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. EDO Griffith Workshop: Land and Water Law – A workshop for NSW landholders
2. EDO NSW Position Vacancy: Assistant Policy Officer
3. Northern Rivers Seminars: Brainfood in Byron – Human Rights and the Environment
Law and Policy Watch
4. EDO Policy Submissions: Planning Inquiry
5. Upcoming legislative reviews
6. New laws regarding disclosure in development applications
7. Environmental legislation update
EDO in the Media
8. ZZZFM Radio Interview: ‘Brainfood in Byron' talk series
Environmental Law Notices – New South Wales
9. Major Project Proposals – Invitation to Comment
10. State Conservation Notices – Invitation to Comment
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
11. EPBC Referrals – Invitation to Comment
Community News
12. Legalwise Seminar: Acquisition, Disposal and Leasing of Contaminated Land
13. CEDA Event: Federal and State Government initiatives for water sustainability
14. Sydney Coastal Councils Group: The Groundwater Education Workshop Series
15. Australian Green Development Forum: ‘Running on Empty' National Road Show 2008
16. THAT! Pub Talks: Gens XY Gripe
17. Pacific Calling for Climate Justice: A human rights framework?
18. ACCEL Seminar: The Implications of the Proposed Reforms to the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997
19. EPLA Conference 2008
EDO News and Events
1. Griffith Workshop: Land and Water Law – A workshop for NSW landholders
The Environmental Defender's Office, in partnership with Baker & McKenzie, invites you to this FREE workshop for NSW landholders. Issues to be covered include water trading and buy-back schemes, climate change and water management, an update on the status of water laws such as the Commonwealth Water Act 2007 , and an overview of some of the key laws relevant to rural landholders, including vegetation and bushfire management, agricultural chemicals, pests and weeds, biobanking and voluntary conservation.
Date: Saturday 25 October 2008
Time: 9.30am til 4.30pm
Venue: Burley Griffin Room, Griffith Regional Theatre, Neville Pl, Griffith
A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, please contact the EDO on (02) 9262 6989
2. EDO NSW Position Vacancy: Assistant Policy Officer
The EDO is a community legal centre specialising in public interest advocacy regarding environmental law and policy.
We are seeking an Assistant Policy Officer to undertake legal and policy research to support the work of the EDO policy team in preparing law reform submissions and proactive law reform projects.
This position is available for up to 12 months.
Selection Criteria
In your application, please address the following criteria:
Essential
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in environmental law
• Demonstrated high level research skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to communicate clearly in plain English
• An understanding of NSW, national and international environmental legal issues
• The ability to work with minimal supervision and to tight deadlines
• Commitment to the protection of the environment and public interest environmental law
Desirable
• A NSW practising certificate, or eligibility for admission to legal practice in NSW
Salary: $36,000-$45,000, plus superannuation and leave loading, depending on experience
Hours: 4-5 days per week (negotiable)
Start date: December 2008
Location: EDO Sydney Office
For further information contact Jeff Smith on 02 9262 6989.
Applications close Friday 17th October.
3. Northern Rivers Seminars: Brainfood in Byron – Human Rights and the Environment
Although they are thought of as two distinct realms, many human rights depend on environmental protection, and vice versa. The EDO Northern Rivers invites you to a series of free seminars presented by local and visiting experts on the interdependence of the social and natural worlds, with a focus on international issues and initiatives. See below for the topics scheduled.
The seminars are to be held on the last Friday of the month at the Verandah Room (first floor), Byron Community Centre , 69 Johnson St. Arrive at 6pm for drinks and nibbles with the talk commencing at 6.30pm. Seminars will conclude with a question time.
31 Oct - Water - Ilona Millar, Baker & McKenzie
28 Nov - Chemicals - Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, National Toxics Network
For more information, please call Mark Byrne , Education Officer, Environmental Defender's Office Northern Rivers, on (02) 6622 8470.
Law and Policy Watch
4. EDO Policy Submissions: Planning Inquiry
The EDO is currently preparing a submission to the NSW Legislative Council inquiry into the NSW planning framework. The inquiry will particularly consider the implications of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) reform agenda for planning in New South Wales, climate change and natural resource issues in planning and development controls, and the duplication of processes under relevant Commonwealth and NSW legislation. For more information see:
5. Upcoming legislative reviews
Legislation in NSW is usually reviewed after five years. A review is carried out to determine whether the policy objectives of an Act remain valid and whether the means of addressing these objectives are appropriate. The following Acts are now due for review: The Native Vegetation Act 2003 , Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 and the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003.
