EnviroInfo

January 20, 2003

EnviroInfo, previously known as LAWNInfo, is a fortnightly information and employment service for people involved in the natural resources and environment management fields. It is free to receive, but there is a charge to advertise.

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SUMMARY OF THIS EnviroInfo (details are below):
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GENERAL NEWS
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1. NEW PLANNING POLICY FOR ACID SULPHATE SOILS
2. WA CONCEDES ON NAP BILATERAL
3. SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING CODE
4. GREENHOUSE SAVINGS ON-SITE
5. SALINITY INTERCEPTION SCHEMES WIN ENGINEERING AWARD
6. COMBATING SALINITY WITH COMMUNITY PLANNING
7. CITY OF MELBOURNE TO CUT WATER USAGE
8. CALL FOR PROJECT APPLICATIONS

CONFERENCES
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9. SECOND ANNUAL WIND ENERGY CONFERENCE
10. AARES 2003, Fremantle WA
11. IN SEARCH OF SUSTAINABILITY (ISOS)

POSITION AVAILABLE
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12. ECOREGION PROGRAM MANAGER (NORTH REGION)

SHORT COURSE
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13. RIVER STYLES (SHORT COURSE)

WORKSHOPS
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14. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS

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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. NEW PLANNING POLICY FOR ACID SULPHATE SOILS
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The Queensland Government has introduced its new State Planning Policy to help plan and manage development on land affected by acid sulphate soils.
The policy, Planning and Managing Development Involving Acid Sulphate Soils, will apply to 42 coastal local government areas and will help to avoid the potentially negative effects that disturbance of these soils could have on the environment, infrastructure and human health. Sulphate soils can cause corrosion of aluminium, concrete and steel infrastructure, as well as death of both land-based and aquatic vegetation.
Acid sulphate soils occur naturally on about 2.3 million hectares of low-lying coastal areas in Queensland, mostly in those areas less than five metres above sea level.

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2. WA CONCEDES ON NAP BILATERAL
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The Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments have finally signed a bilateral agreement under the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, more than two years after the Plan was announced and after what the WA Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, described as "months of difficult and frustrating negotiations with the Howard Government".
The agreement was reached after the WA Government was forced to give ground on its demand that all the funding it had committed to combating salinity be recognised by the Commonwealth as part of its contribution under the NAP.
Dr Gallop said that while the Commonwealth had been prepared to recognise existing expenditure commitments from other States such as New South Wales, no such recognition was made for WA.

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3. SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING CODE
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Sustainability reporting has been standardised following the release of the Towards Leadership Code which provides a set of criteria for businesses to establish, assess and benchmark triple-bottom line agendas.
Authored by ENERGEX in consultation with the Banksia Environmental Foundation, the Code has been released to simplify the process of sustainability reporting, to allow more companies to undertake the reporting.
The release of the code follows Energex's third placing in the Reputation Index. Banksia can be contacted on (03) 9419 7188

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4. GREENHOUSE SAVINGS ON-SITE
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Substantial greenhouse emission reductions can be made by generating electricity on-site by industry and local government, according to researchers from CSIRO Energy Technology.
The researchers believe that the use of microturbines will enable offices, factories and workplaces to generate their own electricity from natural gas and cut losses and greenhouse emissions significantly.
To demonstrate this, the scientists are installing a 60 kW microturbine (a small gas turbine) in conjunction with a desiccant-based dehumidification system for the Hornsby Council in NSW.
For further information, contact Dr Rob Helstroom, Research Scientist, CSIRO Energy Technology on (02) 9490 8708.

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5. SALINITY INTERCEPTION SCHEMES WIN ENGINEERING AWARD
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River Murray Salt interception schemes at Woolpunda and Waikerie have been awarded the Institution of Engineering, Australia's top award for 2002, the Sir William Hudson Award for the most outstanding engineering project.
The schemes, developed by the SA Water Corporation and Australian Water Environments, in collaboration with the Murray Darling Basin Commission, comprise a system of 60 bores intercepting groundwater from within the Mannum Formation (limestone).
Bores are located on either side of the river at Woolpunda and on the Southern Side of the river at Waikerie and have been in operation for a number of years. For further information contact Darren Smith, AWE, on Tel: (08) 8363 7050.

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6. COMBATING SALINITY WITH COMMUNITY PLANNING
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Fourteen NSW councils comprising the Central West Salinity Alliance have received one of the state's top planning awards for the alliance's coordination of community planning to avoid the economic and environmental threats posed by salinity.
The alliance won the 2002 President's Award for Planning Excellence in NSW, the top award at the Planning Institute of Australia (NSW Division) annual awards. The alliance also won a category prize.
To contact one of the alliance's member councils, Dubbo City Council, phone (02) 6881 4222.

