EnviroInfo
September 19, 2003
SUMMARY
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
18. POSTGRADUATE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
20. VICTORIAN COOL COMMUNITIES FACILITATOR, Environment Victoria
GENERAL NEWS
1.
COAG STRIKES DEAL ON $500m NATIONAL WATER INITIATIVE
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed on the development of a National Water Initiative which will provide a nationally consistent system of water access entitlements, nationally functioning water markets, a system for best-practice water pricing and the integrated management of environmental water.
The COAG meeting, held on August 29, negotiated a $500 million funding package for the initiative in the Murray-Darling Basin, extracting a commitment for an additional $75 million from the Commonwealth on the Prime Minister's undertaking of $125 million made just six days before the meeting.
It was decided that the Commonwealth would contribute $200 million (40%), New South Wales and Victoria would each contribute $115 million, South Australia would contribute $65 million and the ACT $5 million.
A communique issued after the meeting outlined the proposed National Water Initiative that was prepared by an intergovernmental group of senior officials.
Details of the Initiative and how the funding will be spent will be developed over the next six months for consideration at the next COAG meeting, which is likely to be held in April, as a final inter-governmental agreement.
The funding is expected to start to flow by July next year.
2.
REPORT CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF LANDCARE FARMING
A new report on profitable and sustainable agriculture has called for the adoption of landcare practices by all farmers across Australia and for the introduction of financial incentives for landcare farmers for on-farm nature conservation, consistent with regional objectives.
The report was authored by Professor Peter Cullen, Australia's Environmentalist of the Year 2001, Dr John Williams, CSIRO Chief of Land and Water, and Dr Allan Curtis, Bureau of Rural Sciences.
It recommends that the landcare movement should be supported as the key mechanism for attaining the wider adoption of landcare farming, and that landcare farming systems be further developed through the cooperation of governments, landholders, industry and research groups. Greater funding should be directed to the research and development of landcare farming practices and systems that are compatible with Australian landscapes and can improve productivity, with particular emphasis on new farming systems for areas that cannot sustain conventional farming.
The
report recommends that the landcare movement should be treated by governments
and regional organisations as a partner in regional NRM processes.
Landcare coordinator positions should continue to be funded by governments and
industry to coordinate and ensure delivery of natural resource management outcomes
by landholders and the wider community.
The report, Landcare Farming: Securing the future for Australian Agriculture is available on Landcare Australia's website at http://www.landcareaustralia.com.au.
3.
WA SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY RELEASED
The Western Australian Government has released its State Sustainability Strategy, Hope for the Future, at the recent International Sustainability Conference, held in Fremantle.
The strategy is an overarching document, encompassing all 42 areas of government and is based on the Sustainability Framework which incorporates 11 sustainability principles, six visions for the state, and six goals for government.
It is planned that the actions identified in the Strategy will be implemented over a 10 year period.
Among the features of the strategy are:
- The development of a Sustainability Act that embeds the principles of sustainability in government actions and processes and supports reporting on the outcomes across government through a periodic State of Sustainability Report.
- Demonstrate leadership by requiring government agencies to respond to a Sustainabilty Code of Practice for Government Agencies and develop a Sustainability Action Plan to address a range of issues including energy use, greenhouse emissions, waste minimisation, community engagement and sustainability procurement.
- Initiate and trial Sustainability Assessment - to ensure "net benefit" outcomes.
- Create a Sustainability Roundtable with community and industry expertise in order to facilitate:
- The further development and implementation of the State-Local Government Sustainability Partnership Agreement
- Community and industry Partnership Projects
- Regional Sustainability Strategies
- Global aid project involvement
- State of Sustainability Reporting and
- Revising the State Sustainability Strategy (every 2 years).
For more information go to http://www.sustainability.dpc.wa.gov.au/docs/Final_Strategy.htm
4.
WATER SET TO BE THE NEXT "BIG" INVESTMENT
Water rights are being touted as the next big investment after housing, according to a board member of the Reserve Bank, and there is speculation that the boom in the price of irrigation rights could harm the nation's farming industry as speculators try to profit from the water shortage.
