Big Scrub Environment Centre e-journal - Edition 6
Hi there and welcome to this edition of the Big Scrub Environment Centre e-journal.
For more information, please email us, or view our web site at www.bigscrub.org.au
To contribute to the next edition, subscribe or unsubscribe, please see the end of this journal for details. Hope you enjoy this edition!
This edition:
BIG SCRUB ENVIRONMENT CENTRE GENERAL MEETING
BIO-BANKING: NEW BILL INTRODUCED TO PARLIAMENT
PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPDATE
CALL FOR 'BAD DEVELOPER' AWARD NOMINATIONS
EWINGAR STATE FOREST LOGGED AGAIN
INVITATION TO THE HEALTHY FORESTS CAMPAIGN
EFFLUENT TO BE DUMPED IN EVANS RIVER AND ON STATE HERITAGE LISTED EVANS HEAD MEMORIAL AERODROME
PRIVATE FORESTRY UPDATE
PUBLIC MEETING: NUCLEAR POWER: NO SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
BIOREGIONAL CAMPUS
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS CONFERENCE
LIVING TOGETHER - A COMMUNITY CULTURAL EVENT AT MULLUMBIMBY
OIL PALM FOR FORESTS
SAVING RAINFOREST IN ECUADOR IS IMPORTANT FOR THE BIG SCRUB!
SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS
**BIG SCRUB ENVIRONMENT CENTRE GENERAL MEETING
When: Wednesday 5th July, at 6.30pm
Where: 20 000 cows restaurant, North Lismore
The BSEC committee would like to invite all members and interested parties to attend to discuss important local and national issues, campaigns and planning for the future.
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**BIO-BANKING: NEW BILL INTRODUCED TO PARLIAMENT
by Valerie Thompson
The NSW Government has recently put on the table the proposed biobanking scheme, in the Threatened Species Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Banknig) Bill 2006. There are major, major problems with the core elements of the bill - for example,
* it does nothing to prevent development over high conservation value vegetation
* the requirement to 'maintain and improve' biodiversity is not even defined, and even proposals fail this test if the old development assessment process simply applies - or worse still: pt 3A!;
* it allows for offset sites that can then be developed or offset themselves (ie they are not protected in perpetuity and can be used for damaging purposes);
* biodiversity credits can be generated/purchased before biodiversity outcomes are 'delivered'; and
* existing environmental impact assessment and public participation processes are bypassed.
In short, it includes all the 'worst case scenarios we were worried about with the first flagging of this idea by the Dept Environment and Conservation, and many of the most crucial details of how it will work are not included in the bitll.
The Bill will now 'sit on the table' until parliament sits again in September, so now is our time to kick up a stink and let the government know in no uncertain terms that it is unacceptable in its current form.
For an initial review of the proposed Biobanking Bill 2006, visit www.bigscrub.org.au
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**"PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPDATE
The RTA is rolling on ahead with its planned heavy-haulage Pacific Motorway under its guise of "safety" upgrades (that ironically make the highway more unsafe!). In the Clarence, an announcement on the Eastern Coastal Emu's future is due out by the RTA this week (with little doubt the eastern-most route, spelling their death-knell, will be adopted as the 'preferred route').
In the Tweed, works have continued on the Tugun C4 tunnel on the Gold Coast Airport (Commonwealth land) but the RTA took an undertaking to wait until the TCAI court case this week before they do a lot more off airport land. At the time of publication of this journal, the outcome of the court case is not known.
**CALL FOR "BAD DEVELOPER" AWARD NOMINATIONS
This years categories are:
* The most environmentally destructive development * The worst case of private certification * The worst Council * The worst Government Department * The best Council * The best community campaign * The best development
Nominations are NOW OPEN - go to the link below and you can download the nomination form.
www.sylvia.nsw.greens.org.au
FREE attendance, (dinner provided, drinks available) - but limited places, so get your RSVPs in early. RSVP to nicola.grieve@parliament.nsw.gov.au or ring 02 9230 3030.
Please email nominations to hazel.blunden@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Nominations do not have to be lengthy - more research on them can be done at this end.
**EWINGAR STATE FOREST LOGGED AGAIN
by Ruth Rosehhek
Ewingar State Forest, near Tabulum, is once again being logged. If you are interested to join us in a walk through the forest, please ring Ruth at the Rainforest Information Centre on 66897519 or send an email to rainforestinfo@ozemail.com.au
**INVITATION TO THE HEALTHY FORESTS CAMPAIGN
The Healthy Forests Campaign aims to nurture a strong sense of caring for forests in local communities through public awareness activities and media that draw upon creativity, fun, friendliness and beauty. The campaign aims to bring together a diverse membership of individuals and groups with differing ideologies and a shared interest in forest health.
