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: A workshop for landowners in the Tweed Valley (Northern Rivers)
2. FREE EDO Workshop: Coastal Development, LEPs and Advocacy - Ourimbah
3. FREE EDO Workshop: Coastal Development and Advocacy- Wollongong
4. Request for translators
5. FREE copies of the new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW
6. EDO Victoria: Position Vacancy Solicitor
Law and Policy Watch
7. Submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on the Review of NSW Climate Change Mitigation Measures
8. NSW Housing Code begins
9. Draft sea level rise policy
10. Release of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Exposure Draft Legislation
11. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Amendment Bill 2009 Exposure Draft
12. Large fines for environmental law breach
13. Rose Group development approved with conditions
14. Statutory review of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002
15. National Human Rights Consultation
16. Policy Submissions
17. Legislative Reviews
EDO in the Media
18. Gosford Radio 2GO : Ourimbah workshop (3 March 2009)
19. Northern Rivers Echo : Dunoon celebrates DA withdrawal (26 February 2009)
Environmental Law Notices New South Wales
20. Major Project Proposals Invitation to Comment
21. State Conservation Notices Invitation to Comment
22. Department of Lands Public Exhibition
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
23. EPBC Referrals Invitation to Comment
Community News
24. Sydney University seminar: Catalysing Hope for a Sustainable Future
25. Sydney Trade Unionists Climate Action Network
26. Protecting Human Rights workshop in Newcastle and Sydney
27. The Statute of Liberty: How Australians can take back their rights
28. EcoForum Conference and Exhibition 2009
EDO News and Events
1. Private Conservation: A workshop for landowners in the Tweed Valley (Northern Rivers) While the Border Ranges is a national biodiversity hotspot, much of the high conservation value land is on private property. The need to protect biodiversity on private land is becoming increasingly important in order to enable plants and animals to shift their ranges in response to climate change.
Governments and other environmental 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 workshop will feature short talks from EDO lawyers and a range of organisations which offer conservation agreements. It will also introduce the growing opportunities for landholders to benefit from 'ecosystem services' including biobanking and carbon sink forests. A time for questions will also be provided.
After a complimentary light lunch, the optional afternoon session will involve a visit to a farm that has a conservation agreement, to demonstrate these agreements in practice.
Date: Saturday 28 March 2009
Morning Session Time: 9.15am (for 9.30am sharp start) to 1.30pm
Venue: Murwillumbah CWA Hall, 20 Queen St
Attendance is free, but prior registration is required. To register, contact Mark Byrne (02) 6622 8470.
Organised in cooperation with Tweed Landcare.
2. FREE EDO Workshop: Coastal Development, LEPs and Advocacy - Ourimbah This workshop will look at how planning decisions are made and how they affect coastal communities, with a focus on the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) process. With Central Coast Councils currently preparing new LEPs, this is an excellent opportunity to find out how to effectively engage in the environmental decision-making process.
When: Saturday 7 March 2009
Time: 9.30-1.30, lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Venue: Staff Common Room, Room of Applied Sciences, Ourimbah Campus, 10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah NSW
RSVP: Please call (02) 9262 6989 to register or for more information.
3. FREE EDO Workshop: Coastal Development and Advocacy The EDO, at the request of the Illawarra Greens, will be presenting a workshop on coastal development and advocacy in Wollongong. The workshop will focus on the key elements of the planning system relevant to coastal development, including regional plans and local environmental plans and outline strategies for effectively engaging in the decision-making process.
Date: Saturday 4 April 2009
Time: 10am-2pm, lunch will be provided
Venue: Illawarra Aboriginal Cultural Corporation Centre, PO Box 5457 Wollongong 2560
RSVP: Please call (02) 9262 6989 to register or for more information.
4. Request for translators The EDO is seeking the assistance of translators to prepare information to be made available to the public on our website. If you have a proficiency in Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish and would like to help, please contact Heidi Evans (Monday Thursday) on (02) 9262 6989.
5. 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.
6. EDO Victoria: Position Vacancy Solicitor The Environmental Defender's Office Victoria is seeking to employ a passionate and experienced environmental lawyer to join the legal team. EDO solicitors help groups and individuals to protect and conserve the environment by providing advice and information and engaging in casework, community legal education, law reform and policy development.
A salary of $55,000-$70,000 plus superannuation is offered for the position. Actual salary will be dependent upon skills and experience.
