EPBC ACT: Draft Commonwealth biodiversity and offsetting policies for consultation

The federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke MP, has released the government response to the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)as part of a broad package of reforms for Australia 's national environment law. A draft biodiversity policy and draft environmental offsetting policy have also been released for consultation.

The public comment period closes Friday 21 October 2011.

REVIEW: Native Vegetation Regulation under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW)

The Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker MP has announced the start of a statutory review of the Native Vegetation Regulation under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 . The Office of Environment and Heritage, the Department of Primary Industries and the Catchment Management Authorities will guide the review. The review will take up to 12 months and involve three stages:
• Scoping the range of changes with key stakeholders groups including the NSW Farmers' Association, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and others;
• Preparation of a draft Regulation and accompanying Regulatory Impact Statement;
• Community consultation – exhibition of the draft Regulation
Notably, the media release stated: “the review will drive improved performance and help the Government make informed choices about the need for changes to the principal statutory instrument, i.e. the Native Vegetation Act 2003 .”
Further information is available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation . Stakeholders can register to participate by email to native.vegetation@environment.nsw.gov.au.

(Reproduced from Environmental Defender's Office New South Wales (Ltd) Weekly Bulletin – to subscribe click here.

REVIEW: NSW Marine Parks

The NSW Government has announced its Independent Scientific Audit Panel for Marine Parks. The Government's aim is to ensure “the right balance between the sustainable use of the marine environment and the conservation of marine biodiversity.”

Written submissions are invited by Friday 30 September. Further information is available at http://www.marineparksaudit.nsw.gov.au/

POSITION VACANT: ANPC Project Manager

Applications are invited for the position of Project Manager for the ANPC.
This part time position is one of two located in the ANPC National Office situated in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton, ACT. The position is available for one year. Hours offered are 22.5 hours a week over three or four days.

Employment will be under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 at the Social and Community Services Employee Level 8.

The role of the Project Manager will be to:

•Undertake the coordination of major projects of the ANPC, in particular developing and delivering four remaining workshops, to be held in regional centres of NSW, in an externally funded series on the Conservation of Remnant Vegetation on Travelling Stock Reserves and other linear remnants.
•Assist the Committee in fulfilling the Network’s other objectives.
Duties will include

•Coordinate the organisation, promotion, implementation and evaluation of regional training workshops for plant conservation practitioners and land managers, including program design and presenter selection, identification of supporting resources, and development of some information materials.
•Identify stakeholders and interest groups to support and/or attend the training events and liaise with the appropriate bodies to raise awareness and promote participation.
•Assist the ANPC National Committee and relevant partners with the organisation, promotion and delivery of the Network’s conference in the second half of 2012.
•Coordinate or assist with the editing, production, promotion and distribution of educational and promotional material, and other resources (including web-based).
•Work closely with the ANPC Business Manager and the ANPC National Committee to assist with seeking funding through grants and sponsorship, office management and reporting.
Click here to download and print the position description which includes selection criteria.

Applications close 29th September 2011. For further information about the position contact Merryl Bradley on 02 6250 9509

Applications can be sent via email to anpc@anpc.asn.au or by mail to Australian Newtork for Plant Conservation, GPO box 1777, Canberra, ACT, 2601

CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP: Community of Practice for Environmental Water Managers

Response of wetlands to rewetting following extensive drought

22 and 23 November 2011
Sydney Masonic Centre
66 Goulburn St, Sydney

Expressions of interest – Speed Session Slots.This conference and workshop aims to address both new research findings AND their current and potential applications. It will present field observations and research findings from scientists and mangers following recent major wetting episodes to identify opportunities for better management of discretionary environmental water. It will look particularly at the impact of drought, recovery and response observations and water and land management lessons learnt.
Expressions of interest are invited to fill speed session slots. Please submit a brief (100 word) expression of interest for a 5 min presentation based on research or management case-studies to rivers.wetlands@environment.nsw.gov.au by 5th October 2011.

FIELD DAYS: Conserving Native Grasses in Rural Cemeteries

Where and when

17th October - 10am - Wollar Cemetery (left side of Barrigan St. heading towards Ulan 2pm - Ulan Cemetery (opposite the community centre)
18th October - 10am - Ilford Cemetery (2km along Café’s Rd - first right turn past the Ilford Information Bay when heading south along the Castlereagh Hwy.)
2pm - Tannabutta Cemetery (20km south of Mudgee, left hand side of Castlereagh Hwy.)

Watershed Landcare and the Department of Primary Industries will be
holding two field days for our Conserving Native Grasses in Rural Cemeteries
Project. The purpose of the project is to improve biodiversity in the region by
raising community awareness to the value of native grasses as a sustainable,
perennial groundcover. Small rural cemeteries contain a range of plant species no longer common in the landscape due to the activities of grazing, cropping and urbanization. The historical tenure of these cemeteries offers a haven for interesting and rare grasses, forbs and shrubs.

Contact either Thea at info@watershedlandcare.com.au or 0417 074 673; OR Christine at cmcrae@activ8.net.au or 63737628

2011 NSW ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Calling all nature champions, guardians and defenders!

Do you know an inspiring person or group whose contributions over the last year have made a lasting difference to nature conservation in NSW? Don’t waste any time, make sure you nominate before 17th October!

