CSIRO Water Flagship Launched

CSIRO's Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship has been officially launched, under the leadership of Colin Creighton, formerly the Executive Director of the National Land and Water Resources Audit.

The Flagship will combine the resources of CSIRO, other research agencies including various universities and Cooperative Research Centres, government, industries and local communities.

Mr Creighton said that it program would draw on four vast outdoor `laboratories': the people, communities, landscapes and resources of Melbourne, Sydney and their surrounding areas; the coastal and inland region of Queensland that affects the Great Barrier Reef; the urban and rural landscapes of Perth and southwest Western Australia; and the Murray-Murrumbidgee foodbowl.

The River Murray Program, led by Dr Sarah Ryan, will have two objectives: to increase the benefits the region gets from water, and to make those benefits more resilient to future challenges, like climate variability and land use change.

The Urban Waterscapes program, led by Carol Howe, will aim to find new and better ways to maximise the benefits that city residents, businesses and industries obtain from water.

The Southwest Regional Program, headed by Dr Tom Hatton, will build a picture of Perth's complete water cycle and identify better ways to manage, use and protect it. The initial focus will be on the Perth’s groundwater system, namely the Gnangara mound which has fallen by up to six metres in some places, placing wetlands, parks, bushland and the ecology of the Swan estuary at risk.

The Great Barrier Reef program, led by Sheridan Morris, will focus on three areas - sustainable irrigation farming, repairing coastal floodplains, and productive and healthy inland grazing landscapes.

More information about the Water for a Health Country Flagship and its projects is at www.cmis.csiro.au/healthycountry

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Report Calls for NRM Science Advisory Body

A report by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology, commissioned by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) to provide an overview of the role of science in current and future natural resource management practices, has proposed that a scientific coordinating body should be established to improve the flow of scientific and technical information into the catchment management planning process.

The report found that since the implementation of the NAP/NHT, "significant progress has been made in improving the scientific understanding of the processes that determine the quality and quantity of our natural resources and the implications this has for their management".

Further, the increased regional and community involvement in NRM issues resulting from the NAP/NHT process has improved mechanisms for the uptake of science and technology in the development of catchment management planning procedures, although there were still difficulties in the transmission of scientific knowledge arising from "the complexity of our natural resources systems, and the fact that the NRM program strategies and plans will need to integrate the results and findings from a wide range of different, though connected disciplines".

The report highlighted the importance, and the difficulty, of integrating knowledge from across a range of disciplines.

The report can be downloaded at www.nrm.gov.au/publications/sci-advice/index.html

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ABS Highlights Poor Environmental Performance

Statistics measuring Australia’s progress over the past decade show that while the economy has strengthened over the past decade, the measures put in place to prevent environmental degradation have not succeeded.

Figures for biodiversity, salinity, rivers, and greenhouse emissions - sourced from Federal Government reports, such as the National Land and Water Resources Audit - all show a deterioration.

The report highlights a large rise in the number of fauna species which are threatened, that the majority of rivers have been altered, while it also while it predicts that salinity is likely to have a significant impact on roads and infrastructure by 2050.

However, while land clearing has continued, it substantially decreased between 1991-2001.

The report can be found at www.abs.gov.au under the Web Site Updates section.

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FT500 Survey

Banks, electric utilities, integrated oil and gas, food and pharmaceutical companies are leading the way in climate strategies, according to the release of the latest FT500 Global Index survey.

The report, which surveyed CEOs of the FT500 Global Index companies, found that 80% of respondents explicitly acknowledge the importance of climate change as a business risk, but less than half are taking action.

The survey has revealed that ANZ Bank is likely to introduce climate change into its corporate and institutional lending policies, and may ask customers to implement programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Bank has also indicated that it is considering a plan to review the performance of businesses and institutions because of the potential credit risks it is exposed to in companies that fail to respond to climate change risks.

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New High for Newspaper Recycling

Victoria and New South Wales lead the world in newspaper recycling, according to figures released by the Publishers National Environment Bureau.

The report shows that both states recycled 77 per cent of total newsprint - the ACT followed at 74.6 per cent, Western Australia (70.6 per cent), Queensland (68.3 per cent), South Australia (65 per cent), Tasmania (64.8 per cent) while the Northern Territory had a much lower rate of 19 per cent. Gains in recycling rates were achieved across Queensland, the ACT, New South Wales and Victoria.

2003 is the best year on record for newspaper recycling, with a national average of 73.5 per cent of newsprint recycled.

