Record Budget Claims Questionable

This year's Federal budget has claimed a record expenditure on the environment, with total spending rising from $1.965 billion in 2003-04 to $2.365 billion in 2004-05.

However, most of the increase arises from expenditure in forward estimates through the National Action Plan on Salinity and Water Quality and the Natural Heritage Trust, both of which peak in 2004-05, and the greenhouse program, for which figures indicate an underspend, for the third year in a row, of $15 million in 2003-04. The figures also include funding for civil maritime surveillance and response, which has seen an extra $85 million allocated to it in 2004-05.

Many of the focussed environment programs have only had small increases in funding, or have had the overall expenditure reduced, such as the Fuel Quality and Vehicle Emissions, from which $2 million has been taken from the program and re-allocated in the past two years.

The most significant new expenditure - $300 million for the extension of the Natural Heritage Trust for two years - does not commence until 2007-08. The National Landcare Program has also been provided with $80 million to continue through 2006-07 and 2007-08.

CSIRO has also received a once-only $80 million for Inland Waters and Sustainable Natural Resource Management, as part of the Government’s Backing Australia’s Ability announcement.

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Sustainability to be National Research Priority

Environmental sustainability is to be one of the five national research priorities in the recently announced second phase of the Federal science and innovation package, Backing Australia’s Ability.

CSIRO’s future has been assured with the announcement, with its National Flagship Initiative to now focus on “solutions from science in the 21st century to the needs of the nation in health, energy, water, food, industry and oceans".

Continued funding in programs such as Understanding and Responding to climate Change and Variability; Knowing, Protecting and Benefiting from Ecosystems; Healthy Coastal Rivers, Estuaries and Coastal Zones’ Sustainable Cities; Inland Waters; and Sustainable Natural Resource Management has been guaranteed for at least the next year.

The second phase of the BAA will be funded with an extra $5.3 billion until 2010, with ‘Promoting and Maintaining Good Health’, ‘Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries’ and ‘Safeguarding Australia’ being the other research priorities.

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National Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The 2002 National Greenhouse Gas Inventory report has revealed that national greenhouse gas emissions are just 1.3 per cent above 1990 levels, despite an increase in gross domestic product of 41 per cent over that period.

Australia's net emissions across all sectors totalled 550 Mt of carbon dioxide equivalent* (Mt CO2-e) in 2002 under the accounting provisions applying to Australia's 108% Kyoto target.

The Inventory reports a 94.5 Mt CO2-e decrease in emissions from land use, land use change and forestry from 1990 to 2001, largely counterbalanced by a 82.7Mt CO2 increase in energy emissions over the same period.

For the full report, go to http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/2002/index.html#summary

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National Plantation Inventory Annual Update 2004

Australia’s plantation estate expanded by 42,000 ha to a total of 1,665,000 ha in 2003, according to the National Plantation Inventory Annual Update 2004, although the rate of new plantations has continued its downward trend.

Most of the increase was in hardwood plantations (74 per cent), with most of the new plantations held privately (57 per cent).

The total recorded area of plantation established up to December 2003 was 1,665,693 ha, compared with 1,627,827 ha as at December 2002. It includes 675,962 ha (41%) hardwood species (mainly eucalypts) and 988,223 ha (59%) of softwood species.

The distribution of plantation areas across States and Territories remains similar to previous years. Victoria, witth 22% of the national total, Western Australia (22%) and New South Wales (20%) have the largest total areas of plantation.

For the full report, click here.

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DIPNR Slashed in Bureaucracy Overhaul

The New South Wales Government has taken a knife to its natural resource management bureaucracy, slashing staff in the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) by 20% or 500 people, and cutting back consultancies by 50%, reforms which are estimated to generate savings of $70 million a year.

The Minister, Craig Knowles, said the aim of the reforms was "less red tape, less bureaucracy and more services where they count - on the ground, helping farmers and our other customers." He said the money saved would be redirected for other purposes such as teachers, nurses, police and other essential government areas.

The Catchment Management Authorities will acquire around 240 of the staff from DIPNR and a number of departmental functions involving around 200 staff, which are currently performed in Sydney, will be relocated into rural and regional offices.