The campaign opens a dialogue on the nature of forest health and raises awareness about the need for healthy forests to support species habitat, indigenous culture, clean water and air, climate stability as well as non-timber forest products such as bush tucker and medicines, appreciation of beauty and positive mental health.
The Healthy Forests campaign is just beginning, will require no efforts of its members (although participation is of course greatly welcomed!) and is a positive initiative that aims to bring community members closer to regional forests, raising awareness about just what healthy forests are as well as the current threats to our forests.
We are currently inviting membership and will formally announce the beginning of the campaign in the media in the next few months.
Current members are:
BEACON, Byron Environmental and Conservation Organisation
Big Scrub Environment Centre
Brunswick Valley Landcare
Friends of Koala
The Hunter Community Environment Centre
The Nambucca Valley Conservation Assoc Inc
North East Forest Alliance
Northern Rivers Greens
Rainforest Information Centre
Rainforest Rescue
Terania Native Forests Action Group
If a group you are a member of would like to join us, please contact rainforestinfo@ozemail.com.au or ring Ruth on 66897519.
**EFFLUENT TO BE DUMPED IN EVANS RIVER
AND ON STATE HERITAGE LISTED EVANS HEAD MEMORIAL AERODROME
by Dr Richard Gates, Evans Head
Richmond Valley Council is planning to dump treated effluent from the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) into the Evans River. The effluent will be released on the ebb tide so that it flows into the ocean. Council is planning to commence this action at the end of next year when it has upgraded its existing plant to tertiary level treatment. It remains to be seen whether Council will have the plant completed by then. It has a long history of not meeting deadlines particularly with regard to the upgrading of the Evans Head STP. It has had to be dragged kicking and screaming to do anything about the environmental problems it has created including the pollution of Salty Lagoon in Broadwater National Park.
Council says it has no option but to release effluent into the Evans River but this is not so. It has lots of options. Unfortunately it seems to have chosen the cheapest which, of course, will have consequences for the environment. It has dressed up its choice in the language of decision matrices to make it look scientific but careful scrutiny of their modelling shows that the whole process is subjective, and in my view, biased. I am currently getting a professional opinion on the validity of their modelling from an acknowledged expert in the field.
Council keeps telling the community that the effluent to be released will be 'almost' drinking water' quality but this is like being 'almost pregnant'. The water IS NOT drinking water quality. It may contain EDCs, antibiotic residues and god knows what else. The EPA (Environment Protection Authority..a misnamed organisation if ever there was one.........it is really a state-sanctioning pollution authority which hands out licences to pollute the environment in the name of environmental protection) has said Council can't dump this water in the Richmond River, and the Broadwater Sugar Mill will not accept it for cooling of its plant. So if it ain't good enough for these two sites, it certainly isn't good enough for the Evans River.....which by the way has faecal coliforms up to 6,000 cfu/100 ml according to Council's engineer. Why are these so high one might ask?
Council still has to do an EIS on the river-dumping proposal. The battle is not over yet.
There is a lot of opposition to dumping of effluent in the Evans River as you might imagine. Young people from Evans Head took a boat and mock toilets and suitable signs saying 'don't dump stuff in our river' to Casino during Beef Week and entered their 'float' in the parade. The float was a great success but I don't think Council thought it was such a great idea. The Casino-based council controls what happens at Evans Head. Interestingly the Northern Star and the Richmond River Express Examiner didn't say a word about the float. Mmmmmmmmmmmm! If you are opposed to Council's dumping option then write to the EPA office in Grafton and put in an objection. PO Box 498 Grafton 2460 Reference: Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant Licence #2386.
Council is also planning to dump effluent on the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome from the current inadequate STP starting in June. The Aerodrome abuts Broadwater National Park and has streams and drains containing the endangered pygmy perch Nannoperca oxleyana near the site that has been chosen for irrigation.
The authority for this is the NSW Heritage Office.
If you are opposed to this option please write to the NSW Heritage Office and tell them you are opposed by 22 June 2006: Conservation Team, Heritage Office, Locked Bag 5020, Parramatta, NSW 2124 or email them at: heritageoffice@heritage.nsw.gov.au with subject line Section 60 Application - Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome (SHR 01649). The partially treated effluent is high in faecal coliforms (sometimes as high as 1.2 million cfu/100 ml (limit is 200-600) and nutrients. The background nutrient level is low. The effluent will, in effect, be fertilising the site.
