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World Environment Day Festival – Sunday 19 June 2016 – Knox Park Murwillumbah

Come Join The Race To Make The World A Better Place!

FREE environmental celebration and educational community fun day.

With Live Music – Andrea Kirwin Band,  Broadfoot

The Pitts Family Circus – Tasty Food – Environmental and Sustainable business stalls – Kids’ activities in the kids tent and workshop with Hoopla Circus – Enviro quest and prizes – Electric car demo, electric bicycles and solar trailer, composting and fermentation demo.

Speakers Room: Steve Harris, CEO of ENOVA: Australia’s first community owned renewable energy retailer – Kacey Clifford and Andrew Price from the Tyalgum Energy project – Nina Lucas from the Environmental Defenders Office on Biodiversity Protection Legislation – Michael Corke on Prioritising onground actions in Threatened Species Recovery projects – Greg Reid president of Tweed Climate Action Now on Options when the Gross Solar Feed-In Tariff ends. read more

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Fun Raising Dinner

Come for the camaraderie and help us raise funds to keep operating.  Bring your friends for dinner, trivia and entertainment on Saturday 23rd April, 6pm at New Leaf Café.

Tickets are $20 available either at the CEC or phone 02 6672 1121.

Looking forward to seeing you there and an enjoyable evening!

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ISSUES – Gold Coast Airport Pty. Ltd. (GCA) Instrument Landing System (ILS) Preliminary Draft Major Development Plan (MDP)

INTRODUCTION

Federally-leased airports in Australia are required to produce a Master Plan (MP) every 5yrs. This is effectively a blueprint for the future coordinated development of an airport over a 20yr period, with an emphasis on the first 5yrs. It includes information relating to forecast growth, airport terminals and facilities, runways and incorporates an environmental strategy.

National Aviation Policy White Paper: This Paper was released by the Federal Government 16/12/09 and its objectives formed the basis for policy directions, and administration of regulation of aviation in Australia, which included; Reinforce the importance of minimising aviation’s negative impacts on the environment and communities. The goals included; A response approach is required to managing the environmental impacts of aviation. read more

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Save Ballina’s Koalas & Treetops

Dear Friends of the Koala

The March issue of Treetops is already late and will be later still.

In part this is due to the critical stage of our campaign to persuade the Federal Minister for the Environment to reject the Ballina Koala Plan and determine against proceeding with the route chosen for Section 10 of the Pacific Highway Upgrade.

Here is a summary of our concerns with the Plan:

Concerns regarding data used in the Population Viability Analysis (PVA):

·         The PVA uses an overly-optimistic estimation of the current koala population (236), at odds with that provided to the PVA author by the field study (196).

·         The PVA underestimates the number of koalas likely to be displaced by the road’s construction (5 koalas), compared to the number, 10-14 estimated from field study observations of koalas recorded on or near the proposed route. read more

Further consultation on NSW coastal reforms

Media release – 25 February 2016

Planning Minister Rob Stokes today announced a second stage of targeted consultation on the NSW Government’s coastal reforms, in response to valuable community feedback already obtained during the initial consultation phase.

Mr Stokes said that proposals for a new Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) had been on public exhibition since November last year and a full draft of the SEPP and corresponding maps would also be released separately for public comment in the coming months.

“The coast is the home of our state’s ‘saltwater economy’, it’s a vital economic zone that supports much of the state’s industrial and commercial activity and  we  want  to ensure we have thriving, resilient coastal communities now and into the future. read more

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CEC submission to NSW coastal reforms

Caldera Environment Centre (CEC) has been established in Tweed Shire for the past 25 years to promote the protection of the environment.  Tweed Shire has a highly diverse coastal area which over the past years has been the subject of CEC campaigns.  A major campaign was the protection of the large Pottsville Wetlands which includes SEPP 14 wetlands with a successful outcome of over 200ha being transferred from private ownership to community land managed by Tweed Shire Council.

A CEC representative attended the Coastal Reforms presentation by OEH at Ballina and this month we were able to have the EDO facilitate a community workshop on the Coastal Reforms.

The Tweed coastal environment is under massive pressure from adjacent activities such as large residential and industrial developments, major roads, sports fields and an airport. read more

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Environmental Volunteering Survey – Are you an environmental volunteer?

