Knox Park Murwillumbah, Sunday 8th June, 10am – 3pm Further info to follow.
World Environment Day 2025
NEFA: Koala claims are yet more false information by loggers
“The loggers are once again spreading false information in their attempts to stop the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), this time by claiming that the assessment of Koalas was based upon Koala scat searches when they know it was based upon comprehensive drone surveys that identified actual Koalas. For the GKNP repeated night time drone…
March to “End Native Forest Logging!”, Byron Bay Sunday 23rd March, national event
Correspondence In: “Dear Caldera Environment Centre, I am writing on behalf of the Bob Brown Foundation to invite you to our Bundjalung Country event for the nationwide March in March for Native Forests on Sunday 23rd March, starting at 10am at Railway Park in Byron Bay. A big crowd coming out to “End native forest logging!”…
Which Land Sites for Development? The Tweed Shire Council Draft Options Paper for the Growth Management and Housing Strategy: Councillors Request Clarity
The TSC ‘Final Options Paper‘, nominating 69 sites to be proposed for development or further development, was on the agenda of the December ’24 Tweed Shire Council Public Meeting. It was noted by Councillors however that the ‘Final Options’ presented by Council staff has combined several previously separately identified sites, clouding clear identification of environmental and…
Recommended: Refill tablet for household cleaning sprays
Plastic production reduction – don’t buy a new plastic spray bottle of cleaner each time, instead use an empty plastic spray bottle or get a glass spray bottle from us, then add the refill tablet, and then add water. The refill tablets are available at the Caldera Environment Centre and Shop. Not dwelling on the…
Birdlife Northern Rivers speaks prior to the 20 February Council Meeting pertaining to the letter in its earlier post. Council approves a motion as stated below.
1. That Council approves the advertising of its intention to dispose of the properties at 39 and 41 West End Street in Murwillumbah (Lots 5 and 6 in DP1303298) by Public Auction in accordance with Council’s Policy for the Disposal of Land v1.3 and invites written submissions on the proposal be made within 28 days…
Birdlife Northern Rivers: “Council’s Plan for area including 39 West End Street Murwillumbah”
“Mr Troy GreenGeneral ManagerTweed Shire CouncilPO Box 816 Murwillumbah NSW 2484 Dear Mr Green REF: Council’s Plan for area including 39 West End Street Murwillumbah I am writing to enquire into Council’s plans following the purchase of the property at 39 West End St and completion of the pumping station adjacent to the Murwillumbah Sewage Treatment Works (STW).…
Nature in the Balance, Bob Brown and Mandy Nolan at the Murbah Civic Centre
Bob Brown and Mandy Nolan will be at the Murbah Civic Centre on Friday 21st February, 7pm, the event is titled ‘Nature in the Balance, Keynote, conversation and Q&A. https://www.mandy4richmond.com/nature_in_thebalance
Tweed Shire Climate Action Cafés
TSC: “Tweed Shire Council’s Climate Action Cafés are workshops that will bring people together to explore, connect and deepen ideas to reduce the impacts of climate change. We already have a palette of possibilities – now it’s time to prioritise these projects and commit to action. “Choose one of these events to attend: Climate Action…
Dear TSC: 18.1.Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Upgrade Options Peer Review
Birdlife Northern Rivers: “Dear Councillors, Regarding Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Upgrade Options Peer Review. Birdwatchers frequent Tweed Shire Wastewater Treatment Plants (Hastings, Banora, Chinderah and Murwillumbah). Birdwatchers often enjoy visiting wastewater treatment plants because they provide a rich and readily available food source for birds due to the nutrient-rich water, attracting a diverse…
TIMBER INDUSTRY DEMANDS for COMPO for KOALA PARK REJECTED as BASELESS
Bellingen ENVIRONMENT CENTRE INC: Timber industry demands for millions of dollars in compensation for the Great Koala National Park’s creation, have been rejected by the Bellingen Environment Centre in a letter to NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, which described the demands as ‘lacking any basis in law.’ “Treasurer Mookhey cannot tell the NSW public that there…
The Forest Telegraph Newsletter (Sydney): “NSW Labor Shafts Koalas”
NEFA: “Forestry Corporation retrospectively slash timber yields by 28%”
NEFA: “The Forestry Corporation has reduced yields from public native forests in NSW by 28%, though they are only doing so by dramatically reducing the volumes of products they previously claimed to have obtained in each of the past 3 years, according to the North East Forest Alliance. The Forestry Corporation is legally required to…
TSC to report on possible adoption of Single Use Plastics and Materials Policy
Motion to TS Council Meeting, Dec 24, by Councillor Nola Firth (Greens): “That Council bring back a report on issues involved in adopting a Single Use Plastics and Materials Policy similar to the one that was recently implemented by Byron Shire Council.” “The (neighbouring) Byron Shire has recently implemented a strong Single Use Plastics and…
We’re Back!