Australia used 718,482 tonnes of newsprint in 2003 and recovered 528,393 tonnes. This was up from 681,766 tonnes consumed and 496,631 recycled for a national rate of 72.8 per cent in 2002.

For further details, go to www.pneb.com.au/press.html

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Wastewater Principles / BNR - Gold Coast, July

Principles of Wastewater Treatment - (more info)

• the most popular wastewater fundamentals course offered in Australia
• learn the key enabling scientific and engineering fundamentals which underpin wastewater treatment processes
• real-life problems and case studies
• site visits to 4 treatment facilities

Presented by:

Jurg Keller

• Director of the Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (AWMC) - the leading wastewater research group in Australia
• Director of Wastewater Futures PL which specialises in wastewater treatment solutions for clients in the oil, petrochemical, biotechnology, food, steel and meat processing industries

Paul Lant

• Director, IWES
• Director, Wastewater Futures PL
• Director of WWWastewater Training Centre which provides internet-based technology transfer and training in the water industry.

Biological Nutrient Removal - (more info)

A hands-on course developed around operational problems which occurred during commissioning and start-up of a real BNR plant.  Become skilled in making operational decisions about BNR plants.

Day 1 - BNR fundamentals, activated sludge, chemical P removal, BNR process configurations
D ay 2 - plant visits, prefermenters, trouble-shooting and optimisation
D ay 3 - “whats hot in nutrient removal ?”, process simulation, plant optimisation techniques

(includes access to the IWA Publishing online course ‘Biological Nutrient Removal’ normally US$395)

Presented by:

Ken Hartley

• One of the most experienced engineers in Australia in the field of BNR - over thirty years experience in research, design, contract supervision, commissioning and operations
• Author of "Operating the Activated Sludge Process" - over 4000 copies sold

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

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Stakeholders Uniting Communities & Catchments Exchanging Sustainable Strategies

Greening Australia NSW in partnership with the CMA’s & DIPNR are presenting a series of workshops throughout NSW.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S - Stakeholders Uniting Communities & Catchments Exchanging Sustainable Strategies

11th June: Macksville

This workshop will showcase current vegetation management projects in the region, explore farm forestry as a mechanism for achieving re-vegetation targets and look at the management of our native forests on private land.

18th June: Tamworth

This workshop will explore the use of multiple-purpose farm forestry as an important tool in catchment management. The day aims to bring the latest science, innovation & ideas together from within the region and beyond to find specific solutions for the Catchment Management targets in the Namoi region.

21st June: Warren

This workshop will visit Warren Council Tiger Bay area to discuss the biodiversity and cultural outcomes from this riparian zone project. Project officers will outline how this could translate in to the individual land manager’s operations.

24th June: Orange

The workshop will inspect a site with remnant vegetation and associated riparian zone planting. The aim will be to identify the critical elements to retain in a remnant landscape, how to manage these without degrading the area and managing operational land to create opportunities for regeneration of native vegetation, as well as creating potential linkages with other open space.

29th June: Tweed & Brunswick Valleys

The workshop will look at landuse planning, agricultural and floodplain issues in the Tweed, high conservation value ecosystem restoration & wildlife corridors, coastal zone & wetlands restoration in the Tweed and Brunswick areas.

For more information & registration form visit our website.

Or call Julie Adams, Greening Australia NSW on 02 9560 9144.

These workshops are funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.

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2004 Queensland Local Government Environment Conference 2004: Working Smarter on Natural Challenges

12-14 July 2004

Radisson Resort, Cairns.

Presented by the Local Government Association of Queensland

About the conference:
Two of the key environmental challenges facing Local Government in 2004 are responding to the national issue of sustainable natural resource management and the improving the management of the environment through proactive initiatives such as climate change management, sustainable purchasing and sustainable waste management.  

Local Government will be called on to develop an effective response towards the implementation of Australian Government initiatives, including the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, Natural Heritage Trust and Cities for Climate Change.  

This years conference – Working Smarter on Natural Challenges will be a key opportunity to get up to date in latest thinking from national experts and leading Local Governments from across Queensland and interstate.  The theme, “Working Smarter on Natural Challenges” will seek to draw out the opportunities and challenges of coordinating a response to both issues.  