The price of irrigation rights has increased by up to as much as 27-fold in five years, meaning that the fight for water rights not only occurs between farmers, but now speculators and water traders as well.
The main reason for the skyrocketing price was the decision in 1995 to cap water extraction to 1994 levels, coupled with the drought and the increasing pressure to return environmental flows. Investment in water trade is also further being spurred along by the separation of water from land title, provided under the COAG reforms.
According to Mr Robert Gerard, a board member of the RBA, "Water will be the next big investment after housing," a view shared by trader Tim Hutchison who believes that water is a "red-hot investment."
5.
GREEN ELECTRICITY WATCH SCORECARD
Australian Inland Energy and Origin Energy have topped the green list in the second annual Green Electricity Watch scorecard.
13 of Australia's 14 electricity retailers, with the exception of Aurora (Tasmania), agreed to take part in the scorecard, which gauges their energy efficiency programs, their support for greenhouse reduction policies, and the Green Power products they offer.
The two leaders have made environmental responsibility a central part of their marketing strategy, scored strongly on commitment to responsible environmental policy and actual renewable energy and energy efficient practice. They both have Green Power products that exceed the Green Power Accreditation requirements.
The scorecard did, however, show that many of the nation's electricity retailers are not providing adequate energy efficiency and renewable energy options to customers, and that many do not have an overall greenhouse reduction target for total sales.
For further information go to http://www.electricitywatch.org
San Ramon oil and gas giant ChevronTexaco Corp.has won in-principle approval for a liquefied natural gas project on the A class nature reserve, Barrow Island, from the Western Australian Government despite the concerns of the Environmental Protection Agency about the project's impact on the island's flora and fauna.
The approval of the $11 billion project, in which Shell and ExxonMobil are also stakeholders, gives the consortium access to the 13 trillion cubic feet of gas held in the Greater Gorgon gas fields.
Gorgon has agreed to establish a $40 million environmental trust fund under a deal signed with the Government, which will be used over the life of the project to undertake conservation projects in environments similar to Barrow Island.
The details of the agreement have yet to be made publicly available, which binds the companies involved in the venture and the Government to operating conditions on the site.
The agreement has been criticised by Opposition Leader, Colin Barnett, who said it was premature to be undertaking such a deal when the project had yet to receive State and Federal environmental approval.
New
legislation will allow 300 hectares of Barrow Island to be excised from the
reserve status.
7.
BP LAUNCHES ULTRA LOW SULPHUR DIESEL FUEL IN AUSTRALIA
BP is continuing to lead the global charge for 'clean fuels' with the launch of ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) in Australia.
ULSD is the benchmark of diesel fuel in Australia with its maximum sulphur content of just 50 parts per million (ppm) - a 90 per cent reduction from the current Australian diesel fuel standard of 500ppm.
The Australian launch follows BP's pioneering role as the originator of ULSD in the UK and Europe in 1999, and has received widespread public, commercial and media support.
Queensland's capital city Brisbane was the first to receive the new fuel, which began rolling out nationally on 1 July 2003.
The Brisbane City Council (BCC) welcomed the introduction of ULSD by signing up 600 of its 720 strong bus fleet to the new fuel. This equates to sales of around 16 million litres of ULSD per year.
BP Australia Fuels Manager, Mike McGuinness, believes private customers will soon follow the BCCs lead.
"This commitment by Brisbane City Council will reduce emissions equivalent to removing the emissions of 12,000 cars from the road," said Mr McGuiness.
"Australians have a strong affinity for our environment, and we're passionate about taking care of our natural resources.
"Our hope is that other major fleet users will follow Brisbane's lead and come on board as ULSD becomes progressively available around Australia."
COURSES
8.
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT AND AUDITING
COURSE
You'll learn effective strategies to identify, isolate, monitor, manage and reduce solid, liquid and gaseous waste streams.
