Big Scrub Environment Centre e-journal - Edition 9
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This edition:
FRIENDS OF THE KOALA HONOURED BY NATIONAL AWARD
PRIVATE FORESTRY CODE NEGOTIATIONS MELTDOWN
CONTAMINATION OF AIRFIELD SUSPECTED FOR YEARS
INVITATION TO BE PART OF THE BIG SCRUB'S NORTHERN RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTORY
ECOLOGY WORKSHOPS
EARTH HOUR
GOVERNMENT CHANGES TO LEASE & PERMIT LAWS ON TRADITIONAL LANDS
**FRIENDS OF THE KOALA HONOURED BY NATIONAL AWARD
By Lorraine Vass
The Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia's Community Wildlife Conservation Award for 2006 has been awarded to the Northern Rivers wildlife rehabilitation and advocacy group Friends of the Koala.
The annual award, now in its fourth year, recognizes community conservation groups that are making a major contribution to wildlife preservation throughout Australia. It comprises a large crystal trophy and a cheque for $2,500.
The Award was announced and presented at the Wildlife Preservation Society's 98th annual luncheon in the Dining Room, Parliament House on Monday 19 March 2007 hosted by The Hon Bob Debus MP, retiring Minister for the Environment. Peter Cundall AM, was guest speaker. Six members of Friends of the Koala attended the luncheon,
Friends of the Koala was chosen to receive the award because it is a completely volunteer group which plays a significant educational, scientific as well as rehabilitative role in its Region.
2006 was the 20th anniversary of the group's foundation. Friends of the Koala hopes that the national recognition it has been accorded will serve to focus attention on the relentless erosion of koala habitat in the Northern Rivers, brought about by development pressure as well as agriculture and forestry. Many of the Region's koala populations have a high incidence and variety of disease and too few scientific studies have been conducted in the Region over the past decade.
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**PRIVATE FORESTRY CODE NEGOTIATIONS MELTDOWN
By Lorraine Vass
Friends of the Koala shares the North Coast Environment Council's outrage at attempts by the timber industry to maintain log supplies by weakening environmental legislation governing protection of threatened species and appropriate management of streamside vegetation.
In mid-2006 the Department of Natural Resources released a Draft Code of Practice for Private Native Forestry for public comment. The Draft was generally welcomed but was found to have several flaws. A working party has since been negotiating agreement between timber industry and conservation interests in order to bring long-overdue regulation to logging the more than four million hectares of privately-held native forests in New South Wales.
Well over 80% of the State's koalas are found on private land. Although there is legislative protection for koalas and their habitat, most notably under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, the Native Vegetation Act 2003 and State Environmental Planning Policy 44: Koala Habitat Protection, loopholes and exemptions abound. Landowners, for example may carry out 'routine agricultural activities' (of which there are no definitions under the Act) without applying for a licence to 'harm, pick or damage' under the threatened species legislation.
After months of frustrating meetings in which timber industry interests have refused to compromise on almost anything, conservation representatives have finally walked away.
Not only has there been an insistence on business as usual, the timber lobby is now trying to wind back longstanding riparian protection established under the Soil Conservation Act 1938 and the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948, which prohibit damage to vegetation within 20 metres of prescribed stream banks.
In fragmented habitat, riparian vegetation is especially significant for koalas. Examples very close to home are the banks of the Wilson and Richmond Rivers which still support relatively large numbers of koalas down to Coraki and beyond.
Hundreds of Landcare volunteers have accessed public funding to restore and manage riparian vegetation. People (including many FOK members) have given their time, energy and expertise for such projects in the belief that riparian zones would always be protected because they are so fundamental for maintaining water quality and provision of drought refuge and connectivity for much of our native biodiversity. The proposition which the logging industry has brought to the table would put all that in jeopardy.
FOK supports the Council's demands that the Government immediately refers the Draft to the Natural Resources Commission in order get a balanced, independent and science-based outcome.
**CONTAMINATION OF AIRFIELD SUSPECTED FOR YEARS
By Richard gates
Studies by Richmond Valley Council of the State Heritage Listed Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome have shown that the former World War II Airfield is contaminated by a range of toxic substances.
