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. Rural Landholders Workshop: Albury Wodonga NSW
2. Australian Youth Ambassador for Development Pacific placements
3. Call for expressions of interest for FREE rural and regional workshops
4. Old law textbooks needed urgently
5. The Road to Copenhagen: Our role in responding to the climate crisis (EDO Northern Rivers)
6. Positions vacant: Solicitors (one permanent; one locum)
7. FREE copies of the new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW
8. EDO seeking Indigenous Cadet
Law and Policy Watch
9. Statutory review of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 10. Renewable Energy Target scheme: exposure draft legislation released for public comment
11. National Human Rights Consultation
12. Policy Submissions
13. Legislative Reviews
14. McArthur River Mine case: Minister for the Environment meets with traditional owners
EDO in the Media
15. Farmer Bulletin (Northern Rivers): The Buzz on Biofuels (January 2009)
Environmental Law Notices New South Wales
16. Major Project Proposals Invitation to Comment
17. State Conservation Notices Invitation to Comment
18. Department of Lands Public Exhibition
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
19. EPBC Referrals Invitation to Comment
Community News
20. Australian Conservation Foundation position: Sustainable Cities Campaigner
21. Australia's Climate Action Summit
22. Launch of A Practitioner's Guide to the Land and Environment Court of NSW'
23. Climate Change @ Work: Creating the Sustainable Workplace
24. PIAC Human Rights training
EDO News and Events
1. Rural Landholders Workshop: Albury Wodonga NSW The Environmental Defender's Office would like to invite you to this FREE afternoon workshop on land and water law applicable to rural landholders and relevant organisations in NSW. The workshop is taking place in conjunction with the release of the latest edition of the EDO publication the Rural Landholders Guide to Environmental Law in NSW'. The workshop will address the legal rights and obligations of landholders and ways to manage rural land in accordance with natural resource management law. Vegetation and water management, pests and weeds, and the use of agricultural chemicals will also be discussed.
Time: 1pm to 4pm (afternoon tea will be provided)
Date: Friday 27 February 2009
Venue: Kinross Woolshed Hotel, 47 Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona
RSVP is essential. Please call (02) 9262 6989 to register or for more information.
2. Australian Youth Ambassador for Development Pacific placements The EDO invites applications from young Australians (aged 18-30) interested in working as youth ambassadors on international climate policy in Pacific Island nations. Ambassadors will be placed in various Pacific nations, such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga and Fiji. The role involves working closely with the local government department responsible for international climate negotiations, on tasks including:
Development of policy positions
Review and response to policy proposals from other countries
Involvement in bilateral and multilateral meetings, assisting in representing the host country
These countries are extremely vulnerable to climate change, but are under resourced in international climate negotiations compared to the wealthy countries that are primarily responsible for causing climate change. It is critical that they are sufficiently resourced to represent their position clearly at negotiations over the coming year, to ensure the survival of their nations.
Placements are to be for 6 months, July to December 2009. This time period is extremely critical in international climate change negotiations. The post 2012 treaty will be decided at the Copenhagen Conference of the Parties in December 2009. Without a strong agreement in December 2009, the islands will face extreme consequences, with many being forced to leave their native lands.
Essential minimum qualifications Tertiary qualification in Law, International Relations, Policy, Environmental Science or other relevant disciplines
Essential minimum experience
Experience in the development of environmental law and/or policy
Demonstrated interest in international climate change law and policy
For more information and to apply, please contact Amelia Thorpe on (02) 9262 6989
Applications close 10 February 2009 .
3. Call for expressions of interest for FREE rural and regional workshops The EDO would like to invite expressions of interest for FREE rural and regional workshops. The EDO is available to conduct community legal education workshops on a wide range of environmental law topics. Workshop materials are provided and are tailored to specific localities.
