Nathan Dam Decision Confirms EPBC Powers

The Full Federal Court of Australia has confirmed the major expansion of environmental powers for the Australian Government by rejecting the Nathan Dam appeal by the Environment and Heritage Minister.

The ruling means the Commonwealth must consider the potential downstream impacts of irrigated agriculture and other developments arising from a proposed 880,000 megalitre dam in Central Queensland, significantly expanding the Commonwealth powers under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Barristers for the Queensland Conservation Council and WWF Australia argued that the Australian Minister for Environment and Heritage, then Dr David Kemp, erred in law by not requiring the environmental assessment report for the proposed dam to address the potential impacts on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

The decision does not mean that the dam will not proceed, however it does mean that the Minister must require dam builders SUDAW to assess the downstream impacts of the proposed dam on the World Heritage Area. These impacts may include increased sediment, nutrient and pesticide pollution of the Reef.

A spokesman for federal Environment and Heritage Minister Ian Campbell said the judgment was a welcome clarification of what needed to be done to progress Nathan Dam and to assess any future projects under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

“One of the reasons for the appeal was to seek clarification of some of the uncertainties that emerged from the original judgment,” the spokesman said.

The Queensland Government, however, has expressed disappointment with the decision, and will seek advice on the judgment. State Development and Innovation Minister, Tony McGrady, said the government had sought leave to intervene in the appeal because of concerns that the legal ruling could place onerous assessment requirements on infrastructure projects.

“In the Government’s view, it is unreasonable to expect that the proponent of an infrastructure project is able to predict all the activities that will follow from provision of the infrastructure,” he said.

“In any case, there is adequate opportunity to assess the impacts of secondary activities and implement necessary controls when those activities are proposed.”

Back to Headlines>>

Chief Scientist Calls for Action on Emissions

The Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, has re-stated his opinion that Australia should not ratify the Kyoto Protocol because its targets for emissions reduction are not high enough.

Responding to questions in the current Senate inquiry into the office of the Chief Scientist, Dr Batterham said there was little advantage in signing Kyoto it was "a pretty small step".

"We have to talk not about a few per cent reduction but about an 80 per cent reduction by the end of this century or a 50% or 60% reduction - and I do not have a strong opinion on which one - by 2050."

Dr Batterham said that he had an inherent opposition to signing the Kyoto Protocol.

"My difficulty is one of principle that says that, if you put a target in front of people that you want to encourage them by and we use the elastic band analogy and if you put a target which is so far out that the stretch in the rubber band means that it breaks or that the view is one that is so far out that nobody signs onto it, you have failed.

"Conversely, if you put a target in front of people, when the real game is over there, which is only a small step away, then it tends to be too blase. It tends to have such little impact that, again, you fail to move people in the direction that we have really got to go. So I do have a quandary on Kyoto."

Dr Batterham said that while he accepted the viewpoint of countries that had ratified the Kyoto Protocol that was a step in the right direction, he felt the situation was "a bit more serious than that".

"We have got to go a mile - or whatever unit of measurement you like - past Kyoto," he said.

During the Senate Committee hearing, Greens Senator Bob Brown questioned Dr Batterham about the use of information provided by a consultancy paid for by Rio Tinto in a presentation to PMSEIC entitled Beyond Kyoto. Senator Brown later claimed that the consultants had influenced the government’s decision to direct millions of dollars to geosequestration rather than solar power.

Back to Headlines>>

Costs of Living Murray Report

The Murray-Darling Basin Commission has released a report, completed in draft form last November, on the potential costs and benefits of the Living Murray initiative.

The report provided background to the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting in November which agreed to The First Step decision which emphasised voluntary approaches to water recovery.

The analysis found that, without the $500 million subsequently provided through COAG to fund the implementation of voluntary water recovery approaches, there was a "modest net cost" from the recovery of water (about $11 million per annum or $180 million net present value over 50 years), assuming that the irrigation deliveries would simply be reduced by the volume required for the Living Murray.

