3 June 2007

Australian Urban NRM Network Update

Newsletter of the Australian Urban NRM Network (UrbNRM)
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/UrbNRM/

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In this issue:

1. News
2. Events & Conferences
3. About the Australian Urban NRM Network

News

1. Issue 6 of Natural Resource Talk newsletter now available
2. Funding opportunities
3. Maali Foundation launched for Perth region
4. First National Performance Report for Urban Water Utilities released
5. New project to save two billion litres of WA water annually
6. $408 million For South East Queensland water
7. Renewable energy inquiry: submissions invited by Friday 15 June 2007
8. $12.3 million for first Solar City in central Australia
9. Federal Budget provides limited benefits to Western Sydney
10. Environmental Management on Horse Properties
11. Book reviews
12. New web resources
13. Climate change resources
14. Brisbane City Council Climate Change and Energy Taskforce Report
15. Zero Waste Australia
16. The Relocalization Network
17. Calendar of Growth Cycle & Control Times for Weeds of the Sydney Basin

1.  Issue 6 of Natural Resource Talk newsletter now available

Natural Resource Talk newsletter is an Australian Government publication with current information about natural resource management people, projects and events.  To download issue 6 and past issues visit http://www.nrm.gov.au:80/publications/nrm-talk/index.html

2.  Funding opportunities

• Land & Water Australia 2008-9 Innovation Call - closes COB Thursday 21 June 2007
  Land & Water Australia is seeking highly innovative R&D projects targeting the sustainable use and management of Australia's natural resources.  This Call includes the biophysical, economic and social dimensions of climate, water, vegetation, biodiversity and sustainable production systems.  Never before has Australia so much needed new and innovative ideas and technologies to tackle environmental issues facing the country and for developing sustainable production landscapes.  This Call focuses deliberately on blue sky, cutting edge and 'out-of-the-square' research.  It caters for proof-of-concept work as well as traditional 3-year projects.  Applications are to be lodged by COB Thursday 21st June 2007.  For further information visit http://www.lwa.gov.au/Apply_for_Funding/Innovation_Call_2007-08/indexdl_2671.aspx
• Community Water Grants Round 3 - open until 22 June 2007
  The Australian Government's Community Water Grants programme offers grants to help local community organisations save, recycle or improve the health of their local water resources.  Grants are available for projects related to water saving and efficiency, water recycling, and water treatment - improving surface and groundwater health.  Round 3 is the final round of Community Water Grants funding under the programme's $200 million allocation.  To apply for Round 3 of Community Water Grants, you must first register your details with us using our online registration form.  The registration form will be open until Friday 22 June. You must register before then to be able submit an application.  For further information visit www.communitywatergrants.gov.au
• Envirofund 'Coastal and Marine' Round 10 - closes 5pm Friday 20 July 2007
  The Australian Government has made $4 million available from the Natural Heritage Trust for a special purpose 'Coastal and Marine' Round of the Envirofund.  Round 10 of the Envirofund is focused on protecting our coastal catchments, ecosystems and the marine environment.  The Australian Government Envirofund is the local action component of the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust.  It helps communities undertake local projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use.  Round 10 will close at 5pm on Friday 20 July 2007.  For further information visit http://www.nht.gov.au/envirofund/

3.  Maali Foundation launched for Perth region

A partnership of the Swan Catchment Council and The National Trust of Australia (WA), the Maali Foundation provides an exciting opportunity for Indigenous Australians to participate in the development and enhancement of Indigenous cultural heritage values within the Swan region of Western Australia, which encompasses the Perth Metropolitan Area.  In Nyoongar language Maali means Swan.  The Maali Foundation facilitates the purchase or transfer of properties to be managed by Indigenous Australians with the aim of rehabilitating bushland, conserving cultural values such as Indigenous medicines and food, and educating the broader community about Indigenous values.  For further information visit http://www.wrc.wa.gov.au/SWANAVON/pages/maali_foundation.html

4.  First National Performance Report for Urban Water Utilities released

Mr. Ken Matthews, the CEO of the National Water Commission, and Mr. Ross Young, Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia, have released the first National Performance Report for urban water utilities.  The report delivers on the National Water Initiative (NWI) commitment to report independently, publicly, and annually on the pricing and service quality of Australia’s major and non-major urban water delivery agencies.  The National Performance Report consolidates a number of reports previously produced and the report is now the central source of information relating to the performance of urban water utilities including in relation to water consumption, asset management, customer service, environment and health compliance, finance and pricing.  To download the report visit http://www.nwc.gov.au/nwi/docs/2PerformanceReportMajorUrbanWaterUtilities.pdf

