Summary of this EnviroInfo, 16 August 2002

GENERAL NEWS
___________________________________________________________

1. NATIONAL POLLUTANT INVENTORY GUIDE
2. COVENANT REVIEW DUE IN SEPTEMBER
3. ASSESSMENT OF MARKETS FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
4. ISSUES PAPER ON GREENHOUSE AND AGRICULTURE
5. BUSINESS GREENHOUSE COALITION
6. NEW WASTE RESEARCH CENTRE
7. NEW QUEENSLAND IRM COUNCIL
8. ACT SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSION PAPER

COURSES/WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS
___________________________________________________________

9. PLANNING WITH COMMUNITIES: GROUP SKILLS AND FACILITATION TRAINING
10. RIVER STYLES SHORT COURSE

CONFERENCES
___________________________________________________________

11. 7TH ANNUAL NATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE
12. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER CONFERENCE: PRESSURES AND DRIVERS FOR BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
13. 2020 VISION: AUSTRALIA'S DEMOGRAPHIC FUTURE - 11TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE AUSTRALIAN POPULATION ASSOCIATION

PUBLICATIONS
___________________________________________________________

14. STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN AUSTRALASIA
15. AUSTRALIAN RAINFALL & RUNOFF: A GUIDE TO FLOOD ESTIMATION

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
___________________________________________________________

16. INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES:
PRINCIPAL RESEARCH CONSULTANT
SENIOR RESEARCH CONSULTANT
RESEARCH CONSULTANT

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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
___________________________________________________________

1. NATIONAL POLLUTANT INVENTORY GUIDE
___________________________________________________________

The deadline for providing information about the 2001-02 reporting period for
emissions to the National Pollutant Inventory is approaching, with companies required to provide information by September 30.
The full list of 90 substances is now required to be reported, and a new version of the National Pollutant Inventory Guide is available from Environment Australia.
The guide contains general information on the NPI to help a facility determine whether it needs to report its emissions. The Guide also outlines how to estimate emissions and the information that should be provided to the NPI.
Also included is a reporting list of substances for the NPI and additional data on the full list of NPI substances.
There is also a new emission estimation technique manual for combustion engines version 2.2, which describes the procedures and approaches for estimating emissions from combustion engines for the purpose of reporting listed substances to the National Pollutant Inventory.
For further information go to
www.npi.gov.au/handbooks/guidetoreporting.html

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2. COVENANT REVIEW DUE IN SEPTEMBER
__________________________________________________________

The first independent review of the effect the National Packaging Covenant is having on the packaging waste management practices of Australian companies is expected to release its findings in September.
The review by consultancy GHD commenced in late June and will analyse the action plans and annual reports of the more than 530 covenant signatories.
Packaging Council of Australia CEO Gavin Williams, a member of the National Packaging Covenant Council, said the review would document where the covenant was at and what needed to be achieved before the covenant expires in 2004.
He said a recent surge in the number of signatories was attributable to Environment Protection Authorities in NSW, Victoria and Queensland placing a stronger emphasis on the enforcement of the covenant.
Recent covenant signatories include David Jones, Australia Post, Cheetham Salt, Mexican Express and Adelaide Bag and Packaging.
The Covenant, established in 1999, is a self-regulatory agreement between industries throughout the packaging chain and all spheres of government that aims to minimise the environmental impacts of consumer packaging waste.

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3. ASSESSMENT OF MARKETS FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
____________________________________________________________

The Productivity Commission has released a research paper which investigates the potential for addressing environmental problems related to salinity, biodiversity and climate change by creating markets for ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services are described as the functions performed by ecosystems that lead to desirable environmental outcomes including air and water purification, drought and flood mitigation and the stabilisation of climate. Examples of potential markets for ecosystem services include tradeable permits for carbon sequestration and auctions for biodiversity conservation grants.
It concluded that climate change was the environmental problem most suitable for creation of markets, while creating a market for all aspects of biodiversity was likely to create the most difficulties. However, a review of market creation schemes in Australia and the US indicated that creating markets can, under the right conditions and with appropriate market design, be an efficient way to achieve certain environmental goals.
The research paper, Creating Markets for Ecosystem Services, by Greg Murtough, Barbara Aretino and Anna Matysek, can be obtained by contacting Tel: (03) 9653 2100 or from the website at www.pc.gov.au.

