General News

New steps for Green Car Plan announced

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced three key steps in implementing the Rudd Government's $6.2 billion New Car Plan for a Greener Future to transform Australia's automotive industry.

The three key steps are:

• The release of a framework paper outlining the proposed operation of the Government's $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund. It invites feedback on the Green Car Innovation Fund's structure and implementation and is an opportunity for stakeholders to have their say in the delivery of a key element of the New Car Plan. The framework paper outlines the proposed key elements of the fund, such as: the size of grants available, who is eligible to apply, when applications can be lodged, and how applications will be assessed. Stakeholder feedback will inform development of implementation guidelines for the Green Car Innovation Fund.
   
• The release of Ministerial guidelines for the Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program (AISAP). The program will support automotive supply chain companies that want to consolidate through mergers and acquisitions. It will create a stronger supply base for the automotive industry by assisting the industry to retain core capabilities and achieve greater scale.
  Firms are now able to apply for assistance with eligible merger and acquisition costs. Consolidation will help make companies more financially viable and competitive and will need to have demonstrable economic and strategic benefits to the automotive industry to receive support.
   
• The appointment of members of the Automotive Industry Innovation Council, which will be chaired by Dr David Charles, a former Secretary of the Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce.

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New study shows a drop in NSW emissions

A new report shows there has been a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria and Queensland over the past year, but a drop in New South Wales.

The environmental organisation, the Climate Group, tracks the level of greenhouse gas emissions across Australia's eastern states each year.

The report has found that across Victoria, NSW and Queensland annual emissions were 3.6 million tonnes higher in 2008 than in 2007. This is a rise of 1.3 per cent for the year. 

Emissions in Victoria and Queensland rose in 2008, up 2.2 and 2.0 million tonnes respectively, while in NSW emissions fell by 0.5 million tonnes.

Compared with 2000 levels, emissions from energy-use were significantly higher across all states, collectively up 19 per cent. In 2008 the NSW Indicator was 25 per cent higher than equivalent 2000 emission, the Victorian Indicator was 6 per cent higher and the Queensland Indicator was 34 per cent higher.

The increase above equivalent 1990 levels is even more substantial. In Queensland it has risen 116 per cent, NSW it is up 30 per cent and in Victoria the rise has been 32 per cent. 

Rupert Posner, Australian Director of The Climate Group, said the result was largely due to less petrol being sold in New South Wales.

"It's interesting that emissions from petroleum products actually went down in New South Wales while they went up in Victoria and Queensland," he said.

"One can only assume that petrol prices and the higher prices during 2008... had a bigger impact on the people who live in New South Wales as opposed to other states." 

“Most of the increase in emissions in 2008 was from coal-fired generators in Queensland and Victoria, which both produced an extra 1.5 million tonnes each. This was 3.6 per cent more emissions from coal than in 2007 in Queensland and a 2.4 per cent increase in Victoria. In NSW, emissions from coal-fired electricity rose by 0.7 per cent or nearly half a million tonnes.”

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Sea water transfer from Coorong to Lake Alexandrina to be assessed under EPBC Act

A proposal to transfer sea water from the Coorong to freshwater Lake Alexandrina has been determined by the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts to be a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

“The assessment will examine the potential impacts of South Australia’s proposal on several nationally protected matters, including the ecological character of Ramsar wetlands, threatened species and migratory species,” Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett said. 

“The South Australian Government is now required to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for assessment and public comment.

“This process will also be required to consider other long term options for protecting this important system and prevent acidification in the Lower Lakes.

“While this will be a thorough and rigorous assessment, my department will be working closely with the South Australia Government to ensure that this process is completed as quickly as possible.”

Invitations for public comment will be advertised in the print media and through the department’s website www.environment.gov.au/epbc

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New greywater testing protocol developed

A new protocol for testing greywater treatment technologies in Australia has been developed by CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country Flagship and the Smart Water Fund (a joint initiative of Melbourne’s water businesses and the Victorian Government).

