New Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan

The new City of Sydney Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan responds to the challenges of global warming, rising oil prices, declining housing affordability and growth by suggesting five "Big Moves" to make Sydney more sustainable, vibrant and successful. Alongside the five Big Moves are ten strategic directions and many hundreds of small steps that are aimed at transforming Sydney into a green, global, connected city. The five Big Moves are:

1. A revitalised City Centre at the heart of Global Sydney
2. An integrated Inner Sydney transport network
3. A liveable green network
4. Activity Hubs as a focus for the City’s village communities and transport
5. Transformative development and sustainable renewal

South East Queensland Water Strategy released

The Queensland Water Commission's draft South East Queensland Water Strategy - released on 26 March 2008 – is designed to meet the region’s water supply needs for the next 50 years. South East Queensland includes the major urban areas of Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The Strategy outlines a long-term plan aimed at guaranteeing future water supply, including:

• Target 230 – the Commission's permanent residential water-usage target
• Businesses striving for best practice water use
• New climate resilient water supplies like purified recycled water and desalination schemes
• Drought response plans so medium level restrictions occur no more than once every 25 years on average
• Power stations and major industrial customers using recycled water where available
• Additional water supplies for rural production

Round 11 of Threatened Species Network Community Grants Program now open

More than 380 on-ground conservation projects have been funded through the Threatened Species Network Community Grants Program, enabling community groups right across Australia to help save threatened species and ecological communities.

Round 11 of the TSN Community Grants Program is now open.

Bigfoot ecological footprint calculator

The Powerhouse Museum has upgraded its Bigfoot ecological footprint calculator using the latest current Australian data. Developed in 2001, Bigfoot was the first online ecological footprint calculator for individuals in Australia. It estimates the size of your ecological footprint from your answers to 15 questions. Bigfoot uses Australian data and terminology.

Sydney Event: Randwick Ecoliving Fair & Harmony Day Festival Sunday 6 April

The Randwick Ecoliving Fair is being held on Sunday 6 April. This year's fair includes the Harmony Day Festival, free sustainability workshops and Conversations for the Future with sustainability thinkers - Today's big challenges need small, local solutions...

WetlandCare Australia National Art Competition Winners 2008

To celebrate World Wetlands Day this year WetlandCare Australia held an Australia-wide art competition, which received more than 300 entries from all over the country. The Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority was a proud sponsor of the major 'Open Art' category. For more details on competition winners and to view the online exhibition click here or, if you do not have flash installed, click here.

1st National Local Government Environment Conference

9 - 11 July, 2008
Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns, Queensland

The environment is at the forefront of community and government interest, particularly in light of the climate change agenda. In addition, issues such as planning reforms, sustainability, natural resource management and waste are all squarely on the national agenda.

What does this mean for Australian local government and what is the current status of State and Federal Government policy in these critical areas? By drawing on key presenters from all levels of government and the private sector, case studies and the latest thinking from national experts, the 1st National Local Government Environment Conference will provide a unique insight into the opportunities and challenges for Australian local governments in managing the environment into the future.

CSIRO Urban Systems research program

CSIRO's Urban Systems research program brings together multi-disciplinary teams to develop new technologies and approaches to promote more sustainable urban planning and design outcomes.

Positions vacant in Sydney

1. Tidy Towns Coordinator - Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, email Peter McLean, Chief Executive Officer
2. Project Leader - Climate Recovery, Blacktown City Council
3. Environmental Project Coordinator - The Watershed, Marrickville Council
   

New Caring for our Country program details announced

Caring for our Country is the Australian Government's new natural resource management program. Information on the program is now available here. Most detail is contained in the Questions and answers section.

Top water scientist Cullen dies

Asa Wahlquist
The Australian
March 14, 2008

AUSTRALIA'S leading water scientist, Peter Cullen, has died after a brief illness.

Professor Cullen, 65, collapsed at his home in Gunning, north of Canberra, last Friday. He died peacefully last night in Canberra Hospital, surrounded by his family, wife Vicky and daughters Belinda and Michelle. No cause of death was released.

Professor Cullen was best known for his advocacy of Australia's inland rivers, and his role as a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.

Since news of his critical illness became public, the Wentworth Group has been inundated with calls from a wide range of people expressing their concern for Professor Cullen and asking, "Who will speak for the rivers now?"

Read the full article here.

Six-pronged plan to replace Howard's green scheme

Stephanie Peatling
The Sydney Morning Herald
March 14, 2008

THE Howard government's flagship environmental program, which handed out nearly $3 billion to community groups, and landholders will be scrapped.