The NSW Environmental Trust is planning new initiatives to better support environmental volunteers and volunteer programs, but we need to know what is important to volunteers first. To discover this, the Trust is conducting a survey of environmental volunteers and we would really appreciate your participation so that we can include your views.

Who should do the survey?…. anyone who has done ANY kind of unpaid work (‘on-ground’, administrative or other support, advocacy, fundraising) that benefits the environment, with an organisation (government or non-government) or group, in the past 12 months.

By completing our survey you are helping volunteer programs AND you can enter our prize draw for a one year NSW National Parks entry pass for one vehicle. read more

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Stand up for nature – sign the petition to stop Baird’s war on trees!

Our unique and beautiful natural heritage in NSW is in crisis. Without urgent action, many our species of native wildlife, including the iconic koala, will become extinct within our lifetime.

Without adopting new, sensitive approaches to land management, our farmers will find it harder than ever to provide food and fibre sustainably in the face of a hotter, drier climate.

Before the election, Premier Mike Baird committed to “enhancing the state’s biodiversity to benefit current and future generations”, but he is now caving into pressure from developers and a minority of landholders who want to weaken our nature protection laws.

The petition of certain citizens of NSW brings to the attention of the House key features that must form part of an effective Biodiversity Conservation Bill. read more

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Draft Water Sharing Plan for the North Coast Coastal Sands Groundwater Sources

The draft Water Sharing Plan for the North Coast Coastal Sands Groundwater Sources includes proposed rules for protecting the environment, water extractions, managing licence holders’ water accounts, and water trading in the plan area.

The draft plan area comprises all coastal sand aquifers from the Queensland border to the Hawkesbury River.

Set back distances from the boundary of National Parks estates has been identified as a specific Key Issue within the plan area.

Report Card for the Tweed – Brunswick Coastal Sands

Draft Water Sharing Plan for the North Coast Coastal Sands Groundwater Sources

CEC submission

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FREE EDO WORKSHOP: How to Have Your Say: NSW Coastal Management reforms

Caldera Environment Centre will host a free EDO NSW workshop in Cabarita to explain the new draft framework for coastal management for NSW and how the community can have their say and respond to the reforms.

Late last year the NSW Government released the coastal management reforms package proposing new laws and significant changes to the way NSW coastal areas will be managed. A draft Coastal Management Bill, Explanation of Intended Effect from the proposed new Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), and key elements of a draft coastal management manual are currently on public exhibition until 29 February 2016.

The workshop will address what the reforms mean for the coastal environment and how the community can get involved. read more

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CEC response to Northern Councils E Zone Recommendations

Honourable Rob Stokes
Minister for Planning

office@stokes.minister.nsw.gov.au

14th December 2015

Northern Councils E Zones Recommendations

Dear Mr Stokes

Members of Caldera Environment Centre would like to submit their concerns in relation to the recommendations of the E Zone review of northern councils as they relate to Tweed Shire.

A recent public workshop on the recommendations was held by our group and the EDO at Murwillumbah. Those attending, approximately 40, overwhelming supported the implementation of E Zones in areas of native vegetation. This is a similar response to that at community consultation sessions during the period of the review. There have been very few issues against the implementation of E Zones in Tweed Shire. read more

Tweed water supply augmentation

At Council meeting on 10th December the following motion was passed on the casting vote of the Mayor.

Mayoral Minute Water Supply Augmentation

1. Based on the information currently available, Council adopts the raising of the wall of the Clarrie Hall Dam as the preferred option for future water security and proceeds with the planning approval and land acquisitions phase for the project.

2. Concurrently a comprehensive independent review of Council’s Water Supply-Demand options is undertaken as a matter of priority, to ascertain further consideration of the most ecologically sustainable, climate change resilient, cost effective and socially acceptable long term water management and augmentation options available.  Such a review should include, but not be limited to, a full range of demand management, drought security and supply options. read more

EDO Briefing Note on E Zone Reforms

The Environmental Defenders Office has prepared a briefing note outlining the NSW Government’s changes to the way that councils can set land aside for environmental conservation and management in the Far North Coast of NSW, and the wider implications of these changes for the rest of the State.

Read the Briefing Note

After the EDO workshop about reforms to environmental zones

The Environmental Defenders Office visited Tweed on 24 November to explain recent changes to environmental zones in the North Coast.  CEC is preparing a response to these state government reforms. Thank you to all the people who came along to the workshop and to those who contributed to supper. The workshop was very well attended. CEC has sent our thanks to the EDO for an excellent presentation.

