Summary of this EnviroInfo, April 1, 2003

8,723 PEOPLE RECEIVED THIS ISSUE OF EnviroInfo

GENERAL NEWS
__________________________________________________

1. NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES DEADLINE
2. PMSEIC'S "BEYOND KYOTO" REPORT
3. NEW WATER UNIT FOR VICTORIAN DSE
4. BUSHFIRE INQUIRY
5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA APPLIES PRESSURE FOR ACTION ON
MURRAY CRISIS
6. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT PROGRAM LAUNCHED
7. ALGA TO PROVIDE GREENHOUSE ADVICE
8. WEB BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INDEX
9. NATIONAL PACKAGING COVENANT REVIEW RELEASED
10. GREEN POWER ACCREDITATION DOCUMENT UPDATED
11. COMMENT SOUGHT ON BIODIESEL STANDARD ISSUES
12. WASTE OIL DIRECTORY UPDATE

SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIUMS
__________________________________________________

13. SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN SEMINAR
14. WATER: HISTORIES, CULTURES, ECOLOGIES

CONFERENCES
__________________________________________________

15. RESEARCH CONNECTS WITH COMMUNITIES - CRCA
CONFERENCE
16. ARRB CONFERENCE
17. HYDROGEN CONFERENCE
18: GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL TAX CONFERENCE

CALL FOR PAPERS
__________________________________________________

19. 66TH ANNUAL VICTORIAN WATER INDUSTRY ENGINEERS
AND OPERATORS CONFERENCE

PUBLICATIONS
__________________________________________________

2O. ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS BOOKS RELEASED

**************************************************
ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS &
LAND AND WATER NEWSLETTERS
**************************************************

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 RESEARCH PRIORITIES DEADLINE
__________________________________________________

Research and research funding bodies have until mid-May to
submit their implementation plans for the National Research
Priorities to the Minister for Science.

The four NRPs, announced in mid-December last year, include
environmental research, under the banner of `An Environmentally
Sustainable Australia' which includes the sub-sectors of:

* water usage reduction and efficiency,

* transforming existing industries - developing new technologies to
reduce the environmental impacts of resource-based industries;

* identifying causes and solutions to land degradation using a
ultidisciplinary approach (examples include incorporating
hydrology, geology, biology and climatology) to restore land
surfaces;

* reducing emissions in energy generation and transport -
development of alternative technologies for transport and the
capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide;

* sustainable use of biodiversity; and

* development of high-technology exploration methods and novel
efficient ways of commodity extraction and processing.

For further information about the NRPs, go to
http://www.dest.gov.au/priorities/
__________________________________________________

2. PMSEIC'S 'BEYOND KYOTO' REPORT
__________________________________________________

Australian Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovations
Council has recommended to the Federal Cabinet the need for
greater research into agricultural emissions and the need to
implement a program to scope, develop, demonstrate and
implement near zero emissions coal-based electricity generation.

At the meeting of the PMSEIC, a paper `Beyond Kyoto - Innovation
and Adaptation' was presented by the Working Group which also
recommended that the identification of low greenhouse emissions
energy options be a national research priority, and also suggested
the provision of incentives for the adoption of abatement measures
along similar lines for the incentive of renenewables.

The Working group consisted of Professor Chris Fell (chair), Mr
Stuart Beil, Universal Carbon Exchange/CSIRO, Mr David Cain, Rio
Tinto Ltd, Dr Colin Grant, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Professor Paul
Greenfield, University of Queensland, and Dr John Wright, CSIRO.

For the full report go to
http://www.dest.gov.au/science/pmseic/documents/Beyond%20Kyoto%20report.pdf
__________________________________________________

3. NEW WATER UNIT FOR DSE
__________________________________________________

A new Water Sector Development Group is to be established in the
Department of Sustainability and Environment to focus on the
delivery of the Victorian Government's water sustainability agenda,
Water for the Future.

The Group will provide policy advice, management and oversight for
large-scale water infrastructure projects and management of the
new Victorian Water Trust.

The Department is currently recruiting an executive director, policy
analysts, economists and financial advisers, legal and governance
advisers, project managers, contract management advisers and
business and risk management analysts to join the Group.
_________________________________________________

4. BUSHFIRE INQUIRY
__________________________________________________

A Parliamentary committee will conduct a national inquiry into
measures that should be implemented by governments, industry
and the community to minimise the impact of bushfires on life,
property and the environment.

The inquiry will include investigation of whether existing planning
and building codes, particularly with respect to urban design and
planning, are appropriately protecting life and property from
bushfires. The issues of liability and insurance coverage will be
taken into account by the inquiry.

