The North East Forest Alliance describes the final logging rules for public forests released today as a disaster for old growth forests, rainforest, river health, threatened species, Koalas, and global warming.
The Governments’ decision remains as it was always intended, they have increased logging intensity throughout State Forests, established a 140,000ha clearfelling zone from Taree to Grafton, reduce stream buffers, removed most wildlife protections, and intend to open up old growth forests and rainforests for logging, said NEFA spokesperson Dailan Pugh.
“The removal of the need to look for and protect Koala High Use Areas ahead of logging, and to increase logging intensity in their habitat will likely lead to the extinction of this Australian icon, along with many of its compatriots.read more
Help us support the future of the planet while helping Australian communities
· Are you fed up with government inaction on climate change?
· Do you want to show that acting locally we can do things differently?
· Do you believe that we should be able to use and share local renewable energy?
Not sure what you can do to help in the battle to stop climate change? Changing energy providers to a social enterprise that supports community while helping get more renewable energy into the grid is an easy way to take a stance.
You can switch providers now to Enova Energy … But, if you’d like to do even more – you can also become an Enova Community Energy shareholder. Hurry though, as the shareholder offer closes on 17 November 2018. Or, you can simply help us share the word through emailing this flyer to your friends and associates, or sharing the news on social media as outlined below.
ENOVA ENERGY
Enova exists for those of us concerned about the environment and who would like to see Australia’s power supply transition to renewables, while supporting local communities.
Enova is set to expand from its Northern Rivers base into all of NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia – replicating its renewable energy model in other regions and towns. To do so, it is expediting its growth through a crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising $3 million.
Enova is Australia’s first community-owned energy retailer and is also a social enterprise, returning 50% of profits after tax and reinvestment back into communities through innovative projects like solar gardens and microgrids, energy efficiency services, energy education and projects such as installing solar on social housing to make renewable energy more accessible for all.
PIONEERING A TRANSITION TO A NEW MODEL
The company’s expansion builds on its successful growth since it began in Northern NSW just two years ago. Enova was funded by over 1000 individuals, families and community organisations who wanted to pioneer a transition in Australia’s energy model with a key community component.
Enova believes that by reclaiming control of energy generation and retail, communities can build social capital, ensure an equitable renewables transition, and forge a pathway towards a cleaner environment for all. Losing confidence in the ability of our governments to deliver these outcomes, we want to take control of our destiny from the ground up.
Enova now has a strong customer base, and has kept money locally in the northern NSW economy that would have usually been spent on big energy retailers outside the region.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE
To help the renewable energy revolution, and help communities take charge of their own energy supplies, you can become a shareholder for as little as $100. Shares are $1 each with a minimum purchase of $100.
But hurry, as this unique opportunity to support the future of power, the planet and local communities, closes on 17th November 2018
Bring signs you make or red triangles, wear red (for Stop) or blue (for clean water.)
Call on governments at all levels to ban water extraction for commercial bottling unless there is prior public approval.
Meet in the little park next to the Uki Hall.
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.
Home Expo is a waste wise event: BYO cup and bag
Kids Sustainable Shoebox Design competition
Open to all Tweed Shire primary and pre-school aged children.
Construct an eco-friendly ‘sustainable house’ from items found around the home and go in the draw to win great prizes.
Tell me more about the Kids Sustainable Shoebox Design competition.read more
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.
The MoU proposes:
Transferring care and control of 29,700ha State Forests for which Githabul Native Title rights are recognised, from the NSW government to the Githabul Tribe.
Preparing a comprehensive Plan of Management to safeguard conservation and cultural values and prioritise rehabilitation works.
Achieving an adequately funded comprehensive 15 year rehabilitation plan to arrest and repair forest dieback as part of a Githabul caring for country program.
Creating more NPWS positions and training for Githabul Working on Country in National Parks in the Kyogle area.
Transferring the care and control of Crown lands around the Tooloom Falls Aboriginal Place to the Githabul Tribe.
Promoting the establishment of a Cultural and Tourism Centre at Roseberry Creek.
Githabul spokesperson Rob Williams said:
It is important to understand and acknowledge that the health of the Githabul people in general is directly related to the health of the surrounding country and vice versa.read more
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
After Prof Steffen’s presentation: MC Mick O’Regan Q&A with expert panel:
Sue Higginson Environmental Law
Tony Pfeiffer Renewable Energy
Amelia Hicks Grass roots action
Simon Clough Democracy in actionread more
“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.
It’s time for a fast and fair transition to 100% renewable energy for all! We are at a crossroads. By 2020 net greenhouse gas emissions must begin to fall globally, in order to mitigate the climate crisis.read more
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.
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.
At the event, NCC Campaigns Director Daisy Barham mentioned we are taking the government to court over its land-clearing laws, which are causing enormous harm across the state. If you would like to support our crowd-funded legal action, you’re most welcome to do so through our website here.read more
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.
