
August 8 , 2003
SUMMARY
1.
REVIEW OF EPBC GUIDELINES
The Department of Environment and Heritage is conducting a review of Administrative
Guidelines on Significance for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (EPBC Act) which are designed to assist people in determining whether
an action falls within the terms of the Act.
The review will cover both the main Administrative Guidelines, which were published in 2000, and four supplements to the Guidelines covering specific issues including interactions between offshore seismic operations and whales; the nationally endangered bluegrass ecological community; the grey-headed flying fox; and the spectacled flying-fox.
Details
about the review and how to make submissions are at http://www.ea.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/
guidelines/invite.html or email epbc@ea.gov.au.
2.
REVISED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PLASTIC BAGS
A revised Code of Practice for the management of plastic bags, developed by the Australian Retailers Association, has been accepted by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council at its recent meeting in Sydney.
The
new Code of Practice will be implemented instead of a mandatory measure, so
long as it includes the following measures:
Baseline
data on current levels of use and recycling will be provided by all signatories
to the Code. A transparent auditing standard and process will be put in place.
Regular reports (e.g. six monthly) on implementation of the Code will be made to the Ministers and be publicly available.
Retailers would provide a transparent, fair market choice between light-weight single use carry bags and multiple-use bags. The Retailers Association would enlist the signatures of as many small independent retailers as possible.
Work on the development of mandatory measures is being continued by the Council while the progress of the Code of Practice is evaluated.
For
further information, go to http://www.ephc.gov.au
3.
FIRST RELEASE OF GM CANOLA APPROVED
The Gene Technology Regulator, Dr Sue Meek, has approved a licence for the commercial
release of Bayer CropScience's InVigor genetically modified (GM) canola.
InVigor canola has been genetically modified to contain two new characteristics - a hybrid breeding system and tolerance to the herbicide, glufosinate ammonium. It will be the second GM crop to be approved for commercial release in Australia, the first being GM cottonseed.
Dr Meek said that her powers under the Gene Technology Act were limited to health, safety and environment issues, and concerns about the economic impact of genetically modified crops were the domain of industry and State governments.
The
Gene Technology Regulator's full determination on the Bayer licence can be found
on the Office of the Gene Technology website: http://www.ogtr.gov.au.
4.
STATISTICS PAINT A VARIED PICTURE
The most recent snapshot of environmental indicators by the Australian Bureau
of Statistics shows an increased awareness of environmental pressures, although
in many instances this awareness has not translated into improved practice in
households.
Latest statistics show an increase in awareness of Landcare - up by 50 per cent from 20 per cent in 1991 to 70 per cent in 1997; an increase in Landcare participation between 1998 and 2001 of approximately 60,000 people and a corresponding increase in implementation of Landcare strategies.
Despite this increased awareness, concern about land degradation has fallen by one-third, from 15.3 per cent to 10.2 per cent between 1992 and 1999.
Australia is still among the most wasteful nations in the world, ranking in the top 10 OECD nations to generate solid waste, with 21 million tonnes of waste being sent to landfill in 1996-97.
Households still dispose of hazardous waste inappropriately, with almost all batteries being put into household garbage bins, as were 71 per cent of garden chemicals. However, more than three-quarters of households undertook regular paper and glass recycling in 2000.
Plantations are becoming an increasingly important source of wood, providing more than half of the total wood supply, despite only accounting for 1 per cent of forest area..
Only 12 per cent of Australia' forests are in conservation reserves, although the statistics show that the Regional Forest Agreements have added one million hectares of old growth forests to the conservation reserves.
Many of the statistics used for the report are based on past years, with more recent figures being scheduled for release later this year.
For
further information go to http://www.abs.gov.au
5.
. PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR ENERGY-USE DISCLOSURE
Pressure on Australian companies to provide greater disclosure on their
reporting of energy use is mounting, with two leading Australian superannuation
funds using their investment clout to require greater reporting.
