There will be a drop-in session at Murwillumbah Civic Centre’s Canvas and Kettle Room, Thursday February 1 from 7pm to 8:30pm. The session will cover the more than 140 proposed actions in the Draft Strategy which will shape the future of rural land use in Tweed Shire. Draft Rural Land Strategy on exhibition until 28th February.
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Journey to Stop Adani frontline
A journey to the front line is being arranged by the Northern Rivers Stop Adani Group leaving on January 13 and returning on January 21. Living costs for the week on the front line are $250 and include everything. For more information look up the Stop Adani Byron Shire Facebook page. You can also post questions and ask someone to contact you on the Facebook page.
A social night on January 9 at Mullumbimby Commons, 91 Main Arm Road from 6 to 9pm will help inform the community about what is taking place as well as provide information on the upcoming journey and encourage people to get involved. Alternatively every Monday at 6.30pm a strategy meeting is held upstairs at the Middle Pub in Mullumbimby to discuss how to effectively move the campaign forward.
Frontline Action on Coal
Ways to help from home http://www.frontlineaction.org/get-involved
To join the frontline action http://www.frontlineaction.org/pledge/
VICTORY. Downer drops Adani!
This is HUGE!!
Downer quietly dropped to the stock exchange this morning that they will no longer build or operate Adani’s Carmichael mine.
Adani are pretending that it’s ‘mutual’, that they can build the mine themselves. But Adani have never built a mine in Australia and never built a mine this big. They simply can’t do it without huge delays, massive costs and extra risk to investors.
We’ve led the campaign to get Downer out of bed with Adani. Hundreds of citizens have blockaded Downer industrial sites day and night, bought shares, protested, donated and even got arrested. Please honour their efforts and celebrate this victory by:
- Sharing this news story
- Sharing our Facebook post, excited video and Tweet
- Donating to our fighting fund so we can target Aurizon, Gina, Macmines or whoever is next
Thank you for your ongoing support. Together we will win!
EDO Fact Sheets
North Coast Koala Survey
This survey is part of a research project to identify where you see koalas in the North Coast region and to learn your preferences for future koala management and conservation. Take the survey at www.northcoastkoala.net
Stand with the Wangan & Jagalingou people
At any moment, the Queensland Government could extinguish Wangan and Jagalingou native title rights in the Galilee Basin – the land Adani wants to build their Carmichael mega mine on. [1]
The Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) Family Council have already said NO to Adani four times and are in the midst of a court battle to protect their country. [2]
It’s urgent: in the last few days, the newly elected Queensland Government was asked by W&J to give assurance that they would not extinguish native title until the Federal court case, but the Queensland Government has refused to make this commitment. [3]
This means they could trample Indigenous rights at any moment.
Can you stand with the Wangan and Jagalingou people and make a phone call to tell the Queensland Government not to extinguish native title under any circumstances? Read more on the W&J website.
NCC takes govt to court on land clearing laws
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has launched legal proceedings in the Land and Environment Court seeking to overturn land-clearing codes made under the Local Land Services Act earlier this year.
You can read more about the case and donate to help fund the case on the NCC website here.
Grounds of the case:
- Failure to adequately consider the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development
The Primary Industries Minister and the Environment Minister had a legal duty to consider the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development when making the land-clearing codes. That includes proper consideration of internationally recognised legal principles such as intergenerational equity, the precautionary principle, and conservation of biodiversity. Documents obtained under freedom of information laws suggests the Ministers failed to do so.
Stop Adani Tweed campaign launch
Wednesday 13 December, 7-9 pm. Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah. Screening ‘Guarding the Galilee’ documentary, speakers, Q&A panel. Food for sale and live music from 6pm. Tickets at the door or online at http://www.trybooking.com/337282
Limpinwood logging
Logging on a property of high ecological significance at Limpinwood is causing grave concerns for locals and all people who care about native wildlife, habitat for rare and threatened species, cultural heritage, and corridor connectivity to World Heritage Areas.
Unauthorised works happened on this property in 2014. Read the back story.
