General News

Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meets

The nation's water ministers have signed off on an emergency plan for South Australia's lower lakes in a bid to avoid the lake system becoming acidified.

Under the $10 million strategy agreed to at the recent Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, if certain alkalinity and water level management levels are reached, water will be pumped from the sea into the freshwater lakes as a last resort.

The Council was advised that on current projections, and under a continuing worst-case scenario, the Lower Lakes are now unlikely to reach the acidification threshold prior to February 2010.

Ministers also announced that 547.5 GL of water recovery measures were now listed on The Living Murray Central Register, increasing the probability of meeting the water recovery target by June 2009.

The Council meeting also released the TLM Icon Site Condition Monitoring Report for 2008, as well as the 2007–08 Living Murray Environmental Watering Report. 

The reports are available here.

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NWC Stakeholder Reference Group meets

Peak water sector and industry groups attending the National Water Commission's Stakeholder Reference Group's recent meeting reaffirmed the National Water Initiative (NWI) as the enduring blueprint for water reform and called for a recommitment to its vision.

The group agreed that despite significant progress in water policy reforms, the NWI's objectives of sustainable water management had not yet been achieved. The group urged COAG to reinvigorate NWI commitments through its current water reform processes. Some issues not well captured under the original NWI also need to be taken up, with defining climate change risk assignment and urban water security singled out as prime examples.

Stakeholders expressed unanimous endorsement for the recent extension of the National Water Commission's assessment functions, especially its upcoming role to audit the effectiveness of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The group saw merit in COAG's proposed new system of Commonwealth incentive payments to maintain the momentum of water reform and urged that these resources be directed to completing 'unfinished business'. The National Water Commission is expected to undertake assessments of reform progress before such incentive payments are made.

Members voiced a need for more transparency in current COAG water reform processes, and expressed their willingness to respond constructively if opportunities for stakeholders to contribute were expanded.

Members attending the meeting included the Australian Bankers' Association, Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Water Association, A3P (Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council), Business Council of Australia, Irrigation Australia Limited, Minerals Council of Australia, National Farmers' Federation, Queensland Farmers' Federation, Waterfind, and the World Wildlife Fund.

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Green Car Plan launched

The Federal Government has announced a $6.2 billion plan to make the automotive industry more economically and environmentally sustainable by 2020.

The Green Car Plan will feature an expanded $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund which will provide Australian car companies with the opportunity to receive Government funding to design and sell environmentally friendly cars.

The Innovation Fund will see the Australian Government match industry investment in green cars on a $1 dollar to $3 dollar basis over a ten year period from 2009. 

The 13-year New Car Plan for a Greener Future is about manufacturing competitive, low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles in Australia. It will create well-paid, highly-skilled green jobs for the future.

The plan is expected to generate $16 billion in investment in the Australian automotive industry over the life of the plan.

Further the overall Green Car Plan will provide:

• A better-targeted, greener, $3.4 billion assistance program, the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS), running from 2011 to 2020;
• Changes to the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme in 2010, consistent with the Bracks review proposals, to smooth the transition to the ATS ($79.6 million);
• $116.3 million to promote structural adjustment through consolidation in the components sector and to facilitate labour market adjustment;
• $20 million from 2009–10 to help suppliers improve their capabilities and their integration in complex national and global supply chains;
• $6.3 million from 2009–10 for an enhanced market access program;
• A new Automotive Industry Innovation Council, bringing key decision makers together to drive innovation and reform; and
• A $10.5 million expansion of the LPG vehicle scheme, to start immediately, that doubles payments to purchasers of new vehicles using LPG technology.

The plan implements the recommendations of the Review of the automotive industry, including a reformed Automotive Transformation Scheme, an expanded Green Car Innovation Fund, and measures to promote industry competitiveness.

For more information on A New Car Plan for a Greener Future, including the full government response to the Review of Australia’s Automotive Industry, visit www.innovation.gov.au/automotivereview

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ATSE climate change effects on infrastructure report released

The Australian Council of Governments (COAG) should convene a National Climate Change Adaptation Taskforce (NCCAT) to develop National Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines, given the significant challenges arising from the effects of climate change for security and operation of some categories of Australia’s physical infrastructure, according to a new study by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

The study also recommended that risk assessment studies should be undertaken (based on the NCCAT Guidelines) for existing critical infrastructure vulnerable to the effects of climate change and comprehensive strategic planning controls should be applied to future critical infrastructure installations vulnerable to climate change.

ATSE says the climate change adaptation guidelines proposed would provide appropriate policy solutions to climate change adaptation by considering the expected consequences of climate change and would be assessed within a risk assessment framework. Consideration should be given to financial, legal, social, environmental and emergency management matters.

The ATSE study, funded by the Australian Research Council, involved a qualitative assessment of risk of the impact of climate change on Australia’s physical infrastructure.

It included a literature survey of the current status of the relevant disciplines, an electronic survey of Fellows of the Academy and workshops involving Fellows and other experts in particular fields of infrastructure.

To download the report go here.

