Summary of this EnviroInfo, October 2, 2002

6,825 PEOPLE RECEIVED THIS ISSUE OF EnviroInfo

GENERAL NEWS
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1. SUSTAINABILITY SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL
2. CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING FORUM
3. CARBON CONSORTIUM
4. THE END RESULT OF WATER REFORM
5. NEW GUIDELINES FOR ENERGY TO WASTE TECHNOLOGY
6. RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP DELAYED
7. AEA AND SEIA MERGE
8. DRAFT NATIVE FISH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CONSULTS PUBLIC
9. CLIMATE CHANGE: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY - NEW INFORMATION
BOOKLETS RELEASED
10. MODEL EMS FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
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11. THE CHANGING COLOURS OF WATER
12. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WORKSHOP - 3 DAY
WORKSHOP

CONFERENCES & FORUMS
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13. SUSTAINABILITY & BUSINESS STRATEGY
14. SALINITY AND WATER QUALITY ROUNDTABLE
15. WASTE 2002 CONFERENCE & TECHNICAL TOUR

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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16. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST/CONSULTANT
17. SITE INVESTIGATION & REMEDIATION ENGINEERS/SCIENTISTS -
CONTAMINATED LAND

OPPORTUNITIES
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18. CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS

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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.

GENERAL NEWS
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1. SUSTAINABILITY SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL
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The Global Environmental Management Initiative has released a self-assessment tool designed to assist companies to evaluate, plan for and integrate the principles of sustainable development into business processes. The tool, Exploring Pathways to a Sustainable Enterprise: SD Planner, addresses all three aspects of sustainable development: environmental impact, economic development, and social equity as well as activities that can be undertaken toward achieving those goals.
To download the SD Planner go to http://www.gemi.org

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2. CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING FORUM
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The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has begun to have an impact in Australia, with a forum hosted by Westpac Banking Corporation held recently about the role of corporate accountability, transparency, and reporting in ensuring sustainable business and social outcomes.
Among the speakers at the Forum on Corporate Sustainability Reporting were Dr Judy Henderson, chair of the GRI, Hugh Morgan, CEO of WMC Ltd, Ian Wood, VP Sustainable Development, BHP Billiton, and Michael Bray, Global Executive Partner, Energy and Natural Resources, KPMG.
For transcripts of the proceedings, go to
http://globalreporting.org/Events/2002/Australia/Index.htm

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3. CARBON CONSORTIUM
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Rothschild Australia and E3 International are set to become key players in the international carbon credit trading market, an emerging commodity market that analysts estimate could be worth up to US$150 billion by 2012.
Rothschild Australia and E3 International have announced their intention to launch the Carbon Ring Consortium - an investment vehicle that will provide companies with an innovative way of learning about and understanding their risks in the new carbon market.
The Carbon Ring Consortium allows companies, with a future carbon liability, to purchase a range of carbon credits and obtain a practical insight into the operation of this new market.
For further details contact Richard Martin on (02) 9323 2000.

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4. THE END RESULT OF WATER REFORM
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The National Competition Council has released a research paper examining the future of the water industry once the national water reforms are in place. The paper found that it would be a considerable time before the full benefits of all the reforms are realised, especially the environmental outcomes, but some reforms were already showing tangible benefits.
The paper predicted that the water industry would remain predominantly publicly owned, and wastewater treatment and disposal and recycling activities will form a larger component of the industry.
The costs of water reform to GDP, such as diversion of water to the environment, could be confined if more efficient use of water compensates for the loss of supply.
The paper, A Viable and Sustainable Water Industry, can be downloaded at http://www.ncc.gov.au

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5. NEW GUIDELINES FOR ENERGY TO WASTE TECHNOLOGY
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The Waste Management Association of Australia is to prepare a Sustainability Guide for Energy from Waste Projects following a series of workshops to be
held around the nation.
The Association is also developing an Industry Code of Practice for EfW following stakeholder consultation, which will be held on the following dates:
Melbourne - 8 October, Shepparton -10 October, Brisbane -15 October, Darwin - 22 October, Adelaide - 24 October, Dubbo - 29 October, Townsville - 6 November.
For further details about the stakeholder workshops, go to
http://www.wmaa.asn.au/efw/home.html

