EnviroInfo
July 25, 2003
SUMMARY
CONFERENCES
& SYMPOSIUMS
11. 12th ANNUAL COASTAL CONFERENCE
12. 2003 VICTORIAN FLOOD MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
13. US PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERTS SPEAKING TOUR
14. EIANZ OUTBACK SUMMIT 2003 - "Earth, Water, Fire, Spirit"
GENERAL
NEWS
1.
INQUIRY INTO PEST AND WEED MANAGEMENT
The Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
References Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the regulation, control
and management of invasive species and whether the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Invasive Species) Bill 2002 could assist
in improving the current statutory and administrative arrangements.
The inquiry will examine the nature and extent of the threat that invasive species pose to the Australian environment and economy and the estimated cost of different responses to the environmental issues associated with invasive species, including early eradication, containment, damage mitigation and inaction.
Submissions
to the inquiry are required by October 10. For further information contact Tel:
(02) 6277 3526.
2. FIRST REGIONAL MARINE PLAN RELEASED FOR COMMENT
The Draft South-East Regional Marine Plan, which has been under preparation for the past five years, has been released, proposing a framework for improved information sharing and linkages between government agencies involved with marine and estuarine management.
The plan aims to improve existing management arrangements, rather than introducing new legislation, and includes the further development of a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of marine protected areas.
It proposes the development of a performance assessment system that measures the health of oceans and the industries and communities that depend on or use marine resources; development of risk assessment techniques that enable assessment of multiple and sequential uses as well as of potential cumulative impacts; improvements in regulatory efficiency which allow industry to operate efficiently while ensuring that appropriate community safeguards are in place; and improved development of an Integrated Oceans Process (fully described in the companion document Oceans Policy: Principles and Processes) to ensure consistent and transparent Commonwealth decision making.
The
draft Plan is open for comment until 17 October, 2003. It can be downloaded
at http://www.oceans.gov.au
3.
LIVING MURRAY INVESTMENT PROGRAM DETAILED
Details of the first phase of a seven-year program for the investment of $150
million in structural and operational modifications of works along the Murray
have been announced by the Murray Darling Basin Council.
Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss, who chairs the Council, said the program aims to use water currently available to improve the health of the River Murray and its catchments with minimal impact on those communities using water from the River.
The Living Murray Proposal for Investment, which was submitted to the Council in September last year, provides for an estimated expenditure of $48m over the first three years. Indicative expenditures include: Adaptive Management (a formal process for continually improving management by learning from the outcomes of management interventions) - $1 million; Improved Fish Management - $25 million; Improving Floodplain Health - $17.5 million; Improved Management of the Murray Mouth, Coorong and Lower Lakes - $2 million; Improved Flow Management (Hume Dam to the Barmah-Millewa Forest) - $2 million; Future Works - $0.5 million.
4.
LOCAL GOVT AND PLANNING COUNCIL PUSHES FOR
URBAN WATER RECYCLING
The inaugural meeting of the Local Government and Planning Ministers' Council,
held last month in Darwin, has agreed on the need to include urban water reuse
in the National Water Reform Framework.
The Council, which comprises Local Government and Planning Ministers and the Australian Local Government Association , discussed the need for national guidelines for water recycling and water-sensitive urban design to facilitate an integrated whole of water cycle approach to water management.
It
recommended the inclusion of water recycling in the National Framework and agreed
to also seek inclusion of urban water reuse in the Framework. In particular
the Council agreed to work in partnership with the Resource Management Council
as well as the National Environmental Protection and Heritage Council in the
area of water recycling and water sensitive urban design.
5.
. QUEENSLAND LAND USE MAPS COMPLETED
Land use maps have been completed for 28 coastal catchments from the
New South Wales border to Townsville in north Queensland, including the major
catchments of the Brisbane, Mary and Burnett Rivers as part of the Queensland
Land Use Mapping Project (QLUMP).
