National Water Commission Legislation Introduced

A Bill to establish the National Water Commission was introduced to Federal Parliament has been introduced.

The role of the Commission will be to assess and report to the Council of Australian Governments (CoAG) on the implementation of the National Water Initiative, and advice on assistance to be provided by the Commonwealth under the $2 billion Australian Water Fund.

Seven Commissioners will be appointed, three of whom will be nominated by the states and territory governments. Under the Bill, the Commission will be required to meet at least eight times a year. It is to be located in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Ken Matthews, previously head of the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, has been appointed as the CEO of the interim Commission.

There will be three units within the Commission - the Reform Evaluation Group, the Corporate, Legal and Communications Group, and the Water Programs Group.

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Climate Politics Heat Up

The Kyoto Protocol to combat global warming will take effect from February 16, following Russia’s submission of ratification to the UN.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, signed the protocol on November 5, just over a week after the parliament voted to ratify it, ending long-term uncertainty about the future of the agreement.

Meanwhile a scientific report into the effect that climate change is having on the Arctic has been released, concluding that melting sea ice, abrupt weather changes and rising temperatures in northern latitudes have far outpaced climate change in other regions over the past few decades.

The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, (http://amap.no/acia/) endorsed by over 300 scientists, said that summer sea ice has declined dramatically; Arctic glaciers are shrinking rapidly; permafrost is thawing and warm waters are thrusting ever further into northern seas, threatening serious changes to the world's climate.

In response, eight nations with Arctic territory agreed last week to fight the effects of climate change in the region, although they failed to endorse any specific measures out of deference to the Bush Administration.

The Arctic Council (http://www.arctic-council.org/) issued a seven-page policy report asking countries to adopt "effective measures" to combat climate change.

The US representatives on the Council agreed to include wording that climate changes in the Arctic have global implications and that countries should take the assessment's findings into account when drafting climate policy.

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NSW NRM Standards and Targets Released

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has released for public consultation its Draft Standards and Targets for natural resource management across NSW.

The final set of state-wide Standards and Targets will guide the activities and investments of the 13 Catchment Management Authorities’ (CMAs) as well as of state agencies in the delivery of improved natural resource outcomes across the state.

The Draft Standards and Targets cover the key areas of biodiversity, land, water and communities.

The state-wide targets propose desirable natural resource outcomes for the next 5 to 10 years and beyond, while the state-wide standards set out the best-practice management of natural resource activities and investments that will best achieve these outcomes across regions and at a state level.

More information is at www.nrc.nsw.gov.au.

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Draft Strategy to Waterproof Adelaide

A draft strategy prepared under the South Australian government's Water Proofing Adelaide initiative has been released for comment, outlining three main targets to ensure Adelaide has enough water beyond 2025 and to protect the health of the River Murray and the Adelaide Hills catchments.

The strategy, entitled A Thirst for Change aims to save or reuse 77 gigalitres of the 300 gigalitres of water used by Adelaide each year. This will be achieved by reducing water use by households and industry by 35 gigalitres; doubling the reuse of wastewater to 30 gigalitres per year; and reusing ten times as much stormwater, or 20,000 ML of the 160,000 ML which flows out to sea on average each year.

Initiatives proposed under the draft strategy include:

• further research into aquifer storage and recovery, the method of storing stormwater underground for reuse;
• changes to future council development plans to achieve water efficient urban design;
• a voluntary ‘eco-water’ scheme to help fund water-reuse initiatives and reduce the draw on the River Murray and Adelaide Hills catchments;
• a voluntary water audit scheme for households, public parks and gardens, sporting grounds and other community organisations to increase water-use efficiency; and
• government support for the enhancement of South Australia’s already strong reputation for innovation in water-reuse schemes and water efficient products.

The Water Proofing Adelaide draft strategy is open for public comment until January 31. It can be accessed at www.waterproofingadelaide.sa.gov.au

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Orica Releases Contaminated Groundwater EIS

It may take chemical company Orica up to 30 years and $120 million to clean up the contaminated ground water flowing from its Botany Industrial Park, according to the environmental impact statement released for the treatment plant the company is planning to build to process the pollutants.

Recent assessments of the groundwater contamination, resulting from the process of chemicals at the site until 1998, show that high concentrations of contaminants could reach the upper extent of Penrhyn Estuary in the first half of 2006. This would present potential risks to the recreational users in that area, the marine environment and protected migratory shorebirds in Penrhyn Estuary.

Orica has selected to clean up the contaminated groundwater using air stripping via thermal oxidation for three main reasons - its proven performance in groundwater treatment; there is no intermediate storage of a hazardous, flammable liquid; and the thermal oxidiser represents ‘Best Available Technology' as defined by the European Commission and the United Nations Environment Program for the destruction of CHCs in this type of application.