On 7 September 2017 Council resolved to call on the state government to investigate the logging activities on the property and to consider revoking the Private Native Forestry licence. Memo to Mayor. Council meeting minutes.
Echo article 13 September Limpinwood logging destroying koala habitat
Echo article 14 September EPA stops logging at Limpinwood for inspection
Repower NSW Week of Action
Repower Week
To celebrate Re power week
Come and speak to the Caldera Environment Centre team members at this Wednesday’s Farmers Market between 7 and 11 am at the Murwillumbah showground.
our climate and our democracy is in crisis. The Turnbull Government is pushing a coal energy target to keep our addiction to burning coal for energy. It’s outrageous. All while we have the renewable energy solutions to stop climate change and bring down power prices.
I’m more sure than ever that the only thing that is going to overcome the influence the coal lobby has on our democracy is people power and smart solutions.
Join us for the launch of the Repowering our Regions report, as report author Dr Brad Smith, talks through the report findings and what we can do locally to transition the energy system.
Ballina, Byron and Tweed Councils E zones
The North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) is calling upon Ballina, Byron and Tweed Councils to remain resolute in the face of yet another concerted effort by NSW Farmers to stop far north-coast Councils from being able to establish Environmental Zones.
“Environmental Zones (E zones) are the only way that local communities can over-ride the State Government’s new draconian land clearing laws, apply reasonable constraints on logging, and limit inappropriate developments in our most important remnant vegetation”, according to NEFA spokesperson Dailan Pugh.
“The far north coast has been identified as both a national and international Biodiversity Hotspot because of its high number of endemic species and the threats of excessive land clearing.
Renewable energy at Council
2017 Green Globe Awards
Draft Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan 2017
On exhibition until 20 December. The full exhibition material, including mapping and fact sheets and information on community sessions, is available on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage page of Council’s website.
Draft Crown Land Community Engagement Strategy
Koala Mapping and Sighting Records
Tweed Shire Council interactive koala habitat restoration mapping is now live!
Links to the mapping and to report a sighting can be found on Councils website http://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/Koalas
You can assist by sending in your sighting including a photo if taken. These sightings can also be viewed by the public.
It is important for the conservation of Koalas that information on their whereabouts is recorded.
Your input is valuable.
Draft Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan
On exhibition until 28/10/2017. https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/OnExhibition
Draft Biodiversity Development Control Plan
On exhibition until 01/12/2017.
Also the Draft Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan is on exhibition until 28/10/2017.
Stop Adani Big Day of Action Cabarita Oct 7
Draft Crown Land Management Regulation 2017
Future protection, management, use, transfer or sale of our publicly owned Crown Lands will be defined by the draft Regulation now on exhibition. The Regulations underpin the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (NSW).
Comment can be made until midnight on Sunday 15 October 2017.
Documents that explain the Draft Regulation and inform submissions are:
Draft Crown Land Management Regulation 2017 – See Highlights
Key points for submissions – Crown Lands Alliance
Tweed Shire Council submission
Submissions can be made:
Online
or Email to legislation@crownland.nsw.gov.au
or Post to
Draft Crown Land Management Regulation comments
Department of Industry Lands and Forestry
PO Box 2185
Dangar NSW 2309
Limpinwood logging – Private Native Forestry – Hewittville Pty. Ltd.
Logging on a property of high ecological significance at Limpinwood is causing grave concerns for locals and all people who care about native wildlife, habitat for rare and threatened species, cultural heritage, and corridor connectivity to World Heritage Areas.
Unauthorised works happened on this property in 2014. Read the back story.
On 7 September 2017 Council resolved to call on the state government to investigate the logging activities on the property and to consider revoking the Private Native Forestry licence. Memo to Mayor. Council meeting minutes.
Echo article 13 September Limpinwood logging destroying koala habitat
Echo article 14 September EPA stops logging at Limpinwood for inspection
Stop Adani Big Day of Action Cabarita 7 Oct
Transport Forum 25 September Murwillumbah
How do you feel about the future of public transport in our region?
A Public Forum will be held on Monday 25th September, 6 pm – 9 pm at Murwillumbah Community Centre.