An independent peer review of the report, also released by the MDBC, concluded that the assessment was sound and it was "more likely that the TLM economic scoping report overstates the costs and understates the benefits of changes of recovery of water".

However, it suggested that sensitivity analysis could have been applied to illustrate the range of uncertainty around the estimates provided, and noted that the analysis did not take fully into account the impact of potential flow changes on salinity, to the point where it is possible that the long term benefits from dilution of salinity (particularly in South Australia) may actually outweigh the cost to upstream irrigators.

The report, Scoping of economic issues in the Living Murray, with an emphasis on the irrigation sector, and the peer review are available at http://www.mdbc.gov.au/TLM/TLM_ecomonic.html

Back to Headlines>>

Report Claims WWF Political Alignment with Federal Government

The influential Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF Australia) is becoming increasingly alienated from other national conservation groups, with claims that it has become politically aligned with the Howard Government and has benefitted from substantially greater government support than other conservation groups.

The left-wing policy analysis group, The Australia Institute, has released a report examining WWF Australia and whether the funding it has received from the Federal Government over the past 8 years has affected its ability to provide unbiased policy commentary.

The report, written by Clive Hamilton and Andrew Macintosh, says that there is evidence that WWF is being used by the Federal Government to bolster its green credentials, and that an analysis of statements released by WWF shows it to be “almost uniformly favourable, and often highly complimentary, to the Howard Government.”

“The Howard Government has frequently used WWF Australia’s name and public statements to promote its environment policies. To illustrate, since the Government came to power in March 1996, at least 64 press releases published by the Environment Ministers have mentioned the names WWF Australia or WWF. Only 20 press releases issued by the Environment Ministers mention Australia’s other large environmental advocacy groups - Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society.”

“The evidence suggests that WWF Australia can usually be relied upon to praise the Howard Government’s main environment policies, while other organisations are more likely to provide an independent assessment.”

In 2001-02, WWF received $3.2 million in funding from the government, almost a 500 per cent increase on its 1997 level of funding, while funding to other environmental groups over the same time dropped significantly. An example of the discrepancy in funding is that while WWF has received $13.5 million in funding from 1996 to 2003, the Australian Conservation Foundation has received only $5.56 million, following claims of an alignment with the Labor Party.

The report, Taming the Panda: The relationship between WWF and the Howard Government, can be found at www.tai.org.au

Back to Headlines>>

Enhancing Supply Chain Value Through Environmental Excellence

A report on enhancing supply chain value through environmental excellence has been released by the Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI).

The report, Forging New Links, demonstrates opportunities for environmental, health and safet (EHS) to create business value in the supply chain across a broad variety of industries.

The report notes that supply chain management (SCM) is evolving from a traditional focus on purchasing and logistics to a broader, more integrated emphasis on value creation. Leading companies increasingly view supply chain excellence as a source of competitive advantage, with the potential to drive performance improvement in customer retention, revenue generation, cost reduction, and asset utilisation.

It reviews emerging trends in supply chain management that heighten the importance of EHS awareness, and shows how companies can construct a value proposition for EHS involvement. In addition, it provides a systematic methodology for each company to assess its situation, identify key issues, and pursue high-value opportunities.

For the full report, go to www.gemi.org/supplychain/A1.htm

Back to Headlines>>

Environmental Workshops from Thomson CPD…

Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop

Gain environmental auditor certification in this five-day accredited workshop led by one of Australia’s leading environmental consultants, Graham A. Brown & Associates.

Melbourne: August 9–13
Adelaide: August 23–27
Auckland: September 13–17
Wellington: September 27–October 1
Sydney: November 22–26

Environmental Management Systems Workshop

Gain an in-depth grounding on how to develop and implement an environmental management system in your organisation.

Melbourne: August 9–11
Perth: October 5–7
Brisbane: October 18–20

Environmental Manager Conference 2004

This year’s industry summit is focussed on “Dealing with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act: the procedures, the pitfalls and tips for success”.

Sydney: 27 August 2004

Waste Management & Audit Workshop

Learn to identify your organisation’s waste streams and develop effective, cost-saving, achievable strategies to reduce them.