The key elements of the Botany Groundwater Contamination (BGC) Project involve:

• the extraction of groundwater from the wells installed in the three containment lines (primary, secondary and DNAPL);
• transfer of groundwater via pipelines to the groundwater treatment plant (GTP);
• construction and operation of the GTP;
• transfer of treated water via pipelines for reuse by process plants in the BIP or discharge to Bunnerong Canal; and
• installation of a discharge point into Bunnerong Canal.

The construction and operation of the GTP is a key part of the BGC Project.

The proposed treatment plant has been criticised by Greenpeace as simply contributing to a new environmental problem, because the process would move the pollutants from the water to the air.

"The plume desperately needs to be cleaned up, but we are very concerned about the technology Orica has chosen because incineration is a dirty technology," said Greenpeace’s Jason Collins.

Earlier trials by Orica using bioremediation - encouraging naturally occurring bacteria that feed on the chemical to gather at the most polluted area - proved to be unsuccessful.

The environmental impact statement can be found at http://www.oricabotanygroundwater.com/eis/executive_summary.htm

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Sustainable Management

A fresh approach to executive education

The University of Sydney

This new masters degree program is designed for executive managers in Australian local government or business.

The Master of Sustainable Management from The University of Sydney will allow managers to truly understand management in the context of Australia's leading businesses.

These are businesses that successfully integrate financial, social and environmental management objectives to determine their own future and the future of Australian and indeed world society.

This program recognises that leading business organisations are the key driving force behind the development of the economy and society. It is a program that will give executive managers the capability to be responsive and responsible leaders in moulding the world's future.

The Master of Sustainable Management from The University of Sydney is available online through the Faculty of Rural Management at Orange, NSW. Because study is by online distance education there is no need for those enrolled to leave their current employment.

The next enrolment commences in July 2004 information and application materials are available from the website http://www.orange.usyd.edu.au/sustainable_management or by phoning (02) 6360 5511.

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• Alternative agriculture
• Integrated pest management
• Strategic management
• Change management
• Marketing and finance
• Soils and farming systems
• Property and catchment planning

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The first few decades of this millennium will see an increased emphasis on ecological, social and economic sustainability and environmental management.

Central Queensland University (CQU) research centres – such as the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development and the Centre for Environmental Management – provide a range of programs for students on the unique challenges and issues associated with regional and coastal communities.

CQU works with students and other clients to explore solutions that work in the real world without placing unrealistic pressures on our land and resources.

CQU graduates effectively communicate the theories of sustainability and environmental management, and practically apply those concepts when evaluating natural resource management and social and economic development issues across all industries.

Graduates rate CQU among the highest in Australia for positive graduate outcomes, according to the Good Universities Guide 2005, and have the highest graduate starting salaries in Queensland.

For more information on undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Environmental Science or Sustainable Development, contact: +61 7 4930 9054 or go to www.isrd.cqu.edu.au

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4TH AUSTRALIAN LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT CONFERENCE

SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES FOR DECISION SUPPORT

23-25 FEBRUARY, 2005
NOVOTEL SYDNEY ON DARLING HARBOUR

Interest in Life Cycle Assessment continues to grow internationally and in Australia both in the detail of application, and the breadth of assessment. At the same time many other tools and approaches are increasingly being used along with LCA or incorporating LCA aspects. The reasons for this are linked to the recognition that decision support for sustainability requires many approaches and players beyond traditional environmental assessment.

This conference promises to demonstrate great depth in application and diversity of practice and should provide participants with the practical and theoretical understanding of the approaches in use and a sense of where environmental assessment of production and consumption are heading.

International Keynote Speakers are Olivier Jolliet, assistant professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, and Greg Norris, who founded and directs Sylvatica, a life cycle assessment (LCA) research consulting firm in Maine, USA.

A Pre-Conference LCA Starter Course for people relatively new to LCA, or those wanting a crash refresher course, will be held on 22 February. The course will cover the basic theory, practice and critical issues in LCA and will have some practical exercises to get you in the mood for the ensuing conference.

For further details, see http://lca-conf.alcas.asn.au or contact
“The Conference Organiser”: (03) 9509 7151 or info@conorg.com.au

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CLEAN AIR SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

17th International Clean Air & Environment Conference

“Towards a New Agenda”

Hobart, 3 to 6 May, 2005

Keynote Speakers
Dr Greg Ayers. Chief of CSIRO Atmospheric Research.

Dr. R.K. Pachauri Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; Director-General of TERI (The Energy and Research Institute, India)

Professor Kirk R. Smith, PhD, MPH. Brian and Jennifer Maxwell Endowed Chair in Public Health, University of California Berkeley, USA.

Conference Streams or Sessions (pending the final program)
How much improvement to the environment have we really made and how have we measured the outcomes?