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4. ISSUES PAPER ON GREENHOUSE AND AGRICULTURE
_________________________________________________________

The Australian Greenhouse Office has released an issues paper summarising the key greenhouse issues which are relevant to agriculture as the first stage in the development of a Strategic Framework for Greenhouse in Agriculture which has been commissioned by the Greenhouse and Agriculture Taskforce.
The second stage of the Strategic Framework will be the the development of a National Plan for Greenhouse and Agriculture which will outline priorities and directions for implementation, taking into account the interests of different sectors and regions.
The issues paper, Developing a Strategic Framework for Greenhouse and Agriculture can be downloaded at
www.greenhouse.gov.au/land/agriculture/framework/index.html.

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5. BUSINESS GREENHOUSE COALITION
________________________________________________________

Australian industry groups have joined forces to form a business coalition to consult the Federal Government on the next stages for national greenhouse policies.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Council of Australia, Australian Industry Group, Electricity Supply Association of Australia Ltd and Minerals Council of Australia chief executives formed the Business Coalition for Greenhouse Strategy.
The Coalition has recently undertaken its inaugural meeting, and released a statement saying that "The principal objective of the Business Coalition is to progress the development of effective, equitable and efficient greenhouse policies and measures to address global climate change consistent with sustainable development and Australia's position in a highly-competitive and dynamic global economy."
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6. NEW WASTE RESEARCH CENTRE
_______________________________________________________

A new research centre has been established to provide sustainable solutions to the management of waste products.
The $2.4 million Australian Sustainable Industry Research Centre, to be based in Churchill, will provide Victorian industry with new methods of implementing cleaner production technologies, improving waste treatment technologies and development of more effective recycling technologies.
The Centre has been founded by Gippsland Water, Monash University and the Co-operative Research Centre for Waste Management and Pollution Control, and is to be headed by Mr John Mitchell from Gippsland Water.
For further information, contact John on (03) 5177 4600.

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7. NEW QUEENSLAND IRM COUNCIL ANNOUNCED IN
RESPONSE TO SALINITY DEBATE
_______________________________________________________

The Queensland Government is to establish an Integrated Resource Management Ministerial Advisory Council in a bid to rationalise the state's currently fragmented approach to natural resource issues including water management, salinity, vegetation management and protection of biodiversity.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Stephen Robertson, at the end of the State Salinity Summit on August 2.

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8. ACT SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSION PAPER
_______________________________________________________

The Office of Sustainability has released a discussion paper which is the first step the in the development of a ACT sustainability policy.
The paper proposes a framework defining the concept of sustainability which will influence the direction of the ACT Government and agencies, business and community organisations.
The framework will also influence government initiatives which are currently being developed, such as the Canberra Spatial Plan, the Social Plan and the Economic White Paper.
The paper can be accessed at www.act.gov.au/sustainability and submissions are required by October 11, 2002.


COURSES
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9. PLANNING WITH COMMUNITIES: Group Skills and Facilitation Training
_______________________________________________________

Where: Newcastle and Adelaide
When: Newcastle: 9 - 11 October
Adelaide: 5 - 7 November

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE?

If you work with the community in either:

* structured community participation processes in rural or urban
planning: natural resources, health, transport or housing, or in

* longer-term community projects and collaborative planning

you will find this course invaluable.

The skills you will develop are transferable to any work place situation.

You will develop the skills and knowledge to:

* understand what is going on in a group
* make appropriate interventions
* enable a group to identify and achieve its objectives
* assist in capacity building at the local level
* ensure full participation of each group member
* deal with dominating group members
* re-motivate the unenthusiastic, tired group and to
* positively manage conflict

Participants develop new skills through theoretical input, discussion,
participatory exercises and group simulations using case material
related to their work environments.

Coaching, feedback and comprehensive study materials are provided.

For more information and registration forms
Email: info@planningpartnerships.com.au

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10. RIVER STYLES SHORT COURSE
____________________________________________________

Date: 11th - 15th November 2002, 9am-5pm
Presented by: A. Prof. Gary Brierley, Dr Kirstie Fryirs
Venue: Goulburn, NSW

River Styles provide a catchment-framed geomorphic summary of river character and behaviour. The explanatory and predictive bases of this catchment-framed approach to the analysis of River Styles , provides a rigorous physical basis for river management and rehabilitation decision making.