For a copy of the presentation visit http://www.edonsw.org.au/past_workshop_materials

Links to further information:

EDO NSW:

http://www.edonsw.org.au/new_approach_to_north_coast_environmental_zones

Northern Councils E Zone Review Final Recommendations Report:

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/en/Policy-and-Legislation/Environment-and-Heritage/Environmental-Zones read more

Nature Conservation Council of NSW – Major changes to Coastal Protection Laws

NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, has announced major changes to NSW coastal protection laws. Our assessment is that there are positive aspects to the reforms, which involve:

* Replacing the current Coastal Protection Act with a new Coastal Management Act

* Replacing the current NSW Coastal Policy with a new Coastal Manual

* Replacing existing State Environment Planning Policies (SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands, SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforests and SEPP 71 – Coastal Management) with a new Coastal SEPP.

The changes appear to have a strong emphasis on ecologically sustainable development, community engagement and environment protection, and have generally been welcomed by NCC. http://www.nature.org.au/news/2015/11/coastal-reform-package-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction/ read more

Legal Guides – EDO NSW

Plain English educational materials in a range of formats, explaining environmental law and policy and how the community can have their say in environmental law and policy decision-making processes. All publications are available free to the community. Access the guides here.

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COUNCIL VOTES ON DAM ISSUES THIS THURS 19th 4pm at Council Chambers.

Yes we knew it could resurface and it’s not much warning!

Please come along & support the No Dam at Byrrill Creek cause.

The Council’s Staff Report recommends raising the Clarrie Hall Dam as the first choice. The report highlights the risks and expense of a dam at Byrrill Creek over the Clarrie Hall option. They have also looked at 2 pipeline options to link into SE QLD water- No sustainable solutions have been included as water supply options.

At present there is a 20 year Council moratorium on Byrrill Creek Dam (May 2012) but this can be overturned by a future Council.

The former CWG members are getting a statement together & a few people are planning to address Council in Community Access at 4pm. read more

GREEN VOICE on TPP

The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) threat

by Peter Whish-Wilson MP.   From the NSW Greens quarterly Green Voice

The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is the biggest trade deal in Australia’s history and has been negotiated in total secrecy.

Few people have had access to the draft agreement. Large corporations have been able to see portions of the text and lobby to make changes, while the public and most people within government have been shut out. If it was not for a few leaked documents we would not know what is going on.Probably the most controversial aspect is the provision that would allow foreign investors to sue any level of government if their profits are reduced by any Australian law or policy. The Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) risks our labour, public health and environmental standards. These clauses are already included in many operating trade agreements and by corporations, and governments have been sued by corporations. In Canada the Quebec government is being sued by the US Lone Pine energy company because it was required to suspend its gas fracking operations to conduct an environmental study. read more

Grants Available for Caring for the land

Minister Joyce has announced the opening of the National Landcare Programme Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16 (Small Grants Round).

Grants of between $5 500 and $55 000 (GST inclusive) are available for projects that will achieve the objectives of the programme. The programme objectives are:

  • increase the capacity and knowledge of farmers and fishers to productively and sustainably manage Australia’s natural resources
  • the adoption of appropriate management practices that will increase the production or improve product quality while maintaining or enhancing the natural resource base.

Examples of activities that may be eligible include:

  • field days, workshops, conferences
  • demonstration events
  • training or skill development sessions
  • community information or education sessions
  • development of decision-making tools
  • development of new information channels within the current knowledge system
  • conducting surveys.

Applications close 2pm Monday 7 December 2015.

Further information about the programme including grant guidelines are available at:

http://www.nrm.gov.au/national/sustainable-agriculture-small-grants

Local governments are not eligible to apply. However, if individual farmers or groups of farmers have ideas for projects they would like funded please let me know as I’d be more than happy to assist with preparing an application. I’m also available to assist with running of any projects that are relevant to our sustainable agriculture program and Council may be able to provide financial contributions out of existing programs such as river health and biodiversity grants to bolster the proposals and achieve greater outcomes on-farm. read more

‘Travelogue of the Tweed’ screening as part of Tweed River Festival

See rare footage of Tweed’s early days
1923 film ‘Travelogue of the Tweed’ screening as part of Tweed River Festival

Rare moving images of the Tweed River and surrounding districts will be shown at a special screening of the historic film Travelogue of the Tweed 1923 at Murwillumbah ’s Regent Cinema on Wednesday 28 October.  The movie, made available through the National Film Archive, is being shown as part of Tweed River Festival celebrations and shows footage from the early days of the valley ’s European history.

