Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition

KOALAS STILL WAITING FOR FEDERAL PROTECTION

2012-02-19T04:40:00.000-08:00

On 16^th February federal Environment Minister Tony Burke announced that he was delaying his decision on whether to add the koala to the list of nationally threatened species. The Minister was originally scheduled to make his decision public on 17^th February. His decision will now be made by 30^th April 2012.

The reason Minister Burke gave for deferring his decision was the need for more information from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.

His Media Release stated:

"There is a strong case that a nationally threatened species listing is required for koalas in areas where numbers have been under greatest threat.

"But I can't provide a blanket threatened species listing across Australia when there are many places where koala numbers remain high.

"That means any listing would need to apply only to specific parts of Australia.

"The advice I've received from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee suggests that I could generalise these areas to state boundaries.

"I agree with the Committee's findings about the need to treat populations differently in different parts of Australia but am seeking further advice on whether there are more precise habitat boundaries than simply adopting state boundaries."

It's a pity the Minister did not identify the need for more information earlier. Perhaps he is reluctant to make a decision which, while it might assist in saving many koalas from the impacts of habitat loss, disease and other causes of mortality, will irritate those who are anxious to promote development in areas of prime koala habitat.

Those anxious to see our national icon given greater protection can be sure of one thing. Minister Burke will be under considerable pressure from developer interests and the state governments who are concerned that development should not be impeded in any way.

Obviously those who want to see the koala protected should continue to put their views to the Minister and to their local federal members.

There have already been three unsuccessful attempts to list the koalas as a threatened species under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). Will it be a case of fourth time lucky ?

Burke Media Release

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

HELP SAVE THE KOALA

2012-02-08T03:44:00.000-08:00

The Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) is appealing for people to urge Tony Burke, the federal Minister for the Environment to list the koala as a nationally threatened species under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Minister Burke is due to announce whether he will do so on February 17^th.

THE CEC APPEAL STATES:

"There are now less than 80,000 Koalas. There used to be millions. Between 1900 and 1930 hundreds of thousands of koalas were slaughtered. The Australian public became so outraged that politicians were forced to intervene.

"Tony Burke has heard the opinions of the Developer and Logging interests. It's now time to hear the views of the other 99%.

"Independent scientific evidence proves that the koala is experiencing population decline, local and regional extinction. The main threats to the koala are the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat, disease, dogs and cars.

"Listing the Koala is an important first step. Once the Koala is listed more needs to be done."

It is important that as many people as possible contact Minister Burke urging him to list the koala as a threatened species under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Contact details:

Email: tony.burke.mp@aph.gov.au

Tel: (02) 6277 7640 Fax: (02) 6273 6101

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tony_burke

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/tony.burke.mp

See the CEC Help Save the Koala appeal on youtube

A Moment with a Message

2012-01-30T17:40:00.000-08:00

It is mid-morning on Boxing Day, and some visitors are gracing the branch of a tree near Mulligan Drive at Waterview Heights. Three grey-crowned babblers are enjoying a momentary pause from their lives of vigorous movement – bounding across the ground, rummaging through leaf-litter, probing into rough bark on trees, and nearly always chattering.

But for now, it is time for some quiet preening, for caring for each other. Clustered side by side on the branch they share a moment of togetherness, a vivid symbol of life’s connectedness.

Grey-crowned babblers are a threatened species. Because they spend so much time hopping around on the ground searching for food, and at the same time joyfully ‘talking’ to each other, they are especially prone to cat attack.

A 29-lot subdivision proposed for Waterview Heights will be placed in grey-crowned babbler territory. A revised Koala Plan of Management has been prepared by the proponent, but what of the other threatened species, such as the babblers, for whom this area is so important? Have recent flora and fauna studies been carried out to determine the effect of this development on their future?

The babblers have the capacity to gladden human hearts. They project a joy in living. They are a vital part of our Earth Community, and they must not be added to Australia’s long list of extinctions.

However the subdivision, as proposed, is very likely to increase the pressure on these creatures. The number of unrestrained cat movements in the area may be substantially increased.

As the area is ‘tidied up,’ by creation of extensive meticulously mown lawns, and as the rough- barked trees and understorey are removed, so the babblers’ food source will be significantly reduced.

There is little doubt that the three creatures enjoying their wonderful moment of unity, have an uncertain future.

S Mussared

Animal abuse, Australian hypocrisy

2012-01-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

Many thousands of people visualise a barren, pointless life without animals.

Others see them as commodities, food, or problems to be overcome, with resultant infliction of unimaginable cruelties on living, breathing muscles, tissue and nerves that sense and react to stimuli in the same way as they do in the human body.

Treatment of animals in Asian countries in particular remains in the dark ages. Science has produced remedies and treatments for every known human ailment and requirement, yet many Asian stalls remain stocked with animal-derived substances, all peddled under the long-outmoded terms Tradition, and Heritage.

Both terms support perpetuation of horrific animal abuses. Skinning dogs and cats alive, slicing off living sharks fins, knocking out nest and chicks of breeding bird colonies, poaching the remnants of the African rhinoceros, trapping tigers for every part of their bodies, and keeping bears in cages the same size as themselves with open holes in their bellies for up to 20 years, are just some 'traditional' practices carried out in Asia in this so-called enlightened 21st century.