CSIRO Land and Water scientist, Melissa Toifl, says the protocol is the first of its kind developed in Australia and could be used to establish a national greywater treatment testing regime.

For testing, scientists created a synthetic greywater that contained basic everyday products that people use in the bathroom and laundry.

“We used this synthetic formula and high levels of bacteria, viruses and protozoa, to test whether a treatment technology under challenged circumstances would produce water that meets the standard described in Australian guidelines for recycled water,” Ms Toifl says.

Currently in Australia there is no standard national testing method; states and territories each have their own legislation for greywater collection, treatment and use.

“With this protocol we are anticipating a national approach in the way greywater treatment technologies are tested and regulated,” Ms Toifl says.

“This would simplify the process for manufacturers with the aim of increasing consumer adoption rates of greywater technologies.”

The Greywater Technology Testing Protocol report is available here.

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More than 50 councils join NSW water saving program

A $22 million initiative implemented by the Local Government and Shires Associations of New South Wales and the NSW Water Directorate aims to save participating councils 10,000 mega litres of water by mid-2010.

Fifty five councils are involved in the Water Loss Management Program which encourages local water utilities to adopt water saving solutions. The program is also partly funded by the Federal Government’s Water Smart Australia Program.

Three projects already completed under the venture have saved councils about 210 mega litres of water a year. The President of the Local Government Association, Genia McCaffery, says the water savings are “set to skyrocket” in coming months as more projects are completed.

The program’s website has information on current water saving projects and also shows how much water is being saved minute-by-minute.

Applications by councils for funding of water saving measures are assessed on a case by case basis considering the anticipated water savings, the condition of the existing water system; and economic analysis results, environmental and social benefits of the project involved.

The Water Loss Management Program has limited resources and there is no guarantee of assistance or funding for projects.  Further information on the program and funding application details can be found here.

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Announcements

Call for Applications: 2009 Premier's Sustainability Awards

The 2009 Premier's Sustainability Awards are now taking submissions for sustainable practices in business and community. 

The Awards, now in their seventh year, recognise and reward Victorian businesses, communities and individuals that demonstrate innovation and efficiency in contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Categories for the Awards include:
• Large Business
• Small Business
• Products or Services
• Community
• Built Environment 

Applications to the Awards close on Tuesday 16 February, with winners announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 16 April 2009.
Sustainability Victoria is hosting an information session from 10am next Wednesday 21 January at Level 28, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. 

The session will give applicants tips for putting together an entry, along with an opportunity to ask questions about submissions. 

To register your attendance please email info@banksiafdn.com and include:
• “Registering for Premier’s Awards Information Session” in the subject line
• Your name
• Your organisation
• Your email address and contact details 

For more information on the Awards or the Information session please visit the website: http://www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au  

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Conferences & Events

Sustainable Supply Chain forum

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM

Managing sustainability in the supply chain is fast emerging as a strategic business imperative. Australian organizations recognise that sustainable initiatives not only support business values but play a critical role in gaining competitive advantage whilst also improving overall operations and reducing costs.

Wednesday 25 February, Mercure, Melbourne

Ethical Investor’s new exciting event is the inaugural Sustainable Supply Chain Forum - a must-attend for anyone involved in supply chain and procurement for Australian corporate and government organisations.

We have brought together many of Australia’s leading companies and sustainable procurement experts to offer an in-depth guide on implementing and managing CSR in the supply chain. Click here to view the full agenda.

The conference explores a range of issues facing your business and offers practical advice, on ‘how to’

• reduce supply chain costs and improve eco-efficiency
• make sustainable purchasing ‘business as usual’
• develop an ethical purchasing strategy
• address supply chain carbon management
• become a supplier of choice for responsible businesses

Hear from leading organisations - Westpac, AMCOR, ETIKO, Pacific Brands, Hume City Council and Target Australia on how they are integrating social and environmental practices in their supply chains. Plus, expert speakers from the NGO community, supply chain consultants and sustainability researchers.

