Election 2010

Labor-Greens alliance signed

Labor has struck a deal with the Greens as part of the negotiating process to form a minority government and retain power.

Under the deal signed by Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and Greens’ leader, Bob Brown, the Greens have been promised access to government deliberations including input into budget preparations and a cabinet-style committee on climate change.

The committee would discuss policy including whether to hold the Citizen’s Assembly on Climate Change announced prior to the August 21 poll by Ms Gillard.

The agreement also says Labor and the Greens will put a price on carbon, restrict political donations and work on ways to reform Parliament.

Key business groups – the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – say the agreement could result in unsustainable policies on climate change. Heather Ridout, head of the AIG, says it could lead to the adoption of policies that would damage the competitiveness of industry and cause loss of protection for trade exposed industries.

Brad Page, Chief Executive of the Energy Supply Association, says industry accepts there will be a price on carbon, but he says the Greens do not appear to consider commercial imperatives.

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Greenhouse & Energy

Solar Energy Office for Victoria

A new Office of Solar Energy has been established by the Victorian Government as part of its program to develop cleaner energy in the state.

The government is also allocating $30 million to support renewable energy technology.

The Office of Solar Energy will bring together the extensive work being done on solar energy in Victoria. It will become the first point of contact for industry, small business, the community and educational institutes looking for information about Victoria’s solar potential and work already underway. It will be important for assisting potential investors to access information about the government’s range of support programs for solar energy. The office will run through the Department of Primary Industries.

The $30 million funding will be available for parties interested in developing pilot-scale demonstration projects or research and development proposals for sustainable energy technologies in areas such as solar, wave, geothermal and bio-energy.

Grants available under the funding initiative are part of alternative energy initiatives announced in the Victorian Government’s Climate Change White Paper. Grant applications are open until September 30.

The government is also establishing a Medium Scale Solar Working Group, which will examine current barriers to investment and what additional measures are required to encourage the use of solar energy in Victoria.

The working group will be chaired by Tony Wood, Director, Clean Energy Program of the William J Clinton Foundation, which was set up by former US President Bill Clinton to focus on worldwide issues such as climate change.

For more information on Victoria’s solar energy programs and resources visit the Office of Solar Energy Victoria website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/solar.

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Legislation covering geothermal energy production passes Qld Parliament

Legislation designed to encourage the safe production of geothermal energy for electricity generation in Queensland has passed the state’s Parliament. Geothermal energy draws energy from hot rocks and water deep below the earth’s surface.

Provisions in the legislation for Geothermal Production Leases will allow companies to commence large-scale production of geothermal energy, providing an alternative to fossil-fuel based electricity for Queenslanders.

The new framework will regulate exploration and large scale production of geothermal energy in a balanced way that encourages the industry, while ensuring the Queensland Government is the chief steward of the resource, according to state Mines and Energy Minister, Stephen Robertson.

Mr Robertson says the framework will also promote responsible land and resource management, and provide for compensation arrangements to owners and occupiers of affected land.

The government is investing $15 million over five years in the Queensland Geothermal Centre of Excellence based at the University of Queensland and $5 million in the Coastal Geothermal Energy Initiative.

The Centre of Excellence is undertaking geothermal research in areas including geothermal reservoir exploration, characterisation and management, and electricity transmission and power network modelling. The Coastal Geothermal Initiative aims to identify possible sources of geothermal energy closer to existing electricity transmission lines and population centres.

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Climate change to have considerable impact on Tasmania's environment

A new report shows climate change will cause considerable impact on various aspects of Tasmania’s land and marine environment.

Vulnerability of Tasmania’s Natural Environment to Climate Change: An Overview is part of the State Government’s commitment to develop responses to the social, economic and environmental challenges posed by climate change.

The report determines climate change will impact on alpine regions with increased risk of fire and other extreme events, increased threat to native species from habitat changes, and greater risk of weed, disease and other pest incursions.

Coasts and marine environments are particularly susceptible, with sea surface temperatures predicted to have the greatest increases in the region. Other natural environments, such as moorlands, freshwater systems, and marine and coastal environments are also potentially vulnerable.

Tasmania’s Climate Change Minister, Nick McKim, says by recognising the potential impacts now, the state has the opportunity to become an early adaptor to climate change, and to reap the rewards in terms of jobs, growth and environmental protection.

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Upgrading approval processes for renewable energy projects

Reforms to approval processes for renewable energy projects in Victoria will set time frames for industry and also provide communities with more easily accessible information on the projects.

The reforms stem from an inquiry by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament into approval processes for renewable energy projects.