Powerful campaigns are underway to resolve the most extreme forms of animal cruelty. But heritage and tradition are difficult words to squash, and here in Australia they are often used to support horrendous practices that otherwise might well put the perpetrators in jail. The barbaric treatment of cattle in Indonesian slaughterhouses, mutilation of ducks for 'sport' during recognised open seasons, clubbing to death of kangaroo joeys as by-catch for the meat trade; hacking off of giant sea turtles’ flippers and leaving them to die in the sun; battering wallabies to death with clubs; tossing living turtles, goannas and echidnas onto hot coals; golf swing practices on frogs and toads; rendering animals homeless by forestry practices and property burn-offs; mutilation and horrific deaths by ‘traditional’ barbed-wire fences; maimed and dying animals left by the roadsides; the relentless ongoing torment of flying-foxes - all are tolerated practices, many under the terms tradition and heritage, and all overlooked, and/or supported, by Australian legislation and government agencies.

Sadly all of which make Australia one of the most hypocritical nations on earth.

P Edwards

Legislation Failing Koalas

2012-01-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Koala numbers are declining across Australia. This has led to a Vulnerable listing at some State levels, but a Federal Government listing remains in limbo as the Environment Minister procrastinates under pressure from developers.

Locally Clarence Valley Council's Draft Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management for Ashby, Woombah and Iluka (CKPoM) recognises that the Woombah koala population is in imminent danger of extinction, and the Iluka population is likely to be extinct. Yet more development is planned for Ashby, despite the warnings and the fact that a viable koala population exists in that area.

At Shannon Creek, in the Coutts Crossing area, the access road to the Clarence Coffs Harbour Regional Water Scheme dam destroyed core habitat and a critical movement corridor - despite a Koala Plan of Management. Investigations in recent years have failed to find any trace of the previously known, healthy koala population.

And yet another subdivision is under consideration that will cut through yet another vital koala movement corridor in the significant Waterview Heights locality.

Last year Clarence Valley Council approved another development east of Coutts Crossing, with planned removal of over 10 hectares (ha) of forest from a mapped regional wildlife corridor in an area where koalas were known.

The Pacific Highway upgrade is set to destroy over 500 ha of koala habitat through the Valley, plus hundreds more north of Iluka and south of Wells Crossing, yet the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) does not need to consider cumulative impacts on koalas, although the highway has already imposed major impacts around Coffs Harbour, one of NSW's remaining strongholds for this iconic animal.

Also at Coffs Harbour private native forestry recently saw over 800 ha of core koala habitat approved for logging, ignoring Coff's Council's KPoM, while Forests NSW heavily logged koala habitat in the Boambee and Clouds Creek State Forests, with up to 80% of vegetation removed in some areas. Now plans have been released to log Ellis and Orara State Forests, both in high use koala habitat.

Stress from habitat and territory loss is a known trigger for koala diseases and subsequent deaths, while habitat fragmentation has contributed to their demise by forcing them to spend time on the ground, vulnerable to dog attack and vehicle strike.

Yet the destruction continues unabated.

- John Edwards

A Koala Speaks

2011-12-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 14 December 2011, 5.15am. Mulligan Drive, Waterview Heights…

In the early morning we become aware of two distinctive sounds – a deep grunting and a gentle squeal. A male and female koala are out there, in the little forest we have planted and encouraged over the years.

When there is sufficient light we go looking for our welcome visitors, and as usual they are difficult to locate. This time, however, the female gives a call and directs our attention to where she is. The male is sitting close at hand, seemingly fast asleep.

I take some photographs to add to our collection of pictures taken on our land and nearby - evidence of just how important this Waterview Heights area is for koala habitat. I become conscious of the female koala gazing down at me. Our eyes meet.

If she could speak, and if she had a human consciousness of the past and of the future, what might she say to each of us?

“If we are such important members of our Earth Community, as you readily proclaim to the world, why do you allow a subdivision of 29 lots in our territory, to increase the pressure on us?

“This development is only a short distance from this tree where I am resting. Our movements will be through its blocks, and across its roads.

“Will we be able to avoid all the extra cars that will come into our area? Will my joey’s future be determined by dog attacks?

“Yes, I am sure your developer will say to us: ‘You have no need to worry, we will put measures in place to protect you.’ But I have seen the speeding cars on Mulligan Drive, despite your koala signs. I have struggled to reach the nearest tree, often at a distance, to be safe from a freely roaming dog. And I have rested in giant trees that have later been removed, because they may put untidy sticks and leaves down on manicured lawns.

“All this makes me wonder about the integrity and long-term policing of your ‘measures’.

“If you truly care about our survival, will you still allow this human intrusion into our precious territory?”

S Mussared

Forest Destruction at Glenugie near Grafton

2011-12-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

One can hardly fail to appreciate the irony of the claim made on a new sign, erected beside the recently opened Glenugie section of the Pacific Highway, which states that “Your forests are in safe hands”. The very area where the sign now stands was an operating forest just two years ago. In fact, the seven kilometre upgrade saw some 80 hectares of the publicly owned Glenugie State Forest cleared to bare earth to construct the motorway, and more will go before that section is completed.

