Water Industry Roadmapping Project Nears Completion

Following a series of consultation seminars held around the country during the past month, the package of ideas has been finalised for the Australian Water Industry Roadmapping Project, which is being presented to the Federal Government next month.

The project is an initiative of the Barton Group, the CEO industry group formed to guide and monitor the implementation of the Environment Industry Action Agenda. It is being undertaken by GHD, who is responsible for the research documentation development components of the project, and Phillips Group who is managing the consultative and communication aspects. The Institute of Sustainable Futures is providing advice and peer-review.

The project seeks to establish an industry vision supported by strategies with clearly identified tasks, time frames and recommended responsibilities, to address technological, institutional, supply and social challenges for the industry. The aim is to develop a sustainable industry in which innovations are more quickly and widely applied, improving both water security and environmental outcomes.

Once developed, it is anticipated that the Roadmap will complement the ongoing COAG National Water Initiative and several State water policy developments.

The Roadmap is expected to be released in January 2005.

For further information, go to http://roadmap.bartongroup.org.au

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Minister Flags Intention to Ban Unsustainable Forest Timber Imports

The Federal Minister for Forestry and Conservation, Senator Ian Macdonald, has flagged his intention to introduce within the next 12 months new regulations which will prohibit the import of timber from forests which are unsustainably logged.

“I would hope we would be able to work on this and get in place a proper regime which prohibits imports from forests that are not sustainably managed within the next 6-12 months,” Senator Macdonald told ABC radio earlier this week when addressing the issue of Greenpeace activists protesting about the importation of illegal forest products.

"On this issue I do agree with Greenpeace," he said.

"I do think some of the most important forests in the world are being destroyed through illegal logging and I do think we have to, through the world community, stop the destruction of these very special forests."

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Former Head of National Climate Centre Claims Greenhouse Threat Overstated

The former head of the National Climate Centre, William Kininmonth, has claimed that the threat of the carbon economy on climate change has been overstated by the International Panel on Climate Change in response to political momentum on the issue.

In a new book Climate Change: A Natural Hazard, Kininmonth says that the IPCC has reduced climate to a one-dimensional mock-up in which radiation is given too great a part to play, without due consideration to the role of oceans, which are reservoirs of heat.

According to Kininmonth, current IPCC models do not provide a realistic overview of the interaction between atmosphere and oceans, fatally undermining the IPCC forecasts. He also maintains that climate change has more to do with natural cycles than with industrial production lines.

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Stanwell Abandons Windfarm Project

Stanwell Corporation has abandoned its plans for a $100 million windfarm at Nirranda on the Ballerine Peninsula in Victoria because of community resistance to the project.

The $80 million, 50-turbine project was still in the development stages and no formal application had been made to the state government, and looked unlikely to be approved after the state government last month deemed the Great Ocean Road as an “area of significance”. It is a policy of the Victorian Government that wind farms should not be located in these areas.

The decision by the Queensland-based Stanwell Corporation follows a decision last month by Southern Hydro to withdraw plans for a $115 million windfarm in the same area.

Victorian Nationals leader Peter Ryan said he hoped the decision would set a precedent for other areas around Victoria where windfarm developments were opposed by locals.

"The decision to scrap the Nirranda project provides some promising news to other communities around the state, such as Gippsland and the Macedon region, which oppose developments in their area," he said.

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ISL Uranium Mining to Continue

In-situ leach (ISL) uranium mining will continue in South Australia’s’s north-east after a CSIRO consultancy report found that the process had "considerably less environmental impact than other conventional mining techniques."

The South Australian Government has accepted all 13 recommendations of the report, and decided to allow the practice to continue, angering environmental groups and the Democrats, who have accused the government of breaking an election pledge to protect the arid environment.

The report recommends acid ISL mining of uranium be "allowed to continue subject to monitoring showing that there are no excursions of leach solution or waste liquids into other aquifers".

It also calls for research into the microbiology of the aquifer, the sinking of additional monitoring bores and more mine site inspections.

The Australian Conservation Foundation described the report as a “disappointing, deficient, do-nothing document.”

"In failing to prevent discharge of uranium mine waste to groundwater or to require rehabilitation of the impacts of acid leaching on groundwater this report fails to deliver the standards committed to by the Premier prior to the last state election" said ACF campaigner David Noonan.