The Public Sector and Commonwealth Superannuation Schemes (PSS/CSS) and Catholic Superannuation Fund (CSF) have undertaken research which shows that 90 per cent of companies in the S&P/ASX200 Index to no provide any information on the management of energy use, including greenhouse emissions, in corporate disclosures.
The
research, performed by BT Financial group and Monash University shows that:
* Only 14 of the 200 companies have integrated energy and GHG mitigation into
corporate environmental management systems;
* 18 have publicly disclosed commitments to reducing energy use or greenhouse emissions, of which only 5 per cent are at or below Australia's Kyoto targets.
In a joint statement by the Steve Gibbs, CEO of PSS/CSS and Frank Pegan CEO of CSF, said "In view of the increasing risks associated with energy use, shareowners have a fiduciary duty to take an active interest in this area and company directors have a duty to ensure that sufficient reporting is provided to shareholders."
"Improved management and disclosure of energy use by companies is a win on two fronts. Firstly, it offers an immediate and measurable reduction in business costs, and thereby improved profits. Secondly, it is a sound approach to long-term risk management."
"Due to rising costs, insurance costs, regulatory costs and litigation costs, as well as the tangible risk of reputation and brand damage, the management of energy use is now longer the province of environmentalists alone."
The
position paper can be accessed at http://www.pss.gov.au
6.
PROJECT TO DEVELOP MODEL FOR WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
Four NSW councils along with water authorities, the private sector, the State Government and the University of Newcastle are commencing a major wastewater project that may become a national model for water catchment management.
The four-year project will seek to develop a national model and guidelines for the analysis of how human and animal sewage treatment systems impact on water catchments, sensitive waterways and aquaculture.
The project will aim to establish a process that will help authorities such as councils to quickly identify wastewater problems, reduce pollution risk and give a high quality water assurance to customers and the community.
The
model will eventually be able to determine both the potential and likely size
of contamination risks in order to help councils improve their management of
water catchments and waterways.
University of Newcastle researchers have received an Australian Research Council
grant of $335,000 to conduct the project over four years.
For
further information about the project phone Port Stephens Council Environmental
Projects Office Stephen Wilson on (02) 4980 0251
7. ROAD STORMWATER BECOMES DRINKABLE
An innovative technique to decontaminate stormwater on the newly opened Hallam Bypass in Victoria will see all new roads in Victoria being fitted with the technology, which is able to turn stormwater into drinkable water.
The ecological filtering system is designed to filter the stormwater that runs off the road through channels filled with reeds that act as biological filters to extract contaminants such as oil and metals. The water then flows into two wetlands to complete the purification process.
VicRoads
chief executive David Anderson said that after this process the water was drinkable.
It is the first time such a system has been used on a road in Victoria at a
cost less than 5 per cent of the total. "We'll do this on every project
from here on," Mr Anderson said
SHORT COURSES
8. AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LAW - SHORT COURSE
PROGRAM
Course Fee: $990
Remaining courses for 2003:
Environment,
Business and Regulation
28 - 30 September 2003
Examine the diverse range of instruments that make up the environmental policy-maker's
tool-kit.
Business
Strategy and Environmental Responsibility
1 - 3 October 2003
Explore the effects of environmentalism on corporate management including how
environmental forces are driving change. Examine how business is responding
to such external pressures.
Water
Resources Law
13 - 15 October 2003
Investigate the main legal principles governing the management of water resources;
ascertain the legal effect of the Water Reform Framework Agreement reforms;
and consider the principal legal and policy materials.
Environmental
Impact Assessment Law
16 -19 October 2003
Understand the laws and procedures imposed by the statutory regimes of all jurisdictions.
Explore the legal implications of scientific uncertainty in EIA including the
precautionary principle.
For further information or registration forms please contact ACEL:
Tel: (02) 61253487 Fax: (02) 61254899
Email: acel.law@anu.edu.au
Mail:
ACEL - ANU
Faculty of Law
ANU ACT 0200
SEMINARS
AND SYMPOSIUMS
9.