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CSIRO launches Australian Knowledge Exchange trial

CSIRO economists are inviting people in Canberra, Sydney and southern NSW to join the Australian Knowledge Exchange (AKX) – an online prediction market which aims to forecast water availability.

The AKX has been set up by CSIRO to test whether trading knowledge online can work for natural resource management.

In the case of natural resource management, knowledge markets could be used for things like accurate forecasting of crop production, water availability or pest pressure.

As well as enabling better management of the environment, such markets would provide a hedging tool for businesses exposed to risks like water availability, allowing them to share and profit from information as well as offset risks.

“We want all sorts of participants to take part in this trial,” says CSIRO economist, Dr Stuart Whitten.

“That includes water managers, end users like farmers and even people with rain gauges or a passing interest in the weather.

“The results will be used to test the effectiveness of knowledge markets as predictive tools for natural resource management.

To register and start trading visit: http://akx.csiro.au/

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Further Education

Part time Master of Integrated Water Management program available Semester 1, 2009

Part time Master of Integrated Water Management program available Semester 1, 2009

International WaterCentre is pleased to announce that the Master of Integrated Water Management will be available via part time, distance education starting Semester 1, 2009.

This option has been developed for students within Australia as a convenient way to study and further their career while still working.

The Master of Integrated Water Management Program aims to build the capacity of future leaders in water management. It draws on the international expertise from our member universities (The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Monash University and the University of Western Australia) in teaching and research across a wide breadth of disciplines, taking a multi-disciplinary and whole-of-water cycle approach.

The part-time course will run over a three year period, with students undertaking two course modules and associated problem based learning activities per semester for the first two years.

The final year will be devoted to an individual research project where students can specialise in a particular field of water management.

Most of the course will be conducted on-line; however, at the beginning of each of the first four semesters students will be required to attend a short residential period to participate in field trips and workshops together with full-time students.

Semester 1 starts March 2, 2009. Part time students will be required to attend a residential period from March 2 - 6. This period will include program orientation, intensive workshops and a field trip to North Stradbroke Island. Semester 2 field trip will take place from August 3 -14.

Students enroll at The University of Queensland and upon graduation receive a co-badged qualification from all four member universities.

Applications for Semester 1, 2009 should be submitted to The University of Queensland by February 16, 2009.

Graduates of the program will be qualified to apply for high-level management positions in the public, private and NGO sectors.

International WaterCentre, the business centre for building international capacity for integrated water management, is a unique collaboration between four leading Australian universities.

Find out more about the program, download your application or contact International WaterCentre with your questions, please visit http://www.watercentre.org/education/distancedelivery call 07 3123 7766 or email admin@watercentre.org

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Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in NRM Policy and Planning (Fully online study).

Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in NRM Policy and Planning (Fully online study).

The University of Western Australia offers full online courses in NRM policy and planning. The courses use online learning (with no need to attend campus) and are highly suited to people in metropolitan areas as well as those in rural and regional areas from all over Australia.

The courses examine the problems, institutions, policies and planning processes for NRM in Australia and enable students to explore issues from an Australia wide perspective and in their own local context.

UWA also offers fully online courses in Regional Development with an emphasis on sustainable development.

For further information see the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences website at UWA :

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

Applications for first semester 2009 close on 31 January

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UTS Science Professional Development: Contaminated Sites

UTS SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Contaminated Site Assessment, Remediation and Management: A Series of Short Courses for Environmental Professionals

Contaminated site assessment is a complex field of environmental management requiring the expertise and experience in diverse disciplines. There is an increasing demand for environmental professionals in this area, Contaminated Site Assessment, Remediation and Management (CSARM).

Department of Environmental Sciences at UTS, with contributions from NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and industry consultants, has developed a short course of eight modules to help environmental professionals update their specific area of expertise, extend their knowledge base and network with colleagues in industry and government.

The series commences in February 2009. Presenters include UTS Science and Engineering academics, DECC and CSIRO officers, industry practitioners, and experts in environmental law. Each stand-alone module will run over three days, comprising a mixture of seminars, field trips and laboratory sessions.

The series will provide a comprehensive approach to CSARM through a flexible and interactive learning program addressing:

• CSARM legislative framework for professional practice
• Guidelines, measures and their application
• Site sampling strategy and report writing
• Contaminated site assessment processes
• Principles of risk factors, human and ecological toxicology, soil science and hydrogeology
• Application of environmental chemistry in site & risk assessment
• Contemporary approaches to remediation

The courses are specifically designed for:

• Environmental professionals
• Contaminated site consultants
• Environmental engineers
• Environmental officers in government and industry
• Science and engineering graduates interested in entering this field

Completion of all modules may count towards a tertiary qualification or industry accreditation.