7.  Renewable energy inquiry: submissions invited by Friday 15 June 2007

On 8 May 2007 the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, asked the Parliament House Standing Committee on Industry and Resources to undertake a comparative study of the following renewable energy sectors: solar, wave, tidal, geothermal, wind and hydrogen.  The case study will examine the relative state of development of these sectors and their prospects for economically viable electricity generation, storage and transmission.  The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by Friday 15 June 2007.  For further information visit http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/isr/renewables/index.htm

10.  Environmental Management on Horse Properties

Sustainable horse keeping presents an increasing challenge to horse property managers in Australia.  Many of the issues surrounding natural resource management and the use of appropriate tools (such as environmental management systems) are underpinned by research and development.  However, the success of applied management approaches is often limited by the lack of suitable implementation and outreach strategies.  This report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) provides some solutions to help address this challenge.  To download the report visit http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/HOR/06-137.pdf

11.  Book reviews

• Greenhouse Solutions with Sustainable Energy, by Mark Diesendorf
  Global warming is the hottest political issue of the day, and it is likely to become even more pressing over the coming years.  This is a positive, proactive book that proposes a set of policies and strategies for implementing the most promising cleaner energy technologies by all spheres of government, business and community organisations.  The book argues that despite being a coal- and oil-dependent country, Australia could achieve an ecologically sustainable energy system.  All we need is the political will.  For further information visit http://www.unswpress.com.au/isbn/0868409731.htm
• Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble, by Lester R. Brown
  “Our global civilization today is on an economic path that is environmentally unsustainable, a path that is leading us toward economic decline and eventual collapse,” says Lester Brown,  Founder and President of Earth Policy Institute.  “Although it is obvious that no society can survive the decline of its environmental support systems, many people are not yet convinced of the need for economic restructuring.  But this is changing now that China has eclipsed the United States in the consumption of most basic resources.  The western economic model - the fossil-fuel-based, auto-centred, throwaway economy - is not going to work for China. If it does not work for China, it will not work for India, which by 2031 is projected to have a population even larger than China’s.  Plan B has three components: (1) a restructuring of the global economy so that it can sustain civilization; (2) an all-out effort to eradicate poverty, stabilize population, and restore hope in order to elicit participation of the developing countries; and (3) a systematic effort to restore natural systems.”  For further information visit http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB2/index.htm

12.  New web resources

• New 'Encyclopedia of Life' to document all 1.8 million named species on the planet
  The Encyclopedia of Life is an unprecedented global effort to document all 1.8 million named species of animals, plants, and other forms of life on Earth.  For the first time in the history of the planet, scientists, students, and citizens will have multi-media access to all known living species, even those that have just been discovered.  For further information visit http://www.eol.org/
• Earth Portal launched
  The Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based information about the environment. It is a means for the global scientific community to come together to produce the first free, expert-driven, massively scaleable information resource on the environment, and to engage civil society in a public dialogue on the role of environmental issues in human affairs. It contains no commercial advertising and reaches a large global audience.  For further information visit http://www.earthportal.org/
• New Sustainability Hub launched
  This online resource showcases the organisations in Australia that are committed to sustainability and innovation and are adopting an array of smart initiatives that are delivering social, environmental and economic benefits.  The information on the site is being continually updated on a weekly basis.  For further information visit http://www.sustained.com.au/
• New water resources website - ‘Water for cities and homes’
  ‘Water for cities and homes’ is part of the new Australian Government water resources website.  Included are tips for saving water in the home, links to the Water Efficiency and Labeling Standards (WELS) Scheme, and other useful resources.  For further information visit http://www.environment.gov.au/water/

13. Climate change resources

• Beyond Zero Emissions
  Beyond Zero Emissions is a not-for-profit, volunteer run campaign with the core goal of facilitating the implementation of the social changes and technologies that will reduce the impacts of climate change and give our society, and today’s global ecosystems, a chance of surviving into the future.  For further information visit http://www.beyondzeroemissions.org/
• CO2 News
  CO2 News is a regular email newsletter with information on climate change, emission reduction initiatives and renewable energy.  To subscribe send an email with "subscribe" in the subject line to CO2news@...