"This report assumes that groundwater at Beverley has no use or value other than to be used for acid leach mining and uranium processing. It effectively approves sacrificing groundwater to lower the mining costs for General Atomics of the USA."

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Environmental Workshops from Thomson

Book by 10 December 2004 to receive early bird discounts.

Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop

Fulfill the training component required to become a certified environmental auditor in this five-day accredited workshop led Graham A. Brown & Associates. You’ll learn how to commission and conduct environmental audits of the highest standard, advise clients on environmental issues and train others to perform environmental audits.

Perth 21st - 25th February 2005
Melbourne 18th - 22nd April 2005
Auckland 2nd - 6th May 2005
Sydney 9th - 13th May 2005
Hobart 23rd - 27th May 2005
Brisbane 8th - 12th August 2005
Newcastle 5th - 9th September 2005
Melbourne 17th - 21st October 2005
Sydney 14th - 18th November 2005

Environmental Management Systems Workshop

Get comprehensive guidance on the development and implementation of an environmental management system in your organisation. Presented by Graham A. Brown & Associates, this workshop covers all the key requirements of ISO 14001 certification.

Sydney 15th-17th March 2005
Melbourne 28th - 30th June 2005
Canberra 26th - 28th July 2005
Sydney 20th - 22nd September 2005
Brisbane 25th - 27th October 2005
Perth/Darwin 8th - 10th November 2005

Thomson customised environmental workshops.
Ask us how we can help you run your own, customised environmental workshops with Thomson’s specialist assistance. Call 1300 304 197 for details.

For more information or to register call 1300 304 197, email cpdseminars@thomson.com.au or visit www.thomsonsolutions.com.au.

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• Flexible structure
• Attracts Australian and international students with diverse backgrounds and experience
• Courses can be undertaken as professional development or as part of a postgraduate degree.

• Fundamentals of Environmental Law: 21-26 Feb
• International Law of the Environment (A): 29-31 Mar (WebCT 28/2)
• Marine and Coastal Law: 1-3 April
• The Culture of Environmental Law: 23-25 May
• Natural Resources Law and Policy: 26-28 May
• Fundamentals of Environmental Law: 25-30 July
• Indigenous Peoples & Environmental Law: 22-24 Aug
• Environmental Landuse Planning & Assessment: 25-27 Aug
• Environment, Business & Regulation: 10-12 Oct
  Business Strategy & Environmental Responsibility: 13-15 Oct

• Fundamentals of Environmental Law: 11-16 July
• Environmental Landuse Planning & Assessment: 11-13 Aug
• Special Topics – Pollution Law: 13-15 Sept

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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 8201 2165)
Professor Michael Bull (michael.bull@ flinders.edu.au; 08 8201 2263)

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The Environment and your Career

Institute of Environmental Studies
The University of New South Wales

Environmental Management is no longer a peripheral issue for society. As we enter the 21st century the environmental aspects of sustainability are likely to present both the greatest constraints and the greatest opportunities for all types of organisations.

Business, all levels of government and civil society are developing sophisticated frameworks for environmental management which meet sustainability goals whilst ensuring that local and international environmental commitments are met. We are all faced with updating our knowledge and skills in this fast changing context.

If you are an environmental professional, or hope to become one, or you simply want to understand the environmental context which drives the future world, IES has three programs to meet your needs: Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Environmental Management (MEM).

Enrol now for Session 1, 2005.

Distance study options available.

For further information contact:

Institute of Environmental Studies
UNSW
Tel: 61 (2) 9385 5687
Fax: 61 (2) 9663 1015
Email: ies@unsw.edu.au

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APESMA La Trobe MBA Program

Chifley Business School is taking enrolments into The APESMA LaTrobe MBA program for commencement of studies in 2005.

This program is Australia's largest MBA program, and caters specifically for working technology professionals. Initiated by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers (APESMA) more than 15 years ago, the program has graduated more than 10,000 professionals in Australia and around the world.

It has been described by the Good Universities Guide as Australia's "most successful MBA"

The full distance learning approach ensures flexibility, enabling students to blend family, work and study commitments. Students receive high quality printed learning materials, and have regular contact with their lecturers and fellow students through global 'e-communities'.

Current and past students - primarily technology professionals working within large organisations - cite flexibility, application to real work situations, and the use of lecturers with practical experience as key strengths of the program. While the majority proceed to complete the MBA, students also have the option to exit at Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma level.

