Community meeting re PFAS contamination at Gold Coast Airport
Saturday 25th March at 10-12.30 (NSW time) at the Tugun Community Centre, 414 Coolangatta Road, Tugun. 5 minute reports are to be delivered by Air Services, Gold Coast Airport and government agencies with question time to follow.
Northern Rivers solar & batteries community bulk buy
Love clean renewable energy as much as we do? Here’s an opportunity to be a part of the uptake of renewables right here in the Northern Rivers. This April, the Northern Rivers will have it’s very own community bulk buy for solar and batteries – making the process easy and accessible, at lower prices. Find out…
‘A Plastic Ocean’ screening in M’bah 29 April
Don’t miss this award-winning film that Sir David Attenborough calls ‘The most important film of our time’, which focuses on the impact of plastic in our oceans, marine life and our own health. To reserve your tickets, please visit the Demand Film Event Page here: https://tickets.demand.film/event/1601. Unlike a traditional movie showing, my Demand Film screening requires…
New report into biodiversity offsetting
A message from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Dear Members, As you may have seen in the news, at the Nature Conservation Council we’ve just released a new report into biodiversity offsetting schemes in NSW. The report, titled ‘Paradise Lost: The weakening and widening of NSW Biodiversity offsetting schemes, 2005-2016’ is a thorough analysis…
Understanding North Coast Soils Workshop 8 April postponed
A one day workshop in Murwillumbah. Postponed due to flooding. Management factors to enhance soil health will be covered in addition to elements of importance for soil biological function and microbiol activity. To register and for more information on program and venue contact Judi Earl on 0409 151 969 or email judi@aimsag.com.au Understanding Our Soils…
NSW Planning Law Changes 2017
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2017 is on public exhibition until Friday 31 March 2017. EDO submission. EDO Briefing Note – Six big changes to the Planning Act in 2017 (and three missed opportunities). EDO seminar slides. EDO Planning Reform Podcast.
Northern Rivers Railway Action Group – Film Screening Night 13 March
Proposed NSW Koala Strategy
CEC submission. Office of Environment & Heritage website.
Concert for Koalas 11 March at Pottsville Beach
Ambrose Brown Park at the mouth of Mooball Creek. 10am-1pm. Event flyer here
Climate Emergency Declaration Petition
Calling on the Australian Parliament to declare a climate emergency and to mobilise resources to restore a safe climate. http://climateemergencydeclaration.org/petition2/ Steve Posselt is a Northern Rivers man kayaking to Canberra where he will deliver the signatures on Feb 26. More about Steve’s trip at http://districtbulletin.com.au/steve-posselt-climate-change-kayak/
Sky Scout – Drones Against Deforestation
A Wilderness Society crowdfunding campaign. https://pozible.com/project/sky-scout Australia is in the grips of a deforestation crisis. In Qld alone, an area the size of the MCG is cleared every three minutes. Not so long ago, we had stronger state laws against devastating mass deforestation. But those laws recently came undone. Deforestation typically takes place in…
Review of State Environmental Planning Policy 44 – Koala Habitat Protection
NSW Department of Planning and Environment proposes to amend this SEPP. Key changes in the proposed amended SEPP relate to the: definitions of koala habitat; list of tree species; list of councils; and development assessment process. Submissions can be made until 3 March 2017: using the online submission form; and by mail to: Director, Planning…
Conservation of Beach-nesting Birds: Volunteer Monitoring Workshop
24th January. 1.15pm – 3pm. Field trip 3pm – 4.30pm. Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre. Improving the conservation outlook for beach-nesting birds is incredibly challenging. Volunteers make an amazing difference to the future of these species by monitoring breeding beaches, reporting and protecting nests, and educationg other beachusers. This workshop will focus on the methods used…
Have your say – Draft Coastal Management SEPP and Coastal Maps
There is still time to have you say on protections for our sensitive coastal environments – the submission deadline has been extended until Friday 20 January 2017. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DOPE) is undertaking public consultation on a Draft Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and Draft Coastal Mapping. The Coastal Management…
North Coast Energy Forum 2016 – It’s a wrap!