Photo: J Edwards

And that is just the start of the destruction. Another 500 hectares of forest, much of it publicly owned, will be destroyed across the Clarence Valley alone as this motorway progresses. Huge areas of forest will also be lost to the south and north of the Clarence Valley.

When we realise that the distance between the outside of the concrete drains on either side of the motorway is only 38 metres, we have to question why a corridor upwards of 100 metres wide needs to be cleared of vegetation, some of which took hundreds of years to grow.

The environmental failures at Glenugie do not stop there. Despite wildlife underpasses being praised at the opening a few weeks ago, we find mesh fences directing wildlife into standard concrete box culverts, which are unlikely to attract more than the occasional goanna.

The fences themselves are the worst feature, with a barbed wire topped death trap for owls, gliders and flying-foxes. Standing less than 1.5 metre high, which an adult kangaroo could clear from a standing start, the lower mesh section will bar the way of most other terrestrial wildlife, including the kangaroo's joey which will be parted from its mother while she dodges the traffic, putting motorists at risk.

When we consider the assurances made during the consultation process, about how concerned the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is about protecting iconic species such as the endangered coastal emus, this latest evidence to the contrary is extremely disappointing. Our native wildlife deserve much better.

- J Edwards

The text of this post was originally published in the "Voices for the Earth" column in

The Daily Examiner on 12^th December 2011.

Toilet Paper a Threat to Indonesian Rainforests

2011-12-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

Joining Lego and Mattel, the Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) corporation's largest Australian customer, IGA, has decided not to source its toiletry tissue products from affiliates of this biggest destroyer of Indonesian rainforests

Gone are the days of recycling the Daily Mirror in the smallest room in the house, but sadly, going along with them, are Indonesia’s awesome rainforests and the magnificent Sumatran tiger. The total market estimate of Australian consumer demand for toiletry tissue products is 300,000 tonnes a year, with toilet paper by far the largest selling item in the range. APP has the capacity to produce 6.9 million tonnes of pulp, paper and packaging annually, so to feed its gargantuan appetite Indonesia is currently clearing over a million hectares of rainforests every year.

The giant Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas owns 100% of APP, and is now the second-largest global producer of palm oil. Hence, while the forests are being flushed down Australian sewers, palm oil plantations are expanding to ensure chocolate and a million other packaged food items maintain our lifestyle in the way to which we have become accustomed.

Someone did the maths and found that toilet paper sold through Woolworths in one year alone would have unrolled to the moon and back 15 times. Yet the same customer survey found that 76% of shoppers choose their toilet paper by appearance and texture. It is not surprising therefore that supermarkets continue to stock the favoured product. But considering its function, and the colossal demand, it hardly seems reasonable for any toilet-paper to be made from pristine bleached paper. Just liking the looks of a roll of white or print paper hanging beside the loo is a pitiful reason for supporting broad-scale rainforest clearing.

For the truly ethical loo-paper shopper, top environmental rated alternatives to buy are Bouquet, Earthwise, Envirosoft and Save brands. Secondary acceptable brands are Naturale, Earthcare and Softex.

Only by making sensible choices can we, the consumer, follow the leadership of Lego, Mattel and IGA, and not buy products that have come about by massive rainforest destruction.

- P Edwards

Coal Seam Gas Threat to the Pilliga

2011-12-06T01:08:00.000-08:00

The Pilliga, situated between Narrabri and Coonabarabran in the central west of NSW, is the largest temperate woodland in eastern Australia.

A wonderful natural area, with magnificent old ironbarks and cypress pines, it is an internationally recognised Important Bird Area and likely habitat for up to 48 threatened species. It contains the only known population of the Pilliga Mouse and is a core stronghold for the Barking Owl and the Greater Long-eared Bat. It contains the only NSW population of Black-striped Wallaby and the largest inland NSW population of Koala.

Pilliga Landscape 1 Photo: L Blain

It is also very important as the southern recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin.

A massive coal seam gas industry proposal for the Pilliga could see as many 7000 wells around Narrabri. This will place at risk large areas of farmland and public land.

In the Pilliga woodland the proposal will involve clearing of 2,400 ha of bushland and lead to fragmentation of 85,000 ha of bushland - having a devastating effect on local flora and fauna. The fragmentation and proliferation of tracks and pipelines will also lead to invasion by weeds and feral animals - further degrading the ecology of the area.

Up to 63 gigalitres of toxic water will be produced from this development each year. The proponents of the scheme have no solution for the disposal of the huge quantities of salt contained in this water. Furthermore, there is a serious risk to the Great Artesian Basin – either through de-watering of the Basin or cross-contamination of Basin water with the toxic water produced from the gas wells.

Already, in the exploratory stage, the industry has been responsible for spillage and leakage of saline water which has resulted in vegetation destruction. If this has been allowed to happen when the development is on a small scale, there have to be very serious concerns about the potential for massive impacts as the industry grows.

Another serious concern is the fire-prone nature of the Pilliga woodland. Major fire seasons where a larger area of the woodland is burnt have occurred on average once every decade. Large-scale gas mining in such an area is likely to increase the risk of devastating fires.

Pilliga Landscape 2 Photo: L Blain

The risks to the Pilliga are too great for this mining proposal to go ahead. The short-term profits of mining companies should not be allowed to over-ride the interests of the broader community and future generations of both humans and other life forms.