Study period 1, 2005 commences on 31st January and enrolments will be open until the start of the study period.

Find out more about Australia’s premier distance learning MBA at

http://www.mba-distance-learning.com

or call our friendly Client Care Centre on 1300 85 33 77.

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Hydrology and Water Resources – University of South Australia

http://www.unisa.edu.au/nbe/progs/hydrology/default.asp

The Masters of Engineering (Hydrology and Water Resources) provides a practical, masters-level education in advanced hydrology and water resources principles and technology, with particular emphasis on arid and semi-arid environments, surface and ground water quality, and water resource management and a focus on real-world applications. Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma level programs are also offered.

The following courses will be offered in 2005 as part of this program or as single enrolments. Special industry/professional student groups can be catered for. All courses are only available on-campus.

• Hydraulics and Modelling
• Seminars in Sustainability
• Surface Hydrology N
• Water Quality Fundamentals and Processes N
• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
• Statistical Analysis in Hydrology
• Water Resources Planning N

For more information contact:
Sue Jenkin
Ph 61 8 83025293 Fax: 61 8 83025082
Email: sue.jenkin@unisa.edu.au

UniSA and the hydrology and water resources program has valuable links to professional bodies including:

Urban Water Resource Centre
CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
Sustainable Environment Research Group (SERG)
Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation
SA Water Corporation
Centre for Groundwater Studies

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New Full Online Course in Rural Development Planning

The University of Western Australia offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Rural Development Planning.  The course examines the key issues that impact on rural and regional development as well as principles and methods for planning that balance the economic, environmental and social needs of the community.

The course will be of interest to professionals engaged in all aspects of sustainable rural development, including:

• landcare and natural resource management coordinators

• natural resource and catchment management groups

• agricultural research professionals

• agricultural extension professionals

• rural policy makers and planners

• local and state government officials

• private consultants

Participants will gain an understanding of relevant issues and trends in sustainable agriculture and rural development, and basic competencies in the processes, systems and methods, of planning consistent with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation guidelines. 

The courses offer flexible online learning (with no need to attend campus) and are highly suited to people in rural and regional areas.

For further information see: http://www.fnas.uwa.edu.au/for/postgraduates/coursework or contact the course coordinator on ird@fnas.uwa.edu.au or Phone: (08) 9842 0808.

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3rd Annual

AUSTRALIAN WATER SUMMIT 2005

28 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH 2005
EDEN ON THE PARK, MELBOURNE

The Australian Water Summit 2005 is Australia’s premier water event, bringing together leaders in the water industry to reflect on the developments of the past year and assess the needs of the future. The Australian Water Summit provides up to date presentations and case studies on all areas of the National Water Initiative and best practice water management. Hear experts from governments and water utilities address important topics such as:

• Update on the CoAG agreement and the National Water Initiative
• Water pricing & trading developments
• Environmental concerns and initiatives
• Securing future water supply through infrastructure development and design
• Demand management and effects of population pressure and climate variation

The program includes three interactive panel sessions and a presentation from world leaders in water recycling, the San Diego City Council , with a detailed case study of the San Diego Water Recycling Project.

The two day conference will be followed by three post-conference workshops, where expert workshop leaders will lead interactive sessions in water recycling strategies, water trading and entitlements and investment planning for water companies.

Endorsed by the Water Industry Alliance, the Australian Water Summit 2005 will provide you with a unique opportunity to network, share experiences, overcome common issues and keep abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the water industry.

For more information or to register CALL TODAY on 02 9923 5090 or visit www.australianwatersummit.com.au

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International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements

In April 2005, the International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements (ICOBTE) will come to Australia for the first time.

CSIRO Land and Water is working closely with The International Society of Trace Element Biogeochemistry to bring you this conference, the eighth in a highly successful series.

`The 8th ICOBTE promises to be the premier industry-wide annual gathering of environmental researchers and other professionals drawn from the food, fertiliser, health and mining sectors, with a strong focus on remediation and contaminant risk assessment.'
- Dr Mike McLaughlin, Conference Chair.

Special symposia topics include:

• Trace element speciation
• Synchrotron applications
• Quantifying reduction in bioavailability and human/ecological risk
• Arsenic in the environment
• Soil and sediment remediation
• Micronutrient deficiencies in global crop production
• Assessing risks of metals to the terrestrial environment
• Using isotopes to detect metal bioavailability and exposure routes
• Trace elements at the soil-root/microbe interface

A full program for accompanying persons will also be offered.