POSITIONING AUSTRALIA FOR A CARBON-CONSTRAINED
FUTURE
Climate change is not just about the environment - national and international policies, agreements and market developments make it a significant trade and business issue.
Recognising this, a one-day seminar in Melbourne - Setting the agenda beyond Kyoto - Positioning Australia for the emission-constrained future - will assess directions for Australian greenhouse policy and corporate strategy in the context of international policy developments.
Speakers at the seminar on September 9 include:
- The Secretary of Environment Australia, Mr Roger Beale.
- Australia's Ambassador for the Environment, Mr Chris Langman.
- Founding member of the Council of Management of the International Emissions Trading Association and leader of Ernst and Young's Environmental and Sustainable Development Practice, Mr John Buttle.
- Executive Director of the Global Sustainability Centre at RMIT, Ms Tricia Caswell.
- Assistant Director at the Electricity Supply Association of Australia, Dr Harry Schaap.
- Chief Executive of the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting, Dr Chris Mitchell.
- Dr Tony Beck and Mr Malcolm Gray, from the Australian Emissions Trading Forum.
Topics will include:
- how Australia should be preparing for the post-Kyoto policy and business environment;
- identifying Australian options and opportunities from the perspectives of environmental sustainability, the resource sector, and business;
- prospective emission abatement technologies;
- medium- to long-term developments in emissions accounting and sequestration; and
- global trading developments.
The
seminar is organised by the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting
in association with the Australasian Emissions Trading Forum.
Further
details, program and booking: http://www.greenhouse.crc.org.au/crc/ecarbon/enews_jul03.htm#seminar
Or
phone 02 6125 5593.
10. 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.
The Call for Abstract submission date has now been extended to 15 August 2003.
Acceptance of abstracts will be notified by 1 September 2003.
Symposium themes are the nature of urban impacts of stream ecology, ecological assessment of urban impacts, and addressing urban impacts: restoration and management priorities.
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
CONFERENCES
11. GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WATER INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKING CONFERENCE
29TH SEPTEMBER TO 2ND OCTOBER 2003
HYATT REGENCY PERTH
Hosted by the Government of Western Australia - Office of Water Regulation
Worldwide, the range of network industry benchmarking tools, techniques, methods, perspectives and approaches is substantial.
The Office of Water Regulation believes it is now timely that a dedicated international conference should draw together, explore, share and benefit from these developments and reach consensus on a preferred strategy for future water industry performance benchmarking.
Relevant to those interested in the application of benchmarking to network industries generally, the Conference will also be especially significant to anyone concerned with environmental and ecological imperatives. Day three focuses on the concepts of sustainability and triple bottom line benchmarking with a view to progressing towards a more strategic approach.
Benefit from being informed by eminent national and international Keynote speakers from peak agencies and institutions. Attend authoritative, stimulating, noteworthy presentations of relevance and significance to your industry. Acquire significant and comprehensive benchmarking knowledge in a stimulating and enjoyable atmosphere.
Further
Information:
Website, and Registration http://www.benchmarkingwater.wa.gov.au
Email Enquiries benchmarkingwater@wrc.wa.gov.au
Telephone +618 9213 0100
Fax +618 9213 0101
John Hannan (Convenor) john.hannan@wrc.wa.gov.au
BE
A PART OF THIS UNIQUE EVENT
12. 6th WESTERN AUSTRALIAN STATE LANDCARE CONFERENCE
The sixth Western Australian State Landcare Conference is happening this October.
This grass roots conference will be held from 7 to 10 October in Katanning, the "Heart of the Great Southern".
Registration forms are now available and can be downloaded from http://www.conference.westnet.com.au or email yourland@westnet.com.au if you would like a copy posted. Registrations are due by 29 August 2003.
