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. Court decision in Gerroa Environment Protection Society v Minister for Planning
2. EDO Seeking Scientific Experts
3. EDO Seeking Testimonials
4. Caring For Country Workshop: Moree
5. Coastal Law and Climate Change Workshop: Bateman’s Bay
6. Planned Retreat Expert Seminar: Byron Bay
7. EDO Volunteer Administrative Position Vacancy
EDO in the Media
Environmental Law Notices – New South Wales
8. Major Project Proposals – Invitation to Comment
9. State Conservation Notices – Invitation to Comment
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
10. EPBC Referrals – Invitation to Comment
Law and Policy Watch
11. Climate Change and Coastal Communities
12. Notice of Public Hearing: Proposed Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex
Community News
13. FREE Photocopier Available for Office in Need
14. IDLO Volunteer Internship
15. North Coast Environment Council: Enviro Short Film Competition
EDO News and Events
1. Court Decision in Gerroa Environment Protection Society Inc v Minister for Planning and Cleary Bros (Bombo) Pty Ltd
On Friday 16 June, the Land and Environment Court handed down its decision in Gerroa Environment Protection Society Inc v Minister for Planning and Cleary Bros (Bombo) Pty Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 173.
The EDO assisted the Gerroa Environmental Protection Society in its appeal against the Planning Minister’s approval of an extension to a sand quarry at Gerroa on the NSW South Coast. The development was approved as a major project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
In his judgment, Preston CJ upheld the Minister’s approval with additional conditions attached.
For more information regarding this case, go to the EDO website at http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/casework_key.php#gerroa. A case note discussing the decision will be available within the next week at the same location.
2. EDO Seeking Scientific Experts
The EDO is seeking scientific and technical experts with 10 or more years experience and PhD students in a range of technical fields to join the EDO Expert Register.
The Expert Register is a list of experts who are willing to assist the EDO and its clients on public interest environmental matters on a pro-bono and ad-hoc basis.
We are particularly seeking experts in surface and groundwater hydrology; water, noise and air pollution; aquatic ecology; public health; planning; and economics.
We are also seeking to develop relationships with research organisations and environmental consultancies interested in doing pro-bono work.
For further information on the Expert Register, please see: www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/science_expert.php
If you or your organisation is interested in assisting the EDO please contact Tom Holden, the EDO’s Scientific Director on (02) 9262 6989.
3. EDO Seeking Testimonials
The EDO is seeking written testimonials from clients across the breadth of our work, including education, legal advice, policy and scientific assessment. If you have utilised the services of the EDO and support our work we would be grateful if you would write a short letter (on letterhead, if appropriate) describing your experiences. We are particularly keen to hear from participants at EDO workshops and seminars over the past two years. We intend to use these testimonials to secure our core funding for the next three years.
For more information, please contact Jeff Smith on 02 9262 6989.
4. Caring for Country Workshop: Moree
During 2008, the EDO is continuing to present a series of FREE regional workshops providing practical information about environmental law for Aboriginal people. This series is designed to complement the EDO’s 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 next workshop will be held in Moree. The details are as follows:
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (a light lunch will be included)
Date: Friday 13 June 2008
Venue: Moree Lifestyle Academy, Anne St, Moree
For more information or to register, call (02) 9262 6989. RSVP by 9 June 2008.
5. Coastal Law and Climate Change Workshop: Bateman’s Bay
The Environmental Defender’s Office is hosting a free workshop on Coastal Law and Climate Change. The workshop will cover various issues relating to coastal law and the potential avenues for future laws and policies to effectively address the impacts of climate change on coastal areas.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (a light lunch will be included)
Date: Saturday 28 June, 2008
Location: Soldier’s Club, Beach Rd, Bateman’s Bay
For more information and to register, call (02) 8262 6989. RSVP by 24 June 2008.
6. Planned Retreat Expert Seminar: Byron Bay
Since 1988, Byron Council has implemented a policy of planned retreat for the coastal zone at Belongil Beach. This policy, which has withstood several legal challenges, responds to the likelihood of continuing foreshore erosion by placing strict controls on development.
Federal Parliament is currently conducting an inquiry into climate change and environmental impacts on coastal communities, including a consideration of possible strategies to deal with climate change adaptation, particularly projected sea level rise.