The Natural Heritage Trust will be replaced by a $2.25 billion fund called Caring For Our Country, to be announced by the federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, today.

The money will go to community groups, farmers and other land managers who focus on the six themes of the new fund: the national reserve scheme, coasts and aquatic habitats, biodiversity and natural icons, sustainable farm practices, remote and northern Australia, and local engagement.

Read the full article here.

WA’s Water Future (Water Recycling) Forum 18 March 2008

When: Tuesday 18th March 2008 9am – 5pm
Where: The University Club of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Nedlands
Registrations close: Monday 17th March

Western Australia is one of the hottest and driest places on earth. Securing a sustainable water source is one of the most urgent challenges facing our state. A number of potential solutions to WA’s water situation have been offered including one of the more divisive, already being adopted in other states, to recycle our wastewater. Is wastewater recycling the solution to our State’s future water needs? What targets should we, the Western Australian community, be looking to reach in the next 20 years in relation to using treated wastewater? How do we reach this target?

The Conservation Council of Western Australia with the support of the Water Corporation will bring together community, government, industry and scientists to discuss Western Australia’s future water needs and address the debate surrounding one proposed solution to our water crisis to recycle wastewater. Speakers will consider the complexities, strengths and weaknesses associated with wastewater recycling with all participants given an opportunity to engage with critical ideas and seek solutions to influence the direction of sustainable outcomes for water, for both the environment and for human use, in the future.

For further information visit the Conservation Council of Western Australia website.

New residential energy efficiency scheme for South Australia

The South Australian Government has announced the new Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) which will commence from 1 January 2009. Under the REES energy retailers operating in South Australia are required to achieve targets for:

• Delivering energy audits to low income households; and
• Implementing energy efficiency improvements in households, such as ceiling insulation, draught proofing and more efficient appliances. A proportion of these must be delivered to low income households.

All South Australian households will be able to participate in the scheme. For many this is likely to be at little or no cost as energy retailers are expected to offer households incentives to adopt energy saving measures. Householders will be able to take up incentives offered by any retailer. The Government has started a consultation process with energy retailers and other stakeholders to achieve the most effective implementation of the REES.

World first environmental rating for Melbourne's new Convention Centre

The new Melbourne Convention Centre has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star environmental rating, the first in the world for a convention centre. The 6 Star Green Star environmental rating was awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) under its Green Star - Convention Centre rating tool for the convention centre's innovative environmental design and operational features. A 5 Star Green Star rating signifies Australian excellence but a 6 Star Green Star rating stands out as setting new global standards for a convention centre. For further information see the Melbourne Convention Centre Development website.

Brisbane's Core Biodiversity Network Map

Brisbane’s plan for growth has introduced the draft Core Biodiversity Network map, which shows habitat areas and shows how they are linked by ecological corridors. The Core Biodiversity Network is intended to assist the protection and restoration of habitat areas and ecological corridors and to be a valuable planning tool to report more biodiversity friendly development patterns.

Threatened and pest animals of Greater Southern Sydney

A major study to record the distribution and abundance of, and threats facing, native animals of the Greater Southern Sydney Region was undertaken by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and the Sydney Catchment Authority between 2002 and 2007. Project staff mapped fauna habitat, and surveyed animals and assessed their conservation status, in the bushland around southern Sydney, Wollongong and the southern Blue Mountains. The study provided much information to help the community ensure the long-term survival of these animals and reduce the impacts of pests. To view the study report visit the DECC website.

Total Environment Centre criticises Western Sydney Biodiversity Certification

The Total Environment Centre (TEC) has criticised biodiversity certification for development of Sydney’s northwest and south-west growth centres, saying that it is seriously flawed, contains inadequate scientific assessment, and will result in loss of valuable native vegetation.

TEC urban campaigner Mr Leigh Martin said "The process approved by the NSW government will result in the loss of 1,867ha of high and medium conservation value native vegetation. This is a major impact on an already severely depleted resource in Western Sydney”.

For further information visit the TEC website.

Invitation to participate - Sustainability at Work Survey

Sustainability, climate change and carbon neutral are words on the tips of our tongues. Daily we are reminded of impact we are having on the environment. Sustainable Insight is keen for you to have your say on sustainability and climate change and how this relates to your work and place of employment.

The individual responses to the survey will be kept confidential. A report with the consolidated response will be made available through our website for organisations and governments to review and use. This survey should take no more than 10 minutes of your time and will help us understand more about what you think about sustainability. Your response is important for our future and our children's future. This is your chance to let the leaders of our community guide us in the right direction.