Speakers:
Katie Milne – Tweed Shire Mayor
Dr Mehreen Faruqi – NSW MP & Transport spokesperson
Geoff Reid – Northern Rivers Railway Action Group
Protecting our paddock trees
Paddock trees are big, old, majestic native trees that often stand alone like sentinels from another time. They graciously provide shelter for stock, nectar for honeybees, hollows for nesting, and places of rest and safety for weary wildlife.
Studies have shown economic and environmental benefits from keeping paddock trees and small patches of native trees in a rural landscape.
Share a story about your favourite paddock tree at http://www.yoursaytweed.com.au/PaddockTrees
This page honours the humble paddock tree and aims to assist these valuable giants outlining how they can be protected.
Council is offering assistance to landholders to keep their trees in good health and assist regeneration of future trees. Click here to find out more or phone Council on (02) 6670 2419.
New solar bulk buy
Community partnered bulk buy information sessions – Sept 12-14th: Tweed, M’bah, Ballina, Lismore, Byron. The first “Farming the Sun” bulk buy round was fully subscribed. Bulk buys save 20-29% on retail prices.
The “Farming the Sun” group is up front with all their pricing and offers. Also included are prices for Reposit systems. The scheme focuses on tier 1 equipment but only one installer.
RSVP to an information session here
Lismore (Main Launch event)
- Tuesday 12 September
- 12.15pm for 12.30pm start to 1.30pm
- Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre, 16 Carrington Street
Ballina
Living for the Future Home Expo
Saturday, 16 September 2017
A free, family-friendly event offering a one-stop-shop of stalls and practical workshops to help people embrace sustainable living principles, find out more about smart housing designs and renovations to help create more affordable and environmentally-friendly homes and lifestyles in the Tweed.
Be inspired and informed:
- See the winners announced for the 2017 regional Sustainable House Day ‘Build It Local’ design competition awards and view the design entries on display. More information at http://www.sustainablehousedaynr.org/
- Join in workshops such as building with bamboo, bee keeping, easy food gardens in small spaces, and practical, inexpensive ideas for sustainable living.
- Sample delicious food from chef Daniel Lange as he shares tips to save up to $1,000 per year in food costs.
- Go in the draw to win fantastic prizes
Visit local trade stalls, community groups and talk to Council for all you need to know about smart, sustainable living in the Tweed.
Enjoy delicious food and local coffee, and make the most of free kids activities available all day.
Home Expo and Lights On Festival combine
Visitors to this year’s Expo will have a chance to enjoy an extended program of live entertainment and participate in the annual Tweed lantern parade when the new ‘Lights On the Tweed’ festival relocates to the Terranora Broadwater at Seagulls this year.
Draft Wildlife Protection Areas Policy
This is a great initiative by Council to protect and improve high conservation value public land by reducing threats to wildlife from the impacts of domestic cats and dogs.
Draft Wildlife Protection Areas Policy
The draft Policy is on public exhibition until 12 September 2017. Community is invited to comment by 26 September 2017.
Submissions can be made in writing to: The General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 or by email to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
Sunlight and Seaweed
Sunlight and Seaweed , the most recent book by Tim Flannery is a must-read book for all who want to look straight ahead at climate change and its effect on our planet and our lives. Importantly it is a book that presents hopeful solutions in the face of these challenges. Flannery believes we cannot now avoid the 2% warming level but he goes on to show that already there is innovative technology and initiatives which, if embraced in time, can mitigate the legacy we have created.
Central to the solution is a new and much more powerful method of collecting sunlight and one that allows storage of heat despite the disappearance of the sun each night. Access to such clean and abundant power, along with other developing technologies, can solve many urgent problems. For example, it will allow the cleanup of the swaths of polluted and unusable soils on the planet and of the mass of toxic rubbish in the ocean as well as giving access to unlimited use of desalinated water from the sea. Flannery also predicts that food production in the future will rely on extensive use of hydroponics as well large scale seaweed farming, the latter being also a way to substantially reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Each of the initiatives presented is already in operation and the book gives accessible detail about methodology and current development stage.