Last year’s event was a runaway success, educating local owner/builders about the environmental and cost benefits of passive design, using recycled materials, local labour, tips on ventilation, solar heating and power, as well as using non-toxic building materials.read more
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The monuments project has established collaboration with the Brunswick Valley Historical Society Inc. (BVHS) which is also sponsoring a new film on activism across the region. The historical society is collecting and archiving historical materials coming through the project. Recently both a television reporter from the time and a police officer have unearthed some great historical material for the project. The historical society is also soon to launch a special facebook with the project. Look out for the Rainforest Warriors Historical Project facebook page coming online. A project master website is now under construction with associated social media platforms. The monuments development program and artists brief with other project activities will be released soon on the Nightcap Monuments Project website.read more
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.
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
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.
“NEFA had refused an invitation to attend a consultation meeting in Lismore on Monday over the new logging rules with the EPA, Premier’s Department, Natural Resources Commission, Forestry Corporation, Department of Primary Industries, and a Commonwealth representative.read more
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:
Increasing logging intensity throughout public native forests, including allowing high-intensity logging in 140,000ha of coastal forests between Taree and Grafton, enabling virtual clear-felling of areas up to 45ha in one go. This will convert biologically complex, natural forests into monocultures of blackbutt – which was articulated clearly in the expert scientific panel report.
Permitting logging in stream buffer zones that are currently out of bounds for logging. These areas are the most important refuges for threatened species left in many forests, including gliders and quolls, and contain some of the most ecologically important trees in production forests.
Opening previously protected old-growth forest to logging by remapping these high-conservation-value areas to make up timber shortfalls. Old-growth forests are rare and provide vital refuges for threatened species, including large owls and gliders.
Permitting the logging of trees up to 140cm in diameter, and 160cm for blackbutt and alpine ash, and remove the need to protect recruitment trees (the hollow-bearing trees of the future) in logging operations.
Replacing the need to look for koalas with a habitat model that will require the retention of a maximum of 10 feed trees of just 20cm diameter per hectare in mapped koala habitat.
The Government is undertaking public consultation on the draft IFOA commencing this week with a series of invitation only information sessions starting in Sydney and then moving to the regions – the north coast next week and then the south coast the following week. It is likely that they will also offer meetings to obtain stakeholder feedback. Closing date for written submissions is 5pm on 29 June 2018. We won’t be participating in the information or any feedback meetings but we will be making a submission. We strongly encourage you to do the same.read more
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.
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.
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.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is providing around $420,000 in funding to help deploy 150 of the solar-powered drinking water systems across Australia to trial its ability to act as a source of water for drought-stricken regions as well as reducing waste caused by plastic water bottles.read more
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
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.
Australia did sign the Paris Climate Agreement, though you would hardly know. Of the 52 countries that signed, our level of commitment to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions was ranked second-last. Even this modest level of commitment is not going to be met, for want of truly purposeful leadership.read more
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”.
But Chris Nadolny, a former senior ecologist with the Office of Environment and Heritage, pointed out that Mr Toole’s statement includes a plan for the LLS, and not the EPA, to “review the Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice later in 2018″.read more
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.
In the Northern Rivers, approximately $300 million a year is spent on electricity. By buying your energy through a local company, we can work together to return as much as $80 million a year to the region ( incl. profits and operating costs).read more
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.
The World Environment Day Festival promotes sustainability and protection of the natural environment and encourages people to care for the environment by providing the information, resources and encouragement to reduce our environmental footprint.read more
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
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.’
The Nature Conservation Council, represented by public interest environmental lawyers EDO NSW, launched legal challenge against the government’s land-clearing codes last November.read more
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.
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.
Submissions are being sought (until 12 March 2018) on:read more
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.
Please take part in our survey, and respond in a timely manner, not later than 31st March, 2018. To complete the survey on-line, go to Stop Adani Tweed community surveyread more
Friends of the Koala is calling for Tweed Shire locals to become Koala Watchers, and will be holding a free workshop on Saturday 17th March9.30am-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’.
The workshop will provide information on:
becoming a koala watcher
recognising the signs of healthy, sick, injured and distressed koalas
when koalas may need koala watchers
what you can do to help support a healthy koala population in your local community
Refreshments provided. Koala Watch is a NSW Environmental Trust Project. If you would like more information or to register for the workshop contact Maria Matthes, Koala Watch Project Officer, on 0467 855 990 or maria@healinghistory.com.au or Friends of the Koala on 6621 4664.read more
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.
Be very tolerant, there may be some who will attempt to disrupt or cause a fight. Just ignore any heckling.
Keep off the road and follow directions of the Road Crossing controllers who will be wearing high visibility vests (The Polite Force!).read more