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7. CITY OF MELBOURNE TO CUT WATER USAGE
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Melbourne City Council has released for public comment a draft 20-year strategy to cut water consumption in the city by 15 per cent through a range of innovative measures.
The City of Melbourne, Melbourne Water and the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives jointly produced the draft Sustainable Water Management Strategy, which aims to reduce water consumption and improve stormwater quality across the municipality.
If the City of Melbourne continues to use water at its current rate, total demand would nearly double by the year 2020. The draft strategy proposes a range of actions to reduce water consumption including the installation of water-efficient devices and equipment in all council buildings, landscapes and public facilities.
It suggests reducing the number of fountains in public and private spaces, using new technology for more efficient irrigation and the introduction of drought-tolerant plants in the city's parks and gardens. For more information or to obtain a copy of the draft strategy phone the City of Melbourne on (03) 9658 9658 or go to www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

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8. CALL FOR PROJECT APPLICATIONS
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Applications are invited for projects commencing April 2003
Green Corps offers young Australians an opportunity to receive quality training while participating in projects that significantly contribute to environmental and cultural heritage initiatives.
Green Corps projects are community based; are of six months duration (but will include a variety of activities with one or more Green Corps Partner Agencies) and are primarily located in regional and remote areas of Australia. Applications are open to organisations with an interest in seeing significant environment or heritage work being undertaken by Green Corps participants. Such organisations include community, youth and environmental establishments and local, State and Commonwealth Government agencies with an interest in contributing to Australia's natural and cultural heritage. All works undertaken under the Green Corps program must be consistent with appropriate environmental government strategies and acts.
Project activities can include: Land, water and wildlife survey; Data collection: Landcare or coastcare activities: Access control: Bush regeneration: Habitat protection and restoration: Environmental weed control: Walking track construction: Eco-tourism: Community education; Restoration activities for environment and cultural heritage
Contact Green Corps office on 1800 077 700 to receive a Partner Agency Proposal form. greencorps.com.au
Green Corps is a Commonwealth Government initiative

CONFERENCES
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9. SECOND ANNUAL WIND ENERGY CONFERENCE
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31 March - 1 April
Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

The biggest new development to hit Australia's power industry is wind energy. Australia has all the right ingredients to develop a thriving wind energy industry, in particular high wind speeds and uninhabited land. To add to this, the Renewable Energy Act has enforced that buyers of wholesale electricity purchase a certain percentage of renewable power, thus pushing up the demand for "green" power of any type.
On a global scale wind generation is booming, and is growing at a rate of more than 20% per annum. Europe has well established commercial wind energy technology, which should lead to a fall in equipment costs and an improvement in engineering, thus making the development of a wind industry more and more attractive in Australia.
The power industry expects that by 2010, there will be an investment of A$10 billion wind energy in Australia. In SA alone, the government is planning to establish 960 wind towers in the next two years. With this in mind IBC Conferences are proud to present their Second Annual Wind Energy Conference, due to be held on the 31st March and 1st April 2003 at the Hilton on the Park, Melbourne.
Key speakers include Dr Sharman Stone, Parliamentary Secretary Environment and Heritage; David Rossiter, Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator; Rick Zentelis, Director of Government and Infrastructure, Department of Environment and Heritage (Environment Australia) and Jeff Harding, Managing Director, Pacific Hydro to name but a few.
Full details are on-line at www.ibcoz.com.au/windenergy or call 02 9080 4307. Alternatively, please e-mail registration@informa.com.au for a brochure.

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10. AARES 2003, FREMANTLE WA
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12-14 February 2003
The 2003 Conference of the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society will be held at the Esplanade Hotel in the heart of Fremantle. History, heritage, culture and art come together in the colourful 19th Century port city of Fremantle, making it one of Australia's most exciting destinations. The Conference will run from Wednesday to Friday, with Pre-Conference workshops on the Tuesday.
Two pre-conference workshops will be run on Tuesday 11th February. One workshop on Salinity the other on Managing Climatic Risk. Both subjects are highly topical and should prove to be very interesting. As a sign of interest in climatic risk and multi-peril insurance, the WA Minister for Agriculture will open the second workshop.
For further information and the conference registration brochure go to the AARES website http://www.agric.uwa.edu.au/ARE/AARES/ or,
the conference website http://www.agric.uwa.edu.au/ARE/AARES/Conf2003/MainFrame.html,
Or, contact Louise Perkins, Conference Coordinator
All Occasions Management 41 Anderson St THEBARTON SA 5031
Ph 08 8354 2285 Fax 08 8354 1456
E-mail louise@aomevents.com

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11. IN SEARCH OF SUSTAINABILITY (ISOS)
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Call for papers and registration
An innovative internet conference will be held over nine months from February to October in 2003. It will provide an electronic venue for the exchange ideas on issues that will affect the long-term sustainability of Australia.
A different theme will be addressed each month. These are:
February: Water;
March: Human Health and Well-being;
April: Land use and natural ecosystems;
May: Energy;
June: Equity and Peace;
July: Economic systems;
August: Climate;
September: Labour Force and Work;
October: Transportation and Urban Design.
One keynote paper for each theme will be posted on the web-site and then a further nine papers at the beginning of each month. Registrants will have access to all papers and the opportunity to post two comments a month.
In November, a face-to-face conference will be held in Canberra to review the material covered. Papers are hereby invited. They must be 1500 words, accompanied by a 150 word summary, and not include more than ten references.
Further information: http://www.isosconference.org.au.