The Caldera Environment Centre and Shop are, thankfully, back with a premises in town again. Looking forward to seeing you all again and anew. 2/43 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah
Great Koala National Park
Open letter to Premier Minns and the NSW Government January 10, 2025. IT IS PAST TIME FOR THE MINNS GOVERNMENT TO STOP LOGGING THE GREAT KOALA NATIONAL PARK. THEY MUST HONOUR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROTECT IT. The Minns’ Government was elected on a promise to save Koalas and create the Great Koala National Park, but…
The Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Market, Saturday 21st of December
Murwillumbah Makers and Finders Market, Knox Park Murwillumbah, Saturday the 21st of December, The Caldera Environment Centre and Shop will be there.
Fridays4Forests
Today at the second weekly Fridays4Forests session, opposite the Murwillumbah post office, three members of the CEC, collected a good number of signed petitions to the premier and local federal member, to stop logging native forests.
Great Koala National park
Why We Need a Great Koala National Park. The countdown is on, the assessments are complete or nearly so, and a decision on the GKNP will be made this year – though might not be announced until next year. So we need a concerted lobbying effort over the next month to maximise the outcome for…
The Windfarm Threat to The Great Dividing Range
The Great Dividing Range is a magnificent series of connected mountain ranges that form the backbone of eastern Australia. Stretching over 3,500 kilometres from the tropical north to the temperate south, this ancient landscape is home to some of the most ecologically significant habitats on Earth. Sadly, this natural wonder is facing severe threats from major…
CEC Movie Club: The Forest
The story of an ecologist with a plan to save the world by restoring the planet’s forests. His original work was hijacked by corporations and politicians with disastrous effect. Now he’s using science to fight back. Includes a segment with Professor David Lindenmayer, author of The Forest Wars, available from the NEW Caldera Environment Center…
Landcare field day
Tweed Landcare invites you to attend a free Landcare field day in focused on balancing property management for cattle and biodiversity conservation. Presented by North Coast Regional Landcare, Tweed Land Care Inc. and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, the session will demonstrate the benefits of balanced land management for farmers. The field day, held on Bundjalung Country, will include…
Highway to Hell: Are we stuck in a Climate Action Cul-de-sac?
With ever-increasing frequency of floods, intense storms and bushfires, we know the climate crisis is accelerating. We also know that the solutions are with us, the everyday people who hold the power to vote and compel decision-makers to enact the right policies for the health of our planet. I’m Chels Hood Whithey, Founder of House…
Silent Spring
The extraordinary story of a lowly-paid public servant who launched an environmental conservation movement and became an unlikely 1960s pop culture icon. Using a combination of lyrical writing and fact driven journalism, when Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published in 1963 it alerted the world …19 Dec 202419 December 2024 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/search?query=theBooks that changedUs SilentSpringRachel Carson
Native Forests Rally Mullumbimby
Native Forests Rally in Mullumbimby at the Civic HallSunday November 3rd 10am I am writing on behalf of the Bob Brown Foundation to ask for your involvement in the nationwide Rally for Native Forests on Sun 3 Nov at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall and Cenotaph Park. The rally itself is from 11-12, and this is bookended…
The Wollumbin Caldera
Text in progress, apologies. —— A ‘Caldera’ is the geographical remnant of an extinct volcano. … the soft red volcanic soil washed away over eons, revealing the circular landscape feature of the outer wall of the caldera, formed from a harder magna material inducted below the surface, with the central hardstone ‘plug’ of the volcano…
Find Us
The Caldera Environment Centre and Shop is at 2/43 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah. (Next to Whole Foods). 43 Wollumbin StreetMurwillumbah NSW 2484Australia Email: caldera@calderaenvironmentcentre.org Web: http://calderaenvironmentcentre.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calderaenvironmentcentre CEC Shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calderaenvironmentcentreshop/ Post: PO Box 5090 South Murwillumbah NSW 2484 Australia
Heal the Rivers
Heal the Rivers is an Indigenous-led initiative focusing on the restoration of cultural landscapes and implementing nature-based solutions for flood mitigation and adaptation across the Northern Rivers. Jagun Aliance website: https://www.jagunalliance.org.au
petition to end logging of native forests
