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SUMMARY OF THIS EnviroInfo (details are below):

GENERAL NEWS
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1. AGO REMAINS IN DOUBT
2. CALL FOR INQUIRY TO GET UNDER WAY
3. PUTTING SUSTAINABILITY INTO PRACTICE
4. SUSTAINABLE URBAN PROJECT MOVES TO NEW PHASE
5. NEW NAP FUNDS FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
6. NEW SUSTAINABLE MINERALS FOUNDATION
7. WATER GROUPS CALL FOR WATER RESTRAINT MEASURES
8. WIND BREAKTHROUGH
9. PAPERS AND AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT BY RIVER SYMPOSIUM

CONFERENCE
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10. LATEST IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY TO BE ON SHOW

WORKSHOP
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11. 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS FROM THOMSON CPD
COMMENT ON DRAFT STRATEGY

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12. REMINDER - FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT NATIVE FISH STRATEGY CLOSES ON DECEMBER 31

CONSULTANCY
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13. MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR VICTORIA

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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14. BRISBANE SEEKS MANAGER FOR THE CITY'S ENVIRONMENT
15. COMMONWEALTH SEEKS COMMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PURCHASING
16. SENIOR ECOLOGIST/ENVIRONMENTAL 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.

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GENERAL NEWS
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1. AGO REMAINS IN DOUBT
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The future of the Australian Greenhouse Office remains uncertain, with the Federal Government telling a recent Senate Estimates hearing that no decision would be made on the appointment of a new chief executive officer until it had considered the recommendations of the Warwick Smith report, which investigated the performance of the AGO.
The report, completed in June of this year, has still yet to be made publicly available, although it is believed to recommend that the AGO be incorporated into the Department of Environment and Heritage.
Since the resignation of former chief executive officer, Gwen Andrews and deputy CEO, Colin Grant, Howard Bamsey has been acting in the position of CEO.

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2. CALL FOR INQUIRY TO GET UNDER WAY
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The National Farmers Federation is lobbying the Federal Government to move quickly to authorise the Productivity Commission's inquiry into the impact of Federal and State native vegetation and biodiversity legislation on property values and investment flows.
At its recent national conference, the NFF passed a resolution calling on the Government to commence the inquiry as a matter of urgency and appoint Brian Fisher of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics as Commissioner.
Chair of the NFF, Larry Acton, said that the bureaucratic wheels were turning too slowly in initiating the inquiry.
The Productivity Commission has yet to receive terms of reference for the inquiry.

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3. PUTTING SUSTAINABILITY INTO PRACTICE
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New research has indicated that farmers still need to be convinced there are benefits when it comes to adopting new practices, including sustainable natural resource management.
The research findings from Land and Water Australia's Social and Institutional Research Program reveals that landowners are far more likely to adopt sustainable land management practices which are observable and testable, are not expensive to implement and able to be widely implemented.
The research report, entitled Understanding Landholders' Capacity to Change to Sustainable Practices, concludes that the capacity and desire of farmers to change varies greatly from region to region and according to socio-economic and local conditions.
Copies are available by contacting Caroline Makings at the BRS on (02) 6272 4068 or by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au/brs (social science).

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4. SUSTAINABLE URBAN PROJECT MOVES TO NEW PHASE
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The Sustainable Urban Development Program (SUDP) which has been initiated by the Queensland Environmental Protection Authority, in conjunction with the Urban Development Institute, is moving towards the demonstration stage of the program with a small number of `champion' projects ready to get under way.
The program, which is the brainchild of the Sustainable Industries Branch of the EPA headed by Dr John Cole, is aiming to showcase a number of development projects which will break new ground in Queensland with environmentally sensitive principles for energy, water usage and biodiversity conservation.
The program has won backing from the Brisbane City Council and the Council has committed itself to streamlining the approvals process for projects which came in under the SUDP guidelines.
The initial projects are expected to generate a wealth of data about implementation of the SUDP projects including environmental and financial information.
Details can be obtained from the UDIA website at http://www.udiaqld.com.au

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5. NEW NAP FUNDS FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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South Australia's funding pool for this year under the National Action Plan on Salinity and Water Quality has been increased by $20 million, following an agreement reached between the State and Federal Governments last month.
This will bring the total amount allocated to South Australia so far under the NAP to $35 million.
The SA Premier, Mike Rann, said the new funds would go into projects such as the Lower Murray rehabilitation project which aims to revitalise sections of the Lower Murray over five years, following a major restructuring of dairy farms along the river.
It would also contribute to salt interception programs for Chowilla, Loxton and Lock 4 Bookpurnong and revegetation of the Murray/Mallee corridor to offset expected salt loads of up to 175 tonnes per day, due to mallee clearing.