POSITION AVAILABLE
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12. ECOREGION PROGRAM MANAGER (NORTH REGION)
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WWF Australia is seeking an experienced manager for its ecoregion conservation program in the northern Murray-Darling Basin. Of particular importance will be the formation of partnerships with regional delivery bodies established under the NHT and NAPSWQ.
The position will also support the continuation and expansion of WWF projects in Queensland coastal catchments.
Critical to the job will be demonstrated experience in achieving positive outcomes through regional planning processes, natural resources management (especially land, water and biodiversity), and stakeholder processes. A person with clear leadership, strategic planning skills and enthusiasm is required. This position will be based in Brisbane and will require regular travel.
A full position description is available on our website www.wwf.org.au and enquiries may be directed to Noel Ainsworth, Regional Manager - North on 07 3839 2677.
Please send applications, addressing the selection criteria to Gabriella Feller, WWF Australia, GPO Box 528, Sydney NSW 2001 or via email gfeller@wwf.org.au by Friday, 7th February 2003.

SHORT COURSE
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13. RIVER STYLES (SHORT COURSE)
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Date: 17th-21st March 2003
Venue: Goulburn, NSW
Duration: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
Presenters: A. Prof. Gary Brierley, Dr Kirstie Fryirs

River Styles( provides 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 (inc. GST)
Price includes course booklets, site visits and bus hire, venue and morning/afternoon tea. It does not include travel to/from Goulburn, meals, accommodation.

Course contents:

* Monday morning- lecture

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

* Wednesday - identifying and interpreting River Styles

* Thursday - field analysis of sites identified from air photos

* Friday - geomorphic condition, recovery and management applications

Application forms:
Ros Green at Macquarie Research Ltd
Ph: (02) 9850 9716 Fax: (02) 9850 8128 rgreen@mrl.mq.edu.au
Information on River Styles or course contents, contact Kirstie Fryirs at Macquarie University (02) 9850 8367 Fax: (02) 9850 8420 kfryirs@els.mq.edu.au

WORKSHOPS
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14. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
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A range of environmental management courses are being offered
throughout February, April and May by Business Excellence Australia, a division of Standards Australia International.
The full-day events include Environmental Risk Management (18-21 February); Introduction to Environmental Management Systems, (7-11 April); Implementing Environmental Management Systems - Intermediate Level (12-16 May); and Auditing, Quality, Environmental and OH&S Management Systems (30 April-6 May).
These informative workshops will be helpful to any organisation wishing to identify and control environmental risk, whilst creating measurable improvements in performance.
Companies with effective Environmental Management Systems have discovered how to reduce waste, make more efficient use of resources, cut costs, and ultimately improve their bottom line. The Environmental Management Systems course will be offered between February 18 to 21 in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with pricing set at $400 for members and $440 for non-members.Key speaker will be David Moy, Director of techSearch Waste and Environment Services.
By the end of the course participants should be able to display competencies including: an understanding of when and how to apply Risk Management standard AS/NZS 4360 to environmental and related business risks; knowledge of why good risk communication is a critical part of your risk management strategy; and the ability to improve
communication with stakeholders when their perceived risks are high.
For further information please visit the website:
www.events.standards.com.au or phone 1300 65 65 29.

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OTHER SERVICES:
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We produce other information services for Australian land, water and environment professionals. They are:

LAND AND WATER NEWS is a monthly 24 page newsletter for natural resource managers and professionals. It reports on land and water news, reports, analysis and legislative developments at the State and Federal level, as well as findings on natural resource management, salinity, water policy and greenhouse issues.

ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS is a 24 page monthly newsletter which aims to keep environment managers fully informed of news and developments including Federal and State legislation, policies and programs in the areas of water, waste management, natural resource management, renewable energy, and business developments.

The SECOND EDITION OF THE AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENT DIRECTORY is a 412 page guide to the environment sector at Federal and State levels, allowing readers to quickly identify which departments and agencies are responsible for programs and relevant legislation. The programs include air quality, catchment management, greenhouse, renewable energy, salinity, land, coastal and marine management. More than 700 organisations, research bodies, and educational institutions are listed in this comprehensive directory.

If you would like more details about these publications please send an email to hallmark@halledit.com.au to the attention of Ruth or order through our website at http://www.halledit.com.au

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EnviroInfo
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Tel: 03-9530-8900 Fax: 03-9530-8911
Email: hallmark@halledit.com.au

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Environment Business