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EDO NSW BULLETIN 8 October 2009: Number 629The 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. Campaign Update Johnsons Creek Conservation Committee v Gloucester Coal Ltd Law and Policy Watch 7. Council Fined for Sewage Spill EDO in the Media 12. The Northern Rivers Echo : Putting the able' in renewable energy Environmental Law Notices New South Wales 14. Major Project Proposals Invitation to Comment Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth 17. EPBC Referrals Invitation to Comment Community News 18. FREE Climate Camp '09 - Helensburgh EDO News and Events 1. Campaign Update Johnsons Creek Conservation Committee v Gloucester Coal Ltd Earlier this week Gloucester Coal Ltd was requested by the Director-General of Planning to withdraw the Water Management Modification Application for the Duralie Coal Mine from the Department of Planning website. This means the mine will not release waste mining water into the Mammy Johnsons River. The EDO assisted the Johnsons Creek Conservation Committee which believes these withdrawals were brought about by fourteen months of strong campaigning by everyone concerned. 2. Rivers SOS Inc v Minister for Planning & Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd EDO on behalf of Rivers SOS Inc has commenced proceedings against Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd and the Minister for Planning in the Land and Environment Court on the basis that the Minister has made a legal error in consenting to the extraction of up to 3.2 million tonnes per annum of coal from the Bulli seam for 23 years using longwall mining techniques. The extension to the mining operation allows long wall mining directly beneath Woronora Reservoir. Rivers SOS is concerned about the potential for mining operations to crack the dam floor and cause serious leaks from southern Sydney's main drinking water supply. Rivers SOS is also concerned that the quality and quantity of water reaching Woronora reservoir may be reduced as a consequence of subsidence-induced cracking in the waterways and catchments and that the possibility that cracking in stream beds may have adverse consequences for the ecological and aesthetic condition of waterways mainly through loss of surface flow and reduced water quality; A hearing has been set down for 25 & 26 November 2009. 3. EDO NSW joins Twitter Follow our tweets You can now receive updates of EDONSW news and events on Twitter. For the latest news on cases, policy submissions, workshops and job opportunities follow EDONSW on twitter: http://twitter.com/EDONSW 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, 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 call (02) 9262 6989. Boxes of 160 are also available on request for groups or organisations. If you would like the EDO to visit your area to present a workshop on the contents of the guide please contact EDO Education Director Jemilah Hallinan on 02 9262 6989. 5. Invitation for Private Conservation landholders The Environmental Defender's Office (EDO) is seeking to consult with landholders who have been involved in private conservation. The EDO is also interested in speaking with people who are in the process of investigating or carrying out private conservation or people who have looked at private conservation options and decided against implementing a private conservation program. If you fit into any of these categories please contact us. Your feedback and experiences will be used as part of the research into a new free publication on private conservation. Please contact Project Officer Rosemary Bullmore on (02) 9262 6989. 6. 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.
Law and Policy Watch
7. Council Fined for Sewage Spill For more information, please visit: 8. Bottler of idea as town doesn't go with the flow The town of Bundanoon has introduced a ban on all bottled water in response to a drinks company moving to tap their local aquifer for bottled water. Now the town only sells refillable bottles that may be filled at the stores free of charge and at other filtered water stations located throughout the town. For more information, please visit: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/bottler-of-idea-as-town-doesnt-go-with-the-flow-20090926-g740.html
The EDO has recently submitted its response to the 5 year review of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 . Our submission can be viewed here: http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/subs09/091002nativeveg.pdf
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 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: * Natural Resources Commission Act 2003, * Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, and * Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. 11. Local Environmental Plan Tracking The process for creating Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) starts with a planning proposal which in most cases is prepared by your local council. They are then assessed by the Department of Planning which makes a gateway determination to determine whether the proposal has sufficient merit to proceed. Once planning proposals pass through the gateway stage they are placed on the Planning Department's website which allows the community to track their progress. To access the LEP tracking system visit the Department of Planning website at: http://leptracking.planning.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx The following proposals have been listed within the last 7 days: There are no new notices since the last eBulletin.
EDO in the Media
12. The Northern Rivers Echo : Putting the able' in renewable energy (17 September 2009) With the passing of Renewable Energy Target (RET) legislation last month, and the advent of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) the renewables industry, can start to plan for the next decade. The biggest result will be that we can expect to see many more wind farms on the horizon over the next five years, including the world's largest, near Broken Hill. To read this article in its entirety, please visit: http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/word/091006echo.doc 13. Rural Weekly : You, Me and the R.E.T (September 2009) With the passing of the Renewable Energy Target Amendment Bill 2009 in July, the political games that have periodically cast a shadow over Australia 's renewable energy industry are over, for the time being at least. Why should farmers care? For the full text of this article, please visit: http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/word/091006sept_ret.doc
Law Notices New South Wales
14. 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 • Molong waste facility http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3031 15. 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. 16. Department of Lands Public Exhibition Visit http://www.lands.nsw.gov.au/about_us/publications/exhibition to view the plans in detail.
