The EDO Bulletin is a free weekly bulletin that provides a listing of news, events, public notices and opportunities for public comment.
EDO News and Events
1. Free Seminar: State Planning Reforms - What do they mean? How can I participate?
2. EDO Western Australia Job Vacancies: Outreach Solicitor and Perth Office Co-ordinator
Environmental Law Notices – New South Wales
3. Major Project Proposals – Invitation to Comment
4. State Conservation Notices – Invitation to Comment
5. BioBanking Public Exhibition and Information Sessions
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
6. EPBC Referrals – Invitation to Comment
Community News
7. Nature Conservation Council Job Vacancy: Income Development Officer
8. Job Vacancies at NSW NPA: Fundraising Manager and Event Coordinator - NatureKeepers BioBlitz08
EDO News and Events
1. Free Seminar: State Planning Reforms - What do they mean? How can I participate?
Following the introduction of Part 3A into NSW planning law in late 2005, the NSW Government has announced its intention to embark on another round of planning reform in early 2008.
The Department of Planning has released a discussion paper which sets out the proposed reforms
The deadline for submissions is short – February 8, 2008.
If the changes are passed they will fundamentally change the way developments are assessed and approved in NSW. For example, the Government plans to establish State-wide Planning Assessment Commissions to oversee and certify large-scale developments in NSW. Other changes will include limits to the time a Council can take to approve development applications.
The EDO’s recommendations for the reforms can be found at:
http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/policy.php
The EDO is hosting two seminars to help you understand the reforms and participate in the process. Now is the time to get involved.
Sydney Seminar
Date: Tuesday 22 January 2008
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Venue: Green Room, Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street Sydney
Byron Bay Seminar
Date: Thursday 24 January 2008
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Venue: Fletcher Street Meeting Room, Byron Bay Community and Cultural Centre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Please RSVP to Sue Higginson on (02) 6622 8360
2. EDO Western Australia Job Vacancies: Office Outreach Solicitor and Perth Office Co-ordinator
The EDO WA is seeking a full time solicitor based in Perth to provide legal services including advice and representation. The solicitor will also be responsible for the EDO’s climate change project.
The EDO WA requires an enthusiastic Office Coordinator, with a positive can-do attitude, to work as a key member of our small, friendly Perth office.
For further details on either position please contact (08) 9221 3030.
Both applications close Monday 21 January 2008
Environmental Law Notices – New South Wales
3. Major Project Proposals – Invitation to Comment
For a full listing of Major Project proposals currently available for public comment, visit the Department of Planning website at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/das.asp
No new listings since last Bulletin.
4. State Conservation Notices – Invitation to Comment
The full listing of conservation plans is available for public comment on the National Parks and Wildlife website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Follow the link entitled ‘Conservation Plans for Public Comment’ on the left side of the screen.
Draft Plan of Management
Oak Creek Nature Reserve
Wee Jasper Nature Reserve
Submissions for these Plans are due by 25 April 2008
5. BioBanking Public Exhibition and Information Sessions
Public exhibition on the NSW Biodiversity Offsets and Banking Scheme (BioBanking) has now opened. The aim of the public exhibition is to obtain feedback on details of the scheme’s operation before commencement. The Department of Environment and Climate Change, with the support of local government, will be hosting a number of Public Information Sessions across NSW, to explain the intended operation of the scheme and provide an overview of the materials that will be on public exhibition.
The closing date for submissions is 1 February 2008.
For a complete list of Public Information sessions, please visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatspec/biobankscheme.htm
To coincide with the Information Sessions the following material will be available on the department’s website. These documents will provide a broad overview of the scheme and its operation in particular how credits will be calculated.
* Draft BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Background Paper
* Peer review and DECC response
* Pilot program report
* Compliance assurance strategy
* Scheme Overview Booklet
The Regulation and Regulatory Impact Statement is also now available.
Referrals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are available for comment on the Department of Environment and Water Resources website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl
Title: Proposed subdivision/rural-residential development
Proponent: EA Systems Pty Ltd.
Site: Approx. 3 km west of Uralla
Ref No.: 2008/3952
Comments due: 22 January 2008
Description: A proposed rural residential subdivision at Uralla, NSW. The development would yield 9 residential lots.
Title: Residential subdivision in Hampton Cr., Prospect, City of Blacktown
Proponent: Fitzpatrick Investments Pty Ltd.
Site: Hampton Crescent, Prospect, City of Blacktown
Ref No.: 2008/3953
Comments due: 23 January 2008
Description: Proposal for the subdivision of the subject land into 26 residential lots. Public road access will be from Hampton Crescent. Around 1.548 hectares of the site will be retained as bushland and dedicated to Council.
Community News
7. Nature Conservation Council Job Vacancy: Income Development Officer
The Nature Conservation Council is seeking a part-time Income Development Officer. We are looking for a proactive person to develop and implement an income generation strategy to support our vital work protecting the environment.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 18 January 2008.
Please contact Cate Faehrmann with any questions regarding this position on 0412 207 043. Confidentiality respected.
8. Job Vacancies at NSW NPA: Fundraising Manager and Event Coordinator - NatureKeepers BioBlitz08
* Fundraising Manager - Donor Liaison and Project Support
NPA seeks a Sydney-based fundraiser who will be responsible for overseeing our major donors and bequest program, supporting staff in program areas raise targeted funds and overseeing general fundraising activities.
* Event Coordinator - NatureKeepers BioBlitz08
NPA seeks a Sydney-based event coordinator for NatureKeepers BioBlitz08, the major feature event for NPA’s NatureKeepers program to be held in September 2008.
For full details and application information, visit http://www.npansw.org.au/jobs
Applications close Tuesday 5 February for both positions.
EDO New South Wales offers free telephone advice on the Environmental Law Line. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Call 02 9262 6989, or for NSW residents outside of Sydney call 1800 626 239.
If you require the assistance of an interpreter please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to speak with the Environmental Defender’s Office on 02 9262 6989.
This bulletin is meant for your general information. Where possible, references are given so that readers can access original sources or find more information. Any information contained in this bulletin does not represent legal advice. The EDO does not endorse and is not affiliated with events advertised in the Community News section.