Energy and Resources Minister, Peter Batchelor, says the inquiry was an important opportunity for a review of current practices as the state aims to increase renewable energy sources. Mr Batchelor says changes as a result of the investigation include:

• a new guideline for Planning Panels to report to the Planning Minister within 90 days of the end of panel hearings;
• a new guideline for the Planning Minister to issue decisions on applications within 90 days of receiving a Planning Panel report;
• greater transparency on projects by making information on the approvals process available on Department of Planning and Community Development, and Department of Planning and Infrastructure websites; and
• an investigation of how best to share the benefits across the community with a view to international best practice.

Planning Minister, Justin Madden, says the government is committed to establishing target timelines for panel reports and ministerial decisions.

Mr Madden says the current system is already facilitating projects in line with the new time frames, but formalising and stating the timeline for decisions will give increased certainty for industry and communities. The government’s response to the inquiry can be found here.

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New six-star rating in force in South Australia

Six-star energy efficiency requirements for new housing are now in force in South Australia.

Moving to a six-star rating is expected to decrease energy loads for heating and cooling by almost 25% of existing demands from five-star rated dwellings. Reducing the energy load to cool and heat a home can save homeowners up to $340 a year from their energy bills depending on the size of the house and number of rooms.

Householders will benefit from the savings and lower running costs will bring reduced green house gas emissions.

Builders and developers have been working on six-star rated designs which make the most of natural lighting and shading in a way that can help to reduce energy consumption and running costs. Restrictions on the power levels of lighting will further contribute to reductions.

The South Australian Government has also agreed to an industry request to exempt transportable homes from the six-star energy rating until May 2011 due to specific challenges relating to these types of dwellings. The delay should provide the transportable housing industry with time to modify their designs to meet the six-star energy efficiency requirement in all climate zones.

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Development applications approved for major Victorian wind farm

Planning applications for the development of a $484 million wind farm south east of Lismore have been approved by the Victorian Government.

The Berrybank Wind Energy Facility proposed by the Spanish company, Union Fenosa, will include up to 99 wind generators producing in the region of 247.5 megawatts of electricity a year. That amount of energy is sufficient to power about 171,000 homes.

A planning panel was appointed earlier this year by the government to review the three planning applications relating to the project – the review included a public hearing.

The main issues addressed in the planning panel’s report included landscape and visual impacts, noise impacts, fire planning and management, social and economic impacts, fauna and removal of native vegetation. Community concerns about potential landscape and visual amenity, and environmental impacts have been addressed. Conditions have been placed on the planning permits including landscape and flora and fauna issues.

Union Fenosa will also be required to conduct additional analysis and mitigation measures to ensure appropriate management of impacts on flora and fauna.

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New power station to support renewable energy

A 120 megawatt gas-fired power station just opened at Kwinana will help support renewable energy generation into Western Australia’s power grid.

The dual-fuel Swift Power Station, operated by Perth Energy, will assist with increasing WA’s capacity to manage intermittent power on the grid from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and increase reliability of supply during high demand periods.

It will also increase security during system emergencies through its capacity to quickly switch fuels from gas to diesel.

The open-cycle gas turbine power plant will help the grid accommodate more renewable energy generation, assisting WA to achieve its share of the national target of 20% by 2020.

Meeting this target is a key objective of the Strategic Energy Initiative – Energy 2030 – which will provide a coordinated direction for WA’s energy sector while delivering a cleaner energy future.

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Australia's hot spot makes the most of the sun's rays

Marble Bar, reputedly Australia’s hottest town, is home to a power station that combines renewable and traditional sources of generation.

Horizon Power’s Pippanyah Solar Diesel Power Station incorporates a single axis tracking solar farm with diesel technology and a fly wheel storage system.

The combination of technology is the first of its kind in the world and ensures a high level of solar energy penetration and a reliable supply of power to the town. The power station is powered by the biggest tracking solar farm in Australia – its 1,350 panels move on their own axis to follow the path of the sun and produce a generating capacity of 1,160 kilowatts.

The facility started powering Marble Bar in May, but the rigorous testing period wasn’t completed until the end of July. When the demand for energy and temperatures are high, around the middle of summer, the solar panels will produce up to 89% of the load.

The same solar-diesel hybrid generation model has been used to develop and build a power station at Nullagine, 88 kilometres south of Marble Bar. The Nullagine station, powered by 900 single axis tracking solar panels, is under construction and is expected to start supplying the centre in October.

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Conferences & Events

Behaviour Change for Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability

"He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator." Francis Bacon



Systemic behavioural change is essential if organisations and communities are to move towards a more sustainable economic, social and environmental future.