The Project, funded by The Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, aims to produce baseline datasets of land use for the entire state as at 1999 in accordance with the Australian Land Use and Management (ALUM) classification.
This requires data with spatial and attribute accuracy for applications including the management of salinity and water quality, as well as monitoring of land use change at catchment scale.
For further info on QLUMP visit: http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/science/lump/ or phone Christian Witte, 07 3896 9832.
6.
DRAFT SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NRM BILL RELEASED FOR COMMENT
The South Australian Draft Natural Resources Management Bill has been released and a period of public consultation has begun, with submissions required by August 15.
The Bill repeals the Animal and Plant Control Act, the Soil Conservation and Land Care Act and the Water Resources Act, replacing them with legislation to integrate the use and management of natural resources in South Australia.
It provides for the creation of an integrated management structure to replace the current system of 64 boards and committees. The new system will comprise eight regional NRM boards, local NRM groups; a Natural Resources Management Council to advise the Government on NRM issues; and the consolidation of existing levies into a single NRM levy.
The Draft Natural Resources Management Bill and an explanatory document, as well as the schedule for a series of consultation workshops, can be downloaded at http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/
COURSES & PROGRAMS
7. STORMWATER
REGIONAL TRAINING COURSES IN NSW
Stormwater Industry Association NSW
Regional Training Program in Stormwater and Erosion & Sediment Control
SIA NSW is bringing Stormwater training courses from the cities into your region to assist in minimising staff away time and travel costs and to strengthen local networks, providing solutions for local stormwater issues:
*
Introduction to Stormwater Pollution and Stormwater Management
* Stormwater Treatment Techniques
* Stormwater Outlet Design
* Aspects of Piped Drainage Design
* Introduction to Erosion & Sediment Control
* Development of Erosion & Sediment Control Plans
* Designing Erosion & Sediment Control Measures
* Instream Sediment Control
* Energy Dissipater Design
* Natural Channel Design
* Treatment of Creek and Gully Erosion
* Design of Environmentally Sensitive Waterway Crossings
GRAFTON; NEWCASTLE; SYDNEY; ORANGE; CANBERRA; BEGA;
WOLLONGONG.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: New Council planners and engineers, designers, developers, consultants - Any stormwater practitioners who require an introduction to stormwater or ESC issues or training in specific design or treatment techniques.
Full
and half day courses are running August to December. BOOK NOW!!!
More detailed information available on the SIA website link:
http://www.stormwater.asn.au/nsw/Witheridgecoursesfinal.doc
SIA LUNCHTIME WSUD SEMINAR, Bicentennial Park Visitors Centre
*Wetlands in WSUD 14th August, 2003.
This seminar will present a case study of a constructed OSD wetland project on an industrial estate in Sydney's west, together with a 'hands-on' overview of a range of useful wetland plants. The James Hardie Q-guard and Swale pit will also be discussed.
This seminar will benefit stormwater practitioners, Council officers, developers, landscape consultants, and consulting engineers.
SEMINAR COST: $60.00 (SIA Members: $45.00) each
REGISTRATION
INFORMATION at this link:
http://www.stormwater.asn.au/nsw/AUG14flierfinal.doc
MORE
INFORMATION: SIA Secretariat, info@stormwater.asn.au or phone 1300 76 11 22.
8. UNSW ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING SHORT COURSE
25 - 29 August 2003
The School of Safety Science and the UNSW Environment Management Program Unit have designed a new short course to help professionals develop their skills in environmental auditing and meet requirements as a QSA Approved Auditing Training Course (Reg. No. EA70) for Professionals seeking Environmental Auditor Certification.
Candidates will receive a QSA endorsed certificate on successful completion of the course, and will be eligible to apply for inclusion in the QSA Register of Certified Auditors, subject to work experience and qualification criteria.
The Environmental Auditing Short Course is a must for environmental managers of both small and large businesses, service organisations and interested professionals.
Experts from academia, government and industry will examine in detail the environmental auditing process and its applications.