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6. RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP DELAYED
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The release of the Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap, expected in June
of this year, has been delayed and is likely to be launched at the Sustainable Energy at Parliament Day, which is currently being organised by the new Business Council for Sustainable Energy.
The Roadmap is a key output of the Renewable Energy Action Agenda's Innovation Strategy and will provide advice on how industry, the research community and governments can focus innovation and technology development in Australia's renewable energy industry.
The Roadmap will consist of six main chapters that consider: renewable energy innovation and technology development drivers; issues relating to innovation that affect the entire renewable energy industry; technology-specific issues; the current commercial attractiveness of all technology sectors; proposed technology development strategies; and implementation of the Roadmap.
The Sustainable Energy at Parliament Day is being organised to take place in October. For further information about the Roadmap, contact Project Manager,
Mike Byers at mike.byers@industry.gov.au
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7. AEA AND SEIA MERGE
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The Australian EcoGeneration Association and the Sustainable Energy Industry Association have merged, following approval by members of SEIA.
The merged organisation, the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy, covers the areas of energy, cogeneration, waste-to-energy, gas-fired generation and energy efficiency, and has over 300 members. The president of the Council is Andrew Stock.
The new Council has already formed an international alliance with the US Business Council for Sustainable Energy, the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy and the European Business Council for a Sustainable Energy Future to strengthen efforts in promoting clean energy technologies, services and products worldwide.

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8. DRAFT NATIVE FISH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CONSULTS PUBLIC
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The rehabilitation of rapidly declining native fish communities back to 60 per cent of their estimated pre-European settlement levels is the goal of the Murray- Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) Draft Native Fish Management Strategy. With current numbers estimated to be ten per cent and declining, fish
species population is an indicator of the overall health of the Basin and its rivers and provides a warning that the natural ecological functioning of the rivers is at risk.
The Strategy involves six driving actions to restore native fish populations including: zoning rivers for priority; rehabilitation of native fish habitat; environmental flows for recovery of fish habitat; fish passages on riverine structures; control of carp and other alien fish species; protection of threatened
native fish species; and management of fish translocation and stocking.
Much of the problem involves environmental flows or the amount of water required to maintain healthy river habitats and ecosystems. Individuals, communities and industry have been asked to comment on the draft strategy and to contribute to actions that will ensure rehabilitation of native fish populations.
Further information is available on the website http://www.mdbc.gov.au

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9. CLIMATE CHANGE: AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY - NEW INFORMATION
BOOKLETS RELEASED
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Agriculture is thought to contribute about a third of Australia's greenhouse gas missions, more than three times the average for developed countries. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia (AFFA) has recently published an information booklet on greenhouse and agriculture that talks about the basic issues in clear and simple language.
The booklet explains the enhanced greenhouse effect, shows what the possible impact on Australia's climate might be and discusses the main emission sources from agriculture contributing to the situation. The back of the booklet also contains snapshots of major greenhouse issues relevant to particular industries in the agricultural sector.
Also recently released is the Greenhouse Resource Kit for Private Forest Growers. Developed by CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products for AFFA, it gives an overview of greenhouse issues for forest growers and has useful links
and references to detailed information.
The agriculture booklet and Greenhouse Resource Kit (which is also available in CD) are available free of charge from AFFA via email (greenhouse@affa.gov.au) or telephone (02) 6272 3537. You can access electronic versions of the booklet and kit from the AFFA website http://www.affa.gov.au

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10. MODEL EMS FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
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EnviroRisk Management Pty Ltd, in association with the RMIT Centre for Design, recently completed the development of a "Model EMS for Commercial
Buildings" for the Property Council of Australia's Victorian Division. The Model EMS was developed as part of Project EDGE (Eco-efficiency Delivering Gains for the Environment), the Council's 3 year Eco-efficiency partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
Property Council Project Officer, Jennifer Cane, said "It is intended that the model EMS will provide a framework for EMS development that is tailored to the needs of commercial building owners & managers. It will provide much of the documentation (procedures, pro forma, etc.) needed to establish and operate an EMS, and will be easy to use".
The model is freely available and can be accessed on the Property Council's
website at http://www.propertyoz.com.au/vic/ems/index.htm

Contact addresses for further information are:
jcane@vic.propertyoz.com.au,
sleverton@envirorisk.com.au and dominique.hes@rmit.edu.au

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
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11. THE CHANGING COLOURS OF WATER
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The Stormwater Industry Association of Victoria Inc. and the Australian Water Association are presenting a full day and evening program at Carlton Crest Hotel, 65 Queens Road, Melbourne on Wednesday 6th November 2002. The seminar will be followed by the National Stormwater Industry Association AGM and Annual Awards of Excellence Dinner. The colours Blue, Brown, Grey, Black and Purple that are used to describe potable water, stormwater, sullage, wastewater and re-use water. The focuses on practical aspects of the sustainable use, treatment and re-use of water in its many guises and changing colours.

