Summary of this EnviroInfo, October 16, 2002

7, 018 PEOPLE RECEIVED THIS ISSUE OF EnviroInfo

GENERAL NEWS
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1. COMMONWEALTH HARDENS LINE ON STATE WATER REFORM PROGRESS
2. SECOND EPHC MEETING FOCUSES ON AIR AND WASTE
3. UNCERTAINTY OVER AUDIT FUTURE
4. FORESTRY STANDARD APPROVED
5. DRAFT WASTE STRATEGY RELEASED
6. TRIPLE BOTTOM-LINE FIRST

SHORT COURSES
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7. CGS GROUNDWATER SHORT COURSE PROGRAM -2002


CONFERENCES
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8. ESAA 6TH ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE & WORKSHOPS
9. VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2002
10. INDOPACIFIC ECOSYSTEM HEALTH CONFERENCE 2002
11. ANZSEE 2002 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ESD


POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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12. PROJECT ENGINEER/MANAGER - SITE INVESTIGATION &
REMEDIATION, CONTAMINATED LAND
13. SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - HEALTHY WATERWAYS
CAMPAIGN
14. LANDCARE COORDINATORS - 4 POSITIONS

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ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS &
LAND AND WATER NEWSLETTERS

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Editorial content in this report draws on the monthly newsletters, Land and Water News & Environment Business. For subscription inquiries email hallmark@halledit.com.au or tel 03 9530 8900. A complimentary copy can be forwarded for review and evaluation. Regrettably, limited staff resources means that we are unable to respond to individual requests for further information about the news items contained in this Enviroinfo.


GENERAL NEWS
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1. COMMONWEALTH HARDENS LINE ON STATE WATER REFORM
PROGRESS
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The forthcoming meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), scheduled for November, is set to provide the scene for tough negotiations between the Commonwealth and the States on water reform.
The Federal Agriculture Minister, Warren Truss, has warned that the states are at risk of losing up to $3.8 billion in National Competition Policy (NCP) payments as a result of failing to assist farmers to deal with changes to water entitlements and environmental responsibilities.
Delivering the keynote address to the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) 2002 Conference in Griffith last month, Mr Truss said that it was clear that the States were failing to meet their responsibilities under the 1995 inter-governmental agreements which established Australia's NCP. He said that the Commonwealth was concerned about the value it was receiving for NCP payments.

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2. SECOND EPHC MEETING FOCUSES ON AIR AND WASTE
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Air quality and waste management were the two main areas of focus at the second Environment Protection and Heritage Council meeting, with a range of initiatives being approved for the two issues.
The Council has acted to strengthen the air quality standard for fine particles, releasing a draft measure on fine particles known as PM2.5- which calls for new advisory reporting standards and includes a protocol for monitoring and reporting requirements. The closing date for submissions is 24 December, 2002.
The Ministers also agree to hold a half-day Ministerial Business Sustainability Summit in June 2003, where ministers will meet with key industry CEOs to develop a strategic approach to accelerating business uptake of sustainability over the next decade, utilising themes from the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development.

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3. UNCERTAINTY OVER AUDIT FUTURE
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The final summary report of the $35 million, five-year National Land and Water Resources Audit has been released, providing a collation of the major findings of the four-year audit and recommendations for future collection and management of natural resource management information.
A key recommendation of the report is that an independent, statutory information agency should be established to coordinate the collection of natural resource data, provide information, undertake mandated assessment of progress, review and fine-tune major programs and develop new initiatives.
The report, Australia's Natural Resources 1997-2002 and Beyond, highlights the need for Australia, through partnerships and contributions across government, industry and the community, to increase its investment in data collection and collation, the provision of information and its application, and making it available at a cost of transfer, for use by the community and industry.

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4. FORESTRY STANDARD APPROVED
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A new Australian Forestry Standard has been approved by stakeholder groups and endorsed by Federal, State and Territory governments, and is expected to be published and available for use by forest industries within the next few months.
The Standard will provide Australian and overseas consumers with an independent assessment of claims about the sustainability of forest management in Australia.
The Australian Forestry Standard was developed by a Technical Reference Committee chaired by Dr Hans Drielsma, under the sponsorship of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in partnership with the National Association of Forest Industries, Australian Forest Growers, and the Plantation Timber Association of Australia.
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5. DRAFT WASTE STRATEGY RELEASED
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Resource NSW has released its Draft NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy for public comment.
The Strategy presents a long-term and short-term vision for waste reduction, to provide an appropriate lead-time for refining and establishing
appropriate infrastructure and systems.
The long-term targets are planned to be achieve by 2014, while short term targets for specific material and sectors have also been incorporated.
These will be established during 2003, following discussion with target groups.
The Strategy is available on the Resource NSW website:
www.resource.nsw.gov.au or by phoning (02) 8837 6069.
Submissions close on October 28, 2002.
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6. TRIPLE BOTTOM-LINE FIRST
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The Western Australian Government has become the first government in Australia to release a triple-bottom line draft blueprint for the future.
The Government has just released its draft State Sustainability Strategy, which proposes 11 principles for sustainable development, six vision statements, 42 priority areas of action and 249 proposed actions, designed to be implemented over the next five to ten years.
The Strategy addresses the role of government, the management and use of natural resources, development guidelines, the role of business and industry and the state's role in contributing to global sustainability.
To view the Strategy go to
www.sustainability.dpc.wa.gov.au/docs/Strategy.htm.
Submissions close on January 10, 2003.


