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. Northern Rivers Community Forum: Protecting Biodiversity in Lismore Shire
2. Northern Rivers Seminars: Brainfood in Byron – Human Rights and the Environment
Law and Policy Watch
3. EDO Policy Submissions: Planning Inquiry
4. Upcoming legislative reviews
5. Implementation of Planning Reforms
6. Bumblebee rejected for live import
EDO in the Media
7. The Australian: MC Mehta takes a legal look at pollution
8. Northern Rivers Echo: Burning question about sugar cane
9. Farmers Bulletin: Pesticide spray drift from timber plantations
Environmental Law Notices – New South Wales
10. Major Project Proposals – Invitation to Comment
11. State Conservation Notices – Invitation to Comment
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
12. EPBC Referrals – Invitation to Comment
Community News
13. NSW Heritage Grants Program
14. Ingram Colloquium 2008: Climate Change and Sustainable Development – Challenges for the Pacific
15. Legalwise seminars: The 4th Annual Water Symposium
16. City of Sydney Peace Prize Lecture by Patrick Dodson
17. CEDA Event: NSW Government climate change initiatives and energy efficiency strategy
18. Global Climate Change Law Guide launch event
19. NCC Conference: Saving a Sunburnt Country
20. Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand: The View From Inside the Tent
EDO News and Events
1. Northern Rivers Community Forum: Protecting Biodiversity in Lismore Shire The Northern Rivers is one of the world's most bio-diverse regions. Some plants and animals are protected in national parks and other reserves, but many are not. Any new development or change in land use is likely to impact on biodiversity.
Lismore Council has prepared a draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP) which will chart the future of development and environmental protection in the shire. In response to community concerns, the EDO is organising a community forum to discuss how biodiversity can best be protected in the new LEP.
The forum will consist of short talks by EDO lawyers followed by open discussion. The aim is to recommend the inclusion in the LEP of best practice biodiversity protections with local community input.
Time: 6 pm til 8.30 pm
Date: Thursday 4 December 2008
Venue: Red Dove Auditorium, cnr Keen and Woodlark Streets, Lismore
Refreshments provided. Entry by gold coin donation to cover costs. For more information and to RSVP, contact Mark Byrne on 6622 8470.
2. 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
3. EDO Policy Submissions The EDO has completed a joint submission with FAIRA (Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action) to the United Nations Human Rights Council which focuses on the impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities living in Australia. It is now available on the EDO website:
The Australian Network of Environmental Defender's Offices (ANEDO) is preparing a submission to the Senate inquiry into the Water Amendment Bill 2008. The Bill amends the Water Act 2007 to make changes to the cooperative water planning, management and regulatory regime in the Murray Darling Basin. In particular, the Bill reflects an agreement by the relevant States and the ACT to refer constitutional powers to the Commonwealth. The closing date for submissions is 7 November 2008 . Further information is found here:
The EDO is also 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:
The NSW Ombudsman is conducting a review of the Freedom of Information Act 1989 . The EDO is preparing a submission to the inquiry. Submissions are due on 31 October. The full discussion paper can be found here:
The EDO has recently updated the structure of the submissions page of our website. Please note that the ‘Submissions' page has been replaced with the ‘Policy' page (click on the title heading at the top of the EDO NSW homepage), and submissions are now listed by topic, rather than chronologically, in order to make the EDO's submissions more easily accessible. The website URL is unchanged. All previous EDO submissions can be found at http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/policy.php
4. 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 shortly 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 at robert.ghanem@edo.org.au or call (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
5. Implementation of Planning Reforms New rules and penalties for accredited certifiers and unauthorised building works are now in place – one of the first elements of the mid-year planning reform legislation to be implemented.
In addition, consent authorities can now be reimbursed for applications amended in court and councils have been granted stronger powers to demand information when checking unauthorised works.
6. Bumblebee rejected for live import Federal Minster for the Environment, Peter Garrett has recently rejected a request by the hydroponic industry to import live large earth bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) into Australia for crop pollination in greenhouses.
Mr Garrett claimed the decision followed careful assessment and consideration of public, industry and expert comment. The speed at which the bees could spread and the potential for the bees to take the food of native birds were factors considered by Mr Garrett. He also stated his consideration of the precautionary approach in making the decision.
7. The Australian : MC Mehta takes a legal look at pollution (24 October 2008) This article reports on the views and opinions presented by MC Mehta, prominent environmental lawyer in India, on his visit to Sydney last week. Mr Mehta is currently putting together a research project on melting glaciers in the Himalayas and last Thursday evening presented a lecture on the rise of environmental litigation in India. (The lecture was advertised in last week's EDO eBulletin).
The article states that ‘Mehta has also convinced the Indian Supreme Court that the right-to-life guarantee in India's constitution includes the right to a healthy environment.'
8. Northern Rivers Echo : Burning question about sugar cane (23 October 2008) This regular column by EDO Northern Rivers Education Officer Mark Byrne looks at the issue of burning off sugar cane waste by farmers following the harvesting of the cane. Mark explains when and how this is allowed to be undertaken under such regulations as the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 .
9. Farmers Bulletin : Pesticide spray drift from timber plantations (27 October 2008) This article, also by EDO Northern Rivers Education Officer Mark Byrne, looks at the impacts of timber plantations on other agricultural industries and rural communities in the Northern Rivers, particularly the impacts and issues associated with the drift of pesticide spray used on the plantation trees. Mark discusses the legal avenues open to residents affected by this occurrence.
For a full text of the article or for more information, contact Mark Byrne on 6622 8470
Law Notices – New South Wales
10. 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
• Newcastle: Helicopter Charter Operation, Hexham - EIS
• Outdoor Advertising Inner City Rail Network
• Great Lakes: Residential Subdivision, Hawks Nest
There are no new notices since the last eBulletin.
