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. Private Conservation workshop (EDO Northern Rivers)
2. Rural Landholders Workshop: Albury Wodonga NSW
3. Australian Youth Ambassador for Development Pacific placements
4. Call for expressions of interest for FREE rural and regional workshops
5. Old law textbooks needed urgently
6. The Road to Copenhagen: Our role in responding to the climate crisis (EDO Northern Rivers)
7. Positions vacant: Solicitors (one permanent; one locum)
8. FREE copies of the new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW
9. EDO seeking Indigenous Cadet
Law and Policy Watch
10. Dates announced for public consultation: Aboriginal Land Management Framework Discussion Paper
11. Senate Inquiry into the investment of commonwealth and State funds in public passenger transport infrastructure and services
12. Statutory review of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002
13. Renewable Energy Target scheme: exposure draft legislation released for public comment
14. National Human Rights Consultation
15. Policy Submissions
16. Legislative Reviews
EDO in the Media
Environmental Law Notices New South Wales
17. Major Project Proposals Invitation to Comment
18. State Conservation Notices Invitation to Comment
19. Department of Lands Public Exhibition
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
20. EPBC Referrals Invitation to Comment
Community News
21. ANU Environmental Litigation course
22. Australia's Climate Action Summit
23. Launch of A Practitioner's Guide to the Land and Environment Court of NSW'
24. Climate Change @ Work: Creating the Sustainable Workplace
EDO News and Events
1. Private Conservation workshop (EDO Northern Rivers) The EDO Northern Rivers office invites you to this free workshop for landowners in the Lower Clarence Valley interested in conserving biodiversity on their property. The Northern Rivers is a national biodiversity hotspot, but much of the high conservation value land is on private property. Governments and other organisations have recognised the need to protect biodiversity on private land by offering a range of formal and informal agreements and incentives.
The morning session of this one day workshop will be held in Grafton. It will cover the options for conservation agreements, with talks from EDO lawyers and staff from the Nature Conservation Trust of NSW, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. The afternoon session will involve a visit to a farm 28 kms south of Grafton that has had a Voluntary Conservation Agreement for many years, to show how it has worked in practice.
Date: Saturday 28 February 2009
Morning session: 9.15am (for a 9.30 sharp start) to 12.30 at Grafton Community Centre, 59 Duke St Grafton
Afternoon session: 2.30 4.30pm at Kangaroo Creek Rd Coutts Crossing (address tba)
Attendance is free, however registration is essential. Please call Mark Byrne, Education Officer, on 66228470.
2. 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 Landholder's 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.
3. 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 Pacific Island climate change issues
For more information and to apply, please contact Amelia Thorpe on (02) 9262 6989.
Applications are due 10 February 2009 .
4. 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.
5. Old law textbooks needed urgently
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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Dates announced for public consultation: Aboriginal Land Management Framework Discussion Paper The consultation schedule for the public consultation regarding the Discussion Paper - Aboriginal Land Management Framework has been announced.
11. Senate Inquiry into the investment of Commonwealth and State funds in public passenger transport infrastructure and services
On 4 December 2008 the Senate referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for inquiry and report by 18 June 2009, the matter of Commonwealth and State investment in public passenger transport infrastructure. The following terms of reference were provided:
an audit of the state of public passenger transport in Australia;
current and historical levels of public investment in private vehicle and public passenger transport services and infrastructure;
an assessment of the benefits of public passenger transport, including integration with bicycle and pedestrian initiatives;
measures by which the Commonwealth Government could facilitate improvement in public passenger transport services and infrastructure;
the role of Commonwealth Government legislation, taxation, subsidies, policies and other mechanisms that either discourage or encourage public passenger transport; and
best practice international examples of public passenger transport services and infrastructure.
12. 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.
13. 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.
To download the exposure draft legislation, visit http://www.climatechange.gov.au/renewabletarget/consultation/...
For more information regarding the exposure draft Renewable Energy legislation, contact Robert Ghanem on 9262 6989.
14. 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'.
15. 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. This paper can be found here:
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.
National Carbon Offset Discussion Paper The National Carbon Offset Standard Discussion Paper has been released by the federal Department of Climate Change. It aims to provide guidance on what constitutes a genuine, additional voluntary offset credit, set requirements for the verification and retirement of such credits, and provide principles for calculating the emissions of an organisation, product or service which could be offset. The Department is particularly interested in any comments on the design of the standard in the context of the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
Submissions are due on 27 February 2009, with information sessions being undertaken around Australia. Further information can be found on the Department of Climate Change website, at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/nav/carbon_offset.html
16. Legislative Reviews
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.
EDO in the Media
There were no media items regarding the EDO and its work this week .
Law Notices New South Wales
17. 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
Lismore: Extractive Industry Basalt Column Extraction EIS
Palerang: On-Farm Composting Facility - EIS
There are no new notices since the last eBulletin.
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
20. 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:
21. ANU Environmental Litigation course The Australian National University is now offering a course titled, Environmental Litigation', exploring the theory and practice of environmental litigation in Australia. It will examine both merits appeals and judicial review, whilst also considering the place of litigation within an effective regulatory system. The course will be of particular interest to lawyers, whether in government agencies or departments, private practice or community legal centres.
The course can either be done as part of a degree, as a single subject or as a professional development short course. The short course will be held at the ANU in Canberra from Wednesday 27 May 2009 to Friday 29 May 2009 and will be taught by Queensland barrister Dr Chris McGrath.
22. 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's 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 its national campaign at Parliament House.
23. 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.
To RSVP, call Trish Babu on (02) 9926 0271.
For general inquiries, contact Kim Glassbrow on (02) 8083 0419.
24. 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 practices, 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
For more information and to register, visit www.wrc.org.au
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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.
