EDO NSW BULLETIN – 12 August 2009: Number 621
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. Case Update: Lyall Munro & Wayne Nean v Minister for Planning & Moree Plains Shire Council
A hearing date has been set for proceedings against the Minister for Lands challenging the revocation of the dedication of Taylor Oval as public purpose recreation. The matter will be heard in the Supreme Court in Sydney on 26-27 November 2009.
On behalf of two Aboriginal clients who are elders of the Gomerei Nation, the EDO is seeking a declaration that the decision by the Minister for Lands to notify the revocation of Crown Reserve at Taylor Oval is void, and related injunctions. The revocation of the dedication is an important step in allowing the Department of Lands to enable the Big W development to proceed. The Minister is also contesting the elders' legal right to bring the proceedings, as the challenge is based on the common law test of whether they are "a person aggrieved" by the decision.
2. Case Update: Hill Top Residents Action Group v Minister for Planning and NSW Sport and Recreation
In this case the EDO is representing Hill Top Residents Action Group in their Land and Environment Court challenge to the Minister for Planning's consent to a major project, being a regional shooting complex. The development was not permissible under the existing planning controls in place at the time, so the Minister amended a State Environmental Planning Policy in order to allow the project to proceed. However, the amendment to the SEPP was mis-drafted, so that the project is arguably still not permissible.
The matter was heard on Wednesday and Thursday last week and is listed for a third hearing day on 25 August.
3. Case Update: Caroona Coal Action Group Inc v Coal Mines Australia Pty Ltd & Minister for Mineral Resources
On behalf of the Caroona Coal Action Group Inc, the EDO has commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court to challenge the exploration licence and coal authorisation granted to Coal Mines Australia Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of BHP Billiton). The exploration licence covers 344 square kilometres at Caroona in the Liverpool Plains region of NSW, which is recognised as one of Australia's most productive food bowls. It is believed that the coal reserves in the area are in excess of 500 million tonnes. It is BHP Billiton's intention, if granted approval by the NSW Government, to then establish a large longwall mine to extract the coal over a 30-50 year period. The Caroona Coal Action Group Inc is particularly concerned about the impact that exploration and mining will have on the unique groundwater systems of the Liverpool Plains, and the compatibility of mining and continued agriculture in the region.
The legal challenge is based on the Minister for Mineral Resources' alleged failure to follow the correct procedures for granting an exploration licence and a transfer of a coal authorisation. In particular, it is alleged that the Minister did not consider the need to conserve and protect the flora, fauna, fish, fisheries, scenic attractions and features of Aboriginal, architectural, archaeological, historical or geological interest in the land as required by the Mining Act 1992 . The case has been listed for hearing 26-29 October.
4. Diary Note - ANEDO Conference Announcement
The Australian Network of Environmental Defender's Offices (ANEDO) will be holding a national conference on 28-29 May 2010. The conference will be held at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts in Sydney. The conference program is still being prepared. More details will be available shortly via this bulletin and the EDO website.
5. Local Environmental Plan fact sheets now available online
The EDO has produced two new fact sheets on Local Environmental Plans (LEPs). The first fact sheet explains the new process for making LEPs that came into effect on 1 July this year. The second fact sheet examines the Standard Instrument that all councils will be updating their LEP to in the coming years. This fact sheet looks at the content of the Standard Instrument and what you should look for when you are commenting on the new LEP for your area.
These fact sheets are available free on our website at: http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/factsh/fs02_1_1.php
If you would like the EDO to come to your area to present a workshop on the Standard Instrument and how you can get involved in the LEP-making process please contact the EDO Education Director 02 9262 6989.
6. Position Vacant: Principal Solicitor and Coordinator, EDO North Queensland
EDO North Queensland is seeking applications for Principal Solicitor/Coordinator. The successful applicant must have a Bachelors Degree in Law; a practising certificate or eligibility to obtain a practising certificate; and an ability to provide legal advice and casework services to individuals and community organisations in the area of Public Interest Environmental Law.
EDO-NQ is a community legal centre engaged in public interest casework, advice, law reform and community education programs that improve decision-making and environmental outcomes in North Queensland.