Mr Knowles said the key objectives of the reforms were to:

• build the policy setting role of DIPNR at a regional and state level;
• review and better target activities performed by DIPNR;
• clarify the functions and responsibilities that should be performed by CMAs and those which should continue to be performed by DIPNR;
• devolve more decision making to regional staff; and
• eliminate duplication and cut red tape.

The details of the reform will be finalised over the next few months.

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New Completed Building Environment Rating Tool

The Green Building Council of Australia has launched its new environmental rating tool for new office buildings, the Green Star-Office as Built system and is in the process of developing other building rating tools to evaluate environmental criteria.

The new Green Star-Office system will allow completed buildings to be rated against their design intent, and assess the performance of buildings post construction – including energy efficiency, water usage and indoor environment quality.

Additional tools are currently being developed for office interiors and for existing buildings.

Tools for other buildings, including retail, residential, hospitals, schools and industry are being limited by lack of funding.

For further information, go to http://www.gbcaus.org

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Australian Centre for Environmental Law – Short Course Program

Course Fee - $1,100

Remaining courses for 2004:

Fundamentals of Environmental Law
12 - 16 July
Will provide a general introduction to Environmental Law, introducing key concepts, examining the sources of environmental law and looking at the roles of the common law and of statutes.

Environment Business and Regulation
23 - 25 August
This course shows why environmental issues can and should be a core business concern. It illustrates the connection between business strategy and environment and shows the connections between sustainability and economic growth.

Business Strategy and Environmental Responsibility
26 - 28 August
This course will focus on regulatory and economic instruments and responsive business strategies to balance economic and environmental objectives.

Federalism and the Environment
11 - 14 October
This course examines both the “legal” and the “political” Constitution as it has governed the distribution of responsibilities for environmental matters within the Australian Federal system of government.

Water Resources Law
7 - 10 October + online component*
Investigate the main legal principles governing the management of water resources; ascertain the legal effect of the Water Reform Framework Agreement reforms; and consider the principal legal and policy materials.

For further information or registration forms, please contact ACEL:

Tel 02 6124 3487 Fax 02 6125 4899

Email: acel@law.anu.edu.au

Postal:
ACEL – Faculty of Law
ANU ACT 0200

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PLANNING WITH COMMUNITIES: Group Skills and Facilitation Training

Where: Adelaide

When: Adelaide: 22nd, 23rd and 24th June 2004

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE?

If you work with the community in either:

• rural or urban or regional planning and policy development:
• natural resource management, health, transport or housing, or in
• longer-term community projects

you will find this course invaluable.

The skills you will develop are transferable to management groups or any group situation.

You will develop the skills and knowledge to:

• understand what is going on in a group
• make appropriate interventions
• enable a group to identify and achieve its objectives
• assist in capacity building at the local level
• ensure full participation of each group member
• work effectively with dominating group members
• re-motivate the unenthusiastic, tired group and to
• positively manage conflict.

Participants develop new skills through theoretical input, discussion, participatory exercises and group simulations using case material related to their work environments. Coaching, feedback and comprehensive study materials are provided.

For more information and registration forms
email: info@planningpartnerships.com.au

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Water Reuse - Membrane Tech - Gold Coast - July 19 - 23

Water Reuse - (more info)

• Learn how to plan, design and implement reclamation and re-use schemes
• Presentations, case studies and interactive exercises covering the legislative, regulatory, technical, financial and community issues associated with water reclamation and re-use in the context of Total Water Management.

Presenters:

Ian Law

• Ian was until recently Managing Director of CH2M HILL
• Widely known in his specialist field throughout the Asia-Pacific
• Specialises in advanced forms of reuse and biological nutrient removal for industrial and municipal treatment
  

Greg Leslie

• Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, UNSW
• Previously, Membrane / Reuse Leader, CH2M Hill, Asia Pacific
• Experience includes membrane reclamation plants, Singapore; stormwater reuse, Singapore Changi Airport; and international membrane bioreactor survey for SA Water
  

Introduction to Membrane Technology and Applications - (more info)

Why do this course?

• Why choose membranes? - better quality effluent, less space, lower chemical and energy requirements
• Selection, design, system operation and trouble shooting
• Membrane bioreactors in municipal waste treatment in the UK, US, Canada and Australia
• Applications to treatment and recycling of municipal wastewater, treatment of high strength industrial wastewater, treatment of surface waters, waste concentration and metal recovery in the mining industry.
  