End public native forest logging ‘Rogue’ government agency Forestry Corporation of NSW accused of more illegal logging petition to end logging of native forests.Right now the NSW state owned logging company is logging an area larger than 10,000 football fields inside the proposed Great Koala National Park and has recently been accused of illegally logging the…
Follow the Rain
World famous fungi hunters invite audiences on a unique expedition into the wilderness of Australia, where the symbiotic dance between fungi, plants and animals, unlocks nature’s greatest secrets. We document fungi because humans are only just starting to understand how important fungi are to life on our planet and how critical they are in protecting…
What the gas giants knew all along
From The Saturday Paper The founding chair of Australia’s oldest fossil fuel industry association was aware at least as early as 1969 that burning oil, gas and coal had the potential to cause harm, according to newly recovered materials. However, legal experts say that under Australian law it is unlikely companies will be held to…
An Evening with the federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek
When: 6:30pm, Thursday, 15th August 2024 Where: Online, via Zoom And you can invite others to join you at the event with this link: https://www.nature.org.au/evening_with_the_minister_2024?recruiter_id=52205 I look forward to seeing you then. Ed MortimerOrganising DirectorNature Conservation Council of NSW
Climate Community Convergence event!
Hi Friends of the Koala Inc, Are you and your community free on Saturday 22 June from 10:00am – 3:00pm Rising Tide is going on Tour and coming to Bangalow for a Climate Community Convergence event! In November 2023, Rising Tide organised The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port, which saw over 3,000…
Minister won’t step in over alleged logging breaches
An audit found Forestry Corporation breached greater glider search rules 188 times in eight weeks. NSW’s environment minister has refused to intervene amid fears the government’s own Forestry Corporation could be illegally destroying the den trees of endangered greater gliders. Penny Sharpe has voted against a motion, brought by the Greens in parliament, calling for…
Environment Initiatives
Tweed Shire Council has lots of opportunities for you to have your say about Sustainability and Environment initiatives, including: Energy Access and Poverty plan Electric Vehicle Charging in the Tweed Community Action Network May Sustainable Food Climate Change Adaptation reference Group For More information go to TSC website
CEC at Kinship Festival
The Caldera Environment Centre will have a stall at the Kinship Festival on May 25 at Knox Park. Come and check out our range of environmental books and grass roots products, such as stainless steel clothes pegs, water bottles and native plants. As well as Plant ID and children’s books, we have the recently launched…
The Forest Wars
Professor David Lindenmayer AO, in his new book, The Forest Wars, lifts the lid on destruction of native forests by government corporations and logging industry that is making bushfires worse, killing wildlife and costing taxpayers millions, for the sake of woodchips for export. David Lindenmayer reveals an unholy alliance between state forestry, the timber industry…
State Government Koala Strategy
From our friends at North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) a flyer to encourage your response to the State Governments Koala Strategy. The most important thing to emphasise is habitat. We need to see an end to native forest logging as in Western Australia and Victoria. Currently logging is happening in the proposed Koala National Park. Submissions due 26th April.
TSC, Increased Roadside Weed Management, 3 Year Contract
Weeds, along with habitat loss and feral animals, are the top causes of the loss of biodiversity in NSW. Cnclr Nola Firth: “We in the tweed are responsible for one of the most diverse places in Australia and one where we have the most threatened species. “Despite this weeds are proliferating along our road side…
Draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy
Passing this on from The Northern Rivers Guardians. Friends: A few weeks ago, we alerted you to Tweed Shire Council’s Draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy that was exhibited for public comment. The draft raises many questions about what the shire will be like in the future, including how to best preserve the region as…
March for the Forests
Sunday 10am Gather at Riverside Park. Lismore Will you March in March in Lismore with us? We can protect our native forests, restore our landscapes, expand our plantation base and create thousands of jobs in the regions. We need a national strategy to guide this important work, and we need to move urgently – to 100%…
The Australian Gas Royalties Issue:
Facts: Quatar sells less gas than Australia and makes Au$ XXX bn. Australia sells more gas than Quatar and makes A$ XXX bn. Why?