Council ’s Senior Program Leader – Waterways, Tom Alletson, said the 12-minute film was comprised of silent black and white footage showing recognisable landscapes from Terranora to Limpinwood, including footage of river banks taken from a steamer. read more

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Tweed elects its first Greens mayor

Luis Feliu

Tweed shire has its first Greens mayor after Cr Katie Milne’s name was drawn out of a box in a surprise election ballot last night.

Cr Milne’s luck was sealed when a tied 3-3 vote with factional opponent Cr Warren Polglase had to be split by council’s returning officer Neil Baldwin drawing a piece of paper with her name on it from a plastic tub.

The packed public gallery at the council meeting erupted in cheers at the result.

It’s not the first time the lucky-dip method has been used to determine the yearly mayoral vote, with Cr Polglase now having lost the top job that way four times over the many years he’s served as councillor and National Party warrior.

In a further twist soon after, ex-mayor Cr Gary Bagnall was elected deputy mayor after his name was picked out of the bucket, having drawn 3-3 as well, this time with Cr Polglase’s ally, Cr Phil Youngblutt. read more

Northern Rivers Guardians and the Environmental Protection act

Scott Sledge, Lois Levey and Greg Reid       (Photo and article from Tweed Daily News)

ENVIRONMENTAL group the Northern Rivers Guardians have called for local residents to unite against the Federal Government’s proposed change to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

The changes would repeal an ability for individuals, communities and environmental groups to challenge environmentally damaging projects, leaving only those “directly affected”, such as landholders, able to challenge a decision in court.

It comes after Prime Minister Tony Abbott labelled as “sabotage” a successful challenge by a Queensland conservation group in the Federal Court that halted Adani’s Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland. read more

What Every Environmentalist Needs To Know about Capitalism

A Citizen’s Guide to Capitalism and the Environment

by and

There is a growing consensus that the planet is heading toward environmental catastrophe: climate change, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, global freshwater use, loss of biodiversity, and chemical pollution all threaten our future unless we act. What is less clear is how humanity should respond. The contemporary environmental movement is the site of many competing plans and prescriptions, and composed of a diverse set of actors, from militant activists to corporate chief executives.

This short, readable book is a sharply argued manifesto for those environmentalists who reject schemes of “green capitalism” or piecemeal reform. Environmental and economic scholars Magdoff and Foster contend that the struggle to reverse ecological degradation requires a firm grasp of economic reality. Going further, they argue that efforts to reform capitalism along environmental lines or rely solely on new technology to avert catastrophe misses the point. The main cause of the looming environmental disaster is the driving logic of the system itself, and those in power—no matter how “green”—are incapable of making the changes that are necessary. read more

CEC on Geo-Engineering, Fluoride, EMR, nano-particles etc

The Caldera Environment Centre

The CEC is a serious environmental organisation and is concerned with tangible environmental issues such as land-clearance, illegal development, and enforcement of environmental regulation. The current energy being devoted to issues such as geo-engineering, chem-trails, fluoride and other conspiracy theories is not something we support in any way at all. The CEC was embarrassed to learn that our latest World Environment Day event we had people promoting these ideas, they were not invited and applied under false pretences and will be excluded from future events.

Ultimately, the issues of fluoride, vaccines and geo-engineering are a DISTRACTION and saps the energy of people on the left. If we united behind a common cause and became motivated we can move mountains. We proved this with the anti-CSG campaign. However, while we chase red-herrings with issues like Fluoride as a collective movement we will achieve nothing but ridicule. read more

Time to get the economics of environment right

Ross Gittins

You get the feeling Tony Abbott doesn’t lie awake at night worrying about what our economic activity is doing to our natural environment.

In which case, those of us who do care about ecological sustainability – including many Coalition voters and, in all probability, Abbott’s successor, whether Liberal or Labor – will have a lot of catching up to do.

The market isn’t capable of ensuring we don’t stuff the environment and thereby stuff the economy.

This looks like being true of our excessive contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. But it also applies to the more mundane problems of protecting and restoring our degraded land, water systems and native flora and fauna. read more