Appointed by the Federal House of Representatives, the Select
Committee on the Recent Australian Bushfires has invited
submissions to the inquiry, which will focus on a range of aspects
of bushfire impact.

Among the investigation's aims will be to gauge the extent of the
impact of bushfires on public and private assets.
The ability of land management practices and bushfire hazard
reduction techniques to mitigate the threat of bushfires will also be
assessed, along with the adequacy of firefighting resources and
techniques.

Submissions should be forwarded to the committee by Friday, May 9.

For further information about the inquiry or how to enter a
submission visit the committee's website:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/bushfires/index.htm

Further information can also be obtained by phoning the committee
secretariat on (02) 6277 4579 or emailing
bushfires.reps@aph.gov.au.
__________________________________________________

5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA APPLIES PRESSURE FOR ACTION ON
MURRAY CRISIS
__________________________________________________

The South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, has called for a special
meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to
address what he described as the crisis facing the River Murray,
and a state forum has called for environmental flows to be
increased by at least 1500 gigalitres per year.

Addressing a special National Press Club meeting in Adelaide, Mr
Rann said he had written to the Prime Minister and to Premiers
Bracks, Carr and Beattie, calling on them to participate as a matter
of urgency in finding a solution to the river's environmental problems.

He said that the same level of urgency should be given to dealing
with the Murray crisis as was given to terrorism following the Bali
bombing last year.

In addition to the proposed COAG meeting, Mr Rann and the SA
Minister for the Environment and for the River Murray, John Hill,
jointly staged a state forum late last month involving South
Australian State and Federal parliamentarians of all political
persuasions to consider the issues and develop a single, bipartisan
position to be submitted to the October meeting of the Murray-
Darling Ministerial Council.
__________________________________________________

6. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT PROGRAM LAUNCHED
__________________________________________________

The Western Australian Government has launched a program to
develop sustainable transport systems for the state.

The Sustainable Transport Energy Program (STEP), will consist of
a series of fuel trials and research projects, and has already
established a Transport Energy Strategy Committee, who will be
asked to examine short and long term energy needs for transport in
the state.

It will make recommendations on alternative energy sources,
priorities for research and development, education and information
strategies.

The Transport Energy Strategy Committee will comprise experts
from science, industry and stakeholder groups.
__________________________________________________

7. ALGA TO PROVIDE GREENHOUSE ADVICE
__________________________________________________

Local government is to have more influence on the development of
national environmental policy, with the Australian Local
Government Association having been invited to sit on a senior
greenhouse gas advisory group to the Council of Australian
Governments (COAG).

The ALGA will provide the High Level Group on Greenhouse
(HLGG) with advice about the effect proposed new legislation to
curb greenhouse gas emissions will have on local governments.
The HLGG advises COAG about necessary changes to state and
federal government greenhouse policy.

The advisory group has also been given the task of developing a
national greenhouse policy framework. The HLGG also consists of
Commonwealth, state and territory government officials.
______________________________________________

8. WEB BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INDEX
______________________________________________

PlanningNSW has developed a draft of a new building sustainability
index and is currently in the process of refining it for publication
later this year.

The new web-based BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) tool is
designed to assist architects, builders and developers to define and
standardise sustainable development practices in areas such as
water, energy and land use across New South Wales.

The BASIX tool has two key parts, the building and context
components.

BASIX has predominantly focused on the building component,
which assesses the response of a building proposal to the
opportunities presented by the context of the site and its
infrastructure, and focuses on energy and water savings systems
and appliances, building materials and landscaping.
__________________________________________________

9. NATIONAL PACKAGING COVENANT REVIEW RELEASED
__________________________________________________

A review of the signatories to the National Packaging Covenant has
been released, showing that preparation of action plans and annual
report needs to be improved.

The Independent Review of the National Packaging Covenant
Action Plans and Annual Reports, undertaken by GHD
Consultants, audited 104 action plans, and found that overall
average scores for the action plans were lower than expected.

The report, received last year by the Covenant Council, but only
recently released to the public, shows that:

* There was some confusion about what action plans should
contain - and which elements should apply to different types of
organisations; and

* The Environmental Code of Practice does not have high profile -
as it was rarely mentioned in action plans.

For the full report, go to
http://www.ea.gov.au/industry/waste/covenant/review/index.html
__________________________________________________

10. GREEN POWER ACCREDITATION DOCUMENT UPDATED
__________________________________________________

The National Green Power Accreditation Document has been
updated to reflect changes to the national renewable energy
accreditation program.