This landmark event, presented by the 3 Pillars Network and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, brings together a diverse and passionate group of corporate leaders, policymakers, psychologists, social scientists, program implementers, and organisational experts to:

• Unravel the complexity of influencing behaviours around the three pillars of sustainability
• Identify what approaches are worth consideration
• Explore levers and barriers for behaviour change
• Create a practical plan for implementation
• Measure and evaluate the outcomes of behaviour change initiatives
• Share key learnings from case studies across a variety of disciplines

This is not your usual conference.

Prepare to be challenged and engaged.

Our aim is to arm you with the insight and inspiration to affect behaviour change for greater sustainability across organisations and communities.

Speakers include:

Jeremy Rifkin, author of The Empathic Revolution
and President, Foundation of Economic Trends (US)



Paul Stern, Director of the Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change (CHDGC) at the National Research Council (US)



Sam Graham-Felsen,
Barack Obama's Chief Campaign Blogger, 2008 Presidential Campaign

Robert Swan, OBE and Polar Explorer

Peta Ashworth, Earth Science and Resource Engineering, CSIRO

EARLY BIRD RATES APPLY UNTIL 10th September

Places strictly limited, book early to avoid disappointment

Online: www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au

Phone: 02 9555 4203

Email: registrations@3pillarsnetwork.com.au

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Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Conference 2010.

From Discovery to Delivery: Science, Policy, Leadership, Action.

26 – 29 October 2010

Te Papa, Wellington, New Zealand

www.confer.co.nz/eianz2010

The New Zealand Chapter of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) will host their conference at Te Papa, Wellington from the 26^th – 29^th of October. This year’s conference celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity, looking at the place of biodiversity in broader environmental management issues.

Confirmed Keynote speakers are: Peter Newman, Marilyn Waring, Graeme Pearman and Larissa Brown.

Over 60 invited speakers will present in seven streams:

• Valuing Ecosystems
• Assessment and Monitoring
• Urban Challenges
• Natural Resource Governance
• Community Action
• Business Leadership
• Wicked Problems

The conference streams and topics are designed to appeal to a wide range of disciplines: - ecologists, economists, local and central government policy analysts, urban designers, community development specialists, business leaders and industry representatives.

As well as the conference presentations there will be an exciting social programme, starting with a Welcome Reception which will take place on the evening of Tuesday 26^th of October and the Gala Dinner at Shed 5 (one of Wellington’s finest restaurants) located on Queens Wharf, on Wednesday 27^th of October.

On Friday 29^th of October, conference delegates have the opportunity to go on one of five fieldtrips:

From heavy metal to high amenity
Travel round Wellington Harbour to Waiwhetu Stream and in the afternoon visits Matiu-Somes Island.

From history to current controversy
Matiu-Somes Island then continue across the harbour to visit Pencarrow Lakes.

Sustainable buildings and a jewel in the urban crown?
Walking tour of the CBD to see some examples of sustainable urban design. In the afternoon visit Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

From water to wine
Into the Wairarapa - visit Lake Wairarapa and see sustainable farming in action. Wine tasting included!

Limiting urban sprawl?

Projects around Makara including Makara Wind Farm

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Coast to Coast Conference

Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace

Coast to Coast is the renowned national coastal conference held every two years to share knowledge and experiences on coastal management, science, policy, governance and community engagement. It will be attended by coastal policy-makers, managers, scientists, planners and engineers.

The 2010 conference will be held in Adelaide on 20 – 24 September with some very exciting keynote speakers, including Professor Orrin Pilkey from Duke University, and some of our best Australian researchers and speakers. The conference will include a busy schedule of presentations, panel sessions, field trips, workshops and social events.

The conference will have a focus on ‘Actions for change’ with themes on:

• Preparing for change - preparing for future changes by good planning
• Integration and partnerships
• Coastal, estuarine and marine biodiversity - responses to a changing environment
• The role of information technology in taking action

The workshops will include the day long 4th national Coastal, Estuarine and Marine NRM workshop on Monday the 20th.There will be further workshops on Wednesday the 22nd including those convened by the Australian Coastal Society on integrated planning for coastal management, the Institution of Engineers Australia National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering on a review of their coastal climate change guidelines, the CSIRO Coastal Collaboration Cluster on enabling the uptake of science in the coastal zone, a review of SA’s coastal conservation assessments, and a consideration of the need for a Australian Coastal Observatory.

The field trips will include a day long trip to the Coorong and Lower Lakes, and half day trips to the southern, northern and metropolitan Adelaide beaches.