Themes and keynote speakers for the conference are:
Catchments & Conservation
Kevin
Goss, General Manager Natural Resources, Murray-Darling Basin Commission
Diversity...the Spice of Life
Graeme
Robertson, Director General, Department of Agriculture WA
Reaping the Benefits
Peter
Portman, Manager, Grain Technology, CBH
Perceptions of Decline
Peter
Kenyon, Social entrepreneur and community enthusiast
Looking Forward
Alex Campbell, Chairman, Cooperative Research Centre for Plant Based management of Dryland Salinity.
The
speakers are supported by some fantastic tours showcasing local landcare works,
a great social program and the State Landcare Awards Gala Dinner.
If you would like further information about the conference contact the Conference
Secretary on phone/fax (08) 9821 2251 email yourland@westnet.com.au or PO Box
260 Katanning, W.A., 6317.
13. FUTURE OF ECOLABELLING IN AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE
Ecolabelling is growing in popularity in Australia a credible mechanism to inform the market about the environmental characteristics of a products and services.
The need to make environmental information transparent to consumers in the market has been recognised internationally through the ISO 14 020 series of standards on environmental labelling and declarations.
While overseas many counties have implemented comprehensive and independent programs, in Australia the field is new and developing quickly as a mechanism to facilitate green procurement, sustainable consumption and reward manufacturers for environmental innovation in their products.
The Future of Ecolabelling in Australia conference will be the first conference of its kind with a specific focus on environmental and social certification and declarations.
Already, a diverse range of voluntary and mandatory mechanisms operate on the Australian market, all seeking to offer choices to consumers with respect to the environmental and social impacts of the products and services they purchase.
The scheduled dates are the 9-10 October 2003 at the Australian Academy of Science Shine dome.
The conference is hosted by the Australian Environmental Labelling Association, REGNET at the Australian National University and the United Nations Environment Program.
Details are registration are available at http://www.aela.org.au/conference or you can contact the conference secretariat at: tel: 02 6125 1504
14. 12TH ANNUAL COASTAL CONFERENCE
The NSW Coastal Conference 2003 will be held in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, on 4-7 November 2003.
The theme of this years event is 'Surging Ahead: Success Stories in Coastal Management' - this will be reflected in the program by a focus on ideas, policies and case studies which give us solutions for the problems we face in coastal communities.
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 will also be incorporated into the program.
Ample breaks and social events will provide excellent networking opportunities.
Expressions of Interest (EoIs) are now being sought for Speakers, Sponsors, Delegates and Exhibitors - complete and return the online EoI to receive all the latest information and to nominate for your involvement.
Go to http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/coastalconference. Alternatively, phone the organisers, Impact Environmental Conferences on 61-2-65827122, or email nswcoastalconference@impactenviro.com.au for more information.
Don't miss out on this event.... It's sure to be a highlight of the coastal management calendar for 2003!
15. AUSTRALIAN WATER LAW & POLICY CONFERENCE
Announcing
the Call for Papers and the early registration dates for the 5th Australian
Water Law & Policy Conference. The conference will be held in Melbourne
on Thursday 27 - Friday 28 November, 2003.
The conference is the only one of its kind held in Australasia and is very highly regarded. It is attended by judges, lawyers, politicians, farmers, irrigators, academics and policy advisers from throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea.
The conference examines the latest research and findings on legal and policy issues relating to water reform, water quality, water trading, property rights, water licensing and indigenous rights and interests in water in Australia.
Details about the conference including dates for submission of abstracts for papers and (early discounted) online registration may be viewed at http://www.countryconferences.com.au
Please
contact Anne Vince, Director, Country Conferences by email country@northnet.com.au
if you require further information regarding the 2003 Water Law & Policy
Conference or wish to obtain a copy of the proceedings from last year's conference
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
16.
GREEN CORPS -CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR PROJECTS COMMENCING
SEPTEMBER 2003
Applications are open to organisations with an interest in seeing significant
environment or heritage work being undertaken by Green Corps - Young Australians
for the Environment participants.