The document outlines the reporting and environmental criteria
behind the Green Power tick of approval to renewable energy
products.

The National Green Power Accredidation Program reviews and
accredits renewable energy products offered by energy retailers to
households and businesses across Australia.

The Green Power 'tick of approval' is consumers' guarantee that
their contributions are helping drive investment in genuine
renewable energy products in Australia.

Since 1997, over 1400 GWh of renewable energy have been sold
through the program and customer numbers have recently hit
70,000. With increasing consumer demand, Green Power remains
a relevant driver in the renewable energy market.

The draft document is open to public comment, with Green Power
welcoming feedback.

For a copy of the draft document phone 136 206, email
greenpower@seda.nsw.gov.au or visit the Green Power website
http://www.greenpower.com.au

Submissions must be forwarded by April 7 by emailing to
greenpower@seda.nsw.gov.au or faxing to (02) 9299 1519.
__________________________________________________

11. COMMENT SOUGHT ON BIODIESEL STANDARD ISSUES
__________________________________________________

Environment Australia is currently developing an Australian fuel
standard for biodiesel as part of its responsibilities under the Fuel
Quality Standards Act 2000.

The Commonwealth aims to set fuel quality standards that allow for
optimum vehicle and environmental performance.

As part of this process, Environment Australia has prepared a
discussion paper to inform stakeholders about biodiesel and its
use as a transport fuel and to generate comment on setting a
standard for biodiesel.

The paper does not recommend limits for biodiesel parameters nor
advocate the use of particular blends of biodiesel but seeks
comment on key issues.

These comments will contribute towards the development of a draft
standard for biodiesel.

In order to ensure that the most appropriate fuel quality standards
are adopted in Australia, comment on the discussion paper is
sought from all interested stakeholders and members of the public
by May 23, 2003.

To obtain a copy of the discussion paper, please contact
Environment Australia's Community Information Unit on 1800 803
772.

Alternatively, a copy can be downloaded from the internet at
http://www.ea.gov.au/atmosphere/transport/biodiesel/index.html

Written comments are to be received by May 23 and sent to:
Biodiesel Project Manager, Clean Fuels and Vehicles Section,
Environment Australia, GPO Box 787, Canberra, ACT, 2601.

Further information about Environment Australia can be found at
the website http://www.ea.gov.au
________________________________________________

12. WASTE OIL DIRECTORY UPDATE
________________________________________________

Environment Australia is updating the Waste Oil Directory for
2003/2004 and is seeking submissions from waste oil
collectors/recyclers who would like their company or organisation's
details to be included.

In 2001, Environment Australia compiled a Waste Oil Directory as
an initative of the Federal Government's Product Stewardship
Arrangements for Waste Oil.

The directory lists companies or organisations dealing with waste
oil recovery - covering collection and recycling services and drop-off
stations/collection facilities - at a local level.

This information is available to the public at
http://www.ea.gov.au/oilrecycling.

If you are a waste oil collector/recycler and would like your
company or organisation to be included in the directory, or would
like to update information on your services or facilities, please
complete and return the Product/Services Information form by 5pm
AEST, on April 11, 2003.

The Product/Services Information form is available from: Automotive
Waste Resources, Environment Australia, GPO Box 787,
Canberra, ACT, 2601, or by emailing oilrecycling@ea.gov.au,
phoning (02) 6274 1480 or faxing (02) 6274 1640.

Contact details for inclusion in the directory will only be accepted
when provided on the Product/Services Information form.

SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIUMS
________________________________________________

13. SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN SEMINAR
________________________________________________

Sustainable residential design will be the focus of a national
seminar tour to be coordinated by the Australian Greenhouse
Office and the Alternative Technology Association.

The seminars will outline how to incorporate a range of sustainable
features in any residential renovation project, including optimal
insulation, strategic orientation on a site, solar design and the re-
use of grey water.

The seminars, titled 'Sustainable Houses: Renovating Your Home',
will be held in major capital cities from May 26 to June 5. The
seminars are a follow-on from the national series 'Sustainable
Housing: Moving from Mainstream', held in early 2002.

Keynote speakers at the new seminar series will include architect
Andreas Sederof and leading building and design professional Dick
Clarke.

A small trade exhibition will also coincide with the seminars.

The seminars will be held in Brisbane on May 26; Sydney on May
27 and 28; Canberra on May 29; Melbourne on June 2 and 3;
Adelaide on June 4; and Perth on June 5.