The program, registration prices, social events, accommodation options and other important information is at: http://www.coast2coast.org.au/

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19th NSW Coastal Conference “Coastal Management “ all aboard, making it work!”

10 - 12 November 2010 - Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, Batemans Bay, NSW

** Program & Registration Brochure Available Online***

Closing Date for Early Registration is 13^th September 2010

The 19^th NSW Coastal Conference is a three day event, hosted this year by Eurobodalla Shire Council. The conference will be held at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. The conference comprises of plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, discussion groups, field trips (addressing some of the local coastal and marine management issues), trade exhibition and networking events.

The Annual NSW Coastal Management Awards will also be held at the Conference Dinner, further information on the award categories and how to nominate is available on the NSW Coastal Conference website www.coastalconference.com

The Conference Program and Registration Brochure is available online www.coastalconference.com

For further information please contact the conference managers

t: 02 6650 9800 or e: coastal@eastcoastconferences.com.au

REGISTER TODAY SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT!!!

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The 13th International Riversymposium

Program highlights at the 13^th International Riversymposium

The 13^th International Riversymposium, 11-14 October 2010 held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth, WA will have a variety of keynote speakers, case studies, feature and concurrent sessions as well as a number of awards.

Future Water Leaders Award

The Future Water Leaders Award is designed to recognise young researchers who have new results to communicate about a water-related topic. The Award promotes excellence in the development of those who are capable researchers, communicators and innovative thinkers. It gives postgraduate students the opportunity to raise the profile of their research and receive recognition for their work.

The finalist for the Future Water Leaders Award will present their work during concurrent sessions on Monday 11 October and the winner will be announced during the closing plenary on Thursday 14 October.

Congratulations to the finalists for 2010 –

• Chris Hallett, Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University, WA
• Dominic Skinner, The University of Adelaide, CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, SA

Evapotranspiration Workshop and Community of Practice for Environmental Water Managers

The National Water Commission has funded a number of studies into the use of remote sensing of evapotranspiration (ET) and offers this workshop on the findings and benefits of remote sensing ET.

A number of methods for remote sensing ET have been developed in the past 10 years for measuring actual vegetation water use which means we can now regularly measure and map the actual water used across a number of land uses.

The Community of Practice for Environmental Water Managersencourages its members to attend this workshop as it will provide an important insight into the latest tools for improving the practice of environmental water management.

The workshop is free to attend and will be held on Wednesday 13 October from 5.30-9.30pm with a light dinner provided and concluding with networking drinks. It is presented by the National Water Commission and Australian Water Association.

Visit our website – www.riversymposium.com – to register for the Evapotranspiration Workshop and for further information on the Future Water Leaders Award or any other element of Riversymposium.

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Urban Planning Summit to provide crucial advice for councils

• Local Government Urban Planning & Development Summit, Oct 19-20, Sydney
• PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE at www.halledit.com.au/urbanplan2010
  

Leading examples of local government strategies for managing urban growth and improving planning practices will be detailed at the national Local Government Urban Planning & Development Summit.

Case study presentations will detail leading local government practices in areas such as: strategic planning for urban growth; community consultation in planning processes; urban renewal and activity centre development; improving development assessment processes; and addressing climate change and other environmental issues councils must address in their planning decisions.

Speakers will include representatives of the summit’s supporting local government organisations the National Growth Areas Alliance and the National Sea Change Taskforce as well as:

• Nick Vass-Bowen, Ipswich City Council Strategic Planning Manager.
• Brydon King, Surf Coast Shire’s Planning and Development Manager.
• Stephen Fairnham, Gosford City Council’s Manager of The Gosford Challenge urban development project.
• Jill Gaynor, Manager of Strategic Planning Services at Newcastle City Council.
• Andrea Kenafake, Manager of Development Assessment at Brisbane City Council.
• Teresa Dominik, Manager Economic and Environmental Planning at Manningham City Council.
• Dr Ian Winter, Executive Director, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.
• Jane Blackmore, Research Leader Coastal Vulnerability and Planning for the CSIRO.

The Local Government Urban Planning & Development Summit will provide high-quality case studies of leading-edge local government planning practices and analysis of future planning reforms and how they will impact councils.

To be staged in the wake of the Federal Election, this important summit meeting of local government planning staff, senior managers and councillors from across Australia will analyse the current direction of legislative reform and the future role of councils in planning and approving development in existing suburbs and towns, as well as greenfield areas.

This summit meeting will provide local government planners, managers and councillors with high-quality advice, leading-edge case studies and excellent networking opportunities that will help them plan sustainable community growth and generate successful planning outcomes within their own municipalities.