Previous workshop topics include:
Coastal development and planning law for coastal communities
Advocacy and opposing development
Mining law
Environmental law for rural landholders
For more information and to discuss the possibility of the EDO coming to your area, please call Jemilah Hallinan on (02) 9262 6989.
4. Old law textbooks needed urgently As part of its international program, representatives from the EDO will be visiting the Solomon Islands in the coming weeks to deliver training and legal advice to local solicitors. The EDO has numerous links with government and non-government organisations throughout the Pacific.
To assist our work in these islands, the EDO would like to request your assistance in providing any old law textbooks, particularly those relating to environmental law or civil litigation practice. Text books are very difficult to obtain in the Pacific, and our partners have indicated that even old texts would be very useful. Australian and/or international texts will be welcome. Those with drafting instructions have been specifically requested. These can be delivered to our office in person or by mail at Level 1, 89 York St Sydney NSW 2000.
For more information, please contact Amelia Thorpe on (02) 9262 6989
5. The Road to Copenhagen: Our role in responding to the climate crisis (EDO Northern Rivers) The climate change conference in Copenhagen this December may be the last chance to avoid a potentially catastrophic future for the world's climate. The federal government has set a target for emissions reduction of 5% by 2020, or 15% if a global agreement can be reached this year. But the science tells us the reduction needs to be at least 25%.
What can we do this year to improve Australia's response to climate change? Be part of a community forum held to coincide with the Climate Change Summit in Canberra and the first day of federal parliament for 2009.
Time: 5.45 for 6pm til 8pm
Date: Tuesday 3 February 2009
Venue: Richmond Room, Regatta Ave, Ballina
Entry is free, gold coin donations will be accepted. No registration is necessary. For more information, call Mark Byrne on 6622 8470
6. Positions vacant: Solicitors (one permanent; one locum) EDO NSW has 2 Solicitor positions available in our Sydney office, one of which is a locum position. Part-time work will be considered.
Selection Criteria a NSW practising certificate or eligibility for admission to legal practice in NSW and, preferably, two years post admission experience
understanding of, and experience with, NSW environmental law and policy
commitment to the protection of the environment and public participation in environmental decision-making
demonstrated ability to work productively and to deadlines
demonstrated ability to develop and maintain good relationships with clients and colleagues
excellent oral and written communication skills.
Salary $49,000 - $61,000 per annum depending on experience plus superannuation.
For further information contact Kirsty Ruddock on 02 9262 6989.
Applications must address the selection criteria and be received by Friday 6 February 2009 .
7. FREE copies of the new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW The new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW, a publication last produced by the EDO in 2006, is now available for free, including postage and handling. The guide is a valuable tool in understanding the law in NSW regarding land management and explains legislation dealing with issues such as vegetation management, protected species, fire management, water management, construction and development, pollution, agricultural chemicals, crops and stock, mining and quarrying, heritage protection, conservation on private land and trading and offsetting agreements.
To obtain your FREE copy of the guide please call (02) 9262 6989. Boxes of 160 are also available on request for groups or organisations.
8. EDO seeking Indigenous Cadet EDO NSW is currently seeking an Indigenous Cadet to assist the work of the EDO's Indigenous Solicitor. The cadet will be a law student looking for part time work for two days per week. The type of work to be undertaken will include environmental policy work and research for litigation. This is a paid position, open to Indigenous applicants only.
9. Statutory review of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 A new Regulation has been drafted to replace the existing Regulation which governs various activities under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
The proposed National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009 will replace the former 2002 Regulation which will be automatically repealed on 1 September 2009.While the majority of clauses in the 2002 Regulation will be retained, there are some amendments and additions.
10. Renewable Energy Target scheme: exposure draft legislation released for public comment Exposure draft legislation on the design of the expanded national Renewable Energy Target scheme has been released for public comment.
Interested stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the exposure draft legislation by 13 February 2009 . Legislation to implement the expanded national Renewable Energy Target scheme will be in place by mid2009.