The Short Course will be held at the University of New South Wales, Kensington Campus, 25-29 August 2003. The cost is $1,815 per person (GST inclusive).
For further information contact:
Daniela
Leonte
Phone: (02) 9385 4744
E-mail: D.Leonte@unsw.edu.au
or
Paul Osmond
Phone: (02) 9385 4915/ Mob: 0414 385 610
E-mail: P.Osmond@unsw.edu.au
University
of New South Wales
Sydney 2052
Fax: (02) 9385 6190
Website: http://www.safesci.unsw.edu.au/ea
PUBLICATIONS
9.
ECOS: COMMUNICATING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ENVIRONMENT
AND INDUSTRY
Ecos (http://www.publish.csiro.au/ecos) is Australia's premier magazine exploring the key issues of sustainability in the environment and industry.
Backed by 27 years of awarded excellence for environmental journalism, and published by CSIRO, Ecos is essential reading for key decision-makers, business leaders, and anyone who cares about our environment.
Subscribe (http://www.publish.csiro.au/ecos/index.cfm?sid=20) for just $30 to stay up-to-date and get the bigger picture in the fast evolving sustainability revolution in Australia. Your subscription contributes directly to affecting change through communication.
Read the latest issue free online http://www.publish.csiro.au/ecos/index.cfm?sid=10&issue_id=3627 .
It features articles on sustainability in industry, including:
* Building corporate sustainability: stepping forward generate profits.
* A blue print for change: a profile of the Wentworth Group's vision for Australia.
* Greg Bourne on BP Australia's initiatives.
Or
you can email us for a sample copy of the latest issue:
publishing.sales@csiro.au
Advertising enquiries: ecos@csiro.au
10. TIMBER PRESS NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA!
Bloomings Books has recently been appointed distributor in Australia for Timber Press Inc., the world's largest publisher of botanical and horticultural books. For the first time, these wonderful books will be readily available at reasonable prices. For a free catalogue and an extra discount contact the Green Book Co (see details below).
EAGLES, HAWKS AND FALCONS OF AUSTRALIA (2nd Edtn) By David Hollands.
Swift, powerful and rapacious, eagles, hawks and falcons have fascinated mankind from the beginning of history. Literature and folklore are filled with references to these regal birds. The award winning first edition has been out of print for many years. For this new edition, chapters have been expanded and many new photographs add visual impact.
There are 24 raptor species in Australia and David Hollands spent twelve years studying and photographing them in the wild. This is a beautifully balanced blend of writing and photography with an essay on each species: detailed, evocative and drawn almost entirely from the author's own observations. A comprehensive range of photographs - and a new field guide.
The price of this large book (29 X 21cm and 300 pages) has been kept to $49.95 due to a financial assistance grant. A further discount is available by contacting the Green Book Co (see below).
GREEN BOOK CO WEB SITE
For conservation and horticultural books, contact the Green Book Company or visit http://www.greenbook.com.au. We have nearly 3,000 titles in stock and are pleased to find those difficult books for you. Ring (03) 9427 8866 or (1800 646 533 for outside Melbourne) and let them know where you read this advertisement to ensure a 10% discount.
CONFERENCES & SEMINARS
11.
12th ANNUAL COASTAL CONFERENCE
The
NSW Coastal Conference 2003 will be held in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia,
on 4-7 November 2003. The Theme of this years event is 'Surging Ahead: Success
Stories in Coastal Management' - this will be reflected in the program by a
focus on ideas, policies and case studies which give us solutions for the problems
we face in coastal communities.
Some of the features of this conference will be streamed sessions to allow delegates a wider choice of topics, discussion forums and interactive presentations for thorough coverage of the issues. Trade displays and field trips for hands-on experience will also be incorporated into the program. Ample breaks and social events will provide excellent networking opportunities.
Expressions of Interest (EoI's) are now being sought for Speakers, Sponsors, Delegates and Exhibitors - complete and return the online EoI to receive all the latest information and to nominate for your involvement.