For more information about the summit, including online registration, visit the summit website www.halledit.com.au/urbanplan2010

Delegate attendance enquiries can be directed to:

Denise McQueen, Hallmark Conferences + Events, Phone: (03) 8534 5021, Fax: (03) 8534 5121, Email: denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

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Digital Information Management Summit 2010

Dates - Tuesday 9^th & Wednesday 10 November 2010
Venue - Dockside Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia

Knowledge management in the enterprise under the spotlight; featuring keynotes by Senator Kate Lundy and Gwen Thomas, president, Data Governance Institute (USA).

Award-winning case studies featuring the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink, Australian National Audit Office, State Water Corporation NSW, Corrective Services NSW, Swinburne University (Vic) Queensland University of Technology, , NSW Department of Education, Office of the CIO (SA), State Records NSW, CSIRO, Department of Treasury & Finance (Vic), among others.

Contact: Shahida Sweeney on 02 8923 8029; email: shahida.sweeney@govtechreview.com.au

Visit our website for more information.

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Land Management

Safeguarding key food producing land in Queensland

Queensland’s most valuable food producing lands are being protected for future generations under a State Government framework.

Under the Protecting Queensland’s Strategic Cropping Land Policy Framework, mineral resources in the state’s best agricultural areas will not be developed where they permanently alienate the land.

Strategic cropping land will be defined as land on which soil quality, topography and seasonal rainfall combined enable more than one quality crop to be grown on a commercial agricultural basis.

Legislation will be introduced to identify where the state’s quality farming land could be located. Trigger maps have already been published as part of the process.

There will be a provision in the legislation for a “demonstrated exceptional circumstance” where there is a unique resource not found anywhere else in Queensland, but the government says such a circumstance will be rare.

Natural Resources Minister, Stephen Robertson, says coal mining and the petroleum and gas industries are vital to the economy, but the state’s best cropping land is finite and must be preserved. Mr Robertson says although the legislation is yet to be finalised, the government expects developers and resource companies to take account now of the clear intent of the framework.

For more information on the policy framework visit sclenquiries@derm.qld.gov.au or phone 13QGOV (13 7468).

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Funding to promote land management

Native vegetation, biodiversity and salinity control projects will be funded by a $32 million Victorian Government initiative to protect the state’s environment in 2010-11.

The funding will be used by Catchment Management Authorities to address issues such as soil erosion, weeds and salinity, which can be extremely damaging to the environment.

The authorities have been working with their partners and stakeholders to develop packages of regional projects that fit state and regional priorities.

The funding includes $2 million for Great Ocean Road estuaries. The funding will deliver major works, community-based monitoring and other actions to protect and enhance rivers and estuaries along the tourist road.

Funding of $140,000 will be allocated to protect the Victorian Alps Catchments. It will be used to increase the resilience of key natural assets in the Alps and their ability to adapt to climate change by reducing the threats and impacts of pest plants.

Another $130,000 will be used for the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery program. The initiative is designed to save Victoria’s bird emblem from extinction by spreading populations across the landscape.

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Business to partner SA resource management board

Energy company, Santos, is the first business to provide funding - $125,000 – to a partnership with the South Australian Arid Lands Resource Management Board that aims to increase productive partnerships in the state’s north.

The Board wants businesses to join its Industry Partnerships Program to help better support natural resources in the area.

SA Environment Minister, Paul Caica, says the initiative will see businesses partner with the Board to accelerate the achievement of the region’s natural resource management goals, particularly where the issues are concerning industry.

Mr Caica says tourism, mining and petroleum, and pastoral companies are big players in the region; and the government, through the Board, is eager to work with them. He says while the security and sustainability of the region’s natural resources will benefit, participating businesses will also gain social, ecological and financial benefits from the program.

Mr Caica says a wide variety of programs can be addressed via the partnership, including water security, pest management, threatened species conservation and community engagement.

Once underway, the board says it is confident the success of the investment partnership approach for natural resource management will be quickly recognised by the regional population and the broader community.

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Upgraded vegetation clearing to combat wild fires

Greater freedom to clear vegetation from around homes is one of the options being adopted by the Victorian Government to reduce bushfire risk in the state following the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bushfires of 2009.

The government will introduce new requirements for minimum distances of cleared space around dwellings to help reduce what is known as the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating and related building costs to meet new national standards.

The Country Fire Authority is finalising the minimum amount of cleared space required for each BAL and will publish their required setbacks in a new guidebook by the end of 2010 – interim measures will be in place until then.

