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 (NSW): New Position Project Officer
2. Private Conservation: A workshop for landowners in the Tweed Valley (Northern Rivers)
3. FREE EDO Workshop: Coastal Development and Advocacy- Wollongong
4. FREE copies of the new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW
5. EDO Victoria: Position Vacancy Solicitor
Law and Policy Watch
6. Release of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Exposure Draft Legislation
7. Release of the Mid North Coast Regional Strategy
8. Statutory review of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002
9. National Human Rights Consultation
10. Policy Submissions
11. Legislative Reviews
EDO in the Media
Environmental Law Notices New South Wales
12. Major Project Proposals Invitation to Comment
13. State Conservation Notices Invitation to Comment
14. Department of Lands Public Exhibition
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
15. EPBC Referrals Invitation to Comment
Community News
16. FREE moving screening: Sisters on the Planet
17. Donate your spare green bags
18. Warringah Climate Challenge
19. GreenBiz Cafe
20. Sydney University seminar: Catalysing Hope for a Sustainable Future
21. EcoForum Conference and Exhibition 2009
EDO News and Events
1. EDO (NSW): New Position Project Officer
The Environmental Defender's Office (EDO) is a community legal centre specialising in public interest advocacy regarding environmental law and policy. The EDO is seeking to employ a Project Officer to join our education program, which works to empower the community to participate in environmental decisions and to inspire them to use the law to protect the environment.
The Project Officer will run legal education projects, including two new programs which will focus on private conservation and on coastal law and climate change.
The EDO has received initial grants to fund this position for 45 weeks. The EDO will consider applications to undertake this work full time, or part time over a longer period. Working hours are flexible.
Salary is $49,000 - $61,000 pro rata, depending on experience, plus superannuation.
For more information on the EDO, and for the position description, please see our website: www.edo.org.au/edonsw For further information on the position, contact Amelia Thorpe, EDO Programs Director, on (02) 9262 6989.
Applications close 27 March 2009. To apply, please email a cover letter, curriculum vitae and response to selection criteria to the EDO NSW.
2. 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.
Morning Session
Time: 9.15am (for 9.30am sharp start) to 1.30pm
Venue: Murwillumbah CWA Hall, 20 Queen St
Afternoon Session
Time: 2.30pm to 4pm
Venue: Property visit (address tba)
Date: Saturday 28 March 2009
Attendance is free, but prior registration is required. To register, contact Mark Byrne (02) 6622 8470.
Organised in cooperation with Tweed Landcare.
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 strategies 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, 22 Kenny St Wollongong 2500
RSVP: Please call (02) 9262 6989 to register or for more information.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Release of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Exposure Draft Legislation
The Commonwealth Government has released exposure draft legislation setting up the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. The legislation is consistent with the White Paper released late last year. The bill sets up the scheme, to begin on 1 July 2010. It establishes the framework for setting caps and gateways and outlines the responsibilities of liable emitters to surrender emissions permits equivalent to their emissions at the end of each financial year. The objects of the legislation are: to meet Australia's Kyoto obligations, support a global response to climate change, and achieve a 5-15% cut on 2000 emissions by 2020 and 60% by 2050. A new body is also established - the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority - to oversee the scheme.
Submissions can be made on the draft legislation by 13 April 2009.
The draft legislation and commentary can be viewed here:
7. Release of the Mid North Coast Regional Strategy
The NSW Government has released the final Mid North Coast Regional Planning Strategy. The strategy plans for expected housing and employment growth in the region until 2031. It covers the eight local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Greater Taree, Great Lakes, Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie-Hastings. The strategy has been finalised following public exhibition.
The Mid North Coast Regional Alliance for Sustainable Planning (RASP) and other community groups have expressed their disappointment at the final strategy, particularly the alleged excessive urban sprawl into existing natural environment areas.
For more information and to access the strategy, visit http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/mid_northcoast.asp
8. 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. Copies of the Regulation and a Factsheet are available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/consult/DecPublicConsultation.htm
The EDO has been invited to make a submission.
9. 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.
The report is available here http://www.hrlrc.org.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?id=436&nav_cat_id=183&nav_top_id=69
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'.
Public submissions for the consultation have been invited. The date for public submissions has now been extended to Monday 15 June 2009. Submissions can be sent electronically or by post. More information is available from http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/nhrcc.nsf/Page/Share_Your_Views
To encourage public participation in the consultation, forums have been announced throughout Australia. NSW locations and dates are provided below:
Sydney 17 March 2009, 10-12pm/2-4pm/6-8pm
Taree 19 March 2009, 12-2pm
Wollongong 19 March 2009, 12-2pm
For more information regarding these sessions or to register, visit http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/community.nsf/calendar
10. Policy Submissions
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
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:
http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/policy.php#4
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.