The Principal Solicitor & Coordinator is responsible for the following, subject to Management Committee direction:
- Coordinating and delivering EDO-NQ's services, including providing advice and casework services, engaging in law reform and legal policy review projects and delivering community legal education;
- Supervising and managing legal and administrative staff to assist in delivering EDO-NQ's services; and
- Reporting to the Management Committee and EDO-NQ's funders in relation to 1 and 2 above.
The position is full time and under the SACS award. Salary range is from SACS level 6.1 + 7% (currently $54,811.55 p.a. - includes 7%) to 7.2 ($59,807.03 per annum - includes 7%). Salaries shown include a 7% overaward payment. The salary level is dependent upon experience and expertise.
Further details and a position description are available by contacting adminnq@edo.org.au or calling 07 4031 4766. Applications can be submitted by email to adminnq@edo.org.au or by mail to Suite 1, Level 1 96-98 Lake St, Cairns QLD 4870. The closing date for applications is Thursday 27 th August 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, cr ops 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 contact us. Boxes of 160 are also available on request for groups or organisations.
Law and Policy Watch
8. Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden Challenged in Supreme Court by Friends of Mallacoota
Green group Friends of Mallacoota is to take the Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden to the Supreme Court to challenge his approval of an extensive boat ramp and breakwater development at Mallacoota in Victoria's far-east.
The legal action has been described as an inevitable result of Victoria's weak Environment Effects Act. The proposed development would involve an access road on the beach, a 130-metre breakwater across significant reef areas and an ongoing sand dredging operation. There is concern that this would disturb tidal flows and damage the marine habitat.
The approval of the Bastion Point development follows state-wide community concerns about the government's decisions on channel deepening, the desalination plant, the Barwon Heads heritage bridge, the north-south pipeline and the Lonsdale Lakes canal estate development.
EDO Victoria have been providing advice to Friends of Mallacoota in this matter. For more information, please visit: http://www.theage.com.au/national/madden-battle-ramps-up-20090805-ea3m.html
9. Proposed Wind Turbines for Hobart Office Block Rejected by Hobart City Council
A plan to put 11m-high wind turbines on an Elizabeth St office block has been rejected by Hobart City Council. Supporters say the refusal sends the wrong signal to commercial building owners; opponents of the proposal say it was rejected on planning grounds relating to height and visual impact. The towers would have projected 11.7m above screening on the building's roof. Council voted 7:4 against the plan.
The proponent, building owner Robert Rockefeller, may yet appeal against the refusal, which could be overturned by a planning tribunal.
For more information, please visit: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/07/28/87241_tasmania-news.html
10. Judgment on LEC rules regarding security for costs in public interest matters: Wayne Sales-Cini v Wyong City Council & Anor
Proceedings in this matter were commenced on 27 May 2009, relating to the approval by Wyong City Council of a development application for a residential subdivision of a parcel of land in the Wadalba Hill area. It was alleged that the Council failed to consider relevant matters under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 . In particular, it was alleged that Council failed to properly consider the impact of the development on Aboriginal sites and objects.
The Council submitted that the Court should exercise its discretion to make an order for security for costs on grounds that the applicant had an inability to meet an adverse costs order.
However, Acting Registrar Gray contended that if he were to make an order for security for costs at this stage of the proceedings, he would be precluding the applicant from pursuing a bona fide claim. It was accepted that the proceedings were brought in the public interest, and thus in exercising the court's discretion to determine whether to make an order for security for costs, it was “clear that the provision of access to justice to the applicant to enable him to pursue a bona fide claim outweighs the perceived injustice caused to the second respondent in the event that it is left with unrecovered costs”.
11. Firm fined under EPBC Act for Tree Clearing
The Federal Court has imposed a $220,000 fine on the director of a SA horticultural firm for illegally clearing native trees to grow carrots. The deliberate and unlawful clearance was "likely to have a significant impact on" the endangered south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo, Fed Court Justice John Mansfield said in his July 17 decision. It was the second fine imposed for the offence, this time under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC Act).