Welcome to the final NCEF newsletter for 2016, and for a while thereafter. First of all, a huge thank you to everyone involved in this year’s forum – the sponsors, speakers, organising committee, and of course all of you who attended. As with previous years we had over 100 people there, despite a paucity of…
Defend Democracy Press: Letter on the need for urgent measures to avert a nuclear war
Letter on the need for urgent measures to avert a nuclear war
Baird’s ‘koala extermination program’ condemned
Echonetdaily 21 November 2016 ‘Stand up for koalas or they won’t survive in the wild’ is the warning call from the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA). ‘The NSW Government is carrying out a koala extermination program. It really can’t be seen as anything else. It is gutting protections for koalas in all the relevant legislation’…
Solar citizens – Northern Rivers 100% Renewables Forum
Tuesday 29th November, 6:30-8:30 pm (doors open at 6pm). Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore, NSW. RSVP here. This event is part of our 100% Renewables Roadshow, with forums in towns and cities across the country. It will feature a presentation of the Homegrown Power Plan — a comprehensive policy road map designed by…
Laws passed – Baird condemns wildlife to bulldozers
Premier Baird just gutted the land-clearing laws that have been saving the lives of thousands of native animals like koalas, pygmy possums and squirrel gliders every year. After several fiery hours of debate, it took just a few minutes for the final vote to seal the fate for our endangered wildlife. It’s a decision that…
Community Tree Planting Day 4 December
Catalyst – The Anthropocene: a new age of humans
Human impacts on the way our planet functions have now become so extreme many scientists are claiming the Earth has shifted out of the Holocene state and into a new geological epoch. They’re calling it ‘The Anthropocene’, the new age of humans, because millions of years after we are gone, the scar of our existence…
The Bentley Effect – Regent Cinema – 18 November
When the coal seam gas industry staked aclaim on the Northern Rivers region of Australia, alarm bells rang out. A critical mass of people from all walks of life – activists, farmers, landowners, mums, dads, scientists, etc – organised themselves to rally against the unconventional gas invasion. Despite the enormous public opposition, the gas industry…
NSW Crown Land corruption to be referred to ICAC – I just signed this petition — will you?
sign the petition To: Premier Mike Baird & Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian 1. Bring about the immediate referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption of the serious and systemic mismanagement of Crown land in NSW, including the cases of King Edward Park (Newcastle), Talus (Willoughby), Yasmar (Haberfield), Stuart Park (Wollongong) and Paddington Bowling Club. 2. Defer…
Liberal politician breaks ranks over land clearing
This morning the unimaginable has happened. A Liberal politician has broken ranks with his own party to raise serious concerns about Premier Baird’s new land clearing laws. Bruce Notley-Smith, Member of Parliament for Coogee said: “I am very concerned that these reforms could lead to further irreversible land degradation and endangerment of native wildlife habitat.” Bruce is…
National Parks Association of NSW – Iconic status won’t be enough to save koalas unless Baird changes tack
What does it mean to be an icon in NSW? Not much apparently. Unless the Baird government has a complete rethink of its environment policy the iconic koala faces a bleak future says the National Parks Association of NSW. Koalas are one of just six of the 1000-odd threatened species put on an ‘iconic’ pedestal…
Survey about Tweed River Estuary Coastal Management Program
Give your feedback on the management of the Tweed River by completing the community online survey.
