EDO NSW BULLETIN - 18 March 2010: Number 651

http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/seminar.php

3. FREE EDO Seminar: Port Macquarie-Hastings Draft LEP

The draft Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Environmental Plan is on public exhibition until Monday 19 April. In response to requests from the local community, the EDO Northern Rivers office is holding a public seminar to discuss how the draft Plan might affect areas of high biodiversity, other environmental and planning issues, and how the community can make effective submissions.

Where:   Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie

When: 5.45pm for 6 pm sharp to 8 pm, Monday 12 April

Light refreshments provided. No booking necessary. Presented by the EDO NSW Northern Rivers office

For more information please call Mark Byrne on 6621 1113.

4. Position Vacant: Acting Scientific Director - EDO NSW

The EDO is looking to employ a scientist with 5 or more years of professional experience to fill the position of Scientific Director based in our Sydney CBD office.

Applicants should have an interest in a wide range of scientific issues and the environmental impact assessment process, and should see value in the participation of the public in environmental decision-making processes. The role does not involve campaigning or lobbying.

This is a maternity leave position, commencing in early June 2010. It is expected to be for 14 months.

Salary range : $69,000 to $75,000, plus superannuation.

For further information on the position, please see our website at http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/jobs.php

Applications close : 5pm Monday 12 April 2010.

5. FREE Seminar: Tweed Draft LEP

The draft Tweed Local Environmental Plan is on public exhibition until Wednesday 31 March. In response to requests from the local community, the EDO Northern Rivers office is holding a public seminar to discuss how well the draft Plan protects the area's unique biodiversity and how the community can make effective submissions.

Where :  CWA Hall, 20 Queen St MURWILLUMBAH

When : 5.45 for 6 pm sharp to 8 pm, Tuesday 23 March 

Light refreshments provided. No booking necessary. Presented by the EDO NSW Northern Rivers office

For more information please call Mark Byrne on 6621 1113.

6. EDO participating at Sydney Food Fairness Alliance's event - Public Forum - Food Fight

Food is on the agenda as never before and Jeanette Longfield, the noted UK food educator and campaigner, is here to offer advice on how we can secure our own food future.

Also speaking on the night will be two groups that have had campaigning success locally: Kathy Chapman speaking about the Parents Jury, and the EDO's very own Jemilah Hallinan about the work of the Environmental Defender's Office in providing legal support to the groups campaigning to protect prime agricultural land at Caroona on the Liverpool Plains, and at Orange.

WHEN: Tuesday 23  March
TIME:   6.00 for 6.30 start to 8.30
WHERE:   Teachers Federation Conference Centre, 37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills  - entrance from Mary St. (5 minutes from Central Station).

For more information, please visit:

http://sydneyfoodfairness.org.au/

7. New EDO Publication - the Major Projects Toolkit

The Major Projects Toolkit is a publication designed to assist local residents and community groups to engage in the process for assessing and approving major projects under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The toolkit comprises a step by step guide to the Part 3A process with information on opportunities for public participation and ideas for how to achieve best practice outcomes.

The EDO wishes to acknowledge and thank the City of Sydney for funding this project. The publication is available in hard copy free of charge to all City of Sydney residents. Please call the EDO to request a copy on 02 9262 6989.

If you are not a City of Sydney resident you can access the publication online at:

http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/pubs/100217major_projects_tk.pdf

8. 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 Hon. Robert McClelland, Attorney General will be opening the conference and some of Australia 's leading legal environmental speakers will participate in panels over the two days. More details will be available soon on the EDO website.

9. New EDO Publications Survey

What do you think of our EDO publications? Please evaluate the following publications online by clicking this online evaluation

Evaluations help us to report to our funders. We would appreciate you taking the time to tell us what you think.

10. Please complete our online planning survey

The EDO, along with Total Environment Centre (TEC), held a series of workshops throughout NSW to update the community on the recent changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and to seek community feedback on the NSW Planning System. The workshops were based on a discussion paper entitled 'Planning in NSW: Reconnecting the community with the planning system' which outlines the NSW planning system and the opportunities for public participation. You can access the discussion paper at:

http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/pubs/091112planning_discussion_paper.pdf

The workshops were funded by the Department of Planning NSW and were jointly facilitated by the EDO and TEC. They were held in Ballina, Coffs Harbour , Newcastle , Sydney , Wollongong and Moruya throughout November 2009.

People who could not attend the workshops are encouraged to give their feedback on the NSW Planning System by completing our Online Survey.

11. FREE copies of the new edition of the Rural Landholder's Guide to Environmental Law in NSW

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.

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.

This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

Law and Policy Watch

12. Mining halted as cracks appear in Camberwell Common

Ashton Coal has been forced to halt part of its mining operations after large cracks, believed to be caused by blasting, ripped through neighbouring Camberwell Common. Camberwell Common Trust president Colin Stapleton said the continued cracking indicated the common was "clearly unstable". He said further blasts could cause a landslide, which would devastate Glennies Creek.

"If we get some heavy rain I think that hill could slip," he said.