**PRIVATE FORESTRY UPDATE
The NSW Government has broken its promise to introduce rules to control logging on private land in NSW by June 1st 2006, leaving more than 4 million hectares of forests and woodlands available for unfettered exploitation.
Private logging in NSW is a loophole under the native vegetation laws, and can occur without any assessment or any meaningful environmental controls. The NSW Government has repeatedly promised to close the loophole and control private logging, and has repeatedly broken those promises. Attempts to close the loophole in Parliament by Greens MP Ian Cohen were opposed by the NSW Government, and they have now delayed delivery until at least early October.
This delay will allow the on-going destruction of high conservation value forests and threatened species habitats and there are grave concerns that it will result in widespread panic logging and yet another escalation in environmental impacts.
Combined environment groups, including the North East Forest Alliance, have recently launched a state-wide campaign to hold the NSW Government to account and bring an end to the destruction caused by unregulated private logging. More than 700 postcards and emails have been sent from concerned citizens to the Premier over the last six weeks urging him to introduce controls on private logging immediately and information on the issue has also been distributed to all NSW parliamentarians.
There are also growing concerns that if, or when, the NSW Government does finally introduce some rules for private logging, they will be grossly inadequate. A recent briefing on the issue has indicated that there are major flaws in the Governments approach. It seems that as currently drafted the Government plan will not protect high conservation value vegetation from logging, will not address commercial firewood collection and will not require threatened species surveys or assessments prior to logging.
The momentum is building steadily on this issue, and we need you to do your bit.
ACT NOW!
Go to www.nccnsw.org.au today and send an email to Premier Iemma, or write to the Premier at Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, SYDNEY NSW 2000. Be sure to tell him that you want a strong Code of Practice for logging and commercial firewood collection that strictly protects high conservation value areas, preserves large trees and logs for habitat, and identifies and conserves threatened species. Tell him that it's needed now!
To view the recent parliamentary debate on this issue go to: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20060608008
Carmel Flint
North East Forest Alliance
Ph 0429091971
**PUBLIC MEETING
NUCLEAR POWER: NO SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE - THURSDAY 6th JULY
The nuclear industry has launched a desperate attempt to paint itself as 'climate friendly'. The federal government is fully behind this campaign and there are moves within the ALP to over turn its long standing, no new mines? policy. But its not over yet! Come along and hear the latest developments in the campaigns to defeat the radioactive waste dump and plans to expand Australia's involvement in the nuclear cycle. Does nuclear power offer a solution to global warming?
Speakers:
Dr Jim Green, Friends of the Earth Australia national nuclear campaigner
Michaela Stubbs, FoE Melbourne anti-uranium co-ordinator
updates from local anti-nuclear campaigners
MC: Giovanni Ebono, Bay FM
Plus stalls, info, inspiration
Thursday 6 July, 7pm
Verandah Room, Byron Community and Cultural Centre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay.
Presented by Friends of the Earth Australia www.foe.org.au/
**BIOREGIONAL CAMPUS - TRAINING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
By Robyn Francis
Permaculture Education at Djanbung Gardens is leading the way in education for sustainability. Now in the second year of providing full and part-time AQTF accredited permaculture training, the first students have graduated with Certificates III and IV in Permaculture.
The training programs combine long-term full time courses (Austudy approved) with short course modules in a range topics and practical skills training, including organic food production, integrated pest and weed management, bamboo construction, alternative technologies, bushfoods and sustainable lifestyle skills.
Semester 2 will include short courses on Seed Saving & Seed Banks, Orchards & Foods Forests, Organic Small Crops and Garden & Orchard Design. A special 2-week program in September 2006 will focus on training for people working/intending to work with cultural diversity and in sustainable overseas aid and development.
Work for the Dole - Work for Wisdom
ERDA Institute Trust facilitates the Work for Wisdom volunteer programs at Djanbung Gardens, which include WFTD placements. We are keen to make this system work for the maximum benefit of WFTD volunteers who are interested in learning permaculture and sustainability skills. From July WFTD Volunteers with ERDA can accrue FairShare credits to supplement their WFTD training credits for permaculture and related training programs conducted at Djanbung Gardens. Also the skills and experience gained through voluntary work can be credited towards accredited training competencies under Recognition of Prior Learning.
