Home Expo 2018

Kingscliff TAFE, Saturday 15 September, 9am – 3pm

Be part of this year’s Sustainable Living Home Expo as we provide an all-day program of activities for the whole family to help create more affordable and environmentally-friendly homes and lifestyles in the Tweed.

Be inspired and informed:

  • See the creative, inventive display of children’s Sustainable Shoebox House design entries and find out who will win this year’s prizes
  • Join in workshops such as keeping backyard chickens, bee keeping, easy food gardens in small spaces, and practical, inexpensive ideas for sustainable living
  • 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 music and free kids activities available all day. read more

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Githabul Tribe & Conservation Groups Reach Historic Agreement

The Githabul Tribe, Githabul Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Githabul Elders and representatives of conservation groups will be holding a press conference at 11.30 am on Thursday 30 August in Kyogle to launch their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the management of Githabul Native Title Lands in the upper Clarence and Richmond Rivers.

On 29 November 2007 the Federal Court of Australia made a consent determination recognising the Githabul People’s Native Title rights and interests over 1120 sq km in 9 National Parks and 13 State Forests. read more

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The Big U-Turn Ahead

CALLING AUSTRALIA TO ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

How much time is left before Australian business,industry, government and households reach the peak emissions point of no return? How can we ‘chuck a collective Uey’ to reduce our emissions in time? What can we do now?

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Earth System Scientist Professor Will Steffen from the Climate Council and the Stockholm
Resilience Centre.

A film of this event will be screened at WILDSPACE Mullumbimby, 91/74 Main Arm Rd
Sunday 26 August 6-9pm  Donation $10 read more

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Northern Rivers and Gold Coast “Rise for Climate” rally, 8th September, at Tweed Heads

“Rise for Climate” is a worldwide, annual day of action organised by 350.org. This year there will be thousands of rallies in towns and cities all around the globe, including most Australian capital cities.

Community groups in Tweed, Byron, Lismore and Gold Coast are collaborating to have one at Tweed Heads. Our purpose is to demand our local leaders commit to building a fossil free world that puts people and justice before profits.

The State is in the grip of one of its most severe droughts. Wild fires and heatwaves are happening in the Northern hemisphere. Climate change is happening. read more

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Rise for Climate Rally and March

On September 8, thousands of rallies will be held in cities and towns around the world to demand our local leaders commit to building a fossil free world that works for all of us.

No more stalling, no more delays: it’s time for a fast and fair transition to 100% renewable energy for all.

Join us as we hold our local leaders to account and demand that they walk the talk on climate action.

Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Bay Street, Tweed Heads.  Meet 11am.  March starts 11.30am, followed by speakers and music back in the park. read more

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EDO slides from Towards Zero Deforestation Roadshow

Thanks for joining us last week at the Tweed leg of the Towards Zero Deforestation Roadshow.

Deforestation is causing havoc for our wildlife, our climate, and the health of local communities and our land. I’m so glad you were part of the Roadshow — together we have the power to end the bulldozing of trees and wildlife habitat across the state.

I’ve already started to receive leaf petitions in the post, which is incredible. If you took some home with you, I hope you’ve had some great conversations with your neighbours about the issue. If you’d like me to send you more, please reply to this email. read more

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Seeking sustainable homes to showcase Sunday September16

Inspire, educate and share your story at Sustainable House Open Day, Sunday September 16, 2018 

We are taking a break from the Sustainable House Day Design Competition this year. However, we are super excited to announce that we will host another Open House Day on Sunday 16 September across all of the Northern Rivers.

This event, which will follow on from the Tweed Living for the Future Home Expo on the Saturday, is a great way to inspire Northern Rivers’ residents with the best in local sustainable building. read more

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Power to the Tweed – free talk

You’re invited to join Tweed Shire Council’s Energy Projects Officer, Michael Qualmann, for a free information session at your local library to discuss Power in the Tweed on Wednesday 1 August.

Tweed Heads library: 9.30am
Kingscliff library: 12pm
Murwillumbah library: 3pm

Topics includes where Tweed’s power comes from, why more people are switching to solar and Council’s renewable energy plans for the shire. RSVPs to Council are welcome on (02) 6670 2400.

Here’s a link to the facebook post – please like and share on your FB sites too if possible. read more

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Towards Zero Deforestation Roadshow

We’re coming to visit you in Tweed! Join us for our Towards Zero Deforestation Roadshow on July 23rd.

Nature in NSW is in crisis. New laws allow for devastating deforestation and broad scale land clearing of important wildlife habitat. At least 1000 species of plants and animals in NSW are facing extinction, including our iconic koala; and the destruction of their habitats is the leading threat.

As a result of these new laws, 99% of identified koala habitat on private land can be bulldozed, and a staggering 8 million hectares of forest and bushland has no protection from deforestation. read more

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Your Forests mini documentary

Made by NEFA volunteers to raise awareness of what is really happening to public native forests and the current imminent threat of the Regional Forests Agreement renewals and proposed weakening of the already weak logging rules in the Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals which are also being reviewed.

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN-SRJUJG2E&t=7s

Submission deadline 13 July 2018.