When:
3-7 April 2005

Where:
Adelaide International Convention Centre, Adelaide, South Australia

Key Dates:
Earlybird registration closes 12 December 2004

More information:
www.clw.csiro.au/conferences/8thICOBTE/

OUTLOOK 2005

‘Pathways to profit and growth’

Are you on the right pathway for profit and future growth?

OUTLOOK 2005, ‘Pathways to profit and growth’, will be ABARE’s 35th annual national conference to be held in Canberra on 1-2 March 2005.

It is ABARE’s premier forecasting event for Australia’s agricultural and natural resource industries, presenting a great opportunity for you to keep abreast of and gain information on the current and future trends of the industry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ensure you are on the right path!

Influential and high profile speakers have been identified from leading national and international organisations to stimulate debate on the future of the industry and its contribution to the dynamism of the Australian economy.

Key topics will include: economic prospects, trade reform, water resource management, fisheries management, future of farming, climate and forestry.

Be the first to receive ABARE’s quarterly Australian Commodities publication with projections to 2009-10 for Australia’s major export commodities.

A full copy of the conference program and online registration is available at www.abareconomics.com/outlook or for further information and details on how to register, please call Kierra-Jade Sanders on (02) 6272 2303.

Register now to receive the EARLY BIRD discount! Your full registration will include attendance at the annual conference dinner.

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Victorian Sustainable Development Confence 2005

When: 15-16 March, 2005

Where: ZINC at Federation Square, Melbourne

Sustainability has become a core priority for governments and a key yardstick for governments and business to measure activities, plans, and developments.

The Victorian Sustainable Development Conference 2005 provides an opportunity for all sectors of government and business to evaluate progress towards sustainable objectives in a range of key areas, including water, waste management and greenhouse emissions.

The Victorian Sustainable Development Conference 2005 will bring together Victorian Government Ministers and heads of department, industry leaders, scientists, conservationists and others discuss the current and future directions and frameworks for sustainability in Victoria, and will review how it will affect Victorian local government, business and the community.

Among the confirmed speakers at the Conference:

• The Hon Theo Theophanous, Minister for Resources
• Dr Ian McPhail, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability
• Mr Ian Porter, Executive Director, Sustainability Strategy, Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Mr Greg Wilson, Deputy Secretary, Water Sector Development, Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Mr Terry A'Hearn, Director, Sustainable Development, EPA
• Mr Timothy Piper, Director of the Victorian division of the AIGroup
• Mr Dennis Brockenshire, CEO, Barwon Region Water Authority
• Mr Robert Campbell-Watt, Solicitor, Minter Ellison
• Ms Maria Simonelli, Executive Manager, International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives.
• Mr Richard Leupen, CEO, United KG Water Projects

A wide range of award-winning best practice case studies will also be presented, including Westpac and the Housing Industry Association.

For further information, please contact Olivia Trussell at Hallmark Conferences & Events on (03) 9530 8900 or email: olivia@halledit.com.au or go to

http://www.halledit.com.au/conferences/vicsustainable/

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Request for Tender

National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) Regional Workshops

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) are funding a series of regional water quality workshops through the National Landcare Program.

The objective of the workshops is to improve water quality planning for regional natural resource management. In this context the NWQMS provides the basis for advice and training in these workshops.

The Department is inviting responses to a Request for Tender (RFT) for a consultant(s) to manage and deliver these workshops in selected regions. The successful consultant(s) will be available from December 2004 through to the end of the 2004/05 Financial Year. The consultant(s) is expected to develop workshop materials, deliver regional workshops and produce a report for the Department.

The closing date for responses to this tender is 5.00pm Eastern Standard Time, 3 December 2004. Further information and the RFT document are available on the Department website from 9.00 am Monday 15 November at www.daff.gov.au/tenders or via the Contact Officer, Ph: 02 6272 4728.

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Changes to Australian Government Envirofund

Australian Government Envirofund – Changes to Eligibility Criteria for next Round which closes on 18 February 2005.

The Federal Ministers for Environment and Heritage and Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation announced on 12 November the successful applicants for Round 5 of the Australian Government Envirofund and the opening of Round 6.

For Round 5 of the Envirofund, $8.4 million has been granted for 684 projects.