For bookings and further information contact The Meetings
Manager on (02) 9241 2955, email meetings@tmm.com.au or visit
http://www.tmm.com.au.
________________________________________________

14. WATER: HISTORIES, CULTURES, ECOLOGIES
________________________________________________

A unique inter-disciplinary research symposium focussing on the
future of water will be held at The University of Western Australia
from 14-18 July 2003.

It will feature local and international representatives from academia,
industry, community, and government. A major focus will be putting
Australia's current water crises in global perspective.

'Jila Jumu Jiwari Wirrkuja'an exhibition of paintings about water by
Mangkaja artists from the Kimberley will be on display at the
Cullity Art Gallery, School of Architecture, UWA.

The Convenors:
Professor Jorg Imberger and Caroline Wood, Centre for Water
Research
Dr Sandy Toussaint, Anthropology
Drs Pam Sharpe and Andrea Gaynor, History
Institute of Advanced Studies

Opening 14 July 4.30 pm
The Octagon Theatre
The University of Western Australia

For further information
The Institute of Advanced Studies, UWA
Telephone: 08 93801340
Facsimile: 08 9380 1711
Email:ias@admin.uwa.edu.au
Website: http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au

WATER: histories, cultures, ecologies is supported by The
University of Western Australia, the Perth Convention Bureau, The
Pratt Foundation and the Centre for Water Research

CONFERENCES
________________________________________________

15. RESEARCH CONNECTS WITH COMMUNITIES
________________________________________________

Cooperative Research Centre Association (CRCA) Conference,

27-29 May 2003

Canberra National Convention Centre

People involved in Research, Education, Business, Industry,
Environment or Rural Issues and Ideas are invited to attend the
Annual Conference of the CRCA in Canberra during May.

The conference will explore the connections between these various
communities and how CRC research is meeting the
Commonwealth Government's National Research Priorities,
released in December last year.

The conference will focus on connections between CRCs and:

* The National Research Priorities - with views from the
Government and Federal Opposition

* Research for a safe, healthy and sustainable Australia

* Research producing "frontier" technologies

* Small and medium sized businesses

* PhD students involved in CRC programs

* Different cultures

* The assessors/reviewers of CRC programs

Keynote speakers include Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter
Doherty, and the Federal Minister for Science.

A Gala Dinner in the Great Hall of New Parliament House on
Tuesday evening, 27 May will recognise those CRCs who have
made significant achievements in innovation.

For more information contact: Caroline Jones on 02 8850 6796 or
go to: http://www.crca.asn.au/conference (register NOW - Early
bird until April 21st))

For media assistance contact: Jenni Metcalfe on 07 3846 7111 or
0408 551 866; jenni@econnect.com.au
________________________________________________

16. ARRB TRANSPORT CONFERENCE
________________________________________________

The future of transport in Australia will be explored at the 21st
ARRB Transport Research and 11th REAAA (Road Engineering
Association of Asia and Australia) Conference to be held in Cairns
from May 18 to 23.

The conference will seek to create insight into the range of
strategic responses and actions that can lead to sustainable
transport infrastructure which takes into account social, economic
and environmental needs.

A wide range of technical session topics are also being planned
and substantial early-bird registration discounts are available. Early-
bird registrations made now will also put delegates in the running
for prizes.

The closing date for early-bird registrations is April 18.

A coinciding event will be the Heads of Roads Authorities (HORA)
forum, bringing to the conference the most senior executives of
more than 50 national road agencies from across the Asia-Pacific
region.

For more information about the event, including registration details,
visit http://www.arrb.com.au/conf21/21about.htm or contact
conference coordinator Irene Taylor on (03) 9881 1607 or email
irenet@arrb.com.au
________________________________________________

17. HYDROGEN CONFERENCE
________________________________________________

The Australian Government is sponsoring a major international
conference mapping the future of hydrogen as a potential long-term
source of energy for Australia, and identifying Australia's
opportunities to contribute to world hydrogen developments.

If you are a decision maker with a strategic interest in the role of
hydrogen as a long-term future energy source, this conference will
provide essential information for you and your company.

The conference, titled 'The Hydrogen Economy: Challenges and
Strategies for Australia, Including the Tidal Energy Link', will be
held in Broome, Western Australia, from May 18 to 21, 2003.

This is a conference for key people in: industry; research;
investment; infrastructure management; policy; and production and
use of energy.

The conference will feature international and local speakers, who
will describe where we are now, explore where we are going, and
outline ways to get there.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet senior Ministers of
the Australian Government as well as international and Australian
proponents of hydrogen.

Delegates will also be able to contribute their experience,
knowledge and views in workshops about the present and future
role of hydrogen in Australia's energy mix.