NEFA submission information

Detailed IFOA Submission Points for north east NSW

North East Forest Alliance – NEFA read more

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New legal challenge to land clearing code

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW, represented by the Environmental Defenders Office NSW, has again commenced Court proceedings to challenge the validity of the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018, on the basis of documents received under freedom of information laws.

More information at the EDO website

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Nightcap Monuments Project Moves Forward

National Parks NSW has now assessed and approved the monuments project and given acknowledgement to the significance of the project to regional history and local communities. A monument’s site has been determined within the Terania Creek area of the Nightcap National Park.

The project timing also hopes to help to historically recognise the 2019 – 40th anniversary of the Terania Creek environmental actions of 1979. The rainforest logging protests at Terania and later at Mt Nardi brought about the creation of the now world heritage listed Nightcap National Park. read more

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Independent Review of RFA’s released

The report of the independent reviewer on the Regional Forest Agreements has been tabled in Federal Parliament. A copy of the report can be found at this link.

The Federal Government has also released a holding statement on the review and this can be found at this link.

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NEFA information session on forest rules

To help community understand the NSW Govt draft Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOAs)  the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) will hold an information session in Murwillumbah on Wednesday 6th June, 6-8pm at the Tweed Valley Uniting Church Hall, 2 Byangum Road.  Refreshments provided.

Speakers: Sue Higginson, Dailan Pugh, Rob Kooyman, Sam Dawson

***National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) – https://npansw.org/what-we-do/our-work/campaigns/end-native-forest-logging/

***NSW government website – https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/forests read more

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NSW Government Cancels Forest Inspection

The North East Forest Alliance is shocked that NSW Government agencies have cancelled an inspection of State Forests along the Richmond Range to be shown the dire consequences that their new logging rules will have for logging dieback, Koalas, logging intensity and oldgrowth forests.

NEFA spokesperson Dailan Pugh said that on Wednesday night the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) rang him to say that a party of bureaucrats responsible for writing the new logging rules agreed to attend a site inspection on Monday 28 May. read more

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Release of new rules that regulate our Native Forests

Message from Nature Conservation Council of NSW:

Last week, the NSW Government released its draft Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOAs).  These IFOAs regulate how logging of our native public forests takes place and what impacts logging has on our environment and wildlife.

The National Parks Association of NSW has been leading the analysis of the IFOA along with other NCC member groups. This work shows that sweeping retrograde changes are proposed that prioritise timber extraction over environmental protection, including: read more

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Act for Birds

Australia’s nature laws are failing to protect our unique birds and landscapes. The very laws designed to protect our precious natural environment are insufficient and continue to be undermined by loopholes and exemptions. Join BirdLife Australia in pushing for strong nature laws and independent institutions that will protect the birds and places we love.

Learn more at https://www.actforbirds.org/

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Private native forestry to LLS

Local Land Services has assumed responsibility for approvals and advice services for private native forestry as of 30 April. This gives landholders a single point of contact for private native forestry advice, approvals and extension services. Read more.

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Solar powered clean drinking water maker trialled

By Cole Latimer

A solar-powered device that creates clean drinking water from the air is being trialled in Australia.

The portable Source Hydropanels, created by Zero Mass Water, are designed to suck moisture from the air, dehumidifying it to drain the water out before it purifies and adds minerals to the water. It is powered solely by attached solar arrays.

The solar-powered water makers are being trialled at homes and farms in remote communities.

Depending on the climate, the hydropanels can create up to five litres of potable water a day. read more

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An economic case for protecting the planet

We all share one planet — we breathe the same air, drink the same water and depend on the same oceans, forests and biodiversity. Economist Naoko Ishii is on a mission to protect these shared resources, known as the global commons, that are vital for our survival. In an eye-opening talk about the wellness of the planet, Ishii outlines four economic systems we need to change to safeguard the global commons, making the case for a new kind of social contract with the earth.

Published on Feb 14, 2018 –  TED: Ideas worth spreading    read more

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Address to Tweed Shire Councillors 19 April 2018 from Barry Firth, on behalf of Stop Adani Tweed

We are part of an Australia-wide network of groups like us. The issues that are to do with the proposed massive expansion of coal mining and export in Queensland are of national and global importance. They affect us all.

The latest news from climate science is that the great ocean current known as the Gulf Stream is slowing down. It has already slowed by 15%. This foreshadows changes in the global climate beyond what we have seen so far.

The scientists have been saying for a long time now that we need to “keep it in the ground”.  Unfortunately, we collectively have become a bit too good at not listening to them. read more

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‘Sneaky move’: Government signals further weakening of native vegetation protection By Peter Hannam

The NSW government has shifted some of regulatory oversight for native forestry on private land away from the Environment Protection Authority, a move that could weaken protections for forests.

The government has gazetted the transfer from April 30 of authority for private native forestry to Local Land Services (LLS), an agency under the Department of Primary Industries.

“Private native forestry makes a substantial contribution to the supply mix for the NSW native timber sector and plays an important role in our vision for the NSW forestry industry,” he said.