BIOREGIONAL CAMPUS
The bioregional campus is a unique 'community education for sustainability' concept. It seeks to match people with knowledge and skills with people seeking to learn under the Accredited Permaculture Training framework. This exchange can be facilitated through formal training and Work for Wisdom (WFTD) programs.
Support is sought to help develop the network and database for the Bioregional Campus. People with specialist passions and skills interested in being involved and volunteers keen to support the Bioregional Campus development and administration are invited to contact Robyn Francis at Djanbung Gardens.
Djanbung Gardens Permaculture, 74 Cecil St Nimbin
Ph 6689 1755 Mob 0429 147 138, robyn@permaculture.com.au
**CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS CONFERENCE - WEDNESDAY 5th JULY 2006
By Jessica Huxley
Leading International Scientist to address local conference about Constructed Wetlands
The Southern Cross University's Centre for Ecotechnology, Lismore City Council and Duraplas are pleased to announce that prominent international scientist, Professor Jan Vymazal, will be in Lismore to lead a half day conference on Constructed Wetlands. In his keynote address Prof Vymazal will speak, from both local and international perspectives on proven benefits and overcoming apparent limitations for constructed wetlands.
Prof.Vymazal graduated and received his PhD from the Prague Institute of Chemical Technology and was employed for several years at the Water Research Institute in Prague before working as private research scientist. Prof. Vymazal's research focuses mostly on the use of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment and the ecology of wetlands. At present, he is partially affiliated with NGO ENKI at Trebon in South Bohemia and he is an adjunct Associate Professor at Duke University, North Carolina.
Constructed wetlands have been used to treat a variety of domestic and industrial wastewaters in Europe and North America since the early 1970's. In the Czech Republic, Prof Vymazal's homeland, they have been particularly popular as secondary treatment devices in village scale municipal wastewater treatment systems.
Prof Vymazal is visiting Australia as the keynote speaker for a number of national conferences. He will be joined in Lismore by six Australian practitioners to discuss the benefits and limitations of constructed wetland technology from backyard on-site wastewater systems to large urban and industrial application.
In the Northern Rivers area we now have over a decade of practical and research experience with constructed wetlands in a variety of applications. This conference is an excellent opportunity to discuss the progress and problems, as well as the future potential of this solar powered ecotechnology, with one of the world's leading researchers.
The aim of this conference is to provide high quality and contemporary information on sustainability and in particular, ecological technology to regional people who, otherwise, would not have access to this information. The support of local companies like Duraplas, which developed an innovative reed bed containment vessel, has given the technology an added boost.
The event will be held at Lismore Council Chambers from 8.30am to 2.00pm on Wednesday 5th July 2006. Cost is $55 including lunch and morning tea. For conference flyer, registration form and further information please contact Jessica.Huxley@lismore.nsw.gov.au or phone 0428 884 123. Registration is essential. Registration closes on Wednesday 28th June 2006.
**LIVING TOGETHER
A COMMUNITY CULTURAL EVENT AT MULLUMBIMBY
by Dudley Leggett
The first no-charge community gathering to celebrate and accelerate our progress towards safer, healthier, happier living together, both locally and globally was held on the 24th of June at Mullumbimby. This gathering was just the first of what will be a quarterly community cultural event - and everyone is invited to future gatherings to offer presentations, workshops, films, theatre and music that can entertain and inform about more successful living together.
This event is intended to help us know better who we are, whose doing what and how we can do better at living with each other, with the other peoples of the world and with other species, such as our cetacean neighbours. These events will put on display first for ourselves but also for our visitors, the progress we are making towards, sustainable harmonious living, which we all know is the only way to a successful future. In this way we can steadily build our knowledge and capability to succeed and help show the way for others.
Anyone wanting more information or to participate in this or future events can phone 66853719 or 66871859 or email to dudley@sustainability-research.org.au
**OIL PALM FOR FORESTS
by Ruth Rosehhek
In May 2006, Rainforest Information Centre organised an international sign-on letter to pressure the Government of Indonesia to put a halt to plans to develop a 1.8 million hectare oil palm plantation project that would plough through native forests along the Indonesia-Malaysia border region in the northern areas of West and East Kalimantan.
Over 85 NGOs representing 26 countries worldwide endorsed the letter that decried the plan as a disaster project that would carve through conservation zones, including the home of the Borneo orangutan that already sits precariously on the edge of extinction. The letter urges the Indonesian Government to apply the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent concerning developments that impact indigenous peoples, and to thoroughly consult with local communities.
The good news is that concurrently with the letter being posted, Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono announced that only 180,000 of the 1.8 million hectares is suitable to be converted into oil palm plantation.