- Learn to plan, implement, document, manage and monitor a waste audit.
- Conduct effective data analysis and produce compliant, useful reports and documentation.
- Learn from the experience of other organisations. Leverage the knowledge and expertise of other practitioners to help improve your business.
- Apply what you learn straight away - plenty of interaction and activities keep you involved
A comprehensive rundown of international and industry standards, federal policy and legislation, plus legislative requirements of all states and territories will help you ensure your organisation is doing the right thing.
Presenters are experienced environmental practitioners from Graham A Brown and Associates.
The course will be held in Sydney, November 10-14, 2003.
To
register, call Thomson CPD on Free Call 1800 036 186,
email
cpdseminars@thomson.com.au,
or
register online at http://www.cpd.com.au
9.
ECO-INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
October 1-3 [5 day option: October 1-5]
This course presents new 'systems design' concepts and methods for restoring human and environmental health and productivity, while improving the economy.
It is tailored for people working in environmental management-related fields in public or private sectors. However, it covers basic concepts, and is suitable for anyone interested in sustainable development.
This course aims to update participants on new research methods, ecodesign principles and implementation strategies for analysing, designing, implementing and monitoring sustainable systems of eco-development.Ten distinguished guest lecturers in this area will speak on a range of topics.
Dr Janis Birkeland has held senior positions in urban design, land use planning, advocacy planning, architecture and environmental education. Her academic qualifications include a PhD (in environmental planning, management and governance), a Juris Doctor (law), an MA Architecture, and BA in Fine Arts. She has taught architecture, art, sustainable development, design for environment and related subjects, and recently published Design for Sustainability: a Sourcebook of Integrated Eco-logical Solutions.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
Email: janis.birkeland@canberra.edu.au
Phone: +61 (0)2 6201 2693
Web: http://scides.canberra.edu.au/sustainable
10.
DEVELOPMENT AS A SOLUTION - SHORT COURSE ON GREEN BUILDING
3 or 5 day options
November 5-7th or 5-9th 2003
The course examines the potential of ecological design to restore environmental and human health, while increasing economic productivity.
A range of experts will speak on topics including: the social, economic and health benefits of green construction and renovating; basic ecological design principles and performance criteria; appropriate technologies for building construction and design; healthy materials; urban planning and spatial issues.In addition to the organisers, well known experts and practitioners will present on a range of topics.
Dr Janis Birkeland has held senior positions in urban design, land use planning, advocacy planning, architecture and environmental education. She has taught numerous sustainable development related subjects and published Design for Sustainability (Earthscan 2002).
Dave Hodgkin is an experienced environmental builder and designer. He set up and managed the ACT Energy Advisory Service for the Master Builders Association, and is currently the Chief Technical Advisor to the Act Home Energy Advise Team.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
Email: janis.birkeland@canberra.edu.au
Phone: +61 (0)2 6201 2693
Web: http://scides.canberra.edu.au/sustainable
SEMINARS/CONFERENCES
11.
ENGINEERS AND BUILDING CERTIFIERS URGED TO ATTEND PLASTICS
IN CONSTRUCTION SEMINARS
The issue of Plastics in Construction, including but not limited to expanded
polystyrene (EPS) sandwich panel, has become a major risk management problem
for both the insurance industry and commercial and industrial property owners.
The
'Plastics in Construction: The Insurance Dilemma and Solutions' Conference,
to be held throughout capital cities during October, will shed light on the
core issues and present a range of measures that can address the problem.
Building surveyors and certifiers as well as engineers will be some of the various
stakeholders the conference will focus upon.
Presented by FPA Australia, the event will be held in Brisbane on October 21, Sydney on October 22, Melbourne on October 23, Perth on October 29 and Adelaide on October 31.