The studies, which have yet to be released by Council, have prompted it to call on the Federal Government’s Minister for Defence to pay the $6 million bill to clean up the site.
In a press release issued today Richmond Valley Council, General Manager Brian Wilkinson has stated that “No one knew the contamination existed until now – but we are hoping that common sense will prevail and the Federal Government will recognise its responsibility to put right the environmental damage of the past
President of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee, Dr Richard Gates, said today that his Committee and former members of Council’s own Section 355 Airfield Advisory Committee had raised concerns about contamination of the site for many years.
“Richmond Valley Council and pre-amalgamation Richmond River Shire Council had both ignored pleas for the airfield to be properly reviewed, particularly for Unexploded Ordnance. But we were also aware of other potential forms of contamination including petroleum products.
“We were not alone in our concerns. A former commanding officer of the RAAF Weapons Range raised the matter back in the 1990’s. As far as we know nothing came of his enquiries.
“In December 2000 two members of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee attended an auction of former Aerodrome land attended by Council’s solicitor. At the auction we had signs saying ‘caveat emptor’, buyer beware. I stood up and cautioned those attending about risks of contamination at the beginning of the auction, but Council’s solicitor intervened. The auction proceeded and a number of blocks were sold
“The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome certainly supports the cleaning up of the site but believes Council’s first priority should be for those residents who purchased former Memorial Aerodrome land in good faith."
Much of the land which was sold to residents without the necessary permission of the Federal Government under a "gentleman's agreement".
“This has all the hallmarks of another Martin Street, Armidale contamination problem which led to the whole site being closed
Further Information: Dr Richard Gates, President, The Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Committee Inc. Tel 02 6682 5161
**INVITATION TO BE PART OF THE BIG SCRUB'S NORTHERN RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTORY
by Graeme Batterbury
The Big Scrub Environment Centre has a long history of working for ecological sustainability, awareness and education in the northern rivers region of NSW.
The organisation grew out of the early forest actions, especially Terania Creek and the Nightcap. As the political and social climate evolved over the years, the role of the BSEC has changed and role of the Information Centre and the BSEC Shop have merged to become a website that performs an information network role.
Single interest organisations have developed to campaign for specific issues and often work independently from those involved in related areas.
The BSEC is endeavouring to network like-minded organisations that are working in these related, but often distinctly individualised areas. Organisation looking to protect Koala habitat, native forests, biodiversity and even marine ecology all have certain things in common and can benefit by networking with other bodies to optimise their strategies and energy.
Members of the general public can also benefit from having a local portal from which they can connect to organisations working in areas of particular interest. This can help to strengthen the knowledge that the environment is an all-encompassing whole made up of individual but inter-connected entities.
The BSEC website is a focal point for environmental education and awareness and is seeking input from other organisations, as well as the public, in presenting information for the betterment of the environment.
Organisations are invited to nominate for inclusion in our Northern Rivers Environmental Directory by e-mailing us at info@bigscrub.org.au
**ECOLOGY WORKSHOPS
Earth Spirit Action - Sunshine Coast - March 30-April 1
John Seed and Bec Schofield will be facilitating an experiential deep ecology workshop.
See www.rainforestinfo.org.au/deep-eco/fourwinds.htm
All proceeds to benefit grassroots community campaigns to protect forests of Borneo threatened by palm oil plantations.
DHARMA GAIA - Personal & Planetary Sustainability
APRIL 6-9 EASTER BENEFIT RETREAT AT Funkey Forest Retreat Centre near Mullumbimby
Deep Ecology, Meditation, yoga, gardening, organic vegan food, Integral philosophy, sharing, singing, forest walks and more with Erik Adams, Ruth Rosenhek (tentative), Jess Poulsen and friends
Cost: Waged $300 Low Income $250 Concession $200
100% proceeds to Dharma Gaia Trust funding grass roots Buddhist ecological projects (see www.rainforestinfo.org.au/projects/DGT/welcome.htm)
Ph 66845279 or go to www.funkeyforest.com
Dancing With Difference: Creating Community: Workshop: Weekend April 14-15th in Brunswick Heads, NSW. For anyone interested in group dynamics, deepening a sense of community life, personal development and facilitation. Presenters are international Process Work practitioners; Emetchi and Rhea Shapiro from Portland, Oregon.
