NSW Planning Overhaul Simplifies Environmental Plans

The NSW Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Craig Knowles, has announced a major overhaul of the NSW Planning System which will introduce a simplified system of environmental planning and land use control at the regional level, and give local government greater responsibility in assessing development.

A State Strategic Planning Framework will be created and will contain a number of strategic planning documents such as regional strategies. Local councils will be required to prepare Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) that translate the critical parts of the Framework documents into legally enforceable development rules.

Regional strategies will be developed over the next three years for priority areas, including the Sydney greater metropolitan region, the NSW Coast, the Sydney to Canberra Corridor and key growth centres in western NSW. The regional strategies will be developed by the government in partnership with local government and local communities and informed by a strategic assessment of the region to test the impacts of different development scenarios.

The government intends that the new planning system will reduce number of State environmental planning policies (SEPPs) from 59 to less than 25, and the number of regional environmental plans (REPs) from 44 to less than five.

Local Environment Plans (LEPs) will become the primary reference for all mandatory controls that apply to an area, removing the need to interpret dozens of different plans and instruments to find out what rules apply.

More information is at www.dipnr.nsw.gov.au/planningreform.html

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The Victorian Government is working with local councils to develop a Local Government Sustainability Accord that will encourage cooperation and innovation between state and local governments on sustainability and promote community understanding of sustainability.

A Heads of Agreement has been signed committing the governments to the principles of sustainable development set out at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002 (the Local Government Declaration) and in the Gauteng Declaration by regional governments.

The Accord, to be finalised by the middle of next year, will specify how the state government and local councils intend to work together and could include priorities for joint action and future initiatives.

The Accord will be developed by a new Victorian Local Sustainability Committee chaired by Mike Hill, former Executive Officer of the VLGA and current board member of Environs Australia (Projects Victoria), and comprising the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Victorian Local Government Association, Environs Australia (Projects Victoria), the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and the Metropolitan Environmental Forum.

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Australian-Chinese Greenhouse Projects Announced

The Australian and Chinese Governments have agreed to a further six projects to tackle the issue of climate change, as part of the Australian-China Joint Declaration on Bilateral Cooperation on Climate Change signed last year.

The specific projects include:

• Greenhouse and Land Management: This project will facilitate the development of new knowledge and technology for the measurement and abatement of greenhouse gases from agricultural systems, and that assist agricultural industries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Assistance with Compilation of Agriculture Emissions under China’s First National Communication: Under this project, Australian and Chinese experts will work with Chinese data to build capacity for the development of an accurate inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in China.
• Assisting National and Project Level Carbon Accounting in China: This project aims to develop China’s capacity for measuring carbon emissions and sequestration from land systems. As part of the project, Australia will assist China to scope the requirements for developing a package similar to the National Carbon Accounting System to account for China’s agricultural and forestry-based emission reduction and sink enhancement programs at the provincial level to an internationally credible standard.
• Impacts of Land-use and Land Surface Processes on Regional and Global Climate: the project will improve understanding of the climate system affecting Australia and China, reduce the scientific uncertainty in global climate model simulations of future climate, and strengthen Australian and Chinese international engagement in climate change research activities.
• Development of National Climate Change Strategies: this project will facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge and experiences on a range of climate change policy issues. This work will help to build capacity within China to address climate change and assist China in the formulation of a national climate change strategy.
• Interaction between Australia and China on climate change modeling: this project will facilitate ongoing cooperation between Chinese and Australian experts to improve the technical rigour of both countries’ modeling capability.

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Rainwater Industry Development Group Formed

The Australian plumbing industry in conjunction with manufacturers has formed a new national organisation, the Australian Rainwater Industry Development Group (ARID) to promote and research the latest technologies for the use of urban rainwater and reuse water.

The Foundation Members include: Bluescope Water, Davey Products, Durplas Industries Pty Ltd. Envirotank Pty Ltd, Master Plumbers’ & Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA), Green Plumbers, Onga Pty Ltd, Tankmasta, Tankworld and The Rain Catchers.

One of the major agenda items for ARID is to address the need for a nationally consistent standard of regulations for water conservation and reuse to prevent cost and time inefficiencies.

Chairman of ARID, David Beattie, from Tankmasta, said, “ARID will provide an industry voice to promote the best application of alternative water supplies including rainwater, storm water and grey water.”