- L Blain

Part of this post was published in the Voices for the Earth column in The Daily Examiner on 5 December, 2011.

Mobile phone recycling

2011-11-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

Most materials that go into making a mobile phone can be recycled. However research by the mobile phone industry’s official recycling program MobileMuster has shown that around 19 million defunct mobile phones are not in fact recycled. While the study shows that the majority of owners would be happy to drop their old mobiles into a recycling bin, rather than in the rubbish bin it appears that most are unsure about how to delete and save their stored data, and are concerned about access of their private information.

To help allay these concerns the manager of MobileMuster, Rose Read, assures people that all old phones and sim cards passed into their recycling bins are completely destroyed during the recycling process. “Every mobile phone and accessory is dismantled here in Australia prior to being processed for material recovery. None are refurbished or resold,” Ms Read says.

However for those who remain unconvinced, but who would otherwise be happy to recycle their old mobile phones, deleting and saving stored information is as simple as getting onto the phone manufacturer’s website, or calling their help-line for guidance on how to delete, save or transfer the data.

With 250,000 mobile phones and components equating to around 48,000 aluminium cans, 2,400 plastic fence posts, and gold, silver and stainless items that would otherwise take around 730 tonnes of gold ore, 808 tonnes of silver ore and 178 tonnes of copper sulphide to make, it is obviously a good idea to learn how to remove the data from your mobile phone, or transfer it to your new phone, rather than keep a clutter of unusable technology.

Mobile Muster usually has a number of drop-off points in various shops around town for old mobiles. Alternatively, you can pick up a free satchel and label from your nearest post office and mail your own parcel so that your mobile will be recycled.

- P Edwards

EARTH MATTERS Monday 21 November

2011-11-17T02:25:00.001-08:00

The Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition and ClarenceEnvironment Centre run Earth Matters, an information session on environmentalissues, every two months.

The next Earth Matters session Nature in Crisis – the Murray-Darling and the Pilliga is at 5.30 p.m. on Monday 21 November. Carmel Flint will discuss two important issues– threats to Murray-Darling Basin ecology and the impact of a coal seamgas project in the Pilliga woodlands in the central west of NSW. Carmel's presentation on the Pilligaillustrates clearly the problems associated with coal seam gas mining andexploration while her presentation on the Murray-Darling and its ecologyhighlights the importance to all Australians of returning this river system to good health before it is too late.

The venue is the staffroom, Grafton Primary School in QueenStreet, Grafton. All welcome. Further information – Stan on 66449309.

The presenter CarmelFlint has an impressive record as an environmental campaigner, particularly inrelation to forest protection . Her mostsignificant achievement in recent years was the campaign leading to thedeclaration of the new Red Gum national parks in the south of the state. She is currently campaigning to save thePilliga from coal seam gas mining.

In 2010 Carmel'senvironmental achievements were recognised in the Clarence Valley when she was installed as a Re-Weaver of the Tapestryby the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition and the Clarence Branch of theNational Parks Association.

AUSTRALIA SET TO HAVE A PRICE ON CARBON

2011-11-14T01:48:00.001-08:00

TheClean Energy Future legislation has finally been passed by both houses of theAustralian parliament.

The much-debated price on carbon is the major part of thiscomprehensive package. A fixed price of$23 per tonne will apply after 1 July 2012 and will be paid by the country's largestpolluters.. In three years this willbecome a flexible price.

Otherimportant features are the $10 billion for renewable energy projects, $1billion for a biodiversity fund and the commitment to close 200 MW ofcoal-fired electricity generation from up to three of the most polluting powerstations. And then there is the package to compensate most households for priceincreases resulting from pricing carbon pollution.

It is asad reflection on Australian politics that the serious threat of climate changecould not have been dealt with in a bipartisan manner. Instead we've had to endure months ofscare-mongering, exaggeration and posturing by those wanting to delay evenfurther any effective action to move our nation towards coping with the complexchanges ahead of us.

The needfor urgent action has been further highlighted by a recent report from the USDepartment of Energy that worldwideabout 512 million tonnes more carbon was pumped into the air last year than in2009, an increase of 6 %.

Obviouslytime is running out for humanity to limit temperature rises and the associatedextreme weather events. In additionthere are a myriad other effects such assea level rise and the associated humanitarian and economic costs, changes to rainfall patterns,migration of diseases such as malaria,and biodiversity loss – to mention but a few.

TheClean Energy Future legislation is an important first step that we need tobuild on to ensure that humanity and the wider community of life has afuture.

Well done Safcol and Coles

2011-11-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Recently the major fish canning company, Safcol, decided to ban all tuna sourced by any but a pole and line fishing method. Now Coles has come on board, and is stocking Safcol's only truly sustainable, Greenpeace approved products on their supermarket shelves.

The problem began in the 1960-70s, when shocked consumers learned of the numbers of dolphins killed as bycatch by tuna fishermen. In purse seine fishing, pods of dolphin that swam with yellowfin tuna were driven into nets the width of 10 city blocks, which closed in a purse-string action and winched out dolphins along with the tuna. An estimated 6,000,000 dolphins died in this time.