In Nov 2008, Rocky Lamattina & Sons Pty Ltd (RLS) and its director Rocco Lamattina were convicted and fined $119,000 in the SA Magistrates' Court for breaching the State's Native Vegetation Act. They had pleaded guilty to clearing more than 270 trees, between 50-200 years old, from their freehold Acacia Downs property and leasehold areas on a nearby property in 2005.
For the full text of the judgment, please visit:
http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/cth/FCA/2009/753.html?query=title(Minister%20for%20Environment%20Heritage%20and%20the%20Arts%20v%20Lamattina%20)
12. Planning Minister Keneally says no to Somersby sand quarry
NSW planning minister Kristina Keneally has rejected a proposal for a sand quarry on the NSW central coast that had been the focus of resident concerns over the health impacts of crystalline silica dust. In making her decision, Ms Keneally said she had weighed the potential economic benefits of the Somersby Fields Project (SFP) extracting 17m tonnes of sand over 18 years against the "extraordinary public concern about the proposal" and the potential impacts on air quality, noise, water and threatened species. The decision followed local residents calling for an independent assessment of the likely impact of silica dust created in the sand-production process. Calga resident Peter Campbell told EM last week crystalline silica was "now classed in the same category as asbestos as a potential carcinogen". However, a member of the partnership behind the project, Mike Hoskins, has denied silica dust levels would have been a problem. SFP tests showed dust levels would not exceed Australian or international health standards, he said. Noise issues would have been solved by sand-processing operations taking place in an enclosed structure. Local residents have also objected to existing quarry operator Rocla Materials Pty Ltd's plans to extend its Calga operations.
For an article on this issue by the Sydney Morning Herald, please visit: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/scorn-at-sandmine-rejection-20090810-efmt.html
13. Policy Submissions
- Emissions-intensive, trade-exposed draft regulations
In June 2009, the Government released draft regulations and commentary outlining the details of the EITE assistance program.
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Regulations 2009 http://www.climatechange.gov.au/whitepaper/assistance/pubs/EITE_regs.pdf
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Regulations 2009 - Commentary http://www.climatechange.gov.au/whitepaper/assistance/pubs/EITE_commentary.pdf
Public submissions on the draft regulations are invited before 5pm (AEST) on 14 August 2009 . This template should be used to ensure all the required details are included and to assist the Department in the timely consideration of your submission: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/whitepaper/pubs/regs-submission-template.doc
The regulations contain the first eight activities that will be eligible for EITE assistance: carbon black production, bulk flat glass production, glass container production, methanol production, silicon production, white titanium dioxide pigment production, zinc smelting, and newsprint manufacturing. The Government also released an explanatory paper entitled 'Establishing the eligibility of activities under the emissions-intensive trade-exposed assistance program', explaining the assessments that have been made under the program to date.
A discussion paper on Australian laws to protect Indigenous heritage has been released for public comment. This is an opportunity for the public to contribute ideas on making the Commonwealth's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (ATSIHP Act) more effective as a way to protect traditional areas and objects significant to Indigenous Australians. The Australian Government is proposing to reform this Act to improve Indigenous heritage protection laws nationally. The Act could be substantially amended or replaced. Submissions must be received by 6 November 2009 .
The Discussion Paper can be viewed here: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/laws/indigenous/lawreform/index.html
- Regional Forest Agreement review (NSW)
Public consultation is invited on the first Draft Report on Progress with Implementation of the New South Wales RFAs http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/forestagreements/09200draftrfa.pdf .
Written submissions on the draft report should be mailed to: the Resource and Conservation Unit, Department of Environment and Climate Change, PO Box A290, Sydney South, NSW 1232 or emailed to info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Submissions must be received by no later than Monday 7 September 2009 .
- Rural wind farms (Inquiry)
This Legislative Council inquiry is being conducted by the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5. The Inquiry was established on 25 June 2009 to inquire into, and report on, the social, environmental and economic costs and benefits of rural wind farms.
The Committee invites public participation in the inquiry process. Written submissions addressing the inquiry terms of reference can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the committee secretariat by the closing date, 21 August 2009 .
For more information, please visit: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/gpsc5
14. 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.