More info: worldworkwarriors.wikispaces.com or Penny Watson at pennywat@email.com
Rainforest Information Centre Box 368, Lismore 2480 NSW (02) 66897519
www.rainforestinfo.org.au/ rainforestinfo@ozemail.com.au
**EARTH HOUR
7.30pm to 8.30pm - Saturday March 31, 2007 (Australian time --> GMT+ 10:00 )
Earth Hour is a fabulous opportunity for you and your family to do something about climate change. On one night, in one hour, more will be done, more will be demonstrated, and more will be learned than through a hundred 'talk-fests'. And you can help make it happen.
What is Earth Hour?
It sounds simple, but it is very, very dramatic. At 7.30pm on March 31st 2007, we will be encouraging companies, government departments, individuals and families to turn off their lights for just one hour. If we meet our objectives during the first Earth Hour, the savings in green house gas emissions will be the equivalent of taking 75,000 medium sized cars off the road for one whole year! Now that's something worth doing.
Why?
The facts are alarmingly clear:
a.. The climate is changing! The 10 hottest years on record have occurred since 1990. In fact 2005 was the hottest year since record keeping began. (Australian Bureau of Meteorology)
b.. Almost 70% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production. (ABS)
c.. More than 95% of the Great Barrier Reef will have been destroyed by 2050 if carbon dioxide emissions aren't reduced. (WWF-International)
d.. One million species worldwide are facing extinction due to climate change. (University of Leeds)
But not everybody listens to the facts. Earth Hour is your opportunity to demonstrate how a simple change in our way of life could change, and help save, our planet.
The Goals of Earth Hour:
a.. Households : Most of us use unnecessary electricity. Appliances on standby, old style light bulbs, lights left on when we're not using them. Earth Hour will help us all to realise just how simply we can make a dramatic impact upon global warming (and our own power bills). We will see it in action.
b.. Companies : We want companies to be involved. If every company in Australia turned off its lights when the buildings weren't in use, and combined it with energy saving technology, we would save between 2 and 4 million tonnes of greenhouse gasses every year. Earth Hour will show companies just how easy that is.
c.. Power Companies : We will be asking power companies to provide special deals for companies and households to switch to Green Power.
d.. To make it an annual event : Out of the 8,766 hours in a year, let's give one back to the earth.
What you can do:
a.. Sign up to Earth Hour and Pledge to turn off your lights on March 31st from 7.30pm to 8.30pm by logging onto www.earthhour.org .You will receive all the information you need to make Earth Hour a great success (and to cut your own energy bills in the long term). Pledging is free.
b.. Get off standby : Turn off all the electronic equipment and appliances in your home that are not being used or are on standby. Computers, televisions, stereo equipment, phone chargers, DVD or video equipment - you can find out more about this from WWF at wwf.org.au
c.. Tell a friend : Spread the word about earth Hour by involving your friends, family and workmates. Get them to pledge at earthhour.org and most importantly, turn off the lights at 7.30pm Saturday 31 March 2007.
Another thing you can do before the event is switch to Green Power: Contact your electricity provider today. If all Australians switched to Green Power the saving in CO 2 emissions would be the equivalent of what is pumped out of 40 million cars! That's like taking every car in Australia off the road four times over.
Spread the word - Once you have signed up for Earth Hour tell a friend; spread the word at work; tell your boss; mention it at school, at your local> sports club or society group, you can even run it past your neighbours!
Make it an event. Get the neighbours to switch off their lights and head out into the park for the hour; take some binoculars and look at the stars; sit and talk; explore your backyard by torchlight; have funwith sparklers; or just go for a stroll. Do something non-electric as a family make some candles, read by their light; have a picnic-at-dusk; pretend you are camping; have a candlelight dinner.
For more info on Earth Hour, check out www.earthhour.org
EARTH HOUR. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
**GOVERNMENT CHANGES TO LEASE & PERMIT LAWS ON TRADITIONAL LANDS
On November 30th, traditional land owners are expected to make a decision about the future of their ancestral land. Amendments to the Land Rights Act 1976 will see some of the last standing traditionally owned and occupied lands taken away from Aboriginal people across Australia under harsh Government reforms already underway. Four traditional Aboriginal communities are being targeted in the Northern Territory, (one of which I am currently working and living in, Elcho Island in Arnhem Land), are being heavily pressured to give up control of their lands to a Government body called the ICC on a 99 year lease.