Register here or for more details, please contact Cheryl Samarasinghe:
Phone: 02 9555 2358
Email: cheryl.samarasinghe@ethicalinvestor.com.au

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NSW Sustainable Development Conference

The NSW Sustainable Development Conference is being held on May 12 & 13, 2009 at Dockside Convention Centre 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, featuring over 30 speakers, 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 in the current economic conditions, and provide advice on how state and local government and business can achieve their sustainable development goals in a cost-effective manner.

Speakers include:

• Chris Davis, Commissioner, National Water Commission
• Dr Fraser MacLeod, Executive Director, Natural Resource Management Division, Murray-Darling Basin Authority
• Kelly Pearce, Assistant Secretary, Waste Policy Branch, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
• Tim Rogers, Acting Deputy Director General, Climate Change, Policy and Programs Group, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
• Ben Taylor, Acting Director, Metropolitan Water, NSW Department of Water and Energy
• John Hudson, Director, Sustainable Systems, NSW Department of Planning
• Brett Whitworth, Director, Regional Coordination, Rural & Regional Planning, NSW Department of Planning
• Bernard Carlon, Director, Sustainability Programs, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
• David Trewin, Manager, Business Partnerships, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
• Lee Rhiannon, MLC, The Greens
• Mike Ritchie, NSW President, Waste Management Association of Australia
• Professor Stuart White, Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney
• Professor Andy Pitman, Co-Director, Climate Change Research Centre, University of NSW
• Andrew De Montemas, Principal Advisor, Environment and Energy, Australian Industry Group
• Cate Faehrmann, Executive Director, Nature Conservation Council of NSW
• Kirsty Ruddock, Principal Solicitor, Environmental Defenders Office NSW
• Peter Broschofsky, Head of Environment and Fuel Conservation, Qantas Airways Ltd
• Emma Herd, Director, Emissions and Environment, Westpac
• Justine De Torres, Practice Leader, Optim Legal
• Ken Kanofski, Managing Director, WSN Environmental Solutions
• Phil Harrington, Principal Consultant, Climate Change & Sustainable Development, Pitt & Sherry
• Rob Hogarth, Partner, KPMG
• Rick Walters, Australian Green Infrastructure Council
• Lee McDougall, Landcare Australia

To view the Conference agenda and to register for the Conference, please go to www.halledit.com.au/nswsdc or contact Denise McQueen on (03) 8534 5021 or email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au.

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

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Sixth Australian Conference on Life Cycle Assessment: “Sustainability Tools for a New Climate”

The sixth Australian Conference on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be held at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne from the 16 to 19 February 2009.

Internationally and in Australia, Life Cycle Assessment continues to grow both in the detail of application, and the breadth of assessment. At the same time many other tools and approaches are increasingly being used with LCA or incorporating different LCA aspects. It is now recognised that decision support for sustainability requires many players and approaches beyond traditional methodologies.

Workshops on 16 February will cover:

• “Introduction to LCA”
• “Advanced LCA Techniques”
• “Life Cycle Management”
• “Industrial Ecology”
• “Greenhouse Gas Accounting”

The conference will run from 17 – 19 February. The conference aims to build bridges between different environmental assessment methods that have a sustainability focus such as:

• Life cycle assessment
• Life cycle costing
• Ecological footprints
• Materials flow analysis
• Triple bottom line accounting approaches
• Energy and greenhouse life cycle studies
• Input Output analysis
• Uncertainty analysis in environmental assessment

In addition, the conference aims to provide a forum for sharing LCA experience in different sectors such as:

• Building applications
• Waste Management
• Water issues
• Food and Agriculture
• Energy and fuel production system
• Products and packaging manufacture

International keynote speakers:

• Andreas Ciroth (GreenDeltaTC GmbH, Berlin)
• Stefanie Hellweg (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Zurich)
• Hongtao Wang (College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu)
• Bo Weidema (Technical University of Denmark)

The conference is organised by Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society in conjunction with EPA Victoria.
Gold Sponsor: PRé Consultants

For more information visit the conference website at www.alcas.asn.au or contact The Conference Organiser on 03 93492220.