ePetition: Increase Penalties for Urban Forest Tree Vandalism and Recognise Trees as Natural Assets
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY – ePetition: To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, In November 2023, Lane Cove witnessed the worst act of environmental vandalism in its history. Nearly 300 trees and plants were illegally removed from Council-owned bushland in Longueville. Local governments received more than 1000+ reports of trees being damaged or killed in…
Caldera Update
Both state and federal governments are responsible for decisions which erode environmental protection. The Caldera Environment Centre is supporting environmental protection groups, Fridays4Forests, North East Forest Alliance, Northern Rivers Guardians to call for immediate action to protect native forests and species habitat, for their intrinsic ecological, biodiversity and carbon services. On Friday 8th March from…
NCC: The government is currently seeking feedback on changes to the Environmental Protection Act.
Macchiato: “The federal government’s changes to national environment laws are our chance to secure real protections for nature. Imagine living in a society without extinction. Imagine knowing that our forests, oceans, rivers, and wildlife were being defended from further harm. Imagine being confident that no matter who is trying to make a profit, our critical ecosystems would be protected…
A Sad Decision for Nationally Threatened Species – “This judgement means that it is valid to roll over Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) forever-more based on data collated in 1997″
NORTH EAST FOREST ALLIANCE: “Justice Perry ‘s judgement of today in North East Forest Alliance vs The Commonwealth of Australia is that no contemporaneous [‘at that time’] assessment is required before extending Regional Forest Agreements beyond the originally intended 20 years, noting: the question of whether or not to enter into or vary an intergovernmental…
EDO: “We’ll keep fighting to protect NSW forests after disappointing court decision.”
Environmental Defenders Office: “I have an important update to share with you about our case to protect NSW forests and native wildlife. The bulldozing of forests is driving Australia’s extinction crisis. Yet under the RFA, native forest logging is exempt from federal biodiversity assessment designed to protect nationally threatened species and ecosystems. The North East NSW Regional…
Find Us
Find Us – Archived The Caldera Environment Centre and Shop have lost our 4 Queen Street Murwillumbah leased building. We are seeking alternative accomodation. Phone: Our landline is no longer active. Email: caldera@calderaenvironmentcentre.org Web: http://calderaenvironmentcentre.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calderaenvironmentcentre CEC Shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calderaenvironmentcentreshop/ Post: PO Box 5090 South Murwillumbah NSW 2484
Tweed Shire Council Monthly Public Meeting Agenda and Minutes (links)
The Monthly Public Meeting of Council Council publishes the upcoming Monthly Public Meeting Agenda and subsequent meeting Minutes here: link. eMail notifications for the agenda of forthcoming meetings as they become available can be subscribed to also via the above link.
Birdlife Northern Rivers
Public education plays an important role in what we [Birdlife Northern Rivers] do. We have placed signs at important roosting, feeding and breeding sites from the Tweed River in the north, to the Port Macquarie coast and at inland areas identifying significant Regent Honeyeater habitat. Additional signs, posters and Bird Routes brochures have been developed…
EDO:
“… an important update … Sadly, the court dismissed our arguments, meaning that the approvals are valid, and the loggers are free to move into this still-recovering habitat once again.” “Earlier this year, the Forestry Corporation of NSW began logging the Myrtle and Braemar state forests which provide critical habitat for endangered koalas in the…
Nightcap National Park: Going Back in Time, Birdwatching in an Ancient Rainforest
Byron Magazine, photography and text re Nightcap National Park / birdwatching.