The Conference will evaluate advancements and determine future priority in a number of key areas:

• Climate Change/Greenhouse
• Education/Communication
• Emissions Inventory
• Health Effects
• Indoor Air
• Industrial Sources and Controls
• Measurement/Monitoring
• Modelling Meteorology
• Motor Vehicles
• Odour
• Photochemistry
• Policy and Planning
• Woodheaters

Special Interest Groups and Pre Conference Workshops
On the Tuesday preceding the main conference (3rd May), the workshops will include short informal presentations and facilitated discussion groups.

• Greenhouse
• Risk Assessment
• Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling
• Indoor Air
• Odour

Conference Venue
Wrest Point Convention Centre on the shores of the Derwent River, providing spectacular views of the river, city and Mount Wellington.

Registration, Sponsorship, Exhibition Space
See the Clean Air Society web site www.casanz.org.au.

Conference Information
CASANZ Conference 2005
c/- ConventionWise, Mures Building
Victoria Dock, Hobart Tasmania 7000
Tel: +61 3 6234 1424
Fax: +61 3 6231 5388
Email: mail@conventionwise.com.au
Web site: www.casanz.org.au

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Environmental Engineering Society National Conference

The Environmental Engineering Society's national conference will be held over two days in July 2005 at the Sydney suburb of Ultimo.

The focus of the conference will be on demonstrating that sustainability is not just a philosophy, but is already being implemented in many major engineering projects, as well as in other areas of our society. We hope to hear presentations from professionals who are keen for others to learn from their experiences in making engineering projects more environmentally friendly, economic, and innovative.

The event, which is expected to attract hundreds of delegates, will be held at the Powerhouse Museum. The organising committee has called for expressions of interest in presenting papers at the conference. A full conference program is expected to be available early next year.

For more information about the event, and papers, see www.iceaustralia.com/ees2005 or telephone 02 9544 9134.

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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 Ian Coles, CEO of EcoRecycle and President of Wast Management Association of Australia
• 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, Monash University, 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 click here.

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Do you need help finding Christmas gifts that respect your eco-principles and your style?

Earth-friendly online shop Biome Living is brimming with clever, unique and fun gift ideas for everyone on your list. Check out our easy and enjoyable online shop at www.biome.com.au or please call us on 1300 301767.   Order by Thursday, 16 December to ensure your gifts arrive by Christmas.

Stuck for ideas?  We have gifts for people who love:

• their computer (don’t we all?):   CD holder made from recycled circuit boards
• being organised: 2005 Sustainability Info Diary or Eco-organiser with recycled paper
• gardening: composting in your kitchen with Bokashi
• inspiration: too many wine bottles off to the tip? squash them flat for plates
• orangutans: bracelets from the orangutans' rainforest home
• reading to their children: The Giving Tree
• controlling the whiteboard: refillable whiteboard markers

For eco-friendly wrapping, put presents in a reusable bag tied with a raffia bow, like a bright red STUFF-it bag. Or we have some rare Christmas wrapping printed on recycled paper.

Biome Living founder, Tracey Bailey says ‘one of the best ways we can help the environment is to make responsible purchasing decisions.  Biome brings together more than 250 earth-friendly alternatives to make those choices easy’.

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Professional Indemnity Conference CD

Environmental professionals 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.

Environmental professionals who attended the Forum commented on the value of the information revealed at the event. The Institute is forming a special interest group 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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Consultancy Services for a Surface Water
Management Plan, Esperance Regional Forum, WA

Tenders are invited from suitably qualified and experienced consultants interested in providing services for a surface water management plan for the Lower Bandy Creek subcatchment.

The subcatchment is 5,400 ha and is about 20 km north of Esperance on the South Coast of Western Australia.

Tender documents are available from N. Brodie or A. Alderman on (08) 9083 1111.

Tenders should be submitted in a sealed envelope endorsed with “Application for tender” and forwarded to Esperance Land Conservation District Committee, PMB 50, Esperance, WA, 6450, or faxed to N. Brodie on (08) 9083 1100.

Closing date for submission of tenders is 3.00 pm WST, 22 December 2004.

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Banksia Environmental Awards 2005

Each year, Banksia tries to align the theme of its awards with either United Nation’s Year of Declarations, or a national initiative. The United Nations General Assembly and UNESCO will begin their “Education for Sustainable Development Decade” in 2005.

Accordingly, the Banksia Environmental Foundation will highlight environmental education as its theme for the 2005 Awards Program.

“Environmental education is an essential tool for achieving effective resource management and sustainable development. Environmental education in its broadest sense encompasses awareness raising, acquiring new perspectives, values, knowledge and skills, and both the formal and informal processes that lead to changed behaviour in support of a sustainable environment. Environmental education seeks to incorporate environmental goals into mainstream society whilst valuing and linking other legitimate social and economic objectives and informing and empowering citizens.”

Education includes formal education, public awareness and training and is recognised as a process by which human beings and societies can reach their full potential.

The Banksia Environmental Awards 2005 are open to all entries that meet the criteria for each of the 12 categories – embracing and going beyond the education aspect.

For further information, go to http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php?page=10

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