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Melbourne Planning Summit

Tuesday 28 - Wednesday 29 April, 2009.

Zinc @ Federation Square, Melbourne

The Summit will provide an opportunity for discussion and review of latest developments in 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 @ 5 million;
• The new Victorian transport strategy;
• Lessons learnt from the Melbourne 2030 Audit;
• Financing urban services and infrastructure;
• Housing affordability;
• Planning for population growth;
• Planning for an ageing population;
• Urban expansion;
• The role of planning in achieving better environmental outcomes;
• Factoring climate change into planning and infrastructure decisions;
• Water management and water sensitive urban design.

It will feature sessions on innovative urban partnerships and planning best practice case studies, as well as showcase planning strategies from other major cities to show how they are approaching the challenges of urban planning.

Speakers include:

• The Hon Justin Madden, Minister for Planning and Community Development
• Prue Digby, Deputy Secretary, Planning and Local Government, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Jim Betts, Secretary, Department of Transport
• Dr Ian McPhail, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability
• David Whitney, Member, Audit Expert Group, Melbourne 2030 Audit
• Pru Sanderson, Chief Executive, VicUrban
• Jeff Gilmore, Executive Director, Policy Planning & Reform, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Peter Seamer, Chief Executive Officer, Growth Areas Authority
• Liz Johnstone, Manager, Policy Planning & Projects, Municipal Association of Victoria
• Dr Bob Birrell, Director, Centre of Population and Urban Research, Monash University
• Professor Kevin O’Connor, Professor of Urban Planning, University of Melbourne
• Jason Black, Victorian President, Planning Institute of Australia
• Cr Paul Klisaris, Mayor, City of Monash
• Cr Judith Klepner, Deputy Mayor, City of Port Phillip
• David Keenan, Director, City Sustainability, Hume City Council
• David Mayes, Manager Strategic Planning and Sustainability, City of Melbourne
• Alan Cadogan, Executive Manager, City Strategy, City of Sydney
• Kerry Doss, Manager, City Planning, Brisbane City Council
• Mark Bartley, Special Counsel, Phillips Fox

For more information about the Conference, or to register to attend, go to www.halledit.com.au/mps 

The Conference agenda is available at http://www.halledit.com.au/mps/agenda

Or contact Denise McQueen on (03) 8534 5021 or email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

 SUPPORTED BY

MORNING TEA SPONSOR

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Local Government Sustainable Development Conference - Call for Papers

18-19th August, 2009

Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne

The 4th annual Local Government Sustainable Development Conference is a two-day conference which will feature award-winning and leading-edge best practice case studies in sustainable development within local government, including addressing challenges of sustainability, and providing advice for how local governments can achieve their sustainable development goals in a cost-effective manner.

The Conference will feature sessions on water, waste and resource recovery, energy efficiency, climate change response and planning and urban design. 

You and your organisation are invited to submit a synopsis of a paper that you would like to have considered for presentation at the conference in the themes outlined above.

Synopses of approximately 100-150 words to be submitted by 15th of May, together with a Presentation Title and several descriptive bullet points to:

Emma Stirling
Conference Director
Tel: (03) 8534 5017
Email: emma.stirling@halledit.com.au

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Further Education

Distance education and on campus Environmental Postgraduate Coursework Opportunities from UTAS

 

School of Geography and Environmental Studies

University of Tasmania
Environmental Postgraduate Coursework Opportunities

Undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters coursework degree in environmental planning, natural environmental management, environmental studies or spatial information science can lead to outstanding career opportunities in the private sector, community organisations and all tiers of government both here and around the world. 