SHORT COURSES
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7. CGS GROUNDWATER SHORT COURSE PROGRAM - 2002
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The aim of the CGS Groundwater Short Course Program is to improve understanding of groundwater as a key natural resource. Since its inception
in 1988 the CGS Groundwater Short Course Program has contributed significantly to the national awareness of the environmental impacts of groundwater processes including recharge, discharge, contamination, remediation and management. Courses for the remainder of 2002 are listed below.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Trevor Pillar, Manager Communication and Industry Education, Centre for Groundwater Studies.
Phone: 08 8201 5632 Fax: 08 8201 5635
Email: trevor@groundwater.com.au
Web: http://www.groundwater.com.au


Course Name Date & Location Fee

1st Groundwater Modelling Tues 26 Thurs 28 Nov 2002
St Leos College, University of Queensland $1590

1st Groundwater Model Calibration WinPEST Fri 29 Nov 2002
St Leos College, University of Queensland $550

1st Advanced Groundwater Modelling Mon 2 Wed 4 Dec 2002
St Leos College, University of Queensland $1590

2nd Groundwater Modelling Mon 9 Wed 11 Dec 2002
CWR & Currie Hall, Uni WA $1590

2nd Groundwater Model Calibration using WinPEST Thurs 12 Dec 2002
CWR & Currie Hall, Uni WA $550

6th Getting to Know Groundwater Wed 27 Fri 29 Nov 2002
St Leo's College, University of Queensland $880

24th Australian Groundwater School Mon 2 -Fri 6 Dec 2002
St Leos College, University of Queensland $1320

Groundwater will be an enduring gauge of this generation's intelligence in water and land management.


CONFERENCES
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8. ESAA 6TH ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE & WORKSHOPS
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Electricity Supply & Business Sustainability.....embracing eco-efficiency

Tuesday 12 & Wednesday 13 November 2002

Swiss Grand Hotel, Bondi Beach, Sydney

The latest developments across a range of environmental issues will be addressed at the biennial ESAA Environment Conference. The conference will focus on eco-efficiency in electricity supply.

Keynote speaker: Wendy Poulton, Eskom, South Africa and Member, World Council on Sustainable Development will discuss the vision for sustainability and world's best practice following the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Sessions will include Directions for Global Sustainability, Economic Growth and Sustainability, Greenhouse Response and Sustainability, Eco- Efficiency and Environmental Excellence. Practitioners' Workshops will discuss Industry performance indicators -generation, Industry performance indicators -networks/retailers, Triple Bottom Line Reporting and Environmental Management Accounting.

Conference Dinner, Guest Speaker: Alan Tate, Partner, Cambiar Pty Ltd, former environment reporter and Golden Walkley Award winner. The Annual ESAA Environment Award will also be presented at the dinner.

For further details contact Helen Mackenzie on (02) 9241 2955 or email meetings@tmm.com.au

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9. VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2002
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A Watershed in Catchment Management -Issues and opportunities for the
future.

21 & 22 November 2002

The Capital, Bendigo's Performing Arts Centre, Bendigo, Victoria.

The Victorian Catchment Management Conference aims to provide information about everything you ever wanted to know about natural resource management.
You will be able to discuss emerging issues and tools with leading experts and gain inspiration for your own strategic planning.

The Victorian Catchment Management Conference is an opportunity to share experiences, both within Victoria and with catchment management bodies in other states. All interested stakeholders are invited to participate.

Catchment Management Authorities are currently revising their Regional Catchment Strategies. These documents will serve as a basis for investment by the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the Natural Heritage Trust and Victorian Natural Resources Management Programs.

For further information, contact Lisa Lavey on (03) 5440 1805 or email: lisa_lavey@nccma.vic.gov.au
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10. INDOPACIFIC ECOSYSTEM HEALTH CONFERENCE 2002
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24-27 November 2002

Edith Cowan University (Joondalup Campus), Western Australia

This conference presents a unique opportunity to explore the linkages that exist between the divides of environment, human health, economy and society. The linkages form much of the sustainability agenda, and the very acknowledgement that they exist opens up new avenues for dealing with the sorts of emergent local, regional and global problems we face today.

The linkages also highlight the fact that we require action by the broader community, industry and all levels of government. There are multiple forms of participations and multiple levels of responsibility - all forming part of the sustainability approach.

We have an impressive and stimulating group of speakers, symposia and workshops. The conference has been designed to be participative as well, capable of building on the synergies that occur when like minded people attend events like these.

This conference will attract researchers and practitioners from government, industry, academia, and community, from natural resource managers to landcarers, and to those working in the health sector, and also has a direct relevance to local peoples (particularly rural and regional communities dependent on natural resource management).

For further information contact the Secretariat on (08) 9386 3282 or
email: ecohealth@debretts.com.au.