The conference's seminars will provide information such as: background on why 'plastics in construction' has turned out to be such a problem including an analysis of the current insurance climate; how various plastics found in construction actually behave in a fire; a run-down of the fire research that has been done to understand the hazard and to find a solution to protecting existing buildings; an analysis of the Risk Management Approach and alternative materials; discussion on the new fire testing protocol for internal wall and ceiling linings; and a presentation on the proposed Code of Practice for Property Protection/Protection against Business Interruption.
Speakers will include:
- Jack Kilavuz, Risk Engineer for Munich Reinsurance Company of Australasia Ltd;
- Vince Dowling, CSIRO Project Leader, Material Flammability; and
- John Rakic, founder and current Executive Officer of the Alliance for Fire & Smoke Containment.
All conference enquiries can be directed to Amy Maney at FPA Australia by phoning (03) 9890 1544, fax (03) 9890 1577 or email events@fpaa.com.au.
12.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE (ANCID)
NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
50th National Irrigation Conference
Theme:
"Catchment Companions Growing Together"
Sunday 19th B Wednesday 22 October 2003
Eastbank Centre, Shepparton, Victoria
Keynote
speakers:
- Michael Taylor (Secretary, AFFA),
- Peter Hayes (Chairman of CRC Irrigation Futures),
- Dr Sharman Stone (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment
and Heritage), and
- The Hon John Thwaites (Minister for Water, Minister for Environment and Minister
for Victorian Communities).
Topics:
- Healthy Rivers, Smarter Drainage, Performance Indicators
- Managing in Drought, Irrigation Developments, Capacity for Change
- Channel Seepage, Smarter Irrigation Increasing Production with Less Water
and Shared Vision and Partnership.
Will
feature ANCID Awards Presentation and Field Tours
Exhibition opportunities available
For further details: http://www.ancid.org.au
Professional Conference Services
137 Gardenvale Road, GARDENVALE VIC 3185
Tel: (03) 9530 6777 Fax: (03) 9530 6526
Email: services@profconferences.com
13.
EARTH, WATER, FIRE, SPIRIT: THE ESSENCE OF AUSTRALIA
Charting a sustainable future under the Southern Cross
Outback
Summit 2003
Broken Hill, NSW
22-26 October
Australia's top environment, heritage and cultural experts address the themes - Earth, Fire, Water, Spirit.
Hear and network with leaders in politics, industry, law, science, engineering, culture, community, government and agriculture.
A critical and exceptional conference addressing sustainable futures held in an historical city in the heart of the contentious Murray Darling Basin.
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
In association with the National Environment Law Association (NELA) and the Regional Cultural Alliance (RCA).
Website:
http://www.eianz.org
Ph: 03 9654 7473 Fax: 03 9650 1242
Email: conference@eianz.org
14.
28TH HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES SYMPOSIUM
The 28th Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium brings together a diverse range of academics, researchers and practicing scientists and engineers from both the public and private sectors.
The fundamental objective of the Symposium is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences and discussion of issues relating to the broad field encompassing hydrology and water resource management.
The Symposium has a strong tradition having been established more than 40 years ago. Your attendance at the 2003 Symposium will allow you to interact with specialists eager to discuss both theoretical and practical developments in an extremely diverse range of applications related to hydrology and water resources throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The Symposium is being held at the Novotel Northbeach, Wollongong NSW from 10-13 November 2003.
Keynote Speakers include:
-
Vladan Babovic
- George Kuczera
- Kathleen Bowmer
- Jackie King
Don Blackmore will present the 2003 CH Munro oration.
For
further information please refer to the Website:
http://www.hwrs2003.org.au
15.
ATSE 2003 NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
WATER - The Australian Dilemma
17-18 November 2003
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) presents a major scientific meeting focussed on finding solutions to the unique problems that Australia faces in regard to WATER.
The importance of the Symposium is highlighted by the recent drought but the challenge is for sustainable solutions.
The Symposium will be held at the Carlton Crest Hotel, Melbourne on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 November 2003 and will bring to Victoria some 300 delegates from industry, government, research organizations and educational institutions.