Cost: $1,375 (inclusive of GST)

Price includes:
* course booklets
* site visits & bus hire
* venue
* morning/afternoon tea

Price excludes
* Travel to/from Goulburn, meals, accommodation

Course contents:
* Monday morning- lecture

* Monday afternoon and Tuesday - fieldtrips showing a range of different River Styles

* Wednesday - identifying and interpreting River Styles

* Thursday - field analysis of sites identified from air photos

* Friday - assessing geomorphic river condition, recovery and management applications

To obtain an application form:
Ros Green at Macquarie Research Ltd
Ph: (02) 9850 9716
Fax: (02) 9850 8128
Email: rgreen@mrl.mq.edu.au

For further information on River Styles or course contents:
Kirstie Fryirs at Macquarie University
Ph: (02) 9850 8367,
Fax: (02) 9850 8420,
Email: kfryirs@els.mq.edu.au


CONFERENCES

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11. 7TH ANNUAL NATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE
_______________________________________________________

3-5 September 2002 Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

View conference program & register at @
http://www.utilicon.com.au/utilicon_au_2002/ If it is a strategic issue for the
water utilities in Australia, it is covered at the National Water conference, part of the UTILICON Congress - the event for utility managers.
This year's highlights include:

6 water utility MD's drawn from Australia's most influential water utilities;

3 Key policy makers for salinity and water quality;

9 Case Studies which will examine: water planning and demand management;

major water infrastructure projects in Queensland and WA and Sydney's bush fire water crises and risk management AND you will hear from the horse's mouth - each case study is delivered by the water utility manager actually responsible for managing the project.

More than just one conference! UTILICON includes 4 strategically designed conferences, a dedicated utilities exhibition, and networking opportunities, bringing together the people you need to know. Delegates are invited to network at the cocktail parties and gala dinners with their energy and water
tility peers, and source suppliers of choice at the only pan-utilities expo.
For more information, contact: Kristin Fan on (02) 9005 0798 or email:
kristin.fan@terrapinn.com
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12. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER CONFERENCE
PRESSURES AND DRIVERS FOR BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL
PERFORMANCE
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Date: Friday, 20 September 2002
Venue: Mercure Hotel, Sydney

Do you want practical assistance dealing with the environmental pressures facing your company? Do you want to know about new strategies governments are developing to encourage better business performance?

In just one fact-filled day you can learn how environmental managers from leading companies of the calibre of BP, Ford and Visy are dealing with the pressures they face now and the pressures they see on the horizon. You can hear senior government officials discuss the measures and trends that will potentially reshape the way you do business.

With a densely-packed program that will inform and inspire, the Environmental Manager Conference on 20 September 2002 is an event not to be missed.

CPD, one of Australia's leading providers of environmental management training and information, has gathered expert speakers to ensure you're fully informed.

Learn about supply chain pressures; corporate reputation; getting internal support for cleaner production projects; a primer on economic instruments and plenty more. Expert speakers from industry, government and environment groups will outline key pressures and drivers for better environmental performance and give assistance on how to respond.

To get a copy of the full program and for registration details, please contact Robyn Clark on 1800 036 186 or email robyn.clark@thomson.com.au.
___________________________________________________________

13. 2020 VISION: AUSTRALIA'S DEMOGRAPHIC FUTURE
11TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE AUSTRALIAN POPULATION
ASSOCIATION.
___________________________________________________________

Date: 2 - 4 October
Venue: University of New South Wales, Sydney.

Registration information and form are available at
www.bus.mq.edu.au/dem/apaconference.html
or www.gisca.adelaide.edu.au/apa
The conference will cover a diverse range of population issues, both in Australia and internationally.

Topics include:

* population projections,

* population policy in Australia,

* population trends and issues regional and rural Australia,

* population and the environment,

* population and business,

* the demography of disadvantage,

* population and health,

* population trends and issues in Asia.

