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. Workshops: Caring for Country- Walgett and Dubbo
3. Seminar: What next in the legal campaign to stop whaling?
4. EDO Position Vacant: Education Officer (Lismore)
Environmental Law Notices New South Wales
5. Major Project Proposals Invitation to Comment
6. State Conservation Notices Invitation to Comment
7. BioBanking Public Exhibition and Information Sessions
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 is hosting this seminar 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. Workshops: Caring for Country- Walgett and Dubbo
The Environmental Defender's Office will continue to present a series of FREE regional workshops providing practical information about environmental law for Aboriginal people during 2008. This series is designed to complement the new EDO publication Caring for Country - A Guide to NSW Environmental Law for Aboriginal Communities.
The workshops will cover a variety of issues, including:
An overview of the legal system and key environmental laws
The nomination and preservation system for cultural heritage
Access to and permitted activities in protected areas
How the planning and development system works
The first two workshops will be held in Walgett and Dubbo:
Walgett Workshop
Date : Friday 15 February 2008
Time : 12 4 pm
Where : Walgett District Sporting Club
Cnr Fox and Montkeila Streets, Walgett
Dubbo Workshop
Date : Saturday 16 February 2008
Time : 12 4 pm
Where : Gordon Centre, Spears Drive, Dubbo
3. Seminar: What next in the legal campaign to stop whaling?
The Environmental Defender's Office (NSW) recently successfully represented the Humane Society International Inc (HSI) in their Federal Court case against Japanese whaling company Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd (Kyodo). The judgment was the culmination of over four years of legal action to prevent whaling in the Australian Whale Sanctuary off Antarctica.
His Honour Justice Allsop made a declaration that Kyodo was in breach of Australian law by whaling in the Australian Whale Sanctuary and granted HSI an injunction to restrain Kyodo from further breaches of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The EDO is holding a free public seminar to explore the rationale for Australia being able to stop the whaling in these waters, as well as options available to enforce the injunction. Clearly, the next step is to serve Kyodo with the injunction, which will occur this week. Should the company continue to whale in contravention of the court's orders, it will be in contempt of court and enforcement action may be taken against it.
Speakers : Chris McGrath (barrister for HSI) and an HSI representative (tbc).
Cost : Free
Time : 6- 8pm
Date : Thursday 21 February 2008
Venue : DLA Phillips Fox, Level 38, 201 Elizabeth Street Sydney
4. EDO Position Vacant: Education Officer (Lismore)
EDO seeks a suitably qualified applicant for the position of Education Officer- Northern Rivers.
The Education Officer will be primarily responsible for the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of the Education Program at the EDO Northern Rivers. The Education Officer reports to the Senior Solicitor-Northern Rivers, and will liaise closely with the Education team in Sydney.
Selection Criteria
The position is open to dynamic, self-motivated individuals who satisfy the following essential criteria:
tertiary qualifications in law;
knowledge and understanding of environmental law and policy;
excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to speak in public;
ability to meet deadlines and balance competing priorities;
ability to work in a small team;
commitment to the protection of the environment and community participation in environmental decision-making; and
current driver's licence.
The following additional criteria will also be considered, but are not essential to the position:
tertiary qualifications or demonstrated experience in adult or community education;
eligibility for admission to legal practice in New South Wales;
experience in organising workshops, seminars and/or other events;
project management experience, including budgeting and evaluation of projects and events;
experience in marketing, fundraising and media management; and
Salary : $47,000 - $59,000 (pro rata) per annum plus superannuation.
Hours : The position is part-time, 22.5 hours per week
Location : EDO Northern Rivers Office (Lismore)
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a covering letter, curriculum vitae and response to selection criteria to Sue Higginson, Solicitor, PO Box 212, Lismore, NSW, 2480.
Applications close Monday 18 February 2008
Environmental Law Notices New South Wales
5. 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
Glendenning, Blacktown: Concrete Batching Plant
Berowra Waters: Berowra Waters Marina
Mt Kembla and west Wollongong: Modification to Dendobrium Coal Mine
6. 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
Tingira Nature Reserve
Saratoga Island Nature Reserve
Rileys Island Nature Reserve
Pelican Island Nature Reserve
Cockle Bay Nature Reserve
Submissions for these Plans are due by 21 April 2008.
7. 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.
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
No new listings since last eBulletin.
Community News
9. 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.
For more information regarding this vacancy, please visit www.GREENPEACE.org/australia/about/jobs
Applications close 3 February 2008.
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.