Some major changes have been instituted for Round 6 for which applications will close at 5.00 pm on Friday 18 February 2005. They are;

• The funding limit has been raised to $50,000 (GST inclusive) where the magnitude, complexity of public benefit of the project warrants the additional funding. Applicants seeking more than the previous upper limit of $30,000 will be asked to provide reasons why their project merits funding above that amount.
• The standard rate paid for fencing has been raised to $2000 per kilometer (GST inclusive).
• A matching contribution that is less than the funding sought will be acceptable, particularly against amounts above $30,000, provided the applicant has made a genuine effort to provide a reasonable contribution to the project.
• There is no longer a requirement for applicants to provide a 50 per cent cash contribution for contractors undertaking weeding and revegetation activities.

Potential applicants should visit the Envirofund website at www.nht.gov.au where full details of how to apply for funding under Round 6 are available. If potential applicants don’t have web access, they should call 1800 065 823.

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Improving Volunteer and
Risk Management in the NRM Community Sector

Conservation Volunteers Australia has received funding from the Australian Government through the National Competitive Component of the Natural Heritage Trust to trial a benchmarking program to assist community conservation groups improve their volunteer and risk management practices
 
This trial is designed to determine demand by regional bodies for benchmarking standards, training and support in risk and volunteer management. There are four steps for community groups involved in the trial:
 
1. Each participating group completes a desktop survey of current volunteer and risk management practices.
 
2. Survey responses are assessed and a tailored training and support program is developed to address any areas of need, for example:
·  Face to face support on how to best manage volunteers and occupational health and safety.  
·  A tool kit of policy and procedure documents and associated resource materials.
 
3. Each group then addresses areas of volunteer and risk management that need improving and are re-assessed against the benchmarked standards. 
 
4.Groups that meet the benchmark standard will be provided access to national volunteer recruitment tools (including the CVA website) to attract more volunteers.
 
The trial is being evaluated through each step.  If you would like more information on the trial, please visit our website at www.conservationvolunteers.com.au or Freecall 1800 032 501.

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You are invited to the launch of Organic Future

2nd December, 2004
6 – 10 pm
Spacement Gallery
Watson Place, Melbourne
(Off Flinders Lane, Between Swanson & Russell)

A program to inspire all the senses begins with presentations from a range of speakers from the Organic Food movement followed by live music and plenty of organic delights to tantalise the taste buds and palate.

Organic food and wine suppliers will be exhibiting their products on the evening, with the support of Miranda Sharp from the Victorian Farmers Market. Spacement Gallery will also be displaying paintings by Pamela Dale, an exploration of themes of natural form, bird life and endangered species, (the exhibition named White Tiger in the Magic Garden).

Each speaker will provide information on the multifaceted 'organics' issue, the importance of organic certification, and the integration and coordination of their individual industries to ensure the continuation and integrity of the organics industry.

Engage your mind, aesthetic and palate for $15.

For registrations email Katie Patrick on katie@organicfuture.org

Or Phone 0401 379 157, 03 8866 0202.

Organic Future Inc. is a non-profit organisation representing the interests of Australian organic consumers. We also promote the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming.

Find out more about Organic Future at www.organicfuture.org

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Professional Indemnity Conference CD

EIANZ members who were not able to attend the important one-day forum on Professional Indemnity and Certification in Environment Practice, held in Melbourne late last month, can now purchase a CD which contains the audio and video recording of the full day's proceedings.

Speakers included Bill Hogg, Divisional Director, Jardine Lloyd Matheson; Bernie Marden from the Professional Standards Council; John Ridgway, Policy Director with the Association of Consulting Engineers; Gess Rambaldi, Partner with accountants, Pitcher Partners and Nigel Murphy, the Chair of the EIANZ Certification Board.

The forum explored issues such as how the environment professional could negotiate as a profession with the insurance sector; how certification will impact on risk assessment; asset protection for environmental professionals, and key drivers in assessing professional risk.

EIANZ members and others who attended the Forum commented on the value of the information revealed at the event. The Institute is forming a special interest gorup to explore these issues in more depth.

The CD costs only $45 plus GST ( $49.50) including postage, and can be ordered directly from Hallmark Editions on (03) 9530 8900 or email: olivia@halledit.com.au. A subscription form can be downloaded from the Hallmark Editions website. www.halledit.com.au/conferences/env.htm

You can also view part of one of the speaker's presentations at that web address.

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