EDO in the Media
15. The Newcastle Herald: Chance of Class Action against NSW Government over coalmining in the Upper Hunter (11 August 2009)
The State Government could potentially face a multi-million dollar class action from Upper Hunter residents who became ill from the effects of coalmining and power station emissions. The EDO has agreed to assist local residents who have been lobbying for decades for a public health study into the effects of the region's two largest industries. The EDO is finalising a letter to the Government which will complement a submission prepared by the residents.
For the full text of this article, please visit:
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/chance-of-class-action-against-nsw-government-over-coalmining-in-upper-hunter/1592177.aspx
For a related article on the effects of coalmining in the region, please visit:
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/questions-over-asthmas-toll-on-upper-hunter-children/1592178.aspx
16. The Newcastle Herald: Legal Aid Challenge Looms for Huntlee Project (10 August 2009)
The Sweetwater Action Group, which has initiated a court challenge to the approval of the Huntlee New Town project, has been awarded Legal Aid funding, heading off the developer's move to make the group pay security for potential legal costs. The group is contesting the concept plan's approval and rezoning of land for the $1.8 billion Huntlee development near Branxton, alleging that Planning Minister Kristina Keneally's decision was biased. The Sweetwater Action Group is being represented by the EDO.
To read the full text of this article, please visit:
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/legal-aid-challenge-looms-for-huntlee-project/1591080.aspx
17. Sydney Morning Herald : World Rally Leg Threatens NSW Species (6 August 2009)
Next month's leg of the World Rally Championships in northern NSW could have a serious impact on endangered plant and animal species, two independent environment assessments have revealed. The race is three weeks away but the State Government has not imposed a single environmental protection measure. Covering about 350 kilometres on the fringe of national parks in the Tweed and Kyogle local government areas, the race came to fruition after the Government rushed legislation overriding planning, national parks and Aboriginal cultural heritage laws through Parliament earlier this year.
EDO Northern Rivers EDO is providing advice to 7 th Generation, one of the groups opposing the rally.
For the full text of this article, please visit:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/world-rally-leg-threatens-nsw-species-20090806-ebju.html
18. Sydney Morning Herald : Heritage Homes Go Under the Hammer (6 August 2009)
Four out of five homes with heritage significance in Sydney's upper north shore villages face demolition under a draft plan for the area. In a paper opposing the plan, which is awaiting approval from the Department of Planning, the National Trust says “692 family homes of some heritage significance will be demolished within the Ku-ring-gai town centres” to make way for medium- and high- density development. The EDO is providing advice for Friends of Ku-rung-gai and Friends of Turramurra on these issues.
For more information, please refer to the following articles:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/heritage-homes-go-under-the-hammer-20090805-ea2f.html
http://www.smh.com.au/national/kuringgai-plan-will-swamp-housing-target-say-residents-20090806-ebjf.html
19. The Northern Rivers Echo : Too Much Power to Burn (4 August 2009)
This article details TransGrid's plan to create two new electricity transmission lines in the Northern Rivers region. The costs of these lines would be $227 million, and they would carry mostly coal-fired power from the national grid through the interstate interconnector west of Tenterfield down to Lismore. The EDO Northern Rivers has lodged a challenge to the Australian Energy Regulator against this proposal, on behalf of the community group Upper Dumaresq Action Group. It is the first ever challenge on behalf of a community group to a company's compliance with the regulatory test under the National Electricity Rules.
To read the full text of this article, please visit:
http://www.echonews.com/index.php?page=News%20Article&article=27358&issue=420
20. Business Green: Australian Coal-Fired Plant Sued for Carbon Emissions (30 July 2009)
This article details Rising Tide's action against the government-owned Bayswater power station, which is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in New South Wales. Rising Tide alleges that the plant's operating company, Macquarie Generation, is ‘negligently disposing of waste at [its] Bayswater power station by emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in a manner that has harmed or is likely to harm the environment', thereby contravening the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. The EDO is acting on behalf of Rising Tide in this matter.