While the mega project has perhaps been averted, the challenge deepens now as we are faced with how to halt the destruction of this same area through smaller logging concessions, oil palm projects from all sides, illegal logging and roading.
For more information, contact Ruth Rosenhek on ruthr@ozemail.com.au or (02) 66897519
**SAVING RAINFOREST IN ECUADOR IS IMPORTANT FOR THE BIG SCRUB!
By Kirstie Fisher
Cloudforests of Ecuador link to Big Scrub
The rainforests of Ecuador are some of the most biologically diverse on the planet with 10% of all know plant species found there. Ecuador also has 1600 species of birds which is double that of Australia. Yet 300,000 hectares of rainforest are destroyed in Ecuador each year. That's an area four times the size of the Big Scrub - lost every year! Four Big Scrubs lost per year in Ecuador alone. This size scale comparison is not the only link to the cloudforests of Ecuador have to the Big Scrub.
Rainforest scientists have recently found ecological similarities between the rainforests in South America and the Big Scrub, NSW. Through research conducted we are learning some of the fundamental processes of the rainforest, which will help us protect and regenerate our precious Big Scrub.
Carbon Conservation
When a mature rainforest is cut down and/or burnt excessive amounts of carbon are released and this adds to the greenhouse effect. In response to this very important global issue Rainforest Rescue will be launching a carbon conservation program.
Rainforest Rescue is inviting businesses or groups to have their carbon emissions audited. As a proactive mitigation measure to reduce carbon levels in our atmosphere you can protect some rainforest in Ecuador. By taking responsibility for your current carbon emissions you will create natural resilience building for the future management of social and environmental concerns in relation to climate change. Please contact Rainforest Rescue to receive more details.
Supporting life on Earth
Through rainforest research taxonomists have estimated as many as 30 million species of life on Earth. At present only 1.7 million have been named and classified. Before we know of the existence of so many species they are being eliminated. Act Now!! In just a few decades the only rainforest on Earth will be what we protect now.
Donate now and improve your tax return!
Make a donation to the Ecuador 'Save A Hectare' Project now and you will be able to improve your tax return. All donations over $2 are fully tax deductible. Our project partners are ready to purchase the next parcel of land. Help this happen sooner by making your contribution. 'Save a Hectare' in Ecuador and you will support the Big Scrub, conserve carbon and support life on Earth.
Make your contribution at www.rainforestrescue.org.au or phone 1300 763 611.
DISCLAIMER: The Big Scrub Environment Centre and its officers accept no responsibility or liability for claims or statements made within articles published in this e-journal. The purpose of this e-journal is to provide a forum within which debate and discourse may occur. Articles published here represent the views and opinions of their authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Big Scrub Environment Centre.
Donations:
The Big Scrub Environment Centre would like to offer this as a free service to all interested parties, but we would like to call for offers of financial support from subscribers, in order to keep our organisation running. Suggested donations are on a sliding scale from $5-$10 (waged or unwaged) on an annual basis, or any other amount that generous benefactors would like to offer!!
To make a donation:
Send a cheque, cash or postal order with your name and contact details to:
PO Box 816, Lismore 2480, NSW Australia
OR
Direct or electronic deposit into the BSEC bank account. Please include your name, email address and the type of deposit i.e. 'Membership' or 'Donation'.
Bank Details: Summerland Credit Union - BSB no: 802 222 - Account no: 50001
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
To receive a receipt, please include your name on the deposit slip and e-mail us your name and address details.
To subscribe: Anyone wishing to subscribe to future editions of this ejournal, please send an email to info@bigscrub.org.au and type in the email <subject> line 'subscribe bsec ejournal'.
To unsubscribe: If you would like to unsubscribe, please send an email to info@bigscrub.org.au and type in the email <subject> line 'unsubscribe bsec ejournal'.
Ejournal Contributors:
This will be a monthly journal. If you would like to contribute relevant
environmental articles, please attach your word rtf, txt or doc files to an
email and send them to: info@bigscrub.org.au
and type in the email <subject> line 'bsec ejournal article'.
Article Length Guidelines:
Please keep submitted articles to a 400 word maximum - If you have a longer article, you can also submit this, along with a 400 word summary of your story. We will provide the longer article as a linked download from the BSEC website. Please note: long articles will be edited, so you may wish to provide an edited version yourself!
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The Big Scrub Environment Centre
www.bigscrub.org.au
email: info@bigscrub.org.au
Postal: PO Box 816
Lismore 2480