To participate click here. Responses to the survey will close 30 March 2008. Thank you for you time and I hope you get to enjoy our thank you gift at the end of the survey.

Regards,
Grant Axman-Friend
Sustainable Insight
http://www.sustainableinsight.com.au/

Position Vacant - Bush Care Coordinator, Blacktown City Council, Sydney

Blacktown City Council is seeking to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic and appropriately qualified and experienced professional to assume a restructured position within the Environmental and Recreation Services Directorate. Demonstrating you have the necessary skills to undertake a highly demanding and challenging role as a team member, with responsibilities encompassing the efficient operation and integration of Councils Bushland and Wetlands Operations, Bushcare groups and volunteers.

A competitive salary within Band 3 Level 3 of Councils Salary System will be negotiated with the successful applicant dependant upon qualifications, experience and competency standards attained, with benefits of Councils Enterprise Agreement 2006 being applicable. A leaseback vehicle will be made available in accordance with Councils Leaseback Vehicle Scheme.

Written applications addressing the key responsibilities of the position, marked private and confidential and suitably endorsed should be forwarded to, General Manager, Blacktown City Council, PO Box 63, Blacktown NSW 2148 or email to council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au. All enquiries should be made to Mr Eddie Rogers, Manager Open Space on (02) 9839 6328. The position job description can be accessed on Council's website at www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au. Position will close at 4.30pm Thursday 20 March 2008.

National Urban Water Governance Program

The National Urban Water Governance Program is comprised of a group of social research projects that are investigating the changing governance of traditional urban water management in Australia. For example, new thinking such as the Australian innovation of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and Integrated Urban Water Management are gaining prominence and this is leading to change and reform agendas (i.e. the Australian Government's National Water Initiative). However, at the same time there is a growing and diverse group of local and international commentators that suggest this shift has, at best, been slow and that many of the impediments to change are institutional and social, rather than technical. Therefore, the program is intended to help facilitate progress towards achieving a 'water sensitive' city by investigating a number of recognised knowledge gaps in relation to:

• understanding the current institutional, organisational and professional impediments and their relationships to advancing more sustainable urban water management, and
• understanding how to effectively enable institutional development and organisational change that encourages the wide-spread implementation of sustainable forms of urban water management.

The research will draw from a number of social science theories to better understand and explain: the transition from 'traditional' to 'new' forms of governance; the barriers creating institutional inertia to further change, and how to improve institutional capacity and organisational change.

2008 - International Year of Planet Earth

The General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). Its subtitle Earth Sciences for Society reflects the IYPE’s main ambition: to make our planet a safer, healthier and wealthier place for its societies around the globe by ensuring a greater and more effective use of the knowledge accumulated by the world’s 400,000 Earth scientists. The International Year of Planet Earth was officially launched at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris on 12 and 13 February. Visit the IYPE website with further information.

Update on National Water Commission Urban Water Advisory Group

The National Water Commission (NWC) established the Urban Water Advisory Group (UWAG) in 2006 to provide expert advice to the Commission and the parties to the National Water Initiative (NWI). The UWAG assists NWI parties and the Commission to implement the NWI in order to achieve the urban reform outcomes prescribed in the NWI.

Members include some of Australia's leading urban water experts from government, non-government, academic and community organisations. The Commission held its 3rd UWAG meeting late last year. The meeting focused on establishing a vision for urban water management in the year 2050 and set out interventions and measures needed to achieve the 2050 vision statement. To do this, the group compiled and presented five Urban Water Vision papers for the year 2050. The papers were authored by Peter Cullen, National Water Commissioner, Ross Young, Water Services Association of Australia, Simon Fane, Institute for Sustainable Futures and Graham Dooley, previously United Utilities. Graham Turner from the CSIRO provided context around expected urban demographics in 2050.

The group identified four broad areas that need further attention to progress sustainable urban water management. These areas were:

• reliability of water supply;
• institutional reform (to amongst other things, encourage innovation)
• encouraging markets and sophisticated pricing, and
• measures to improve environmental sustainability (including Water Sensitive Urban Design and climate change and greenhouse gas production and stewardship).

Significant progress has been made in implementing the NWI as evidenced in the 1st Biennial Assessment of the National Water Initiative but there is still much that needs to be done. With assistance from the UWAG the Commission can target areas where more gains can be achieved. The Urban Water Advisory Group’s 2050 vision statement is currently being prepared.

Mobility - Sustainable Cities Round Table Melbourne

SustainableMelbourne.com and the Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab would like to invite you to the upcoming Sustainable Cities Round Table. The theme for this event is "mobility".