“With water restrictions being placed across many areas of Australia which are still suffering a drought, the formation of ARID to provide industry leadership on water use is timely. ARID will also play a role in stimulating research and environmental product development.”

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Certification Scheme For Environmental Practitioners

The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) has launched Australia’s first certification scheme for environmental practitioners, designed to set levels of ethical conduct and professional competency for the industry, and to provide evidence that environmental skills and knowledge meet national standards.

EIANZ, which represents some 1600 environmental professionals, was formed to meet the needs of the growing number of environmental practitioners in Australia and New Zealand.

EIANZ President, Simon Molesworth said that certification can provide a basis for international comparability and reciprocal recognition, facilitating the mobility of environmental professionals. Another advantage is the potential to stem the rise in professional indemnity insurance premiums incurred by the industry, which have skyrocketed in recent years.

“Certification is a form of risk management: the more competent the practitioner, the less risk will arise. Accordingly, the insurance industry will welcome this initiative,” he said.

To qualify for the CENVP, applicants are required to have appropriate environmental qualifications, five years of relevant environmental experience and three referees prepared to vouch for their skills, performance and professional conduct.

In addition, the applicant must sign a statement of ethical conduct and provide additional supporting evidence of claim including at least two referee reports. An assessment interview conducted by a certification panel caps off the process.

For more information contact EIANZ, Simon Molesworth 0412 346 432, Nigel Murphy 0402 153 356, Mark Nan Tie 0419 334 828 or visit www.eianz.org

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Practical workshops on aquatic macrophytes

It’s time to refresh your memory, update your knowledge and enhance your experience and skills!

Sydney Olympic Park Authority is in its fourth year of successfully running hands-on workshops in wetlands ecology, restoration and management. The workshops are different from the traditional conference format; they involve practical learning!

The 25-26 November 2004: Identification, Assessment and Management of Aquatic Macrophytes in Urban Wetlands workshop is essential for those who need to know more about step-by-step identification of aquatic macrophytes.

Participants will gain a hands-on learning experience in assessment, planning, construction, maintenance and management of freshwater wetlands. Emphasis is placed on practical experiences in successful repair and restoration of wetlands in Sydney Olympic Park and elsewhere. A variety of experts will be delivering these high quality tutorials. This workshop is particularly timely as the freshwater wetlands along the coastal fringes of NSW are being considered for declaration as endangered ecological communities.

Who should attend?
Wetlands and catchment technicians, managers, planners, consultants, ecologists, volunteers, coast and river carers, engineers, students, scientists, rangers and conservationists.

For further information and bookings please contact our Bookings Coordinator on:

Ph: +61 2 9714 7888 or Fax to +61 2 9714 7822 or
e-mail: wetworkshop@sopa.nsw.gov.au

To find out more about Sydney Olympic Park visit:
www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

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3rd Australian Groundwater Modelling School:

Concepts, Application (GW Vistas), Calibration and Predictive Uncertainty Analysis (PEST)

Monday 6  to Thursday 9 December 2004.

New College, University of NSW,
Anzac Parade, Kensington 2033, SYDNEY

(Full details see http://www.groundwater.com.au/conf/content.asp)

The course is aimed at those who either undertake groundwater modelling as part of their work, or who review the work of others. Though prior modelling experience is not essential, it will be an advantage. Topics discussed in the course will include a wide range of topics, both theoretical and practical, all of which are important for the construction, calibration and assessment of groundwater models. These topics will be illustrated using state-of-the art software by presenters who have had collectively over 60 years groundwater modelling experience both in Australia and overseas. Hands-on experience in the use of MODFLOW, MT3DMS, and PEST through the Groundwater Vistas graphical user interface is an important part of the course.

Presenters: Jim Rumbaugh, Environmental Simulations Inc (author of Groundwater Vistas), John Doherty, Watermark Numerical Computing (author of PEST), Noel Merrick, Acting Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Management at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

For more information contact Trevor Pillar: Phone: 61 8 8201 5632
Email: cgs.training@groundwater.com.au
Web: http://www.groundwater.com.au/conf/content.asp

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Feel that you are left up in the air? kept in the dark? or trapped in a cage?

Charles Sturt University has the answer!

Why not enrol in a course in ornithology; karst (cave) management or captive vertebrate management at Charles Sturt University?

The university has a range of specialised post-graduate courses that progress from a certificate to masters. These courses have been designed in partnership with industry to cater for government and environmental employees who see their future in specialised areas of environmental management.