Presenters:

Greg Leslie

• see above

Tony Fane

• 30 years experience as an academic and industry consultant
• Director, UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, UNSW
• Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  

IWES Gold Coast 2004 - Other Courses

IWES Gold Coast 2004 features 15 courses in environmental management, air quality and wastewater treatment.

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Information Session for Queensland SoE and NPI

Associated with the release of the Queensland's 2003 State of the Environment Report and the National Pollutant Inventory the EPA is hosting a number of regional information sessions.

There is no cost to participate but RSVPs are essential as numbers are limited.

To register, or for more information, please contact Hannah Beaumont (Phone 07 3227 7332) or E-mail soe.release@epa.qld.gov.au

The Brisbane session will be from 1pm - 4.30pm on May 19 at the Carlton Crest Hotel Roma Street (cnr Ann Street) Brisbane

Other sessions will be from 9am – 12.30pm at the following locations:

• Cairns - Pacific International 43 Esplanade Cairns - 21 May
• Townsville - Southbank Convention Centre 23 Palmer Street Townsville - 24 May
• Mackay - Windmill Hotel and Reception Centre 5 Highway Plaza Road Mackay - 25 May
• Sunshine Coast - Mooloolaba Surf Club The Esplanade Mooloolaba - 28 May
• Rockhampton - Department of Primary Industries Conference Facilities 25 Yeppoon Road Rockhampton - 31 May
• Gladstone - Grand Hotel 79 Goondoon St Gladstone (Phoenix Room)- 1 June
• Bundaberg - Quality Hotel Burnett Riverside 7 Quay St Bundaberg - 2 June
• Emerald - Maraboon Tavern Esmond St (cnr Hospital Rd) Emerald - 8 June
• Longreach - Longreach Civic & Cultural Centre 926A Eagle St Longreach (Fairmont Room) - 9 June
• Mount Isa - Mt Isa Civic Centre 23 West St Mount Isa - 11 June
• Toowoomba - Cathedral Centre 123 Neil St Toowoomba - 4 June
• Gold Coast - Legends Hotel Level 1 cnr Gold Coast Highway & Laycock St Surfers Paradise - 7 June.

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Towards Zero Waste Conference & Business of Sustainability Expo

This event will provide a forum to explore best practice and foster the exchange of information and ideas to all spheres of government and industry.

The Conference, aptly tagged Towards Zero Waste – Achievable, Practical Solutions, will focus on state-based solutions but will also draw on expertise and examples from interstate.

The principal sponsor of the conference is the newly formed Zero Waste SA. Acting CEO Vaughan Levitzke said “From Zero Waste SA's point of view, this is an important opportunity to have a dialogue about waste issues pertinent to SA, for others to catch up with the changes, to take stock, and to think about where-to next… as we move the emphasis up the waste hierarchy,”

The inaugural Business of Sustainability Expo is being run in conjunction with the conference. It will showcase products and services across the whole spectrum of sustainability, targeting business, government, community stakeholders and the general public. The Adelaide Green City Program is the major sponsor of the expo.

The event will be held at the Hilton Adelaide from June 23 - 25.

EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS CLOSE ON JUNE 4.

Further information from www.tozerowaste.com.au or phone1300 651 026.

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Bushfire in a Changing Environment: New Directions in Management, 2004 Bushfire Conference

Presented by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW

About the Conference:

After several years of devastating fires, numerous inquiries and much debate, NCC is taking the opportunity to reflect on what has been learnt, where we are and where we should be heading.

This year’s conference, Bushfire in a Changing Environment: New Directions in Management, will focus on practical initiatives in management, innovative strategies for planning and tackle the emerging issues. The conference will provide an important forum for information sharing, discussion and debate at a time when bushfire management is at a crossroads.

NCC invites you to share with other bushfire managers, land managers, farmers, conservationists, indigenous people, academics, builders, developers, consultants and volunteers, to take advantage of the opportunity to further the responsible and effective management of NSW’s natural resources.

Where: The Faculty of Nursing, Sydney University, Mallet St, Camperdown
When: 24th and 25th June, 2004

More information: Draft agenda and registration form available at www.nccnsw.org.au/bushfire or contact Matthew, msparks@nccnsw.org.au

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Salinity Solutions - Working with Science and Society Conference

The Capital Theatre, Bendigo

2 – 5 August, 2004

The Salinity Solutions conference is being convened by the CRC for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity, and the Victorian Departments of Primary Industries, and Sustainability and Environment. The theme of the conference has been chosen to reflect the important partnership between science and the community in providing appropriate solutions to address dryland salinity on this continent.