NSW Climate Change Policy Framework released
The policy sets two aspirational objectives: Achieving net zero emissions by 2050. NSW being more resilient to a changing climate. The NSW government has also announced a $500 million funding package and released two draft climate change and energy savings documents for public consultation: Draft Climate Change Fund Strategic Plan A Plan to Save NSW…
Scientist Hugh Possingham quits over Baird government’s land-clearing plan
Sydney Morning Herald article
Conservation of Beach-nesting Birds Workshop
Tweed Heads, 20th October 2016 BirdLife Australia is holding a workshop where you can learn more about Australia’s Beach-nesting Birds (BNB), the threats they are facing across Australia and how these are being tacked. There will also be opportunities for discussions across a broad range of topics relevant to the conservation of this unique suite…
2016 North Coast Energy Forum
Theme: “The local energy revolution: Solar plus batteries plus us”. Friday, 25 November, 2016 The North Coast Energy Forum was established in 2010 to drive the shift to a sustainable energy system for the NSW North Coast. Every year over 100 representatives of industry, government and the community come together to plan how to make this…
Magic for Mens Shed is the only one
Tweed Shire Council has approved the granting of a licence for the Men’s Shed at Black Rocks Sports fields. The granting of the licence is currently open for public comment, closing 20th October. The Lot 3 Centennial Drive location is a far more suitable location due to close proximity to the village centre and adjacent…
Koala Information Day – Saturday 5 November
NSW Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation Reforms – Summary of submissions report
Read the report
97% of Crown Land leases go to those in the know, says Auditor General
Media release 8 September 2016 The Baird Government is grossly mismanaging the Crown Land estate and the community is being frozen out of decision-making, according to a report from the NSW Auditor General into the Sale and lease of Crown land. This report confirms what the Greens and members of the public have been saying for…
Home Expo – Living for the Future 2016
Saturday 3 September 2016 from 9am – 2pm, Seagulls Club, Gollan Drive, Tweed Heads West. A one-stop-shop of local suppliers and inspirers with ideas and solutions for more sustainable living in the Tweed. The Expo aims to help people: save costs be energy and water efficient reuse resources and reduce waste enhance the local environment…
Cultivating Murder – global warming, land clearing and cold blooded murder.
Cultivating Murder is both a personal story of those affected by the murder of NSW environmental officer, Glen Turner in 2014 and an exploration of the wider political implications of the murder, in the context of proposed changes to Australia’s environmental protection laws. You may wish to pledge a contribution to help get the film finished and released. https://pozible.com/project/cultivating-murder-4
Focus on tiny homes in sustainable house design competition
Imagine a sustainable house that can bring the ability to live debt-free, with utility bills as low as $10 a month. It’s not just a dream – the tiny house movement is a reality more Australians are adopting as a means of achieving freedom from debt, minimal environmental impact, and the opportunity to live simply.…
Update from Enova Energy
Save our Tweed – No Runway Extension
The approval of the ILS has also secured an increase in the operational length of runway 14 unlawfully. MDP Table 2.1: ILS components – A localiser antenna located 300m from runway 14 end (pg.15), currently 2,342m (Master Plan 2011, pg.85). However, the antenna is located 300m from just inside the airport southern boundary giving runway…
Seeking sustainable homes to open for Sustainable House Day
CEC submission to Upper House inquiry into Crown Land
Read CEC submission here.
CEC submission to NSW Biodiversity Law Reforms
Read CEC submission here.
Parliamentary Inquiry into Crown Land
Public lands should be held on trust for the people of NSW; managed by the Government with management directed at identifying and protecting the diverse values of public lands. The NSW Government is proposing significant changes to the way Crown land is managed in NSW. The NSW Upper House is currently conducting an inquiry into…
NCC’s joint submission to Biodiversity Legislation Review
Read the joint submission here
EDO submissions on NSW Biodiversity Law Reforms
Read the submissions on EDO NSW site.
EDO on NSW Biodiversity Reform
The EDO presentation is here
Stand Up For Nature
Visit http://www.standupfornature/resources to read the submission guide and more information about the proposed changes to our conservation and biodiversity laws. Submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Tuesday 28 June 2016.