Keynote speakers are: Professor Gavin Jones (ANU), Professor Peter McDonald (ANU), Dr Peter Morrison (RAND), Professor Graeme Hugo (Adelaide), Jenny Goldie (Sustainable Population Australia), Dr Melinda Celinto (Business Council of Australia), Dr Martin Bell (Queensland), Dr John Nieuwenhuysen (CEDA), Dianne Rudd (Adelaide), Trevor Budge (RPD), Dr Gerald Haberkorn (Bureau of Rural Sciences), Professor Dick Bedford (New Zealand), Dr Judith Banister (China) and Dr Adrian Hayes (Johns Hopkins University and Indonesia).

For more information contact Dr. Nick Parr, Tel: (02) 9850 8570
Email: nparr@efs.mq.edu.au


PUBLICATIONS
___________________________________________________________

14. STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN AUSTRALASIA
___________________________________________________________

Edited by Simon Marsden and Stephen Dovers

July 2002 The Federation Press
Paperback/ 240pp/ ISBN 1862874336
RRP AU $66.00 / Direct Price AU $60.50 *

Strategic Environmental Assessment in Australasia provides an authoritative, up-to-date report on the state of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in Australia and New Zealand, at a time of gathering momentum for recognition of SEA as a necessary and legitimate part of natural resources management.

This book examines:

What SEA is, and how it relates to other tools

The need for SEA, and how it can influence decision-making

How SEA works, and the principles on which it is based, the different approaches that must be taken, and the methods that may be deployed

Procedural requirements within countries, and internationally

To obtain a copy of Strategic Environmental Assessment or for more information, go to The Federation Press website:

www.federationpress.com.au/Books/MarsdenDovers.htm.

You can also order the book online from this page. Alternatively, contact The Federation Press on (61 2) 9552 2200 or email info@federationpress.

Direct Price applies to orders placed directly with The Federation Press and accompanied by payment (eg by credit card).

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15. AUSTRALIAN RAINFALL & RUNOFF: A GUIDE TO FLOOD
ESTIMATION
______________________________________________________________

Now available in electronic format this two-volume set provides Australian designers of works and structures with the best available information on design flood estimation.

Volume 1 is primarily concerned with the hydrological aspects of flood estimation, hydraulic design is not covered in detail. However, detailed hydraulic design for urban drainage, where the hydraulic and hydrologic aspects of design are mutually dependent, is included.
Using the revolutionary eComPress system this volume has been compressed from 100M to 6.5M, it comes with a built-in search engine, and you can copy & paste or print any part of the publication.
Network & Academic licenses are available, single-user $110.00.

Volume 2: This volume, in PDF, presents the information necessary for applications of the procedures in volume 1 and contains:

I/ Design rainfall maps for key durations and average recurrence intervals, plus skewness and short duration parameters.

ii/ Interpolation diagrams and figures related to the derivation of design intensitry-frequency-duration rainfall.

iii/ Tables and figures showing design temporal patterns.

iv/ Design runoff coefficient maps for NSW and Victoria, and an average rainfall map for Western Australia. $154.00.

For further information or to purchase the guide go to
www.bookshop.engaust.com.au

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
___________________________________________________________

16. INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
Create Change Towards Social, Economic and Ecological Sustainability
___________________________________________________________

The Institute for Sustainable Futures is a flagship research institute of the University of Technology, Sydney. We develop programs of research, consultancy and training, which facilitate social and institutional change towards sustainability.

As a member of an enthusiastic professional team, you will generate and deliver research and consulting contracts on time and within budget. You will communicate outcomes to industry, government, the public and the research community.

Ideally you will have formal qualifications (graduate or postgraduate) and diverse professional experience in some combination of 4 areas:

* social science and policy processes

* education and communication

* business, finance and economics

* science, engineering, or technology and design

You will have a passion for sustainability and a commitment to creating internal community.

The Institute wishes to establish eligibility lists for, and appoint to, three positions:

* Principal Research Consultant

* Senior Research Consultant

* Research Consultant

Salaries from $49,604 to $73,037 including 17% employer provided superannuation.

For documentation and application procedure, go to
www.uts.edu.au/div/hru/employ OR phone (02) 9514 1087
For further information, go to www.isf.uts.edu.au, e.mail isf@uts.edu.au or
contact Janet Ellis on (02) 9209 4355.
Closing date: 23 August 2002

 




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