Update Regarding Caravan Park proposed on Pottsville Koala habitat
Notice from proponent’s lawyers, 3rd April 2024, an on-site “… conciliation conference under section 34 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979 (Conciliation Conferen… If the matter is not resolved at the Conciliation Conference, the matter will proceed to a hearing at a date to be fixed.” ———- Development Application no. DA23/0302 (112 sites,…
NCC: “Habitat clearing – the elephant in the bush”
The Nature Conservation Council: “50 million trees. More emissions than Sydney, every year! This is the devastating impact of habitat clearing across NSW. Help us [NCC, Nature Conservation Council] end this destruction. We are lucky to live amongst some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems on the planet. For tens of thousands of years,…
Black Cockatoo Film and Talk
There is a Black Cockatoo Crisis! Brunswick Valley Landcare present a film fundraiser: ‘Black Cockatoo Crisis – the extinction clock is ticking on our Black Cockatoos.’ Including a short talk on our own Northern Rivers, Glossy Black Cockatoos, and Glossy Squad.
Picnic for Nature, Chillingham
Saturday 18th October, 11am till 2pm, Community Gardens.
Community Information Session, ‘Cudgen Connection’
Despite this subject development proposal being prohibited on State Significant Farmland (SSF), and promises there would be no further development on the Cudgen Plateau SSF the Cudgen Connection proposed development has come to life yet again. Proposed development: “As you are aware we have a proposal for a $300M+ health, education and essential worker housing precinct for…
Recommended Website: NEFA – the North East Forest Aliance
NEFA are currently in a legal challenge against New South Wales government forest ‘management’ authorities. Read more, …
The Caldera Environment Centre “Still the best Environmental Bookshop in the Northern Rivers” will be at the Mur’bah Makers and Finders Market, Knox Park, third Saturday each month.
The Caldera Environment Centre: “Still the best Environmental Bookshop in the Northern Rivers.” –
BEACH WALK FOR YES THIS SUNDAY
Kingscliff Beach, Sunday 24th September ‘22
Walk for YES This Sunday
Support a Voice for Country – Walk this Sunday Sept 17, 10:30 from Tweed Civic Ctr.
Tweed Shire Council – Conservation Strategy: Help shape the future of the Tweed’s natural environment.
A draft of the Tweed Shire Council Conservation Strategy is now available for review. “The Conservation Strategy will guide Tweed Shire Council’s actions to protect, improve, collaborate and adapt to conserve the Tweed’s natural environment for future years to come. “Help shape the future of the Tweed’s natural environment by providing feedback on the draft…
Climate Changers film screening & Q&A Regent Theatre Murwillumbah
The film ‘Climate Changers’ follows Australian scientist and conservationist Tim Flannery in his global search for leadership on climate change. Watch the trailer here (link) “The screening is part of a national event on September 17th, which will see audiences at more than 30 cinemas across the country watch the film together and join a…
TSC asks your input to the Coast and Estuaries Coastal Management Program
TSC: “Let us know what matters to you: what do you love about the coast, how do you use the coast, what are your priorities and what would you change, your ideas for the future. You can provide feedback until 31st October Online: Complete the survey below, or Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au, …
CEC Membership Application
Your membership adds weight to our organisation’s voice as we seek to influence Council and government decision making to better protect and enhance the natural environment of the Caldera. Single $10, Family $15, Under 21yrs $5. For annual membership of the Caldera Environment Centre Association: Please follow the Join Now button below, add your name…
Zombie Developments: Communities Organise to Stop Developments Approved Decades Ago
Many of these developments were approved decades ago, avoiding environmental, cultural heritage and other impact assessments that are required today. “Communities right along the length of the NSW coast are fighting to protect sensitive coastal bushland and villages from dozens of inappropriate developments that will change our beautiful coast forever if allowed to go ahead.…
Bob Brown: “The Logging Must End.”
“We are back in these forests today in a rescue mission, to stand between the machines and the giant centuries old trees.”
CEC Facebook
Please also see our CEC Facebook Site.
What is “ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY”?
Sustainability is … CONTINUABILITY, the ability of something to sustain, to continue. The Environment is … the whole of NATURE, the Ecology, the systems of inter-related, inter-dependent lifeforms on this planet. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IS THE ABILITY OF NATURE TO CONTINUE. Nature organically sustains itself through time, naturally regenerating and continuing to exist. For hundreds of…
UPDATE: EDO / NEFA Legal Action to Stop Myrtle and Braemar State Forests Logging
EDO: “… a quick update on our case to stop logging operations in vital koala habitat in north-east NSW and share some positive news. On Wednesday 2 August, EDO lawyers went to the NSW Land and Environment Court, seeking an urgent injunction to stop logging in Myrtle and Braemar state forests. Our client, the North…