14.  Brisbane City Council Climate Change and Energy Taskforce Report

Brisbane City Council convened a Climate Change and Energy Taskforce in August 2006 to advise Council on preparing the city for climate change and peak oil. The ‘Final Report – A Call for Action’ represents the work of the Taskforce and its recommendations to Council.  To download the report visit http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCCWR/plans_and_strategies/documents/CLIMATE_CHANGE_ENERGY_TASKFORCE_REPORT.PDF

15.  Zero Waste Australia

Zero Waste Australia is part of an international movement that aims to promote healthy community without waste.  The movement advocates meeting human needs through infrastructure design and resource use that works in harmony with natural systems.  In nature, the output from every natural process provides an input for another: there is no waste.  For further information visit http://www.zerowasteaustralia.org/

16.  The Relocalization Network

Relocalization is a strategy to build societies based on the local production of food, energy and goods, and the local development of currency, governance and culture.  The main goals of Relocalization are to increase community energy security, to strengthen local economies, and to dramatically improve environmental conditions and social equity.  The Relocalization strategy developed in response to the environmental, social, political and economic impacts of global over-reliance on cheap energy.  Our dependence on cheap non-renewable fossil fuel energy has produced climate change, the erosion of community, wars for oil-rich land and the instability of the global economic system.  The Relocalization Network helps Local Groups develop community activities and programs that can be used locally and as working models for other communities when the effects of energy decline become more intense.  For further information visit http://www.relocalize.net/about/relocalization

17.  Calendar of Growth Cycle & Control Times for Weeds of the Sydney Basin

Calendars of the growth cycle and control times for weeds of the Sydney Basin and several other NSW regions have been produced by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.  The calendar is a 2-page, full colour, information sheet providing simple information on the growth cycles and timing of control for the major weeds occurring in the region.  The calendar also includes colour photographs and information on the classes of noxious weeds.  To download the calendar visit http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/weed-calendars

Events & Conferences

New Events & Conferences added since the last Network Update:

• Shoalwater Peace Convergence, 18 - 24 June 2007, Central Queensland (Item #1 below)
• Contamination CleanUp 07, 24 - 28 June 2007, Adelaide (Item #2 below)
• Water Management in Power Generation, 27 - 28 June 2007, Melbourne (Item #5 below)
• Live Earth Australia - Concert to Combat Global Warming, 7 July 2007, Sydney (Item #6 below)
• Students of Sustainability (SoS) 07 Conference, 9 - 15 July 2007, Perth (Item #7 below)
• Climate Change Summit, 25 - 26 July 2007, Sydney (Item #10 below)
• Keep it Real 2007 - Environment, Food Safety & QA, 6 - 10 August 2007, Hobart (Item #12 below)
• NSW Coastal Volunteers Forum 2007, 9 - 12 August 2007, Central Coast, NSW (Item #14 below)
• On-site ’07, Innovation and Technology for On-site Systems, 24 - 28 September 2007, Armidale NSW (Item #18 below)

Full Events & Conferences listing:

1. Shoalwater Peace Convergence, 18 - 24 June 2007, Central Queensland
2. Contamination CleanUp 07, 24 - 28 June 2007, Adelaide
3. The Australian Carbon Trading Summit, 25 - 26 June 2007, Sydney
4. Queensland Rainforest Recovery Forum, 25 - 27 June 2007, Brisbane
5. Water Management in Power Generation, 27 - 28 June 2007, Melbourne
6. Live Earth Australia - Concert to Combat Global Warming, 7 July 2007, Sydney
7. Students of Sustainability (SoS) 07 Conference, 9 - 15 July 2007, Perth
8. Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response, 10 - 12 July 2007, Sydney
9. Spatial Information for Water Resource Management, 13 July 2007, Brisbane
10. Climate Change Summit, 25 - 26 July 2007, Sydney
11. National Tree Day 29 July 2007 & Schools Tree Day 27 July 2007
12. Keep it Real 2007 - Environment, Food Safety & QA, 6 - 10 August 2007, Hobart
13. Southern Rivers CMA Partnerships Conference, 7 - 9 August 2007, Narooma NSW
14. NSW Coastal Volunteers Forum 2007, 9 - 12 August 2007, Central Coast, NSW
15. Queensland Landcare Conference and Awards, 22 - 25 August, Mackay.
16. International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference, 2 - 5 September 2007, Perth
17. 10th International Riversymposium & Environmental Flows Conference, Brisbane, September 2007
18. On-site ’07, Innovation and Technology for On-site Systems, 24 - 28 September 2007, Armidale NSW
19. 8th National Waste Management Conference, 17 - 19 October 2007, Coffs Harbour NSW
20. Walk Against Warming 2007