This is an urgent matter, traditional owners and community members have a right to more time and less pressure from the Government to make this decision in just 5 weeks. Most community members and council members are ill-informed about the Bill, due to the heavy use of legal jargon as well as basic literacy barriers. How can we expect these people to make an `informed' decision when they do not understand even the most basic concepts of the Bill?
The proposed lease provisions will effectively take away the rights of the traditional owners to decide who and what takes place on their ancestral lands for 99 years. Companies, services and non- traditional owners will be able to lease land from the government rather than obtaining consent from the land-owners on a case-by-case basis. In effect, the land owners will lose control of their land for four generations.
"The provision for extension of the 99-year leases means that the land may never be returned to my people should this experiment fail," said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma. "While I believe that economic development opportunities are essential for the well-being of Aboriginal communities, I don't think 99-year leases will provide that economic opportunity."
Under these amendments to the Land Rights Act 1976, what will most likely occur is that previously Aboriginal owned townships such as Elcho Island in Arnhem Land, will be leased to non Indigenous people, and the subsequent leases internally may - if they are lucky or fortunate - go to Aboriginal residents. It is highly unlikely that any Aboriginal from such townships will be able to afford the primary lease. It will provide many white people previously without the opportunity for commercial success to gain it at the expense of Aboriginal communities. It will also make things a lot easier and quicker for the mining corporations to wheedle more pristine land out of Aboriginal communities
Agreement to the lease is voluntary in the sense that it does not have to be taken out, but the conditions resemble the current Government's rules of 'wash the kids' faces or you get no petrol.' In other words, if they don't do it, they will lose services such as education, health and housing provided as an integral right to all Australians.
In contrast, if they agree to 99 year leases, they will automatically be given...
"Around fifty houses [...] and real jobs [and] if the community is safe and signs up to full school attendance, a no-drugs no-violence policy and agree to a 99 year lease to support home ownership and business development opportunities."
According to the Bill, there appears to be no safeguards to ensure that leases and headleases are approved with ministerial AND land council AND the full understanding of traditional owners and residents who may be affected. The Bill outlines that these things must take place, but goes on to say that the subsection which insists upon these requirements is irrelevant to the legitimacy of the lease should they not take place, as long as 'fraud' is not committed. It seems like a convenient loophole included to be just that; an easy way out of such implicit dealings with the actual people affected.
Many aspects of the Bill breach the UN Convention Concerning Indigenous and Tribal people in Independent countries. (See Article 6)
This decision is expected to be made in 3 WEEKS. The first Bill has been quickly and quietly passed without any media attention and has come into action as of October 1st, 2006.
Commissioner Calma said: "I urge the government to postpone the passage of this Bill until there is more detail regarding the impact of the implementation of the legislation and until land owners have been informed and given the opportunity to provide input into this process." "The federal Government has not consulted with Aboriginal land owners on significant aspects of the legislation.'
We are asking for MEDIA ATTENTION on this issue, as it has received very little so far, probably due to the controversy it would ignite.
- That these traditional communities have the right to more time and more assistance in understanding the legalities of the Bill before deciding on the future of their land.
- That these traditional communities should not be pressured, bullied or used as bargaining grounds.
- That these traditional communities have a right to be part of the legislative process of making laws about the use of and entry into their communities.
- That these traditional communities have a citizen right to the decent housing, health, education and business enterprises that are being promised in return for the 99 year lease.
WRITE AN EDITORIAL, TALK TO FRIENDS, POST IT ON YOUR WEBSITE
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK IS OF INFLUENCE AND HAS A VOICE IN THE MEDIA.
If you can be of help with getting direct media exposure, please contact Sinem (on Elcho Island):
Phone: +61 (0)8 8970 5134 Please leave a message with your contact details.
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.
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The Big Scrub Environment Centre
www.bigscrub.org.au
email: info@bigscrub.org.au
Postal: PO Box 816
Lismore 2480