For more information, visit http://www.edo.org.au/edovic/jobs.html Potential applicants must contact Principal Solicitor, Brendan Sydes on (03) 8341 3105 before applying.
Law and Policy Watch
7. Submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on the Review of NSW Climate Change Mitigation Measures The EDO has now completed its submission to IPART on the Review of NSW Climate Change Mitigation Measures. The submission, which recommends IPART take a cautious approach given the uncertainty and risks of climate change, has been made available on the EDO website at http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/policy.php#1
8. NSW Housing Code begins On Friday 27 February the NSW Housing Code came into effect. The primary outcome of the Code is to allow faster and more streamlined approval for the construction of and alterations to houses. Additional workshops explaining the operation of the housing code have been announced in Queanbeyan, Batemans Bay, Albury and Broken Hill.
9. Draft sea level rise policy The NSW Government has released a draft policy on sea level rise for consultation with coastal councils, key stakeholders and the public until 3 April 2009. The consultation will assist the Government in finalising guidelines on the extent to which sea level rise will be considered in broad land-use management strategies, local environment plans and individual development applications.
10. Release of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Exposure Draft Legislation On Tuesday March 10, the Federal Government will publicly release the exposure draft legislation on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The purpose of the exposure draft legislation is to enable consultation on the terms of the Bill and its effectiveness in delivering the White Paper's policy decisions. Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water has recommended the exposure draft legislation be referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics for consideration.
11. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Amendment Bill 2009 Exposure Draft The exposure draft of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Amendment Bill 2009 is now available for public comment. The legislation seeks to establish a mandatory reporting system for corporate greenhouse gas emissions and energy production and consumption. The amended legislation will require auditors to register with the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer (GEDO) and make a number of administrative changes to clarify existing audit arrangements. The amendments also remove the obligation of the GEDO to publish energy production data.
Amendments have also been made to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations to reflect and support the changes to the Act.
12. Large fines for environmental law breach A company and its project manager have been heavily fined for illegal clearing at a Mission Beach (Queensland) development, under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 . A development proposal for the site was still being assessed for its likely impact on the nationally-protected southern cassowary and an investigation revealed the company had cleared land before a referral decision had been made, amounting to an offence under the Act.
The project manager was fined $5,000 and the company was fined $40,000.
13. Rose Group Development approved with conditions Environment Minister Peter Garrett has allowed a proposed development at Catherine Hill Bay to go ahead, with conditions requiring offsets to protect the two plant species currently listed as vulnerable under Commonwealth legislation that are present on the development sites.
The proposal by Rose Group is to involve the construction of 750 dwellings over two sites and was first approved by the NSW Government and has also been assessed at a federal level for impacts on matters of National Environmental Significance.
The EDO has been working with resident groups at Catherine Hill Bay and Gwandalan and intends to examine whether this decision will adequately protect the matters of National Environmental Significance at issue.
14. 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.
The proposed Regulation, along with a Regulatory Impact Statement, is on public exhibition until 27 March 2009.
15. 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'.
16. Policy Submissions EPBC Act The ANEDO submission on the legislative review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is now available on the EDO website at:
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 .
17. 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:
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 (02) 9262 6989 if you would like to contribute.
EDO in the Media
18. Gosford Radio 2GO : Ourimbah workshop (3 March 2009) EDO Education Officer Jemilah Hallinan was interviewed regarding the upcoming workshop in Ourimbah. The workshop, to be held on March 7, will address coastal development, Local Environmental Plans and advocacy issues.
For more information, see the notice above or contact Jemilah Hallinan , on (02) 9262 6989.
19. Northern Rivers Echo : Dunoon celebrates DA withdrawal (26 February 2009) This article reports on the withdrawal by the proponent Hardie Holdings, of a Development Application for a controversial 57-lot subdivision in Dunoon. The withdrawal has been seen as a success for the Dunoon Community Group in their opposition to the development. EDO Northern Rivers has been providing advice and assistance to the Dunoon Community Group. The article also states that the group has pushed Council to reconsider the current community engagement process regarding development in the area.