"There could be a landslide towards the creek, and if it goes into the creek, that's the whole water supply Lower Hunter farmers use for irrigation ruined.

To read the full text of this article, please visit:

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-halted-as-cracks-appear-in-camberwell-common/1776969.aspx

13. Council defends oval development plans

Moree Plains Shire Council says it will not stop commercial development on Taylor Oval because of opposition from a minority group. The EDO is acting for Traditional Owners in Moree who are opposed to the development of the oval which is of cultural significance. Moree Plains Shire Council has approved a Big W on the site.

To view the text of this article, please visit:

http://www.optuszoo.com.au/regional_news/113496/newengland/council-defends-oval-development-plans.html

14. Policy Submissions

• Native Vegetation Framework

In 2008 the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) confirmed the importance of the Native Vegetation Framework as the national policy document for achieving:

*a reversal in the long-term decline of Australia's native vegetation, and

*an improvement in the condition of existing native vegetation.

This draft is a strategic national policy framework, aimed at guiding management decisions that affect native vegetation in all jurisdictions and all sectors of the community. When finalised, this framework will replace the 1999 National Framework for Management and Monitoring of Australia's Native Vegetation.

All the relevant material can be downloaded from http://www.environment.gov.au/land/vegetation/review/index.html  

 All submissions must be received by 31 March 2010 .

• Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy discussion paper 

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 was gazetted in December 2007, and commenced on 1 January, 2008, to assist in the efficient delivery of new infrastructure. It has specific planning provisions for 25 different types of infrastructure, covering areas such as roads, schools, education, hospitals, railways, emergency services, water supply and electricity generation.

The Department of Planning has prepared a discussion paper to assist in a review of the SEPP, following earlier consultation with councils and State agencies. Suggested changes to SEPP clauses are marked in blue.

All submissions must be received by Monday 12 April 2010 .

Documents available:  Review of the Infrastructure SEPP discussion paper

• EDO Submission on the Plantations and Reafforestation Amendment Bill 2009 and the Plantations and Reafforestation (Code) Amendment Regulation 2009

To view the EDO 's submission in its entirety, please visit:

http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/subs10/100211plantations_reafforestation_bill.pdf

• Submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission on Security for costs and associated costs orders

To view the EDO 's submission in its entirety, please visit:

http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/subs10/100215costs_orders.pdf

• EDO submission to the Standing Committee on Natural Resource Management (Climate Change) Water Management inquiry.

http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/subs10/100315water_management.pdf

• Australian Network of Environmental Defenders Offices' (ANEDO) submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee inquiry into native vegetation laws, greenhouse gas abatement and climate change measures .

http://www.edo.org.au/policy/100310final.pdf 

15. Legislation Watch

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:

• Review of the Lord Howe Island Act 1953
• The National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 (NSW) proposes to amend the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 No. 80 (NSW). The Bill was introduced into the Legislative Assembly and received its second reading speech on 25 February 2010.
  
  According to the long title, the objective of the Bill is "to make further provision with respect to the protection of Aboriginal objects and places, the protection of fauna, native plants and threatened species, and general administration and enforcement matters".

16. 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 local government areas have made planning proposals during the past seven days:

• Lake Macquarie
• Cooma-Monaro
• Dungog

EDO in the Media

17. Sydney Morning Herald: Residents voice health concerns (18 March 2010)

One of the best known local campaigners for cleaner mining and more transparent regulation is the Singleton councillor Lynn MacBain.

After raising her children in Singleton and working in the local Woolworths, Cr MacBain became politically active in 1998, concerned not only by the thickening haze in the region, but by what she saw as sloppy government regulation of heavy industry. Her husband Rob remains a mine worker.

''It's the government we have a problem with, not the mines. The mines say they abide by their conditions of consent, then if it is the conditions of consent that aren't protecting you, then you have to do something.''

The EDO is acting for Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/residents-voice-health-concerns-20100317-qfqf.html

Environmental Law Notices - New South Wales

18. 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

• Baal Bone Mine - Completion of mining

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3544

• Champions Quarry Expansion

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=3339

• Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Flood Enhancement Works

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2983

• Redfern - Commercial/Residential development

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2496

• Offshore artificial reefs

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2690

• Morton - salt ash quarry

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=2525

• Shell Cove boat harbour precinct

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=1538

• Port Macquarie - settlement city shopping centre redevelopment

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=1068

19. 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.

20. 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.

• Port Macquarie - draft plan of management

http://www.lands.nsw.gov.au/about_us/publications/exhibition/plans_of_management/port_macquarie_draft_plan_of_management

Environmental Law Notices - Commonwealth 

21. 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:

WA

Offshore Canning - Seismic survey

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5393

NSW

Moree - Watercourse restoration

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5392

Stroud - Duralie Coal extension project

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5396

QLD

Bowen Basin - Coal project

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5394

VIC

City of Kingston - Drainage alignment works

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5399

Craig Road - Residential Development

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5401

SA

Torrens Island - Energy Park

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5398

NT

Mutitjulu - Community Pool

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5397

Community News

22. Want to live, work and make a difference overseas?

Come along to the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Information Session and find out how you can get that much-needed overseas experience.