11. 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:
Native Vegetation Act 2003,
Natural Resources Commission Act 2003,
Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, and
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
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
There are no media items this week.
Law Notices New South Wales
12. 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.
13. 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/consult/DecPublicConsultation.htm
Draft Pesticides Regulation 2009
14. Department of Lands Public Exhibition
The following draft plans are currently being exhibited for public comment. Visit http://www.lands.nsw.gov.au/about_us/publications/exhibition to view the plans in detail.
There are no new notices since the last eBulletin.
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
15. 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:
New South Wales
V8 Supercar Events Pty Ltd/Tourism and recreation/Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay/NSW/V8 Supercars Sydney 400 Event
Origin Energy Resources Ltd/Exploration (mineral, oil and gas marine)/Approx 160kms North-West of Devonport/TAS/Rockhopper-1 and Trefoil-2 Exploration Drilling in Permit Area T/18P
Australian Rail Track Corporation/Transport land/Near Hume Highway, between Donnybrook Rd and Beveridge Rd/VIC/Melbourne to Sydney Rail Upgrade Project Passing Lane 2
Industry Superannuation Property Trust/Commonwealth/2-4 National Circuit, east side of Kings Avenue, Barton/ACT/Refurbishment of former Patent Office & demolition of Robert Garran link office building
Oxfam would like to invite you to this free screening of the Six Sisters on the Planet video to hear inspiring stories from women taking action to reduce the impact of climate change in places as far flung as Uganda and Bangladesh, and as close to home as the Carteret Islands in the Pacific and the township of Hamilton in Western Victoria.
Special guests include Sulu Uota from the Pacific Island state of Tuvalu, who will talk about the particular challenges facing her low-lying island home; Sue Conde the President of UNIFEM Australia who will give insights into why women are most affected by climate change; and Natalie Isaacs who is an Al Gore climate presenter and the CEO of Climate Coolers. Natalie will share why she works hard to help inspire and empower women everywhere to act on climate change. Sulu, Sue and Natalie will be available to take audience questions.
For more information, contact Cara Bevington at carab@oxfam.org.au or call (02) 8204 3929. RSVP is essential.
17. Donate your spare green bags
Bagbusters is urgently calling for donations of unused green bags that can be used for Marrickville's first ever community BagShare. The program aims to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags in the Marrickville local government area.
All reusable bags are welcomed, including cotton, hemp, polypropylene ('green' bags), nylon and jute bags.
The bags will soon become available for loan at participating shops. That means if you forget your bag, you can borrow a BagShare bag and return it to where you borrowed it, either The Watershed or Alfalfa House.
Bagbusters is a plastic bag waste joint reduction program implemented by the Resource Recovery Section of Marrickville Council and The Watershed, Newtown.
For more information, visit http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/services/waste/plasticbagreduction.htm
18. Warringah Climate Challenge
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Warringah Council would like to invite you to the launch of the Warringah Climate Challenge. The Climate Challenge provides tangible ways for the Warringah community to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop creative initiatives to highlight the solutions to climate change.
The official launch of the Challenge will take place on Saturday 21 March 2009 at Dee Why Beach Reserve, The Strand, Dee Why. It will be a fun and free day out for the whole family including eco stalls, a BBQ, entertainment, Green Living Talks and much more.
The Challenge itself is open to all residents in the Warringah local government area from North Balgowlah in the south, Dee Why and Narrabeen in the east, Frenchs Forest in the west and Terry Hills in the north. For more information, visit http://nccnsw.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2589&Itemid=956
19. GreenBiz Cafe
Are you in a green or renewable industry business? Or would you like to start a green business? The GreenBiz Cafe, a member-based community group would like to invite you to join them at their next meeting. GreenBiz Cafe meet every first and third Monday of the month from 6pm to 8pm.
Details for the next meeting are as follows:
Monday 16 March 2009
6pm 8pm
Macro Cafe, Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW
Entry is $5 and includes a hot drink.
For more information, visit http://www.greenbizcafe.com/blog/?page_id=88 Inquiries can be directed to Mary Hendriks at mary@aussierenewables.com.au
20. 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
To RSVP, contact events@science.usyd.edu.au
21. 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 service 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 or by email at quitz@ecoforum.net.au 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.