In anticipation of these reviews, the EDO is gathering information on key issues of concern, problems with implementation and suggestions for improvement. Please contact Robert Ghanem on (02) 9262 6989 if you would like to contribute.
For more information on any of the EDO's submissions or other policy work, please contact the EDO office on (02) 9262 6989. All previous submissions can be found at http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/policy.php
6. New laws to increase the transparency of NSW planning process
NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally has announced that new laws requiring developers to disclose political donations and gifts when lodging or commenting on a development proposal will come into force from 1 October 2008.
The new laws will cover the following types of proposals:
• Development applications
• Formal requests to the Minister, a council or the Director-General of the Department of Planning to initiate the making of an environmental planning instrument or development control plan
• Formal requests to the Minister or the Director-General for development of a particular site to be made State significant or to be declared a Part 3A project under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; and
• Applications for approval of a concept plan or project (or a modification) under Part 3A.
Under the new laws, developers will be required to disclose contributions of $1,000 or more made to or for the benefit of a political party, an elected member or group of candidates within two years before the application or submission is made. Both the Department of Planning and councils will have responsibilities to make the disclosures publicly available, either on the internet or under arrangements posted on the internet, within 14 days of the disclosure being made.
The Planning Minister said the following of the new laws: ‘It will allow the public to know whether developers were also donors at the time a proposal was being assessed...The disclosure requirements continue to apply until the application is determined.'
7. Environmental legislation update
The Governor-General has assented to the following environmental legislation:
• Mining Amendment (Improvements on Land) Act 2008 No 68: Assent 25 September 2008
• Water (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2008 No 69: Assent 25 September 2008
In addition to this, the Federal Executive Council has just approved the Water Amendment Regulations 2008, which set out the process the Minister for Water will follow in making water market and water charge rules. Under the (CTH) Water Act 2007 , the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has the task of advising the Minister on draft rules to give farmers flexibility to trade their water access rights and help ensure more efficient and sustainable water use across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Members of the public and interested stakeholders were invited to comment on the draft regulations in April 2008. The Water Amendments Regulations 2008 have been amended as a result of these consultations.
8. ZZZFM Radio Interview: ‘Brainfood in Byron' talk series (2 October 2008)
EDO Northern Rivers Solicitor, Ian Ratcliff, was interviewed regarding the current series of talks being held on the last Friday of every month in Byron Bay on various issues of human rights and the environment.
For more information regarding the interview or the talk series contact the EDO Northern Rivers office on 6622 8360.
Law Notices – New South Wales
9. 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
There are no new notices since the last eBulletin.
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
11. EPBC Referrals – Invitation to Comment
Referrals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are available for comment on the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl
The following referrals have been listed within the last 7 days:
12. Legalwise Seminar: Acquisition, Disposal and Leasing of Contaminated Land
Legalwise seminars provide continuing professional development seminars, conferences, workshops and publications for lawyers and other professionals. The seminar ‘Acquisition, Disposal and Leasing of Contaminated Land' will look at risk management and regulatory reform, practical impacts and implications of contaminated land investigations and an analysis of case law regarding liability and contaminated lands.
Time: 2pm – 5.15pm
Date: Wednesday 12 November 2008
Venue: Radisson Plaza Hotel, 27 O'Connell St, Sydney 2000
Cost: $440
If this title is relevant to your immediate or long term needs in relation to your professional development and practice of the law, then you can claim 3 “units” for attending.
For more information, call (02) 9387 8133.
13. CEDA Event: Federal and State Government initiatives for water sustainability
The protection and management of our limited water resources is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our age. Addressing Australia's national water crisis is an urgent task, requiring consistent long-term policy and leadership from all levels of Government. The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) is proud to convene this forum to contribute to the very crucial debates which must underpin any policy formation moving ahead.
Speakers will include Dr James Horne, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and Mark Duffy, Director-General, NSW Department of Water and Energy, to present on Federal and State government initiatives aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply and discuss ongoing projects striving to guarantee a long-term and viable secure water reserve. The Murray-Darling Basin Commission's CEO, Dr Wendy Craik will provide an update on the situation of Australia's largest and most important river system and the proposed improvements of the rivers and wetlands that will bring substantial benefits to irrigators and rural communities.