Funding of $19 million over two years will be used by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Planning and Community Development to produce detailed maps of vegetation and topography in high bushfire risk areas to help determine where development and subdivision can be safely managed.

The government will investigate measures that require public and private landowners, including plantation owners, to reduce fuel loads and increase and maintain buffers. It will also extend the 10/30 vegetation removal rule until March 2012 to allow new permanent vegetation measures to be developed and adopted.

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NT campaign to combat invasive weeds

Stakeholders in the Northern Territory have until September 10 to lodge submissions with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment on a management plan for Mimosa weed.

The department has released a draft plan for Mimosa – a weed which replaces native plants, especially on flood plains, and can damage ecosystems while restricting access to country. The plan is focused on eradicating Mimosa within the eradication zone, reducing its density in the management zone and preventing its spread into new areas.

The department has also approved a management plan for Gamba Grass; another invasive weed that poses problems for the Territory’s pastoral community, reducing production values and increasing land management costs.

The Gamba Grass Weed Management Plan has been approved following an extensive consultation process since 2009 involving the public and the NT Weed Advisory Committee.

Like Mimosa, the plan focuses on prevention, eradication and management of the weed, depending on the area. It also outlines the management requirements that must be undertaken by land managers, describes best management practice control options and directs readers to other relevant resources.

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Expert panel appointed to investigate uranium regulations

An independent group has been appointed to advise the Western Australian Government on how to employ a world’s best uranium sector regulatory framework.

The government has awarded a tender to the Australian Centre for Geomechanics – a joint venture of the University of Western Australia, Curtin University and the CSIRO. A group of 10 experts will provide advice to the Department of Mines and Petroleum on framework to ensure uranium mining in the state is undertaken in accordance with world’s best practice.

The specialists will also provide the department with third party “peer review” and assessment of uranium mining proposals during the assessment stage of the development.

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister, Norman Moore, says the department is well placed to regulate radioactive materials after 40 years of experience regulating mineral sands and tantalum without major incident.

Mr Moore says the department has already looked at WA’s relevant mining and safety legislation, and has found these laws can adequately regulate increased uranium exploration and mining in the state. He says, however, the government knows the general public needs to have confidence in the process.

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Water Management

Maximising use of recycled water at NSW power station

An agreement under which recycled water is provided to the Eraring Power station in the New South Wales Lower Hunter has been extended for 10 years and will involve the recycling of more than one billion litres of water a year.

The recycled water scheme at Eraring is one of the first of its type in Australia and has recycled more than 15 billion litres of water since 1994.

The new deal follows a $30 million investment in upgrading the Dora Creek Wastewater Treatment Works to increase its capacity and ensure top quality treated wastewater continues to be supplied to the power station.

The recycled water will mainly be used in the plant’s high pressure boilers and will meet up to 93% of the Eraring Power Station’s water needs, with the exception of drinking and amenities.

Using a combination of recycled treated wastewater and salt water in power station cooling, the Eraring facility is one of the most environmentally efficient and drought proof power stations in Australia, using only five per cent of daily fresh water requirements when compared with a large inland power station.

The 10 year agreement is part of the Lower Hunter Recycled Water Initiative, which will deliver 3.7 billion litres of recycled water a year by 2014. The initiative will nearly double the amount of wastewater currently being recycled in the region.

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Adelaide desalination due to come on line early in 2011

Adelaide’s desalination plant is now expected to start producing water in April 2011, four months later than the original target for the first water.

The timing has been impacted by a workplace death in July and the recent rain and wind that hit the city. Safework SA imposed restrictions on operations while it investigated the fatality.

SA Water and the consortium constructing the desalination plant – Adelaide Aqua - are now coordinating their efforts to ensure all aspects of construction are reviewed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all workers on site.

Solid inflows into the Adelaide Hills catchments this winter have ensured the capital’s water security is now in a much better position than it was in 2008 when the decision was made to bring forward the completion date of the desalination plant.

Currently, reservoirs are 85% of their overall capacity, holding about 165 billion litres of water. This is more than Adelaide used during the whole of 2009 and more inflows are expected throughout Spring to take the reservoirs to capacity.

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Smart robot checks water quality in south east Queensland dam

Water quality and weather conditions at south east Queensland biggest dam are being monitored by a smart robot.

The solar-powered robot and 120 sensor nodes are positioned around Wivenhoe Dam to provide real time data. It enables the water authority – Seqwater – to cost effectively monitor water quality, flows, weather conditions and even the movement of cattle on the shore of the catchment.

The autonomous catamaran travels between the floating nodes gathering the data and performing maintenance. The 120 nodes collect a range of information from water temperature at various depths, to weather data across the catchment and the stock movements.