A boycott and downturn in yellowfin sales forced a change in technique. Cork floats were removed, the boats were backed off to let the following net edge fall, and the dolphins swam free above the rim leaving the tuna in the closing nets. Dolphin bycatch reduced by 99%, but still 20,000 dolphins died each year - still the largest globally recorded fishing bycatch.

Under pressure, a dolphin-safe method came in – fish aggregation devices (FADs). Now floats shaped like seaweed, logs and jellyfish, fitted with sonar and GPS systems, monitor numbers of bigeye and yellowfin tuna that ‘aggregate’ around the floats, and let fishermen know where and when to catch them.

Instead of 5-30 metric tons (MT) by purse seining, fishermen now bring in up to 200MT, with less time and fuel wasted in the effort. Not surprisingly this ‘fishing’ method, driven by demand for dolphin-safe tuna, results in bycatch and death of countless juvenile tuna and unwanted fish.

We live in a limited ecosystem, yet still persist in seeing it as limitless. Ocean fish might potentially feed the world, if correctly managed and allowed to grow, but the drive for money means stocks are rapidly dwindling. FADs are not the problem, so much as those who benefit by them.

While other canning companies still sell ‘dolphin-safe’ tuna sourced from FADs, it is easy to see which product the savvy consumer should be buying.

P Edwards (originally published in the "Voices for the Earth" column in The Daily Examiner)

SUBMISSION ON GREY NURSE SHARK PROTECTION DISCUSSION PAPER

2011-09-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

The Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition (CVCC) has been urging the state government for a number of years to improve protection for the Grey Nurse Shark .

Recent Changes to Protection

The CVCC welcomed the improved protection provided under the new zonings early in the year - although we would have liked to have seen even stronger protection for this extremely vulnerable species. In May we were dismayed at the downgrading of protection announced by the new Minister.

We note the comments in the discussion paper (Discussion paper for Grey Nurse Shark Protection, Department of Primary Industries, May 2011) that the rules introduced early in 2011 were contentious and claims were made that there was insufficient community consultation before they were introduced.It is quite obvious that the former government's zoning was very contentious to a vocal group whose interest was in access to favourite fishing spots, rather than in considering the medium to long-term survival of the Grey Nurse Shark.

We dispute the claims about insufficient public consultation. The whole process of changing the zonings took several years, involved detailed scientific study, the exhibition for several months of the proposed changes, community consultation involving around 70 stakeholder meetings and the consideration of around 10,000 submissions on the proposed changes.

We are concerned that the windback of protection was made for political rather than scientific reasons and pre-empted the review which the new government had promised and which it is now undertaking.

We hope that the process being undertaken now will result in a decision being made based on science and not political expediency.

CVCC View on Improved Protection

The CVCC considers that improved protection for the Grey Nurse Shark is vital given

· the low numbers of this species in NSW waters

· its very low reproductive rate

· its vulnerability to accidental hooking where fishing with bait takes place nearby

· the likelihood of mortality from accidental hooking

Recreational bait fishing should be prohibited at all sites identified as critical habitat for Grey Nurse Sharks.

Furthermore the CVCC believes that other major aggregation sites currently not protected (such as Mermaid Reef and South Solitary Island) should also be off-limits to recreational bait fishing.

Impact on Recreational Fishers

The fact that providing appropriate protection around major aggregation sites will impact on recreational fishers is unfortunate but the short-term personal interests of this group should not be allowed to over-ride the long-term interests of an important species in the marine ecosystem. For years now humanity has been receiving wakeup calls about the widespread threats to biodiversity all around the globe and increasingly people are coming to accept that we have a responsibility to preserve biodiversity. Indeed our survival as a species depends on maintaining healthy ecosystems. The recreational fishers must play their part along with the rest of the community.

Scientific Basis for Increased Protection

It is quite obvious to the CVCC that the studies undertaken in recent years and referred to in the Discussion Paper provide a solid basis of scientific evidence to support greatly enhanced protection for the Grey Nurse Shark.

A CLARENCE VALLEY CELEBRATION OF NATURE

2011-08-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

to take place within
A CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY

The Nature Conservation Council, the peak environment organisation in New South Wales, has invited interested individuals and community groups to get involved in the Festival of Nature, a program of nature-based activities to be held across the state in September.

As part of our contribution to the Festival of Nature, we are celebrating nature at the Sportsmans Creek Conservation Area, a 50 hectare wildlife refuge owned by Jeff Keyes. The property is named Urimberra, which means 'to protect, to look after', and is located at Dilkoon on the Summerland Way, 20.6 km north from the Blue Goose Inn at Junction Hill.

This event will involve

exploring nature through guided walks (short and longer)

thinking nature through talks and exhibitions

experiencing sustainability through illustrations and discussions

Dr Greg Clancy and Jeff Keyes will lead the activities.

The celebration, from 9.30 a.m. onwards, on Sunday 11 September, is hosted by the National Parks Association (Clarence Valley Branch) and the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition

Contact Person: Stan on 66449309

Festival of Nature

COUNCIL CALLS FOR COAL SEAM GAS MINING MORATORIUM

2011-07-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

At its July meeting Clarence Valley Council called for the NSW Government to implement a moratorium on coal seam gas (CSG) mining in the Clarence Valley Council Local Government Area “until extensive and independent environmental impact statements have been concluded on the effects on the environment.”