1.  Shoalwater Peace Convergence, 18 - 24 June 2007, Central Queensland

June - July 2007 will see Australia host the largest ever joint military exercise in our history – Operation Talisman Sabre. (TS07)Nearly 14,000 US troops and over 12,000 Australian military personnel will participate.  As the planet melts down from excessive use of fossil fuels, these war games will take place inside pristine locations throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.  An invitation is extended to peace and social justice, environment, indigenous, women’s, secular and faith based groups and individuals to join with the local community to non-violently oppose the war games and the environmental destruction it will cause.  For further information visit http://www.peaceconvergence.com/

2.  Contamination CleanUp 07, 24 - 28 June 2007, Adelaide

Leading scientists from round the world will join with top executives from Australian industry in a national summit to discuss how to clean up and prevent future contamination.  The 3rd International Contaminated Sites Conference and the 1st Australian Industry Contamination Summit will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Adelaide, from June 24-28 under the title Contamination Clean-Up 07.  For further information visit http://www.crccare.com/

3.  The Australian Carbon Trading Summit, 25 - 26 June 2007, Sydney

The Australian Carbon Trading Summit “Developing Corporate Strategies for a Carbon Constrained World” will feature best practice presentations and case studies from key policy makers, industry leaders and experts, giving delegates an unprecedented opportunity to network and discuss the hot button issue in Australian politics.  For further information visit www.iir.com.au/carbontrading

4.  Queensland Rainforest Recovery Forum, 25 - 27 June 2007, Brisbane

What has happened since the last rainforest recovery conference ten years ago?  This forum will showcase community projects; rainforest science; and recovery planning, management and conservation.  The conference will feature forums and field trips; keynote speakers and presenters from community groups, NRM bodies, government and research institutions; and poster presentations.  For further information visit www.landcare.org.au and click on ‘RRforum07'.

5.  Water Management in Power Generation, 27 - 28 June 2007, Melbourne

This 2nd annual conference follows on from the success of last year’s inaugural event.  With both state & federal government authorities focusing significant resources in developing strategies to assist in efficient utilization of this irreplaceable resource, and with the nation’s generators leading the way in developing innovative solutions, this event is well timed to comprehensively cover the current & future water issues for the power generation.  For further information visit www.informa.com.au/waterinpower07

6.  Live Earth Australia - Concert to Combat Global Warming, 7 July 2007, Sydney

Live Earth is a monumental music event that will bring together more than 2 billion people to combat the climate crisis.  Live Earth's 24 hours of music across 7 continents will deliver a call to action and the solutions needed to answer the call. Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by The Alliance for Climate Protection to move individuals, corporations and governments to take action. Whilst this event is about raising awareness, not money, all net proceeds will go to The Alliance for Climate Protection, other international non-Government organisations (NGOs), Australian NGOs and projects on the ground in Australia yet to be announced.  For further information visit http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=LIVEEART07

7.  Students of Sustainability (SoS) 07 Conference, 9 - 15 July 2007, Perth

Students of Sustainability (SoS) is the largest student-run environment based conference in Australia.  The next SoS convergence will happen July 2007 in Perth, Western Australia at Murdoch University. Each year SoS offers an amazing opportunity for students, activists, academics, environment and Indigenous groups, and members of the wider community from around Australia to come together to share and gain knowledge, skills and information on environmental and social justice issues.  For further information visit http://radicalhack.com/sos07/

8.  Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response, 10 - 12 July 2007, Sydney

This Society for Conservation Biology conference identifies the major problems for biodiversity conservation in our region, existing and potential solutions and links to the global biodiversity initiatives.  Real opportunities can be found in the nexus between conservation science and policy-makers, managers and the community.  For further information visit http://www.biodiversity2007.com/

9.  Spatial Information for Water Resource Management, 13 July 2007, Brisbane

This workshop aims to bring together researchers, managers and other users who are interested in the application of spatial information technologies (e.g. GIS, remote sensing, GPS, field survey, etc.) and spatial datasets in water resource management.  It will be a forum of exchange of ideas and information, as well as to foster collaboration and cooperation between professionals interested in this field.  For further information visit http://www.spatialsciences.org.au/Docs/Downloads/Water%20Spatial%20Workshop%20flyer.pdf