20. 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
Strathfield: Advertising Structure on Homebush Bay Drive, Flemington
Expressions of interest Swansea Channel Maintenance
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
23. 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:
24. Sydney University seminar: Catalysing Hope for a Sustainable Future The University of Sydney invites you to this public forum tackling the issue of sustainability from a scientific, industrial and policy perspective. As the environmental state of the planet becomes more and more uncertain, the need for solutions that will effect genuine, significant change is increasingly crucial. Who will create the solutions to ensure that we can achieve a truly sustainable future? What is the science behind these solutions, and what are the hurdles to their implementation?
Speakers Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas (Cambridge University), Dr Frits Dautzenberg (Serenix/ABB Lummus) and Dr Ian Maxwell (MaxCo) will address these issues from their professional perspectives, followed by a panel discussion and cocktail reception.
Time: 5.45pm 7pm
Date: Tuesday 14 April 2009
Venue: General Lecture Theatre, Main Quadrangle, University of Sydney
25. Sydney Trade Unionists Climate Action Network You are invited to participate in the first meeting of a Trade Unionists Climate Action Network in Sydney. The group aims to develop a grassroots network of like-minded trade unionists to collaborate and organise for climate justice. Climate change, workers' rights, and social justice are interconnected.
Issues to begin discussion will be presented by various speakers and include:
What are unionists doing about climate change in NSW and elsewhere?
How can unionists who are interested in climate change work together?
How can the labour and environment movements work together?
What strategic alliances can we build with other movements, in Australia and labour movements globally?
How can union memberships and leaderships be motivated to take part in campaigns?
How can workers call for green, unionised jobs with good working conditions in the context of the global economic downturn?
Date: Thursday 5 March 2009
Time: 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Venue: The Agincourt Hotel, cnr Parramatta Rd and Harris Street (2 min walk from Central Station)
Finger food will be provided. This event is facilitated by unionists and workers and is supported by Friends of the Earth Sydney. For more information, email Zoe at zhutchinson@lhmu.org.au
26. Protecting Human Rights workshop in Newcastle and Sydney This one-day workshop hosted by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre 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.
Newcastle: 18 & 19 March 2009
Sydney CBD: 27 March 2009
27. The Statute of Liberty: How Australians can take back their rights This public lecture by Geoffrey Robertson QC will consider the question: Why is Australia the only developed nation in the world without a bill of rights?
Many of those who argue against a bill of rights think we live in the best of all possible worlds, but Geoffrey Robertson QC believes we should think again. In this special Sydney Writers' Festival out of season event, he puts forward his case, illustrating his point with evidence from other countries of how a statute of liberty helps ordinary citizens and improves standards of governance and public services. He will discuss what he considers to be distortions and urban myths propagated by opponents of the bill, and outline why he believes the charter he has drafted reflects the history and real contemporary values of Australians.
Date: Wednesday 1 April 2009
Time: 6.30 7.45pm
Venue: City Recital Hall, Angel Place Sydney
Cost: $25 (A Reserve) $20 (B Reserve) - Concessions are available.
Tickets are available from City Recital Hall box office on (02) 8256 2222 or at www.cityrecitalhall.com
28. EcoForum Conference and Exhibition 2009 The EcoForum conference stream aims to provide information on the kind of government support available for businesses planning to mitigate the effects of climate change. Anne Scott, Deputy State Manager in the AusIndustry NSW State Office, will tell delegates how the Climate Ready, Re-tooling for Climate Change and Green Building Fund grants programs under the new Clean Business Australia initiative can assist businesses to adapt to climate change.
The EcoForum climate change conference stream will also feature presentations from across Australia from the energy, local government, telecommunications, business, academia and environmental consulting sectors on a multitude of climate change responses, from how consumer behavior is affected and how that will affect your business to integrating climate change considerations into environmental studies.
As well as the conference stream on climate change, the Sydney EcoForum in April will feature:
Conference streams on water, biotechnology, waste, energy, air quality, human health and land remediation
A trade exhibition of 40 environmental products and services suppliers
An example of how art can be used to support environmental messages
Networking with 1,100 environment industry professionals over breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, happy hour drinks and the EcoForum dinner.
Dates: 28 to 30 April 2009
Venue: Australian Technology Park, Sydney
To download the conference program and registration documents, visit www.ecoforum.net.au/2009 or contact Quitz Pty Ltd on (02) 9410 1302.
Registrations received by 28 February 2009 will be entitled to a $150 discount on the regular cost of the three-day delegate registration, including attendance at the dinner.
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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.