AusAID's Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program supports skilled young Australian's (18-30) who want to live, work and make a difference in Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

Information sessions will be held in all capital cities between the 12th and 28th of April.

Register your interest at http://www.ayad.com.au/info-sessions or freecall 1800 225 592.

23. Position Vacant: TEC - Part Time Fundraiser

Total Environment Centre ( www.tec.org.au ) is looking for a successful fundraiser with a proven track record in the NGO sector - a person with initiative, creativity, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to sustainability. Applicants must have a commitment to the environment and some experience in pursuing online and social marketing opportunities for fundraising.

About the position

This is a newly created 3 day per week position, with appointment for an initial 2 year period and a review after 6 months and one year based on achieving agreed targets.

The position will develop, manage and lead an ambitious program to grow TEC's fundraising activities across a range of strategic new initiatives. You will work closely with senior management and campaign and media staff to identify prospects, nurture relationships and grow the supporter base through events, donations including regular giving, gifts and bequests.

Key Responsibilities

. Implement TEC's Fundraising Action Plan and report on progress

. Develop and implement a regular giving program

. Grow income streams though the use of TEC's web and online presence

. Develop and manage a program to support major donors

. Develop and implement a formal bequest program

. Pursue online fundraising opportunities

. Manage direct mail fundraising

. Manage and grow corporate donations and grants for environmental projects (not Green Capital)

. Develop and manage a workplace giving program

. Explore creative and innovative fundraising opportunities in collaboration with other TEC staff

. Develop and maintain key fundraising tools and materials

. Work collaboratively as part of the TEC team to further the aims and objectives of the organisation.

Selection Criteria

. Experience and a successful track record in a professional fundraising role, preferably with a not-for-profit organisation

. A solid understanding and knowledge of the principles of fundraising within the NGO sector

. Ability to identify and build new donor niches

. Ability to develop a regular income stream through regular giving programs

. Experience in developing tailored programs such as bequest programs and workplace giving programs

. Understanding of direct marketing, social marketing and web based fundraising

. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

. Creative, goal oriented, with the ability to turn ideas into successful initiatives.

Remuneration

The salary is $50,300 (plus super and leave loading) pro rata based on 3 days per week.

TEC is a people friendly employer and flexible working hours can be negotiated. There may be opportunity for the position to develop into full time over the longer term.

To apply

Send applications to Jeff Angel, Executive Director, Total Environment Centre

PO Box A176 , Sydney.

24. Workshop: An Update on Aspects of Koala Ecology, Conservation & Management: a workshop presented by Dr Steve Phillips

Dr Phillips is an independent scientist with the NSW Koala Recovery Team and principal of Biolink Pty Ltd, Ecological Consultants. He has over 35 years of experience with koalas and is an internationally acknowledged authority on the ecology, conservation and management of the species. The workshop will be based on Steve's current work in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, with an emphasis on projects in the Northern Rivers (including Skyline Road and its koalas).

When: 9.30am for 10.00 am start (sharp) to 4pm on Saturday March 27 2010

Where: Room Z181, Southern Cross University Campus - follow signs from the Care Centre on Rifle Range Rd, Lismore

Cost: Friends of the Koala members: $10; Other licensed wildlife rehabilitators: $10; Pensioner concession, full-time student: $10; all other: $20.

Morning tea provided but BYO Lunch

Bookings essential - phone 6622 1233 or email info@friendsofthekoala.org

25. Australia 's Second Conference on Wild Law and Earth Jurisprudence -Keeping the Fire: Ecologies, Ontologies and Myth-Making

Following the success of Australia's inaugural Wild Law Conference in October last year, Earth Laws, in conjunction with the Legal Intersection Research Centre and the Faculty of Law at the University of Wollongong, the School of Law and Justice at Southern Cross University, and the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy, is organising a second Wild Law Conference to be held in Wollongong on the 24th and 25th of July 2010. Proposed sessions will explore Indigenous and environmental activism, myth-making and wild law, making wild law out of existing law, wild law and cross-cultural learning, and teaching wild law (or teaching law wildly). The conference will be connected to place through the Sandon Point experience. The organisers are currently calling for papers. For more information, visit www.keepingthefire.org

26. Wildendurance

Make 2010 count for you and the planet!!

Get committed to being in great shape this year by registering a team in the WildEndurance 100km team challenge. Start training now and get together a team of 6 for the 50km relay or a team of 4 for the 100km. You'll be raising funds for The Wilderness Society to protect our forests and fight climate change!   The event is held in the stunning Blue Mountains over the 1st & 2nd of May.

The challenge is to complete the 100km in 48 hours and stay together as a team. You will have your support crew meeting you at the 4 checkpoints keeping up both your spirits and supplies. We can help you with your training program. Check out the You Tube clip for inspiration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nietmvqL2NI and more info at  www.wildendurance.org.au