10.  Climate Change Summit, 25 - 26 July 2007, Sydney

This conference brings together senior executives to discuss how they are taking action to tackle the effects of climate change.  Attend this conference to realise how business models will change in a low carbon economy; understand how your organization can adapt and lower carbon emissions; discover what sectors investors will favour, and how analysts will react to climate change; discuss how to engage customers, staff, suppliers, Government and the media on climate change; understand how you can calculate your organizations carbon footprint and discover how effective communication on tackling climate change can help win new business.  For further information visit http://www.climatechangesummit.com.au/

11.  National Tree Day 29 July 2007 & Schools Tree Day 27 July 2007

Planet Ark wants you to get down and get dirty on the 12th annual 'National Tree Day' - Australia's biggest community tree planting event.  For further information visit www.planetark.com/treeday

12.  Keep it Real 2007 - Environment, Food Safety & QA, 6 - 10 August 2007, Hobart

Incorporating the 5th EMS in Agriculture & the 5th National On Farm Food Safety & Quality Assurance Conferences.  A range of activities are planned revolving around on farm environmental, food safety and quality assurance issues.  The conference and associated events will focus on the real issues, what really needs to be done and ways to do it.  There will be workshops as well as the formal conference proceedings, tours and networking opportunities.  For further information visit http://www.tqainc.com.au/conference.htm

13.  Southern Rivers CMA Partnerships Conference, 7 - 9 August 2007, Narooma NSW

The conference aims to provide a region wide forum on the success stories, challenges, demands and opportunities facing all natural resource managers, including the benefits partnerships can provide to the natural resource management industry.  For further information visit http://www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au/2007partconf.php

14.  NSW Coastal Volunteers Forum 2007, 9 - 12 August 2007, Central Coast, NSW

The NSW Coastal Volunteers Forum Organising Committee invites you to participate in this exciting forum, the first of its kind since the 2002 Dunecare Conference.  The Committee is keen to know what topics are of interest to you as a coastal Volunteer, or if you wish to participate in the event as a speaker, panellist, facilitator or exhibitor.  To express your interest in this event please complete and submit the form at http://www.landcarensw.org/Call-CoastalIssues.pdf

15.  Queensland Landcare Conference and Awards, 22 - 25 August, Mackay

With the theme 'Making a Difference', this conference is expected to attract between 300 and 400 landcarers to Queensland’s Pioneer District.  For further information visit www.landcare.org.au and click on ‘Conference’.

16.  International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference, 2 - 5 September 2007, Perth

MEDECOS meetings provide a global stage for researchers who study Mediterranean-type ecosystems, whether their interests lie in the conservation, restoration or management of species, populations or ecosystems.  The meetings, hosted every 3-4 years, play a critical role in showcasing research advances, promoting discussion and facilitating collaborative research.  For further information visit http://www.medecosxi2007.com.au/

17.  10th International Riversymposium & Environmental Flows Conference, Brisbane, September 2007

The 10th International Riversymposium & Environmental Flows Conference is being held in partnership with The Nature Conservancy.  It will explore environmental flows from a science, policy and management perspective.  For further information visit http://www.riversymposium.com/index.php?page=Symposium2007

18.  On-site ’07, Innovation and Technology for On-site Systems, 24 - 28 September 2007, Armidale NSW

On-site ‘07 will be the fifth in the On-site series held in Armidale and will focus on current research issues and practical solutions to the whole range of on-site wastewater management issues, including greywater reuse, aerated wastewater treatment systems.  The theme “Innovation and Technology” leads into potential future solutions for the homeowners, regulators, training providers, manufacturers, researchers, and the service industry.  For further information visit http://www.lanfaxlabs.com.au/onsite07/

19.  8th National Waste Management Conference, 17 - 19 October 2007, Coffs Harbour NSW

The conference will feature keynote presentations, streamed sessions, skills development, case studies, field trips, workshops and a new layout trade exhibition.  For further information visit http://www.impactenviro.com.au/waste2007/

20.  Walk Against Warming 2007

Walk Against Warming 2007 will be held 2 weeks before the Federal Election.  For further information and to sign up for updates visit http://www.walkagainstwarming.org/

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5.  What is Australian Urban NRM Network (UrbNRM)?

The Australian Urban Natural Resource Management (NRM) Network is an independent apolitical forum for the exchange and discussion of ideas, innovations, issues and solutions to assist in the conservation and management of the natural resources of Australia's major urban and per-urban areas.  The Australian Urban NRM Network (UrbNRM) includes regular email updates and useful links with additional items added regularly.

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