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6. NEW SUSTAINABLE MINERALS FOUNDATION
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A new foundation dedicated to finding sustainable solutions for major environmental challenges facing the Australian minerals and metals industries and their customers in the Asia-Pacific region has been established by Rio Tinto, in conjunction with the Federal Government.
The Foundation for a Sustainable Minerals Industry, which is being established with the assistance of a $35 million funding package by the Commonwealth, along with a similar contribution by Rio Tinto, will initially focus on three important greenhouse and energy efficiency projects including the "burying" of CO2 and increasing energy efficiencies in the aluminium, bauxite and iron ore industries including the enhanced bio-fixation of carbon dioxide and developing advanced aluminium smelting cells, including the use of inert anodes and wetted cathodes.

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7. WATER GROUPS CALL FOR WATER RESTRAINT MEASURES
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Three national water associations - the Irrigation Association of Australia, the Australian Water Association and the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage - have called for joint action to reduce urban water use by 30% and double the value of agricultural production for each unit of water used, within the next 10 years.
The organisations, which have formed themselves into the Australian Water Industry Forum, claim that the targets can be achieved by adopting practical and realistic measures and has called for government to support the community in both rural and urban areas in making these changes and to create incentives that will encourage smart water use in every activity.

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8. WIND BREAKTHROUGH
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Researchers at the University of Technology, Sydney, have developed a generator which has the potential of halving the cost of converting wind into electricity.
The generator, called the brushless doubly-fed twin stator induction machine (BDFTSIM) converts a fluctuating source of energy, such as wind, into a steady stream of electricity, matching the capturing speed of the wind turbine and producing maximum energy.
UTS Faculty of Engineering's Dr Joe Zhu said the generator was a technological breakthrough that cost less, weighed less and was much more efficient than existing technologies.
The BDFTSIM converts a fluctuating source of energy, such as gusty winds, into a steady stream of electricity.
For further information, contact Associate Professor Zhu on (02) 9514 2318 or email Jianguo.Zhu@uts.edu.au

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9. PAPERS AND AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT BY RIVER SYMPOSIUM
CONFERENCE
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Organisers of the 2003 International River Management Symposium are calling for papers for sessions on important river issues. Nominations for the event's Riverprize awards are also being sought.
The symposium, to be held in Brisbane from September 2 to 5, will be an interactive forum focusing world attention on issues affecting river systems and best practice waterway management techniques.
Papers are being sought for session themes such as: estuaries; the transfer of water between river basins; the role of NGOs in river management; and community involvement in river management.
Nominations are being sought for the international and national 'Riverprizes'. The international award recognises best practice in river management and seeks to provide an incentive for worldwide efforts to restore healthy rivers. The national prize recognises best practice river management and significant achievements.
For more information about submitting a paper or an award nomination phone (07) 3846 7444 or visit http://www.riverfestival.com.au/symposium

CONFERENCE
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10. LATEST IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY TO BE ON SHOW
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The latest in water use efficiency technology will be presented to delegates at the Irrigation 2003 conference and exhibition to be held at Dubbo, NSW, from May 7 to 8, 2003.
Conference speakers will include Visy Industries Chairman Richard Pratt and Murray-Darling Basin Chief Executive Don Blackmore.
Conference sessions will be held on gravity-fed, pressurised and urban irrigation, while all the latest equipment and practices will be demonstrated at the expo, which will feature all the latest products and services. An informal conference dinner is also to be held.
Irrigation 2003 is organised by the Irrigation Association of Australia, which was formed in Dubbo 20 years ago.
For more information about the conference phone Rodney Cox or Andrea Creer of Exhibition and Trade Fairs on (02) 9290 1234, visit the conference website at http://www.irrigation.org.au, or email andrea@sydney.etf.com.au

WORKSHOP
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11. 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS FROM THOMSON CPD
COMMENT ON DRAFT STRATEGY
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ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITOR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP - Gain environmental auditor certification in a five-day accredited workshop led by one of Australia's leading environmental experts, Graham A. Brown. Learn to commission and manage successful environmental audits, advise clients and train staff. Plus receive your own copy of the Environmental Audit Guidebook.
Perth: Feb 24-28 Brisbane: March 24-28 Melbourne: April 7-11
Hobart: May 19-23 Sydney: June 30- July 4 Newcastle: July 14-18 Fiji: August 11-15

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - Get comprehensive guidance on the development and implementation of an environmental management system in your organisation. Know the key requirements of ISO 14001 certification and receive your own copy of Environmental Management Systems Guidebook.
Sydney: March 10-12 Fiji: April 28-May 1 Melbourne: August 18-20

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER CONFERENCE - attend this annual conference usually held in September and hear from some of Australia's most influential environmental speakers as they discuss important topical issues for 2003.