Confirmed Keynote speakers include:

• Dr Neil Byron who has presided over a number of inquiries including Impacts of Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Regulations, Implementation of Ecologically Sustainable Development by Commonwealth Departments and Agencies and led a commissioned study into Industries in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment and Measures to Address Declining Water Quality.
• Dr Keith Halford, Environment Manager for Comalco Aluminium Ltd has worked in the areas of health, safety and environment in the mining, chemical and manufacturing industries for the past 18 years. He has been published both nationally and internationally and holds a PhD in Environmental Science.

The Conference will also include a number of important forums focusing on regional natural resource management planning to building community responsibility for environmental protection.

Cost: $550 (GST incl) includes presentations and workshops, technical tours or pre conference workshop, presenters papers, delegate satchel containing Conference program and sponsor material

For further information and registration forms visit: www.lgaq.asn.au

Enquiries:
Bron Browning
LGAQ Conference Coordinator
Ph: 07 3000 2220
Email: bron_browning@lgaq.asn.au

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Environmental Management System Franchise

Enviro Action Pty Ltd (EA) is seeking experienced environmental practitioners to deliver training in ISO 14001 (the international environmental management system standard).

This is a great opportunity to use your skills to assist organisations and the environment.

EA specialises in providing practical and cost effective integrated Management Systems solutions suitable for all organisations.

The business delivers, under franchise, an innovative and simple ISO 14001 training package. Each franchisee will operate as an independent business delivering the training package, with EA providing training, marketing, mentoring and materials support.

The aim of the package is to provide client organisations with training and support that will prepare them for Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001 accreditation and the seamless addition of integrated systems such as Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) compliant with AS/NZS 4801: 2001, Quality Systems compliant with ISO 9001 and HACCP (Food Safety).

Information about the package can be viewed at our website: www.enviroaction.com.au

For further information phone Enviro Action Pty Ltd on (08) 8362 3992 or
email: info@enviroaction.com.au

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Smart Approved WaterMark Scheme – Second Round of Applications

The Smart Approved WaterMark is the nationally endorsed water conservation labelling scheme that recognises products, services and organisations which are assisting all Australians to help save our most precious resource - water!

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 urban developers; and retail outlets.

The Smart Approved WaterMark scheme is not-for-profit, voluntary and applications are assessed by an independent expert panel. The second round of applications closes on Friday 13 August 2004.

For further information on the scheme go to www.smartapprovedwatermark.info

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Green Corps – Call for Applications for Projects Commencing NOVEMBER 2004

SATURDAY JUNE 5 IS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
WHY NOT DO WHAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS AROUND AUSTRALIA HAVE DONE AND PUT TOGETHER A GREEN CORPS TEAM?

Green Corps - Young Australians for the Environment teams around Australia have undertaken considerable works on our precious environment. Since its inception in 1996, more than 11,000 young people have planted more than eleven million trees, built 4,700 kilometres of fencing and removed weeds from over 36,000 hectares. These are just some examples of Green Corps’ outstanding achievements, and with the help of your organisation, the program can achieve even more!

Applications are open to organisations with an interest in seeing significant environment or heritage work being undertaken by Green Corps participants. Such organisations include community, youth and environmental establishments and local, State and Commonwealth Government agencies with an interest in contributing to Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. All works undertaken under the Green Corps program must be consistent with appropriate environmental government strategies and acts.

Closing date for applications is 16 July 2004. Why not call your Green Corps state coordinator to see what you can do for your local community through the Green Corps program?

Call 1800 077 700 or visit Green Corps website www.greencorps.com.au

Green Corps is an Australian Government initiative proudly delivered by Job Futures and Greening Australia.

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Community Fellowships – Land & Water Australia

Up to $15,000, Land & Water Australia, closing 9 July.Do you have a natural resource management story to tell? 

With private philanthropic support, Land & Water Australia is funding up to 10 Community Fellowships (between $5,000 and $15,000 each) to provide inspirational people the opportunities to share their practical knowledge and wisdom.

Have you wished you could take time out to reflect on your own NRM experiences and to share your insights on managing land, water and native bush?  How you have introduced new farming practices, or worked with the local community to manage a wetland or river catchment?  Or perhaps your experiences fighting a particular issue or campaign?

These non-academic Community Fellowships will enable you - or someone you nominate - to share experiences through writing, travel, presentations and other forms of communication.

Find out more from Samantha Burt on (02) 6263 6026 or samantha.burt@lwa.gov.au or click here.

Please send your application by Friday 9 July to: The Community Fellowship Fund, Land & Water Australia, GPO Box 2182, CANBERRA  ACT  2601.

Land & Water Australia is an Australian Government Research & Development Corporation in the Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.

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