In supporting this theme, the Organising Committee has put together a program of speakers who are actively engaged in developing or implementing solutions to the range of social, environmental and agronomic problems posed by dryland salinity across Australia. Papers will provide relevant information to assist the exchange of information between researchers, natural resource decision-makers and the community at all levels.

The conference themes include:

• Sustainable farming systems with balanced water use – potential of current options
• New Plant-based Solutions
• Connecting Science to Farming Practice
• The Social and Policy Context of Dryland Salinity

Registration fees will cost $525.00 for those who register prior to the 1st of June after which the registration fees will be charged at $575.00. A student registration fee is available at $350.00 and day registrations $225.00. Full registration fees include the conference dinner, welcome reception and scientific half day tours to take place on Wednesday 4th August.

Please explore the conference web site, www.cdesign.com.au/salinity2004 for details of Invited Speakers, conference program, accommodation and social functions. Alternatively please call the conference secretariat, Conference Design on 03 6224 3773.

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National Buying Green Conference & Exhibition 2004 – Buying Green Means Business

10th, 11th & 12th of November 2004

Telstra Stadium, Sydney

If you purchase goods or services, buying green is your business; if you manufacture or supply goods or provide services, buying green is your business.

As we work towards sustainable communities in the Year of the Built Environment, the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) is hosting the 2nd National Buying Green Conference and Exhibition at Telstra Stadium, Sydney on 10th – 12th November 2004.

The 2004 event will build on the momentum from the 1st National Buying Green Conference and Exhibition held in Melbourne in 2003, which attracted over 200 delegates and 35 Exhibitors.

The theme for the event is “Buying Green Means Business” and the Conference Organising Committee is developing an extensive conference program focused on the exchange of real knowledge and practical skills through innovative and inclusive delivery methods. The event will be equally relevant to those in the business, government or not-for-profit sector and will equip delegates with the “how” of green purchasing.

There are plans to:

• set national targets for green purchasing across all sectors;
• establish formal open lines of communication between green suppliers and purchasers from all sectors; and,
• develop cooperative agreements across all sectors to advance green purchasing nationally.

As a delegate you will learn first hand how integrating buying green into your everyday business makes good business sense. As an event sponsor, this event provides the ideal opportunity to place your organisation first in the minds of green purchasers. As an exhibitor the event is an excellent opportunity to promote your green products or services direct to a powerful and enthusiastic audience.

For copies of the Expression of Interest and the Sponsorship & Exhibition Prospectus, visit the conference website at www.impactenviro.com.au/buyinggreen2004 or email buyinggreen2004@impactenviro.com.au

For any further information, contact Impact Environmental Conferences on telephone 02 9570 1577.

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International Symposium on Horticulture Education and Training

August 19-21, 2004
 
Horticulture faces a great many challenges in providing the necessary skills and training to manage within the new global economy. Consumer demands for better quality food that is not only safer to eat but more nutritious must be balanced with increasing concerns for the environment (good agricultural practice) and social equity (especially in the transitional economies). 

In an industry still very dependent upon labour and where real practical experience is highly valued, it has, up until now, been very difficult to enable those currently working in the industry to either up-grade existing qualifications or to access new information.

This symposium will provide delegates with an opportunity to network and to discuss teaching philosophies, methodologies and to exchange knowledge and information.

For this symposium, we welcome papers and posters addressing the major themes and related topics:

- Teaching and Learning

• Distance learning
• Outcomes based learning
• Problem based learning
• Flexible learning
• Internationalisation of curriculum and courses
• Linking research and practice
  

- Application of technology

• Learning management systems
  

- Research supervision

- Industrial training and extension

• Case studies of farmer and community based learning programs
• Innovations in planning, evaluating or conducting extension programs

For information about the  submission of papers are available from the ISHS website: www.ishs.org/wri/pap1.htm.

If you do not intend to submit a paper but still wish to attend the symposium, please contact the conference secretariat. 