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN in the following six categories:
*The Dunphy Award, for most outstanding environmental effort of an individual.
*The Marie Byles Award, for most outstanding new environmental campaign.
*The NCC Member Group Award, for most outstanding Member Group demonstrating commitment and success in conservation.
*The Climate Award, for most inspiring climate action initiative by a community group.
*The Rising Star Award, for the most outstanding new campaigner under the age of 30.
*The Allen Strom Hall of Fame, for long standing service and commitment to the conservation movement, and the courage to challenge Government and non-government decision-makers.
*The Ziggy Megne Volunteer for the Environment Award - awarded in honour of the untiring contribution of Zigurds (Ziggy) Megne for someone who has championed a cause or worked untiringly behind the scenes for a better, more sustainable future.Nominees must have been active in NSW for an environment group or as an individual.

Nominations close midday on Monday, 17 October 2011. Awards are presented Saturday 29October at the NCC
Annual Conference. To nominate an individual or group, please visit www.nccnsw.org.au/environmentawards.
Groups can nominate themselves, or their members for an award.
For further info, contact Shaun Gilchrist (Ph. 9516 1488 Tue/Fri, or email sgilchrist@nccnsw.org.au ).

ANPC NATIONAL CONFERENCE: Date Claimer, October 2012

The Conference will be held in Canberra 2012

29th October to 2nd November

Please mark these dates in your diary and further information will be circulated as it becomes available.

ANPC WORKSHOP: Jewels in the Landscape

A two day workshop on
managing significant native vegetation remnants
(including travelling stock reserves, road easements and adjacent private land)

Date: 3 and 4 November 2011
Venue: Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club and local TSR

Are you working in or managing remnant vegetation?
Would you like to know more about biodiversity conservation?
Would you like to enhance your knowledge and skills?
Then this workshop is for you! While there is a strong focus on TSRs,
the content is relevant for anyone managing grassy woodland
vegetation remnants.


Day One
Background of TSRs and current status•
Connectivity conservation in the landscape•
Biodiversity values of TSRs•and threats
Case studies•
Collaborative programs and approaches•
Where to get help (interactive session on available information)•
Plant ID – in the field (at a local TSR)

Day Two
Morning bird walk•
Identifying natural values (e.g. habitat, vegetation, fauna)•
Identifying threats to your site (e.g. weeds, erosion and over grazing)•
Management actions workshop session•
How do you measure your success? (monitoring and targets)•
Discussion with panel of experts•
Fees (incl. GST):

ANPC member $170
Non-member – Community group $180*
Non-member – govt-semi govt-industry $200
(*some discounts apply please email the ANPC Office)


Registrations close: COB Wednesday 26 October 2011.
To register or for more information email the ANPC office: anpc@anpc.asn.au or phone: 02 62509509.

OPEN DAYS: Victorian 'Trust for Nature' Properties

Trust For Nature is opening the gate to visitors to private conservation properties in Victoria through September and October, to showcase their biodiversity and the regeneration work being done. Many of these properties are a haven for rare or threatened native plants and wildlife; good rains also means there will be some fantastic wildflower displays this season.

For more information click here

NATIONAL HERITAGE LIST: West Kimberley added

The iconic west Kimberley will be placed on Australia’s National Heritage List, Environment Minister Tony Burke announced on 31 August 2011.

Mr Burke said the Gillard Government would recognise outstanding heritage values within more than 19 million hectares of the west Kimberley, including Aboriginal, historic, aesthetic and natural heritage values.

The area to be placed on the National Heritage List includes the spectacular Kimberley coast from Cape Leveque in the west to Cambridge Gulf in the east, the Kimberley plateau and country south to the Oscar and Napier Ranges, and the mighty Fitzroy River.

The National Heritage Listing will provide the west Kimberley with Australia’s highest form of heritage recognition.

“The west Kimberley belongs on a list of the places which define Australia,” Mr Burke said.

The National Heritage List was established to list places of outstanding heritage significance to Australia. It includes natural, historic and Indigenous places that are of outstanding national heritage. Areas in the west Kimberley identified as having outstanding heritage values and inscribed on the National Heritage List include:

For more information on the listing including a map of the west Kimberley National Heritage Place click here.

NATIONAL THREATENED SPECIES DAY: 7 September 2011

This special day is commemorated nationwide on 7 September each year to encourage people to help conserve Australia’s unique native fauna and flora. There are a number of things you can do to help threatened species and other native plants and animals.

*Visit Communities in Landscapes , a project with partners including OEH and Landcare to find out the latest biodiversity related news and upcoming events you can participate in.
*Head to one of our beautiful national parks. Visit Wild Wild World to find out what's on near you.
*Visit a Zoo! There are active conservation and captive breeding programs for Australian and internationally threatened species.
*Adopt a corroboree frog ! The Southern Corroboree Frog is threatened with extinction and needs your help.
*Find out how you can Save a Species by supporting your state seed bank.
*Check out the Australian Museum's ALIVE program for a range of events and exhibitions which celebrate biodiversity.
*Visit the Foundation for National Parks website to discover how you can become a Backyard Buddy and help biodiversity in you own backyard.
*Consider entering into a Voluntary Conservation Agreement or making your property a Wildlife Refuge if you own land with suitable habitat for threatened species and other native plants and animals.