EDO Northern Rivers is organizing a roundtable seminar for people who have an interest in the environmental, planning and legal aspects of the Byron policy and its possible broader application. The morning will consist of a small group of 10-15 participants who will use the Byron experience to recommend practical strategies to the national inquiry.
Time: 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. (light lunch included)
Date: Saturday, 31 May 2008
Venue: Byron Community and Cultural Centre, Jonson St, Byron Bay
If you would like to contribute, or to RSVP please contact Mark Byrne, EDO Northern Rivers, on (02) 6622 8470
7. EDO Volunteer Administrative Position Vacancy
The Environmental Defender’s Office, Sydney is currently looking to fill a vacancy for an administrative volunteer one day per week (not a Tuesday). The role will involve tasks such as filing, copying, recording information, and some phone reception and general errands.
Unlike the EDO’s other volunteer positions, it is not a requirement that the applicant has studied Environmental Law. The position would suit someone in the early stages of their degree, interested in getting exposure to a legal service. The role does not, however involve legal work.
EDO in the Media
There were no media references regarding EDO and its work this week.
Environmental Law Notices – New South Wales
8. 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
• Camden: Hy-Tec Concrete Batching Plant, Smeaton Grange
• Botany Bay: Removal of Underground Tank and Pipe, Botany
• City of Sydney: Modification of Development Consent, Sydney Opera House
• Wollongong: Asphalt Production Plant at Kembla Grange
9. 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 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/consult/DecPublicConsultation.htm
There are no new listings since the last eBulletin.
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
10. EPBC Referrals – Invitation to Comment
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
There are no new listings since the last eBulletin.
Law and Policy Watch
11. Climate Change and Coastal Communities
The EDO policy team are currently preparing a submission for the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts on climate change and its impacts on coastal communities. The submission will be examining various issues relating to climate change, such as environmental pressures experienced by Australian coastal areas in the context of population growth.
Much of this material will be presented in a number of upcoming NSW regional workshops to coastal communities (Bateman’s Bay and Byron Bay) on coastal development and climate change issues.
For more information regarding these workshops or the policy submission, please contact the EDO on (02) 9262 6989.
12. Notice of Public Hearing: Proposed Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex
The Minister for Planning has called for an Independent Panel Review of the proposed project and a public hearing of concerns raised by the proposal. Hill Top Residents Action Group experts will be making formal presentations on the environmental issues involved with this proposal in Bargo Conservation area.
Date: Friday 30 May 2008
Venue: Hill Top Community Centre
To make a submission or for more information on the public hearing, contact Paula Poon of the NSW Planning Department on (02) 9288 6516.
Community News
13. FREE Photocopier Available For Office in Need
The Environmental Defender’s Office would like to give away to an office in need a Canon 50ppm digital laser copier (Model IR5000), approximately 6 years old with a sorter/stapler, document feeder and extra trays. The machine is in good working order and has been well maintained.
Whilst the photocopier itself will be free of charge, the new owner will be required to pay the costs of collecting the machine and transporting it from its current location. The photocopier will need to be collected as soon as possible, from a CBD location.
For more information, please contact the EDO immediately on (02) 9262 6989.
14. IDLO Volunteer Internship
The International Development Law Organisation is seeking an enthusiastic volunteer with an interest in environmental and climate change issues to assist with research and program development. The successful applicant will also gain valuable experience in international development projects and programs.
The volunteer would be required to work a few days per week or equivalent.
For more information, please contact Patricia Parkinson at the International Development Law Organisation Asia Pacific Regional Centre on (02) 8585 6700.
15. North Coast Environment Council: Enviro Short Film Competition
The North Coast Environment Council invites you to submit a short film, less than 10 minutes, about an environmental issue that affects your life on the North Coast as part of their Enviro Short Film Competition.
Entries close: World Environment Day, June 5.
Entry forms and posters available from www.ncec.wordpress.com
There are four categories for entrants: Under 12, Under 18, Adult, or Animation.
Each category winner selected will be awarded a prize of $200. Several $100 special merit prizes are also to be presented.
For more information you can contact filmcomp at ncec.org.au
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.