Study by distance education at CSU offers you the opportunity to:

• Work at your own pace through topics outlined in a hard-copy mail package

• Discuss ideas with lecturers and other students via the on-line subject forum

• Improve your practical skills and network with other students at the residential schools

• Submit your assignments electronically, by fax or mail

• Access library resources on-line or by 1800 access to distance education librarians

• Sit your exams at CSU exam centres located throughout Australia

We are now taking enrolments for study in 2005 in a range of postgraduate courses including:

• Ornithology

• Ecotourism

• Cultural heritage management

• Parks recreation and heritage

• Captive vertebrate management

• Karst management

For more information you may call info.csu to discuss your study options on 1800 334 733 (callers outside Australia should dial +61 2 6338 6077) or look up our range of courses on the web site at http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/sciagr/eis/

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For a competitive edge in the environmental job market or an introduction to the film and television industry…..

MASTERS IN NATURAL HISTORY FILM MAKING

At Flinders University

Enhance your knowledge of Australia’s biodiversity and gain the skills to communicate your experience through video and new media.

SKILLS IN:

• Writing
• Directing
• Producing
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound Recording
• Sound Editing

LEARN ABOUT:

• Conservation Biology & Genetics
• Palaeontology
• Ecotourism
• Australian Birds
• Australian Mammals
• Australian Reptiles
• Australian Frogs
• Fungal Biodiversity
• Australian Floral Diversity
• Marine Biodiversity

IDEAL FOR:
Industry professionals in Ecotourism, Conservation Management,
National Parks & Wildlife, Aquaculture & Science.
Documentary students / practitioners
Graduates who want to use film to communicate biodiversity concepts

Masters Degree
2 years full time (or part time equivalent)
10 topics over 4 semesters.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.flinders.edu.au/calendar/vol2/pg/MNat.Film.htm
contact: Cole Larsen (cole.larsen@flinders.edu.au; 08 82012697)
Alison Wotherspoon (alison.wotherspoon@flinders.edu.au; 08 82012290)

Biodiversity topics may also be taken as a MASTERS IN BIODIVERSITY (2 years full time)

or

• Graduate Diploma in Biodiversity (1 year full time)
• Graduate Certificate in Biodiversity (6 months full time)

Part-time study options available. For details, visit our web site
http://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/courses/biodiversity/postgrad/
Or contact: Dr Don Driscoll (don.driscoll@flinders.edu.au; 08 82012165)
Professor Michael Bull (michael.bull@ flinders.edu.au; 08 82012263)

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Greening the Built Environment (SRES 8001)

3 or 5 days intensive: November 24-28 at the ANU

Healthy, future-friendly buildings: This course explores innovative design solutions aimed at achieving a sustainable built environment - buildings that improve human and environmental health while increasing economic productivity.

The course ranges from broad criteria - such as reversing environmental impacts by providing ecosystem services and replacing fossil resources with solar resources - to practical details such as readily available, low-impact technologies at all scales, from building products to urban form.

Whether you are in the building industry, looking for a professional development course, someone in the market for a green home, or are simply interested in exploring sustainable building practices, this course is for you.

(ANU elective and cross-institutional students welcome.)

For details: janis.birkeland@anu.edu.au, or phone: 02 6125 2224

PRESENTERS: A range of guest speakers will present.

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

Proudly hosted by Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)

Telstra Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park 10th – 12th November 2004

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.

Buying Green 2004 will show how purchasing environmentally preferred products are good for the environment, good for health, good for businesses and good for the economy.

Come to hear from and interact with an impressive array of speakers including:

• Scot Case – International expert on green purchasing programs from the USA
• Dr Clive Hamilton – Leading public commentator and policy analyst from the Australia Institute
• Clare Poulter – Leading government green procurement expert from the United Kingdom
• Rev Bill Crews – Delivering a keynote address on the link between social ethics and buying green
• Chris Johnson – NSW State Government Architect

The Expo will showcase a variety of green products. If you have a green product to sell or are looking for a green product to buy, the Exhibition will provide an interactive, hands-on opportunity for customers and suppliers to come together.

Buying Green 2004 is proudly supported by Gold Sponsors, Country Energy, Fuji Xerox and Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Conference Printer, Focus Press.