Go to http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/coastalconference.
Alternatively, phone the organisers, Impact Environmental Conferences on 61-2-65827122, or email: nswcoastalconference@impactenviro.com.au for more information.
Don't miss out on this event.... It's sure to be a highlight of the coastal management calendar for 2003!
12.
2003 VICTORIAN FLOOD MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
REGISTER
NOW for the 2003 Victorian Flood Management Conference
Horsham, Victoria
8 - 10 October 2003
Healthy floodplains, wealthy future is the theme of the 2003 Victorian Flood Management Conference.
The Key Note Speaker is high-profile television personality Rob Gell, Victoria's National Nine News weather presenter. Also a coastal geomorphologist, environmental consultant and advocate of ecologically-sustainable business, Rob Gell will bring an amazing mix of experience and insight to the conference.
The conference is aimed at people from the private and public sectors involved in floodplain management and flood prevention, response and recovery. Conference organisers would like to encourage those interested to be a part of this exciting event, which will provide valuable networking, learning and information sharing opportunities.
Flooding is a significant community issue throughout Australia. Victoria alone has an average annual flood damage bill of more than $120 million.
The 2003 conference builds on the success of the past two conferences and will focus on the growing significance of our floodplains. It will also focus on the interdependence of the health of our rivers and floodplains.
The conference will cover a broad range of interest areas including planning for sound floodplain management, balancing rural uses on floodplains, technology advances, minimizing risk and flooding in the urban environment.
To
register for this great event, download the registration form and brochure from
the conference website (http://www.vicfloodconference.com.au)
or phone Horsham Rural City Council on 03 5382 9777 for a copy of the brochure.
13. US PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERTS SPEAKING TOUR
The Waste Management Association of Australia assisted by PhytoLink Australia, is bringing three leading US experts to Australia for a two week national seminar tour.
The experts will present the case for implementing the innovative and cost effective technology of 'phytoremediation'. Phytotechnologies can provide attractive alternatives to conventional clean-up strategies because of lower capital and maintenance costs and aesthetics.
Phytoremediation uses scientifically selected and located plants to contain or degrade contaminants in soil, ground water, surface water and sediments.
Such plants can be used as 'bio-pumps' (eg in capping and groundwater control) and to remediate sites contaminated by organic compounds (eg petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated compounds, pesticides and explosive compounds) and by inorganics (eg heavy metals, arsenic and selenium).
The seminars will be led by Steve Rock, Senior Environmental Engineer (USEPA). With Bill Albright, Research Hydrologist (Desert Research Institute) and Dr Ari Ferro (Phytokinetics Inc.) will assist in Brisbane. Selected Australian experts will provide a local perspective.
Seminars: all mainland capital cities, Monday 28 July - Friday 8 August.
REGISTRATIONS:
Phone 02 95997511 or http://www.wmaa.asn.au/phyto.html
14. EIANZ OUTBACK SUMMIT 2003 - "Earth, Water,
Fire, Spirit"
Broken Hill, NSW, 23-25 October
EIANZ Outback Summit will be a valuable opportunity for delegates to access the experience of Australian and International keynote speakers. In particular, presenting a unique networking event for expert Australian and New Zealand environmental professionals.
The Regional Cultural Alliance will offer the Summit a fresh element: reviewing the important relationship between environment and culture. Concurrent sessions allowing for a wide choice of subjects, feature speakers from the National Environmental Law Association, and organised field trips for special interest groups will guarantee an informative yet enjoyable experience.
The modern conference facilities of Broken Hill create an impressive main venue against the backdrop of a beautiful desert landscape. Delegates will be able to benefit from visits to the local heritage, ecological, aboriginal and mining sites, scrumptious restaurants and cafes and insightful local and indigenous art galleries. An experience not to be missed!
For
further information contact:
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
Tel: (03) 9654 7473
Email: conference@eianz.org
or visit our web site: http://www.eianz.org
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