For the full text of this article, please visit:
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2246964/australian-coal-fired-plant
The Bayswater case is also covered in the Singleton Argus here:
http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/legal-action-launched/1583660.aspx
21. Newcastle Herald : $200m Trinity Point marina plan gets nod from Lake Macquarie City Council (4 August 2009)
Plans for a $200 million marina at Trinity Point marina took a crucial step forward last night when Lake Macquarie City Council voted 7-6 to allow residential and commercial uses on the site. The decision, one of the most controversial the council has taken in years, was made before a packed gallery. It paves the way for Planning Minister Kristina Keneally to decide whether the development should proceed. The EDO advised concerned local residents in this matter.
For the full text of the article, please visit:
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/200m-trinity-point-marina-plan-gets-nod-from-lake-macquarie-city-council/1585872.aspx
22. Namoi Valley Independent : Plans Still Up in the Air (4 August 2009)
Gunnedah Shire Council has again been forced to defer their consideration of an agricultural air spray development on Quia Road, Gunnedah. A Development Application and two Modification of Consent Applications from Kennedy Air Ag Pty Ltd for a three-lot subdivision at 415 Quia Road, was initially set down for determination at an extraordinary council meeting on 22 July. However, a fax from the EDO forced council to seek legal advice and defer consideration of the proponent's applications. Council was to consider the applications at a special meeting to be held on 5 August, but has notified the parties involved of the need for a further deferment. The matter has now been tentatively scheduled for 12 August. The EDO is acting for concerned residents of the Gunnedah local government area.
Law Notices – New South Wales
23. 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://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=search&status_id=6
Bamarang Gas-Fired Power Station - Bamarang
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3117
Manilla Hospital - Manilla
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2753
Commercial/Retail Building – Tuncurry|
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2319
Tallawarra Gas Turbine Power Station - Wollongong
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=1554
Relocation of Mandarin Club – Dixon Street, Darling Harbour
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3254
Newcastle Regional Museum - Newcastle
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3381
Permanent Hours of Operation – Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3349
Guylian Café – The Rocks
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3418
Additional Outdoor Seating Areas – Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3416
Carlton United Breweries Site - Chippendale
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2942
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2655
24. 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
There are no new notices since the last eBulletin.
25. 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.
- No new notice since last eBulletin
Environmental Law Notices – Commonwealth
26. 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:
Queensland
Surat Gladstone Pipeline Pty Ltd - Construction of a high pressure buried gas pipeline, Kogan to Gladstone, QLD
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5029
Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd - Kevin's Corner Project, open cut-underground coal mine and infrastructure, Galilee Basin, QLD
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5033
Western Australia
Fugro Multi Client Services Pty Ltd - Zeemeermin MC3D seismic survey, Browse Basin, Offshore WA
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5023
Department of Agriculture and Food (WA-Eradication of the European House Borer, Perth metropolitan area, WA
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5027
City of Wanneroo - Subdivision Lot 4 Flynn Drive and earthworks for industrial development, 240 Flynn Drive
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5028
Main Roads Western Australia - Roe Highway extension, Kwinana Freeway to Stock Road, WA
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5031
Tiwest Pty Ltd - Tiwest Dongara Project, mineral sands mining and concentrating operation, 25km southeast of Dongara, WA
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5032
South Australia
AGL Energy Limited - Wind Farm and Transmission Line, Mt Bryan, SA
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5025
Stoney Pinch Pty Ltd/Mining - Establishment of Sand Quarry, Riverland District, SA
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5034
Community News
27. Workshop: Countdown to Copenhagen
This December, all eyes will be on Copenhagen, where world leaders will meet to strike a deal that could prevent dangerous climate change. Key deals will be built around issues such as financing, deforestation, emission reduction targets and adaptation.
The Climate Action Network Australia is holding a workshop in Sydney and Melbourne to demystify the complexity of the Copenhagen talks. It will also provide a tour of the events, investigate the dimensions of the REDD and LULUCF policies, outline the minimum requirements for supporting developing countries, and put forward a strong case for strong emission cuts.
Workshop participants will hear from campaigners and policy directors from World Vision Australia, Oxfam Australia, Greenpeace Australia-Pacific, The Wilderness Society, The Climate Institute and Australian Conservation Foundation. The workshop will also hear from grassroots organisers about activities planned in the lead up to Copenhagen, and do some hands-on planning for how groups and individuals can activate for the best possible outcome.