Buying Green 2004 is relevant to business managers, procurement managers, people responsible for purchasing, environmental professionals, suppliers and manufacturers in the business, government or not-for-profit sectors and will equip delegates with the “how” of green purchasing.

Conference website: www.impactenviro.com.au/buyinggreen2004
Conference email: buyinggreen2004@impactenviro.com.au
Telephone enquiries: Impact Environmental Conferences, 02 9570 1577.

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Smart Approved Watermark Scheme - Third 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 thirdround of applications closes on November 12, 2004.

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

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Environmental Publications Available from CSIRO

Ecos: Towards a sustainable future.

The latest issue of ECOS magazine is now available (http://www.publish.csiro.au/ecos) and features articles on Iraq's devastated marshlands ... sustainable fishing on Apo Island ... the role of infrastructure in sustainability and more.

An important forthcoming release from CSIRO PUBLISHING

In Search of Sustainability
Australian leaders from a wide range of fields discuss the key issues we
must address if we are to move towards a more just and sustainable society.
http://publish.csiro.au/nid/21/pid/4790.htm

Also just released:

The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia
Written by one of Australia's leading lepidopterists, it is stunningly illustrated with colour photographs of each of the 416 currently identified species. There is also a distribution map for each species on the Australian mainland.
http://publish.csiro.au/nid/20/pid/3948.htm

and two new titles from the Australian Natural History Series

Australian Magpie - Biology and behaviour of an unusual songbird
The author brings together much of what we know about the magpie's biology and behaviour, including her latest research.
http://publish.csiro.au/nid/20/pid/3880.htm

Kookaburra - King of the Bush
Provides a complete overview of kookaburras and their unique place in Australian culture and natural history.
http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/18/pid/3860.htm

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EMR: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice

Blackwell Publishing would like to invite EnviroInfo readers to experience Ecological Management and Restoration (EMR) through a FREE 30 day online trial.

Ecological Management and Restoration is an innovative journal aiming to fulfill the need among land managers for information about the science and practice of ecosystem restoration and management. Published on behalf of the Ecological Society of Australia three times a year, the journal aims to nurture two-way communication between researchers and practitioners in devising new hypotheses, sound experimentation, effective treatments and reliable monitoring to inspire those who are busy managing and restoring their local environments.

The journal covers a broad range of topical issues including, but not limited to, integrated ecosystems management, restoration ethics and philosophy, landscape pattern and design, weed and feral animal control, genetic issues, indigenous land management, landscape arts and aesthetics, education communication and community involvement.

To request your free trial please email Suneel.Jethani@blackwellpublishingaisa.com quoting EMREITRIAL1104 in the subject line.

Subscriptions to the journal start at A$60 for individuals which provides you with full online access, including past issues, and print copies. Subscriptions can be obtained online by emailing subs@blackwellpublishingasia.com or by calling +61 3 8359 1011.

For more information of Ecology Books and Journals from Blackwell Publishing please visit www.blackwellecology.com

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Launch of ‘Inside MFAT’ website - revealing the science behind the Living Murray

A new feature on the MDBC website which showcases part of the science behind the Murray - Darling Basin Ministerial Council’s Living Murray “First Step” decision has been released.

MFAT, or the Murray Flow Assessment Tool, relates river flow to potential habitat condition for river and floodplain environments. It was designed to help governments and communities make informed decisions on environmental flows for the River Murray system.

`Inside MFAT’ is a website specifically designed to provide the public with a window into much of the scientific information and selected MFAT results that were part of the Interim Report of the Scientific Reference Panel released in October 2003.

The MFAT tool provides an assessment of the potential condition of habitat for native fish, waterbirds, floodplain and wetland vegetation for any given flow pattern. It can also provide an assessment of the potential risk of blue-green algal blooms.

“MFAT allows us to obtain consistent and repeatable assessments of the impact of different flow volumes and management on habitat condition. It uses the best scientific information available and, importantly, documents the source and confidence in that scientific information,” according to Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) Chief Executive Wendy Craik.

“The Inside MFAT website is innovative and user-friendly and provides another mechanism for communities and environmental managers to access the ecological knowledge of over 60 scientists who informed the Living Murray process. The website will be a tremendous resource and will assist with the development of environmental watering strategies in the future,” Dr Craik said.

Inside MFAT is located at: www.mdbc.gov.au/livingmurray/mfat
For information about The Living Murray: www.thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au
For general MDBC information: www.mdbc.gov.au

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