ACCOMODATION at the venue may be booked through the organisers.

For registration forms & more information:
- select the SEMINAR link at www.stormwater.asn.au/vic
- send an email to events@siavictoria.info
- write to SIA Victoria Inc PO Box 318 Bentleigh East VIC 3165
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12. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WORKSHOP - 3 DAY
WORKSHOP
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Melbourne 25 - 27 November

The program ensures the effective establishment and implementation of a viable environmental management system. Training in this vital area gives you the basic information and skills required to introduce an EMS into your organisation.

Topics covered include:
* Introduction and learning outcomes.
* Environmental issues - importance and influences.
* What is an EMS?
* Developing an EMS using ISO 14001.
* Getting started - the initial environmental review.
* Management commitment and developing an environmental policy.
* Environmental Aspects and Impacts.
* Environmental Legislation, Regulation and other requirements.
* Objectives and targets.
* Environmental Management Program.
* Implementing the EMS.
* Emergency response and spill control.
* Environmental records.
* Environmental management system audit and management review.
* Certification and self declaration, questions and answers plus workshop close
Registration includes a free copy of the Environmental Management Systems Guidebook (RRP $429 incl. GST). Price: $1,314.50 incl. GST

Call Robyn Clark on 03 9208 4531, email robyn.clark@thomson.com.au or visit http://www.cpd.com.ay/seminars/ for more information.

CONFERENCES & FORUMS
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13. SUSTAINABILITY & BUSINESS STRATEGY
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Managing the cost of energy and environmental responsibility for competitive advantage

22nd & 23rd October 2002, Quay Grand, Sydney

Find out how to reduce operational costs, increase productivity and build competitive advantage, whilst reducing your contribution to global warming. We will address the issues currently being faced by Australian industry and all large energy consumers, which are:
* The competitive advantage of sustainability - ensuring longevity in the marketplace;
* Evaluating the whole costs of sustainability - looking at the big picture of operational investment;
* The cost of action versus non-action - balancing social responsibility and financial gain;
* Disengaging from consumption - analysing and changing current processes;
* Investing in sustainability - measuring financial and social returns over the long term;
* Renewable energy resources - are they cost effective and how can we integrate them?

The conference will include contributions from:
J.H. (Hutch) Ranck Managing Director Australia & New Zealand - Dupont
Dan Atkins General Manager, Environmental Affairs - Toyota Australia
Dr Ian Woods Senior Analyst, Socially Responsible Funds - AMP Henderson
Colin Gomm Director Environmental Affairs - BP Australia
Linda Funnell-Milner Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Social
Responsibility - Westpac
Kate Vinot Group Environmental Manager - Visy Industries

For further information, contact Benjamin Bacholle on (02) 9380 9122 or email:
sustainability@eng-au.com
Further information can be found at www.eng-au.com

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14. SALINITY AND WATER QUALITY ROUNDTABLE
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October 27-30, 2002
Mildura, Victoria

You are invited to attend the first Roundtable for the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality which will bring together many of Australia's on-the- ground natural resource management practitioners at a 3-day national conference.
The National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality is a $1.4 bn partnership
of local communities and Australia's Governments working to prevent, repair and manage rising salinity and declining water quality across Australia.
The Roundtable will be opened by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, and offers two days of workshops, followed by a day of field trips to world-class
water and salinity improvement projects.
The Roundtable's primary aim is to provide a show and tell' workshop-style environment for people from regional groups to share skills and experiences and strengthen networks between local communities and Government agencies.
Apart from two open sessions, other workshop topics include, planning processes and experiences, target setting, community engagement tools, and
investment strategies.
Registration for the three-day Roundtable costs $500.
To register, simply fill out the registration form or register on the internet:
www.napswq.gov.au If sending by mail, send forms and payment to the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality Roundtable, c/o Mildura Rural City
Council Conference Organisers, PO Bos 105, Mildura, Victoria, 3502.
For further details, contact Julie Jewell on (03) 5018 8311 or email:
juliej@mildura.vic.gov.au