The impacts of CSG mining which were identified as matters of concern in Council’s resolution were:

Protection of ground and surface water from pollution and environmental disturbance
Community health and safety
Ensuring no loss of biodiversity
Respect for landowner rights
Avoiding economic impacts on agriculture and tourism

In addition to lobbying the State Government, Council will lobby both the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition to raise the issue on a federal level.

The resolution, which was drafted by Councillor Margaret McKenna, who attended the Environmental Defenders Office Seminar on CSG Mining in Grafton in May, was supported by all nine Clarence Valley Councillors.

Other NSW North Coast Councils have also called for a moratorium. The only Council to the north of the Clarence which has not called for a moratorium on CSG mining is Richmond Valley Council.

EARTH MATTERS, Monday 18th July

2011-07-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

Flying-Fox Ecology and Management

Presented by Billie Roberts, PhD student Griffith University

Flying-foxes are large bats that routinely move large distances in response to the changing availability of fruit and nectar. They are important pollinators and seed dispersers for many plants within rainforests, eucalypt forests, woodlands and wetlands. Roosting during the day in large communal camps, the number of animals in these camps can fluctuate widely at different times of the year and from one year to the next, reflecting nearby food resources.

In Maclean and many other areas, there is a history of conflict between humans and flying-foxes. Conflict arises when flying-foxes establish new camps close to residential areas or when people construct houses or public buildings too close to existing camp sites. In these areas, it is often proposed that camps be relocated elsewhere, despite such attempts being costly and rarely successful. In cases where animals do relocate, the new sites they select are often positioned in unanticipated and undesirable locations.

It is clear that these conflicts are likely to be ongoing, requiring broadly acceptable management solutions. Billie is currently a PhD candidate at Griffith University studying landscape use by Grey-headed Flying-foxes. Over the past five years she has assisted land managers in developing management plans for a number of controversial flying-fox camps in New South Wales and South East Queensland.

The presentation will be held in the Staffroom at Grafton Public School,

Queen Street, Grafton from

5.30 – 7 p.m.

Coal Seam Gas Motion Goes Before Clarence Valley Council

2011-07-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Councillor Margaret McKenna has put a Motion on Notice to Clarence Valley Council calling for a moratorium on Coal Seam Gas (CSG) mining in the Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA). This motion will be discussed at the meeting of Council’s Environment, Economic & Community which meets at 4 p.m. on Tuesday 12 July in Grafton.

If Council passes the motion it will be joining other Councils to the north of the Clarence Valley LGA in calling for a moratorium. The only other Northern Rivers council in the Clarence Morton Basin which has not called for such a moratorium is Richmond River Shire Council.

The NSW State Government announced in May that there would be a 60 day moratorium on the granting of CSG exploration licences in NSW. This does not address the problems associated with existing licences – which is the reason for the motion below.

Cr Mc Kenna’s proposed motion is:

That Council

1. Write to the New South Wales Government - Barry O’Farrell Premier, Mr Chris Hartcher Minister for Resources and Energy and Mr Steve Cansdell, Member for Clarence, to request the NSW government to implement a moratorium on coal seam gas mining in Clarence Valley Council LGA and address the following concerns to the satisfaction of the community prior to lifting of a moratorium:

• Protection of ground and surface water from pollution and environmental disturbance;

• Community health and safety;

• Ensuring no loss of biodiversity;

• Respect for landowner rights; and

• Avoiding economic impacts on agriculture and tourism.

2. Call upon the Minster for Resources and Energy to facilitate the provision of independent information on the mining process, its impacts on communities and its potential benefits.

3. Write to Prime Minister Julia Gillard , Tony Burke Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Janelle Saffin Member for Page, Luke Hartsuyker Member for Cowper, Leader of the opposition Tony Abbott and Greg Hunt Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage, to raise the issue on a Federal level.

The proposed motion (14.005/11) and its background information can be viewed on Council’s website Clarence Valley Council EE&C Committee Business Paper 12 July 2011

Coal Seam Gas Mining and the Law

2011-06-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Proposals for new gas wells are creating unlikely allies. Not only are farmers and environmentalists united in their concerns about the potential impacts on the environment, they are also worried about potential social impacts as drilling rigs are moved around on local roads and placed within earshot of houses with little or no consultation.

The regulatory framework for gas mining in NSW is 20 years old but it is only now, with the booming interest in developing the state’s gas reserves, that its deficiencies are obvious. We can look at Queensland to see how bad things can get, with pollution of ground and surface waters, clearing of wildlife habitat, interference with farming activities, and leakages so severe that water bores can catch alight.

The current laws in NSW will not stop the same things happening here.

The law is particularly slack when it comes to assessing potential impacts in the exploratory phase. All stages of exploration, including pilot production wells, can be approved without public consultation. Local government is consulted but powerless to stop it.

Full production requires a publicly exhibited assessment of potential environmental impacts but, because these are likely to be of state significance, the decision again is taken out of the hands of local councils and there are limited grounds for appeal. An appeal against the approval of 100 production wells around Gloucester, currently before the Land and Environment Court, is a test case.

A number of councils, including some on the north coast, are demanding law reform to tighten the regulatory framework for gas mining, and a moratorium on all mining until this occurs. This would be consistent with the precautionary principle, a fundamental tenet of sustainable development.