Perth: September 6–10
Sydney: September 20–24
Melbourne: October –29

Advanced Environmental Audit Workshop

Enhance your environmental auditing expertise, building on the skills and knowledge gained from previous training and auditing experience.

Melbourne: September 27–29
Perth: October 12–14
Sydney: November 1–3

Environmental Duties & Obligations Workshop

Understand your environmental duties and obligations and gain the skills and knowledge to effect them in your workplace.

Melbourne: August 12–13

For more information or to register call Robyn Clark on 03 9208 4531, email cpdseminars@thomson.com.au or visit www.cpd.com.au.

Back to Headlines>>

APESMA Launches New Business School

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers of Australia, (APESMA), the leading MBA provider in Australia, launched Chifley Business School on the 1st July 2004. The new offering is expected to achieve a world first for flexible management education.

A pioneer in it’s field, APESMA has established the Chifley Business School to offer a flexible, ‘hands-on’ approach to management education. The school’s unique approach identifies and establishes the individual needs and ideals of employers.

The result? Graduates who can increase efficiency in the workplace.

Andrew McDonald, Executive Director, Chifley Business School said that whilst APESMA has held a leadership position in the Australian Management Education market over the last decade, Chifley Business School signals the next phase in implementing effective management training and education in Australia.

“Chifley Short Courses are specifically designed to meet the capability needs of individual technology professionals, allowing managers to select a ‘tailor-made-program’ made up of different courses pertaining directly to the needs of their business,” said Mr McDonald.

“We know that managers need practical, relevant courses which provide capability that they can implement immediately into their workplace. Effective management training must lead to more than just knowledge, it must lead to capability - the capacity to use knowledge and skills to achieve outcomes.”

Chifley Business School is Australia’s leading training solutions provider for managers and corporations in the technology sector.

For more information about Chifleys’ short courses program, phone 1300 85 33 77 or log on to the Chifley website - www.chifley.edu.au.

Back to Headlines>>

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN

"CITIES AS CATCHMENTS"

21-24 November 2004

Adelaide Hilton, South Australia

Cities as Catchments - the third Australian conference on Water Sensitive Urban Design will focus on challenging the way we look at water in the context of urban environments.

LEADING INVITED SPEAKERS:

• Professor Herbert Girardet - Urban Water Sustainability - leading urban ecologist and specialist in making cities sustainable.
• Associate Professor Tony Wong - Water Sensitive Urban Design ~ The Journey thus Far
• Professor Ian White - Island Water Supplies and Sanitation as the Epitome of Sustainability
• Dr Rebekah Brown - Corporate Sustainability and Organisational Development
• Kathryn Bellette - South Australian Planning Initiatives

UNESCO International Hydrological Programme ~ Special Focus Sessions

Technical Tour to WSUD sites around Adelaide with dinner in McLaren Vale wine district.

Workshops on: Aquifer Storage and Recovery; Permeable Paving; Climate Variability and Climate Change; WSUD Codes of Practice and Regulatory Approaches; Establishing the Australian Chapter of the International Working Group on WSUD for the JCUD Programme.

Stormwater Industry Association Annual Awards Dinner.

Register on line at www.plevin.com.au/WSUD2004

Conference Secretariat
Plevin & Associates Pty Ltd
PO Box 54, Burnside, South Australia 5066
Tel (08) 8379 8222; Fax (08) 8379 8177
events@plevin.com.au

Back to Headlines>>

Stormwater Industry Association Seminars

The RTA & Environmental Planning

12:30 - 2:30pm, Thursday, 26th August, 2004.

RTA Environmental management as it applies to stormwater runoff issues related to NSW Roads will be discussed.