Sydney : Monday, September 14 2009, 2-5pm
Mitchell Theatre, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney
Melbourne : Wednesday, October 21 2009, 2-5pm
Meeting room, Ground floor, 60L, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Cost: $20/$35/$85
For more details and to register, please visit http://www.cana.net.au/index.php?site_var=61 .
28. Public Lecture: Climate Change and Development, 13 August
The Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales is hosting the third Biennial Ingram Public Lecture to be delivered by Professor David Freestone who will speak on the topic of Climate Change and Development.
In this lecture, Professor Freestone will examine some of the present and expected impacts of climate change on the developing world. In the lead up to the Copenhagen Meeting of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in December, Professor Freestone will examine and assess the efficacy of the international legal framework for mitigation of, and adaption to, climate change, and the financial mechanisms that the international community is putting in place to assist developing countries in meeting these challenges.
Date : Thursday 13 August 2009
Time : 6pm for 6.30pm start
Venue : Faculty of Law, UNSW
Enquiries : David Leary at dleary@unsw.edu.au
To register online and for more information, please visit:
http://www.law.unsw.edu.au/News_and_Events/Events/Events.asp?type=&name=2487&year=2009
29. Industry Conference: German-Australian Energy Efficiency in Buildings
On 14 September 2009 over one hundred green building experts and key industry players are expected to attend the Australia-Germany Energy Efficiency in Buildings 2009 Industry Conference in Melbourne. The Hon. Martin Pakula, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Industrial Relations VIC will join 15 speakers from Germany and Australia to discuss current trends and future perspectives on the use of energy efficiency in buildings. In conjunction with a trade delegation visit from Germany's booming energy efficiency industry, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce will host the bilateral summit sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology with the support of Invest in Victoria.
Energy efficiency technology experts representing industry bodies and associations will examine the latest policy developments and technological progress in both countries. Germany's key industry players will share experiences from their dynamic home market and present carbon busting innovations and services to their Australian counterparts.
Date : 14 September 2009
Time : 9am to 4pm
Venue : RACV City Club, Level 17, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cost: Free
RSVP : By 1 September 2009, www.germany.org.au or contact Anja Kegel on 02 8296 0434 or anja.kegel@germany.org.au for more information
30. Free Seminars: Climate Change Infrastructure
For infrastructure owners, there are complex issues about risks to current and future infrastructure resulting from climate change impacts, but in circumstances where the extent of those impacts are difficult to quantify.
Clayton Utz in conjunction with Parsons Brinkerhoff is delighted to invite you to a series of three seminars in Sydney aimed at:
- raising the awareness of approaches to assessing climate change risks and adaptation techniques in relation to major infrastructure, using case studies and experience from key infrastructure owners within NSW;
- understanding how climate change is affecting the investment risk profile of particular types of infrastructure, and how key funding decisions are being made by our major financial institutions; and
- providing an overview of the impacts of climate change on the global insurance markets for major infrastructure projects and the strategies adopted by insurers and reinsurers to mitigate these impacts.
For more information on the dates and topics of these three seminars, please visit:
http://www.claytonutz.com/iis/climatechange/index.asp
31. Marrickville Council Announces Partnership Project with Australian Human Rights Commission for Disabled Access to Buildings
Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today announced a partnership project between the Australian Human Rights Commission and Marrickville Council in NSW designed to improve access to buildings in the council area for people with a disability.
“In too many cases, the Australian Human Rights Commission has found that the design and construction of new or renovated buildings do not meet the technical requirements necessary to make them accessible for people with disability, the elderly and other people in our community,” said Commissioner Innes.
The project involves provision of a free CD, entitled ‘The good, the bad and the ugly', to every person who makes an application to Marrickville Council for an approval to construct or renovate a commercial building.
The CD, which includes a letter from Commissioner Innes and Mayor Iskandar that explains the importance of providing good access, will be sent to all applicants by the Council's Development Assessment section.
For more information, please visit: www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/good.htm