The NSW Government’s introduction of a 60 day freeze on new exploration licences is unlikely to satisfy these demands, given that 75% of the state is already covered by licences.

- J Cavanaugh

Clarence Valley Council's Living Sustainably Awards

2011-06-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

Clarence Valley Council LIVING SUSTAINABLY AWARDS recognise outstanding contributions or achievements that "enhance environmental, economic and social sustainability". The awards will be announced during Local Government week (1-7 August).

This is the first year for these awards which have been instituted by Council as a result of the recommendation of Council’s community Climate Change Advisory Committee.

There are three award categories:

Individual
Community Group
Business.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Council's website www.clarence.nsw.gov.au
Nominations close on Thursday 23 June.

Coal Seam Gas as an Interim Fuel?

2011-06-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

The gas mining industry is promoting gas as the interim fuel for power generation as Australia moves to a renewable energy future, claiming it is 60% cleaner than current coal-fired electricity, a 'line' which has been easy to sell to various Australian governments addicted to lucrative royalties.

It is widely acknowledged that the burning of gas for electricity produces far fewer emissions than coal. What gas mining companies are not promoting is the amount of polluting emissions that are created through the exploration, mining, transport and refining processes, not to mention methane released into the atmosphere from leaking pipes

Until now, this has not been accurately quantified, but in March 2011, scientists from the Cornell University in the USA released the results of a comprehensive assessment of the total emissions of various electricity generating fuels, including, coal, shale gas (referred to locally as coal seam gas), traditional gas, and diesel.

The collateral emissions from machinery used in coal seam operations are enormous. It requires trucking in millions of litres of water, tonnes of sand, and a 10,000 horsepower engine to drive the 'fracking' operation (fracturing of underground rock strata) for each well.

The scientists are at pains to explain that their calculations, based on US Mining Department statistics, are conservative, and show that when the emissions of all aspects of production are considered, coal seam gas burning causes by far the greatest amount of pollution than all other fuels.

One interesting statistic was that, over the life of the project, between 3.6% and 7.9% of all gas mined becomes “fugitive methane”, either 'vented' or flared directly into the atmosphere. Venting is the release of methane that unavoidably leaks or overflows into the atmosphere during the process, much of it during drilling, where it accompanies 'flowback' waste or 'produced water'. Flaring is the deliberate burning of surplus gas, a process that is banned in some countries.

The study's conclusion was, that rather than reducing greenhouse impacts, “developing gas from shale formations is likely to aggravate global warming”.

This is a powerful argument to place a permanent hold on all gas mining, particularly coal seam gas, and move directly to renewable energy.

- J Edwards

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/greeninc/Howarth2011.pdf

Update on Senate Koala Inquiry

2011-06-09T05:08:00.000-07:00

The first report on this Senate Inquiry was posted on 12 May, 2011.

The second hearing of the Green's Senate Inquiry into the state and health of koalas, on May 19, has left koala support group representatives quietly confident about the eventual outcome.

A concerned and very well-informed committee is digging into all the reasons for government's reluctance to list koala as a threatened species, and unearthing the very apparent flaws in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

Given the federal Scientific Committee's finding of a 30% decline in koala numbers, the Minister has the power, under the precautionary principle clause of the Act, to list the koala without any further discussion. So why the hesitation? Well, of course, we all already know the answer. It's those big players, who drive that mighty stumbling block - The Economy!

Despite all the proven science, the Property Council still claims lack of rigorous scientific understanding of all issues regarding koalas, and developer representatives reiterate the additional costs to themselves if they are forced to work around a nationally protected species. There was even one outright claim of “loss of competitive advantage” if koalas are listed.

On the other side of the coin, through the medium of the Australian Financial Review, Friday 20th May 2011, the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has indicated an at least $1billion benefit in tourism by protecting and 'growing' koalas. Yet in response to questions by the Senators, the Property Council admit to having no sustainable best practice code within the development industry

Throw-away lines at the Inquiry MkII were rife, and telling. In discussion of the benefits of biobanking offsets, one relatively high ranking government official explained that this is where “...we let a developer give us some money, and we then allow them to knock over a habitat. Then we buy a piece of pineapple growing land, and then we rebuild the koala habitat."

At the next sitting of the Senate Committee in Victoria in July, the development industry and also the government will have the job of defending their past lack of interest in protecting the koala.

Meanwhile AKF's CEO Deborah Tabart OAM, is off to the World Conference in California, to receive the 2011 Excellence in Communication Leadership (EXCEL) Award. There she will pass on a few more of the one-liners from the Inquiry - particularly one from a senator who, when a witness complained that the gallery was distracting him, responded: “Beats chain-saws cutting down trees, doesn’t it?”.

- P Edwards

Report on Coal Seam Gas Seminar in Grafton 19th May

2011-05-28T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), Lismore, held a seminar in Grafton on coal seam gas mining on 19^th May. Around 80 people attended the seminar which was part of the Earth Matters series conducted by the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition and the Clarence Environment Centre. Presenters were EDO Education Officer, Mark Byrne and Senior Solicitor, Sue Higginson.

Seminar Audience Photo: Lynette Eggins

In the Northern Rivers area, which is part of the Clarence Moreton Basin, three companies – Metgasco, Arrow and Red Sky – are currently involved in exploration for coal seam gas.