Monday 17 March, 6 - 8:30pm (including drinks)
Yasuko Hiroaka Room, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, the University of Melbourne
RSVP ESSENTIAL - email fedwards@unimelb.edu.au by 12 March.

The Sustainable Cities Round Tables showcase local environmental initiatives and encourage networking for people working in urban sustainability issues across the government, academic, industry and community sectors. The theme for the next event is 'mobility' - which includes looking at innovative new ways of sustainable transport, travel, movement and connection. Confirmed speakers and topics include:

• Daniel from the Conservo Biofuel service station;
• Dr John Grant, walkable cities expert;
• Bruce Herbes, 3D maps for pedestrians;
• David Fewchuk, Aurora solar cars;
• Bill from Human Powered Cycles;
• Steven Ingrouville, ultra light rail and hovercrafts;
• Dianne Moy and Kathleen Turner, VEIL, connecting quarter schools;
• Paul McKay from Cyclovia; and
• Marie Watt, artist both exhibiting and presenting her artwork about traffic.

Please RSVP your name and organisation to fedwards@unimelb.edu.au by 12 March as seats are limited. Attendees are also welcome to bring along promotional materials of their sustainability initiatives.

The Sidney Myer Asia Centre is located on Swanston Street at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus. For a map of the campus see
http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/propertyandbuildings/whereis.php3?subcat=8

World rallies for Earth Hour - Saturday 29 March

Earth Hour is to be held on Saturday 29 March 8-9pm – Turn off your lights and see the difference you can make in the fight against global warming. More than ten of the world’s major cities have pledged their support for Earth Hour 2008, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) led climate change initiative that is gaining worldwide momentum. Go to the Earth Hour website for more information.

Australian solar technology shines

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, welcomed the launch of a major new joint venture to build what is expected to be the biggest and most efficient solar power plant in the world. Australian company Solar Systems and TRUenergy will construct the $420 million photovoltaic solar plant in northern Victoria. TRUenergy is a subsidiary of the China Light and Power Group, one of the largest power utilities in Asia. Senator Wong said the project would use world-leading technology developed by Solar Systems, drawing on high performance solar cells originally developed to power satellites. When completed it is expected to produce enough clean energy to power up to 45,000 homes. The Australian Government will contribute up to $79.5 million towards the project, with the Victorian Government also providing $50 million to help make it happen. See http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080225a.pdf

Latest Sydney "Mambara" newsletter now available

The latest new-look Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Mambara newsletter is now available. In this issue, find out about Wetlands for wildlife, Sydney's bird watcher groups, Flying-fox management and much more!

To download a copy visit the Sydney Metropolitan CMA website.

Councils to identify risks from rising seas

All councils around the Australian coastline will be required review their town plans against a detailed assessment of risks posed by rising sea levels under an Australian Government blueprint to prepare for coastal inundation. Work has already begun on the risk assessment through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) amid fears that councils could be approving development in areas at risk of future inundation. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong confirmed the plan recently saying "Although this is an area for which the states have primary responsibility, it is nationally important because of the potentially significant economic impacts." The Government has also confirmed that it is organising a national summit on the risks posed by rising sea levels, as well as establishing a $2 million fund to help councils identify and prioritise climate change risks and develop management plans. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has stated that councils need better quality information to assess the level of risk to their communities and to deal with applications for property development in areas at risk of future inundation. ALGA, as part of COAG, is working with the other spheres of Government to address the issues associated with climate change, such as risk assessment and an adaptation framework.

First council emissions trading scheme set for launch

Eight councils have committed to participate in the trial of an Australian-first greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme for Local Government, which is on track to begin in March this year. The New South Wales metropolitan councils of Randwick, Lane Cove, Auburn, Ashfield and Leichhardt have so far confirmed they will participate in the trial, along with the regional councils of Cootamundra, Cowra and Kiama. The ‘Local Government Emissions Trading Scheme’, will be a five-year trial that aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of participating councils by 4% each year. Kiama Shire Council's Mayor, Sandra McCarthy, says the scheme will encourage new and innovative ways for regional and urban councils to work together to help reduce greenhouse gases. It is also hoped the trial will promote the exchange of information about greenhouse gas-saving initiatives between councils from different regions. Councils will be able to earn carbon credits by investing in energy efficiency, solar and wind power, hybrid and LNG cars or tree planting. NSW councils are still able to join the trial and have until March 1, 2008 to register. For more information or to join the emissions trading trial, contact Randwick City Council’s Manager of Sustainability, Peter Maganov, on (02) 9399 0554 or by email at peter.maganov@randwick.nsw.gov.au.