The Symposium will address major issues from the perspectives of Government, private industry and communities and will bring together Government Ministers, senior bureaucrats, researchers, international and Australian authorities in technology and policy fields as speakers and participants. The program will be invaluable to organizations and individuals in business or community activities with responsibilities for finding solutions to the dilemmas of water in Australia.
The objective of the Symposium is to gain integration of effort and identify new activities whereby all stakeholders can advance effective positive change in overall water management throughout Australia.
Renowned International Speakers include:
- Professor Kristalina Georgieva, Director, Environment Department, The World Bank, Washington DC, USA
- Mr Paul Gagliardo, Senior Program Director, EarthTech Inc, California USA
- Professor Uri Shamir, Director, Water Research Institute, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, ISRAEL
- Mr Ash Seetal, Director Water Allocation, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa
For further information and Registration Brochures please contact PAULA WILLIAMSON at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering on (03) 9347 0622 ; email paulaw@atse.org.au
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 faculty 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
_
5 - 6 MAY 2004
A 2 day conference covering Dangerous Goods, Hazardous Substances, Global Harmonisation, NICNAS, Prescribed Waste Disposal, Emergency Response, Security, Liability Issues, etc. Good networking opportunities with the speakers. This conference has proved to be a very successful event in the HazMat Calendar and continues to grow each year.
Rydges Riverwalk, Melbourne, 649 Bridge Richmond, Victoria 3121.
Cost: Non Members $770, Members $660, Distance Registrations $550
Presented by Fire Protection Association Australia
For further information: Call Amy on 03 9890 1544 or email: events@fpaa.com.au
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
18.
POSTGRADUATE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING
The School of Social Science and Planning at RMIT University is one of Australia's leading educators in urban and regional planning and environmental policy and management, with postgraduate programs in Environment & Planning; International Urban & Environmental Management; and Rural & Regional Sustainability (new program proposed for 2004).
Find out more at the School of Social Science and Planning Postgraduate Information Evening on Wednesday 15 October, 6pm - 8pm at the State Library of Victoria Conference Centre, Latrobe Street, Melbourne. Refreshments provided.
For more information and to RSVP please contact Sarah Lane, ph: (03) 9925-2739 or email sarah.lane@rmit.edu.au
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
19.
INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING OFFICER
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Palmerston
Professional 3 ($65 286 - $68 780)
Natural Resource Management Division
Do you want to be part of an exciting project to facilitate the development of a framework and delivery of an integrated natural resource management (INRM) plan for the whole of the Northern Territory. This critical position will co-ordinate community input, liaise with key stakeholders, and monitor progress of the strategy implementation process.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Facilitate the development of an INRM Plan and Regional Investment Strategy for the whole Northern Territory in collaboration with the Landcare Council NT.
- Co-ordinate comprehensive community input and stakeholder investments into the process of developing the INRM Plan and Regional Investment Strategy and actions.
- Ensure comprehensive input, support and endorsement by all NRM stakeholders for identified priorities, strategies and actions.
The successful applicant will have a relevant qualification.
For further information call Libby Benson on (08) 8999 4464 or for a copy of the full selection criteria call 1300 659 247 or visit web-site http://www.nt.gov.au/jobs.
Quote
Vacancy Number: 22669
Closing Date: 26 September 2003
20.
VICTORIAN COOL COMMUNITIES FACILITATOR
Environment Victoria, Carlton
Environment Victoria, Victoria's peak environment group requires a suitably qualified environmentally committed individual for the role of Victorian Cool Communities Facilitator.
Information about Cool Communities can be found at http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/coolcommunities/
The successful applicant will have:
-
Project management experience
- Experience in community education
- Experience in establishing and working with networks and partnerships
- Event management experience
- Well developed written and verbal communications skills
- Media experience
The position is full time and the salary is between $42,286 and $44,796.
For a position description please go to http://www.envict.org.au.
Applications close 5pm, September 26th 2003.
CONTACT:
Enquiries:
Daniel Voronoff, Environment Victoria
Ph: 03 9341 8100