Full registration includes attendance for three days (August 19-21), morning and afternoon teas, lunches, a field excursion to King's Park and Botanic Gardens, two conference dinners, a Book of Abstracts and a personal copy of Acta Horticulturae.

Full registration:

ISHS members $865.  

Non ISHS Members  $955

For non ISHS members the registration fees includes 12 months complementary membership to the Society.

Conference secretariat:

Peter J. Batt / Zora Singh               
ISHS Education Symposium
Horticulture
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
PERTH 6845
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Tel:  (08) 9266 7596 or (08) 9266 3138 
Fax  (08) 9266 3063
Email: ishs@curtin.edu.au
Web: www.muresk.curtin.edu.au/ishs/ or www.ishs.org/cal/et_symp.pdf

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Smart Approved WaterMark Scheme Launched

The Smart Approved WaterMark Scheme is managed by Australia's peak water agencies: the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA); the Nursery and Garden Industry of Australia (NGIA); the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA); and the Australian Water Association (AWA).

The key objectives of the Smart Approved WaterMark scheme are to assist in the reduction of per capita water consumption – especially in the areas of outdoor water-use via the labelling of appropriate water using/saving products and water related services and organisations.

Products that may be included under the scheme include: trigger hoses; tap timers; rainfall sensors; mulch and weep hoses. Services that may be included under the scheme include: retrofit services; water efficient design services; education and training programs; and information advisory services. Organisations that may be included under the scheme include: schools; local government; new urbandevelopers; and retail outlets.

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Natural Disaster and Flood Mitigation – Projects Sought for 2004-2005 Funding

The Australian Government is seeking applications from local councils and other eligible organisations for funding of suitable projects under the Regional Flood Mitigation Programme and Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme in 2004-2005. Applications for funding in 2004-2005 close on Wednesday 14 July 2004.

Funding is provided jointly by all levels of government. Generally, the Australian Government will contribute up to one third of approved project costs, with State and Territory governments and local agencies making up the balance.

The Regional Flood Mitigation Programme is aimed at the implementation of priority, cost effective flood mitigation works and measures in rural, regional and outer metropolitan Australia. Projects funded by the Regional Flood Mitigation Programme are those which address flooding issues as part of regional floodplain management.

For eligibility criteria and a copy of the application form visit: www.dotars.gov.au/regional/rfmp

The Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme is aimed at identifying and addressing natural disaster risk priorities across the nation. Funds are available for works, measures and related activities that contribute to safer, sustainable communities better able to withstand the effects of floods, storms, cyclones, bushfires and other natural disasters.

For eligibility criteria and a copy of the application form visit: www.dotars.gov.au/naturaldisasters

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DIY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND ISO 14001

Greenlink - the EMS Handbook is a user-friendly EMS ISO140001 manual and implementation kit that has been developed by NIETL/NORTH Link, EPA Victoria and the Sustainable Energy Authority.
 
Greenlink provides a step by step guide on how to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS), plus the tools and procedures required for the International Standard for Environmental Management, ISO 14001.
 
Using the EMS Handbook will help your business ISO 140001 to achieve:

• step by step certification to ISO 14001management of legal liabilities
• cultural change and systematic continual improvement through environmental management
• savings through cleaner production and sustainable energy use
   

The step by step implementation guide contains:

• ISO 14001 procedures
• reproducible forms and reports
• role and responsibility statements for all employees
• good practice guidelines on key topics for environmental management
• training and meeting guidesinternal audit guidelines
• certificates of achievement for companies and individuals

During 2000, NIETL/NORTH Link, in partnership with EPA Victoria, the Sustainable Energy Authority and Ford Australia, conducted an EMS/ISO 14001 demonstration program with fifteen automotive component suppliers seeking ISO 14001 certification.
 
The process followed by the companies, including Venture Industries Australia, Diver Consolidated Industries and Botstick Findley Australia, to implement their EMS/ISO 14001 systems was documented and edited to create Greenlink.

If your organisation has experience with management systems such as ISO 9000, Greenlink will provide you with the materials to develop an EMS with a minimum of external support.  Using a tested system may also reduce certification time and enable a reduction in certification fees to be negotiated.
 
Cost of Greenlink is $110 inc GST and postage.
 
For further information on Greenlink - the EMS Handbook contact Mick Butera on:

Tel: 03 9479 3337  Fax: 03 9467 8310   Email: m.butera@latrobe.edu.au

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