An EPA spokeswoman said the agency would “continue to perform its regulatory and compliance role for both private and public native forestry”. read more

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Enovacommunity energy Mini Expo

Come to our FREE mini solar and battery expo to learn how to save and go renewable.

Bring your bill and learn how to save on your electricity  – Local energy experts on hand plus local solar equipment suppliers.

We hope to educate everyone on how to reduce energy usage, which will not only save money, but save on carbon emissions. We also aim to create an awareness of the value of renewable energy and the importance of the value of more renewable energy resources.

Location Date & Time
Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre Thursday 12 April 2018, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Pottsville Beach Community Hall Monday 16 April 2018, 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Banora Point Community Centre Thursday 26 April 2018, 5:30 pm-7:00 pm

Register here

Good for the Local Economy read more

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World Environment Day Festival 2018

Caldera Environment Centre is holding its annual World Environment Day Festival on Sunday 3 June from 10am to 3pm at Knox Park in Murwillumbah.

“Beat Plastic Pollution” (If you can’t reuse it, refuse it) is the United Nations theme for World Environment Day 2018 – a call to action for all of us to come together to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time.

For more information about this year’s World Environment Day theme visit http://worldenvironmentday.global/en/about/beat-plastic-pollution read more

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Land clearing Code declared invalid by Court – then immediately remade

From EDO newsletter..

Last Friday, the NSW Land & Environment Court made an order that “on and from 24 August 2017, the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2017 has been invalid and of no effect.”

This extraordinary order stemmed from a legal error made by the NSW Minister for Primary Industries in the making of the Code. The Minister had a legal obligation to obtain the concurrence of the Environment Minister before making the Code, which he failed to do.

Following the Court order, our CEO David Morris stated, “In conceding that they failed to follow due process, the Government gives the strong impression of making laws on the run. This is not simply a matter of incorrect paperwork. Ecologically sustainable development is not just another box to tick – the Environment Minister has a legal responsibility to protect biodiversity in this state.” read more

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Court rules NSW land clearing laws ‘invalid’

From Echonetdaily.

The Land and Environment Court has today ruled the NSW Government’s land-clearing laws invalid because they were made unlawfully.

‘The government has bungled the introduction of one of its signature pieces of legislation, and in the process demonstrates its careless disregard for nature in NSW,’ Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said.

‘Today’s ruling is an embarrassing admission of failure by the Berejiklian government and a great victory for the rule of law and the thousands of people who have supported us in taking this action.’ read more

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Extension of Regional Forestry Agreements

Another important submission is due on RFAs.  The 23 February submission date pertained to the 10 and 15 year review.  Another is needed for the proposed extension of RFAs.

Overview from the NSW Government   NPA submission guide

Info from NPA website –

Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are 20-year agreements between the State and Commonwealth Governments that permit the logging of public native forests. Under the RFAs forests in NSW have suffered through intensive logging which damages not just the trees being logged but many threatened species which rely on healthy forests. These public forests belong to the people of NSW and we now have a vital opportunity to have a say on how they are managed in the future. read more

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Stop Adani Tweed community survey

Stop Adani Tweed wishes to survey the views of Tweed Shire residents, regarding the proposed massive expansion of coal mining in Queensland, including the so-called “Adani” mine in the Galilee Basin.

Yes, the projects that are the subject of our survey are located in Queensland, but many of the issues at stake have national and global implications, so you are entitled to an opinion!

We intend to compile the results of this survey into a statistical view of opinions among Tweed Shire residents, so that Government at all levels can be influenced accordingly. read more

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Koala workshop Sat 17 March

Friends of the Koala is calling for Tweed Shire locals to become Koala Watchers, and will be holding a free workshop on Saturday 17th March 9.30am-12.30pm at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, Canvas and Kettle Room , 10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah.

Susannah Keogh, Koala Care Coordinator, who will be delivering the workshop, said ‘early reporting koalas in need of care can improve chances of successful treatment, rehabilitation, and release back into their natural habitat’. read more

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Rally to Save the Train 3pm Thurs 15th Feb Murbah Railway Station

Message from Northern Rivers Railway Action Group

Dear Team,

As we all live at the far flung districts of the Region and have no train service to enable easy meeting, I am copying you my March Plan, Route Plan and Safety Management Plan.

It is attached as an easy to Print PDF, or copied below.

Please print, Share, Forward, tell your friends, and let’s pull a big crowd and make a very good impression.

Remember the absolute rule, this is to be Peaceful, so, no badgering people, No disturbance to Businesses, No Shouting or Fist waving. read more

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Regional Forest Agreements Review

from the National Parks Association of NSW

Have Your Say: RFA Review

Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are agreements between the State and Commonwealth Governments that permit the logging of public native forests. Under the RFAs forests and wildlife have suffered through intensive logging for the past 20 years.

Help end native forest logging by making a submission to the RFA review. NPA has prepared a quick submission letter and a more detailed submission guide for organisations/ individuals who would like to write there own submissions. Submissions close 23 February 2018

Send a quick submission
View our detailed submission guide
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Final Draft Rural Land Strategy presentation

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. read more

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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: read more

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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

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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] read more

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