Festival Cancelled
Hi All It is unfortunate that we are cancelling Sunday’s Festival due to predicted heavy rain and possible floods for the Tweed Valley, yet again. On analysis of many weather predictions it is evident that the deluge will peak on Sunday with possible falls of up to 100mm. We are sorry for the inconvenience to…
NSW biodiversity reforms: 6 things you need to know
EDO NSW has identified six key issues with the NSW Government proposed legislative and policy package. http://www.edonsw.org.au/the_2016_nsw_biodiversity_reforms_6_things_you_need_to_know
World Environment Day 2016 poster
World Environment Day Festival Program
Late additions to the program: Midday: Lui Weber is a Senior Botanist with Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd, specialising in flora identification and management. Lui has worked in a wide range of bioregions and ecosystems across Australia, from rainforests to dry forests, grasslands and wetlands. Lui will talk about plant identification, evolution and…
Public Meeting – Gold Coast Airport PFC Land and Water Contamination
7 June 6pm – Come along and hear about possible contamination of groundwater, Tweed and Gold Coast waterways, fish and Bilinga bore water. Following the disturbing findings of Fiskville and Williamtown where towns have been put under a code red from PFC contamination and warned not to drink or use the water or eat produce…
NCC Submission Guide – Draft North Coast Regional Plan
Time is running out to have your say on future planning for the North Coast. From its stunning beaches to the scenic hinterland, and productive valleys to coastal shores, the North Coast is a vibrant landscape of thriving ecosystems and a unique place to live. Right now the NSW Government is developing a new plan…
EDO NSW top 10 concerns with draft Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016 and Local Land Services Amendment Bill
Read the top 10 concerns here
EDO Workshop: Draft Biodiversity Conservation Bill
Biodiversity Legislation Review – EDO NSW
The NSW Government has released its new draft Biodiversity Conservation Bill, a Local Land Services Amendment Bill, and information about proposed land clearing codes. The proposed law and policy package is a serious retrograde step as it involves removing many of NSW long-held environmental protections. The legislative package is designed to replace the Native Vegetation…
Tree planting at Cudgen Nature Reserve Sunday 15th May
WetlandCare Australia would like to invite the wider community to join them for a community tree planting day at Clothiers Creek Road near Cabarita Beach on the 15th of May to improve habitat for the Tweed coastal Koala population. WetlandCare Australia is collaborating with project partners Friends of Cudgen Nature Reserve, National Parks and Wildlife…
EDO Update on Protest Laws
This Fact Sheet describes changes made to protest laws in March 2016. It covers new aggravated trespass offences, expanded offences for interfering with a mine, and new police powers. The laws have not yet commenced. Fact Sheet
Inquiry into water augmentation in rural and regional New South Wales
The NSW Legislative Council’s General Purpose Standing Committee No.5 is currently conducting an inquiry into water augmentation in rural and regional New South Wales. The closing date for submissions is14 August 2016. The inquiry will take place over 18 months, and the committee intends to hold public hearings across rural and regional New South Wales,…
Renewables in agriculture workshop
Find out how your farm business can benefit from clean energy technologies to move water. Learn from industry experts and solar providers about selecting the right solar powered pump for your agricultural needs. Speakers will explain what government incentives are available, top tips on energy efficient pumps and how to plan for future climate variability.…
CEC Fun Raiser Dinner
Do you want an inflatable aquatic ‘fun park’ in Jack Evans Boat Harbour?
This idea was proposed in late 2013 by Councillor Polglase and subsequently rejected by Councillors, 4 votes to 2. Aquasplash fun park operators have now approached Tweed Shire Council about such a facility in Jack Evans Boat Harbour. Aquasplash operates a business at Broadwater Parklands at Southport on the Gold Coast. CEC has been contacted…
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…
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!
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…
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…
Draft North Coast Regional Plan
The consultation period is open until 2 June, 2016. View the draft Plan and have your say by making a submission online during the consultation period at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/NorthCoast
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…
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…