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
12. 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:
13. NSW Heritage Grants Program Owners and managers of State significant heritage items and Aboriginal heritage in NSW are invited to apply for funding up to $75,000 in the latest round of NSW Government heritage grants. Applications close 28 November 2008.
14. Ingram Colloquium 2008: Climate Change and Sustainable Development – Challenges for the Pacific
The Biennial Ingram Colloquium will examine the challenges faced by developing countries in the Pacific region in mitigating and adapting to climate change while meeting their social and economic needs, and the role Australia can play in assisting them to meet these challenges. Speakers will discuss the measures that developing states in the Pacific are using or could adopt, the role of these states in the negotiations for a post-2012 international climate regime, and how governance of climate-related policy issues might be improved within these states to better contribute to the goals of sustainable development.
The colloquium is a joint initiative of the International Law and Policy Group and the Climate Change Law and Policy Initiative in the Faculty of Law, UNSW.
Time: 3pm-7pm
Date: Thursday 6 November 2008
Venue: Faculty of Law Building, UNSW, Kensington Campus
RSVP: Please register by 31 October 2008 at www.law.unsw.edu/News_and_Events
15. Legalwise seminars: The 4th Annual Water Symposium The water industry has never been under more pressure – climate change, ageing infrastructure and over-allocated water are all impacting on the security of our water. Join Australia's most prominent water industry leaders and government policy shapers at this forward thinking forum to discuss how we are going to overcome these challenges.
Topics to be addressed include:
• Sustainable water management
• Water reform – what needs attention next?
• The Murray-Darling Basin Plan
• The future of irrigation, agriculture and food and
• A tradeable water market
Date: Friday 20 February 2009
Venue: L'Aqua, Terrace Level, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney
16. City of Sydney Peace Prize Lecture by Patrick Dodson Sydney Peace Foundation invites you to this lecture by the 2008 Sydney Peace Prize winner Patrick Dodson. Mr Dodson received the award for his ‘courageous advocacy of the human rights of Indigenous people, for distinguished leadership of the reconciliation movement and for a lifetime of commitment to peace with justice, through dialogue and many other expressions of non-violence.'
Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start
Date: Wednesday 5 November 2008
Venue: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $25/$20 available from the Opera House on (02) 9250 7777 or at www.sydneyoperahouse.com
For more information or to book, contact the Sydney Peace Foundation on (02) 9351 4468.
17. CEDA Event: NSW Government climate change initiatives and energy efficiency strategy
With Federal Government plans to introduce a far-reaching carbon-trading scheme in 2010 that will finally put a price on greenhouse gas pollution from energy use, consumers will be hard hit. Unless householders and business start using energy more efficiently, electricity bills will significantly increase.
The Cost of Carbon, an ongoing event series by CEDA, serves as a platform to promote leadership thinking and discussion on climate change. At this event, CEDA is hosing Deputy Premier of NSW, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and Minister for Commerce, The Hon Carmel Tebbutt, who has taken on the challenge of reducing NSWs' dependency on energy. She will discuss government initiatives and strategies to reduce the government's energy use and take the ‘moral leadership' on the issue.
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Date: Thursday 20 November 2008
Venue: Hilton Hotel Sydney, 488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: CEDA member $143, non-member $199.10 (inc. GST) Corporate tables of ten available.
For more information contact Simone MacKenzie on (02) 9779 9746.
18. Global Climate Change Law Guide launch event CCH and Baker & McKenzie are delighted to invite you to an exclusive launch of The Global Climate Change Law Guide. The guide covers climate change law from across the world, including Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. It will become an essential tool for anyone involved in the implementation and management of emissions trading and related programs.
The world first online resource will be launched by guest The Honourable Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge, Land and Environment Court of NSW.
Time: 5.30pm registration and canapés til 7.30pm
Date: Wednesday 5 November 2008
Venue: Baker & McKenzie, Level 27, AMP Centre, 50 Bridge St, Sydney
To register, log onto www.cchclimatechange.com.au or call Lauren Hadenham on (02) 9857 1409 , by Wednesday 29 October.
19. NCC Conference: Saving a Sunburnt Country – The challenges of species adaptation in a heating land
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW invites you to this ground-breaking conference ‘Saving a Sunburnt Country: the challenges of species adaptation in a heating land'.
Our unique biodiversity and ecosystems are under threat from climate change. The IPCC 2007 report predicts that approximately 20-30 percent of plant and animal species assessed so far are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if increases in global average temperature exceed 1.5-2.5 degrees celsius.
The Conference aims to provide:
• access to the latest research on the challenges of assisting mitigation and adaptation for biodiversity and ecosystems under climate change;
• an overview of current policy and planning; and
• examples of innovation from government, academics and the community.
Dates: Wednesday and Thursday, 12 and 13 November 2008
Venue: NSW Teacher's Federation Conference Centre Surry Hills, Sydney
20. Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand: The View From Inside the Tent The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand invites you to ‘The View From Inside the Tent: Former insider's view of government progress towards sustainability in the built environment.' This free initiative of the EIANZ (NSW Division) aims to bridge the gap between the experts within the profession and those that wish to learn and improve their practice.
The presenter will be Tony Marker, former Director of Energy Efficiency at the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO). Tony has 22 years experience in government on energy policy and sustainability issues. He will reflect on his time in government and cover the history of energy and sustainability policy development for the built environment in Australia over the past 20 years.
Time: 5.45pm for registration for a 6pm start
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2008
Venue: Clayton Utz, Level 34, No 1 O'Connell St Sydney
Cost: Free for EIANZ members, $25 for general admissions
For more information about EIANZ, or to become a member visit www.eianz.org
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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.