The workshops will feed into a National Hydrogen Study, an
important contributor to energy policy in Australia.

For further information visit the conference website at
http://www.hartleymgt.com.au/hydrogenbroome.
The website also includes secure online registration facilities.

For further information about the National Hydrogen Study, visit the
study's website at
http://www.acilconsulting.com.au/clients/hydrogen_main.htm.

For a hard copy of the registration brochure contact Ms Rebecca
Emery of Hartley Management Group by phoning (08) 8363 4399 or
email hydrogen@hartleymgt.com.au
________________________________________________

18. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION CONFERENCE
________________________________________________

The Fourth Annual Global Conference on Environmental Taxation is
to be held in Sydney from June 5 to 7.

The conference, hosted by Macquarie University, will be an
international forum for the exchange of ideas, information and
research findings on environmental taxation.

In general, environmental tax measures either impose a tax cost on
some product or activity that is environmentally damaging, or they
give a tax benefit to some product or activity that is environmentally
beneficial.

The tax incentives for landcare programs and concessions relating
to the rehabilitation of mine sites are just two examples of activities
that are subject to environmental taxation rules.

All categories of taxes - direct and indirect - potentially can
incorporate environmental tax measures, and all levels of
government - local, state and federal - can consider environmental
taxes.

In some instances, environmental taxes may complement
environmental regulation, and in others they may provide an option
when regulation is not appropriate.

For further information about the conference phone Macquarie
University Senior Lecturer Mr Hope Ashiabor on (02) 9850 8457 or
Macquarie University Administrative Assistant Ms Jenny Shedden
on (02) 9850 7061.

CALL FOR PAPERS
________________________________________________

19. CALL FOR PAPERS - 66th ANNUAL VICTORIAN WATER
INDUSTRY ENGINEERS AND OPERATORS CONFERENCE
________________________________________________

To be staged in Shepparton Vic on 3rd and 4th September 2003

Papers are invited from all sectors of the Water Industry and may
address any topic relevant to the Industry including :

* New or innovative technology

* Water resource management

* Advances in water or wastewater treatment

* Trade or industrial waste

* Biosolids or reclaimed water re-use practices

* Automation

* Control of algae in water or wastewater

* Process management or monitoring

* Operations and maintenance

* Asset management

* Safety Management or OHS issues

* Improving efficiency

Submission of Abstracts:
Intending presenters should submit a half page (100 word) abstract
in a format compatible with Microsoft Word outlining contents of
the proposed Paper to:

WIOA Secretary, 64 Brauman St, Shepparton, Vic 3630.
Or
E.mail: secretary@awwoa.org.au

Please include the following information:

* Title of abstract

* Contact details

* Name of principal author

* Organisation

* Postal address

* E-mail

Telephone, fax, mobile numbers.

Deadlines: Submission of abstracts - 12 April, 2003
Notification of Selection - 17th April, 2003
Submission of Final - 27 June, 2003

PUBLICATIONS
________________________________________________

20. ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS BOOKS RELEASED
________________________________________________

The first two books in a new series on environmental solutions
published by The Federation Press in conjunction with Land &
Water Australia are now available:

Managing Australia's Environment, edited by Stephen Dovers and
Su Wild River (2003, ISBN 1862874476, PB, 564pp, rrp $75.00).
Special price $70.00, quote ref. MP700.

Australia's resource and environmental management institutions
and policies are examined against the requirements of ecologically
sustainable development. Experts in their fields engage with policy,
management and legal issues across the spectrum of government
and a diverse range of sectors. They conclude with a rich source of
recommendations for purposeful, adaptive policy and institutional
responses.

For more information, visit:
http://www.federationpress.com.au/Books/DoversWildRiver.htm

Reinventing the Common: Cross-Boundary Farming for a
Sustainable Future, by Sima Williamson, David Brunckhorst and
Gerard Kelly (2003, ISBN 1862874360, PB, 200pp, rrp $39.95).
Special price $35.00, quote ref. MP700.

Many Australian farms, too small to be economically viable, are
struggling.

Land suffers as environmental issues cannot usually be resolved
within a single farm's boundaries. This book suggests a potential
solution: neighbouring landowners managing their land as a
common region. Through the experience of four grazing families
who formed Tilbuster Commons, this book explains the old idea of
"commons" and how it fits into modern Australian real property law.

For more information, visit:
http://www.federationpress.com.au/Books/Williamson.htm.

To order, contact The Federation Press, phone (02) 9552 2200, or
email sales@federationpress.com.au.

To advertise in EnviroInfo, please contact Hallmark Editions

See also:
Environment Business