SYMPOSIUM, WEEDS: Celebrating 20 years, Managing Weeds in a Climate of Change, 10th Queensland Weed Symposium, Yeppoon, Qld, 26 - 29 July 2009

The Weed Society of Queensland's 10th Qld Weed Symposium is an opportunity to network with peers and contemplate the future of weed management.

In 2009 the Weed Symposium returns to Central Queensland where delegates will have the opportunity to consider managing weeds in a climate of change and celebrate 20 years of practical, safe and efficient weed control.

EPBC ACT: Interim Report of the EPBC Act Review and call for public comment

The Australian Government is currently running an Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The response to the discussion paper has been extensive and in order to identify the broad range of significant issues raised in public submission, an interim report has been prepared. The Interim report of the EPBC Act review outlines the major themes raised in public submissions, the consultation process and the Senate committee inquiry.

As part of the review process they are now seeking public comments on the interim report in general and in particular, on a number of specific areas identified in the report. The report is open for public comment until Monday 3 August 2009.

NATIONAL TREE DAY: Sunday 2 August & Schools Tree Day Friday 31 July

National Tree Day is Australia's largest community tree-planting event. In its 14-year history more than 2 million volunteers have planted over 13 million native trees and shrubs! Tree Day aims to inspire, educate and recruit Australians to actively care for our unique land and create future generations of committed environmental custodians.

Planet Ark is currently seeking individuals to register and run local tree planting and bush regeneration sites. For more information or to register see the Planet Ark website: www.planetark.org

THREATENED SPECIES: Northern Territory - Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition 2009

The Threatened Species Network is seeking artists and photographers to enter this year’s NT Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition.

The theme is ‘threatened species, their habitats and their threats in the NT.’ It is open to all ages and for all mediums with great prizes on offer. Individuals as well as community groups and schools are invited to submit works. Entries close 24 August 2009.

Works will be on display at the Darwin Entertainment Centre Gallery from 7 - 10th September with an official opening and winners announced by Ms Alison Anderson MLA. A selection of winning entries will then be on display at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please contact TSN for more details on (08) 8941 7554 or savannas@wwf.org.au

FORUM, Native Seed 3 & 4 September 2009

A 'Native Seed Forum' is to be held at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne as part of the celebrations for the conclusion of the first phase of the Millennium Seed Bank Project in Australia. The dates for the forum are 3rd and 4th September 2009.

The aim of the forum is to deliver to a wider audience the results of nearly ten years of seed conservation work in Australia with help from the Millennium Seed Bank Project, Kew. The forum will also be used to launch 'Plant Germplasm Conservation in Australia' a new text for practitioners and researchers working in the field of ex situ plant conservation. The book is published in partnership with the Australian Plant Conservation Network and launched in time for Threatened Species day on Monday 7th September.

Registration closes 24 July or until sold out. For more information contact Tom North 08 9480 3969 Thomas.north@bgpa.wa.gov.au or Meg Hirst (Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne) 03 9252 2379 Megan.Hirst@rbg.vic.gov.au