Our courses address values of natural and cultural environments; the biophysical attributes of natural areas; the cultural, political, legal, institutional and social contexts in which environments are planned and managed. Natural environments are major research and teaching specialistion within the School of Geography and Environmental Studies. The University of Tasmania is situated close at hand to The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area that serves as a natural laboratory. Students can undertake fieldwork and professional placements that provide practical experience in working with local communiities, local government and industry.

Study by DISTANCE EDUCATION or on-campus in HOBART.

Apply for admission at any time between now and the end of January 2009.

For details of course structures, units, fees and application forms see: http://www.geog.utas.edu.au/geography/courses/postgrad_cw.htm  

or contact
Dr Michael Lockwood
(03) 6226 2834 or (03) 6226 2463
Michael.Lockwood@utas.edu.au  

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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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ECU offers Master of Environmental Management - Fully online course

Master of Environmental Management - Fully online course

The Master of Environmental Management at Edith Cowan University is designed to build the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate environmental planning, conservation and monitoring into the broader decision-making of organisations. Choose one area to specialise in: Marine and Freshwater Systems, Industrial and Urban Systems, Sustainable Development, Natural Systems and Sustainable Water Resources Management.

You will cover areas such as: environmental impact assessment, planning and monitoring, environmental management systems, environmental auditing, risk assessment and water demand management.

• Fully online, no on-campus attendance is required
• Suitable for those wanting to upgrade their environmental qualifications or wanting to move into the discipline.
• The course can be completed in 18 months full time
• After completing each block of three units, there is the opportunity to leave the course with a formal qualification
• Very flexible, choose between 1 and 3 units per semester, most units available every semester
• Opportunity to complete a research project as part of the Masters
• Caters for those without a science background

Normal admission requirement is a Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline or at least five years relevant work experience will be considered.

For general information on the University, payment options or how to enrol visit www.reachyourpotential.com.au. When submitting your application, please ensure it is received by ECU prior to the commencement of semester. Semester one commences 23 February 2009, while semester two commences 27 July 2009.

For more course information visit: http://www.sons.ecu.edu.au email sons@ecu.edu.au or call Associate Professor Mark Lund, the course coordinator on (08) 6304 5644.

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Last chance to apply for Master of Integrated Water Management

www.watercentre.org/education  
(Full-time and part-time/distance)

The International WaterCentre’s Master of Integrated Water Management is a problem-based degree designed to prepare future water leaders in integrated solutions for real-world problems. The program takes a multi-disciplinary, whole-of-water cycle approach and draws on international leaders in water management across a range of disciplines from The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Monash University and The University of Western Australia.

The program is available full-time or part-time/distance:
- Graduate Certificate (one semester full –time or two semesters part-time) 
- Graduate Diploma (two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time) 
- Masters Degree (three semesters full-time completed in 12 or 18 months or six semesters part-time)

Download the application: http://www.watercentre.org/education/masters/applying/attachments/austapp

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UQ - Making a difference to our world by tackling today’s big issues in Environmental Management

UQ - Making a difference to our world by tackling today’s big issues in Environmental Management

Graduates of UQ’s postgraduate programs tackle today’s big issues including monitoring and responding to environmental change, promoting sustainable development, adapting to climate change, and shaping where and how we will live in the future.

Postgraduate study in our programs provides students with expert training and access to state of the art resources.

Upon completion of our programs, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, experience and expertise required to positively contribute to our changing environment and help shape our future.

Programs at the St Lucia Campus include:

• Environmental Management
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Geographic Information Science
• Development Practice
• Regional Development

To find out more about how to enhance your career prospects contact us by:

Phone (07) 3365 3752

Email gpem@uq.edu.au

Or visit www.gpem.uq.edu.au

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Services & Products

WaterJobs

WaterJobs is a weekly email and online service which lists employment positions available in the water management, water engineering, and water quality fields.

The WaterJobs email employment service is distributed every Monday, and is free to receive, with a small charge to advertise. 

To view current positions and to subscribe to the free weekly job bulletin, please go to www.waterjobs.com.au

To advertise, please contact (03) 8534 5012 or email enquiries@waterjobs.com.au

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