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15. WASTE 2002 CONFERENCE & TECHNICAL TOUR
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Yes it's on again and this year is bigger and better than ever. The fifth Coffs Harbour Waste Management Conference and Technical tour will be held in the week 14-18th October 2002.
First, we have the two-day Technical Bus Tour, which departs Sydney on Monday 14th October. It visits the Brightstar SWERF Facility at Wollongong, the Waste Service Waste and Composting Facility at Eastern Creek, then on the 15th October, the Bedminster Bioconversion Facility at Raymond Terrace and the Rethmann Organics Resource Recovery Facility at Port Macquarie.
The main Conference is on 16-17th October at Opal Cove Resort. The Conference has a particular focus on alternate waste technologies and how communities can apply these solutions as alternatives to traditional waste management practices.
Workshops on teamwork, leadership and landfill management as well as Social Events will be held on Friday 18th October.
For information on this event, visit the Conference Website at
www.impactenviro.com.au/waste2002 or phone Greg Freeman or Jem Hansen on Tel (02) 6582 7122.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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16. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST/CONSULTANT
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Brisbane NIWA Australia Pty Ltd

NIWA Australia Pty Ltd is a science-based research and consultancy company
specializing in the sustainable management of atmospheric, marine and freshwater systems and associated resources. We invite applications from experienced environmental scientists/consultants to join our Brisbane office.
Applicants should have post-graduate qualifications in marine, freshwater or atmospheric sciences. Applicants with marine or freshwater backgrounds should have extensive experience on water quality issues, whilst in atmospheric sciences; applicants with expertise in air quality (especially transport emissions) are welcome.
The successful applicant(s) will be expected to interact extensively with scientists from our parent company (NIWA) in New Zealand, and may be required to undertake projects in New Zealand from time to time.
Applicants should preferably have extensive networks in South-East Queensland and high level scientific and consultancy skills. The position will appeal to individuals who enjoy the challenge of developing a consultancy business in niche markets within the environmental sciences.

Applications and/or expressions of interest to Dr Jim Cooke,
j.cooke@niwa.com.au
Further information can be found at: http://www.niwa.com.au/pubs/job_desc
Applications close: Thursday 17th October, 2002.

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17. SITE INVESTIGATION & REMEDIATION ENGINEERS/SCIENTISTS
CONTAMINATED LAND
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Positions from junior through to senior levels.

Principal Consulting Group is a recruitment services firm specialising in the environmental resources management sector. We currently have several clients who are seeking environmental engineers or scientists who are experienced in contaminated land investigation and remediation. Most of these opportunities are permanent positions although we do also have some contract employment opportunities.
These opportunities range in seniority up to and including practice management level. We are also interested in hearing from EPA accredited Auditors. To be considered for these positions, you will need to have a relevant
technical tertiary qualification along with an understanding of relevant government legislation and policy applicable to contaminated land. Plus (typically) at least two years relevant commercial experience in one of the following areas: Hydrogeology Land Contamination Site Investigation & Remediation Soil Contamination The selection criteria for the more senior positions includes considerable commercial environmental consulting experience (ie 10-15 years experience).
Salary packages are negotiable up to $150k per annum. Please forward your resume in confidence' to Scott White at Principal Consulting Group, swhite@principalconsulting.com.au Or call Scott White for a confidential discussion on 03 9521 5722

www.principalconsulting.com.au

OPPORTUNITIES
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18. CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS
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Conservation Volunteers Australia currently has vacancies on new and exciting
programs over summer, both in Australia and overseas.

OVERSEAS - Teams of volunteers aged 18 and over are accompanied by CVA Team Leaders on our World Conservation Programs. Summer destinations include Costa Rica Experience (15th November - 13th December 2002, assisting national park staff), Arizona Experience (3rd January - 21st February 2003, working the Grand Canyon with National Forest Service staff), Golden Gate Experience (31st January - 28th February, includes Alcatraz Island and San Francisco surrounds), New Zealand Experience (3rd March - 28th March 2003, includes indigenous Maori activities). For program details and other 2003 destinations visit www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

AUSTRALIA - Limited vacancies exist on our Tasmania Eco Tour (6 days - December, February, March) This CVA program in conjunction with the Australian Bush Heritage Fund will see volunteers exploring spectacular Tasmanian wilderness areas including Freycinet National Park. Assisting with platypus and flora monitoring at Liffey River Reserve, waterbird and flora surveys at Friendly Beaches Reserve and weed removal on Maria Island are just some of the activities.

Visit www.conservationvolunteers.com.au for further information.

 

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