Environmental Law Notices Commonwealth
17. 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: NSW Koondrook-Pericoota Forest Flood Enhancement Works http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5115 Wyong Shire Council/Water management and use http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5112 Cameron Park Northlakes Estate Residential Subdivision http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5111 Queensland Wongaling Beach residential development http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5109 Western Australia Dampier Marine Services Facility including 300m Wharf and Dredging Works http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5108 Newman Phil's Creek Iron Ore Project http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5107 Victoria Dalmore Replacement of Four Bridges on Manks Road http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5106 Northern Territory Darwin - Augmentation of the East Point Effluent Rising Main http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5113
Community News
18. FREE Climate Camp '09 - Helensburgh The EDO will be attending this year's climate camp near the Metropolitan Colliery Mine to give advice and information. Throughout the three-day camp there are opportunities to learn about climate change and the effects it has on people and the planet. Workshops, speakers and discussion will focus on the current problems associated with coal mining in the Southern Coal Fields, including damage to drinking water catchments, as well as how coal-dependent communities can lead the transition to renewable energy, begin good new jobs and clean industries. When: Friday, 09 October 2009 to Sunday, 11 October 2009 Where: Helensburgh For more information, please visit: http://www.climatecamp.org.au/helensburgh2009 19. 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. Cost: $20/$35/$85 For more details and to register, please visit http://www.cana.net.au/index.php?site_var=61 . 20. Event: NSW Food Summit 2009: Hungry for Change Surry Hills The NSW Food Summit starts the framing of a State-wide food policy that will address affordable access to healthy food, sustainable food systems and farming, food safety and health. Where: NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre, 37 Reservoir Street , Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW (AUS) 2010 (wheelchair access) Fees: View Registration Fees (Note, early bird discounts & limited spaces for some options) EDO Education Director Jemilah Hallinan will be presenting at the event. For more information please visit: View Food Summit Program RSVP by 18 October 2009 to summit@sydneyfoodfairness.org.au The 2009 Conference will be of interest to all persons who have an involvement in the field of environmental and planning law in NSW. The papers will focus on the important issues of: *Changes to the approval processes in NSW including the adoption of model residential and commercial codes. *Planning for Bushfire Protection and the lessons to be learned from the Victorian Bushfires. *Contaminated lands and the recent amendments to the Act. *Heritage. When : Thursday, 22 October 2009 at 9:00am to Friday, 23 October 2009 at 7:30pm Where : Powerhouse Museum , Coles Lecture Theatre, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo Send your RSVPs to kearns@mpchambers.net.au For more information please visit: http://epla.org.au/media/pdf/EPLA%202009%20Flyer.pdf The ACCEL Annual Conference addresses the effectiveness of Federal engagement in meeting a range of environmental challenges. The conference takes place at a time when the Commonwealth's key legislation the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is being independently reviewed for the first time since its commencement. Where : New Law Building on the Camperdown Campus, University of Sydney Fees : Full Fee Registration $350.00; Full-Time Academic/NGO $260.00; Full-Time Student $175.00 For more information contact the Events Coordinator (02) 9351 0248 RSVP at http://www.law.usyd.edu.au/ 23. FREE Event: Postgraduate Law Studies Information Evening Find out more about Macquarie's postgraduate law courses for both lawyers and non-lawyers: Master of Laws, postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas in Law, Environmental Law, International Environmental Law, Local Government Law and legal history. When : Thursday 15 October 2009 Where : 6:30pm to 7:30pm For more information or to RSVP , please contact Melissa on 02 9850 4275 or email melissa.johnson@mq.edu.au 24. Position Vacant: Executive Officer, National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) is a non-government conservation group that seeks to protect, connect and restore the integrity and diversity of natural systems in NSW and beyond through national parks, marine sanctuaries and other means. NPA is located in a bright modern office in Newtown, next to Newtown Station. The Role As Executive Officer you will provide strategic leadership to the staff and volunteers of the NPA to implement the strategic plan and ensure long-term financial stability. As this is the most senior staff position, you will have a key role in ensuring NPA works efficiently and effectively to provide community support for policies and practices that protect, manage and foster appreciation of the natural areas of NSW. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of conservation efforts in NSW. NPA has a highly successful track record in nature conservation over 50 years, effecting change within government and those on the ground. You will lead an active community-based organisation with a large membership base of over 5,000 people. Key Competencies Required
A competitive package to $85,000 plus super will be negotiated depending on qualifications and experience. Applications Close: 10am Mon 26 October 2009 For more information, visit the NPA website www.npansw.org.au . Applicants will only be considered if they send a written application that addresses each of the selection criteria (refer to website) and include their current resume.
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. |
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This site was last updated
Friday 12 March, 2010
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