For more information regarding the exposure draft Renewable Energy legislation, contact Robert Ghanem on (02) 9262 6989.
11. National Human Rights Consultation In December 2008, the Federal Government launched a national public consultation about the legal recognition and protection of human rights and responsibilities in Australia. The National Human Rights Consultation is an historic opportunity for individuals and communities throughout Australia to improve democracy and to have a say about the protection of fundamental values such as freedom, respect, and dignity.
The Human Rights Law Resource Centre has produced a comprehensive report to enable individuals and organisations to participate in the National Human Rights Consultation in an informed and evidence-based way. It is intended to provide important background information for those seeking to engage in the consultation.
ANEDO will be preparing a submission that seeks to highlight the need for greater protection of human rights focusing on those relating to the environment. For an example of this work, visit the EDO ACT's website at http://www.edo.org.au/edoact/ and access their 2005 submission on Human Rights legislation in the ACT'.
12. Policy Submissions
Australia's future tax system Consultation Paper The Australian Government is currently conducting a review of Australia's tax system. The Australia's Future Tax System Review Panel released a consultation paper on 11 December, providing the basis for further community input into 2009.
Section 13 of the consultation paper seeks submissions on tax transfer impacts on the environment, the ways that taxes can improve environmental amenity and how the tax system can detract from environmental outcomes. Submissions are due on Friday 1 May 2009 .
Optimising benefits from Native Title Agreements Discussion Paper
The Government has released a Native Title discussion paper, which canvasses options for using the native title system to help address key areas of Indigenous disadvantage.
The purpose of the discussion paper is to generate ideas, stimulate discussion and seek input from the public on how the benefits negotiated through native title related agreements can deliver social and economic wealth for generations of Indigenous people.
Australia's National Reserve System
As part of its membership in the IUCN (International Conservation Union) WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas), the EDO was invited to prepare a submission on the draft strategy for Australia's National Reserve System 2008-2030, which sets out the directions for protection and management of terrestrial biodiversity under the National Reserve System. The strategy is grounded in sound ecological principles and provides a good direction to protected area managers, however requires funding for full implementation for these benefits to be realised.
The EPBC Act The Commonwealth Government has announced an independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The review will examine, among other things, the extent to which the Act has achieved its objectives, and the workability of the legislation. The Discussion Paper for the review can be viewed here:
The Australian Network of Environmental Defender's Offices (ANEDO) will be preparing a response to the review and have an extension until 30 January 2009 for this submission. ANEDO recently made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the EPBC Act. The submission covers much of the same ground as the current review and can be viewed here:
If you have any particular EPBC Act case studies, or want to raise your general concerns with us regarding the review, please contact Robert Ghanem on 02 9262 6989.
Natural resource management in NSW 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:
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.
14. McArthur River Mine case: Minister for the Environment meets with traditional owners
Federal Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett recently flew to Borroloola in the Northern Territory to meet with traditional owners in the region, following the success of their Federal Court case again mining company Xstrata. Traditional owners have requested that the government order Xstrata to restore the McArthur River after it was diverted for an extension of a nearby zinc mine.
Following the Federal Court's judgment in the traditional owners' favour, the decision for the approval of the mine extension has been referred back to the Minister under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
15. Farmer Bulletin (Northern Rivers): The Buzz on Biofuels (January 2009) In this regular column, Northern Rivers Education Officer Mark Byrne looks at the social and economic implications of biofuel use and various types of biofuels currently in use in Australia.
Law Notices New South Wales
16. 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.
17. 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/...
Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposed National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009
Terrigal Haven Draft Plan of Management
Draft Scotts Head Master Plan
Tourism opportunity at Hickey Island, Yamba
Muddy Creek Draft Plan of Management
Somersby Driver Training School Expressions of Interest
Merewether Beach Reserves Draft Plan of Management
Tabulam Racecourse draft Plan of Management
The Waterfront Masterplan Corlette to Shoal Bay, Port Stephens
Draft Plan of Management Manning Regional Crown Reserve
Request for proposal heritage building at 1 Duke St, Grafton
Commercial opportunities at Ballina Trawler Harbour and Regatta Avenue Harbour
Contract management services for the preparation of the ex-HMAS Adelaide
Funding for strategic navigation dredging
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
19. 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:
20. Australian Conservation Foundation position: Sustainable Cities Campaigner The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has been a strong and effective voice for the environment for over 40 years and is committed to inspiring people to achieve a healthy environment for all Australians.
We are seeking an experienced campaigner with proven success in developing sustainability policies, and achieving positive change on urban water, transport and energy issues. Your ability to build strategic relationships with diverse stakeholders compliments your demonstrated advocacy and project management skills.
If you are passionate about contributing to a more sustainable future and you want to work for an environmental leader we want to hear from you. This full or part-time position can be based in Melbourne or Sydney.
Salary $76,230 (including 9% superannuation).
Applications close 9am Thursday 29 January 2009
Please address the experience, skills, personal attributes and qualifications required and send your email applications only to:
Justine Vaisutis,
Human Resources Coordinator
Email: work@acfonline.org.au
21. Australia's Climate Action Summit In February, community climate action groups from across the continent and other concerned Australians are joining together for Australia's Climate Action Summit in Canberra, the weekend before the first day of the 2009 Federal Parliament: 31st January 2nd February 2009.
The Summit aims to make the community climate movement in Australia more effective and more coherent, and to help set the agenda for the second year of the Rudd Government.
Australia' Climate Action Summit will be two days of facilitated meetings and workshops. The program will consist of four strands: campaign development, movement building, skills workshops, and information and discussion sessions. The aim of the two days is to create a strategic national climate campaign and form a national grassroots network.
The weekend will be followed on the Monday by one day of dynamic training in climate campaigning skills for taking action, facilitating climate action groups, effective lobbying and more.
On Tuesday 3rd February, the first day of the 2009 Federal Parliament, we will hold a peaceful, community action of thousands of ordinary Australians demanding immediate political action for a safe climate. On the same day, the grassroots climate network will launch our national campaign at Parliament House.
22. Launch of A Practitioner's Guide to the Land and Environment Court of NSW'
The NSW Young Lawyers Environmental Law Committee invites you to attend the launch of the third edition of A Practitioner's Guide to the Land and Environment Court of NSW'. The launch will be followed by a speech on Practice and Procedure of the Land and Environment Court of NSW', presented by His Honour Justice Preston, Chief Justice of the Land and Environment Court of NSW.
Time: 5.30pm to 7pm
Date: Wednesday 18 February 2009
Venue: The Law Society of NSW, Level 2, Functions Rooms, 170 Phillip St, SYDNEY.
23. Climate Change @ Work: Creating the Sustainable Workplace The University of Sydney's Workplace Research Centre invites you to this one-day workshop looking at the ways in which global warming is changing jobs, human resource management practice, workplace relations and skill demands. The workshop aims to assist you and your business in exploring more suitable approaches to energy and resource efficiency use.
Speakers include Duncan Campbell, the Director of Employment Strategy at the International Labour Organisation, Geneva and Amanda Keogh, Environmental Sustainability Manager for Fuji Xerox.
Time: 9am to 5pm
Date: Friday 3 April 2009
Venue: Hilton, Sydney
Cost: $695 (early bird rate of $600) inc GST
24. PIAC Human Rights training
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre is again conducting training days in February and March on Human Rights, with a focus on the Australian context for the upcoming Federal government public consultation. The one-day workshop will help anyone who is interested in understanding and speaking out about human rights. It covers the principles underpinning human rights, international human rights systems, gaps in protection in Australia, models of protection and the debate for and against protection in Australia.
Sydney (CBD): 2 February and 27 March 2009
Newcastle: 19 March 2009
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.