To register your interest for any of the above conferences, email cpdseminars@thomson.com.au or Free Call 1800 036 186.

COMMENT ON DRAFT STRATEGY
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12. REMINDER - FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT NATIVE FISH STRATEGY CLOSES ON DECEMBER 31
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The overall goal of this Strategy is to rehabilitate native fish communities in the Murray-Darling Basin back to 60 per cent of their estimated pre-European settlement levels, after 50 years of implementation.
You can register for a hard copy of the Draft Native Fish Strategy by contacting: info@mdbc.gov.au and provide your mailing address. You can also email jim.barrett@mdbc.gov.au if you would like to discuss aspects of the Draft.
For the opportunity to respond to key aspects of the Draft please complete the on-line questionnaire at
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/commcentre/survey/NFS-feedback.htm This will take you about ten minutes

CONSULTANCY
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13. MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR VICTORIA
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The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), Parks Vic (PV) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a consultancy to develop a Statewide Framework for Mosquito Management to guide local government and others to carry out consistent best management practices based on agreed principles for action.
Murray Valley Encephalitis, Barmah Forest Virus and Ross River Virus are the three main mosquito-borne diseases in Victoria. Mosquito management has been carried out by local government primarily for health reasons but also in some areas for amenity reasons.
Concerns have been expressed on the environmental implications of mosquito management practices, particularly on wetland ecosystems, some of which are of international significance.
Interested parties who wish to comment on current or possible future practices can submit comments by December 31 to the consultant:
Horrie Poussard
Learning & Action Pty Ltd
poussard@thereef.com.au

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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14. BRISBANE SEEKS MANAGER FOR THE CITY'S ENVIRONMENT
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Brisbane City Council is seeking to appoint a new Manager, Environment and Parks. The position will be responsible for the management of the city's open space assets including extensive natural areas of bushland, wetland, parks and playgrounds. The manager will also be custodian of the council's Environmental Management System.
The role will involve the management of a budget of about $50 million and up to 40 staff. The manager will also have to lead best practice planning, procurement and asset management of the city's bushlands, wetlands, playgrounds, parks and boulevards. Requirements for the position include extensive knowledge and experience in developing policies and plans in biodiversity, natural environment, open space and parks. Appropriate tertiary qualifications are essential and related post-graduate qualifications desirable.
To obtain a position description and to apply confidentially email Louise Baker at Environment@first-place.com.au quoting AdCode 1549. Applications close on Monday, December 23.

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15. COMMONWEALTH SEEKS COMMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PURCHASING
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Environment Australia and the Australian Greenhouse Office are preparing voluntary environmental purchasing tools for Commonwealth procurement officers.
Comments on a draft Environmental Purchasing Guide and checklists are currently being sought from interested parties.
The guide provides an introduction to the key environmental issues relevant to public procurement, as well as outlining the policy framework in which Commonwealth procurement takes place. The checklists cover a range of key goods and services procured by the Commonwealth, such as office equipment, paper and cardboard, recycled products, building management services, packaging and waste management services.
Each checklist identifies key environmental performance criteria and provides model tender specifications.
An issues paper, the guide and checklists can be obtained from http://www.ea.gov.au/industry/sustainable/greening-govt/consult.html
For further information about the consultation process email procurement@ea.gov.au
Written submissions must be received by March 7, 2003, and sent to paul.starr@ea.gov.au

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16. SENIOR ECOLOGIST/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
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$60,000 - $70,000 p.a. (plus other package conditions) Location: Jervis Bay NSW (negotiable). Duties include REF's and 8 part tests, flora and fauna and other environmental surveys, environmental assessments related to Bush Fire Hazard Certificates, REFs on hazard reduction burns, input into fire management and weed management plans, ecological input into GIS models, assisting with bushfire protection assessments and bush regeneration projects. Development and leadership of survey team. ESSENTIAL: Tertiary qualifications in Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science or related fields. Extensive environmental survey and assessment experience. Excellent communication skills. Project management and team leadership. DESIRABLE: Higher tertiary qualifications. Ecological or environmental consulting experience. Court expert witness experience. Experience and/or qualifications in bushfire and/or weed management planning and/or bush regeneration. Competent in ArcView GIS, Access, Excel and Project 2000. For full details: Rod Rose tel: (02) 4447 8066, bushfire@shoal.net.au
Closes: 30th January 2002

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