Stormwater, Greywater and Wastewater Re-use

12:30 - 2:30pm, Thursday, 23rd September, 2004

Recent advances by CDS Technologies ranging from several stormwater re-use products through to complete wastewater re-use packages capable of achieving Class A water. With a focus on producing water "fit-for-purpose", water reuse costs do not have to have a membrane price-tag. Case studies and examples will be covered. Capital and operating costs will be discussed, along with potential for golf courses and parks in need of new water sources. Includes technical Q&A session.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: The first seminar will benefit developers, builders, planners, Stormwater Managers, Engineers, and Councils. The second will also benefit Scientists, Consultants, Councils and those looking for alternative water supplies, treating and re-using existing stormwater, greywater and wastewater.

COST (Each Seminar): $75.00 (SIA Members: $55.00)

VENUE: Master Plumbers Association, 3 John St, Lidcombe, NSW

MORE INFORMATION: Registration forms at SIA website: http://www.stormwater.asn.au/nsw/events.asp

SIA Secretariat, info@stormwater.asn.au or phone 1300 76 11 22.

Back to Headlines>>

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.

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

Back to Headlines>>

Seeking Good Ideas from the Bush

Farmed rabbits, culinary snails, paprika, quandong, witchety grubs, wildflowers and green tea are just some of the innovative new industries to have received support from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

RIRDC is currently looking for people with ideas for innovation and is inviting researchers, industry organisations and individuals to apply for funding support in 2005-2006. The closing date for applications is September 17, 2004.

Managing director Simon Hearn said the corporation has a charter to foster diversification and new industry development while helping maintain competitiveness and sustainability in a range of established industries.

"Over the past decade the Corporation has supported diverse research such as freshwater aquaculture integrated into existing farming systems, a wide variety of Asian foods, commercial production of Australian bushfoods, identification of the most promising native cut flowers and improved productivity in the olive industry. It has also been at the forefront of research in established industries such as chicken meat, egg, rice and horses," he said.

"RIRDC supports research in four main program areas - New & Emerging Industries; Established Industries; Sustainable Systems; and Capacity Building & Competitiveness.

"It is a centre for new industries which we hope will develop into commercial enterprises, some that will become large-scale farm industries and others that will remain small but offer viable niche alternatives to Australian farmers."

Dr Hearn said the first step is to establish research projects that identify new opportunities and then work with researchers and stakeholders in those industries to bring them to adoption and commercialisation.

"Rural Australia has significant additional potential and we look forward to funding an array of projects that will facilitate a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable sector with well targeted research and innovation."

The corporation currently funds almost $25 million worth of projects per year.

Prospective applicants for research funding can obtain a free copy of the RIRDC Research Priorities and guidelines for the applications process from the RIRDC website at www.rirdc.gov.au or by calling 02 6272 4819.

Copies of most RIRDC research reports can be downloaded free of charge from the RIRDC website www.rirdc.gov.au, which has more than 1000 research reports on a wide range of rural industries.

Hard copies can be purchased online or by phone 02 6272 4819. A free publication catalogue is also available.

Back to Headlines>>

A Review of Nitrate Toxicity

Much has been written about the toxicity of nitrate in drinking water and the effect it may have on infants and adults. 

"Blue-baby syndrome", known medically as "methaemoglobinaemia" because it reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, has been linked to nitrate in water used to make an infant's formulation. As a result of a medical case over sixty years ago, the level of nitrate in drinking water has been set at 10 mg/L nitrate nitrogen.

Almost univerally, this 10 mg/L has been accepted as significant, even though the original medical case has been shown to be related to bacterial contamination rather than nitrate. 

Dr Robert Patterson, from Lanfax Laboratories, is researching the current literature about nitrate toxicity, to infants and adults, as well as nitrate poisoning in animals.  While much information is available in journals and on the web, identifying Australian literature and researchers is proving a more difficult task. 

Dr Patterson is seeking assistance from readers for contact with persons who could direct him to specific articles or assist in identifying Australian and overseas researchers.

Contact  Dr Robert Patterson, Lanfax Laboratories, Armidale NSW, Australia.  Phone +[61] 2 6775 1157, Fax +[61] 2 6775 1043  email: lanfax.labs@science.com.au

Back to Headlines>>

Back to Headlines>>