Time: 12pm to 2pm
Date: Wednesday 5 November 2008
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George St, Sydney
Cost: $143 (CEDA member); $199.10 (non-member)
For more information or to register, contact Simone MacKenzie on (02) 9779 9746.
14. Sydney Coastal Councils Group: The Groundwater Education Workshop Series
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group, Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils are pleased to present the Groundwater Education Workshop Series.
The aim of the Groundwater Education Workshop Series is to deliver a series of free workshops, information and training on sustainable groundwater management targeting councils and industry. The education materials and CD-ROM provided at the workshop will integrate information on the regulatory aspects of groundwater management with increased awareness of the dynamic nature of groundwater. Participants will also discover groundwater issues with a hands-on demonstration using a sand tank model.
Dates and venues
• Thursday October 9 – Warringah Rugby Park
• Tuesday October 14 – Liverpool Council
• Monday October 20 – Penrith Council
• Tuesday October 21 – Hornsby Council
15. Australian Green Development Forum: ‘Running on Empty' National Road Show 2008
The Australian Green Development Forum and major partner CSR Hebel present this seminar touring Australia. ‘Running on Empty' will take an in-depth look at how urban communities in Cuba overcame the challenges and issues they faced as a result of the harsh economic conditions and the depletion of resources. Presented through a range of case studies, scenarios and expert opinions, ‘Running on Empty' will consider a range of life issues and impacts on Australia's development industry and present a range of opportunities and solutions to combat these challenges.
Dates
• Canberra, Tuesday 14 October
• Sydney, Wednesday 15 October (registrations close today)
For more information and to register, call (07) 3846 5499.
16. THAT! Pub Talks: Gens XY Gripe
Talking Heads at Toxteth ( THAT!) has brought pub talks back to Glebe and is raising funds for East Timor. Sessions of THAT! take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month and are held at the upstairs function room of the Toxteth Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. Seating arrangements are restaurant-style seating at tables of ten, and the upstairs bar will be open during the sessions. Dinner reservations are essential.
Speakers will include Tim Brunero of Big Brother and ‘Green Dirt', former Mayor Alice Murphy and Environmental Defender's Office Principal Solicitor, Kirsty Ruddock.
For more information, and to RSVP, contact Kate Barton on 9518 5560.
17. Pacific Calling for Climate Justice: A human rights framework?
Pacific Calling invites you to this full day forum exploring how an effective human rights framework can respond to calls for climate justice from our Pacific neighbours. The outcome of the forum is to include recommendations to be taken to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Pozan, Poland in December 2008.
Speakers include Neva Collings from the EDO, Warwick Baird and representatives from Kiribati and Tuvalu.
Date: 25 October 2008
Time: 9am to 5pm
Venue: Gleeson Auditorium, Australian Catholic University, 25A Barker Rd, Strathfield NSW
Cost: $60 full-rate, concessions available
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided. For more information contact Jill Finnane , Eco-Justice Program Coordinator at the Edmund Rice Centre on (02) 8762 4200.
18. Australian Centre for Climate and Environmental Law Seminar: The Implications of the Proposed Reforms to the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997
This ACCEL seminar at the Sydney Law School will be comprised of two presentations. The evening's first presentation will include discussion and critique of the proposed reforms and their implications for polluters and the management of contaminated land. This will be followed by an analysis of the impacts of the proposed amendments on purchasers of contaminated land. Case studies will be offered where relevant.
Date: Wednesday 22 October 2008
Time: 5.15pm to 7pm
Venue: Sydney University Law School, 173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney
Cost: $66 full fee; $33 concession
19. EPLA Conference 2008
The Environmental and Planning Law Association (EPLA) is an organisation whose members are drawn from many environmental disciplines including from the fields of planning, environment, architecture, local government and the legal profession. EPLA is holding its upcoming 2008 annual conference in the heritage village of Bangalow in the Northern Rivers hinterland. Topics that will be the focus of the conference include:
• Climate change in the Development Assessment Process
• Biodiversity Banking
• Rural, coastal and regional issues
• Legislative updates – State and Commonwealth laws
• Recent developments
The EPLA Conference not only enables practitioners to meet their mandatory CLE and CPD requirements but affords an opportunity to meet with fellow practitioners and consultants in an informal atmosphere.
Dates: Friday and Saturday, 17 – 18 October 2008 (Conference dinner 16 October)
Venue: A & I Hall of Industries, Bangalow
For further information or to register, contact Michele Kearns on 8227 9600.
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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.