Such organisations include community, youth and environmental establishments and local, State and Commonwealth Government agencies with an interest in contributing to Australia's natural and cultural heritage.
All works undertaken under the Green Corps program must be consistent with appropriate environmental government strategies and acts.
Project activities can include but are not limited to
-
Land, water and wildlife survey
- Data collection
- Landcare or coastcare activities
- Access control
- Bush regeneration
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Environmental weed control
- Walking track construction
- Eco-tourism
- Community education
- Restoration activities for environment and cultural heritage
Call 1800 077 700 or visit Green Corps website http://www.greencorps.com.au
Green
Corps is a Commonwealth Government initiative delivered by Job Futures and Greening
Australia.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
17.
GROUNDWATER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES, CENTRE
FOR GROUNDWATER STUDIES
Groundwater
Research Opportunities
- PhD
- Masters (Research)
- Masters (Coursework)
- Honours
Based in Adelaide or Perth.
The Centre for Groundwater Studies (CGS) is an international leader in water and environmental research and education.
Excellent research projects are currently being offered at Honours, Masters and PhD levels by two CGS partners, Flinders University and University of Western Australia.
They are carried out in collaboration with CGS partners including CSIRO Land and Water.
Research projects are offered in areas including hydrogeology, geophysics, soils, water chemistry, plant ecology, microbiology, and hydrological modeling.
CGS projects are supported by outstanding field and laboratory facilities.
In addition, CGS together with Flinders University now offers new postgraduate degrees (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters) in groundwater hydrology to accredit popular CGS short courses. These are ideal for professionals wishing to obtain a postgraduate degree qualification in groundwater hydrology.
See FU website - http://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/courses/groundwater/
Applicants
for CGS postgraduate studies will apply for Australian
Postgraduate Awards and are also eligible to apply for a generous CGS stipend
of $3,000 pa.
Outstanding CGS Honours applicants will be awarded a $1,000 pa scholarship for study.
For more information on the Centre's research program see CGS Web page: http://www.groundwater.com.au
If you have a background in science, maths or engineering and would like to be a part of a leading research team working on land, water and environmental issues you should apply.
Send an expression of interest and your CV by Friday 12th September 2003 to:
Dr
Craig Simmons
Flinders University, SoCPES
GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: 08 8201 2348 Fax: 08 8201 5635
E-mail: craig.simmons@flinders.edu.au
Dr
David Reynolds
The University of Western Australia
Centre for Water Research
35 Stirling Hwy, CRAWLEY WA 6009
Phone: 08 9380 24058Fax: 08 9380 1015
Email: reynolds@cwr.uwa.edu.au
-
Only Australian Citizens & Permanent Residents Need Apply -
PUBLICATIONS
18.
STRONG DEMAND FOR UNIQUE UNCHARTED WATERS BOOK
Uncharted Waters, a major, glossy 120-page Murray-Darling Basin Commission coffee table book spanning the history and the future of the Murray-Darling Basin and its critical place in Australia's economic and social life, is attracting strong demand.
Commission Communication Manager Mr Lawrie Kirk says sales have grown quickly since it was launched in April and copies of the book have spread rapidly throughout the Basin.
He said it was a "must have" with a wide range of people around the country such as planners, policy makers, resource managers, landcare groups, ecologists, environmentalists, farmers, agricultural consultants and members of the community with an interest in sustainable land use in the Murray-Darling Basin.
A unique collection of essays, personal statements and artworks, the book was developed to celebrate the Centenary of the historic 1902 Corowa conference that led to a workable agreement between the Federal and State Governments.
Featuring eminent scientists and thinkers, the book also highlights important examples of art and literature created by the ANU School of Art Environment Studio, schoolchildren, professional photographers and artists from around the Basin.
Copies of the 120-page Uncharted Waters are available for $49.95 through CSIRO Publications at http://www.publish.csiro.au/books/bookpage.cfm?PID=3572
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