The project also marks the first time such a system has been used to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, something many businesses including water authorities, are now being asked to report on.

The project is the result of collaborative research agreements between the CSIRO, the University of Queensland and Seqwater – agreements that were signed in 2007.

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Waste Management

New glass reprocessing plant improves WA waste management

Glass recycling in Western Australia will be upgraded with the launch of a new reprocessing plant – the first of its type in the state.

The plant at Kewdale in Perth will crush and clean waste glass which was previously sent interstate for processing. It will transform glass into high-value products for a variety of uses including bottle manufacture, insulation bats, surface coatings for road markings and swimming pools, blasting abrasives, filtration and cement additives.

The plant will initially divert 20,000 tonnes of glass each year, increasing to about 40,000 tonnes annually when fully operational.

Before the plant was built, glass was transported to South Australia for processing. The transport costs, and the fact that some of the material was not clean enough to be recycled, meant much of the glass was placed in landfill.

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Pollution

Program to combat particle pollution

Nearly $2 million is being invested by the New South Wales Government on initiatives to tackle air pollution.

There are four components to the $1.8 million Particle Pollution Solutions Package. The largest slice of the funding is $1 million towards the lease and trial of two hybrid diesel-electric buses as additions to the government bus fleet, while $500,000 will be spent to reduce exhaust emissions from non-road diesel engines.

The Clean Machine program will target construction and industrial vehicles such as cranes, forklifts and bulldozers, and will include retrofits and development of purchasing protocols.

An allocation of $200,000 will fund research with the CSIRO into particle pollution to better understand the composition of particles in Sydney’s air and help guide future programs to reduce particle pollution.

Then, $115,000 will be spent on research into world’s best practice dust control for mines, which could lead to stricter environmental control for mines.

The government has also launched the Fleetwise Program which enables businesses, not-for-profit organisations and councils to take control of their vehicle fleet emissions. The program aims to reduce emissions through improved vehicle procurement, adopting alternative vehicle and fuel technologies, improving fleet management practices and improving driver practices.

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Murray Darling Basin

Another $12 million for River Murray Drought Program

Irrigators along South Australia’s stretch of the River Murray and Riverland communities can now access more than $12 million to deal with the ongoing effects of drought along the river corridor.

Early flows into the River Murray system have improved, but the Murray Darling Basin is still not out of drought and the SA Government is continuing its River Murray Drought Program in 2010-11 to help safeguard the area.

Drought-related activities include:

• implementing the Riverbank Collapse Hazard plan approved by the State Emergency Management Committee;
• continuing the financial relief for licensed water users to help meet their liability to pay the Natural Resources Management Levy under current water restrictions;
• waiving fees on applications to convert or transfer a water allocation to “top up” the water available to a River Murray licence holder; and
• continuing drought-compliance patrols along the river to ensure users comply with water restrictions and water allocations

This is the fifth year the SA Government has committed funding to drought-related activities along the South Australian stretch of the river. With the improving conditions, the government is planning moves from drought response to the recovery phase.

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Training Opportunities

Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop

Brisbane 2nd - 6th August

$2,495.00 (GST Free) Includes a copy of the Environmental Audit Guidebook valued at $398.00

Also offered in Newcastle (20th-24th September), Sydney (18th-22nd October), and Abu Dhabi (31st October-4th November)

The Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop is a comprehensive 5 day certified workshop which trains you to conduct environmental audits, advise clients on environmental issues, and commission and manage environmental audits.

At our training workshops, you benefit from the knowledge gained through over 40 years of environmental consultancy experience. Our trainers are practicing consultants who have worked in a range of industries such as mining, manufacturing, retail, commercial and government operations, giving you practical knowledge and examples you can apply in your workplace. Our training workshops include interactive group exercises to enhance your learning experience.

The workshop is certified by RABQSA International, the principal certification body for Environmental Auditors in Australia, and provides the following accredited competency units for registration as an Environmental Auditor:

• RABQSA-EM Environmental Management Systems
• RABQSA-AU Management Systems Auditing
• RABQSA-TL Leading Management Systems Audit Teams

The workshop is also recognised by the Institute for Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), the principal certification body for Environmental Auditors in the UK.