Registration available online at:
www.chs.ecu.edu.au/research/ceh/conference_2002/
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11. ANZSEE 2002 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ESD
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University of Technology, Sydney

2-4 December 2002

Theme: "Strategies into Action: Regional and Industry Policy Applications of Ecologically Sustainable Development"

An interdisciplinary conference for environmental and natural resource managers in all spheres of government and business; for environmental scientists and engineers; for environmental and ecological economists; and for all who are interested in the creation of an ecologically sustainable economy. Major sessions on "Local and Regional Strategies" and "Industry/Business Policies and Strategies".

Plenary speakers include Bent Soerensen (Denmark), Fiona Wain (Environment Business Australia), Morgan Williams (NZ Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment), Peter Newman (Premier's Dept, WA), Steve Ray & Alan Reid (Environs Australia), Judy Clark (forestry consultant), Clive Hamilton (Australia Institute), Dedee Woodside (rice industry consultant), Beat Huser (Environment Waikato), Sarah Mackay (AgResearch NZ, on dairy industry), Franzi Poldy (CSIRO National Futures group), Louise Vickery (DITR, on energy efficiency best practice).

Also, pre-conference workshop on "Leapfrogging to a Sustainable Economy" (1/12/2002) and post-conference Ecotour of Sydney (5/12/2002).

Further information: web:
www.incres.anu.edu.au/anzsee/ANZSEE2002.html
email: mark@sustainabilitycentre.com.au
ph: (02) 9801 2976


POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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12. PROJECT ENGINEER/MANAGER -SITE INVESTIGATION &
REMEDIATION,
CONTAMINATED LAND Salary range $55K to $80K pa
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Principal Consulting Group is a recruitment services firm specialising in the
environmental resources management sector.

We currently have two opportunities in Melbourne with environmental consulting firms who are seeking project engineers or scientists experienced in contaminated land investigation and remediation.

To be considered for these positions, you will need to have a relevant technical tertiary qualification along with an understanding of relevant government legislation and policy applicable to contaminated land. Plus approximately
5 years relevant commercial experience in one of the following areas: Hydrogeology, Contaminated Land Site Investigation & Remediation, Soil Contamination.

Salary packages are negotiable depending on experience level up to $80k per annum.
Please forward your resume in confidence' to Scott White at Principal Consulting Group, swhite@principalconsulting.com.au Or call Scott for a confidential discussion on 03 9521 5722

www.principalconsulting.com.au

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13. SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
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Healthy Waterways Campaign, Moreton Bay Waterways & Catchments Partnership

The Moreton Bay Waterways & Catchments Partnership (MBWCP) facilitates policy development, community education & public relations, planning, research and implementation actions for ensuring effective management of the waterways of south-east Queensland. This is a collaborative approach involving all levels of government, industry, community and research groups.

The Healthy Waterways Campaign of the MBWCP is seeking a dynamic and innovative person to be part of a small, multi-disciplinary team. Your primary responsibility is to co-ordinate and implement information and communications programs and processes for the Healthy Waterways Campaign in collaboration with the PR Manager and to raise awareness about south-east Queensland waterways and catchments issues throughout the community and stakeholders.

MAIN SKILLS: Knowledge and skills in developing and implementing effective marketing, communication and education strategies to encourage community involvement in environmental issues. Excellent abilities in managing a variety of projects. Highly developed written and oral communication skills.

Position Description available on request from Sia Poteri, telephone 07 3403 4206 or e-mail Sia.Poteri@healthywaterways.org

To apply send your CV and succinct response to selection criteria

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 18 October 2002.

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14. LANDCARE COORDINATORS - 4 POSITIONS
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Full time to 30.6.03
Salary Package Up To $41,000 per annum at various locations in North Central Victoria

The role of the Landcare Coordinator is to maintain and build community capacity for increased community involvement in natural resource management.

Specifically:

To build networks and assist information sharing

To develop Action Plans with Landcare groups

To assist Landcare groups devise projects and secure funding

To develop community understanding of regional natural resource management policy

To promote Landcare in the community

To develop training opportunities for the community in natural resource management issues

Ability to work successfully with community groups is essential.
Knowledge of natural resource management is highly desirable.
A current Victorian Driver's licence is essential and basic computer skills are also required.

The 4 Landcare Coordinators will work with Landcare groups in:

Hepburn and Central Goldfields Shires - contact Ron Potter, Manager, Engineering and Operations on (03) 5461 0610. This position will be based in Maryborough and the employer is Central Goldfields Shire.

Mt Alexander Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire - for Position Description, contact Sam Coustley on 5470 6133. For more information, contact Darren Bos, (03) 5471 1792. This position will be based in Castlemaine and the employer is Mt Alexander Shire.

Buloke and North Grampians Shires - contact Mark Amirtharajah, CEO, Buloke Shire on (03) 5478 0100. The location of this position will be negotiated with the successful applicant. It is likely to be Donald, Charlton, Wycheproof or St Arnaud.

Bendigo and District - contact Clare Claydon, Regional Landcare Coordinator, North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) on (03) 5440 1820. This position will be based at Huntly and the employer is
the NCCMA.

Contact the above people for Position Descriptions and further information.

 




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