Details for first two modules:

Module A: Essentials for CSARM Professionals
Thursday 5th February – Saturday 6th February at UTS

Module B: Planning Effective Site Assessment
Thursday 30th April – 2nd May 2009

For program and registration details, or to download a flyer go to www.science.uts.edu.au

For all enquiries or to be put on our mailing list for further updates please contact Marea Martlew on 61 2 9514 1766 or Marea.Martlew@uts.edu.au

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Accredited Sustainability Courses from the National Centre for Sustainability at Swinburne

Applications are now open for the Diploma of Sustainability and the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability offered by the National Centre for Sustainability at Swinburne. Places are limited. For further information visit http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ncs

Diploma of Sustainability

The Diploma of Sustainability introduces students to sustainability concepts and explores how they can be applied effectively across a broad range of industry practices. The course helps students gain a better understanding of how to apply sustainability concepts to their current stream of studies, or their work environment.

The 4 units of the Diploma of Sustainability delivered over 15 sessions in 1 year, are designed for delivery as part of a dual qualification to be studied concurrently with another degree or diploma course. They can also be studied in isolation providing participants already have a diploma or higher level qualification and relevant work experience.

For further information phone the NCS on 03 9210 1903 or email ncs@swin.edu.au

Graduate Certificate in Sustainability

This post-graduate predominantly online course consists of 2 core units of study and a selection of specialised elective units covering energy, land & water, eco-design and corporate & community sustainability. This course addresses the key sustainability challenges in terms of environmental, economic and social issues at a local, national and global level. Core units will introduce students to general principles of sustainability and equip them with the skills to successfully implement sustainability strategies and initiatives in a variety of contexts.

For further information phone Swinburne Post Grad on 1300 368 777 or email postgrad@swinburne.edu.au

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Conferences & Events

Melbourne Planning Summit

 

The Melbourne Planning Summit is being held on April 28-29th 2009 at Zinc in Federation Square, Melbourne.

The Summit will provide an opportunity for discussion and review of challenges confronting urban planning in Melbourne, as well as facilitating the exchange of ideas on how to achieve sustainable planning objectives. 

The conference will cover issues including:

• Melbourne 2030 Audit;
• Urban design
• Integrated transport;
• Housing affordability;
• Climate change;
• Population growth;
• Water management.

It will also feature sessions on innovative urban partnerships and planning best practice case studies.

To register interest in the Conference or for more information, go to http://www.halledit.com.au/mps

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NSW Sustainable Development Conference

The NSW Sustainable Development Conference is being held on April 1 & 2, 2009 in Sydney.

The NSW Sustainable Development Conference 2009 will bring together decision-makers from the private and public sectors, industry leaders, local government, scientists, conservationists and others to discuss the current and future directions and frameworks for sustainability in NSW, and how it will affect NSW state and local government, business and the community.

The Conference will provide an opportunity to examine progress towards sustainable objectives in a range of key areas such as: NSW policy and progress, water, waste and resource recovery, energy efficiency, climate change response and planning and urban design.

The Conference will also feature best practice case studies in sustainable development, including supporting workplaces to become more sustainable, addressing challenges of sustainability, and provide advice on how state and local government and business can achieve their sustainable development goals in a cost-effective manner.

For further information, and to register interest in the Conference, please go to www.halledit.com.au/nswsdc

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Services & Products

EngineeringJobs Australasia

EngineeringJobs Australasia is a weekly email and online service that lists employment positions for engineering professionals in the civic, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and mining fields in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

EngineeringJobs Australasia is distributed every Tuesday, and is free to receive, with a small charge to advertise.

For all advertising enquiries, please contact us on (03) 8534 5000 or email enquiries@engjobs.net.au

To view current engineering vacancies, and to subscribe to the weekly email bulletin, please go to www.engjobs.net.au

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Publications

Generating your own green energy supply — is it a viable solution? How feasible is going completely off grid for your household energy consumption? Find out in New Scientist.

Generating your own green energy supply – is it a viable solution? How feasible is going completely off grid for your household energy consumption? Find out in New Scientist.

An upcoming issue of New Scientist provides information on reducing your household energy consumption and explores the implications plus the benefits of generating home grown energy.
New Scientist is the world’s leading science and technology news weekly. Objective, independent and award winning, it examines our world in a global context and reports the implications that affect us all.

Subscribe for just $220 per year + receive a FREE 2009 New Scientist wall calendar.

You’ll be amazed by the collection of stunning images in the 2009 New Scientist calendar. Plus engaging explanations ensure you are inspired month after month. For a limited time only you can buy the 2009 New Scientist calendar separately for only $21.95

2 year subscription: Aus $398 + Free calendar
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Calendar only – Aus $21.95

Subscribe to New Scientist for what’s new in science, what’s new in technology and what’s new each week.

Click here to subscribe.

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Australian Heritage - a special gift...

Australian Heritage magazine brings alive the stories and the people of Australia's past and explores our relationship with our environment.

Written by leading historians and authors, each issue of Australian Heritage magazine profiles explorers and pioneers, artists and inventors, engineers and builders, and leaders in many fields.

It explores the achievements that have contributed to our nation, and tells the stories of the people and places that are part of our heritage and our culture.

To subscribe to Australian Heritage, or to give a Christmas gift subscription, contact 1800 201 983 or visit www.heritageaustralia.com.au where you can subscribe online.

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