Who Should Attend

• Environmental & Operational Managers
• Staff who may be required to undertake internal environmental audits or inspections within their organisations
• Environmental consultants seeking qualifications to undertake environmental audits or inspections for clients
• OHS personnel undertaking environmental work

Workshop Topics

• Environmental Legislation
• Government Requirements
• ISO 19011:2003 Guidelines on Quality and / or Environmental Management Systems Auditing
• Environmental Management Systems including ISO 14001
• Environmental Audits – History & Definitions
• Commissioning & Conducting Environmental Audits
• Other Relevant Environmental Standards
• Environmental Risk Assessment
• Ecosystem Principles
• Environmental Audit Protocol Development

Workshop Outcomes

On successful completion of the Environmental Auditor Certification Workshop, participants will be able to:

• Apply the principles, procedures and techniques of auditing
• Relate the auditee management system to the audit criteria
• Conduct an effective audit in the context of the auditee’s organisational situation
• Apply the regulations, and other considerations that are relevant to the audit management system, and the conduct of the audit
• Practice personal attributes necessary for the effective and efficient conduct of a management system audit
• Apply environmental management principles to the auditee’s business/industry sector
• Have an understanding of environmental science and technology principles within the organisational context
• Apply environmental management systems to different operational processes
• Assess the risk of identified hazards in the context of the organisations EMS
• Assess the effectiveness of methodologies to control environmental hazards
• Assess the environmental roles & responsibilities within the context of the organisation’s EMS
• Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of the EMS

For more information and our registration form visit www.grahamabrown.com.au or contact Tania to secure your place admin@grahamabrown.com.au or phone 02 4927 8500.

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NCGRT Groundwater Industry Training

The aim of the NCGRT Groundwater Industry Training program is to improve understanding of groundwater as a key natural resource, and has contributed significantly to the national awareness of the environmental impacts of groundwater processes including recharge, discharge, contamination, remediation and management.

2010 COURSES

Getting to Know Groundwater and Surfacewater Course

Wed 15 - Fri 17 Sept Rockford Hotel, ADELAIDE SA

Australian Groundwater School

Mon 11 - Fri 15 Oct Novotel, PERTH WA

National Surfacewater-Groundwater Field Methods School

Mon 8 - Fri 12 Nov UNSW Farm, WELLINGTON NSW

Soil and Groundwater Pollution Course

Mon 15 - Thur 18 Nov Novotel, PERTH WA

Tues 23 - Fri 26 Nov Stamford Plaza, MELBOURNE VIC

2011 COURSES

Hydrochemistry and Environmental Isotopes Workshop

Wed 2 - Fri 4 Mar 2011 Stamford Grand Adelaide, GLENELG SA

For further information:

Phone: +61 8 8201 5632

Fax: +61 8 8201 5635

Email: industrytraining@groundwater.com.au

Web: www.groundwater.com.au/industrytraining

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Thomson Reuters environmental workshops

Environmental Management Systems

20-21 October 2010

Sydney NSW

Integrating Management Systems

22 October 2010

Sydney NSW

Thomson Reuters Environmental Management Systems Workshop is a comprehensive 2 day workshop that provides interactive training on how to introduce a viable environmental management system (EMS) in your organisation.

You will learn to:

• Understand the application of environmental management principles
• Learn to apply ISO 14001 within your business, and understand the requirements of each clause
• Understand the application of environmental science and technology
• Understand the application of environmental systems to different operational processes
• Assess the risk of significant environmental impacts and activities identified
• Assess the EMS roles and responsibilities of auditee personnel

This workshop uses real-life examples. With limited class sizes, you will get your questions answered, and be able to discuss issues of particular relevance to you.

Thomson Reuters Integrating Management Systems Workshop will enable you to find practical solutions for integrating your environmental management system into existing business processes.

The Integrating Management Systems Workshop builds on knowledge gained in the Environmental Management Systems Workshop, or on prior experience in implementing an EMS or other management system such as safety and quality.

You will learn to:

• Understand the key requirements for the development of an Integrated Management System (IMS) to the International Standards ISO 14001
• How your organisation will benefit from an IMS, and to apply business objectives to your systems to affect positive change
• About the standards for individual systems and integrated management systems
• The approach used in management systems planning and which systems can be integrated
• The methodologies for integrating IMS auditing and management review

For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com.au/events or contact our Customer Service team on 1300 304 195

Environmental Management Systems

Integrating Management Systems

www.thomsonreuters.com.au/events

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Wetland Education and Training (WET) workshop

Managing constructed wetlands and aquatic plants 17-18 Nov

Sydney Olympic Park Authority offers a number of Wetland Education and Training (WET) Workshops each year

The workshops offer a hands-on experiential learning approach and training is focused on building skills in assessment, planning, restoration, monitoring and management of aquatic ecosystems and resources.

The Managing constructed wetlands and aquatic plants workshop held on the 17-18 November, focuses on case studies of wetland construction and management. read more.

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