Some of the environmental concerns outlined by Mark Byrne in his presentation included:

Potential contamination of groundwater
Disposal of water produced during drilling (This water could contain salt, naturally occurring heavy metals, plus chemicals used in the drilling and fracking process – if fracking is used.)
Effects of floods on evaporation ponds used to store produced water
Release of methane (a very potent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere

Other matters discussed in the seminar included petroleum law basics for both exploration and production, landholder rights and what could be done with regard to increasing safeguards to protect the community.

The slides used in the presentation can be downloaded from the EDO Northern Rivers website.

EDO Northern Rivers

Senate Inquiry into the Status of Koalas

2011-05-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

When the federal government failed to decide whether or not to list koala as a nationally threatened species, Senator Bob Brown’s promised Senate Inquiry into the Status, Health and Sustainability of Koalas got underway on Tuesday, 3 May

By information tabled at the Inquiry it is suspected there can hardly be any more information left to dredge up for further scientific review. For over 25 years scientists have studied koala habits, habitat, health and requirements, and issues that affect them, while for the last 7 years the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has worked at reaching an accurate estimate of numbers remaining in Australia. By this research AKF has concluded a most positive estimate of 85,000 koalas remaining, with numbers likely to be closer to a lowest estimate of 45,000 animals.

Photo: P Edwards

The only industry represented at the Inquiry was the Urban Development Institute, renowned for its statement that to list koala federally will threaten future development in Australia. While it is understood that industries operate by their own regulatory legislation, which does not include protecting koalas, AKF has called for the coal mining, forestry, coal seam gas, energy and road industries to be represented at the next hearing, to be held in Canberra, May 19th, so all points can be properly assessed and that clichéed “level playing-field” so frequently aired by industry groups can be finally attained.

A level playing-field is precisely the aim of conservation lobbyists, to replace the industry-weighted decisions that have weighed against koala and other wildlife species for far too long.

At the Inquiry the AKF laid its wishes on the line - no more research until the simple act of listing the koala and protecting food tree species occurs. Stop destroying koala food trees, and all negative issues will be resolved, then the process of unravelling the science can continue at leisure.

As Senator Brown said on the day - “It is not the job (of volunteers) to protect the koala, it is the job of the Australian government.”

Amen to that.

P. Edwards

Inquiry into the status, health and sustainability of Australia's koala population

Coal Seam Gas Seminar in Grafton 19th May

2011-05-06T01:37:00.000-07:00

Three companies are currently exploring for coal seam and conventional gas in the Clarence Moreton Basin, which covers much of the Northern Rivers. Metgasco Limited already has approval for a gas-fired power station near Casino and is currently seeking planning approval for a gas pipeline from Casino over the Border Ranges to Ipswich.

In response to a range of community concerns including potential groundwater contamination associated with hydraulic fracturing and the need to dispose of waste or “produced” water, the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Northern Rivers is holding a public seminar to:

· provide information about what is happening in the region

· discuss the potential environmental impacts

· explain the approval processes

· inform the community about their legal rights.

The seminar will be presented by Mark Byrne, EDO Northern Rivers Education Officer.

This seminar is presented as one of the Earth Matters series of bi-monthly events sponsored by the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition and the Clarence Environment Centre.

Where: South Grafton Ex-Servicemens Club, 2 Wharf St, South Grafton

When: 6-8 pm Thursday 19 May.

No need to book.

Environmental Defenders Office, Northern Rivers

Increased Risk to Critically Endangered Shark

2011-05-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

The new NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, recently announced that she would revoke the protection afforded the critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark around Fish Rock and Green Island on the Mid North Coast, a very important habitat area for these sharks.

According to the Minister, the Government wanted to put the closures introduced in January by the former government back out to public consultation for a further three months “to ensure the best outcome is achieved for both the grey nurse shark population and the local community.”[1]

It is highly unlikely that this decision will produce the “best outcome” for the shark even if the Government decides to reintroduce the January protection measures after three months. The former government had restricted recreational fishing around Fish Rock and Green Island because of the threat that embedded hooks from recreational fishers posed to the survival of these sharks.

Why has the Government taken this retrograde step? It is the result of an election promise made because of extensive lobbying of National Party candidates by fishers upset because they have been prevented from accessing this area for recreational fishing.

During the election campaign the new Government had pledged to undertake a statewide scientific review of marine conservation and here we have the Minister acting in a way which pre-empts the findings of that review. It is to be hoped that this is not an indication of the way in which the new state government plans to treat the environment.

For more information on the Grey Nurse Shark see the Fact Sheet “Australian Threatened Species: Grey Nurse Shark” at

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/grey-nurse.html

[1] Media Release from Minister for Primary Industries dated 29 April, 2011.

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/386888/20110429-Fishing-closures-revoked-at-fish-rock-and-green-island.pdf

Re-Weavers Awards 2011

2011-04-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

The annual Re-Weavers Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to the environment, will be presented in Grafton on Friday 3 June. This is the sixth year of these awards.

Those being honoured this year are Joan O’Shea of Grafton, Jim Morrison of Mallanganee in the Upper Clarence Valley and John Seed formerly of the Lismore area.

The awards are organised by the CVCC and the Clarence Valley Branch of the National Parks Association.